#and at the time I voted for it it was at 4.11 so I was disappointed to see how far it fell

[blagueofchaos]

Edit: didn't mean to post this to this blog, but if you like it, check out my new Design Home sideblog resplendent-dwellings!

[topazy]

Inside, outside

Pairings: 10k x reader, Addy Carver × sister reader

Warnings: Swearing, minor violence

Chapter: 4.11

“You look like a kid on Christmas morning,” Sarge states. She watches confused as you kiss him on the cheek, thanking him for what he just gave you. “Can someone explain what’s so special about a bow?”

Doc pats her on the back, chuckling, “A bow was Astra’s choice of weapon at the start of the apocalypse.”

“I can’t remember the last time I used one of these,” you line the arrow up with no intention of firing it. You roll your eyes when Murphy dramatically drops to the ground, acting as if you were going to shoot him.

“It’s sentimental,” Warren says teasingly.

Looking at the weapon in your hands as Sarge continues to argue that guns are the better weapon choice, you smile. She sounded just like Mack did.

The group continues to have random conversations as you approach abandoned cars outside Mount Weather, which was your intended location full of Z’s, including the president's husband. 10k, Sarge, and Warren make quick work of taking all the Z’s out within minutes. Warren tried to use the president's husband's ID, but it didn’t work.

“What’s wrong, chief?” Doc asks.

“There’s also a retina scanner,” she sighs. “He needs to look at it while swiping the card.”

You scrunch your nose up and say, “Thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Yep,” Doc replies. He pulls out a spinner from his pocket and goes inside the car to scoop the man’s eyeball out.

“That’s disgusting,” Murphy snorts.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Doc successfully retrieves the eye and uses it to unlock the door along with the keycard. When the doors open, you step inside, making sure to bring the ID with you in case you need it again. Being so close to the Oval Office was a surreal feeling; it felt like you’d stepped into a TV show or film set.

You search every room you come across for any sign of life but fail to find any. At the end of the hallway, you find a roomful of the undead. Former congressmen and women who appear to have turned at some point early on during the apocalypse When the Z’s start to growl and grab for you, your group swings into action and shows them mercy one by one. The building had a stale smell to it, and the hallways were full of what you assumed was once confident paperwork.

“Well, I think we just killed the last of the US government,” Murphy says while flicking zombie guts off of his jacket and onto the floor.

As Warren tries to come up with a plan, Sarge points behind her and says, “More Z’s coming from behind.”

All of this seemed like a lot of effort to just get a thumbprint. Sighing, you raise your arms and get ready to shoot, but lower your bow when you notice the way the Z’s are walking and say, “That’s not the dead.”

The men get closer and point their guns in your direction. “Freeze! Secret service.”

After a brief back and forth with the secret service and Murphy giving them sarcastic answers about shooting instead of voting, Warren steps in and introduces herself. “I’m Lieutenant Robert Warren, national guard. We’re on a special mission to save humanity. It is imperative that we see the president.”

One of the men lowers his gun and introduces himself, “I’m agent Johnson.” He lets out a deep sigh and looks at the man beside him. “And that’s agent Johnson.”

“Before you ask, no, we’re not related. And yes, it’s weird that we are both named Johnson.”

“Do you always have to say that?” The first agent Johnson asks. “It undermines our authority.”

Both agents let out dark laughs as they asked Warren what he said about saving humanity. It was clear that neither of these men had interacted with other people for a long time, if they were so easily amused.

Warren rolls her eyes and says, “Look, we have reason to believe someone intends to launch some kind of biological attack on all surviving humans and zombies in order to cleanse the world and repopulate it with their genetically modified offspring.”

The first agent looks confused at her, while the second keeps his gun aimed at her. “And you’ve got a problem with this?” He asks before laughing again.

“Can I just speak to the president?” Warren finally snaps.

“We can’t just let everybody who thinks they have an emergency speak to the president. She’s never gotten anything done.”

“Yeah, I’m sure she’s pretty backed up these days.” You shake your head while pulling the president's husband's ID from your back pocket. “Does she know her husband is dead?”

“Yes,” a woman says, walking up behind the agents while carrying a cardboard box in her arms. “I know he’s dead.” She places the box down, then brushes the agents aside to stand directly in front of Warren and ask, “What’s going on?”

“Intruders. It’s under control, ma��am.”

Warren takes the ID from you and hands it to the president. “I’m sorry, but we really need your help.”

“Agent Johnson, put your weapon down.” She steps back and addresses all of you. “Jane Carlson, 234th president of the United States We’re a little short of help here.”

“How many survivors are there?”

“You’re looking at them.”

In disbelief, you ask, “There are only three of you left alive in office.”

“There were four of us. Most of what was left of the government evacuated to NewMerica a few weeks ago. We were supposed to follow them, but we’ve run into a few obstacles.”

“Yeah, well, we just killed a few obstacles for you back there,” Murphy says in a matter-of-fact tone, resulting in you muttering for him to shut up before lightly nudging him in the back of the leg.

“And thank you for that,” she says, amused. “The last of Congress. Not much of a loss; they were dead a week before anybody realized.”

“Madam President, time is of the essence,” Warren says more softly than normal. “We are on a mission to find a secret government weapon, and we need your help to access it.”

“What can I do?”

“We’re going to need your thumbprint.”

The moment the words slip from Warren’s mouth, both agents aim their guns at her head. Raising your hands, you take a step back, unsure of why her words triggered such a reaction.

“My thumbprint?”

“Yeah, I know it sounds crazy.”

The president removes her red leather gloves, showing that she had no thumbs; they had been removed. She urges you to follow her to her office while explaining that a man arrived a few days prior and drugged her, then removed her thumb prints. It turned out Dr. Teller had left a creepy cartoon video about Project Rainbow for Warren to find when she arrived at Mount Weather. It also turned out you needed to travel 25 levels down to find the zombified corpse of the man who was the last president before the world turned to shite.

—

“I don’t trust her,” you whisper.

10k stares at the agent’s suspicious expression, while Doc leans in to ask you both, “Why? She seems nice enough and is helping us.”

“She knew about the black rainbow and intended to do nothing, plus she wants us to call her Jane. It’s weird; it’s like she’s trying to lure us into a false sense of security.” There was a falseness in the sudden offer to help your group in their search that you couldn’t trust.

“Good point, anyone called Jane is crazy,” Doc winks at you before stepping into the elevator to join everyone else.

You share a concerned look with 10k as you are the last two to enter the lift before it starts to lower to the ground. You all remain silent until the elevator doors open up as a horde of Z’s attempt to barge their way in. Chaos quickly follows, and your group is separated among the herd of zombies. When you notice Warren is still standing in the elevator, you turn back, not wanting to leave her behind. She quickly hits the button, taking you two to a different floor.

“Now what?”

“We find another way back to our people.”

—

“Well, hello, Mr. President,” Warren says while opening a door to a small office. Confused, you follow her into it and see the former president duck-taped to a chair.

Sighing, you walk behind the chair and say, “I’ll push if you clear a path.”

She nods. You were grateful that it hadn’t taken you long to stumble upon him; I meant you could get out of the Oval Office a lot quicker. Nervously, you go back the way you came, but to your surprise, the hallway that was flooded with Z’s before is now empty.

“Where did they all go?”

You shrug and say, “Either the Z’s were all shown mercy or led somewhere else.”

“Hmm, keep alert just in case.”

You followed behind while struggling to push the chair forward; one of the wheels was broken and constantly spun as you walked. “For god's sake, do you hear that? It sounds like Murphy.”

You turn the chair around and go down a different corridor, which smells of rotten flesh. Just as you reached a door at the end of it, Doc swung it open and said, “Warren!” He says surprised as he looks past her and smiles, “Hey kid.”

“Astra!” 10k practically runs by them, not paying any mind to Warren or the Z, wrapping his arms around you. He breathes into your neck, “Don’t ever go off like that again. I thought—I thought I’d lost you.”

“You didn’t; I’m right here.”

—

Things quickly turn sour when you reach the top floor again. Your initial gut instinct was right; the president wasn’t to be trusted. When she realized Warren was serious about stopping Black Rainbow, Jane ordered the agents to take you all prisoner. The president was smart and knew how to get another person on her side by playing on Sarge’s emotions by pulling the ranking officer card.

“Don’t listen to her,” Warren orders.

Noticing the hesitation on Sarge's face, you stare her down and say, “Don’t do it. Don’t listen to her.”

Teary-eyed, she slowly turns, her gun now facing the direction of your group. At first, you hoped it was some kind of trick, but it wasn’t. “Actually, I do; I’m sorry. I took an oath. I’m a Marine; she’s my commander in chief.”

You felt as if you'd been stabbed in the heart; even Murphy looked taken aback by the sudden betrayal. Is this what real betrayal looks like? In the form of someone you thought of as a friend?

Smugly, the present says, “Why don’t we all go back to my office?”

Reluctantly, you all begin to follow, biting your tongue until you notice Sarge pointing her gun at 10k’s back. You see red. Not thinking of the consequences, you point your own gun at the back of her head. Sensing movement behind him. 10k looks back and freezes upon seeing what you're doing; his mouth is slightly agape until he notices the gun still pointing at his own body. A look of deep hurt crosses his features.

“Sarge!” Her name is like venom dripping from your tongue. “Unless you want to die right now, drop the gun before something really fucking bad happens.”

Your words catch the attention of everyone else, who is now staring back. “Astra, don’t do it,” Doc says, stepping forward. “I know you're mad, but if you shoot her, they shoot all of us.”

Memories of everyone you’d lost during the different missions flash before your eyes. Sure, you’d made plenty of mistakes, some worse than others, but you’d never deliberately put any one of them in danger for the sake of pride. You shake your head. “We treated you like family.”

Sarge’s voice breaks when she says, “I know, I’m sorry.”

“Astra, lower your weapon,” Warren says sternly.

Even Murphy tried to talk you into lowering the gun, but you refused, saying, “Not until she lowers hers first.”

“Do you really think I’d shoot 10k?”

You scoff at her words, fighting to hold back your own tears of anger. “With you? Who knows. I never thought you’d turn on us, but here we are.”

Sarge looks to the president for permission before dropping her arms to her sides. You lower your weapon while staring Sarge down. How could she betray you after everything you had been through?

“Astra,” 10k says softly, “you need to give them to me.”

Without explicitly explaining what he meant, you handed him all of your weapons. Once you had done so, the president allowed your group to continue the walk back to her office.

—

“I’m not apologizing to her.”

“I’m not asking you too.” 10k rests his chin on your shoulder. “But that wasn’t just about Sarge, was it?”

When the president revealed her plan to go to Zona while the rest of the world died, Sarge decided to switch sides again and shot both agents and the president, giving you all the chance to escape. Still, the way she turned on you so quickly hurt.

“I don’t know…” you lie, not wanting to admit the betrayal of a friend made you think of Cassandra. It reminded you of what you did to her and how the guilt of it still weighed heavily on you. “We should probably head back to the rest of the group before they send out a search party.”

As you start to walk away from the tree line and towards the main road, 10k calls after you, “I know your gun was empty; you were never going to hurt her.”

Thinking back on your actions, you do feel ashamed that you acted so harshly, but at that moment, you weren’t sure if Sarge would shoot him or not. Without looking back, you say, “Tommy, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” 10k says, wrapping his arm around your shoulders as a single tear falls from your cheek. “I would have done the exact same thing.”

Hearing him say that made you feel a little better, although you still dreaded the days to come. The sooner this mission was over, the better.

[erigold13261]

Random HC. Yinu hates rock music bc it physically hurts her ears, and sounds like noise. (Sensory overload) She is the first one to X B2J in the audition, and doesn’t consider B2J to be music makers.

(I flipping LOVE the opening X scene so much! I wish we could replay it like all the other cutscenes)

But that makes sense! I always just took it as all the Megastars knowing to vote against any rock music, probably because of how Tatiana has talked about the genre. Though, looking back at things, it does make more sense that the Megastars voted on their own accord based on their own preferences. (I do know about the Zuke and Eve X thing that a lot of people have talked about).

Like okay, Yinu not liking rock because of sensory issues would explain why she is the first one to reject B2J (though it was more likely just because she had to be in the middle since her silhouette is not the most striking and having the X's start in the middle would have been the best visually way to go).

She also rejects them the fastest other than 1010. I did some math, trying to time out each rejection from the moment Tatiana finishes her sentence "Fellas, what do you think?" to the moment each red X sound is heard (couldn't go off visuals to make sure I hit my timer correctly).

I did this 4 official times, not counting the times I messed up and scrapped my data, and Yinu was definitely the fastest at .91 seconds. Then it would be 1010 at 2.57 seconds. Then Sayu at 4.11 seconds. DJSS at 4.84 seconds. And finally Eve at 5.23 seconds.

And honestly, to me, that makes a lot of sense.

Yinu is a child. Sure she likes being loud and stuff like that, but if she is unprepared for something like a live rock concert, it is going to distress her and make her very quick to reject B2J. And if she was overwhelmed just because she knows she doesn't like the genre (or at least the subset of the genre that B2J play) then of course she is going to be the fastest.

Next is 1010. Which is funny because they are supposed to be gentlemenly and kind, but are the only ones to actually cut off Mayday as she speaks (DJSS and Sayu cut her off right at the end of a sentence while 1010 cut her off right in the middle).

They are also significantly faster than the other artists, but not nearly as fast as Yinu. I would say that this is because they all have negative feelings of rock (from hearing Tatiana talk about it and Neon repeating it to them since he would back up Tatiana's word), but also because they are split as some of them do still like the genre just a bit. Honestly, I like to think Purl was the one to push the button to reject B2J, which is why it so rudely interrupted Mayday and was still pretty fast. Purl couldn't wait that extra 2 seconds (or 8 if they were gonna wait a whole 10 seconds lol) so they just pressed it themselves.

Sayu is next. And I would say the Crew (Sayu is not sentient at this time) are not struggling to decide on whether to reject B2J or not, but when to do so. They wait a moment. But they also really like cutesy hyper-pop kind of music. Stuff that could potentially be similar to rock but is a lot more upbeat and obviously more EDM. So their more dislike for rock makes them faster than DJSS.

DJSS on the other hand, I can see him as being a rock fan when he was younger (like disco rock or something, idk). He has convinced himself that rock is "no longer relevant" and put it beneath him though. There is no strong dislike or hate for it, but he sees themself and their music as better than that genre. Which is why they are ready to reject B2J, but also give more time with their rejection.

And finally Eve. She waits the longest and to the end (not counting Tatiana) to reject B2J. She probably doesn't hate rock at all, probably even played a bit with Zuke when they were together. However, she is more upset with Zuke and May as people (especially since Zuke is playing with some rando). She waits til the end, and when all Zuke can say is "tadaa?" she rejects him. She knows he is better than what he has stooped so low to become right now, and to her this rejection is probably a good wake-up call for him.

I obviously didn't time Tatiana as there is a whole conversation between her and Mayday after Eve rejects them. And it is obvious as to why she rejects them (she hates rock and was going to reject them anyway, but also the fact her skills as a musician were insulted even though May had no idea who she was beforehand). So yeah, we know why she rejected B2J and why it took so long to do so. She was, like how I guess Eve was doing, trying to give them some good advice on what to do next, even if that means never playing music again.

Okay, so sorry I hijacked your post to talk about all of this! I can definitely see Yinu being a rock hater, or at least a heavy rock hater. Things like industrial or hardcore rock is a definite no-go. And since that is probably the only rock she has ever heard then she would say she hates ALL rock. I am sure she can find a decent sub-genre in rock that she likes (like people who say they hate country and all they listen to is trash country).

Honestly, she probably had a rough time with Neo-Classical EDM (and EDM in general, at least stuff like Dubstep like Skrillex) as that could be pretty overwhelming at times (like have you heard experimental or glitch EDM? Yinu would HATE that, I love it though :3). So I can see her wearing some kind of ear plugs or headphones when she first started out. Once she got more used to playing with EDM she wouldn't need those as often.

But hey! When she does need them, Mama keeps some earplugs in her pocket. Also, I love the idea that DJSS has little child-sized noise cancelling headphones in their jacket pocket in case Yinu gets overwhelmed around them. :3

[rrloading184]

Age Of Empires 2 Mac Torrent

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Age of Empires II: Gold Edition

Age of Empires II: Gold Edition

Windows - 2001

Also released on: Mac

Softonic-recensie One of the best real time strategy games ever. Age of Empires II is the sequel to the famous real-time strategy game Age of Empires. This bundle also includes expansion pack The Conquerors.This installment of the strategy classic runs from the fall of Rome right up to the Middle Ages.

4.11 / 5 - 440 votes

Description of Age of Empires II: Gold Edition

Age of Empires II: Gold Edition (aka Age of Empires II: Edición Gold) is a video game published in 2001 on Windows by Microsoft Corporation. The game is set in a compilation / shovelware theme, and was also released on Mac.

Captures and Snapshots

Screenshots from MobyGames.com

Comments and reviews

PLZHELP2018-07-300 point

I know this is a stupid question but will this work on windows?

joey2018-06-220 point

does it work on el capitan?

SugaGlider2018-05-290 point

Yeah just tried to download this game and it will not open the installation screen. Error claims to have a missing file for Mac OS. Its a shame it was my favorite game while growing up.

David2018-05-11-1 point

Download doesnt work on my mac... not cool!

Rob2018-05-04-2 points

Dosn`t work in macOS High Sierra becau this version of mac don`t read Power PC arquives!! help!

yuri2018-03-27-1 point

thanxs

chris2018-03-12-1 point

thx

Nicci2018-02-19-1 point

Does it work on ppc?

admin2018-02-12-4 points

This is the Mac edition, not PC edition, don't expect download & play instantly.

angrybeardman2018-02-101 point

either fix it or take it down man. not cool.

__xxi2017-12-278 points

It's giving me a bunch of code, is this normal?

questionite2017-11-13-1 point

it wants me to locate the game for the updater. I thought this was the game???

marcelote2017-10-251 point

Love Age of Empires!

Fan Age2017-10-073 points

This game is really awsome man good job :)

SEGStriker2017-10-032 points

For those who can't run this: use old Mac with Mac Classic (up to 9.2.2) OS or MacOS X 10.4 with classic environment. If not possible - use an emulator like Basilisk II (680x0, up to OS 8.1) or SheepShaver (PPC, up to OS 9.1).

Lontra2017-08-023 points

For those of you asking for an update: it is not possible. This is a PPC application and will not run on Intel Macs that don't support Rosetta. So it can't be run on Lion and forward.

borakkas2017-06-281 point

what a nice site !! cool

LBANYU2017-06-080 point

dosent work ! update this man! we all want to have fun! haha xD

Camilla2017-05-17-3 points

Cant open the game on my mac pro :(

Gerdus2017-03-06-6 points

I like playing the guitar

archer2017-02-2132 points

says cant open stuffit file. how do i fix that?

potatoe_012016-10-150 point

I wasn't able to open it because it works with an old software, Update it please!!!

anomoyous2016-10-101 point

its worked first then second time it says that cant open .it cant open it .ohh man! I love this game but cant open

tho2016-09-25-12 points

At the begining it's writ drop archives here... What i have to do ??

MCH2016-09-08-7 points

For some reason when I download this game, I get only the original Age of Empires (1999). Is there another download for Age of Empires II with the Conquerors expansion?

pixelpower2016-08-26-11 points

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have search most of today to find it. thank you, you god!

Steve2016-07-071 point

I've read that the windows version of this game won't work on W7 and newer - apparently it's the architecture of Windows that's changed too much

jas2016-07-06-6 points

When I double click on the updater, it says '...you must first locate the original Age of Empires II aplication on your hard disk.' Does anyone know how to get past this? Thanks

Ocean2016-06-30-2 points

this game is on steam for like $20 if anyone want it on windows, they remastered it and multiplayer works

Bielorusse2016-06-051 point

Didn't work for me, I have OS X Yosemite 10.10.5

rex2016-05-02-8 points

does this download work??

bazz2016-03-29-2 points

does it work multiplayer ??

sweet2016-03-093 points

I tried and tried and it never worked.......

Adam2016-01-200 point

I have a memory of this game working! jesus.

Jagar_Alagoria2016-01-06-2 points

Is there any place to get a copy of this on Windows? I distinctly remember having this game on a Windows computer as a kid, and I really dont wanna get a whole new computer to get to play it again.

Zeke2015-12-24-5 points

Soooo I'm waiting on the download now has this worked for anybody??

SweetVelvet2015-12-14-2 points

How do you make a cd out of it?

wrong2015-11-16-1 point

well if you see it that way go play somewhere else. trolling...

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Swordplay2015-10-270 point

Hold on, doesn't Microsoft still own the rights to this? They just released an HD edition on steam!

sapbe2015-10-230 point

alojaaaaaa care vergas!!

Chris2015-09-174 points

Im having the same problem where i can not expand it

beef2015-06-081 point Mac version

Age Of Empires 2 Mac Torrent

sounds like is sucks. if i was going to get a disc, i'd get it from a legitimate source. sorry to disspoint, but i am going to keep looking for a good download. plus, if you want to play this with a friend, you would have to get a PC, or go through more work.

Jurisdudence2015-05-23-6 points Mac version

What do I have to do to play this game?

Ando2015-04-272 points Mac version

Yeah this doesnt work - I tried using Stuffit and it wouldnt allow me to expand the file

zack2015-04-270 point Mac version

I'm having the same issue. I try to open with Stuffit and it won't let me save it anywhere. Also, I've gone and downloaded Sheepshaver, is that what I'll need to play this if it ever works?

Naco2015-04-182 points Mac version

When I try to open the file it says I 'don't have permission to access folder', even if it's my regular applications folder

dav_dub2015-03-161 point Mac version

You need to make a CD out of it... Old school way...

Chronicl32015-02-16-1 point Mac version

Age Of Empires 2 Mac Torrent Version

I get this error message 'You can’t open the application “%@” because it may be damaged or incomplete'. Can ANYONE help me out?

fab wail2015-01-294 points Mac version

yeah same problem where do I locate the original file?

mike2015-01-252 points Mac version

As per the hard disk problem, it's not working on my mac.

John2015-01-171 point Mac version

Age Of Empires 2 Mac Torrent Download

I got the same problem

Trevor K2014-12-09-3 points Mac version

Where do I go to select the hard disk so that I may begin playing?

Write a comment

Share your gamer memories, give useful links or comment anything you'd like. This game is no longer abandonware, we won't put it back online.

Buy Age of Empires II: Gold Edition

Age of Empires II: Gold Edition is available for a small price on the following websites, and is no longer abandonware. GoG.com provides the best release and does not include DRM, please buy from them! You can read our online store guide .

Game Extras and Resources

Some of these file may not be included in the game stores. For Age of Empires II: Gold Edition, we have the following files:

Other Releases

Age of Empires II: Gold Edition was also released on the following systems:

Mac

Year:2001

Publisher:MacSoft

Developer:Ensemble Studios Corporation

Age Of Empires 2 Mac Torrent

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[starcitizenprivateer]

Galactic Guide: Kiel System

This Galactic Guide originally appeared in Jump Point 4.11.

The Kiel system was a major hub of military activity during the cold war, but since relations with the Xi’an have improved, the system has worked hard to redefine itself. The Senate’s recent official recognition of the system’s third planet, Severus, is considered proof to many that some of that hard work has started to pay off.

The system was discovered by a Merchant Marine fuel collection vessel operating in the Hadrian system. The ship’s captain, Adhama Schnauss, made it a point to take a different route on each collection trip to keep the crew on their toes. One day in 2514, Schnauss noticed a strange anomaly on their scans and redirected their course to investigate it. What they found was a large jump point connected to a new system with a white, F-type main sequence star surrounded by six planets and an asteroid belt. Schnauss named the system Kiel after a longtime friend who adamantly refused to leave his home planet of Mars. Schnauss hoped the gesture would motivate his friend to finally venture into the stars to see the system that bore his name.

Military pathfinders scanned the system to discover that none of the planets were naturally habitable and only the third one, Severus, was deemed suitable for terraforming. As the terraforming process was underway, jumps to two new systems (Baker and Horus) were discovered, igniting massive public and private interest in the system. Even though it hadn’t been officially inhabited, it was already well connected to the expanding eastern-edge of the empire. It had a mineral-rich asteroid belt, gas giants to be used for refueling and soon, a terraformed world to serve as the system’s nerve center.

Yet, all that changed when in 2542 when Marie Sante discovered a jump into Xi’an space from the Horus system. Being connected to the Perry Line, Kiel was now only one system away from Xi’an territory, so the UPE quickly re-designated the system. Much to the dismay of the companies that had begun prospecting as the terraforming process was completed, rather than opening the system for economic development, the government drafted plans to make Severus a massive military hub, a decision that would define the system for centuries.

Military Machine

Once Severus was habitable, the military moved into the system en masse. Ivar Messer had recently risen to power partially by cultivating fears over the Xi’an, so pouring government funds into Kiel was considered an impressive show of force against the new alien enemies.

Over the decades, the military’s strong presence in Kiel also proved beneficial for domestic pacification purposes. Its proximity to Terra was a noted concern amongst the growing anti-Messer activists, who saw it as a potential staging point for invasion. There were even rumors that Terran Senator, Assan Kieren, who mysteriously disappeared in 2638 after drafting a bill that would grant Terra sovereignty apart from the UEE, had been abducted and taken to a military installation on Kiel II.

Kiel’s military footprint was greatly reduced in the early 29th century after tensions with the Xi’an de-escalated and the Perry Line was dismantled. However, as the military moved out, attracting private sector companies to replace them in the system proved difficult. With large swaths of resources removed by the military, an aging infrastructure in need of repair, and without a significant population, it just didn’t make economic sense for many businesses to expand into Kiel.

That started to change under the guidance of Joona Tzur, who was elected Severus’ Governor in 2903. Tzur was one of only a few hundred people whose Kiel roots extended further than two generations, beginning with his great-grandmother who chose to remain in the system upon retiring from the Army. He knew Severus’ strengths better than anyone else and specifically recruited industries to the planet that could capitalize on the military’s infrastructure and abandoned bases. The strategy worked and numerous giants of the space industry set up factories in the system. In addition, Tzur knew that he needed more than businesses to grow his homeworld, and so he invested heavily in public leisure and green spaces, claiming that a happy population is one that grows.

One of Tzur’s most notable victories came when he convinced the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo to host the event on Severus. Tzur’s main selling point was the numerous decommissioned spacecraft hangars that could house the massive event. After a rapid series of upgrades were made to the facilities, the IAE was held on Severus for the first time in 2916 and has been one of the system’s main economic drivers ever since, creating additional hotels, restaurants, and attractions in its wake. Today, in addition to the Aerospace Expo, many other conferences use the facilities throughout the year, making tourism one of the largest growth sectors for the planet.

The economic turnaround and rebranding of Kiel has been considered a success by many, including the Senate who official recognized Severus in 2937. The system’s population has continued to swell ever since. With plenty of jobs and considerably less congestion than other systems (like Terra), Kiel was recently voted one of the “Top Ten Most Livable Systems” by the editors of New United.

Kiel I

This small mesoplanet is sun-scarred on one side thanks to it being tidally locked.

Kiel II

Kiel II is a rocky planet that features a thin atmosphere and a good deal of mystery. Scans of the planet reveal the presence of resources, yet the UEE has strictly prohibited any mining operations. This has led some to believe the planet may continue to house classified underground military installations.

Kiel III (Severus)

Severus is a rocky planet that was quickly terraformed after the system’s discovery. Named after a famous Navy admiral who distinguished himself during the Second Tevarin War, it served as a key military hub during the cold war with the Xi’an. Once relations thawed, the planet’s permanent residents worked hard to help it find a new identity.

Things started to turn around after RSI agreed to open a large factory to manufacture their improved line of thrusters. RSI brought a fresh flow of people and creds into the system, which encouraged other companies to follow suit. Soon word spread that the planet had plenty of work and an affordable cost of living. Blue collar workers arrived in droves, and the planet saw its populace consistently rise for decades. It wasn’t long before the Governors’ Council applied for and received representation status, with Tzur’s daughter Janna Thurville elected as Severus’ first senator.

The influx of people and business allowed the government to redesign parts of the planet for civic use. The planet’s capital, Eri City, received the most attention. A number of old, drab military structures were demolished and beautiful public parks built in their place. Though the planet still lacks a unique cultural identity, its fine dining scene is surprisingly strong. There have been great strides in making the planet’s soil arable again, and with housing expenses being relatively low, many people are more than willing to splurge on gourmet meals.

Kiel IV

A picturesque gas dwarf that’s a striking deep blue color. The planet’s rapid spin means it only takes 16 standard Earth hours to make one complete rotation.

Kiel V

This massive gas giant has a planetary radius of over 57,000 kilometers and an impressive set of planetary rings that extend well beyond that.

Kiel VI

It takes this protoplanet 44,512 standard Earth days (about 122 standard years) to make one trip around the system’s sun. A festival is currently being planned for the next time it reaches its perihelion.

TRAVEL WARNING

Miners have long coveted a chance to pull resources from Kiel II, and over the years, numerous unauthorized attempts have been made. Yet, even though the military no longer dominates the system, it still maintains a strong presence and is quick to go after those who disobey the mining prohibition on Kiel II.

HEARD IN THE WIND

“The true potential of the Kiel system is still untapped and unmolded. I don’t see its lack of an identity as a hindrance, but rather as the ultimate opportunity to create something new.”

– Governor Joona Tzur, inauguration ceremony, 2903

“The boring, nondescript building was originally constructed and used by the military when they controlled the planet. For centuries, it housed stodgy military bureaucrats, but now it’s home to Nocturne, one of the most exciting new restaurants in the UEE. Like much of the Kiel system, what looks dull and unimpressive at first blush becomes much more fascinating upon closer examination.”

- Gloria Budd, New United “Top Ten Most Livable Systems,” 2945

[allbestnet]

Goodreads Choice Award for Romance (2009 — 2016)

Decided by voting open to all members of Goodreads, the Goodreads Choice Awards are the only major book awards chosen by readers. Voting in 20 categories happens in November, and the winners are announced in December. The GCAs launched in 2009.

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Source:

www.goodreads.com/