Battle for Earth

by Hammer Trollkin

. The weapon employs weaponized gravitational waves with a wide range of settings.

  Cygnus Prime: The local name is Dahkoreen. Dahkoreen means, those made superior. This is the planet that is head of the Empire.

  Dahcrimson: The relocation world of the people of Crimson is Dahcrixxmixon, generally called Dahcrimson. It is located 125 light years from Prime; 1,525 light years from Earth. It means, those of Crimson. We bet Rufus and Steve are going to find out they are long lost cousins at some point.

  Dahkoreen: See Cygnus Prime.

  Dahnahaash: Pronounced, dah-nah-haash. An advanced race of beings who are ultimately responsible for the Empire as configured with Cygnus Prime as the head race. The motivations of the Dahnahaash are not known. The location of their home world(s) is not known. It is known that 3,000 e-years ago their technology was already well in advance of current human or general Prime technology.

  There does appear to be some Dahnahaash level technology in use on Cygnus Prime, such as the portal gate dome covers. There is something very odd about the Dahnahaash. They seem to be only partly here, physically, in this realm. They tend to fade in and fade out. That may not be true of all Dahnahaash. There may be many different Dahnahaash races.

  DARPA: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. An agency of the U.S. government tasked with, among other things, developing advanced technological systems to aid in the defense of the United States of America.

  Destroyer: A destroyer is a League warship that, at the time of the Viper Operation, was capable of reaching a maximum velocity of 10-times light speed. A warp bubble is opened using quantum techniques. The process is classified and not necessarily well understood.

  Quputer modeling with considerable trial and error, and some educated guessing, pointed to the methodology. A lack of exotic materials moved the design teams away from the better understood methods of warp field engagement such as Alcubierre drives. The quantum method actually requires far less energy than a standard model warp field generator. T

  he actual process of travel, while different than the standard model, is, on the macro-scale, similar to that of an Alcubierre process. The ship rides within the bubble, ‘hidden’ from macro-space, allowing faster than light travel. As with the more standard process, the bubble moves along as space-time is forced to expand fore, and contract aft. Essentially, a positive gravity wave is generated behind the ship, and a gravity-well is generated in front of the ship. The ship is hidden within the bubble from the limitations of space-time and can surf along at superluminal speed.

  There are numerous theories as to how the gravitational wake is generated apart from the trick of mass. By trick of mass is meant the use of the exotic negative mass material used with conventional material to mimic extreme mass. In the correct configuration the result is a low total mass requirement that replaces the extreme mass needed to warp space-time that we see in normal macro-space.

  As compared to the standard warp model, something quite different occurs with the quantum bubble and motion process. A bubble is opened and closed using techniques that are similar to those used for quantum travel gates. League FTL scientists had a good deal of data from the Warped Project. Using quputer modeling to augment trial-and-error, they were able to ‘tune’ a single gate and open a spherical warp-type bubble. Then there was an immediate surprise. When the bubble opened, it began to move on its own. It was actually difficult to contain it.

  Some theorize the bubble somehow interacted with quantum ‘froth’ or ‘foam’, and that is what ultimately produces a gravitational wave process. Of course, there are a lot of other theories.

  For what it’s worth, the theory that makes the most sense to me is the interaction of the bubble with flexible quantum regions that undergird space-time, regions that are able to compress and rebound. As the theory goes, higher frequency wave vibrational fronts actually compress space. That initiates an opposite rebound effect. The altering compression and rebound propel the bubble and the ship inside the bubble goes along for the ride. We aren’t yet able to readily observe and study that quantum region, only the resulting gravitational waves.

  DEW Howitzer: Directed Energy Weapon canon. The design is still top secret. It is likely a very upscaled model of the Longarm blaster. See: HIRC-DEW

  Dirty Feet: One of the two special operations squads most favored by the Shockwave team. They like to work with these guys. Staff Sargent O’Malley and PFC (Private First Class) Rodgers are on this team.

  Dreadnaught: This is the primary military ship of the Empire, grossing approximately 20,000 tonnes. The main weapon is a GRASER . The weapon employs weaponized gravitational waves with a wide range of settings.

  DSR: Defense shield reactor. A mobile platform reactor capable of generating an EmLaW capable of stopping high velocity projectiles and directed energy. First prototype from Germany, the Shild Verteidigung Reaktor.

  Enline: Abbreviated name for quantum encryption protocol communications.

  EssJay: Also see under SJ. Name of Shockwave Journal AI. Tee finally talked Viz into chipping the journal instead of relying on interfacing through her AASQ, her AI personal assistant, Albert.

  E-years: Pronounced ears. Earth years.

  Floater. A full suite sensor drone used for reconnaissance (and other) purposes.

  FTL: Acronym for ‘faster than light’. It is a light speed designation, for Faster Than Light. For example, FTL-TEN is used to designate a ship with the capability of traveling at 10 times the speed of light.

  GG: Abbreviated name for Gopher Guts. One of the two special operations squads most favored by the Shockwave team. They like to work with these guys. Lance Corporal Martin and Lance Corporal Rodriquez (Roddy) are on this team. Rev later joined this team.

  GRASER : The main weapon system on a capital ship of the Empire (Cygnus Prime). The weapon employs weaponized gravitational distortion with a wide range of settings. Bottom line: no one knows what the thing does, exactly, other than it is very destructive. It is a formidable weapon.

  Ground Corps: Generally referred to as Grounders. The League army, exercising direct control of the ground- based fighting forces other than the Spacors.

  HAKI: Hypervelocity active kinetic impactors, a ‘smart’ missile. It is employed as the primary weapon on a destroyer class League ship. SSC3s are also employed when available.

  HIRC-DEW: High Intensity Ridiculous Capacitor Directed Energy Weapon. It is a high intensity pulse laser, hand held. Also known as a Blaster. There are two primary configurations. A hand-held holster-model. There is also a more powerful shoulder held long-range weapon generally called a Longarm.

  Holopid: A personal computing device. It has a 3dimensional high definition video recorder, audio recorder, cellphone-type device, etc. High-end holopids, such as used by the military, also include a suite of scanners that can determine temperature, local information like nearby heartbeats, infrared pictures, etc. Holopids replaced pids after holographic imaging was standardized and broadly available. Most people just call the upgrade model a pid.

  HORER: High Output Reactive Electromagnetic Resonator. A very high-end ground penetrating radar. Way next generation. Looks through pretty much anything.

  Hype: Slang term for hyper velocity missiles that can reach speeds in excess of 48,000 kilometers per hour <30,000 miles per hour>. The 3rd generation missile is still called a hype. Actual maximum speed is classified, need-to-know. The first prototype of a 3rd generation hype variety was from Russia.

  Hypervelocity Active Kinetic Impactor: Usually the acronym HAKI is used. See HAKI for additional information.

  InnerEar Transponder: A quantum teleportation transponder with a nano-shell casing that incorporates quantum cloaking technology to render the unit invisible across the electromagnetic spectrum. The upgraded model incorporates QuIM quantum messaging technology. The device is useful for clandestine eavesdropping and tracking.


  IVAS: Generally called an IVs (Ivees) by soldiers. Integrated Visual Augmentation System. These are AR goggles which can overlay images and data without impacting views of the real world. The goggles also serve as eye protection. The goggles can be worn alone. There is also an augmentation unit, a DARPA lens, that can be synched to the IVs system. They are an eye contact lens that rolls out to cover part of the eyeball to add special features to the IVAS system.

  IVs: Common nomenclature for IVAS. Integrated Visual Augmentation System. These are AR goggles which can overlay images and data without impacting views of the real world. The goggles also serve as eye protection. The goggles can be worn alone. There is also an augmentation unit, a DARPA lens, that can be synched to the IVs system. They are an eye contact lens that rolls out to cover part of the eyeball to add special features to the IVAS system.

  Jasmin: The human preferred rendering of the term Jaaaxiimin. Jaaxiimin is usually called Jasmin. Prior to the invasion of Cygnus Prime by Earth, it was the main base for the largest of the resistance groups working in opposition to the Empire as ruled by Prime. Most, though not all of the resistance members on Jasmin are originally from Dahcrimson. Crimson is a desolate planet only ½ light year from Prime. It was the site of the Kreahaam-Jasmin bridge used for the first Earth invasion of Prime. Rufus lived and worked there. The base was evacuated after the invasion.

  Jaz: A Prime citizen devoted to resistance against the Empire.

  Kerr Package: The human name for the Kerr generator star ship found on Ahaam. It is capable of at least FTL-ONE-THOUSAND. It can generate a Kerr bridge (Kerr wormhole).

  Kovanch, Dietrich: Prime Minister of Earth at the time the Star League was formed.

  Knuckled: Knuckled, knuckling. A synonymous term for upset. In a sentence: You really knuckled me when you said that. It is a commonly used term, a shorting of the term bug-knuckling.

  Etymology: During the invasion, an odd sound was often heard in the vicinity of bugs. It was similar to the sound of multiple human knuckles rapping on a hard surface. It was not until well after the invasion was thwarted that the source and meaning of the sound was determined.

  Bugs have a hard, transparent, protective eye covering, an organic sand protection lens. They can cover their eyes at will. The covering is strong but very sensitive to hard pressure, such as an impacting knuckle. During the invasion, most bugs were upset (knuckled) over what the High Queen was making them do. It was beyond what any had ever experienced.

  Queen pheromones had been further augmented by the High Queen’s chemists, increasing the level of control. Bugs were given dosages of Empire berserker drugs far in excess of recommended amounts.

  The bugs hated what they were doing. The stress of their situation was outwardly expressed through the painful knuckling of their protective sand lens.

  Kreahaam: Pronounced Kree-ahh-ahh-mah. This is the home star system of Those of Kreahaam. Kreahaam means, those taken from Ahaam. They were one of the first races conquered by Cygnus Prime. They are the main force used by the Empire of Cygnus Prime to find and absorb new planets into the Empire.

  Krull: Nod’s people are from Krull. Krull is approximately 400 light years from Cyrnus Prime; 1,000 light years from Earth. It is a very dry planet with a harsh environment, circling a blue star. Temperatures average 125 degrees Fahrenheit on Krull. The Empire was slow to conquer Krull’s people mainly due to their low level of industrialization and lack of important resources.

  The Empire got around to conquering them 500 Earth years ago. The Empire did not relocate the people of Krull to another world. They are a very strong and hearty race. The Empire utilizes the people of Krull for heavy manual labor. Jewelry and small mementos are highly prized on Krull. Some of the Empire’s best jewelers come from Krull.

  Logan sensor: An extremely powerful sensor array in a relatively small package. It is most often used by port techs to gather data from remote areas, and returning to base to download the data. In upgraded models, QuIM technology is also incorporated.

  LREW: Long Range Engagement Weapon. A specialized long range missile system.

  Long Range Engagement Weapon: A specialized long range missile system.

  Magweb: A strategic weapon using a charged nanotube web developed to collapse the warp field surrounding an FTL ship and transfer enough energy to destroy the ship.

  Manly: Manpad Analog Nuclear Low Yield missile. It is a low emissions portable shoulder launched nuclear missile system that incorporates electronic safety features to inhibit detonation in unsafe conditions. The yield is adjustable from less than .05 up to .15 kilotons.

  Marj: The given name of Ms. Findley, who later becomes Mrs. Trollkin. We love you Granny-T!

  Martin: Lance Corporal John Martin was a special operations soldier working with GG (special ops team Gopher Guts). He was taken from Ahaam by a creature resembling a giant amoeba with tentacles, to be used by the Dahnahaash to communicate with humans.

  Mr. Peabody: The name Mr. T gave to the Shockwave Headquarters AI. Mr. Peabody is a very high functioning AI. Mr. T was directly involved in the making of Mr. Peabody. As such, Mr. T also uses Mr. Peabody, a compartmentalized operating section, for his personal needs.

  Massive Ordnance Air Blast: A very high yield bomb, non-nuclear.

  MOAB: Massive Ordnance Air Blast. A very high yield bomb, non-nuclear.

  Morg: An agent of the Empire High Command with capabilities given directly by the Dahnahaash. Such agents are called the Nahaash’ereem.

  Nahaash’ereem: Pronounced nah-haash-ereem. These are agents of Prime Command with specialized capabilities provided by the Dahnahaash.

  Nanem: Nano Neural Matrix. A neural matrix device used for private communication to direct activity through a pid, or a pid-IVs interface. Military Nanems allow limited direct private communication between soldiers in direct physical contact when boosted through a pid. A Nano Neural Matrix is laid down by specialized nano factories injected into the cerebral cortex, primarily the speech and auditory areas.

  Nanite array and nanite weave: Shockwave field operatives have a nanite array that has also been described as a nanite weave, which is involved in the operation of their abilities. It is a complex colony of organized nanobots.

  Nanocloud: A controlled nanite superstructure arranged via electromagnetic fields which provides a 3-dimensional display of data from a holopid or similar device. The nanite cloud can be arranged in a comfortable personal use configuration. Sophisticated devices are available that display a cloud of sufficient size to allow viewing by a small audience. That’s commonly called a crowd-cloud.

  Operation Goodnight: The operational name for the planetary assault portion of the first invasion of Cygnus Prime by Earth. The space assault operational name is Viper.

  Orion Class Carrier: A second generation drone and missile truck carrying military drones and missiles. It is not merely a munitions hauler. Rather, it is a fully autonomous warship with QuAI functionality similar to that of a battlestar, including launch and control capability. It is a highly capably warship, carrying starfighter drones, hypes, shark missiles (2nd gen), and when available, SSC3 missiles.

  As with the first-generation Orion class ship, the gen-2 ships use nuclear pulse propulsion. Shaped nuclear charges detonate aft of the ship causing an energetic push against a massive plate set on shock absorbers augmented by electromagnetic fields. The pusher plate/EM field shield takes the brutal hit of the nuclear explosions and also serves as a radiation shield for the main body of the ship.

  Orion Class Hauler: A second generation ship utilizing the basic design of the Orion Class Carrier including nuclear pulse propulsion. A large-scale fleet hauler is built on the same platform as a Orion Class Hauler and is generally used to haul propellant tanks to be used by strike groups cruising on mission.

  Some quantum port teams have sufficient lift capacity to allow teleportation of loaded replacement tanks to the haulers or eve
n to an individual warship if needed. There are other usages for a Hauler, such as a transporting SGLs for SUGAR mechanized equipment, or SPICE units. There are three Hauler sizes under manufacture.

  Particle Beam Weapon: See PBW.

  PBW-Neutral: A Particle Beam Weapon. PBSn. A neutral PBW is the primary weapon of the Leagues main battle ship, a battlestar. It is a neutral particle beam generator. A neutral particle beam weapon is an ideal weapon for use in space. Being neutral just means the atoms used in the beam have no charge. That way, the atoms don’t want to attract or repel each other. That in turn makes for a coherent focused beam of destructive energy. In other words, it is a means to focus a whole lot of kinetic energy over a very long distance. As in, it’s going to get real kinetic out there.

  Hydrogen is a neutral atom. And there just happens to be all that hydrogen in the propellant tanks for the ship reaction mass. Now that’s convenient. From there the hydrogen atom just has to undergo a tiny adjustment by stripping its electron for a split second. That leaves a positive ion, making it easy for the particle accelerator to do its part, accelerating the particles to almost the speed of light.

  But we really want a neutral particle to speed along to the target. So, it’s as simple as adding back that stripped electron as the particles leave the accelerator. The result is a high energy burst of hydrogen atoms speeding along to impact with an Empire ship, an incredible spear of lightning impacting at relativistic speed, imparting explosive energy, electromagnetic pulse, and deadly radiation.

  PBW-Charged: A Particle Beam Weapon. PBWc. The charged particle beam weapon is a newer system developed for in-atmosphere operations. The charged beam system design is quite different than a neutral beam system. The charged beam achieves coherence through initial particle attraction that is sustained by an enveloping electromagnetic field.

  PENTALINK: A pentalink configuration is a complex arrangement of five Empire ships symmetrically surrounding a central hub containment field. The configuration is maintained by a powerful gravitational vortex of which little is known.