Title: Tyranny of Steel
Description: General Discussion Thread
Description: General Discussion Thread
Exar Kun - April 23, 2008 03:51 PM (GMT)
Introduction
It was the 21st century...mankind’s darkest hour.
On an ordinary August morning, when ordinary people went to work or had just come home from it, when people like you and me, peacefully sat together with their families at their breakfast table, when the sun was just about to rise behind the mountain on the horizon or, depending on where you actually were that day, was sinking into the sea, banefully drenching it in a bloody red, it happened.
In the beginning there was only a word, a faint sound, like the echo of a long faded scream reluctantly dying away, yet it was loud enough to be clearly heard everywhere all over the word. Although it was spoken in a language unknown to the human-beings, who dwelt the world at that time, its meaning was unmistakable. Death.
While the gazes of the people slowly turned towards the still blue and innocent sky, the menacing sound became a cataclysmic, concussive thunder. Walls were shaking. Dogs started barking. Birds suddenly lost their orientation and flew aimlessly across the sky, attempting to escape the inevitable.
The next moment, hell’s gates were pushed open.
An endless stream of fire was poured over the orb, once called “Earth”. Devouring everything that stand in its way and leaving nothing but scorched land and ashes, the blazing wall of flames eradicated stone, men and animals alike.
Within the glimpse of an eye, the so-called cradle of mankind had been obliterated by a single attack carried out by a lonely battleship orbiting the burning planet. Once the guns had fallen silent, a strange hustle awoke in the iron entrails and a second volley was prepared in cold reckoning. Automatic machines dutifully reload round after round in a perfectly rehearsed manner, while the ship still floated quietly and without motion through the black void that was as lifeless as its exteriors.
Dust and smoke began to cloud the skies only seconds after the impact of the nuclear projectile, blotting the sun and befogging the visage of the world we had known for centuries for the first time in aeons. The enormous shockwave dashed over the whole globe, shattering windows of towns thousands of miles afar from the epicentre of the vast explosion, which’s remnants now formed a column of smoke, resembling the too well-known mushroom clouds, which were until now considered the result of a genuine human achievement.
The spacecraft would only need a few additional salvos of its experimental, inimitable cannons to accomplish the mission, acting accordingly to the faithful order it was sent to execute. Not a whole minute had passed when the guns of the ship fired anew. This time, however, they were not spitting the same deathly load like a dozens of seconds ago. Instead a huge, darting flame emitted from the openings of the ship and it was beyond question that no one aboard could have survived the conflagration.
In the meanwhile, Earth took little notice of the small ship that now joined the debris field along with numberless satellites that were disabled by the electromagnetic impulse radiated from the gigantic nuclear reaction that had taken place within the atmosphere.
Thenceforward the world we know had ceased to exist, making way for the new order.
The Tyranny of Steel.
Charles T. Whitherfield, "The Rebirth of Darkness; A Chronicle of the 'Incident'"
Synopsis:
Out of the following age of war (the remaining nations blamed each other) that should last for nearly one century, a new, strong and united fraction emerged victorious. Their roots and origin are unknown as well as their founders, due to the fact that only very few records of that era actually survived until today. Being the first to be able to reactivate and rebuilt the machines that been disabled or destroyed since that day, they quickly gained the upper-hand in the struggle for survival. Utilizing an unique kind of war-machine, the Tyrants, that struck the enemy's hearts with fear, they were able to obtain control over large parts of America and former Europe.
With their resolute attitude, their strict hierarchy, their technological superiority and totally war-orientated society they soon became the leading power and used their increasing influence to crush all opposition. Thus they achieved the ultimate goal of an united world for the first time in history. Declaring English the main language and forcing everybody to learn the Latin alphabet, they created a common tongue, generally known as "Terran" named after the Latin word for Earth.
Yet, the TA still had a long way to go, although mankind had been united under its banner, it was only now, over 150 years after the initiation of the nuclear winter that the consequences of the radiation and thermal decrease slowly began to ease, making large parts of the world habitable again. What remained until then, had either been retaken by nature or completely destroyed by the explosion and the endless wars that had followed. It should take another decade, before the so-called Terran Alliance was able to reach the productivity the world had in 2010.
When the rebuild and restoration of Earth's main cities and regions had been completed, mankind attempted to conquer space once again and in 2203 the first space station was completed. During the construction of "Jericho" (SPS-X-1) an apparently abandoned ship was discovered, floating between the debris of the ISS and numerous other satellites. This trove led to the development of technology that was far beyond ordinary human comprehension. Although the scientists have been researching the ship for almost another century, its secrets have yet to be revealed.
Setting & Glossary (2304 A.D.):
Scenario:
All of the known solar system is controlled by the "Terran Alliance". Building space ships and stations, they colonized nearly all habitable planets and by using the new dark-matter generators, they were enabled to transform many of the planets that contained enough amounts of water and at least a decent atmosphere (Mars, Titan etc.). In spite of a constant liberalization of the government, it still can be considered a Social-Darwinist, materialist, militaristic oligarchy that does allow any kind of opposition and resorts to rather radical means of punishment if one does not fallow the rules (Saturday-night's executions are still some of the most viewed series). The media is subjected to a harsh censorship, which often results in propaganda that completely retells the original events to be according to the "public" meaning.
There are very few privates ships, the vast majority of spacecrafts is either owned by the space-navy or by one of the interplanetary companies, which’s leaders represent the actual power behind the “Terran Alliance”. Therefore the government puts laissez-fair into favour, asserting that only a self-regulating is likely to prosper.
The colonies are independent to a certain degree, allowing them to arrange their own administration, but the steady presence of the superior Alliance-fleet and the use of the Tyrants scotched every insurgency, before a real revolution broke out posing a serious threat to the political homogeneity of the TA.
There are, however, some pirates, hiding in the asteroid belt, who occasionally assault private ships , which couldn’t afford the fee for the use of the Gauss-gates or military patrols.
Technology:
Energy Sources:
Since the discovery of the abandoned ship the comparatevly efficient Plasma generators have been the main source of power for nearly every purpose, ranging from supplying an engine with energy to simply replacing a normal power plant.
Recently the military has began to steadily change their Plasma generators to the promising Dark-matter generators that have the highest overall energy output and can provide a ship with nearly endless amounts of power.
Travelling:
Earth and its colonies are linked by a net of “Gauss-cannons”, space stations, which use magnetism and electricity to accelerate ships a speed of several thousand kilometres per second as well as to intercept incoming ships. These space stations resemble a huge ring that surrounds the planet and is connected via special elevators to its surface as the shape of most vessels would not allow them to fly stably within the atmosphere.
Weapons:
The main weapons used by the spaceships are either rail guns (as the energy problem has been solved and there’s no air in space the projectiles fired by these weapons can reach an incredible velocity) or various energy weapons, albeit their energy-consumption is even higher than that of the rail gun, often resulting in an overcharge of the generator, which has disastrous consequences.
Aliens:
There has been further no interaction between aliens and mankind since the Incident. The TA is currently preparing an expedition to the "nearby" Alpha Centauri sector. The crew will have to test a ship, which had been equipped with a special, experimental engine that allegedly should be able to surpass the speed of light.
"Races:"
Humans: The ordinary human. They make about 70% of the Alliance's population. They do all kinds of jobs.
Mutants: The result of constant contact with radiation or nuclear objects. They have enhanced reflexes and perception, yet are discriminated against by the majority of the people for their various characteristic features, like for example a ash-grey skin, red eyes and coloured hair. The mutants make about 25% of the total population and have an extremly low fertility. . Furthermore Mutants are registered by the administratives and are forbidden to hide their phenotypes. If they shouldn't have any visible features they are compelled to wear a special mark, which clearly identifies them as mutants. Their main professions are those of pilots and soldiers as the military-service is often the only chance to escape discrimination and the world's steadily tightening boundaries.
Synthies: Synthetical humans, breed in the labors of the TA. Their sole purpose is to gradually substitute the thitherto irreplaceable mutants within the ranks of the military. They have similar attributes and abilities like the mutants, but are also able to use some kind of telepathy as well as telekinsesis making them even a more suitable replacement of the mutants as pilots. They make about 5% of the total population, are extremly short-lived and are solely found serving on battleships.
Factions and Parties within the Terran Alliance:
Governmental Machinery:
The Terran Alliance is, as stated above, a de-facto oligarchy, which nevertheless officially has a democratic constitution. Hence, Elections like those of the prime minister or the parliament, which is generally referred to as “Senate” by colloquial persons, despite “Great Council” being its official name.
This democratic framework, however, is of course only a comforting and pleasant disguise for an oligarchic dictatorship that ruthlessly crushes all opposition and heinously manipulates the media and in further course also the people to achieve its aims. It goes without saying that these goals are mostly to maintain their rule by any means and exploit the people to a maximum extent.
Although each party within the Great Council is said to represent their voters, they actually represent merely the interests of the powerful and influential companies and corporations, which at some point in history took over the leadership of the united governments of the world, now known as Terran Alliance. As they are only interested in keeping their power, there is no real difference between any of the parties apart from their names, yet by joining the ruling party, people gain various bonuses and advantages in both their professional as well as personal life, but will lose them once the plurality within the parliament changes. This system ensures that people still think there is some kind of difference between the parties, giving the impression of a changing, living society, which in fact hasn’t changed since its foundation, and additionally also guarantees that new members will join the parties and thus extend the actual influence of the companies even more.
Some nameable Parties are:
The Imperialistic Front: A party which officially favours the exploitation and expansion of TA’s colonies as well as the idea of Mercantilism. The companies behind this party are “Colonial Shipping” and “Lunar Inc.”, both owning large parts of TA’s mercantile fleet.
The United Labours Party: A party which alleges to act on behalf of the working class people, who are spread all over the solar systems, working day and night in the mines of the so-called “Graveyard”, the asteroid belt, which surrounds the inner planets’ orbit. Ironically it’s funded and controlled by the “Martian Mining Corporation”, “Nova Engineering” and “Kusari Heavy Industries”, which are responsible for the construction of mines and factories.
The Gaian Union: A party which is directed at conservative people, still thinking of the Earth as mankind’s origin and thus evolving a strong kind of nationalism that discriminates against mutants and colonists. Their supporters are amongst many others the “Triton Group”, “Solar Defence” and the largest, most powerful company that is well known for their monopoly on building war-ships. “Krath Shipyards”
This thread exists for the purpose of receiving general reception about the scenario, discussing the RPG and answering the questions which might arouse, so that they could be added to the “Glossary”.
More information about technology, peoples, planets and so on will be either be told during the RP itself or listed here once I have time again.
Please also note that the most recent events are not mentioned here, but will be once the RP starts.
Characters, resembling roughly the example of Kolox's schema, can also be posted here.
It was the 21st century...mankind’s darkest hour.
On an ordinary August morning, when ordinary people went to work or had just come home from it, when people like you and me, peacefully sat together with their families at their breakfast table, when the sun was just about to rise behind the mountain on the horizon or, depending on where you actually were that day, was sinking into the sea, banefully drenching it in a bloody red, it happened.
In the beginning there was only a word, a faint sound, like the echo of a long faded scream reluctantly dying away, yet it was loud enough to be clearly heard everywhere all over the word. Although it was spoken in a language unknown to the human-beings, who dwelt the world at that time, its meaning was unmistakable. Death.
While the gazes of the people slowly turned towards the still blue and innocent sky, the menacing sound became a cataclysmic, concussive thunder. Walls were shaking. Dogs started barking. Birds suddenly lost their orientation and flew aimlessly across the sky, attempting to escape the inevitable.
The next moment, hell’s gates were pushed open.
An endless stream of fire was poured over the orb, once called “Earth”. Devouring everything that stand in its way and leaving nothing but scorched land and ashes, the blazing wall of flames eradicated stone, men and animals alike.
Within the glimpse of an eye, the so-called cradle of mankind had been obliterated by a single attack carried out by a lonely battleship orbiting the burning planet. Once the guns had fallen silent, a strange hustle awoke in the iron entrails and a second volley was prepared in cold reckoning. Automatic machines dutifully reload round after round in a perfectly rehearsed manner, while the ship still floated quietly and without motion through the black void that was as lifeless as its exteriors.
Dust and smoke began to cloud the skies only seconds after the impact of the nuclear projectile, blotting the sun and befogging the visage of the world we had known for centuries for the first time in aeons. The enormous shockwave dashed over the whole globe, shattering windows of towns thousands of miles afar from the epicentre of the vast explosion, which’s remnants now formed a column of smoke, resembling the too well-known mushroom clouds, which were until now considered the result of a genuine human achievement.
The spacecraft would only need a few additional salvos of its experimental, inimitable cannons to accomplish the mission, acting accordingly to the faithful order it was sent to execute. Not a whole minute had passed when the guns of the ship fired anew. This time, however, they were not spitting the same deathly load like a dozens of seconds ago. Instead a huge, darting flame emitted from the openings of the ship and it was beyond question that no one aboard could have survived the conflagration.
In the meanwhile, Earth took little notice of the small ship that now joined the debris field along with numberless satellites that were disabled by the electromagnetic impulse radiated from the gigantic nuclear reaction that had taken place within the atmosphere.
Thenceforward the world we know had ceased to exist, making way for the new order.
The Tyranny of Steel.
Charles T. Whitherfield, "The Rebirth of Darkness; A Chronicle of the 'Incident'"
Synopsis:
Out of the following age of war (the remaining nations blamed each other) that should last for nearly one century, a new, strong and united fraction emerged victorious. Their roots and origin are unknown as well as their founders, due to the fact that only very few records of that era actually survived until today. Being the first to be able to reactivate and rebuilt the machines that been disabled or destroyed since that day, they quickly gained the upper-hand in the struggle for survival. Utilizing an unique kind of war-machine, the Tyrants, that struck the enemy's hearts with fear, they were able to obtain control over large parts of America and former Europe.
With their resolute attitude, their strict hierarchy, their technological superiority and totally war-orientated society they soon became the leading power and used their increasing influence to crush all opposition. Thus they achieved the ultimate goal of an united world for the first time in history. Declaring English the main language and forcing everybody to learn the Latin alphabet, they created a common tongue, generally known as "Terran" named after the Latin word for Earth.
Yet, the TA still had a long way to go, although mankind had been united under its banner, it was only now, over 150 years after the initiation of the nuclear winter that the consequences of the radiation and thermal decrease slowly began to ease, making large parts of the world habitable again. What remained until then, had either been retaken by nature or completely destroyed by the explosion and the endless wars that had followed. It should take another decade, before the so-called Terran Alliance was able to reach the productivity the world had in 2010.
When the rebuild and restoration of Earth's main cities and regions had been completed, mankind attempted to conquer space once again and in 2203 the first space station was completed. During the construction of "Jericho" (SPS-X-1) an apparently abandoned ship was discovered, floating between the debris of the ISS and numerous other satellites. This trove led to the development of technology that was far beyond ordinary human comprehension. Although the scientists have been researching the ship for almost another century, its secrets have yet to be revealed.
Setting & Glossary (2304 A.D.):
Scenario:
All of the known solar system is controlled by the "Terran Alliance". Building space ships and stations, they colonized nearly all habitable planets and by using the new dark-matter generators, they were enabled to transform many of the planets that contained enough amounts of water and at least a decent atmosphere (Mars, Titan etc.). In spite of a constant liberalization of the government, it still can be considered a Social-Darwinist, materialist, militaristic oligarchy that does allow any kind of opposition and resorts to rather radical means of punishment if one does not fallow the rules (Saturday-night's executions are still some of the most viewed series). The media is subjected to a harsh censorship, which often results in propaganda that completely retells the original events to be according to the "public" meaning.
There are very few privates ships, the vast majority of spacecrafts is either owned by the space-navy or by one of the interplanetary companies, which’s leaders represent the actual power behind the “Terran Alliance”. Therefore the government puts laissez-fair into favour, asserting that only a self-regulating is likely to prosper.
The colonies are independent to a certain degree, allowing them to arrange their own administration, but the steady presence of the superior Alliance-fleet and the use of the Tyrants scotched every insurgency, before a real revolution broke out posing a serious threat to the political homogeneity of the TA.
There are, however, some pirates, hiding in the asteroid belt, who occasionally assault private ships , which couldn’t afford the fee for the use of the Gauss-gates or military patrols.
Technology:
Energy Sources:
Since the discovery of the abandoned ship the comparatevly efficient Plasma generators have been the main source of power for nearly every purpose, ranging from supplying an engine with energy to simply replacing a normal power plant.
Recently the military has began to steadily change their Plasma generators to the promising Dark-matter generators that have the highest overall energy output and can provide a ship with nearly endless amounts of power.
Travelling:
Earth and its colonies are linked by a net of “Gauss-cannons”, space stations, which use magnetism and electricity to accelerate ships a speed of several thousand kilometres per second as well as to intercept incoming ships. These space stations resemble a huge ring that surrounds the planet and is connected via special elevators to its surface as the shape of most vessels would not allow them to fly stably within the atmosphere.
Weapons:
The main weapons used by the spaceships are either rail guns (as the energy problem has been solved and there’s no air in space the projectiles fired by these weapons can reach an incredible velocity) or various energy weapons, albeit their energy-consumption is even higher than that of the rail gun, often resulting in an overcharge of the generator, which has disastrous consequences.
Aliens:
There has been further no interaction between aliens and mankind since the Incident. The TA is currently preparing an expedition to the "nearby" Alpha Centauri sector. The crew will have to test a ship, which had been equipped with a special, experimental engine that allegedly should be able to surpass the speed of light.
"Races:"
Humans: The ordinary human. They make about 70% of the Alliance's population. They do all kinds of jobs.
Mutants: The result of constant contact with radiation or nuclear objects. They have enhanced reflexes and perception, yet are discriminated against by the majority of the people for their various characteristic features, like for example a ash-grey skin, red eyes and coloured hair. The mutants make about 25% of the total population and have an extremly low fertility. . Furthermore Mutants are registered by the administratives and are forbidden to hide their phenotypes. If they shouldn't have any visible features they are compelled to wear a special mark, which clearly identifies them as mutants. Their main professions are those of pilots and soldiers as the military-service is often the only chance to escape discrimination and the world's steadily tightening boundaries.
Synthies: Synthetical humans, breed in the labors of the TA. Their sole purpose is to gradually substitute the thitherto irreplaceable mutants within the ranks of the military. They have similar attributes and abilities like the mutants, but are also able to use some kind of telepathy as well as telekinsesis making them even a more suitable replacement of the mutants as pilots. They make about 5% of the total population, are extremly short-lived and are solely found serving on battleships.
Factions and Parties within the Terran Alliance:
Governmental Machinery:
The Terran Alliance is, as stated above, a de-facto oligarchy, which nevertheless officially has a democratic constitution. Hence, Elections like those of the prime minister or the parliament, which is generally referred to as “Senate” by colloquial persons, despite “Great Council” being its official name.
This democratic framework, however, is of course only a comforting and pleasant disguise for an oligarchic dictatorship that ruthlessly crushes all opposition and heinously manipulates the media and in further course also the people to achieve its aims. It goes without saying that these goals are mostly to maintain their rule by any means and exploit the people to a maximum extent.
Although each party within the Great Council is said to represent their voters, they actually represent merely the interests of the powerful and influential companies and corporations, which at some point in history took over the leadership of the united governments of the world, now known as Terran Alliance. As they are only interested in keeping their power, there is no real difference between any of the parties apart from their names, yet by joining the ruling party, people gain various bonuses and advantages in both their professional as well as personal life, but will lose them once the plurality within the parliament changes. This system ensures that people still think there is some kind of difference between the parties, giving the impression of a changing, living society, which in fact hasn’t changed since its foundation, and additionally also guarantees that new members will join the parties and thus extend the actual influence of the companies even more.
Some nameable Parties are:
The Imperialistic Front: A party which officially favours the exploitation and expansion of TA’s colonies as well as the idea of Mercantilism. The companies behind this party are “Colonial Shipping” and “Lunar Inc.”, both owning large parts of TA’s mercantile fleet.
The United Labours Party: A party which alleges to act on behalf of the working class people, who are spread all over the solar systems, working day and night in the mines of the so-called “Graveyard”, the asteroid belt, which surrounds the inner planets’ orbit. Ironically it’s funded and controlled by the “Martian Mining Corporation”, “Nova Engineering” and “Kusari Heavy Industries”, which are responsible for the construction of mines and factories.
The Gaian Union: A party which is directed at conservative people, still thinking of the Earth as mankind’s origin and thus evolving a strong kind of nationalism that discriminates against mutants and colonists. Their supporters are amongst many others the “Triton Group”, “Solar Defence” and the largest, most powerful company that is well known for their monopoly on building war-ships. “Krath Shipyards”
This thread exists for the purpose of receiving general reception about the scenario, discussing the RPG and answering the questions which might arouse, so that they could be added to the “Glossary”.
More information about technology, peoples, planets and so on will be either be told during the RP itself or listed here once I have time again.
Please also note that the most recent events are not mentioned here, but will be once the RP starts.
Characters, resembling roughly the example of Kolox's schema, can also be posted here.
Kolox - April 23, 2008 04:26 PM (GMT)
Name : Colin Devon
Race : Mutant
Class : Doctor/Medic
Appearance :
Age : 26
Gender : Male
Height : 185 cm
Weight : 77 kg
Personality : Perfectionist, a little distrustful but even so - to keep himself from going mad he acts cheerful. Weak against womans.
Likes : Old scotch, studying, saving lives, genetics, biology, chemistry, physics
Dislikes : People who opress other, tyrany, geography
Alligment : Neutral Lawful
Skills/Abilities
- Medicine - He is able to cure most sicknesses, but all depends on equipment availble. He is able to identify all known sicknesses.
-Usage of Machines- As he used many machines for genetic researches, he has quite a knowledge of using most advanced machineries yet he would not be able to fix a space ship, yet if it's robotic parts which in anathomy are to resemble humans, he has a knowledge to fix it - whatever he is able to depends on tools.
- Usage of weapons - As doctors needs to be physically fit and have good handle, all melee weapons can be used with expertise and light guns with great accuracy yet he has little experience with heavy-weapons
- Knowledge about world - As he lived in very rich family he had encountered many influential people and is quite aware of many affairs in the world.
- Language - As Doctors can't find job now without being able to communicate with varities of patience, Colin needed to master each language to the level of proper communication.
- Synthetic Technology - As modern medicine is about synthethics, Colin has quite a knowledge of usage of synthetic technology and fixing it.
- Drugs and Poisons - Colin has brain resistance to all drugs and poisons, yet that's only for his brain. His whole body can be influenced by them.
- Without Oxygen - Colin can survive without oxygen thanks to his mutation in hour time.
- Electrical Shock - Colin can still be concious after being shocked by electrical-tranquillisers yet being shot by long-stream electrical inpulse would still knock him out, if not fry him.
- Radiation Resistance - Colin have no feedbacks from minor radiation. Yet strong radiations, like from sunlight in no ozone sphere or very heavy ions radiation effects him like everybody.
- Well known - Colin family is known by people from richer part of society and also Colin knows the etiquette of some civilization, increasing his diplomat skills.
- Pilot - Colin through experiences of his own private jets, learnt what it is needed to properly fly most vehicles. Although some of those ships require more than one expert in flying.
Party : His family supports IF. Colin uses that to profit himself.
History
Beginning
Whatever there are cataclism or not, people who had more than others before tend to still have something that other doesn't. That's how Devon family rose to be one of the most succesful doctor families on Earth, but they boast that they name is know in whole solar system.
Devon family, no - Devon clan is known for generations of well educated doctors with incredible intelliegence. Old Faraday Devon was called "Miracle Maker" as he somehow succesfully stop the mutation of one small child. Evidentally it was more of luck of finding the source of mutation and the first mutating organ and removing it, but he never shared with his trademark.
Devon Colin was no different as living in high-class doctors environment he was motivated to fallow his parents and brothers, as he had 6 of them, yet with poor relations. As Devon family believe that "Devon gene" is the best and produces geniouses, they never stopped on having only 2 or 3 children. Yet all of them had enough attention to grew up as succesful man.
The problem was Colin. He wasn't different from his brothers in his cirriculum or education and his stamina and willpower as medicine student was great. The problem was..
..he was borned mutant..
One would think how that happened. His mothers explained to him that when she was pregnant she was still working in hospital - yet with mutant registration. That was only theory, but maybe something from mutants or radiation itself got to the womb.
It was a big hindrance for Devon family as "Devon genes are perfect" - so how could a mutant be born from that. The fact was hidden, with influences of his father, carrying around false DNA samples, always beware of leaving out his hair, blood, nails or anything that would carry his DNA. Always keeping himself clean to never lose bit of his DNA, always attentive so no one would speculate he is a mutant - always trying to prove he is the best.
Even when his mutation processes started to kick in, he was just excused from school for "Formal Family Reasons". They couldn't come up with illness as it would produce to much questions : What kind of illness ? How can we help ? Can't Devon, family of miracle workers, do something about it ?
Can't - as mutation doesn't have cure at this stage. Yet Colin was blessed with one thing - his mutation wasn't that showing off like from others.
The thing he gained from his mutated DNA was not physical changes, nor better skin or tougher muscles. The changes were internal. His brain waves, his whole brain system became..self-efficient. Meaningly, for brain to work properly one needs some kind of energy - oxygen, ions. Colin brain has his own electricity factory created in back of his head, becoming additional lung or more of energy storing device. It covered his whole brain with strong fluid that did not conduct normal, non-polarysed electricity, making his brain more efficient and with less loses of energy.
In that way, lack of oxygen, electrical shocks of non-polarysed electrical stream. There weren't a problem.
Colin kept hard to never show his mutation as some signs were showing off physically even so. Green pimple - which were surgitacally removed. Yellow eyes - color contact lenses did the trick. Productions of additional fangs - his uncle removed them. DNA tests - aerosol with fake DNA, taking serum which faked the test for a week.
If it wasn't for his family influences, Colin would be like other mutants - either as meat shield or in slums.
Yet Colin, sharing their pain, came to understand mutants more. He would always go against the abuse against mutants, although his family was keeping him silent about it. That he would reveal himself, that he would get lynched.
Colin did not care as we went for specialisation called "Genetic Renewal" - a studies in which one can recreate one life by simply fixing his DNA or speeding up the regeneration process. Also by genetically remove sickness from still unborn babies, like Hemofilia or Daltonism.
Colin being one of the top ten already had many job offers. Even from military, which Colin was most interested as he would like to work with other, "official" mutants.
Race : Mutant
Class : Doctor/Medic
Appearance :
Age : 26
Gender : Male
Height : 185 cm
Weight : 77 kg
Personality : Perfectionist, a little distrustful but even so - to keep himself from going mad he acts cheerful. Weak against womans.
Likes : Old scotch, studying, saving lives, genetics, biology, chemistry, physics
Dislikes : People who opress other, tyrany, geography
Alligment : Neutral Lawful
Skills/Abilities
- Medicine - He is able to cure most sicknesses, but all depends on equipment availble. He is able to identify all known sicknesses.
-Usage of Machines- As he used many machines for genetic researches, he has quite a knowledge of using most advanced machineries yet he would not be able to fix a space ship, yet if it's robotic parts which in anathomy are to resemble humans, he has a knowledge to fix it - whatever he is able to depends on tools.
- Usage of weapons - As doctors needs to be physically fit and have good handle, all melee weapons can be used with expertise and light guns with great accuracy yet he has little experience with heavy-weapons
- Knowledge about world - As he lived in very rich family he had encountered many influential people and is quite aware of many affairs in the world.
- Language - As Doctors can't find job now without being able to communicate with varities of patience, Colin needed to master each language to the level of proper communication.
- Synthetic Technology - As modern medicine is about synthethics, Colin has quite a knowledge of usage of synthetic technology and fixing it.
- Drugs and Poisons - Colin has brain resistance to all drugs and poisons, yet that's only for his brain. His whole body can be influenced by them.
- Without Oxygen - Colin can survive without oxygen thanks to his mutation in hour time.
- Electrical Shock - Colin can still be concious after being shocked by electrical-tranquillisers yet being shot by long-stream electrical inpulse would still knock him out, if not fry him.
- Radiation Resistance - Colin have no feedbacks from minor radiation. Yet strong radiations, like from sunlight in no ozone sphere or very heavy ions radiation effects him like everybody.
- Well known - Colin family is known by people from richer part of society and also Colin knows the etiquette of some civilization, increasing his diplomat skills.
- Pilot - Colin through experiences of his own private jets, learnt what it is needed to properly fly most vehicles. Although some of those ships require more than one expert in flying.
Party : His family supports IF. Colin uses that to profit himself.
History
Beginning
Whatever there are cataclism or not, people who had more than others before tend to still have something that other doesn't. That's how Devon family rose to be one of the most succesful doctor families on Earth, but they boast that they name is know in whole solar system.
Devon family, no - Devon clan is known for generations of well educated doctors with incredible intelliegence. Old Faraday Devon was called "Miracle Maker" as he somehow succesfully stop the mutation of one small child. Evidentally it was more of luck of finding the source of mutation and the first mutating organ and removing it, but he never shared with his trademark.
Devon Colin was no different as living in high-class doctors environment he was motivated to fallow his parents and brothers, as he had 6 of them, yet with poor relations. As Devon family believe that "Devon gene" is the best and produces geniouses, they never stopped on having only 2 or 3 children. Yet all of them had enough attention to grew up as succesful man.
The problem was Colin. He wasn't different from his brothers in his cirriculum or education and his stamina and willpower as medicine student was great. The problem was..
..he was borned mutant..
One would think how that happened. His mothers explained to him that when she was pregnant she was still working in hospital - yet with mutant registration. That was only theory, but maybe something from mutants or radiation itself got to the womb.
It was a big hindrance for Devon family as "Devon genes are perfect" - so how could a mutant be born from that. The fact was hidden, with influences of his father, carrying around false DNA samples, always beware of leaving out his hair, blood, nails or anything that would carry his DNA. Always keeping himself clean to never lose bit of his DNA, always attentive so no one would speculate he is a mutant - always trying to prove he is the best.
Even when his mutation processes started to kick in, he was just excused from school for "Formal Family Reasons". They couldn't come up with illness as it would produce to much questions : What kind of illness ? How can we help ? Can't Devon, family of miracle workers, do something about it ?
Can't - as mutation doesn't have cure at this stage. Yet Colin was blessed with one thing - his mutation wasn't that showing off like from others.
The thing he gained from his mutated DNA was not physical changes, nor better skin or tougher muscles. The changes were internal. His brain waves, his whole brain system became..self-efficient. Meaningly, for brain to work properly one needs some kind of energy - oxygen, ions. Colin brain has his own electricity factory created in back of his head, becoming additional lung or more of energy storing device. It covered his whole brain with strong fluid that did not conduct normal, non-polarysed electricity, making his brain more efficient and with less loses of energy.
In that way, lack of oxygen, electrical shocks of non-polarysed electrical stream. There weren't a problem.
Colin kept hard to never show his mutation as some signs were showing off physically even so. Green pimple - which were surgitacally removed. Yellow eyes - color contact lenses did the trick. Productions of additional fangs - his uncle removed them. DNA tests - aerosol with fake DNA, taking serum which faked the test for a week.
If it wasn't for his family influences, Colin would be like other mutants - either as meat shield or in slums.
Yet Colin, sharing their pain, came to understand mutants more. He would always go against the abuse against mutants, although his family was keeping him silent about it. That he would reveal himself, that he would get lynched.
Colin did not care as we went for specialisation called "Genetic Renewal" - a studies in which one can recreate one life by simply fixing his DNA or speeding up the regeneration process. Also by genetically remove sickness from still unborn babies, like Hemofilia or Daltonism.
Colin being one of the top ten already had many job offers. Even from military, which Colin was most interested as he would like to work with other, "official" mutants.
Rabbit - June 5, 2008 02:20 PM (GMT)
Name: Martin Westerholt
Race: Human
Class: Soldier, Alliance Navy
Appearance:
Gender: Male
Height: 164cm
Weight: 69kg
Personality: Although he likes to act the disciplined soldier, Martin is nothing more than a thug who is always looking for the easy way to do things. If he ends up doing a lot of good in the process, so much the better; it makes him look good in front of his superiors. He has a twisted sort of honour and will remember any favours or debts and repay them at the first (or most convenient) opportunity.
Likes: Free stuff, gambling, people who aren't unpleasant or obnoxious, killing things
Dislikes: Bootlicking, insubordination, people trying to make his life difficult
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Skills/Abilities
Space Marine - As a soldier in the Alliance Navy, Martin's training emphasised the kind of skills he would need to survive in a deep space battle. Although he is competent in almost any kind of warzone, he fights at peak efficiency in boarding actions, secure and control missions, and other close-quarter situations. Such an environment requires the most effective use of assault weapons like Rifles and Shotguns, and grenades over heavy weapons. As such Martin's proficiency with these weapons goes beyond the standard expected of Alliance soldiers.
Squad Tactics - Whether the fighting is in the confined bulkheads of a pirate vessel or a city under siege, every soldier with even a bit of experience knows that either the entire squad goes home or nobody goes home. When participating in a combat with at least one ally, Martin is able to make use of advanced fire support tactics.
Interrogation - Out in the field, intelligence is not always able to keep its troops updated on vital field information. Martin is capable of basic interrogation techniques (i.e. applying psychological pressure and physical violence) but is not capable of breaking anyone who has had training to resist torture.
Close Quarter Combat - Though not generally emphasised in basic training, soldiers inevitably get into brawls and Martin has learned a trick or two on how to survive the swirl of melee combat. He possesses a basic level of competence in both fisticuffs and knife fighting.
Political Affiliation: None officially, though Martin has aligned himself with the Gaian Union because of its connections to the Navy, which may facilitate advancement through the ranks. However the realities of combat have taught him not to discriminate too much against non-humans...well, at least not in private.
History
Martin Westerholt lived a fairly average life, born an only child to a senior data analyst working for Colonial Shipping. Even after having gone through basic state education he did not know what he wanted to do with his life, as all the career paths that were open before him seemed to be too much work for too little reward. After being encouraged to work for one of the corporations like his father or to join one of the parties and work for the government, and many other alternatives besides, Martin decided that in the end they were all the same. Sure they were respectable enough jobs but in the end the work was boring and most of the pay was skimmed off for the purpose of taxation and living expenses, leaving little enough for him to do with as he pleased.
Weighing the options, the military didn't seem like a bad choice to him. All of his basic needs would be taken care of and he would get to go to other places and see different sights instead of staring at a dataslate all day and taking lip from people who were probably even more stupid than he was. There would even be training to occupy his time and people who knew and understood exactly what he was going through, instead of just trying to. In the end all he had to do was follow orders, not get killed, and eventually he could retire a hero. At least, that was how Martin saw it.
After enlisting he took to the basic training surprisingly well and seemed to be the model soldier. He never questioned orders or talked back to his superiors and always showed the proper amount of respect for his fellow cadets. In that respect he never had to be broken down in the same way that many recruits had to be in order to fight effectively as a unit and as such was able to retain a lot of his original independence and pride. Always he trained to act in perfect unison with every other aspiring soldier so that he wouldn't have to be punished or assigned the difficult and demeaning duties like swabbing the decks (at least not more than necessary) but was able to one-up the others in a way that marked him out as "better" than them, even though he wasn't. He was simply thinking for himself.
The fact that military training hadn't stamped out his personality completely paid off in one of his first engagements with a minor insurgency near the outer regions of the galaxy. The rebels had aligned themselves with one of the pirate groups in the area and had begun harassing Alliance shipping, which had to be stopped. In the ensuing space battle Martin's squad was one of several assigned to a vicious boarding action on the pirate flagship that cluminated in the destruction of the vessel and capture of key rebel leaders. The squad entered near the engine room and was assigned to cripple their main drives to ensure total success of the operation but was caught in an ambush that saw almost all the recruits killed while the veterans (and sole surviving newcomer) dove for cover and fell back to the boarding shuttle, making a stand that drew out more of the pirates and allowed the reserve teams to complete the objective.
Apart from the congratulations of the squad veterans for having lived through the situation, the event marked Martin out as a survivor and someone to be watched by the lower levels of command. He has since gone on to fight and survive in several other engagements across the galaxy, always managing to stay alive somehow and carry on. No one who knew him from before would have ever thought of him as someone with the strength and will to do well in the military but who can say at this point? The future is always uncertain.
Race: Human
Class: Soldier, Alliance Navy
Appearance:
Gender: Male
Height: 164cm
Weight: 69kg
Personality: Although he likes to act the disciplined soldier, Martin is nothing more than a thug who is always looking for the easy way to do things. If he ends up doing a lot of good in the process, so much the better; it makes him look good in front of his superiors. He has a twisted sort of honour and will remember any favours or debts and repay them at the first (or most convenient) opportunity.
Likes: Free stuff, gambling, people who aren't unpleasant or obnoxious, killing things
Dislikes: Bootlicking, insubordination, people trying to make his life difficult
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Skills/Abilities
Space Marine - As a soldier in the Alliance Navy, Martin's training emphasised the kind of skills he would need to survive in a deep space battle. Although he is competent in almost any kind of warzone, he fights at peak efficiency in boarding actions, secure and control missions, and other close-quarter situations. Such an environment requires the most effective use of assault weapons like Rifles and Shotguns, and grenades over heavy weapons. As such Martin's proficiency with these weapons goes beyond the standard expected of Alliance soldiers.
Squad Tactics - Whether the fighting is in the confined bulkheads of a pirate vessel or a city under siege, every soldier with even a bit of experience knows that either the entire squad goes home or nobody goes home. When participating in a combat with at least one ally, Martin is able to make use of advanced fire support tactics.
Interrogation - Out in the field, intelligence is not always able to keep its troops updated on vital field information. Martin is capable of basic interrogation techniques (i.e. applying psychological pressure and physical violence) but is not capable of breaking anyone who has had training to resist torture.
Close Quarter Combat - Though not generally emphasised in basic training, soldiers inevitably get into brawls and Martin has learned a trick or two on how to survive the swirl of melee combat. He possesses a basic level of competence in both fisticuffs and knife fighting.
Political Affiliation: None officially, though Martin has aligned himself with the Gaian Union because of its connections to the Navy, which may facilitate advancement through the ranks. However the realities of combat have taught him not to discriminate too much against non-humans...well, at least not in private.
History
Martin Westerholt lived a fairly average life, born an only child to a senior data analyst working for Colonial Shipping. Even after having gone through basic state education he did not know what he wanted to do with his life, as all the career paths that were open before him seemed to be too much work for too little reward. After being encouraged to work for one of the corporations like his father or to join one of the parties and work for the government, and many other alternatives besides, Martin decided that in the end they were all the same. Sure they were respectable enough jobs but in the end the work was boring and most of the pay was skimmed off for the purpose of taxation and living expenses, leaving little enough for him to do with as he pleased.
Weighing the options, the military didn't seem like a bad choice to him. All of his basic needs would be taken care of and he would get to go to other places and see different sights instead of staring at a dataslate all day and taking lip from people who were probably even more stupid than he was. There would even be training to occupy his time and people who knew and understood exactly what he was going through, instead of just trying to. In the end all he had to do was follow orders, not get killed, and eventually he could retire a hero. At least, that was how Martin saw it.
After enlisting he took to the basic training surprisingly well and seemed to be the model soldier. He never questioned orders or talked back to his superiors and always showed the proper amount of respect for his fellow cadets. In that respect he never had to be broken down in the same way that many recruits had to be in order to fight effectively as a unit and as such was able to retain a lot of his original independence and pride. Always he trained to act in perfect unison with every other aspiring soldier so that he wouldn't have to be punished or assigned the difficult and demeaning duties like swabbing the decks (at least not more than necessary) but was able to one-up the others in a way that marked him out as "better" than them, even though he wasn't. He was simply thinking for himself.
The fact that military training hadn't stamped out his personality completely paid off in one of his first engagements with a minor insurgency near the outer regions of the galaxy. The rebels had aligned themselves with one of the pirate groups in the area and had begun harassing Alliance shipping, which had to be stopped. In the ensuing space battle Martin's squad was one of several assigned to a vicious boarding action on the pirate flagship that cluminated in the destruction of the vessel and capture of key rebel leaders. The squad entered near the engine room and was assigned to cripple their main drives to ensure total success of the operation but was caught in an ambush that saw almost all the recruits killed while the veterans (and sole surviving newcomer) dove for cover and fell back to the boarding shuttle, making a stand that drew out more of the pirates and allowed the reserve teams to complete the objective.
Apart from the congratulations of the squad veterans for having lived through the situation, the event marked Martin out as a survivor and someone to be watched by the lower levels of command. He has since gone on to fight and survive in several other engagements across the galaxy, always managing to stay alive somehow and carry on. No one who knew him from before would have ever thought of him as someone with the strength and will to do well in the military but who can say at this point? The future is always uncertain.
Kaiserkreuz - August 3, 2008 02:17 PM (GMT)
Name: Lynx
Race: Synthies
Class: Special Operations Officer, Alliance
Appearance:
Gender: Male
Height: 180cm
Weight: 57kg
Personality:
Likes: None
Dislikes: None
Alignment: Neutral
Skills/Abilities
Improvised Weapons: Trained to use anything available to him in the area as weapons to kill his opponents or targets in a close quarter combat.
Martial Arts: Trained in all aspect of martial art so that he could efficiently kill or eliminate his targets when he can't use weapon and only can use bare hands.
Stealth: Trained in the art of assassination can hide his presence to his targets, move silently, hide in the shadows and use disguises to get near his targets and eliminate them.
Information Gathering and Thievery Skills: Trained in gathering general and other information about his target. Also trained in thieving skills like pick-pocketing, lock picking and trap locating and disabling.
Weapons Mastery: Trained in the usage of all kind of weapons like blades, guns, explosives and other assassination weapons like stealth lines.
Use poisons and other chemical substances: Trained in imbuing poisons and chemical to his equipments use for assassinations.
Languages: Trained to read, write and talk in different languages to help in his missions.
Synthy Abilities
Clairvoyance: This ability enable then to see thing that will happen to then in advance. Oswald can only see things that will happen to him in the advance 5 minutes but further than this will require intense concentration from him. Note this ability is not somewhat available to other synthies since it was developed by the Alliance for their Special Operations Officers.
Mental Defense: An ability that protects him from other sythies abilities like telepathy, mind control and mind reading or mind scans making it hard for other synthies to detect and read his mind or being mind controled.
Telepathy and Telekinesis
History
Fifth generation line of assassin synthies created by the Alliance to serve as bodyguards for their very important personels and assassin. XXXS-020-2005-0123-Lynx a recently activated synthy to serve under the special service and wait for current order from higher ups with a licensed to kill.
Race: Synthies
Class: Special Operations Officer, Alliance
Appearance:
Gender: Male
Height: 180cm
Weight: 57kg
Personality:
Likes: None
Dislikes: None
Alignment: Neutral
Skills/Abilities
Improvised Weapons: Trained to use anything available to him in the area as weapons to kill his opponents or targets in a close quarter combat.
Martial Arts: Trained in all aspect of martial art so that he could efficiently kill or eliminate his targets when he can't use weapon and only can use bare hands.
Stealth: Trained in the art of assassination can hide his presence to his targets, move silently, hide in the shadows and use disguises to get near his targets and eliminate them.
Information Gathering and Thievery Skills: Trained in gathering general and other information about his target. Also trained in thieving skills like pick-pocketing, lock picking and trap locating and disabling.
Weapons Mastery: Trained in the usage of all kind of weapons like blades, guns, explosives and other assassination weapons like stealth lines.
Use poisons and other chemical substances: Trained in imbuing poisons and chemical to his equipments use for assassinations.
Languages: Trained to read, write and talk in different languages to help in his missions.
Synthy Abilities
Clairvoyance: This ability enable then to see thing that will happen to then in advance. Oswald can only see things that will happen to him in the advance 5 minutes but further than this will require intense concentration from him. Note this ability is not somewhat available to other synthies since it was developed by the Alliance for their Special Operations Officers.
Mental Defense: An ability that protects him from other sythies abilities like telepathy, mind control and mind reading or mind scans making it hard for other synthies to detect and read his mind or being mind controled.
Telepathy and Telekinesis
History
Fifth generation line of assassin synthies created by the Alliance to serve as bodyguards for their very important personels and assassin. XXXS-020-2005-0123-Lynx a recently activated synthy to serve under the special service and wait for current order from higher ups with a licensed to kill.
Asclepia - August 3, 2008 10:01 PM (GMT)
Name :
Asclepia
Race :
Synthetic (ex-Human)
Class :
Ship Engineer/Maintenance
Appearance :
Age :
Cyberized at 21, classified as Synthetic Cyborg for 4 years.
Gender :
Female
Height :
5'9"
Weight :
196kg (without add-ons)
Personality :
Spuriously emotionless, Asclepia has separated herself from what little humanity that remains to overcome to the prejudice she now receives from her more human peers.
Likes :
Typically Whenever things aren't breaking or malfunctioning in some way. New or experimental technology to adapt on the ship she's assigned to.
Dislikes :
Conflicting instructions, anyone who attempts to treat or refer to her as more than just a tool.
Alignment :
True Neutral
Skills/Abilities :
Heavy-duty Cyborg -
Requires electricity to function, does not require oxygen supply and is designed to operate within the harshest environments. Can operate under/within intense pressures, temperatures, radiological or biological hazards and the rigors of space.
Fully Interchangeable -
Has various hard points on her cybernetic body that can mount various tools, weapons or equipment based on what is required to complete a task. Asclepia is capable of changing with the times, when better body parts are available, she can simply pull off her old ones and slot the new ones in.
Immense Strength -
Although ship repair often requires a delicate touch, Asclepia can also apply inhuman force to move ship debris out of her way or other physical obstacles that would make access to a repair site otherwise impossible to anybody else.
Mechanical Engineer -
Capable of making repairs to most machines including herself (unless the damage has somehow impeded her from operating on herself), she excels in ship repair in this field however. Assuming it hasn't either exploded or ruptured in half, she can probably fix it.
Reactor on Legs -
With a plasma generator built into her upper body, Asclepia can act as an alternate power source to other machines. By shutting down most of her secondary functions she can provide enough power to run the antimatter engines of a frigate or cruiser-class space ship.
Party :
Originally employed in the Triton Group during her Human years, was gifted to Terran Alliance Navy for military use as a Cyborg. Asclepia's loyalty to the Triton Group is absolute for various undisclosed reasons.
History :
The only person who knows the real story behind Asclepia is Asclepia herself. The most you can get from digging deeply into corporate records is that she was born a test tube baby within one of the Triton Group's facilities and raised away from society, the pressures of earning a living. Her education consisted solely of how to build machines and how to fix them, that was it. When her human body had reached adulthood, it was stripped from her in one go and replaced with the very machines she'd learned about during her education.
Because of her lack of interaction with the outside world, Asclepia believed this to be normal. When she was released into it it didn't take long for her to realized that she'd been lied to for her entire life, at first she was depressed, but eventually she came to accept her fate and decided to mentally become what she had become physically. Triton Group was her mother, it had raised her and made her happy for two decades, so by serving others in its name she hoped to repay them for the years it had given to her.
Asclepia
Race :
Synthetic (ex-Human)
Class :
Ship Engineer/Maintenance
Appearance :
Age :
Cyberized at 21, classified as Synthetic Cyborg for 4 years.
Gender :
Female
Height :
5'9"
Weight :
196kg (without add-ons)
Personality :
Spuriously emotionless, Asclepia has separated herself from what little humanity that remains to overcome to the prejudice she now receives from her more human peers.
Likes :
Typically Whenever things aren't breaking or malfunctioning in some way. New or experimental technology to adapt on the ship she's assigned to.
Dislikes :
Conflicting instructions, anyone who attempts to treat or refer to her as more than just a tool.
Alignment :
True Neutral
Skills/Abilities :
Heavy-duty Cyborg -
Requires electricity to function, does not require oxygen supply and is designed to operate within the harshest environments. Can operate under/within intense pressures, temperatures, radiological or biological hazards and the rigors of space.
Fully Interchangeable -
Has various hard points on her cybernetic body that can mount various tools, weapons or equipment based on what is required to complete a task. Asclepia is capable of changing with the times, when better body parts are available, she can simply pull off her old ones and slot the new ones in.
Immense Strength -
Although ship repair often requires a delicate touch, Asclepia can also apply inhuman force to move ship debris out of her way or other physical obstacles that would make access to a repair site otherwise impossible to anybody else.
Mechanical Engineer -
Capable of making repairs to most machines including herself (unless the damage has somehow impeded her from operating on herself), she excels in ship repair in this field however. Assuming it hasn't either exploded or ruptured in half, she can probably fix it.
Reactor on Legs -
With a plasma generator built into her upper body, Asclepia can act as an alternate power source to other machines. By shutting down most of her secondary functions she can provide enough power to run the antimatter engines of a frigate or cruiser-class space ship.
Party :
Originally employed in the Triton Group during her Human years, was gifted to Terran Alliance Navy for military use as a Cyborg. Asclepia's loyalty to the Triton Group is absolute for various undisclosed reasons.
History :
The only person who knows the real story behind Asclepia is Asclepia herself. The most you can get from digging deeply into corporate records is that she was born a test tube baby within one of the Triton Group's facilities and raised away from society, the pressures of earning a living. Her education consisted solely of how to build machines and how to fix them, that was it. When her human body had reached adulthood, it was stripped from her in one go and replaced with the very machines she'd learned about during her education.
Because of her lack of interaction with the outside world, Asclepia believed this to be normal. When she was released into it it didn't take long for her to realized that she'd been lied to for her entire life, at first she was depressed, but eventually she came to accept her fate and decided to mentally become what she had become physically. Triton Group was her mother, it had raised her and made her happy for two decades, so by serving others in its name she hoped to repay them for the years it had given to her.