by Andrew Gates
ATG – The ATG (Artificial Telepathic Grid) refers to an internal connection to computer networks. Though called the telepathic grid, there is no real telepathy involved in this process, only technology. This connection is inside of a person and directly connects their brain to what is essentially the totality of the universe’s interconnected communications networks. Methods of accessing the so-called “telepathic grid” vary between retinal displays to direct mental insertion of data.
FTLT – FTLT (Faster Than Light Travel) refers to any speed of travel where a ship or object is able to travel faster than light.
HUD – A HUD (Heads Up Display) refers to any type of display where information about surroundings and other data is directly overlaid on a person’s vision.
HWST – The HWST (Habitable World Starbound Terraformers) is a program started in the 2300s with the purpose of terraforming worlds far ahead of colony ships. The process of terraforming is long, often taking hundreds or thousands of years. Therefore, HWST ships are sent well in advance of colonization vessels.
When the world or worlds in question have reached a certain stage in the terraforming process, the Sol system is notified with a projected date for the planet’s expected habitability. The IDCW then handles the colony assignment. In the mid-3700s, the HWST program was discontinued by the Sol Government, making it the last HWST ship to leave the system. Because the HWST ships are all self-sustaining, none of them came home after the program was discontinued. The HWST ships continued on their primary mission of terraforming worlds even after the program was discontinued as if nothing had happened, and continued to communicate with the IDCW when worlds were completed.
IDCW – The IDCW (Interstellar Department of Colony Worlds) is a quasi-federal organization that handles the assignment of colony worlds. In some cases it also handles the construction of the colony ships. After the discontinuation of federal support and funding for the HWST project in the mid-3700s, the IDCW became self-funded, by charging for the right to gain access to a colony world.
Nanotech – Nanotech refers to very small technology or robots (nanobots). Something that is nanoscopic in size is one thousand times smaller than something that is microscopic in size.
SDF – The SDF (Sol Defense Force) was originally the space force of the Earth. Over the years elements of different national and regional militaries merged into the SDF, bringing new elements and a mix of organizational structures to the military.
The defense force is a mix of naval and army disciplines. It consists of sailors, Marines, pilots, and the regular army.
Stasis – Early stasis systems were invented as far back as the mid-2500s as a means of ‘cryogenically’ freezing organic matter without using extreme cold (or lack of energy) to do so. The effect is similar in that all atomic motion is ceased, but not by a removal of energy by gradual cooling, but by removing the ability of the surrounding space to accept that energy and motion.
Vexa Corp – Named after its founder, Shiva Vexa, this massive private conglomerate has grown to be larger than some governments. Originally based in Sol, the company moved to Thrace in 4163, making the trip while the first colonists were still on their way.
Vexa Corp’s biggest opportunity came in 4370, when the company, led by President Gorez, planned its first terraforming mission in a nearby system recently named Vexa Prime. This was the first terraforming effort to be done completely in-house by Vexa Corp.
Places
The Dark Island – Hidden away on the dark side of Taspansa, Ryan Lorde, Ellen Milsen and David Cutter are the only ones left alive to know of this island’s existence. The Dark Island is host to the Governor’s stockpile of technology from the VCS Euripides, including the planet’s only faster-than-light capable ships. It also houses valuable rejuv technology, which has been heavily sought after since before the VCS Nautilus departed from Sol in the 4100s.
The Dollhouse – Absent from any public records or maps, the Dollhouse is one of the premiere pleasure houses in Neu Taargus, available only for those who know how to find it.
Horron Fields – Formerly a vast agricultural field, this once rich farmland was decimated during the Lightspeed Wars. Prior to its destruction, Horron Fields functioned as the hideaway for the Star Shapers, a faction bent on freeing Thrace from the control of Vexa Corp. Today the fields are charred black, covered in ash as a result of a planetary bombardment from orbit.
Jupiter Shipyard Ring (JSR) – Since its construction in the 3200s, this shipyard is a bustling shipyard in the Sol system. This ring was home to the Indomitable colony ship before its departure out of Sol.
Mateo – Originally terraformed by the HWST, Mateo became Vexa Corp’s first colonized world in Thrace in 4280, when the VCS Nautilus delivered its first inhabitants from Sol. Shortly after the Nautilus departed to colonize this world, Vexa Corp moved its base of operations from Sol to Thrace, specifically in Mateo’s capital city, Neu Taargus.
Neu Taargus – Once a bustling city, many sections of Neu Taargus became somewhat of a slum following the outbreak of the Lightspeed Wars. While still functioning as the capital of Mateo and providing the base of operations for Vexa Corp, this city has little else to offer. While the city’s wealthiest residents reside in the multi-story skyscrapers at the center of the city, most of the population lives in poverty in and around the city center.
Sol – The name ‘Sol’ refers to the star at the center of Earth’s solar system. Until interstellar travel was developed, this star was simply referred to as ‘the sun’. As humanity expanded across the stars, the term ‘Sol’ was eventually used to describe this system.
Star Shapers – Born out of the anti-authority sentiment of the Lightspeed Wars, the Star Shapers was a short-lived resistance army with the goal of overthrowing Vexa Corp and claiming control over Thrace. The Star Shapers were ultimately destroyed when a spy revealed the location of their hidden encampment to Vexa Corp. Shortly later, the Star Shapers were bombarded from orbit. This massacre, being the greatest in Thrace’s history, was ultimately covered up. Few know the truth of the Star Shapers’ fate.
Targosi Tower – Located in the center of Neu Taargus, this massive skyscraper houses most of Vexa Corp’s major branches. It can be seen from nearly every vantage point in the city and stands as a symbol of Vexa Corp’s innovation and strength.
When the slum ring surrounding the city center grew particularly large following the end of the Lightspeed Wars, a massive hangar was constructed inside the building. This hangar allowed Vexa Corp’s executives to enter the tower without passing through the slums. Because of this, the building now stands as one of the most heavily visited structures in the city.
Taspansa – Known as ‘Red One’ to those outside the planet, Taspansa is largely seen as a failed world. The planet, part of the Vexa Prime system, was originally terraformed by the VCS Euripides in 4370. This was the first terraforming effort to be done completely in-house by Vexa Corp.
The planet is considered a failure mainly due to the accidental overproduction of water. With an abundance of ice on both the poles and underground, the accelerated greenhouse affect melted the poles too quickly, covering the world in ocean and an endless rain. Massive waves wiped out or damaged most of the grounded equipment. Those who were still able to leave did, realizing that this mission was a failure.
With the outbreak of the Lightspeed Wars in 4451, Vexa Corp no longer possessed the resources to fix the issues on Taspansa. President Gorez, head of Vexa Corp, scrapped the mission, acting as if it had never happened. Following this decision, many do not know Taspansa exists and Vexa Prime remains a largely unexplored system.
Thrace – 30.1 lightyears away from Sol, this system, also called Gamma Pavonis, was originally terraformed by the HWST in 3989. This system is now home to several habitable worlds including Mateo.
Vexa Prime – Also known as GJ 1277, this red star system is located 33.1 lightyears from Sol and only nine lightyears from Thrace. In 4350, Vexa Corp Pre
sident Gorez announced a plan to colonize this system without the help of the HWST’s terraforming resources. This was the first terraforming effort to be done completely in-house by Vexa Corp. The worldbuilder Euripides first arrived in the system in 4370, but was unable to successfully convert the chosen planet, Red One, to a proper habitable state. Due to the failed terraforming mission, as well as pressures from the raging Lightspeed Wars, President Gorez ultimately decided to abandon the system. The colonization mission was scrapped.
People
Vexa Corp and the Patriot
Boltoc – Mercenary hired by Captain Daltus.
Brenan – Interrogator for the Vexa Corp military.
Daltus – Captain of the VCS Patriot.
David Cutter – Pilot for Vexa Corp – Accused of sabotage along with Ellen Milsen.
Ellen Milsen – Former SDF Marine, turned pilot for Vexa Corp – Accused of sabotage along with David Cutter.
Gloria – AI partnered with David Cutter.
Gresham – Security officer working in the VCS Patriot’s holding cells.
Gwendy – One of three AI controlling the VCS Patriot’s systems, along with Viktor and Mercury.
Lyla – Interrogator for the Vexa Corp military.
Mercury – One of three AI controlling the VCS Patriot’s systems, along with Viktor and Gwendy.
Natalie – Videographer turned reporter aboard the VSC Patriot.
Reginald – Crewman aboard the VCS Patriot.
Rina – Editor in Chief for TCP aboard the VSC Patriot – Natalie’s boss.
Stella – Guard working in the VCS Patriot’s holding cells.
Tano – Current Vexa Corp President.
Viktor – One of three AI controlling the VCS Patriot’s systems, along with Mercury and Gwendy.
Yuri – AI partnered with Ellen Milsen.
Mateo
Blake – Son of Ellen Milsen – Believed dead.
Dozer – Member of the Star Shapers.
Orion – Daughter of Ellen Milsen – Believed dead.
Sia – Member of the Star Shapers.
Sierra – NSAI programmed for sexual pleasure.
Taspansa
Azzorro – Captain of the sea scorger ship, the Red God’s Gleam.
Briggs – Member of Azzorro’s crew.
Ellis – Member of Azzorro’s crew.
Hector – Member of Azzorro’s crew.
Rager – Founder of the legendary Scabbard’s Inn along with Captain Spectre.
Russell – Cabin boy aboard the sea scorger ship, the Red God’s Gleam.
Ryan Lorde – Also known as ‘the Governor’ – Leader of Taspansa and head of the Navy.
Spectre – Founder of the legendary Scabbard’s Inn along with Captain Rager.
Thomas – Member of Azzorro’s crew.
Thorn – Member of Azzorro’s crew.
Yasso – Former commodore in the Governor’s Navy.
Note from the Author
I want to thank all the fans of the series, whether you’ve been there with Seas of the Red Star from the beginning, or whether The Daltus Conspiracy is your first foray into this world. It’s great to have such a passionate community that cares about these characters. Know that the journey continues with Return to Red One.
If you enjoyed reading The Daltus Conspiracy, a review on Amazon.com or Goodreads.com would be greatly appreciated.
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About the Author
Andrew Gates was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He now resides in northern Virginia, but frequently revisits his hometown.
Andrew has enjoyed writing since high school but did not start writing seriously until college. He enjoys writing anything from short stories to full-length novels. His favorite book is The Lord of the Rings.
When he is not writing, Andrew is also an avid runner. He works for a local Virginia-based running company and participates in a variety of races from 5Ks to Marathons.
He hopes to one day share his love of running with his future dog, yet to be named.
