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DA News Net: In the Aftermath of the Scientia Announcement... |
Historian
Joined: June 28, 2005
Posts: 24
|  Posted: 2008-05-24 15:57
The recent announcement by Scientia Laboratories has set off widespread speculation across the quadrant about the nature of their discovery. Most observers and commentators have advanced theories of new weapons to directly combat the K'Luth threat, while others have discussed new technologies to counter their defenses or perhaps even co-opt their methods.
Among the weapon theorists, many have advanced the idea of a new weapon which could target K'Luth vessels while they are cloaked, perhaps taking advantage of features such as their ambient acoustics. Some are hoping for some form of super weapon, combining some of the strengths of ICC and UGTO technology, which could decimate small areas of space. There has also been a rather vocal worry that the weapon is somehow biological; E. Leslie, President of the Biopernic Vigilance Alliance expressed his dismay at the rumored development. "Its clear from the strenuous denials that this weapon violates the treaty that it either comes close or breaks the law and the military is simply trying to frame the debate in advance. We categorically oppose any weapons which may utilize biological delivery agents or target life above technology." The Alliance has advanced the theory that the weapon is somehow necrotic for organic material, which, while possibly beneficial against the K'Luth, would pose a serious threat to humanity and life in general. The potential for abuse is simply too great, they say.
Not everyone agrees that the development is a weapon. Many have pointed to the public requests to bring beacons to the event as proof that it will involve the ubiquitous tagging devices. How exactly they would be improved is uncertain, but some have suggested increased ranges, higher powered transmissions to better counter distance and ECM, explosive beacons which would do damage upon impact or removal, or ELF beacons, providing a fix on the ship as well as draining its energy reserves. Alternately, the development could counter K'Luth weaponry, provide vastly improved energy reserves, increased maneuverability - the guesses run the gamut of possibility.
Scientia Laboratories has remained tight-lipped even among the rampant speculation. Dr Jona Applegate has appeared in public discussions in the last days, but hasn't revealed anything substantial. The notorious pirate Zharf Acorzado challenged the Dr Applegate in public, saying "I'm sure the K'Luth will most certainly enjoy the eradication of their own species from your mass murder machine." Her terse reply was simply that "there has been no indications that the development is designed for mass murder. In any case", she pointed out, "this is a demonstration event, not a chance to outfit ships. Scientia has no role in the devices ships carry; interested parties will have to query their respective governments if they want to use our technology."
When reached for comment, the office of ICC Representative Allandre Lissierre, who has also been seen publicly endorsing and discussing the work of Scientia, simply stated that they look forward to the event but have no details to provide and can't confirm Ms Lissierre's schedule at the time of the event. Meanwhile, UGTO Vice Chancellor Kitashiro used the opportunity to lambast the ICC. "All the recent talk of brilliance and breakthroughs is all well and good - and we do congratulate Dr Applegate on her achievements - but the fact of the matter is that the ICC have completely bungled this event. We wanted a quiet demonstration for military leaders, and the ICC insisted the Lab announce its work publicly. What's the result been? An enraged K'Luth empire determined to weaken Humanity to the point where any 'breakthrough' would be pointless because of our destitution and destruction. Their negligence has led to the death of millions. To the people of the ICC, I suggest you find more competent leadership. UGTO leadership."
Indeed, the K'Luth have reacted strongly after the announcement of the demonstration was made. In the time since, they have pushed fiercely into Human territory, decimating systems and planets with impunity. It appears they aren't after conquest or a buffer zone, as seemed the trend in the past; rather, they have simply been on a rampage of destruction. So far, the last lines of defense have held reasonably well, preventing widespread destruction in the home systems, though Mars was briefly raided. UGTO and ICC leaders have urged concerned citizens to band together for their defense and encouraged contributions to the military.
In spite of all the fear and destruction caused by K'Luth advances, Scientia has remained safe and the event is still planned for tomorrow afternoon, despite threats of violence. The K'Luth have warned the humans that they proceed at their own folly, and the Rogen's Raiders band of pirates also complimented the ICC and UGTO governments on their stupidity, saying they expected to profit from the occasion.
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