The probe came in at high speeds. It determined there was one planet orbitting within the habitable range, though at the edge of it, around the star Tivark. The probe circled the planet, getting photographs and then it was away again - back to the planet it had come from.
Centuries later, the probe reached its destination. Inhuman eyes poured over the data and determined that this world was indeed habitable, if uncomfortable, and assessed the native species.
A debate began, but it was already decided. It was stamped [Conquerable] and the Empire began their preparations.
Within a century, the warfleet launched. Thousands of soldiers in cryostasis, missiles and armored vehicles and all the force the Empire felt was necessary to conquer this backward and primitive planet.
The armored spaceships began their centuries-long journey, sure that their empire was stable and that the primitive world before them would fall within their grasp.
His eye-stalks twitched to the sides as he strode forward, noting those who moved quickly to attention and those who lagged. "Report," he demanded of the scientist.
The scientist gave a sign denoting respect-with-trepidation. "There are unusual modulated EM patterns emanating from Tivark III."
The Leader's hands twitched in what would translate as 'sneer-with-rebuking-comment' as he waited.
"The computers match signals up with radio and radar emissions," hurriedly said the scientist.
"That is ridiculous," said the Leader, too startled to be angry. "How can you propose that hide-wearing savages can develop electronics within a mere two thousand years? That is only a few hundred orbits of Tivark III."
"I- I- merely point out anomalous data, great Lord," said the scientist.
"Out of my sight," said the Leader, then watched the fool flee.
The Race changed only slowly, in small and logical and reasonable steps. They had had a stable empire for two hundred thousand years, and were now conquering entirely new worlds as part of their manifest destiny. Nonetheless he accessed the computers and received confirmation of the data. Based on what he had available, it appeared that Tivark III had managed to access at least primitive electronics.
He could not return to Homeworld, and he had a problem with getting supplies and equipment that the natives would not. If he returned to Homeworld, he would be shamed though unofficially. The problem was that the primitives were far more advanced than the other worlds the Race had conquered, and there was no existing protocol or procedure for dealing with this situation.
The Leader looked down on the planet Tivark III and didn't realize (not that it would make much difference at this point):
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(Posted Fri, 23 Dec 2005 08:44)
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