Nexus - 0109 - New Times Magazine-pages

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‘The original aim of the Exploration and Enlightenment Survey was simple. Teams of picked operatives were dispatched to infab- ited planets in star systems up to 30 light years from Sirius. These scouts would contact the local inhabitants and show them the ‘wonders and marvels of Sirian Culture and the Way to the Stars. Then, after a long period of time, more and more enlightened species of beings would become Aware and enjoy the aegis of the Sirian Star Empire. Admittedly, this Grand Program suffered a major setback with the collapse of the faster-than-light psionic travel network. Even though our best and finest minds are working hard on the problem, the network is still down. In spite of this problem, it has been gratifying to observe the resourcefulness of several of the teams who were cut off adrift. ‘The team on Canopus managed to unite the sentient lizards on the planet and build a slower-than-light starship and return to the mystical wonders of Sirius. For several centuries now the Canopians have been in radio contact with Sinus and are now firm and friendly allies. As Sirius is a mere 10 light years from Dirt, imagine our surprise when, after centuries of no contact, we start intercepting massive amounts of electromagnetic communications. At last, we shout, well done! But when our experts started analysing these communications we restrained our celebrations. It was obvious from these transmissions that instead of a peaceful, civilised alien society the locals have a fragmented, warring planet where the overriding concerns appear to be humourless ‘sit-coms’ and the marvellous commercial possibilities inherent in used land vehicles. The only mentions we have picked up of Sirian greatness and cul- ture appear in late-night talk shows on ‘flying saucers’. So far we have recognised five members of the Exploration Team. We Know you are still alive. What we want to know is why you failed. You were sent there with all the knowledge and training that we could bestow upon you. Let us look at your record: beyond belief! In conclusion, you have failed totally and miserably. Do not think for a moment that you will escape unpunished. We have already sent a slower-than-light Task Force of starships to Dirt. The Victory Objectives of the Task Force are simple: Firstly, to offer aid, information, assistance and an alliance to the locals and secondly to capture and arrest all members of the initial Exploration Team. You will then be dragged Kicking and screaming back to Sirius to answer the charges of total and utter dereliction of duty, gross stupidity and incompetence. NEXUS New Times Nine - 1989 Teme The Great Leader Has Spoken