Hegemonia Storyline

In 2104...

Earth...this word meant the same as Mankind...until technology enabled humanity to explore space.

As men began to seek adventure and possible lifeground outside the safe boundaries of Earth, the number of colonists who were not born on the home planet grew. Although the preparations took many years, the cream of scientists and architects worked united and motivated together viewing but one goal, the installation of human life on Mars. Leaving Earth was a glorious ceremony where a tremendous amount of people gathered to watch the take-off of the biggest fleet humanity has ever created. The whole planet was breathless until the first news came in informing Earth of the safe arrival and the successful deployment of the colonists

Long years have passed between the accommodation of women, children and men on Mars and the birth of the first child on the new planet. The fact was that there was a problem, but no one could give a clear answer to this question. Some said that perhaps the human genetic code prevented it (but in-depth scientific research into DNA was only a waste of time), others simply blamed human nature, saying that the colonists needed time to adapt and accept the new environment, while some even formed rebel groups and organized manifestations against the colonization of Mars. But one thing was sure: something went wrong. Then, all of a sudden, a child was born - he was immediately baptized Martian Human, and the event created a huge sensation. His case became famous on both planets, but anxiety still reigned. As if this was a sign or a vision, more and more children were born and the phenomenon of birth became more regular. Eventually no-one was counting the cases anymore; relief and peace were regained, and everyday life returned. Later, there were some weak attempts from the media to create a story from the birth of the 100,000th and the 1,000,000th child, but then the numbers became simply too high and the public lost interest. This was how humanity left Earth and started its first steps into space.

For a long time the number of outer colonies was very low - providing the colonists with all they needed to settle into a new environment cost an immense amount of money. But after the first difficulties were overcome, the number of colonists began to rise rapidly and their dependency on Earth began to weaken. New technologies, based on the local conditions, were developed, and the colonies became self-sufficient. No longer was it monetary aid, funding or subsidizing which glued humanity together - it was trade (interchanging goods, minerals and technological skills) which became the most common way of interacting with Mother Earth.

Regardless of the changes, life was still much harsher on the colonies: the people who were ready to accept the conditions were those who wanted to do something, to get away from the dull and boring (although very comfortable) life on Earth. The process took decades, but soon the elite scientists and technicians were all found working in the colonies. Technological advancement was in the hands of the colonies, while the political power still remained firmly within reach of the World Government based on Earth. The unbalanced situation slowly but steadily began to be a source of tension - suddenly everybody remembered the struggle involved in the birth of the first Martian Human. Projects were recalled, expeditions cancelled, and high taxes were placed on goods not from Earth origin. Although these were small things, they were perfectly capable of ruining trust, relations and good will between the parties. Little by little, an organization was beginning to form behind the scenes, an organization which united the colonies, their leader and intermediary in negotiating with Earth was Mars, the eldest and most powerful among them.

In 2104 there were more than 700 million colonists living on Mars. They had their own army of troopers on the planet and huge flotillas in space with defensive military installations (with the knowledge of the World Government, but definitely not with their cheering approval), and their own economy and research (this last was even superior to that of Earth). They found natural support in the other 150 million colonists scattered around the Solar System. Who knows how long this volatile situation would have lasted, but luckily the leaders of both parties were aware of the threat posed and they agreed to begin negotiations. The emerging will for finding a solution was real from both sides, and they soon appointed the Moon as host for their meeting. As the Moon's leaders accepted this role, they started to prepare for the conference.

12th July, 2104: En route to the Moon, the Martian diplomatic convoy was set upon by an unknown force. Counsellor Thidall's ship and all escorts were utterly destroyed. Assuming Terran forces were to blame, Mars demanded immediate investigation, identification and punishment of the attackers. They threatened that if the investigation was not accomplished within three weeks, the Organization of Colonists "would know what to do."

July 2104: There was no clue as to the identity of the attackers. Not a single radar station in the area noticed their arrival and departure, and the attack only took seconds. Mars claimed that the World Government was working behind the scenes to remove its most dangerous political counterparts. The official denial was not very convincing, and the indignation among the colonists was growing day by day due to the apparent incompetency and disinterest of the Government. Apparently a private act (but later approved), the Martian military stopped several trade ships from Earth and confiscated their goods. After this both parties claimed the right to approve similar actions in the future.

1st August 2104: As the deadline of the ultimatum expired, the Organization of Colonists declared themselves independent from Earth, canceling all treaties -willing only to continue adhering to them after new discussions. The Government drafted another ultimatum for the rebel forces against the welfare and unity of Humanity and demanded the restoration of the old status quo, giving the rebels two weeks for internal discussions.

15th August, 2104: After the expiration of the ultimatum, war was officially declared between the Organization of Colonists and the World Government. What no-one imagined would happen again, happened once again - humanity was divided and was killing their own kind. The numbers speak for Earth, but the colonists were technologically more advanced and are more prepared for a guerilla war - all the signs pointed to a long and balanced war with no predictable winner.

And this is where our story begins...