Spockology - GP Archive: Black Hole Sun

[Harry Krishna]

Alliance Buildup Has Begun

Political analysts are watching the buildup of alliances in the Spockology universe very closely. Some are making early predictions of how they will fare. Here is a summary of what pundits are saying.

Many see the return of Reincarnation as a sign of that alliance's continued strength, and they have certainly dominated past rounds, so the odds are favorable to see similar performance from these seasoned veterans. Others aren't so sure. This round sees a slightly altered roster for Reincarnation, as some members have found places in other alliances. Whether this affects their effectiveness is a matter of opinion. Most believe they will continue to dominate.

One of the longest running alliances, Crusaders, is making a strong start. Their core roster has remained relatively constant from round to round, but each game brings a few more experienced veteran players into their ranks. Past games have seen this alliance playing the underdog to Reincarnation (and to Death Control before that), but this may be the game where Crusaders make a more aggressive stand.

Adult Swim has made an agressive start. Leading the game in kills, this alliance is showing its hunting muscles, but most observers are unsure whether they have the teamwork muscle to OP with much impact.

Legitimate Businessmen show their staying power. Good traders with a few big hunters thrown into the mix. Many are watching to see whether they will be able to make a show of force.

Even though they were active and successfully built and defended a galaxy last round, many were disappointed that Nintendo Strikes Back didn't take on Reincarnation. Nintendo Power! might surprise people and go where their previous group didn't, but most are skeptical that this will happen.

Canff has returned and is leading the Shadow alliance. Knowing this vet's past, there is potential for some serious damage being dealt out. Analysts are wondering if the new Shadow lineup can pull together to make it happen.

The Lords of Melnibone are back. This alliance has some good veteran players on its roster and has been a good place for new players to cut their teeth. Most watchers see LoM still in a building mode, but their impact on the game is not to be underestimated.

Whitfield is definitely an up and coming alliance. This is their third round and if the last round was any indication, they are showing all signs of being able to make ripples in the SMR fabric in games to come.

According to the experts, these are the most prominent groups forming in the Spockology political landscape. As is typical with the weakened state of the Federation, alliances make their own rules and it is expected that there will be much lawlessness and violence in the days to come as these groups jockey for position, territory, and power.



Animal Rights Activists In Uproar!

The animal rights group known as HEATS (Homo Erectii Against Trout Slapping) has issued a galaxy wide ultimatum. If the trout slapping does not stop by noon tomorrow Galactic Standard Time then they will all boycott all trade routes. While this is not a very serious threat to other traders, it is getting the port owners' attention. We talked to one port owner for his view on this trade crisis. He chose to stay anonymous to protect his port from retalliation.

Galaxy Post: So what exactly do you think the impact of this boycott will be??

Port Owner: It will be horrible!

GP: Oh come now it won't be that bad will it? I mean HEATS has only 4 members.

PO: Yes, but I have just purchased 6000 units of Ik'Thorne chocolate. The members of HEATS are the only ones that buy it. And do you know why? Because it tastes like rotten fish.

GP: And why do you think it tastes like that?

PO: Well after you smack someone with a trout did you expect it to survive? Oh wait can you edit that last part out?

GP: No sir, I'm sorry I can't. What the recorder hears is what it types.

PO: *sound of laser being charged* Now I am serious. You will edit that last remark out.

GP: I....... *sounds of running followed by laser blasts*

Well as you can see that interview did not go as planned. But it never the less raises many questions. For instance, if HEATS is so against trout slapping why do they eat chocolate made from the resulting dead trout?
From the local intensive care unit this is Reraldo Hiviera signing off.



The Teachings of the Poop

Rumours have been spreading around the universe about a new religion and its teachings. Counting already a significant number of followers spread mainly in the Human and WQ human galaxies, they have been very secretive about their beliefs and intents... until now.

Our team met with a spokesperson of that cult and discovered a few things about them. This movement was indeed originated in the Human Galaxy, by one yet anonymous native. They count as believers a few thousand people, some of them placed in high government places and a few top trading alliances. They guarantee that their only purpose is to bring light to the life of those who still live it as a burden. They intend no such things as power or wealth.

The Galactic Post has agreed to publish (in future editions) some of the cult's teachings, mainly because one of the chief editors has already converted himself to this new doctrine. We hope also to get an interview with one of the cult's leaders very soon. Until then, take your time to read and ponder on the "Teachings of the Poop".



Paranoid Trader's Guide

When trading...Do not assume that it's safe.

The hunters are out and in full force. They are on all the popular trade routes. They don't play favorites. They will shoot at anything that moves and most things that don't move.

Always keep moving in open space. It's not wise to be what the Humans call a "Sitting Duck". More then 1 trader has had his/her/it's ship attacked while they were checking their star charts planning their next trip.

Keep a close eye on your fuel. It's better to have a little left over then to run out in open space.

Move quickly. Bank quickly. Trade quickly. And always have an escape route. Contrary to popular opinion, running in circles is not an escape route.

...and finally Happy Trading!!!