Star Force: Nexus (SF57) Read Online Free Page A

approximately 30%
of all systems within their territory they are spread too wide for us to
selectively target. Likewise we cannot defend the systems within the Nexus
region that are not exclusively ours. We can fight the Li’vorkrachnika and win,
but they are striking numerous targets simultaneously, wherein the problem
arises .”
    “ You aren’t
monitoring your territory? ” Kerrie guessed.
    “ Not the lesser
systems, no. At least not at a sufficient rate to ward off invasion. The
Li’vorkrachnika are taking worlds and developing them before we even become
aware of their presence. They are like unwanted hazmats sprouting everywhere along the H’kar border region and expanding into others.
When we find them we destroy them, but there are too many systems to monitor
simultaneously .”
    Kerrie cringed at ‘ hazmats ,’
guessing that was the first translational glitch of many to come, then the
sandbox in front of her spat out tiny globules that resolved themselves into
star positions.
    “ This is a map
of their known invasion area, but for every star system denoted there are 150
others not shown due to stellar density. These are our systems,” the Gfatt
said as a scattering of the tiny bits of sand changed color and glowed red. “As you can see, we don’t hold as many
systems per volume of space as you do. We believe your alliance’s contained
perimeter is an advantage you possess. Do you concur? ”
    “ Actually, I’d
like you to tell me why the Nexus is so spread out? There have got to be
valuable worlds inside your territory worth colonizing. Why keep expanding
outward? ”
    “ We do not seek
to dominate the galaxy, merely keep it tranquil. The larger the region we
inhabit the more we can inhibit the growth of threats. Local conflicts will
always exist, and most of the races within our territory are not part of the
Nexus. They are insignificant and we ignore them unless they should advance to
the point of recognition, either as an ally, neutral, or enemy. ”
    “ You’ve spread
yourselves so wide you can’t focus on a single area? ”
    “ Our militaries
are spread out, dealing with hundreds of conflicts simultaneously. Normally a
threat on the level of the Li’vorkrachnika would have been eliminated early on,
but they appear to have no weak point. Within a region of space where we would
have 6 system strongholds they have 6,000 weak systems. We cannot target and
eradicate them all without devoting an enormous amount of resources to the
effort, of which their threat level doesn’t warrant. ”
    “ So you’re used
to having a high valued target to hit, and since the lizards are more
interested in spreading than consolidating you can’t cripple them with a few
key strikes? ”
    “ They are too
spread out to pinpoint target, and our intelligence reports indicate that they
are spreading out further towards the core. With the more systems they consume
the larger their resource base will become. If they grow large enough they
could threaten our border through sheer numbers, at which time we will pull
forces from other regions to deal with the threat, but for now we are seeking
alternative ways to combat the Li’vorkrachnika in a more economical fashion .”
    “ You know you
can kill as many as they send, you just don’t know how to defeat them? ”
    “ Short of a
massive campaign to wipe them from the face of the galaxy, no. They seem
destined to either dominate or be eradicated. Normally there is middle ground
to negotiate with, even if through force alone, but the Li’vorkrachnika have
shown a disinterest in survival. They will die by the billions if necessary to
achieve an objective .”
    “ So I’ve noticed .”
    “ I am told you
have considerable experience fighting this common enemy .”
    “ I do .”
    “ Any insights
you could provide would be greatly valued, as well as information concerning
the battles you’ve fought and won .”
    “ That I can
offer, but first I need to see more of