Let's Play Stellaris: Part 31 - A Change of Heart

"The galaxy is changing, so must we lest we be consigned to obscurity." - Oligarch Proculus Manilius at his inauguration speech.

Stardate: 28-5-2341

It had been over a century since the Cartel had entered the galactic stage with all the bull-headed belligerence one would expect from a militaristic profit focused crime syndicate. However it was now becoming clear that their blunt force approach was no longer a viable strategy going forward and that in order to survive a changing galaxy now filled with potentially hostile rivals the Cartel would need to alter it's approach.

Initial contact with the Alvothari Hegemony showed enough promise at the possibility of joining their federation, the Golden Alliance. After several weeks marred by translation errors and general mistrust of the Cartel's sudden change of heart it was agreed by all members of the Golden Alliance that the Cartel would be granted associate status marking the greatest change in the Cartel's foreign policy since they had entered space.

This however was only the first step, closed sessions of the board were common place during this period of time as two code-worded plans of action were put into effect, 'Olive Branch' and 'Double-Deal'. Of the two 'Olive Branch' was the most straight forward as the Cartel sought to integrate as well as ingratiate itself with the Golden Alliance by turning it's economic might to both it's own and it's new allies advantage. A massive sweeping economic plan was laid down from star-bases and trading ports to anti-piracy measures with the hope of becoming the very heart of the Golden Alliance's economy.

This wasn't however an act of altruism, it was hoped that if the Cartel became the economic centre of the alliance it would make it's member races far less likely to turn on them and if they did it would cripple their economy and therefore guarantee an easier military victory should they be betrayed. Which in part was the reason the plan code-named 'Double-Deal' was approved but not widely known by any but the highest ranking officials of the Cartel's leadership for fear a leak would jeopardise 'Olive Branch'.

'Double-Deal' would have been best described as the Cartel's contingency should their integration into the Golden Alliance fail. Their vast criminal network whilst by and large would be put to use against rivals of their new allies, unofficially they would operate clandestinely within Golden Alliance space, probing for weak points, preparing vast synchronised sabotage campaigns and generally doing their utmost to ensure should the Cartel be betrayed that they would have the last laugh.

The Unified Uriy Suns still posed a threat but their isolationist tendencies and the fact the Cartel now had allies made it much less likely they would risk attacking enabling the vast resources of the corporation to now be put to better use. However piracy soon became a problem, the sheer scope of 'Olive Branch' meant there were more transport ships laden with goods than there were available military ships to escort them which drew independent operators to Cartel space looking to plunder their wealth.

Pirates are drawn toward the increased trade traffic from the Cartels new economic focus.

It became clear that an independently commanded fleet of fast patrol ships was needed to patrol the growing trade-routes that moved through Cartel space and it was at this point that the second fleet was founded. Comprised primarily of Cunning-class corvettes their sole objective was to keep the space-lanes clear of pirates freeing up the first fleet from escort duties and enabling them to focus on more pressing engagements should they arise. The second fleet would be based more centrally within the Cartel's space, operating on a circular patrol route covering areas that had yet to be covered by a star-base.

The Cartel had never been more prosperous and even the lowliest of citizen's enjoyed luxuries beyond anything that had previously been thought possible. Their vast scientific output continued to grow further and further as research facilities were upgraded and scientific funding was further increased. It seemed as if the change of strategy was ushering in a golden age as the effects of 'Olive Branch' were felt by all. Whilst it may take decades for the Cartel to become trusted enough to become a full member of the Golden Alliance, they were definitely on the right track.

It was during this period that the Cartel began developing entirely new military doctrines for defensive warfare, with their expansionist plans put on hold it was deemed prudent to better defend what they already had. Whilst the Gladius-class defence platforms filled a theoretically multi-purpose role it was deemed too general to be effective prompting a redesign, making use of improvements to strike-craft technology and a mind-set toward being used for defending systems with only a small manned outpost it was refit to feature hangar bays and a pair of medium plasma throwers to help it combat opponents up to destroyer classes.

New designs were also proposed and added into the already vast fortification plans for Cartel space. The Lancea, featuring two large railguns was designed to help defend colonies and naval anchorages from larger capital class vessels. Whereas the Pilum class was designed to counter enemies who favoured swarm tactics and heavy concentrations of fighters, bristling with autocannons and flak batteries to clear the skies of smaller craft.

A new Oligarch is sworn into office whom was a strong support of the 'Olive Branch' initiative.

Whilst the previous Oligarch passed into retirement a new one was quickly voted in for his economic focus and balanced approach to the military values he shared, Proculus Manilius continuing the grand plans laid down by his predecessor as the Cartel settled in for the long haul. Earning the trust of their new allies was paramount but their deep seated distrust of the Cartel's criminal origins proved a sticking point that would make things difficult to accomplish in any diplomatic sense.

It was during this period that a murmur of discontent arose among all levels of Cartel society, many began to question whether their unscrupulous tendencies and criminal undertakings were worth maintaining. Branch offices seldom remained open for more than a year before law enforcement agencies cracked down on them, everywhere the foxes went they were hated on principle and it wasn't entirely unjustified.

Debate began even among the highest levels of leadership as to whether or not to entirely reform their government and cast off their criminal and corporate beginnings in favour of something more able to deal with the changing times and threats the Cartel faced. Would they change course in order to accommodate their long-term plans or continue as they had toward a goal of sole galactic dominance by any means?

The secrets of a stellar shrine cause a wave of spiritual interest to grip the Cartel's population.

It was during this period that science vessels moved to investigate speculated locations of shrines to gods from the Cartel's ancient past. As scientists deciphered ancient texts around stars the information was leaked from an over-enthusiastic intern sending a wave of spiritual embracement across the entire Cartel as it was revealed that (with some creative interpretation) that the Cartel ordained by the divine for great things.

Whilst the spiritual awakening proved a distraction, 'Olive Branch' continued to pay dividends as research deals were struck with the Alvothari Hegemony and also a rival corporation, the Mith-Fell Shipping Alliance who had more in common with the Cartel than either one initially thought. Even the few Uriy whom had become part of the Cartel at gun-point were beginning to integrate themselves lending credence to the previous Oligarch's theory that playing nice would perhaps yield better returns than their previously aggressive foreign policies.

However it became clear to Cartel leadership that some kind of change was on the horizon as more and more political factions began forming within their citizenry from imperialists to spiritualists and genuine concern began to arise of a potential civil war despite the current general contentment of the population. For the moment however all efforts were maintained and focused on to honing the Cartel into an economic power-house that would remain relevant in the galaxy for centuries if not millenia to come.

The Homolog Contiuum, historically seen as interfering by most in the Cartel since their first encounter continue to give what can only be seen as veiled threats for something they were clearly afraid of themselves. Demanding the Cartel refrains from war for a period of twenty years, though by most among Cartel leadership it was deemed to be another random request from a robotic empire long past relevance they none the less heeded it due to catastrophic projections from military analysts should war with them happen.

For the time being though, it felt as if the Cartel's golden age was set to continue despite the rumblings of political upheaval from within.

If you missed the last part you can find it here!