Ultima Universe: Races (Revised)

Ultima Universe

Races/ Classes

Humans:

One of the younger races in the galaxy, humans, widely known as the most unpredictable species of all. Both capable of great and terrible things. The average human is usually below average in physical build (compared to other races), and of marginal intelligence. But the main area humans exceed in, is there sheer will to adapt to any type of environment and innovate technology by any means. Since the Guardians (Yu’Plineks) intervened in Earth self destruction, Humans have adapted very quickly to the universal stage and advance technologies.

In just a few decades, humans went from the brink of extinction to a thriving force throughout the galaxy. Willing to push technology to its very limit, even at the cost of what most would consider moral boundaries.

There is a growing tension between humans and other alien races, mainly due to the fear that the human race will repeat its destructive nature, but now on the rest of the universe. Under the strict, yet diplomatic eye of the Guardians, the human race will continue to become a growing asset to the universe.

Classifications:

Human/Vampire:

A recently discovered Sub-Class of humans, Widely known as ‘Vampires’, have been in many myth and legends for centuries. Many speculate how they came to be, with very little physical data on there physiology, any working theories have been inconclusive. Whether through a biological deformity or something more, once thing is for certain, they live off the plasma of other species. One misconception about vampires is that they are immortal, which is not true. There lifecycle is just much longer than the average human lifespan, the older they get the slower there aging process becomes. Some in their circle beleive this to be both a gift and a curse. Yu’Plineks have known about Vampires for centuries and a shaky understanding has been put in place to ensure the survival of man.

Humans/Meta:

Yu’Plineks:

The Guardians, the Saviors, known by many names, the Yu’Plineks are one of the oldest and wisest races in the universe. Posed with the momentous task of maintaining order throughout the expansive galaxy, they are both respected and feared by all. They are mainly a peaceful, and very diplomatic race. Physically very similar in look to humans, aside to a few obvious differences (the average Yu’Plin ages 10x slower than the average human).

[there is a theory that humans were the result of experimentation on the Yu’Plen race, but such theories have been proven false, and ridiculous by nature]

Yu’Plineks are known for their extraordinary strength, as well as there advancements in science and technology. They were the prime aid to rebuilding the human civilization even to the dismay of many other races. Some would say they went against their most important doctrine, to not intervene on a races natural progression, even if that means there own demise. The main function of this rule is to keep the galaxy safe from races that are potentially too hostile and unpredictable for the universal stage.There reasoning to help the human race is unknown but one thing is certain, for Better or for worse there actions will have a great effect on the universe.

Askar:

Primal, Prideful and Brutal, the Askar are feared throughout the galaxy. Most of their race is scattered across the universe, mostly in small clans posing as marauders and pirates. Despite their primal nature they are very adept in technology and its applications. There strength and speed are above average, but its there reflexes that exceed far above any human standard.

The Guardians keep a watchful eye on the Askar race, making sure to keep tensions cool with the rest of the galaxies populous. Not all Askar share the races primal tendencies, but most who don’t follow the Askar code, are treated as outcast.

Quaras:

Scattered across the stars as merchants and traders, the Quaras are a relatively simple race. They are separated by two classes. providers and peasants. With strength stronger then humans, but of similar intelligence, Quaras are known as a lesser species that survive by simple means. Peasants often become marauders of derelict ships, and seek refuge where they can find in small clans.

Ivol:

Throughout the expanse of the galaxy there are still many mysteries, the Ivol being one of them. Little is known of this race omnipresent beings, their origins and age unspecified simply because the constraints of time do not affect them.

An omnipresent sentient race, the Ivol live mainly on the Yu’Plen home planet as servants to their many kingdoms. They are completely contempt in their duties. Their home plant went supernova long before any other race made contact with the peaceful species. Quite possibly the oldest known race in the universe, there is still much to learn about their history, biology, and social nature, even with such direct contact with the Yu.

Valcre:

An all but extinct race, the Valcre are still very much feared throughout the galaxy. A warrior race who is known for being noble, fierce, and a force unlike anything else in the galaxy. These giant creatures played a pivotal role in the Yu’Plenek army for many centuries for their raw power, excellent tactical intelligent, and loyalty. There are few conditions they can't survive on, but with such little of them to populate the galaxy, some wonder how they aren't overrun in the universe. With bodies tougher than most known metals, they aid the Yu’ in enforcing order and protecting the galaxy from there most feared species.

The An’on:

One of the most feared species in the known galaxy, The An’on have no recorded history, or at least none that has been revealed by any other findings. Still, many galactic myths surround this species, and some believe they may have never existed at all. As Yu' Plen legend tells, they onced faced such a terrible entity.

Also known as “the black”, in stories, they are described as a mindless, forever growing living black substance, that absorbs everything in its path, and grows until it takes over entire planets until there are no more useable resources, then moves on to the next planet. Whether its true or not, stories are told to the young as a precautionary tale of how dangerous the galaxy truly is.

Character Spotlight: Victory

Name: Yan' Randiel Íe
Earth Translation: Victory
Race: Yu' Plinek

Born a Yu' Plin prince, Victory now sits as an Ambassador between Earth and the Galactic High Council governing most of the know Universe. As a very public figure in the rights between human and alien relations, Victory secretly harbors a deep seeded hatred for the human race, and their thirst for destruction. Ambitious and cunning, a military tactician and once a great solider. Victory's ideals on how to deal with the human threat goes against the very nature of the seat he holds in the Consulate.

Additional information:

Yu’Plineks:

The Guardians, the Saviors, known by many names, the Yu’Pleneks are one of the oldest and wisest races in the universe. Posed with the momentous task of maintaining order throughout the expansive galaxy, they are both respected and feared by all. They are mainly a peaceful, and very diplomatic race. Physically very similar in look to humans, aside to a few obvious differences (the average Yu’Plen ages 10x slower than the average human).

[there is a theory that humans were the result of experimentation on the Yu’Plen race, but such theories have been proven false, and ridiculous by nature]

Yu’Pleneks are known for their extraordinary strength, as well as there advancements in science and technology. They were the prime aid to rebuilding the human civilization even to the dismay of many other races. Some would say they went against their most important doctrine, to not intervene on a races natural progression, even if that means there own demise. The main function of this rule is to keep the galaxy safe from races that are potentially too hostile and unpredictable for the universal stage. There reasoning to help the human race is unknown but one thing is certain, for Better or for worse there actions will have a great effect on the universe.

Ultima Universe: Prologue

The End of times

The Earth year 2035.

The human race is on the brink of self-destruction. Famine, Chaos, and the threat of total war has the world in uncertainty. Countries and governments are secretly controlled by corporations in a desperate and bloody power struggle. Soon the world rages into complete social collapse, riots in the streets all over the world, militaries declare complete martial law and civil freedoms all but disappear. A the restless few cry out for a once known peace they know will never be attained again. The end of human civilization is near.

In the desperation of the passing wars, world leaders from the north and the east scorch the earth with nuclear weaponry. Entire countries turn to ash, crops and usable land grow scarce,  and the human population dwindles, reaching close extinction.

A Nuclear winter is upon us.

On the brink of total annihilation, on the eve of Earth’s final day, the world watches in silence, resolved to its fate. The powers that be have spoken, and a bloody stalemate turns to an end all scenerio, drunk with their power for total dominance.

The sky fills with the smoke of rockets, and the embers that propell them.

Then,

a blinding light fills the Earth...

But not of death,

but hope.

The saviors

On the final day of Earth's time as once was, when they were willing to turn themselves into ash, their existence was spared.

This momentous event was when the human race was introduced to we, the  "Gardians of the Universe", the Yu'Plinek's.

Tasked with the sole purpose of watching other species progress, a small fleet of Yu'Plinek's made the choice to disobay their high council and do what hasn't been done in millennia, disturb an outer species natural progress, even if it results in their demise.

This single event united Earth as a people, and Ushered in a new age for humanity.

The new age of man

100AC (After Contact)

Under the watchful eye of the Yu'Plinek's, the advance race give humanity the technology and the means to florish once again, while slowly inducing them to the universal stage.

The other races hide an uneasy fear of the human race, for they lack the creativity and unweavering spirit that makes them  uniquely "human". That, and there tendency for destruction and chaos. The Yu'Plin race is doing all they can to cool then tensions of there momentous decision. One thing is certain: by their actions, the universal stage soon will be changed forever.

Book Preview: Chapter 2 preview early draft (WIP)

I think my hearts finally slowing down, trying to collect my thoughts. Its not like I don't got time, going up to 206th floor in an ancient elevator lift like this isn't exactly the fastest means of getting home. But i need time to think. What the hell did that askar want from me? He didn't want to kill me, otherwise I wouldn't of made it to the coffee shop in the 1st place. A better question I'm asking myself is, just what the hell does the UEA want with an old dog like me? Iv been out of the game a long time. I may just have some reliable contacts still in the service, ones who know just what the hell is going on, and how I'm involved. I might have to call in a favor from an old friend.

The elevators almost at the top, hopefully I can breath easy for a second, but then again I'm never quite that lucky.

When the doors open to my floor, I'm greeted with that old familiar smell of rusted walls, and pissy hallways... there's no place like home. Walking through the hall I get this sinking feeling. Its a little too quiet for me, I get to my door and examine around it to see any tampering, slowly putting my ear on the door, but hear nothing. Maybe its just my nerves.

Placing my thumb into the sensor to unlock it. I notice something I don't like, its still warm. A little saftey procaution I set a while back. The door opens, and I pull my gun out. "Lights", I whisper, and everything turns on like usual. I hear footsteps in my office, another Askar? No, sounds much smaller, human. I inch closer, gun ready, preparing for all types of shit to hit the fan.

"Mr. Emerson, Eric Emerson. Please lower your weapon. I mean you no harm".

Out comes this well dressed prick walking straight out of my office, drinking from my favorite coffee cup, the nerve of this guy. "We don't want to make a mess here do we", he says sarcastically.

I’m puzzled, this guys so calm, especially with a barrel of a gun in his face. I take a moment to size him up. Dark brown hair, designer shades, tailored grey old-world double breasted suit. His sharp clothes, and expensive glasses can't hide the fact that hes been around, a pro for sure, but he's unarmed. Smells like a government man to me, even though he bares little resemblance to the stiff upper lip jockeys in the Alliance, I might get some damn answers after all.

I take a few steps closer, and lock a bullet in the chamber.

"I'm only going to ask you this once, who are you, and what the hell are you doing in my office" I say with my gun trained right at the middle of his glasses. He smirks at me and continues to pace back into my office, I follow him closely.

He attempts to wipe off the dust from the seat of the chair across from my desk before sitting down, crosses his legs,  he gestures to my seat. "Well aren't you going to take a seat Mr. Emmerson", he warmly says to me, then takes another sip of my coffee from my favorite mug again.

This guys must be crazy, don't know what angle this guys playing but I'll entertain him, play it by ear, for now.

I holster my gun and take off my wet coat and throw it on the couch on the other side of the room, I feel like a wet dog shaking myself dry. I put the Askar's gun in my desk. He looks at it with familiarity and I can see a smile creep onto his face. "So you met Ta'Chul I see", he leans back in my seat, "hope he wasn't too rough on you, askar's do have an interesting way of delivering a message", I'm not amused. "Your dog I presume? No, not rough at all, I think he might need help finding his teeth down main street though", his smile quickly drops. "assaulting a federal agent is a very punishable offence Mr. Emmerson, but with your background I think you know that better then anybody".

I lean forward and reach both my hands out, "arrest me then, if you know my background you know I'll be out of your custody in hours".

A crooked smile traces his smug face, "your background and expertise is exactly what I need right now, Mr. Emmerson".

I knew it, a job, no matter how long or how far I pull away, the UEA always finds ways to pull you right back in. Frustrated, I instinctively cross my hands . You know Mr... whatever the hell your name is, you still haven't told me anything yet, and as you are trespassing and breaking and entering, it really would be in your best interest to tell me what you want from me".

He leans forward from my chair, staring at me for a moment, his half cocked smile slowly drops and he reaches in his pocket and pulls out a small data chip.

"My name is Sullivan",

"Sullivan your real name?" I dart back to him, he shrugs off my question quickly.

"My name isn't what's important, what is however, is what's on this chip. Most importantly how it pertains to you and your particular skill set".

My eyes dart to the disk and quickly back at him, I'm starting to get impatient. He sets the disk on the table and leans back.

"You have been out of the service for almost 16 years, but when you were in, you were by far the best tracker the United Earth Alliance ever had. Even in a world where technology advances every day, your methods of hard-gathering information are still being taught in some forms even today".

I can't help but crack a slight smile. "Your flattering me way too much, and giving me too much credit".

He sighs, "its a shame the years haven't been that kind to you".

I don't say a word.

He pulls back his sleeve to reveal a wrist monitor, it glows blue as he presses a few buttons on it, activating the data chip in front of me. In moments my office is filled with images, files, and details of some mysterious man. It takes me a moment for me to understand it all, it's a dossier. Everything glows with a transparent red hue, 'classified' spread across every page and image I see. I reach up to one of the pages and pull the image closer, I read the information under it.

UEA private document

Real name: Classified

Race: Human

Alias: D-Sniper

Eye color: Grey

Hair color: Grey

Height: 6"2'

Weight: 185lbs

Occupation: Classified

Military status: Classified

I stare through the transparent image and look at Sullivan, waiting for answers to what exactly I'm looking at, and why.

He reaches over and grabs the image, staring at it for a moment and gives another long sigh, "he is... Well was, one of our best soldiers, has been for many years. Leader of the fabled 'last chance unit' covert operations team. He was under my command for quite some time before that. An optimum man, a perfect soldier".

He looks up and sees the curious, perplexed look on my face, he's waiting for some type of response.

"So did he go missing or something" I ask.

"No, not missing. 7 years ago, after a botched mission, he disappeared without a trace, presumed KIA".

Now I'm starting get intrigued.

"What mission are you referring to"? He pauses for a moment, the look on his face tells that he's trying to figure out if its a good idea to tell me or not.

"A reconnaissance operation on a small off-world colony, a uranium refinery. We got word that Askar rebels were about to launch an attack on the refinery, so we dispatched the unit to look out for any signs of trouble, a routine operation. Unfortunately the information they received was misleading, rebels attacked in mass and we lost everything, including a lot of good men, it was a tragedy".

I remember that being a big story on the news, even though when the press ran it the story was a lot different. They said it was an accident and the refinery malfunctioned and there was a melt down.

"We lost contact with Sniper and the Last Chance Unit, when the recovery team arrived, we found the surviving members of the unit and and workers who escaped the blast from the refinery. Sniper was missing, believed to be dead by most... until recently".

I pauses for a moment, "I always thought he was alive, my superiors thought I was crazy, but me... I always knew".

"If you found him, or have an idea of his whereabouts, what do you want with me"?

Sullivan directs his eyes to a small image, glowing slightly blue, not classified, public image.

I grab it, too small to make out exactly what it is, I enlarge it. I see two men, in a random warehouse, not exactly sure what I'm looking at. I look to Sullivan for answers.

"This picture was taken by an undercover agent a month ago, the man on the left is a well known arms dealer who mainly operates inside the wash, Marcus Sanje, specializing in selling unsecured UEA weaponry for the lowest bitter, he supplies many extremists with weapons they usually would never be able to get their hands on. We have been watching this guy for months, but unable to apprehend him. What's alarming is the man on the right of him is a 84 percent match of D. Sniper. Needless to say if that is in fact Sniper, and he is back from the dead, we definitely need answers, and if has any real connection to a known terrorist, its imparative we find out D. Snipers whereabouts to question him.  I know with your particular skills, we can find him".

I lean back in my chair, silent. thinking to myself just how crazy I would have to be to take on a case like this. I've done plenty of tracking cases. Mostly rich snob daughters running away with there bad boy would-be boyfriends, but this, tracking down ex-special forces, brings me back to a much more dangerous territory in my field. Sullivan, looks at me, concerned about the look on my face. "I realize what I'm asking you is unusual", "unusual? try stupid, dangerous, life threatening, the list can go on and on". He, doesn't seem to know what to say at the moment. After a moment, of what seemed like too long of complete silence, Sullivan looks at his wrist moniter and appears to be reading something from it. "Eric, I know from your track record in the service, enticing you with monetary gain isn't going to make you take this case. My supiriors don't know about this intel yet. What I'm asking you to do is help me track down a fellow soldier, a war hero, who's done more for the UEA then I'm at liberty to discus. You being the best tracker on earth, You helping out in this particular investigation would be beneficial for all of us".

"You've made your point already, and if you have so much information about me already, then you already know I'm in".  A smile traces across his face once more, I'm not laughing.

He begins to get up, dusting himself off a bit.

"I'll send all necessary Intel to your telelink Mr. Emmerson, and you have access to all the files on the data chip on your desk". He raises his arm to shake my hand. I hesitate, but return the gesture. My grip is a little firmer then he expects, in his surprise he continues to smile. He takes a sip out of my cup one more time before walking away, I follow him out my office. He turns as my door opens next to him, to my surprise. The askar I had a run in witg earlier is standing right on the other side.

"I'll keep in touch Mr. Emmerson, anything you find out let me know... and please, don't disappoint". The smug bastard walks out while the brute, brused face and all starrig at me. My door close behind him.

There's a lot Sullivan isn't telling me. In time I'll find out, i always do. My eyes ares are starting to get a little tired. I'll go over files a bit and rest. Its going to be a long morning.

Book preveiw: 1st chapter (WIP)

Eagle City, what a spectacle. 

The pinnacle of human decadence and grandeur, and as dangerous as it is beautiful. You could find anything and everything in this city if you know where to look.... hell, sometimes when you're not looking for anything at all. Granted, rainy nights like this don't bring out the city's more subtle beauty.

Walking out the coffee shop and into these cold, crowded streets is never a highlight of mine, but its apart of the job.

I look back into the shop and give my waitress one last wave goodbye, she smiles back at me before taking another patrons order. I always over tip my waitress for all the right reasons, and its not just for her good looks and the large double shot latte I'll tell you that. “Misha”, what she goes by at least , and she gives me exactly what I need, information, on anything and anyone for the right price. I started a case on a "lost puppy" my client wants me to call it. By lost puppy I really mean a lost five hundred thousand credits to an investment firm that disappeared quietly into the night, a politicians money he was trying to triple through offworld bank accounts with guys in suits who work on the opposite sides of the judicial system. It's always funny to me, crooks getting crooked, no honor among thieves I suppose.

People come to a guy like me when they want to find things very under the radar, off the books. Whether to avoid bad publicity, scandal, and all things they would rather stay out the public eye, and willing to pay to keep it that way. Its not the most glorious of jobs, but what can I say, it's steady work, and I'm good at finding just about anything that doesn't want to be found.

I want to take a quick scan of the file she slipped me, but its never going work in rain like this, so I slip it in the inside of my right  jacket pocket, safe keeping. I feel like an idiot for leaving my halo at home, now that I'm getting soaked, I remember hearing the forecast as i walked out the door, “showers at 9:52pm”, I laugh and continued, “and not a second later”. I reach into my left pocket and find my link set and put it in my ear. "Link, please remind me to get my umbrella next time I walk out the door in weather this shitty", a requisite beep in my ear lets me know that my command was understood, back in my pocket it goes.

This rain always smells too sterile for me, not like the real stuff out on the core. Then again, outside this perfect little bubble were in, the only natural rainfall we get is a little more toxic in nature. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

As my overcoat continues to get drenched, I find myself regretting not picking up a lift ticket at the subway station next to the coffee shop. Just a trip down the subway, like I usually use to get around, and i'd be home in seconds, luxury at its most convenient. I need more exercise though, the good old fashioned way, on my own two feet, just like the doctor ordered. Patting on this little gut I'm growing reassures me i'm making the right choice in walking. On the high wet road I go then.

It’s not just the rain making me feel all cynical tonight. I'd probably feel a hell of a lot better if it weren't for the scaly, beady eyed, slouched over, 6’4” 250 pounds of pure ugly following me for all of 9 blocks.

Askar’s there called, giant lizards if you ask me, not exactly hard to spot in a crowd even as big as this one. Given by what he’s wearing, doesn't seem like hes from the wash begging for credits to feed his kin.

Government suit, well dressed, UEA heavy i presume. I think its time to pick up my pace. Funny, another one of those doctors orders.

Tumbling through the thickening crowd, I'm trying my best not to make it obvious that I'm onto the alien tailing me. Hell, I acted like i didn't notice him when he was watching me outside the coffee shop. Not the most tactful brute for sure, which means he was either stupid enough to get spotted, or smart enough to send me a very clear message. Either way, I'm not sticking around to find out what he has to tell me.

As my steps quicken and the crowd seemingly moves erratic, I don't look behind me, but I take a deep breath and close my eyes for a second to make out the heaved, hurried footsteps of his massive feet through the sound of rain and inaudible muttering in the crowd.  Getting closer to me by the second, the splashing rain under his boots getting louder with every step, my heart starts to beat a little faster. “Calm down Eric, you're ready for this type of dance”, I whisper to myself as my left hand slowly reaches in my soaked over coat, gripping the cool steel handle of my sidearm, my trusty old revolver, I got to be ready for anything. Its been awhile, i wonder if we still got the moves, this rust has to come off fast.

As I hear him getting closer my options weigh down on me.

First thing that comes to mind, can't shoot it out in a crowd like this, too reckless, too loud, and don't know if hes got any friends waiting to light me up like a Christmas Tree. Besides, I'm sure the UEA wouldn't want to deal with that kind of shit storm of even more bad publicity like that, not in times as shaky as these. Then again, i haven't particularly made a lot of friends in my service years. I'm not going to make it to the office before this guy gets to me, no way to outrun him either.

No more time for thinking, I can hear him breathing on top of me. I pull my gun out, i know he seen me cause I heard him ready his. It feels heavier than I remember.

In a snarling voice that can be described as nothing more than menacing, “Mr. Emmer---”, the butt of my gun crashes into his chin before he can even finish saying my name. Old guns sure have a weight to them. He reels back and stumbles, hes not down, but the blood coming from his mouth and a few knocked out fangs make me realize he felt it, and really pissed him off. Bad move, If he had any kind words for me, I'm sure that just about changed. I know he has my scent, so hiding is useless. Time to make a run for it, my office is only a few blocks away, but it would be stupid for me to go in the front door, possibly an ambush.

There’s a subway terminal not too far from here... scenic route.

I run down the nearby alley to make it to the subway station. Its congested enough to slow him down, unless...

“Out of the way!”

He starts tossing people around like stuffed animals.

Persistent bastard i'll give em that. I can see the back entrance to my building now, can't slow down. "Keep going Eric" I say to myself through the heavy breathing. I pull my gun out and wipe the sweat and rain from my face. If this is an ambush I want to make sure I got a party favor of my own. Damn, hes getting closer, faster than I thought. As I get closer to the lift, the doors aren't opening up nearly as fast as i'd like them to. 

My eyes scanning for any signs of unwelcome guest, Don't notice any, hope that's a good sign. My face almost slams into the steel door until I stop myself and turn around to see where big and ugly might be, until...

"Stop right there Emmerson!"

I get a gun pressed firmly into my cheek.

“Sorry about your jaw.... and teeth, I'm sure you have excellent coverage though”, he didn't seem amused. “You have no idea what I could do to you”, hearing his gun ready. He looks at me angry and puzzled at the same time to why I'm smiling. Then he looks down to see my revolver pointed straight up to his jaw. I smirk, “and I'm sure you know what old colt could do to you, stand down”.  I think without words, we came to an agreement, his gun slowly goes back into its holster. “Hold on a sec, i'll take that”, He flinches before I press my gun closer to his bloodied chin. I reach over and grab his piece, custom Repeater, nice add to my collection. “That's a good boy, now back off and lets get back to our regularly scheduled program. Whoever you're working for go tell him I'm not interested”. I back into the lift and thumb my office number in without taking an eye off the scaly bastard. The lift door starts to close and before it does, I see something I really don't like from the Askar,

a smile.