View source for The Golconda

:''This article is about the Interstellar Initiative. For more details about the Generation Ship, see [[Generation Ship#The Golconda|here]].''
[[File:The Golconda banner.png|right|thumb|300px]]
'''The Golconda''' is the fourth [[Interstellar Initiative]]. It began on November 8, 3305 and ran until December 16, 3305.<ref name="GolcondaII">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/the-golconda-overview-of-phases.528650/ Frontier Forums: The Golconda - Overview of Phases]</ref> The initiative began as an effort to provide aid to the inhabitants of [[Generation Ship#The Golconda|The Golconda]], an ancient [[Generation Ship]] discovered in the [[Upaniklis]] system near planet Upaniklis B 3. The vessel had remained isolated and self-sufficient for centuries, but was struck by the double misfortune of a viral outbreak and dwindling supplies, forcing the crew to issue a distress call and seek help from the galactic community. The colonists' call was answered and shipments of modern medicines succeeded in halting the outbreak, but the situation also attracted the attention of the [[Federation]] and the [[Empire]]. After engineering experts determined The Golconda could no longer support its population, both superpowers launched competing campaigns to build a new, permanent home for the colonists in Upaniklis, resulting in the construction of the [[Outpost]] [[Forester's Choice]] and the colonists accepting the Federation's offer of Federal partner status with full autonomy.

== Phases ==
*'''Phase One'''<ref name="GolcondaII" />
**November 8, 3305 - November 14, 3305
**Upaniklis Vision Incorporated sponsors a [[Community Goals|Community Goal]] to provide aid to the inhabitants of The Golconda. [[Basic Medicines]], [[Advanced Medicines]], [[Aluminium]], [[Ceramic Composites]], and [[Semiconductors]] are requested for delivery to Fozard Port, [[Upaniklis]].
**A second CG is also announced to reduce criminal activity in Upaniklis by collecting [[Bounty Voucher]]s.
**The CGs succeed, but the [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]] send [[Megaship]]s, The Lucent Embrace and Keller's Resolve, to Upaniklis to exploit the situation. Both superpowers announce competing proposals for The Golconda's colonists: the Empire wants to build a [[Surface Port]] for the colonists and make them a full member colony, while the Federation wants to build an [[Outpost]] that would allow The Golconda to remain well-supplied and preserve its unique culture.

*'''Phase Two'''<ref name="GolcondaII" />
**November 18, 3305 - November 26, 3305
**Engineering experts confirm that The Golconda can no longer adequately support its growing population. Captain [[Jonathon Forester]] and the The Golconda's crew reluctantly decide to abandon the vessel, but insist that the colonists remain together in one place.
**The Empire and the Federation launch competing CGs requesting deliveries of [[Polymers]], [[CMM Composite]]s, [[Titanium]], [[Beryllium]], and [[Thallium]] to their respective Megaships, Keller's Resolve for the Federation and The Lucent Embrace for the Empire, in Upaniklis. The performance of the CGs will determine which superpower's proposal for The Golconda moves forward.
**The Federation's CG prevails ahead of schedule and the Empire concedes defeat. Construction begins on the new Outpost, which will be named Forester's Choice after The Golconda's captain.

*'''Phase Three'''<ref name="GolcondaII" />
**December 5, 3305 - December 16, 3305
**[[Forester's Choice]] and an accompanying Agricultural [[Installation]] are completed and begin operations. A new [[List of Rare Commodities|Rare Commodity]], [[Apa Vietii]], is also introduced there. The Golconda is moved to a new site just 30 kilometers away from Forester's Choice.
**To celebrate their victory, the Federation offers a 30% [[Discounts|discount]] on the [[Federal Dropship]], [[Federal Assault Ship]], and [[Federal Corvette]], plus double reputation rewards for [[Federal Navy]] rank until December 16, 3305.

== GalNet Reports ==
{{Scrollbox-begin}}
01 NOV 3307
*The [[The Scriveners Clan Dredger|Scriveners Clan's]] legal ownership of their [[dredger]] has been supported by the civil rights organisation [[Advocacy]]. The ancient Dredger-class [[Bulk Cruiser|bulk cruiser]], currently located in the Oochost PC-C c29-0 system, is inhabited by a [[Dredger Clans|nomadic tribe]] descended from the vessel's original crew. [[Orion University]] claims that the cruiser is its commercial property, but has failed to make contact with its occupants. [[Rhiannon Grady]], director of Advocacy, explained: "For centuries, there has been widespread legislation to protect remote communities from cultural contamination. These laws apply to micro-societies, such as those found aboard [[Generation Ship|generation ships]], that evolved in isolation. Therefore, Orion University should not presume to deprive over ten thousand people of the only home they have ever known. Unlike cases such as the Golconda, which requested emergency assistance, in this case we are legally and morally obliged to respect the status quo." Professor [[Elizabeth Perez]], head of anthropology at Orion University, responded: "I was involved with the Golconda aid efforts, and fully appreciate the delicacy of this situation. But the dredger's age and condition makes it a hazardous environment for its people. Evacuation should be considered for their own safety, with appropriate measures to minimise cultural disruption." The university's [[megaship]], Scientia Aeterna, has halted attempts to gain access to the Scriveners Clan dredger. However, it has not withdrawn its remote override of the vessel's [[hyperdrive]].<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/617fe5bf77a37f0b6b6f5b61 GalNet: Advocacy Defends Dredger Clan]</ref>
02 APR 3307
*[[Erik Gunnarson]] and [[Francesca Wolfe]] investigate the abandoned relics of spacefaring communities from the early years of colonisation.<br/>Wolfe: "[[Generation Ship|Generation ships]] are essentially mobile cities designed to carry expanding populations, and are always an impressive sight. But there's one I keep returning to – the Thetis, orbiting Nefertem 6 a. Listening to its logs always chills my blood. They describe how a whispered phrase from an uninhabited planet somehow caused over 17,000 people to slaughter each other. Nobody knows if it was mass hysteria, psychological stress from decades in space, or… something else. So many visits to the Thetis, and I still can't work up the nerve to play its final log entry. I've been warned that I won't be the same afterwards."<br/>Gunnarson: "Before [[hyperdrive]]s, generation ships were a viable way to colonise distant star systems. Millions of people lived out their whole lives within self-contained societies, so their descendants might walk upon new worlds. The tragedy is that many of these pioneering [[megaship]]s vanished entirely, never reaching their destinations. But some were rediscovered, usually because of [[listening post]]s intercepting their ancient broadcasts. There are various reasons why these expeditions failed. The Lazarus, now orbiting Virudnir 6, suffered mechanical breakdowns whereas the Pleione, in the Hez Ur system, had a population that only produced male babies. Most disturbing are those where the crew descended into barbarism, like the Artemis at Mu Cassiopeia C 1 and the Demeter in the Mizuchi system. Along with Wolfe's favourite – if that's the right word – these stand as horrific monuments to our darker natures. Lost generation ships rarely carry survivors, but that was the case with the Golconda, whose people now occupy an outpost on [[Upaniklis]] B 3. So perhaps more living relics are still adrift in the void, waiting to complete centuries-long missions."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/6065e49f844a26672406007c GalNet: Galactic Mysteries: Generation Ships]</ref>
05 DEC 3305
*The crew of the [[generation ship]] Golconda have migrated to their new home - the outpost [[Forester's Choice]] in the [[Upaniklis]] system. Following a successful bid to assist the Golconda crew with their relocation, the [[Federation]] arranged for transportation from the ancient vessel to the outpost now in orbit around Upaniklis B 3. Communication with the generation ship in the days prior to departure revealed a certain amount of trepidation among their people. But with centuries of space travel having exhausted the Golconda's ability to adequately sustain the colonists, the majority supported the decision to relocate. The Golconda's command staff also confirmed that they would continue distillation of the beverage [[Apa Vietii]]. This unique spirit will be on sale to traders from Forester's Choice. Professor [[Elizabeth Perez]], head of anthropology at [[Orion Independent University]], was on hand to observe the mass resettlement: "Many of the colonists openly wept as they stepped aboard the transport vessels, speaking words of thanks and sorrow to the Golconda itself. On several occasions, the emigrants broke spontaneously into song, with hundreds locked arm-in-arm. During the flight I overheard a group of youths chatting excitedly about the technology that would be available to them, perhaps ignorant of the significance of their journey. But most striking was the people's collective determination to maintain their unique culture, and to remain together as they enter this new chapter. It remains to be seen whether this society will retain its isolationist outlook or willingly integrate with the galaxy. We can only hope that these remarkable travellers from the past will be left alone long enough to explore 34th-century humanity at their own pace." To celebrate this historic event, the Federation has announced that a purchase discount will be applied to Federal ships between the 5th and 16th of December 3305.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5de7f2c722cfdf057a10d751 GalNet: Golconda's Inhabitants Migrate to Forester's Choice]</ref>
24 NOV 3305
*The [[Federation]] has won the bid to provide [[Generation Ship#The Golconda|the Golconda's]] population with a permanent home, beating a rival effort by the [[Empire]]. Both campaigns received support from the galactic community, but the initiative to create a new orbital [[outpost]] for the generation ship's inhabitants ultimately proved more popular than the construction of a [[Surface Port|planetary port]]. An official message from the Golconda confirmed that the colonists were impressed by the superpower's success, and have agreed to migrate to the outpost once it has been completed. The outpost will be named [[Forester's Choice]] to honour the captain of the Golconda, [[Jonathon Forester]]. The Golconda crew have also accepted the status of a Federal partner while retaining their autonomy. [[Congressman]] [[Harlan Turk]] made this statement: "We are proud to offer a fresh start to a society descended from the Federation's forebears. Their unique culture will continue to thrive among the stars at an outpost that enjoys Federal protection." [[Senator|Imperial Senator]] [[Ava Cornelius]] sent a message of goodwill to Captain Forester and his crew. She admitted disappointment at the Golconda's decision but wished the colonists peace and prosperity for the future. Supporters of the Imperial and Federal campaigns can now collect outstanding rewards from their respective [[megaship]]s in the [[Upaniklis]] system.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dd8203cfd09ce4d531860d2 GalNet: Federation Delivers Golconda’s New Home]</ref>
22 NOV 3305
*The inhabitants of the [[generation ship]] Golconda have offered a token of gratitude to authorities in the [[Upaniklis]] system for their recent help. The gift was a case of an alcoholic spirit labelled [[Apa Vietii]], distilled only aboard the Golconda for many centuries. An accompanying note explained that the production technique has remained largely unchanged since the 22nd century. Analysis of the beverage confirmed it was safe for consumption, although nothing is known of the raw ingredients or distillation process. As yet very few people have sampled Apa Vietii, but the celebrated gourmet and critic Giles Cappelleo was invited to appraise the spirit: "Well, what a delight this is – to experience a previously unheard-of libation! Apa Vietii is refreshing on the palate with a smooth, crisp flavour, but delivers a vigorous thump to the senses once swallowed. If it ever becomes widely available, connoisseurs everywhere would surely adore it. The Golconda crew is sitting atop a potential goldmine!" Professor [[Elizabeth Perez]] of the [[Orion Independent University]] provided an anthropologist's take: "This is a significant gesture from a society that has been highly reluctant to interact with outsiders. Although their isolationist stance remains prevalent, offering Apa Vietii could be interpreted as the start of a cultural exchange programme prior to rejoining civilisation."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dd7bb5b632a961c00177cb4 GalNet: A Gift from the Golconda]</ref>
18 NOV 3305
*The [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]] have announced rival initiatives to provide a new home for the crew of the [[generation ship]] Golconda. During the aid appeal by Upaniklis Vision Incorporated, engineering experts confirmed that the ancient vessel can no longer meet the colony's needs. While the Golconda was designed for long-term habitation, it lacks adequate facilities for the current population levels. After lengthy discussion, the Golconda's leaders have reluctantly decided to abandon the vessel. But the ship's captain, [[Jonathon Forester]], has insisted that its population remain together in one location. The Empire has vowed to help the colonists complete the ship's original mission by establishing a [[Surface Port|planetside home]]. [[Senator]] [[Ava Cornelius]] summarised the campaign: "After generations in an artificial environment, we want to reward these travellers with a world to call their own, fulfilling their destiny after a millennium of adventure. Contemporary agricultural techniques will enable them to become a self-sustaining colony with full Imperial support." The Federation has taken a different approach, offering to create an [[outpost]] where the Golconda's spacefaring traditions can continue. This was outlined by [[Congressman]] [[Harlan Turk]]: "These people have the inalienable right to continue their current way of life. A modern outpost will offer vastly superior amenities while allowing their culture to remain intact, with facilities for new trade relationships within Federal market guidelines." Both superpowers have asked the galactic community to support their campaigns. Pilots can deliver polymers, CMM composites, titanium, beryllium and thallium to either of the [[megaship]]s in the [[Upaniklis]] system: The Lucent Embrace for the Empire or Keller's Resolve for the Federation. The initiative is scheduled to run from the 18th to the 26th of November 3305. If the final targets are met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dd2c015e22baf768a15bbb3 GalNet: Superpowers Compete over Golconda's Future]</ref>
15 NOV 3305
*The discovery of an inhabited generation ship has attracted attention from both the [[Empire]] and the [[Federation]]. A recent trade appeal in the [[Upaniklis]] system provided the Golconda with emergency aid. Each of the superpowers has since deployed a [[megaship]] to the area, along with proposals for integrating the Golconda's crew into the galactic community. [[Senator|Imperial senator]] [[Ava Cornelius]] released this statement: "This remarkable thousand-year mission exemplifies humanity's indomitable spirit. We stand ready to help these colonists complete that mission by constructing a new [[Surface Port|planetary settlement]] exclusively for their use. There, they will finally be able to enjoy solid ground and open skies, in a colony that thrives under Imperial protection." [[Congressman|Federal Congressman]] [[Harlan Turk]] outlined an alternative approach: "As the descendants of a [[generation ship]] launched from Sol, we view these courageous travellers as honorary Federal citizens. We therefore hold that they are entitled to remain a spacefaring commune as their ancestors wished, and intend to honour their traditional way of life with an [[Outpost|orbital outpost]] to call their own." There has been minimal communication with the Golconda, and only a select few representatives of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated have interacted with the colonists. Assuming that the freshly donated supplies can fortify this micro-civilisation, vital decisions will need to be made regarding the Golconda's future.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dcd3397d56201391d473b2b GalNet: Golconda Attracts Superpower Interest]</ref>
14 NOV 3305
*The initiative in the [[Upaniklis]] system to provide the [[generation ship]] Golconda with essential supplies has concluded successfully. A statement was provided by Itsuko Harada of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated: "Sincere thanks to all traders who delivered medicines and emergency supplies, and also to the brave pilots who protected these shipments against pirate raids. Transfer of the goods to the Golconda has concluded, and I understand they were accepted gratefully." The medical supplies were accompanied by representatives of the [[Interstellar Health Organisation]], who advised the colonists on their use. Team leader Dr Ivan Johansen commented: "Our antiviral agents are far more advanced than those on the Golconda, and early indications suggest patients are responding well to treatment. Hopefully we have halted the outbreak of what the colony calls 'the wasting kiss'." Reports from Upaniklis government insiders indicate that communication with the Golconda has become more frequent, particularly in regards to technological advancements. Local media coverage has fuelled public speculation that the colonists should abandon their ancient vessel and establish a new home in the system. Pilots who took part in the campaign can now obtain their rewards from Fozard Port in the Upaniklis system.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dcd3226e0872106b667654f GalNet: Golconda Receives Vital Aid]</ref>
11 NOV 3305
*The culture of the [[generation ship]] Golconda has been examined by Professor [[Elizabeth Perez]], head of anthropology at [[Orion Independent University]]. "Little is known about the Golconda's origins. There are no intact records of its launch, and the lack of archived blueprints suggests a privately funded colonisation attempt. But there's no doubt this microcosm of 22nd Century society will have diverged over the past thousand years. The inhabitants' language is entirely comprehensible, however, and their social structure is recognisable. Rigid security measures are in evidence, as one would expect from an isolationist culture. We also know there is a custodian tasked with ensuring the community's wellbeing, and a chaplain who provides spiritual guidance. All signs point to contentment with – maybe even an addiction to – their spacefaring existence." While audio messages recorded by the Golconda crew are available to the galactic community, only a select handful of individuals representing Upaniklis Vision Incorporated have been permitted to dock with the Golconda. Professor Perez travelled to [[Upaniklis]] to speak with them as part of her study. "Interviews with those who delivered supplies were fascinating. As one pilot put it: 'The loading procedures were done at top speed, hardly any comms chatter at all. Nobody on the Golconda entered the cargo bays before we left. I got the impression they were scared stiff of us.' History shows that isolated cultures can be irrevocably damaged by contact with outsiders. We must ensure that efforts to support the Golconda community do not destroy this unique bubble-colony."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc971359671a109c921ea2d GalNet: The Golconda Generation]</ref>
08 NOV 3305
*A generation ship with a living population has been discovered in the [[Upaniklis]] system. The ship's distress signal was initially picked up by a [[listening post]]. Investigating pilots were surprised to find that the ancient vessel - identified as [[Generation Ship#The Golconda|the Golconda]] - had drifted into the uninhabited region around Upaniklis B. Generation ships are huge, self-sufficient craft from the pre-[[hyperdrive]] era, designed to deliver their original crews' descendants to uninhabited systems. Launched in the 22nd century, the Golconda has survived for more than a millennium as the home of a self-reliant society. But it is believed the vessel's outdated facilities are struggling to meet the needs of its crew. The inhabitants have reported a lack of maintenance materials and medical supplies, the latter made more pertinent by a virus sweeping through the ship. Itsuko Harada of Upaniklis Vision Incorporated gave the following statement: "These visitors have crossed incredible distances, entirely disconnected from the rest of humanity until now. Sheer desperation has forced these proud people to call for help – a disease referred to as 'the wasting kiss' is running rampant, and in a closed environment its effects may prove catastrophic. Understandably, the Golconda's people are reluctant to leave their home or interact with the rest of the galaxy, at least at present. They have gratefully accepted our offer of medical supplies and other materials, however." Traders are asked to deliver basic medicines, advanced medicines, aluminium, ceramic composites and semiconductors to Fozard Port in the Upaniklis system. Upaniklis Vision Incorporated is also offering bounty vouchers on wanted ships to deter pirate activity in the area. The initiative is scheduled to run from the 8th to the 14th of November 3305. If the final targets are met earlier than planned, the campaign will end immediately.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc583285c6f2e59a851f5d0 GalNet: Inhabited Generation Ship Discovered]</ref>
05 NOV 3305
*Pilots in the area are advised that the [[listening post]] around [[Upaniklis]] A 5 has picked up a scrambled distress signal. Telemetry suggests the broadcast originated from interstellar space.<br/>The message was sent via a modified transmitter comprised of obsolete technology. The signal has ceased, but the listening post has decoded what it can.<br/>Anyone willing to fly out there and investigate can go ahead and scan the listening post.<br/>- Poe Lanred,<br/>Upaniklis Vision Incorporated<ref>"Distress Signal Received", Local GalNet report in Upaniklis, November 5, 3305</ref>
05 NOV 3305
*The CEO of [[Rockforth Corporation]] has expressed regret at her company's role in the distribution of [[The Scourge|blight pathogen]], which ravaged crops in hundreds of systems. In a statement to the media, [[Sylvia Rockforth]] insisted that the lack of proper oversight in the manufacture of [[Rockforth Fertiliser|EX7 fertiliser]] was an 'anomaly', inconsistent with the company's 'traditional commitment to quality'. "I offer my sincere apologies to everyone affected by the blight," said Rockforth. "The premature release of an ultimately damaging product is unacceptable. My company now has a great deal of work ahead to regain the trust of our customers and partners. The foundation of a restitution fund, using profits made from EX7, is the first step towards doing so. A review of decisions preceding the release of EX7 has resulted in the termination of several Rockforth employee contracts. This includes former marketing director [[Rex Whitlock]]. Rex's desire for career progression overcame his common sense, and his dismissal of regulatory practices placed billions of good people in danger." In other news, Dr [[Genevieve Kane]] of the [[Interstellar Association for Agriculture]] has confirmed that thousands of markets across the galaxy will now stock its specialised [[Agronomic Treatment|agronomic treatment]]. "We have established the widespread manufacture and distribution of the treatment, ensuring availability in the event of a blight outbreak," said Dr Kane. "Additionally, data provided by IAA vessels indicates that we can accurately determine which areas of the galaxy are in need of agronomic treatment. One anomaly involved an [[Generation Ship#The Golconda|unexpected call for supplies]] from the [[Upaniklis]] system, which will need to be investigated. But otherwise we are satisfied with our detection methods."<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5dc19748debc8239fe2e7be4 GalNet: Rockforth Corporation Releases Apology]</ref>
{{Div-end}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:The Golconda.png|The Golconda
File:Keller's Resolve.png|Federal megaship Keller's Resolve orbiting Upaniklis A 2 b
File:The Lucent Embrace.png|Imperial megaship The Lucent Embrace orbiting Upaniklis A 2 d
File:Forester's Choice.png|Forester's Choice
File:Forester's Choice and Agricultural Installation.png|Forester's Choice and its Agricultural Installation
File:Golconda Initiative Decal.png|Golconda Initiative Decal
</gallery>

== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Events]]