#vogl

           Many species conquered by the Kriken find themselves enslaved and/or exterminated in the name of Kriken superiority. Those who are ‘spared’ are rounded up large buildings whose atmospheric conditions are set to what their planet used to be. As a result, Kriken slaves tend to live their entire lives in indoor facilities, greatly malnourished. Rebellions are guaranteed failures, as Kriken overseers can easily turn off the machinery keeping the atmospheric conditions safe for the slaves, allowing the rest of the planet’s empty atmosphere to take over and kill those inside.

           This modification of environments is especially egregious in the face of the Kriken’s ability to perform in a wide variety of atmospheres and environments, an aptitude rivalled only by species such as humans. The justification for this, aside from efficiency for the Kriken at the expense of all others, is a general xenophobic attitude in the empire. Kriken culture teaches its species that they are the greatest in the galaxy, and all others must be purged and/or put in their place. It is an Us VS Them mentality.

           It is unknown as to what exactly caused such a xenophobic culture, although many can guess. Some point to the fact that Kriken limbs are generally too simplistic and thin to efficiently operate the technology of most other species. To make up for this, the Kriken have developed an exlusive form of technology designed to be handled by them through unknown forces (some suggest a form of bio-electromagnetism). Only Kriken can properly interact with the interface of their technology, which is designed to respond only to their biometrics.

           Likewise, to adapt to differing environments without having to rely on other ‘inferior’ species, the Kriken have resorted to a powerful solution; Their elusive Biomorph technology. The specifics of Biomorph technology are vague, and most believe it only works on Kriken in part due to being geared specifically for their unique anatomy.

           Biomorph technology is used to alter Kriken bodies, giving individuals the power to transform into an Alt mode designed for a particular purpose. Some Alt modes are for the mundane, such as carrying and transporting heavy cargo. Other Alt modes are for more extreme purposes such as aerial combat, defensive shielding, or even combination with fellow Kriken to form larger units. Upon being altered by the Biomorph technology, the Kriken individual can simply rearrange their anatomy accordingly into their designated Alt Form.

           Due to a rigid caste structure, certain Kriken are selected for certain Alt Forms based on occupation, and aren’t allowed to try out different ones. Not that this is possible, though- Once a Kriken has an Alt form, it is a permanent feature of themselves. Attempts to add in additional Alt forms have ended… questionably.

           Biomorph technology was originally devised as a way to deal with situations the Kriken species wasn’t as well-evolved for as others, without having to rely on said lesser species. As a result, special care is taken by Kriken scientists in ensuring that Alt Forms don’t deviate too much from the Kriken genome. Scientists who create radically-different Alt Forms, in the eyes of the Empire, create an entirely different, lesser organism, and thus proceed to suggest that a Kriken is improving itself for a task by transforming into this grotesque creature. Such an action is seen as blasphemous against notions of Kriken superiority, and quite a few Kriken scientists have been given a wide variety of punishments, from lowered rations to outright execution.

           Despite Alt Forms being given specific purposes, no Kriken is outright designed before birth. This is due to the Kriken attempt at integrity, as they believe there is a certain beauty to their species. To control the structure of every Kriken that is born would restrict the creativity of Kriken genes.

           This belief goes well with the Kriken method of reproduction- The Kriken Queens. Born one out of a few million, a Kriken Queen is a far larger and complex creature than the average Kriken. Queens spend their lives hooked up to machinery that helps them efficiently pump out Kriken infants. A randomizer gene/mutagen in their bodies ensures the genetic diversity of the species.

           There are a few hundred Kriken Queens in existence. Due to their roles as the creators of superior Kriken genes, Kriken society places its Queens in high regard. Kriken individuals often have their Queen of birth identified in official records, although unlike most societies, the Kriken place no familial attachment to their Queens and vice-versa, viewing them more impersonally- Sometimes as deities to worship, other times as nevertheless extremely admirable entities.  

           Regardless of the range in adulation amongst Kriken individuals, it is generally agreed that the Kriken Queen is the embodiment, the height, of the entire species, and each Queen is regarded as a Perfect organism. As a result, this means Kriken Queens are never to be subject to the Biomorph technology, as it would suggest that their current bodies aren’t already perfect for whatever task is required of them, and thus that the Queens themselves aren’t perfect. Such a notion is blasphemous, although not as readily-punishable by death, thankfully, as the Ing are about their own Emperor.

           A side-effect of this also means that Kriken Queens refuse any sort of alteration whatsoever. Thus, while Queens naturally have lifespans that far outpace an average Kriken, even with genetic enhancements increasing the life time of individuals, they will ultimately die of age and refuse to further their lives, again, in order to preserve the Kriken notion of their genes already being perfect.

           Although every Kriken Queen is more than happy to preserve their species pride over their already exaggerated lifespans, there is a dark rumor, a heretic fable, circulating in the whispers of Kriken society. Those caught discussing this tale are usually punished with lowered rations. This myth suggests a story of a Kriken Queen who, upon reaching the age of death, decided she feared her own demise more than she valued her own genetic pride. Thus, against Kriken code, she had genetic modifications extend her life span.

           As the inevitable punishment, this Kriken Queen was to be executed immediately for crimes against Kriken dignity, but she escaped into the void of space along with a faction of loyal Kriken. She and her group has never been seen or heard from since.

           Due to their naturally long lifespans, Kriken Queens rarely need to be replaced. Nevertheless, the process exists- One out of every few million Kriken have the capacity to become a Queen and are recognized as such by scanners. These sacred individuals are then removed from their less-worthy peers to be trained and prepped for the role of Queenhood.

Upon reaching a certain age, a potential Queen is eventually put together alongside a large number of other candidates in an arena. In this arena, the candidates will fight to the death, often with the assistance of exotic predators from other planets to encourage bloodshed. The last candidate standing is declared a Kriken Queen, and is put through the final process of metamorphosis. Kriken Queens are guaranteed a lifetime of wealth, power, and prestige.

The Kriken social structure, as an Empire, naturally falls under the dictatorship of their sole ruler, the Kriken Empress. A Kriken Empress is elected only when the current one dies of age- In this process, Kriken Queens have the statistics of their progeny observed, recorded, analyzed, and compared.

The Queen with the most number of progeny with the most number of kills, successes, and overall contributions and glory to the Empire is declared the new Kriken Empress, and rules the Empire until her inevitable ascension to the next life. She continues to produce offspring, and these offspring are often regarded better than others due to their connection to the Empress’ genes that are seen superior even among other Queens. Although Kriken military culture attempts to ensure some fairness, these progeny of the Empress are inevitably born with some advantage over their peers, as well as bias skewed in their favor.

Otherwise, Kriken authority is mostly merit-based. Kriken have short nurturing periods before they enter the work force as children. Kriken instructors, observing these new generations, keep record of the aptitudes of each individual. Upon reaching a certain age, Kriken are assigned Alt Forms to go along with their newly designated roles in society, all based off of previous performance and personality. Some, again, are designated to mundane tasks. Others are given the prestigious, if careful, occupation as genetic engineers of the Empire. Most however are given the role of soldiers, and are granted Alt Forms based on specific tasks.

Standard Kriken soldiers are given average Alt Forms, while some specialized warriors are given Alt Forms that grant flight, for example. Some, usually those observed to have selfless, martyr personalities, are given Alt Forms that function as literal shields and barriers for their allies. A Kriken soldier’s personality and aptitude is observed and their role in the military, be it defense, stealth, sniping, etc., is sealed with their Alt Form.

Particularly prestigious Kriken, usually those born of the Empress, are even granted roles as commanders and generals, and given powerful Alt Forms to reflect this. Ultimately, the role a Kriken earns is based mostly upon their childhood performance, as well as a specific trial most individuals go through.

           Upon reaching adulthood, Kriken individuals, if not already deemed mundane enough for regular work, are sent into exile as part of a coming-of-age ceremony. This ceremony is meant to determine a Kriken’s role in society by their own merit. At the beginning of the ceremony, a Kriken is raised into the air by a pile of their own friends and peers as a symbolic gesture, before being cast out into the void of space in their own Kriken Fighter.

           The individual’s task is, simply put, to prove themselves outside of the confines of the Empire. Many accomplish this by discovering worlds for the Empire to invade, and those who report back from exile with particularly resource-rich worlds are given higher ranks and status in the Empire. Once a planet is reported and verified by the Empire, the task of conquering it is usually assigned to more experienced commanders and their respective fleets.

           Other ambitious Kriken youths will attempt to prove themselves in their exile by seizing more dangerous and lucrative goals, with some trying to assassinate major figures who oppose the Kriken Empire, such as Galactic Federation generals and senators, or others obtaining powerful technology for the Kriken to analyze and ‘improve’ accordingly.

           This period of exile can be dangerous for a Kriken youth, and many have died attempting to prove their worth. It certainly doesn’t help that the Kriken have a deserved reputation as a feared and hated race, and many will act on this bias. Ultimately, the Kriken individual has to make a choice in their exile- Do they play it safe, find a generic planet for the Empire, and report their finding to the Empire and be rewarded the role of average soldier?

           Or will they stubbornly refuse to return until they have found something truly worthwhile, something that can distinguish themselves amongst the rest and cement their place in the upper levels of Kriken society? Will they risk their lives searching for these elusive prizes, in an All or Nothing gambit?

           This ritual of exile and self-determination is of incredibly importance to the Empire, and for many, it’s the only method of social mobility. Kriken can still ascend even after being designated a role by proving themselves on the battlefield, although they will be set at a natural disadvantage to peers who were declared commanders from the beginning, as their Alt Forms cannot be changed and reveal their original designation.

Needless to say, this rite of passage is an immense burden on Kriken youths. Many struggle to perform an achievement that lives up to the role they hope to assume, and thus there are many stories of washed-up Kriken who spend the rest of their lives roaming the galaxy, trying to find that one thing they need to prove themselves. Attempts at taking credit for other youths’ accomplishments, should they happen, will fail anyway- Upon returning, the Empire scans the Kriken youth’s memories to ensure they are telling the truth of their triumph.

           Kriken culture, ultimately, boasts a mantra of Victory or Death, and a focus on combat as a means of revealing and purifying an individual. In their spare time, Kriken will usually fight or compete with one another in games and challenges. Affronts to honor are decided with duels, although these thankfully do not end with the loser’s death, usually.

           Kriken culture is limited beyond military applications, as their combat-based pasttimes can attest to. Kriken subsist exclusively on a bland ration of nutritional goop and energy. For the most part, the individual’s life is to and for the Empire.

           Despite the Kriken’s blatant xenophobia and specism, however, their species does make one exception. This species is small and naturally subservient to the Kriken, acting almost as aphids do to ants. This unnamed species performs tasks seen as beneath even the lowliest of Kriken, and their unique biology helps produce sustenance for the Empire.

Due to their importance, symbiotic relationship, and ready subservience, the Kriken give this species a special place in their Empire. Many will readily refer to this species as ‘Honorary Kriken’, or ‘Noble Servants’. Friendship on behalf of a Kriken to this subservient species is not unheard of, and some will even form romantic relationships with them. These are fewer and tend to be more controversial, but are otherwise not particularly punished outside of social stigma.

The Kriken Empire’s foreign policy is an extremely hostile and aggressive one. They remain at odds with the Galactic Federation, technically not at war, although the occasional dispute and even outright battle occurs. The Kriken will usually compete with the Federation, and even organizations such as the Space Pirates, for worlds- Especially those with resources or sapient species.

Public opinion towards the Kriken is unsurprisingly low. Their xenophobia, rigid caste structure, and violence are already good enough reasons, but many also remember one particularly brutal incident in which a Galactic Federation Exploration Crew discovered another planet. The planet had a sapient species with moderate technological development, and were already in negotiations with the Crew, when a Kriken fleet arrived.

With no room for negotiation, the Kriken fleet immediately overpowered and massacred the Federation Marines, before proceeding to enslave the planet and its species. Salt was added to the injury when the Kriken claimed that they had discovered the planet first, and thus were the rightful owners of it (completely disregarding the indigenous inhabitants). At the time of the incident, many people called for outright war against the Kriken Empire for this atrocity, although it never happened due to fear of the destruction of such a conflict. Nevertheless, policy towards the Kriken is a subject of hot debate, with some politicians, such as Chairman Vogl, arguing for conflict, while others, such as Senator Kiitin, prefer a cautious, if unofficial, stalemate.

Despite their habit for subjugating other races, the Kriken Empire is at odds with the Space Pirates as well. The Kriken see themselves as too proud to ally with a collection of rejected, outcast species and criminals with no concept of sacred genetics, whilst the Space Pirates see the Kriken as far too xenophobic and rigid for their likings. Thus, the two groups thankfully do not cooperate.

The Kriken fleet consists mostly of small fighters, with their main battleships resembling giant crescent moons that are positioned vertically. The tips of these crescent-shaped battleships can pool energy into a giant orb that fires powerful lasers.

Another staple of the Kriken armada is the Super-Cannon (name pending), a super-sized battleship shaped like a massive cannon and designed to function as one as well. These Super-Cannons pack incredible fire-power, with their main laser being able to decimate entire battleships. Thankfully, these Super-Cannons are extremely costly for the Empire, and so only a few are made and stationed at the most strategic points.

Upon invading a planet, the Kriken Empire will announce themselves and give their victims the only option of total surrender. However, even compliance gives little assurance, as Kriken commanders will occasionally destroy a city or endangered biome anyway just to make a point. Then the species is, as aforementioned, rounded up and either slaughtered or enslaved. Usually the latter, and eventually the former.