The Politics and Culture of Foreigners, part 3.
NOTE: This publication has been archived for history recording purposes, reflecting Sparta's relations and contacts as in the 2180s, prior to the beginning of the War of Gaian Aggression. Advice within this guide while still in large parts accurate should not be used as it is in certain parts outdated. Please download the latest up to date version of the guide from here.
University
The University of Planet is an academical state, devoted to the pursuit of knowledge, no matter the price. The structure of government and power resembles a military chain of command, only with ranks determined by academical achievement rather than leadership and combat prowess, making the University a true meritocracy, at least as far as ones skill as a scholar is concerned. Discussion is the basis of University society, which often leads to arguments or protests in the streets, Drone Riots are an as often sight in University bases as Impact Rifles on the Streets of Sparta Command.
For years the University has been an ally and trading partner of Sparta, wonderful technologies without which life in modern day Sparta would be unimaginable such as Plasma Steel, Optical Computing and Planetary Networks have their origins in University Labs. University bases are by far the ones in which a Spartan citizen can feel the safest, at least as long as you do not participate or witness any potentially dangerous experiment. While University culture, heavily-laden with technobabble and academical protocol may seem bizarre, behind it hide men and women of great hospitality, loyalty and respect for order.
Both Sparta and the University share a common vision of improving humanity. Where as other factions step backwards, either going back to the age of witch hunts and fanaticism (Believers), climbing trees and living like apes (Gaians), reckless corporatism and plutocracy of the XXIst century (Morganites), totalitarian hells of the XXth century (Hive) or the impotent intuitions that doomed Earth that was (Peacekeepers), Sparta and the University build a better tomorrow. United we will stand with our University brothers and sisters, today, in 20 years, in a century. We will stand united or we will perish, facing the threats of yesteryear from Earth that was, resurfacing once again under the guise of Hive, Peacekeeper, Believer or other "philosophy".
How to survive in University territory: become familiar with University protest Drone Riot customs and culture, do not agree to participate in any experiments even if you would merely be an "observer"
How to impress and make friends with a University Scholar: ask about the physics of Particle Impactors, mock the ignorance of the Believers, inquire into the substructure of the universe, praise the freedom of information within the University Datalinks.
What not to say or do near a University Scholar: touch his or her network node without permission, ask when was the last time he or she engaged in sexual activity or sports, debate "intelligent design", insultl Carl Sagan or Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Gaians
On the outside the Gaian is a hippie, an environmentalist battling for world peace, utterly harmless. But in reality the Gaians are hardly harmless. Engaged in various passive-aggressive actions directed at their neighbors, as well as suspected of acts of espionage, ecoterrorism and warfare utilizing mindworms, the Gaians most certainly have a hidden agenda. Some even go as far as to say that the Gaians are in reality surviving agents of the NWO, with Lady Deidre Skye being actually a rank Bishop member of the Illuminati. Records in the datalinks from Earth that was show that Deidre Skye was assigned the role of Xenobioligist aboard the Unity at the request of Kevin MacKay, grandmaster of the Glasgow Freemason lodge. Her great-great-great grandfather was also supposedly the member of the Thule Society, an organization from Nazi Germany interested in the occult itself. The Human Genome Project, as well as various rumors of eugenics happening within Gaian bases, further hint that such a link might not be simply superficial.
Gaian territory is enormous, covering the majority of Terra Monsunia including Monsoon Jungle itself. A mostly wild and untamed land, xenofungus fields cover much of it and mindworm attacks are likely. With all weapons apart from those in the hands of the mostly undisciplined rabble known as the gaian army being illegal, you cannot expect to bring your Impact Rifle with you on this journey making survival much more difficult. Luckily, should you get into a fight with a Gaian citizen himself, you should be able to knock him out with one punch easily, as even the military is a woefully under-trained and martially incompetent lot.
One should be careful not to attempt to kill "domesticated" mindworms in Gaian territory, wormloving is practically mandated by the Gaian state. Rather than risk a fight, retreat and contact the authorities who will dispatch a taming team. Gaian cuisine is a mix of granola, soy and xenofungus rich in estrogen, which further makes Gaian men and women physically weaker and passive, it is best to avoid their cooking altogether or to take special steps to purge the harmful hormone from your food.
How to survive in Gaian territory: never eat any meal you have not prepared yourself, drink only purified water, don't agree to walking barefoot in a xenofungal field not matter how much the natives insist, never agree to smoking xenofungus.
How to impress and make friends with a Gaian: praise his or hers treatment of native wildlife, ask him about xenofungus horticulture, debate the merits of Spartan recycling tank technology.
What not to say or do near a Gaian: tell him his red eyes or xenofungal growths on his skin look unhealthy, boast about your skill at hunting and cooking wild razorbeak, attempt to borrow fungicide from him.
IN OTHER NEWS:
After the University got nearly wiped out by the Gaians, it seems mindworms and other Gaian forces are once again lurking around in the fungal fields of Terra Sparta. Killed one enemy boil as it attacked one of my bases.