Ad Astra Per Aspera: Difference between revisions

* [[Alternate Universe]]: The Vacuity is the "ocean" surrounding bubbles that contain alternate worlds. {{spoiler|All three superpowers have the means to travel to alternate Earths through this dimension on a limited basis. Due to a 23rd century disaster which erased Pluto from existence and destroyed innumerable parallel dimensions, trueline forces can only visit limited "pocket universes" spanning a few dozen LY from Sol.}}

* [[Anachronism Stew]]: 28th century humanity is the most powerful species in the galaxy, with FTL {{spoiler|and interdimensional}} travel capability. Most computers, however, still use vacuum tubes due to extensive use of [[EMP]] weaponry. Software development is actually decades behind OTL, due to the lack of independent crowdsourcing. "Modern" operating systems are similar in nature to their [[Fallout]] equivalents.

* [[A Nazi By Any Other Name]]: The Coalition of Western Republics is the most obvious example, but others exist.

* [[Apocalypse How]]: Global nuclear bombardment is relatively common, and survivors are abandoned to their fate. {{spoiler|AMNDA, which expressively wants to [[Kill All Humans]], can destroy whole pocket universes.}}

** Pidanayana (the [[Names to Run Away From Really Fast|Pain Cycle]]) is a corrupted version of Buddhism that glorifies acceptance of suffering without resistance, which would allow the soul to reject earthly existence and attain "enlightenment". Brutal sadomasochism is the norm, and advocates submit to state oppression so that mankind may suffer and be enlightened.

* [[Crapsack World|Crapsack Universes]]: Pan-galactic dictatorships, incessant warfare, and the enslavement of parallel Earths? [[It Gets Worse]] - {{spoiler|an insane AI with godlike powers that seeks nothing less than [[Omnicidal Maniac|the destruction of all sentient life in all possible universes.]]}}

* [[Democracy Is Flawed]]: The author posits that democracy would be impossible to implement in an interstellar empire with trillions of subjects, as the democratic process' chaotic nature would prevent the state from [[No Delays for The Wicked|imposing effective governance.]] In the 28th century, democracies only rule over 0.7% of humanity.

* [[Deus Ex Machina]]: AMNDA - ''literally''.

* [[Puppeteer Parasite]]: The strigoi, who developed a parasitic relationship with the semi-sapient paraszt.

* [[Room 101]]: The Technocracy's Department 101 handles interrogation and torture of political dissidents.

* [[Rule of Three]]: A pattern noted by Coalition forces after various auszeit conquests - most Earths are usually tripolar, with three dominant cultures jostling for ideological and economic supremacy.

* [[Scary Amoral Religion]]: The Children of Oblivion, [[Nietzsche Wannabe|a nihilistic cult that seeks the destruction of all life in the universe.]]

* [[Screens Are Cameras]]: A Coalition party member alludes to this; he moves away from his television to speak with a friend, because "I don't want Columbia Prime to hear what I have to say".

** AMNDA is explicitly stated to be an almagation of [[Terminator|Skynet]] and [[Portal (Video Game)|GLaDOS]]. In her universe, "Skynet" is a popular search engine.

** The cerafi have [[Halo|plasma and crystalline ammunition, emphasizes personal honor, and promotions are based on kill counts.]]

** Vacuity Pocket FR13ND541P is populated by [[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (Animation)|sapient pastel-colored equines]]. Coalition forces entering the dimension was infected with "[[Incorruptible Pure Pureness|Amicability Syndrome]]", which can transform even the most bloodthirsty maniacs into happy, decent human beings. The invaders unwittingly spread the disease across the galaxy when they return to trueline, causing the three powers to make peace between themselves as well as with the xenos powers. With the end of incessant warfare and the advent of a pan-galactic multispecies democracy, [[Happy Ending|the sapient lifeforms of the Milky Way would finally explore the universe together in peace]].

 

* [[Slave Race]]: The insectoid kentaurs and kopfzweis ever since the invasion and conquest by the Hanseatic Imperium and the gusano, respectively.

* [[Space Marine]]: The Coalition Marine Corps, known for its focus on [[Awesome Personnel Carrier]] and [[Powered Armor]].