Reunion

New Earth Governmental Information
Department

Internal Memorandum

To: The President of the New Earth Colony
From: The Colony Central Computer
Date: 7/15/2927
Subject: Congratulations on your new appointment!

Constitutional law dictates that I am required to supply you
with the information contained in this book. As a respected
states person you should (of course) be aware of most of the
facts presented. In the event that your memory is a little rusty,
this book will provide a sufficient refresher and/or point of
reference.

Another feature of the compendium is a comprehensive guide to
my higher functions, which are restricted from normal users. It
is recommended that you familiarize yourself with these
functions before you officially take office in one months time.

I wish you every success with the Reunion initiative.

Yours most faithfully,

The Colony Central Computer System


Foundation of the New Earth Colony
Chronology of Important Events

Late 20th Century - Old Earth:
The Collapse of Earth's Biosphere begins.
Uncoordinated measures to slow down the collapse are
implemented with negligible success.

2048:
Earth's Biosphere is highly damaged. Some areas of its
surface are subject to dangerous levels of radiation. United
Nations members agree to devote all resources into saving the
planet. As a result, the populous is angered by the loss of self
determination. There are major acts of civil unrest in member
countries.

2057:
Renegade ministers, backed by several influential
corporations, try to seize power in a coup. Several Ministers
are imprisoned. The corporations are dissolved and all their
facilities are commandeered by the UN.

Late 21st Century:
Most Earth nations are now actively involved in the UN.
initiative.

2109:
Helped by the release of an artificially produced "ozone
replacement" the holes in the ozone layer begin to get smaller.

2109 - 2502:
The Earth enjoys a period of prosperity and peace. All
weapons are abolished, humanitarian and ecological problems
are gradually eliminated. Any nation showing aggressive
tendencies is dealt with swiftly by UN. Military forces.
Eventually the Earth is a conflict free zone. In this
enlightened atmosphere of unity scientific progress accelerates.

2563:
Over 50 years of dedicated research comes to fruition
when the UN. nuclear research laboratories successfully
combine elements of Einstein's Unified Field Theory with anti-
matter physics, creating a new form of spacecraft propulsion.
The new form of power can literally "warp" the fabric of
space and therefore bring points within it closer together. This
makes travel between Solar Systems in a relatively short time
period a distinct reality.

2568:
After a six month voyage, the probe "Hermes" reaches
the star Proxima Centauri, becoming the first man made object
to reach another star system. The relative speed obtained is
nearly eight times the speed of light.
2575:
Two fully equipped research ships leave Earth. Their
brief is to find other Earth type planets suitable for colonization.
Each ship is sent to a different initial destination and carries a
crew of 1500 people.

2589:
After 14 years of exploration a mayday call reached
Earth from "Explorer 1". The last recorded transmission
received was as follows: "Something approaching at incredible
speed...It's huge, spherical, glowing...My God, it..."

There is still no farther understanding of this message
and the crew of Explorer 1 are listed as "Missing, presumed
dead"

2609:
Explorer 2 completed her mission successfully, returning
to Earth after locating several habitable planets in a distant but
reachable section of the galaxy.

2615:
Explorer 2 is refitted in space dock and made ready to
travel back to the new planets.

2616:
A strange uprising begins on Earth. People are
becoming hostile and overthrowing the establishment. A
bloody conflict ensues in which the growing number of rebels
are victorious. The last order of the old regime was the
emergency departure clearance for Explorer 2.

Explorer 2 leaves the Sol system behind and heads for
the new planets. The new launch window causes the ship to
pass through an uncharted asteroid field on its voyage. There is
damage to the warp field generators.

2621:
Explorer 2 arrives at the new solar system. The stress
of deceleration causes the warp generators to explode. The
crew escape using safety pods. Most do not make it to the
New Earth.

New Earth Colony is formed and the struggle for
survival begins.

Present Day Situation. Star Date 2927:

New Earth is now a thriving community, self sufficient,
stable, and free from conflict and disease. The Colony's day to
day survival is no longer an issue for concern, and our eyes are
once again turning outward to the stars. Many unanswered
questions exist concerning the galaxy: Is there life on other
worlds? Can we colonize other planets in our star system?
What is the current state of affairs on the Old Earth? What has
happened since we left there, or more importantly perhaps,
what prompted the bizarre uprising which forced us to depart?

It has been decided that the prime directive of the new
administration will be to accomplish a reunion between the Old
Earth and the New. We have bided our time and consolidated
our position. Now we feel that the time is ripe to start an
ambitious venture. This is the test that we feel inexorably
drawn to, the unavoidable fate of our people. It is our destiny...

The Amnesty Star System

Astronomy was a forgotten subject for many years as
the earliest colonists fought to survive on New Earth.
However, the recent completion of an observatory means that
the bodies of the solar system, deemed the Amnesty system by
New Earth astronomers, are finally beginning to be catalogued.
The Amnesty system consists of three known planets, although
gravitational influences on the outermost planet indicate the
presence of at least one other major body in the system. More
advances in astronomy, such as detailed surface observations of
planets and moons, are expected to occur as a result of the
Reunion project.

Known Planets

Amnesty

Amnesty is the star at the core of this system. Amnesty
is very similar to the star Sol and is therefore unremarkable in
itself, although the presence of life on the planets in the system
would warrant Amnesty a mention in any encyclopedia.

Klatoo

This world was discovered by the eminent scientist
Klatoo using a self-made telescope. Klatoo is twice as large as
New Earth and is thought to have a very rocky surface. A very
high surface temperature is almost a certainty due to the close
proximity of Amnesty. It is not known whether Klatoo has any
natural satellites.

New Earth

This is the home of the first Terran colonists to leave the
Sol system. New earth looks remarkably similar to the old
Earth, although the planet's diameter is less than half that of the
old Earth. The climate of New Earth is extremely pleasant,
having a mean temperature slightly higher than that of Old
Earth. An abundance of useful ores can be found beneath the
surface of the planet, a fact that was essential to the survival of
the colonists.

New Earth has only one natural satellite which is approximately
one third the size of its mother planet. This moon is named
"Apollo" in honor of the spacecraft that first took men to the
moon of old Earth. Unlike the Terran moon, Apollo has an
atmosphere and initial scans indicate the presence of minerals
beneath the surface. It is thought that Apollo would make an
excellent choice for the first off-world colony.

Zeus

This giant planet is approximately five times the size of
New Earth. Because of difficult observation conditions and
distance, little is known about this planet. It is theorized that
the planet is mainly water, which would account for the blue
color of the surface, but we will not know for certain until the
planet is visited. It is not known if Zeus has any natural
satellites.

The Government of New Earth

New Earth is governed by a democracy. The adult
population of the colony elects a leader, and this leader is then
free to govern by decree. The elected leader (or President, as
he or she is referred to), is restricted by the colony constitution
which enables the President to be removed by a vote of no-
confidence. This is very rare and strong reasons must be given
before the referendum is held. The constitution states (in
simplified terms) that the President must:

A. Supply comfortable living conditions for the people.
B. Protect the people from invasion.
C. Refrain form using oppressive force and taxation
against the people.

In order to meet the conditions provided for by the constitution,
the President must hire advisors to fulfill certain roles within the
government. These advisors, or Commanders, will aid the
President through the development of new technologies,
interplanetary exploration and defense, and the building of
public facilities for the colonists. In addition, the President has
been supplied with the Colony Central Computer System to
administrate all aspects of the departments headed by these
commanders.

The Colony Central Computer System

Control Protocol

Information is accessed from the computer using an
intuitive point and click interface. A pointer is visible on the
screen which can be moved around using a mouse. When the
pointer moves across an interactive part of the screen,
"clicking" the left mouse button (and occasionally the right
mouse button) will access that function. To begin your quest,
select New Game and choose the gender of your hero.

Main Screen

This is your control room. All the important computer
functions can be accessed from here. For convenience, the
most important functions are displayed as two rows of icons ,
or menu bars, at the top of the screen. You may scroll back and
forth between the two rows by clicking on the red arrow at the
right end of each row. Alternatively, the functions may be
accessed by clicking on various areas (doors, windows, etc.) of
the control room. Once you have entered another screen it is
always possible to return by clicking on the Back to Main
Screen icon on the far left hand side of the menu bar.

Just below the icons is a bar divided into three sections.
The left box describes the function of the icon or area of the
screen the pointer is currently pointing at. The middle box
displays the number of "credits" from taxation you have
available to spend. The right box displays the current time as
Year/Month/Day/Hour and is modeled after the Old Earth
calendar. By left clicking on the time box you may speed up the
rate that time progresses. Clicking the right mouse button on
this box increases the speed even further.

Icons - Getting Started

When you click on an icon (or section of the main
screen), a new screen and menu bar appears which is relevant to
that particular function. Each of the main screen icons and their
subsequent menus are presented here in a logical order to help
you get started quickly. When you have finished reviewing the
information presented here, you will be well on your way to
completing the Reunion initiative.

Your first task in maintaining a successful campaign is
to hire a group of commanders. From the main screen, scroll
down until you see the icon shown above and left click on it.
You will now be presented with a new menu bar as shown

Each of these new menu selections corresponds to a pool of
commanders in the areas of space flight, combat, building
construction, and product development. By clicking on one of
these new icons you will be presented with three possible
selections for each area. Each of the advisors carries a price
commensurate with his or her abilities, so you would be wise to
make inexpensive selections until you have accumulated more
credits. To hire a commander click on the Hire icon at the far
right of the menu bar.

Responsible for all the space pilots and for coordinating their
movements

Bruce Jordan: Bruce has just graduated from the Military
Academy where he scored impressive results in the combat
simulation tests. A young man with excellent potential. Bruce
would be a superb choice as Advisor if he did not lack "real
battle" experience. For those on a low budget, his inexperience
might be a risk worth taking.

Jack Benson: A hardened veteran of many simulation
campaigns, Jack has demonstrated an outstanding ability as both
a pilot and strategist. Jack continues the proud family tradition
of producing excellent pilots. His grandfather Bryan once
defeated a whole armada of grade 10 simu-fighters single
handed.

Julie Anne Roxford: An immensely talented pilot, Julie Anne
was recruited into the military after recording a perfect score in
college aptitude tests. Julie Anne has a unique flair for
obtaining the most out of her machinery and manpower, and is
widely regarded as a strategic genius. Unfortunately, like most
geniuses, she is occasionally erratic.

Responsible for the construction and maintenance of Colony
installations.

Arwen Nielson: Arwen left the Technical Academy three years
ago after achieving exemplary results in her examinations.
Since then she has been working in the field for the surveying
department. Her wide sphere of the knowledge would be a
valuable asset. Unfortunately, Arwen has little experience of
high pressure situations.

Elanor Brady: An experienced government administrator,
Elanor has been responsible for the extensive power station
modification program. Methodical and reliable, Elanor is
known as a person to get the job done. Occasionally she is
accused of unnecessary procrastination when a project has to be
completed quickly.

William Forbs: Forbs is a legend in the construction industry.
Starting off as a simple workman, William has steadily worked
his way to being the most highly respected construction
manager on New Earth. There is a saying, "If Forbs can't build
it , it can't be built!". Unfortunately, this expertise has a very
high price.

Responsible for the direction of battles

Michael James: Mike is a relatively inexperienced fighter, a
fact that can be discerned by the lack of noticeable bionic
implants. A champion gladiator at the New Earth games, Mike
is also an excellent spaceball captain. Virtual battle simulations
show that Mike has an excellent aptitude for the job.

Kyle Douglas: Kyle was heavily scarred during a battle
exercise in the Great Desert and now has to wear a face mask
with image enhancing equipment over his left eye. Kyle is an
extremely brave fighter and a superb tactician who has a wealth
of combat experience. For such a qualified person, his demands
are relatively low.

MACH: MACH is a cyborg, half man - half machine. An ex-
Army general, MACH was killed during a terrorist attack on his
patrol but was restored to life using advanced bionic techniques.
His already extensive knowledge is now supplemented by a
positronic brain as powerful as a super computer. He is a
formidable opponent.

Responsible for the development of prototype machinery.

Sapphire Fox: Sapphire is the youngest person ever to receive
the New Earth Innovation Award, given for advancements in
brain wave analysis. A good example of this is the prototype
"thought recorder" Sapphire wears on her head. Sapphire is
regarded as a developer of immense potential and great things
are expected of her.

Thomas Dempsey: Thomas holds patents for more new
inventions than any other person on New Earth. Seemingly
tireless, Thomas has been known to work without sleep for
days on end until a problem is solved. Because of his great age,
Thomas is not quite so productive as he used to be. His
experience, however, is unequaled.

Klaatoo: Klatoo is a true scholar. As well as possessing
excellent design skills, Klaatoo is an accomplished violinist,
astronomer, philosopher, and historian (he specializes in Old
Earth science fiction). Superficially apathetic in nature, his
mind is engaged in deep thought almost constantly.
Unfortunately, his fee is high.

Consulting your Commandeers

Once you have selected your commanders, click on the
Back to Main Screen icon to return to the main screen. Your
commanders now appear around the conference table before
you. It is possible to engage in conversation with each of your
advisors by clicking on them. Once the conversation has started
you may ask them one of the questions displayed by clicking on
the text. Additionally, you may order your advisor to attend the
university and develop new skills for a price. If your advisor
cannot become more skilled he or she will let you know, and
you will then have to hire another in order to continue with
more complex tasks in each discipline.

Once you have provided the leadership necessary to
continue with your objective, you should take a look around at
the surface of New Earth and familiarize yourself with its
features. After clicking on the Planet Main icon from the main
screen, a new menu bar will appear at the top of the screen with
relevant icons.

Notice that the menu bar contains some new selections as well
as some others from the main screen. Click on the "Planet
Information" icon.

By clicking on this icon you will be shown a screen with
information concerning the name of the planet or moon,
population, tax rates, terrain types, temperature, and ore
content.

If the planet is inhabited by an alien race, clicking on the
portrait displayed will give more detailed information
concerning that race. Clicking on the picture of the planet on
this screen will take you to the ship information screen, and
clicking on the picture of the surface will enlarge it. The Planet
Information screen has another set of icons used for controlling
the tax rate. To return to the surface of the planet, click once
again on the Planet Surface icon.

Building and Demolishing New Structures

New Earth has a number structures used for housing the
population, providing recreation and health care, and extracting
ores from beneath the surface. Click on one of the buildings
and you will be given a description of its purpose. To move
around the surface, click and hold the left mouse button while in
the radar screen at the bottom left of the screen and move the
mouse, or click and hold the left mouse button when the cursor
is at the edges of the surface screen. To build a new structure,
first find a vacant piece of land. Then, scroll through the
available selections at the top left of the screen and click on
"Build". Move the structure into the desired area and left click
once again to place it. To demolish a structure, scroll through
the list to find the building you wish to destroy, click on
"Demolish" and then click on the building itself.

Note: If a building is flashing red, then you do not have
enough power to run the entire colony. You must build more
power plants to increase the "Percent Working" to an
acceptable level.

Mining Ores on the Planet Surface

An important key to the survival of your colony is the
mining of ores from beneath the surface of the planet. There
are two means of extracting the raw materials you will need to
build structures and develop new products for your population:
building derricks, and digging mines. Derricks produce the
liquid ore "detoxin" and mines produce all others. Scroll
through the available building selections at the left of the Planet
Surface screen until you find the mine. Now, find one of these
mines on the surface of the planet and click on it.

This screen gives detailed information concerning all the mines
and derricks on the surface of the planet The total quantity of
each ore that is in storage and the total being produced in each
time period is shown at the top. The total number of mines on
the planet is shown in the middle section, and the number of
these mines that are active is shown on the bottom left. The
"stock" number represents the number of miner droids (shown
in the picture at the right) that are available to add to each
inactive mine. If you have miner droids in stock, clicking on the
"Add Droid" icon will make a mine active. You only need one
droid to operate a mine and derricks require no droids at all.

Note: You may only have 9 active mines on a planet or moon
at a time.

Now build a few mines and derricks on the surface of
the planet. Find an empty piece of terrain and click on "Build"
while the picture of the mine is in the screen at the left. Move
the mine into position on the surface and left click to place it.
Now scroll down to find the picture of the derrick and repeat
the process. The next time you click on a mine, notice that the
total number of mines has increased, but that these new mines
are inactive. The next step is to produce some miner droids to
add to the mines.

From the main screen click on the Research-Design icon
at the top left. This will access the Research screen where
prototype machinery is developed.

Researching New Products

At the bottom of the screen is the name of your development
advisor and the level of knowledge that he or she has in the
areas of Math, Physics, Electronics, and Artificial Intelligence.
On the right side of the screen data is displayed concerning the
item being researched and the requirements placed upon your
developer to complete the invention.

The left side of the screen contains a bank of 35 slots for optical
disks containing data on new inventions. If the slot is closed
you cannot begin development on that particular item. An
empty slot indicates that the item is ready for analysis but not
production. The presence of a disk indicates that the item is
fully researched and ready for production. To begin research
on an item, simply click on the empty slot.

Move the mouse pointer over the empty slot reserved
for the miner droid and click once to begin development. The
drawer will slide shut and a series of LEDs will begin to flash
indicating that the project has begun. The monitor at the right
will indicate progress by counting down until development is
complete. At this time you can begin to produce the item that
has been researched. You should also research the satellite
before continuing. Satellites are necessary to explore the
surface of other planets.

Note: If research is halted at any time your developer does not
possess the skills to complete the item. You must either send
the developer to the university or select someone with
higher skills.

By clicking on the Info - Buy icon you will access a
screen which will allow you to purchase items that have been
researched. Once again, a new menu bar will appear at the top
of the screen with relevant icons.

Selecting and buying Items

You can scroll through available items by clicking on the up or
down arrow on the right side of the menu bar. Alternatively,
you may select an item by clicking on the rotating figure at the
left side of the screen and using the list revealed. Clicking on
the picture at the right side of the screen will give you a detailed
description of the item and the amount of ore required to
produce it. At the bottom of the screen several messages may
be displayed:

Bought Items: This displays the number of items bought, but
not yet completed. You may decrease the number by clicking
on the minus icon.

Stores: Shows you the number of items produced and waiting
in the storage houses.

Time to Go: The time remaining until all bought items are
produced.

Total Price: The total price of the ordered items.

This Item Cannot Be Produced: This message is displayed if
the object is built, rather than produced. The cost is paid when
orders are given to develop the item.

Once you have made a selection, click on the "Buy" icon to
make a purchase. A new menu bar will appear.

Add/Minus Ten: Add or Subtract ten items from the number
of items ordered.

Add/Minus One: Add or subtract one item from the number
of items purchased.

OK: Buy the goods Selected. (Production will now start).

Cancel: Exit from this screen.

If you do not have enough credits or ores t pay for and
manufacture an item, the missing quantity will flash red. This
means that you will not be able to increase the quantity of items
ordered until you have either more credits or more ores.

Go back to the Production screen and select "Miner
Droid" from the list of available items. Click on "Buy" and then
purchase a few droids to work in your newly built mines. Now
purchase some satellites for interplanetary exploration. When
production is complete return to the main screen and then click
on the "Planet Surface" icon. Find a mine on the surface, click
on it, and then click on the "Add Droid " icon until the number
of active mines has increased proportionately. You have now
increased production on your own planet, and are ready to start
exploring some of the others.

From the main screen, click on the Galactic Map icon to
get a view of all known planets in the current solar system.

Exploring and Colonizing New Worlds

A list of the known star systems is displayed on the right of the
screen. It is expected that many star systems will be discovered
in the search for Old Earth. Move the mouse pointer over a
planet and its name will appear in the box at the top left. To
take a closer look at a planet, click on it with the left mouse
button. This shows the planet and its system of moons (if
discovered). To return to the view of the complete star system,
click on the "Zoom Out" icon (magnifying glass). To view the
surface of the planet or any moons, click on them with the left
mouse button. If you have a satellite deployed over the planet
then you will see the surface. Otherwise, only a black screen
will appear. When observing the surface of the planet a
number of new icons may appear at the top of the screen:

This is only displayed if you have satellites in stock. If
you launch a satellite it will go into orbit around the planet or
moon and continuously transmit information regarding the
planet. This information is displayed on the Planet Information
screen. Satellites also enable you to view the surface of the
planet. You may only have one satellite orbiting a planet or
moon.

Miner stations are automated facilities used for
extracting useful ores from a planet or moon. If a planet is
suitable for mining but cannot be colonized, constructing a
miner station will let you extract the ores without the need for
human presence. As soon as the miner station is deployed,
extraction will start.

This icon appears only if a planet or moon is capable of
sustaining human life. This information is displayed on the
Planet Information screen if a satellite is in orbit around the
planet or moon. When this icon is selected a screen is displayed
showing the installations you may construct.

The Colony Control Center costs 100,000 credits. Any extra
buildings will increase the costs. Once you have selected the
buildings to be constructed you will have to wait a while before
the installations are finished. Some installations cannot be
constructed on certain types of terrain.

This satellite is similar to the normal satellite except that
it is manufactured using advanced "stealth" technology. This
renders the satellite nearly invisible to radar tracking stations.
This will come in very useful when information is required on
"occupied" planets or moons.

This icon is only displayed if there are alien installations
on the planet and a spy satellite is orbiting the planet. Spy ships
are manufactured using the same technology as spy satellites
and are therefore nearly impossible to track. The spy ship
actually enters the target planets atmosphere and provides a
more detailed report on enemy forces. This information can be
accessed by clicking on the enemy portrait in the Planet
Information screen.

This satellite captures solar energy and transfers it to the
planet or moon below. A maximum of five can be placed in
orbit around a single planet or moon. Solar satellite can only be
constructed where there is a colony and the satellite itself must
be transferred to the intended planet or moon from the place of
manufacture.

After clicking on the Galactic Map icon from the main
screen, position the cursor over New Earth and left click. A
picture of New Earth and its orbiting moon Apollo will be
revealed. Now position the cursor over Apollo and click. A
dark screen will appear indicating the absence of a satellite. Put
a satellite around the moon Apollo by clicking on the "Deploy
Satellite" icon at the top of the screen. You should now see the
surface of Apollo, and information concerning the surface will
soon be relayed to New Earth.

At the main screen click on the "Messages" icon to get
into the message screen.

This screen lets you review messages and other relevant
information that you have received during the game. As data is
often received at a very high rate, this is a surprisingly useful
feature.

Shortly after deploying your first satellite, a message
will arrive indicating that ores are present on the surface of
Apollo. However, messages will indicate that you don't have
any way of mining on the moon! Fortunately, your developer
will invent the miner station and the trade ship to aid you in
shipping raw materials back home. Once you have fully
developed these items in the Research area, it is time to begin
building your fleet. Go to the production area and buy a trade
ship and a miner station.

Click on the Ship Info icon in the main screen to
monitor the movement of your spacecraft.

On the right hand side of the screen, information regarding the
composition of the spacecraft squadrons is displayed. If you
click on a squadron with the left mouse button it becomes the
active squadron, denoted by a red light. Right clicking on a
squadron will bring you to the "Group" screen, and clicking on
"Change" at the bottom of the screen will access planet
defenses. Different types of squadrons or "groups" are denoted
by different colors.

Red: Military Squadron
Green: Pirate Forces
Blue: Trade Squadron
Gray: Satellite Carriers
Brown: Planet Defense Forces

Clicking on Ship Info creates a new menu bar at the top of the
screen.

This icon forms a new group of ships that you can name
whatever you like. Below the name box is a description of the
type of group you are creating. The group type can be changed
by clicking in the box. The four possible groups are:

Satellite Carriers: Only carry satellites.

Trade Groups: Useful for carrying items between planets and
moons. Since production facilities are concentrated on New
Earth, it is advisable to carry ores mined off-world back to New
Earth for production.

Army Groups: These units are divided into two parts: The
space fleet, which is responsible for combat in space, and
ground forces which will attack enemy ground installations.
You may switch between the two sections by clicking on the
large red arrows on the group screen.

Planet Forces: These are the same as Army Groups except
that they stay within the confines of their planet's atmosphere.
Planet forces only exist where there is a colony.

Note: Whenever a new type of ship is invented it is a good idea
to create a new unit for that ship type immediately.

When you have named the group and chosen its type, click on
the OK icon to create it or the Abort icon to cancel it.

This icon enables the contents of the group to be
modified. For example, ships may be added or removed,
weapons may be fitted to the ship, etc. A new screen will be
displayed as shown.

A group can have four types of ships and each ship can have up
to four types of weapon. You can only put the appropriate
ships into a group. For example, a trade ship cannot be put into
an army group. Clicking on the number of ships with the left
mouse button will increase the number of ships in the platoon.
You can use the right mouse button to decrease the number of
ships. Weapons can be added using the same technique.
Clicking on a group name allows the name to be modified.
Clicking on the arrow scrolls through the different groups.

Clicking on the "Control Panel" icon will access the
cockpit of the selected group's lead ship.

The "dashboard" of the cockpit is split into several sections.
Clicking on the window while landed on a planet will access the
Surface screen. The launch lever launches lands the ship. If the
ship is a trade ship, clicking on the left hand monitor will access
the cargo screen. From here you can transfer goods between
planets that have a colony or miner station. Clicking on the
joystick allows you to select a destination for your ships. Right
clicking on a planet will select that planet as your destination,
and left clicking on a planet will allow you to zoom in and select
one of that planet's moons. The dials at the right side of the
cockpit accesses the Ship Info screen, and clicking the keypad
will access the Group screen.

This icon appears if you have a ship capable of
transferring cargo. From the transfer screen you may transfer
cargo to the hold of your ships from the stores of your colonies.

This enables you to move items to the places they are most
needed. Clicking on the arrows with the left mouse button will
transfer one item of the selected cargo to your ship or colony,
while using the right mouse button will transfer as much cargo
as possible.

Once you have bought a trade ship and miner station,
create a new trade group by clicking on the Ship Info icon and
the New Group icon. Add the trade ship and miner station to
the group and then click on the Control Panel. Send the new
ship into orbit by clicking on the launch lever, and then click on
the joystick. Select the moon Apollo as your destination by
clicking on it. The ship should now be en route to Apollo.
Once it has arrived, click on the Add Miner Station icon.
Construction of a miner station will now begin on the moon.

Once you have familiarized yourself with all of the icons
discussed thus far, you have successfully completed the first
step in building a lucrative network of colonies. Here are some
other important icons found in the main screen:

Click on the "Space Local" icon to talk to the local
barflies and alien races which may pass through the Amnesty
system.

A lot of people pass through this bar and useful information can
be obtained from talking to them. To talk to someone, click on
their face. The conversation will progress according to your
questions and responses.

This icon will give you access to useful information
concerning the galaxy.

This icon will give you a list of the planets on which you
currently have a miner station or colony.

Clicking on this icon will give you a list of all planets
which have been found to be livable or mineable.

This icon will give you information on all known alien
planets, enemy or friendly.

Engaging the Enemy

As a result of further exploration it is highly likely that
you will encounter hostile alien races. As soon as the
technology for warfare is developed you should create an army
group in the Ship Info area by clicking on the "New Unit" icon.

Note: Army groups are necessary to attack other planets. You
cannot attack alien fleets or colonies using your defensive planet
forces. However, army groups can be used to defend a planet if
they are in orbit around or on the surface of a planet.

You may add warships and weapons to the army unit as soon as
they are completed in the Production area. You may also add
warships to your planetary defenses, but they cannot leave the
atmosphere of New Earth without adding them to the army
group. To fortify the planetary defenses of other colonies you
must send an army unit to that colony and transfer the ships on
the surface of the planet.

To attack another colony or fleet you must send an
army group into orbit around the planet where enemy units are
found. Once the army group has arrived there are two modes
of engaging in battle.

When an enemy fleet is present around a planet where
you have deployed your forces, clicking on the enemy fleet's
symbol at the right of the Starmap screen will activate the
Attack icon. At this point you may click on the Attack icon and
begin a space battle.

Battles are won depending on the relative strength of your fleet,
the ability of your fighter commander, and a number of other
variables. At the end of the battle a list of stats will display the
outcome.

To start a ground war, send your army fleet to the
enemy planet and then click on the symbol representing your
fleet at the right of the Starmap screen. This will activate the
Ground Battle icon. When you click on the Ground War icon a
space battle will ensue as you fight your way to the surface of
the enemy planet. If you win the space battle, the next step is to
wipe out enemy ground forces. A new screen will appear.

You may rearrange your ground forces by building new units
with the icons at the top of the screen, or by clicking on each
individual box to add or remove items. Use the left button to
add units and the right button to remove them. When you are
done click on the "OK" icon to get a view of the battle zone.

You can attack an enemy by clicking on your vehicle, clicking
on ATTACK, then clicking on the enemy unit you wish to
attack.

Saving and Loading Games

\
Clicking on this icon will allow you to save and load
your games as well as control the music and sound effects.

On the left hand side of the screen are the names of saved
games. Click on one so it is highlighted, then click on Load or
Save, depending on what you want to do. In the bottom right
hand corner you may select sound effects or music. The I and
II buttons change the music, the square button stops the music,
and the E button turns on/off the sound effects. Clicking on the
Exit to DOS icon will quit the game.

Note: While in the Disk Operation Screen the game is paused.


******************* Reunion Hints To Get You Started *************************

Q. I have done a full install to my hard drive and the game is now asking
for copy protection code words. My manual doesn't have any!
What do I do?
A. Here is a list of the copy protection codes just in case this happens
to you.

Page 1 - Main
Page 2 - Leader
Page 3 - Earth
Page 4 - Good
Page 5 - Explorer
Page 6 - Alpha
Page 7 - Text
Page 8 - Radio
Page 9 - Damaged
Page 10 - Picture
Page 11 - Spidy
Page 12 - Aliens
Page 13 - Side
Page 14 - Armour
Page 15 - Base
Page 16 - Colony
Page 17 - Research
Page 18 - Icons
Page 19 - Target
Page 20 - Data

GAMEPLAY HELP GUIDE

Playing through the first solar system

Here is a quick reference guide which will help you continue to see beyond the first solar system of Reunion. You must remember that there i no one way of doing this. Many approaches can be taken. However, here is one way:

Choose Thomas Dempsey, Jack Benson, Elanor Brady and Micheal James as your commanders.

Goto the Research-Design screen and develop the miner droid on the computer

When research has been completed, develop the satellite.

Now, goto the buy screen and buy some droids.

Goto the planet view and create 3 extra buildings (for living space - build more if you need them later) and extra mines. Put as many mining droids in them as you can Eventually, when you get enough money, make a total of 9 mines and 9 droids and

Click on Planet Info and raise the tax to high.

Buy 4 satellites and launch one to Apollo and one onto any other plane.

Go to the bar and ask the barman for a drink. Buy what he recommends and he will give you a message that you are not alone in the solar system.

When your satellites are destroyed, your developer will invent a satellite carrier. Proceed to develop it and then buy two (2)

Go to Ship Info and click on any new group. Name it, if you like, then place the satellite carriers in the group when they are produced and add the last two satellites to the group.

Click on the cockpit icon and launch the ship. Place the satellites around some planets and their moons. You will fin, in time, that some planets yield better ores than others. From now on, try to place as many satellites around as many worlds a

Develop the miner station when invented. Proceed to develop the transfer ship.

Buy one miner station and one transfer ship.

Goto the Ship Info screen and make a new trade group and place your transfer ship and miner station in the group.

Fly to Apollo and place the miner station on it by clicking on the deploy station icon. You may return here later to collect ores in trade or transfer ships when you need them, as with all further off world mining.

Proceed to develop the command Center/Colony. You will need to send your Developer to university to become more experienced in math.

When your colony is ready for production, fly to any planets suitable for living in your trade group and place colonies on them when you can afford it. You will need 100,000 credits per colony. Try to make star ports on them and aim for putting 9

When you have reasonably sized colonies on say 2 planets, fly to Jade. You will meet some aliens. Proceed to develop the communicator.

When the aliens communicate with you, offer to send your scientist to them. When the scientist/developer returns, proceed to buy at least two of the alien technology trade ships and place them these in your trade group. Now, you can transport lar

When the aliens contact you again, buy the unknown substance. It will become essential later on in the game. Develop it as soon as you can, it will turn out to be a hyper drive. when the message stating that the unknown item is a hyper drive, de

On the aliens' third visit, offer to help them fight the Morgruls, who are planning to attack them. Say you have no weapons to fight with. You will be given Hunter and Laser technology to help them with!

Proceed to build 10 hunters and 10 lasers and place these in a new Army Group on the Ship Info screen. You will not have enough time to help the aliens, as the Morgruls will attack them far too quickly. If you do manage to get some ships up, don'

The Morgruls will wipe out the aliens and then head for you! Make sure the ships are ready and equipped. After the attack, proceed to develop the twin laser gun.

You will then be attacked a second time for which you will need 50 hunters and plenty of twin lasers and lasers.

After this attack, try to make up a large army. You will need more technology to do this if you are to stand a chance against the Morgruls. You must continue to explore new systems finding the Morgrul home world is essential! Who knows what lies

NOTES:

If at any time your colonies ask for somethin, build it as soon as you can, e.g. hospitals or food resources. They may become rebellious, otherwise.

You will need to return to New earth to collect cargo and transfer items home, e.g. satellites and ores.

If you are short on money, try making more building on colonies and raise their taxes. Be careful not to make them unhappy with unreasonable taxes. Remember this is not only a game of exploration and strategy, but economics, too!

Remember, if your commanders are unable to provide the skills required, hire a better one!

ANSWERS TO SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Q. How do I find the second solar system?

A. Assuming you have already met the Jaanosians in a transfer ship, you will be able to reach the second solar system. On their second visit, the Jaanosians will offer you an unknown item for 16,000 credits. Buy it from the. When your developer becomes

Q. How do I find the third solar system?

A. If you have already discovered the second solar system, go to the bar later in the game and look for a small brown furry creature. If you see him, ask the bar tender who he is. Ask to speak with him, and you will find out that he is a spy. Pay him t

Q. How do I get my forces to the other systems?

A. You will need a hyper drive for your carriers and a destroyer for army groups and a galleon for trade groups.

Q. How do I attack alien ground forces?

A. To do this, you will need tanks, trooper and/or aircraft. Go to the group screen. Put the weapons and ships in the group you wish to attack with. Now, click on the red arrow to right of the table to flip from ships to ground forces. Add your tanks

Q. How do I defend myself from the Morgruls?

A. You will need technology other than your own. You will have to visit the Jaanosians. Meeting the Kalls is recommended and meeting the Phelonians is highly recommended. It is worth helping or making friends with each of these races, as they offer you

Q. How do I defeat the Morgruls?

A. To survive the first attack, you will need 10 hunters with lasers and any fighter character. To survive the second attack, you will need at least 50 hunters with well equipped lasers and twin lasers. Ideally, you will need a better fighter character

You will then have a breather where you will need to use the time to make an army of hunters, star fighters, destroyers, cruisers, tanks and troopers. You may, at this point, wish to attack Jade with your forces. However, this will not defeat the Morgrul

Q. How do I get Hunters and Lasers?

A. Fly in a transfer ship to Jade, ideally after 9 months. Develop the communicator as soon as possible. (which will be as a direct result of meeting the Jaanosians) On their third visit, offer to help them against the Morgruls. They will give you the

Q. How do I get star fighters?

A. You must meet the Kalls. They will give you fighter technology in return for you support.

Q. How do I get destroyers?

A. Land on system 3, planet 2, moon 1. You will find technology from Explorer 1 for the destroyer and another item.

Q. What is a Galleon? How do I get it?

A. A galleon is a ship which will get your groups of trade and transfer ships to other solar systems. You will invent one shortly after discover of the second solar system.

Q. How do I get troopers?

A. Your developer, if skilled enough, will invent one not long after the first Morgrul attack.

Q. How do I get battle tanks?

A. Meet the Phelonians by taking a trade or transfer ship group to system 2, planet 5 as soon as your observatory discovers it. The Phelonians will offer you 100,000 credits for 10,000 tons of Energon. Say that you would like something more useful and t

Q. When I invent a colony, why can't I fully develop it?

A. You will need to send your existing developer to university on a physics and electronics course, or better still, hire Klaatoo.

Q. How do I get aircraft?

A. In the fourth solar system, you will find the Erans (planet 2) If you build an observatory in this system, you will find that the sun will super nova shortly. Tell the Erans and offer to help them evacuate. Later in the game, place some spy satellit

Q. How do I get cruisers?

A. Visit the first planet of the seventh solar system. You will find spy-radar technology here. Develop and make one. You will then find a series of disguised alien technologies. Amongst your findings, you will discover the Syonians.