Between the Ashes

The following information has not been confirmed by Volition and is therefore not canon for the FreeSpace universe.

Between the Ashes is a campaign by MjnMixael that takes place after the events of Freespace 1 and Silent Threat: Reborn.

Between the Ashes (BtA) explores the Reconstruction period after FreeSpace 1 and before FreeSpace 2. It focuses on the major events of the time period and what might have led to the formation of the GTVA.

BtA has been released.

Story

The GTD Intrepid as commanded by Admiral Po.

Antares Station, a major setting for Slaves of Chaos.

A civilian convoy in Regulus.

Between the Ashes tells the story of mankind after the Shivans have been defeated and the Lucifer destroyed. The stage is set by the GTI rebellion near the end of the Great War. Without a home, mankind wanders across the stars aimless and without purpose. Where do we go from here? Are the Shivans still out there? Who else might lurk in the universe seeking our destruction and how do we prepare? These are the questions everyone is asking.

The losses to the Shivans and the crippled state of the GTA from the Fourteen Year War has caused many to lose faith in a unified government. And the Hammer of Light has become a dangerous terrorist group, but to what end?

Campaigns

Mefistofele

• Mefistofele is the original demo
• 2-mission campaign
• Released on 29 June 2012

Slaves of Chaos

• Slaves of Chaos is the first major campaign
• 17-mission campaign
• Released on 25 October, 2016

Factions

Galactic Terran Alliance

Summary

Between the Ashes picks up only a few years after the GTI Rebellion has been defeated. Much of the Galactic Terran Alliance's military has been destroyed and as such the GTA has reorganized it's fleet assets across the many systems in Terran-Vasudan space. The headquarters of the GTA have been moved to Delta Serpentis following the loss of the Sol jump nodes. The GTA is focusing it's efforts in systems that require structural and political reconstruction. Many system's leaders have taken advantage of the GTA's stripped military power for their own gain.

Parlimentary Vasudan Empire

Summary

The Parliamentary Vasudan Empire, despite having lost its home system of Vasuda during the Great War, has lost little of its military might. It moved its headquarters to Aldebaran and has focused much of it's military resources to combating the Hammer of Light. The PVE and GTA are still keeping a 'cease-fire' treaty and are starting to develop a mutual respect. There have been an increasing number of military operations conducted in cooperation between the two.

Hammer Of Light

Summary

The Hammer of Light are a rogue Vasudan faction dedicated to Vasudan prophecies that they believe are referring to the Shivans. During the Great War they focused their efforts on assisting the Shivans. However, with the Shivans in complete defeat, the HoL's motives and goals have become somewhat unclear. They are often caught raiding convoys and supply depots while spouting generic religious warnings and threats.

The HoL has almost complete control of Altair, including the Sahr Shipyards in Altair. This has benefited them greatly as they have used this advantage to create several new ship designs used to reach their goals.

Antares Federation

Summary

The Antares Federation are a group of politicians, security forces, and ex military personnel who see the GTA as a dominating force who controls Antares poorly. They have concern for the civilians and refugees in the system who they feel have been ignored by the GTA government.

Smugglers

Summary

The Terran-Vasudan systems are plagued by multiple factions and groups that focus on illegal smuggling. These groups are taking advantage of the weakened GTA state and the increased need for raw materials throughout multiple systems. They are often found working with political leaders and advisors of the economically strong systems and sell their black market goods to groups and people in economically depressed systems.

Development

Original Concept

BtA started off as a small project by Mjn.Mixael to cover multiple aspects of the Reconstruction period. The story became almost too large and was split into three parts. Mjn.Mixael decided to work only on the first part and make it a complete story on it's own. That part is called Slaves of Chaos.

MjnMixael was able to recruit a small team and work began to progress quickly.

The Team

Originally the team was Mjn.Mixael, Snail, and MatthTheGeek. Shortly after the first public announcement, Slasher joined the team. From there it grew slowly as it was mutually agreed that a small team would foster a more productive atmosphere.

Videos

Slaves of Chaos teaser trailer - Originally released as the final cutscene in BtA: Mefistofele.

Slaves of Chaos story trailer - Originally released on 24 September 2014.

Slaves of Chaos gameplay trailer - Originally released on 30 August 2016.

Slaves of Chaos final trailer - Originally released on 22 October 2016.

Releases

• BtA: Mefistofele on 29 June 2012
• BtA: Slaves of Chaos on 25 October 2016

Developers

Project Staff

• MjnMixael — Project lead
• Admiral MS — Script God, Mission Destroyer
• Lepanto — Universe Builder
• Lorric — Writer, FRED Apprentice
• MatthTheGeek — Modpack Extraordinaire
• SDM — Writing, Proofreading, & General Shenanigans
• Slasher — Speed FRED
• Snail — Critical Critique

Project Contributors

• IronBeer — Mission M2_04
• RgaNoris — Special Voice Work

Beta Testers

• Bigchunk1
• DahBlount
• TheHound

Related Links

• Between the Ashes board | Hard-Light Productions.net