Wasps 2: the Local Galactic Arm
Copyright© 2008 by aubie56
Chapter 10
The experience with the Nolyn caused a complete rethinking of the communication system used aboard the battle carriers. A hand-held FTLR was developed for use, and everything using conventional radio was scrapped. The radar systems for close-in navigation were kept, but the frequency was high enough that the Nolyn were not bothered. The Nolyn's star did put out EMR in the dangerous range, but their planet was far enough away from the star to cause the radiation to be too weak to be harmful, except for rare burst of stellar activity.
The experience with the Nolyn also caused the Family to consider what they would do, once the Wasps were eliminated. The threat had already been reduced to the point where any uninfected planet in the galaxy was probably safe from them, so there was only mopping up left to do. By now, the Family had considerable experience with contacting alien races and engaging in diplomatic relations with them, so they decided to become the "policemen" for the galaxy until someone better suited to the job came along.
The Family also planned to contact as many other species as they could find and try to establish a trading empire. Every planet and species had something that another planet or species wanted, and nearly zero-cost FTL travel made easy trade possible. The items wanted ranged from necessities to the aesthetic, so there was plenty of room for exchange.
They had the means of travel and communication, so all they needed was a universal means of exchanging wealth. There was nothing that every species wanted or needed, so it was impossible to find a physical item that would satisfy everybody. Good faith was the only item that everybody wanted and could use, so the Family established a central bank of good faith. They printed a kind of money which said that the Family promised to honor any agreement made in GF units and would make up the difference if anyone reneged or welshed on a deal backed by GF units.