Battlestar Galactica: Rifts
By: Volostheguardian
In one timeline, the Twelve Colonies were the only known instance of human life in their area of the galaxy. In another, there were two different instances.
Another colony was established by an ethnic minority called the Ruus, and they called their called their planet, Reach. Reach was not the blissful and green pastures of the some of the other colonies. It was at first, a cold and miserable experience. Many of the Ruusians felt despair and such as it was died. Others were determined, and they worked the icy ground with heart and soul.
It was not until further exploration did they find warmer parts of the planet, and immense resources. Although wars broke out over the geological treasures, the Ruus banded together under one banner after a Saggitarion attack and formally established the Republic of Reach.
From that point on, the Ruus expanded their technology to great heights, slightly more advanced then that of the collective Twelve colonies. Although mocked by the colonies for their rough, squarish looking ships, these vessels operated more efficiently then many of Twelve Colonies' design.
The Ruus even made possible space colonies, although they were capable of holding only under a million tenants, they were very radical in scientific communities and war loomed with the Twelve Colonies over their technological advance.
Until the Cylons attacked.
The creation of the Twelve Colonies had rebelled, and declared war not only on their creators, but all of humanity.
The Ruus were quickly dragged into the conflict after repeated supplies sent to the colonies civilian population were attacked after being confused as military munitions. With their considerable might, the Ruus helped stem the tide of the Cylons long enough for the Twelve Colonies to organize themselves and strike back.
After 15 years of long fighting, an Armistice was signed finally.
From there on, the Ruus and the Twelve Colonies regarded each other as neighbors, and no longer attacked each other in contempt. Although lingering doubts were spread about, the two contingents of humanity traded commodities still.
Forty years later, the Ruus continue to do as they have done yesterday and years back, but tomorrow will be one that the Ruus will not forget.
