NationStates Jolt Archive

A message is sent, text only, to all nations in the Sol system:

Greetings. I am the Vohrsoth(Voor-soth). As our home, the Forge, is being completed, we wish to open communications to other nations. We wish to open trade with and begin to embrace this new solar system with open arms.

Coordinates are sent, along with a picture from a Vohrsoth scout ship.

http://home.earthlink.net/~alpha_zero_usm/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/forge.jpg
The Forge
Population: 5.2 million
Propulsion: None
Weapons: Unspecified
Shields: Unspecified

bump

Come on, give a newbie a chance!

What is the status of artificial gravity on your station? We must know so as to be able to adequately prepare our envoy.

-Guild Knossos

The gravity is 0.69 Gs. We prefer the light gravity for industrial and agricultural purposes.

We are willing to discuss diplomacy with your nation.

http://www.angelfire.com/ns2/toxicvalley/images/nagasa.jpg
-Dave Nagasa
Master Ambassador

Approximately three-halves Martian. Acceptable. We will dispatch a diplomatic crew as soon as is possible.
-Guild Knossos

Fast-forward a week to allow for travel time....

A tiny Minos (http://timesurfer.linuxcowboy.net/MinosSide.jpg)-class long-haul transport slowly approached the Vohrsoth City-Station. At 25,000 kliks, an automated message was broadcast.

Guild Ship Laertes requesting permission to dock.
Guild Ship Laertes requesting permission to dock.
Guild Ship Laertes requesting....

OOC: Super: The pic isn't showing up.

Also, bear in mind that all communication from the Forge is being sent via text. They are answering voice and video communications, so they have ability to send other forms than text, but are continuing to use text for an unknown reason.

IC: Permission is granted, Laertes. Automated defenses are down, main bay is open, tractors will guide you once inside.

OOC: Super: The pic isn't showing up.

OOC: Showing up fine for me. Anyone else not see it?

IC:

Message to Vohrsoth

We shall send a delegate by military dropship. We request that you allow him to be escorted by two of our military personnel. We await your response.

End of Message

IC: Permission is granted, Laertes. Automated defenses are down, main bay is open, tractors will guide you once inside.

The Laertes entered the docking bay, folding in its high-gain antenna. Once secure, and after the bay was pressurized, two women climbed out of the starboard airlock- one wearing a yellow silk vest and blue pants, plus breathing mask, the other entirely clad in black.

The ship is softdocked to the Forge and the two are standing in the airlock foyer, overlooking the inner docking area. Crablike creatures the size of wolves skitter past the viewing windows, going about maintenence duties oblivious to the lack of air or gravity.

A large feline-humanoid steps up to greet them. "I am General Sallor, commanding the Forge's police and fire departments. I welcome you to our home." She says and looks at the breathing masks. "We breath a nitrogen oxygen atmosphere that is 20% purer that that on Earth, is this compatible with your bodies?"

http://home.earthlink.net/~alpha_zero_usm/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/lyran2.jpg
General Sallor

bump

Message to Vohrsoth

We shall send a delegate by military dropship. We request that you allow him to be escorted by two of our military personnel. We await your response.

End of Message

OOC: Ooops... :oops:

IC: Permisssion is granted.

A tiny crystalline probe flies towards the station at almost 500 m/s.

It suddenly slows down, orbits it a few times, then shoots back to whence it came, a fleet of hulking grey ships about 80,000 km away from the station.

This process is repeated a couple more times over the next few hours.

OOC: Quite alright.

IC:

The dropship lifts off, carrying the delegate and six Galactic Shadows aboard, two of which will keep a protective eye over the delegate, Jack Harsburg. They were under strict orders not to fire unless fired upon, and strike only those that posed a threat; an accident in this situation would be extremely unwelcome. After seemingly many hours, the dropship begins to approach the scout ship, transmitting its call-sign.

OOC: Galactic Shadow Special Ops units:
http://www.angelfire.com/ns2/toxicvalley/images/spaceshadows.PNG

(NOTE: Older browsers may not be able to see this image, as it is a PNG).

A tiny crystalline probe flies towards the station at almost 500 m/s.

It suddenly slows down, orbits it a few times, then shoots back to whence it came, a fleet of hulking grey ships about 80,000 km away from the station.

This process is repeated a couple more times over the next few hours.The third time the probe approaches, the automated defenses open fire with Ion cannons, intending to disable the probe. A message is sent to the fleet. "If you wish to make contact, do so directly."

OOC: Super, I'm running Win 98... It isn't showing up, but I can use my imagination. :wink: I assume the scout ship it's approaching is one of mine?

OOC: Super, I'm running Win 98... It isn't showing up, but I can use my imagination. :wink: I assume the scout ship it's approaching is one of mine?

OOC: Here, see if the direct link works. http://www.angelfire.com/ns2/toxicvalley/images/spaceshadows.PNG

If not, well, have you played Emperor: Battle for Dune?

And yes.

OOC: not working and no.

IC: The scoutship scans the dropship before it responds. "All ships heading to the Forge are to approach to 20,000km and wait to be cleared."

OOC: not working and no.

IC: The scoutship scans the dropship before it responds. "All ships heading to the Forge are to approach to 20,000km and wait to be cleared."

OOC: Damn. Ok, imagine soldiers in large black armor with portable miniguns.

IC:

The dropship comes to a stop close to the desired distance and waits.

The third time the probe approaches, the automated defenses open fire with Ion cannons, intending to disable the probe. A message is sent to the fleet. "If you wish to make contact, do so directly."

As the probe is not electronic, there is no effect.

A message in a very mechanical but not unpleasing voice is broadcast on the 21 cm band:

We are the Stargrove. We come to gather data only and will soon depart. We will overlook your trangression. Do not be hostile to our probes or our ships, they are the product of more than one million years of engineering know-how. The probe cannot interfere with your electromagnetic communications because it does not communicate that way. If you too are using tachyon communicators please let us know so we can change our band.

We will soon depart. We are only here to gather data.

After several minutes, the ship recieves clearence. Before they enter however, a large cargo ship exits and heads towards a nearby asteroid mine.

OOC: I have to go, I'll be back in about an hour.

Another message is sent to the fleet. "Collect what information you need and leave the Forge sphere of influence without delay."

OOC: Yay! Another person that knows Ion Cannons are only electronic affecting weapons!

OOC: Yay! Another person that knows Ion Cannons are only electronic affecting weapons!

OOC: It's sad how so few do.

IC:

The dropship begins a careful approach towards the docking area. After securing itself, Harsburg and two of the G. Shadows step off the ship and take a look around, for two very different reasons, however. Jack admires the architecture and the appearance; the G. Shadows are only concerned with positions, attack and defense points, and other strategic locations and targets, assuming the unfortunate need to utilize them ever comes into play.

The ship is softdocked to the Forge and the two are standing in the airlock foyer, overlooking the inner docking area. Crablike creatures the size of wolves skitter past the viewing windows, going about maintenence duties oblivious to the lack of air or gravity.

A large feline-humanoid steps up to greet them. "I am General Sallor, commanding the Forge's police and fire departments. I welcome you to our home." She says and looks at the breathing masks. "We breath a nitrogen oxygen atmosphere that is 20% purer that that on Earth, is this compatible with your bodies?"

Hm. Surprising, but not nearly as strange as some of the others. I wonder how those crabs would fare against Spacesharks?

The women in silk answered. She was the shorter of the two, and, while the black one's features were entirely hidden, hers were clearly visible: Pale, greyish skin with prominent veins, a slightly oversized chest, long, thin fingers and toes, and large black eyes set in an indian face.

"We bring greeting from Minoa, and thank you for our reception. I am known as Korinthia, and my companion is Eugenia. Your atmosphere is breathable, but it will take time to adjust. Callista remains within the Laertes."

"Again, we are all glad to have you here." the feline says.

Sallor nods to the others that have arrived. "I would assume you would like to meet the Vohrsoth itself?"

She motions down a wide corridor leading to an open tram.

Harsburg nods and walks down the designated corridor, calmly stepping aboard the tram. The soldiers follow him, inconspicuously and skillfully continuing their observations.

(OOCly assuming everyone has boarded the tram)

Sallor actvates the tram and it releases from the dock, rising up on electromagnets. It then slowly accelerates to about 30mph. If the passengers look over the rails they would see the parks and leisure areas below. Almost a dozen species can be seen ranging from large reptilians to centaurs to elves and humans.

OOC: Vohrsoth, Forge, that pic of a Lyran(the cat)... Hmmm.... all appear to be references to a genre of space games.

OOC: Vohrsoth, Forge, that pic of a Lyran(the cat)... Hmmm.... all appear to be references to a genre of space games.You are a sad fan to spot all of those... and I'm one for using them...

bump

BTW, the crablike creatures look like this:

http://home.earthlink.net/~alpha_zero_usm/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/repairdrone.jpg

"Before we reach our destination, perhaps you could tell us something about the Vohrsoth? It would not do to commit an accidental social blunder in a first contact situation."

Sallor shrugs. "There is no social behavior for the Vohrsoth. It is a biomechanical construct that oversees the station. It is thousands upon thousands of years old and has built this station over the past two decades."

The tram enters another tunnel area and continues. Around the walkways, the crabs are skittering about, along with another type of very large shelled creatures moving about slowly, acting like sentries would.

bump

Harsburg seemed completely calm outwardly, despite the intruiging and sometimes intimidating creatures around him. He did his best to keep calm inside as well. The soldiers seemed to be made out of stone, other than their walking movements, their faces emotionless behind their visors.

The tram comes to a halt at the station and settles down. Sallor waits as more of the large shelled things walk by, and steps off the tram.

http://home.earthlink.net/~alpha_zero_usm/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/reaver2.jpg
(ignore the ones on the floor)

Sallor speaks to a human woman for a few seconds and then motions to a set of large doors that were slowly opening. "The Vohrsoth will see you now."

Harsburg steps off the tram, quickly observing his surroundings before starting towards the Vohrsoth. His guards flank him, remaining at most half a foot behind him in order to designate rank. Their guns are slightly lowered, just inches closer to being ready to put to use than they were before. Their faces remain cold and rigid, using peripheral vision to gather in the environment.

<Mark>

Sallor enters and walks between a set of large marble columns. As the others do so, they will see large wall filling computer screens and work stations, most unmanned at the moment.

Interesting as the many scan results and images of the docked ships and cargo transports is, what Sallor bows to on the right is infinantly more interesting.

The Vohrsoth is inside a metal casing and is protected by a glowing red forcefeild. It's ugliness and alieness is made more strange by the red tint. Its many eyes swivel about, taking in it's surroundings all at once. Most of the eyes have focused on the visitors and it's head tilts.

A loud, slightly mechanical, voice come out of hidden speakers beside it. "I am the Vhorsoth. I welcome you to the Forge... my world, my masterpiece."

http://home.earthlink.net/~alpha_zero_usm/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/vohrsoth.jpg

Harsburg bows, partly as a polite move, partly as a way to quickly hide his somewhat visible shock at the appearance of the creature. He quickly removes the emotion from his face as he raises back up. The G. Shadows freeze for a moment, keeping all of their emotions hidden, then tilt their weapons slightly away from the creature in order to appear less hostile. Harsburg then begins.

"I, Jack Harsburg of the Dominion of SAVX, and my leader thank you for giving us this time to speak with you. We hope that a mutual bond of some sort may be attained between my nation and yours."

He clears his throat.

"We would like you to consider, at least for this time, a trade pact, if you will. A continuous flow of goods from from one to another."

He waits, keeping his nervousness well in check.

OOC: Here, I JPGified the image, so now it should show up.

http://www.angelfire.com/ns2/toxicvalley/space/spaceshadows.JPG

OOC: Nope.

IC: The Vohrsoth nods. "This is acceptable. We have all the minerals we need thanks to the asteroid mines, but require more argricutural products to fit an expanding population. We can provide for ourselves if needed, but it is always a good idea to make sure that a supply line is open."

The crab creatures are working on some consoles and a short circut happens causes smoke to pour from a wall plate. Several of the creatures leaps up and scuttle over to repair it.

"I know you have not seen many of the species on the Forge before. They represent many of the races I have encountered in my thousands of years traveling the galaxy. Some, like the repair drones and Reavers," It's eyes swivel to one of the large shelled creatures, "Are geneticly created to be workers. No real intelligence, beyond what they need to function."

Harsburg glances around and nods. He fixes his gaze again upon the creature.

"We have an abundance of agricultural products on our main planet, and have begun the production of hydroponic farms in one space platform. Our Dominion consists mostly of humans and drones, but we also have a relative abundance of super-mutants, and we have begun research into plants with basic animal intelligence, which now serve as interesting pets and such.

We have only recently begun our space mining and research towards improvement of it. We would be interesting in trading agricultural products for mineral products...and perhaps some technology trading, as well?"

He awaits an answer. This question, while standard unless in hostile situations, was a dangerous one. One never knew how others would recieve it.

EDIT: OOC: One last try...I changed the domain, because maybe that had something to do with it. http://www.weekendlazyness.com/spaceshadows.jpg

The Vhorsoth goes silent for a short time. "It would depend on the technology."

OOC: It worked

Harsburg clears his throat again. He is slightly unnerved by the creature's demeanor, but such was to be expected.

"My leader feels that we could start off, if you accept, with simple things: basic utilities, life-support systems, and the like."

A loud, slightly mechanical, voice come out of hidden speakers beside it. "I am the Vhorsoth. I welcome you to the Forge... my world, my masterpiece."

Quite unlike Harsburg, the two Spacers seemed entirely unfazed by the Vohrsoth's appearance.

"It is quite impressive. I'm not able to make a accurate evaluation without more data, though. Ah, excuse me. I am Korinthia of Minoa. My companion is Eugenia of Minoa. We represent the Spacers. It is arguable that we have more spacefaring experience than any other humans in existance,even if we are attached to somewhat outdated technology. There are a few... unique surprises... that we could trade."

Two part response.

"That would be quite acceptable." The Vohrsoth 'says' to Harsburg.

Several of the eyes lock onto the Spacers. "Surely any space station that holds an entire poulation is more than what you usually find." The Vohrsoth looks at the main computer screen for a few seconds, showing an asteroid that was being mined. It then returns to looking at the group. "Our society is based on suprises, both productive and disasterous. We embrace them as a chance to gain new knowledge. We would be most interested."

Harsburg nods, feeling relieved. "That went smoothly," he thinks.

"That is all that my leader felt that needed to be discussed. If there is anything you would like to inquire about, I am prepared to respond appropriately."

The Vhorsoth considers for a few moments. "We have been attacked by pirates many times in the past few years. Our defenses have held for the most part, but I would like to know what is being done to deter this activity."

*A small, weathered Shuttle, with a stream of smoke trailing from its Secondary Engine slowly made it's way to the massive space station*

"It's Huge" Regarded one of the Pilots

"That's an entire civilization based in there" commented the other

Meanwhile in the private cabin

The Federation sent me to introduce us to a new species, in this pile of scrap!? thought the ambassidor to himself,well I guess it isn't the first time, and hey, maybe this time they might actully upgrade the ship!

*Back on the main deck*

The Pilot punched in a code, and the comm system was switced on: "This is the TSP Foray requesting permission to dock, please respond"

"We have not had problems with pirates as of yet. If you would like, I could discuss the matter with my leader, and I'm sure our nations could come up with a solution. In the meantime, we have defense drones that we could lend or sell to you."

Several of the eyes lock onto the Spacers. "Surely any space station that holds an entire poulation is more than what you usually find." The Vohrsoth looks at the main computer screen for a few seconds, showing an asteroid that was being mined. It then returns to looking at the group. "Our society is based on suprises, both productive and disasterous. We embrace them as a chance to gain new knowledge. We would be most interested."

"It's more than what others usually find. For us, it is our way of life. There's your first surprise."

The Vhorsoth considers for a few moments. "We have been attacked by pirates many times in the past few years. Our defenses have held for the most part, but I would like to know what is being done to deter this activity."

"We have heard of pirate activity among other nations, but none have yet disturbed us. For what reason, I cannot say, but perhaps a comparison of our societies and technologies is in order. We certainly have some... potent defenses. Things that these others," nodding to Harsburg, "could never even dream of."

Harsburg ignores the arrogance of the others.

"The choice is yours. That is all I have to speak of, so I will take my leave."

He bows again, then he and his guards begin to leave the room.

The Vohrsoth watches them leave and focuses it's eyes on the Spacers. "I see human arrogance is a constant across the galaxy. I'd advise you to be more respectful when in my world."

The Vohrsoth watches them leave and focuses it's eyes on the Spacers. "I see human arrogance is a constant across the galaxy. I'd advise you to be more respectful when in my world."

"It is not arrogance when it is true. The fact is, we have far more experience than they, and we truly do have secrets that would boggle the minds of others."

"You are right. Impudence is the correct word." it responds.

"Label it what you will. If we offend, it is not intentional."

"You say you have had problems with pirates. This suggests you would be interested in defensive technologies, yes? Methinks what you need is an HPD."

The Vohrsoth attempts to find a reference to that acronym, but fails. "We have had several assaults on the Forge and two succesful boardings. They mostly went for supplies and the like. The Reavers and militia sent them back with a lot less people and not enough supplies to justify the raids." It's eyes focus on the main board, where a severly damaged cargo ship was limping towards the Forge. "However... our ships are quite vunerable."

just to get this above the spam BUMP

The Vohrsoth attempts to find a reference to that acronym, but fails. "We have had several assaults on the Forge and two succesful boardings. They mostly went for supplies and the like. The Reavers and militia sent them back with a lot less people and not enough supplies to justify the raids." It's eyes focus on the main board, where a severly damaged cargo ship was limping towards the Forge. "However... our ships are quite vunerable."

"Ours may somewhat dinky, but are certainly not vulnerable. For small transports like the one we have come in, a single Hutchison Point Diverter does the job. For the larger ships, arrays of them can be used for defense, construction, or just moving things out of the way. Anything that we don't want near won't be in operation for very long if we can see it. As far as we know, we are the only ones to have mastered the Hutchison Effect. As such, HPDs can only be acquired from us, either directly or through a reseller."

"Ours may somewhat dinky, but are certainly not vulnerable. For small transports like the one we have come in, a single Hutchison Point Diverter does the job. For the larger ships, arrays of them can be used for defense, construction, or just moving things out of the way. Anything that we don't want near won't be in operation for very long if we can see it. As far as we know, we are the only ones to have mastered the Hutchison Effect. As such, HPDs can only be acquired from us, either directly or through a reseller.""I am unaware of this 'Hutchison'. Your device seems like an advance deflector shield, it also sounds most useful."

"Deflector shields are power-inefficient, and most stop everything. An HPD stops only what you want it to stop. And does far more than just keep things away. The applications of the Hutchison Telekinetic Effect include deflection, traction, warping, transmution, optical modification, and total dis-integration. A standard HPD is equipped to handle deflection, traction, optical modification, and dis-integration. So if you didn't necessarily want to kill your attackers, it would be a simple matter to hold them in place and peer through the hull to see what is inside. A good way of stopping smugglers."

(OOC: Such an effect was observed by one Dr. Hutchison In Real Life. The military was obviously interested in such a thing, but the project was cancelled when it was discovered how incredibly difficult it was to control.)

*bump*