NationStates Jolt Archive

The Charles Darwin, a vessel dedicated to science and exploration, floated in the void of space, a speck of seamless silver against the silent darkness. Its instruments dutifully scanned scanned the binary star system that had first attracted its attention, logging information. Binary stars were common enough, of course. But this one was unusual. It boasted an orbiting planetoid.

So the ship had floated here for a week, studying the small planet. It seemed to have been a free-floating meteor, unusually regular in shape, that had been trapped by the stars' gravity into an elliptical orbit.

A soft chime indicated the analysis was complete. The ship's AI spoke. "It's useless to our greater purposes, Captain."

Captain Thomas Lansing nodded. "We'd guessed as much. Interesting, though."

"Its composition is mostly silicates, with little metal. There is--"

"You can skip that, Darwin. We won't be staying to mine it."

"Yes, Captain. Habitation would be highly inefficient; the planetoid is too hot at its perihelions and too cold at its aphelion. Aside from which, it is doomed. The orbit is unstable, and the body will be pulled into one of the stars within a few decades. My projection is approximately 34 years, under current conditions."

Lansing nodded again. "Log the rest, and prepare for fold. We've been here long enough to charge the drive. Take us to the next location."

"Directly, Captain? Following a jump of that distance, the drives would need charging for approximately one week. It would be more efficient to make multiple smaller--"

"No, just take us there, Darwin. We'll be there long enough, anyway, and it's our last stop before we go home for rest and refitting. The crew'll be happier if we get right to it."

"Acknowledged, Captain. I've already calculated the fold in anticipation of such an order. Folding in 3... 2... 1..."

The binary star and its doomed satellite were suddenly alone in space.

-=-=-=-=-=-

The Charles Darwin was not there one moment; the next, it simply was, without fanfare. Immediately, a cursory system scan was engaged, and the officers on duty turned to their assigned tasks with brisk efficiency.

"Yellow-orange star -- GV-type, but just barely avoiding KV. Five satellites. Three of those are gas giants, and the other two are rocky..." the chief science officer read off, then blinked. "Hey, we've got a positive!"

"What?" The captain moved over to read the display for himself. "That hasn't happened since Kirei. How sure are we?"

"Initial scan shows 78% certainty regarding the second planet, Captain," Darwin chimed in. "I've initiated deep scanning."

"Move us closer while you're waiting for results."

"Acknowledged."

Thoughts of home were forgotten among the excitement, as the ship reoriented itself and engaged sublight drives.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Deep scanning could take several hours, at this distance, but it would take a full day, perhaps longer, to traverse the same distance at sublight speeds, and so the results came in enroute. Most of the officers had rotated, by then, but Captain Lansing remained. "Report," he said immediately when the chime sounded.

"Positive confirmed. My scans show an atmospheric composition of roughly 23% oxygen, 76% nitrogen, 1% trace gasses."

"More oxygen-rich than Earth."

"Yes, by over 2%. Within acceptable bounds, though fires would be a hazard."

Lansing nodded. "Continue."

"Lithospheric composition is primarily oxygen -- approximately 47% by mass. Silicon, approximately 27% by mass. Aluminum, 8%; iron, 6%; calcium, 4%; sodium, 2%; potassium, 2%; magnesium, 1%; trace elements, 2%."

The captain frowned. "That's only 99%. Due to rounding?"

"Yes. Shall I give you compositions to three decimal places?"

"No, that's fine. That's also earthlike, but with slightly greater amounts of heavy metals, and slightly less silicon."

"Correct. Its orbital distance is greater than Earth's, making the planet colder, though still within the green zone. Its mass is approximately 80% that of Earth. Furthermore, water is present, in both solid and liquid form. The polar icecaps are rather extensive; this planet may be experiencing an ice age."

"It's geologically active?"

Darwin hesitated slightly. "It would seem so, although that has not yet been absolutely confirmed."

Lansing paused, scarcely daring to ask the next question. "Signs of life?"

"Inconclusive. No sign of intelligent life."

"I see. Well." There hadn't been much chance of that, of course, but one always hoped... "You'd better notify the Triumvirate, then. Register what we've found so far, and note that study is ongoing."

"Acknowledged. What shall we name the planet, Captain?"

Lansing smiled faintly. "Call it Iscandar for now."

OOC: Is this an open RP, or merely a statement of action? If it is an RP, can I get in on it?

OOC: It's going to be an RP, yes. Or a story, depending on the interest level. 8)

OOC: So, I can join in? Cause I haven't had an exploration RP in such a long time (all my old ones degenerated into combat RP's. Combat's fun, but not what I was trying for)

(OOC: No problem. I'd just ask that you wait until tomorrow's post. I don't think I'm going to get it done tonight...)

"Captain, I think you'd better look at this," the science officer said.

It was two days since the discovery of the planet temporarily named Iscandar. Most of that time had been spent in orbit, examining the planet further via instruments and remote probes. They had found that the planet was geologically active; that the atmosphere should be breathable, though it was oxygen-rich and could cause lightheadedness until one could adjust; that plant life existed in the equatorial regions, and some one-celled organisms, and lower animals in the sea; that the planet's size was roughy 80% that of Earth, but its gravity was closer to 0.82 Gs, thanks to its higher density.

This provided plenty of fodder for scientific study. But none of it would explain the unusual tone of the science officer's voice. Lansing stood and walked over to her station, leaning over to read the displays. The primary screen showed a broad expanse of ice, dusted lightly with snow, and broken by the jagged peaks of a few mountains in the distance. "This is the polar region?"

"The north, Sir. Approximately 24 latitudinal degrees south of the pole."

"Indeed." He pondered the scene for a moment, and then his eye fell on one of the secondary displays. A zoom-enhanced image of a portion of the ice, with... "What is that?"

"I was hoping you could tell me, Captain."

"Darwin?"

"Unconfirmed, Captain." The AI's soft artificial voice did not express puzzlement, but Lansing read the emotion in nevertheless. "The ice is too thick to obtain a better picture. It seems there is a formation of some sort beneath. It may be an outcropping of rock in an unusually regular shape, but it doesn't appear to match that of the mountains you can see in the primary image."

"Are you saying it might be an artificial structure?"

"Affirmative, Captain. I cannot calculate a probability with the limited data available, however."

"My god..." Lansing turned back to the science officer. "Can we melt through with shipboard systems?"

"We can, but we risk damaging it. It would be better to organize a landing party. You get more finesse when you can work close-up."

Lansing straightened, regarding the bleak landscape. "Very well. We'll prepare for landing. In the meantime, I want you to launch the rest of the probe drones."

"All of them, Sir? We won't be able to retrieve--"

"Forget about the expense. The Darwin is going to be refitted after this mission anyway. If we can find anything else like this, it'll be worth it. Scour that planet. Impress some techs from Navigation to help out if you need it. We're not going anywhere until we've investigated."

Darwin chimed, the equivalent of clearing its throat. "Should I prepare a news release, Captain?"

Lansing frowned. "I think we're obliged to, in this case. But understate it. We're not sure we've found anything, yet."

Had the captain not been so intent on puzzling over the discovery, he might have ordered that the planet's coordinates not be disclosed. But he failed to give that order, and so its coordinates were noted at the tail of the newsbrief that flashed to the Triumvirate of Yut, and from there across the Sol system.

(OOC: And it'll be open now. Iscandar is about 25 ly from Earth, for reference. No military fleets, please. This is not a war RP.)

OOC: IS it okay if I have one warship there? I never send out exploration/survey shipswithout an escort. If it's not okay I'll have it called away for some emergency

IC:

The GDC Iris, stationed in the Sol system to monitor the happenings, began it's daily survey of open transmissions. As the crew progressed through all the communications, ranging from news reports to wedding invitations, they stopped to study one more deeply.

"Hey Joe? Take a look at this. It's a transmission from, what's this nation? Ravenspire? What the hell kinda name is that? (*NOTE* The opinions expressed by the characters of this RP do not represent those held by the nation of Klonor) An exploration team exploring the planet...how do you pronounce that? Isc...Isca...whatever. Exploring planet X has stumbled upon something that may be articifically made, but it isn't human."

"Really? Another alien species? Jesus, aren't there enough of those things already?"

"To many in my opinion. Anyway, the don't know what the hell it is."

"Or they do, and they don't want people to know they do."

"Maybe. Let's forward this to the bridge, they might want to take a look at it."

"Sure, but put your name on it this time. The last time you signed me on it I got half pay for a month."

"Hey, I thought the captain might laugh. I know I did."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fleet Headquarters, Gamma Draconis

"General, we've got a priority one message from the GDC Iris in the Sol system. They say a nation we've had no previous contact with has discovered an extremely dangerous alien artifact, so dangerous they're trying to squash all the information about it."

"This doesn't bode well (it never does). I want to know whatever they know about that thing."

"Yes, sir. But they're doing a good job, we've gotten no additional info."

"Well, then send some ships out there and find out for ourselves!"

"Yes, sir!"

With that, the GDSv Asimov and the GDSv Da Vinci, Faustus class Research Vessels, launch out into space, accompanied by the GDD Galatea, an Orion class Destroyer routinely sent to escort science vessels.

With a flash of blue they leap into Sub-Space, on their way to the Iscandar system.

OOC: I just found out that I'm going to be out of town on business this weekend, so I'm postponing further storyline advances until Sunday night/Monday afternoon (depending on when I get back and how tired I am). That should also give other interested parties a chance to respond.

tag

Billions of voice chattered, screamed and whispered their presence away. A single, tangible accent lost and unretrievable amongst the white noise that poured from the massive filter speakers that adorned the unremarkable, plain walls. Thick data transmission cables snaked across the floor lazily, leaving the comfort of a horizontal surface as they climbed up the wall and disappeared from view through suitably snug conduit holes.

All through this, the system watched.

Almost every conceivable piece of information that made its way across Terra ultimatley ended or began its journey within the vast catacombs of the colourfully named ministry for the dissemination of relevent information, deep within the forgotten bowels of the Earth, somewhere within the borders of Kaenei.

Threatening behavour from rogue states, critical developments in the field of technology, social dinners being held and attended by Imperial President D'ron Christopher Smith, whose favourite meal usually included a human delicay, a bacon cheesburger. Nothing was left to chance as the ancient systems collected and divided the vast data into something usable and understandable.

And now, they had isolated an interesting development away from the Earthern sphere, and within the depths of space. Though the intelligence that gathered it cared not wether the information it handled might spell the very end of its existance, or bring gret joy to the human race it dilligently processed nonetheless.


Absent from events on Terra, First Citizen Caelistis was unable to witness events firsthand, instead acting First and Intelligence Minister Killthanus took reign and read the priority messages that flooded his personnel commaddress at almost every regular cycle end. Perusing, his eyes widened with interest, and he brought up additional related attachments regarding the information on display.

Killthanus contemplated his position. As fellow Trium members, the discovery presented both the oppertunity to widen the boundries of knowledge, and forge closer ties with alliance members. However he was also remidned of the preciousness of the Kaeneian fleet, and its slow rate of increase and ship repair. Committing even one sizable craft was a difficult decsion in itself. But the Acting First was unwilling and unwaivering to allow such an oppertunity to pass. Computing the required sequence, he began the process needed of him....


Motionless, hanging above the almost invisible poles of the frozen Jovian moon Europa, the Kaeneian starship Tikriyan^a awaited. It knew not what it remained silent for, an order to begin bombardment of the planet surface as expected as one to commence a simple survey mission. It paid not to be unprepared and found wanting. No, better to be alert and unquestioning and astute that your duty has been done that day.

The vents that had so begun life on the sensor display of a Ravenspire starship now reached the ears of the commanding Kaeneian aboard the Tikriya^a. With a roar whose silence bore testamount to the enormous energies stolen from it by the blackness it inhabited, the massive yet sleek dart began to accelerate. What farce of friction remained overcome and cast aside, the orbit of the moon long forgotten, the vessel moved now to complete only its first task. Clear the Sol system, which would allow a jump to superluminal velocities.

As the star in question burned on as it had for billions of years, behind the starship, she made for the otherwise unremarkable coardinates indicated, hoping for just the opposite turn of events.

[OOC: I'm in.]

"Doug? I'd like to have a ship assigned to take a look at this planet Ravenspire found. Sounds like it's right up our alley - in fact I'd like you to specifically request the Columbia be sent out there."

"I'll file the request - but why the Columbia Senator?"

"Classified really - but the long and short of it is that the crew has a lot of experience in digging things out of the ice."

Senator Renkavi, Chairperson of the Science Commitee, turned back to other things as Doug left to file the request.

---

"Orders from SEC Captain..."

Commander O'Malley of the SDF Columbia watched as Captain Jerome Masters, son of one of the most famous Sunset exploring Captains, took his seat.

"Oh? Where are we off to now?"

"The planet is called Iscandar - a Ravenspire explorer found it as well as something unusual under one of the ice caps. SEC has passed us orders to join them. I'm putting the early data on the main screen now."

On the forward screen Iscandar appeared against the stars surrounded by data that updated as the computers crunched it against known similar worlds.

"Great - beats looking at more nebula. Liuetenant? I know your ready - take us out."

The navigation officer had been paying attention and had a course ready. He finished the command and the ship accelerated forward before jumping to warp.

---

The Columbia emerged from warp in a flare of light as the energies of the warp bubble bled off behind them. Thrusters fired and she steered for a stable orbit trailing the Charles Darwin.

"Open a communications with all ships in system. Anyone who wants to talk, put them on the main screen. Try to get me the Captain of the 'Darwin though. Commander Vasquez - standard entry procedure. Full scan, and put a sensor bouy around every body over 10km. Make sure everyone knows we are going to be firing."

"Aye Captain."

The dual sensor arrays of the Venture-B came alive as she extended her electronic senses out to the system. The sub-arrays began to focus on first one target then another as more information was needed. As data flooded in and was confirmed by the parallel arrays it was sent to the Darwin for additional cross-checking. The Klonor ships were for now excluded from the data exchange - the security of a data exchange was not yet known. Thus the data was also encrypted using the standard GEC encryption cyphers.

As the data continued to flood across the data array was expanded - from her forward tubes Columbia fired standard communications and sensor satillites into orbit of the planetary bodies. These were tied into the Venture's sensor array which relayed everything back to SEC/GEC for desimination to all of the Triumvirate.

So sad, no more Legends were out of the construction yards yet.
Ah, but what are old ships for, anyway?

Just as he had done so many times before, Miren floated quietly in the cockpit of an Aquilla-class science vessel, checking all of the dials and displays. Satisfied, he ran his finger along a row of toggle switches, powering up the jump drives.

"Engineering, course identified and calculated. Powering up CCs. Check."
"Control, we are go for subluminal. Releasing CCs in 5, 4, 3, 2, A-B bubble initialized."
And suddenly, the image out the window warped as though seen through a massive and badly focused lense- but only for a moment, after which there was nothing at all.
"Confirmed. Gravitational lensing is consistent. Negative on causality horizon."
"Check. Increasing relative velocity to .9c. Go for superluminal in tee-minus 2 hours."

The purple trilaterally-symmetric science vessel popped back into the universe in orbit of Iscandar, and manuevered itself to iscanosynchronous altitude near the equator.

Tag...

OOC: How sci-fi are we allowed to get? Can I introduce a lone space wanderer?

Silence reigned through the airless vacuum of space. A trillion points of light struggled to outshine each other, dominated by the ice world in question, stubborn in its refusal to yield secrets and wonders to prying eyes. A crackle of violet tore from one point towards another, crackling defiance, before abruptly ceasing to be.

It returned a second later, its duration doubled, and partnered by a second strand that leapt with the fury of an intelligence. From here the intensity of the "storm" only grew. Strands of the violet lightning wove themselves anew, appearing as if from space itself. Within only ten seconds a veritable wave of photofluerescent energy rushed forward. With the behaviour of a water wave it peaked and rolled forwards, sparking violently. On the crest of this distortion the Tikriyan^a phased into existence, riding it as the popular recreational surfers did their oxygen-hydrogen counterparts.

After a total of twenty four seconds from the initial crackle to the intense phasing the wave dissapated, its powerful energies seperating and continuing on into the deeper reaches of the void unchecked or challenged. The floating sheen of the Kaeneian starship took a further few seconds to allow for a return of normal shipboard functions, before slowly moving ahead on sublight propulsion.

Alien, and cold. A puzzling, organic shape best described the Tikriyan^a, and Kaeneian constructions in general. Smooth, flowing hulls that seemed to meld effortlessly with support struts and engine housings. A smooth front that descended from a large engine bay and superluminal capacities was bathed in a deep blue glow, provided by mysterious hull mounted lights whose purpose was unknown and unwarrented.

At regular intervals, organic fins extended, as though designed to allow the ship to cut through space as though it were a liquid. Though it bordered on the ridiculous if this were true, their acutal purpose remained as unknown as the almost unpronouncable name that adorned its deep red hull.

After a time, the Kaeneian vessel had closed to a comfortable distance, taking up an opposite approach to the Sunset vessel. No communication had been forthcoming, none was truly needed until dialogue was opened by those that had instigated this exploration. Silence reigned once more, as no actions nor devices were undertaken or used.

Eventually, activity was forthcoming. A rapid energy spike detectable through the upper electromagnetic bands registered momentarily, before a beam of intense light shot from the bizarre prow of the Kaeneian craft, and travelled from view deep into the atmosphere of the alien world. Though the beam contained no destructive energy, or remarkable power signature, it was extremely focused in width. After almost a minute, the beam discontinued with as abrupt a cut off as it had began. As though to further confuse, data streams began their winding path from the transmittion capacities of the Tikriryan^a to the fellow Trium vessels, though similiarly the non-alligned visitor recieved nothing. The beam a scan of sorts, but the technology rather different to that employed by the majority of those encountered before.

Of the ice world, it changed not. The assembled strangers would examine, dissect and study, but it was ultimatley the choice of the planet wether anything would be gleamed.

In the cavernous shuttlebay of the Columbia technicians worked on the single Chariot-Class Assault Shuttle carried as part of the standard complement. Beside them two DA-102 aerospace fighters idled - the pilots had recieved permission to fly training operations while the ship was in-system. As a large, well-armed, transport Captain Masters saw the assault shuttle as the best way to get everything they needed down to the surface, plus enough firepower to make some precision headway against the ice.

"Remove the center seats - we need to put an equipment pallet in there. Make sure those door guns are stowed and locked securely as well."

The aformentioned equipment pallet floated into the bay. It was loaded with all kinds of supplies from weapons and explosives to rations and mobile sensor arrays. On it's back in the center of it all was a Crisis battlesuit - more for melting ice than doing battle. But multi-purpose never hurt anyone - though the heavy fusion cannon on it's left arm often did.

OOC: How sci-fi are we allowed to get? Can I introduce a lone space wanderer?

OOC: Pretty far-future. I don't care, so long as you keep it reasonable. Don't go blowing up the system, or anything.

IC:

The Columbia emerged from warp in a flare of light as the energies of the warp bubble bled off behind them. Thrusters fired and she steered for a stable orbit trailing the Charles Darwin.

"Open a communications with all ships in system. Anyone who wants to talk, put them on the main screen. Try to get me the Captain of the 'Darwin though. Commander Vasquez - standard entry procedure. Full scan, and put a sensor bouy around every body over 10km. Make sure everyone knows we are going to be firing."


The Charles Darwin was quick to respond to the contact. Captain Lansing was onscreen within 30 seconds, looking as though he hadn't slept very much; or, more specifically, as though he had worked through most of the night and was now ready to go through another. This was probably not a surprise. "Hello, Columbia. It's good to see Sunset in these parts. The data-sharing network is already being set up. What else can I do for you?" He snapped his fingers. "Oh, right. If you didn't notice, we've got more company incoming. Small numbers, probably friendlies."

With the usual flash of blue the Klonor survey fleet leaps out of Sub-Space and back into the normal universe. The two Faustus's, pitifully armed, huddle up against the sides of the larger warship, not knowing what to expect.

When they aren't immedietly fired upon the ships begin to spread out, the science vessels slowly moving towards the planet and the Orion hanging back, not wanting to make any ripples.

"Attention, all vessels in system, this is Captain Jungrees of the GDSv Asimov, registered to the nation of Klonor. We have just arrived in system on a scientific and peaceful mission. We would like premission to join you in your exploration of this planet, as well as assisit you in your studies of the exploration findings. May we approach?"

Major Jonathan Li of the VRSP (Valient Royal Space Program) Special Division sighed once more as he boarded his Typhorian-Class Explorer Tear of Valient. He had barely came home from his last mission, which was finishing with the disposal of a horrible weapon, when President Valient had personally summoned him.

Bits and peices of that day came back to him, as he ran through final checks:

Iscander...Ravenspire...Ice field...

and names of nations that he couldn't keep straight: Sunset, Kaenei, Eniqcir. All different players in this game for... what? Some frozen thing under some ice? Ridiculous.

What was worse was the way Ryane, his son, had looked at him with accusing eyes. Couldn't he understand that he had to leave? That he had to go and represent the commonwealth of the people of Valient?

No, he could not. He was only a child, while he...

He was the leader of the DEO, the Department of Extra-Normal Operations, and as such, had really no other choice but to go to these strange missions. Information was scant, as intelligence on the participatory nations or Iscander was brief.

However, as the Tear of Valient left the Alexandria space dock, he could only hope that he would learn what the president wanted to know as soon as possible. So he could return to his family. To his son.

"Got em. Thank you Captain Lansing. Captain Jerome Masters - This is my XO Commander O'Malley..."

O'Malley leaned in from offscreen and waved. Clearly formality was not a prerequisite to service on this ship.

"Hello Captain!"

"Two things actually. I'm thinking we should setup a filtered data feed for the non-Trium folks. Keep them in the loop, just strip the stuff we don't know they can gather out of the feed."

Masters paused and looked down at his armrest console.

"Looks like the Kaenei's will be joining us... I would expect someone from Eniqcir to show up as well."

A screen lit up in the background as the datafeed from the Kaenei ship went live. A technician went over to monitor it as Jerome looked back up at the screen.

"It's also traditional to ask the Captain and bridge officers to dinner. You look like you could use a hot meal and at least a break - it would be a chance to formulate a mission plan. You, your XO and your science head. I'll extend the same to everyone if you are interested..."

---

The shuttle doors yawned and the two fighters shot out from between the arching wings of the Venture-B. They were two of the older DA-102's. The SDF saw no need to put top of the line fighters on an explorer. They were mostly meant for getting people into tight spaces where transporters couldn't reach.

The pilots headed out into open space and began running their training excersizes. Simulated opponents projected onto their canopy's made them look like shadow boxers as they put their craft through their paces - straffing and tumbling as they engaged in simulated life or death combat.

I would expect someone from Eniqcir to show up as well.

As if on cue...
"E.S.V. Blue Dwarf calling Trium vessels, chief xenologist Miren speaking. Anyone want to tell me why studying this place is more interesting than a herd of kilometer-wide jellybirds?"

Viewing from a port or screen, the Tikiryan^a continued to fascinate and confuse. The running lights that had bathed her prow in a cool blue now slowly fluctuated, stretching to a deep green, before cycling to a fiery, furious red. The curious light show was certainly attractive, but the purpose unknown.

Slowly, movement betrayed intent. The Kaeneian vessel began to close apon the atmosphere of the Ice world. Her prow beginning to drift downwards as the methodical pull of gravity began its exertions. As the list became noticable, obscured retrorockets fired violently. Slowly, the descent halted, and the Tikiryan^a thwarted the gravitational forces at work. As though this were a catalyst for further movement, three speedfull pulses left launch tubes somewhere about midsection. These shimmering bolts of electric blue flew towards the alien world below in formation. Too small to be transport craft, but too large to be ordanance of sorts.

Of actual voice-to-voice contact there had as yet been none. They had not been contacted personally, and until a mission plan was constructed, they felt as though there was no need for such.

OOC: Bump for continuation tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.

"Got em. Thank you Captain Lansing. Captain Jerome Masters - This is my XO Commander O'Malley..."

O'Malley leaned in from offscreen and waved. Clearly formality was not a prerequisite to service on this ship.

"Hello Captain!"

"Two things actually. I'm thinking we should setup a filtered data feed for the non-Trium folks. Keep them in the loop, just strip the stuff we don't know they can gather out of the feed."

Masters paused and looked down at his armrest console.

"Looks like the Kaenei's will be joining us... I would expect someone from Eniqcir to show up as well."

A screen lit up in the background as the datafeed from the Kaenei ship went live. A technician went over to monitor it as Jerome looked back up at the screen.

"It's also traditional to ask the Captain and bridge officers to dinner. You look like you could use a hot meal and at least a break - it would be a chance to formulate a mission plan. You, your XO and your science head. I'll extend the same to everyone if you are interested..."

"I think we'll all be happy to take you up on that offer. Thanks," Lansing said. "As far as the data feeds, I'd have to agree. We weren't going to release anything further until we'd had a chance to study it and get something more concrete than guesswork and an image of a blurry shape buried beneath some ice."

When they aren't immedietly fired upon the ships begin to spread out, the science vessels slowly moving towards the planet and the Orion hanging back, not wanting to make any ripples.

"Attention, all vessels in system, this is Captain Jungrees of the GDSv Asimov, registered to the nation of Klonor. We have just arrived in system on a scientific and peaceful mission. We would like premission to join you in your exploration of this planet, as well as assisit you in your studies of the exploration findings. May we approach?"

With the captain otherwise engaged, this message was answered by the Darwin's secondary communications officer, a young dark-haired woman. "Greetings, Asimov, this is the Charles Darwin, out of Ravenspire. You're clear to approach. Are you aware of the findings to date?"

(OOC: Basically, what's already been revealed, so you are, if you want to be.)

"E.S.V. Blue Dwarf calling Trium vessels, chief xenologist Miren speaking. Anyone want to tell me why studying this place is more interesting than a herd of kilometer-wide jellybirds?"

This one was fielded by the science officer. "Possible evidence of sentients. A lost civilization, I'm afraid, but there may be artifacts. Depending on how quickly the ice age came on, things might be pretty well preserved down there, too."

Of actual voice-to-voice contact there had as yet been none. They had not been contacted personally, and until a mission plan was constructed, they felt as though there was no need for such.

Darwin, the ship's AI, saw to the contact; the data streams had already been established, of course, but it sent a packet of its own, containing the latest probe-gathered data -- which didn't amount to much, in relative terms -- and information about the pending mission plan discussion. Voice and image were unnecessary for this message.

(OOC: I'm not ignoring your earlier post, by the way; I just don't know what exactly you're looking for. If it's important, fill me in and I'll do my best.)

"Prepare the dinner table! We have guests coming!"

"Ja mein Imperitor. How many guests are we expecting?"

Jerome paused and did a quick mental count.

"Say... 30? Better get out the extra leaves."

---

The invitation to join the command staff of the Columbia for dinner went out to all ships - the Captain, XO, and Science officer were specifically mentioned as invited.

---

"How's work coming on that filtered feed?"

"Long - the II is sorting the public sensor capabilities from what we 'know' they have from intelligence gathering. I've had to contact HQ a couple times for updated info - that's chewing up time as well. I guess 20 minutes though."

"Send a message to the other commands once you are done - make it sound nice. If they reciprocate shove it all through the II to cross check their information gathering capabilities."

Captain Masters left the bridge to check on the dinner preparations.

As the Tear Of Valient reentered normal space, Major Jonathan Li of the VRSP encountered a message he was not expecting: an invitation to dinner from the Columbia.

Hmmm, thought Li, this may be a way to figure out what's going on. The sooner, the better.

"This is Major Jonathan Li of the VRSP, requesting an audience with the commanding officer of the Columbia. I am also RSVPing for the dinner on your vessel. Please respond."

"Acknowledged Tear Of Valient. Dinner will be served in 2 hours. Early arrival is acceptable. Columbia over."

---

With the two fighters out of the shuttle bay there was likely enough room for the various transports to begin arriving. Spotlights lit the rear wings and flashing landing lights guided arrivals to the shuttle bay doors that sat open like a hungry maw. Once inside they were pressurized while the passengers disembarked.

Officers were waiting to escort them to the dining and reception room where Captain Masters already waited as the final preparations were made.

One hundred AUs out from the star of the Iskandar system a ship suddenly appears from the ether. Any sensors tuned to gravitic or electromagnetic fluxuations would note a remarkable signature ripple out from the ship's position before ebbing away. The ship sits quietly for perhaps ten minutes, then makes a wide swing on its Y- and Z- axis before moving forward, accelerating slowly but inorexably.

[code:1:908ba77ec6]To: Charles Darwin
From: TIV Copernicus
Encryption: Trimvirate standard

This is Captain Shayna Richards sending regards to all Triumvirate vessels in the area. We have been instructed to observe and assist with your discovery at your discretion. We are presently in the outskirts of the Iskandar system, and should arrive at your location in one week with favorable conditions.[/code:1:908ba77ec6]

Tacking on the slight magnetic fields available in the area, the Copernicus turns again and begins to pick up speed on its electromagnetic drives.

"Blue Dwarf to Columbia. Got room for one more, over?"

*stupid double...*

A small shuttlecraft, sized for a landing party of approximately a dozen, plus equipment, launched from the Charles Darwin, to rendezvous with the Columbia minutes later. Aside from the pilot, Lansing had brought only the two other officers, and they were escorted to Masters quickly enough.

"Captain Masters," Lansing greeted. "Thomas Lansing. It's a pleasure. These are my XO, Lt. Shen Le--" This was a tall, lean man of Asian descent, whose round spectacles lent him a rather bookish appearance, and who offered a little bow of greeting-- "And my chief science officer, Serendipity Wainwright."

The latter was a short strawberry blonde, whose youthful looks gave no indication of the experience she must have in order to have achieved her post. "Call me Sera," she offered.

"Once everyone's arrived and eaten, we can start making some plans," Lansing concluded.

"Blue Moon, the table is set for 30 and there is a spot with your name on it. We will be waiting."

---

Jerome shook Captain Lansing's hand as the introductions went around.

"Agreed. We've just recieved a signal from a Treznor vessel - sounds like they are testing out their new space legs. They should be in orbit in a week - a long time on the surface, but we can take any excavation a little slow to give them some time to get in on the good stuff I'm thinking."

The reception and dining room was on the edge of the ship, and psuedo-windows looked out onto space and the planet below. Careful observation could pick them out as video screens, but it was as good as the real thing.

A long table ran beside the windows - 14 on one side, 14 on the other. Covered dishes were already laid out as well as apetizers on a side table.

"We can take some settings out once everyone is here - as the first to arrive you can pick your seats."

Commander O'Malley and Lt. Commander Lopez walked in at that moment.

"Blue Moon is on their way over as is the Valient crew. Haven't heard from the Kaeneian's yet though."

"Anywhere'll do," Sera said. "We generally don't stand on formality. Cap'n just likes doing things by the book."

"A lost cause, I assure you," Lansing remarked with a wry smile. "But to get back to what you were saying... I don't imagine we'll be here less than a week. Our current estimate is over three days just to melt through to whatever's down there -- that's if everything goes okay removing the water, so it doesn't refreeze, and assuming we can work through the nights. And if it is a building, and it's frozen solid, then things get tricky. But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself again. There're some outside ships, too -- a country called Klonor. We've never dealt with them before, but they seem peaceful enough."

-=-=-=-=-=-


To: Charles Darwin
From: TIV Copernicus
Encryption: Trimvirate standard

This is Captain Shayna Richards sending regards to all Triumvirate vessels in the area. We have been instructed to observe and assist with your discovery at your discretion. We are presently in the outskirts of the Iskandar system, and should arrive at your location in one week with favorable conditions.


To: TIV Copernicus
From: RSES Charles Darwin
Encryption: Triumvirate standard

Welcome, Captain Richards and the crew of the Copernicus. Thank you for the offer of assistance. We are currently in orbit over Iscandar, accompanied by vessels from Eniqcir, Sunset, Kaenei, and the non-triumvirate nations of Klonor and Valient. We currently expect to be stationed here for at least one month.

From the graceful Kaeneian starship, a new point of light emerged. A dazzling, blue focus of light that bore a stark contrast to both the trillion stars behind or the violet shades that adorned the hull of the larger craft. It rotated slowly, tracking towards the Sunset command vessel.

Looking beyond the intense light a shape was visible within. Elongated wings, at opposite angles that almost seemed organic like in their wing capacity. Moulded hull plating that flowed towards an elongated neck, housing what could be supposed as a command centre. The craft was small, a short range transport surely. She rolled once more, a three hundred and sixty degree change in her direction before sailing back on to her original flight path.

Eventually, her blue light emission faded, and the craft almost seemed to melt into the background of stars. Her hull painted a dull, very dark gray that reflected little light. For the few moments it took to close within comfortable distance of her point of journey, she was quiet.

From her wingtips, new light sprang. Two cones of yellow burst forth, illuminating the path ahead, and shining an almost natural sheen on the hull of the Sunset starship. Seconds later, her short range communication redundencies deployed, and a short message issued.

"The Kaeneian delegation accepts said invitation, and awaits docking procedures,"

Light spilled out across the wings of the Columbia as the shuttlebay opened to accept the Kaeneian craft. As it dropped gracefully to the deck between the other shuttles the bay doors slide shut and air flooded the bay.

'Welcome to Columbia. Are there any environmental conditions you need satisfied?'

OOC: I believe Ravenspire intends to get past the meal as quickly as possible so we can get to the surface - unless it will be needed for the story ahead please feel free to skip details of landing and arriving - this applies to everyone except Treznor (because of their travel time).

(Live, thread, live! Skipping ahead, then...)
The shuttlecraft Heart of Gold quickly flew over to the Columbia carrying Dr. Miren & companion. Dressed in the usual blue flightsuits, the pair entered the dinign room at a brisk pace, gave a quick halfway-bow/nod to those already present, and sat down near one end.
"Allo."