NationStates Jolt Archive

[[RR: Living Metal is a liquid, so presumably it should be on the walkway?]]

...accessing files. The Dryekan were formed using 73% native, 24% imported and 3% DNA, combined using the standard form. A large amount of native DNA was required to sufficiently dilute the Master's genetic code to the extent where a significant amount of imported DNA would function to form a "bridge" between the two very different genomes...
...the eventual result of the genetic combination was the Dryekan race, and sensors were put in place to monitor their progress, although these were destroyed (probably unintentionally) when the Dryekan were searching the discarded remains of the research facility. As the Master Gaeya was hibernating at that time the event was ignored...
...the species displayed a reasonable rate of advance that, although far below that of the Masters themselves or some of the other experiments of organics, was admirable considering the relative isolation that the subject species existed in...
...what further information do you desire..?

[[RR: Living Metal is a liquid, so presumably it should be on the walkway?]]

...accessing files. The Dryekan were formed using 73% native, 24% imported and 3% DNA, combined using the standard form. A large amount of native DNA was required to sufficiently dilute the Master's genetic code to the extent where a significant amount of imported DNA would function to form a "bridge" between the two very different genomes...
...the eventual result of the genetic combination was the Dryekan race, and sensors were put in place to monitor their progress, although these were destroyed (probably unintentionally) when the Dryekan were searching the discarded remains of the research facility. As the Master Gaeya was hibernating at that time the event was ignored...
...the species displayed a reasonable rate of advance that, although far below that of the Masters themselves or some of the other experiments of organics, was admirable considering the relative isolation that the subject species existed in...
...what further information do you desire..?
Dur'uc and his crew were overwhelme by the possible nature of their evolution, but Dur'uc decided to question further into the matter. "What was ... what was the purpose of the experimentaion?"

...repeating data strand...
...experiments based around the creation of a sentient species used combined biological coding and splicing as well as examination of differing genetic forms to determine of true combinations can exist despite variation of base pairs and several major genetic differences...

...repeating data strand...
...experiments based around the creation of a sentient species used combined biological coding and splicing as well as examination of differing genetic forms to determine of true combinations can exist despite variation of base pairs and several major genetic differences...
"So, in other words ... to see, if you could do it?" Dur'uc now understood what it was saying but he could not readily accpet it untill his people were returned to him. "Can I speak directly to Alexial?

...negative. Subject species developed for research into other areas of science. Personal feelings are not recorded, but indications are present of greater consideration of this experiment over several others...
...link to entity:Alexial permissible

Open Comm: Disk:
"Alexial are you there?"

As Alexial and the others stood in the hallway, they heard a familliar voice over the comms, "Dur'uc, are you there, is that realy you?"

"Yes, it's me, ok now, what I want you and the others to do is wait there for a while, and don't engage in any agressive actions."

"But sir, they attacked us first, they ..." Alexial was cut of by a slightly annoyed Dur'uc.

"I know, but they refuse to allow you and the others to leave until you are deemed non-hostile."

"But what about those metal tendrils? What if they try it again when we're pacified?"

"I assure you that they will leave you alone as long as you don't cause anymore of a rukcus. Ok, do you understand me? Sit tight and we'll come to terms, that hopefully get you out of there sooner then later. OK?"

"Yes, sir, I understand." Alexial then sat down a motioned for the others to do the same. "Sir about how long will we be in here?"

Dur'uc didn't know what to answer but right now it would probabily be better to give them hope, "About am hour, can you guys do that?"

"Yes sir, just hurry up."

"I will, I am, now sit tight." The comms then cut off and Alexial and the group waited for their release.
Comm Cut:

Closed Comm:
"Thank you for allowing me to speak to my people, they should calm down now, knowing that we havn't abandoned them." Dur'uc then rested his weary heart.
Comm Cut:

"Ensign, I'm too old for this." said Dur'uc with a slight hint of humor in his voice.

"You and me both, sir, you and me both."

Alex had been sitting quietly for some time, ever since Hypatia had warned them not to take any action. He finally grew tired of the silence and the tension.

"I grew up on a research station in the galdivan system. My parents were both double docs. I was the only child on the station, since it was on the border of our space. My parents were glad that I went through the 'imaginary friend' period. That's a point in humans lives at a young age were they play with someone who isn't there. Psychologically it tells alot about the child. The imaginary friend takes on the traits that reflect the childs personality. When I didn't grow out of it my parents finally got to the point where they were ready to take me to a shrink. That was when Jon spoke up. He was my imaginary friend. Jon is the shell person who runs the station and he took an intrest in me. I don't think he had ever seen a child before. He watched over me when my parents were working, made sure I got fed on time, played games with me. I still can't beat him at battle chess. It was from him that I learned all about how to act with shell people. He'd tan my hide if ever forgot shell etiquette. I wonder if would be upset with me right now. Being here, leaving Tia alone...."

He trailed off, getting quiet again.

"Well since everbody's sharing their childhood's I might as well share mine. I didn't have a childhood as you might consider it, I was created by my father and his computer AI, Tey'rai. From the second he started my programing, to the final second my body was created, and my program downloaded, I was concious, father called me his 'little ghost', on account that I kept roaming all over his files, when I was finally given a body I was imediatly ready to command drones in combat. In fact I was born at the end of the 'Arachnite Conflict', so I never saw combat, other then the vids of the war. But I was sent into the Fleet, and was given command of my drone sqaudron. It's been 13 years, since my creation, would have known that by looking would you? Alex... " Alexial adressed Alex in a sultry voice trying to incure his wrath. She then continued to name her millitary accomplisment to this present day.

"Well since everbody's sharing their childhood's I might as well share mine. I didn't have a childhood as you might consider it, I was created by my father and his computer AI, Tey'rai. From the second he started my programing, to the final second my body was created, and my program downloaded, I was concious, father called me his 'little ghost', on account that I kept roaming all over his files, when I was finally given a body I was imediatly ready to command drones in combat. In fact I was born at the end of the 'Arachnite Conflict', so I never saw combat, other then the vids of the war. But I was sent into the Fleet, and was given command of my drone sqaudron. It's been 13 years, since my creation, would have known that by looking would you? Alex... " Alexial adressed Alex in a sultry voice trying to incure his wrath. She then continued to name her millitary accomplisment to this present day.

The general listened to Alexial list her accomplishments before interrupting. "Robbing the cradle, hmm, Alex?" came the Generals gruff voice. "You know she's illegal."

"I never touched her, I swear", Alex replied.

"Then your a fool", came the general's response in a light hearted tone.

"What about you General? Care to share your background?" Alex asked.

"Not on your life fly boy. Forty-eight years with over forty in combat is enough to put anyone to sleep and I wouldn't do you the favor of making the lovely young lass that accessable."

Alex grinned, "Your no fun General."

"Nope, they train fun out of you."

Alexial began to laugh as she heard the generals voice, "General, you missunderstand me, though 'I' am only thirteen, my body is the design of an adult female of my species. So if he wants he can take me, but I'm not an easily suduced girl, giggling." Alexial then began to giggle at her harmless statement, which turned into laughter. "Don't worry Alex, I won't bite ... too hard, meow." Alexial then began pawing the air like a kitten.

OOC: I know I've been quiet, but that's because it's pretty much what the ship would be doing. I'll wait for people to start leaving before asking about what has happened ICly.

Just letting you know to not forget that I am out there.

Alexial began to laugh as she heard the generals voice, "General, you missunderstand me, though 'I' am only thirteen, my body is the design of an adult female of my species. So if he wants he can take me, but I'm not an easily suduced girl, giggling." Alexial then began to giggle at her harmless statement, which turned into laughter. "Don't worry Alex, I won't bite ... too hard, meow." Alexial then began pawing the air like a kitten.

"Better move quick Alex, before Tia ties down", the General said. Laughter was good for a tense situation like this and she was glad to hear it. "If you don't grab her I will, I like them when they bite back."

"Bite", Foster kicked in, "I've seen the men and women you've been with, they don't bite, they tear the flesh off."

"You've been with women?" her sister's voice com over the air, "that's disgusting."

"When you've been through what I have you take what you can get. With what I look like and where I typically am the choices are pretty scarce."

"I'm sorry", her sister said over the com, "I only just learned that you've been protecting me all this time."

"Hey ... that wasn't meant as stab at you. If you have the luxury of that opinion then I've done what I set out to do. We're out here so others have the luxury of choice, and I've managed to give it to you."


OOC: I know I've been quiet, but that's because it's pretty much what the ship would be doing. I'll wait for people to start leaving before asking about what has happened ICly.

Just letting you know to not forget that I am out there.

(OOC - I didn't forget you, actually I was wondering what was up. You can feel free to talk over com or even approach the Victorious. You may not be able to deal with action, and actually my people can't, really, but you can still RP. RP is talking as well as taking action. In fact I enjoy banter more than action to be honest, you get a better feeling for the characters.)

OOC: Part of what keeps me from it is I got behind. I'll catch up eventually, but it'll be a bit before I have the whole story.

Besides, you had a nice rhythm going on.

(OOC - Good reading actually but the story in a nutshell is that Central Worlds has had an archeological mystery they call the EsKays, after the two archeologists who found the first remains. Hypatia and Alex have found out that the EsKays are not a dead race but the Arcanites. They had abandoned the sector, leaving behind what Central Worlds had found.

Draconis had encountered them before and fought them. The Arcanites created the Dracos, which is a cool side story.

By the way arcane order? The reason they might have left could be that other than gold and gems theres not much of anything in the systems they hold. The planets don't hold much plant life on its own. That's why I keep stressing the gold panels on Tia to Draconis. Hard as it might seem to believe (If Draco has any) Central Worlds would tree wood product for gold or gems. It would be a good RP trade agreement, aside from the sisters defection and Tia's operation. We also have the possibility of contacting the 'EsKays' if you want to RP that. Also Demons possible future RP for speaking with any here. I like building future RPs within present RPs if I can.)

(OOC - Oh yeah I don't want to forget Reploid. Central promised to get him home and if he survives they will.)

OOC- I Would join in on the self history, but Spark isn't there, just his body but...)

With a combanation of stolen meterial and vented matter from the core, Spark has managed to cobble togeter a short range radio. "Hello, hello, anyone there? I'm still in the core, is anyone still here?"

They sat. And sat. And sat some more.

The hours had passed slowly, with them waiting. A ship exploration shouldn't take this long unless they found something or something went wrong. And usually, the finding something led to something going wrong. And that was usually followed by people dying.

"You think there's anyone left alive inside?" the Leutent asked.

"I doubt it. But let's check anyway. If they turn out to be dead, we leave," the Captain said.

~Electronic Communication to All Involved Parties~
It's been awhile. How many of you are still alive? Perhaps you can respond shortly.
Oh, the good news is that we definitely are still alive. Just waiting on the silent bet that entering the derelict was a bad idea.
~End Communication~

"Was the last part necessary?" the captain asked.

With a combanation of stolen meterial and vented matter from the core, Spark has managed to cobble togeter a short range radio. "Hello, hello, anyone there? I'm still in the core, is anyone still here?"

Alex looked at the Spark in front of him. "Hello, We're here. We're trapped at the moment. I'm not sure I understand, I see you right in front of me."

They sat. And sat. And sat some more.

The hours had passed slowly, with them waiting. A ship exploration shouldn't take this long unless they found something or something went wrong. And usually, the finding something led to something going wrong. And that was usually followed by people dying.

"You think there's anyone left alive inside?" the Leutent asked.

"I doubt it. But let's check anyway. If they turn out to be dead, we leave," the Captain said.

~Electronic Communication to All Involved Parties~
It's been awhile. How many of you are still alive? Perhaps you can respond shortly.
Oh, the good news is that we definitely are still alive. Just waiting on the silent bet that entering the derelict was a bad idea.
~End Communication~

"Was the last part necessary?" the captain asked.

"Greetings Gentlemen, this is AH-1033. We're alive and doing alright. Some of our number are trapped inside but I believe they may be released soon. The disk is an AI system and it's not very happy with us at the moment", Tia replied

"Captain, this is Admiral Quester-Benn. If you'd like you could move closer the Victorious. We are working on a solution to our problem. As Hypatia indicated it will hopefully be resolved soon."

"No, you are looking at my body, I am still next to the core, I tried to do an interphaseing to dystroy the core, only to miss it by an inch or so. We're still traped? You still haven't gotten out of the room? I do hope that you at least got the needle out.

[[OOC comments:

DLE:

Just letting you know to not forget that I am out there.

Don't worry, we haven't forgotten you.


CW:

Draconis had encountered them before and fought them. The Arcanites created the Dracos, which is a cool side story.

Actually, the Dracos fought another race who had been observed at one point by TAO, and had been lucky enough to find a few bits of Arcanite tech at one of the abandoned research stations.
I can assure you, if TAO went to war, DF couldn't stop them.

That's why I keep stressing the gold panels on Tia

Well, TAO (when Harvesting) usually don't leave much behind them...resources, worlds, suns...
Generally TAO will watch something for a while, then leave an automated examinatory system in place while they go of and do other things.


I'll go IC when I have time]]

OOC TAO, Please alow us our illision that we are not dealing with a Class 3 civ. (Class 1 uses all the resorses of a planet, Class 2, everything from a star, Class III, All the rescorses of a star, For refriance, humanity isn't even Class 1)

[[Hehe, don't worry RR....even if TAO did go to war, chances are that only one of the Masters would actually be fighting - TAO ships are power, but tend to be horribly outnumbered]]

OOC, even with 1 to 1,000,000,000,000 odds, if that one is a "master", I would still want to be on the far side of the universe. Class 3 vs. anything but another Class 3 tends to be a short and brutial death to the anyone else, even if they win.

[[*Whistles innocently*]]

^ :rolleyes:

"No, you are looking at my body, I am still next to the core, I tried to do an interphaseing to dystroy the core, only to miss it by an inch or so. We're still traped? You still haven't gotten out of the room? I do hope that you at least got the needle out.

"I see", Alex replied, "alright, and yes it is out." Alex stood up, "Hello? umm disk AI? Might I enter the previous room just to get something we left behind? I'll go alone if you want."

The Living Metal forming the wall back into the central chamber slid away, leaving the way clear. While the AIs could not talk to those inside without an interface point (no speakers on the disk), they could hear well enough.

The chamber is much as it was left, the adapted interface point still lying on the walkway. There is little reaction to his presence, the Living Metal still slowly rippling around the podium, the symbols still glowing.

A few minutes after Alex leaves the central chamber again (when he does) the wall on the other side of Alexial would withdraw, to allow them to leave.

There is no difference in the corridors, just the same lengths of corridor, alcoves, statues and other passageways.

"Well", Alex said, "maybe our hostility was littering, thier letting us go now that I have the heart for the tin man." Alex led the way back to Tia, "What should I do with this Spark?"

(OOC Why do you need speekers if you can just vibrate the Living metal to make sound? And Alex might have a problem with the core, between the reactor, telaporter, and memory core, it comes to roughly two hundred pounds.

IC) If you would drag me over to my body, I can interface from an external port to open the chest compartment.

Alex reached down to pick up the core and head back, only to be stopped by the sheer weight. "Ghu, you must weight as much as a legionarre." He braced himself and slowly drug the core back toward Spark, not asking anyone else to enter in case the disk AI should get upset again.

"Better move quick Alex, before Tia ties down", the General said. Laughter was good for a tense situation like this and she was glad to hear it. "If you don't grab her I will, I like them when they bite back."

"Bite", Foster kicked in, "I've seen the men and women you've been with, they don't bite, they tear the flesh off."

"You've been with women?" her sister's voice com over the air, "that's disgusting."

"When you've been through what I have you take what you can get. With what I look like and where I typically am the choices are pretty scarce."
Alexial was inticed by the thought, which made her giggle her innocent laugh that added onto her natural bueaty, "Giggling, hmm, that sounds inticeing, I may take you up on your offer, Iv'e never been with another female, giggling." "That is if you still want me after you've seen the rest of the population, giggling."

~Electronic Communication to All Involved Parties~
It's been awhile. How many of you are still alive? Perhaps you can respond shortly.
Oh, the good news is that we definitely are still alive. Just waiting on the silent bet that entering the derelict was a bad idea.
~End Communication~
Open Comm
"Yes we're all still here, and we're happy that you decide to speak before I decided to take action."
"I am Admiral Dur'uc Hai'dra of the Dracoinis Federation, and who might you be?"
End Comm

"No, you are looking at my body, I am still next to the core, I tried to do an interphaseing to dystroy the core, only to miss it by an inch or so. We're still traped? You still haven't gotten out of the room? I do hope that you at least got the needle out.
"Yes, we're unplugged for sure, even if we weren't till now we are, the disk made an agreement with Dur'uc of non-agreesion, we don't do anything they don't harm or interfere with us."

OOC comments:
CW:

Draconis had encountered them before and fought them. The Arcanites created the Dracos, which is a cool side story.

Actually, the Dracos fought another race who had been observed at one point by TAO, and had been lucky enough to find a few bits of Arcanite tech at one of the abandoned research stations.
I can assure you, if TAO went to war, DF couldn't stop them.

(OOC: But Papa why you wanna destroy me, hehe, after all father you made me, hehe.)

[[Hehe, don't worry RR....even if TAO did go to war, chances are that only one of the Masters would actually be fighting - TAO ships are power, but tend to be horribly outnumbered]]
(OOC: In other words TAO no gmoding, got that, hey I got an Idea I'll send the plans to you TG.)

Alex reached down to pick up the core and head back, only to be stopped by the sheer weight. "Ghu, you must weight as much as a legionarre." He braced himself and slowly drug the core back toward Spark, not asking anyone else to enter in case the disk AI should get upset again.
"Hey Alex you need help?"

"Umm, uhh, AI ... do you mind if I help him, ... after all if he is injured Dur'uc might take it as a break in the agreement, and he demand reperations, so it's probibily if I or you help him, ... so can I help him?"

OOC: Excuse the short post. Time to eat.

IC:

~Electronic Reply to Admiral Dur'uc Hai'dra~
I am Captain Serlo of the DemonLordEnigma Empire. We were out here on a random exploration mission when we found a bunch of ships together. Then we spotted that damned disc.
Normally my name would be tagged with the communication, but our communications system took some damage awhile back. Just when we were due to have our shields improved for just that possibility! Gotta love irony.
~End~

~Electronic Reply to Tia and Admiral Quester-Benn~
Give us a few moments. We're going to have to warm up the engines. And that AI sounds bad.
~End~

"Sir, is this wise?" Marlot asked.

"Not really. But do it anyway. I want to know what is going on and get it over with," Serlo said.

As asked, the DLE ship moved alongside the other, not knowing what it was in for...

Alexial was inticed by the thought, which made her giggle her innocent laugh that added onto her natural bueaty, "Giggling, hmm, that sounds inticeing, I may take you up on your offer, Iv'e never been with another female, giggling." "That is if you still want me after you've seen the rest of the population, giggling."

"Well", Micaya replied, "Maybe there's something this backward culture can teach you after all."

"Hey Alex you need help?"

"Umm, uhh, AI ... do you mind if I help him, ... after all if he is injured Dur'uc might take it as a break in the agreement, and he demand reperations, so it's probibily if I or you help him, ... so can I help him?"

"Nnnoooo"
scraaaape
"IIIIII"
scraaaape
"Got it"
scraaaape

~Electronic Reply to Tia and Admiral Quester-Benn~
Give us a few moments. We're going to have to warm up the engines. And that AI sounds bad.
~End~

As asked, the DLE ship moved alongside the other, not knowing what it was in for...

"Sis? You got that ship?" Micaya asked over the com.

"Got it, extending shields. I would move in front of it but I don't want to take any provocative action."

"Understood", Micaya replied.

The AIs (their player having only just realised about the idea of having Living Metal vibrate) give their approval for Alexial to help - they are not doing anything vaguely aggressive, so it does not greatly care.

[[DLE: Which ship is the DLE one coming alongside? The disk, one of the CW ships, or one of the Draconis ships?]]

"Considering that I'm being dragged along the floor, I'm very glad for two things, the heavy armor of the fusion core that is being draged, and the fact that I can't feel pain at the moment."

Alexial rushed over to Alex's aid, using her bionic muscles she easily picked it up and brought in to Spark's body, "Uh, Spark how do I put this back in?"

"Considering that I'm being dragged along the floor, I'm very glad for two things, the heavy armor of the fusion core that is being draged, and the fact that I can't feel pain at the moment."

"Yeah, well, you need to go on a diet."
scraaaaape

Alexial rushed over to Alex's aid, using her bionic muscles she easily picked it up and brought in to Spark's body, "Uh, Spark how do I put this back in?"

Alex followed Alexial. "He said just get it close, it'll do the rest. I guess it'll reintegrate itself."

"Alex? The way looks clear. Can you get them out?" Tia's voice came over the com.

"Working on it. We're getting Spark back together then we'll be on our way", Alex relied.

"A diet? As over eighty percent of my mass is the sheading that keeps my fusion core from melting its way out, I think that my weight is quight fine." As Alexial brings him to his body, she is able to overhere a highfeqency transmission to his body, which causes it to open tha top of its jumsuit, followed by the opening of it's cheast compartment, reviling a gap in the systems wher the core origenated from.

"A diet? As over eighty percent of my mass is the sheading that keeps my fusion core from melting its way out, I think that my weight is quight fine." As Alexial brings him to his body, she is able to overhere a highfeqency transmission to his body, which causes it to open tha top of its jumsuit, followed by the opening of it's cheast compartment, reviling a gap in the systems wher the core origenated from.

"It was a joke. We'll have to download a humor program", Alex said grinning.

"Humor shmuor, I'm four times your age, in two peices, and my ship is in to many peices to count, I have a right to be grouchy. Dang whipersnappers.
Sorry, I coulden't help it, I actualy was jokeing in regards to your comment on my weight. It's that I have a rather odd sence of humor. A few decades assigend to help the diplomats will do that to any officer."

"Humor shmuor, I'm four times your age, in two peices, and my ship is in to many peices to count, I have a right to be grouchy. Dang whipersnappers.
Sorry, I coulden't help it, I actualy was jokeing in regards to your comment on my weight. It's that I have a rather odd sence of humor. A few decades assigend to help the diplomats will do that to any officer."

"Well", Alex said, slapping him on the back, "you have a sense of humor, that's good."

"Hey Alex how old are you? I mean by your standards ofcourse." Alexial hated asking but was overcome.

OOC: Moving along side the Victorious.

IC:

~Electronic Communication to the Victorious~
How may we be of assistance?
~End Communication~

OOC: Ran out of ideas...

"Hey Alex how old are you? I mean by your standards ofcourse." Alexial hated asking but was overcome.

"I'm twenty-eight", Alex replied.

"Thirty-one", came Tia's voice.

"I am not, I was sixteen when I entered training so I graduated two years before typical brawns", Alex said.

"I know", Tia told him.

"And we've been together eight years", he stated.

"Eleven", Tia corrected.

"Eleven?"

"Yes."

"Doesn't seem it like it was even eight, let alone eleven." Alex looked at Alexial, "I'm thirty-one", he told her, grinning.

~Electronic Communication to the Victorious~
How may we be of assistance?
~End Communication~

"I'm just extending shields in case anything happens. It looks as though the situation has been resolved, however. We're just waiting until our people are actually out of the disk", came Admiral Quester-Benn's reply.

Alexial stunned, "Thirdy-one, years? That's young, my creator alone is 230 years old, but he has plenty of years left." Alexial began to chuckle at the thought.

"Hey Alex, how long does your species live anyway? On average I mean" Was all Alexial could say in response to hearing Alex's young age.

Alexial stunned, "Thirdy-one, years? That's young, my creator alone is 230 years old, but he has plenty of years left." Alexial began to chuckle at the thought.

"Hey Alex, how long does your species live anyway? On average I mean" Was all Alexial could say in response to hearing Alex's young age.

"Well we're certainly shorter lived than your people. The average age is 120, though 150 is common and 180 isn't unheard of. Effective age is about 90 to 100."

"Only a few centurys? The oldest menber of my race is pushing five hundred, and counting. Of corse, he can likely keep going for a few dozen centures more." As he's been speaking, his arms, legs, and face have been twiching oddly, as he runs a system dyognostic.

"Only a few centurys? The oldest menber of my race is pushing five hundred, and counting. Of corse, he can likely keep going for a few dozen centures more." As he's been speaking, his arms, legs, and face have been twiching oddly, as he runs a system dyognostic.

"Yeah, well, your failing parts are bit easier to replace than ours are", Alex replied grinning.

"Only a few centurys? The oldest menber of my race is pushing five hundred, and counting. Of corse, he can likely keep going for a few dozen centures more." As he's been speaking, his arms, legs, and face have been twiching oddly, as he runs a system dyognostic.
"Yeah but your synthetic, my people for biologicals live quite long full lives, mind you my species doesn't suffer from obesity or other eating disorders." "In fact my warranty is well beyound 800 years, maybe even more." Alexial said emotionlessly.

"Thats true, I apolagize, organices tend to have issues about there lifespan, I shouden't have commented on it."

"Thats true, I apolagize, organices tend to have issues about there lifespan, I shouden't have commented on it."
Alexial let out a long sigh, "Yes but while we synthetics can't grow without replaceing our bodies, they constantly grow, boh phyisically and mentally. So don't insult organics for not living as long as you or me for that fact." Alexial then grinned, "Don't worry Alex, sooner or later your people's life expectancey will increase, it happened for us, so it's bound to happen t you."

Alexial let out a long sigh, "Yes but while we synthetics can't grow without replaceing our bodies, they constantly grow, boh phyisically and mentally. So don't insult organics for not living as long as you or me for that fact." Alexial then grinned, "Don't worry Alex, sooner or later your people's life expectancey will increase, it happened for us, so it's bound to happen t you."

"I'm not worried, nor am I upset. About 300 years ago our life expectancy was about 60 to 70 years. We've doubled that and continue with our research. Shell people's life expectancy is unknown. The oldest is ..."

"Lars is one of the oldest, the shell person on Albion. He's just over 700. The oldest is just under 800."

"Medical knows why, they're just trying to figure out what to do about it. It's a number of factors. We're affected by gravity, basic umm" he looked at Spark and winked, "design flaws. Various other hazards to organics."

"Don't downplay your strangts, you heal for less overall energy, you are better at intuitive thought, and you reproduce at a far greater rate. Hell, we are lucky to have a population growth of a thousend a year, where as humans are up to what, a billion or so a year, scatterd over all there systems.

"Don't downplay your strangts, you heal for less overall energy, you are better at intuitive thought, and you reproduce at a far greater rate. Hell, we are lucky to have a population growth of a thousend a year, where as humans are up to what, a billion or so a year, scatterd over all there systems.

"We're not sure how many humans there might be. We weren't born in this system. That is we didn't evolve here, but we don't have any records of where we came from."

Tagged to read

"Don't downplay your strangts, you heal for less overall energy, you are better at intuitive thought, and you reproduce at a far greater rate. Hell, we are lucky to have a population growth of a thousend a year, where as humans are up to what, a billion or so a year, scatterd over all there systems.
Alexial began to blush at the thought, but refrained from doing so, "Hey spark when you say reproduce do you mean sexual reproduction or the factory methood?" "I asked because like an organic, my sisters and I can give birth, but not to synthetics but instead organics like Dur'uc and Alex, I was just wondering if you reproduced somewhat the same way or not?" Alexial could no longer bear it, she began to blush.

"Could we have this conversation on the way?" Alex asked, "I'd like to get out of here."

"Sure, Sparky, you ready to go?" Alexial bent down to knock on sparks head, "Anyone there, alliallioxinfree, wake up and lets go."

"I'm comeing, and to answer your question, whall we can do it the old fasion way, its only for recreation, we get built in factorys, the lol population growth comes from problens i building the personality chip, about eighty to ninety percent of ones that are built, just don't work."

"I'm comeing, and to answer your question, whall we can do it the old fasion way, its only for recreation, we get built in factorys, the lol population growth comes from problens i building the personality chip, about eighty to ninety percent of ones that are built, just don't work."

"You should talk to Joat, she's built an AI with a personality", Alex replied as began heading back toward Hypatia.

"I'm comeing, and to answer your question, whall we can do it the old fasion way, its only for recreation, we get built in factorys, the lol population growth comes from problens i building the personality chip, about eighty to ninety percent of ones that are built, just don't work."Alexial couldn't help but feel sorry for Sparks 'people', "That's a shame, I hope it improves over time." Alexial said with a full heart.

"You should talk to Joat, she's built an AI with a personality", Alex replied as began heading back toward Hypatia.
Alexial was some what hurt by that statement, 'built an AI', but she didn't allow it to show on her face, "So Alex was this 'AI' as good looking as me?" she said with a hint of 'false jeliousy' in her voice.

Alexial was some what hurt by that statement, 'built an AI', but she didn't allow it to show on her face, "So Alex was this 'AI' as good looking as me?" she said with a hint of 'false jeliousy' in her voice.

Alex looked at Alexial confused. "Your organic, your not an A.I., unless I missed something in the translation. But IF you are then the answer is no. Joat's AI is built into her ship. It's ... face ... if you can call it that, is just a mass of lights that Joat uses to determine what line of reasoning it's trying to use or what it's thinking and then see's what results come of it in order for her to make adjustments to the program."

Alexial was some what hurt by that statement, 'built an AI', but she didn't allow it to show on her face, "So Alex was this 'AI' as good looking as me?" she said with a hint of 'false jeliousy' in her voice.

Alex looked at Alexial confused. "Your organic, your not an A.I., unless I missed something in the translation. But IF you are then the answer is no. Joat's AI is built into her ship. It's ... face ... if you can call it that, is just a mass of lights that Joat uses to determine what line of reasoning it's trying to use or what it's thinking and then see's what results come of it in order for her to make adjustments to the program."
Alexial answered Alex with, "No, I'm 'bio-mechanical', or in other words Alex, synthetically created with organic inhancements, such as a reproductive system, an endocrim system, and even artificially grown brain cells, among other things. As for my 'Artificial Intelligence', your Central Worlds mght consider my intelligence, artificial, because of my synthetic nature." Alexial then held her hands behind he back and said, "So does that answer your question? Your people beleive a seperation between organic and synthetic, mine, on the other hand do not."

Alexial went on to say, "Also, you say 'build' as if you were building something without intelligence or emotion, you say it as if 'AI' was not intelligence. You can't build something that has emotion, you can only birth it or 'create' it." She then continued to walk forward with her gaze on the floor ahead.

"Alexial answered Alex with, "No, I'm 'bio-mechanical', or in other words Alex, synthetically created with organic inhancements, such as a reproductive system, an endocrim system, and even artificially grown brain cells, among other things. As for my 'Artificial Intelligence', your Central Worlds mght consider my intelligence, artificial, because of my synthetic nature." Alexial then held her hands behind he back and said, "So does that answer your question? Your people beleive a seperation between organic and synthetic, mine, on the other hand do not."

Alexial went on to say, "Also, you say 'build' as if you were building something without intelligence or emotion, you say it as if 'AI' was not intelligence. You can't build something that has emotion, you can only birth it or 'create' it." She then continued to walk forward with her gaze on the floor ahead.

"Lexi", Alex said softly, "I didn't mean it that way. You have to understand that in Central Worlds our A.I.s are just that. Artificial Intelligence. They have no emotions. Joat's is one of a kind. What she did has never been done before. At least not by us. I would be the first to defend you. There are those in central that look at shell people as nothing more than superior A.I.s which is rediculous and I certainly wouldn't view you that way..."

"I hate to interrupt the little tear jerking session in there but could you all of you do me a favor", came the General's voice, "and GET YOUR FARDLING
ASSES OUT OF THERE."

Shakeing his head at there antics, Spark starts to run down the halls at the better part of thirty miles an hour. "Argue all you wan't, but do it as we go."

"Lexi", Alex said softly, "I didn't mean it that way. You have to understand that in Central Worlds our A.I.s are just that. Artificial Intelligence. They have no emotions. Joat's is one of a kind. What she did has never been done before. At least not by us. I would be the first to defend you. There are those in central that look at shell people as nothing more than superior A.I.s which is rediculous and I certainly wouldn't view you that way..."

"I hate to interrupt the little tear jerking session in there but could you all of you do me a favor", came the General's voice, "and GET YOUR FARDLING
ASSES OUT OF THERE."
Alexial was even more shocked to hear the casual tone of Alex's words then what he actually said, "Intelligence doesn't require emotion. So just because your 'AIs' don't have emotion doesn't mean they're stupid. In fact it is more intelligent to disregard emotion to make an important discision." Alexial then ran ahead in an attempt to get away from Alex and her anger. She than spoke softly to herself, "Why do other species see the 'artificial' side of our intelligence, sister, why?" She than slowed her step until she had returned to her previous speed.

But when she heard the general's voice she began to pick up her step a little until she was at a run.

Alexial was even more shocked to hear the casual tone of Alex's words then what he actually said, "Intelligence doesn't require emotion. So just because your 'AIs' don't have emotion doesn't mean they're stupid. In fact it is more intelligent to disregard emotion to make an important discision." Alexial then ran ahead in an attempt to get away from Alex and her anger. She than spoke softly to herself, "Why do other species see the 'artificial' side of our intelligence, sister, why?" She than slowed her step until she had returned to her previous speed.

But when she heard the general's voice she began to pick up her step a little until she was at a run.

At the General's words Alex broke into a long loping gate and opened his com between he and Tia.

"What did I say?" he asked her.

"Essentially you insulted her, but it's not your fault. You have to understand that by your definition she's nothing more than an A.I. We would consider Spark sentient, yet one could say, by your definition, that he's an A.I. On the other hand what SHE doesn't understand is that Central Worlds is behind her people in techonology. Or rather, she tends to forget that. We haven't been able to breach the boundry between thinking machine and sentience, and there IS a difference. I would tend to believe that what Joat has developed goes beyond A.I. into sentience. It was, after all, willing to sacrifice itself for the principle of her almost losing the ship. Self sacrifice wasn't programmed into it, at least not self sacrafice as far as voluntary suicide on a principle. Only programmed situations can make an A.I. self destruct. The problem is that neither of you are diplomats nor do either of you tend to take into account the differences between your cultures and technologies."

"I just don't see what this whole argument is about, he just said that he knew someone that built a mid-level, low-sentiant AI. I have no problem with hearing that, it was simaler reserch that lead to the development of my kind. I don't take it as a personal offence.

As far as being intellgent, if you are, than there isn't anything artifical about it, if not, then wht you have is program that can react along a set of guidelines.

An examlpe would be me, with my coe systems, I am in intellegent being, without it, I would be a farely advanced robot that would be about as capabul of independent thought as a dog, I would be able to react to set dangers, and handel any problem that would have been expected in what I was doing, but if anything happend that was not progamed in, I would be little more than dead weight, as I would have no method of reacting.

"I just don't see what this whole argument is about, he just said that he knew someone that built a mid-level, low-sentiant AI. I have no problem with hearing that, it was simaler reserch that lead to the development of my kind. I don't take it as a personal offence.

As far as being intellgent, if you are, than there isn't anything artifical about it, if not, then wht you have is program that can react along a set of guidelines.

An examlpe would be me, with my coe systems, I am in intellegent being, without it, I would be a farely advanced robot that would be about as capabul of independent thought as a dog, I would be able to react to set dangers, and handel any problem that would have been expected in what I was doing, but if anything happend that was not progamed in, I would be little more than dead weight, as I would have no method of reacting.

"THANK you, Spark", Alex said, "At least SOME one understands. Aside from Tia of course."

Once Alexial was a great deal ahead of them she stoped and waited for them, but while she was alon she began to think, and felt foolish for her actions. Alex will never understand, he just grew up in a society that made a seperation between the artifical and the natural, my people never did, even when the programs were just that programs they still respected them, still treated them as if they were their children, never as their servants, never. But I am foolish to hope that others out their would be as empathetic as us.
"Tia, tell Alex that for all my intelligence, I'm still just a thirteen year old little girl. Will you do that for me? ... I ... just don't feel like looking him in his eyes, and telling him that, so will you?"

Alexial then began to walk again, but at a slower pace through the ship.

Once Alexial was a great deal ahead of them she stoped and waited for them, but while she was alon she began to think, and felt foolish for her actions. Alex will never understand, he just grew up in a society that made a seperation between the artifical and the natural, my people never did, even when the programs were just that programs they still respected them, still treated them as if they were their children, never as their servants, never. But I am foolish to hope that others out their would be as empathetic as us.
"Tia, tell Alex that for all my intelligence, I'm still just a thirteen year old little girl. Will you do that for me? ... I ... just don't feel like looking him in his eyes, and telling him that, so will you?"

Alexial then began to walk again, but at a slower pace through the ship.

Hypatia passed on her message to Alex. "I don't fault her", Alex said, "I can't. We all have our prejudices. Some are of culture, some familial, some personal. I think I stepped on one of hers with one of my own. Don't worry Tia it's nothing we won't be able to work out. I just need more of an understanding of her and her people and she more of ours is all."

Hyapatia sent his words to her, even though he didn't ask her to.

"Tia, chances are he didn't ask you to send me that, but I won't tell him, giggling, if you don't. And it's not a personal prejudice, it's a cultural trait, we just don't see the difference in natural and artificial, never have, never will. And I'm glad for that, that I was born to a species that gives those you consider 'AI' a fair and equal chance in society." Alexial stoped for a while as she talked but continued on till she reached the airlock, but when she reached it it didn't open, "You going to let us in as we arrive, or enmasse?" Alexial waited for both Tia's answer and the airlock to respond.

The airlock opened to allow in Alexial. As the pressure equilized Tia continued. "I can see your point, though you don't understand our A.I.s. They truly can't think for themselves, per se, they just have advanced programming that allows them to take in information and make choices or create choices based on the existing data bank. They can learn but what they learn they can't apply. The information is looked at by sentients and then added to the program. Believe me, I would be the first to support a self aware A.I. but we don't have any. Well .... Joat might, in fact I think it is. HEY! Maybe you could look at it? Joat's been trying to get it recognized as sentient but she's hitting resistance. Well, not resistance, just a deficulty in our society to define sencience."

As Alexial stepped through the lock she encountered a woman with a strong build almost six feet tall. Her hair is greying black. Her right hand is tanned while the hand of the cybernetic left is pale. Her right, unseen under her dress uniform, is also cybernetic and pale as are several of her organs including her heart, which also has a built in filter that removes toxins. The right side of her head is bald and pale, where a part of her brain had to be replaced by hyperchips as well her eye, ear and part of her face. Her chest, on her dress jacket, was covered with medals which, along with her obvious cybernetic replacements, gave testimony to a lifetime of war. The medals were easily read by any with sharp eyes...

Above all others left- Distinguished service cross
right -Presidential citation for valor above and beyond the call of duty
Victories - 25 medals
Jancis 5 - Legion of merit medal
Alkahera defense - Gallantry cross unit citation
Alshain defense - Purple heart
Malmo defense - National defense service medal
Battle for Beta Pavonis - Bronze star
Battle for Alpha Mensae - Meritorious unit citation
Capellan Campaign - Purple heart
Prisoner of war medal
Campaign medal
Medal for humane action
Battle of Alpha Phoenicis - Medal of Heroism
Cierra Gruis Campaign - Purple heart
Humanitarian service medal
Battle for Beta Leporis - Distinguished service medal
Battle for Eta Pyxidis - Gallantry cross medal with palm
Battle of Pegasi prime - Purple heart
Battle for Iota Antliae - Legion of Merit medal
Battle of Beta Sagitta - Meritorious service medal
Battle for Alpha Indi 2 - Purple heart
Nihalan defense - Joint service commendation
Esthymon defense - Defense service medal
Battle for Lyncis 3 - Gallantry cross medal with bronze star
Battle for Eptel 3 - Armed forces service medal
Battle of Matar 4 - Silver star with cluster
Oisir-Raxxla defense - Gallantry cross medal with silver star
Hiraldian defense - Defense meritorious service medal
Narathau defense - Defense distinguished service medal
Uan-Irec defense - Joint service achievement medal
Styreen defense - Gallantry cross medal with gold star

"So", she said as Alexial came in, "do all your people move so slow?"

"Speed is relivant dear general, after all what you see as slow I see as moderate. But I can move faster if I need to." Alexial had a tone of annoyance in her voice, for some one who was calm most of the time.

"Speed is relivant dear general, after all what you see as slow I see as moderate. But I can move faster if I need to." Alexial had a tone of annoyance in her voice, for some one who was calm most of the time.

"First of all, that was a joke, dear girl. Do you see the others here yet? Second you need to relax. If you're military then you need to lighten up or your career will kill you, not your enemies."

"Sorry, I know it was a joke, I just had a bad day. Thats all. And might I add how utterly horrific you look today general like a cyborg shot to 'kya'thra', now that your a citizen of the Draconis Federation, have you ever thought of replacing your antiqueated hardware with our advanced cybernetics?" As she asked her own question her voice went from a somber apolgy to a cheerful inqusition, she also leaned forward put her right index finger to her nose and stuck our her tounge then closed both her eyes with a wink.

When she opened her eyes again she returned her tounge to her mouth and her arm to her side, she then asked, "So how many people have you kill, maimed, and wounded? And might I add, fucked?" She then held her hands in the small of her back and cheerfully smiled. "So how is the general doing today?"

"Sorry, I know it was a joke, I just had a bad day. Thats all. And might I add how utterly horrific you look today general like a cyborg shot to 'kya'thra', now that your a citizen of the Draconis Federation, have you ever thought of replacing your antiqueated hardware with our advanced cybernetics?" As she asked her own question her voice went from a somber apolgy to a cheerful inqusition, she also leaned forward put her right index finger to her nose and stuck our her tounge then closed both her eyes with a wink.

When she opened her eyes again she returned her tounge to her mouth and her arm to her side, she then asked, "So how many people have you kill, maimed, and wounded? And might I add, fucked?" She then held her hands in the small of her back and cheerfully smiled. "So how is the general doing today?"

"I don't think she has any idea how many, though I would think shes closing in on thousands, if not past", came a voice from the stairwell.

"Welcome aboard, Foster, might I present Alexial of the Draconis", came Hypatia's voice from the cabin speakers.

Foster faced tia's column and bow politely, "Thank you Lady Cade." Foster had brown hair, though also shot with grey. He looked somewhat old to be brawning but he still had a good physique and a twinkle in his aqua eyes. "As for ah .. fornicating, well she's .."

"She didn't ask you Foster, zip it", said Micaya, "and THAT number I keep to myself. How are you feeling?"

"Very well, actually, very well indeed." He turned to Alexial, "To which point I owe my thanks to you and your people", he said bowing. Then he turned to Micaya, "I'll hate to see you go, old friend", he said in a sad tone as he stepped forward and hugged her.

"You'll just have to find someone else to lose to in battle chess", she said returning the hug. "Just take care of Moira."

"I shall indeed, speaking of which, I should return to her." He turned to Alexial and took her hand, "It was both a pleasure and an honor to meet you, young lady", he told her sincerely then kissed her hand lightly. He turned and placed his hand on Micaya's shoulder, "Be well, my friend. Visit sometime."

Micaya nodded and they embraced again before he left. As she turned back she looked tired, exhausted in fact, "If you'll excuse me a moment", she said as she made her way to the galley.

"Alex and Spark will be here momentarily", Hypatia told Alexial, "why not have a seat?"

"Hypatia", came Moira's voice, piped through so as to include Alexial.

"Yes?"

"One reason I sent Foster, which he forgot in his goodbye, was because we wanted to inform Alexial and her people that another ship will be jumping in shortly."

"Who?" Hypatia asked, "did you tell them of the situation and ask them to wait?"

"I did but one it's important and two she's low on fuel herself. She's been out about as long as I have. She's also carrying representatives of other nation's. Apparently we weren't the only ones to find people. She has a King, a Queen and a Princess on board and unfortunetly this is the designated jump point. She was supposed to be received by a representative and the General was chosen..."

"Oh my", Hypatia said as the general walked in.

"What did I miss?" asked the General.

As Spark makes his way into the ship, he thanks Miss cade for her help.

Upon entering the common room, he pauses upon seeing general Micaya, then, in a manner simaler to activating his armor, he is wearing a uniform. Snaping to attention he says "Commador Spark Mandral. And you are?"

Upon entering the common room, he pauses upon seeing general Micaya, then, in a manner simaler to activating his armor, he is wearing a uniform. Snaping to attention he says "Commador Spark Mandral. And you are?"

Micaya snaps off a sharp salute, "General Micaya Quester-Benn, Commador, at ease." She then turns to look at Tia's column, "Now, what is it I missed?"

"Well Carialle will be jumping in soon and .."

"Impossible", the General replied, "contact her and tell her she has to wait until we're finished here. Also contact Central and tell them we need a new jump point."

"General, she's on her way. She's low on fuel, so she has to jump here and then home. She's also carrying dignitaries and Central's orders are for you to meet them upon thier arrival and then escort them home."

"Well ... I guess she has to jump in then. I'll meet with them but, obviously, I won't be going home." The general sighed, though she didn't look at all tired since returning from the galley.

"I don't think she has any idea how many, though I would think shes closing in on thousands, if not past", came a voice from the stairwell.

"Welcome aboard, Foster, might I present Alexial of the Draconis", came Hypatia's voice from the cabin speakers.

Foster faced tia's column and bow politely, "Thank you Lady Cade." Foster had brown hair, though also shot with grey. He looked somewhat old to be brawning but he still had a good physique and a twinkle in his aqua eyes. "As for ah .. fornicating, well she's .."

"Very well, actually, very well indeed." He turned to Alexial, "To which point I owe my thanks to you and your people", he said bowing. Then he turned to Micaya, "I'll hate to see you go, old friend", he said in a sad tone as he stepped forward and hugged her.


"I shall indeed, speaking of which, I should return to her." He turned to Alexial and took her hand, "It was both a pleasure and an honor to meet you, young lady", he told her sincerely then kissed her hand lightly. He turned and placed his hand on Micaya's shoulder, "Be well, my friend. Visit sometime."

"Alex and Spark will be here momentarily", Hypatia told Alexial, "why not have a seat?"

"Hypatia", came Moira's voice, piped through so as to include Alexial.

"Yes?"

"One reason I sent Foster, which he forgot in his goodbye, was because we wanted to inform Alexial and her people that another ship will be jumping in shortly."

"Who?" Hypatia asked, "did you tell them of the situation and ask them to wait?"

"I did but one it's important and two she's low on fuel herself. She's been out about as long as I have. She's also carrying representatives of other nation's. Apparently we weren't the only ones to find people. She has a King, a Queen and a Princess on board and unfortunetly this is the designated jump point. She was supposed to be received by a representative and the General was chosen..."

"Oh my", Hypatia said as the general walked in.
As foster complimented Alexial she was overcome by a blush and couldn't fight it, "Is Foster allways that ... uhh, sincere?" "Uhh ... Tia why do they call you Miss Cade? And also if your freind needs assistance Dur'uc won't mind waiting a little while longer to return home." As Alexial continued the blush faded from her cheeks.

As foster complimented Alexial she was overcome by a blush and couldn't fight it, "Is Foster allways that ... uhh, sincere?" "Uhh ... Tia why do they call you Miss Cade? And also if your freind needs assistance Dur'uc won't mind waiting a little while longer to return home." As Alexial continued the blush faded from her cheeks.

"Foster", Hypatia said with a smile in her voice, "is always gallant. Any ship in the service would take him as brawn, no offense to Alex."

"He's what they refer to as old school", the general said, "hell he still reads books which haven't been printed since we arrived in central worlds area over 2,000 years ago. I mean real books, with paper pages. They're antiques and he spends every credit to track them down and by them. He can be irritating, a major pain in the ass and I wouldn't trade his friendship for anything in the universe. By the way, would you care for something from the galley, I should have asked you before I went in."

"Oh and they call me", Hypatia said, "Miss Cade because that's my name. Hypatia Cade, daughter of Brandon and Pota Cade, both double docs. Dad had one in archeology and one in xenobiology while mum had one in archeology and one in xenomorphic studies. As I said, I was like the others until I was seven. I'm here to find the cure to the virus that afflicted me. Shellpersons tend to use one name, but those who know me and are like Foster use my last."

"As for Carialle she require assistance exactly, she just needs to jump here, but we will have to change our jump point. The disk here was somehow missed, probably because scans are done from the edge of the system and strictly for life signs. If you'd like we could arrange for all representatives to meet, perhaps aboard the sleeper ship, while we await the information I seek. I THINK they're going to give it to me."

"He's what they refer to as old school", the general said, "hell he still reads books which haven't been printed since we arrived in central worlds area over 2,000 years ago. I mean real books, with paper pages. They're antiques and he spends every credit to track them down and by them. He can be irritating, a major pain in the ass and I wouldn't trade his friendship for anything in the universe. By the way, would you care for something from the galley, I should have asked you before I went in."

"Oh and they call me", Hypatia said, "Miss Cade because that's my name. Hypatia Cade, daughter of Brandon and Pota Cade, both double docs. Dad had one in archeology and one in xenobiology while mum had one in archeology and one in xenomorphic studies. As I said, I was like the others until I was seven. I'm here to find the cure to the virus that afflicted me. Shellpersons tend to use one name, but those who know me and are like Foster use my last."

"As for Carialle she require assistance exactly, she just needs to jump here, but we will have to change our jump point. The disk here was somehow missed, probably because scans are done from the edge of the system and strictly for life signs. If you'd like we could arrange for all representatives to meet, perhaps aboard the sleeper ship, while we await the information I seek. I THINK they're going to give it to me."
"No thank you, I don't need to eat right now." "But thanks any way."
"Huh, then we have something else in common, given technecally I wasn't born but both my parents, my creator and his computer's SI, Tyr'ran, they were both certified doctors in two feilds, Bio-mechanics, SI Development." "Just thought you might want to know that we don't use the term AI, we use SI, which stands for 'Sentient-Synthetic Intelligence'"

"No thank you, I don't need to eat right now." "But thanks any way."
"Huh, then we have something else in common, given technecally I wasn't born but both my parents, my creator and his computer's SI, Tyr'ran, they were both certified doctors in two feilds, Bio-mechanics, SI Development." "Just thought you might want to know that we don't use the term AI, we use SI, which stands for 'Sentient-Synthetic Intelligence'"

Micaya nodded and looked at Tia, "Have Moira tell Foster that I'm recruiting him for Diplo duty. I know he's not a diplomat and I know it's not officially binding and I know there isn't anyone else. If he comes up with any other objections just tell me and I'll shoot them down."

Hypatia sent the message as she continued her convesation with Alexial, "That is interesting to know. That they were both double docs. SI ... I'll have to remember that. I like that term. I only hope we can reach a level that is sentient. As I said I think Joat is close, I hope you get to meet her. You will be going to SSS-900-C won't you?"

Hypatia sent the message as she continued her convesation with Alexial, "That is interesting to know. That they were both double docs. SI ... I'll have to remember that. I like that term. I only hope we can reach a level that is sentient. As I said I think Joat is close, I hope you get to meet her. You will be going to SSS-900-C won't you?"
"I hope so, she sounds interesting, I'm not sure I recognize the coordinates, but I beleive if you are going then so am I." Alexial said not fully comprehending the meaning.

Before Tia could say more her sensors registered a ship coming out of singularity. "This is KC-1035, we are an exploration vessel out of central worlds. We are unarmed and mean no harm."

"They're here", Tia said.

"Alright", the General replied, "lets get over to Moira. Alex ... I'm sorry but.."

"No need to be sorry", Alex said before she could go on, "I wouldn't leave Tia like this and we're not going anywhere until she has the answers that she saught."

Micaya nodded and led the way to Moira while she responded.

"Hello Carialle, it's Moira."

"Oh don't be silly, I know who you are. I have a boatload here. Rather odd individuals at that."

Carialle sent the information to Moira even as she scanned. According to Carialle there were eight on board other than Keff, but she only registered seven. The Queen didn't show up on thier normal scans for some reason. Three were telepathic, one incredibly powerful, if it was to be believed. Apparantly the Princess was considered very powerful among her people who were a race of psionicists. The two from Deryn, the Princess' race showed life signs but how is unknown, it just didn't seem like thier bodies should be functioning. They were .... weak. Apparantly the Queen was the third telepath. Three were normal humans, no surprises. The king and one other were humanoid. Mostly human but with some differences and there were two odd power signatures, both different. One from the king and one, now that Moira knew how to spot her, from the Queen. Though she could pinpoint her from her power signature she still could read any life signs.

Foster bowed to Alexial, "Hello again Lady Alexial." He then turned to Spark, "And you must be Spark."

"Commadore Spark", Micaya corrected.

"My apologies, Sir. I was unaware of your rank. Now, shall we go?"

Moira unclamped from Tia and everyone looked saddely at her as she sat, hoping she would be okay. "Once we meet with them I'll contact the Captain of the sleeper ship and see if he wants to hold a diplomatic dinner. If not we can meet aboard the Victorious."

On Moira, "No need to worry over my rank, I'm off duty. The only resion it was brought up was the presiense of a higher ranked officer, even if she is in a diffrent branch, as well as a diffrient country."

Foster nodded, "Very well then. May I call you Spark? Moira, contact the Captain now and see if he'll entertain guests."

Micaya shook her head, grinning at Foster, "You certainly are old school Fost. How should he entertain? Dancing, Juggling?"

"Your crude Mic", Foster replied, "that's your problem."

"That I am", she told him, "that I am."

"Attention Capain Ulonov, this FM-935. We are on our way to meet with KC-1035 to pick up some dignitaries. Would you be kind enough to have all of us for a dinner in order to have a meeting of all our nations?" Moira asked.

Over the comms came the voice of the Admiral, Dur'uc, "Alexial, I feel as if there are other, 'gifted' among us, is this feeling correct?"

Alexial responded, "Yes, sir, from what I can tell a few of the diplomats are 'gifted' much like our own people, but I'm not sure the rareity of this 'event' among their people.

"General, I beleive I will join you, I'll take my personal fighter to the ship of choice, to meet these 'gifted' individuals, is this acceptable?" Was all Dur'uc had to say before the General answered.

"Sir, shall I prepare my speciality?," Alexial then turned to the General, "That is if your sister will allow me to do so, ofcourse."

"General, I beleive I will join you, I'll take my personal fighter to the ship of choice, to meet these 'gifted' individuals, is this acceptable?" Was all Dur'uc had to say before the General answered.

"I have no problem with that Admiral", the General replied, 'not that I could stop you even if I did', she muttered. "Would you like to meet them with us on Carialle? Or wait until the dinner?"

"Sir, shall I prepare my speciality?," Alexial then turned to the General, "That is if your sister will allow me to do so, ofcourse."

"Speciality? What do you mean?" the general asked.

"I have no problem with that Admiral", the General replied, 'not that I could stop you even if I did', she muttered. "Would you like to meet them with us on Carialle? Or wait until the dinner?"

"Speciality? What do you mean?" the general asked.
"The dinner, I'll leave the initial meeting to Alexial, and yes Alexial, you specialty was what I had in mind, after all it is a time to celebrate."

Alexial then nodded, "Yes, sir, you bring the necessary ingredients, and I'll make it." Alexial then answered the general, "Well, my speicality is called, Tre'yu'kjik, basically a very delicious red meat from a very large lizard known as the P're'youl. And a mild aphrodisiac to my people as well, so it's rarely eaten, and when it is, only in small doses."

"The dinner, I'll leave the initial meeting to Alexial, and yes Alexial, you specialty was what I had in mind, after all it is a time to celebrate."

Alexial then nodded, "Yes, sir, you bring the necessary ingredients, and I'll make it." Alexial then answered the general, "Well, my speicality is called, Tre'yu'kjik, basically a very delicious red meat from a very large lizard known as the P're'youl. And a mild aphrodisiac to my people as well, so it's rarely eaten, and when it is, only in small doses."

Micaya looked at Alexial and couldn't help grinning. "Aphrodisiac huh? I hope you have a LOT of energy. But as far as cooking goes, I pray you do. My sister can't boil water without burning it. Neither can I in all honesty, but at least I admit it, she doesn't."

She turned toward the com panel, "So, Admiral, if there's anything in your protocols that stipulates she should that would be good, if not ahh ... can we make something up real quick?"

She looked back Alexial, 'Aphrodisiac, this should be interesting', she muttered.

"Now, Mic, be easy will you, the Lady said Mild." Foster cut in.

Micaya looked at Alexial and couldn't help grinning. "Aphrodisiac huh? I hope you have a LOT of energy. But as far as cooking goes, I pray you do. My sister can't boil water without burning it. Neither can I in all honesty, but at least I admit it, she doesn't."

She turned toward the com panel, "So, Admiral, if there's anything in your protocols that stipulates she should that would be good, if not ahh ... can we make something up real quick?"

She looked back Alexial, 'Aphrodisiac, this should be interesting', she muttered.

"Now, Mic, be easy will you, the Lady said Mild." Foster cut in.
Alexial began blushing at Micaya's statement, "Uh yes, but a mild one at that, and I don't even know if it will affect you or anyone else for that matter. Back when I was in basic training, I found out that I had a nack for cooking."

The Admiral then puzzeld over the question, "What's going through your mind General, I wonder? But if the question was literal, please state it better I'm not understanding."

The Admiral then puzzeld over the question, "What's going through your mind General, I wonder? But if the question was literal, please state it better I'm not understanding."

Micaya chuckled, "Trust me, you don't want to know what's going through my mind. As for the question, don't worry about it, it was a joke. Now you see why I never left the military for a career as a comedian."

"We're docking with Cari", Moira said over the cabin speaker. "We should be ready to go aboard in two minutes, twenty-three seconds."

Micaya chuckled, "Trust me, you don't want to know what's going through my mind. As for the question, don't worry about it, it was a joke. Now you see why I never left the military for a career as a comedian."
"General I will ask you to refrain from raping anyone, eccspecially the diplomats, can you do that, or is that to hard for you?"

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391820

"General I will ask you to refrain from raping anyone, eccspecially the diplomats, can you do that, or is that to hard for you?"

"I'll refrain from answereing such an asenine question", Micaya responded in a low dangerous tone.

Foster stepped in close to Alexial while Micaya was busy looking at the comm and whispered low, 'Please have your Admiral refrain from this line of questioning. Micaya has never harmed anyone and in fact many of her injuries are from protecting others. Not to mention that she, herself, had been raped when she was young. Things will not be well should he persist in this venue.'

"I'll refrain from answereing such an asenine question", Micaya responded in a low dangerous tone.

Foster stepped in close to Alexial while Micaya was busy looking at the comm and whispered low, 'Please have your Admiral refrain from this line of questioning. Micaya has never harmed anyone and in fact many of her injuries are from protecting others. Not to mention that she, herself, had been raped when she was young. Things will not be well should he persist in this venue.'
"I mean no personal offence, but we don't know the effects the 'mild' aphrodisiac will have on you or the others for that matter, the effect may be less or greater, and if the chemicals affect you greater than they do us, then even in moderate amounts, not even Alexial will be able to stop you if you choose ... entercourse as your main course. If you catch my drift?"

"I mean no personal offence, but we don't know the effects the 'mild' aphrodisiac will have on you or the others for that matter, the effect may be less or greater, and if the chemicals affect you greater than they do us, then even in moderate amounts, not even Alexial will be able to stop you if you choose ... entercourse as your main course. If you catch my drift?"

Micaya nodded, "I understand your concern. I don't think Foster will be a problem. As for me I have filters in my heart. It's a cybernetic replacement. It filters out most anything with only a few exceptions, such as stim patchs. I think I'll be least of your worries."

"Dock established, pressurizing docking tube", came Moira's voice.

"Good to hear, but do inform the others to eat in moderation, and if they feel any different in the slightest bit, tell them to stop eating, understood? And Alexial, I know you wern't trained in diplomatic missions, but do you best, good luck." Dur'uc then cut the comms.

"Thanks, I'll need it, ... so General, I beleive we sould be formal from this point on, no?" Alexial then looked at Micaya with concerned eyes.

The general's face was a mask, her stance ramrod straight. She nodded to Alexial in confirmation and waited for the airlock door to open.

"We'll be just a moment", came Moira's voice, "The king doesn't do to well with singularity. He's okay, just composing himself."

I think that as both someone that it is certen to not effect, and as someone that weighs in at close to sixteen hundred pounds, I think I can be trusted to keep anyone that is effected poorly by this in line.

In a last moment of preperation, Alexial swept her mane back and postured herself. "So General, have you ever meet royalty?" "I hear they think alot about themselves."

I think that as both someone that it is certen to not effect, and as someone that weighs in at close to sixteen hundred pounds, I think I can be trusted to keep anyone that is effected poorly by this in line.
Alexial looked to Spark and winked, "Nice to know, that you'll be there to keep us in line." She then began to giggle at the thought of Spark Commosore Nanny.

In a last moment of preperation, Alexial swept her mane back and postured herself. "So General, have you ever meet royalty?" "I hear they think alot about themselves."

"No", the general said, "we don't have royalty. We do have high families. That's why I'm out here", she said as she looked at Alexial, "I pissed them off."

"Alright, welcome aboard", came Carialle's voice as the airlock door slid open.

They were met by a man with curly brown hair and light brown eyes. He was well built, slim and athletic, wearing a skin suit. He looked at Alexial and began to smile only to have his eyes averted to Micaya's chest full of medals. "You ... Your Micaya Quester-Benn."

"Last I checked. Now, if you can stop eyeing my chest for a moment and tell me who YOU are?"

His head snapped up. "I wasn't. I mean I was but I was looking at the medals. I'm Keff, brawn of Carialle. I'm here to take all of you to the main room."

Micaya nodded. "This is Alexial of the Draconis", she said indicating her, "here is Commadore Spark of the Reploid and Foster you know."

He reached out and took Alexial's hand, kissing it lightly, then shook hands with Spark and finally nodded, smiling at Foster. "I thought you had retired."

"No, no. I was recovering from some injuries was all, then I got assigned to Moira. Pleasant woman", Foster said, "as I understand your Lady Carialle is."

"That she is", was Keff's reply. "Unless anyone has any questions we can go."

Micaya and Foster shook thier heads and looked toward Spark and Alexial.

"No", the general said, "we don't have royalty. We do have high families. That's why I'm out here", she said as she looked at Alexial, "I pissed them off."

They were met by a man with curly brown hair and light brown eyes. He was well built, slim and athletic, wearing a skin suit. He looked at Alexial and began to smile only to have his eyes averted to Micaya's chest full of medals. "You ... Your Micaya Quester-Benn."

Micaya nodded. "This is Alexial of the Draconis", she said indicating her, "here is Commadore Spark of the Reploid and Foster you know."

He reached out and took Alexial's hand, kissing it lightly, then shook hands with Spark and finally nodded, smiling at Foster. "I thought you had retired."

Micaya and Foster shook thier heads and looked toward Spark and Alexial.
"Ah I see, I can tell you that such abuse of power i not accepted on Draco."

As the man stared at her, Alexial began to feel embarrased and hot, but mostly embarrased, Alexial leane in close to Micaya so only they could hear, "Micaya, is it costum for every male to kiss the hand of a female, on your Central Worlds?" She then looked to the others, "I have no further questions."

As the man stared at her, Alexial began to feel embarrased and hot, but mostly embarrased, Alexial leane in close to Micaya so only they could hear, "Micaya, is it costum for every male to kiss the hand of a female, on your Central Worlds?" She then looked to the others, "I have no further questions."

As Keff led the way to the main cabin Micaya leaned in close to Alexial. "Actually it's far less common these days. Foster is old school. From what I know of Keff he's an historian and studies the old myths and legends. He personifies them."

Moving closer to the main cabin, the layout now familiar to Alexial, a definite palpable psionic power could be felt. It was banked but it extended outward. That her approach, and that of the others, was being monitered was certain. How powerful that mind was couldn't be determined, but one thing was certain. If the psionic power was being intentionally reduced, it had to be powerful to be felt this strongly.

Eight figures stood in the cabin, though sensors could detect only seven. Two, one picked up by sensors and the other not, had definite power signatures of some time, though both signatures varied. One of the psions was one of the power signatures, the other two were sensors percepted but thier life existed in some unsure state, they're bodies apparently to weak to support them, yet they did. The introductions were held in accordance to the policies of the nations from which they came. First were the subordinates, unlike most nations. These were first because the rulers believed that the people support those in charge and so the support was given introduction first, for without support the structure cannot stand.

"First", Keff said starting, "we have Count Marcus Cole of Deryn." This man was about five-eight with jet black hair, beard, mustache and bright black eyes. He wears off black pants, shirt, boots and cloak. Clothing that would blend well in darkness and shadow. He was a psion, though not the powerhouse that Alexial sensed earlier. He smiled and nodded politely as the introductions were made. "Marcus is the personal guard of the Princess Ariel", Keff finished.

"Next are the bodyguards of the Queen, Bahgtru Uth Matar and Brook Cartmill."
Bahgtru was dressed in arcaic battle armor and is about five foot nine. The armor was black, studded with spikes, splattered with dried blood and dented here and there. He wore a longsword on each hip. His hair is black and his eyes are blood red. Pointed canines jut upward from his lower jaw and as introductions are made he nods slightly to each, looking at each person as though gauging thier skill on sight.
Brook is a woman who stands six and half feet tall. She has orangish red hair and hazel eyes. She's athletically built with bronzed skin. She wears a leather halter top, shorts and a mantle cloak that's presently thrown over her shoulders. She has a bastard sword on each hip and a two-handed sword on her back. She appears perfectly human, compared to some of the others in the room. Her eyes fall on each person she's introduced to coldly, as though daring anyone to attack her charge.

"These two", Keff continues, indicating the other two normal humans in the room, "are Trevor and .."

"Michael", Micaya says.

Trevor looks young, younger even than Alex. He has dark hair, almost black and brown eyes. He's dressed in a uniform with a patch on the left breast of a red dragon, diving, breathing fire. He smiles, his eyes lingering on Alexial for a moment.
Michael is an older man, about as old as Micaya and in good physical shape. His head is shaved bald and face clean shaven. He wears the same uniform as Trevor.

"Michael Gassington", Micaya continues, "long time. Michael was my former master sergeant until he disappeared from our sector of space about ten years ago. How are you Michael?"

"Good. Very good in fact. I've been dry for seven years now."

"Good to hear. I see you found a postion somewhere at least."

"Yeah", Michael said, "I'm chief of security for the King's Palace. Trevor is my second."

Micaya nodded, "Well, you were thier gain and our loss. Good to see you doing well for yourself."

"Thanks", he replied.

Both men carried PPGs and had earpieces and collar mics.

"This", Keff said indicating a woman who has raven black hair and light grey eyes, "is the Princess Ariel of Deryn." She wears a white dress and has a slim figure. As she's introduced to each she looks toward but never AT each person. Her presence is unmistakable to Alexial, the psionic power eminated from her like a banked weapon. As she's introduced to each, though only Alexial can feel it, she lightly touches each mind. She doesn't intrude, but only reads surface thoughts and emotions. The impression is that she's gauging each person, searching for possible threats. "She's also the advisor to the King. Her people believe in serving others until thier callled to fill thier rightful position. They do this to gain a perspective of what it's like to serve so that they may better serve thier own people", Keff explained. Once she was introduced to each she places her right hand over her heart and extends her left, palm outward. "Heart to heart I greet you", she says in an accented voice.

In a room full of strange people the King and Queen truly catch the eye, though for different reasons.

"This is Queen Silverlief of Dragonsreach. And yes", he says in an excited voice, "there are truly dragons there."

The queen is a buxom, petite woman about five foot five with an hourglass figure. She has flame red hair that cascades down her back ending only an inch above the ground. Her eyes are a brilliant emerald green. She has slightly pointed ears and her eyebrows arch upward on the outsides. Her skin is pale and as she shakes each hand her skin is chill to the touch. Sensors don't detect any life signs and as she shakes hands her grip is incredibly strong. She wears a light blue surcoat over light blue silk pants and light blue leather boots that augments her green eyes and red hair. Across her back, it's hilt protruding over he left shoulder is a longsword in a red scabbard with 'Silverlief' inscribed in silver along it's length. She also wears a sash. On the top over the front of the right shoulder is a symbol. It's a silver oakleaf, inside of which is a fireball, inside of that is a fist punching through it. Under it is written one word, 'Defenders'. "It is a pleasure to meet you all", she says in very thickly accented voice, her eyes lingering a bit on Alexial as well. Though she is psionic, as soon as she senses Alexial she masks her mind in a strange way. Suddenly it is as though her mind isn't there, like it's invisible. Though her powers are now banked and hidden there is still a strange attraction to her that's inexplicable, even for the women.

The King is wearing a course wool shirt with worn leather pants and boots. He wears a plain leather scabbard with a broadsword on his right hip. His hair is iron grey and his eyes are glacial blue. His face, upper chest and upper arms are mass of scarring, the flesh runnelled as though it had melted and run. Two scars are on the left side of his face, one going from behind his temple to his jaw and the other from behind his left ear to his jaw, cutting off the lower lobe of the left ear and forming a rough V. The rest of the flesh that can be seen is a spider web of light or heavy scars, most light, showing a lifetime of battles fought and won. Almost two and half centuries of leading his people. His muscles are thick and corded, though his grip is, oddly, not quite as powerful as the Queens. "And this is King Turquine Buccanah of Highport", Keff says. The King steps forward, not only kissing Alexial's hand but Micaya's as well, which seems to get her a bit flustered as though no one had ever done that for her before. "It is an honor to meet you all", he says in a deep resonent voice, one obviously accustomed to shouting orders on a battlefield.

"Father", the Queen says, gesturing toward the King, "and I are truly honored to meet you all. I must say that I'm surprised to find so much life beyond our own world."

As he bows, Spark says, "Greatings, it is an honor to meet all of you."

Micaya salutes them, "Greetings from Central Worlds. We're happy to meet with you. This is Foster, brawn of Moira."

Foster reaches out a hand which is clasped firmly in the Kings own. He winces as he shakes hands with the powerfully built man and then shakes hands with the Queen. As he removes his hand from hers he looks at it then at her oddly for a brief second.

Suddenly Alexial began speaking a language unknown by all but psions, "Tr'a le ur'i yu'n ki'tyr rei fi'r ai ta k'yn s'ri kra'n b'da xi." "Welcome to the Draconis Federation, we are overjoyed to meet you esteemed delegates. I am Alexial Der'tyn, if we may I'd like to later introduce you to someone of importance on Draco, the home world of the Draconis Federation." As Alexial began her speach she bowed deeply, then rose slowly, and softly touched her left breast and then bowed again. Then Alexial then shot a wink at Micaya, out of the corner of her eye.

Suddenly Alexial began speaking a language unknown by all but psions, "Tr'a le ur'i yu'n ki'tyr rei fi'r ai ta k'yn s'ri kra'n b'da xi." "Welcome to the Draconis Federation, we are overjoyed to meet you esteemed delegates. I am Alexial Der'tyn, if we may I'd like to later introduce you to someone of importance on Draco, the home world of the Draconis Federation." As Alexial began her speach she bowed deeply, then rose slowly, and softly touched her left breast and then bowed again. Then Alexial then shot a wink at Micaya, out of the corner of her eye.

Marcus cocked an eyebrow and glanced at Ariel. At her glance the King's hand moved to slide over the hilt of his sword as he stepped closer to his daughter. Lauralin laid her hand on his arm lightly and he stood neither drawing nor removing his hand. Ariel translated the greeting as she said to Alexial in her mind, 'Only Marcus and I understand the language of the psi.' She looked in her direction, though again not looking directly at her, 'if you could speak in the common tongue of the international society it would be appreciated.' By now she was done with the translation though she continued the mental message, 'The Queen was born with her talent locked up inside, I had to unlock it. As yet she's not versed in the tongue.'

"We appreciate your welcome Lady Der'tyn of Draconis and would be honored to meet this person of importance", the king replied as the queen removed her hand from his arm.

"I didn't understand a word she said", Brook spoke out.

Lauralin turned to face her and gave the translation again.

"Oh", Brook replied.

Baghtru looked at her and shook his head.

She caught the motion out of the corner of her eye and turned to glare at him, "What?"

Lauralin turned and looked at him, catching his eye. At her look he said simply "Nothing."

She then turned back to Alexial "I fear we are unprepared for a diplomatic meeting. If we aught to offer as a gift, please, feel free to ask. The exchange of gifts would be our typical ... typical ... how do say?"

"Custom", Carialle offered.

The king looked around the room and nodding in every general direction. The Queen, obviously sharper of mind looked toward Carialle's column, "Thank you, Gracious Lady."

She turned back toward Alexial, "Custom", she said. "Forgive me. We but opened our borders recently and the language is coming slowly for me."

"There is no gift I require, I am both a soldier and a SI, so I feel no need for personal possessions, but if I may ask, I would like to know about your culture. I am some what of a ... how do you say ... 'Cultural Researcher'?" Alexial made the most peculiar hand gesture as she said this, "Of course, if that is too much to ask, I ... can allways request something else, no?" Alexial made one of her trademark facial expressions, whuch looked like a cross between sad, seductive, and inquisitive.

"There is no gift I require, I am both a soldier and a SI, so I feel no need for personal possessions, but if I may ask, I would like to know about your culture. I am some what of a ... how do you say ... 'Cultural Researcher'?" Alexial made the most peculiar hand gesture as she said this, "Of course, if that is too much to ask, I ... can allways request something else, no?" Alexial made one of her trademark facial expressions, whuch looked like a cross between sad, seductive, and inquisitive.

"I would be more than happy to have an exchange of cultural ideals. Would you care to wait until we meet the one you spoke of or would care for me to explain our culture now? Actually we have several. I would start with my own and father's of course, basically the same though our views on certain things differ. The Princess' culture is different from our own and then there are the others in our area. I have a variety of interests myself, including culture. History, philosophy, language, religions. As it is I am familiar with nine other cultures including my own and father's." Lauralin gestured as she spoke, indicating that all should have a seat then sat down herself. The King waited until the others were seated.

"Would anyone like refreshments", Carialle asked, now appearing as damsel on a side screen in a pink gown, hat and flowing silk from the hat. She 'stepped' from the screen as her holographic program made a 3D image. It was her way of dealing with softshells, so they would feel more comfortable, though her programming that she drew from was from one of Keff's information banks about fantasy figures.

"I shall be fine with what I have", the Queen replied as she reached down near her for a back pack and drew out a dark green bottle and wine glass. She poured a drink for herself, a thick red liquid and sipped at it awaiting Alexial's reply.

The others didn't speak except for Baghtru, "I'll have a steak, ham, potatos, mutton, steak, ahh."

"This is a meeting not a dinner", Brook told him, "dinner is later."

"Yeah", he replied, "I'm just having a snack."

"Why don't you just order a cow and be done with it?" she asked him.

"Okay, can I add a cow to that order?"

"Ah, well", Carialle replied, taking him seriously, "I'm afraid that livestock isn't allowed."

"Well it was a good idea, Brook", Baghtru told her.

She shook her head, "At least they get an idea of the culture of orcs."

Alexial held her hand over her mouth as she tried to refrain from laughing. "To, answer your question, your majesty, Dur'uc Hai'dra will not be joining us until the dinner, but if you feel uncomfortable now, you can allways tell me later." Alexial then turned her penitrating eyes too Baghtru, "You will enjoy the feast later, I just fear, you will have to go without for now." Alexial then covered her mouth again to muffle her laughter.

Alexial then turned her eyes to Carialle, "So you must be the 'ghost' of Carialle, no? You seem to be quite butifull, to bad Tia can not be here to witness this." Alexial then let out a long sigh. "I will have some water, that is all."

She then turned her eyes to the queen, "May I inquire on what that liquid might be?"

Alexial held her hand over her mouth as she tried to refrain from laughing. "To, answer your question, your majesty, Dur'uc Hai'dra will not be joining us until the dinner, but if you feel uncomfortable now, you can allways tell me later." Alexial then turned her penitrating eyes too Baghtru, "You will enjoy the feast later, I just fear, you will have to go without for now." Alexial then covered her mouth again to muffle her laughter.

Alexial then turned her eyes to Carialle, "So you must be the 'ghost' of Carialle, no? You seem to be quite butifull, to bad Tia can not be here to witness this." Alexial then let out a long sigh. "I will have some water, that is all."

She then turned her eyes to the queen, "May I inquire on what that liquid might be?"

Bahgtru shrugged, "I wasn't the one who asked."

"These two have been with me since before I was Queen. More than once we have risked our lives for each other and so I leave them free to speak at will. I would not have it any other way. If for no other reason than the entertainment value", Lauralin said grinning.

Brook had turned to look at Laura as she spoke, then Baghtru replied "Yep, I'm a barrel of laughs." Brook turned back to Baghtru, "What?" she asked as she did a worried look came over Laura's face and then stern warning look at Baghtru who caught it and replied, "I said yeah, I'm a barrel of laughs."

Keff left to get the water as Cariallle responded, "Ghost, interesting way of putting it, but I rather like that. As Keff came back with the water Carialle held up her hands toward him, "OoooOOOoooooo", she intoned and he grinned. "Well", he replied, handing Alexial her water, "if I have to be haunted, better a lovely damsel than a dark creature" and he finished his statement with a bow toward Carialle.

After another worried look at Brook, Laura returned her attention to Alexial, "This is blood. It is what I require for sustanence."

Alexial then turne her attention, to Cari, "Uh, I don't mean an etheral being, I refer to what programers call a roaming intellegience without a body." But upon hearing the contents of the bottle was blood Alexial felt faint, "May I further ask, what kind of blood?"

Alexial then took the water and took a drink. She then waited for the queen's responce.

"Alexial then turne her attention, to Cari, "Uh, I don't mean an etheral being, I refer to what programers call a roaming intellegience without a body." But upon hearing the contents of the bottle was blood Alexial felt faint, "May I further ask, what kind of blood?"

Alexial then took the water and took a drink. She then waited for the queen's responce.

"Drow. Though I could sustain myself on any it is drow blood that gives me the greatest sustenance. My particular line has a tendancy to become most dependant on the first blood it takes in, other than the creator's that is."

Alexial gulped a large amount of water,and neviously gigled, "Hehe, well lets hope that you don't become dependent on Dracon blood, hehe." She felt stupid, afraid, and nrvious, but mostly nervious.

"Do you mind if we turn to more light hearted conversations, huh?"

Lauralin smiled, "Of course, but let me say this first. The symbol I wear is a group that I created. The defenders protect those who cannot protect themselves. I have never taken life but in self defense or defense of others and the blood I drink did not come from a victim but from a volunteer. I can feed without killing. Vampires have a bad reputation and I would be the first to say that it is a deserved one. But we are not all evil." She sipped some blood and then looked back up at Alexial, "What would you like to know about us?"

Alexial somewhat relieved began to loosen up, "Well the suggestion your husband made, uh, he is your husband right? Or are you two different rulers? Anyway, the suggestion the king made is sufficient, an exchange of cultural ideals, to begin with I would like to hear about the Kings culture followed by the Princess' culture, as well as a succession of your other cultures, and if it is not to much to ask a short explanation of you combined history, philosophy, language, religions."

(That will take a little while to get together, I'll have to work it out on notepad and copy and paste. I hope your ready for a long read.)

(Please put in multiple post please)

Baghtru rolled his eyes and laid back. Brook looked down at the Queen, "I would like to marry before I grow old."

"Yeah right", Baghtru replied, "like that's going to happen."

"Silence." The king's one word rumbled from his barrel chest, silencing them both. His voice held power, strength.

"Well", Laura began, "I shall take this a step at a time and stop at appropriate points so as to see if you have any questions. Some of the beginning of our history I cannot fully explain, as I do not completely understand modern technology, you will see what I mean.

"Many thousands of years ago our world was created by the gods and the devils alike. They shared in the creation, a pact between the powers. The forces of good and evil, law and chaos. After it was created it was populated by many different races. What are often referred to as the fey folk. They too represented the various factions of cosmic balance. Wars raged across the lands as both sought dominance and powers of good and evil, law and chaos took sides. Finally, the elves, along with a few others created a way of binding the demons to thier dark domain. But it had to have the agreement of the forces of light. They agreed that should it work, they would leave the world as well. It was necessary because if they remained it would weaken the forbidding. It worked, and they left, but not before the forces of chaos created the mabden. The mad ones. Called such because they had no tendency toward any of the alignments and would and could choose thier own paths. The mabden would figure greatly in the future history of our world, but later, they would come to be called men.

The fey ignored the mabden, for they were unpredictable and untrustworthy. They would destroy the areas they lived in and move on. None wanted anything to do with them. Little could they know that by ignoring them they would seal their own doom. The mabden reproduce at a frightening rate and pushed deeper into the areas of the fey. The fey were linked to their various environs. The elves to the woods, the dwarves to the mountains, gnomes to hills and so forth. Many fey died out with the encroachment of the mabden and only after it was too late did the rest begin to fight back. The fey were destroyed, all but the elves, who hid deep in the darkest jungles, protecting the forbidding. They would not be seen by those who came to call themselves men and they would be forgotten until much later."

Lauralin hesitated, "Questions?"

"No, no questions, right?" Alexial looked around her side of the room.

"None from us", Micaya replied and Foster shook his head.

Lauralin nodded and continued. "Any questions feel free to ask at any time.

Later mabden would come to call themselves men. They ignored the ways of magic, it was a skill all but forgotten but in myths and legends. They excelled in science and technology and devolped a great deal. They reached a point when disease was all but a thing of the past and even reached into the stars, as your races have. It was said that they even harnessed the energy of the sun itself, though I am not sure I understand what that means. They achieved much, but thier very natures were to be thier undoing.

With little else to challenge them they turned to philosophy and religion. Disagreements begat arguments, arguments begat hostilities and hostilities, as is so often the case, led to war. Men were not united. There were many factions, each claiming land that was not thiers to claim by natures right. They fought petty wars over lines on a map, and for ideals that could have just as easily been shared."

The king frowned at these statements but said nothing.

Finally, in the old world calendar of the year 2049 a summit was being held in one of thier great cities. A terrorist strike, using a weapon of terrible nature." She stopped a moment, looking up, her eyes shifting back and forth as though reading from a book in her mind, "bio - logical. I believe that was the term. It killed hundreds. No one knew who made the attack but one faction blamed another and other factions were drawn in until two sides made threats against each other. A counter strike from one side against the assumed guilty ones killed hundreds more. War was declared, but then another group announced to the world with thier communication devices that the hostilities would cease or they would unleash a terror such as was never seen before. This was in the summer of the year 2051.

Neither side listened of course. Neither believed. They began to prepare thier machines of destruction. As a warning the third group launched thier sun weapons into the capitals of all the cities, destroying them all." Lauralins voice grew quieter at this point and blood tears began sliding down her cheeks. "They killed hundreds of thousands. Again they sent thier message. Cease all hostilities or they would wreak havoc. If this was not havoc what was? But the answer was forthcoming.

No one knows who found the base of these people but found it was and an attack was launched. True to thier word they unleashed thier sun weapons again." Lauralin shuddered, but continued, "Billions died. The oceans boiled. Parts of the land fell away, other parts were thrust upward and the all the lands were changed forever." She took a sip of blood from her wineglass and looked up, bloody tracks leading from her eyes and down her cheeks.

"Billions", she said, barely above a whisper.

"The survivors moved below the ground, the surface no longer safe. Nature, itself was changed by thier weapons. Survival on the surface was impossible at first. There was ... new-clear fallout. Ray-dee-Ashen. Thousands of years would pass before life again appeared on the surface, aside from the forms of life, the altered forms, that somehow managed to survive."

"Questions?" she asked again. This time more to give her time to wipe the horror from her mind before she continued. She took a sip from her glass again, her hand shaking.

"How did your people survive, if the surface was nuked and all area's were covered in blankets of radiation, how did your people survive?" Alexial asked puzzled.

Alexial then asked in a millitary voice, "Why do you cry? Billions are nothing to the losses that could have happend. Personally my people have suffered far worse, in fact we just recently won a war with another species, that is exstinct now, due to their intolerance towards other races." "It ... it was not a ... a war that ended with celebration, but a war ended in mourning, we understand that although they were our enemies, that they deserved to live ... but what we did, was neccasary for the survival of our species." "So I understand what you mean, by loss, 16 trillion lost, 34 trillion wounded."

Turquine glared at Alexial even as Laura began shedding more tears. Her tears weren't for her own people this time but for Alexial's. The kings eyes narrowed and the unknown power within him grew stronger. His eyes changed from a soft glacial blue to hard and dangerous gunmetal grey. "If you knew her you would know why. We believe that all life is sacred. She sheds tears for friends and enemies alike. If you lose the capacity to care, even for your enemies then they win."

Lauralin just shook her head and placed her hand lightly on the kings arm. He quieted, his eyes reverting to normal. "These are my people", she said, "I have EVERY right to grieve. Just as you have a right to grieve for your own." She stopped, took in a deep breath and then continued:

"They survived", she continued, "by staying underground for centuries or staying in areas that had been untouched, the there was still much death. The plants and animals themselves had changed making survival that much more difficult. When man arose from the caves and caverns he spent many more centuries adapting to the surface. But now there were many races again. These races man named for those of myth. The men who stayed under the mountain had become short, squat, thick set from clambering through them and working the stone. They're eyes adjusted to the dim caverns. These they called dwarves. There were the gnomes, the orcs, the ogres. The elves had survived using thier magic and being far from civilization. At least the civilization of men. But this time they would not stay ide.

Eventually, men found these other races. Again the petty arguments began. Men, elves and dwarves eventually were attacked by a massive force of gnomes, rock trolls and orcs. They were defeated, but men had taken a terrible blow and retreated to the south. The opposing force was driven back into thier homelands. So ended the first race war. The second did not involve men. They believed that isolation was the only way. Again the rock trolls came, the orcs, the gnomes and again they were beaten back. The third did involve man. He had grown tired of being pushed back further and further. He struck out, retaking land he believed his and lost. Taking land that had been the home of others and keeping his foothold. The other races retreated to thier homelands but this time they did not hide. Familiar territory and fighting for thier survival they reached a stalemate and peace, of a sort, was finally made.

So it is to this day. Wars. For land, philosophies, religion." She sighed. "And before I start our recent history, of which my father and I play parts, are there any questions?"

Alexila looked up with her stone cold red eyes, "Your history is much like ours, except in the fact that even in our past we never were apart, all tribes, clans, sects were all connected together by the Council of Ancients. They were the eldest and the wisest, and when a new warrior became an Ancient, he pledged himself not to the clan or tribe, but the world ... Draco."

"Tribes fought for honor, and rank, but never were the innocent harmed, never, it was unhonorable, and punishable by death. The Ancients were compasionate and wise, and when one day a star fell from the heaven delivering a new race, a refugee race, we took them in as our kin, but ... they would not last. Dispite our best medicine, they could not survive on our planet, and their people died out, but not before their kin gave us 'The Wonderful Gift'." At this moment Alexial began to shed tears, but never wimpered.

"It was them who taught us everything we know of higher science, it was them who taught us better governments, it was them who taught us ... who taught us to care. From the day the last of their kind were burried, we vowed to stop our old ways and seek a new better way, with the aid of the knowledge they had given us, and the guidance of the Council of Ancients." The tears began to fade from her eyes.

"And know they are remembered, by my people, I .., owe them my existence, for with out their knowledge, me and my sisters and our ancestor SI, would not exist, It is because of them that I speak with you here today. So, yes, I know how it is to feel."

Lauralin leaned forward, "Then you know what it is that I try to do. Unite us all under one banner. And that banner does not have to be mine. Father and I never wanted to rule, we were chosen. We don't want the terrible responsability of knowing that the lives of our people are hinged on our decisions." She sat back, "It is a terrible burden to bear. Yet it seems that those who desire to rule are not worthy. Those that are worthy do not wish it."

"And time is fading for me", the king said. "I have more years behind me than I have ahead. I have yet to find someone worthy of taking my throne." He sighed, sitting back, "I would like to live as man before I go to my grave. To have this burden lifted.

I was born two hundred and fifty eight years ago. My mother had been raped by a human warrior..."

"BASTard", Micaya almost shouted then quickly silenced herself. Lauralin's eyes narrow as she looked at the woman, gauging her by her reaction, her aggrsive stance and apparently found her to be a good person as she smiled slightly then looked back at her father.

Turquine nodded, "Yes, and by his action and disappearance, so am I. Mother was elven and among the elves no woman gave birth out of wedlock because it disgraced the family. Though she was not at fault for what happened she refused to give up the life within her and was found guilty of thier laws and cast out."

"WHAT?!" Micaya raged, "What kind of BULLSHIT is that?"

"Mic", Foster said gently, "it's past and the rights of another world. Nothing can be done now, let him continue."

Micaya grudgingly silenced herself again and listened.

"She went to a place called Grimpen ward", the king continued. "A terrible town were criminals go to escape the law. Sheer cliffs on two sides, the north and south, narrow canyons to the east and west, easily defended. Crime is commonplace there, commited in broad daylight on the streets. Here was where she gave birth. Not just to me, but to a twin sister. When we were ten she was pursued by a rape gang. I did what I could", he said, his hand moving up to V scars on his face, "but I was young and untrained. She didn't survive. It was then I made my decision. I could become as bad as those who lived there, or I could rise above them. I chose the path of the Holy Knighthood. Six years later I took my test in Highport and passed. I was to be inducted. I went back home to tell my mother, for I would bring her with me. When I told she said, and here he seemed to be looking far away as though seeing the past replayed, "Good, then at least one of us shall survive this trial." He was quiet a moment before he said, "And then she died.

I took my vows of knighthood, swearing to protect the people and serve the king, but fate hadn't finished with me yet. Six years to the day I was to make another decision. A difficult one.

When I first started in the kings service I fought on the borderlands. Protect our nation from those who would try to destroy it. But as I served I learned of many things that the king was doing. I found out that he was mad. The people, after seeing my service, asked me to protect them. Not from the enemy from without, but the enemy within. To go against the king himself. I now had to choose between my oath to protect them and my oath to serve him. It was no choice at all. I protected them. I trained and rallyed them. We struck swiftly and the king was deposed."

He sighed, and then went on, "They asked me to take the throne and I refused. When I did they chose another tyrant to take the throne. A man known only as Shadowspawn. When I warned them they said that they needed a leader. So I took the throne and began my search for someone who would be worthy of it. Someone more worthy than I, for I had already broken one vow. That was two hundred and thirty six years ago.

During that time I have married three times. With my first wife I had three children, two males, both dead. One died in a border skirmish against the gnomes. The other died acting as my wife's bodyguard when the southern confederacy betrayed a flag of truce. Thier own flag of truce and killed them both. The third was my daughter", he said as he looked at Lauralin then back at the others. "Her mother died when she was one and when she was two the confederacy tried to poison her in her crib. The damage was done but she survived."

"That is why I could never eat much and only the softest foods", she said, never having known this part of the story until now.

He nodded, "I believe so but I was never sure. I'm sorry Princess."

"Princess?" Foster asked, I thought you were a queen?"

"She is", Turquine told him, "but in my eyes she will always by my Princess. My child."

He clasped his hands together and then continued. "My second wife was human. She grew old and died but not before giving me two sons. My one plotted my death for my throne. He was killed after surrendering himself to my older son in a fit of fury. My laws have to bind everyone or they mean nothing. So it was that I had to try my own son for murder. He was given the same choices as anyone. Death, or service in the free corps. He served in the free corps until his own death at the hands of demons when the forbidding weakened, before we were able to restore it.

My third wife bore me one son before she was killed by a demon assassin. The same one who called on them to kill her as well as make attempts on several others kidnapped my son and hung him until he died." Tears finally began to run down his face and Lauralin leaned into him, holding him. "He was only six years old", he murmured.

Carialle gasped and Foster placed his hand on the nearby couch, clutching it tightly, "Great Ghu", he muttered.

"I failed my family, I failed my first of two vows. I failed my daughter, yet I cannot find anyone more worthy than myself to care for my people. So I continue."

"You did not fail me father. You sent me away for my own protection."

"I was never there for you when you were growing up. I wasn't there for you when you sacrificed your soul."

"That was MY choice, Father, and mine alone."

Alexial listened to the kings words attentively, "Yes, I know the pain of lost family, though I never knew them, or heard their voices in my mind, I can tell you that the loss of my sisters, all ... 798 of them, is a pain I know too well."

Alexial then looked to cry, "But the one who you could claim to call my father still lives, but, he is ... organic and will fade in time, as for my mother, or the SI assistant my father had, will never fade, and will continue to create more sisters."

"As for myself, I know you do not understand the word SI, so I will explain, SI which stands for Sentient-Synthetic Intelligent, means a machine, with what organics call ... a 'soul'. So though I may be a machine, I can feel all emotions and ... show regret for what I never knew."

Alexial then reached for the kings hands but stopped short, fearing his guards might take it as a threat, "I ... hope that soon your people, all your peoples will live as mine do now, that you might be able to know a world of tolerance and peace." Alexial then clasped hands with the king, "I hope my people can aid you in this endeavor, or who ever you find worthy enough to guide your people." Alexial then began to shed tears as she had done before.

Michael stepped forward but Lauralin held up her hand and he stopped. Turquine clasped her hands, amazingly strong for a human. "I won't lie to you. I don't know a great deal about any of the technology we're getting and it seems to be less advanced than your own." He removed one hand but held her other and patted it lightly, "I can tell by your words", he said and then reached up with his free hand to take one shining tear from her face, "and from your tears, that your words are heart felt. It was my daughter who .... pushed .... to open our borders to the international community. I resisted it." He took Alexial's hand and placed it into Laura's chilled one, then placed a hand on Alexial's cheek, "But I am glad that she is as strong willed as her mother was. Stronger, even, than I am." Then he looked over at Lauralin and nodded.

"Well", Lauralin began, "You know of my birth. At the age of two after the attack on me father took me to a merchant he knew in the elven lands. There I grew up, not knowing my true heritage until much later. When I came of age the merchant saught to marry me to a rich man's son. I ran away. I shall spare you the details of those times, my adventuring days, but eventually I found myself back home. During my time I have seen the loss of many friends. When I finally returned to father, and found out who I was .... am .... I began the defenders here at home.

I was born with human and elven blood, but now I am .... an abomonation."

"Laura", Turquine said.

"Father, please."

He sighed but let her continue.

"One hundred years ago, Orcus, Demon Lord of the undead, saught to take my fathers kingdom. Father fought him, and defeated him. At least here, in this plane. A demon cannot truly be destroyed unless it is beaten on it's home plane in the abyss.

A few years ago Orcus returned .... for vengeance. He entered the nation of the gnomes and began his campaign. He made that choice because he knew that the gnomes were to paranoid to accept assistance from anyone. Every victory for Orcus made his army stronger by adding the fallen to thier ranks. Finally, with father at the border of his lands, the army was prepared to march on highport. I had tried everything to get at Orcus in his citadel, but the ways were all magically or physically blocked, except the front entrance which was heavily guarded. There were many undead now. IF .... father won, then thousands would die. I had only one chance, to get at Orcus before he could get to far."

Laura let go of Alexial's hand and sat back. She picked up her glass, sipped it and set it back down.

"What I needed was a way to get in the front. But only undead or prisoners could enter that way. Ferranifer, a vampiress that I had actually befriended, the one I call the dark mother, had my answer. I had to choose between watching thousands die or sacrificing my soul on the chance of saving them. It was not a choice. I became a Vampiress, bound my friends in loose restraints and entered Orcus lair. As an undead I passed through without question and was able to get close enough to strike. We defeated him again and without his guidence and strength of will the undead army scattered.

Later, a few years later, the Ilyaka came from the desert fastness and raided the cities and towns of the nations. There were thousands of them. The forces of Father's nation faught with all thier valor. The Ilyaka were finally forced back, but not before John Averson, King of Dragonsreach and friend to my father was slain. The people wanted a leader, someone to take over rule. They knew my father, they knew I faught, and so they chose me. Now, here I am, Queen of Dragonsreach. An abomination who rules. One who sold her soul."

Alexial pressed her hand to her thighs, "You sacrificed your soul, so that thousands would not suffer a worse fate, I do not know your gods, but I do know that the after life, or what ever it is called by your people, rewards such selfless heroics with honor, and distinction." Alexial then leaned forward, "I may not know for sure but ... you will have your peace in the after life, if that is what you worry about, if not on your world, then on mine."

"I do not mean to interrupt your tale, so I will let you continue." "But before I silence myself, I must say that you are no abomination. If there was ever an abomination born, I do not see it in this room."

Lauralin shook her head. "I am immortal in that age will not affect me. Disease cannot touch me. Most things will not kill me. Vampires are not easy to kill. But if I am destroyed there will be no afterlife. That is the price I paid. Vampires gain thier power from what we call the negative material plane. Half of my soul resides there, half here, within me. If I am destroyed then I shall lose my hold on this plane, what we call the positive material plane. When that happens then there will be no anchor. My soul will be pulled completely into the negative material where it will be dispersed and utterly consumed."

Alexial giggled, "You are wrong, your fate after birth is not effected by the circumstances of your birth, but by the actions you do and the life you lead, I tell you that, even if you don't beleive me, you will be given a place in your positive plane. ... I can feel it." Alexial then closed her eyes as in a prayer.

"A pleasant thought", Laura said, "but debate of death and afterlife is ever the mystery of the living.

We now begin the Skullkingdom. Shadowspawn was foiled in rulership of Highport, but he was not undone. He went north, to the skullkingdoms and slowly began conquering each small kingdom. Finally, he had them all under his heel. He then began forming an army to attack my father. Many forays were made over the years, each one failing. If I might be so bold, and though somewhat prejudiced in my opinions of the king of Highport", she said, smiling at her father before looking back at Alexial, "then I would say that he is a rather good tactician. Though I wish he were not one to be the first into the battle and the last to leave."

"Look whos talking", Baghtru said.

"What?" Lauralin asked.

"What?" Baghtru mimiced in a high pitched voice, "Who was the first through the breach at Daggerdale?"

"The breach had to be..."

Baghtru held up his hand, "Who was the first through the breach at Daggerdale?"

Lauralin sighed, "I was. But.."

"Who was the first into the line of archers just north of Daggerdale?"

"I was", she replied again, "but.."

"Who was the first into the necromancer's stronghold?" Baghtru pursued.

Lauralin just sighed and sat silently.

"Yeah, just what I thought." Baghtru said.

"Anyway", Lauralin continued looking at Alexial, "Shadowspawn has tried repeatedly to take down my father. He is almost impossible to find and harder to kill.

The elves continue in thier old ways, largely. The most recent king is a friend of father's and is attempting to make some changes in thier ways. It is slow though. The average elven life span is two thousand years, so they are rather set in thier ways."

Foster whistled, "Two THOUSAND? I was impressed when we hit one hundred and twenty as an average."

Lauralin nodded, "They are a much more magical people innately than humans."

"Magical", Micaya said, "please, you can't believe in those fairy tales. Vampires are hard enough, I'm sure there's a medical explanation."

Lauralin stood facing the General when suddenly she seemed to burst into flames. She extended her arms quickly, columns of flame coming forth from her arms. They encircled the general but seemed to do no harm to her, yet bound her tightly. The flames on Lauralin died out, but not before Alexial sensed another mind, or soul, within Laura, one entirely it's own, coming forward as though to her defense. Then she sat down and looked about at those assembled. "Explain that with your science.", she challenged, "I was born a sorceress, my magic is innate."

"Acctually I beleive the General in that there is no such force called 'magic', but instead, there are forces simular to what you refer to as 'magic', such as now, you exacted the power of pyrokenisis, a phychic penominom that is uncommon amoung my own people, same with telekenisis, telepathy, and so on. But as for being a vampire, it is caused simply a genetically alturing virus." "To say 'magic' is to bring up old bones, many wish were burried."

"Acctually I beleive the General in that there is no such force called 'magic', but instead, there are forces simular to what you refer to as 'magic', such as now, you exacted the power of pyrokenisis, a phychic penominom that is uncommon amoung my own people, same with telekenisis, telepathy, and so on. But as for being a vampire, it is caused simply a genetically alturing virus." "To say 'magic' is to bring up old bones, many wish were burried."

"Well then there is little point in discussing it. You wish it buried, we embrace it and your idea of it beind strictly psionic is incorrect. It would not explain divination, summoning and necromantic magic." The flame rings around Micaya disappeared. "Flame may not have been a good choice to start with, but it is my innate talent as I am sorceress. I can study other spells, and have, but they tend to be more harmful. Or less. One I would see you explain, though I cannot cast here, or at least I would not try as am unfamiliar with the nature of these vessels and thier functions.

So tell me of your people."

"I have told you of my people's history, but my people are nothing like our ancestors, except in the fact we still seek honor in whatever we do. And value all the things they did." Alexial then closed her eyes as if remembering a dream. "My kind have total genetic memory, or in other words we remember every thing our ancestors did, and of late my kind have also began to evolve to the point were we can use the 'psychic phenomenon'." She then opened her eyes, "I could tell you everything my creators ancestors remember, but since I am not organic, I do not have ancestors, but when I have a child, he or she will."

"You see during the war my people noticed that births didn't outweigh battle field deaths, so a brilliant scientist began to research the possibility of creating a synthetic female, that could reproduce. That is were my sisters come into the species known as Dracon. We were initially produced as a safe guard against their extinction, but soon it was decided that we could also be used in military missions. Personally I was not created until after the war, but the records and memories of all those sisters that died, are on record for all citizens to view." Alexial looked to cry but she refused to.

After Alexial recomposed herself she continued, "After the war many other species would have disposed of us, and stop production, but they did not. They allowed us to do what we wanted to, they treated those who fought as veterans, they even allowed us citizenship, and marriage. Given few sisters are created these days, but we do live long lives so there is no need for a continual mass production. That was understood."

Alexial then paused, "We the Dracon, both organic and synthetic, now look to help those we can, as they helped us before." She paused again, "My people are one people, one language, one goddess, we worship the 'creator' or as she is known informally, Gaia. Of late our history has hinted at the possibility of an outside force, an alien species created us, for what purpose ... I do not know. But even if that is so, our kind will continue to worship the image of Gaia. Even if she was an alien." Alexial then stopped to ask, "Any questions?"

"I am not unfamiliar with genetic memory. There are a few species on my world who possess it. I suppose the only question I have is that you say that your not organic. You seem to be."

"I have a question", Baghtru said.

Lauralin looked over at him, raising and eyebrow.

"Do you take volunteers to help you reproduce?"

Brook reached out, cat quick, and smacked him the back of the head.

"What?" Baghtru asked, "I just figured I would help."

"Yeah I'm sure that was your motive", she said rolling her eyes.

Lauralin looked down grining.

"Your just snippy because you won't ever reproduce", Baghtru replied.

"Baghtru", Lauralin said sternly, and he quited. "Sorry", she said to Alexial.

Alexial closed her eyes for a while then answered, "Yes, I do, don't I? I am what is known as a Sentient-Synthetic Intelligence and this body is called a Bio-mechanical Avatar. That is why I appear organic, and have the fuctions of reproduction and cellular regeneration." Alexial blushed when Baghtru made his statement. "Thank you, Brook." "For your information, population reconstruction is no longer a problem." Alexial looked at Brook, "What does he mean?"

Brook had been glaring at Baghtru and didn't seem to hear Alexial.

"BROOK", Laura said in a louder voice and the woman turned to look at her. "Alexial wanted to know what Baghtru meant by that."

"I should think it would be obvious, and I'm not about to explain the birds and the bees to anyone", Brook replied.

Laura sat, thinking for a moment, "I do not believe that is what she was referring to." Lauralin then faced Alexial, "Brook is from a barbarian tribe. It is the custom among her people and a custom she follows that if a man wants a woman then she must be beaten in combat. In the time that I have known Brook she has lost only one fight and that one only because she stepped in front of me take the blow of a demon's blade. Baghtru meant that she would never find anyone who would beat her, essentially."

Alexial looked quite suprised after hearing the informaiton. "Oh, I see," Alexial then chuckled to herself in her own little way, "Well if no man can defeat you on your home world, maybe there's a man who can defeat you, on Draco." Alexial then let out another chuckle.

Brook's eyes lit up with fire of her barbarian blood. They were wild, animal like eyes.

Baghtru slid away from her and Laura hesitantly leaned forward, "Brook .... Brook."

"Is there a challenge?" Brook asked, already beginning to rise to the blood fury.

"NO. There is NO challenge Brook", the Queen said.

Lauralin removed the mental defense that hid her mind and opened a link to Alexial. 'Tell her there is no challenge, please. If she slips into the blood fury now it would not bode well. She is truly of a barbarian clan. Please, I beg you.'

Alexial was shocked by the response to her joke. Alexila responding to the queens request answered, "Uh, no, uh ... there is no challange."

Alexial then looked to the queen and made her own link, 'My, my, why ain't she a feisty one, isn't she. Giggling, if I was a Dracon male I might find her quite attractive, hehe.'

Brook frowned but began to relax, her eyes loosing thier lethal gleam.

Micaya's right leg opened again as she slid the paralysis needler into the metal guides that held it in place inside, out of view. The gun with it's 'Here's my diplomatic solution' stenciled along the barrel slid into her cybornetic leg, the leg closing behind it. "Temporary paralysis only", she explained. She didn't want to admit it but even she had been a bit unnerved by the ferocity of the woman's look.

Lauralin looked over at Brook then back to Alexial, 'Actually', she said in Alexial's mind, 'she is quite attractive. But make no mistake. We do not have your technological level but I would put her against anyone and still give her a fair chance. She and Baghtru have shown great resilience in many extremely difficult circumstances.' As she spoke to Alexial it became clear that there was another presence in the Queen's mind, like another soul or seperate mind sharing her own.

"I've made an observation", the damsel hologram of Carialle stated suddenly, "and perhaps I can make things a bit clearer for the Queen." She looked at Lauralin, "What you call magic and what we may refer to as science may not be to far removed from each other."

"No offense intended", Lauralin replied, "but I find that notion ... a bit far fetched. I use no technology for what I do and it is not pyrokinesis, something I am familiar with."

"I agree on both counts", Carialle told her, "but first you must understand that you equate science to technology exclusively and that's not the case. There is the science of nature that explains how things grow, the science of the paranormal that measures and attempts to explain ghosts and poltergiests, the science of the body itself which leads to medical advances. Technology AIDS us in our studies but science is not exclusively technology." Several graphs with streaming lines appeared on one of the walls and Lauralin stood up moving closer, examining the wall closely. "This will show that your powers are NOT psychkinetic but that there is definitly some sort of explaination."

"Of course there is, I gain my powers through my link to the elemental plain of fire."

"But how is the question. You see to us magic is a simple explanation that doesn't allow examination. Now here is a particular power level from all present, as you can see", she said, highlighting one in green, "yours is higher than most. Now here", she said as suddenly Lauralin's spiked off the graph, "is where you used your power on the General. Your father has a particular energy signature as well, though it differs from your own. It's not a psi talent because my sensors aren't designed to detect psionic eminations. To be honest, Central Worlds has no way of doing so. But we are not saying that you're using a technology, only that you have a way of tapping into another plain or dimension. And other dimensions do exist, Central Worlds has proven that much."

"Amazing", Laura said. A moment later she turned to Alexial and bowed respectfully, "I stand corrected."

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

Alex sat back and looked over at Tia, "Any word from the disk yet about that antidote?"

"Not yet", Tia replied, "they did say it would take one point two days."

Alexial smiled and spoke through her mental link, 'As I said before, there might very well be a man for her on Draco, but do not think our strength comes soli from our technology, we too are a warrior culture, that values honor and virtue, higher than anything else.'

"My people have discovered another energy source besides Bio-electrical energy, which is present in the nervous system, there is a second and separate energy source found in each individual cell. We refer to that as Bio-etherial energy, which along with Bio-electrical accounts for our developing psionic capabilities." Alexial took a breath and continued, "Bio-etherial energy comes from the half-life of those cells, as those living cells deteriorate they release energy. Providing the body with an ample and abundant ever reproducing energy source. But it seems that the development of the brain also plays a role, there are certain distinct, 'abnormalities' that increase the individuals odds of being psiconic or not. I believe that my species developed that new neural connection, through the process of evolution, to further increase our chances of survival."

Alexial then motioned to the queen, "We also believe that along with those two energy sources that there is a third, yet understood energy source. An energy source, known only as 'Manna'. I believe that your people have a high concentration of this energy, I'm not sure what it does, but it is more powerful than the other two. That is for sure."

"Mana", the queen replied, "curious. We refer to what we call magical power in it's latent form as mana. Mana will recharge itself and the more one practices the more mana is available to them. I, for instance, in a hard fought contest, can exhaust my mana. When that happens I am physically exhausted."

"Yes, well. As I said before, we do not beleive in 'magic', but I do have to admit, that psiconics for a while, was contraversile, but I doubt that even if we eventually agree that there is a force other than psiconics, I doubt we will call it 'magic'." "So are there any other questions, and none from Baghtru, please?"

Lauralin grinned. "Your social structure. You have a ruling body. Do they have direct say or are there bodies that govern them? You said that once one is old enough they enter the ruling body? Are they voted on? Or does age determine thier postion?

Alexial looked puzzeled for a while untill she answered, "Uh, yes we have a ruling body, but no, the Emporer has direct say in current affairs, but is elected every 10 years. There is also the Council of Ancients, which keeps council for the Emporer."

"On my world there are many dieties, you mentioned only one, Gaia. Do have other dieties or are you a monotheistic society?"

"I've noted, if you'll excuse the interuption", Carialle cut in, "that the king's energy is different from your own, I've also noted an anomoly in your energy signatures." She placed two graphs onto her wall. The kings in yellow and the Queens in green. "The kings is energy signature, while not normal, falls within accepted procedure of the way natural energies work. The anomoly, if you'll note, seems run antithesis to a natural energy signature."

Lauralin seemed to struggle a moment, trying to understand what she was being told. After a moment she speculated, "Well, if I am understanding correctly, father's is most likely due to the fact that he is an avatar of his god. Hlendiil is the god of protection and father is his chosen representative upon our world. The energies would be different because father's powers are granted to him by Hlendiil, and therefore different from my own."

She stepped forward studying the readout of the anomolous enregy. 'Antithesis' she muttered. She then tapped the wall where the readout showed, "Perhaps", she said, "this is the influence of the negative energy that feeds my vampiric form. The negative material plane is the exact opposite of our own. It would, therefore, make sense that it would not run concurrent with what you would refer to as a negative energy pattern."

"Can someone speak common?" Baghtru asked.

"They are saying that I am wierd", Laura said grinning.

Baghtru snorted, "Well hell -I- could have told them that."

Lauralin giggle then looked back at the readout. "Let me try something, continue the readout, please."

She stepped back then her form seemed to waver and disolve, turning to mist. When she did the wave form had a definite reaction, though this time the power spike was inverted and once she stopped changing, held a negative power flow.

"That's not possible", Carialle said.

The mist coalesced into the form of the Queen again. Again the power spike but then ramped back up to normal. "As I said, it is a negative energy flow." She looked at Alexial, "Your people seem to be more advanced than the rest of us, do you know ought of negative energy patterns?"

"My people are strictly ditheistic, we believe in the mother Gaia, and the father Taq'oul, they breed to create us, which isn't far from the truth."

Alexial searched her memory banks and came up with two accounts, "Yes, but only on two separate occasions, and at two separate times and places, one was at a black hole, the second was at the disk we left back in the previous quadrant."

Alexial looked around and asked, "You all look hungery, if you'd like we can begin diner, after all we're only ... well, let's say we're all a little hungery. So what do you say? You'd also meet the Admiral, who's promised to meet us for diner aboard the ship."

"Of course", Lauralin replied, "though I would like to hear more of this black hole and disk sometime. Perhaps after we visit with central worlds you would return with us to our home and meet with our hospitality. Father and I must change first, if you will excuse us." She curtseyed as her father stood and bowed then they left the main cabin to change.

"Will guards be allowed? Or will this be only senior staff?" Michael asked.

"The invite was to you all, that is if you want them there. But if you don't I we could always have some one set up a place else where for them." Alexial answered with all the sincerity she had.

"That wouldn't be likely, neither would allow it", he replied. "Where is the dinner?"

"Aboard the Victorious", Carialle replied, "the sleeper ship doesn't seem to be responding."

Michael nodded, "New class of ship isn't it?"

"That's right. The Victorious class, The Victorious is the first of it's kind", the General replied.

"Yeah? And what ass kissing half wit did that prestigious command fall to?" Michael asked.

"My sister", she replied.

Trevor raised hand wiping his mouth as he muttered, 'You screwed the pooch on that one chief.'

"Yeah, well, at least your sister is deserving of it", he said.

After a short time the two returned. The Queen was dressed in a powder blue gown and wore diamond studded hair strings that made her flame red hair glisten in the light. Even the gown could do nothing to hide her figure, it's hourglass shape, if anything, enhanced.

The king wore full battle armor. The heavy metal looked well tended though obviously well used. Unlike the Queen, who left behind her sword, the king still wore his at his side. "We're ready", she said.

As Carialle began to move them toward the awaiting vessel the Queen, according to thier tradition, sang a hymn of praise and good prospect. She sang in her native elven tongue and her voice rang clear through the ship. The delightful tones of her singing and the flowing tongue she sang in capturing the heart with it's beauty.

Alexial breath was taken away by the very sight of the queen in her dress, she shone like the star over Draco on a new moon, in fact Alexial couldn't help blushing at the buity of the queen. After all Alexial was only dressed in a simple soldiers uniform. "My ... your Highness ... I assure you that you will enjoy the speciality of my people, but I must warn you, it has very 'interessting properties' you might enjoy." Alexial then turned her gaze to the General and hoped she would keep her mouth shut.

Lauralin smiled at Alexial, "I am sure that it will be delightful if it is from you."

"Laura and I were wondering", the King said, "if it would be permissable for us to prepare some dishes. She's a better cook than I but I've been told I'm not bad and she cooks exquisite meals. You'll see when you visit Dragonsreach."

Brook nodded enthusiastically, "Best part of the day is dinner."

"And breakfast", Baghtru added.

"And lunch", returned Brook.

"Except that you two have a tendency of running the three into an all day affair", Laura added.

"You don't want the food going bad do you?" Baghtru asked.

"No, but if I'm going to cook for an army it shouldn't be eaten by just you two." She turned to Alexial, "Father and I, as I've said, never wanted these positions. Cooking and taking care of the mansion is one of the few things that I can do", and she looked at Baghtru and Brook, "that I'm actually ALLOWED to do on my own."

Alexial couldn't help from blushing again, and she even began to feel the 'heat', "Um, you're too kind you majesty." Alexial was interrested by the request, "Uh, sure if that's what you wish, that is if it's all right with the Captain, Micaya's sister, I mean." Alexial felt foolish swooning over another woman, but it couldn't be helped.

"Then we shall look forward to exchange of dishes if it is alright with the captain."

Micaya nodded, "I'll check with her, it'll depend on the regulations. And just so you know she's an Admiral. She's a pain in MY ass, but to universe at large she's admiral, Ghu help us all.

From the corner where he's been standing Spark says, "Miss Brook, if you wish, I would enjoy a physical chalange."

Upon hearing the request for cooking, he states, "I have no problem with you makeing something from home, just don't ask me to cook, I dont think that anyone would enjoy my distroying the kitchen."

Brook looked over at Spark, "Your on, when we return to Dragonsreach", she said, a glint in her eyes.

"Well", Laura said, "if I ever need to remodel my kitchen then I shall have you over to cook for us", she said with a smile and a wink.

Carialle lifted into the bay and waited for the bay doors to close before setting down. Once the atmosphere filled the bay she lowered the ramp. A full squad of legionaires snapped to attention. They cyborgs heads swiveled to look at the ramp and the General led the way down. Once she reached the bottom she took her place at the head of the squad and snapped a salute that was quickly followed by the borgs. Lauralin and Turquine led the way to the end of the row where the Admiral waited. She saluted once they reached her, "Welcome", she said meeting the eyes of everyone, except for Keff who stayed with Carialle, "aboard the Victorious."

Lauralin did a graceful curtsey as Turquine bowed deeply, "You honor us", he said in his deep rumbling tone. "We are graced by your allowing us to this, your charge." They then both straightened again. Turquine took a quick step forward, his hand going to his side. Laura stepped forward and grabbed his arm with a preternatural speed faster than the eye could follow, "Father." Thier people drew in closer as Micaya made her way from her position. Turquine raised his hand, "No, it's alright." But a close observer could see the blood glistening on the black gauntlet and on the black armor.

Nooding to Brook and Lauras comments when the king has his misstep, moveing faster then anyone would have expected from someone of his size, he is standing next to the two, makeing a slight gesture at the blood he says, "Is this something to worry over, or is it something minor."

Turquine looked at Spark and nodded, "Minor, I've had far worse. It's fatigue more than anything else, we only just finished with a situation in Dragonsreach. I would rest, but I cannot dishonor a request given in good intent."

"Then at least heal yourself", Laura pleaded.

"My powers of healing are for others, not for myself, you know that."

She sighed, knowing that pursuing the matter was pointless.

"I can heal you", Ariel told him.

He turned and smiled at her, "Only by using your mental powers to take the wound upon yourself and then healing it. I can't allow you to do that old friend."

"Then we shall look forward to exchange of dishes if it is alright with the captain."

Micaya nodded, "I'll check with her, it'll depend on the regulations. And just so you know she's an Admiral. She's a pain in MY ass, but to universe at large she's admiral, Ghu help us all.
Alexial was embarresed that she just called Micaya's sister a Captain, "Sorry, my bad, hehe."

From the corner where he's been standing Spark says, "Miss Brook, if you wish, I would enjoy a physical chalange."

Upon hearing the request for cooking, he states, "I have no problem with you makeing something from home, just don't ask me to cook, I dont think that anyone would enjoy my distroying the kitchen."
Alexial looked back at Brook, then to Spark and asked, "You think that's wise, after all if you beat her ... you marry her." Alexial than waited to see the expression on sparks face.

Turquine looked at Spark and nodded, "Minor, I've had far worse. It's fatigue more than anything else, we only just finished with a situation in Dragonsreach. I would rest, but I cannot dishonor a request given in good intent."

"Then at least heal yourself", Laura pleaded.

"My powers of healing are for others, not for myself, you know that."

She sighed, knowing that pursuing the matter was pointless.

"I can heal you", Ariel told him.

He turned and smiled at her, "Only by using your mental powers to take the wound upon yourself and then healing it. I can't allow you to do that old friend."
Alexial bowed her head in respect, and in hope of getting a better veiw at the wound. "I could offer my services, after all I am trained in medicine, but I'll have to use the Victorious' medical bay, if that's all right with you ... Admiral? And you, your majesty?"

Alexial bowed her head in respect, and in hope of getting a better veiw at the wound. "I could offer my services, after all I am trained in medicine, but I'll have to use the Victorious' medical bay, if that's all right with you ... Admiral? And you, your majesty?"

The wound couldn't be seen with the full plate armor, though there was a rent in the side.

The Admiral was about to say something when the king said "no" at the same time the queen said "yes".

"No", Turquine told Laura.

"It is an acceptable solution. You will not use your own powers and still get the wound taken care of", she argued.

"I'm fine", he said.

"You will go even if I have to knock you out", she told him sternly.

He chuckled, "Your sleep spells won't work on me, you know that."

"Who said anything about magic? Blunt force to the base of the skull will work just as well. In fact better. The sleep spell will allow you to be roused when moved."

It was actually rather comical, The petite Queen facing off against against the heavily armored and muscled King. He held up his hands, "Alright, alright, I yield."

They looked at the admiral. "Well", she said, I'm afraid that medical frigates are for injured personel. We have med stations, right over here." She led the way to a small room with a med scanner and some medical supplies then stepped out allowing the king and Alexial inside.

As the king and Alexial stepped into the station the first words out of Alexial's mouth were, "Uh, your majesty, I'm going to have to ask you to remove your armor before I can treat the wound." As the king removed his armor, Alexial was both shocked and amazed by the number and size of many of his scars. Alexial began to blush as she tried to assess the wounded area. When she saw the blood, she checked and found that the wound was wide but not deep. As she passed her hands over the wound the king flinched, Alexial then reached for some antiseptics, needle and thread, gauze' and bandages. She applied the antiseptic to the inside of the wound, then sowed it up. She then pressed gauze' to the wound as she wrapped it, still blushing she told the king, "Your majesty, I ... I'm ... finished. If you'll please get dressed and join us outside, we can get to dinner." Alexial was about to step out when the king asked ...

Federation As the king and Alexial stepped into the station the first words out of Alexial's mouth were, "Uh, your majesty, I'm going to have to ask you to remove your armor before I can treat the wound." As the king removed his armor, Alexial was both shocked and amazed by the number and size of many of his scars. Alexial began to blush as she tried to assess the wounded area. When she saw the blood, she checked and found that the wound was wide but not deep. As she passed her hands over the wound the king flinched, Alexial then reached for some antiseptics, needle and thread, gauze' and bandages. She applied the antiseptic to the inside of the wound, then sowed it up. She then pressed gauze' to the wound as she wrapped it, still blushing she told the king, "Your majesty, I ... I'm ... finished. If you'll please get dressed and join us outside, we can get to dinner." Alexial was about to step out when the king asked ...

"Why are you blushing? You're only dressing a wound." He pulled the padded shirt on over the melted and scarred flesh, followed by the chain shirt then the heavy full plate, and greaves. He picked up the helm but tucked it under his arm as he looked at her.

"Yes, but ... all the scars, and ... I ... I've never realy, seen a man without his shirt on. I'm just shy, that's all." Alexial said as she walked out of the station with the King following her. "And, I'm ... only thirtenn years old, huh, although I have the body of an adult, you see?"

Turquine nodded. "I understand", he said, gently placing his hand on the back of her head. "Vast knowledge, grown up and yet barely have you seen the world. My daughter is much the same. In fact, if you were born in your full capacity then you and she have much the same amount of time. She was in the westlands until only fourteen years ago. Only then did she venture forth." He removed his hand, "You are friend", he said, putting his hand on his side. He then moved his hand to his heart, "And family, any time you should choose. I swear this by my honor as a Holy Knight, and an Avatar of my god."

Alexial felt like a child with his hand on her head, but she liked the feeling as well. "What do you mean full capacity? Do you mean sexual capacity, mental, or psionic? Or something else all together." "It is an ... honor." Alexial than began to blush again before she spoke, "The only family I have known other than my sisters, is ... my creator and his SI assistant." She then continued to walk.

OOC: Guys, I'm sorry about my absense. Had to switch ISPs due to a fight with my previous company, and before that I had little time.

So, my participation in this is a dud. Perhaps, though, next time.

Alexial felt like a child with his hand on her head, but she liked the feeling as well. "What do you mean full capacity? Do you mean sexual capacity, mental, or psionic? Or something else all together." "It is an ... honor." Alexial than began to blush again before she spoke, "The only family I have known other than my sisters, is ... my creator and his SI assistant." She then continued to walk.

"I meant as woman, in all it's wonder, and all it's glory", he said smiling. Then as they proceeded he took her right arm in his left and stepping forward took his daughters left arm in his right. "We're prepared", he told the Admiral who nodded and looked toward her captain. "I'll await the arrival of others, take them to the main dining hall."

Her Captain nodded and led them to a platform, indicating that they should step on. Once they did it took them through the long corridors to an area where he stepped off. He led them to the dining room, richly appointed and stopped to allow them in first. "The admiral asked me to tell you that it's against regs to let anyone into the galley. I'm sorry."

"We'll see about that", Micaya told him as she stepped through.

The Captain looked somewhat fearfully at the general. As she stepped in more of the borgs stood around the walls and snapped to attention. She saluted, looked around and then stepped to the side, allowing the others to enter.

OOC: Guys, I'm sorry about my absense. Had to switch ISPs due to a fight with my previous company, and before that I had little time.

So, my participation in this is a dud. Perhaps, though, next time.

Not necessarily, just claim com failure and send a shuttle to the victorious. The invitation went out to everyone.

Alexial looked back at Brook, then to Spark and asked, "You think that's wise, after all if you beat her ... you marry her." Alexial than waited to see the expression on sparks face.

As he shrugs, he says "I think that we'll try for a difrent kind of fight. I'm not exactly good husbend meterial for a human, for several resions."

As he shrugs, he says "I think that we'll try for a difrent kind of fight. I'm not exactly good husbend meterial for a human, for several resions."

Brook notes the challenge, "As I said, when we get back to Dragonsreach."

After the king told her and took her hand, she did not blush, but was very nervious. Because the only other two males to ever touch her was her creator and Dur'uc. But she didn't mind either of them, but the king had claimed her as family. So she let him lead her for the time. Alexial's eyes fell to the bottom of her gaze as she answered, "Oh, I see."

After hearing Spark she had to say something, "That may be the case, but, you must still obey their traditions if you go to their homeworld, as well as mine. But don't worry, I don't think you'll be able to take her, hehe." Alexial began to giggle at Spark.

After hearing Spark she had to say something, "That may be the case, but, you must still obey their traditions if you go to their homeworld, as well as mine. But don't worry, I don't think you'll be able to take her, hehe." Alexial began to giggle at Spark.
"Will see, will see."

After the General entered the room Michael and Trevor followed. Brook and Baghtru went in after followed by Marcus. Once they were satisfied they signaled all clear.

Once everyone was inside the General glanced around, looking into the food preperation area, then stepped back to the others. "Okay, I can't get my sister to condone all of you, But I could get one of you back there without too much of a ruckus." She looked at three of the four who had volunteered to cook, ignoring Baghtru and his claim to charcoal. Turquine and Lauralin looked at each other. Nothing was said, not even any psioinic activitey from her. They could communicate by looks alone, much like Laura and Baghtru could, and they came to a decision without any other communication. Laura nodded and Turquine turning smiling at Alexial.

"Well, since the Lady Alexial offered first, she will have that honor."

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

Admiral Quester-Benn awaited the arrival of others with a squad of legionares. She hoped that a representative from all the ships would come but so far only the Admiral of the Dracos people confirmed.

Alexial was less embarresed than she had been, but she could hardly wait, she politly asked the guests to leave and got down to work. Dur'uc had been kind enough to bring all the needed ingredients and equipment. Alexial began to prepare the meat with a heavy gr'o'yt sauce and accented it with tr'eq leaves. She then stuffed it with the traditional ch'ayt and added her own special ingredients. She than placed the tr'kry'ai and put the timer for one hour. She than walked into the dining area and altered that it would be done in one hour.

Micaya nodded and activated her implant, "One hour sis, anyone else so far?"

"Negative, I'll wait fifty minutes and head back. Who told them to began preperations?"

"Who else would usurp your authority?"

"Yeah that's what I figured. Thanks, sis, I forget to have them start to tell you the truth", the Admiral admitted.

"Got you covered", Micaya replied.

"You always have", her sister said in a soft voice.

Micaya cut the implant and smiled, "No cop, no crime."

As Admiral Dur'uc Hai'dra walked into the dining room he noticed the dignitaries, and their 'attack dogs'. As Dur'uc sat down in his spot across from the King a small drone slithered it's way behind Dur'uc and took up a patrol around the room. "Don't worry it's not dangerous, unless you attack, much like your gaurds, you majesty. How rude of my self I forgot to introduce myself, I am Draconis Fleet Admiral Dur'uc Hai'dra, a pleasure to meet you your majesty, and this must be the queen, your daughter." He bowed to the king and offered his hand to the queen. "As for your gaurds, I opologize, I don't beleive that I know their names."

As Admiral Dur'uc Hai'dra walked into the dining room he noticed the dignitaries, and their 'attack dogs'. As Dur'uc sat down in his spot across from the King a small drone slithered it's way behind Dur'uc and took up a patrol around the room. "Don't worry it's not dangerous, unless you attack, much like your gaurds, you majesty. How rude of my self I forgot to introduce myself, I am Draconis Fleet Admiral Dur'uc Hai'dra, a pleasure to meet you your majesty, and this must be the queen, your daughter." He bowed to the king and offered his hand to the queen. "As for your gaurds, I opologize, I don't beleive that I know their names."

Turquine bowed respectfully taking no note of the drone until it was mentioned. Protocol demanding that visiting dignitaries have thier own guards. He hated protocol, but found that others responded better when it was followed. He personally preferred to meet one on one.

Lauralin took the admiral's hand, her grip amazingly strong for one so small and frail looking and surprisingly chill to the touch. "Your Lady Alexial has been most intriguing. As for my people", she said releasing her grip, "this is Baghtru Uth Matar, the Captain of my Mansion guard and this is Brook Cartmill, our chief of local law enforcement for the capital city of Kern. Father and I don't like to stand on protocol, but they are my friends as well as ranking officials in my Queendom and refused to let me go alone. And your guard?" she asked, gesturing toward the drone.

"CX-148265, part assistant, gaurd, soldier. Make and model Cer'sur'x Xer'io multi-purpose drone." Dur'uc's attention then returned to her. "Yes, Alexial is quite the soldier, and woman." Alexial than looked to Baghtru, and Brook, and made the Draconis millitary salute, by placing his right fist over his heart knuckles up and bowing his head.

Baghtru and Brook were no officially trained soldiers. In some ways they were better, though in some ways worse. They had been Laura's companions for years during her adventuring days. Both were stalwart fighters, they both also lacked the soldiers training, especially for situations like this one. Baghtru gave the only salute he knew, that of the orc clan that had raised him. He took his fist and slammed it three times into his armored chest, gaining the attention of Micaya in the process.

"What in ... what is that about?" She asked.

"Just saying hello", Baghtru answered and shrugged.

Brook gave the only salute she knew as well, that being of her clan. She drew both blades, though the blades faced down. She placed them tip first onto the floor and bowed her head in the direction of the Admiral, then replaced the blades to thier sheaths.

Lauralin closed her eyes a moment, trying to hide her embarrassment. When she opened them again she said, "I wouldn't trade them for the world in any situation, except one like this."

Brook stepped forward, "What?"

Lauralin turned and faced her, "I said I wouldn't trade you two for the world."

Brook nodded and stepped back. She never really seemed to smile, grin at most.

Lauralin faced Dur'uc again after talking to Brook. She never lied, that was one quility about her. Though there were many times when she would tell selective truths and leave the rest to interpretation. If that interpretation was wrong then that was the fault of the listener.

Lauralin then looked over at her father. "This", he took up, gesturing toward the bald man in the uniform with the earpiece and the microphone on his collar, "is Michael, my head of security for the palace. This", he said gesturing toward the other man who quickly turned his attention away from Alexial to the Admiral, "is Trevor, Michaels second."

Both men gave salutes similar to Dur'uc's and apparantly thier own.

Dur'uc looked at them and commented, "I take it they're not trained soldiers? While those those two are." Dur'uc than dropped the subject and asked if the guests wanted anything to drink. "Do the honored guests, have a thurst that needs quinching?"

Lauralin chuckled, "Yes, they certainly are not trained. They were adventuring companions of mine back before I became Queen." She then took out a dark bottle and a wine glass, filling the glass with blood.

Turquine looked at Dur'uc, "I would be happy to share a drink with you, but first, this is the Lady Ariel of the Deryn and Marcus her personal assistant."

The man nodded respectfully while the woman looked toward Dur'uc, though, strangely, not AT him. She placed one hand over her heart, the other she held palm outward, "Heart to heart, I greet you. I am Princess Ariel Delian, this is Count Marcus Cole."

"Yes, well ... freinds make bad soldiers, but great companions, laughing." Dur'uc said laughing.

"But of course, we shall share a drink after the introductions are complete." With his head bowed.

Dur'uc too returned the gaze, and nodded his head.

The King looked toward Micaya who stepped forward. "This is the first that we've met face to face" she said saluting, "General Micaya Quester-Benn at your service. It's an honor to meet you."

"Yes ... I beleive it is, General Micaya, is it still of Central Worlds, or have you defected yet?" Dur'uc made a laugh and extended his hand. "No need for formalities, Micaya, I don't ask my men to call me by my title, nor do they expect me to call them by theirs, so is Micaya and Dur'uc good enough?"

Micaya nodded and shook his hand. "That will do me just fine", she said. "I just want to say something. Central worlds is, in general, a good nation. I just don't like how they handle thier military. We're supposed to defend our people, not be part of thier calculations."

Turquine raised an eyebrow, "You mean your leaders don't let you fight?"

"Only if they know we can win. And sometimes the odds don't favor you."

"That doesn't mean you've lost", he replied in a deep rumbling voice, "I would never think of leaving a fight if my people are in danger. My daughter and I are always first onto the field and the last to leave."

"Yeah tell me", Baghtru grumbled. "Oh yeah, your my bodyguard", he said in a high pitched voice. "So I'm going to ride into the fight with NO armor and LIGHT warhorse." His pitched changed to his naturally low voice, "While I'm RUNNING in FIELD PLATE."

While Baghtru was speaking Lauralin suddenly found something very interesting to look at on the golden table while her father covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.

Dur'uc shrugged, "Yes, I got the picture then, and now you tell me again."

"Yes, I myself was once a simple pilot on this very ship, now I'm the Fleet Admiral, shows how my millitary works, and we have yet to lose a war. Though I do say the last one was very close."

Dur'uc raised an eyebrow, "What are you complainig about, from what I hear you have it easy comparied to our soldiers, you at least carry 50 extra pounds, ours on the other hand are trained to carry double their own in cobat gear, unassisted nonetheless, now the ones in Exo-armor, are another story alltogether, they can carry several times their own, and more."

Dur'uc looke over to Lauralin, "What's got your attention my lady?"

Lauralin looked up and then around. "There seems to be an abundance of gold on these vessels. I should think that would make them rather cumbersome."

"Weight is a factor", Micaya said, "but we don't have much choice in the matter."

"I'm curious", Turquine rumbled, "but I should think it unwise to carry so much."

"Only twice there body weight, thats what four, five hundred pounds, tops?
When I have my full armor on, I tip the scales at close to three tons.

"Yes, Spark, but than again your a cyborg, and I was talking about those without alterations." Dur'uc shrugged.

Dur'uc to began to look around and said, "Yeah, I have noticed that, why do you carry so much with you?"

"Where did you get the idea they I am a cyborg? I'm a free-willed, self aware robot. Or, for those of you who no more know what a robot is then the Soviet play that the word was derived from, I'm a golom that can chose what it is that it wants to do.

Dur'uc to began to look around and said, "Yeah, I have noticed that, why do you carry so much with you?"

"We don't have much choice in the matter. Gold is abundant, therefore we use it for most things that more expensive metals could handle but would be more than needed. Internal paneling for instance is done in gold. To do it in steel would be far more expensive and steel internal cover panels isn't needed. Now, the Victorious is the exception as are all military ships. Thier panelling is steel. But Tia, Moria and other brainships and most civilian ships have gold for internal panels", Micaya explained.

"Where did you get the idea they I am a cyborg? I'm a free-willed, self aware robot. Or, for those of you who no more know what a robot is then the Soviet play that the word was derived from, I'm a golom that can chose what it is that it wants to do.
"Yes well, ... Hey, what's wrong with being a cyborg? My great uncle is a cyborg." Dur'uc looked a little serious.

"We don't have much choice in the matter. Gold is abundant, therefore we use it for most things that more expensive metals could handle but would be more than needed. Internal paneling for instance is done in gold. To do it in steel would be far more expensive and steel internal cover panels isn't needed. Now, the Victorious is the exception as are all military ships. Thier panelling is steel. But Tia, Moria and other brainships and most civilian ships have gold for internal panels", Micaya explained.
"Hmm, just the opposite of Draco, heavy in Iron, Aluminum, and Titanium. Gold, Silver, and Platinum are the rarest." Dur;uc said waving his hands in gesture.

"Hmm, just the opposite of Draco, heavy in Iron, Aluminum, and Titanium. Gold, Silver, and Platinum are the rarest." Dur;uc said waving his hands in gesture.

"We have five of those in great quantity. The only one I don't know is Titanium. But why not use wood for paneling and tables and such?" Lauralin asked.

"Wood is rarer than iron, aluminum and titanium. The planets in our sectors support little in the way of plant life. Just enough to sustain an atmosphere in some cases, or not enough without processing plants in other cases. Wood is more precious than almost anything else in Central Worlds", Micaya told her.

"Wood we have in plenty as well. Including what we call Iron Wood. A wood that's lighter than Iron, though heavier than wood, and just as dense. Our problem is we're not advanced enough to export what we have", Lauralin said.

Dur'uc was almost brought to his knees in sorrow, he than let out a thunderous roar as he began to rage, "How could you destroy the sacred life giving forests of your world? The sacred forests and jungles of Draco, stretch on for miles in every direction in a never ending ocean of green. They are the life giving ancestors of old, they live to bring life, and you cut them down without a single care. They give life and ask nothing in return, and you dare to call your people civilized. HA!" Dur'uc was then forced to take his seat by his own drone. As he struggled to regain his posture the drone spoke in his favor.

"I apologize for the Admiral's behavior, our people greatly value the balance we keep with our planet, having few large planetary settlements in favor for many small settlements that blend seamlessly in with the forests of Draco. Our religion Gaianism, named after the godess of creation, prohibits unnecassary destruction and violence. Thus our views on enviromentalism." the drone than loosened its tendrils as Dur'uc gained control of his anger.

"I too apologze, but you must know that Draco is a world unlike yours, we value the life of every living thing as an equal, for after all we are no better than the tree that gives us shade and oxygen, or the animal that gives us meat to eat." Dur'uc resumed his posture. "That is the first lesson of Gaianism."

Micaya leaned forward, placing her palms on the table, leveling her gaze at Dur'uc, "IF your quite finished flapping your lips then I'll explain. And let me say for future reference that perhaps you should ASK questions before blustering. We of Central Worlds colonized these sectors. Because of a malfunction in the systems we have no idea where we came from or where we were bound. One of our ships had a life support malfunction and we had to set down early." She stood up, still looking at him, "Centuries ago we didn't have cryo tech and we didn't have star drives, not even hyper drives. Generations were born and died on those colony ships. The planets are the way we found them. Actually some of them were worse off. We are VERY consienscious of the enviroment and strive to improve the enviroments of the planets we settle. We spend decades running atmospheric processors and then decades trying to grow forests. SOMEONE destroyed these worlds, but it wasn't us."

Dur'uc closed his eyes, "I am sorry, I ... I couldn't control myself. But my rage was righteous, even though you were not the one at fault. But I do have an idea about who did it." Dur'uc the recalled the disk, "You should know them, we just met them."

"I had thought about that", Micaya replied.

"Thought about what?" Anestice asked as she entered.

"About how the worlds in Central came to be in the condition thier in. The only thing is that there were still alot of resources left, and they seem to strip everything from what they say. In fact Moria had encountered one of those disks before, why didn't think of it? Worlds torn asunder, nothing left."

"Well if I might interrupt the conversation", the Admiral said, "It would be appreciated."

"What's up Sis?"

"I'm starving", she replied grinning and then sniffed. "What smells so good?"

"Well those of Dracos wanted to cook a meal for us."

"You know the regs", Anastice said.

"About cooking meals? Yeah. If you can find a good cook then let them cook. That's our motto."

"Naval regulations say that only naval personel can use any facilities on a ship."

"Why? Is there some sort of top secret oven in there?" Micaya asked.

"Mic ..."

"Alright, alright, I'll throw it away, it only took her a about an hour or two to prepare."

"WAIT!" Anastice shouted then lowered her voice, "I mean there's no need to be hasty", she said sniffing. "Done is done right?"

"Well", Micaya said inocently, "it's your ship. At least for a little while longer."

Anastice nodded, "No point wasting it, ghu knows we can't afford it, we don't have that luxury. It's about done right?"

It must be nice to have trees, my homeworld, for lack of a better term, is so far in the galactic core, nothing organic can survive. To be totaly honest our systems are usualy the kind that most speaches would call a hell hole, the best example would be our home planet ,Sigma, itself. It technicly is not a planet, as it orbits no star, insted, it is an aggraget of meterial fomed at the center of gravity of a trinary star system, in other words, the three stars orbit the planet. its surfice grivity is 1.7 G, its rich in the heavy metals, but poor in any elament lighter then carbon, its surfice spends more time as a fluid then as a solid, and the atmosphere is mostly nonexistent.

With that said Alexial walked out with one of the kitchen staff in pursuit pushing the tray. "Diner is ... Served!" Alexial smiled as she had never before it was as if her smile was from ear to ear. As the chef lifted the dish into position and left, Alexial made her warning, "I must warn you though, ter'kya'ra has unique properties ... well let us just say it's not particularly wise to eat too much in one sitting. So ... bounapietuit." She then took a position behind Dur'uc and waited.

Dur'uc then commented on Sparks home world, "Yes, that does sound horroble for an organic, but as our teachings have taught us, life will persist and find a way to survive in almost any atmosphere avalable."

As he looks at a chair, not shure it will take his weight, he says, "If it was only the atmospher, then yes I agree, we would find life, but you must rember, as deep in core as it is, the background radiation is somewhatt higher then you would find in a fission reactor, with many places with even higher rad counts."

Micaya looked at Spark, "Sounds great, do you sell vacation packages?"

Anestice grinned, "I think Draco sounds more to my liking."

"And miss having extra arms or eyes growing out? You have no sense of adventure."

Standing side by side one could see the resemblence between the two. Both were square jawed with fair skin and large eyes.

Everyone made thier way toward the meat dish that Alexial brought out. Lauralin stood, gave a slight gesture and three tables appeared laden with fruits, steaming vegetables, soups, salad and a variety of wines. She then sat down and finished her glass of blood.

(OOC: No insult, but who the hell are you?)

(OOC: No insult, but who the hell are you?)

(OOC - Sorry, I didn't realize that I was still logged on as Dragonsreach when I posted before.)

Baghtru fixed himself a heaping plate, taking as much meat as Alexial would allow him. He then fixed a second smaller plate that he set in front of Lauralin. Watching the two gave one the impression of long time friendship and tended to catch one's attention at first. Lauralin, obviously still accustomed to eating as she had when she was mortal and the damage from the poison caused her pain, cut everything down and ate only the most tender pieces. The rest she pushed to the side of the plate where Baghtru would take it and replace it with the most tender pieces from his own plate for her to eat. They did this unconscienciously while carrying on whatever conversation they were in at the time. Those of Dragonsreach and Highport carefully steered away from conversation that could be construed in any way as work related, keeping the conversation casual and light.

It was then that Dur'uc asked his question, "What is the poetry like on your world, Lauralin?" Dur'uc asked Lauralin the questions for a few reasons but the most appearent was to have her input. "Do your people even have poetry? Or some form of artistic expression?" Dur'uc wanted as he lifted a bite to his mouth.

It was then that Dur'uc asked his question, "What is the poetry like on your world, Lauralin?" Dur'uc asked Lauralin the questions for a few reasons but the most appearent was to have her input. "Do your people even have poetry? Or some form of artistic expression?" Dur'uc wanted as he lifted a bite to his mouth.

"Oh yes. Poetry, music, art. My capital is a piece of art in itself. I prefer music, though I read classics and poetry and love artwork. Father likes poetry above all other forms, though he also has a liking for them all. But there are many kinds. Elven, Human, even the orcs have verbal history set to rhyme. Brutal is thier history but to hear it in thier native tongue takes ones breath away. Even in thier bloodthirsty history there is the element of sacrifice. The element of noble courage in the face of adversity."

"Bullshit", Baghtru said disgustedly.

Lauralin looked at him, "They strive for one great goal. We may not agree with it, but in the struggle there is sacrifice. One can admire the courage of those sacrifices even if one can't admire the goal they seek to attain."

"My people are bloodthirsty murderers. No nobility, no honor and no courage. Only the need to kill", Baghtru stated.

Even Turquine looked at his daughter as though not understanding how she could think such things.

"Well", she said, turning her attention back to Dur'uc, "what about your people? Have they poetry? Art?" Her gaze shifted to Alexial, "They certainly have an eye for beauty."

From the wall he's leaning aginst, haveing determend that none of the chairs in the room were built for someone of his size, Spark joins the conversation, "I, personaly have alwase enjoyed classic rock, and just classical music, as well as any books I can get my hands on."

Laura looked over toward Spark, "What does it mean? Classic Rock and Classical?"

"Oh yes. Poetry, music, art. My capital is a piece of art in itself. I prefer music, though I read classics and poetry and love artwork. Father likes poetry above all other forms, though he also has a liking for them all. But there are many kinds. Elven, Human, even the orcs have verbal history set to rhyme. Brutal is thier history but to hear it in thier native tongue takes ones breath away. Even in thier bloodthirsty history there is the element of sacrifice. The element of noble courage in the face of adversity."

Lauralin looked at him, "They strive for one great goal. We may not agree with it, but in the struggle there is sacrifice. One can admire the courage of those sacrifices even if one can't admire the goal they seek to attain."

"My people are bloodthirsty murderers. No nobility, no honor and no courage. Only the need to kill", Baghtru stated.

Even Turquine looked at his daughter as though not understanding how she could think such things.

"Well", she said, turning her attention back to Dur'uc, "what about your people? Have they poetry? Art?" Her gaze shifted to Alexial, "They certainly have an eye for beauty."
Dur'uc looked back at Alexial who smiled and than back at Lauralin, "Yes, I do think we have an eye for artistic as well as aesthetic beauty, but our history is just as or even more bloodier then yours Baghtru." Dur'uc lifted his head and closed his eyes. He then thought of the songs of ancient Dracon history, "Yes, many wars, bloody endless wars, all to satisfy our bloodlust, many songs sung about warriors, both male and female, but one sung above them all ... one sung in remembrance about a brother and his loyal sister." Dur'uc eyes opened and he lowered his head.

"Lauralin, if you would like I could ... sing it for you?" Dur'uc then looked to Baghtru, "But I do warn you Lauralin, there are many graphic details that may be too much ... even for you." Dur'uc then looked back to Lauralin, "Would you like me to?"

"Populer music from 1950-1970 on Earth, and instermental music from 1700-1900."

"Populer music from 1950-1970 on Earth, and instermental music from 1700-1900."

"Music on the earth? Of the earth? In the earth? I am afraid that I do not understand."

"Lauralin, if you would like I could ... sing it for you?" Dur'uc then looked to Baghtru, "But I do warn you Lauralin, there are many graphic details that may be too much ... even for you." Dur'uc then looked back to Lauralin, "Would you like me to?"

Lauralin chuckled, "If you knew our background then I do not think you would make such a statement. I would like to hear it, yes."

A long tale, I tell you now
A tale of loss, of dark romance
Of truth and pain, to go insane
This is the story of Der'lyn and Eiu'tyn.

Long ago, in bloody fare, there stood two warriors kin in arms. As sister and brother, they slew together, never knowing one from another. Till one day the old enemy Dri'kai, sent his daughter Ty'fola to speak of peace. When they met, Der'lyn and Ty'fola, fell sweet romance. And in there carnal pleasures did she weave her wicked web. As his mind did wear, his sister did feel the pain. She begged and pleaded, for him to see. But instead he did rend her flesh. Severing her limb, through her thigh. As he cleaved blood did spray, and as she weeped she did say, "Look my brother, my love, see what she has done." As he raged, he tore his way, he threw her flesh in fray. As his claws begot his sword, he ripped her muscle and tendon, no longer could she stand the pain. Then in one swift action, his back was split open. As he tumbled to his sisters side. His love was standing high. He cursed and asked, "Why ... my love, why have you slain me?" To which she said, "You are my enemy, not my love, there lies your love, she sought to tell the truth, but you foolishness blinded you to her." As his wounds grew worse, with each sweeping pass. He did look mournfully into his sisters eyes, "I am sorry, my sister, my love. I have slain our family, with my foolish lust. Please forgive me for my sick mind." And she did say, "Dear brother my lover, hold me tight, this world fades from my eyes, kiss me one last time long, and hold me as I hold you." As they kissed and as they laid, on the sandy ground the world faded, until, they woke in fields of grain. Hand in hand their passion grew, as the pain of the old life, was passed anew. In this new world they loved and loved. It was then the sister did speak, "Dear brother, my lover, we are in the underworld, I fear. That both our foolish ways have slain our clan." He did press his hand to her firm breast and kissed her ear saying, "Do not fear my sister, we are here, we live our lives honor bound, we have been given the gift of utopia. Now shed your fears and your clothes, for now our dream unfolds. As Eiu'tyn spread her thighs and took Der'lyn between them, did he move his lips to hers. Kissing from her sweet flower to her luscious lips, he pleasured her with his long agile tongue. Then did she take his piece to her flower's petals, and let him enter her. As they laid there in their sweetest dream, in this world of the untold, and as the pleasure grew she did weep ad moan. As his lips went to he nipple he grabbed his piece and massaged it so he could be pleased with her pleasure. As she shed her petals and her tears, her cheeks did turn a glowing pink. Their fear had come and gone for now they could go, no longer did the pain matter, no longer did their fears. All that remained was their love, but do not fear their deaths unavenged. For that day was the day the council brought down the Dri'kai tribe, and slew all those unhonorable wretches, in the same manner as they had done. They then took Ty'fola and made her work, for the price she did pay. She lost her noble petals, to unnoble men in penance for her crime, now no longer is there a Dri'kai tribe, for they are the slaves of Ny'tyn.

This tale is told, it is known
This tale of love, this story of old
Never forget it's tale, it's lesson
For this is the tale of Der'lyn and Eiu'tyn's love.

"From the human population of earth during the previosly stated time periods."

Lauralin looked thoughtful for some time and then smiled saddely. "It is beautiful. I thank you for sharing it with me." She looked at Spark. "But the music is of the ground? Spirits? Sprites?"

A man walked in just then and the admiral turned.

"My apologies for my tardiness, I was detained with some recent reports."

"Problem?" The Admiral asked.

"Yes and no. Nothing of immediate concern, but the Kolnari escaped. A small force attempted a suicide run. While our forces evaded the rest escaped."

"Cockroaches. Numerous, hidden and hard to kill."

"Yes Ma'am. You wanted me present?"

"Yes Captain, I did", she said as she turned to Dur'uc, "if my sister and I are still welcome in Draco?"

Dur'uc played it coy and cocked his head to the side, before he answered, "I don't remember making an offer to him, after all I have to protect the sanctity of my peoples blood, and all. Don't want a weak human male ruining our perfect genome with his inadequat DNA. But seeing how you two seem close, I think he'll prefer you. But I don't know, your children might want to breed, and of course we won't give them a breeding liscence, so their existence would be forfeit. So are you sure you want to bring him along?" Dur'uc then grinned, and laughed, "Sure why not, if you want, and if it's the will of the crew, we can take them all. Start a human colonly on Draco, given you'll have to apply for citizenship just like everyone else, and you will have to obey Dracon law. You sure you still want to become Dracon citizens, we're strict ... almost to a fault?"

Dur'uc then turned to Lauralin, "Thank you for your complement."

"Actually", Anestice replied, "I was asking if my sister and I were still welcome, considering her last outbreak about the environment. The Captain will the taking over the vessel if you'll still take us, actually." She looked at Micaya then back to Dur'uc, "But if your laws are that strict then i'll wind up with an outlaw for a sister", she said grinning.

Micaya snorted, "I speak my mind. Simple as that."

Dur'uc shrugged, "Well you can talk, just don't expect others to care, listen, or allow you to destroy their beleifs, we may be a strict nation, but we're free in this sence that we allow anyone to voice their opinions, in the designated places and times ofcourse. But many don't prefer to voice in public they prefer to use the e-net. There they can be anyone they want to be. And be heard by anyone that wants to listen."

"You see there are two socities, the physical socity, where there are laws that regulate the interactions between people in order to protect them from any hostile actions. And the E-socity, a socity that prizes freedom above all else, but is also regulated in order to also stem the possible acts of violence. On either plain, let it be a plot for vengece that 'wipes' a cyber-citizen's brain. Or any other possible cyber crime." Dur'uc sighed heavily, "Also we try to prevent any unneccasary destruction. Much like any other nation, we seek the most peacefull road, and allow our citizens to lead us there, or not." "So in the end we rely on the majority of our citizenry to help us protect our way of life from those who would seek to dramatically changed it through violent means." "And as for the crack about the crew ... you should leave it to them to decide. Peace in a republic, or war in a bueacracy, personally I know which I'd choose, but you should still leave it up to the individual."

"Crack about the crew .... I'm afraid you've completely lost me", Anestice replied with a bewildered look on her face.

I don't really know what this is about, I just saw that it's a hot thread. Does Anyone know how to start a thread? I want to start a thread and I can't figure out how for the life of me! If anyone knows, please leave a message or something at String musicians webpage! thanks.

"Crack about the crew .... I'm afraid you've completely lost me", Anestice replied with a bewildered look on her face.
Dur'uc answered, "Oh, a joke ... or jest."
I don't really know what this is about, I just saw that it's a hot thread. Does Anyone know how to start a thread? I want to start a thread and I can't figure out how for the life of me! If anyone knows, please leave a message or something at String musicians webpage! thanks.
(OOC: First you go into a topic it should be at the top, it should say start thread.)

"I'm aware of the definition. I meant what joke? I'm afraid I seem to have lost you, or last track of the conversation somehow."

"Yes, well, I said," Dur'uc then repeated himself, "I don't remember making an offer to him, after all I have to protect the sanctity of my peoples blood, and all. Don't want a weak human male ruining our perfect genome with his inadequat DNA. But seeing how you two seem close, I think he'll prefer you. But I don't know, your children might want to breed, and of course we won't give them a breeding liscence, so their existence would be forfeit. So are you sure you want to bring him along?"

"I never said anything about bringing him along. I was asking if you were sure about taking Micaya and I in before I turned my ship over to his command."

"Yes,yes, yes, I know, it's not a very good joke, so forget aboit it." Dur'uc sayed waving it off like a fly.

Pleased to be seeing everybody eating now, Alexial decided to take her seat to Dur'uc's open right. "Do excusae Dur'uc his world famous humor is peaking through." After Alexial seated herself she began to eat just as Dur'uc one bite at a time.

"But as it stands, the offer is still open to you ... as well as to anyother, should they choose to take it." Dur'uc began to feel the first effect of the meal and decided to put his fork and knife down before his mind became anymore influenced.

"Alright", Anestice replied, "then the ship will be handed over after our meal, that is if you intend on returning to your vessel. Your, of course, welcome to stay. It's been a long day and I have yet to take you on a tour of the ship. I'm sure you'll be wholly unimpressed, but it's a military tradition to take delegates on a tour."

Most of the central worlds and dragonsreach people switched to other available foods or stopped eating as the effects began. Brook continued eating but at a slight gesture from the Laura the meat was replaced with another that went unnoticed by the barbarian woman. She did the same with Baghtru. Only the Queen and Micaya continued eating the dish while seemingly unaffected.

"Yes, well I'd be honored." Dur'uc answered carefully eyeing the Queen and Micaya, "Uh, well I do have to give you your PROPs, I must say I've never seen a man or woman, for that matter, consume that much, and still remain unaffected. But then again that either means one of two things ... you have a very developed digestive system, or your a total Nyphomaniac ..." It was then that Dur'uc caught up with himself and began blush.

Alexial was aghast to hear Dur'uc say such a thing, and she prayed that the Queen wouldn't respond.

Micaya arched an eyebrow but didn't respond with what she was going to say. "My cybernetic implants removes anything from my system that doesn't belong there or that it isn't programmed to ignore."

The Queen looked over, "As for me, regardless of how you might wish to explain it, my vampirism prevents anything that is not normal to my body from taking affect. I cannot be poisoned, knocked unconscious, or anything else from any sort of natural or unnatural toxin. As for nymphomania, my wife has accused me of such but I deny it", she said grinning.

Dur'uc looked at Micaya, "Yes I figured your methood out, but the Queens was a mystery." As Dur'uc listened to the Queen he arched his brow in confusion, "Your ... wife? My Queen ... you lead an ... interesting life." Dur'uc in his curent state was not able to tell if she was joking or telling the thruth.

Lauralin nodded, "My wife. Also the Queen regent. She is ruling in my stead while I am here. Her name is Arleena. I hope that once we are done in Central Worlds you will come to visit Dragonsreach, and Highport of course. Then you will get to meet her. Or at least one of your representatives. I do not discern between male and female in my feelings or perceptions. I also condone same sex marriages. Love is love, whomever it is bestowed upon."

Dur'uc was both suprise and horrofied at what she said, "Please be jesting my lady, I don't think in my current state I could handle such news."

Alexial then began to speak, "My lady, on Draco, such thoughts are ... 'ludicris' ... never in our history, or genetic memory has there been such a memory as that. The thought is ... 'repulsive' to our species. I do beg pardon, but do you think we can talk about more ... 'suitable' topics." Alexial then looked to Dur'uc and spoke again, "I beleive the effects are begining to wear off."

Lauralin shrugged, "I am well versed in a variety of topics, please choose and I shall accomodate you. I am not, however, versed on such topics as your advanced sciences."

"Then perhaps we should talk about current events, apart from this moment ofcourse." Alexial suggested with a gesture.

"I think it would be best if you chose a subject in particular", she said then looked at Alexial coldly, "I would not want to sound ludicris or be repulsive."

"LAURALINTHALASA!" Turquine shouted.

"Father, by her own words she calls me repulsive by proxy and by her own words she calls my decision ludicris, and I am to sit here and be insulted!?"

"Everyone is entitled to thier opinion and everyone has the right to speak them. I seem to remember someone telling me that once", he replied.

She silent a moment and then mumbled, "You pick a FINE time to start listening to me."

"Hmm, very well tell us more of this unstable peace." Alexial said trying to divert attention away from a possible familly fued. "So, tell us of the current treaties you have, and of the possible counter defenses you have, just in case one party should break the armastice." Alexial gave her a shy look, that weeped of apology.

Eh, could be worse, think about what sexual relations must be like for us, we were built into just about any form around, there are human archatypes, verious animal archatypes, and even a few plant archatypes, but thay are all the same species, and relations between them are free."

Lauralin sat back, looking at Alexial until Spark spoke. She looked at him, "In my world we can create what we call golems. I assure you I mean no insult but I do not know anything about modern technology. Is it possible for you to reproduce?"

"Laura", Turquine rumbled, "Lady Alexial asked you a question."

She turned to face her father. "Father, she speaks of armistice, defence pacts and treaties. You know Dragonsreach has almost no military. You provied our protection."

He sat back. He knew she was dodging the question still stinging from the insult and wondered why the admiral allowed her get with it without reprimand. But he also know that Laura was frustratingly correct. "We have pacts with the elves to the west, the dwarves to the east and the rock trolls to the northwest. Highport has a large standing military force, almost a third of her population. Dragonsreach has five hundred elite soldiers and is beginning the reinstatement of the free corps. They also have several thousand dragons who will fight to defend thier territory. To the south is open plains and then the southern confederacy. To the north is the greatest threat to us, since the gnomes to the northeast are nothing more than scattered bands. The skullkingdom in the north is led by Shadowspawn, still angry that I took the throne of Highport. Should the elves break thier pacts then we have the rock trolls north of them and we to the east. The dwarves are too far away to be much of a threat.

Alexial was so ashamed that she barely heard Turquine, "Yes, but what if they see you as a nuicense and attack you all at once, not even a million elites would be able to hold them off, from the way you discribe them. They are a continued threat, one that needs to be neutralized ... with as little bloodshed as possible." Alexial looked to cry as she blushed with shame over what she just said, "But, you can't ... can you?"

"Neutralize Skullkingdom?" Turquine sighed, "I wish we could. Shadowspawn isn't completely human. He trains his people from birth to fight and his little joke about skeletons being the nation's animal isn't entirely untrue. The Skullkingdom was the providence of particularly powerful necromancer's. The lands were altered by thier magic. If the Skullkingdom attacked we would be fighting not only his living army but the undead force of countless generations. The land that the people there are buried in often returns them from the grave as animated skeletons. Whoever holds the throne controls the undead. Skeletons are not particularly powerful in thier own right but used in conjunction with living forces and not haveing to rest makes them rather formidable. Our main defense are the rock trolls. Formidible in thier own right. If he can neutralize them, then we would be hard pressed."