NationStates Jolt Archive

sattilite tracking stations / radio telescopes detect a fairly simple homing signal, followed by the following message.
good afternoon, or whatever time of day it happens to be when you receive this message, I am mhew II, chief executive of Gelfland.
in recent months, my government became aware of an ability posessed by one of my nation's most interesting animals, the cabbit. Some of these cabbits have the ability to transform into spacecraft.
it appears that this ability was recorded in the art of a lost civilization that once inhabited in this land. we are currently re-examining records of that civilisation, in light of this new knowledge, in the hope that it will shed further light on the flight capabilities of cabbits.


questions? comments? anything??

bump1

((OC- This is why TG's work.. =^^= ))
--------

*New Aurora Science Institute*

Lady Washu was, again, working late. Another series of personally cherished projects keeping her from cherished sleep.

..so? She thought. neither does the Excellency at night, so to 'speak', she put once to a colleague. Usually this was infered of his two wives.

The Excellency rather 'himself' could be accused of sleep deprevation issues. Course he could be accused of being 'chained' as well, also so to 'speak'.

In any and none such case, Washu was currently working on perfecting an upgrade for the LACRS-III Mainframe system, working.. again the blasted software debugging was the focus tonight.

However, that wasn't to last...

"Washu?"

The spiky red headed genius tuns around from a holo screen. "Yup? That you again Skuld?"

"Ummhumm. Might want to hear something I just picked up from Condor."

Washu perks her bleary eyes some. "That thing huh?"

Washu knew that the satellite that was launched a few NS years ago was nearing the end of it's inital life cycle. The fusion core had performed remarkably, and was due for a refurbishing.

..but somehow it was the sensor pallate that was culprit here. Washu rises and walks across the Labratory, some 75 meters to Skuld, standing in the hatchway of the Comptroller Lab. When she reaches.. "What's it's malfunction?"

Skuld kinda anime steams a bit on hearing that. "Stop saying that about my baby whenver I bring Condor up." Washu chuckles, getting her usual jibe in about Skuld's pet project..

..probably, many of the tech in NASI noted, too much of the word 'pet' involved.

Washu though knew Skuld was serious and then asked. "What did it hear from Earth now?"

Skuld blinks.. "Something about... cabbits.."

Washu 'really' blinks.. "Pardon?"

----

good afternoon, or whatever time of day it happens to be when you receive this message, I am mhew II, chief executive of Gelfland.
in recent months, my government became aware of an ability posessed by one of my nation's most interesting animals, the cabbit. Some of these cabbits have the ability to transform into spacecraft.
it appears that this ability was recorded in the art of a lost civilization that once inhabited in this land. we are currently re-examining records of that civilisation, in light of this new knowledge, in the hope that it will shed further light on the flight capabilities of cabbits.

Washu sees this and goes white. "How the..."

Skuld.. "Got me, but if it was sent wide band for everyone to hear.. well.."

Skuld points the obvious out. "Should we tell Funaho and Seto?"

Washu nods. "Quick. I don't know how long till someone else gets a hold of this."

With that, Skuld skampers off to make the recommended contacts.

Washu though rubs her chin. "I wonder..

..hmm.."

Washu, her usual maverick self, decides upon it..

..and finds a working comm-packet unit.

-------

~ Don't know who you are, but you got 'someone's' attention..

..mind if a genius takes a personal look?

What would 'this' lead to? =oO=

your visit is welcomed.
this was looking to be an interesting time. hopefully, now that the transformation had been acheived, those purestrain radicals would quiet down, at least the one who had come with the team sent to rescure angelis was, if nothing else, tactful, at least, no reports to the contrary had reached mhew. Angelis had recovered well, and could actually hold her other form for several minutes before changing back. she had managed to teach a few other cabbits the secret, it appaered they could hold either form as long as they wanted, one, had been flying around for about three days now, and showed no sign of wanting to come down. biologists had studied that, and come to the conclusion that the changes to angelis's genome interfered with the production of some neurotransmitter or another that was involved in the maintaining the ship form. nothing that couldn't be aided with supplemental injections, but, in any case, she would be limited to trips of a few days unless she was provided with transport.

*Three days later...*

"Well... this is..."

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?!!?!?!"

The entrie NASI lab (about all 10 kilometers of it..) is filled with temporarily deaf souls.

Funaho's voice can be 'pretty' loud... at times..

Aleaic, Misaki, Seto and Tenchi are ringing their ears out resultantly. Washu anticipated with some 'personally' designed earmuffs earlier that morning. (..the Girl Scout type...)

..Skuld just rolls on the floor in pain. "My ears..."

Washu.. "Sometimes you don't. You just trust."

Funaho smoothes out her frazzled mane. "Tell that to anyone that overheard your transmission."

Washu laughs heartily. "That'll be the day." ..and then some more..

Aleaic just groans. "Anyone want the remains of a destroyed republic." Tenchi chuckles. "It's not 'that' bad."

Aleaic though looks at Washu. "Well.. since you 'did' get a message through..

..'with' help, send a second message through to whomever 'they' are.."

Seto steps up. "Indeed.. what shall be your covenant today milord." This makes Washu teardrop. "Lose the dry lingo lady."

--

*Scenery outside NASI grounds. The overall calm is replaced by a single 'sonic boom'..

"QUIET!!!"

..followed by a read headed speck skipping away from a building to the east.

At least she avoided the Tree. =xX=;;;

---



To the entity from the previous message, 'I' would like to know where we can meet for a 'physical' meeting to discuss this..

..find..

We'd also to discuss any equative measures you may desire at the same time.

Regards..

Lord Excellency Kerensky

"report!"
we have received another transmission, it seems to request coodinates for a meeting, you plan?
any idea were it is coming from?
definitely not local, we have traced the direction of origin, 95% probability is onscreen now, ok, can you narrow it down further?
not with present data, but the current narrowing of coverage required allows greater amounts of data to be transmitted.
ok, do you think they could project a course from a starfeild image?
it would depend on how distant they were, and how well they had traveled the area, if they even have the technology for physical interplanetary transit, message seems to imply this capacity, but it could be an error in encoding.
in that case, I hope "cabbit" isn't a mortal insult to them.
me also,
the same for our space freinds, for all we know, they could be preparing an invasion fleet.
true, but they could very well think the same as us.
neutral territory?
nothing belivable.
we shall have to risk it, how hard would it be to assemble a relay in backland?
it's doable, you think it will work?
it might, but the outer world of our system would be better.
could you manage it?
nothining inhabitable, but we could maintain discrete survelence from here.
agreed, try and define the meeting place, and make the transmission.


if you are capable if interplanetary travel, travel to L3 point of eigth planet and it's primary satilite. in stystem originating this message, we will have a representitive there.

hopefully their origin world has a similar geometry, our directions are meaningless if they don't know about that orbit pattern.
if they get to the eighth planet, they should be able to figure it out.
can you have something ready? yes, we had been planning for such an installation for some time, in fact, examples in literature abound for such a site, we had been planning to introduce it in the next budget cycle.
early, but not desparately improvised.
and the message? when you have the site prepared, send it.

"The 'cabbits' message has been dismissed as a hoax and Gelfland was warned from tying up international radio traffic with such bilge again.

In other news, three people are dead in a freak egg beater accident... The manufacturer has yet to comment."

*one day later.. (blame the physics of radio waves..) *

If you are capable if interplanetary travel, travel to L3 point of eigth planet and it's primary satilite. In stystem originating this message, we will have a representitive there.

When Skuld brought in the new text on a holo-padd, during a normal Council session concerning hybrid-wildlife issues, the concensous...

"They want a meeting near Neptune?" Yurika startles out. "Azusa adds... "That'd be a stretch for any of our new High-Miobile warships. They haven't been fully tested in a vacumm."

Aleaic just sits there, hands folded, while the others discuss (argue) on..

"Why not on Earth? At least a little bit closer.." Makoto..

"..they might be worried about how many would show up. Maybe it's a test." Belldandy puts in..

"We're not the only ones that would be under such. Apparently one other nation already dismissed the idea from open reports, but 'that' means word has reached other ears."

Ifurita replys to Tsutsumi's comments.. "Or it could be a trap. In fact, I'd wonder about acting on this at all."

Skuld though puts in.. "There's one more thing." Getting a combined gaze.

"..the signal isn't from Earth. I had a limited radio Spectrometer measurment done. The signal seemd to be piggy backed on a secondary booster signal. Still haven't figured that one out yet.."

Washu suddenly has a glazzed look in her eye. "*Scarry voice* A 'mystery' eh?" ..she says, clenching her hands like a predator's. The others only chuckle and teardrop nearvously.

Aleaic then adds.. "Wish we had a bit of proof to go with this message. Going on mysterious words alone tends to be poor form in function."

Tenchi suprises everyone. "Well, we 'did' want a field test of a High-Mobile in deep space.

Might I suggest..."

*some classified discussion...*

"...I think Ryoko got to you again last night." Ifurita responds.

"Approved...

...but with an addendum..."

Now Aleaic get's the 'council stare.'

----


~ To the entity that offered the location indicated.

We'd lile to conduct the meeting in either of two closer locations:

~ The fifth planet, near the volcanic luna: Io.

~ The mid-ring orbit plane of the sixth planet.

Please send a code word indicating which location. Our reasons are logistical, as well as security. You will know why when the location is agreed upon.

Our only offer of trust in this matter is at the moment, our word alone. We hope further with a first contact meeting.

Lord Excellency Kerensky

The signal was 'attempted' to be sent via the same signal wavelength. Encoding was not used, since there was 'no' idea of a secure way to do it.

Only hope was the 'security' that was used.

with the latest message making little sense, the government had decided to reeveluate the prior messages, meanwhile, out at star's edge station, researchers were making progress on improved ships, already they had machines that surpassed cabbits in acceleration, progress was quick, and contact with homeworld was severly limited, not only for lack of power, but also to prevent word of the risks they were taking from escaping yet, it hadn't been easy smuggling an biosynth chamber out to the station, but it had already paid it's way in allowing the research to proceed with such a poor safety record, half the prototypes had exploded or otherwise malfunctioned without oppotunity to rescue the occupant. but after years of effort, they had developed it, a drive system capable of reaching speeds of up to one-half lightspeed, and maintaining that speed for over twenty-four hours. an encrypted message was sent to homeworld with the news.

it was a momentous occasion, years of research had finally resulted in a vessel capable of crossing the Planck threshold, that speed limit of nature prior exeeded only by subatomic particles. one noted scientist stated, "it isn't the speed that is the issue, it's maintaining the realationships between particles that make matter as we know it possible."
today, the first research vessel was dispatched to study a spacial anomaly detected about 1/100 of a light year from Frith, gelfland's star.
the ship was equipped with the best detection equipment availible, seeiong as the anomaly was near the center of the assumed direction of a series of mysterious communications receved by the government, the crew had been trained in a multitude of contact scenarios.

--one week later--
specator one in proximity of anomaly sensor readings negative disturbance of starfeild evident. launching probe.

--spectator one, near spacial anomaly--

sir, the readings from the probe just went out, I can't explain it, they were pretty normal, then, this...
I see, have you tried recalling it?
trying that now... no response
wait, we have the analasis of the transmissions?
yes, now you mention it, this spectral line here, it's almost identical.
so, we know that the transmissions likely originated from somewhere beyond the anomaly,
That would be a logtical conclusion,
can we compensate for the shift?
we can try, assuming it's symmetrical...
there, we have restored control of the probe, continuing survey.
-a few hours later-
sir, the probe has completed a basic VL sweep, a significant object was sighted, further imaging suggests planetary system.
ok, any estimates on the size of the anomaly?
assuming a spherical structure, and based on probe flight path, approiximately 100 meter radius,
can you get me a better estimate?
ina few hours, the process could be accelerated by launching another probe.
how is fuel on probe one?
approximately half capacity,
barely enough to get back, could we use it as a relay?
as is?
yes, I am thinking that whoever sent those messages may expect a reply.
alright,
to the entities from the prior transmission: we admit to some confusion regarding your last transmission, we are evaluating the possiblity of visiting your space.

sattilite tracking stations / radio telescopes detect a fairly simple homing signal, followed by the following message.
good afternoon, or whatever time of day it happens to be when you receive this message, I am mhew II, chief executive of Gelfland.
in recent months, my government became aware of an ability posessed by one of my nation's most interesting animals, the cabbit. Some of these cabbits have the ability to transform into spacecraft.
it appears that this ability was recorded in the art of a lost civilization that once inhabited in this land. we are currently re-examining records of that civilisation, in light of this new knowledge, in the hope that it will shed further light on the flight capabilities of cabbits.


questions? comments? anything??

The Aumanii Aeronautics and Space Administration is at a loss as to how a nation with such a poor concept of language could have possibly launched a mission of this kind with any sort of success. An official response from the government was one of confusion and awe, 'What in the blue blazes?!' General Lata, commander of the Aumanii Space Force, was quoted as saying where as our glorious Romendacil, Overlord Jarak Rosiro was simply astonished by the luck of the Gelflanders.

to the entities from the prior transmission: we admit to some confusion regarding your last transmission, we are evaluating the possibility of visiting your space.
---------

*Nergal Fleet Docks*

That was already being dealt with.

"::T-minus 1 minute... ::'

It was a risky proposition, but it also presented the opportunity of a lifetime. On board the Nadesico-Yamato, Captain Ruri was finalizing the last of the seal breakaways of the fuel and supply lines along all sections of the High-Mobile.

Nearby in a separate seat, Lady Funaho and Lord Akito were simply waiting out the launch sequence.

":: T-minus 45 seconds.. ::"

Ruri's hollow voice, as she continued to interface with her vessel, as her subordinates completed locking down all secondary aspects of the vessel, spoke her own.. ":: ~ Phase transition core ready for lift off. All bulkhead seals and hatches closed also. ~ ::"

Funaho just retains her usual calm, and just looks out.

Akito though has a good bit of the excited jitters. Funaho notes this with a giggle.

"Excited we are?"

Akito just looks over with a broken smile. "Just a little.."

Funaho only responds. "Then I suggest you enjoy every bit of this." Akito just look about nervously.

":: T-minus 25 seconds.. ::'

--------

Message to the entity wishing a meeting.

..we are sending a vessel to Saturn to meet with you. Note that the vessel we are sending can only make it out this far at the present time.

We look forward to meeting you.

This was a prearranged message, sent just an hour before the launch of the Nadesico-Yamato.

--------

*00.59.45 later..*

":: ~ We are a go for launch Nergal Command. ~ ::"

":: T-minus 15 seconds till launch. ::"

Akito was literally on pins and needles now..

..just then Ruri looks back at the two Advisors. ":: ~ His Excellency wishes us all the best.

..especially for you Lord Tenkawa. ~ ::" Akito just hops in his seat, making Funaho giggle some more.

":: T-Minus 10 seconds.. ::"

Above, the Nergal Dock Doors complete sliding open, the two titanium hatches clanking heavily as they finish.

Ruri... ":: ~ Here we go.. ~"

---

*Outside the dock, with the Council and much of the citizenry from nearby towns watching.*

":: ..8... *A massive roar erupts from the Dock*

...7..

...6.. *Fiery plumes jet out from the Dock and turn the water nearby to clouds*

...5.."

Tsunami sees Aleaic crossing his fingers, and gives the hand a smack. "Hey now..." Aleaic just smiles, as..

":: ..3...

...2.. *The shaking reaches the viewing area*

..1.. ::"

..the word 'launch' is drowned out by the largest roar yet, as the Nadesico-Yamato shoots out from the Dock, at a steep angle, Shooting hard with the assistance of boosters.

It takes about 7 minutes to leave the atmosphere, and enter space itself.

It'd take about another 3 hours to break from the planetary gravity well and start heading out towards their objective.

..it'd take two weeks to reach the Saturn area.

------

((OC- Auman, give my friend a break. We're here to have fun...))

-gelfland space command-
sir, a message from spectator, they are preparing to enter the anomaly,
it seems they belive it to be some form of doorway, for lack of a better word.
if they are wrong?
best case scenario, 15% survival, including neural reconstructions.
alright, authorise.

do you think they are ready?
the crew? they are highly trained, you saw their files, every one equally suited to lead or follow.
no real connections back home, but highly loyal, the perfect choices really,
as fore the public, we shall just have to see. won't we?
-spectator one-
we are approved for transit,
deploy probe four as relay.
understood, issuing return command for two and three.
entry calculations complete, visual tracking in, transit in three minutes...


we have competed transit, confirming probe readings.

it would be a few hours while they rechecked the probe data using the more capable sensors onboard the spectator
assuming nothing unusual came up, they would soon make the next big step, entering into an alien system.

*Six days later*

It had become rather dull and quiet. Even Akito had lost his jitters for the most part. The rest of the crew just either attended their duties, or spent time with off duty recreation, sleep, or excersice to combat micro gravity, since the gravity well generator units were acting up as feared. Only the primary sections had full gravity.

But another event of minor importance was gaining attention as they began to pass Mars local orbit.

":: ~ We're now out of reasonable contact range of Terra's tracking stations and signals. ~ ::" Hori announces, which to Ruri responds.. ":: ~ Prepare the long gain antennas. From now on, it'll take six hours from this point to send a transmission one way.

..and longer both ways as wel move farther out. ~ ::"

Hori just nods. ":: ~ Well, no more griping from Washu for awhile. ~ ::"

Ruri.. ":: ~ Not immediately anyway. Also keep an eye on the boundry of the Sol Asteroid Field. I don't like the idea of dents in my ship. ~ ::"

Hori just chuckles. ":: ~ ..or worse.. ~ ::"

sir, we have something on scope,
the two weeks since they had emerged from the surreal void of thirdsea into this alien system had been interesting, they had been lucky to find that double planet at the edge of the system so conveinently located. most the rest had been spent in heavy decelleration to enter orbit of the ringed planet. it was truely a marvel of nature, a few hours of obsertation had located a plethora of natural sattilites, in addtion to the rings, now, it seemed they would meet the natives.

The Shadowy State of Snake Eaters wishes to welcome you into the galactic community