NationStates Jolt Archive

On the outskirts of the Sol system, a small hunk of rock and ice continued its idle journey about the sun. It would have continued this journey unto eternity, had “it” not happened.

The space in front of it began to shimmer and distort in a rapid yet gentle manner, not unlike ripples in a pond. The hunk of ice continued on a collision course for the disturbance, but instead of being destroyed by some alien energies, found itself in a new region of space. At this point a far larger object (http://pages.slu.edu/student/wohlfojm/composite3.jpg) passed by, headed through the disturbance in the opposite direction.

Aboard the JHF-Hanuman’s Staff, Commander Darh ran his hand softly along the polished thurisaz (mana wood) that made up his chair. The chair itself was simply an extension of the ship, as was most everything else around him.

Commander Darh, we have completed mana slip
Commander Darh nodded, the disjointed voice skipping his ear entirely and gently forcing itself into his mind. He stood slowly unfurling his wings, with a span nearly three times his height. He had long since stopped looking at the source of the disjointed voice.

Behind him, a young woman no older than 40 years* stood behind him. Or rather would be standing, if she were on the deck. But she wasn’t. Instead she was half buried, half entwined within the trunk of the thurisaz tree that made up the ship. Around her branches of the wood shot across the large space, merging with other branches a short distance away, continuing further and merging seamlessly into the hull.

Her features were largely obscured, save for her face which seemed to glow softly. Darh had always liked her, she made a skilled “core” and was obedient, he’s only had to discipline her a few times.

He glanced at the lowly maintainers strapped into their positions around the room, Damned mundanes. Near the maintainers sat the clerics, higher in rank due to their inherent abilities, but still not of noble bloods.

“Core, “ Darh paused, “…Lunette, what do you sense?”

Again the disjointed voice gently forced itself into his mind. Commander Darh, I detect major concentrations of mana on the second, third, and fourth worlds, along with major concentration in orbit around the fifth and sixth worlds.

Darh moved his wings slowly, “Are they space capable?”
It’s hard to tell at this range. I’ve sensed glimmers of mana moving about very quickly, those could be craft. Strange that they yield so little mana.

Darh nodded once again. “Anything unusual?”
Nothing……wait. Strange. There appears to be a ring of mana around the sixth world.
Darh suddenly furled his wings, easily hiding them behind his massive frame.
“A ring?”
Yes Commander

Darh tapped his fingers absently on the ornate scabbard hanging from his belt.

“Lunette, proceed to this ring.”
In a command voice that would cause a human’s ears to bleed, Darh bellowed at the command crew.
“Listen up you lifeless beings, you know you jobs. Any slackers will be promptly punished.”
Lunette silently relayed the command to the crew in sections of the vessel cut off from the commander’s voice, frowning slightly as she did.

The JHF-Hanuman’s Staff proceeded to change course slightly, smoothly and powered on towards the ring of mana and the sixth world.

CIC, CSS-MBC Tachikoma
Flagship, Eleventh Perimeter Flotilla, attached to Cetagandan Home Fleet
Outer Perimeter Patrol, Saturnspace

Inside the battlecruiser's ampitheater-like Combat Infomation Center, the commander of one of the two oversized picket squadrons attached to the Home Fleet looks up as one of his aides approaches him. "Sir, strategic longscan has detected an unknown vessel on an approach vector to Saturnspace. TDF local command has requested that we check it out."

Admiral Dasey nods, and replies, "Tachikoma, please pull up the contact on the main display." A moment later, the huge display splits to show what little information they have on one side and a map showing its course and the deployment of Triumvirate forces in the area. "Interesting. Not quite as large as a Beagle, correct?"

"Yes, sir. Our analysts haven't seen anything like it before. Radar returns are a bit odd, too. We're not sure what it's made of."

The admiral nods. "Inform command that we're dispatching a ship to investigate. Then order Captain Sinkler to break from his position and intercept. The rest of the flotilla is to form up on us."

A few minutes later, twelve hundred meters of sleek warship brings its main drives to full power as it breaks from its patrol and heads for the alien vessel, while other ships more stealthily begin to concentrate closer to Saturn, although still outside the FTL interdiction zone. The Fast Line Frigate Jormundgand (http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~chigbee/Cetaganda/css/7genfrigate.JPG) deploys its riders, fighters, and drones as it moves, forming a layered defense around itself with an outermost set of drones a few thousand kilometers out. The cruiser-sized warship and its companions make some effort to conceal their approach from normal electromagnetic sensors using high-distort drive and emissions dampening for a time to prevent their trail being backtracked, until they've closed to just over a lightsecond in range. At that point, the ships cease to accelerate and ping the intruder with long-range scan while dropping from stealth. A moment later, a transmission is sent.

"Attention unknown craft. This is the Cetagandan warship Jormundgand. You are approaching restricted Triumvirate space. Please identify yourself."

Hand of God class Northridge
Setsujoku Fleet - Saturnspace

"Flightleader, the SFCC reports the Cetagandan Eleventh Pee-Eff moving into an intercept position. SFCC also reports a contact some ways out. Apparently an unknown on an approach route."

The reploid in command of the 5th Fleet hmms in thought. "How far out from the contact and the other fleet are we?"

"Far enough not to be of immediate help, but not too far out to join the fun."

Flightleader Reanne Dragoon-II nods slightly. "Dispatch a message to the Cetagandans that we have ships standing by should they request some backup." The reploid surveys the display showing the fleet's data. "And give orders to the Zelzah, Burbank, Castaic and Knollwood Archangels, the Shoshone, Erringer, Soledad and Shangri La Tenmous, and the Shammel, Kartchner, Somas, Mendecino, Ojai and Laguna Shinkens to form up on the Monterey and prepare for deployment just in case."

"Ma'am, isn't that a little much for a single unknown contact?"

"You all should be well-schooled that there are only two forms of paranoia." Reanne nods once knowingly. "And insufficient is not effective. I have given my orders, I expect them to be followed."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Of the large 5th Mobile Reactionary, the assigned ships break from formation, forming up around the Shogunate class Monterey, warming their systems up for rapid deployment. Meanwhile, the Northridge sends off a QE transmission to the Cetagandan detachment.

"CSS-MBC Tachikoma, this is Flightleader Reanne Dragoon-II of the Shogunate Fifth Mobile Reactionary flagship Northridge. Requesting information on the unknown contact you are presently investigating. We also have a detachment standing by should you require any backup."

Lunette had watched the approach of these craft for quite sometime, certain that they were nothing more than skiffs, but when the gravitic sensors were finally within range of the craft they reported the craft to be more massive than they should have been. How could these ships be so large and yet so mana poor? Commander Darh insisted that the oracle in charge was interpreting his data incorrectly, and merely an inch from disciplining this incompetence when visual sensors confirmed his reports. The craft really were that large. To make matters worse, some of the smaller ones had slipped Lunette’s detection, emitting no mana at all. Lunette was only saved from discipline because the Commander did not know what to make of it.
“By the Great Tree, how can these craft move without mana to guide them.”

Darh realized his was pacing and forced himself to take a seat. “Ha, these craft cannot be a threat with such low levels of mana.” Calmly he ordered the ship to take a defensive posture, and at once, the eight bits that had been following the ship so closely rearranged themselves in a box formation about the ship.

For a while the Hanuman’s Staffsimply sat motionless, observing these strange new vessels. Lunette listened to, or more accurately, felt the transmissions of the alien craft, yet she was unsure of their purpose.

“Are they a weapon Lunette?” The Commander seemed anxious, displease with the current events.
I do not believe so Commander. They appear to have no discernable effect on the ship. They also appear to be directing some of it amongst themselves.
“Some form of communications then?”
Perhaps, but nothing I can understand. Appears similar to much of the background radiation.

Darh continued to frown. This technology was far more alien than he had thought it would be. “Can you contact their vessel?”
Lunette reached out once more, analyzing the mana of the opposing vessels.
I can attempt to contact the strongest source of mana I find.
Darh stood once more, his wings towering above the crew, adding to his already imposing stature. “Make it so.”

Lunette focused on the larger of the vessels, seeking the largest source of mana she could find.
I am Lunette, core of the “Hanuman’s Staff”. Who are you? What are you?
She repeated this query till she received an answer.

OOC: To Ceta:
The question is directed at whoever is most psionically/magically “ tuned in”.
Furthermore, the listener would “hear” the majority of communiqué in their native tongue, except for proper names.

Tachikoma >> Northridge "Message received, Northridge. Glad to have you with us out here. We're sending you what data we have and a live stream from our advance scout. Suggest you head for $COORDINATES/VECTOR while we move along $VECTOR. This should put us in position to give us both clear attack paths and minimize friendly-fire possibilities."

-=-

In a room deep inside the frigate, a woman lies in an acceleration couch. While her hands rest on manual controls and displays show data on the alien ship, her eyes are closed and her attention is elsewhere. Suddenly, her eyes snap open, and she simultaneously sends out a mental command and slaps her hand down on one of the controls. Across the ship, alerts signal, wards rise to full strength in a flare of metaphysical power, and the vessel's Mind and command network drop into full combat reaction mode.

C-Space
{<Maj.Melborn:PsiWatch> Psionics contact! Alien vessel is probing us. }
{<LtCmdr.Sinkler:CO> Gunnery, go to active targ and plot a firing solution. Standby on main guns. }
{<Jormundgan> All systems now at full capacity, Captain. Weapons charge confimed, defenses active. }
{<Col.Schueler:Tactical> Targeting lock confirmed on main guns. }
{<Maj.Lokar:Scan> Still no change in output. Alien vessel appears to be biological in nature. }
{<Jormundgan> All riders at combat status, drones in defensive posture, fighters preped for attack runs. }
{<LtCmdr.Sinkler:CO> Psionics, is this a hostile act? }
{<Maj.Melborn:PsiWatch> Neg. I think it's an attempt at communications. Request permission to respond. }
{<LtCmdr.Sinkler:CO> Granted. Be careful, slam the wards shut at any sign of a hostile attack. }

Mere seconds after Lunette sends out her message, a reply is crafted and then sent to the aliens by much the same telepathic method as Lunette used. "This Major Sara Melborn, psionics officer of the Cetagandan frigate Jormundgan. You are nearing restricted space claimed by the Triumvirate of Yut. Please state your reason for approaching Saturn."

Hand of God class Northridge
Setsujoku fleet - Saturnspace

"Response from the Tachikoma, Flightleader!" One of the bridge technicians quickly relays the incoming data.

"Right. Order the detachment to follow those directions, all fighters ready for emergency launch!" Reanne nods.

"Incoming data indicates high thaumaturgic emissions from the unknown contact."

"Thaumaturgic emissions-?" The reploid looks baffled for a moment. "Well then. Bring the rest of the fleet around and make sure all capacitor crews are standing by. Bring the Northridge into position for a firing solution."

"The flag, Flightleader?" A few incredulous looks are exchanged among the bridge crew.

"Yes. Thaumatology is still a wide open field. If this thaumaturgic vessel is hostile, I want to bring the maximum power of our main guns on it before it can work any hocus-pocus. Status report!" The Dragoon-II model crosses her arms briskly.

"Capacitor stones currently have a full charge, good for one, maybe two rapid rounds at full power. Psionics crews are ready to provide additional power for a repeated barrage, should it be required."

"And how soon can we fire both the Apocalypse Cannon and both Spirit Hammers?"

"As soon as we have a lock."

"Good. We will stay back while our detachment joins the Cetagandans already engaging.

Smoothly the detachment, led by the Monterey breaks away from the fleet, taking up their assigned positions. Meanwhile, the rest of the Fifth Mobile Reactionary arranges itself at long range, the two-kilometer long strategic bombard fortress Northridge swinging her impressive bulk around to point her five massive cannons in the direction of the unknown.

Northridge>>Tachikoma
Message received, Tachikoma. The fleet detachment is moving into $POSITION now. Given the data indicating thaumaturgics, we are lining up the Northridge's thaumaturgic cannons in the event of hostilities.

"Admiral, one of our remote sensor drones have picked up a craft preparing to enter trium space!" The sensors officer virtually shouts this out in the command center of the I.S.N. Orbital Docks. First Admiral Shaar looks up from her datascreen, detailing her itinerary for the day.

"Hmmmmmm? Is there a Trium presence enroute?"

"Aye, sirrah. Confirming a Cetagandan craft, as well as a detachment of Reploid crafts. orders?"

The First Admiral scratches her scaly chin, and strokes her dewlap slowly. "Send a comm to those ships. See if they need assistance. In the meantime, have a scouting corvette ready to go and take a look-see. orders are not to engage, just observe and if needed, make contact."

"Aye, sirrah."

The Admiral goes back to her itinerary. By the Pantheon, why is this area all of a sudden so prone to activity?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comm: I.S.N. Command
Northridge
Tachikoma

We have monitored the approach of a strange vessel STOP
Also have monitored the interception of your crafts STOP
Have sensors corvette ready to launch and investigate STOP
Should we be concerned ALL STOP

Saturnspace
Mitsukai-Class Shinbatsu, 3rd Defensive Fleet

"Captain, we've got one unknown contact on long range sensors, and it appears to be moving in towards Saturnspace. Cetagandan and Shogunate vessels are moving to intercept it as we speak."

Captain Andrews looked up from her book and looked back towards the officer behind her. "That's it? Just one?"

"Yes ma'am, at the moment its just the one. Our sensors are also detecting thaumaturgic energy from the vessel. Other than that, there's nothing else I can tell you unless we were closer."

"Hrmm, the Shogunate and Cetagandans are already on there way to deal with it. We'll continue escorting Green Noa 04 to the colony. Inform the Shogunate and Cetagandan commanders that we're in the area and can assist if needed and order a fleetwide Condition Yellow." the captain ordered, turning back to her book. "Anyways, the Shogunate and Cetagandans are better equipped to handle thaumaturgic-natured things than we are at the moment. Its best if we stay out of their way if shit hits the fan."

"Yes ma'am. Message is being sent now."

The situation was developing far faster than Commander Darh had expected. First these strange mana-less vessels appeared, and now Lunette and the Oracles reported more ships on the way. The newer vessels appeared to contain more mana than their counterparts before them, but as Lunette pointed out, did not appear to be distributed vessel wide, merely storing mana. Furthermore the power levels of the vessels, both those sitting before them, and the new ones on approach, seemed to spike. These strange aliens may not be using mana, but it didn’t take a noble to figure out what this meant; weapons.

Darh long since had regained his cool, and these developments, though rapid, ceased to faze him. “Surely these vessels, these “inferior” beings pose no threat.”
Still, Darh was no fool. As the ancient saying went To know thy enemy, is to know thy fate.

Lunette once again chimed in, offering what she knew. The being I contacted. It’s responding Commander. Like I, it can speak with no voice, though somewhat softer.

The commander grinned slightly. “What does this being have to offer?”

It, she?, keeps repeating “This is Major Sara Melborn, psionics officer of the Cetagandan frigate Jormundgan. You are nearing restricted space claimed by the Triumvirate of Yut. Please state your reason for approaching Saturn. ”

Darh twisted his wings slightly, a sign of deep thought.
“Any idea what those trizi mean?”
I believe the first trizi to be the name of the being I communicated with.
“Makes sense, go on.”

The second trizi may be a title, or rank. The third may be a classification, possibly nationality, but that seems to conflict with the fifth trizi, unless they are only one part of an empire. The fourth trizi appears to be just a name. Oddly the fifth trisi seems to be a nation as well, but it doesn’t match with the third trizi like I mentioned. The sixth trizi is the area we are, were headed to.

Darh took in the new information, thinking for a moment. “Ask them why this, Saturn, is so special.” Pausing he thought of the new vessels for a moment, “and contact the newer vessels and ask them the same question you did to the first vessel.”

So Lunette reached out again, across the cold distance of space.
The one who calls themselves Major Sara Melborn; why is this place you call Saturn seemingly so important.
To the newcomers; Who are you? What are you?

OOC: Again, same method as used above.
* Proper names and some nouns remain un-translated. Referred to as “trizi” these are words that are difficult to convey “telepathically.”

Hand of God class Northridge
Setsujoku fleet - Saturnspace

"Thaumaturgic contact established, Flightleader." Lieutenant Darcy Keiran, head psionics expert aboard the huge ship declares suddenly. "I'm sure one of the Keeper's would have no problem, but far as I can make out, it's an inquiry. Asking who or what we are."

Reanne nods slightly to the thaumaturge. "Comms, send a QE to all friendlies in the area with the information. Lieutenant Keiran, can you reply to them?"

The young Drakonic nods his head slowly. "I believe so. If they don't use normal communications at all though, we may want to get somebody really skilled on this. One of the Keepers would be best, since their "Speech of Souls" knows no single language."

The reploid nods. "Then respond with your name and the following: We are from the Shogunate's Fifth Mobile Reactionary space fleet, in defense of territory claimed by the alliance the Triumvirate of Yut. Also restate that this is protected airspace and anyone attempting unauthorized entry will be treated as hostile."

The psionic officer nods again, mentally going over the message to make certain he's got it memorized. "Anything else I should say, ma'am?"

Reanne hmms for a minute. "Yes, no sense coming off all hostile if a peaceable solution is there. Also inform them that if they do not have hostile intentions, we would be willing to arrange a meeting outside of the protected area." The reploid turns to address the communications technicians. "Meanwhile, make sure our allies are aware of this reponse."

"Ryoukai!"

Darcy takes a few relaxing breaths before he shuts his eyes and carefully projects a reply to the unknown vessel, his mindvoice soft but carefully measured to ensure it is clearly sent.

This is Lieutenant Darcy Keiran, of the Shogunate's Fifth Mobile Reactionary space fleet, currently protecting space claimed by the alliance of the Triumvirate of Yut. Anyone who attempts to enter this region without permission will be treated as an enemy and dealt with as such. My commander, Flightleader Reanne Dragoon-Two, wishes to state that if your intentions are not hostile to our interests, that we are willing to arrange for a meeting outside of protected territory. If you are here to engage in hostilities, she very strongly suggests you leave now and do not return.

Meanwhile, the Northridge relays the newest information to the Cetagandan, Sneaky Bastardian, and Sakkran ships regarding the unknown vessel and the latest communiques to and from.

The comm from the reploids is shunted over to the commanding officer of the Caiman-class corvette. He, in turn, shares it with the ship itself.

"So, Burkhardt. What do you think? We've removed the charges from most of your weapons, so you'll be relatively unarmed. But the sensor suites should make you able to see quite a bit more than normal."

" I have no problems with it, Captain Dhoour. It's a different experience, after all. And life is composed of experiences. A variety equals a rich life, I think." The mental image of a flower blossoming comes into the officer's mind.

Dhoour strokes the heavy carapace-like armor of the corvette. feeling its smooth lines. "Understood. Let's start a systems check for your enhancements, and go when you're ready." He turns in his chair to look over the five-being crew. Three Grass-Walkers to communicate with the ship without the need for the neuro-shunt helmets, one Deep-One to act as on-ship security, and himself.

After the checks are complete, the I.S.N. Orbital Dock clears the Burkhardt for launch, and it speeds off towards its destination. Petal-like solar sails unfurl, picking up ambient radiation, solar static, trace emissions and a variety of other spatial errata.

Nearing their destination, the ship slows allowing the solar winds to push it towards the strange craft. The ship's cybernetic sensor enhancements power up, taking readings on all known forms of spectrometry. Burkhardt's innate sensors also kick in, 'tasting' the area for emissions and signs of life.

http://www.5amfunnies.com/sakkra/space/corvetteA.JPG

OOC: Just so you know, the ship is a fully aware and sentient organism. Not a shell with an organic sentience. A fully living creature.

Seeing no hostile acts as of yet, Jormungand holds her position, as a reply is sent. "The Ring and moons around Saturn are the home of our nation, and to the alliance of which it is part. Allowing unknown ships to enter striking range of our primary population and industrial centers would be unwise at the least." A moment passes, then the telepath continues, "I ask again, what is your purpose here? Are you an exploration craft?"

These messages, as well as a continuing data feed, are echoed back to the squadron, and from there bounced by QE to the other Triumvirate ships involved, as well as CCS Fleet Command, the TYCS, and the TDF.

Lunette listened intently as the first of the responses came back, forwarding it back to Darh.
“Hmmm, there is that fifth trizi again. An alliance they say, appears our previous thoughts were wrong.

Suddenly Lunette’s eyes flew open, delicate eyelashes fluttering slighty, her eyes glowing a soft red. Mana! A new vessel is approaching, and it’s far richer in mana than the others. Almost simultaneously, the oracles reported yet another ship approaching.

Darh snapped around surveying what was visible of the petite girl buried in the ship.
“Is it him?”

Lunette’s eyes closed once more, not accustomed to the lighting, despite its soft qualities. Focusing she reached out, feeling the approaching ship. I do not believe so Commander. Darh turned back around, glaring at the oracles a short distance before him. They paused momentarily before replying in the negative.
“Entering visual range now commander.”

An ethereal image ( http://www.5amfunnies.com/sakkra/space/corvetteA.JPG) appears in a large spherical crystal a short distance before the crew, replacing the other ships surrounding the lone vessel.
“I suppose it is not.”

Lunette kept listening through all this, picking up another response to her queries. Sir, the original contact has responded once more. “The Ring and moons around Saturn are the home of our nation, and to the alliance of which it is part. Allowing unknown ships to enter striking range of our primary population and industrial centers would be unwise at the least. I ask again, what is your purpose here? Are you an exploration craft”
“A ring? Would that be what you had sensed earlier?”
I believe so Commander Darh.

Darh took a moment, thinking through his options carefully.
“Contact all approaching vessels. Tell them we are not hostile and that we would like to arrange a meeting.” Pausing for a moment, he glanced at a small crystal inset into his chair. “Better yet, I’ll tell them.”

Sitting down he grasped the crystal speaking as he did. Anyone monitoring the ship would notice that its energy emissions increased slightly. Anyone on the various bridges without their face buried in a monitor would notice a ghostly visage, ethereal yet clear, the image or Darh standing before them.
“Attention vessels. I am Commander Darh of the Holy Empire of Yggdrasil Drottinn. We come to you as explorers, might we arrange a meeting?”
The speech was simultaneously in the witnesses’ native tongue, and a far off language, sounding more like a song than simple speech.

OOC: This projection would most likely be only felt by those beings of and organic composition, or possessing an organic brain.

The ship is not amused. Like most front-line warships, Jormungand does not possess the kinds of high-quality (and very expensive) psionics instrumentality that a Contact ship would have, beyond the defensives wards layered into the hull and shield generators and just enough detection equipment to spot hostile acts. Learning that an alien creature was communicating solely with it's squishy companions, and learning that only from second-hand visuals sent by the crew, was not it's idea of politeness. For a long period (almost a second), the Mind considers, and calculates various ways of doing without getting blamed, having a weapons misfire and giving the undoubtably squishy not-really-a-proper-spaceship a few terajoules of coherent light. This is ruled out largely do to the amount of paperwork that would result.

{Jormungand >> Other Cetagandan Minds, Arpian Vessels}
{Just out of curiosity, did any of you happen to see a weird glowy angel-ish thing? I'm wondering if they can contact, or even detect, inorganics like us or just gooey types.}

{Tachikoma (CIC) >> Allied Vessels}
{Admiral Dasey here. I'm assuming the rest of you have seen some kind of apparation that wants a meeting. Anyone have a suggestion as to where we should send these people? I'm thinking a minor Sakkran port may be best. Given the apparent nature of their vessel, they may have needs that can't be supported by standard facilities, and I certainly don't feel like letting them into Saturnspace.}

Saturnspace
Mitsukai-Class Shinbatsu, 3rd Defensive Fleet

Continuing to monitor the situation with the mystery ship, the Shinbatsu's communications officer stared at his console screen, watching the radar window and long range scans, tracking the ship and the allied vessels that were moving towards it. The slight increase in mystery ship's enegry readings caught his attention, prompting him to disturb the captain from her reading.

"Andrews-kanchou, energy emissions from the unknown contact have risen. Its only slight-" The officer's report was interrupted, shocked by what he saw when he turned to face the captain sitting below him. "Anou, Andrews-kanchou... uhmm, you better take a look at this...."

Captain Andrews lowered her book and raised her head slightly. Before she could turn to face the officer behind her, she found herself looking at the ghostly image of Commander Darh standing in the middle of her bridge. Her facial expression quickly turned from a neutral, expressionless one to a slightly irked frown. not amused by the unauthorized presence of the visitor.

"Why is there a ghost standing on my bridge?" she asked, sounding somewhat irritated.

"It wasn't there a few seconds ago... I'd have to guess it has something to do with that ship. We detected a slight increase in its energy emissions before that ghost appeared." replied the officer, glancing back at his console screen.

“Attention vessels. I am Commander Darh of the Holy Empire of Yggdrasil Drottinn. We come to you as explorers, might we arrange a meeting?”

"Are the internal sensors picking up anything from this image?" the captain asked as glared at the image of Commander Darh.

"There don't appear to be any abnormal readings on the internal sensors for the bridge."

Captain Andrews pondered for several minutes as she looked at the ghost. Deciding to leave responding to the ghost to the Cetagandan and Shogunate commanders, she turned to face the communications officer behind her.

"Send a message to any allied ship in the area and ask if they're seeing the same thing we're looking at right now. Also, transfer fleet command to Argama 3-01 with orders to continue on to the colony. Send a second message specifically to the Northridge and Tachikoma. Inform them that we'll be breaking away from the fleet and moving to join up with them. I'm now curious as to what we're dealing with here."

"Ryoukai!" replied the officer as he turned back to his console to begin typing up the messages.

To-->Allied Vessels>> "The Shinbatsu has just experienced an encounter with a ghostly presence on its bridge. Did this same image appear on your ships as well?"

To-->Northridge, Tachikoma>> "Fleet Captain Andrews is curious as to what we just encountered here and has ordered the Shinbatsu to break away and head to your position to observe the situation. We'd like to know more about who and what we're dealing with."

"So what is it we're looking at, Burkhardt?" In the P-space plane, Captain Dhoour looks at the sensor data in the gelatinous display in front of him. The three Grass-Walkers psionically chatter amongst themselves, and to the Burkhardt as well.

"Captain, it seems the visiting ship is a living entity. Much like myself, but of a differing nature. It suggests the Handlers of the visiting craft.... incoming transmission. I'm buffering the message now, and running it through translating sub-functions."

The effect of the buffering filters out the ghostly image, and displays it in a fashion that the ship decides the Handlers, or the crew, could interpret most easily. Sensor data in the gel-display is replaced by the image of Commander Darh. The sound is synched with the motions of the Commander.

"They want to arrange a meeting? Hrrrr.....Comm officer. Send a message to the System commander. Find out our options."

One of the irisdescent-scaled Grass-Walkers chirps and nods, focusing its mind through the psi-amplifying sensor array to the I.S.N. Orbital Dock.

"Visiting vessel requests a meeting. Statement being they are explorers. Organic technologies are evident, so standard docking stations may not be compatible. Options?"

Aboard the Orbital Docks, the receiving comms officer acknowledges the message, and cycles through various Sakkran holdings and outposts within the Known Systems, until he finds a station that might be appropo.

"Best option is the Shipyard in high lunar orbit, between the G.A.B. and Luna. Will alert command there as to the situation."

Acknowledgement is sent, and the comm officer turns to the captain. "It seems, Captain, that the Shipyard will be prepared to receive visitors. It's in-system, so we can be there soon. Shipyard command is being apprised of the situation."

Dhoour scratches the tendrils on his chin, and lets out a low rumble. "Hrrrr.....good. Burkhardt, did you copy that?"

"I did. I can send a message to that effect, if you like?" The insectoid avatar of the ship clacks its mandibles together in a staccato rhythm.

"Good. You communicate with the visitors, and i'll coordinate with the allied crafts."

To-->Allied Vessels>> "This is Captain Dhoour of the Burkhardt. Shipyard command is benig apprised of the situation, and will be ready to receive our visitors. As for the ghostly apparition, we are assuming it was a comm from the visiting ships, and was buffered down for compatibility here. As such, we didn't catch it."

The visiting craft is sent a message from the ship itself, with the insectoid avatar accompanying it.

To-->Commander Dhar>> "I am Burkhardt. A meeting can be arranged at the location of one of the Imperial Holdings, and command there is being apprised of your visit. It is requested by myself that all offensive capabilities be kept low, and sensing sweeps be restricted to cursory examinations. I am not certain of compatibility issues, and would prefer to err on the side of caution. Acknowledgement?"

C-Space
{<Jormungand> Captain, I'm not sure that this 'Lunette' is capable of detecting the radio transmission of the Sakkrans. I suggest that Maj. Melborn relay their message using telepathy.}
{<LtCmdr Sinkler>I agree. Proceed, Major.}

"Lunette, this is Major Melborn aboard Jormungand. I relay a message to yoiu from the vessel at $POSITION in response to your commander's query. Message begins: "I am Burkhardt. A meeting can be arranged at the location of one of the Imperial Holdings, and command there is being apprised of your visit. It is requested by myself that all offensive capabilities be kept low, and sensing sweeps be restricted to cursory examinations. I am not certain of compatibility issues, and would prefer to err on the side of caution. Acknowledgement?" Message ends. "

Hand of God class Northridge
Setsujoku fleet - Saturnspace

Flightleader Reanne Dragoon-II is verily not amused by the apparition on the bridge of her ship, tapping one talon annoyedly on the armrest of her seat. "Report to the other friendlies about this... apparition."

"Incoming messages from friendlies. The Sakkrans have offered an in-system meeting location aboard one of their stations."

"Good. Send word to Dosei central command to give the Tenchuu fleet a heads up." The reploid nods slightly, studying the sensor displays. "Unusual ship for exploration that they have there."

Rubbing his head slightly to ward off a potential headache, Lieutenant Keiran speaks up from his post. "We should also put a call in to the ATI. Not all the friendlies have psionic communications capability, and I don't think the unknown vessel has any means of effectively using radio comms."

"Alright, a message to ATI HQ requesting... what? One of the Keepers?" The reploid nods slowly.

"Yes'm. That apparition-communication seems to me to have had a lot of the same universal language traits of the Keepers' inherent telepathy- it was probably 'sent' in their native tongue, but we 'heard' it in ours." Darcy explains briefly.

To--> Allied vessels>> Confirmed "ghost" on the bridge. Lt. Darcy Keiran, psionics specialist, claims it to be a harmless communication. Confirmed meeting location. We've notified the 3rd Space Defense Fleet in the Earth Theatre and have sent word ahead to the Arpean Thaumatology Institute requesting the presence of one or more of the Keepers for the meeting. Awaiting confirmation of meeting location from the Sakkrans and the unknown vessel.

Darh remained at his chair, slowly tapping the arm rest. The nature of the other vessels and by extension, the likely nature of their inhabitant was disconcerting to say the least.
Lunette informed him of the reply from the original vessel, a relay from the organic ship.
He stopped tapping momentarily, seemingly lost in his own world. Why would that ship need a relay.

He summoned his aid and protector Jujuka to his side. “Knight Jujuka, have the spare oracles find out how, and why these ships communicate. Then select a team to accompany us when we meet the people of this system.”

Jujuka arose from his kneeled position, and left after a quick salute.

Darh grasped the crystal once more, hailing the other vessels once again.
“Under the authority given to me by the Holy Empire, I request an audience at a location of your choosing.” Again, his imposing visage appearing, weakened in some by various magics and counter-magics.

Lunette chimed in while he was speaking. I’ve noticed that some of the vessels are reacting to our communiqués. Darh continued regardless, he didn’t care.

The image of Commander Darh comes once again, buffered by the Burkhardt's comm-filters. "Captain, we are receiving another message. This one is much the same format as the last, and I sense there is thaumaturgic energy at work in it."

Dhoour looks at the miniaturized image of the Commander, translators synching to relay the audio with minimal discrepancy. Magics. So that is how they communicate. He scritches his leathery tendrils a bit in thought, then turns to the Grass-Walker comm officer. "Burkhardt, can you buffer the psi-abilities of the comms officers? I want to send a message, but I don't want the 'visitors' to get a headache from it."

"Of course, sirrah. It is part of my genome, after all." The tone Burkhardt takes almost seems condescending, as the insectoid avatar flutters its wings.

"Blast it all. I'm no Bio-MedTech!" He shakes his clawed fist upwards at no-one in particular. "Just let them know where to go to meet and talk." From behind him, the grinding of mouth-plates is a shrill sound indeed, as the Deep One, who acts as on-ship security, laughs.

The three Grass-Walkers focus their minds, sending pulses of psionic energy through the neuro-fiber bundles located under the ship's skin, coruscating it through the buffer-nodes and the communication arrays. When their message is complete, and synched for translation and compatibility, the ship amplifies it so the visiting craft can receive it easily enough. The sound heard is the of three minds speaking as one.

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

"We have heard your message, and will escort you to a secure location. There will be a security check and scanning to ensure the safety and health of all remains uncompromised. This is not to be a concern. It is requested by Captain Dhoour that you abide by these precautions so that concerns of the inhabitants of the system are allayed. Please confirm reception of coordinates [XYZ], the location of one of our stations, and follow."

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

Dhoour listens as the message is played while it is sent. "Think they got that?"

"One can hope."

Lunette’s delicate eyelashes fluttered ever so slightly as she took in the message. Commander, the ship is responding via the arts.

Darh’s grin returned to his face. “Excellent, what do they have to say.”
"We have heard your message, and will escort you to a secure location. There will be a security check and scanning to ensure the safety and health of all remains uncompromised. This is not to be a concern. It is requested by Captain Dhoour that you abide by these precautions so that concerns of the inhabitants of the system are allayed. Please confirm reception of coordinates [XYZ], the location of one of our stations, and follow."

“Excellent, confirm reception and proceed to said coordinates.” As the ship began it’s trip to the coordinates listed, a small rift opened, similar to the one that brought them there, and a communiqué pushed through.

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Elsewhere in the galaxy…

The sun was bright, it always was during this season. But despite the vast spread of its domain, only thin pencils of its light made it to the polished stone that lay before Tahrnra. The Great Tree loomed over head, a truly magnificent sight, dwarfing the emperor’s palace and large portion of the city. Tahrnra still had quite a ways to climb, already higher than most of the surrounding city, with well over half the steps still in front of him. He would have preferred to use the warp point, but the guards were being asses, a point he would have to bring up. Flying was almost a choice, he was quite nimble on his wings, but his uniform was not built for it, and besides, it was illegal to fly beneath the tree. So Tahrnra continued to trod upwards, cursing

Sometime later, he appeared at the top of the steps, the palace looming a short distance before him. The Emperor had summoned him and it was best not to keep him waiting.

"Captain, we have received confirmation. It appears the normal method we communicate to each other is not compatible with the visitor's technologies. Psionic messaging is the only means they seem to respond to."

Dhoour keeps one eye on the sensor display next to him, with the other on the avatar of Burkhardt. "Noted. Send a message along allied transmitter lines. News from the station?"

"Station command sneds that they're ready to receive guests. Silhouette data and sensor data have been routed to them so they know what to do to prepare for this ship's arrival."

Dhoour nods slowly, and levels one eye at the Grass-Walkers. "Ensign Pkweet, you have the most experience with psionic encounters. Based on your communications with the ship, what are we looking at here?"

The irisdescent-scaled Grass-Walkers turns in his chair. "Captain, it seems that the craft is a sentient and aware being, much like our own ships. The structure is more along the lines of a celluloid being, though. Not a far cry from the Paroo trees of the homeworld. But thaumaturgic sensors indicate the vessel is powered by a possible combination of technology and magics unknown to us at this time."

"I see. Return to your duties. Burkhardt, let's get going to the station"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>Transmit: Allied Comm Frequencies
This is Captain Dhoour of the I.S.N. The foreign vessel has agreed to meet at the Shipyards in high Lunar orbit. We have briefed them on security checks and standards that will be taken, such as viral agent scanning and the like. We are under way to the Shipyard. Arrangements are being finalized as of this time there.
>>Transmit Ends

Tahrnra sat on a well used mat, legs crossed and head bowed as far as he could manage. The emperor’s son, Redka, stood a short distance before him, grinning like a fool.

“So Courtier Tahrnra, have you come to cadge further favors from my father yet again.”

Tahrnra clenched his teeth, “No young master.”

Scion Redka’s eyes narrowed, sharp and grey, the barest hint of color showing. “I do not know why my father insists on keeping you around, rest assured when it is my turn, I will not keep you around.”

Tahrnra clenched the mat, resisting his urge to pounce up and strangle the prince. The slight rustle of a Knight-Atrus nearby kept him on the mat.

The emperor appeared in the doorway, those present bowing slightly, bar the Redka, who simply ignored his father’s arrival. Redka scowled and marched off in the separate direction. The emperor took his throne, motioning to the Knight-Aegis to leave the room.
“How was your visit to Jotunheim?”
Tahrnra unclenched his teeth, regaining his composure for an instant before responding.
“It was productive your holiness, the commoners are bringing in a good harvest this year, though I must tell you Lord Volsk had to be executed.”

Yggdrasil nodded, “Then my suspicions were true, he was cavorting with the wanderers. What did you do with him?”

“The heritic was executed, your holiness, along with the rest of his family. They barricaded themselves within their estate, we had to raze it.”

A small frown crossed the emperor’s face. “A shame really, the estate’s fountain was renowned. Oh well, we must keep the faith.”
“Tell me, have you heard the news from Commander Darh?”

“Very little your holiness.”

“Well then Courtier Tahrnra, I will have to rectify this situation.”

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Back at Sol…

Hanuman’s Staff stood a moderate distance from the large alien structure drifting lazily through space. Towards the rear of the ship, where the thurisaz gave way to crystal, a large, circular, inscription on the crystal began to glow. Within the inner radius of the circle the crystal appeared to shimmer then ripple. A much smaller craft emerged from the ripples, proceeding immediately towards the alien structure.

Onboard Darh glanced about examining the team of Knights-Atrus that Jujuka had selected. He tapped the hilt of his sword, reminding himself it was there if he needed it.

Meanwhile Lunette “called ahead from the Hanuman’s Staff, telling the structure of their approach.

The bulbous, multi-tiered structure didn't spin slowly as it drifted or anything. It just sort of .... hung there. Numerous flights of small insectoid ships came and went from the station, either on patrol, perhaps, or just attending to the maintenance of the structure itself. The look of it almost resembled a hive of some fashion.

Within the command center of the station, numerous reptilian eyes kept watch on their sensor scans of the approaching shuttle. Resin beetles eminated a dull yellow light from their abdomens as they flit about in groups of three, providing ambient light for the Sakkran technicians and officers. "Incoming shuttle has sent a transmission requesting docking protocols."

Third-General Graag leveled one reddish eye slowly at the comm officer, and then at his display. Her mouth-plates ground and gnashed with an audible screeching sound, which her translator symbiote worked on with a 1/4 second delay. "Have them approach dock 12 at 1/100th speed. There are bound to be rubber-neckers so let's keep it without mishap. Their ship is alive; see if it requires a nutrient-pump while it is docked." Her massive lobster-like claws clack for emphasis.

"Ack. Sending transmission now." The comm officer relays the instructions, and alerts the dock crew to action. As the shuttle approaches, a gelatinous bubble would seem to expand around a large access hatch. Numerous tendrils issue forth to secure the craft and hold it in place. An honor guard of four armor-clad troopers with Chunk-Projecter personal cannons held aloft, and large hammers strapped to their back stand stock still. The translator symbiotes come into action once again, but this time with no delay.

"Good cycle to you, delegates. I am Corporal Sheaa. Please declare any personal armament you may have, and submit them for inspection before meeting with Ambassador Sessra."

OOC: Sorry for the dealy. Real Life has once again thrown me a wrench. Had to be away for a week or so.

The closest thing the craft had to a hatch was a disc on the bottom of the craft, a pattern of foreign script and symbols softly glowing. The glow of the symbols increased momentarily, giving way to the rather abrupt appearance of Jujuka. The scene repeated in quick succession a few more times.

The team stepped into the station, a faint hint of shock crossing the faces of the younger members, one muttering “Dracill lok…” before a glare from Jujuka shut him up Darh stepped forward, eyes carefully scanning the dragon like creatures before him.

“Good cycle to you as well.” He paused momentarily, still studying the creature before him. “I’m Commander Darh of the Holy Empire of Yggdrasil Drottinn. We there be others at our meeting?”

Meanwhile Jujuka motioned to the team who unsheathed their swords, holding them out for inspection, palms flat, with the blade laying flat across one hand, and the hilt laying across the other. They were wholly unremarkable save for one or two jewels imbedded near the base of the blade, similar jewels attached to gauntlets. The two rear-most team members also offered up moderately sized bows, practically useless in confined spaces, but it is always best to be prepared.

((OOC: Sorry for my absense, my computer's borked x_x Feel free to correct me if I overstep my bounds in getting Luceh there =p))

En route to the station from the Shogunate's smaller station Tengoku, a small shuttlecraft with a pair of Black Raptor class patrolcraft makes its final approach, requesting docking protocols and efficiently going through the routine docking procedures while the two escort craft break off and hold position a polite distance away. It was not the usual transport of a diplomat or first contact officer, but the Shogunate had to rush to send one of the few Keepers up to space in time, and Luceh, the youngest of the Keepers aside from the most recent Keeper Kiara Alson (A mere 2,000 years old, as opposed to Najoedo's 10,000.) was already running a little late.

The Keeper might look out of place in mostly human environments, but aboard the Sakkran station, her form might come across as not so surprising. Naked except for a silver-colored breastplate and a sling for her sword, the only thing covering the lady are her pale blue scales from the waist down. With a reptilian tail of matching blue swishing easily behind her and her sky blue wings furled close against her back, the Keeper appears neither fully human nor fully dragon, sporting features of both.

Upon arrival, she dutifully submits to whatever inspections and security checks she has to, and readies herself to meet the strangers she had been briefed on. Whoever they are, they must possess skill with the Arts, or something similiar. She muses to herself, sampling the area's ambience with her sixth and seventh senses.

The Corporal directs a pair of the guard detail to look over the ancient-style weaponry, while med-techs conduct brief scans to determine if foreign virae are present on the guests. "There will be representatives from interested parties in-system present, if that is your question." A glance at the med-techs, who give the all-clear signal, seems to relax the corporal somewhat. Overhead, about 2 meters up, a small flight of beetles luminate the area in a yellowish light from their abdomens.

One of the guards doing the weapon inspection salutes the corporal. "Their weaponry checks out according to Imperial guidelines. No surveillance measures we can detect are present on their persons."

"Good, good. Operative Shaas Hrroon, you may conduct your affairs now." The corporal steps back, and salutes at this to a much smaller reptilian behind him, looking comparitively small and svelte with soundless gracefulness. The Operatives jeweled eyes look over each of the guests in turn, and mental speech is used.

"Good cycle to you, visitors. I am Operative Shaas Hrroon of the S.I.A. By your indulgence, I will conduct a brief search to make certain non-technological means are not being used to the possible detriment of all aboard the station here." Her eyes close, and she focuses for a moment, feeling for errant psychic and psionic eminations.

Operative Hrroon would detect little emanating from the weapons. While a skilled observer might note they seemed more, magically inclined than any other given weapon, they remained unused and thus emitted little if nothing into the surroundings.
A brief examination of the guests themselves would reveal a different picture. Save for the rear-most, the guests seemed to have an aura about them, much stronger about Commander Darh and Jujuka. Still, the aura seemed to do little more than exist, only becoming mildly excited whenever they spoke.

While this continued Darh eyed the strange creature, pondering its significance to himself. What disgusting creatures are these? There is nothing like this in the three worlds…..would the Dahka ally himself with these…things? On the outside however, Darh yielded a small smile, slowly shifting his gaze about the room.

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Courtier Tahrnra slumped into a chair in his den, a bastard combination of technology and magic lighting the room about him.
The emperor had spoken with him for many hours before allowing him to be on his way. A few warp circles later and Tahrnra was home, the lady of the house too busy to tend to his needs. Not that he wanted much anyways, he was still busy pondering the emperors behavior that night. It’s almost as if the emperor felt remorse for what happened all those years ago. Yes, surely that was it, why else keep me as a Courtier.
Tahrnra frowned, the mere mention of those thoughts could see him labeled a heretic, one does not question the emperor. Best to keep this to myself, that bastard scion would cherish the chance to have me dead.
A knock at the door revealed one of the house servants, the aroma of seasoned Langra eggs filling the room as she carried in a tray of food, setting it down on a nearby table for his consumption.
The lady is too busy to tend to my needs, perhaps…