NationStates Jolt Archive

ASFr Vrecht, En-Route to Knossos Sub-Space Portal, Sol

The fires had been put out, the last injured crew members were in the medical bay, and the hull breaches had finally been sealed. With small sigh Captain Julian Miren dropped the chunk of metal he was carrying, adding to the pile of junk that was being collected in the corner of the Vrechts bridge, and looked up, through the gaping hole in the cealing, and watched crew members on the deck above similarly trying to clear space for the survivors to work. He glanced at the Vidscreen in the center of the bridge, gazing out through the three still working cameras on the skin of the freighter, and hoped for some sign of movement, some indication that another ship had survived. He was sadly disappointed. Beyond the hull of the Vrecht there was nothing except wreckage, nothing except a collection of dead hulks that had once been a convoy of over thirty freighters supposedly under the protection of the great Klonor Space Corps. Some protection. Their escort had been eliminated within the first minute, leaving the vastly unarmed vessels at the mercy of their attackers.

A small beeping behind Julian drew his attention away from the Vidscreen, the comm panel had emitted the sound and curently featured a flashing light. Reaching over he flipped a small switch, curious to hear what one of the other survivors felt important enough to waste what little power they had left.

"This is Captain Miren, go ahead."

"Captain, I'm glad I got through to you. Since the attack more than half the calls I've made haven't even left the comm panel."

"Well, thankfully this one did. What's the news?"

"We had to scavenge some parts off what was left of the G/TD drive, but we've finally been able to repair our external communications. It's only simple radio, we won't be able to Beam a message to an Association system, but it should do to at least get a message to somebody else in Sol. The problem is that all the power leads have been severed, we can't give it any more juice than it already has stored. We don't have the equipment to test it, but we estimate that it's got about five minutes of broadcast time before the battery dies."

"That's something at least. Have you started transmitting yet?"

"No, sir. We wanted to wait for you before we tried it. We thought it'd be better if you were the one who sent the distress."

"Good thinking, I'll be right down. Where are you?"

"Right now we're in the Engine room, it's where we got most of our spare parts, but the transmiter itself is in Comm Center One. We should be back there in a few minutes."

"Very well, I'll meet you there. Have the radio ready for broadcast, the sooner we get a message off the better."

"Yes, sir."

With a small beep the comm channel closed and the Captain walked towards the rear of the bridge. Reaching the rear exit he pressed several buttons inlaid against the door frame, stepped through, and wound up one step outside of the bridge.

Damnit, I forgot the Gates were down. I guess I have to go the long way.

Turning, he walked back into the bridge and exited again through the stairwell found opposite the door he'd recently used, slowly making his way towards Comm Center One and their one hope for continued survival.

Standard Radio Transmission

To any vessels within the Sol system, this is Captain Julian Miren aboard the Klonor freighter Vrecht. We have been subject to a pirate attack and are the only survivors of our convoy and the military escort. We have been severely damaged and can not make it to either a habitable planet within this system or a friendly space station. Our life support is expected to fail within the next three days, long before this transmission will reach any Klonor installations or vessels. This transmission itself will cease in a few minutes, we don't have the power to keep our transmitter going for more than a few minutes. We implore you for aide and assistance, our very lives are hanging in the balance. When we were hit by the pirates we were en-route to the Knossos Sub-Space Portal just beyond the asteroid field and had already passed Mars, our inertia should have kept us moving in the portals direction. We can not give you our location beyond that, our navigation computers are inactive as are most of the intruments we would use to locate ourself by the stars and planets. Please, send any help you can.

Transmission Closed

OOC: Pretty straight forward, these people have been attacked and are pleading for help. Of course, not every plea for help gets the desired result (hint, hint).

The other players in this RP will be the receivers of the transmission and reacting accordingly, the most obvious thing for you to do is to send aide, but you don't have to follow that course if you don't want to (After all, not everybody in the Sol system is benevolent and caring ;) ) If you'd like to be in the RP send me a TG please, just something to assure me that you can, in fact, spell (I know its unattractive and not very nice, but I simply can't stand RP'ing with bad spellers).

I think that's everything. RP on, baby!

OOC: Some small information about the Vrecht that would be apparent to any approaching ship.

The Vrecht is a Chronos class Freighter, one of the larger classes of civilian freighters used throughout Klonor. It's armed with a single Laser Turret and is slow and unmaneuverable, its only real advantage over other freighters is its extremely thick hull (probably why it survived the assault). Crew numbers in the dozens, probably down to around a single dozen now that many have died in the assault.

http://www.volition-inc.com/fs/images/spacecraft/gtfr-chronoslg.jpg

OOC: Definatley interested. In fact, I'll post right now. I know you said TG you, but a post is so much better to show I can spell and use grammer right, etc etc

IC:
The Galaxy class S.E.N Hades, registary number SE-1435-B picked up the distress call from just beyond Jupiter. It was weak, but the computer patched it up enough for Captain Templar to make sense of what he was hearing. He looked at his XO, one Commander Arganta,"What do you think, Commander?"

"Well... we should really help them."

"Agreed. Conn, set course for the Vrecht, full impulse

"Aye Captain"

The mighty warship moved throught the system, soon emerging from the asteroid belt, before the ensign on the conn,"Sir, I have the Vrecht on sensors... it's heavily damaged, and isn't responding at all"

"Roger that, open hailing frequencies"

"Open, Sir. Audio only"

He paused,"This is Captain Templar of the Snake Eater ship SEN Hades. We recieved your distress call, and are willing to offer aid"

......it's heavily damaged, and isn't responding at all"

"Roger that, open hailing frequencies"

.........

OOC: So, they know it's not responding, but they're trying to contact it anyway? I'm guessing this isn't your prise crew. ;)

IC:

Captain Miren was back on the bridge, accompanied by severel other members of the crew, and trying to restore a modicrum of functionality to the many consoles. Fire control and thrusters were off-line, but there was a chance that the other systems could be brought back to working order. Unfortunately, if they couldn't repair the life support equipment none of that would matter and everybody aboard would be headed towards a slow, cold, and airless death.

"Ready? Okay, three.....two....one....lift...."

With a single grunt coming from many different throats at once the men heaved and righted the sensor console that had been lying on its side, reattaching the many wires sticking out of its back as they shoved it back into its proper position.

"Any chance we can repair it with the parts we have on hand?"

"Yes, sir, but I'd like to look at some of the other systems first. Sensors aren't that vital, at least not now, and we might be able to put the parts to better use."

"Get to work then, we don't have any time to waste."

A quick salute and the engineer was already off, gazing at another piece of damaged technology and wondering whether it was worth fixing.

"Sir!"

The nearly screamed word whirled the Captain around and his eyes widened, the Vidscreen showed that another ship was right next to the Vrecht and close enough that it couldn't possibly have missed the damaged freighter.

"Do we have any means of contacting them?"

"No, sir. Everything except the comm lines are down, either damaged or out of power, and even the comms are going."

"Damn, they're right there!"

He nearly screamed at their inability to speak to somebody so close, but he knew that he had to maintain at least some control in front of the crew and an emotional outburst wasn't the best way to due so. Frustrated at the ability to even vent his frustration, he viciously kicked the wall next to where he was standing and the lights above him flickered.

Oh! Idea!

A few seconds later the lights on the hull that the crew still had control over began to flash on and off, signalling in old Morse Code.

... --- ... ... .... .. .--. -.. .- -- .- --. . -.. .--. .-.. . .- ... . .... . .-.. .--.

(Translation: SOS Ship Damaged Please Help)

OOC: Responding in any manner to sensor sweeps is what I meant. A ship normally responds in some way. But their comm-system could hve been up, if they managed to repair it, etc etc. its far too complicated to explain atm

IC:
"Sir, they are signalling with their running lights"

Templar watched the message, and translated it in his head, as every other member of the bridge crew was doing,"What is the Vrecht's status?"

Ensign Gomez looked at his console,"Weapons, shields and communications are offline... sensors are nominal. They have no thrusters, manevuring or otherwise. Life Support is failing."

Captain Templar mused quietly for a moment, then turned to his security officer,"Lt. Feruen, take an away team aboard that ship, and render assistance where possible"

"Aye, Sir"

*Templar to Gomez*"Ensign, flash our running lights in kind, sending the following message:
Away Team is coming aboard to render assistance

The running lights flashed in the correct sequence:
.-.--.--.--/-..---/..---/-.-.-----..-.--./.--...---.-.-.-../----/.-..-....-./.-------..----.--.-.-../

"Oh, thank Jove!"

The words were echoed across the bridge as the crew of the Vrecht saw themselves pulled away from the jaws of death.

"Ensign Kiloe?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Take as many men as can be spared from the repairs and get down to the docking bays, it's the only place on the ship with a still working airlock. Welcome them aboard and see what they can do for us."

"Anything I should ask for first, sir?"

"See if they can take off all the survivors, transport to an Association vessel would be best. We could then contact the Corps and get somebody out to salvage the Vrecht. If they can't, then ask for as many parts as they can spare for our life support and communication system, those'll at least let us live until somebody else can transport us."

"Yes, sir."

The shuttlecraft Dauntless coasted smoothly alongside the Vrecht. The only reason that they were using it was because the transporters were currently undergoing repairs - The Hades having just come from the frontline - and it carried an away team of five. In command was Lt. Feruen, a dark-haired human whose BS threshold was very low, befitting her status as security officer.

The shuttle docked with the Vrecht, and as the airlock cycled, Feruen felt a slight twinge of nervousness. This was unknown territory, and she dislike that with a vengence. Finally, the cycle was complete, and she led the way into the Vrecht

"Greetings. I am Lieutenant Feruen, of the S.E.N Hades"

"Ensign Kiloe of the ASFr Vrecht, this is what's left of my engineering crew."

He gestured behind him to the three ragged men who seemed to be having trouble even remaining standing.

"We've taken quite a beating, the ship is just about ready to fall apart at the seams, so I apologise for skipping the pleasantries, but we really haven't the time. Our systems are failing one by one and we can't do much beyond simply slowing it down. We were wondering if you could transport our survivors to an Association vessel, from there we could contact another ship to retrieve the Vrecht and carry us back to Regulus."

Feruen motioned to an Ensign,"Take these men, and as many as you can carry, back to the Hades. I'll sort things here"

The ensign nodded, and ferried the men onto the shuttlecraft. Feruen turned to Kiloe,"Gather the remainder of your crew, and we'll take them back with us"

A ship materialised from the dark space around those craft already present, a large black hull manufactured of defensive material shimmered in the abyss of space. A strange sigil was emblazed upon the side of the side of the craft, the symbol unknown to those present as it was the product of the captain's imagination.

The ship's design - large and with what appeared to be heavy armour plating - demontrated its warlike nature without the need to show the weapons that hugged the sleek body of the warship. It was not a fairly typical Onarrán warcraft, whose craft were designed for stealthy attacks and withdrawals rather than protracted warfare, but of an wholly different design more in keeping with the human products of the system. Interestingly, it appeared to maintain a very potent shield against scanning, as it resisted all attempts at determining anything about it, almost as if the ship was not there.

A slender hand pressed down delicately around a crystal, a thought from the hand's owner activating the communication systems controlled by the gem.

"This is Commander Gherant of Tynasatari Republic, responding to a distress call, do you require assistance or has the problem been resolved?"

"Sir, unknown ship just appeared of the port bow," Ensign Gomez all but screamed at Captain Templar

"I noticed," said Templar dryly,"Do we have any information on it?"

"No sir, it's shields are preventing any scans of the interior. We can't even tell if it's got its weapons armed or not. We did intercept the communications though"

The audio file played back to Templar, who listened with interest,"Hm... that was interesting." He looked to Arganta,"Well, what do you think Commander?"

"I think we should be cautious. ANy ship that refuses to drop it's shields, depsite that fact that we are stood-down merits that"

"Agreed. We shall maintain normal status"

"Commander, they have yet to respond."

"A fact of which I am well aware, Psionic Jiranel. It would appear that their problems have not resolved, and perhaps even that the assisting vessel is suffering difficulties. Communicate with the other Warcraft, instruct them to maintain cloak-shields and move into position."

The one addressed as Jiranel bowed to the Commander, took a single pace backward before turning and walking to his alcove.

...neural net established...
...connecting to Allnet...
...connecting to Warnet...
...connecting to Collective-Direction...
...connecting to Astralnet...
...link complete...
...narrowcasting Mentality: Onnarán Reaver Jiranel...
...establishing details...
...Psionic First Class, assigned Reaver Warcraft Horizon...
...access priority Mortal-4...
...secure psionic communication established...
-]"Reaver Warcraft Dawn Fury and Leverage, maintain cloak-shields and adjust vectors according to conflict protocol 361"[-

As the Psionic communicated with the other ships the Horizon's commander observed the two ships on the screen before him. Slender fingers glided over crystals and his ship moved delicately through the Astra.

To those onboard the Klonor and Snake Eater ships the large, fairly primitive-looking warship moved toward them ponderously, clumsily.

"This is Commander Gherant of the Tynasatari Republic, judging by your silence we assume you are experiencing difficulties, moving in to assist."

The commander nodded to one of his aides.

"Ready away teams, standard patterns and protocols."

"Sir, the other ship is moving towards us... and we're recieveing a direct communication"

This is Commander Gherant of the Tynasatari Republic, judging by your silence we assume you are experiencing difficulties, moving in to assist

Templar started, before gesturing to Gomez,"Greetings Commander. You need not assist us, we are not expierncing any difficulties at this time"

As he was speaking, he gestured to the duty tactical officer, getting him to raise the regernative shielding around the Hades

OOC: http://wmh.walla.co.il/community/forums/3002/Enterprise_d.jpg

Image of the Hades, as far as possible

OOC - I can spell and will add big plot twists etc. I will not let a story turn boring lol. Any complaints, tell me and I will happily delete.

IC - Captain George was flying at top speed through the sector, the remaining three of his prized squad behind him. The nearby sun reflected on the jet black hulls of the small fighter ships, but George did not have time to notice. They were too busy escaping from their pursuers.

"Coming into the Sol system Red Leader" came the official voice of the navigator in Red 12, the ship behind his.

Shit! We are way off course! "Equipment check Red Team! Anyone got a working scanner?"

"This is Red two, we have short range working, over!"

"Any sign of hostiles dropping pursuit Red two?"

"No sir!"

"You are not idiots gentlemen, I do not need to tell you that home is in the opposite direction, neither do I need to tell you that we are not able to go that way. I am open to suggestions people, over!"

"Red twelve here, I am looking at the map of this sector. If we are lucky we could loose them in the asteroid belt, the other side of this system, over!"

"That seems like a good pl..."

"Sorry to interrupt sir, but my short range is picking up three odd ships dead ahead!"

"Hostile?"

"Don't know yet sir, scanners not able to place them, suggest we get closer, over!"

"Red Team, scatter formation ten! If they get hostile, we will need to get past them quick!"

"Roger that!"
"Roger!"
"Yes sir!"

How many more ships are going to enter the system today? thought Arganta, as he took the bridge whilst Captain Templar was in his ready room. These new ships... snub fighters by the looks of things. He smiled, and enhanced the image. They seemed to be running from something, although what it was, he couldn't tell. Also, they seemed to be splitting into a formation. He watched briefly, then smiled.

In his younger days, he had been an Interceptor pilot, one of the most decorated, especially on the Cobra-class. He recognised the maneuver as one to break past enemy ships... if they needed to. Motioning to Ensign T'llai, who had taken the conn, he opened an audio channel,"This is Commander Arganta, of the S.E.N Hades. Do you require assistance?"

The large warship visible to the various craft in the area slowed itself, taking enough time about its slowing that it came even close toward the two craft in front of it - upon the port side of the Hades, while the two cloaked vessels slid around to the rear-port and starboard of the ship.

"This is Commander Gherant. As you wish, we shall not attempt to assist. We do, however, caution you as to the presence of pirates within this area - the Tynasatari Republic has experienced a large number of pirate attacks upon our shipping in this section. We will remain here against such attacks, as it is our duty to defend against such raids to the best of our ability. If anything should occur we will be willing to render all necessary assistance. Please state your name and nation for our records."

The Commander smiled and nodded as one of his aides informed him that the Psionic had confirmed the placement of the other two Warcraft.

"Tell the Dawn Fury to move to Conflict Initiation Protocol 591...let us examine this 'Hades'. Ready weapon systems, maintain Graphic-Shield at full integrity."

The Commander leant back as his ship meticulously analysed the Hades, determining everything it could.

The aide bowed and went to instruct Jiranel.

After several switches and quick repairs George managed to muster enough power to reply to the message.

"This is Captain George, Red Leader, Red Team Five of the C.S.C. to Commander Arganta, of the S.E.N Hades, we are being perused by many hostiles. Request permission to dock, and suggest that you power up your engines, over!"

OOC - Had a much better message and post but web site lost it.

"I find it concerning that not only are you scanning my ship, but you are also surrounding us. We are no threat to you, we came to help these people who requested it," said Arganta, on edge now. This ship was far too close for his liking, and it seemed as if it was not alone

He looked at the duty tactical officer,"Go to Yellow Alert, and make sure our weapons are fully charged. I don't want to be attacked for no reason... but it seems as if there is an ulterior motive here"

After several switches and quick repairs George managed to muster enough power to reply to the message.

"This is Captain George, Red Leader, Red Team Five of the C.S.C. to Commander Arganta, of the S.E.N Hades, we are being perused by many hostiles. Request permission to dock, and suggest that you power up your engines, over!"

OOC - Had a much better message and post but web site lost it.

God, now I see why Matt gets stressed at times

"I'm afraid I cannot do that. We are currently evacuating people from the Vrecht, and we will not leave until our job is complete. I can however offer you shelter, providing you can give us something in return"

[[OOC: How would you know that you were being surrounded? The other two ships are still cloaked.]]

"I apologise for any perceived aggression on your part, but as I mentioned we have been having a great of trouble with piracy lately and thus general scans are a procedure dictated by our protocols in event of meeting another craft. I apologise if we of Tynasatari appear aggressive, but this ship is hardly at the cutting edge and lacks decent momentum reducing technology. Furthermore, despite any etiquette that we may have breached, you have still not introduced yourselves to us."

The Commander's slender fingers slid over the control crystals again before he nodded slightly as his aide appeared again, informing him of the approaching fighters.

"Do not harass them, whatever is pursuing them could even be useful to us. Tell the others to wait before completing the Conflict Protocol, there is no point in risking damage when others could have the same effect."

"This is Red Leader to Red Eighteen, I lack the power to reply to last message, according to my readings; you have enough. Please patch me through to your comms"

"Yes sir"

"This is Captain George Green again. We have nothing to offer at this point, but I am sure the Christac Government will reward you, when we make it back"

George ended the message before he got a radio message from Red Two

"Sir, hostiles seem to be dropping pursuit and forming a circle around the area!"

George knew that he had two choices. Keep running and hope for the best or dock and hope for the best. Either way it did not look good.

OOC: Ever heard of gut instinct?

IC:
"I am Commander Arganta, First Officer of this vessel. If you are not agressive, allow us to scan your interior. If you are as you say you are, then there should be no problems with this"

"This is Red Leader to Red Eighteen, I lack the power to reply to last message, according to my readings; you have enough. Please patch me through to your comms"

"Yes sir"

"This is Captain George Green again. We have nothing to offer at this point, but I am sure the Christac Government will reward you, when we make it back"

George ended the message before he got a radio message from Red Two

"Sir, hostiles seem to be dropping pursuit and forming a circle around the area!"

George knew that he had two choices. Keep running and hope for the best or dock and hope for the best. Either way it did not look good.
Arganta made a decision, right then and there,"Come aboard, we'll see what we can do for you. Shuttlebay four is open, and empty. I'm sure we can accomadate all of you"

George and Red Team flew into the shuttle bay at full speed. After waiting for the air lock to close, George opened the hatch of his ship and jumped out. He noticed an officer in the bay and his military instinct kicked in. He saluted and announced "Captain George Green of Red Team Five"

After a second he realised how stupid he must look and quickly changed his salute to a handshake.

Lt.Commander Davros, the ship's diplomatic liason, returned the handshake. She'd been born for this job. Always knew just what to say, and how to say it,"Greetings Captain. Welcome to the Hades. I understand you hail from Christac?"

[[OOC: Fair point]]

The Commander frowned at the message that came through.

"Gaphic-Wielder."

"Commander?"

"Can you produce something to fool their sensors into thinking that we are as we say we are?"

The Graphic-Wielder frowned thoughtfully, pondering something for a few moments.

"Do they know anything about us, Commander?"

"I do not believe so, our cloaking devices shield us, and the Graphic-Shield makes it seem as if there is a high-technology sensor block upon the deception."

"Then yes, my Lord, although it won't be anywhere near perfect. Stall them for a few minutes."

The Commander nodded as the Graphic-Wielder and his aides worked hurriedly at adapting the generating systems of the Horizon. A slender hand ran over the communications crystal.

"It would not be very intelligent to de-activate my shields while something hostile seems about to turn up...if I interpret the fighters' formation correctly. It seems likely that those pirates I warned you about are approaching. Nonetheless, as a gesture of good faith, I will attempt to reduce our anti-scanning shields without countering our defensive measures, but it will take several minutes."

[[OOC Note on the Onarrán: The Onarrán use primarily deception and misdirection as their tactics, as they are too few in number to wage conventional war, as a result they have extremely advanced cloaking and projection technologies and good weaponry, but are lacking in armour or numbers - most Onarrán ships have relatively few crew, and are largely automated.]]

"Indeed. Thank you for your welcome, but I need to talk to someone about our pursuers ASAP" Captain Green said, while the other pilots jumped out of their ships and started surveying the damage done during the last fight.

[[OOC: Fair point]]

The Commander frowned at the message that came through.

"Gaphic-Wielder."

"Commander?"

"Can you produce something to fool their sensors into thinking that we are as we say we are?"

The Graphic-Wielder frowned thoughtfully, pondering something for a few moments.

"Do they know anything about us, Commander?"

"I do not believe so, our cloaking devices shield us, and the Graphic-Shield makes it seem as if there is a high-technology sensor block upon the deception."

"Then yes, my Lord, although it won't be anywhere near perfect. Stall them for a few minutes."

The Commander nodded as the Graphic-Wielder and his aides worked hurriedly at adapting the generating systems of the Horizon. A slender hand ran over the communications crystal.

"It would not be very intelligent to de-activate my shields while something hostile seems about to turn up...if I interpret the fighters' formation correctly. It seems likely that those pirates I warned you about are approaching. Nonetheless, as a gesture of good faith, I will attempt to reduce our anti-scanning shields without counting our defensive measures, but it will take several minutes."

[[OOC Note on the Onarrán: The Onarrán use primarily deception and misdirection as their tactics, as they are too few in number to wage conventional war, as a result they have extremely advanced cloaking and projection technologies and good weaponry, but are lacking in armour or numbers - most Onarrán ships have relatively few crew, and are largely automated.]]

OOC: Alright, although I don't see what threat the Hades is to you. Sure. she's a warship, but it's all humanitarian at the moment.

IC:"I'm afraid I cannot trust you, Commander. Call it intuition, but something is not quite right here. You approach my vessel, deny us access to scan you, and above all, your actions appear hostile to us. You may be right in saying pirates are approaching, but until that is the case, I ask that you move away from us"

As Arganta finished speaking, he looked to the science officer,"Is there anyway to tell if there are more of them out there?"

Lt. Commander Sierra started,"Well... sensors aren't showing anything, but they could be using a cloaking device"

"Could we adjust our sensors to pentrate it?"

"Not unless you somehow get the frequency"

He thought carefully,"Could we use the deflector array to send out a subspace pulse, like RADAR?"

"It should be possible... yes, it could work"

"Do it"

*A few minutes later*"Finished"

"Fire the pulse"

OOC: And don't say it won't work. You said yourself, your cloak is Graphic, not electromagnetic or nything like that. So I'm going to get something

"Indeed. Thank you for your welcome, but I need to talk to someone about our pursuers ASAP" Captain Green said, while the other pilots jumped out of their ships and started surveying the damage done during the last fight.

"You crew is free to wander the ship, but if you wish, I will take you to Captain Templar"

"No doubt the captain knows about the ships surrounding us. Just warn him that although his ship is powerful, these ships will adapt to all forms of weapon fire after the first shot causes damage. Trust us, we designed the feckers"

Davros shook her head,Fools. WHy design a ship like that in the first place?
She took Captain Green to see Templar, and then left to return to her normal duties. Templar extended his hand, shaking Green's,"Welcome aboard. Now, tell me, what exactly are we dealing with these ships that pursue you?"

"Those ships were designed originally as part of an automated defence system to protect our home planet about fifty years ago. But about twenty years ago some hacker named P L Johnson managed to get into our systems and mess with the programming. Since then my people have been fighting them. They will not stop until every Christacian is dead, I am sorry to do this, but we ask for sanctuary in your ship"

[[OOC: the Onarrán ships were actually going to try and pirate the civilian ship when they heard the SOS, then when they arrived thought that the Hades could prove a better prize.
As to the pulse, it won't reveal the cloaks - they aren't the Graphic-Shield. The cloak is the stealth which uses a myriad of technologies to keep itself hidden, the Graphic-Shield provides the misdirection.]]

The Commander swore as the pulse was sent out.

While the pulse does not reveal the two ships toward the stern of the Hades it does reveal something very interesting about the larger ship off the port bow...it does not exist. The entire craft was apparently some form of image generated by the smaller ship now revealed inside it...scanners failing to detect anything because there was simply nothing to detect, sensors fooled into believing there was a solid object by refractions sent out by a myriad of small automated drones whose sole task was to maintain the Graphic-Shield and confuse sensors, drones that were now moving swiftly back to the Horizon.

"Can we cloak?"

"We cannot engage Full Cloak, Commander, they would pick up the misdirection and shimmer frequencies. We should be able to use a shifter to send their sensors searching for a dummy frequency and engage some minor scattering shields while they lock onto a fake. Do you want me to do so, Lord?"

"No, let's have them think they've deceived us. Tell the Dawn Fury to decloak a few of their hull-drones and automated fighters, make them think that they've pulled us out."

"Yes, Lord."

A few moments after the pulse had gone out and the order given a number of objects near the port-stern crackled slowly into existence, as if the pulse had damaged their cloaking systems, leaving a number of drones and fighters clear to view, as well as the sleek ebon Warcraft Horizon, quite unlike the warship it had appeared to be - slender where other was bulky, delicate where the supposed Tynasatari craft was clumsy, a dangerously beautiful assassin where the Graphic-Wielder's creation was a brutally ugly bouncer.

They sound like the Borg... not a good thing. However, I think we can work round this. We've engaged the Borg head-on before, and come out on top. My crew can figure something out. As for your sanctuary, yes, that is acceptable.

[[OOC: the Onarrán ships were actually going to try and pirate the civilian ship when they heard the warning, then when they arrived thought that the Hades could prove a better prize.
As to the pulse, it won't reveal the cloaks - they aren't the Graphic-Shield. The cloak is the stealth which uses a myriad of technologies to keep itself hidden, the Graphic-Shield provides the misdirection.]]

The Commander swore as the pulse was sent out.

While the pulse does not reveal the two ships toward the stern of the Hades it does reveal something very interesting about the larger ship off the port bow...it does not exist. The entire craft was apparently some form of image generated by the smaller ship now revealed inside it...scanners failing to detect anything because there was simply nothing to detect, sensors fooled into believing there was a solid object by refractions sent out by a myriad of small automated drones whose sole task was to maintain the Graphic-Shield and confuse sensors, drones that were now moving swiftly back to the Horizon.

"Can we cloak?"

"We cannot engage Full Cloak, Commander, they would pick up the misdirection and shimmer frequencies. We should be able to use a shifter to send their sensors searching for a dummy frequency and engage some minor scattering shields while they lock onto a fake. Do you want me to do so, Lord?"

"No, let's have them think they've deceived us. Tell the Dawn Fury to decloak a few of their hull-drones and automated fighters, make them think that they've pulled us out."

"Yes, Lord."

A few moments after the pulse had gone out and the order given a number of objects near the port-stern crackled slowly into existence, as if the pulse had damaged their cloaking systems, leaving a number of drones and fighters clear to view, as well as the sleek ebon Warcraft Horizon, quite unlike the warship it had appeared to be - slender where other was bulky, delicate where the supposed Tynasatari craft was clumsy, a dangerously beautiful assassin where the Graphic-Wielder's creation was a brutally ugly bouncer.

"Did you see that Commander?"

"Yes Ensign, I saw it. Clear as day," Arganta said, cursing softly under his breath. There was no chance in hell of fighting their way out.

"Sierra, would that pulse have damaged anything?"

"No, Commander. That pulse couldn't have done any damage at all."

"So, they are trying to decieve us. Maybe they are the pirates who attacked the Vrecht, came back to finish the job, and now want the Hades instead"

"Why though?"

"She's faster, stronger, heavier weapons and shields. All round, she's the better ship out of the two. We are outnumbered, and outgunned."

"What do we do then?"

"We're still evacuating the Vrecht's crew, and we just took on those fighters. Now, we have a multitude of enemies facing us"

He sat down heavily in the command chair, thinking carefully. After a few moments,"Ensign, open a channel to the Chimera and the Intrepid."

The channel opened,"This is the Chimera.... the Intrepid here"

"Captains, this is Commander Arganta of the Hades. We require you assistance in a matter of the greatest urgency. We could very soon be under attack by unknown vessels, and we are not at full capacity"

**********************************************************
Captain Danthe stared at Arganta from his Defiant class ship, the S.E.N Chimera,"We're on our way Commander"...

Captain Gorbac, of the Soverign vessel S.E.N Intrepid,"We're coming Arganta, hold out"....

Both these starships, among the most powerful in the Snake Eater Navy, turned on thier axis, and streaked for the Hades, weapons armed and ready...

The Commander frowned as he went over the possible responses of the other ship. Silence was not one he had been particularly expecting.

"Bring engines to full readiness, fire-scatter shields online and ready the deception generators. Whether we have to deal with Templar's ship or those following that little group of fighters, I want to be ready."

"Yes, Lord."

He leant back in his seat, slender fingers tracing designed upon the crystals before him, bringing power to weaponry and other systems that his Aide was not attending to.

"Commander, we have detected ripples in the True Astra, two ships approaching."

"Indentities? Threat levels?"

"Psionic Jiranel is attempting to read the True Astra, Lord, he will inform you when he is aware, it is being confusing today."

"Thank you. Return to your tasks"

The junior officer bowed to his Commander, took a pace back and returned to his allotted tasks aboard the Horizon's bridge. Slender fingers opened the communication channels again.

"Good day, Captain Templar. Since you have decided to see through our Graphic-Shield I am required to re-introduce myself - even those who may find themselves opposed should at least maintain civility, do you not agree? Anyway, I am Commander Jerynathain Vos-R'thanynial, I am afraid that despite the requirements of politeness I cannot give you the rest of my name as I am under the War Edicts, out of politeness I may also name my ship, who is the Warcraft Horizon, although you have avoided naming your vessel.
"Since you have been reasonably passive, despite your lack of civility over the communications-network, I will ask this question politely. Are the two ships approaching yours, or another's? Similarly, are those ships following the fighters yours, or do they belong to another Warleader?"

"Greetings. I am Captain Templar, of the Snake Eater ship S.E.N Hades, a Galaxy-class warship. Now, you have been dealing with my first officer, who had informed me of a number of... disturbing discoveries in the past few hours. We have responded passively, because we are here on a humanitarian mission to help the crew of the disabled freighter. You, on the other hand, have scanned my vessel, and actively surrounded us with your own ships. Forgive me for being blunt, but I see these actions as hostile"

He paused for breath,"As for the two ships inbound, yes, they are also from Snake Eaters. We requested their aid, firstly because one is more battle-worthy than this one, and the second is able to care more for these innocent people than we can"

[[Ah, sorry about that, hadn't noticed that it was the first officer speaking rather than the captain]]

"Delighted to meet you, Captain. Disturbing discoveries? Welcome to the universe, glad you decided to join us.
"Humanitarian? Not intending to be offensive, but that is not exactly the complimentary thing you could have said - most of our encounters with humans have been less than 'humanitarian'. I am also curious as to when scanning a ship became a hostile action, in most cases that we have encountered scanning is considered practical and indeed standard practise.
"I see, two ships, one a powerful warship and the other a 'humanitarian' craft...hypocracy is such an entertaining perspective, is it not?"

The Commander paused as his Aide informed him of various pieces of information newly received, including information from home and status reports from the other two Warcraft.

"I assume then that the ships following the fighters you now harbour are not friends of yours?"

OOC: I have a friend who wants to join, one of my allies. But she uses magi-tech. Are you alright with tht, she wont GM I promise you that much

IC:"I am sorry that you have had bad encounters with other humans in the past. As I said, we are a warship, but currently we are engaged in humantarian duties, of our own free choice. And scanning without giving any actual reason can, and in some cases is, seemingly just cause for conflict. I do not seek conflict with you. And no, those other ships are not friends of mine"

George returned to the shuttle bay, where he was met by the pilot of Red Eighteen, who grabbed him.

"What are you...?"

The pilot spoke in a hushed voice

"Sir, we have a big problem!"

"What is it?" George said, also hushed now

"Bennett has found some bite marks on his ship"

George looked shocked "What kind of bite marks"

"Scorpio Droids sir, do we tell our hosts?"

"No! The last thing we want is more questions. Grab the guns and we will have to try and search for this thing ourselves!"

OOC: Still open, or pretty much wrapped up at this point?

[]

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about our previous problems with humans, those problems have long been resolved. Yes, I remember you saying...
"If your nation considers scanning to be a cause for conflict, I pity your people. If such is indeed following your protocols you must be almost constantly at war - in our experience scanning has been a standard procedure for most nations."

The sending-communications system switched off as the [i]Horizon's Commander waited for a response, his ship scanning the area as he waiting for whatever it was that had followed the fighters to materialise.

"System report?"

He glanced at the data projection.

"Excellent, maintain status, inform Dawn Fury and Leverage to maintain position and move to full readiness for conflict. They may be being 'humanitarian', but their friends might not be, and the other craft seem likely to be the type to engage in combat rather than discussion."

"It shall be done, Lord"

OOC: Her mage will be onboard the Intrepid

T -- "We are simply a cautious people since the last war. Normally, I would extend my warmest greetings to you, First Contact is something that all crews anticipate. But, the fact that you surrounded us, as if to attack... I am sorry for being like this, but that fact on its own does not douse suspicions that you may have an ulterior motive.


The Intrepid and the Chimera came in slowly, shields raised. Onboard the Intrepid, Captain Gorbac surveyed the scene before him. The Vrecht was hanging in space, nearly dead. The Hades was in dire straits. She was effectively surrounded, by the alien ships with which they had made contact, and another construct which Gorbac had never seen in his thirty years as a Naval Officer. He motioned to his conn officer,"We will take the Vrecht crew to safety. Inform the Chimera to lend strategic support to the Hades, if it is required."

"Aye, Sir!"
**********************************************************
Onboard the Hades bridge, the duty tactical officer noticed something very strange,"Captain"

"Yes Lieutenant?"

"I'm getting some very strange readings from Shuttlebay Four. It appears as though our new guests have taken personal firearms off their ships"

Templar spun on his heel,"Seal that area with a Level 10 forcefield, and get security teams down there"

"Yes, Sir!"

The blue tinged forcefield flickered into life as a security team, armed with Type-17 compression phaser rifles, came round the corner,"FREEZE!"

"Everyone has an ulterior motive, Captain, everyone, even if they do not realise it themselves. First Contact is, as you say, something that most crews anticipate although in our experience most races are just as happy to engage in conflict as in discussion, so I am sure you can forgive caution - we do not have so many ships as that we are willing to carelessly risk losing any."

A delicate gesture over the communications crystal before his finger slid over a series of gems.

"Have the incoming ships scanned, I do not care whether they perceive it as hostile - I want to know what I am dealing with."

OOC: Christac, just because you say you can spell doesn't mean you can (Although it seems you can based on your posts so far), the point of me asking for a TG is so that I'm comfortable that you can spell.

Onarr, in your TG to me you asked about being in my hunting thread, didn't you? Or did I misread that?

For people who still want to join, please, send a TG! It's a simple request, it's in the very first post, and so far only Onarr has actually done so. Why is it so hard?

IC:

Ensign Kiloe turned to Feruen and nodded to a comm panel on the wall.

"I'll notify the Captain, he should be able to gather the rest of the crew here for debarkation."

Keying in the number for the bridge comm console, then keying it in again when it failed to go through the first time, he appraised the Captain of the situation.

"They're willing to give our crew transport off the Vrecht, I think it's the best option we're going to get before our air gives out. Make an announcement and get everybody over here, I think it'd be best if we got off the Vrecht as soon as possible."

"Acknowledged, Kiloe."

With a flick of his wrist the Captain turned off the console, and with another he re-activated it.

"Miren to the medical bay."

"Medical here, sir."

"What's the status of our injured personnel?"

"Most are stable and can be moved, sir, but three need better care than we can give here. If they don't get to a hospital soon they're not going to make it."

"I want you to start prepping them all for evac, we've gotten a ride and we're taking it. Assemble them all in the docking bay and get them off the ship."

"Yes, sir. Medical out."

Captain Miren turned off the console one last time and exited the bridge, taking the rest of the officers with him as he made his way towards the docking bay and possible safety.

"Everyone has an ulterior motive, Captain, everyone, even if they do not realise it themselves. First Contact is, as you say, something that most crews anticipate although in our experience most races are just as happy to engage in conflict as in discussion, so I am sure you can forgive caution - we do not have so many ships as that we are willing to carelessly risk losing any."

A delicate gesture over the communications crystal before his finger slid over a series of gems.

"Have the incoming ships scanned, I do not care whether they perceive it as hostile - I want to know what I am dealing with."
OOC: Klonor, I did send a TG. Albeit after my first post, but I did send one to you, I swear I did. I will get Kaymiril to send a TG if she wants to join, I promise you this much

T -- Very wise words. As for your situation, I can understand your caution. If this had been done in the first place, then no possible conflict could have arisen, for I am sure you wish to avoid it as much as I do.

The scans of the incoming vessels would reveal that the Intrepid, thought heavily armed, currently had its weapons offline. It was merely coming in to evacuate the Vrecht's crew. The Chimera, a Defiant-class starship, was there as a support vessel for the Hades, in case of conflict.

**********************************************************
Lt. Feruen made sure the final crew-members were onboard before sealing the hatch on the Vrecht, and then sat down in the pilots chair. Easing them away from the ship, she cast a look back at it, knowing that they were lucky to have gotten them out alive. She noticd the Intrepid overhead, just as the hailing system went off,"This is Captain Gorbac of the Intrepid to the shuttlecraft Dauntless, please respond"

"This is Lieutenant Feruen, of the Hades"

"Lieutenant, bring the survivours of the Vrecht here. We are taking them out-system now"

"MAy I ask why?"

"The situation has gotten a little more complicated, as you will see by looking out your viewports."

"Aye Sir, Dauntless is on it's way to the Intrepid"

She shut off the frequency, then looked at Miren,"Theres been a change of plan. I'm taking you to that vessel, they can care more for you there, and we can treat your wounded"

Obviously a bit uncomfortable with the rapidly changing situation, the crewers were still happy to just be off the damaged freighter.

"Very well. Once we're aboard we'd appreciate a message being transmitted to the Association appraising them of the situation. The sooner they're aware of the the loss of the convoy the faster they can get a tug out to bring what's left of the Vrecht back to a dock for repairs."

He glanced out the window at the increasing number of ships in the area.

"And can I ask exactly what's happening out there? I'm pretty sure we don't need all these ships just to transport the few of us."

"The Intrepid can haul the Vrecht away from the debris field if you wish and transmit a message for you. We have communication buoys across wide areas of space.

As for the situation outside... well, does that ship look familar to you? The one closer to the Hades than it should be

The Horizon's Commander watched the holo-projections around him calmly, ship AIs scanning and analysing the surrounding space constantly, updating severy few seconds as new data became available.

"Well, it would appear that Captain Templar is being reasonably honest with us. Status reports?"

One of the holo-projections changed from an analysis of the vacuum outside the ship to a brief run-down of the ship's systems.

...shipnet active...
...psinet active...
...arcananet active...
...allnet active...
...directive-net active
...galaxynet active...
...shieldnet active...

...firescatter active...
...firescatter integrity: 100%...
...hull integrity: 100%...
...sensorscatter deactive...
...electro-magnetic cloak deactive...
...material cloak deactive...
...graphic-shield deactive...
...particle cloak deactive...
...shimmer cloak deactive...
...magecloak active...
...magecloak integrity: 50%, standard rest pattern...
...primary misdirection generator deactive...
...True Astra deactive...

...weaponry: standard energy online...
...weaponry: energy lance offline...
...weaponry: particle offline...
...weaponry: ordnance online...
...weaponry: projectile online...
...weaponry: True Astra offline...
...True Astra volatility: 46% above normal...
...True Astral prevention of weaponry: energy lance, particle and True Astra...

...damage sustained: 0%...

...malfunction: waste disposal 28-B: unimportant...
...malfunction: food generation 12D: unimportant...
...malfunction: entertainment screen 3: unimportant...

After a brief glance at some of the information the Commander re-activated the communications system.

"If what had been done in the first place? Your mind appears to be flitting from subject to subject, Captain, although I understand that is something human mentalities seem to be good at.
"Have you learnt anything about the ships approaching that might be useful, or are the figher pilots being quiet about whatever hazards are approaching?"

I have a large ship, with nearly one thousand people under my command. It is my duty to know what is going on, at all times. As for these ships... I'm afriad my information is limited. I have only what the pilots have told me: they are highly adaptable drones, capable of readjusting their parameters, so that weapons fire of a kind they have not previously encountered only works once. They don't appear to be hostile... yet.

"Thank you, Captain. Basically: kill them quickly.
"If you would, ask the pilots what the drones' weaponry and maneuverability capabilities are?"

The Commander waited for a response, or for the approaching drones to appear. The Horizon waiting calmly in space, graceful, delicate and beautifully dangerous. The Warcraft's slender form was obviously suited to one particular aspect of war - the assassination of ships. Her hull was carefully constructed of stealth materials, prizing the ability to move undetected over sheer strength, maneuverability over indominatability.

The ship's specific type would have been seen only rarely around the system, as the Onarrán generally prefer not revealing themselves whilst travelling through inhabited regions of space. However, the design might be stored within certain computer banks, althoguh details would not be.

The pilots had just reached the door out of the bay when security guards surrounded them. "FREEZE!" one shouted at the pilots. George approached him and responded, quickly trying to come up with an excuse "I thought we were free to roam the ship, is that not so?"

Bennett behind George was holding a small scanner, and had a look of shock on his face. They were loosing the signal from the bot. They had to keep on its tail!

"Our internal sensors detected you removing personal fire-arms from your ship. We cannot allow this."

"Thank you, Captain. Basically: kill them quickly.
"If you would, ask the pilots what the drones' weaponry and maneuverability capabilities are?"

The Commander waited for a response, or for the approaching drones to appear. The Horizon waiting calmly in space, graceful, delicate and beautifully dangerous. The Warcraft's slender form was obviously suited to one particular aspect of war - the assassination of ships. Her hull was carefully constructed of stealth materials, prizing the ability to move undetected over sheer strength, maneuverability over indominatability.

The ship's specific type would have been seen only rarely around the system, as the Onarrán generally prefer not revealing themselves whilst travelling through inhabited regions of space. However, the design might be stored within certain computer banks, althoguh details would not be.

I would like to question the pilots... but they seem to be removing firearms from their ship. I've had to place security details on their shuttlebay. I am no longer certain that they can be trusted

"If you wish we could question them. I can pretty much garuntee a result, provided that you are not greatly concerned about their treatment. Psychic probes do occassionally prove damaging, but they will probably survive it if they start the process relatively intact."

The two other Warcraft maintained their positions, specially designed hulls giving out practically no emissions, certainly not enough to be detected after the scattering effects of the cloaks and shields were taken into account. the only objects visible to scanners were a few automated fighter craft, a number of drones and the Horizon itself. Although one might suspect the presence of one or more other craft there is not enough evidence to actually determine their location.

"If you wish we could question them. I can pretty much garuntee a result, provided that you are not greatly concerned about their treatment. Psychic probes do occassionally prove damaging, but they will probably survive it if they start the process relatively intact."

The two other Warcraft maintained their positions, specially designed hulls giving out practically no emissions, certainly not enough to be detected after the scattering effects of the cloaks and shields were taken into account. the only objects visible to scanners were a few automated fighter craft, a number of drones and the Horizon itself. Although one might suspect the presence of one or more other craft there is not enough evidence to actually determine their location.

I would like to accept your offer... but unfortunatley I granted these men sanctuary, and thus could no expose them to any further risk. Your technique sounds dangerous in the extreme

"It carries minor risks of major damage, yes, but the etiquette and honour demands of sanctuary are rendered irrelevent when one's guests perform hostile actions - such as the use of firearms - while aboard one's ship. I would certainly not risk my Horizon with such if they brought weapons aboard, I wonder that you risk your own vessel.
"If a person tells the truth before a psychic probe they should be perfectly safe, if they lie then it is necessary to probe further and mental activity to prevent the probe's examination can prove hazardous, but it only causes problems if they attempt to hide information. It has been the acustomed method of examination throughout our nation for centuries."

[[Damnit, I hate writing short posts]]

Templar paused for a moment,"Alright, but I want it done on this ship, in that shuttlebay. Those are my terms"

There was a long pause as the Horizon's Commander considered the risks of sending some of his own Onarrán aboard the other race's ship. After a while a slender finger slid over the communications crystal again.

"Would you accept the questioning taking place aboard the Horizon, if you had a visual feed through the event and a representative aboard to witness it? The Probe requires a trained Psionic to control it, and they are necessary also to the general running of the Warcraft herself."

This is very interesting. *Tagged*

"That sounds like a fair proposal. I accept"

"Excellent. A shuttle will be dispatched to transport your observer, or observers, and the errant pilots. If you would be so good as to indicate where the craft should dock or enter your craft I shall inform the pilot. If you prefer your own shuttle, ours will guide you to a docking port."

A small craft slid out of a concealed port in the Horizon, moving smoothly toward the Hades with an easy grace unusual in spacefaring craft, inertial dampeners preventing even the slightest skidding from continuous inertia in space.

The design was similar in appearance to the visible Warcraft, obviously built for speed and stealth rather than raw force and giving it a deceptive image of weakness, a delicacy that seems somehow unnatural among craft designed for war.

"We are taking these as protection. Do your away missions not take small weapons with them?"

He spent a few seconds running through the 'For Sale' versions of Klonor craft that might have been in use in Sol, but he couldn't match the new arrivals to any of the standard classes.

"Feruen, even the Hades doesn't look familiar to me. The Association usually makes a point of leaving Sol alone and this is my first cargo run outside of the Regulus/Epsilon Pegasi route, you're all a mystery. Is there some kind of trouble?"

He nervously glanced around the shuttlecraft, looking at his tired crewmen and the lack of any obvious weaponry, and then back to their rescuer.

"If there is then the sooner we get a message to the Association the better, they'll send at least a Cruiser to investigate and ti should be able to handle whatever's happening."

Elem had long been able to manipulate space and the bodies within it, but this was his first time actually in space. His task, for the meanwhile, was to learn about Snake Space Technology...it was only a matter of time before Kaymiril, too, was venturing between the stars.
The SEN Intrepid had departed from Kaymiril ((a nation)) only hours before, and they'd picked up a distress call.

He got the feeling that much more was happening here than met the eye, and began to reach out, to see what was out there...it was a passive, meditative search, so if something existed within 100,000 km, he was aware of it.

"We are taking these as protection. Do your away missions not take small weapons with them?"

Why do you need weapons onboard a starship? No one will hurt you. There is another reason, and you are not leaving this shuttlebay until the reason is out in the open!

"Excellent. A shuttle will be dispatched to transport your observer, or observers, and the errant pilots. If you would be so good as to indicate where the craft should dock or enter your craft I shall inform the pilot. If you prefer your own shuttle, ours will guide you to a docking port."

A small craft slid out of a concealed port in the Horizon, moving smoothly toward the Hades with an easy grace unusual in spacefaring craft, inertial dampeners preventing even the slightest skidding from continuous inertia in space.

The design was similar in appearance to the visible Warcraft, obviously built for speed and stealth rather than raw force and giving it a deceptive image of weakness, a delicacy that seems somehow unnatural among craft designed for war.

"Captain, the other shuttlecraft has docked in Shuttlebay Three."

"Excellent. Commander Arganta, take Ensign Gomez with you, and pick up Captain Green before you leave"

"Aye Sir!"

He spent a few seconds running through the 'For Sale' versions of Klonor craft that might have been in use in Sol, but he couldn't match the new arrivals to any of the standard classes.

"Feruen, even the Hades doesn't look familiar to me. The Association usually makes a point of leaving Sol alone and this is my first cargo run outside of the Regulus/Epsilon Pegasi route, you're all a mystery. Is there some kind of trouble?"

He nervously glanced around the shuttlecraft, looking at his tired crewmen and the lack of any obvious weaponry, and then back to their rescuer.

"If there is then the sooner we get a message to the Association the better, they'll send at least a Cruiser to investigate and ti should be able to handle whatever's happening."

"Don't worry, there WAS a situation.. but it seems to have been resolved. And be patient*Turns to comms console*Intrepid, Dauntless is on final approach, request you open shuttlebay doors"

*Male Voice*"Confirmed. Shuttlebay doors opening"

Feruen guided the shuttlecraft into the bay, and set it down gently, before opening the door,"You'll be safe here, I've got to get back to the Hades"

Elem had long been able to manipulate space and the bodies within it, but this was his first time actually in space. His task, for the meanwhile, was to learn about Snake Space Technology...it was only a matter of time before Kaymiril, too, was venturing between the stars.
The SEN Intrepid had departed from Kaymiril ((a nation)) only hours before, and they'd picked up a distress call.

He got the feeling that much more was happening here than met the eye, and began to reach out, to see what was out there...it was a passive, meditative search, so if something existed within 100,000 km, he was aware of it.

Captain Gorbac looked at his Drow passenger,"Problem, Elem?"

"We are loosing it!" Bennett shouted from behind George, causing him to get panicky.

"We need these weapons for reasons that we can not share, believe me when I say it is for both are safety"

"Going to loose it any second! Heading west!" Bennett shouted again

George looked more panicked "What is that way!?" he shouted towards the guard whilst pointing to the right.

The shuttle was a reasonable size, presumably a boarding craft by design rather than a standard ferrying vehicle, and is fashioned of the same stealth materials as the Warcraft, although it is a far less complex design it nonethless suffices to keep it hidden - it is a smaller thing to cloak, after all.

The main access door in the belly of the ship lowered, antigrav maintaining a steady height above the bay door. The pilot, landng completed, learnt back in his chair, musing on something while waiting for instruction. He had time - the opaque force-shield between passenger and crew area would be able to hold out for a short time if attacked (which he was not anticipating) and so this particular problem could wait.

The interior of the craft was made of some shimmering black metal that made one uncertain as to what the vehicle actually looked like, seeming to discourage direct interpretation, recognition or memory of the interior design. However, despite this the seats that had appeared would be comfortable, re-designing themselves to suit whatever creature of using them at any given time.

*Hades Shuttlebay*

The guard hesitated,"Only Cargo Bay Two. It's empty, then it's just open space."

As he was speaking, Commander Arganta and Ensign Gomez came round the corner. He stopped at the door,"I am Commander Arganta, the XO of this vessel. I need to speak with Captian Green, immediatley!"

ooc - sorry, I randomly started calling Capt. Green, George. They are the same person lol

ic -
Bennett's handheld device beeped They had lost it

George put his hand upwards and the pilots put their weapons down by their sides. No point now! He noticed the sharply dressed man come into the room and nodded as a form of respect.

A -- *Nods back*Captain, I'm going to have to insist that you come with me. The rest of you are to remain in here, until you see fit to tell us the reason as to why you drew weapons onboard this ship

He turned to the Lieutenant who was commanding the security detail,"If they try and escape, stun them. Nothing more. Understand?"

The Lieutenant nodded.

Captain Gorbac looked at his Drow passenger,"Problem, Elem?"
The silver class turned to look at the Captain. "There could be. I am not entirely certain yet...so I am searching. I find it odd, however...I see fewer vessels on this screen than I can feel out there."

[[OOC: For Kaymiril: A note on the Onarrán Psicloak/Psinet and Arcanacloak/Magenet.

The Arcana- and Psi- nets are generated by combining elements of the Allnet and general Shieldnet through the minds and abilities of Onarrán magi/psionics (who also fulfill other functions on board - magi tasks such as emergency hull stasis, psionics tasks such as communcation and psychic probing) to create a system to hide the Warcraft/other warships from magic or psychic detection.

Particularly powerful psykers or mages might be able to detect Warcraft and larger ships due to the magical forces running through the ship's systems, if they are noticeably well above average in strength (i.e. greater than the Onarrán mages/psionics on board plus the strengthening properties of the Allnet and Shieldnet General Lattices and the machinery designed to enhance cloaking (cloaking being the primary defence of Onarrán warships) ), but it is unlikely that they would be able to pinpoint the location - a mage might know that there is a ship or two more out there, but wouldn't be able to say precisely where.

As with the Scattercloak, Shimmercloak, Material cloaks (et cetera, et cetera, et cetera) once the Warcraft actively engages in conflict the Cloaknet/Shieldnet General Lattice is broken, allowing for much easier detection after immediate recloaking and before the cloaks are properly re-established.

The magical energies utilised in the Warcraft and other major warships of the Directed Democracy of Onarr also sometimes make finding them easier for races that use magical devices to target enemies, certainly easier than if there were no magic or psionics being used, although the Arcanashield and Psishield largely counteract this.

Naturally fighter craft, descent pods and major drones are not shielded unless the former two are being piloted by a psionic or mage. Minor drones that form part of a Graphic Shield are cloaked by the Shieldnet/Magenet/Allnet General Lattice through the same systems that enable them to form the complex Graphic Shields.

It is also noteworthy that although the Onarrán military uses psionics and mages to defend and hide their ships, Onarrán training includes very little agressive use of these skills...their education is almost entirely dedicated to defence and cloaking (and other shipboard tasks required other than offense - it was deemed that a warship would carry other weapons anyway).]]

The silver class turned to look at the Captain. "There could be. I am not entirely certain yet...so I am searching. I find it odd, however...I see fewer vessels on this screen than I can feel out there."

I have that feeling also. Captain Templar would not have called in support on a whim... no, something feels wrong about this whole situation

OOC: For Onarr -- Elem, while he is about the 15th most powerful Kaymirilian Space Mage, would be one of many Silver Class to be able to find the ships. He isn't looking for spells and crap to cloak it...nor is he looking for such, yet, which he probably will in a moment. He's merely looking for large chunks of matter. This is a simple, passive search, which is looking for the reality of what is there. Aside from that, all this magickal energy that your mages and psionics are putting out would give a distinct reading as soon as any Kaymirilian mage actually looked for it...for the masters, the energy would be like a slap in the face, that's how much it would take. You'd have to have many mages, or VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY powerful mages.

IC:
No...there is something here that rings false...be wary.

This is the value of Drow-human relations. You can do many things that we cannot, and vice-versa

Very true. We have magick...you have machines. It looks as though this will change soon, however. Mages of your world can be trained...and mechanics and engineers of my nation can learn of your technology.

Magick is so rare in our nation... and humans are not naturally magickal creatures. Still... some are willing to learn

[[OOC: For Kaymiril once again.

The entire Onarran war machine revolves around cloaking, matter is hidden by trciking people into thinking it isn't there, energy is almost entirely contained within the ship and what escapes is deliberately deispersed through Scattercloak/shield, hull design and Shimmercloak/shield. Psionic energy is returned back into its originator's mind, magic back into the wielder or into the True Astra (Onarrán version of subspace), all carefully dispersed.

Mages might be potent, or might not, scanners might be well deisgned, or might not, but the military budget of the last several years of Onarrán existence, with the assistence of Allnet and the Divine Collective has been focussed upon cloaks and hiding their ships from enemies.

Onarr is not good at all out warfare. The Directed Democracy is not good at wars of attrition. The Conclaves of Wards and the Parliament of Flowers are good at brute strength, but the Onarrán are brilliant at deception, misdirection and hiding. It's what they do.]]

Those that wish to learn, we will teach...and now, if you will allow me...I will attempt to locate these ships more precisely.

*He leans back some, closes his eyes, and steeples his finger tips. His awareness spreads out into space, seeking the Onarran magickal energy signatures.*

[[OOC: For Kaymiril once again.

The entire Onarran war machine revolves around cloaking, matter is hidden by trciking people into thinking it isn't there, energy is almost entirely contained within the ship and what escapes is deliberately deispersed through Scattercloak/shield, hull design and Shimmercloak/shield. Psionic energy is returned back into its originator's mind, magic back into the wielder or into the True Astra (Onarrán version of subspace), all carefully dispersed.

Mages might be potent, or might not, scanners might be well deisgned, or might not, but the military budget of the last several years of Onarrán existence, with the assistence of Allnet and the Divine Collective has been focussed upon cloaks and hiding their ships from enemies.

Onarr is not good at all out warfare. The Directed Democracy is not good at wars of attrition. The Conclaves of Wards and the Parliament of Flowers are good at brute strength, but the Onarrán are brilliant at deception, misdirection and hiding. It's what they do.]]
OOC: Part of basic Drow magickal training is putting up and getting around deceptive spells. Just part of who they are...and his spells are passive. He wasn't actively trying to find you at first...if you guard against EVERYTHING, your mages will become quickly drained, and you will be weak against everything. Besides...the Onarran don't even know Elem is there yet. So how can they know to guard against another mage?

[always have their shields up when under the Conflict Protocols. While in port or in certain secure zones, or in the True Astra their cloaks are not up and everyone takes a rest. While in potentially hostile areas the shields and cloaks are maintained at full efficiency (lesser when idling/not expecting company).

Bear in the mind that although the Warcraft are slender, look delicate and are beautiful works of craft, they are the standard warship of the Directed Democracy's Warhost, with a sizeable crew and a reasonable number of psionics and mages.

Onarráns are very paranoid while in potentially hostile situations, they haven't exactly had the most lovely of histories.

Besides, they don't guard against everything, they hide from everything. Shielding takes far more energy than cloaking, and the General Lattice maintains the whole at a lower running cost than the sum of its parts.

Always, I'm off soon so will probably be posting in the early afternoon of tomorrow (second of my final exams tomorrow morning).]]

Captain Green followed the man through the door and down a corridor. The other pilots put away their weapons, and looked at the guards. Bennett put his hand held devise away. "It was for your own good you know" one of the pilots said out loud.

Lt -- Why not tell me what it was all about, before making statements like that?

**********************************************************
Arganta and Gomez, flanking Green, led him to the shuttlebay containing the Onarrian shuttle, and let him get onboard first.

Bennett - We are not allowed to say under Christac Space Cadet rule 45b on "Neutral Parties", all I can do is advise you to get a hell of a lot of security around that cargo bay!

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

Green - What is this? What are you doing?

A -- Taking you for a ride, Captain. DOn't worry, you'll be fine. You have my word as an officer.

**********************************************************
Lt -- *Considers this, then taps his badge*Gamma to Juliet Teams, get round Cargo Bay Two

"Sir?"

"DO IT!"

"Aye Sir!"

Captain Green - "Please tell me where we are going! I thought that I had sanctuary here!"

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

Bennett - "Thank you, when’s the captain getting back?”

A -- You do, but we need answers that we can trust. You haven't been completely honest with us, and this disturbs me and the captain.

*********************************************************

Lt -- I am not privy to that information.

Green - I have answered every question you have asked truthfully

A -- But you have not yet told us: why did you draw firearms on our vessel?

Green panicked a bit. "Eh...It was for safety, I am not familiar with the rules on your ship, and I did not know I couldn’t get weapons out"

Like water, Elem's search traveled through space. It went around other ships, and he could tell who they were and what side they were on, if there were any sides to this battle. In two points in space, his search found the ship he was on, instead of the void that was being broadcast to his eyes.

"Captain," he said, "You will find the other Onarran vessels there *points to location on screen* and there *different location.*"

OOC: Onarr, you can't say that I can't find you...Kaymirilian mages are highly advanced, have been for over a thousand years, and this guy is powerful. Where you're reflecting it back, he can feel it. His search is like water...it must go around solid objects...and dams and barriades (magickal barriers) have a distinct feel to them. You have just been found.

He nodded,"Any way we could adjust our sensors to detect them?"

"I don't know enough of your technology to tell you. I will, however, be keeping an eye on them."

[[Well, assuming that your mage is mightily powerful enough to detect an Onarrán cloaked ship, will you at least acknowledge that anything powerful to detect a ship with the sophistication of Shieldnet-Allnet cloaking technology would in itself be detected? Especially since as water must go around objects, it must have a source to be guided from - a source that could be traced right back to the mage wielding it.
The other thing, you might be able to detect one of their ships, but you certainly wouldn't know who built it - the Directed Democratic Empire has never encountered Karmiril before and vice-versa.]]

OOC: You want to detect Elem? Fine, he's not hiding. I'll just warn you...Space Elemental Mages have the power to manipulate and change space. He isn't at the moment, b/c it takes so much energy...but push him, and he might.

The shp's psionic stood once again at his Commander's elbow.

"Yes, Psionic?"

"Lord, the magi of Dawn Fury and Leverage report that they felt a mage's mentality around their ships and strongly suspect that they have been detected."

"Thank you, Psionic. Instruct them, and our own magi, to link with Psinet, get a mentality-fix on this...mage...and inform me if anything should change. If this entity should take a dramatic turn toward the violent...dose him, or her, with an Allnet at seventy-five."

"Commander? seventy-five? You would do that to a sentient being?"

"Psionic. Listen very carefully. There are fifty Onarrán aboard eat of these Warcraft, a standard crew for a ship of line, and many hundreds of artificial intelligences - you know that we can only run ships this size with automation, we are too few to do otherwise, despite the size of the Empire."

"Commander, I know this already, now explain to me why you would deliberately turn an intelligent, sentient being into a gibbering lunatic."

"Simple. Fifty Onarrán aboard each ship, well over a hundred thousand years of experience. I will not risk that many of our race for a single being's sanity."

The Psionic bowed.

"Yes, Lord. I shall instruct the others."

"Thank you, Psionic."

The Horizon waited in space, maintaining a silent communication with the rest of the Reaver Pack.

Elem allowed the psionic energy to probe him, but only allowed it to feel about half of his power levels.

"Xas. Usstan tlun ghil...lu' Usstan zhaun nindel dos ph' 'zil al."

OOC: Not a spell. ^_^ Translates to "Yes. I am here...and I know you are here as well."

The Commander laughed as the translation was reported on his data screens. A mocking clap of his slender hands accompanied the humourous vocal expression.

"Very good, a sense of humour in our adversay."

"Adversary, Commander?"

"Yes. Not an enemy, exactly, but one who is certainly not on our side, but not entirely against us...yet." [[Note: in this context I'm using the term "adversary" in place of an Onarrán word meaning this]]

"Ah, yes, My Lord."

"Send this back: Congratulations. I am so pleased you enjoy the games of hide-and-seek, we shall have to play again some day."

"Lord?"

"I know that they do not know the reference, but the humour might not be wholly lost upon whoever this is. Ask them to introduce themselves as well, it is only...polite."

"Yes, my Lord. I shall instruct Dawn Fury's Psionic appropriately."

Gorbac looked at his Drow companion. He still marvelled at how Lord Barbarossa had managed to forge a relationship with a race commonloy associated with hatred of human... although rumours abound said that a Snake Eater had married a mage some time ago,"What is wrong, Elem?"

They're seeking me out. Nothing to worry about yet, it would seem.

OOC: Onarr, Elem isn't telepathic. You'll have to send the message the old fashioned way.

[[The message would be sent toward the mind of the person receiving it - the recipient does not actually have to be psychic, since the communication would be sent using a combination of magenet and psinet in acknowledgement of the fact that the recipient is a mage. As long as the mage has some kind of seering or magical messaging capabilities there wouldn't be a problem.]]

Usstan orn'la lar ol mzild lac lueth ragar.

OOC: "I would call it more a seek-and-find."

Just tell me when it is a problem

**********************************************************

Arganta nodded to the shuttle pilot,"We are ready to depart"

The mage nods.

Onarrán boarding craft/shuttle: Shuttle Bay: Hades

The shuttle's ramp slid shut without a sound, the small boarding craft lifting without difficulty or indeed any sensation of movement, the sealed compartment combined with gravatic-crystalnet engine systems allowing movement with no sensation of acceleration or indeed any form of outside movement. The pilot's calm, relaxed voice came through on the internal communications system.

"Bay doors are opening, journey will take a couple of minutes and then you can be on your way. I understand that the Commander will be wanting to speak to you personally, as well as the Horizon's First Psionic."

The ship moved easily through space, vacuum presenting no problems to the hybrid engine design.


Bridge of the Warcraft Horizon

"Interesting, not a huge sense of humour, but some present. Faintly elfin sense of wit. Your choice of conversation, keep me informed. I have some visitors to attend to...inform the others to hold position, but be ready for evasive action."

"Yes, Lord."


Psionic Chamber, Warcraft Dawn Fury

...Psinet maintained...
...Magenet connection...
...message transmitting...

"A fair point, mysterious mage, but you do not have to seek for something unless it is already hidden. May I enquire of your name?"

You may.

A distinct sense of amusement flowed down the psi-link.

"Very well, consider this an enquiry into your name and nationality. Who are you, what are you, and where do you come from?"

[[Apologies for post shortness.]]

((Short posts, long posts, they're all the same to me. Two sentences, if phrased just right at the right time, can have more impact than two paragraphs. I'm training to be a writer for a living, I know.))

My name is Elem. I am a Drow. Who are you? And by you, I mean collectively.

[[I know, I'm doing the same, if not in a particularly concentrated way, mostly short stories at the moment. All the same, short posts rub me the wrong way for some reason...often seems like the person simply isn't trying (however wrong this impression might be). lLus, posts in which not a great deal is happening is a great opportunity to give descriptions about those involved.]]

"I am delighted then, to meet you, Elem of the Drow. Collectively? A ship's crew. As a group, the closest translation would be a Reaver Pack. As a nation, well, I cannot tell you that at this particular time under our Conflict Protocols.
"Your mind is most different to those around you, so I assume you to be some form of ambassador or ally. I am not greatly able to sense or interpret those around you...magic and psionics are almost overlapped, making you easier to communicate with - and of course your sensing helps."

[[I'm going to call it a night in a few minutes - I have a very long drive tomorrow, one, maybe two more posts tonight]]

((I characterize my people in other ways.))

The shadow in the light is easy to spot, as is a rock that hides under the sand. Harder to know, harder to show, is what is true and what is not.

Once again, humour was sent via the psionic link.

"Riddle me this, and riddle me that, but where is the hidden reward? The precious knowledge stored?
"Riddles are entertaining, but not always of vast importance. Shadows in light are plain, yes, but the blade in the dark is not. A rock in sand, but not the pebbles within a desert."

[[And goodnight.]]

Arganta felt trepidation rising in the pit of his stomach. He was trusting these aliens to hold their end of the bargain. If they didn't... well, it was not worth thinking what may happen. He cursed silently, wishing he'd brought a weapon of some kind along with him, but the captain had ordered him not to.

Gomez looked at his superior, and raised an eyebrow,"Everything alright, Commander?"

"I'm fine Ensign... a little nervous, but fine"

Gomez sighed inwardly. Born a psyker, he could feel when people were lying. And Arganta was lying to him. He sat back, and closed his eyes. He would know... soon enough.


As Gomez relaxed, Arganta leaned forward,"How long before we dock?"

"Thank you very much."

Rising, the surviving crew of the Vrecht filed out of the shuttle and looked around, clearly wondering who they would speak to about arranging passage to an Association system.

"Excuse me, who would we speak to about getting a message to a Klonor vessel?"

OOC: You know, one tiny Forumban and everything takes off while you're gone

"Thank you very much."

Rising, the surviving crew of the Vrecht filed out of the shuttle and looked around, clearly wondering who they would speak to about arranging passage to an Association system.

"Excuse me, who would we speak to about getting a message to a Klonor vessel?"

OOC: You know, one tiny Forumban and everything takes off while you're gone

The young Lt. Commander who they had spoken to looked up,"You would be best to speak to Captain Gorbac. He is currently on the bridge"

Once again, humour was sent via the psionic link.

"Riddle me this, and riddle me that, but where is the hidden reward? The precious knowledge stored?
"Riddles are entertaining, but not always of vast importance. Shadows in light are plain, yes, but the blade in the dark is not. A rock in sand, but not the pebbles within a desert."

[[And goodnight.]]
Light, darkness, what are they, what is the difference? To see to seek to find to hear to live to die to fall to rise to sleep to wake, endless cycle of Order and Chaos. Stars and planets align in ever more deadly circuits as the centuries wear on, and to anyone attentive, anything is obvious.

Onarrán boarding craft/shutle, space between Hades and Horizon,

Arganta's voice passed easily through the opaque forceshield that separated pilot and passengers - it was designed to keep larger things out, not vibrating air particles such as those generated by sound.

The pilot's voice came through the same barrier that hid him and his controls from sight.

"Approxomately three minutes. One minute travelling time remaining, thirty seconds to calibrate Scattershields to allow passage, and one minute thiry seconds or so for access and landing.
"I understand that you will be met by the ship's Psionic. He'll take you up to the examination chamber, unless you have a pressing desire to be somewhere else on the ship.
"If you have any pressing questions concerning etiquette or the like, now would probably be a better time to ask than after making some kind of mistake."


Psionic Chamber, Warcraft Dawn Fury

"They are both metaphysical extensions of our perceptions, and natural alterations in shade absorbed by the eye...something that, as you put, is obvious to someone attentive.
"I think, Elem of the Drow, that you have a need to visit a recreational facility if you are discussing philosophy with a telepath on a cloaked ship, which may or may not be engaging in combat with the ship you're on, depending upon how events resolve themselves."

A -- I have a question. What is the customary greeting of your people? This is a First Contact, and I'd like to get things right

There was a thoughtful pause from from the pilot.

"Well, your rank is 'Commander', although I have been informed by his Lordship that in your society that would indicate a first officer rather than the leader of a Pack, which would place him two military positions above, indicating K'thieran'dos rather than K'thieran'vas. However, being a first contact scenario would indicated a single position increase to K'thieran'vol."

There was a slight pause

"My apologies if I seem to be babbling, the rules of etiquette are complicated and based around relevant position in all five cultural circles - Parliament, Conclave, Military, Civilian and of course one's House. K'thieran means, loosely translated, military greeting etiquette, and indicates the level of military etiquette. As this is more of a military meeting rather than social - the concern over these approaching drones - therefore the rules of K'thieran take precidence.
"The Commander's father is fifth son to one who cannot be named at present, due to the Conflict Protocols, but his blood is very noble indeed, which would have a significant effect were this a meeting under social circumstances rather than military, but still has an affect. His Lordship also holds a lesser ruling position on a system, fulfilling the rules that enable him to speak in Parliament and grant him certain rules under the codes of civility.
"It is a difficult thing to translate. I do not suppose you have any links to your ruling body, or any blood-links to the nobility?"

[[OOC note on Onarrán etiquette of rank:
A person's rank is divided into five sections - House (noble family the person is a blood-member of, or is sworn to), Parliament (general ruling body), Conclave (governance of specific systems systems, traden intersystem activity and military direction), Military, and Citizen-rank (Onarrán society is highly militarised, and individual citizens have a certain rank assigned to them that controls income levels and suchlike).
In any given situation one or more of these factors will come before the others - for example, in Parliament a person (A) who holds the same position within the parliament as someone speaking (B), but is of a greater House can interrupt B with only a minor indication to protocol, whereas to interrupt A, B would have to indicate his wish to speak to a greater extent.
Apologies for totally uneccessary complications, but their politics and obsession with rank are quite important to the Onarrán conception]]

A -- No, my blood is not one of noblemen, nor do I have links, social or otherwise, to the president

Another pause as the pilot worked out the equivilent social status while guiding the shuttle into the landing bay.

"K'thieran'landui'vol, j'kathier'malossin, then. As one coming to greet an unknown race, of slightly lower military rank than the one being met, but of significantly lower Parliamentary or Noble blood, however bearing something that could provide significant assistance in a forthcoming conflict who has come unarmed and with a minor escort only.
"To the Psionic who will meet you, the appropriate greeting would be to address him by rank, state why you are here - as is appropriate when arriving aboard ship, and give a polite nod. His response will likely be a slight bow of the head rather than nodding - you outrank him in this situation - and an acknowledgement of your rank.
"To the Commander, a slight bow will be appropriate, along with the comment 'I thank you for allowing me aboard your Horizon, my Lord'. A Commander's Warcraft is sacred to him, and so must be shown respect. You may address him thereafter as 'Commander' if you prefer not to use the term 'Lord', but not by his name unless he specifically states that you may - if not for his House and position within it, and your lack of a House, you would be entitled to, but that is rather academic. Considering the status of the situation, expect an invitation to call him by his name within a few minutes. Do not offer to shake hands - he will do that.
"Once he asks you to call him by his name, his first name is sufficient - the rest is hard to remember the first time it is heard. Once he has asked thus, you may consider him an equal, as he is requesting by asking you to use his name.
"I apologise for the complexities of our greetings - it is hard to grasp if you have not been raised to it."

A -- They taught us this sort of stuff in basic officer training.... so, it's *Pauses*K'thieran'landui'vol, j'kathier'malossin first, followed by addressing the Psionic as such, and then greeting the Commander with the words 'I thank you for allowing me aboard your Horizon, my Lord'

A genuinely amused laugh from the pilot, not intended to be malicious.

"Almost. You do not have to speak any of our language - I was giving you our term for the situation. Just greet the Psionic with a polite nod, addressing him as 'Psionic' when stating your purpose here.
"But yes, you have the general idea right.
"Welcome aboard the Horizon, Commander."

There was a slight sensation of movement as the gravatic engines deactivated and the ship's ramp slid down from the sleekly designed shuttle. The interior of the bay was similar in appearance to the inside of the boarding craft-come-shuttle in that it was made of the same material - a shimmering black metal that left no particular details in the observer's mind. On one side was the reasonably sized bay entry/exitway that exposed the blankness of space along the narrow section that did not contain a curtain section of metal hiding the actual location of the entrance. As Arganta watched, the curtain screen slid back into the bay, locking at the very edge of the specialised forceshield that maintained a pressurised environment within the bay.

The bay itself was a respectable size - larger than one would expect for the size of the door, but smaller than most in equivilent ships. Carefully arranged along one wall hovered a small number of boarding craft similar to the one that had ferried Arganta, Gomez and Green across the gap between ships, while along another edge were a number of much smaller craft that appeared to be heavily armed for their diminutive size, and were apparently automated, as there was certainly not enough space to fit any vaguely normally sized person within their hulls when taking into account factors such as engines and shields.

On the wall between those that the fighters and boarding craft occupied was a door, beside which three figures stood. Each was approxomately six feet tall, with one slightly above the other two. The two who stood behind the Psionic were dressed in some form of combat armour, but apparently unarmed. The Psionic was clothed in green and black robes, intricately embroidered in silver, and was watching the three visitors calmly.

The Onarrán was slender, aproxomately six feet tall and with humanoid features, although high cheekbones and lobeless, upswept ears gave a decidedly elfin appearance. Bronze hair was cut short at the sides and top, but allowed to fall back in a long tail into his robes. His skin was very pale, but with a slight violet tinge to it, that highlighted all the more his sapphire blue eyes. Eyes that did not appear to contain either pupil or white, merely a pure iris with electric blue forming a complex pattern with slightly darker shades in the complicated lattice of an iris.

"Gomez, bring Captain Green with you, and make sure he is comfortable," said Arganta, taking in his surroundings, which were a stark contrast to the Hades... although not by much. He strode towards the Psionic, and nodded to his opposite,"Psionic"

The Onarrán Psionic bowed his head politely.

"Commander."

The slender being turned and walked past the two personel who had accompanied him to a a small recession in the wall beside the large door that supposedly led into the main body of the Warcraft. A delicate hand was placed into the hole and the Onarrán spoke softly

"Psionic Jiranel Jerthir'Khanaderassin osa-Violet lei-Onarrivasyn"

A calm, artificial voice chimed out:

...voice print accepted...
...name accepted...
...vocal print linked to identity...
...appearance matches...
...fingerprints accepted...
...DNA accepted...
...opening portal...

After this seemingly paranoid identification process a door slid open...four feet to the right of the large construct that appeared to be the real portal. The new door, smaller and originally inivisble among the shimmering building material, led into the nicely lit passageway fashioned of the same metal.

"Commander, please state your purpose for the system."

Arganta had been expecting this, and spoke clearly,"I am here to watch over the questioning of Captain Green, and ensure that he comes to no harm"

Psionic Chamber, Warcraft Dawn Fury

"They are both metaphysical extensions of our perceptions, and natural alterations in shade absorbed by the eye...something that, as you put, is obvious to someone attentive.
"I think, Elem of the Drow, that you have a need to visit a recreational facility if you are discussing philosophy with a telepath on a cloaked ship, which may or may not be engaging in combat with the ship you're on, depending upon how events resolve themselves."
Your concern is appreciated, but unnecessary. Should current events result in combat...I have faith in the ability of my allies to fight, as well as in my own ability as a mage.
And light and darkness are really not terribly different to members of my nation, attentive or not. We merely see in different spectrums when the sun is out and when the stars rule the skies.

OOC: Onarr, can you TG me with the details on how to put accents over letters? I've been wanting to do that for forever, but no one knew how.

Warcraft Horizon

...purpose acknowledged...
...visitor biostatus marked for health security...
...visitor psi-levels marked for identification...
...visitor unique-form status marked for identification...
...welcome to the Horizon...
...Psionic Testing facilities are prepared, Psionic...

"Follow me, if you would, Commander."

The Psionic walked calmly into the newly revealed corridor. Interetingly, on the left in the area that would be behind the fake door, was a chamber containing what looked like a fairly impressive weapon system - it would probably not have been a good idea to use that particular exit from the docking bay.

The interior design of the ship seems to be extremely complicated, with a large number of doors hidden in the material of the walls, something brought home by one or two Onarrán crewmen stepping out of a previously invisible door whilst within sight of the party moving through the Warcraft's interior. Several times circular lifts were taken to bring the six people up or down levels. It might well be suspected that the Psionic was deliberately leading the visitors down an unecessarily complicated route to confuse them.

After a few minutes the party halts outside an apparently normal section of corridor, and the Psionic waves a hand casually over the surface. Another one of those invisible doors opens silently and the Psionic walks in.

"Lord, the visitors."

The room is spacious, with a comfortable-looking chair in the centre of it. Crystals are embedded into the underside of the arms and along the back of the seat. Around the edge of the room are a number of similar seats, although lacking the crystals.

Standing behind the crystalled seat - presumably the psionic probe - is a tall Onarrán, similar in general appearance to the Psionic, although with a slight tan and a red-tint to his skin rather than the violet colour of the other's. His eyes are also a different colour - a vivid red that appears strangely beautiful on his features, rather than the threatening appearance crimson eyes normally seem to provide. This particular figure wears the same smooth armour as the two Onarrán who accompanied the Psionic, although underneath robes that are black slashed with crimson, embroidered in gold and silver with the complicated runes that form the Onarrán alphabet. It is instantly apparent from his bearing and the detail of his robes that he is the Commander of the Horizon.


Psionic Chamber, Warcraft Dawn Fury

"An ability that is no doubt useful, and allies who are no doubt talented."

[[OOC to Kaymiril: Sure, will do so soon]]

Arganta gave the Commander a slight bow, and said in his most diplomatic voice,"I thank you for allowing me aboard your Horizon, my Lord"

Psionic Chamber, Warcraft Dawn Fury

"An ability that is no doubt useful, and allies who are no doubt talented."

Perhaps. But tell me...you seem so very confidant in your own abilities, so why is it that you attempt to hide, when the other ships in this area have no desire to harm you? The only seemingly malevolent force in this area is you.

The young Lt. Commander who they had spoken to looked up,"You would be best to speak to Captain Gorbac. He is currently on the bridge"

"Thank you very much."

Turning, the crew moved together towards one of the doorways leading out of the hanger. Reaching the door, one of the crew reached out and felt the frame, a look of small confusion on his face. Within seconds the entire surviving crew was vigorously rubbing the doorwar and inspecting the surrounding surface with a shocking intensity.

"I don't see a Gate panel on this thing. None of us do."

"This is probably a secure landing bay, no Gates in or out. Security and all that."

"Then why send us here?"

"Maybe they just don't want us Gating somewhere private."

"It could be. I think they just don't have Gate technology."

A stunned silence came on the heels of that statement, then the crew turned as one and approached the man they had gotten directions from.

"Excuse me, I was wondering........uh....where's the bridge?"

He smiled a brief smile,"I see our technology is odd to you. Follow me, your commander only. The rest of you, follow this Ensign to the recreation area."