NationStates Jolt Archive

TWO WEEKS AGO

Lt. J.G. Anthony Marlson hated this post. It was a shit post in the crotch of the universe as far as he was concerned. The Legion, however, always got the shit jobs and like all other legionaires before him Tony did the job with pride.

The job was manning the command center of a six sentinel rim defense and early warning system. Five of the six were automated and equipped with maximum sensitive sensors, the finest in radio detection gear and, for emergencies, pulse plasma cannons and ship to ship missiles as well as the standard assortment of ECM and ECCM and anti missile missiles.

The sixth sentinel, where Tony lived along with 200 other personel, including technical staff, command staff, a wraith squad and valkerye squad, was the command hub. All information was routed to 'The protector of our souls and children', as some alien nutcase had dubbed it. Tony and the others on board simply called her the iron bitch. It was here that all information was prossessed, prioritized and then scrutinized by the human factor for gut instinct. This job, of course, fell to the Legion, except for the few bastards who pulled the duty from the navy and manned the Wraiths and Vakeryes.

The jobs here had once been the desire of everyone. That was twenty years ago when General Micaya Quester-Benn and Colonel Forrister Amanteo Y Medoc were pushing back the invading forces and this idea had come into being. Tony had always wondered why two of the most brilliant and most decorated people in Central Worlds passed it up, now he knew why. The once vaunted post now fell to those who had screwed up and the entire program had ground to a halt. Only about a third of the border, though at least the known hot spots, had sentinel systems like this one. They were manned by screw ups and disciplinary problem naval and legion military. The public, with thier short memories, had forgotten the blood and sacrifice of thousands and had complained about the terrible expenses. The formal president, a bleeding heart, had cut military expendature and those out on the rim were left with scraps.

Tony, like Captain Sarah Moring, walked the stations. He made sure that all was in order, or at least that everyone was awake, and would nudge people from time to time. He wasn't as strict as the Captain and allowed coffee at the stations, better awake and in breach of a minor violation than asleep. Tony had drawn this detail for gainsaying an superior officer who had alot of influence, unlike the Captain, who had just wanted her last few years serving to be quite. If anyone, though, thought that the fact that the Captain was looking at retirement after 70 years in the service meant she was a pushover though were quickly set right. The Captain was still fit, a great example of Central's medical skills, and could still kick the crap out of someone one-quarter her age.

Private Marion Anthony Morgan, M&M for short, was here for striking a superior officer. Actually more than one in his career. He had made Private 1st class, got busted down, rose to Corporal, only to have his stripes taken away again, and last time almost made sergeant. In fact he was going in to get his stripe when some jackass made a comment about his name. So here he was on the rim. Every five minutes he would check the comm frequencies for activity, wait for the computer to catagorize and coalate the information, scan through and then dump it to him. He would look through it, try to see if there were anomolies or patterns, and then wait for the next sweep. Nothing came up at any point, which was why he was completely surprised when the scanners set off thier wooping alarms.

Lieutenant Jeremy "Hardass" Harrington almost fell as the alarms went off and quickly jumped out of the shower. Only the senior staff had real water showers and not the sonic showers the others used, and slammed a palm on the silence button, then called TaCS (Tactical Command Station).

"What the HELL is going on?" he asked as soon as Tony answered.

"Trying to find out now. I'm HOPING it's another equipement failure. We have no chatter on the comm lines but we have a BUTT load of contacts on the screens."

"I'll be there in fifteen, Harrington out."

'I feel better already', Tony muttered, knowing the Lute had drawn this detail from the fact that he tended to take matters into his own hands. He had butted heads with the Captain on more than one occasion and walked away with his pride in tatters. Tony was one of the exceptions here. He had chosen this assignment because he had wanted to learn from one of the best, and Captain Moring was exactly that.

"What have you got?" he asked.

"Multiple contacts. It looks like a fardlin wasps nest got stirred, Sir."

"I.D.?"

"Unknown, I can't even get a thermal, Sir."

"Well the damn things have to have engine's Private, extend the bands, find the heat signature and try ion trails."

"Sir, yes Sir."

Captain Moring had rolled from her bunk, was dressed and half way to TaCS before her mind really registered what was going on. She checked her wrist comp, found the time and the officer in charge and contacted Tony.

"Ma'am, we have multiple targets, no I.D., no comm chatter, they're running silent, Ma'am."

"Alright, Leiutenant, contact Captain Kroninger and get the Wraiths and Valks out there, lets do this by the book, just in case it isn't an equipement malfunction."

"Ma'am, yes Ma'am."

Tony contacted the Captain of the Naval division stationed on the Iron Bitch and told him what the Captain wanted. He confirmed the request and got his squadrons ready and out. They consisted of 20 Wraith stealth fighters and 20 Valkerye missile frigates.

"Alright, people, let's pretend this isn't a drill and do right! I want all wing men formed up, Valks backing up and NO SCREW UPS THIS TIME!" With that the ships launched and took up a position outside the station. It was then that everyone realized that this was no drill and no malfunction. Every ship registered the oncoming horde.

'Great Ghu', Kroninger muttered and keyed his comm. "Captain Kroninger to command, this is no malfunction, he have multiple bogeys, I repeat, multiple bogeys."

"Confirmed, Captain", came Moring's reply, "We have a heat sig, but no match and way to low for engine output. I want a scout, it might be meteor debris."

"Lieutenant Commander Coughman, take your wing man and check it out."

"Aye, aye, Sir", came Coughman's reply, not that he liked the idea. He flew out, got eye contact and reported back. "I think the Captain may be right, Sir ... no ... wait ... SHIT ... BREAK OFF ... BREAK CONTACT ... BOGEYS HOT, I REPEAT ..." Except that he didn't get a chance to repeat anything.

Captain Kroninger gave the orders to spread out. He was already down ten percent of his squadron and still didn't know what he was dealing with out there. His temper didn't improve when Lieutenant Commander Ayastov's voice came over the air, "Hey Cap", she said, "We'll thin out the ranks for ya."

The commanding officer of the valkerye squadron, second only to himself, was an irritant to Kroninger. Partially because she was rarely by the book and partially because he was attracted to her. "I should hope so", he replied.

Captain Moring strode into TaCS, none the worse for wear it seemed at 88 years old. "Alright, lets warm 'em up", she said calmly, quickly alleviated the tension on the floor. "I want all missile's hot and ready, pulsers prepared, what's the temp on these things?"

"Ma'am, not much lower then body temp, Ma'am, it's bizarre", came the techs reply.

Lieutenant Harrington came on deck quickly and then slowed as he saw the Captain. Along with him came the rest of the crew, flooding in from all over.

"Nice of you to join us, Lieutenant", Captain Moring said without even looking around, as though simply sensing his presence. Harrington's lip curled in derision, having long believed that he should be in command instead of this old fossil.

What ensued was a massacre. The valkeryes let loose death on a massive scale, but the enemy kept coming. Wraiths twisted and turned, slugs ripping into the enemy, missiles blowing them apart. The sheer number overwhelmed the navy forces and smashed through, heading toward the sentinals. More of the enemy died against the missiles and plasma cannons, but the volume of attackers was too great. Captain Moring issued orders for the comm to send messages and to launch message torps with 500 percent redundency to primary targets. The comm messages were inexplicably blocked and many of the message torps, but thanks to the quick thinking and long experience of the Captain some got through.

Legion and Naval post 7139 would never again be on the assignment list, but no one blessed this news....

ONE WEEK LATER

Shadowspawn gazed at the creature that had come to contact him. He had heard about the invasion into central worlds space and knew that his planet was on the fringe of Central territory, even though they weren't officially part of the Central Worlds. He had managed to contact the leader of the invasion force and she had agreed to meet with him. Her forces needed a place to rest and he had offered such, though it required a bit from her before she could be completely comfortable.

"So what is it you want?" she growled.

"I want Highport and Dragonsreach wiped of the face of my planet. Once that's done then you can feel free to use it as a base and I'll offer everything at my command to back you. My only desire is that this planet is mine, once your conquest is done."

The woman creature nodded, "What kind of resistance can we expect?"

"They have less technology than I do", he replied.

"Then it shouldn't take long, I'll bring my forces here as quickly as I can."

Shadowspawn nodded and watched her walk away before making preparations. He wouldn't count on her keeping her word, not entirely anyway. He would use her to reach his goal and then destroy her...

THE PRESENT

Helva docked at SSS-900-C and felt relieved. It had been an odd few days, that never happened and she was still trying to figure it all out. Once she was safely ensconced in Simeon's womb she activated the avatar and met Micaya, Forrister and Joat in the main cabin. Together the four of them entered the landing bay and, without a word, decided to wait for the indoan's to arrive. Each wanted to give thier thanks for the work that none would ever know about, which they didn't need to do.

Lauralin finally got contacted by Simeon to let her know that the Central Worlds diplomatic core was sending a brain ship to be at her disposal. She would arrive within the next thirty minutes and then dock. Her name was Nancia and she was no stranger to foreign contact. Lauralin acknowledged, thanked simeon for his courtesy and packed what few belongings she had brought with her. Her father, still not used to talking to walls, said nothing and was glad, if truth be told, to be going home at last. He was a soldier, pure and simple, regardless of title and didn't have the patience or tact that his daughter had for diplomacy. This was why, though they eached ruled seperate nations, that she tended to handle the negotiations for both. Once packed they made thier way toward the dock along with Baghtru and Brook, Marcus and Ariel.

In what was becoming a familiar sight in the Central Worlds system, space collapsed in on itself and ruptured in a flash of blue-white light. The battle-scarred Vadra-E-class corvette, INV Faded Fortunes coasted through the wormhole, which crashed out of existence as soon as the Indoan ship was clear. The Mind brought the ship to a relative stop just a bare 20 kilometres from space station SSS-900-C and flashed an arrival notification to the shell-person controller.

As odd as the last few days had been for the Central Worlds personnel, they had been significantly more bizarre for the Indoan personnel on the corvette. The ghost ship incident which had brought them here had been strange enough for the Indoans, but the events which had come to pass since arriving at Vega Base had been excessively weird and went against core Indoan principals. The end result of which had been that they had helped saved countless lives and four Indoan Naval personnel and one Indoan Ranger had effectively been brought back from the dead.

The only problem with this; well actually there were two problems with it. The first was that no-one outside the crew of the corvette, and those with whom they had accomplished the mission, knew what had happened. The other, slightly more major problem, since it had actual consequences, was that the ever-efficient Mind had already issued the Notices of Death for the five Indoans, before the events which had returned them to life. This meant that it now had five crew members who were officially dead.

In an attempt to rectify this problem, as soon as the ship was stationary, the Mind sent a message to High Command, explaining, or at least trying to explain the recent events, and cancelling the Notices. It was fervently hoping that the families of those five crew members had not yet been notified. The reply, arriving seven minutes later, was somewhat confused. The Chief of Naval Command wanted a full report, as well as the plans for their new acquisition, and directed the corvette to return home. It needed to return anyway for repairs, this just accelerated things slightly.

The Faded Fortunes was instructed to remain at its current location until another vessel arrived, transfer those personnel who had had contact with the Central Worlds people, excepting any that had been declared dead, to that vessel, then return for debriefing and extensive repairs. It made the list of those to be transferred, which came to eight, including one of its avatars and the crew CO.

It then checked the transmission for the identity of the ship being sent to take over relations, to see what they could talk about while it transferred the crew.
~ Oh, it’s the new kid, realised the Mind. It didn’t really know this one, the newest vessel in the Indoan fleet. It also failed to notice the obvious irregularity with the inbound vessel.

It sent a message to Helva;
{Well, it seems I shall be leaving you shortly. High Command have directed me to return to Todera for repairs, a detailed report and to rectify some errors caused by the recent events. If you could send your account of these events, it would help support my position. Also, if you would have those officers forward their reports on the performance of my crew, and the recommendations for decoration, it would help that go through more smoothly.

Another vessel will arrive shortly to continue relations, and I will be leaving those crew members with whom you have interacted to keep things going. I hope we have the opportunity to talk again, preferably under less exciting circumstances.}

Helva gave a burst of odd interference and a color display indicating the human equivalent of a pout to Faded fortunes. "I'll miss you", she told him, "It's not often I get to talk to ships other than Central's. I hope to see you soon." As she spoke she gathered the reports from Micaya and Forrester, adding thier rank and medals, which gave a long list for both including Valor, honor, humanitarian aid, citations for conduct above and beyond the call of duty and purple hearts. She explained each medal and the criteria that needed to met as well, for reference for the Indoan command staff. She also sent her own records and observations and sifted through Joats logs to add what she could there. Once done she sent a microburst containing the information. "What's the new ship like? Will he or she be like you? Are all your fleet like you or are some like ours? I mean human controlled or drone A.I. with low intellect."

The bay door opened as the crew of the Faded Fortunes arrived. Lauralin strode through with her father and thier bodyguards as well as thier gear. She looked over at the Indoan crew and the Central worlds people and her locked on Jann in particular. Though in the altered timeline she had never met him she looked at him as though she had seen him somewhere before and was trying to remember. Being what she was she fell somewhat out of the linear timeline but were subject to it's demands. So though something in her mind registered recognition she couldn't quite grasp where she had seen him.

"Hey", Baghtru said, nudging her, "I think your drooling."

"What? No, nothing like that. I think I have met him before, but I cannot remember where or when."

Baghtru's face turned to concern as did Brooks. Lauralin could hear one line and tell you which library in her house, which bookcase, shelf, book, chapter, page and paragraph it was in. She never forgot anything and both thought it odd that she would make such a statement. Even if she had met the man once she would remember where, when and under what circumstances. Both looked from her to him then back with concern.

"It is of concern I am sure", she told them, "dwell upon it no more."

But they did dwell upon it. They both wondered, now, who he was and wondered if he was a threat or not.

Simeon had acknowledge Faded Fortunes and sent out a message to the new ship. "Welcome to Vega Base Station. This is Simeon of the Simeon Space Station 900 Channa. Your people are aboard and may be transferred at your convenience. If you would please relocate to the following coordinates, Axis perimeter 19 by 275 at Z plus 9. I have another inbound ship." He switched frequencies, "Faded Fortunes, thank you for stopping by. The second Indoan ship has been rerouted. Will you be staying or leaving?"

The Faded Fortunes Mind couldn’t help but feel a little sad about having to leave so soon. It too rarely got to interact with any vessels other than Indoan ones, even in its status as an Explorer craft. And it had enjoyed talking with Helva.

{Well, I’ll be in repairs for about a month or so, then I’ll go wherever I get sent. I’ll try to fix my assignments so I can visit again soon.

All the ships in our fleet have full AIs, but on combat vessels the AI shares the command jointly with the crew chief. Explorers like me have full command, but we tend to listen to our crew anyway. The new ship will be almost exactly like me, it’s the INV For…}

The transmission to Helva tailed off there, as the Mind realised that its replacement wasn’t at all like itself. It wasn’t even the combat version of the corvette. The inbound ship was a Karos-class, a Frigate. It also realised that it did have something to talk about with the “new kid” after all.

{Sorry, Helva. It appears I was wrong. The inbound vessel is a frigate, much larger and more capable than myself. It’s also a combat vessel, not an explorer. It’s the INV Forgaies, and personally I wonder why it was sent, and not another explorer. Anyway, thank you for forwarding those reports.}

As it waited, the corvette recovered the shuttle, the Salequin again, used to take the crew over to the station again. Their choice, they had wanted to visit the station again. The same shuttle would transfer their gear to the Forgaies when it arrived.
****

The eight figures exited the hangar bay, and within seconds Jann had spotted the familiar faces of Lauralin and her companions.

“Hey, look. Them again. You going to come over and say ‘Hi’, this time, Kane?” he asked lightly, beginning to head in that direction.

“Hold it, Jann. You remember what we did? She ain’t even gonna know who you are, man. Don’t screw things up by spooking her out,” the big Ranger warned. “Her bodyguard’ll freak if you walk up and say you know them, when they’ve never seen you before in their lives.”

Jann looked momentarily disappointed, but before he could say anything, the Colonel spoke.

“Corporal Kane is right, Jann. It would probably be best if you don’t talk to them,” Har’khon said simply.

“Pity,” mused Jann. “They seemed like such interesting people, too.” A thought suddenly occurred to him. “Hang on. She’s got mental powers, right. She could look into my thoughts and see it all there, clear as day. Surely that presents the same problem.”

“All the more reason not to give her cause to read your thoughts, Lieutenant,” pointed out the Colonel.

Based on the awareness of her bodyguard, though, and the fact that, like last time, Jann was clearly in the company of highly trained soldiers in the form of Kane and Reid, this wasn’t overly likely.
****

It actually took nearly eleven hours for the Forgaies to arrive, appearing in the system out of a much larger wormhole than the corvette used. The ship was nearly three times longer than the Faded Fortunes, and its hull was a distinctly different design, although it too was painted entirely in matt black. It appeared as if two tall pyramids had been fused together along one edge. It bore a passing resemblance to an accident between two Star Destroyers which had crashed into the side of each other.

It flashed an arrival and identification message to SSS-900-C as it hove to, a good 150 kilometres from the station.

{INV Forgaies, Indoan Navy arriving. Will hold at this location until further notice.}

Then it greeted its sister ship, somewhat respectfully. It was significantly younger than the other Mind, and had also heard a basic overview of its recent exploits.

~ An honour to converse with you, sister. Your exploits will become legend among Indoan Minds, I think. What do you know of these people? asked the Forgaies.

~ They seem to be a grouping of many worlds, of vastly differing technology bases. They have no AI, but they have ‘Shell-people’, which are similar. The details are in the files I’ll send you. They seem friendly enough, replied the Faded Fortunes.

~ I understand you have some personnel to send over to me. How many and when do you want to do so?

~ Eight, and they’re on the station. You can pick them up at any time. I will send a shuttle over with their gear shortly. So, tell me why you are here. I heard you were on another mission, and anyway, why have they sent a frigate? inquired the Fortunes.

~ Ah, well my last mission was a bit of a srak-up. We came across an anomaly during a worm-jump and it caused all the crew, and even myself to go to some form of dream world. Some even thought they were dead. The ship just sat there in deep space, until the Yawning Angel came looking for us. So, they scrubbed the mission, brought me back for some checks, then this came up. I think I’m being sent on all kinds of missions because they don’t actually have a position set up for me in the fleet yet. So I’m sort of the go-to ship at the moment. I’m enjoying it, getting to see the galaxy, so I’m not going to complain. It’s fun, explained the frigate.

~ Well, I think you’ve missed out on all the excitement here. I doubt you’ll be here for that long, but they might ask you to stay for some reason.

The Faded Fortunes didn’t want to leave, it was getting on well with these people, but orders were orders. The Forgaies was looking forward to the task with eager anticipation, this was its first chance to interact with another civilisation. The younger Mind was a very different personality to the corvette’s, it was fun-loving, always up for a joke and well in tune with the crew. It hadn’t quite gone to the lengths of one of the Indoan Navy’s heavy cruisers, which was rumoured to have converted several of the ships larger corridors to an AG racing circuit, which no non-crew-member had ever found, but the Forgaies had once temporarily turned one of its larger lounges into an ice rink for a dance shortly after it had been commissioned, and had redecorated much of the interior to suit the crew.

The two Minds conversed for a little longer, as the shuttle Salequin moved a substantial amount of gear between the two ships, then the Faded Fortunes prepared to leave.

~ Sister, try not to screw this one up. We’re doing well at the moment, it told the frigate.

{Helva, Simeon, so long. I hope to come back soon.}

With that, the Faded Fortunes accelerated away from the station and then vanished through a wormhole, on its way home.

'A Frigate?', came Helva's reply, 'Isn't that a combat type vessel? Odd. I guess the pirate incident gives rise to it though. Be well Fortunes, and may Ghu bless you and return you safely.'

Micaya stepped forward and extended her hand to the Colonel, "I wanted to thank you personally and properly for your assistance and that of your crew. It was much appreciated, especially considering your personal views on the matter. If you would be..."

"General Quester-Benn", came Simeons voice from nearby, "I have a message torp coming in, bearing sentinal rim station."

"No comm link? Odd. I'm on my way, ETA?"

"Five minutes, I should have it decoded and ready by the time you arrive at my Channa's quarters."

"Decoded?", She asked with a grin on her face, "And since when do civilian stations have access to military codes?"

"Ehh, odd story that, you see..."

"Yeah I bet it is, keep it to yourself, the less I know the better simmy."

"Thanks General."

Micaya returned her attention to the Colonel, "Well duty calls, I'm sure your all to familiar with that. Have a good dinner with others." She turned to Forrister, "Frost, charge it to my account."

Forrister nodded and saluted, waited for Micaya's return salute and then turned his attentions to the Indoan crew. "If you would follow me, I'll take you to the perimeter restaurant."

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

Lauralin looked over again and this time Princess Ariel followed her gaze. Though blind she could 'see' better than most, with the exception of the Queen herself and her she let her mind take in the thoughts of the Indoan crew. What she saw there surprised her, her mind touched Laura's then and was touched in return. The Queen recognized the one, though she didn't know how. Figuring it wouldn't hurt and knowing the keen intellect of the vampiress she let the Queen see the information in her thoughts. Lauralin looked away from Jann then back again, "So that's it."

Lauralin walked toward the others as Micaya walked away. Once she reached them she spoke, "Jann, is it not? Indoan? Fear not, I have not read your thoughts. My particular heritage does not follow the linear timeline to which you are so accustomed." Laura didn't lie, she never did. She just left out certain facts when it was convenient, like Ariel's mind reading. "It is an honor to meet you again, though in a way I am meeting you for the first time." She curtseyed politely, barely lifting the mid thigh length, powder blue sequined dress.

Baghtru and Brook followed, staying a few feet behind her but in swords reach. When she addressed the man knowningly they felt somewhat better, though neither understood what she was talking about. Her father watched from where he stood, ready to defend his daughter should the need arise while Marcus slipped into a shadow nearby, vanishing from sight.

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

The message was a shock to Simeon and Micaya's face grew grim as she read it. She contacted Central and then the nearest best ship, which she was happy see was the Victorious. She allowed Frost time for dinner and a chance to relax before going to find him, wanting the Victorious to arrive before she broke the bad news to him. General Booly she contacted immedietly, telling him to prepare his force to transfer to the Victorious as soon as she arrived.

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

A few hours after INV Forgaies arrived space erupted and a courier ship came through. She announced herself to Simeon and he welcomed Nancia, though his mood seemed somber. Her hull configuration was diffirent from Helva's being younger than Helva by a couple of hundred years and designed to be astecially pleasing for the diplomatic core. She docked, transferred the Dragonsreach and Highport crew to herself and then left to take them home and begin her position with the Queen as diplomatic courier.

A few more hours later Micaya followed the line of the intruders and turned to Simeon, "Delay the King and Queen's departure, the invaders are heading to thier homeworld, if not already there."

"Too late, they left."

"DAMN! Alright, I'll give Frost a bit more time, then we leave. Let me know when the Victorious arrives."

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

Simeon acknowledged Fortunes as he pulled away, "Good luck, Fortunes, and your welcome to return at any time."

A few moments later the Victorious arrived. The Victorious was 6 and half kilometers in length with 800,000 square meters of space. She bristled with weaponry, including particle accelerators and pulse plasma cannons and the typical, though vastly more numerous, array of missiles. She also had two squadrons of wraiths and two of valkeryies. Though run, largely, by Pol, the shell person, it was ruled over by the Admiral. Pol could override any decision, if he thought it foolish or vain. It was the Admiral who hailed Simeon. "This is the CWNV Victorious, Admiral Quester-Benn, to Simeon space station. We request permission to take up station and transfer personnel. Require further briefing from General Quester-Benn. Acknowledge."

"Acknoweledged", Simeon replied, "My aren't we formal Annestice."

"Just doing it by the book Simmy."

"Consider it done then. General Booly will be transferring his people immedietly. Micaya wants you to come aboard, she ahh, she hasn't told Forrister yet."

"Understood, on my way. Clear me for entry. Anestice out."

Simeon cleared a path as Annestice took a moment to look at the Frigate in space nearby. Simeon didn't seem upset so she wasn't either. "Get me what you can on that ship", she told her scanning crew and turned to head for the bay.

Har’khon took a second to remember why Micaya was extending her hand, as the Indoans didn’t have that gesture, or anything similar, then shook it with a firm grip. “You’re welcome, General. It was for the greater good, and anyway, we’re soldiers. We get the job done regardless of whether we like it or not. The Fortunes will see to it that those crew members are appropriately rewarded.”

The Indoans watched with detached interest as Simeon reported the message, and waited patiently for the business to be done. Except it didn’t get done, and Micaya left to deal with it. They were about to follow Forrister to the restaurant when Lauralin approached Jann and spoke.

An expression of confusion crossed Jann’s face, then he nodded. “Yeah, that’s right. Lieutenant Jann Ferrante, Indoan Navy. Hold on a second, Forrister.” He half-turned and introduced the other Indoans. “Corporals Kane and Reid, Ensign Achevarria, Naval Officer Lassai, our CO, Lieutenant-Colonel Har’khon and ship’s avatar Anderaleigh.”

“Andie, please,” put in the blue-skinned avatar.

“Naval Sergeant Kate Riesco. Thank you for healing my arm, I don’t know if you remember that,” said Kate.

A thought occurred to Jann, a flaw in Lauralin’s statement. “Hey, how did you know I was thinking about you reading my thoughts if you didn’t read them? And, uh, do the others remember, or just you?” he asked. From the expressions on their faces, he didn’t think the others did remember. If so, he made a mental note not to aggravate Brook this time.
****

Aboard the Forgaies, the gear brought over had been squirreled away in the temporary accommodation found for the visiting crew members. Now it was just sitting there, waiting for the Indoans on the station to be ready to leave. To pass the time, and since that was why it was here, it located the contact identified as Helva and opened a channel. It wasn’t overly sure what to say, but it was going to give it a go anyway.

{Greetings, Helva. I’m the Forgaies. Is there anything I can tell you?}

As it did so, it also monitored the arrival of the large warship. The Mind detected the communications between the ship and the station, and when nothing happened, it decided the new ship was friendly. Based on recent events, it was on guard for possible hostiles, even though the Faded Fortunes[i/] had assured it that the frigate had missed all the excitement.

Then something new happened, which prompted the Mind to talk to the ship’s joint CO.

“Commander, contact Echo-Zulu-Seven is sweeping us with sensors. I’m going to flash them an ID, just so they know who we are. Any suggestions?” it asked, the voice of the Mind seemingly coming out of thin air.

“Return the favour, but otherwise, nothing,” replied Commander Talmar.

“Will do, Commander,” agreed the Mind.

“Talk to you later, [i]Forge,” said Talmar, returning his attention to the virtual game he was playing to occupy his time off-shift.

The Mind then powered up the frigate’s powerful sensors and swept the larger ship several times; cataloguing all the details it could about the ship. As it did so, it sent a short message.

{INV Forgaies, Indoan Navy. Continuing initial contact with Central Worlds.}

The Mind then checked to make sure that its offensive weapon systems were currently in standby, so as not to appear threatening. The defensive weapons and shields were, of course, fully powered and active, as per regulations.

Lauralin smiled at Jann's question. "Well, considering the fact that linear time is altered, while space time stayed the same, I would assume that you would wonder. Especially if you know what I am, which I assume you do. Therefore logic dictates that you would wonder as to how I know and therefore I addressed the issue. The others would not remember, so fresh starts, if needed, would be in order, perchance."

"What the hell did she just say?", Brook asked Baghtru.

Baghtru shrugged, "You know Laura, she says alot but you don't understand most of it."

Laura looked at Kate, "I am afraid that I do not recall that particular event, but you are most welcome. I am glad that I could be of assistance to you in that matter."

Brook openly studied the Indoan crew, gauging fitness and reaction ability, combat ability and temperment as only a veteran could do. Baghtru did the same though his helm only allowed the red eyes to be seen shifted from one crew member to another.

"I am most relieved to see that all has worked out well", Lauralin told the Colonel, addressing the senior officer, "I am sure that I should be most grateful."

Forrister stood by, watching curiously as he, Helva and Joat followed the conversation. Finally unable to contain herself Joat spoke up, "So I understand your wasted but walking."

Lauralin looked at her curiously. "I am afraid that I do not understand."

"Wasted, toasted, bit it, gone, not among the living, deader, deck meat..."

Lauralin held up a hand, "I understand now. I had died, yes, but not the way you are accustomed to."

"So how ya still stanin?" she asked. Forrister frowned at Joat but didn't say anything for the moment as the woman didn't seem overly upset by the questions.

"I am undead", Lauralin replied, "I survive off the blood of others. Preferably warm, fresh blood from a living body."

Joat's mouth snapped shut. "Ahh, are we ready to go?" she asked Forrister.

Lauralin grinned as she quieted the woman with a simple statement as did Forrister. It was a first that Joat had been quieted so simply.

**********************************************************
Helva registered the contact. "Forgaies, it's a pleasure meeting you. I suppose the first question is why a frigate? Isn't that a combat vessel? I'm an explorer ship by the way, I don't know if you were informed." Helva's voice was musical and pleasant, known as the ship who sings all throughout the Central Worlds. Simeon, in fact, had several recordings and had tried on numerous occasions to urge her to the entertainment circuit but she enjoyed her job and didn't want to change.

**********************************************************
Pol registered the expected scans and the expected contact.
{INV Forgaies, Indoan Navy. Continuing initial contact with Central Worlds.}

"INV Forgaies this is CWNV Victorious", came Pol's reply, his stentorous voice unconsciously dripping with malice. "Welcome to Central Worlds, I hope you enjoy your visit." Pol cataloged the Forgaies capabilities and sent a microburst to Admiral Quester-Benn's wrist comp. "So how are things where you're from? It's been too quiet around here."

**********************************************************
Nancia arrived and Laura excused herself after the Indoans reply to her last statement. Once the Victorious arrived a heavily armed transport left the station and moved to the Victorious. Scans would indicate standard weaponry, for Central worlds, for transports and some bio forms, the far to few, it seemed for a military detachment.

Jann nodded with some relief. So, Brook's not pissed at me, he thought, I'll definitely avoid doing that again.

He also decided to accept Lauralin's explanation, even though he wasn't sure it was actually the truth. What did it matter how she knew, the point was that she did know, and that he had been right.

"Well, we didn't have all that much to do with that, it was mostly down to the Central Worlds people and the Tanarans," allowed Colonel Har'khon. After all, what could a reduced strength corvette do when surrounded by battlecruisers. He didn't mention that they had been against the whole idea, figuring that it might not go down too well.

The group probably wouldn't have looked too good under the scrutiny of Lauralin's bodyguards, since four of them were naval officers, not trained for infantry combat, just service on the ship, although all carried visible sidearms. The artificial avatar had a very lithe body, belying its great, but rarely used, physical strength, and the pilot was like most pilots, short and fairly fit. Jann wasn't even a combat pilot, just a shuttle pilot. Only two of the Indoans, Kane and Reid, were combat trained, but both of them were at the peak of physical fitness, somewhat hidden by their clothing, as were Kane's numerous scars. Any trained eye would recognise the pair as very capable and dangerous soldiers.

Jann and Kate couldn't help smiling slightly when Lauralin shut Joat up with a single sentence, all the Indoans had been told what she was, and surprisingly enough, none of them cared.

Jann was a little sorry to see them leave, as they really did seem like interesting people, and ones that he'd like to know more about.

"All right, Forrister. Lead on," he said after Lauralin had left.
****

{You know, my sister ship just asked me that same question,} sent the Forgaies to Helva. {I think it's because Fleet don't have a position set up for me yet. Until then, I'm sort of acting as a go-to ship, and I guess they decided, what with all the excitement going on here, that a little extra firepower wouldn't be amiss.} The word 'excitement' was said with something close to anticipation in the voice, as if the Mind wanted to have been there.

As for the other ship, the Mind noticed the hostile tone in the voice. What had it done to deserve such hostility? The Mind immediately decided that it didn't talking to this ship, so it didn't, choosing instead to carry on talking with Helva.

Helva, for one, was glad the whole incident was over. She heard the anticipation in Forgaies, decided that, like Pol, who had just arrived, Forgaies was combat and went on from there. "Well, I'm glad it's over. I'm afraid I'm not designed for the kind of work you do." Her voice was still pleasant and she seemed eager to speak with another ship, though she still missed Fortunes, "So your still young I take it, since they have no position for you. Are you excited at meeting a different people? Or have you met other civilizations before? I know that I was so excited my first time that almost fried a circuit."

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

Forrister hid his grin as Joat asked him, nodded, and waited for the others. After the Queen had said her farewells to the others he bowed when she left, took her hand and kissed it lightly in an old fashioned manner that he had picked up from his grandfather. When he tried it with Brook she gave a glare that could have melted polar ice caps, snorted, said "Don't even think about it", and turned and strode away behind Lauralin like a stalking lioness. Baghtru stepped forward, took the man's hand in his gauntleted one after his farewells to the others and said in a voice filled with merriment, "Don't worry about her, she's cold hearted, ruthless, conniving and one of the best people to have at your back." He let go of Forrister's hand, shook hands with whoever would take his, bowed to the ladies, including Joat, and left.

Once they left, Forrister led them once again, yet for the first time, to The Perimeter. It offered a breathtaking view of the Nebula nearby, had real wood tables, a rarity in Central Worlds as the Indoans now knew. But of even more obvious oppulance, even to an unfamiliar race, they used real candles at each table, indicating a healthy oxygen use bill and real waiters and menus instead of holo menus and robo-servers.

Mart'an breezed to the table, appearing as if by magic. "Ahhh, good evening mons ami. I AM ... your host. For those of you who do not know me ... I ... am ... Le monsuer, Mart'an. It shall be my pleasure, and my honor, to serve you. (*Please forgive my spelling here, I only studied french for two years, but you get the idea I'm trying to put across here, yes?*) May I recommend the filet au manete with the Urioen wine sauce." He kissed his fingers dramatically, extending them from his mouth with flare, "C'est magnafique."

"That'll work for Joat and Helva and I. I'll leave the wines for the courses to you as well. Please give the other's whatever they'd like."

Mart'an stared at Forrister for a moment then to Helva, whom he had indicated. "Elva? Mon Deu, but ow, ow can this be?" He closed his eyes and placed a hand on his chest, "ahh ze siren of the stars", his eyes flashed open, "But tonight, tonight you MUST sing. I shall beg if must."

Helva found out that the avatar body she had could blush, a rather startling crimson at that. "If you insist Mart'an, but after dinner please. I've never had food before."

Mart'an gasped, placed a hand to his head dramatically as if about to faint, "Pepierre shall prepare for you a sampler of delights. Dinners and desserts to tantalize your pallet. Oui, oui, this MUST be so." He turned to the Indoans then, "And for our INTREPID explorers, who have come so far, who are both brave and", here he bowed to Kate, kissing her hand, "beautiful. Ow may Mart'an serve your palates this evening?"

Helva had actually made a slight mistake in her assessment of the Indoan frigate’s Mind. It wasn’t hungry for combat, it was hungry for something interesting to happen. No Mind was ‘bred’ for combat, they were trained in a similar way to organic soldiers. The Forgaies’ Mind had gone through the exact same training program as the Mind of the Faded Fortunes; only coincidence had given it a combat vessel as opposed to a new Explorer corvette. Of course, personality made a difference, but no Mind would actually look forward to combat unless it had a specific reason to, such as vengeance.

{Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a combat freak, I just want be part of interesting things. And designed for it I may be, but I’ve never actually done it, just run theoretical simulations. I suppose I am young, activated five months ago, commissioned a month later, this is only my second mission. And yes, I am excited to be here, my first time meeting other people.}
****

As they entered the restaurant, the Indoans looked around. Initially it didn’t appear all that expensive, but they were on a space station, where everything was expensive, and they remembered Helva’s earlier comment about the rarity of wood. The candles passed them by, however, since the air recyclers that Indoan ships used were cheap, efficient and required little power.

“I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Seems rather plain to me,” muttered Kane. Reid surreptitiously dug her elbow into his side.

“You caveman. Just because you’re netorisar,” she whispered scathingly.

When the waiter appeared, the Indoans discovered a minor problem. Har’khon moved slightly and murmured out of the corner of his mouth.

“You understand more than half of what he just said?”

“No, sir. Whatever it is, it’s not English,” replied Jann, equally quietly.

Indoans had never encountered French, and certainly couldn’t speak it. They needed to have a translation matrix in the database before their neural threads could translate, and the one they had for English had only those French words used in common English.

Kate smiled charmingly as Mart’an kissed her hand, and murmured something in Indoan. Reid snorted softly. She was plainer than Riesco, but still reasonably attractive. Kane noticed her reaction and whispered in her ear.

“Don’t worry, Eve. You’ll always be beautiful to me.” Now it was Reid’s turn to blush, the pinkish tinge startlingly clear against her marble white skin.

“Thanks, Nik,” she whispered back.

To answer the waiter’s question, Jann flipped through a menu, his expression getting increasingly confused as he did so.

“Well, I haven’t got a clue what any of this is, and I don’t see any faln. What would you recommend, Forrister?” he asked. The faln was the rough Indoan equivalent of a cow, in purpose if not size, in which it was closer to an elephant.

Forrister didn't even open the menu as he rattled off several dishes, seeming to change up between the men and women. Mart'an nodded at each choice, indicating his change in choices and between them they created a rather excellent dinner for each of the indoan crew. Mart'an took the menus and wisked away. Soon the appetizers arrived, dishes similar to shrimp, though these shrimp had come from Iniog 2 and had razor sharp teeth. They were cooked intact and could still be seen in thier original forms. Forrister explained what they were and where they were, as well as how to eat them. "They're meat eaters", he told them, "and they can bite right through a scuba suit. The locals gather them bare skinned, others use special mesh suits." A bottle of white wine accompanied the course, though not the best it was good.

Dinner arrived next. Helva got a sampling of meats, fruits, vegetable, fish and poultry in various souces. She ate slowly at first, getting used to tasting things, then she ate with more zeal, admiring the delectable flavors. The Indoans were given a variety of meats while Joat and Forrister got what looked like a seafood gumbo type meal. Red wine was served with the meats, white with the seafood, both of exceptional quality.

Deserts were served, finally with choice of beverage. Helva, to Forrister's amusement, wanted coffee. "I always hear the ahhs as they smell it and everyone seems to so enjoy the flavor. Mart'an served her a latee with vanilla. The desert was vanilla ice cream with a slightly crunchy caramel souce and chocolate pieces.

Joat ate her dinner as she had since she was a child. Old habits were hard to break. One arm around her plate, the other hand shoveling food in her mouth and most of it not even chewed when swallowed. She would look around with an almost ferrel look, which was an improvement over the growling mad dog look she used to eat with.

When dinner was done, Forrister sat back, smiling. "Well", he said to Helva, "you have a promise to keep." Before she could rise, however, Micaya came in and approached the table. She held two plastic forms in her hand, "Fraid it'll have to wait. Bad news, Frost." She tossed down one of the two forms and Forrister picked it up and read it. As he did he frowned deeply.

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

"Five months. You are young. Though I suppose you can be programmed with any information you need. We, meaning shell people, have access to any data we want. Those that aren't required for our field we have to purchase of course. You know, you should talk to Simeon. He a station manager but his hobby is military and military history. He's done dozen's of simulations. He's even beaten most everyone on the station, who will even play him that is, with inferior numbers and weaponry. I never enjoyed such things much. I liked meeting people and I loved the idea of dancing among the stars, so I became an exploration ship. That was about three hundred years ago now. Life expectancy for shell people is around six hundred, but I'm still fascinated with other peoples and cultures."

As Helva ate she made comments to Forgaies about how the food tasted, what it was like to chew, to swallow, to drink. She had the most interest in the coffee and liked it how made her feel all warm and it was most delicious. She could see why people liked it so much.

(*I know I seem to be rushing, just trying to get to the action. If you want a dinner conversation feel free. I do like RP, more than most. To much for peoples liking. Don't feel that you have to keep up, if you want to back track on something I say or do, feel free.*)

If the Central Worlds personnel thought Joat’s manners were bad, they had never seen a Douran eat. The two diminutive creatures were standing on the chairs, since they were only two feet tall, they needed to if they wanted to see over the table. As they ate, the cutlery was, for the most part, left to one side, the Douran using their retractable claws and sharp, pointed carnivore’s teeth to rip the food in to manageable chunks. Their paws were big enough to manage the cutlery, they could hold the same weapons as the Matrai after all, but they just didn’t usually use cutlery. Why would they, when they could cut the food with their claws.

It wasn’t until Kate quietly pointed out to them that this was a top-class restaurant, and even if the other Indoans and their hosts understood, it was unlikely that the rest of the clientele would, that they began eating like other civilised species, which they had a little difficulty with.

The avatar was, for the most part, eating like Helva, just sampling various things. After all, it was artificial, and although it could eat, it had no need to, so it was just investigating the taste of various things. It of course had done so before and had none of the hesitancy that Helva initially showed.

When it came to desserts and drinks, as one the Indoans ordered double shots of whisky, or the closest thing to it. If America’s national drink was coffee, and Russia’s was vodka, then the planet of Todera’s was whisky. It would have been wrong to say the Indo system’s, because the Chaldaran Raishuv were alcohol intolerant.

All eight, even the avatar, leaned in towards the centre of the table, clinked their glasses together and said loudly, “Karusho!” before knocking back the fiery spirit in one gulp and slamming the empty glasses down on the table.

“Toderan custom,” explained Jann to the others.

When the General reappeared, and handed something to Forrister, the Indoans could see the expression on his face change.

“What’s up?” asked Har’khon.
****

{Being young only means I lack experience and status among my peers. I have as much knowledge as the oldest Mind. And it’s not programmed, I don’t like that term. You can’t program a sentient being. We just have access to huge databanks of information, like an organic that permanently carried an encyclopaedia around.

As for the military, we train to fight superior forces, since our fleet only numbers about twenty-five combat vessels, although we do have many orbital defence platforms. All Indoan Minds want to get out and meet new people, but combat vessels are rarely allowed out of our home system, in case it gave an enemy too good an idea of our capabilities.}

Left unsaid were the tens of thousands of defence drones also littered throughout the Indo system, and the myriad of other weapon systems based on the planets. Any invaders would have to fight a small war just to reach the system’s main defences. The combat ships themselves were only a very small part of the system’s defensive capabilities.

Helva’s enthusiastic commentary was amusing to the Forgaies, and it was some time before it was able to get a word in.

{Helva, I know what food tastes like. I can pick up control of any one of my avatars at any time and have them eat things. It’s interesting for a while, but eventually you just stick to your favourite tastes. Especially as neither I nor the avatars need to eat.}

[No, that’s fine. Just keep going. It is allowing me to expand on my national character, though.]

Forrister glanced at Har'Khon then Micaya, "Not here", he said, looking around at the civilians in the room. Micaya shrugged, not one for tact and nodded, following Forrister's lead. She looked over toward Mart'an, pointed at the table and said "My bill". After he nodded Forrister led the way to a small conference room that the station personel used for meetings. Once everyone was assembled he looked at Joat. "Not you", he said.

"Like hell, what's up?"

"Forget it Frost", Micaya told him, "if she wants to know she'll find out anyway, you know that."

Forrister looked over at the Indoans, considered backtracking and decided there wasn't time. "Where did this come from?" he asked, holding up the brief. "I find this highly doubtful, they would have had to smash through the sentinel line."

"Message torp. Comm must have been jammed."

"Mic, I seriously doubt this...."

"Captain Moring was in command."

Forrister's face dropped as did his arm, very slowly. He had served with the Captain. She and Micaya had trained him. To have lost her was like a physical blow and he sat down, only staring, the brief held loosely in his hand.

"I'm sorry Frost, she had meant a great deal to me as well. But you know the source and you know how accurate she was."

Forrister nodded and visiably gathered himself. "So we're going to war", he said, his voice neutral and flat.

"No", Micaya said and Forrister's head snapped up at her respond, "war has been brought to us", she told him. He nodded and she continued, "I want you take a ship, head the co-ordinates of the sentinel command. Go over every bit of scrap. I want information on thier tech, Frost, and you can get it."

"Where are you going?" he asked her.

"Midgaard 3", she said handing him the other brief. He read it and stood up.

"What kind of defenses do they have?" he asked, handing the briefs to Colonel Har'Khon by way of explanation instead of taking the time to explain himself.

"From what I understand, not much. They only just made contact with anyone outside thier own world. Thier tech until not long ago was swords and horses. I can only hope we can reach them in time. Hell, Frost, you saw the Queen's bodyguards, they'll be washed away like a sandcastle at high tide. She's been trying to introduce tech, but her people are either resistant, in some cases, to proud in others, or just not grasping it. She's introducing it slowly, but..."

Forrister nodded, remembering the lovely young woman all too well. Far too well, in fact. Her memory, like with everyone elses, seemed to hold her image hard, like a spell. Although it wasn't a spell, but the natural allure of the vampire, though Forrister didn't know that. He also thought of the King. The proud and noble man who had challenged the Pirate Lord. Honor would take the man onto the field of battle. "I'll be as quick as I can", he said, "I just need to find a ship."

"You have one", came Helva and Joat's reply at the same time. Forrsiter looked at them both and shook his head. This is a military matter."

"Feh..", was Joat's reply as Helva looked at Forrister. "I may be civilian", Helva said, "but as an explorer I have more manueverability than most anything the military has, except the Wraiths and I'm faster than anything except a Corvette."

"Yeah", came Joat's response, "and Rand and I have enough firepower to pin a Corvette. Sides Alvec's right gruddly in a scrap. Ain't his first time neither."

"What in the name of GHU is a FRIEGHTER, doing with all that firepower?" Micaya asked.

"Ehh, well, you know. I mean you never know, you know?"

Actually Micaya had no clue what she meant but let it slide. Joat could weasel the crumb from a door mouse or hack Central's main system. She just shook her head.

"So it's decided", Joat said, "Helva and I will go with Foster."

Forrister sighed but knew when to give up, "And what will you do Mic?"

"I'm taking General Booly and his command to Midgaard."

"In an armed transport? It won't stand a chance."

A knock came at the door just then and Micaya said, "Funny you should mention that", just before she opened the door."

The woman who came in couldn't be mistaked for the General, but the resemblence was all to clear between them. "Colonel", she said to Har'Khon, "this is Admiral Quester-Benn." She looked at the Admiral, "Sis, this is Colonel Har'Khon, of the Indoan Naval Forces."

The woman had one star on her uniform collar, indicating that she was a rear admiral, lower half, unlike Micaya's four comets indicating that she was a general and that only a five star, only in wartime when there was one, or the president, or god was over her. The admiral nodded politely and looked at Micaya. Micaya looked at Forrister, "I have a ride, Anna and I are going on the Victorious to Midgaard while you get the information I need."

Forrister nodded, knowing that it was better not to say anything about the civilian factor in front of Anastice. Though she wasn't as hard core as Micaya, she was more by the book.

The briefs that Colonel Har'Khon had been handed contained the record of the attack, up to the point they were sent, though no information on the enemy beyond the odd temperature readings. No other messages got out, unfortunetly. The other was a summery of the enemy action as the cut a swath through the lightly defended rim worlds and bore down on Midgaard. They happened to be in the path of the incoming enemy. The nations listed there were Dragonsreach, leader, Queen Lauralin Silverlief, Highport, leader, King Turquine Buccannah, and nation known as Skullkingdom, leader, Shadowspawn. Each of the three nations held about two and half billion souls.

The Indoans knew something was wrong from the moment Forrister did, but only from his facial expression. They weren’t even sure that they would find out, but when they were directed into the room it became apparent that, whatever was going on, the Central Worlds officers intended them to be part of it.

They couldn’t pick up much from the conversation between Forrister and Micaya, other than some installation had evidently been overrun or destroyed. It was only when the message briefs were handed to Har’khon that things started to become clear. The Indoan Colonel was fast on the uptake, and had gotten the basic situation within seconds. He had also recognised the names on the report. Now he was paying attention to the plans being made.

It seemed as though they didn’t know much about the enemy that had attacked them, otherwise why bother to send someone to search for information of their technology. As they were arguing about which ship to send where, or whatever it was, Har’khon found himself thinking.

He had no authority here at the moment, all Indoan forces in system were under the command of Commander Talmar and the Mind on the Forgaies. They also had no permission to act in assistance of the Central Worlds forces unless their own personal safety was endangered, and that wouldn’t happen unless the enemy reached Vega Base. The only way they could get involved would be if a formal request for their assistance was made to the Indoan Government and was approved. And why would their help be needed, after all he had seen the capable fleet that had been fielded to deal with the pirates during the time shift. And even if they were allowed to help, and they called in reinforcements, they would get at most some corvettes and another frigate, hardly a significant addition when compared with the massive battlecruiser in system. So why were they here? It just didn’t make sense to Har’khon.

When the Admiral arrived, and he was introduced, he felt compelled to correct the General.

“I’m only a Lieutenant-Colonel, sirs. Since we’re here, I guess that you want us to do something. You should know that we’d need a formal request to my government before we can help. But what do you want us to do?”

The Indoans could supply a small task force, frigates, corvettes and light corvettes. Or they could send troops to fight on the ground. If troops were sent, a task force would almost certainly be sent with it, to defend it. Regardless of what was sent, it would arrive in Central Worlds space roughly eleven hours after leaving Indo.

From what Micaya had said, they would likely need troops. All Indoan Naval vessels carried a small contingent of troops, the actual number increasing with ship size. The Faded Fortunes, a light corvette, was slated to carry 24 Rangers, but had only had 20 on this deployment. The Forgaies, a frigate, carried a full company of 206 Rangers. But they would need more troops than that, so the freighters would have to be called up, loaded with troops and their supplies. They could only send infantry, since the Indoan Armed Forces had no interstellar troop transports capable of moving large numbers of armoured vehicles. They could send fighters, though. The Indoan Vampire could carry enough ordnance to individually flatten every building in a medium-sized town, and yet it was as almost as nimble as the vaunted Kestrel fighters. Even more vital in this kind of situation was the insanely fast Aurora recon fighter, which could gather intel about the enemy.

Regardless, if they got permission to act, there would be some interesting times ahead. Of course, the sooner the request for reinforcements got sent, the quicker they would arrive, and therefore the quicker they could get deployed and set up.

"Anna, would you process that request for aid? You have a more delicate matter than I do. Be careful to state, though, that although the enemy is in our territory we presently prepare to try to defend a planet that has not officially joined us. Could be a political issue there. Hold the transmission, though, until I can review it."

Anastice narrowed her eyes, looking at her sister. She was up to something, she knew it. "And the President? Has she issued a statement?"

"Not yet, but she will", Micaya said dismissively. "I've been with Simeon on this situation. The message torp, or one of them passed this way, but there were others."

Anastice nodded and they turned toward the door. Anna walked out and Micaya said, "Oh, go on, I'll be there in a minute and closed the door again. Now, she knew, came the tricky part and the reason she asked for the delay in the message. It all came down to the Colonel's personality.

"You know", she said to him, "how long the red tape can be from request to arrival. The Queen paid a visit here, she met you, and she was genuinly interested in you and your people. It is within your rights to visit her. Now once there, if you come under attack, you have the right to defend yourselves. Just a thought."

"And what about our response?" Forrister asked.

"This is a time of war Frost, that gives me the right to handle the legion however I see fit."

"Only if the president declares war, and she hasn't", he reminded her.

She took the briefs from the Colonel and held them up, "And you don't think she will? What have lost so far, a few hundred, maybe? What happens when they hit the major worlds. We're closest to Midgaard 3, Frost, we can stop this, or at least delay it until the senate can get up off it collective ASSES and DO something."

“Red tape?” The Colonel didn’t know that one.

“The stereotypically slow nature to produce a decision or other result of the bureaucratic process,” supplied the avatar.

“Oh, thanks Andie. Well, if you’re worried about that, just send the message through the Forgaies, and we’ll flag it as a Priority One-A communication, which means it has to be with the intended recipient within five minutes of arrival. There’s a Mind involved, which gets rid of all your ‘red-tape’. You’ll have a decision in fifteen minutes. The journey here takes about eleven hours, the only delay will be getting the ships ready, which shouldn’t take long,” explained Har’khon. He thought about what Micaya was saying before continuing.

“What you say is true, but there are two problems with it. First, I’m in command of nothing here now, I’m subordinate to Commander Talmar on Forge. Second, and more importantly, there’s a regulations problem. Andie?”

“Indoan Armed Forces Rules and Regulations, Section Three: Indoan Navy. Regulation Two-Forty-Three-dash-Bee, paragraph two, marker seven prohibits any Indoan vessel from entering a known combat zone or likely combat zone without express permission to engage in combat from High Command and the Indoan government, unless they are in pursuit of a vessel that has previously attacked them. If this last is the case, prior permission is still preferred,” reeled off the avatar.

“And unfortunately, you’ve told us that the area is a likely combat zone. That’s a regulation I wouldn’t break even if I was in command. The penalty is immediate court-martial for any and all personnel who knew of the decision and did not protest it. I won’t do that to my crew, and hell, I wasn’t in command anyway, the Mind was.” He paused. “But I promise you, as soon as we get the go-ahead from command, we’ll be off like a shot,” he concluded.

The other Indoans were looking at each other nervously. Were they going to get involved in another fight? The last one had been enough for the naval personnel, and even the Rangers weren’t looking forward to a full-blown war.

“If we are allowed to help, we can bring some small ships, more of the ones you’ve already seen, but probably not anything heavier. We can also bring infantry, but we have no transports so no armour. Finally, we can bring fighters, to provide air support for the troops on the ground, or to conduct operations against enemy ships. You’ve seen us fight, you know something of our capabilities. We can sure as hell improve the situation in our favour.”

"I'll go through your process", Micaya replied, "I'm not asking you to fight a war for us, I'm asking you to help a people who don't have the ability to stand up against an enemy like this. A delay, until I can bring our forces to bear, which seems to be ruled by a much more ponderous system than yours. I just can't stand watching innocent people die." Once said, without waiting for a reply Micaya slammed open the door and stormed out.

Forrester stepped forward, "Just let her go", he said in a low voice. "Just let her go. Her family was killed when she was thirteen because the senate was slow making a decision to get involved in a conflict. She had grown up in a religious family and forced to kill at that early age. She was taken in by the legion, paid to have her sister put through the naval academy and is very passionate about things like this. I can't ask you to forgive her, just try to understand."

Joat shrugged, "S'right grudly but I killed my uncle when I was nine. You do what ya gotta." She stopped looking at Forrester and moved toward the door. "Hey Rand? Ya need ta wake up boy, get Alvec underway and check the systems, I'm on my way. We're escorting Helva .... Yeah I know I promised you virt time .... So somethin came up, whaddya want from me? .... Yeah well COULD just build another A.I. you know." She opened the door muttering 'pain in my ass' as she went.

"Did she build an actual A.I.?" Helva asked.

Forrester nodded, "Yeah, believe it or not. I don't know how she pulled it off working with her own money but she's got an I.Q. off the board. Shame her childhood was so bad, she could do alot better for herself." He turned to the Colonel, "Don't worry about Mic, she won't land until I get the information she needs. It would just be ironic that happen to get back in about eleven hours or so. Do you think your people will help?"

Micaya reached the dock and realized she had no way to get to the ship, she had sent her sister ahead already and had come with Helva. She contacted her sister and requested a transport which left immedietly. Once aboard the Victorious she went over the report to Indoan's asking that it be marked priority code one-A and proceeded to discuss the upcoming situation with her sister.

“That’s fine, and I think I understand,” said Har’khon after Micaya had left. “The problem is, I have no authority here now. It’s Talmar’s ship, and he outranks me by two grades. Regs forbid what she’s asking me to do, and he certainly won’t do that to our people.” He thought about Forrister’s question for a few seconds. “The decision will be based on what they know of you, and whether they consider you to be a good ally or not. The fact that you’d owe us one won’t hurt, either. Overall, I’d say yes, we will help. It’s just a question of what they can actually send,” he told Forrister.
****

In fact it took exactly thirteen minutes and four seconds to get a response out of the Indoan government. The transmission was encrypted using the most advanced encryption process the Indoans possessed, and the recipient vessel’s ID code was part of the encryption. Only the Forgaies could read this message. Even if you could break the encryption, the message would be garbage without the thousand-digit ID number, which process had to be done at the exact instant it was received and could only be done by the specialised receiver itself.

[Stuttered-tight-point, M32, tra. @d2.4530.5.16.140639]
x: Indoan Naval Command (Office of the President)
o: INV Forgaies
{Priority One-A Communication: By order of the President of the Indoan Alliance, Indoan Armed Forces are hereby authorised to render all available assistance to the forces of Central Worlds. Units are being assembled and will be dispatched as soon as the task force is complete. Indoan forces will report directly to the theatre commander, not through the chain of command. Complete discretion of field commanders is authorised. Task force TO&E will follow as soon as is known.}

Commander Talmar read the transmission again.

“Damn, Forge, they don’t hang around, do they?” he asked the Mind. He’d only found out about the situation, and the request, just before the message had been forwarded to them to send.

“Indeed, Commander. It is best not to waste time making the decision, as it leaves less time to prepare,” replied the Mind. As with the Rangers on Vega Base, while it looked forward to excitement, a full-blown war wasn’t exactly what it had had in mind.

“Get the word out, and get those personnel on board this ship. I want to know what the hell’s going on,” ordered Talmar.

The Mind immediately forwarded the message to the Victorious, Vega Base and Colonel Har’khon.
****

“Well, there you are, Forrister. Damn my government moves when it has to. We’ll help you and more help is on its way,” announced Har’khon.

The comm unit behind his ear suddenly sparked up.
“All Indoan personnel aboard station SSS-900-C, you are to proceed to a hangar bay and await transfer to the Forgaies. Acknowledge.”

“Har’khon, acknowledged and clear. Excuse me, Forrister. Jann, can you get us there?”

“No problem, sir. Simeon, please direct us to the hangar bay designated for use by the Indoan shuttle,” Jann asked the station shell-person.
****

The Condor shuttle, this one named Havenaph, drifted gently into the bay it was directed to by the station manager, its crew thoroughly unhappy with having to hand over control to the station.

Forrister nodded, "Thank you. I only hope that my own government moves with something akin to decisive speed." He turned to Helva, "Inform Mic will you?"

"The Victorious has already been notified, the general has a message for you." Helva looked befuddled at the message that she was to give to Forrister, "She says .... Haul ass? Her exact words."

Forrister grinned, "That means she wants us to move." He turned back to the Indoan crew, "I'll see you in Midgaard system in about twelve hours. Mic shouldn't move in until I'm there, she should wait for me. Thank you all again."

At Jann's request Simeon's voice came from the nearest wall unit, "Of course, follow the blue light wall line, it'll take you there directly. I wish all of you the best of luck."

The Victorious sent the Midgaard system co-ordinates to the Forgaies and then slipped away. At a safe distance from the station space seemed to erupt and she slipped into the probabilities dive. Helva left the station next with Forrister, heading in the direction that the probe had come from. The last to leave was Joat.

The W.Y.A.L. powered up and for a brief moment the freighter registered heavy pulse plasma cannons and powerful particle accelerators as well as heavy shields. Enough to power to take on a Corvette, at least, with equal odds of winning. Once at full power she suddenly showed the typical tractor/repulsors and meteorite defense systems. Her name ran along the sides of the craft, seemingly hand painted. She emerged from the station, Joat at the helm as Simeon guided her out, and then Joat had control and the vessel took off on Helva's engine coronas. As she pulled away Simeon and Channa kept up an ongoing chorus. "Be careful", "Don't take any unnecessary risks", "Watch yourself out there, we want to see you come back", and on until the W.Y.A.L. was gone from the station.

"Forgaies, Simeon and Channa here, we wish you good luck and much thank." A woman's voice came on that Jann and the other's would recognize as that of the station's brawn, "When you reach Midgaard system be sure to contact Nancia. She volunteered to serve the Queen as a diplomatic courier and can probably give you some information on the situation as it stands." Simeon's voice came back, "She's the shell person. Her designator now is the LN-975. She's unarmed, but she should still have an idea of what might be going on there." "Good luck", they both said at the same time then Simeon came back, "SSS-900-C, out."

“Thanks, Simeon,” acknowledged Jann, leading the Indoans out of the conference room and in the appropriate direction.

Five minutes later, the eight personnel from the Faded Fortunes were directed into a briefing room just off the bridge of the Forgaies, deep within the bowels of the ship. There they found four naval officers and a silver-skinned ship’s avatar. The Faded Fortunes crew lined up as they entered and snapped to attention, saluting crisply.

“At ease, troops,” ordered the senior officer, the single silver star on his shoulders marking him as a Commander. “What are your names?”

“Lieutenant-Colonel Atar Har’khon, crew chief of the Faded Fortunes” “Lieutenant Jann Ferrante, Condor pilot” “Naval Sergeant Kate Reisco, ship’s medic” “Corporal Nikolai Kane, Rangers” “Corporal Evelyn Reid, Rangers” “Ensign Dex Achevarria, engineer” “Naval Officer Riv Lassai, ship’s medic” “Faded Fortunes avatar Anderaleigh”

“Right,” concluded the Commander. “I’m Commander Talmar, joint commander of this ship. This is Colonel Sophia Manasi, my first officer,” he indicated a dark haired woman to his left, “Colonel Cheanna Rapsoli, IAF chief,” Talmar indicated the short, red-haired woman on his right, “and Lieutenant-Colonel Alexin Lexna, Ranger commander.” He pointed to the scowling man standing in the corner of the room.

Kane and Reid managed to surreptitiously make eye contact and shared a mental grimace. Colonel Lexna had a reputation for being the most evil commander in the entire Ranger community.

“Now, I want you to tell me what the hell is going on here,” continued Talmar. “Why are we going to fight these peoples’ war for them?”

“Well, sir, Lieutenant Ferrante and his team here first encountered them on a derelict space craft, and circumstances conspired to force us to cooperate. After the incident, they invited us to visit this station to, well I guess to get to know us, and to use their medical facilities. During our stay here, we helped fend off a pirate attack, then, uh, tagged along as they altered time to prevent the pirate incident happening. Everything that we’ve seen leads us to believe that they’re a non-aggressive civilisation and worthy of consideration as an ally,” explained Har’khon, “And now, they asked for our help to beat back an invasion.”

“And we agreed, fine. If you and your crew know these people, then you can act as the liaison between us and them. That’s strictly a non-military liaison, mind you. As stated in the message, the battle-group commander will report directly to their theatre commander. You’re just going to act as a link between us and the people on the ground, maybe pass on some suggestions,” declared Talmar. “You are a self-contained unit that reports directly to my command team, namely those present in this room. I’ll allocate you an extra pilot to meet regs. Colonel, I’ll want to talk to you some more later, but for now, you’re dismissed. Crysta will show you to your quarters.”

At the dismissal, the avatar, whose full name was Crystaphosai, stepped forwards and motioned for the Fortunes’ personnel to leave the room. After they had gone, Talmar spoke to the other officers.

“Okay. If we’re going into battle, we might as well go in prepared. Forge, can you run a full ship diagnostic for me? I want every system, particularly every combat system, running at optimum capacity. Sophia, make sure your team is ready for action, and get Sergi to prep the general crew. Chae’, I want your pilots geared up for combat ops. Lexna, just carry on as normal.”

He had no need to order Lexna to bring his troops to full combat readiness. Lexna treated every second of every day as the day before combat, and the troops under his command hated him for it. They were among the best troops in Indoan forces, a position they noted with pride, but that didn’t mean they liked Lexna.
****

The Forgaies would leave as soon as the full diagnostic was complete, which would take just a few minutes, assuming there were no serious problems. The Mind flashed its final transmission to Simeon.

{Thanks and don’t worry. I’ll bear that in mind. And don’t worry about us; we’ll be back before you know it.}

The Mind’s brash overconfidence came easy with its personality and relative youth, but it was nervous. That wouldn’t impede its ability to do its job, but it probably would be more careful than usual from now on. The contact details for the Central Worlds craft in system were filed away for use on arrival.

Eleven minutes and one completed full diagnostic later, the Forgaies broke its orbit around the station and accelerated smoothly away for half a minute, before vanishing into the wormhole conjured in front of it, heading for what would soon be a war zone.

The Victorious arrived well outside the boundries of Midgaard III near the star for that system. Admiral Quester-Benn ordered her to move off to allow the Forgaies entry and then to hold until thier and Helva's arrival. Micaya opened the comm and authorized the use of LegCom channel then issued orders to mobilize the legion. Once done the waiting began and every ten minutes she would ask if the president had made her announcement.

Legion, or any military branch for that matter, regulations allowed the highest commanding officer to take action should Central Worlds come under attack. She had begun those preperations already. What she wanted was presidential backing before she made the intercession. She didn't need it but if she proceeded without it then once all was said and done there would be a court of inquiry to justify her actions. It wouldn't be the first time and the last two she had walked away with yet another medal to weigh her down, but this time was different. After the fiasco that she and Frost had gone through she had a feeling that this particular inquiry wouldn't go well. The five high families brats that she and he had investigated, arrested and testified against were from powerful families. Families with money and power and a chip on thier shoulder, as well as contacts inside the government. She knew the would use this as a chance to break her career, which was why she constantly badgered the comm officer about any word from the president. She just didn't know how far they would go, not yet, but she would soon know.

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

Helva dove out of the probability hole and into normal space with the W.Y.A.L. at her heels. She scanned the system quickly, noted no enemy ships and scanned more intensely, shunting the scans to Forrister's screens. They went over every millimeter of space and still Forrister was confused.

"I don't get it, I can't believe that they didn't tag at least ONE of thier ships."

"I've gone over every bit of the wreckage, maybe the ships are more advanced than we realized."

"If that's the case we're in trouble. If the sentinel group couldn't tag one of them then we don't have much of a chance."

"I'm going to send the information to Rand and Joat, maybe a fresh mind and one .... out of the box .... as the saying goes, would be useful."

"Sure, go ahead, I'm stumped."

Helva sent a microdata burst to the W.Y.A.L. and waited while Rand and Joat mulled it over, but time was running out. They had already been here for ten hours and the jump had taken thirty minutes. "We should head back while they consider the information."

"Yeah, tell them we're leaving, if we can't come up with anything then maybe the Victorious or the Indoan's can."

Helva sent the message and got a confirmation. Just before they jumped Rand sent another message, "I think Joat and I have it. We'll see you at Midgaard."

They jumped and arrived in the system moments before thier twelve hour deadline.

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

Admiral Martin Hezra-Fong received the information concerning the attack and further information that Legion forces were mobilizing. He opened the Comm, "This is Admiral Hezra-Fong to speak with Mr. Terinsar Valence-Torov y Sentral."

"What is it Admiral?" the high families business man asked as he took the call, "This had better be good."

"Better than good, I just need some backing on your part. It seems an enemy has attacked Central Worlds, I'll protect your holdings and I think we can bring down General Quester-Benn."

The man leaned forward, his interest peaked as he thought of his son in the Shamalia prison, "I'm listening."

Admiral Hezra-Fong outlined his plans and his needs from the comm satellite magnate and then took the reports, along with another that he had recently ordered and went to the presidents office. He knocked lightly, received her okay to enter and put on his most solemn face. He stopped just short of her desk with the reports that he had carefully edited and the ones he had orderes certain lackeys to produce. "I have bad news Miss President. Very bad news."

Anita De Chong-Markowitz leaned back in the faus leather chair and regarded the Admiral with a worried look. "Well we don't get paid by the hour, Admiral, what is it?"

He handed her the report concerning the mobilization of the Legion and she frowned as she read it. "That's not all", he said. The second report was one of a new civilization called the Indoan's who were apparently sending forces to the same location that the General had ordered quite a few Legion battalions to assemble at.

"Who are the Indoan's?" the president asked.

"Unknown, we're looking into it, but my informants tell me that they had met with the General on the SSS-900-C."

"This is grave news, but what does it all mean. Obviously ..."

He handed her the third report. The one that his 'informants' had put together. She read various statements of how the General was trying to consolidate her forces and, with the help of this new nation, wrest power from the Central Worlds government. Who, exactly, was involved in the coup was unknown, but apparently the flagship, The Victorious, had thrown in with them. The president leaned back, her face a mask of disbelief. "I want confirmation on all this."

"I've tried, but apparently they knocked out communications. I've ordered that all available personel work on restoration but it will take time."

Anita thought for a long moment before the difficult decision, "I'm promoting you to Fleet Admiral for the duration of this incident. Understand, Admiral, that I want to avoid bloodshed if possible. You'll command the Navy and Marines. The Legion is hereby ordered to surrender thier arms until such time as all this can be sorted out. What do we know of Midgaard III?"

"That's the little bit of good news we have. It's a backwater world, barely any tech. The General seems to be subjugating it's people. Her intent isn't clear yet, but my guess is as a second base near the Rim in case we take Algeron."

"Those poor people", Anita said sadely. "I want them protected if possible. This has the potential of vast bloodshed, especially with another nation involved. We'll try to deal diplomatically with Indoan's if possible. You have your orders, Admiral, see to it."

The Admiral hesitated a practiced second, gave a carefully worked on sigh and nodded. He then saluted smartly and turned away. Once the General was taken care of he would control all of Central's forces and take the seat for himself. Of course this invasion force would have to be dealt with but he didn't see that as a problem. The Indoan's would be touchy, he hoped he could gain thier confidence, if not he would drive them out. Power would then lay in his hands and he would reinstate the Empire, proclaiming himself Emporer. He was careful not to smile as he made his way to the shuttle that would take him to The Shield of Tenbaris. Once there he began to assemble his forces, careful to maintain the illusion of complete comm disruption.

The Forgaies arrived in the Midgaard system only minutes after leaving SSS-900-C, since it was a relatively small distance for the drive. Within seconds of its arrival, the powerful sensor suites had activated and were scanning the entire system for any trace of other craft. There was very little that could hide from those sensors, since shielding against one type tended to create a larger signature on another.

~ Oh, well. Here goes nothing, thought the Mind, powering up the ‘bounce comm’ array.

{Central Worlds vessel LN-975, this is the INV Forgaies. We are here at the request of General Quester-Benn, in support of Central Worlds forces. We request any data you may have on the current situation.}

While the Mind was waiting for a reply, another message came in on the S3D comm, again at the highest encryption level.

[Stuttered-tight-point, M32, tra. @d2.4530.5.16.213457]
x: Indoan Naval Command
o: INV Forgaies
{TO&E Task Force Syriane (Task Force Commander: R-Adm. Mizu Leonhart): INV Whisperer (Frg.), INV Dreamcatcher (Crv.), INV Evergreen (Crv.), INV Desperado (Crv.), INV Silveretta (Crv.), INV Smoking Gun (L-Crv.), INV Steely Glint (L-Crv.), INV Never Existed (L-Crv.), INV Yawning Angel (L-Crv.), F-835 (85 & 179 Sqns), F-631 (275 Wng), F-339 (481 Wng), F-787 (284 Wng).

Ground Forces (Field Commander: B-Gen. Patrick Howell): 97, 13, 44 & 181 Corps.

TF Syriane departs @ 215000 to arrive on station at 075822.}

The Forgaies’ Mind ran over the task force composition rapidly. As expected, it was led by a frigate, with several corvettes and light corvettes in support. There were four freighters fitted out to carry fighters, totalling about 240 extra fighters. The ground forces numbered almost 120,000 troops, which wasn’t that much as far as troop numbers for a war went, but it was the best the Indoans could manage on such short notice. They might send reinforcements if the situation demanded it, and anyway, one-hundred-twenty thousand troops was better than the zero that the planet had originally had.

It had originally intended to forward the message to the Victorious, but the Indoan vessel didn’t have the same link it did with the Central Worlds cruiser as it did with other Indoan Naval vessels, so it didn’t know where the Victorious actually was.

To solve this, the Forgaies sent a message to Simeon instead, with the intention that the Central Worlds station could forward it to Quester-Benn’s vessel.

{Simeon, please forward this to the Victorious.
This is the TO&E for Indoan Task Force Syriane. The numbers include 240 extra fighters and nearly 120,000 troops. They arrive in approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. [Forwarded Message Attached]}

Two manned Kestrel fighters dropped out of the belly hangar bay and began a circuit patrol around the frigate. The two fighters wouldn’t exactly pose a major deterrent, but they were there and they were a presence. If they were sent down to the planet, they’d probably impress the local population, even those familiar with space travel, due to their tiny size and sleek black dart-shaped hull.

Simeon acknowledged the message and forwarded it to the Victorious only to have the message sent back as unsendable due to comm system malfunction. He activated the hyperlink, being as he was close enough to use it, and sent the information. The Victorious then sent out a broad band signal for the Forgaies for direct communication. “This is the CWNV Victorious”, came Pol’s deep baritone, edged with menace, that seemed to be a part of his personality, “lock this signal. We’re awaiting the arrival of Helva and the W.Y.A.L. Upon their arrival the General wants to meet with your people for a briefing. We appreciate the hasty response and the personal your government is sending. The following is a scramble code for when we move in to the planet’s area.” The code was sent and the Victorious came back, “We plan on contacting the local brainship as soon as the Colonel returns. CWNV Victorious, Pol, out.”

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


{Central Worlds vessel LN-975, this is the INV Forgaies. We are here at the request of General Quester-Benn, in support of Central Worlds forces. We request any data you may have on the current situation.}

“Thank Ghu”, came Nancia’s reply, “Is the General with you? Our current situation is desperate. Presently the alliance forces are holding, but they are grossly outnumbered. The Rock Trolls, Elves and Dwarves are fighting with the Highport and Dragonsreach forces but the Skullkingdom is harboring the alien invaders. No evidence of the Skullkingdom forces at present, we only assume that they are holding back to protect their homeland or awaiting a strike. They’ve been fighting for three days but there seems no end to alien invaders. Is the General with you? Is help on the way? Who are you anyway, I don’t recognize the designator. Forgaies, the King and Queen refuse to evacuate the planet, they’re in the combat zone. Please help us.

The Forgaies’ Mind decided it had to respond to the current attack, even though it was probably only here as advanced recon. The ship’s massive engine banks began accelerating the warship towards the planet even as the Mind replied,

{Ah, that’s a negative, LN-975, we’re flying solo right now. Your General is hanging back to assemble forces and gather intel. However, more Indoan forces will arrive within 12 hours. We are Indoan Armed Forces, recent acquaintances of Central Worlds, here at the request of your General. We have been located at SSS-900-C for several hours previously. We are inbound towards the planet now, please send locator co-ords for evacuation.}

Commander Talmar had been monitoring the exchange, and rapidly issued orders for all combat troops to prepare. This would take only a few minutes, following his previous orders to go to a war footing. The Ranger platoon would board the various transport craft, and the fighter pilots would prepare to launch in support.

Once the Forgaies was on station, it too could provide support via orbital bombardment of targets, using its energy weapons.

Talmar also activated his comlink to talk to his first officer.
“Talmar to Manasi,” he spoke.
“Go ahead, sir,” replied Manasi’s voice, seemingly from nowhere.
“I want your Forge One team assembled in the spine hangar in five. Talmar Clear.”

He then spoke to the ship’s Mind.
“Forge, tell Colonel Har’khon to get his troops together in the spine hangar in five minutes. Ready for combat.”

“Will do, Commander,” replied the ever-efficient Mind.

It also had to reply to its other conversation as well. It locked on to the incoming transmission so it could utilise the S3D array, and avoid sending in the clear. Unfortunately, unless the Victorious continued to broadcast the signal, the Forgaies would effectively lose contact the instant the Central Worlds ship moved. The only reason it still had contact with Simeon was because space stations have little ability to move, and the orbit could easily be plotted.

{Understood. Syriane is coming directly into this system, so if you want to meet easily, you’ll need to join the party. We are inbound to the planet to start the music.}

The Forge’s Mind chose its words in accordance with its personality, just like any other sentient entity, so it had a tendency to use soldier-slang when talking with others, even those that would have had no exposure to the more different Indoan slang terms.

{Understood. Syriane is coming directly into this system, so if you want to meet easily, you’ll need to join the party. We are inbound to the planet to start the music.}

"What the HELL are they doing?", Micaya asked no one in particular.

"I've picked up a transmission to Forgaies from Nancia, they're under attack", came Pol's reply.

"Word from the President?"

"None."

Anestice looked at her sister, waiting for her to make the decision. She didn't have to wait long.

Micaya opened the comm to the drop deck, "Booly, saddle up."

"Affirmitive."

Pol fired the powerful engines of the Victorious and began to close the gap on the Forgaies as they moved toward Midgaard III. He opened full sensors and was ready to catalogue the opposing force as Micaya moved toward the drop deck to lead the Legion into the fray.

"General, I'm reading no ships, repeat, no ships", Pol reported and sent the same report to Fortaies for verification. The space around Midgaard III was ominously quiet as the two war ships closed the distance with no contacts to be seen.

"What are you talking about?" Micaya asked as she slid down the ladder and ran toward the drop deck, "They're under attack, there HAS to be contacts."

Micaya's link had been opened by Pol to carry her transmissions to the mind on the Forgiaes to better co-ordinate insertion, "Negative, General, I'm waiting on the Forgaies report but I'm getting nothing."

"Launch the Wraiths, orbital sweep then insertion on Nancia's beacon", came Admiral Quester-Benn's voice, "Pol, transmit the wraith beacons so Forgaies can detect the Wraiths in stealth mode, the last thing we need is a needless accident."

"Affirmative", came Pol's reply as the transponder signals were sent and suddenly the area around the Victorious became filled with blips from the Wraith squadrons.

Nancia's beacon came through clear and her position was marked.

"Nancia", came General Quester-Benn's voice, "Nancia listen to me."

"General? Help them, please."

"Shhhh, we're on our way. We're being supported by a new nation, the Indoans. We're on our way, listen to me. The Queen, did you explain the contact buttons and is she wearing one?"

The question flashed in Nancia's brain, "YES! YES! Hold on, I'll transmit her signal."

A new signal showed on the planet and Micaya compared it against her wrist comp. "What the hell? Nancia this signal makes no sense, it's about two hundred feet over the surface, check the coallation and calibration of the unit."

The drop ships were ready as the Victorious moved into an orbit near the signals.

"They're accurate, she's on dragonback and the King of Highport leads the ground forces along with the Dragonsreach generals."

There was silence for a moment before Micaya responded, "I didn't catch that Nancia, she's on what?"

"A dragons back, a large silver dragon. Do you read? Forgaies, do you read?"

Micaya looked around the drop ship deck but everyone just looked back. Suddenly visual images flashed onto her comp from the contact button, images that went to the Forgaies as well.

Earth and sky spiraled several time, giving Micaya a sense of vertigo, one reason she had never wished to join the Navy. Suddenly it straightened itself out, diving straight for the earth. What was visible was a long sinous neck seemingly made of Silver. The King's standard and the King himself could be seen in the midst of the enemy along with many knights and soldiers. Micaya couldn't believe the archaic weapons she saw. Bows, swords, lances and spears, yet to thier credit they were giving better then they got. Just when Micaya thought the creature would ram into the ground it straightened out, a burst of what looked like a winter storm eminated from it's mouth and several of the creatures near the King were frozen.

Then the creature swooped upward, gaining altitude and Micaya saw a number of the odd creatures. Bronze, brass, copper, silver and gold in color. Lightning flashed from some, fire, acid, clouds of different gases. One of the aliens moved into view of the contact button and the dragon veered to avoid it. A sword, rune carved, moved into sight, lashed out, and the alien dropped toward the earth, one wing destroyed. The Queen's other hand reached out and Micaya looked on in horror as it seemed to be enveloped in flame. The flame, however, traveled down her arm, converging at her hand, and a ball of fire streaked outward striking one of the aliens and it, too, fell toward the earth.

The alliance forces were well disciplined, Micaya gave them that grudgingly, even despite the archaic weapons. The pictures answered some questions though. No ships were in evidence because the creatures didn't need them. They flyers looked like shrimp with wings, though huge, about two to three times larger than a man. There seemed to be two kinds. One let loose with a bioplasma from it's tail, the other seemed to use bio acid that it spat on it's targets. The creatures on the ground also consisted of two types. One used claws and teeth, the other used a form the acidic spittle. The claws and teeth were no disadvantage, however, as they seemed capable of ripping through metal. Another thing was equally clear, they outnumbered the forces of the alliance by at least five to one, and from what Micaya could see there were more moving down a distant mountain side. One thing was clear, thier missiles couldn't be used while the dragons were in such close proximity. Orbital bomabardment would be difficult as well as they might hit the alliance forces.

Micaya opened a seperate channel to the Forgaies as the Wraiths entered the atmosphere and the drop ships were let loose. She had thought the same thing the Forgaies had, "That's no recon group", she said over the open link, "It looks like someone opened the gates of hell."

The Forgaies’ troops were already on their way down by the time the Central Worlds dropships deployed. It didn’t carry a vast amount of independent combat systems, only 206 troops, 12 fighters (most of them with optics activated) and 10 transports in 3 classes, but their technological advantage would be of great assistance to the beleaguered forces on the planet.

However, even this wasn’t entirely accurate. One of the transports was on an independent assignment with two fighters assigned to protect it, and two more fighters were tasked with scanning the battlefield in detail, so that Forge could begin orbital strikes on enemy targets, using its energy weapons.

On board the independently tasked Varia transport were Manasi’s Forge One team and Har’khon’s people. Deftly bringing the craft down through mild turbulence were Manasi’s flight team, Maj. Chris Spears and Capt. Fiona Angel. Jann was sitting in the jump seat behind them, watching the highly skilled pair with awe. The two knew exactly what to do and when, and could solve problems almost before they occurred.

In the troop cabin, the leader of Manasi’s Ranger team, Maj. Jack Pierce was making some orders.
“Zip and Sam, I want you on the guns. Reynolds, you’re gonna have a ‘Streak on your shoulder, in case some sneaky kotar tries to jump us from behind. You two, Kane and Reid, one of you on each hatch, and shoot anything that looks ugly.”

“But try not to shoot Sam. We love him really,” chipped in Reynolds. Lt. Sam Callahan made a rude gesture at the other Ranger, who just grinned, invisible behind his helmet.

“Moving on,” asserted Pierce, silencing the two Rangers, “I want everyone else to stay away from the hatches until I say otherwise. Once we’ve located the target, Ferrante can make his pitch. What’s the air like, Angel?”

“Not great, Jack. Lots of dust,” replied the co-pilot, having glanced for half a second at the appropriate display.

“Fine. Everyone not in a suit, masks on at all times. Everyone with a gun, make your shots count. Move it.”

As the naval personnel retrieved the small black masks and fitted them over their faces, the Rangers moved to their stations. Callahan and Sergeant Charlene Tomlinson grabbed the door guns and charged them, the heavy duty laser repeaters now ready to rain death. Master Sergeant Mike Reynolds raised the Firestreak missile launcher and yanked back on the loading handle to ready a missile, then moved to stand next to Tomlinson. Kane and Reid loaded their rifles and stood by the side hatches.

“Forge, Firefly One is about to reach the fight,” radioed Angel. They had agreed to make the radio call so that the Mind could update them on the latest position of their target, apparently two hundred feet up.

In the back, on Pierce’s command, the side hatches were opened and the gunners opened fire, the amethyst laser beams flashing out at the speed of light. Kane and Reid took the occasional shot at a target, while Reynolds just stood there looking menacing with the big missile launcher held almost casually in one hand.

“She’s on a what? A dragon?” exclaimed Kane. “I thought those only existed in legends.”

“Yeah, well we though vampires were only in legends too. Seems this place is home to a lot of legends,” responded Reisco.

“I bet they don’t have a syriane. And who cares, let’s just go paste some xenos.” Kane was referring to the legendary bird that featured in numerous Indoan legends, and the one that had leant its name to the Indoan task force.

****

The Forgaies sent a message to both Nancia and the Victorious.
{We copy. Our forces are approaching the battlefield, and Forge is cocked, locked and ready to rock. Beginning GZB fire mission.}

Again, it had forgotten that the others would not know the meaning of the Indoan terminology. The acronym GZB, short for Ground Zero Bombardment, basically meant that the Forge was about to rain death on the unsuspecting ground forces.

The Forgaies sent the latest position to Capt. Angel on Firefly One, then began processing the data coming up from its fighters. Its first shot was deliberately aimed at a target some distance from any friendly forces, a system accuracy test if you like. When the shot hit within half a centimetre of its intended target, the Mind directly the belly laser batteries to open fire. The underside of the frigate erupted in amethyst fire, and it appeared as though the frigate and the planet were connected by a purple energy beam.

The Indoan frigate did not need the transponder data to detect the Wraith fighters, but it would identify their origin, and therefore prevent the frigate from destroying them. After all, if it existed, it had mass, and therefore it had gravetics. Even if you used AG fields to counter the gravetics, the field could be detected as well.

Unfortunately, Forge’s gravetic, and all its other sensors, currently showed nothing that shouldn’t be there. Not a single enemy ship was currently visible. It confirmed the report sent by Pol, then set the sensors to automatic sweep.

{Hah, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Just wait ‘til the bird arrives, then you’ll see what hell looks like.}

The Forge was referring to the task force, but had forgotten (again) that the Central Worlds people wouldn’t know what it was talking about. It wasn’t that the Mind was forgetful, it was just getting caught up in the situation. Its ability to make decisions was unaffected, but it would lapse into Indoan speech patterns without thinking.

Pol acknowledged the confirmation from the Forgaies. "General, confirmed, no contacts other than the bios."

Behind the drop ships came the Valkerye missile frigates. They guarded the rear until the dropships hit dirtside and Micaya began unloading the Legionairres.

"The Indoan's are engaged", Pol announced a couple of minutes before Micaya hit dirt.

"Already? Looks like I'm buying tonight", came Micaya's reply.

The first out were the now familiar trooper II's. The large mech looking borgs looking around the field. Micaya had landed away from the alliance forces, not wanting to have to deal with any misunderstandings. Thirty-two in all deassed the dropships, followed by four trooper III's with thier analogs. Thirty-two bio bods followed, not including General's Quester-Benn and Booly and the four quads came after, the huge box-like, heavily armored borgs thumping forward. The quads bay were capable of carrying a trooper III, it's analogs, eight trooper II's, eight bio bods and two command personel. They sported four .50 caliber gatlin guns, one at each corner, four fast recovery laser turrets, a particle accelerator, two missile launchers with SAM's, SSM's and APM's and two grenade launchers. The trooper II's were armed with a .50 caliber gatlin, a fast recovery laser, a micro missile launcher and a grenade launcher while the trooper III's had two .50 calibers, two fast recovery laser turrets and a missile launcher. Each of the four analogs were equiped with fast recovery lasers and sensitive sensor equipement for scouting. The bio bods had fully automatic gauss rifles, six grenades each four fire and forget missile launchers and personal weapons. Micaya formed ranks on the attackers flank and ordered them forward, riding one of the trooper II's. The missiles streaked toward the rear ranks of the aliens, exploding amongst them and reeking havoc. The gatlin guns were capable of 6000 rounds per minute and literally laid down a wall of metal death as the Legionaires moved forward.

Lauralin noticed the momentum begin to shift and then looked around quickly as the light seemed to explode from the sky. She spotted the new ships, even picking up the heat from the Wraiths, though she couldn't see the ships themselves, in her elven vision. Her stomach dropped for a moment, wondering what this new threat was until she saw who they were shooting at. Her long flame red hair trailed behind her as she flew, marking her easily on the field and she leaned down, yelling toward SilverClaw. The huge dragon nodded and sent it's message to the other dragons. One that was bearing down on the Indoan craft veered off, having been told that they were friendly and killed one of the creatures nearby instead, the huge dragon easily three times bigger than the craft.

The sky about the Indoan craft quickly filled with enemy flyers, intent on destroying anything that wasn't one of thier own. The creatures seemed to rely on swarming thier target and one dragon looked toward the craft, veering one direction then another as if to show it that it shouldn't keep a straight path. Something slammed into the shuttle and dragon fell past the door, covered with the alien forms, obviously dead but still under attack in thier frenzy. The golden dragon roared in fury and dove for the corpse and it's attackers, searing them in a great gout of flame. Just as the Queen came into clear view she could be seen removing the harness that held her to the seat on the dragon and crawled along it's back to where a creature had latched itself. She raised a hand and white energy leaped from her spread fingers into the creature's face. It roared in fury and let go now focusing on the Queen. Again her power flared, again flame leaped from her outstretched hand and another alien died. Another creature rammed the huge silver, doing little damage but knocking the Queen from her perilous perch and she began to plunge toward the earth below as the dragon turned and engaged it's attacker.

Turquine lashed out about him, moving from one area to another. wherever he went his troops rallied, "HOLD THE LINE!!", he bellowed in his deep baritone and began cutting into the enemy, his clear crystal blade now looking like ruby as it was covered in blood.

The Victorious moved into it's final position and contacted Forgaies, "We don't have your precision, we're going to strike at the group moving down from the mountains", Anestice told them and began to bombard the mountainside with the orbital pulse plasma cannons.

Several inconsistancies could be detected by both the Forgaies and Victorious. One, also detectable by the Indoan vessels and the Wraiths was a ship that fought for the alliance. It was a mid sized fighting craft the gave off a biological sensor reading. Not the man inside, but the ship itself. Another was the largest moon that was no moon at all but an old huge space station that seemed to have gone offline long ago. The last were two fission reactors on the surface of the planet north of the city of Highport which was north of Dragonsreach.

"Hey Forge", Pol said, "are you getting these readings? How does a civilization that still fights with such archaic weapons have a space station the size of a moon and fardlin fission reactors? And what's with the bioreading on that ship?"

The dragon’s message came just it time, since the dragon that had been bearing down on Firefly One had come within seconds of getting a Firestreak missile in the head. Reynolds lowered the launcher, then snapped it up again and fired. The multi-purpose anti-air/anti-tank missile slammed into one airborne enemy unnoticed by Tomlinson, reducing it to fiery dust.

The Indoan pilots were way ahead of the dragons, since they routinely trained to fly through heavy surface fire, while trying to avoid airborne fighters. Not a single one of the Indoan craft held the same course for more than two seconds, jinking violently as the gunners fired on the enemy as best they could.

The Kestrel fighters, mostly hidden from view by their optic camouflage, swooped nimbly between the larger Indoan craft like birds of prey, picking off targets with practised ease. Every so often, an unsuspecting creature would get fried by the fusion exhaust of an invisible Kestrel as it passed just too close.

The two Zodiac medium transports pulled off a near textbook tactical landing, dropping like stones from several hundred metres and using their AG drives to land safely. The Rangers were gone in under twenty seconds, and the large craft rose back into the air, displaying remarkable agility for craft so big, with their weapons firing.

The landing had been tactically located so that the Rangers could swiftly run up behind Turquine’s forces and join the fray there. Their orders to protect the two royals still stood. The Rangers were armed with a wide variety of weapons, as was typical for their units, including miniguns, assault rifles, automatic cannons, missile launchers and large cannons that would take two men to even lift without a suit.

Unlike the incident on the station, they also had plentiful supplies of ammunition. Combat loadings were very generous when it came to ammunition, since they had been worked out by people who had actually been in the field on major exercises and done the job, rather than the usual bean counters, and they knew how bad it was to be a soldier without any ammunition.

Firefly One was sticking close to Lauralin’s dragon, the Rangers staving off any attack from the sides, and the huge gatling gun in the nose clearing a path forward. Thus, they were watching when the elf/vampire queen was thrown from her lofty perch.

“Shit!” swore Kane. Without stopping to think he dropped his rifle, which fell to his side and hung on the fastening, and grabbed a harness and clipped it to the back on his suit. The Ranger then proceeded to throw himself out of the Varia transport and fell towards Lauralin. The transport obligingly dropped after him to shorten the distance. As they came level, he reached out and grabbed her, pulling her close to avoid dropping her again.

“Hello again, Miss. Corporal Kane, we met on Vega Base,” he told her. With the pleasantries out of the way, he then reverted back to the soldier he was, and proceeded to rattle off a string of obscenities, albeit in Indoan Common.

“Holy crap, this is exciting. Eve, get your fucking ass in gear and pull me the kerhd back up.”

With one arm occupied holding the queen, he pulled out his pistol and fired three shots into the face of an approaching enemy. He continued firing at various targets until the pistol clicked empty, at with point he put it back in his ammo pouch and pulled out a second pistol, this one a laser. A pair of blue beams melted something’s face then, before he could get off any more shots, they were hoisted upwards and suddenly found themselves in the Varia.

As Reisco looked to Lauralin with a quick visual medical check, Reid looked to Kane.
“Nik, you alright?” she asked.

“Course, Eve. A little scrap like that can’t hurt ole Kane.” Now back on solid footing, and with both hands free, he reloaded the first pistol and returned both to the ammo pouch, before grabbing his rifle again and firing out the hatch.

Jann appeared from the cockpit and went to Lauralin.
“Welcome aboard Firefly One. Good to see you’re safe,” he told her.

Now that the craft was closer to the ground, they could unleash a different type of weapon. Forge’s last message to the Victorious hadn’t been entirely accurate, since they had their own little portal to hell.

“Zip, time to live up to your name,” declared Reynolds. The nickname had come from a dictionary of English that the Indoans had acquired at some point, since smoking didn’t exist on Todera, and that brand of item certainly didn’t.

Charlene Tomlinson, commonly know as Zippo, motioned for Kane to take the door station and stood looking out the hatch. The ground beneath them suddenly exploded into flame, incinerating hundreds of enemy troops.

Tomlinson was, as far as anyone knew, unique among Indoans in that she possessed another mental ability on top of the standard precognition for Matrai. She was a pyrokinetic, and the boxy device attached to her left forearm was a micro-wormhole generator so that she could avoid incinerating herself, since her ability had a nasty tendency to get away from her if she used it too much, which, when she could rival a fairly large fission bomb for raw power at her peak, was a very bad thing.

****

The Forgaies’ own plasma cannons lit up on the same targets as the Victorious’ weapons, the lesser accuracy on these weapons not mattering on this tasking. When the fleet arrived, some of the vessels could go into deep orbit and bring all their weapons to bear on the ground targets, including the missile launchers that were the signature weapon of Indoan warships.

The Mind had been considering these same contacts for a short while now, wondering the same thing as Pol. It had some opinions, which it decided to share with Pol.

{Simple answer: they don’t. Gotta be bad guys. The bio-ship has to be an infiltrator, and that space station could be our missing enemy ships. I can send out some recon drones if you want. As for the reactors, let’s go blow them up and see what happens.}

You could tell from the tone in the Mind’s voice that it wasn’t serious about the last, but it was perfectly serious about the others. It had seen the Fortunes’ report on the stealthy pirate vessel in the derelict incident, and had drawn caution from it. Better to investigate and find nothing, than to ignore and fall victim.

It had nearly said that fission reactors weren’t very advanced, but then it remembered that the people on the planet below had yet to discover gunpowder yet.

{I have some units I can send over to look at either the station or the reactors if you like. Better than just drones.}

The Mind was referring to the small contingent of SK-4 combat synthetics it carried. The artificial warriors weren’t in the fight below because of a minor technical reason (they tended to shoot anyone who wasn’t an Indoan, regardless of ally status), but would be almost perfectly suited to this mission.

The landing had been tactically located so that the Rangers could swiftly run up behind Turquine’s forces and join the fray there. Their orders to protect the two royals still stood.

If Turquine was in any way aware of thier intent he either ignored it or didn't care. He rode among his troops, his sword cutting into the enemy, his horse kicking anything nearby or biting, the iron shod hooves capable of crushing bone. He would charge into a fray where a line began to waver and hold it until his forces could rally. Close to the ground the Indoan ship could see other leaders pressing thier forces against the enemy and a short distance behind the Indoan ground force was a lance that stuck up out of the ground. Turquine had placed it there before the attack, his way of saying that they would retreat to that point but no farther, no matter the cost, a cost he was willing to share with his people.

“Hello again, Miss. Corporal Kane, we met on Vega Base,” he told her. With the pleasantries out of the way, he then reverted back to the soldier he was, and proceeded to rattle off a string of obscenities, albeit in Indoan Common.

Lauralin gripped Kane tightly, utter horror showing on her face. Her grip was far stronger than a petite woman should have and could have been painful but for the armor Kane wore and her face burying itself in his shoulder.

With one arm occupied holding the queen, he pulled out his pistol and fired three shots into the face of an approaching enemy. He continued firing at various targets until the pistol clicked empty, at with point he put it back in his ammo pouch and pulled out a second pistol, this one a laser. A pair of blue beams melted something’s face then, before he could get off any more shots, they were hoisted upwards and suddenly found themselves in the Varia.

As Reisco looked to Lauralin with a quick visual medical check, Reid looked to Kane.

The quick inspection revealed a deep cut in the abdomin that was healing even as she looked at it. Lauralin let go, a bit embarrassed, "Forgive me, I am afraid of heights", she said in her beuitifully musical voice.

“Nik, you alright?” she asked.

“Course, Eve. A little scrap like that can’t hurt ole Kane.” Now back on solid footing, and with both hands free, he reloaded the first pistol and returned both to the ammo pouch, before grabbing his rifle again and firing out the hatch.

Jann appeared from the cockpit and went to Lauralin.
“Welcome aboard Firefly One. Good to see you’re safe,” he told her.

Lauralin smiled saddely, "I am dead, but here. More than I can say for my wife whom they destroyed", she told him, blood tears beginning to stream down her face. She a reached hand out to her side and her staff appeared in it. "Now I must go, I shall greave later, I must protect my people." She uttered something in langauge that made the hair on thier necks stand and vanished. A quick visual showed her strapping herself to her now disengaged dragon and the moment she was back in it turned back into the fray.

{Simple answer: they don’t. Gotta be bad guys. The bio-ship has to be an infiltrator, and that space station could be our missing enemy ships. I can send out some recon drones if you want. As for the reactors, let’s go blow them up and see what happens.}

{I have some units I can send over to look at either the station or the reactors if you like. Better than just drones.}

"Let's check out the station, if it's thiers then I don't want it to suddenly come online, I have to many people to care for. We'll check with the indigs about the fission reactors. I'm not so sure it's enemy, either one, we haven't seen anything resembling any kind of tech but better safe than sorry. Besides if the fissions were the enemies I don't think they would have thier backs to them, unless, of course, they dont' know about them", came Pols reply.

Suddenly the Victorious and the Forgies warnings went off as missile locks were detected. Surface to space missiles launched from the Skullkingdom nation, reaching for the two ships.

"Are you fardlin serious?" Came Pols voice.

"Aquire, launch AMM's", came Anestice voice. The missiles aimed at both ships were easily destroyed and Pol ran a sensor sweep.

"No launch site detected, it must be deep." His statement was easily believable as the nation of Skullkingdom lay nestled between two mountain ranges with it's population living deep below ground.

The Rangers on the ground rapidly formed a semi-invisible (optics) phalanx in the centre of Turquine’s forces, a fixed point around which the other units could move, the cornerstone of the defensive forces. Based on the type of fighting expected (high numbers of enemy infantry outnumbering allied forces), there were an abnormally large number of miniguns and other weapons with a high rate of fire in the unit, which could just cut straight through the enemy lines.

The various fireteams gradually began moving apart, covering a wider area so they could engage more enemies and support more of the allied forces. They were so focused on their task that they didn’t even blink when entire groups of enemy creatures just burst into flames and died; they knew who was flying above them- the company’s own personal devil incarnate.

One of the Rangers had spotted Turquine’s ‘Alamo’-lance, although he didn’t know the significance of it, and commented that he wished the Indoans’ own Lancers were here. The statement was met with general agreement; even the elite Rangers would admit that the Lancers were useful troops to have around, and the truth was that the Lancers were just as good as the Rangers. And although he didn’t know it, in just a short while the Ranger would get his wish, as the task force included two Long Lance divisions.

Up on Firefly One, only moments after Lauralin had somehow returned to her mount, Kane was voicing his opinion.
“Ungrateful yav thia ni karst,” he declared. “Still, she’s got the right attitude at least. But if she doesn’t like heights, what in sraking Hsu’s name is she doing on a kerhding dragon?”

****

The Forge briefly considered the situation before replying to Pol.

{Okay. Tapping two drones and a shuttle to the station. I’m also tapping two drones to go and look at the reactors; it can’t hurt. Would you like me to smoke the bio-ship or do you want to investigate it first?}

A minute later a shuttle and four tiny fighter-shaped drones exited the bow bay of the frigate. Two of the drones angled downwards, heading for the planet’s surface and the fission reactors. The shuttle and the other two drones made for the station, the drones pulling ahead to make sure it was clear for the shuttle to go in.

~ Missile locks? Where? thought the Mind as the warning went off. However, although its AMD systems were locked on within three seconds, the Victorious had destroyed the inbound missiles before they entered range of Forge’s systems. The laser batteries could have picked off the missiles with relative ease as soon they were detected, as surface-to-space missiles were notoriously large, but were currently occupied.

It too traced the launch site location, to the region apparently known as Skullkingdom, but was unable to detect the exact site, just infer it by back-tracing the missile tracks.

~ Bastards. What I wouldn’t give for some missile craft right now, grumbled the Mind.

{Seems we have another enemy. You want me to blow the crap out of them?} it asked Pol. {Deep site means nothing to me. I’ll just introduce them to advanced fusion bombs, then the site suddenly won’t be so deep any more.}

{Okay. Tapping two drones and a shuttle to the station. I’m also tapping two drones to go and look at the reactors; it can’t hurt. Would you like me to smoke the bio-ship or do you want to investigate it first?}

A minute later a shuttle and four tiny fighter-shaped drones exited the bow bay of the frigate. Two of the drones angled downwards, heading for the planet’s surface and the fission reactors. The shuttle and the other two drones made for the station, the drones pulling ahead to make sure it was clear for the shuttle to go in.

{Seems we have another enemy. You want me to blow the crap out of them?} it asked Pol. {Deep site means nothing to me. I’ll just introduce them to advanced fusion bombs, then the site suddenly won’t be so deep any more.}

"I'll get the ship", Pol replied, "you nail the bastards on the ground." Pol fired the heavy pulse plasma cannons, "Eat that." The plasma bursts reached out and exploded against a previous unidentified shield. Suddenly a voice came over on a wide band transmission, "What the fuck?! Can't you see who I'm shooting at JACKASS?! What the FUCK are you doing?!"

"This is Admiral Quester-Benn, Central Worlds Navy, Identify yourself."

"This is Michael Gassington, Head of palace security, Highport. Do I look like a fucking xeno?"

"Your ship registers as biological, explain."

"Screw you, check with King Buccannah. BEFORE you fire at me again preferrably."

"Forgaies, can you contact your people on the ground near the King. Check with him about a Michael Gassington?" Anestice asked the mind.

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

The two drones detected nothing as they approached the huge satellite. Large bay doors could be seen, they were closed with no power to open them. Smaller maintenance hatches were also visible that had manual release hatches. No evidence of weaponry was on the surface, but there many bay doors.

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

One of the two drones entered an area where a shoal led to a deep crevice. Energy inside built up as mechanisms went online at the detection of the drone. 'Samarui' woke up, scanned the incoming drone and activated defensive security measures. A signal was sent out, scrambled and on a secure band. Apparently it was trying to contact the drone on a secure channel. The shield was golden in color and the security personal were activated, thier golden shielding shimmering to life.

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

The other drone dropped down over a huge forest. A large stone fortress stood in the middle of the forest, the fusion reactor apparently beneath. As it tried to land in the courtyard a force prevented it from landing behind the walls, another force seemed to grab it and pull it down to the open area outside the huge doors.

Lauralin lashed out at another creature and then her head snapped around as the drone reached Paranor. 'Oh no', she muttered, "SILVER CLAW, FLY!!"

The Queen's dragon suddenly broke from the combat area moving quickly toward a forested area to the south. The creature moved faster than it would have seemed possible as it made it's way toward the border of the forest.

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

The sudden assault from the new forces created havoc among the attacking creatures and they began to pull back, moving toward a distant river. Turquine and his people broke contact and pulled back, allowing them to move away. He turned toward the Indoan's, "Don't pursue them, the Lethe River is poisonous, as is the air for about a mile to either side."

He turned to one side then the other, "WITHDRAW", he bellowed in his deep baritone, and the cry was carried to the rest of the forces.

Forge didn’t stay exactly true to its word, mainly since it didn’t have any advanced fusion bombs. So the Mind introduced the people to antimatter instead, using linacs to accelerate the bombs down to ground level before detonating them.

The first bombs annihilated the surface ground above where the missile launch had been traced to, then the second and third sets of bombs dug deeper into the ground, effectively completely removing things from existence. The Mind had two more sets of bombs ready, but held off the launches to view the effects of those already sent.

****

Having made their initial run and found nothing, either of threat or use, the two Hawk drones looped away from the space station, split up and began focused scanning of the exterior surface of the station for weapons, open access hatches, engines, shields, signs of activity or anything else of interest.

The shuttle, now that the drones had reported all the large hangar bays to be sealed, gently hove to next to a manual hatch. The main hatch opened, without any organic crew to worry about as the shuttle was under direct control of the Mind, and one of the SK-4 synthetics reached out and clamped its four-digit hand around the handle and pulled it in the appropriate direction.

****

[OOC: The drones wouldn’t land; they’d just float around at about five feet off the ground, but can alter altitude to fit the circumstances.]

The third Hawk drone detected the scans, shields and scrambled broadcast. It used its effector to attempt to jam the transmission, and activated its own meagre combat systems, which consisted of a rudimentary shield, a light laser cannon, four shotgun-style shells and a sonic pulse generator (similar effect to an explosive blast wave, but without the explosion), all of infantry standard.

It scanned the area in return, attempting to find reason or location behind the response, and continued to cruise around at low altitude. It was still trying to investigate the reactor, but it had to find a way past the shield first.

****

The fourth Hawk drone was dropping down into the fortress which seemed to contain the second reactor, when some invisible force began resisting it. It briefly attempted to force its way down harder, but when it made to drop down outside, another force pulled it downwards. With this unexpected development, the drone pushed to full power in an attempt to escape the pull, but was dragged downwards until eventually stopping at an altitude of half a metre. Like its counterpart, its combat systems came online it anticipation of what might be a threat and the scanners searched for the source of the tractor beam-esque forces.

****

Firefly One suddenly heeled over to follow Lauralin’s dragon as it broke from the fight. Wherever the queen was going, if she was in much of a rush, it couldn’t be good, and they had orders to render assistance to her.

“Where the hell is she off to in such a hurry?” asked Jann, who had recently returned to the jump seat.

The two flight crew just shrugged as they brought the Varia up behind the racing dragon. The swift battlecraft had no problem keeping up with the creature, even though it seemed to be going far faster than it ought to be able.

****

Colonel Lexna ignored the King in turn, ordering his troops around.
“Second and Third Platoons, pursue and eliminate. The rest, remain here to cover the withdrawal, then fall back once it is complete,” he roared, despite the fact that the comm units made even the faintest whisper audible to all on the net.

One of the Rangers in 2nd Platoon spoke to the King as he passed. “Poison don’t worry us, sir. We’ll just keep killin’ ‘em.” The full battlesuit enabled the wearer to survive deep-space, underwater, acidic or volcanic exposure, so a little poison would barely trouble the suit’s systems.

Another, just behind the first, felt he should explain Lexna’s ignoring of the monarch. “And don’t worry about the Colonel, sir. He’s an asshole, so he is, but he’ll get the job done in spite of it.”

The commander of 4th Platoon, another Major, approached Turquine after the other Rangers had run off in pursuit of the enemy.
“Sir, does the name Michael Gassington mean anything to you?” she asked politely. The Mind had asked her to make the inquiry a few seconds earlier. The only way to tell it was a ‘she’ was by the voice, since the suits made everyone look alike, except in height and general build, especially when using the optics.

The first bombs annihilated the surface ground above where the missile launch had been traced to, then the second and third sets of bombs dug deeper into the ground, effectively completely removing things from existence. The Mind had two more sets of bombs ready, but held off the launches to view the effects of those already sent.

The effect was unclear. The areas they hit were destroyed, but how much affect that had couldn’t be determined. That Shadowspawn had launched all the surface to space missiles he had been able to get couldn’t be known.

****

Having made their initial run and found nothing, either of threat or use, the two Hawk drones looped away from the space station, split up and began focused scanning of the exterior surface of the station for weapons, open access hatches, engines, shields, signs of activity or anything else of interest.

The shuttle, now that the drones had reported all the large hangar bays to be sealed, gently hove to next to a manual hatch. The main hatch opened, without any organic crew to worry about as the shuttle was under direct control of the Mind, and one of the SK-4 synthetics reached out and clamped its four-digit hand around the handle and pulled it in the appropriate direction.

The surface showed various communication arrays, various sized bays and what might have been tractor/repressor beams. The general concesus would be that it was a station for handling all space traffic to the planet below.

The manual hatch release hestated only a moment under the synthetics grasp but finally gave. Stale air escaped the lock and the inner door was closed. No lights were on inside the lock and the control panels were silent and still.

****

[OOC: The drones wouldn’t land; they’d just float around at about five feet off the ground, but can alter altitude to fit the circumstances.]

(OOC: My bad, sorry about that, we’ll just take on as if they hadn’t.)

The third Hawk drone detected the scans, shields and scrambled broadcast. It used its effector to attempt to jam the transmission, and activated its own meagre combat systems It scanned the area in return, attempting to find reason or location behind the response, and continued to cruise around at low altitude. It was still trying to investigate the reactor, but it had to find a way past the shield first.

Scanned revealed what might have been a base or a buried ship. It’s fission reactor appeared to still function as did other systems. Weapons systems could be detected but were buried under rock that apparently hadn’t been there when the place was built or crashed. Multiple androids could be detected going online and arming themselves, using the same shielding as the base/ship itself.

****

The fourth Hawk drone was dropping down into the fortress which seemed to contain the second reactor, when some invisible force began resisting it. It briefly attempted to force its way down harder, but when it made to drop down outside, another force pulled it downwards. With this unexpected development, the drone pushed to full power in an attempt to escape the pull, but was dragged downwards until eventually stopping at an altitude of half a metre. Like its counterpart, its combat systems came online it anticipation of what might be a threat and the scanners searched for the source of the tractor beam-esque forces.

Figures seemed to rise from the ground. Sensors could record nothing of them, as though they didn’t exist. They began moving toward the vessel, a slight moaning beginning as they moved closer. The incorporeal entities moved through trees and other solid objects as though they didn’t exist.

****

Firefly One suddenly heeled over to follow Lauralin’s dragon as it broke from the fight. Wherever the queen was going, if she was in much of a rush, it couldn’t be good, and they had orders to render assistance to her.

“Where the hell is she off to in such a hurry?” asked Jann, who had recently returned to the jump seat.

The two flight crew just shrugged as they brought the Varia up behind the racing dragon. The swift battlecraft had no problem keeping up with the creature, even though it seemed to be going far faster than it ought to be able.
Lauralin’s dragon took several minutes to reach the forest and flew low over the forest for a short time before arriving at an open area where an ancient looking fortress stood. It didn’t have the room to land and stopped about seventy-five feet over the ground above the Indoan ship that had been dragged down. She undid her harness, threw her leg over and dropped the seventy-five feet, landing on her feet facing the ship and wheeled around toward the incorporal forms.

“HOLD”, came her commanding voice, far louder and stronger than it would seem possible.

One of the forms moved toward her and spoke in a language untranslated by their devices. She responded, firmly and the forms seems to fade and then vanish. Lauralin turned toward the ship, speaking to it as though expected anyone inside to hear.

“Go from here, disturb not the fortress of Paranor. Further incursions will be countered, and I shall be able to do nothing.”

****

Colonel Lexna ignored the King in turn, ordering his troops around.
“Second and Third Platoons, pursue and eliminate. The rest, remain here to cover the withdrawal, then fall back once it is complete,” he roared, despite the fact that the comm units made even the faintest whisper audible to all on the net.

One of the Rangers in 2nd Platoon spoke to the King as he passed. “Poison don’t worry us, sir. We’ll just keep killin’ ‘em.” The full battlesuit enabled the wearer to survive deep-space, underwater, acidic or volcanic exposure, so a little poison would barely trouble the suit’s systems.

Another, just behind the first, felt he should explain Lexna’s ignoring of the monarch. “And don’t worry about the Colonel, sir. He’s an asshole, so he is, but he’ll get the job done in spite of it.”

Turquine looked toward the Colonel and then back, “He can do as he wishes here. Disobey in my lands and he’ll be put to death.”

The commander of 4th Platoon, another Major, approached Turquine after the other Rangers had run off in pursuit of the enemy.
“Sir, does the name Michael Gassington mean anything to you?” she asked politely. The Mind had asked her to make the inquiry a few seconds earlier. The only way to tell it was a ‘she’ was by the voice, since the suits made everyone look alike, except in height and general build, especially when using the optics.

Turquine’s sense of honor and nobility forbade him to sit in the woman’s presence, regardless of rank or social status. He slipped from the horse, removed his helm, revealing his badly scarred face and eyes that were changing from their gunmetal grey to his calmer ice blue and bowed to her.

“Well, Lady”, Turquine said, grinning, “it means several things depending on the situation and his mood, though typically it’s an indication of an oncoming headache. I must, however, admit that he is my chief of palace security. Why? Has something happened?”

The eight SK-4 combat synthetics propelled themselves easily across the gap between the station and the shuttle, then used their magnetic and AG systems to hold them to the ground. The lack of light didn’t bother them overly, as they saw in microwave radar and thermal as well as visual light. The lack of power went similarly unnoticed, as one of their number was an infiltration model, equipped with a cutting laser and hacking/jumpstart gear with which to get through doors, walls, computers or anything else that stood in their way. The two Hawk drones pulled away from their surface sweep and followed the SK-4s into the station, floating at their accustomed five feet.
****

The third Hawk drone rose several feet from its previous altitude, in an attempt to remove itself from the range of any weapon systems. After realising that there were no systems that could engage it, it gradually drifted back down a few feet and continued scanning. The Mind was especially interested in what the inorganic entities inside the ship were doing. It also wanted to find out if the weapons on the drone could penetrate the ship’s shields, but knew that doing so would start a fight.
****

The fourth Hawk had powered up its sonic pulse generator, ready to unleash a full circular blast wave around itself, but held back when Lauralin dropped to the ground, partly because the Mind didn’t want to hurt the Queen. It still couldn’t move, even after Lauralin spoke. As it happened, the drone did have an audio pickup and relayed the words. It couldn’t broadcast any form of reply; it didn’t have the equipment to do so. It did however, return to the altitude it had approached the fortress at.

The Varia was floating half a kilometre away, its flight crew and Colonel Manasi watched the events unfold below. The craft’s sensors had also picked up the reactor signature and they could see the wraith-like entities.
“What the hell’s going on down there?” asked Major Spears.

“I don’t know, but with these contacts, I think she’s got some explaining to do,” replied Manasi. She considered ordering the Varia down to the ground to confront her, but was worried about the wraith-like entities.

“Hey, there’s a Hawk over there,” announced Jann suddenly, pointing at the three foot long dark grey craft. The Varia’s crew were of course unaware of the anomalous sensor contacts and the drones sent to investigate.

“Well, stranger and stranger. I’ll ask Forge,” said Manasi. She triggered the secure comm and asked the Mind what was going on, which gave them the condensed version.

****

Another Ranger overheard the comment from Turquine.
“I wouldn’t do that, Sir. We may be here to help, but that won’t stop the Colonel from taking your people out if they threaten him. ‘Sides, he’s such a cold bastard, he’d just get straight up again and shoot you,” the Ranger said, having quietened his suit’s speaker so that few people overheard.

Lexna stuck strictly to his chain of command, which meant that although he did technically report indirectly to the King, he actually reported to Commander Talmar. Also, because he was both not a citizen of Highport and a military officer, he was not subject to the laws of any foreign nation, planet or alliance. Indoan laws also stated that any personnel stationed on board its vessels were basically diplomatically immune.

Killing Lexna would ultimately result in Highport undergoing a similar incident that had just befallen the Shadowspawn missile site, regardless of any influence from Central Worlds.

The Major nodded her understanding. “Sorry, I don’t know. I just got told to ask about the name.” She half-turned away, with the speaker deactivated. “Forge, apparently the name is the King’s head of palace security.” She hadn’t actually known the reason for the question, or who the name claimed to be, since Forge was aware that these people possessed numerous psionic talents and didn’t want anyone to be able to read the Major’s mind and find the answer they were looking for. It wasn’t that the Mind didn’t trust the people, of course it didn’t, but it had wanted the two stories corroborated independently.
****

The Forge acknowledged the transmission from Major Willows, but held off relaying the info to Pol until it had finished sorting out the other things going on.

It didn’t take long to manage this, but it had decided to make one transmission rather than several.
{Okay. The King has independently confirmed your mystery man’s job, the security man. We vaporised a hell of a lot of ground, but I can’t tell if we got the missile site. From the drone feed, the space station appears to be a space traffic control and planetary travel hub. My synthetics are boarding now.

The first reactor appears to be an underground base of ship, and appears to be activating both defences and automated troops. The second, well, perhaps you’d better see for yourself. [Streaming Data Feeds <HKD-037682> & <HKD-037683> & data feed record <GJP174923/HKD-037683/498-541> attached]}

[OOC: That’s the live feed from both drones down on the planet, and the recording of the feed of the encounter with the fortress (starting from the drone’s approach and the first encounter with the ‘tractor beam’).]

The eight SK-4 combat synthetics propelled themselves easily across the gap between the station and the shuttle, then used their magnetic and AG systems to hold them to the ground. The lack of light didn’t bother them overly, as they saw in microwave radar and thermal as well as visual light. The lack of power went similarly unnoticed, as one of their number was an infiltration model, equipped with a cutting laser and hacking/jumpstart gear with which to get through doors, walls, computers or anything else that stood in their way. The two Hawk drones pulled away from their surface sweep and followed the SK-4s into the station, floating at their accustomed five feet.

Access could be gained easily by either cutting or providing an external power source for the doors. Once inside the station showed signs of combat damage, as though fighting had gone on inside the station itself. The main control room had been secured but the doors had been blown apart. The main reactor was completely offline. It looked as though it had been a fission reactor but the main core had been dumped. Scanning would reveal that the internal structure had been damaged, most likely by sabotage, and the main core dumped due to impending meltdown. There were bodies in the corridors, humanoid, at least, in appearance, though the flesh was long decayed. The language was inscrutable as it was archaic.
****

The third Hawk drone rose several feet from its previous altitude, in an attempt to remove itself from the range of any weapon systems. After realising that there were no systems that could engage it, it gradually drifted back down a few feet and continued scanning. The Mind was especially interested in what the inorganic entities inside the ship were doing. It also wanted to find out if the weapons on the drone could penetrate the ship’s shields, but knew that doing so would start a fight.

The android forces took preproscribed positions along the hallways, holding thier positions in the event of intrusion. The shielding was designed to shrug off nuclear and matter/antimatter blasts. The signal again went out, though it didn't get far with the advanced jamming abilities of the Indoan craft. The signal having been jammed 'samurai' settled in and waited for the enemy. It concluded that the drone had to be a previously unknown enemy ship as it made no attempt to answer it's signal and jammed it's own transmissions.
****

The fourth Hawk had powered up its sonic pulse generator, ready to unleash a full circular blast wave around itself, but held back when Lauralin dropped to the ground, partly because the Mind didn’t want to hurt the Queen. It still couldn’t move, even after Lauralin spoke. As it happened, the drone did have an audio pickup and relayed the words. It couldn’t broadcast any form of reply, it couldn’t. It did however, return to the altitude it had approached the fortress.

Once the ship was clear Lauralin looked upward, waiting a moment. Silverclaw returned and she vanished from her position on the ground appearing on the dragons back and strapped in. As long as Paranor was left alone everything would be fine and she headed back toward the fighting that she had left.

****

Another Ranger overheard the comment from Turquine.
“I wouldn’t do that, Sir. We may be here to help, but that won’t stop the Colonel from taking your people out if they threaten him. ‘Sides, he’s such a cold bastard, he’d just get straight up again and shoot you,” the Ranger said, having quietened his suit’s speaker so that few people overheard.

Turquine chose not to respond to that since he wasn't as ignorant as the Colonel and wouldn't cast shadow or doubt on the young man's commanding officer since it could cause problems. Instead he chose to address the young man himself, "Be careful out there, you've yet to run into ShadowSpawn's forces."

The Major nodded her understanding. “Sorry, I don’t know. I just got told to ask about the name.” She half-turned away, with the speaker deactivated. “Forge, apparently the name is the King’s head of palace security.” She hadn’t actually known the reason for the question, or who the name claimed to be, since Forge was aware that these people possessed numerous psionic talents and didn’t want anyone to be able to read the Major’s mind and find the answer they were looking for. It wasn’t that the Mind didn’t trust the people, of course it didn’t, but it had wanted the two stories corroborated independently.

Turquine nodded, tempted to demand the reason for the question, but his respect for women was for too strong. "If you could just find out if he's alright I would appreciate it", he said in the softest voice his rumbling baritone would allow.

He looked out and shouted, "Jenny, Darkmoor, Ravitz, Darkmoon, Ferranifer." Several minutes went by as the people asked for were contacted and made thier way toward the King.

'Jenny', was General Jennifer Jozan, known as 'Iron Jenny' by her people, though the appilation was never used when she was around. She wore armor similar to the Kings. When she removed her helm it revealed a rather pretty woman somewhere in her thirties. Her hair was golden in color with silver strands, the silver making one think she might be older than she looked. The golden color was like spun gold, not the deep blonde of most humans and her silver like molten silver, not the typical whitish silver.

'Darkmoor' and 'Darkmoon' wore different armors. Darkmoor's was red and black in color but unlike the King's and General Jozan's it sported a pair of manicles on the breastplate, the chain between them broken. Darkmoon's was a set of scaled armor, made for comfort and flexibility. When they removed thier helmets they looked like twins, which they were. Thier skin was ink black, thier hair white and thier eye's silver. They had an exotic beauty to them, though among thier people they were only somewhat more than plain. Darkmoor, or General Darlinia Darknight, commanded the Free Corps. The Free Corps was more lightly armored, created to be the first to the scene of battle or to harrass enemy movements with lightning strikes. Anestia Darknight led a force of mercenaries, her own people, who had diverse skills. Both women being of an unknown race made thier age impossible to guess.

'Ravitz', or Sergeant Samual Ravitz, was a human man who stood a full seven feet in height. He was powerfully muscled, if the armor was any indication, and chose to wear a skullcap rather than a full helm. A patch was over his left eye where a scar ran from his forehead, through where his eye would be and ended on his cheek. Unlike the others, who carried sword, he had a huge double headed axe resting over one shoulder. The axe haft was carved like overlapping dragon scales, a long spike coming from the bottom of the haft. The blades looked like dragon snouts with flames fanning out forming the edge of the blades. The edges were not just razor sharp but also jagged, designed to tear flesh and muscle as well as cut it.

'Ferranifer' was an enigma to those who didn't know who she was. She was human, about in her early twenties. Any who caught her hazel eyes however would be unnerved by the seeming ageless wisdom in thier depths. Her hair was reddish brown and oddly she wore a full evening gown of teal, designed to offset her hair and seemed to carry no weapons. As she approached, however, the others moved aside, making one think that she was far more dangerous than she appeared.

"Jenny", the King said, "set the forces in a defensive posture at this position. "Dar, your people are to harass any incoming enemy or scouts. Anez, I want you to escort the command staff back to Kern so we can plan our next move, Sergeant, you'll stay here. Your in command until our return. Ferranifer, contact Laura, have her meet us in Kern, find her guards as well, we leave at first light." The sun was setting and it would be almost a week to ride back to Kern."

The two Generals and the Sergeant left to set up thier forces while Anestia went to brief her people. Ferranifer stood for a moment, her eyes seeming to go unfocused. After a moment she looked up at the King, "She's on her way to Kern, Brook and Baghtru are heading this way. I'll return to Kern to prepare things." Without waiting, as she came under the purview of the Queen, she simply vanished.

Turquine looked back toward the Major, concern in his eye's about his head of security. Michael might be a pain but he was good at his job. If it hadn't been for him then they would have had no advance notice of the impending attack.

****

Lauralin received the message from Ferranifer and leaned forward, shouting for Silver Claw to head to Kern. The dragon would make the distance by evening of the next night. He banked and headed in a south by southwest direction, flying over part of the forest then back out to open plane as he headed toward the Queen's Capital.


****

The Forge acknowledged the transmission from Major Willows, but held off relaying the info to Pol until it had finished sorting out the other things going on.

It didn’t take long to manage this, but it had decided to make one transmission rather than several.
{Okay. The King has independently confirmed your mystery man’s job, the security man. We vaporised a hell of a lot of ground, but I can’t tell if we got the missile site. From the drone feed, the space station appears to be a space traffic control and planetary travel hub. My synthetics are boarding now.

The first reactor appears to be an underground base of ship, and appears to be activating both defences and automated troops. The second, well, perhaps you’d better see for yourself. [Streaming Data Feeds <HKD-037682> & <HKD-037683> & data feed record <GJP174923/HKD-037683/498-541> attached]}

[OOC: That’s the live feed from both drones down on the planet, and the recording of the feed of the encounter with the fortress (starting from the drone’s approach and the first encounter with the ‘tractor beam’).]

Pol considered the information for a second before responding. "What is going on?" he asked, not really expecting an answer. "They fight with archaic weapons but have fission? What in the name of Ghu is going on?"

{Like my first officer just said, ‘they have some explaining to do’. May I suggest asking Nancia. She must have noticed the station, if not the reactors. I also recommend suggesting that we will hold back our aid until we receive a truthful explanation. I could theoretically scan their minds to confirm the truth. Wait, they’re on the move again. Where are your legionnaires, by the way? I’m also going to attempt contact with the buried ship,} sent back the Forge.

The Mind had lost contact with the Central Worlds troops in the sudden rush, and wanted to know where they were, so it didn’t accidentally shell them.

What it had said was true. It could theoretically scan an organic being’s mind and read the mind-state, but it had never actually been done before, and even if it worked as planned it might have all sorts of nasty side effects, including death, complete memory loss, brain damage or induced coma.

With the lull in the battle down below, the belly turrets ceased fire. The weapons would now probably go into a combat overhaul, designed to rapidly bring the ship’s weapon systems back to optimal status, while not causing the problems the Faded Fortunes had managed to create against the pirates if they were needed suddenly.
****

The SK-4s had made their way fairly rapidly through the abandoned station, recording all the evidence of combat. They had also noted the apparent species of the station’s former occupants, human-derivative. They had reached the control room after using sonic pulse generators to blast through some sealed doors quickly.

Although they could see that there was no power, and that the reactor appeared to be missing, the Infiltrator connected to what appeared to be a computer system to try and pull some data from it, using the jumpstart systems as a power source.

As it did so, the two Hawk drones scanned from the inside, and noted all the anomalies. Another SK-4 relayed images of the unknown text back to the Mind, so that it could be relayed to Pol to check if he knew anything about it.
****

The Hawk drone made no further movement, but powered up its small comm array. The system was a short-range ‘bounce-comm’ with no encryption, since the array did not include the control datalink with the Forge. The first message was kept short, and sent on the same frequency as those emanating from the ship. It was also transmitted in English, since most space-faring species seemed to speak that particular alien language.

{Text transmission: Please identify. This craft non-aggressive.}
****

The last Hawk remained where it was for half a minute, then accelerated rapidly away from the fortress. The Mind dearly wanted to send the drone down to investigate more fully, but suspected that it might prove very dangerous and unpleasant. That fact made it want to glass the place, but somehow it didn’t think the natives would appreciate that too much.

The Hawk was headed for the battlefield, since the Rangers could use it for light support. Its sensors would also be useful to the ship in directing weapons fire.
****

After Lauralin’s dragon took off for the battlefield again, Spears expertly brought the Varia up above the dragon, and edged ahead. When his trained mind told him they were far enough ahead, he pushed the stick hard forward. The transport dropped rapidly down, right across in front of the dragon, close enough that both dragon and rider would feel the immense heat from the engine exhaust, possibly causing minor scorching.

He had been ordered to make the manoeuvre by the Mind, who wanted to show the natives that they weren’t the only ones who could forget to mention things. It also had another ploy ready to put into execution to try and get an explanation, but that would wait a little, until it had finished some final preparations.

The Varia then rose back up, now further forward and slightly off to one side. Clearly visible in the open hatchway were Jann and Reisco, looking defiantly at the vampire queen. It was quite clear that they weren’t happy about something, and it didn’t really take a genius to work out what they were unhappy with. Reynolds, also visible, brought the missile launcher around from aiming behind to aiming forward, the aim point very deliberately passing directly over, and pausing slightly on the dragon.
****

The Ranger didn’t voice the first thought that came into his head. On this planet? Their tech will be similar to yours, which makes it easy. Even if it’s not, we’re the best of the best. No-one beats us. The only concern most of the Rangers even considered was that they might get swamped by numbers.

There was also no need to cast shadow or doubt on Lexna’s ability, the troops had done that long ago. Had he known, the Colonel’s anger would have been tempered slightly by the fact that his Rangers thought that, despite him being an arrogant asshole, he was a pretty good leader of troops. They had major doubts and suspicions concerning his personal life, but that was to be expected.

Major Willows shrugged an apology at the King, then went back over to her platoon. Her command style was different to that of Lexna. She treated her troops as friends before subordinates, treating them as equals and was regularly seen socialising with the ‘grunts’ rather than her fellow officers. She knew all of them on a first-name basis, knew what family they had and knew what they liked to do. In return, her troops gave that little bit extra, so as not to let her down. Major Pierce used a similar style and was correspondingly rewarded, but the other three platoon leaders used more conventional attitudes.

The Rangers weren’t overly impressed with Turquine’s senior troops. The decorative effects on their armour served no useful purpose but to make it heavier, and the colouring just made you stand out. The tall one was just a bigger target, and the jagged edge on his weapon would make it more likely to get stuck in something. It might have been their experience of modern combat that made them think this way, but to them it just seemed obvious, even with antiquated technology. If you were hard to see, then you could accomplish more. This was true of them, moving about the battlefield like barely visible wraiths.

The King’s orders weren’t bad on the Rangers’ opinion, but they did spot some flaws. Leaving a Sergeant in command wasn’t exactly the best of ideas, no matter how good they were. In a Ranger unit, a Sergeant was the lowest rank. Also, the King’s troops could only harass the enemy if they got past the Rangers. The 2nd and 3rd Platoons would remain out there until the enemy attacked again, at which point they would engage them in a running battle back to where the rest of the Rangers were.

Wait, they’re on the move again. Where are your legionnaires, by the way?

Micaya and the borgs had pushed forward as the borgs had no need to worry about poison either. Micaya also had an illegal but highly usefull implant that would filter the poison from her system after only some initial discomfort. So the borgs had continued to press forward, though the bio bods had been ordered to stand thier ground once the poison was detected.

****

Another SK-4 relayed images of the unknown text back to the Mind, so that it could be relayed to Pol to check if he knew anything about it.

Pol received the information and checked with Nancia.

"Yes, I detected the station on the way in. I was going to inquire about it but there had already been a situation underway when the Queen arrived and we didn't have time to talk."

"No, I wasn't aware of the reactors. Curious. I'm a diplomatic courier and not trained for this sort of thing after all. It never occured to me to scan for anomolies."

"The language is unknown to me. I'm afraid they don't have any sort of net link, assuming they have any kind of net at all which seems unlikely."

"I'm sorry, I wish I could be of more help."

Pol sent her answers back to the mind after cutting his link to Nancia. "Damned civilians", he muttered.

****

{Text transmission: Please identify. This craft non-aggressive.}

'Samurai' detected the transmission and immedietly began a decryption sequence. Unfortunetly it was to short and had no reference with which to begin a translation. It, therefore, sent the same encryptic sequence, seeking a reply. If it could get the craft to transmit something more, if it had references, it might be able to figure out the messages. It did, however, hold the androids positions while it tried to verify the ship as an enemy or a friend.

****

Varia edged ahead. dropped rapidly down, both dragon and rider would feel the immense heat from the engine exhaust

The Varia then rose back up, now further forward and slightly off to one side. Jann and Reisco, It was quite clear that they weren’t happy about something, and it didn’t really take a genius to work out what they were unhappy with. Reynolds, aim point very deliberately passing directly over, and pausing slightly on the dragon.

Neither was bothered by the heat. The Queen, a natural born sorceress prevelant to flame, didn't particularly take notice. The dragon had spread his wings, luxuriating for a moment in the heat until it passed away from him.

Both looked over and could tell that Jann and Reisco were upset about something, though neither knew what. Lauralin watched the missile launcher and knew what they meant, though normally it indicated an enemy who wanted you to stop. She had seen it before, though it was normally a bow or crossbow.

"What are they doing?" she asked Silver Claw.

"I know not Lady, shall I take care of them?"

Lauralin refused to let a misunderstanding cause difficulties, but also didn't appreciate thier attitudes toward her. Had her own people been so callous toward a leader of a nation she would have punished them herself. Certain diplmatic amenities were due leaders of nations and she was angered by thier actions. Military personal were expected to treat leaders with respect, barring enemy leaders that is, who have already surrendered that diplomatic courtesy. She considered simply teleporting her and Silver Claw to Kern, but these people intended harm that would leave her people and her father's in the open and she knew she wouldn't have time to get them all safe. She, therefore, set the tone by pointing toward thier craft and then toward the ground. Silver Claw began a spiraling decent and Lauralin watched to see if the ship followed. If it did, they might be able to work this out, if not, she would have to come up with a means to defend against many enemies.

Had the mind attempted to take the information from her it would have been disappointed, if not permanently disabled, or even killed. Lauralin had been trained by Ariel. The Deryn were a race of psionics with even the lowliest capable of some form of psionic power. Laura also was undead and her mind didn't work quite the same way as an organic normally did.

****

Major Willows shrugged an apology at the King, then went back over to her platoon. Her command style was different to that of Lexna. She treated her troops as friends before subordinates,

The Rangers weren’t overly impressed with Turquine’s senior troops. The decorative effects on their armour served no useful purpose but to make it heavier, and the colouring just made you stand out. The tall one was just a bigger target, and the jagged edge on his weapon would make it more likely to get stuck in something.

Leaving a Sergeant in command wasn’t exactly the best of ideas, no matter how good they were. In a Ranger unit, a Sergeant was the lowest rank. Also, the King’s troops could only harass the enemy if they got past the Rangers. The 2nd and 3rd Platoons would remain out there until the enemy attacked again, at which point they would engage them in a running battle back to where the rest of the Rangers were.

Turquine didn't get his answer, which didn't surprise him. He did, however, watch for a moment as the major went to work before turning away. He liked the way she commanded. Her people would enter the gates of hell for her, that was obvious, that was also just what they might have to do. Shadowspawn hadn't been faced yet and probably wouldn't be until they reached the knife edge mountains. Probably ... a probability that turned out to be wrong.

The Indoans had taken the wrong meaning in the armor his commanders wore. Of course they were from an era that didn't need it. His and Jennies denoted to Black Dragons. Darkmoor's was for the Free Corps. Darkmoon's was her own. The armor was needed to place them on the battlefield for thier troops, though, yes, it could be seen by the enemy, but the didn't have the luxury of personal comm units, just as battlefields had changed through history, so it could be seen here. As for Ravitz, he was what he was, tall and strong. He couldn't make himself smaller. And they were wrong about him too. He was a Sergeant, but only because he had passed up many promotions. He liked the field and so he wanted to stay. That was his reason. In truth, he hated the paperwork.

****

As the Indoans pressed in on the front and Micaya from the flank, Shadowspawn's forces made themselves known. The demons rose from the ground in explosions of dirt and seemed unimpressed with the weapons of Indoan and borg alike. The non-magical, non-blessed weapons had no effect and the armor was like paper. Fifteen died in the first few seconds as the demons ripped the Indoans and borgs apart like so much parchment. The borgs lost ten to the Indoans five. Not because one or the other was better or worse, per se, but because Shadowspawn considered the borgs a greater threat.

"FALL BACK", Micaya shouted to her people and the quads opened fire with thier missiles only to see them explode against the demons and have no affect.

Turquine jerked his horse around when the demons materialized and drew the god forged blade, spurring his horse forward. He hadn't anticipated them to strike this far out. The underground itself would be impervious to attack and he figured that, as usual, Shadowspawn would make his stand there.

The Forge rapidly skimmed through the response from Pol, realised it contained nothing useful, and carried on with its other tasks. It checked the time against the time specified in the message from Naval Command. Still about eight hours until the fleet arrived.

The Mind was in no danger at all from reading anything’s ‘mind’. It used its effector to just search the memory and pull the info from the owner, and then assimilated the data. They knew it worked on machines, both sentient and not, and there was a fairly high likelihood that it would work on organics, living, dead or otherwise. The only thing they were unsure of was what the process might do to an active organic mind.

It then realised what was going on down below, and quickly issued some instructions to the relevant units. It had wanted to keep one of these events for later, but its earlier ordered stunt had brought the plans forward.
****

The engaged Rangers quickly realised that their weapons were having little effect, and began to fall back swiftly. The enemy weapons were similarly ineffective against their advanced armour but some fell through sudden strikes. The Indoans had several widely varying religions of their own, some of which even involved summoned demons, and more than one Ranger found themselves wondering if they could call upon their gods to aid them, even so far from the shrines.

A large, black-hulled Zodiac transport dropped out of the sky and touched dirt behind the Rangers, who moved towards the large craft and rapidly boarded it. The craft then rose into the air and moved over towards Micaya’s forces, and dropped down just behind them. The only problem that might arise was that the Zodiac only had space for 240 humanoid-size occupants, although weight was of little interest. With 77 Rangers, that left space for 163 extras, less if they were larger than the average human/Matrai.

Once as many as could be loaded had been, the transport rose swiftly, turned tail and headed for the other Rangers, leaving a scatter of anti-matter missiles in its wake. The Mind didn’t want its troops out of play just yet, it wanted them in place for the plan.

What it had decided though, was that the Rangers would no longer participate in the actual fighting. They would fight to defend themselves, and themselves only, as they withdrew to a safer location, but no more than that until the Mind got what it wanted.
****

The Hawk drone picked up the repeated transmission and the Mind wondered why. The drone’s transmission had been made in plain text English, with no encryption or encoding whatsoever, not even the basic process encryption used on the Indoans’ supposedly clear-text transmissions.

Remembering the report on the initial contact missions, the Mind decided that perhaps the unknown ship didn’t speak English after all, and was trying to build up a translation matrix. It sent another message, this one extended and using different wording.

{Text transmission: Unidentified vessel, we request you confirm your identity. This drone vessel is a recon support platform and is not aggressive. We have no intention of firing upon you, unless fired upon.}

It hoped this message would get through, but it doubted it. If it didn’t, it would probably just have the drone leave and join its partner over the battlefield.
****

The Mind gave them instructions only a split second after Spears and Manasi had arrived at the same conclusion. The Mind hadn’t wanted this confrontation to happen exactly now, it would have preferred both leaders to be there and to have more troops nearby, but it had to respond.

The Varia transport went into an almost vertical dive, losing altitude far faster than the dragon. It then proceeded to level off at the last possible instant, stopping dead still half a metre off the ground, floating serenely on an AG field.

For several seconds, no-one exited the craft, and for good reason. The Mind was relaying orders to each person, and Maj. Pierce was adding his own touch to those orders. Even then, they waited until the dragon or the queen had landed until emerging.

The six Rangers left the craft first, moved some distance from the craft and spread out, forming a rough semicircle around Lauralin, between her and the craft. The only other two to alight were Jann and Colonel Sophia Manasi, both of whom stayed right by the hatchway.
****

On board the space station, the SK-4s and Hawk drones began making their way to the largest hangar they could find, hoping that the craft stored in it might provide more than the language or the useless computers.

A large, black-hulled Zodiac transport dropped out of the sky and touched dirt behind the Rangers, who moved towards the large craft and rapidly boarded it. The craft then rose into the air and moved over towards Micaya’s forces, and dropped down just behind them. The only problem that might arise was that the Zodiac only had space for 240 humanoid-size occupants, although weight was of little interest. With 77 Rangers, that left space for 163 extras, less if they were larger than the average human/Matrai.

Once as many as could be loaded had been, the transport rose swiftly, turned tail and headed for the other Rangers, leaving a scatter of anti-matter missiles in its wake. The Mind didn’t want its troops out of play just yet, it wanted them in place for the plan.

Micaya had her bio bods load the transport and as many T-2's as it could take. She then loaded the rest of the T-2's and the T-3's into the quads and moved away from the combat area as fast as the quads could take them. The demons followed for a short distance and then stopped. Micaya wondered why but kept them moving toward the rest of the forces. Turquine reigned in as he saw the men and women being moved to safety and turned to follow the transport craft and the quads.

****

{Text transmission: Unidentified vessel, we request you confirm your identity. This drone vessel is a recon support platform and is not aggressive. We have no intention of firing upon you, unless fired upon.}

'Samarai' analysed the new transmission, coupled it with old and checked it's text variants. Then it downloaded the new text information from recent encounters and tried a new translation algorithm.

'Not identified vehicle, we ask you verify your identification. This 'unknown' vehicle is 'unknown (possibly search or searching) platform' not (possably angry or hostile). We (conjugated possessive) not intent of shooting at you, unless shot upoon.'

'Samarai' sent the drones message followed by it's translation followed by it's own variant. The language of the A.I. was an old form of present english with some words having changed since the A.I.'s creation making it evident that the A.I. was rather old.

****

The Varia transport went into an almost vertical dive, losing altitude far faster than the dragon. It then proceeded to level off at the last possible instant, stopping dead still half a metre off the ground, floating serenely on an AG field.

The six Rangers left the craft first, moved some distance from the craft and spread out, forming a rough semicircle around Lauralin, between her and the craft. The only other two to alight were Jann and Colonel Sophia Manasi, both of whom stayed right by the hatchway.

Lauralin gasped as the ship went into the steep dive, "NOOO!" she cried as she reached out uselessly for what she thought was a crashing ship. She was greatly relieved when the ship stopped, seemingly fine and hovered above the ground. Though concerned she summoned her magic about her in a protective wall of force that couldn't be detected by sensors. The same protection that covered her capital. She landed and slipped from the dragon, dropping to the ground after the dragon lowered his head. When the rangers began to encircle her she began to back away, flames flickering about her hands and fingers, eyeing them warily.

"What is the meaning of this?" she asked, preparing herself to fight.

****

On board the space station, the SK-4s and Hawk drones began making their way to the largest hangar they could find, hoping that the craft stored in it might provide more than the language or the useless computers.

The hanger bay held several ships. Antiquated fighters, transports and what looked like personal craft. They had obviously been made for human or humanoid beings and readings from the crafts own power systems particle half-lifes indicated that they had been here for some time, several hundred, if not a thousand or more years.

The Zodiac cruised over and dropped the embarked troops by the other Rangers, before lifting off and returning to its cruising of the sky.

Lexna immediately appeared and started throwing questions at the senior platoon leader.
“Jayne? What the hell went on there?” he demanded.

Major Rick Jayne, leader of 2nd Platoon and usually referred to by his surname, which he despised, shook his head.
“Not a Hsudamn clue, sir. Enemies appearing from nowhere and our weapons did nothing. I don’t think even the Zodi’s missiles did anything,” he replied. “We lost five in seconds. Luckily, the Mind saw what was going on and pulled us out quick.”

“Well, at least you’re out of the fight,” responded Lexna. “The Mind’s put all combat, except immediate self-preservation while escaping, on hold until it gets some answers. Tool up, patch up and get ready. I think it wants us for something, else it would have pulled us straight out.”
****

~ Hmm… It must be using a different form of the same language, decided the Mind after reviewing the messages from the ship.

It had only the one variant of English recorded, so it had no chance of communicating properly. However, it might know someone that could.

{Pol, this was the response I got from the buried ship [transcripts attached]. Don’t suppose you can understand it and form a reply can you? If you can, a matrix would be appreciated. It seems to be at least willing to talk, so I might as well keep at it.

Oh, and my units on the station found these craft in a hangar bay [.imgs attached.]. Do any of these seem familiar? I’m going to have them try and start some of the more serviceable ones, just to see what they’re like.}
****

Pierce was clearly the senior officer, since he occasionally made hand signals to which the other Rangers responded. They also looked to him every so often, presumably as he gave them instructions over the comm.

However, the reply to Lauralin’s question came from Kane, who was a full six grades lower in rank, and not even in Pierce’s team. The action was designed to show exactly how much they cared at this point, and how much respect they had for the other. Both amounted to not very much.

“Perhaps you should answer that question first,” he told her.

Before anyone else could speak, there was a loud clack as Reynolds armed his pulse rifle, and the air temperature in the immediate area jumped up twenty degrees. The Rangers were ready for a fight too, and while the fusion exhaust hadn’t seemed to worry the queen, a half-million degrees focused in her head was guaranteed to. It suddenly became clear why Jann and Sophia were waiting by the transport, the Rangers’ suits made them immune to the heat, but the two naval officers had no such protection from Tomlinson’s ability.

“I think you have some explaining to do before you get any more of our help,” continued Kane.
****

One of the Hawk drones scanned the interior of the hangar bay, searching for a craft that still seemed reasonably functional. The most likely candidate was indicated to the Infiltrator model, although the Mind didn’t hold out much hope for success.

The Infiltrator and two other SK-4s went over to the indicated craft, and inspected it briefly. Then, the two standard models found and removed an access panel to allow the Infiltrator to get at the internal components and hopefully return the ancient craft to life. The Infiltrator then linked in the craft’s computers using its jumpstart power cell, and attempted to assess the craft’s state of repair.

The majority of the other SK-4s and the two Hawk drones continued to explore the hangar, in case they found anything else of interest, such as computer terminals, records or other craft in reasonable shape.
****

[Stuttered-tight-point, M32, tra. @d2.4530.5.16.245622]
x: INV Whisperer (TF Syriane)
o: INV Forgaies
{Status report, sister. Has your little war started yet, or are you just sitting around waiting for backup? Before you ask, new upgrades have allowed us to communicate while riding the worm. They also include a new encryption system with more security levels, plus improvements to the sensor suites and a fix to the SK-4 target allocation software and some hardware tweaks. I’d have sent this using it, but you don’t have the software yet. Oh, you don’t need the upgrade to send to me, but you do to send/receive if you’re in a worm. I have a sealed core to give you with your copy of the upgrades. There are some full hardware upgrades as well, but you’ll need to go home for those.

And here’s the really good bit. I’m carrying an experimental version of our wonderful new toy. And you know where it came from, so it’s only experimental because the techies haven’t completed their analysis of it. We know it works.}

The transmission surprised the Forge, but it understood as soon as it had read the message. There were fairly regular upgrades issued by Naval Command’s tech department, as they came up with new and improved systems. The only problem was that the upgrades had to be physically uploaded from a sealed memory core that could only be accessed by the intended recipient, using the same system as the communications transmissions.

By the sound of it, this particular upgrade contained some very useful changes, including some long awaited ones. The ‘tweaks’ were minor upgrades to various hardware systems, the sensors and weapons were commonly tweaked systems, which improved the overall capabilities without having to install an entirely new component.

Forge was also excited by the mention of the ‘new toy’. It was fairly sure it knew what that meant, and was both impressed by how fast the tech department had managed to get one ready and filled with anticipation about what could be done with it.

It sent a lengthy reply detailing all that had happened so far back to its sister ship, complete with info about the current situation and what it was doing about it.

The Zodiac cruised over and dropped the embarked troops by the other Rangers, before lifting off and returning to its cruising of the sky.

Lexna immediately appeared and started throwing questions at the senior platoon leader.

The allied forces were a wide variety of sentients including wemics, who looked like centaurs excepts with lion-like bodies instead of horse-like. Rock Trolls, massive creatures with dense skin like stone who were intelligent, strong and could regenerate even lost body parts. The only reason they didn't dominate the other races was because their clans often fought amongst themselves and they didn't possess the ability to use magic. Elves, who's ability with the bow was legendary on this planets. Dwarves, who with thier superior weapons, at least for this world, made them very formidable. Humans, of course, were present, easily seen among the menagerie.

****

{Pol, this was the response I got from the buried ship [transcripts attached]. Don’t suppose you can understand it and form a reply can you? If you can, a matrix would be appreciated. It seems to be at least willing to talk, so I might as well keep at it.

Pol examined the information and then checked it against his data banks. "Whoa", came his reply, "no I can't, but I think Carialle and Keff could. They should be at the SSS-900-C for refuel and outfitting, I'll see if they want to stop by." Something in his tone indicated they certainly WOULD feel like stopping by. Pol tried the com satellite rely's, then opened a hyperlink to the space station.

"Simeon? Is Carielle and Keff there?"

"Yes, they're getting ready to head back out."

"Send them this and ask if they would be interested in coming to Midgaard."

Simeon sent the information and then opened a channel between Pol and Carielle and Keff.

"Pol? This is a language Keff and I have been working on, we can translate it, where did you find this? Is there an archeological site there? Is this on a hard form that we can take pictures of?"

Carielle sounded excited and Keff came on the line. "This better not be a joke, where did this come from?"

"Midgaard", was Pol's only reply. "I think you want to swing by, you're going to find this VERY interesting."

"We're on our way, ETA twenty minutes."

"Confirmed."

"Forgaies? Carielle and Keff are a BB team, they work for the archelogical division of A&E. Archeology and Exploration. They found a number of sites that use this language and are the foremost experts on it. Give them twenty to get here and they should be able to communicate. Probably be able to translate the writing on station too, though I'm dying to see if those derelicts work."

****

“Perhaps you should answer that question first,” he told her.

“I think you have some explaining to do before you get any more of our help,” continued Kane.

Lauralin felt the heat and seemed unconcerned. The wall of force would hold, though the ground was another story. She suddenly vanished, appearing behind Jann in the ship and immedietly summoned a smaller wall to surround her. Air wasn't an issue, as she didn't need any and she held her hands palm outward, no flames showing. A demonstration to them that they couldn't harm her as they had intended, but also that she didn't mean any harm to them.

"Firstly, glad as I was to see you, I did not ask for your help. Secondly, I do not know how your nation handles foreign relations, but I and the U.N., which I was a part of once, holds the sovreign rights of nations paramount. I have right to ask your intent and shall not answer anything until I have my answers. Now what is the meaning of your seeming intent to harm me when I have done nothing to you?"

****

The Infiltrator and two other SK-4s went over to the indicated craft, and inspected it briefly. Then, the two standard models found and removed an access panel to allow the Infiltrator to get at the internal components and hopefully return the ancient craft to life. The Infiltrator then linked in the craft’s computers using its jumpstart power cell, and attempted to assess the craft’s state of repair.

The majority of the other SK-4s and the two [i]Hawk drones continued to explore the hangar, in case they found anything else of interest, such as computer terminals, records or other craft in reasonable shape.

The vessel they chose seemed to be an ancient gunship, military in origin. Though several of the systems burned out immedietly from long disuse they did manage to get it started. It wouldn't be spaceworthy, not for organics at least, since there were several hull breached caused from corrosion and it seemed to be a design that relied on heavy armor with no sheilding technology. One of the civilian craft seemed to be a later model with an old style shield generator, though it wouldn't be able to stand up to any of the Indoan or Central Worlds weapons. Again the writing seemed archaic, just like the rest of the station and vocal pattern of the ship or base on the surface of the planet.

As the other teams checked around one thing became clear. Something happened here. They were not all killed since the bodies left clearly weren't enough to run the station, yet niether did they escape, since there were plenty of ships still on the station.

****

Pol sent a message to Forrister concerning the Com situation and Forrister acknowledged. Once back at base camp, or at least where all the Indoans, Central Worlds and alliance forces were gathering, he contacted Helva and requested her presence on the ground. Helva left the Victorious and headed for thier co-ordinates along with a wraith escort, just in case, since she was completely unarmed.

****

Meanwhile the bio-ship headed toward the area where Turquine was and could be seen to land nearby. A man stepped off the ship, walking down the ramp. He was bald, probably shaved his head since he looked to be only in his late thirties or early forties and he wore a uniform different from anyone else, most likely denoting the palace security forces. As soon as he cleared the ship it began to sparkle, seemed to expand and then contracted. In it's place stood a somewhat good looking woman in a uniform similar to Michael's and she stepped forward to take his arm in a familiar fashion. He then approached the King.

"Seem's our intelligence was right, they have vast numbers, even more in the skull kingdom area. There are other's, also, aside from the ones we've seen so far."

Turquine nodded and then looked at Michael, "I was asked to confirm who you were. What did you do?"

"ME? Not blasted thing, some half-wit decided to take pot shots at me."

"And you did nothing?"

"NO."

"You better not have. What about these other creatures, were they the demons?"

"No, Eve can't detect them, not until they show themselves at least. More of the xenomorphs."

"More of the what?"

"Aliens."

Turquine nodded again, "So they have more in store for us."

"That would be my guess."

"What about your intelligence network?"

"They're working on it, so far nothing. They have to be careful since most of Shadowspawn's forces are undead or demons and the Aliens' are in no way humanoid."

"I understand. Thank you. I want to get to Kern as quickly as possible", he said and then looked at Eve, "Would you be willing to take myself and our command staff?"

"Of course", she replied with a curtsey.

"We leave at first light."

In stark comparison to the native forces, the company of Rangers looked like a group of clones or robots, or at least they would if they turned their camouflage off. Each wore the dark blue battlesuit, which had no external markings and hid their faces, and the suits made everyone appear to be of roughly equal height and weight. Because they were a Ranger unit, all were the same species too, so there were no Douran or Raishuv around.

The variety of weapons carried by the Rangers, however, rivalled the natives’ variety of troops. There were at least three types of pulse weapon, at least another three energy weapons, plus missile launchers and light cannons. This variety would only increase when the other Indoan forces arrived, since each of the specialised units had its own trademark weapons.
****

{Understood. I will attempt to convey that to the ship,} replied Forge.

The Mind transmitted a third message to the ship through the motionless drone.

{Text transmission: Please wait. We are attempting to resolve the communications difficulties. We hope to do so shortly.}

It hoped that the ship’s AI would understand that, but either way it was the last message the drone would send for some time, since the Mind would have no way of knowing exactly what was being said to it.
****

Lauralin was probably overconfident in the ability of her protective force, since Tomlinson’s ability didn’t go from her to the target; it just created fire on the target. Therefore, it was unlikely that any force field would defend against it, as the fire didn’t need to go through the force field.

All the same, Tomlinson relaxed herself as Lauralin teleported, not wanting to injure the other crew members. She did still have her rifle though, and moved with the others.

Manasi and the other two members of her team that were still on the craft immediately span round to face the queen, weapons up and aimed with startling speed. Sophia was wielding her favoured pulse carbine one-handed, the others both held pistols. The Rangers reformed around the hatchway, weapons aimed directly at Lauralin.

“First, I’ve never heard of your UN, and couldn’t give a shit. Second, we have no current intent to harm you; we were just showing that, like you, we cannot be trusted,” replied Sophia, placing more than a little emphasis on ‘current’. “And if you don’t want our help, we’ll just take our hundred-twenty thousand elite troops, fighter wings and our fleet and leave you to your fate. But, if you do want our help, then you best start explaining some things, and fast. Besides, I don’t think it’s a question of ‘do you want our help?’ It’s more ‘can you do without our help?’ Your enemy seems to have numbers, technology and capabilities on their side.”
****

The semi-sentient SK-4s were almost as surprised as the Mind when the vehicle they were working on actually decided to work, even if it only half worked. The two SK-4s assigned to assist the Infiltrator set about seeing if they could fix any of the burnt-out systems, while the Infiltrator itself attempted to download the data stored on the gunship’s computers.

The other SK-4s had already tapped the seemingly newer and more advanced civilian craft as the next craft to be looked at by the Infiltrator, and continued to explore.

The Mind, which was monitoring the activity, noted the lack of bodies with interest. It meant one of three things. It could mean that the enemy which had killed the occupants had removed the bodies, it could mean that friendly vessels had either evacuated the survivors or taken the bodies away for disposal or it could mean that the other occupants were all in one place, either alive and in stasis or dead.

It remarked on this to Pol, and also mentioned that it had gotten one of ‘derelicts’ to work, and that it they were going to try and get others working as well.
****

[Stuttered-tight-point, M32, tra. @d2.4530.5.16.245649]
x: INV Whisperer (TF Syriane)
o: INV Forgaies
{Sister, what have you done? I agree that something needed to be done, but don’t you think you could have managed it without pointing guns at them? Although I do agree that they have some questions to answer before we fully commit ourselves. I wonder what made them think they could get away with not mentioning a large space station and fission reactors, old though they might be.

Whatever, just try not to screw things up any more before we get there. In fact, try to resolve the problem. Later, sister.}

The alliance forces, apparently used to a wide variety of life forms and weapons, took little note of the rangers or the Central worlds personal. Some, of course, did look, as would be expected, but went about their assigned duties. What became obvious after a short time was that the alliance was held together by a thread. There were some arguments among the different races and even one or two fights. Turquine did what he could to resolve any issues, but it had been Laura who had managed to assemble them and she who kept them together.

****

{Text transmission: Please wait. We are attempting to resolve the communications difficulties. We hope to do so shortly.}

*please delay. We are (trying?) to (unknown) the communications (problems?). We (unknown) (conjugated action) in a short time.*

‘Samarai’ translated it as meaning that they were having comm. issues and that there should be a resolution forthcoming. It put the androids on standby and awaited further communications.

****

“First, I’ve never heard of your UN, and couldn’t give a shit. Second, we have no current intent to harm you; we were just showing that, like you, we cannot be trusted,” replied Sophia, placing more than a little emphasis on ‘current’. “And if you don’t want our help, we’ll just take our hundred-twenty thousand elite troops, fighter wings and our fleet and leave you to your fate. But, if you do want our help, then you best start explaining some things, and fast. Besides, I don’t think it’s a question of ‘do you want our help?’ It’s more ‘can you do without our help?’ Your enemy seems to have numbers, technology and capabilities on their side.”

The fact that the U.N. was not so far ranging as it would have nations believe was a fact of which she wasn’t aware and filed that piece of information away. She still didn’t know what it was that made them so wary, but they had just admitted that they couldn’t be trusted and would have to be careful lest they present a danger to her people. Only one problem arose at this point. She, like her father certainly would have, almost told them to go. But they had a point. Shadowspawn’s tech level was above their own, as he didn’t particularly care about his people and dumped almost everything into advancing his technology. He, alone, could be difficult, though he was kept in stalemate. Now, however, he had the added alien forces, whose numbers were great. COULD they do without aid? Probably not. She took a few moments to weigh things, swallowed her pride for the sake of her people and eyed them all. “What information is it you require?” she asked finally.

****

It remarked on this to Pol, and also mentioned that it had gotten one of ‘derelicts’ to work, and that it they were going to try and get others working as well.

Pol considered the information interesting. “What about stasis chambers? Typically they were used for long range transport before FTL technology but maybe the crew were put to sleep to be awakened later? As for the ship you got going, Simeon would pay a small fortune for a working gunship that old, he likes antiques.” The last was said with a chuckle as Pol continued to monitor the forces below. It was then that Nancia contacted him.

“Pol, could you contact the Forgies and have one thier people talk to the queen. She only activated the input feeds, I can't communicate with her. They seem to be upset with her about something."

"I'll see what I can do", came Pol's reply and he forwarded the request along with instruction on how the contact button worked to Forgaies.

****
Helva landed near the assembling forces and Forrister made his way to her. Once aboard he tried to tap into the communications links but found them all down.

"Odd", he mumbled. "Helva, can you contact Joat and Rand? I'd like to get them in on this."

Helva and the W.Y.A.L.'s arrival went largely unnoticed, mainly because they were expected and so, though they were detected, it didn't particularly cause any stir.

"Helva to Rand, is Joat around?"

"Yes, hold on."

After a moment Joat came on the comm. "Yeah what's up?" Joat asked.

"Joat, the comms are down. I mean the satellites, I'm getting nothing. I want to see if we can find a way to get a message through to Algeron."

Joat tried all the comm channels including the gold channels, which she wasn't supposed to have access to. "Whoa, someone really screwed the pooch. Hang on." After a few moments Joat came back on the line. "I've got Algeron."

"You did? The comms are working again?" Forrister asked.

"Nah, they're deader an dog shit but the net is still up. I tapped in, found Algerons data stream and hacked the back door, then I hacked the comm system from the main frame."

"You could have just asked for the code you know."

"Yeah, but it wouldn't been as much fun."

Forrister sighed but opened his own net link to the W.Y.A.L. What he found out wasn't very pleasant.

If they were honest, many of the Rangers found it surprising that the natives didn’t pay more attention to them. Even as accustomed to a variety of species as they seemed to be, the technology evident with the Rangers should have attracted attention, as should the fact that they seemingly had no faces and could become mostly invisible.

The last might not have seemed so outlandish in a place where magic appeared prevalent, but the first two marked them quite clearly as unknowns, which really should have been of interest to people fighting a war against unknowns.
****

{We are talking to her. I’ve got an avatar right there. We’re resolving the issues about the discrepancies before we continue,} replied Forge lightly.

The fact that its resolution had involved guns being pointed had been a mistake, but so far not a costly one. The point made by Colonel Manasi seemed to have struck home, the natives probably needed the assistance whether they liked it or not.

{Oh, and I’ll have the team look for stasis chambers. Are they likely to give off any kind of easily detectable readings if they’re there?} it asked Pol, since the Indoans had never actually built stasis equipment; they had acquired a faster method of space travel early into their space-exploration era.
****

Sophia smiled and lowered her carbine, as did most of the others. There were a variety of clicks and discharging whines as weapons were safed and lowered. The only exception was Sgt. Reynolds’ rifle, which was lowered, but remained unsafe and pointed in the general direction of Lauralin. This was Pierce’s, and the Mind’s, safeguard against her trying anything, even though it wasn’t much of one.

The avatar Crysta just remained silent as it sat on one of the fold down seats along the interior walls of the craft, just watching everything closely.

“Okay. First, you can explain why there’s a massive spacecraft in orbit around your planet. Second, why are there two fission reactors on the planet? And third, what the hell were those things that appeared out of the ground? And finally, what exactly made you think you could get away with not telling us about this stuff?” reeled off Manasi.

She had left out the part that one of those reactors belonged to a ship that seemed to be connected with the space station, and the bit about the ‘bio-ship’, which had ultimately turned out to be part of the allied forces, partly because she didn’t know either of these facts. The avatar sitting there knew about these things, and wanted to see if Lauralin would reveal these as well. There was no way the vampire queen could read its ‘mind’, since it didn’t have one in that sense of the word.
****

On board the station, the Hawk drones began scanning for anything that might remotely resemble an active stasis pod. If none were active, the synthetics could be in for a long search to find the answer.

If they were honest, many of the Rangers found it surprising that the natives didn’t pay more attention to them. Even as accustomed to a variety of species as they seemed to be, the technology evident with the Rangers should have attracted attention, as should the fact that they seemingly had no faces and could become mostly invisible.

The last might not have seemed so outlandish in a place where magic appeared prevalent, but the first two marked them quite clearly as unknowns, which really should have been of interest to people fighting a war against unknowns.

Turquine had settled a number of disputes and moved to a seat near one of the tables that had been put out for food. He removed his helm and rubbed his temples wishing that Laura were here to deal with these things. At least they seemed to largely avoid and ignore the indoans, probably because they seemed spectral. Most of their world was unexplored and there many in the various races who had never even seen the other races, only heard of them. Considering the appearance of the Indoans Turquine assumed that the others figured them to be from Necropolis, the undead city on the southern plains. Though Laura had requested thier aid, and it had been granted, they had yet to arrive as they could only travel by night. This didn't upset him in the least as he had a hard enough time dealing with what his daughter was. Only the fact that he loved her had stayed his hand. A Holy Knight doesn't often mingle with the undead.

****

{We are talking to her. I’ve got an avatar right there. We’re resolving the issues about the discrepancies before we continue,} replied Forge lightly.

{Oh, and I’ll have the team look for stasis chambers. Are they likely to give off any kind of easily detectable readings if they’re there?}

"Alright, let me know when we can open that com. Nancia can hear and see, she can't communicate with her. As for the readings let me see what I can find, I'll have to check my archives."

It had been sometime since Central had had need of sleeper ships and Pol searched through the records. What he finally wound up sending was the detectable drugs used to put the individuals into cold sleep and the energy requirements of the sleep chambers.

"Best I could do", he told Forgaies.

A short distance away, at least as far as the universe is concerned, Carialle entered normal space, found Pols beacon and moved toward him.

"Pol? It's Carialle. Where am I to go?"

"Let me check. The INV Forgaies is largely handling the investigation."

"Forgiaes? Where would you like Carialle and Keff?"

****

“Okay. First, you can explain why there’s a massive spacecraft in orbit around your planet. Second, why are there two fission reactors on the planet? And third, what the hell were those things that appeared out of the ground? And finally, what exactly made you think you could get away with not telling us about this stuff?” reeled off Manasi.

Lauralin wasn't sure about everything they were asking but one thing was definite, she would have to tread lightly. Especially with the last question they asked. After all, who in thier right mind would ask such a question considering the fact that when they arrived her people were fighting for thier lives and she hadn't had a chance to speak with them before now. That being the case she chose to address the last question first and hoped they would see reason.

"Well", she said, "Concerning your last question. May I be so bold as to point out that we did not know of your coming. Given that fact we did not have the opportunity to speak with you first. I ask you to consider that point and take into account that fact that we were in the midst of battle when you arrived. This is the first juncture at we which we have had a chance to speak.

Working backward, now, through your questions, what appeared out of the ground were the guardians of Paranor. The Wizards who had built the fortress had made certain pacts with a number of denizens of other planes. They help to defend Paranor. I am the guardian of the fortress, though I have had little time to familiarize myself with it. It was passed on to me by the last guardian, as there are very few willing to accept the knowledge that lies within.

Now, please indulge me whilst I jump to your first question. I assume the space ship you speak of is the moon that orbits our planet. It is a man made moon, and quite old. Very few, on my planet, know it for what it is. Fewer still believe it. I did not, not particularly. Not until I found out that such things were possible.

And now, I come to your second question. I fear you may not like the answer." She hesitated a moment, glancing at those assembled. "For, you see, I do not know of what you speak. I have no knowledge about fishing reactors. If, however, you care to take a trip to one of the docks, and I shall accompany you if you wish, perhaps we can find out from one of the men who work the docks, or the fishing boats."

FISSION Nancia wanted to scream, but she couldn't contact the Queen, not FISHING. "Pol, she doesn't understand."

"Doesn't she? One of the reactors is below Paranor."

"Maybe she doesn't know. She doesn't fully know about the space station, she calls it a man made moon."

"Maybe she doesn't, maybe she does. Forgaies, try having them describe what a fission reactor does and see what kind of response they get. She's been pretty forthright. And she's right about why she never told us. I didn't think about that. Central never contacted her and they were fighting up to this point."

****

On board the station, the Hawk drones began scanning for anything that might remotely resemble an active stasis pod. If none were active, the synthetics could be in for a long search to find the answer.

Unfortunately the drones were in for a long search, since there were no stasis chambers on the station.

“Rangers, save power. Switch camo off until we see combat again,” ordered Lexna over the comm net.

Over the course of about fifteen seconds, all the Rangers in the area had left their spectral appearance behind and returned to a solidly normal appearance, if one that was entirely dark blue and had no face.

Since there currently seemed to be little else to do, many of them sat down and began chatting about home, current events on the Forge and what was going on around them, in their own language of course. A small few even ventured so far as to remove their helmets, but swiftly put them back on again as the local air didn’t seem pure enough for their delicate respiratory systems. This forced them to have to use the suit’s built in facilities for sustenance, which, to say the least, weren’t up to the standard of Forge’s rather good canteens and mess halls.
****

{You want a comm line? Well, why didn’t you just say so? There you go.} The Forge bounced a signal off the Victorious and Nancia on another frequency. It had opened a comm channel through the avatar, and was allowing them to communicate through it.

{I don’t really care where they go; I just need a comm channel. Tell them to find an orbit out of the way somewhere. They’ll have to wait to go and see the ship or the station.}

The Forgaies located the new ship and activated another comm channel.
{Carielle? Forge here. Pol says you can help with our language issue. Can you translate the first message I sent into something the other ship will completely understand? I’ll send you the stuff on the station later, after we’ve got the ship talking. These are all the clear transmissions it’s made so far, plus my responses [.txt files attached].}
****

“I didn’t mean us specifically, I meant your stellar contacts, namely the Central Worlds, who you’ve been in contact with before this fighting even began,” replied Sophia flatly. “Why can’t we investigate this fortress, why will these guardians not let us pass if we show no threat?”

The Indoan Colonel thought for a moment about the response, mentally conferring with the Mind as she did so.

~ Forge, how exactly do you have a space station orbiting your planet and think its nothing more than a moon? That ship is centuries old, right? How can these people not have known, the ones who built the station must have visited the planet’s surface, and you can’t build up this kind of civilisation in just a few hundred years, she asked the Mind

~ I don’t know, Colonel. Try pressing the question some more, suggested the Mind, already knowing that the ever-resourceful Manasi was going to do exactly that anyway.

“I’m sorry; I’m having just a little trouble believing you here. How long have your people existed? No space-faring species would miss out on meeting another race, so there is no way you didn’t know about the station,” Sophia told Lauralin sceptically.

The response to the last question prompted a comment from Reid.
“What the fuck do docks have to do with anything?” she muttered loudly to Kane, who shrugged in reply.

Pol’s comments to the Mind, and Lauralin’s clear misunderstanding of the question provoked the avatar (or possibly the Mind itself, it wasn’t quite clear) to elaborate.
“This has nothing to do with fishing. We are talking about nuclear fission…” it very clearly enunciated the word ‘fission’ so there could be no mistake this time, “reactors, power generators which split atoms, and which are far too advanced for your civilisation to possess. They use radioactive metals, which feel naturally warm to the touch, to generate electricity. There are two on this planet that we can see, both well inside your territory and both overflown by Alliance forces so we know they’re not enemy items,” it explained, following the course of action suggested by Pol before any of the Matrai could get irritated.

{You want a comm line? Well, why didn’t you just say so? There you go.} The Forge bounced a signal off the Victorious and Nancia on another frequency. It had opened a comm channel through the avatar, and was allowing them to communicate through it.

“Thank you, Forgaies”, Nancia replied

The Forgaies located the new ship and activated another comm channel.
{Carielle? Forge here. Pol says you can help with our language issue. Can you translate the first message I sent into something the other ship will completely understand? I’ll send you the stuff on the station later, after we’ve got the ship talking. These are all the clear transmissions it’s made so far, plus my responses [.txt files attached].}

Carielle reviewed the conversation and made the corrections in the wording and grammer for Forgaies. “As for what the ship is saying we’re reviewing it still. It seems to be coded, like a military transmission as though trying to see if you’re an ally or an enemy. Try a friendship message. Tell me what you want to say and I’ll change it appropriately.”

****

“I didn’t mean us specifically, I meant your stellar contacts, namely the Central Worlds, who you’ve been in contact with before this fighting even began,” replied Sophia flatly. “Why can’t we investigate this fortress, why will these guardians not let us pass if we show no threat?”

”As for Central Worlds, we met them only briefly, just before you arrived. We were still working on terms for opening negotiations. Opening negotiations are strictly for scheduled talks, something we haven’t had a chance to get to do yet. Nancia was assigned to me in order to meet the schedule.

Paranor is off limits to everyone but me, even my father. There is knowledge there that our people are not ready for. This is not my opinion, but a proven fact. A fact that was proven previously by civil war. Besides that fact is the fact that I’m not sure how to bring others in. The former guardian died as he passed guardianship to me. I can barely control them. My position as Queen, here, has left me with little time to research Paranor.”

“I’m sorry; I’m having just a little trouble believing you here. How long have your people existed? No space-faring species would miss out on meeting another race, so there is no way you didn’t know about the station,” Sophia told Lauralin sceptically.

Before Lauralin had a chance to answer Nancia spoke up. “I’m afraid that I must counter you there. Central would never make contact with a race that is technologically behind. We’re in contact with this world because they contacted us and are advancing their technology. Highport has some spacecraft and so we’re going to meet with them to establish a dialogue. If the station is several thousand years old then it’s possible that they weren’t technologically advanced enough…”

“That’s not it”, Lauralin replied.

Pol’s comments to the Mind, and Lauralin’s clear misunderstanding of the question provoked the avatar (or possibly the Mind itself, it wasn’t quite clear) to elaborate.
“This has nothing to do with fishing. We are talking about nuclear fission…” it very clearly enunciated the word ‘fission’ so there could be no mistake this time, “reactors, power generators which split atoms, and which are far too advanced for your civilisation to possess. They use radioactive metals, which feel naturally warm to the touch, to generate electricity. There are two on this planet that we can see, both well inside your territory and both overflown by Alliance forces so we know they’re not enemy items,” it explained, following the course of action suggested by Pol before any of the Matrai could get irritated.

Lauralin grappled with the explanation, trying to place it in context. “Fission. I am not sure I understand.”

“Power, Lady”, Nancia put in. "Lighting, computers ….”

“Lighting”, Lauralin said, looking up, “like the glow panels inside you?”

“Yes”, Nancia replied, “it could be.”

“Paranor has such panels. They glow, like yours, but give off no heat and are not sustained by magic. They are powered by the great machine that lies below paranor.”

Pol scanned again and found that the reactor was below the fortress, that much matched at least, though like Forgies and the others, he was skeptical. Nancia was right, Central wouldn’t have contacted them so long ago most likely. Then again Central wouldn’t have built a space station around such a world either.

OOC: Sorry for the late reply, uni and writers block seem to affecting me slightly.

IC:
{Well, just translate the first message I sent it, or as close to it as you can get, will you? I don’t really care what the scrambler transmissions are saying right now, I just want to make sure it’s not going to suddenly attack us. Besides I’m probably better equipped to try and break the encryption anyway,} sent the Forge to Carielle.
****

Terms for opening negotiations? thought Sophia. She was a soldier, not a diplomat, although the Alliance had few enough of those anyway, and could not understand why terms for the initial negotiations had to be worked out. Terms were for treaties and alliances, not for first contact.

“Even though we aren’t ‘your people’? Never mind, forget the fortress for the moment,” she told Lauralin. Damn, we could really do with getting in there to look at that reactor. “You may not make contact, but you wouldn’t build a massive space station either would you, not if you hadn’t made contact?” she said to Nancia through the comm link. “Wait, what’s not it?” she asked Lauralin, pouncing on the possible slip.

“A great machine? Well, guess what folks, it’s our missing reactor,” muttered Reynolds on the Ranger comm net. Tomlinson smiled behind her concealing mask and Callahan shook his head slightly.

“Yes, fission reactors produce power for lights, heat and many technological devices. The point is there are two of them, and there shouldn’t be, archaic as they are by our standards,” continued the avatar/Mind.
****

{So she knows of one of the reactors, even if she doesn’t know what it is. Could you determine the exact age and origin of that reactor? And how close would you need to be if you could? After that comment she made I still suspect there is more than we are being told. I wonder, might they be one of those civilisations that reached a highly advanced stage, then renounced their technological gains to live a life more ‘in tune’ with some belief. You’ve been around longer than I have, what are your thoughts?} sent the Forge to Pol.

{And if you haven’t contacted them, you’re not going to have built a space station above their world, are you? After all, they would notice something that large appearing, regardless of their technology level, even over time. Granted, if it was built several thousand years ago, they would probably think it the result of whatever deity they happen to believe in, but that’s still interfering.}

QUOTE=Free Eagles]OOC: Sorry for the late reply, uni and writers block seem to affecting me slightly.

(OOC - It's okay, I figured you were busy.)

{Well, just translate the first message I sent it, or as close to it as you can get, will you? I don’t really care what the scrambler transmissions are saying right now, I just want to make sure it’s not going to suddenly attack us. Besides I’m probably better equipped to try and break the encryption anyway,} sent the Forge to Carielle.

Carielle made the sent the message to the system and sent the translated message from the system to Forgie. What Forgie seemed to get was a group of words with pauses inbetween as though each word required a response. There were twenty-seven in all. The system in question seemed to be called S.A.M.U.R.A.I.

Carielle made several transmissions back and forth to the system and then she paused and sent a message to Forgie. "I think I made it understand that a great deal of time has passed since it last contacted anyone and that we mean no harm. It would like me to send a vocabulary with which it can communicate with us without my having to translate. Should I go ahead and send it?"

****

“You may not make contact, but you wouldn’t build a massive space station either would you, not if you hadn’t made contact?” she said to Nancia through the comm link. “Wait, what’s not it?” she asked Lauralin, pouncing on the possible slip.

"No", Nancia replied through the contact button, "we wouldn't do anything that might interefere with the natural technological advancement of a civilization." She stopped as the next question was asked of the Queen, wondering about her reply as well.

“A great machine? Well, guess what folks, it’s our missing reactor,” muttered Reynolds on the Ranger comm net. Tomlinson smiled behind her concealing mask and Callahan shook his head slightly.

“Yes, fission reactors produce power for lights, heat and many technological devices. The point is there are two of them, and there shouldn’t be, archaic as they are by our standards,” continued the avatar/Mind.

Lauralin took a moment to absorb the information and then nodded toward Sophia, "That is not it." She raised her hands slowly, "This would be easier with a bit more trust on both sides, and I shall need some time to explain, if you have the patience and willingness to listen. I shall make the first gesture of trust", and she slowly dissolved the wall of force, intentionally slow enough to be seen disappearing and then looked at the one gun still pointed at her.

****

{So she knows of one of the reactors, even if she doesn’t know what it is. Could you determine the exact age and origin of that reactor? And how close would you need to be if you could? After that comment she made I still suspect there is more than we are being told. I wonder, might they be one of those civilisations that reached a highly advanced stage, then renounced their technological gains to live a life more ‘in tune’ with some belief. You’ve been around longer than I have, what are your thoughts?} sent the Forge to Pol.

{And if you haven’t contacted them, you’re not going to have built a space station above their world, are you? After all, they would notice something that large appearing, regardless of their technology level, even over time. Granted, if it was built several thousand years ago, they would probably think it the result of whatever deity they happen to believe in, but that’s still interfering.}

Pol considered Forgie statements and questions. "Well", he said, "I know there are those who will forego technology for a simpler life. The Bethelites in our system are an example. They made thier way to a new world and then reverted to simple tools, so it's certainly possible. As for the other. One, we certainly wouldn't have built a station around a world with low tech and two, and more importantly, a few thousand years ago we were still puttering around in our own system fighting for survival, so it certainly wasn't us. On the other hand, and Carielle and Keff or the two foremost experts on it, there was SOMEONE out here who had several locations, though most provided little information."

Once the Queen made her gesture Pol gave the electronic equivelent of a grunt. "Well, either she's desperate, fooling us, or truly wants us to understand. From what I know of her in the U.N. records she's to proud to be that desperate, to noble to try to fool us and therefore, beind rather intelligent, probably wants us to understand. Maybe she doesn't fully know about the space station either and figures we might be able to help. As for the reactors age I would need someone close to it to get readings."

{Yes, do that. It’ll save me having to communicate through you. Once you’ve done that and I can talk to the ship without any assistance from you, you can go and look at the station. See if you can work out where it came from for us.} sent the Forge.

~ Well, if it understood what Carielle said about the amount of time that’s passed and that we’re no threat to it, that’s good. Now, let’s hope we can find out something useful from it, thought the Mind. ~ Now, where’s that damn fleet of ours? It checked the time readout again, and the time stated for estimated arrival in the original message. ~ Still just over seven hours before they get here. Damn. I hope one of these days they come up with an upgrade for worm travel speed.

Most of the Forge’s crew was asleep at the moment, because according to the ship’s clock, which ran off Indoan standard time, it was not all that long after midnight, regardless of what was going on down on the planet. Just over a third of the crew were awake, most of them because they were on duty. Due to the time, the other two shifts were sleeping.

****

Reynolds’ rifle wasn’t exactly pointed at Lauralin, it just wasn’t not pointed at her either. When Lauralin lowered her aura shield, his left hand twitched around the barrel of the weapon, but his right did nothing, and the rifle didn’t move. However, at the discrete wave of a hand from Sophia, the Ranger clicked the safety on and lowered the weapon, leaving it dangling from the strap securing it to his suit, with his right hand loosely holding the trigger grip.

“Happy?” asked Sophia. “Now, what can you tell us? Unless anything happens, we have plenty of time, so explain away.

In response to the new, more relaxed situation on board the Varia, a number of the occupants sat down on the folding seats affixed to the interior hull, a few of the others leant against walls or sat or the floor and Tomlinson leant casually on the starboard hatch gun mount.

****

{Do you know of any civilisations that were around a thousand years ago? Picked up any mention in other discoveries? Do you think that the people Carielle and her partner have been studying are those who were here?} sent the Forge.

{If she wants us to understand, then this is good, it means we may yet find out what is going on. I don’t see how she can know the station is artificial, but not know what it is. And how close to the reactors? Could one of my drones get close enough?}

{Yes, do that. It’ll save me having to communicate through you. Once you’ve done that and I can talk to the ship without any assistance from you, you can go and look at the station. See if you can work out where it came from for us.} sent the Forge.

Cari sent the vocabulary she had and references with words and sentence examples to S.A.M.U.R.A.I. and helped it through some grammer. Once it seemed to have the gist of thier language she sent a message to Forgie.

"You should be able to communicate with it now. I'm going to head over to the station and let Keff loose on it, he's getting antsy." She then sent the frequency that she was using to communicate with the ground base and moved off.

Keff looked out the window as she approached the station. It was the size of a moon and although Central was capable of such a thing, Albion being an example, they didn't do it often.

"I'm going to head for one of those manual entrances."

"Good idea, if it's like any of the ground bases we've seen then I should be able to get in with a mini generator." He stood up and went to the cabinet in the main cabin, taking out a contact button and then headed to maintenance for a generator then moved to the airlock and suited up. Once Cari was in position he stepped into the lock, dumped atmosphere and used his suit jets to move to the manual lock. He opened it, then went inside and closed it again. Inside he removed the panel, nodding to himself.

"Same setup, I'll be able to cycle the lock."

"Be careful, Keff, we don't know what might be in there."

"Hey, it's me."

"That's what concerns me. Just focus on your surroundings and don't get caught up in the archeological aspect yet."

Keff connected the small generator, cycled the lock and entered. Once inside he began looking around. "The wording is the same, start translating the images will you? And can you locate the main control room?"

"It's right off of the reactor room, you should be able to access everything from there. I'll place a map on the visor of your helmet."

"You're a sweety."

****

In response to the new, more relaxed situation on board the Varia, a number of the occupants sat down on the folding seats affixed to the interior hull, a few of the others leant against walls or sat or the floor and Tomlinson leant casually on the starboard hatch gun mount.

Lauralin raised a hand and an image of a world appeared. It didn't look the same as the one they now orbited.

"As you can see", she began, her attitude changing. "Our world looked far different from what it once was." She seemed to be growing more comfortable as she continued. Teaching had always been a love she had never had a chance to express often and she felt good when she could pass knowledge on to others. Even knowledge that wasn't of any particular use to the Indoan's beyond the present need.

Pol took the image that Nancia sent him and compared it to the world he now orbited, wondering how they could be one in the same.

"Before recorded time devils and demons, gods and angels, waged war on our world." An image formed of angelic and demonic figures on a field. Demonic figures that would be familiar to the troops in the north. "For what reason, no one knows. Of course no one won. Either slain in the positive material plane simply returns to thier own, to be able to return after a predetermined time. One century to be exact. It was part of a pact that they had made long ago. So eventually, they grew weary or bored and decided to change the weapons.

The image changed as elves and fey, orcs and goblins and others began to fight on the field. "Mortal creatures created by both sides and polorized toward the universal disciplines of good, law, chaos or evil took up the fight. The side of good and law was gifted with long life but few births. An elf may live for up to two millenia but may have only two or three children at most. The side of evil and chaos lived short lives, three or four decades, but could reproduce at a prodigious rate. Therefore the forces of, light, shall we say, tended to defend, attacking only if sure of victory. The forces of darkness attacked almost constantly.

The image faded entirely. "The greater powers grew tired of even this and left the world, unless called upon to act through the mortals. But before they left, they made one more race. Mabden, mad ones. Mabden had no pull toward any of the sides and could choose for themselves which side to fight for and they did not have the abiding respect for the land that most of the races had, using what they needed and moving on. They were gifted to almost twice the length of life of the evil races and a moderate amount of progeny in that time. Mabden, the name for the race, was shortened later." She gestured again and a human appeared. "Man. Later referring to themselves as humans.

"Man was not understood by any of the races as he had no set side and was therefore shunned. The races, light and dark, watched to see what he would do, but he seemed to do nothing except expand, seeming to know nothing of the cosmic battle of light and darkness. But the races ... watched too long. As man expanded the races gave ground and too late they realized that they were dying out because the other races aside from having set alignments also thrived best in certain lands or conditions. Mans expansion and thier refusal to have anything to do with him isolated them to small pockets, to small to survive, and they eventually died out. Except for elves. They survived deep in jungles and forests using thier magic to hide them from the eyes of men. They survived, even to this day.

"Now", she said smiling, "the part that you really wanted to know. That was just a bit of background, but needed to understand why the other races do not know, or do not want to know, the truth."

The image of the human faded as she continued, "Man eventually forgot about gods and demons, elves and orcs, believing them to be only myths. They moved away from magic, eventually losing the ability to use it and turned to science. Though violent and even going so far as to fight amongst themselves they still managed to forge ahead. Some of these records are within the archives in the elven kingdoms, though since they did not understand man's science they are sketchy at best. Man eventually united and when he did he accomplished incredible feats. He almost eliminated disease, prolonged his life and, according to the elven archives, harnessed the power of the sun itself. He even reached out to the stars, settling on worlds beyond this one. But as man faced fewer challenges, and seeming to need challenges to thrive, he again turned inward. Different philosophies and religions that had debated for a long time became more adament. Debates turned into arguments, arguments to violence and ultimetly to thier own destruction.

"The following is in the library at Paranor. It was spring of the year of man twenty-two sixy-three as he measured time. A religous orginization was having a rally when a bomb went off, killing hundreds. Blame was placed, right or wrong, upon an opposing orginzation and in fall of the same year a building was destroyed that harbored that orginization as retaliation. Various factions began to polorize toward one side or the other. Terrorism turned to riots and riots to open conflict. In the summer of the following year a message was sent by an orginzation known only as the apocolypse to all the world.

"Cease your killing or we will let loose devistation like you have never seen."

"Of course, the warning was ignored. In early winter of the same year every capital city on the planet was destroyed by the sun powered weapons and another warning was sent.

"This is your last chance. Cease your killing or we will turn our weapons loose upon the world."

'Sun weapons', Pol thought, 'harnessed the power of the sun.' He sent a message to Forgie, "Nuclear weapons. If the elves didn't understand science they may have referred to them as sun weapons or harnessing the power of the sun."

Lauralin clasped her hands in front of her as she continued, "It is not recorded who found the apocolypse base but for the first time in some years the world united. They attacked the base ... and apocolypse retaliated. The seas boiled, the earth shook. Mountains fell, new land came into existence and new seas were born. The world changed and man now struggled to survive in a world that was utterly hostile and completely unknown. He no longer had the science that had given him luxury and he dispersed to many places of the world to try to survive. This time of survival became known as the shadow years."

Pol set his scanners for low radiation emissions and what found shocked him. He sent the scan to Forgie, scans that indicated old nuclear blast sites, hundreds of them. "Great Ghu, look at that, let me try something I'll get back to you."

Lauralin looked about her at the indoans, "So you see, technology did exist once but was forgotten in the struggle merely to survive. Now, as to the races. Man had gone to many places that had apparently not been touched. Underground, the hills, the mountains, the seas and oceans and even the forests. Lands where man had not resided before his devistating war. The weapons residual energies altered the plants, animals and even men. Some survived intact, others became different. Men who had lived inside the mountains became shorter, stronger and thier eyes adjusted to the darkness. When they emeged, they came to be known as dwarves after the those of long ago. Halflings, orcs, rock trolls were all created in the same fashion. Men somehow changed to match the lands they had been forced to live in. This, of course, took time. Centuries passed before the new races emerged. Many races were unknown before. The Thi-Kreen, the howlers and even the plants showed signs of sentience." She smiled at the Indoans, "Oh yes, do not be surprised should some vegetation take notice of you or even communicate with you.

"The wise men, those to whom knowledge of the past had been given by their forefathers, gathered togethered. They had wanted to bring the old knowledge back again. Thus they built Paranor and the great machine that lies beneath. The races, however, were angered by what they were told. None of them wanted to believe that they were decended from man for that would ruin thier manifest destinies. They could not accept that while they were of men they were thier own race now. Of course, men and elves, both survivors from that forgotten age, wanted them to believe. The elves because it was the truth and men because they believed that they, by virtue, were better than the other races and deserved to rule as they once had." Lauralin's face became saddened, "In the overwhelming evidence before them, they failed to learn from thier mistakes. They once again began to debate and argue and fight, this time with others.

"Thus began the war of the races. Men and elves were attacked. Men for obvious reasons and elves because they were seen to side with men, even though they were simply relying the history as they had lived and recorded it. The elves held in thier forest kingdom, but men were pushed back until finally they went into hiding again. Later man would emerge, humbled but still strong. The other races had established themselves and man did not challenge them, nor did they seek to gain the forgotten knowledge. Finally various nations arose and though there are border disputes from time to time it is mostly at the status quo you see today."

Lauralin looked around her, "I hope that answers your questions, and I thank you for your kind attention. Perhaps, one day, you might help us understand that forgotten era, though for now, whatever I might find out would be dangerous to release to the other races. I do not know if they would be ready for the truth." She said the last with a sigh and sat on a nearby seat.

****

{Do you know of any civilisations that were around a thousand years ago? Picked up any mention in other discoveries? Do you think that the people Carielle and her partner have been studying are those who were here?} sent the Forge.

{If she wants us to understand, then this is good, it means we may yet find out what is going on. I don’t see how she can know the station is artificial, but not know what it is. And how close to the reactors? Could one of my drones get close enough?}

"Well based on what she just told us, yes, it certainly is possible that they were the same. But even if their world was destroyed, what happened to the other colonies? I think I'll forward this and that question to Cari and Keff and see if they can brainstorm anything." Pol sent them the information they had just attained and asked them to formulate a hypothesis on what happened to the colonies. "Actually, I don't need you that close to the reactor now that I think of it, have one of the drones take a sample of the metal and send me the information, I can evaluate the age from there. If it matches then I would say she's telling the truth. My guess is she is, that's one hell of a story otherwise. Besides, take a look at this. I superimposed the worlds she had ... ehh ... well whatever she did to make it appear, over her own. Taking the nuclear strikes into account and the resulting radiation storms and determined fault lines. Watch this."

The image he superimposed shifted in the violence that had been wrought on it. It changed immedietly and over time until both images were very much the same. "There are certain things that I can't take into account, though Cari probably could, but it's a close enough match to be believable. These people had to be insane."

****

Forrester found Micaya setting up the defensive lines in case of attack. "I have to talk to you. Joat got through."

"The comms are back up?"

"No she entered the net, which was apparently unaffected and got through to Algeron."

"Good, at least there's some good news."

"No", he told her, "it isn't. Not at all." Then he briefed her on what he found out.

****

Turquine checked the defensive lines of his own people, briefed his staff and then stretched and yawned, obviously tired. He didn't rest then, however, instead he moved among the wounded, patting a shoulder here or congratulating another there. Taking personal messages for those who didn't think they would survive to give to thier families and finally sat down with the dying to console them.

The wounded had been seperated into the walking wounded who could fight and the more serious cases who could be taken care of with non-magical healing. The worst cases were given over to the priests for healing prayers that seemed to work miracles. The dead were set aside. The priests would tend to them later, resurrecting those who might want to come back and giving final blessings those who wished to stay at peace.

The King looked haggard but sat with the dying men as full night embraced the land.

OOC:
Forgie
Grrr...

IC:
{Okay, thanks, Carielle. If I need any help I’ll be in touch. Oh, I have a team of synthetics on the station somewhere, just so you know,} sent the Forge.

~ Okay, here goes. Let’s see if this works better now… The Mind activated the comm unit on the Hawk drone again, which was still lurking around over the site, and sent a message, hoping the new system would work.

{Unidentified vessel, this is the INV Forgaies, Indoan Navy, communicating through the remote drone above your location. We believe the communications issue to now be resolved, if this is not the case, please indicate. Can you identify yourself?}

This was the first message sent to the ship in real-time audio, all the previous ones having been text only. The Mind kept the actual content fairly simple for this first message, in case there were still some problems. To avoid confusion, it was going to continue transmitting through the drone, and on the same frequency.

****

As Lauralin recounted the tale, having gone past the point where she mentioned ‘sun weapons’, the Mind, also listening in through the avatar, replied to Polo:
{Well, I guess they should be thankful they never got as far as we did. They may have harnessed the power of the sun, if only in fission, but we control the very power of creation. Scary stuff when you think of it that way.}

The Mind was of course referring to the antimatter technology used to create power back on Todera and the warheads used in many of the Alliance’s missile systems. The creation of antimatter mimicked the creation myths of many religions; you put energy in, and got matter out, effectively getting matter from nothing, defying the laws of physics.

Later on in Lauralin’s account, one comment in particular provoked a reaction from Reynolds.
“Any plant talks to me, I’ll blow the shit out of it,” he declared over the comm net. A couple of the Rangers smiled behind their helmets at the remark.

After she had finished, Sophia had a question. “So, your current opponent, the one from this planet at least, is the nation of the… orcs? Right?”

Once that had been answered, the avatar spoke again. “Highness, this great machine you speak of… That is a nuclear fission reactor, and, as you put it, it harnesses the power of the sun, albeit in a safer fashion than the bombs. That analogy is not quite true, but is close enough for current purposes. Know that similar devices power this craft, but those use the true power of the stars. Do you know of any other similar devices on your world?” pushed the avatar. The Mind wanted to know if she knew about the ship.

The account had pointed out some discrepancies in the Indoans’ own way of life, in particular the talk about prolonging of life and elimination of disease. The major factor was that the Alliance had three species, and a corresponding number of diseases and conditions to deal with, as well as the differing life expectancies of the three species. The truth was that a large number of diseases had been eliminated, it was just that new ones kept cropping up again, either entirely new or just different enough that they got past the treatments for the old version. However, the use of medical nanites has rendered true disease almost extinct.

As for the extension of life, work had been done in that direction for longer than anyone could remember, well, the Minds could find out within seconds that it was about 850 years, and considerable progress had been made. In fact, they could almost treble the average life span of Matrai or Douran, and extend the life of a Raishuv by up to 85%. The difference was down to the fact that the Raishuv had only been known to Toderans for that same period of time and they were initially less familiar with the physiology, as well as differences in the physiology itself making it much harder to extend the life span. The reason why nothing had come of it so far was medical, no-one was quite sure what effect extending the average life span would have on the population, or any other aspect of life for that matter.

****

{A sample of metal? Oh, not close at all. How do you expect me to get a drone that close to that place, what with those dodgy forces pulling it around?} grouched the Forge. {That scan pretty much says she’s telling the truth, they ain’t gonna fake radiation like that, are they? Although I’m still going to look into disproving it. I want to be absolutely sure we’ve gotten the truth here.}

****

The SK-4s on the station had not yet managed to get any of the other craft to work, but the one they had was still running, and was being ‘fixed’ by a couple of the synthetics. More things worked than they did when they started, but not many. A pair of the SK-4s were dispatched back to the main control room to provide contact with Keff when he got there, while the rest and the two Hawk drones continued to investigate the craft in the hangar.

{Okay, thanks, Carielle. If I need any help I’ll be in touch. Oh, I have a team of synthetics on the station somewhere, just so you know,} sent the Forge.

"Your welcome, I'll keep the channel open in case there's a problem."

Cari opened another channel to Keff, "Keff, there's Indoan's on board the station, so don't be surprised should you see someone."

"Well that's good to know, at least I know I'm not losing it."

"What do you mean?", she asked.

"I've seen a couple of them", he replied.

"That's not possible. They're nowhere near you."

"Oh, guess I'm just getting spooked. There's a number of bodies over here."

"Well if you need to take a break then come back", she told him worriedly.

"Aww, don't worry Cari, I'll be back if it gets too bad."

He reached the main control room and nodded to the two SK-4's when Cari contacted him again. "Must be a low power station, but everything seems to be going online."

"What do you mean?", he asked as the lights suddenly came on. "Whoa, I don't have the generator hooked up yet."

"I'm not reading any power sources either, where's the power coming from Keff?"

"I'm trying to isolate that now", he replied as moved to the controls and began sifting through them, translating everything as he went. "Did you do anything?", he asked the two indoan synthetics as he tried to figure out what was going on.

****

{Unidentified vessel, this is the INV Forgaies, Indoan Navy, communicating through the remote drone above your location. We believe the communications issue to now be resolved, if this is not the case, please indicate. Can you identify yourself?}

"This is S.A.M.U.R.A.I., I understand you, please state your intentions." The voice was mechanically generated, though it sounded intelligent.

****

{Well, I guess they should be thankful they never got as far as we did. They may have harnessed the power of the sun, if only in fission, but we control the very power of creation. Scary stuff when you think of it that way.}

Pol winced, "Yeah, if they did have your tech they would have completely destroyed the planet."

After she had finished, Sophia had a question. “So, your current opponent, the one from this planet at least, is the nation of the… orcs? Right?”

Lauralin looked up at Sophia, "No I fear not. Shadowspawn rules Skullkingdom. He is a necromancer who delved to deeply into demonology. He is mostly demon now. His nation consisted of mostly humans. Now it is partly humans, demons and mostly undead. He brings back the dead in order to expand his nation, he doesn't allow them to be completely released beyond the veil and his intereference damns thier souls forever."

Once that had been answered, the avatar spoke again. “Highness, this great machine you speak of… That is a nuclear fission reactor, and, as you put it, it harnesses the power of the sun, albeit in a safer fashion than the bombs. That analogy is not quite true, but is close enough for current purposes. Know that similar devices power this craft, but those use the true power of the stars. Do you know of any other similar devices on your world?” pushed the avatar. The Mind wanted to know if she knew about the ship.

Lauralin took a moment to consider the question before answering. "I cannot say that I know of any other such machines. There are places of the ancients scattered about, however. I would dare to say that it would not surprise me if such machines existed elsewhere. I know there are places that people dare not go, because they never return."

****

{A sample of metal? Oh, not close at all. How do you expect me to get a drone that close to that place, what with those dodgy forces pulling it around?} grouched the Forge. {That scan pretty much says she’s telling the truth, they ain’t gonna fake radiation like that, are they? Although I’m still going to look into disproving it. I want to be absolutely sure we’ve gotten the truth here.}

"Not from there necessarily", was Pol's reply, "but don't worry about it. I'll have Cari date the station and that should give us some kind of indication."

"Cari? Date the station will you? We need to know how old it is."

"Sure", came Cari's reply, "It'll take a few moments."

****

The SK-4s on the station had not yet managed to get any of the other craft to work, but the one they had was still running, and was being ‘fixed’ by a couple of the synthetics. More things worked than they did when they started, but not many.

Two other craft were able to come back online, though some systems blew when they started up. One seemed to be a short range intereceptor and another a long range scout ship, both military vehicles, apparently they were built to last. The information in the data banks were basic programs for the ships and maintenance logs. Any orders apparently were cleared from the data banks upon returning to the station. Suddenly, the lights in the hanger came on.

****

The station suddenly lit up as systems came online. Pol scanned the station quickly and thankfully found no weapons systems, but he also verified that the main reactor was gone and the backup generators had not come online. The batteries, as well, seemed to be dead. Suddenly he picked up another reading from the 7th planet of the system, Midgaard being the fourth.

"Picking up a ship in the atmosphere of the Midgaard 7, where the hell did it come from?" He fired his engines and moved toward the vessel in the planets orbit. "I'll check it for hostiles."

****

The people of Midgaard 3 suddenly looked upward as the Red Moon began to glow with lights in the nighttime sky.

The two SK-4s just stood there, with only a look in his direction to acknowledge the arrival of Keff. They were humanoid in size and shape, coloured in a strange mix of dark blues and greens with a healthy portion of black, but definitely artificial in appearance with no facial features other than ‘eyes’, constructed from alloys and composites. The ‘synthetic’ referred to their level of intelligence rather than their appearance and composition.

“Not for some time,” replied one SK-4, speaking for the first time since they were deployed, its voice sounding only slightly artificial. “We attempted to access the system for information but were unsuccessful.”

****

{We wish to confirm your origins, since the technology you represent is far greater than that currently exhibited by those inhabiting this world. Did you come from another world, or are you from the period in this planet’s history when they had greater technology? This world is currently in conflict, and originally we wished to ascertain whether you were friend or foe. Since we now know you are neither, by nature of not being known to either side, we wish to know more about you,} sent the Forge to SAMURAI.

****

“Demons, eh?” asked Reynolds, this time speaking to all those present, “Best break out the hardware then.” He unclipped his rifle from his suit and laid it on the deck, then opened a large box in on corner of the cabin and removed a much larger weapon and began loading it.

“Don’t we have any form of higher level being that we can call on to kick ass on our behalf against enemies like this?” asked the Forge team’s Douran medic, Kaela Juno.

“Unfortunately, if we do, I know as little of them as you do, Kaela,” replied Sophia. “Where are these other places? Could you take us to them?” she asked Lauralin.

Although the Mind hadn’t been suggesting things to Manasi for a while, it was still listening in. The Mind was hoping that the ship, SAMURAI, was from the old civilisations of this world, then it could possibly get the ship to allow them access to the fortress. However, if Lauralin would take them to other old sites, perhaps it wouldn’t need to.

****

The synthetics in the station hangar would have been impressed have they possessed greater independent functionality, as it was they just felt a sense of well-being at having managed to get the two other craft started as well.

They were scouring them for any useful information or trying to work out the operating parameters of the craft when the lights came. While the change didn’t concern their optical inputs at all, the Mind, like Pol, began to wonder what was going on, since the synthetics had already discovered that the station’s power was down.

****

The Forge also picked up the new contact, momentarily chided itself for not noticing it earlier, and began using long range sensors to perform a detailed scan of the contact. It nearly performed an IFF interrogation, but stopped when it realised that the response was virtually guaranteed to be ‘Unknown’.

Although the Mind had already scanned the station for weapon emplacements and found none, it made a swift supplementary scan to confirm that no concealed weapon systems had activated with the rest of the station.

It suddenly had an idea, and sent an extra message to SAMURAI.
{Do you know anything of the station that orbits this world? Or of any other craft of similar origin within this system? If you do, and are able to, would you communicate with said craft and inform them that we are not a threat?} it asked, figuring that it was worth a shot, even if it had no effect. It was fairly sure that the Central Worlds cruiser and itself could handle anything the ship put out, but if they could avoid a fight, so much the better. Of course, if it had no hostile intent to begin with, then the situation improved even more.

****

When the station suddenly lit up in the sky, there were many phrases spoken in Indoan by the Rangers, most containing profanities, they were soldiers after all, and all along the general lines of “What the hell is that?”

Most were inaudible to any other being, since they went over the comm net, but some were emitted from suit speakers and, even if you didn’t understand the language, you could still get the gist of what was being said.

“Not for some time,” replied one SK-4, speaking for the first time since they were deployed, its voice sounding only slightly artificial. “We attempted to access the system for information but were unsuccessful.”

"Well, this isn't a military station, I can tell you that. Definitly research, definitly military funding, but not a military base .... S.A.M.U.R.A.I.

Superdimensional
Alternative
Military and
Unversal travel
Research and
Armorment
Institue

Sounds like they were trying to develop dimensional travel and weaponry. Touchy stuff, at least for Central, don't know about you guys. There's encryption programs here that Cari and I will need to get through. Are there any station defenses?"

"Keff? We're reading a ship out there, it seemed to come from nowhere."

"Odd, but I'm not entirely surprised if what I guess they were doing here is any indication. What's it doing?"

"I need you back here. We're starting to get a repeating signal, 93 percent probabability that it's a distress signal."

Keff stood up and headed back to the lock quickly. "Any response to hails?"

"Pol's trying now, so far nothing."

"Better to check than not, we'll pull them out if there's anyone there."

"Ready when you are."

"Almost there, contact Albion medical just in case."

"Coms are still down, I'll have to use a hyperlink."

"Understood, you should have it by the time I get there."

****

{We wish to confirm your origins, since the technology you represent is far greater than that currently exhibited by those inhabiting this world. Did you come from another world, or are you from the period in this planet’s history when they had greater technology? This world is currently in conflict, and originally we wished to ascertain whether you were friend or foe. Since we now know you are neither, by nature of not being known to either side, we wish to know more about you,} sent the Forge to SAMURAI.

"I am terrestrial in origin, not extraterrestrial. Unfortunately several of my panels were destroyed in the attacks and therefore I'm unaware of the time and only have limited ability with scans. The world was in conflict when I was damaged which would make me hypothesize that not much time has passed. However, I believe a great deal of time has and if they don't know of me then I'm forced to assume that this is not the same conflict."

****

“Unfortunately, if we do, I know as little of them as you do, Kaela,” replied Sophia. “Where are these other places? Could you take us to them?” she asked Lauralin.

"I could", Lauralin responded, "but I have not the time right now. I must return to Kern and prepare for my father and our military leaders. We must plan our next avenue of attack and prepare defenses in precaution. I know you seem extremely interested in the ancients, and I shall gladly take you when time allows, but I fear that another attack is imminent."

****

They were scouring them for any useful information or trying to work out the operating parameters of the craft when the lights came. While the change didn’t concern their optical inputs at all, the Mind, like Pol, began to wonder what was going on, since the synthetics had already discovered that the station’s power was down.

The ships reveal little to the synthetics as it seemed that the information is removed upon completion of assignment, however the vessels themselves, being primitive by comparison, reveal that they would be somewhat complex to pilot since many of the systems aren't automated.

****

It suddenly had an idea, and sent an extra message to SAMURAI.
{Do you know anything of the station that orbits this world? Or of any other craft of similar origin within this system? If you do, and are able to, would you communicate with said craft and inform them that we are not a threat?} it asked, figuring that it was worth a shot, even if it had no effect. It was fairly sure that the Central Worlds cruiser and itself could handle anything the ship put out, but if they could avoid a fight, so much the better. Of course, if it had no hostile intent to begin with, then the situation improved even more.

"Alpha station, assuming that's what you mean, is, or was, an extension of this base. A ground station for terrestrial testing and an orbital station for potentially more hazardous research. I am unable, however, to establish communications. I am communicating with you via your link to me.

"Any ship in the system is beyond the reach of my damaged scanners. I can only detect you because your so close. Assuming that is you just outside of my functional access passageway to the surface."

****

When the station suddenly lit up in the sky, there were many phrases spoken in Indoan by the Rangers, most containing profanities, they were soldiers after all, and all along the general lines of “What the hell is that?”

Lauralin didn't need a translation to understand the implication of the Indoan's even if she didn't understand the words, unfortunately, she was as confused as they were.

"Shall I investigate", came Silver Claws deep rumble from outside.

Lauralin was about to say yes when she glanced at the Indoan's about her. "I think that we have others far more capable of unraveling the mystery above", she replied. She then looked about her, "Assuming you are willing of course. I believe that this particular mystery may be beyond me considering our handicap in technological expertise."

****

Turquine stood up, looking up at the odd red moon and was staring at it when Ariel moved up beside him and whispered something in his ear.

"Are you sure?" he rumbled and she nodded to him. "Come with me then. MICHEAL! ASK EVE TO TAKE US TO KERN, I NEED TO SPEAK WITH MY DAUGHTER IMMEDIETLY."

Ariel followed the king toward Michael's location along with Marcus. Eve agreed to take him and she shimmered, broke into sparkles of light and rematerialized as the former bio ship. The other three entered and Eve lifted to make her way toward Kern.

****

Once Forrister had briefed Micaya of the situation she considered what he had told her. Finally she said, "Alright, we'll meet with the Indoan commander, where's Helva?"

"Over this way", he said and they moved over toward her.

"Helva, could you take us to the Indoan Commander?" Micaya asked.

"Of course", she replied. "Forge? The general needs to speak to your commander, is he aboard or on the field? If aboard, may I have permission to dock so she can speak with him?"

(OOC - Just a note here. The reactors, station and the newly discovered ship weren't part of the original storyline. It was supposed to just be the alien attack, which can be dealt with without direct conflict, just haven't gotten that far. I only mentioned them because I knew that they would be oddities that the ships would detect. If you want to continue to pursue the investigations that's fine with me, I can deal with all the side lines. Just wanted to let you know so you can focus on one thing now and others later if you want. Your choice. I'm finding it intersting having everything going on at once myself, but I'll leave it up to you.)

OOC: No direct conflict? Ah, man, and I brought a fleet as well. Anyway, the Mind would continue to push the investigations, because although doing it during a fight might be difficult, it might make the fight easier, so they'd continue to pursue. Besides, I'm having no trouble with multiple thread lines.

IC:
“Encryption is our field,” responded one of the SK-4s, while the other communicated with the other SK-4s, recalling the Infiltrator to the control room. Since they seemed to have exhausted the supply of craft that could be started and there was apparently no useful information to be got from them, the Infiltrator headed back to the control room, leaving the other units to tinker with the active craft.

“Defences? No external according to scans, and we have seen no internal,” reported the same SK-4. Keff’s first sentence went uncommented on by the synthetics, partly because it was outside their programming and partly because the Indoans had not really put much effort into alternate dimension research, and had never really proved their existence, just accepted it as necessary.

The Mind was considering attempting to bring one of the restored craft back to the Forge, since it had some pilots it knew would be interested in the craft, and would probably be able to handle the basic, unautomated controls, since many Indoan personal vehicles kept the same style.

****

{From what we have heard, this world seems to be nearly continually in one form of conflict or another, but the current one involves attackers from another world. Do you have memory of the layout of the stars from near the time that you were damaged? If you do, we can relay you their current layout and you can work out how much time has passed, or we can do the same if you send us your data,} sent the Forge, eager to work out exactly how old the ship was.

The fact that it was from this world was mildly disappointing, yet also intriguing, since from the account of Lauralin, the humans of this world had not reached that level of technology before they were reduced to a medieval state once again.

‘Potentially more hazardous material.’ The Mind didn’t overly like the implications of that phrase, and communicated that detail to Pol and Carielle. The synthetics were told as well, with an advisory to be cautious.

{Very well. If we relayed your communication, acted as a booster array, would that work? It might be important. And this is the drone through which we are communicating.} The drone performed a small loop and pulsed out a transponder ident signal, which, even if you didn’t know exactly what it was, was still very detectable.

****

Sophia laughed at the remark. “It’s not us that are interested, but the Mind. It seems to think we might find useful information, both to ourselves and to you,” she clarified. The statement was mostly true; originally, the interest had been to investigate the presence of nuclear reactors and a space station. Now however, the history of the planet was of interest to the Mind.

“Okay, but could you spare us a moment to point us in the direction of one of these sites? You can use our map to show us,” asked Sophia. She pulled a device from her belt and clicked it on. A multicoloured holographic map appeared, downloaded from the ship’s main scanning and mapping banks. Their current position flashed up as a pulsing dot with a label above it, and a compass rose floated beneath the 3D map, visible through the holographic structure.

((OOC: I meant this bit to be the main Ranger group, but I guess the pilots would have seen it as well, so no matter.))

At the exclamation from Angel and Spears, the other Indoans either left through the open hatches or went to the cockpit to look at whatever had caused the outburst.

“The station,” the avatar told them, under Mind control at the time.

“Um, yeah, I think we’ll be having a look at that,” agreed Sophia, after Lauralin made her request. “Rangers, saddle up. Spears, get us moving,” she ordered.

All the Indoans boarded the Varia once again, then, as soon as they were ready, Capt. Angel closed the hatches as Spears lifted the craft off the ground and accelerated rapidly into the sky, eventually climbing almost vertically, with only the AG generator keeping the occupants solidly attached to the deck.

****

{Our commanders are myself and Commander Talmar, who is on board. If it’s not rude to ask such a thing of a lady, how big are you? I need to know if you’ll fit in the spine hangar,} replied the Forge to Helva. The question was important, because, although the hangar was both fairly large and currently empty, since the Forgaies’ larger craft were mostly down on the planet, and it had concentrated its fighters into one hangar temporarily, but the actual entrance to the hangar wasn’t that large.

If Helva didn’t fit in the hangar, the Mind would send a shuttle out to dock with her, since the frigate itself had no docking capabilities.

No direct conflict? Ah, man, and I brought a fleet as well. Anyway, the Mind would continue to push the investigations, because although doing it during a fight might be difficult, it might make the fight easier, so they'd continue to pursue. Besides, I'm having no trouble with multiple thread lines.

(OOC - Understand that it's not that there won't be ANY conflict, but you won't have to deal with all of the broods, just the one here, which can get nasty enough though you should be able to deal with them. I'll continue all the storylines then, it'll be fun.)

IC:
“Encryption is our field,” responded one of the SK-4s, while the other communicated with the other SK-4s, recalling the Infiltrator to the control room. Since they seemed to have exhausted the supply of craft that could be started and there was apparently no useful information to be got from them, the Infiltrator headed back to the control room, leaving the other units to tinker with the active craft.

As the SK-4s worked on the encryption they would find, after a few hours, that the humans who had built the station had built a dimensional drive. The weapons research had taken a bad turn as several of the personal and then increasingly more, especially during the attack by the apocalypse, in desperation, tried untested weapons with disastarous results. Results which had been slowed when the Darmagian Empire Naval Vessel (DENV) which was testing the first dimensional drive vanished without a trace during it's test run.

After the initial Apocalypse attack on the capitals of the world the weapons research was thrown into high gear, including the testing of untested weaponry that hadn't been fully checked out through methods other than firing. They were broken out when the station had been attacked, seemingly from within after most of the military craft had been sent to the surface to support the effort there.

"This is Colonel Jonathan Naranovich, Alpha station report. General Calringer and Admiral Ackimar are dead. Most of the crew is either missing or seems to have gone insane. I've taken what crew members are left that seem to have thier mental faculties intact and am going to procede with clearing the station through force of arms. The reactor core has been sabotaged and jettisoned. We're running on backup generators for now, but if things don't get under control then we'll lose those and the batteries were designed for emergency temporary backup. We're using conventional weapons since the dimensional weaponry seems to have strange effects. Many of the crew members have vanished, some go insane and some ........ change. I don't know what they've become, but they are certainly hunters of some sort. Colonel Jonathan Naranovich, signing off."

"This is Colonel Jonathan Naranovich. We were successful, but .... some of the crew report seeing crew members that had gone missing. Not .... seeing them, at least not directly, but out of the corner of thier eyes. Several more have succumbed to the madness, others are going mad from these visions. I fear that I won't be able to hold the station much longer. Colonel Jonathan Naranovich, signing off."

"This .... this is .... Naranovich. They're here. The ones .... the ones that left. They never left. They NEVER LEFT! NO! NO! GET AWAY! AAAGGGGHHHHH.........."

****

{From what we have heard, this world seems to be nearly continually in one form of conflict or another, but the current one involves attackers from another world. Do you have memory of the layout of the stars from near the time that you were damaged? If you do, we can relay you their current layout and you can work out how much time has passed, or we can do the same if you send us your data,} sent the Forge, eager to work out exactly how old the ship was.

"It should be easily enough done. I have full memory of the star positions, however I was never programmed for star figuration calculations. I will, therefore, send you the information that I have." The information was sent to Forge and S.A.M.U.R.A.I. awaited the results which would turn out to be 2,750 years, give or take 25 years due to the bases lesser knowledge of the star systems.

‘Potentially more hazardous material.’ The Mind didn’t overly like the implications of that phrase, and communicated that detail to Pol and Carielle. The synthetics were told as well, with an advisory to be cautious.

"Well Cari is leaving the station and we're moving toward the new ship," came Pol's reply. "I'm sorry to rush away like this but distress signals take priority over anything other than direct combat, which the General is handling on the ground. It's one of Central's prime directives that any ship in distress must be assisted. We'll keep your warning in mind however for when Cari returns to investigate."

{Very well. If we relayed your communication, acted as a booster array, would that work? It might be important. And this is the drone through which we are communicating.} The drone performed a small loop and pulsed out a transponder ident signal, which, even if you didn’t know exactly what it was, was still very detectable.

"Of course", replied S.A.M.U.R.A.I. "I'll assist however I can." The base used the relay to link to the station's A.I. but it didn't seem to respond. Not immedietly anyway. Finally it used it's override codes to force the A.I. to link to it and what it got was disturbing. It cut the link almost immedietly. "It seems", the base told Forge after a moment to gather itself, "that my sister A.I. has gone insane. I'm not sure how that's possible but she keeps babbling about visions and ghosts. Shadows that move and SOMETHING or several somethings, that roam the corridors seeking prey. She noted several androids aboard. It seems the whatever is on the station will affect them eventually. She didn't say that, but if she, an A.I. was affected then I can only assume that they could be."

****

“Okay, but could you spare us a moment to point us in the direction of one of these sites? You can use our map to show us,” asked Sophia. She pulled a device from her belt and clicked it on. A multicoloured holographic map appeared, downloaded from the ship’s main scanning and mapping banks. Their current position flashed up as a pulsing dot with a label above it, and a compass rose floated beneath the 3D map, visible through the holographic structure.

((OOC: I meant this bit to be the main Ranger group, but I guess the pilots would have seen it as well, so no matter.))

At the exclamation from Angel and Spears, the other Indoans either left through the open hatches or went to the cockpit to look at whatever had caused the outburst.

“The station,” the avatar told them, under Mind control at the time.

“Um, yeah, I think we’ll be having a look at that,” agreed Sophia, after Lauralin made her request. “Rangers, saddle up. Spears, get us moving,” she ordered.

All the Indoans boarded the Varia once again, then, as soon as they were ready, Capt. Angel closed the hatches as Spears lifted the craft off the ground and accelerated rapidly into the sky, eventually climbing almost vertically, with only the AG generator keeping the occupants solidly attached to the deck.

(OOC - Please repeat this part in your next reply as needed. A couple things I need to know, however. One - Did Laura have enough time to point out the locations? or did they take off before she could? Two - Laura had teleported aboard the ship, if you remember, do they leave her aboard or have her leave the ship before the lift? Just trying to get things clear here.)
****

{Our commanders are myself and Commander Talmar, who is on board. If it’s not rude to ask such a thing of a lady, how big are you? I need to know if you’ll fit in the spine hangar,} replied the Forge to Helva. The question was important, because, although the hangar was both fairly large and currently empty, since the Forgaies’ larger craft were mostly down on the planet, and it had concentrated its fighters into one hangar temporarily, but the actual entrance to the hangar wasn’t that large.

If Helva didn’t fit in the hangar, the Mind would send a shuttle out to dock with her, since the frigate itself had no docking capabilities.

Helva voice was pleasant and even had a slightly musical laughing quality to it as she responded.

"My dear, at my age such questions are not troublesome in the least. Besides I am what I am, my ship body can't get fat after all. I measure 600 meters from tip to engines, delta wing configuration, 600 meters wingtip to wingtip and 50 meters through the middle. Slim and Trim as Forrister likes to say. Since I'm usually a deep space, that is beyond the rim, exploration vessel then I need room for plenty of supplies, spare parts and fuel as well as space to put anything we might find that would be of interest to A&E. A&E being the Archeological and Expiditionary division of Central Worlds."

As she spoke she checked her systems, asked Forrister if he wanted to double check, even though she knew he wouldn't because he knew that she knew herself far better than he did, got them strapped down and lifted toward Forge.

"General, Forge is one of the Commanders and there's a Commander Talmar as well."

"Forge is?", Micaya asked. "Well at least Indoan's have sense. I wish Central would give some shell people that rank, god knows they'd be better than most soft shells in many situations."

"Thank you General. I'm also receiving a distress call from a vessel in system."

"One of ours?"

"No, unknown."

"Alright, drop me off with Forge then you and Forrister hightail it to that ship."

****

Nancia lifted as soon as she heard the distress signal before she realized that she couldn't leave the vicinity of Kern.

"Your Highness?" she asked through Lauralin's contact button.

"Please, Nancia, I hate that title. Just Laura is fine."

"I'm receiving a distress call from an unknown ship in system, by Central protocal I need to respond."

"I'll accompany you. I'll be there in a moment."

The SK-4 Infiltrator plugged itself into the system again as soon as it arrived, and unleashed all three of its hacking and decryption programs on the system. Two were conventional programs, attempting to decrypt the data by type matching, cross-referencing and ‘brute force’ cracking. The third was what the writer had called a ‘sleep & sweep’ program, which hunted out the encryption software and encrypted a number of files that the SK-4 possessed. In this way, it already knew what the files were, so it could crack the encryption much faster. The program fell down slightly on one-time ciphers, which had been common among the Indoan military for over 800 years, but still sped up the decryption process.

In this way, the Infiltrator had developed the files into a clear format within just over two hours, and the files were scanned with all manner of checking and security software, the far removed descendents of the virus-scan software that was common to all Indoan systems about 800 years ago. After determining that the files were safe, it sent them to the Forge for review.

What the Mind found was disturbing, and it immediately ordered a recall order to the SK-4s on board the station, and broadcast a hazard warning to all other Indoan and Central Worlds units in the system, swiftly detailing the reason for the warning. The files supported the rather worrying communication from SAMURAI which had been given over an hour ago, which was why the Mind had now ordered the evacuation.

The Condor shuttle which had originally delivered the synthetics to the station was swiftly dispatched to pick them up again, while the SK-4s themselves returned to the hangar where they had found and activated three craft. They then used their systems to open the main hangar doors, namely the AM missiles stored in their torsos. The shuttle coasted in through the new hole and floated above the hangar deck while all but one of the SK-4s boarded it. The shuttle then left the hangar the way it came in, with the two Hawk drones in tow.

The last SK-4 was tasked with attempting to bring back one of the craft they had managed to start up. The Mind had chosen the military scout as the craft in question, and the SK-4 seated itself in the cockpit, under full Mind control for greater reaction speed and sensitivity.
****

The Forge received the star map files from SAMURAI, and immediately retransmitted them to Pol. While it was fully capable of making the calculation itself, it didn’t want to risk making a mistake, since the stars might move slightly differently in this area, from a relative perspective only of course.

It made its own calculation as well, of course, taking a snapshot of the current star map, overlaying the two and using its mapping program to calculate the difference, and came up with 3,053 years. It was of course working in Indoan standard time, in which a day was 25 hours and a year was 370 days.

~ That’s a long time, mused the Mind. ~ That long ago, we were still building with stone and using spears. No electricity, just fire for heat. The equivalent period in Terran history was the reign of the Roman Empire, although the Toderans never suffered the technological jump backwards that the Terrans did after it fell. At that time, nothing was known about the Chaldaran Raishuv, so only Hsu knew what they had been doing then.
****

All the Indoans boarded the Varia once again, then, as soon as they were ready, Capt. Angel closed the hatches as Spears lifted the craft off the ground and accelerated rapidly into the sky, eventually climbing almost vertically, with only the AG generator keeping the occupants solidly attached to the deck.

(OOC: No, she didn’t have time to point out any locations, the station thing happened before she got chance. Two, yes she did teleport aboard, but it was sitting on the ground with the hatches open at the time, and I was assuming she was still on board now, although from your last post, it looks like you have other ideas.)

At the receipt of the warning from the Mind, Spears crash-stopped the craft, bringing its airspeed to zero within a matter of seconds and only a few hundred metres, so that it was stationary in the air, several kilometres above the ground. The occupants were saved from flying into the walls only by the efficiency of the inertial compensators. Angel quietly commented that since they were still a long way from the station he could have made a gentler stop.

“What the hell…?” started Sophia, but stopped as the Mind filled her and the other Indoans in over their neural threads. “Okay, so what do we do now?” she asked the others. “Do we proceed or break off? According to Forge, there’s no way to prevent against that. Forge says it’s up to me whether or not we proceed. Which means it’s up to you. Do we want to risk it?”
****

~ Hmm, how in hell did that happen? the Mind asked itself, metaphorically prodding the sensor systems after receiving Helva’s message. The sensors had completely failed to record Helva’s dimensions, despite at least two scans which included her.

The Indoan frigate was only 452m long and less than half that wide, despite its twin-pyramidal construction, so a better question was probably would the Forgaies fit inside Helva. The Mind launched the shuttle Havenaph, complete with a crew for once and instructed them to rendezvous with Helva for collection of their general. To save time, the shuttle performed a micro-jump between the two ships, which were still a fair distance apart, reappearing eight kilometres off Helva’s port bow, oriented exactly upside down. The pilot rolled the shuttle to correct the orientation and rapidly closed to a docking ring. The actual docking process was done very gingerly, since Indoan craft did not use docking connections, only hangar bay transfer. The only things that ever ‘docked’ with anything where the warships themselves with the orbiting shipyards in the Indo system, for construction, repairs, routine servicing or upgrades.

What the Mind found was disturbing, and it immediately ordered a recall order to the SK-4s on board the station, and broadcast a hazard warning to all other Indoan and Central Worlds units in the system, swiftly detailing the reason for the warning. The files supported the rather worrying communication from SAMURAI which had been given over an hour ago, which was why the Mind had now ordered the evacuation.

Pol frowned at the information but supported Forges action, adding his own warnings and those of Admiral Quester-Benn to those of the Mind. He then opened a private channel to Forge, "Do you think we can help the A.I. on the station? I don't relish the idea of leaving her there, even is she is insane. Central, with the exception of Joat, has no knowledge of A.I.'s, not real ones anyway, only fundamentals."

Joat, in the meantime, heard the warning, which only served to peak her interest. "I want to see that station", she told Rand.

"Joat", the A.I. of the W.Y.A.L. replied, "that is a warning to stay away, backed by Pol and the Admiral."

"Yeah, so when did I ever listen?"

"Never, which was why you almost lost me that one time."

"HEY, I got you back didn't I?"

"Hey Cap?" Alvic put in, "Maybe Rand is right", the middle aged but solid, scarred man put in. He looked as though he might be pirate, which he had been until he lost his ship to Central's navy, not that he told Joat that and not that she asked. He knew his stuff, that's all that matter to Joat, that and the fact that he was loyal to her.

The Condor shuttle which had originally delivered the synthetics to the station was swiftly dispatched to pick them up again, while the SK-4s themselves returned to the hangar where they had found and activated three craft. They then used their systems to open the main hangar doors, namely the AM missiles stored in their torsos. The shuttle coasted in through the new hole and floated above the hangar deck while all but one of the SK-4s boarded it. The shuttle then left the hangar the way it came in, with the two Hawk drones in tow.

As the missiles hit the door a scream and then a whimper could be heard through the com system on almost every frequency as the station's A.I. moaned pitifully.

The last SK-4 was tasked with attempting to bring back one of the craft they had managed to start up. The Mind had chosen the military scout as the craft in question, and the SK-4 seated itself in the cockpit, under full Mind control for greater reaction speed and sensitivity.

Between the Indoan knowledge of manual systems and thier advanced technology the SK-4 piloted the ship easily. Even damaged as it was it was a well made craft and responded pretty smoothly with only a few problems from the damaged systems. The DENV Harbinger cleared the door and moved toward the Forge as W.Y.A.L. moved toward the bay it exited from.

"I'm going to see if I can tow the other two vessels to you", came Joat's voice. If she could do that successfully then she might be able to get inside. After all, who knew how much she could get out of a load from this ancient metropolis?

That was when four missiles streaked out of the bay as the other two ships moved to follow thier sister ship. Warnings screamed in the cockpit of the W.Y.A.L. and Joat silenced them as Alvic 'shot from the hip'. The former pirates shots were better than many computer aimed ones and three of the four missiles exploded as Joat turned the ship into the fourth.

"What are you doing?" Rand asked, ready to take control.

"Trying to reach the missile before it has a chance to arm itself", she replied.

Most missile systems had safety features built in. One was that it didn't arm right away, to prevent it from hitting something in flight and exploding to close to it's own ship. Joat didn't realize that she had been holding her breath until the missile banged into the hull and tumbled away. She then proceeded to 'climb', realative to the position of the station and poured on the power, alot more power than a seeming cargo ship should have.
****

The Forge received the star map files from SAMURAI, and immediately retransmitted them to Pol. While it was fully capable of making the calculation itself, it didn’t want to risk making a mistake, since the stars might move slightly differently in this area, from a relative perspective only of course.

Pol let out the electronic equivelent of a whistle as he made the calculations. Give or take it was about 4,965 years old, based on Rigel time which was the standard used by Central. Rigel's day was only 16 hours long and it's years was 357 days. "Central didn't even exist back then, or it was a budding society at best", Pol commented. He caught the sudden attack on the W.Y.A.L. but was to far away to help. He was sure that Forge would intercede but checked none the less, "Can you assist Joat?" he asked.

(OOC - It made its own calculation as well, of course, taking a snapshot of the current star map, overlaying the two and using its mapping program to calculate the difference, and came up with 2,603 years. It was of course working in Indoan standard time, in which a day was 25 hours and a year was 370 days. --- Nice work, so just one note here. Years reference here is for Midgaard three. 27 hours a day and 382 days a year. Therefore, based on what you gave me it would be 3,066 Indoan years or 3,237 earth years. But excellent job on catching the difference, it slipped my mind.)

****

(OOC: No, she didn’t have time to point out any locations, the station thing happened before she got chance. Two, yes she did teleport aboard, but it was sitting on the ground with the hatches open at the time, and I was assuming she was still on board now, although from your last post, it looks like you have other ideas.)
(OOC - No, no. No other ideas, I just wanted to be clear on my end.)

At the receipt of the warning from the Mind, Spears crash-stopped the craft, bringing its airspeed to zero within a matter of seconds and only a few hundred metres, so that it was stationary in the air, several kilometres above the ground. The occupants were saved from flying into the walls only by the efficiency of the inertial compensators. Angel quietly commented that since they were still a long way from the station he could have made a gentler stop.

“What the hell…?” started Sophia, but stopped as the Mind filled her and the other Indoans in over their neural threads. “Okay, so what do we do now?” she asked the others. “Do we proceed or break off? According to Forge, there’s no way to prevent against that. Forge says it’s up to me whether or not we proceed. Which means it’s up to you. Do we want to risk it?”"Risk what?", Lauralin asked. "Nancia, I am busy at the moment, get Ferranifer, she can lower the wall of force around Kern as well, alright?"

"Yes, high, err, okay."

Lauralin looked back up. Like most unfamiliar with the technology she felt that she had to look and speak directly into the contact button. "What seems to be the problem?"
****

~ Hmm, how in hell did that happen? the Mind asked itself, metaphorically prodding the sensor systems after receiving Helva’s message. The sensors had completely failed to record Helva’s dimensions, despite at least two scans which included her.

(OOC - umm, did I give the wrong size earlier? If so I apologize, I might have been thinking of Nancia who's about 1/3 Helva's length and less than 1/3 her width and height. Nancia and other's like her are almost strictly in-system diplomatic transport.)

The Indoan frigate was only 452m long and less than half that wide, despite its twin-pyramidal construction, so a better question was probably would the Forgaies fit inside Helva. The Mind launched the shuttle Havenaph, complete with a crew for once and instructed them to rendezvous with Helva for collection of their general. To save time, the shuttle performed a micro-jump between the two ships, which were still a fair distance apart, reappearing eight kilometres off Helva’s port bow, oriented exactly upside down. The pilot rolled the shuttle to correct the orientation and rapidly closed to a docking ring. The actual docking process was done very gingerly, since Indoan craft did not use docking connections, only hangar bay transfer. The only things that ever ‘docked’ with anything where the warships themselves with the orbiting shipyards in the Indo system, for construction, repairs, routine servicing or upgrades.

Helva helped to guide the shuttle to dock with the expertise of hundreds of years and many couplings with other worlds ships. Once the two were connected the Indoan's found Micaya waiting on the other side of Helva's lock. As soon as Helva was sure that the coupling was complete she let Micaya into the lock and cycled her through.

Micaya stepped into the Indoan shuttle and stopped. "General Micaya Quester-Benn, Central Worlds Legion requesting permission to come aboard." She was sure it would be given since that's they they were sent, but followed protocol anyway, even going so far as to remove her weapon and offer it butt first.

****

"Forge, get a load of this", Pol said over the private link he opened. He sent a magnified image of the ship in question to Forge. Along the front side of the ship could be seen DENV Forerunner. "Tell me that doesn't sound like thier experimental ship. What in the name of Ghu is going on here? I know I'm not the brightest shell around, but this is getting weirder by the minute."

(OOC: Well, you only gave me one number and I assumed that, like virtually everybody on NS, you used Earth numbers despite being on other planets. Corrections will be made. The Indoan Alliance didn’t exist then either, but civilisation did, like that on Earth during the Roman times.)

{I don’t know,} replied the Forge. {Theoretically we could transfer it to a memory core, which we can move wherever we want. Only thing is, based on our Minds, we’d need on hell of a large core. If not, we might be able to remove her AI core itself, which is probably quite large. Either way, we’d need to put units back on that station, and I’m not sure I want to do that.}

The Mind understood what Pol was trying to say, part of it felt the same way, but other parts thought it might be better to put the station AI out of its misery, and that it was too much of a risk to put others back on board the station, even synthetics.

The Mind detected the missiles launched by the station almost instantly, but was too far away to do anything about them. Fortunately, the WYAL seemed to handle them alright, so everything worked out okay. That didn’t stop the Mind from breaking orbit and moving towards the station though, cycling weapon systems through warm-up as it did so.

{Any damage?} it inquired of the WYAL. {We’re coming in now.}

The missiles used by the Alliance were carefully calibrated to prevent what the WYAL had accomplished, programmed to arm themselves as soon as the distance between the missile and the launch craft exceeded the blast radius, which was controlled and kept down to make it more powerful.
****

“Risk going on board, or even anywhere near, the station,” explained Sophia, “The Mind has reason to believe that it might be dangerous.”

“Well, shit, that battle down there might be dangerous, but we still got people there, don’t we?” asked Reynolds rhetorically. “Forge, what makes this so dangerous that we can’t go there?” he asked. The Ranger was speaking aloud, so everyone could hear what he was saying.

“Apparently the station’s entire crew, and its AI, were driven insane by what it called ‘visions and ghosts’. There appeared to be no cause for this, thus I determine it may still be hazardous, that whatever happened to them may happen to whoever sets foot on the station. For this reason, I have withdrawn the SK-4 exploration team,” replied the Mind, talking through the avatar as usual.

“And what was it we were going up there to investigate?” asked Reynolds, “Why it suddenly lit up like an Essmari tree?” Sophia nodded. “Well, don’t we have our answer? It’s got a crazy AI on board that was disturbed by the actions of the SK-4 team.”

“That is possible, Michael, but it may not be the AI that has caused the station to light up, and the station is supposed to have no power, the reactors are apparently missing and there is no known replacement source,” put in Crysta, now back under ‘her’ own control, temporarily at least.

“Yeah, but why do we have to go? Can’t we use drones or synthetics to work it out?” posed Zippo.

“Maybe because we might think of something the Mind wouldn’t, or would dismiss as too unlikely,” suggested Kaela Juno.

“Well, whatever the reason might be, it’s up to us, particularly you,” Sophia indicated the Rangers. “Since if any of us go, it’ll be you.”

“Great, I hate being expendable,” griped Reynolds.
****

“Welcome aboard the Havenaph, sir,” declared the crew chief, a tall young woman with blond hair tied back in a ponytail. She waved off the general’s weapon, and gestured for her to move further into the shuttle and take a seat.

After Micaya had done so, the crew chief activated the hatch control and the hatch slid shut, with a green light popping on in the panel to signify it was fully sealed.

“Okay, Rudy, we’re clear,” she called out to the pilot.

“Copy that, Steph. We’re on our way,” replied the pilot, a deep male voice.

The shuttle disconnected from Helva far more smoothly than the docking, the elegant craft drifting away from Helva’s hull then curving away while accelerating, until it was heading back towards the Forgaies.

“Now, you may feel a slight tingling sensation along your spine for a split second, sir,” ‘Steph’ told Micaya. Then the shuttle made another micro-jump, reappearing six kilometres from the frigate. Once again, they were upside down compared to the Forgaies, so the pilot put it through a roll to line up properly.

The inertial compensators made the manoeuvre felt just enough so that you knew exactly what was happening, so the pilot didn’t lose their relative position and attitude.

Within a minute, the shuttle had entered the ventral hangar and settled to the deck. The hatch opened, complete with ramp this time, and a Chief Sergeant was waiting outside to escort the Central Worlds general to the bridge.
****

The Forge studied the image, it found itself forced to concur, at least partially.
{Well, if it’s not the experimental one, then they’ve either survived somewhere else or its very, very old.}

The Mind really didn’t like the idea of encountering anything that could fiddle with dimensions, it was an idea that ranking just barely above fiddling with time on the Mind’s least favourite things.

{Based on what seems to have happened to the rest of them, I suggest caution, but I suspect you already knew that.}

{I don’t know,} replied the Forge. {Theoretically we could transfer it to a memory core, which we can move wherever we want. Only thing is, based on our Minds, we’d need on hell of a large core. If not, we might be able to remove her AI core itself, which is probably quite large. Either way, we’d need to put units back on that station, and I’m not sure I want to do that.}

Pol wasn't happy but he understood. "Yeah, maybe if we can get Joat in there we can determine it ahead of time. But I want to make sure it's safe. If she got injured, or killed then Simeon and Channa would never forgive me. She have been adopted by them but they've both grown extremely fond of her. I'll leave it to your discretion, it's out of my league."

{Any damage?} it inquired of the WYAL. {We’re coming in now.}

"No, thankfully", Rand replied. The A.I. was upset about Joat putting them in this predicament but thankful for her quick thinking. "I'm heading your way. We're pretty well equipped but for blockade running, not direct conflict." Putting action to words Rand took control of the W.Y.A.L. over the protests of Joat and the semi relief of Alvic. He was relieved to have assistance but hoped that he never had any problems with the Indoans in his rather shady, 'okay', he admitted to himself, 'very dark past.'

****

“Risk going on board, or even anywhere near, the station,” explained Sophia, “The Mind has reason to believe that it might be dangerous.”

“Well, shit, that battle down there might be dangerous, but we still got people there, don’t we?” asked Reynolds rhetorically. “Forge, what makes this so dangerous that we can’t go there?” he asked. The Ranger was speaking aloud, so everyone could hear what he was saying.

“Apparently the station’s entire crew, and its AI, were driven insane by what it called ‘visions and ghosts’. There appeared to be no cause for this, thus I determine it may still be hazardous, that whatever happened to them may happen to whoever sets foot on the station. For this reason, I have withdrawn the SK-4 exploration team,” replied the Mind, talking through the avatar as usual.

“And what was it we were going up there to investigate?” asked Reynolds, “Why it suddenly lit up like an Essmari tree?” Sophia nodded. “Well, don’t we have our answer? It’s got a crazy AI on board that was disturbed by the actions of the SK-4 team.”

“That is possible, Michael, but it may not be the AI that has caused the station to light up, and the station is supposed to have no power, the reactors are apparently missing and there is no known replacement source,” put in Andie, now back under ‘her’ own control, temporarily at least.

“Yeah, but why do we have to go? Can’t we use drones or synthetics to work it out?” posed Zippo.

“Maybe because we might think of something the Mind wouldn’t, or would dismiss as too unlikely,” suggested Kaela Juno.

“Well, whatever the reason might be, it’s up to us, particularly you,” Sophia indicated the Rangers. “Since if any of us go, it’ll be you.”

“Great, I hate being expendable,” griped Reynolds.

"Well", Lauralin said, "perhaps I can look around. Being a vampiress and a sorceress I am rather well aquanted with vision and ghosts. I dare say that if the entire crew was affected to such extent, however, that it was not ghosts. Ghosts do not attack either mentally or physically, they simply repeat things from their life. A poltergeist perhaps, or worse would be my guess. Unless, of course, those on board were extremely prone to insanity or of poor mental health to begin with."

****

“Welcome aboard the Havenaph, sir,” declared the crew chief, a tall young woman with blond hair tied back in a ponytail. She waved off the general’s weapon, and gestured for her to move further into the shuttle and take a seat.

Micaya nodded and moved to the indicated seat, replacing her weapon inside her cybornetic leg.

After Micaya had done so, the crew chief activated the hatch control and the hatch slid shut, with a green light popping on in the panel to signify it was fully sealed.

“Okay, Rudy, we’re clear,” she called out to the pilot.

“Copy that, Steph. We’re on our way,” replied the pilot, a deep male voice.

The shuttle disconnected from Helva far more smoothly than the docking, the elegant craft drifting away from Helva’s hull then curving away while accelerating, until it was heading back towards the Forgaies.

"Helva to Havenaph, nicely done, my compliments to the pilot." She sent a similar complimentary message to the mind and then moved away toward the distressed spacecraft.

“Now, you may feel a slight tingling sensation along your spine for a split second, sir,” ‘Steph’ told Micaya. Then the shuttle made another micro-jump, reappearing six kilometres from the frigate. Once again, they were upside down compared to the Forgaies, so the pilot put it through a roll to line up properly.

The inertial compensators made the manoeuvre felt just enough so that you knew exactly what was happening, so the pilot didn’t lose their relative position and attitude.

Within a minute, the shuttle had entered the ventral hangar and settled to the deck. The hatch opened, complete with ramp this time, and a Chief Sergeant was waiting outside to escort the Central Worlds general to the bridge.

Micaya stood upon landing, "Thank you", she said to the pilot, "by the way. What was that tingling sensation anyway?"

****

The Forge studied the image, it found itself forced to concur, at least partially. {Well, if it’s not the experimental one, then they’ve either survived somewhere else or its very, very old. Based on what seems to have happened to the rest of them, I suggest caution, but I suspect you already knew that.}[/QUOTE]

"Yeah, hopefully it was a backup, though somehow I doubt it. We didn't see it coming insystem and it decided to active it's beacon after we entered the ship. All I'm getting is the beacon, no power. It looks pretty much dead, sound familiar? I'll take your suggestion, believe me. Though my idea of caution, in this case, is blow it out of the stars, but they won't let me."

****

Ferranifer boarded Nancia and opened a portion of the wall around the city, closing it again after the cleared it. Nancia, having been monitoring transmissions, opened a line to both Pol and Forge. "Excuse me, gentlemen, but I have the Queen's advisor on board. Should I take her to the station? Or to the derelict vessel?"

"Neither is my vote", quipped Pol, "but I'm leaving this whole investigation to Forge. I'm just here to blow stuff up."

****

Lauralin jumped as a hand lightly brushed the side of her face. The woman that appeared was stunningly beautiful, unearthly, more to point, as the succubus had been born in the abyss. Her powers exuded sensual charms that lured eyes and minds to her and the possible pleasures that might lie ahead. Of course there was the small price of the soul to be paid for those pleasures, but most men and many women found the price fair. Rather the natural, or unnatural, charm of the woman made them forget that price. What she looked like varied from person to person according to thier ideals but all cases she wore a diaphanus silk dress that did nothing to hide the body beneath. The avatar, of course, was impervious.

"Curious isn't it", she asked in a sultry voice that oozed seduction.

"Very", came Laura's reply. Though immune to charms thanks to her dark gift, she still couldn't resist the urge to run her eyes over the woman's body. "You know something of this or you would not be here."

"Something", the woman replied, "but I don't want to spoil your FUN."

"Shandaril, please. If you know something then tell me. It could save lives."

"And ruin your curiousity? Would you have me do that?" Shandaril asked of Lauralin.

"I would, if it saves lives."

"These people aren't your own, why be concerned?"

"Because they are good people and because everyone deserves the chance to live. You are not one of mine, but I give you sanctuary anyway, despite the price I could pay for harboring you from the infernal forces", Lauralin replied almost desperatly.

"Indeed", Shandaril replied, a finger lightly brushing her cheek, "you are a curiousity. Very well", she said, waving a hand non-chalantly. "A short time ago the humans here developed a dimensional gateway. Unfortunately they didn't know where it lead. Lets just say that most wizards call it the the plane of madness."

"Dianthis' plane?"

"VERY good. You are the cute, quick one", Shandaril told her.

"A short time ago? How long? The ancients have been gone for centuries, millenia even."

Shandaril again waved a hand non-chalantly, "Years, decades, Centuries, they're all the same to me. I fought during the time of the gods and devils, I can't keep track of time. Besides, time doesn't work the same way in the abyss."

Lauralin looked back at the station then at Sophia, who seemed to speak with her the most. "It can be most dangerous. Dianthis' plane was created by a devil who was cast out from hell for his atrocoties. What is in that station is most likely the mad and tortured souls of those he has taken over time. But the gateway must be closed. Now that they know that someone is nearby they may seek to escape."

Nancia had heard through the contact button and sent the information to Pol.

"Ahh, I thought hell was all about atrocoties", Pol said through Laura's contact.

"It is", came Shandarils reply, "but there are rules even in the abyss."

{Wait a minute; I think I’ve got it. I can put drones back on board the station. They’re not sentient, so technically they can’t go insane, and they’ll be under my control. At the very least they can find the AI and attempt to determine its status and whether it would be possible to remove it. The size of the AI core depends on how advanced an AI it is, so I’d guess that this one is probably quite large, but nowhere near as complex as myself,} sent the Forge to Pol.

As the frigate slowed to maintain a constant distance from the station, one that was well inside effective range for all of the frigate’s weapon types, it launched four Hawk drones, different ones to those previously deployed to the station or the planet, just in case. The drones were directed towards the station at best speed.

Alvic probably had very little to fear from the Indoans, because although they had had but a single run in with pirates in the past, which had put a corvette in repairs for months, they had virtually crippled the pirate vessel and sent it running, albeit with the intervention of some passing vessels.

However, they had no reason to inquire into his past, and unless he tried to take any of their equipment by force, they had no reason to suspect he was an ex-pirate. If he did try anything, however, there would be severe repercussions, based on Indoan law, piracy was a high level crime, and while the death penalty did not apply if it got to trial, if the Navy were attacked by pirates, they were authorised to engage and pursue with the unconditionally approved use of lethal force.
****

The conversation had been carrying on around Kaela Juno for some time. Suddenly she looked up and spoke. “Crysta, what exactly were they doing on the station?”

“Research into trans-dimensional technology, Kaela. Why? What have you thought of?” replied the avatar.

“Well, if they were bridging the gap between dimensions, might the ‘ghosts’ and the ‘visions’ that they saw actually be creatures from whatever dimensions they bridged with?” the diminutive Douran suggested.

There was a moment’s silence in the Varia’s cabin, broken by Reynolds. “Well, I’ll be damned. That’s gotta be it,” he agreed.

Kane spoke up for the first time in a while. “So, now what? You’ve worked out what was probably going wrong on the station, what do we do now, sir?”

“The chances of us going to that station just dropped,” replied Sophia, “If they bridged dimensions, and that’s what killed them, who’s to say that our weapons will even work against any foe we encounter. That means we’d have no way to defend ourselves, so I don’t think we’re going.”

“So, how are we going to know what made the station light up?” asked Jann, bringing the Faded Fortunes crew back into the discussion.

“We’re not,” replied Pierce definitely. “The Mind may send some synthetics or drones over to investigate instead, but we’re not going anywhere near the damn thing if we can’t defend ourselves, and no offence, but I don’t think you’d have much luck either, Highness,” he told Lauralin.

“So what are we going to do?” asked Spears from the cockpit.

“I’m not sure. I think we need to discuss what we’re going to do next, both among ourselves and with the Mind,” decided Sophia. “If anyone has any suggestions I’d like to hear them.”
****

The pilot and co-pilot of the Havenaph were already leaving their seats, having finished shutting down the shuttle very rapidly. They came into the main cabin, and were preparing to leave when the question was posed.

“Oh that? It’s a side effect of our wormhole jump drives, I don’t know why it happens. I think someone tried to explain it to me once, but I got lost in the technical stuff. You could try asking the Mind if you really want to know,” he explained.

“Useless, Rudy, you really are,” declared Steph. “If I remember rightly, it’s got something to do with the fact that the wormhole doesn’t really exist in our universe, and the spinal cord, because it’s the centre of our nervous system, reacts to the fields associated with the wormhole. I got lost in the technical stuff too, but I do remember that bit,” she explained.

“I’m impressed, Steph. I don’t remember anyone ever putting it quite that simply before,” stated Rudy. “Do you, Elena?”

The co-pilot shook her head, “Nope, I got the full techno-nerd version. Whoever was explaining it to her must have been taken with her, so she got a version that could be understood.”

“Well, there you are, General, that’s what the tingling was. The Chief outside will take you to where you need to go,” Rudy told her.
****

{Well, I suggest keeping your distance and keeping weapons ready and in standby. Don’t let them approach until you’re sure it’s not dangerous,} sent the Forge. {And you’re right; it sounds suspiciously similar to the station. Can you disable the ship in any way?}

When Pol referred Nancia to the Mind, it felt compelled to object.
{Wait, you put me in charge? You’re at least fourteen times larger than I am and have been around for longer than five months. I want to blow stuff up. Why am I in charge? Although I do agree, neither would be best. Go back down to the planet. I’d advise against putting anybody on either for the time being.}
****

(OOC: Well, I’m not sure how this would affect women, so I’m gonna guess at very confused. If not, tell me and I’ll correct.)

It was probably a good thing that the succubus appeared differently to each individual; otherwise it might have had to take on fur, which might ruin the effect on some of them.

The male members of the crew, which was most of them, found themselves unable to act or even think properly. The discussion which had been going on among them stopped instantly, as all eyes fell upon the body of the intruder. Two of the female crew were similarly affected, and the other four found themselves in various states of confusion as their minds and common sense told them one thing and their bodies told them another.

The avatars were unaffected because of their artificial nature, but that didn’t stop them from feeling desire. It wasn’t unheard of for avatars to seduce members of the crew purely because they felt like doing so, although none of Forgaies’ avatars had done so yet. These avatars however, felt nothing right now, and upon noticing the apparent inability of the others to react, Crystaphosai reached out and removed the weapon from Reynolds hands and pointed it at the creature, which appeared in a less conventional form to the avatar.

In other circumstances it would have been rather amusing, a 90 pound woman handling a weapon that most men would find difficult to even lift as though it were as light as a feather. Now, however, none of the crew were in a position to appreciate the event, so it passed unnoticed.

The yawning barrel of the weapon looked huge as it was placed half a metre from the creature’s head, and the weapon armed with an ominous click. There was a less menacing click as the avatar Anderaleigh levelled a pistol at the creature as well.
“I don’t know what you are, or how you got here, but you’re going to leave right now,” declared the avatar.

“What?” replied Sophia to Lauralin, sounding very confused and only half awake. She put a hand to her head and rubbed slowly at her temple.

The Mind, watching through the avatar, decided to intervene and bring the crew back to their senses. All of the Indoans suddenly clasped their hands to their heads and some doubled over or even fell to the deck as the Mind sent a piercing high-pitched whine over their neural threads. Several of them groaned as the sound tore through their skulls.

The first indication of success was a stream of curses in Indoan from Reynolds, Kane and most of the other Rangers. In the cockpit, Spears and Angel flailed out with their arms, hitting various controls, but the Mind had thoughtfully taken control of the craft, preventing any accidents.

{Wait a minute; I think I’ve got it. I can put drones back on board the station. They’re not sentient, so technically they can’t go insane, and they’ll be under my control. At the very least they can find the AI and attempt to determine its status and whether it would be possible to remove it. The size of the AI core depends on how advanced an AI it is, so I’d guess that this one is probably quite large, but nowhere near as complex as myself,} sent the Forge to Pol.

"Excellent", Pol replied, "I understand if we can't do anything but I'd like to at least try."

"I could help", Joat cut in as Pol quickly checked the comm link wondering how she had hacked in without his knowing. "I was planning on expanding Rand and I have the everything set up. Considering how complex Rand is I'm relatively certain the A.I. would fit. I also worked out a way to do the transfer, I would just need to adapt the couplings to the station."

As the drones entered the station could be heard to moan and whimper as she mourned the losses that were evident in her sensors. Her main housing was at the core of the station to offer her the most protection from an outside attack but she had imaging and audio equipement to cover almost every square meter of the station.

****

“We’re not,” replied Pierce definitely. “The Mind may send some synthetics or drones over to investigate instead, but we’re not going anywhere near the damn thing if we can’t defend ourselves, and no offence, but I don’t think you’d have much luck either, Highness,” he told Lauralin.

"I would not be so sure", Lauralin replied, "I have dealt with such before and magic can affect even them." She held up a hand before anyone could protest, "I am not, however, a fool. I would be outnumbered and would much prefer as much assistance in dealing with this as I can get."


****

“Oh that? It’s a side effect of our wormhole jump drives, I don’t know why it happens. I think someone tried to explain it to me once, but I got lost in the technical stuff. You could try asking the Mind if you really want to know,” he explained.

“Useless, Rudy, you really are,” declared Steph. “If I remember rightly, it’s got something to do with the fact that the wormhole doesn’t really exist in our universe, and the spinal cord, because it’s the centre of our nervous system, reacts to the fields associated with the wormhole. I got lost in the technical stuff too, but I do remember that bit,” she explained.

“Well, there you are, General, that’s what the tingling was. The Chief outside will take you to where you need to go,” Rudy told her.

'I wish our FTL's were as pleasant', Micaya mumbled as she made her way outside to the chief that awaited her.

****

{Well, I suggest keeping your distance and keeping weapons ready and in standby. Don’t let them approach until you’re sure it’s not dangerous,} sent the Forge. {And you’re right; it sounds suspiciously similar to the station. Can you disable the ship in any way?}

"I'm not even sure how it's getting power but if I figure it out then I will", Pol replied as he issued orders for one bio bod, two borgs and a rav (roaming artillary vehicle) to prepare to head over to the ship.

When Pol referred Nancia to the Mind, it felt compelled to object.
{Wait, you put me in charge? You’re at least fourteen times larger than I am and have been around for longer than five months. I want to blow stuff up. Why am I in charge? Although I do agree, neither would be best. Go back down to the planet. I’d advise against putting anybody on either for the time being.}

"Sorry", came Pol's response, "I assumed you would be. You've doing fine thus far. I don't know about Indoan forces or A.I.s but shell people are trained in thier field. If it's not a recon or a military action then I'm afraid that I don't know much about it or what to do. I'm treating this as a possible ambush."

"Cari", Pol sent, "stand by for now, I want to check the ship out first. Nancia, take the queen's advisor to the the queen, see if you can transfer her to that ship then stick close to Forge or me until things get sorted out."

Nancia acknowledged and moved toward the Indoan vessel.

****

(OOC: Well, I’m not sure how this would affect women, so I’m gonna guess at very confused. If not, tell me and I’ll correct.)

(Succubus attracts people to them and uses sex to drain thier souls. Therefore confusion would be perfectly natural in a woman who normally wouldn't give a woman a second look and suddenly feels an attraction toward one so your post is just fine.)

The yawning barrel of the weapon looked huge as it was placed half a metre from the creature’s head, and the weapon armed with an ominous click.
“I don’t know what you are, or how you got here, but you’re going to leave right now,” declared the avatar.

Shandaril looked over the barrel of the weapon at the avatar, "I'll leave when I feel like it", she replied as the barrel of the weapon suddenly melted, making it useless.

“What?” replied Sophia to Lauralin, sounding very confused and only half awake. She put a hand to her head and rubbed slowly at her temple.

"WAIT", Lauralin said to the avatar and looked at Shandaril, "STOP. Shan, you can help, but do not do anything to these people, they have come to help me." She looked back at the avatar, "Please, she can help. She is a demoness who has fought against her own people and was given sanctuary in Dragonsreach. She has helped me in the past. The affect on your people was not an attack. She is a succubus, it is a natural, powerful charm that exudes from them, she cannot control it."

****

General Booly had relieved Captain Halivane and was checking the lines when all hell broke loose. Attacks were made all along the central and indoan front lines, the alliance forces, toward the rear not being affected. It took a moment for Booly to realize what was happening as long spike-like protrusions erupted from the ground, spearing a several central worlds and indoan men and woman, it was then that burrowed creatures erupted from the ground and attacked the ensuing chaotic forces.

"FALL BACK AND REGROUP", Booly shouted into his mike even as he raised his gauss rifle and opened fire on one of the nearby creatures. The borgs open up with thier .50s and lasers as they and the quads covered the bio bods retreat. One full squad of borgs, including two quads, moved to assist the indoans with cover fire as central worlds regrouped, hoping to offer the indoans the same chance.

{No, you just stay there for the moment. I don’t want anyone going on board that station until I say so,} sent the Forge to Joat. It decided that if it was in charge, it would exercise some command ability.

The audio pickups on the drones could detect the noises made by the station’s AI, and the sensors picked up the signature of the AI core deep within the station. With the station being the size it was, it could take some time for the drones to reach it.

Because they were just airborne recon drones, if they came across any obstruction to their path, they would have to clear the way, since they were unable to interface with the station and open any doors. They would have to this with either sonic pulse generators or modifying their light lasers to cut metal.
****

The Chief Sergeant led Micaya up to the bridge of the craft, deep within the interior to make it immune from surgical strikes to remove control from a vessel, without a word.

They entered the bridge, which was remarkably free of both personnel and visible controls due to context sensitive panels, most of which were currently deactivated, and a high degree of control by the Mind. The walls of the room and parts of the ceiling, although they were blank at the moment, could show the visible view outside the ship, removing the normal reason to have the bridge near the top of a craft. Only a few key personnel were present, watching their displays or the large 3D holographic sensor display with purpose. Without stopping, the Chief walked to a door off the bridge and placed his hand over the entry panel.

After a few moments, it went green and he waved Micaya through before leaving, still without saying anything. The room into which the Central Worlds general had been directed was the command briefing room, and waiting patiently within it were Commander Talmar and a white-skinned avatar in the guise of a Matrai male, which was the physical representation of the Forgaies, since its protocols told it some people found it easier to have a physical being to focus on. Besides, the Mind found the avatars easier to work with.
****

{I’m a Mind, Pol. I’m trained for everything, since I could do anything. The fact that I was created with the intention of having me command a starship is irrelevant, I could choose to do anything I want back home. I just assumed my lack of experience and your seniority might outweigh me,} sent the Forge, a humorous tone in its voice.
****

Saying that the creature could not control the effect was all well and good, but it didn’t change the situation on the Varia. The entire crew were virtually incapacitated by the effect, and the Mind had to do something. However, with a wild card on board, it might not have used the best plan.

Tomlinson had fallen to her knees and was holding her head with her hands. She let out a groan which turned into a scream. The temperature in the cabin instantly jumped up 30 degrees, and a whisper escaped her lips.
“Mike…help,” she beseeched him.

At the sound of her plea Reynolds came back to his senses somewhat. He crawled across the deck to her and held her.
“Just relax, Charlie, relax,” he told her.
However, it was too late. The temperature in the cabin continued to rise, and various items began catching fire. The heat was centred around the succubus, although that shouldn’t have been overly surprising.

“That’s it,” declared Crysta, reaching into a kitbag and withdrawing an energy sword. “You’re leaving. Now! Before we all die.” The blade appeared, the tip hovering centimetres away from the creature’s neck.
The other avatar, Andie, began attempting to extinguish the fires which continued to pop up around the cabin, while the crew, still under the effect of the charm, made half-hearted attempts to avoid the flames. Reynolds, now the most alert member of the crew due to his concern for Charlie, was still trying to calm her down.
“Charlie, it’s alright. Just relax and stay calm,” he whispered softly, attempting to remove both his and her helmets as he spoke.
****

The battlesuit armour proved fairly resistant even to the new attack, leaving a couple of Rangers stuck on top of the stone spires, their armour caught on the rock, although a few lost their lives. They all responded to this by dropping a shock grenade down to the ground below them, shattering the spires into thousands of tiny fragments, which bounced off the armour.

On the subsequent appearance of the enemies from beneath the ground, the rapid staccato crack-crack-crack of pulse rifle fire echoed across the battlefield, accompanied by the whine of laser rifles and the occasional boom of a heavier weapon.

Since no-one had yet countermanded a command they had previously been issued with, the Rangers pulled back instantly and called in the various transports to pick them up. The smaller Assegais and Varias dropped delicately downwards and allowed small groups of Rangers to board before rocketing skyward once more, as the Zodiacs swooped in like giant vultures and floated just above the ground, allowing large groups of troops to board, all the while emitting huge volumes of fire from the mounted and fixed guns.

Once in the air, the transports swept over the Central troops, returning the favour given them only moments before by unloading all kinds of ordnance into the enemy troops.

{No, you just stay there for the moment. I don’t want anyone going on board that station until I say so,} sent the Forge to Joat. It decided that if it was in charge, it would exercise some command ability.

"Alright", Joat mumbled, clearly unhappy but unwilling to cross the mind since that meant crossing Pol who would tell Simeon and thus incur his anger. She pulled out to safe distance and held her position.

****

After a few moments, it went green and he waved Micaya through before leaving, still without saying anything. The room into which the Central Worlds general had been directed was the command briefing room, and waiting patiently within it were Commander Talmar and a white-skinned avatar in the guise of a Matrai male, which was the physical representation of the Forgaies, since its protocols told it some people found it easier to have a physical being to focus on. Besides, the Mind found the avatars easier to work with.

Micaya nodded to Talmar, "Commander Talmar I presume? and", her gaze shifted to the avatar, "Your the Forgaies? I'm afraid I have bad news. Someone at Central screwed the pooch. Central Navy is coming .... to arrest me. Somehow the President was informed that I was pulling my people here to take control of the digs and, I mean the indiginous population, and then launch an attack against Central and take the presidency for myself." She began pacing, now, in irritation, "Ghu knows who or how that message came to be. They were told your assisting me as well. The good news, such as it as, at least for us, is that the newly appointed fleet admiral has attacked Algeron, homeworld for the legion, so most of thier forces are tied up there." She stopped pacing and looked at the two, "I'm truly sorry for this, I don't know how it happened. If you want to withdraw, I understand."

****

{I’m a Mind, Pol. I’m trained for everything, since I could do anything. The fact that I was created with the intention of having me command a starship is irrelevant, I could choose to do anything I want back home. I just assumed my lack of experience and your seniority might outweigh me,} sent the Forge, a humorous tone in its voice.

"I understand", Pol said, "and I'll offer what knowledge I can. It's just that unlike you, and certainly no offense intended, I am biological. We're just trained to a higher mental capacity, but we're still more limited than A.I.s even with data banks at our command."

****

“That’s it,” declared Crysta, reaching into a kitbag and withdrawing an energy sword. “You’re leaving. Now! Before we all die.” The blade appeared, the tip hovering centimetres away from the creature’s neck.
The other avatar, Andie, began attempting to extinguish the fires which continued to pop up around the cabin, while the crew, still under the effect of the charm, made half-hearted attempts to avoid the flames. Reynolds, now the most alert member of the crew due to his concern for Charlie, was still trying to calm her down.
“Charlie, it’s alright. Just relax and stay calm,” he whispered softly, attempting to remove both his and her helmets as he spoke.

Shandaril pushed her head forward onto the sword, allowing it to pass entirely through her neck and then pulled to the side, letting it cut through. As soon as the blade cleared the wound healed, "Nice toy", she told Crysta.

"Shan wait", Lauralin said as the succubus was about to say more. Laura was feeling the phsychic eminations and followed them to thier source. "Your presence is making her lose control", she said as she looked at the woman.

Shandaril had felt the heat but was unaffected as the fires of hell had been where she had been born and raised but she frowned and looked at the woman. "That's because of me?" she asked. Her voice was as hard as always but her eyes held pain at the possiblity that she might be causing the woman undue stress. Her aura tended to be pleasurable and she had spent millenia trying to break away from her own descent and both were evident in her eyes.

"Yes", Lauralin replied, "Let me contact you later when I can talk to you at safer location."

Shandaril nodded and vanished and Lauralin moved to the stricken woman. Her mind sought that of the woman's appearing as a herself but wreathed in the flames of her magic. No pain, instead a soothing feeling of calm as Lauralin lent her own will to that of the woman's to use as she would to regain control. Lauralin, herself, made no attempt at control and no threatening moves, only a calm mental arm for the woman to bolster herself with.

****

Once in the air, the transports swept over the Central troops, returning the favour given them only moments before by unloading all kinds of ordnance into the enemy troops.

"Thank Ghu", Booly said as the Indoan's moved over them. The attack slackened as the air support pounded the enemy lines and Booly took advantage of it.

"Thank you gentlebeings", Booly sent over the comm to the Indoan troops and then turned to his own. "Alright people close it up and pull back, NOW!" The legionairres began a fighting retreat, the bio bods moving first followed by the T-2s then the quads. The retreat went largely unhindered thanks to the Indoan air cover and Booly was grateful for the respite they offered.

"Next rounds are on me", he sent to them as the legion reformed and began to advance, dozens dropping by the second before their onslaught, dozens more dropping by the air cover.

****

"Commander, the new forces are under attack", Zack sent to Commander Ivanova at Highport Central on a low frequency no longer used by more advanced civilizations, one that Pol never bothered to monitor.

"Move forward and assist, Palace Guard only, Dragonsreach and Highport regulars to set against possible break in the lines", came a woman's hard voice.

Zack, a rather young man shouted the orders and a group of 300 men and woman in tac armor with pulse plasma rifles and PPG sidearms moved forward. Since they were guard units rather than military they largely stayed out of the way of the military forces, picking of targets that presented themselves. Though clearly outgunned by both Central Worlds and Indoan forces they were obviously controled centraly and not by shouted orders.

Booly, seeing this, ordered a scan of ALL frequencies and finally found the tac frequency they were using.

Meanwhile Commander Ivanova contacted Star Fury control and asked for the Sergeant in charge of the maintenance facility.

"Sergeant Varil, Ma'am."

"Varil", came the woman's hard voice, "Where the hell are those Star Furies?"

"Ma'am we're still working on making them work in atmosphere."

"How long?"

"A week, Ma'am."

"You have two days", she stated.

"Ma'am, I should have one in two days to test and refine but I'll need another four at least to outfit the rest."

"Alright, if you have one in two days then I'm sending you alone against thier air. If you have all of them ready I'll be leading the squadrons myself. Your choice."

'shit', the man mumbled.

"I didn't catch that sergeant."

"They'll be ready, Ma'am."

"I thought you'd see it my way, Ivanova out."

Commander Talmar and the white-skinned avatar looked at each other for a moment, then spoke rapidly in Indoan. Although both were capable of speaking in English, via their neural threads, they found their own language easier to rapidly have a discussion in; even there should be no difference between the two, since it was automatically translated for them by a myriad of highly advanced processors and the Mind’s own influence.

After their rapid debate, Talmar looked at Micaya again.
“General, if your forces are coming to arrest you, that means the people on that planet aren’t getting any extra help. If we pull out, that means they basically have you to protect them, and they need more than that. We’ve already got a fleet on the way here, so we’re staying,” he told her firmly.

The avatar then took on a devious look, a look seen on Indoan avatars far more often than it probably should be, since it virtually always meant they were plotting something.
“There is something else we could do to help,” it said slyly. “The Whisperer has some units on board that might be able to help in this situation. We could do the same thing, but the Whisperer has units better equipped for the task. They’re called Ghost operatives. Would you like me to explain?” it asked.
****

With the departure of the succubus, and the Mind’s subsequent ceasing of its interference, the majority of the crew returned to normal rapidly, looking momentarily confused before one of the avatars directed them to put out the fires.

Unfortunately, Charlie’s ability had already gotten away from her, and she was struggling to keep it under control. Reynolds had removed his helmet, and hers, and was now deactivating the suit seals so he could remove both their gloves. As soon as he had managed that, he clasped her hand tightly in his and whispered reassurances in her ear.

He was her rock, the unmovable pillar of strength that would help her get through anything. In his position, Mike had only seen her lose control like this once before, and had suffered some fairly major burns while helping her gain control once more. While it was not an experience he had any particular wish to repeat, he would do everything he could to help Charlie.

“You can do this, Charlie,” whispered Mike, “Just push it through.” Slowly, the temperature in the cabin began to drop back to normal and no more fires appeared. Charlie looked up at Mike, sweat covering her forehead, a scared look in her eyes. Without saying a word, she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight, her face buried in his shoulder.

There was noticeable relief among the rest of the crew, who knew full well that their fate had been entirely in the hands on Reynolds and his ability to calm Charlie down and allow her to get control, or at least direction, over her ability.
****

With the Central troops on the offensive, and their own orders recently adjusted, the Indoans swept into the attack, the fighters providing cover fire as the transports returned to the ground for a short moment, deploying groups of Rangers in advantageous positions, before returning to the skies and adding to the air cover. The Indoan Army’s preferred tactic of high mobility was showing through, as the transports dropped troops exactly where they needed to be.

A Varia made a pass over a group, the beam weapons on either hatch cutting through the enemy lines with a constant beam of energy, and a Ranger squad followed up with a sustained barrage of fire from their rifles, with a few rockets and grenades thrown in for good measure.

When the other forces appeared, a few of the more senior officers, namely the platoon leaders who knew something of what was going on, began asking questions. Whose troops were these? If they were indigenous troops, as they indeed appeared to be, where had they gotten the advanced equipment? These questions, and others, were sent out over the tactical comm net, and up to the Mind, who asked Pol.

The Mind also conducted a source scan on the detected frequencies (Indoan ships routinely monitor everything in the electromagnetic spectrum), and traced the origin location. The nation’s capital and a point on the battlefield.
~ Radio co-ordinating? These are supposed to be people that have very little in the way of technology. Is this equipment they’ve found that was left over from the techno age and worked out how to use, or something else? thought the Mind.

“There is something else we could do to help,” it said slyly. “The Whisperer has some units on board that might be able to help in this situation. We could do the same thing, but the Whisperer has units better equipped for the task. They’re called Ghost operatives. Would you like me to explain?” it asked.

Micaya nodded, "Please do. Anything that can help these people would be appreciated."
****

With the departure of the succubus, and the Mind’s subsequent ceasing of its interference, the majority of the crew returned to normal rapidly, looking momentarily confused before one of the avatars directed them to put out the fires.

“You can do this, Charlie,” whispered Mike, “Just push it through.” Slowly, the temperature in the cabin began to drop back to normal and no more fires appeared. Charlie looked up at Mike, sweat covering her forehead, a scared look in her eyes. Without saying a word, she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight, her face buried in his shoulder.

Once she began to regain control Lauralin looked around. She knew there had been some damage but she knew nothing of the systems. Then again, she didn't need to. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the spell. It wasn't one that was within her normal pervue and required more concentration. She mumbled the incantation in a language that made the hair stand on end at the nape of the crews necks and her hands followed a complicated pattern. Once she finished the ship began reverting to the way it was. She didn't fix it, per se, simply restored things to the way they had been. The spell worked on time and complexity and though the time elapsed wasn't great the complexity involved was tremendous, at least for her who didn't understand the things here. Everything returned to normal, but once done she collapsed, exhausted. But the people were safe, that's all that was important to her.

****

With the Central troops on the offensive, and their own orders recently adjusted, the Indoans swept into the attack, the fighters providing cover fire as the transports returned to the ground for a short moment, deploying groups of Rangers in advantageous positions, before returning to the skies and adding to the air cover. The Indoan Army’s preferred tactic of high mobility was showing through, as the transports dropped troops exactly where they needed to be.

A Varia made a pass over a group, the beam weapons on either hatch cutting through the enemy lines with a constant beam of energy, and a Ranger squad followed up with a sustained barrage of fire from their rifles, with a few rockets and grenades thrown in for good measure.

Central worlds pushed forward and the momentum gained as the Indoans made thier manuevers. Soon, however, the sky began to fill with the alien flyers demanding the attention of the airborne forces and the number of the enemy increased. The push faltered, then failed and before long the sheer numbers began to force them back, fighting a retreat as they threatened to overwhelm the valient forces of Central worlds and Indoans.

When the other forces appeared, a few of the more senior officers, namely the platoon leaders who knew something of what was going on, began asking questions. Whose troops were these? If they were indigenous troops, as they indeed appeared to be, where had they gotten the advanced equipment? These questions, and others, were sent out over the tactical comm net, and up to the Mind, who asked Pol.

The Mind also conducted a source scan on the detected frequencies (Indoan ships routinely monitor everything in the electromagnetic spectrum), and traced the origin location. The nation’s capital and a point on the battlefield.
~ Radio co-ordinating? These are supposed to be people that have very little in the way of technology. Is this equipment they’ve found that was left over from the techno age and worked out how to use, or something else? thought the Mind.

Pol updated the General and sent out a request to Nancia while keeping an eye on the team who managed to enter the derelict ship. He including everything to date in his report to Micaya who cocked an eyebrow.

"Security Chief Gassington?" she asked out loud so the mind and the commander could hear.

"Yes, General."

"Michael Gassington?"

"I believe so, yes. Why?"

Micaya grinned, "Hell, I thought he was dead. He had served under me once. Damn good man. He was brought up on charges of treason, all crap, but there was nothing I could do. He went into security after that. Went from one job to another. Unfortunetly when he got drummed out of the service it hit him pretty hard and hit the bottle. Finally he disappeared. When he did his job he did it well and a number of people owed him favors if not thier lives. He probably called in some of those favors once he got security chief here and laid his hands on some old equipement. As for a bio ship, you got me, we don't have that technology. Commander Ivanova is an unknown to me, she might be local, she might have been navy, but she doesn't ring a bell with me."

Nancia had been unaware of any modern weaponry but then she hadn't been here long and had never been to highport. She moved close to the Varia and opened up a channel.

"Varia, this is Nancia, I have the Queen's advisor onboard. Is it possible to transfer her to you?"

The team had entered the vessel and moved down the corridor from the lock to the central shaft that ran from fore to aft. A quick scan revealed lifesigns in the aft compartment and they passed the information to Pol. He forwarded it to Forrister who was just arriving and told them to hold thier positions. Helva docked and Forrister entered, meeting up with the team. As she pulled away and closer to Pol she sent a message to them both.

"Something is wrong there, the ship doesn't feel right."

"What do you mean?" Pol asked as he began bringing his weapons online, checked them and brought them to full power.

"It just .... I don't know, it just doesn't feel right", Helva responded, a slight shudder in her voice.

Pol didn't 'feel' anything, not like that. Most shell people didn't, but then most shell people weren't Helva. She wasn't the oldest, but she was most experienced of them. Usually only the station or planet managers lived longer than she did, with the exception of Moira, so if Helva said something 'felt' wrong, with her longer contacts with soft shells, then something WAS wrong and he told the Mind as much.

"Move to my starboard side", he told her, "put me between you and the vessel."

She did as he told her and then waited, frightened for the people aboard.

Forrister motioned for one borg to got with him toward the foreward command deck and sent the others to investigate the life signs.

"Pol, I'm reading oxygen forming in the ship, confirm."

"Confirmed, but leave the helmets on."

"Damn right I'm leaving the helmet on", came Forristers reply. "Bravo two, report."

"We've reached the aft section, the door is closed and locked .... what the hell?"

"REPORT", Forrister said again.

"The door opened, sir. I'm seeing something. It fills the aft bay. Our scanners have gone chaotic, I can't get a reading."

"Mine too", Pol put in, "at least where they are."

"Sir, it's some kind of orb. Metal, probably, alot of plates. Unknown power source. It's active."

"Bravo two, enter at your own discretion. Leave the orb alone, find the life signs."

There were two clicks as Bravo two confirmed the order and entered after a visual scan.

Forrister reached the command deck and looked through the open door.

"Great Ghu", he muttered.

"Colonel? What is it?" Pol asked.

"Bodies. Looks like the command crew. All dead, but .... they could have died today for the condition they're in. Looks like they turned on each other. Faces literally ripped off with nails from bare hands. One thing weird thought."

"Oh", came Pols reply, "and here I thought this whole thing was weird."

"They're eyes. Every one has had thier eyes gauged out. And not one eye to be found."

****

As the attack on the surface commenced Ariel stood from her seat in the cabin. She walked a few paces as the alliance forces joined the fray, trying to stop the alien's advance. Cavalry thundered into the advancing hordes, Rock trolls waded into the conflict, dwarves, shields interlocked, forced themselves into the advancing line and the elven arrows sang as they flew through the air. Ariel reached out with her mind, it was there again. Alien but strong. She followed it to the alien's leader then to the focal point then, she lost it. But one thing was clear, it came from beyond thier world.

"You might want to have a seat", Eve said, "we're about to land."

“Well, it’s not really something to help the situation down on the planet, although it might end up with you getting more reinforcements,” clarified Talmar. “The Ghosts aren’t military; they’re in the grey area between the AGC and Alliance Intelligence. That should give you some idea of what this might involve. Forge, if you will…”

“Certainly, Commander. The Ghost operatives are our most highly trained covert operatives, with the very best equipment we can offer. They were originally trained for intelligence gathering missions in hard to penetrate areas, but their expertise has widened slightly since then. Now they train for any mission where stealth is a priority, including infiltration and destruction of what we call high-value targets, such as command posts or research buildings, which tend to be heavily guarded and fortified,” began the avatar, under Mind control for the duration of the meeting.
“Admittedly, I doubt the latter will be necessary, but our intention is for them to put the former to use. We can have them travel to your homeworld, your Central World, as it was, and ‘arrange’ a meeting between them and your President to explain what is truly going on. If allowed to proceed, I can assure you that we will do our best to avoid casualties on your side, only if the lives of our operatives are in danger will they resort to lethal force.”

“The operatives will be given complete data of all sensor records, comm transmissions and any other data we can find relevant to the situation, plus statements from myself, the Forge and anyone else who we, or you, think might be beneficial, in an attempt to reveal the truth of the situation,” followed up Talmar. “Even if there are those in your government who wish to hide the truth, your president will find it hard to believe them when confronted with this kind of data. Unless of course your president is behind it, in which case there may start being fatalities.”

“The fleet arrives in,” there was a slight pause, “about four hours, so the mission can proceed from any point thereafter,” announced the avatar.
****

(OOC: If you’re referring to the pyrokinesis, it’s not magic, it’s a mental ability, X-men style, so I’m going to ignore that.)

The damage to the Varia’s interior was superficial at best, light charring and scorching to the internal hull and minor burns to various combustible materials, so there was no danger. A couple of the naval personnel had suffered minor burns, which were rapidly healed with medical equipment. Reynolds had slightly more severe burns, but only to the point of discomfort, not actually dangerous, however, he refused to let anyone treat him for the moment.

He was crouched on the deck holding Charlie in his arms, still whispering in her ear.
“You did it, Charlie. Everything’s fine, we’re okay.”

“Mike,” asked Sophia softly. “You two okay?”

He replied neurally to avoid having to stop reassuring Charlie, which took a lot of concentration to do both at the same time.
~ I’m fine, and I think she is too, but she’s not doing any more fighting today, I think, he told Sophia. He had barely even noticed the burns he had suffered, so concerned was he for Charlie.

Sophia nodded her agreement, knowing that even if she felt differently, and she didn’t, it would be unwise to cross Mike Reynolds on this matter. They all knew how much he cared for Charlene Tomlinson, and knew that everything came below her welfare for him. Besides which, the trauma of the experience was likely to have left her physically, and probably emotionally as well, exhausted.

When Nancia approached, Capt. Angel responded.
“Firefly One here. Not unless she feels like jumping, cos this baby can’t dock, and the stabilisers will make close proximity flight difficult,” she told Nancia. “And I don’t think we’re landing any time soon. It’s possible to do it, it just might be a little uncomfortable for her.”

She was referring to the short, stubby wings that extended at a downward slope out from the upper hull, just behind the hatch on either side. They weren’t very long, but they would make a sizable gap between the Varia and the Central Worlds vessel, made even less appealing by their current altitude of several miles. The stabilisers were actually pointless, since the craft didn’t need them, even in atmospheric flight, but someone in the design bureau had evidently decided that the Varia had to look good as well as fly well, so it had been given wings.
****

The sudden upsurge of enemy numbers almost provoked the Indoan transport craft to repeat the evacuation made earlier, but the involvement of the indigenous forces persuaded the Indoans to keep fighting, using their superior firepower to whittle down enemy numbers, while the local troops prevented them from being overrun by sheer numbers.

The transports and fighters of the Forgaies switched to engaging the airborne targets with both fixed weapons controlled by the pilots and the hatch guns. The fighters, due to their swiftness and agility, made strafing runs over the ground-bound enemies as well as attacking those in the air, their laser cannons emitting a near constant stream of lethal amethyst light. When the orbiting Forgaies added its own energy weapons to the mix, things began to look up for the allied forces, as light streaked down from space and struck home with enough energy to destroy a fighter outright, convert a large building to rather small pieces or punch a hole in the thick, resistant armour of a stellar warship.
****

“Commander, it appears the battle has begun once again on the planet, we have commenced offensive operations and I am conducting bombardment of the enemy positions,” announced the Forge’s avatar suddenly. “It would appear that we have suffered some casualties.”

“Damn,” replied Talmar, “But I guess it was inevitable. How we doing?”

“They have us heavily outnumbered, but our technological advantage is keeping them back for the moment, with support from the forces on the planet. I will be calling back the transport craft shortly to conduct resupply operations, no doubt some of the Rangers will require more ammunition and power packs before long,” conveyed the Mind.

Micaya’s comments went virtually unnoticed by Talmar, since he had forgotten the event the referred to, but the Mind made note and stopped wondering where the more advanced native units had come from. It also further confirmed the identity of the operator of the bionic ship.
****

Within the space station, the four Hawk drones were now deep inside the station, and close to the AI core according to their scans. So far they hadn’t met much in the way of obstructions to their progress, but their increasing proximity to the insane AI’s core was likely to change that fairly rapidly.

If allowed to proceed, I can assure you that we will do our best to avoid casualties on your side, only if the lives of our operatives are in danger will they resort to lethal force.”

“The operatives will be given complete data of all sensor records, comm transmissions and any other data we can find relevant to the situation, plus statements from myself, the Forge and anyone else who we, or you, think might be beneficial, in an attempt to reveal the truth of the situation,” followed up Talmar. “Even if there are those in your government who wish to hide the truth, your president will find it hard to believe them when confronted with this kind of data. Unless of course your president is behind it, in which case there may start being fatalities.”

“The fleet arrives in,” there was a slight pause, “about four hours, so the mission can proceed from any point thereafter,” announced the avatar.

Micaya didn't like the idea of the possiblity of any violence, but she could understand defending oneself. She had no only voted for the president but helped a great deal in getting her her position. Could she have changed? She hoped not.

"Alright", Micaya said nodding, "but if it goes bad I want them to try to pull out. I fully expect them to defend themselves but I would like them to try to escape if need be. I'm sure this is some kind of mistake." She thought for a moment and then went on, "I think the King and Queen's statement would be important here. Helva should be heard from, she's respected. Your own information and ours as well. We can have it ready in four hours if we can find the others, I'm sure."

****

(OOC: If you’re referring to the pyrokinesis, it’s not magic, it’s a mental ability, X-men style, so I’m going to ignore that.)

(OOC - I was referring to her pyrokinesis and I'm well aware that it has nothing to do with magic. The magic I was referring to was Laura's restoration spell. It's a varient of the one she used to heal Sophia before. Like that one it takes things back in time a short distance and then brings them forward without anything happening to them. It does have limitations. For instance a body can be healed but if the person is dead then you wind up with a healed corpse. A destroyed, peices left rather than just damaged, can't be fixed. Since the damage was minimal, however, we'll forget that post, I thought there was more damage.)

When Nancia approached, Capt. Angel responded.
“Firefly One here. Not unless she feels like jumping, cos this baby can’t dock, and the stabilisers will make close proximity flight difficult,” she told Nancia. “And I don’t think we’re landing any time soon. It’s possible to do it, it just might be a little uncomfortable for her.”

Lauralin stood, waiting until things calmed down when suddenly another woman appeared. It was the Queen's advisor, mid to late twenties with orange-red hair and hazel eyes. She wore a full evening gown and looked at the Captain.

"No, I don't mind jumping", she said. "Now", she continued and turned to Lauralin, "what, exactly, are you doing here?"

"There's some sort of dimensional gateway on that station."

"Yes", Ferranifer replied, "I know."

"You KNOW?" Lauralin asked.

Ferranifer looked at the Queen for a moment, "Can't you feel it?"

Laura looked at her confused, "Feel what?"

Ferranifer nodded, "Well .... the dark gift gets stronger for us through the centuries. I can sense the dimensional gate."

"You can create pocket dimensions, can you close this gate?" she asked.

Ferranifer chuckled, "My expertise is necromancy, not dimensional gateways. Yes I can create basic ones, but I can't affect those of others."

"But your the last of the master's. The last of the ones who survived the wizard wars a hundred and fifty years ago."

"No, there were two survivors. The evil and the neutral. The neutral wizard was an expert in dimensional gateways and pockets. He's still alive."

Lauralin just looked at Ferranifer for a moment. "Yorl", she said sitting down and sighing.

****

The sudden upsurge of enemy numbers almost provoked the Indoan transport craft to repeat the evacuation made earlier, but the involvement of the indigenous forces persuaded the Indoans to keep fighting, using their superior firepower to whittle down enemy numbers, while the local troops prevented them from being overrun by sheer numbers.

The sweeping tide held for some time but it started to overcome the forces yet again as losses mounted up. Just when it seemed the line would break the creatures stopped attacking, milling about in confusion. Then they began to attack the forces and each other, allowing the Indoans, Central worlds and the alliance forces to press thier advantage, turning the fight into a massacre on behalf of the allied forces.

****

Ariel sensed the turning tide and followed the psionic communications back to the creatures leader. Then she began an all out assault on the one who controlled the creatures on the field of battle. The woman who led them was backed by a great deal of power but she couldn't control the creatures and protect herself from the most powerful of the Deryn at the same time. Ariel was among the most powerful of psionics of a race of psionics and her psychic assault could not be ignored. The leader lost her control of the creatures crying out in pain and fury as she focused on thrusting the attacker away. By the time she was able to throw off her attacker it was too late for the forces below as they withdrew from the rout.

****

Within the space station, the four Hawk drones were now deep inside the station, and close to the AI core according to their scans. So far they hadn’t met much in the way of obstructions to their progress, but their increasing proximity to the insane AI’s core was likely to change that fairly rapidly.

Astra knew they were coming. Part of her told her they were here to help, part of her believed they here to harm her. She struggled with her own thoughts, trying to discern truth from reality. Closer .. closer .. CLOSER. She screamed against the invasion both of her body and her mind, lashing out as best she could.

Suddenly the conduits near the drones exploded, the power flowing from them dropping toward the oncoming drones as her scream echoed through the station.

****

Suddenly a cloth ripping sound reverberated through the ship and foster turned at the sound of the .50 caliber gatlin. A scream, brief and cut short erupted and he began moving toward the rear of the ship.

"Bravo two, this is Bravo leader report!" He almost shouted, "BRAVO TWO REPORT!"

"I've lost his life signs", Pol told him, "Be careful."

****

Admiral Hezra-Fong was furious. He had started toward the system of Midgaard when he had to return. The naval and marine forces had been assaulting Camerone and seemed just a matter of time but the report he got was that the fort was empty and only the automated defenses had fought back. It seemed impossible since the required defensive plans that had been turned in had said that they would hold the fort no matter the cost. But then those reports had been turning in by General Quester-Benn, a woman who had never lost a battle. The forces on Algeron were scattered on the surface, moving through pre dug tunnel systems with wide scale jammers and striking wherever his forces landed. Already he had lost hundreds of men and women.

"Have .. you .. FOUND .. them?" he asked the rear admiral.

"Negative. Apparently there are three mobile command centers. They move around the planet, one in control while the two others change positions."

"That BITCH!!" Hezra-Fong shouted, backhanding the nearest ensign. "Full assault landing, multiple target locations. They can't defend them all."

The rear admiral wanted to refuse but he couldn't, "Yes, sir."

“Don’t get me wrong, they won’t just kill everyone. The Ghosts’ creed is to get in and out without anybody knowing until after they’re long gone, failure to manage that is an unsuccessful mission to them, even if it’s a crushing victory for everyone else. All I’m saying is, if they’re cornered, they will fight to survive, so that they can get away,” clarified Talmar. “However, if it turns out that your president is behind this, they will no doubt alert security forces to the presence of the Ghosts, and circumstances might force certain outcomes, however much we try to avoid them.”

“We’ll send two operatives, and keep the other two here for any missions that come up,” decided the Mind, “If you could get those statements and your data for us, it would be good. We will also want as much data as you have on the location and layout of the target buildings, to help find your president quickly. I will contact the Whisperer and convey our plan.”

[Stuttered-tight-point, M32, tra. @d2.4530.5.17.041429]
x: INV Whisperer
o: INV Forgaies
{Some problems have arisen, sister. We require the Ghosts to be deployed to rectify a certain situation, probably as soon as you arrive. Have them prepare for the following mission, if you would. [Preliminary mission brief P-G184S & data-files S683PLK1 & J54U3NX0 attached]}
****

(OOC: Whatever, its worked out)

Fiona Angel looked back into the main cabin from her seat in the cockpit, saw the source of the voice and turned back.
“Damn I hate this place,” she muttered, “Far too much weird shit going on.” Next to her in the pilot’s seat, Spears smiled and nodded his agreement as Angel activated the comm again. “Um… transfer complete, Nancia. Firefly One, breaking off.”

The Varia banked smoothly away from the Central Worlds ship, more to put some space between the two vessels for safety’s sake than for any real reason.

In the back, Reynolds helped Charlie into a folding seat attached to the hull and sat down next to her. When given a questioning look by 2Lt. Vattic, he nodded and extended his free arm for medical treatment, so as to get it out of the way.

Riesco was treating Kaela Juno, whose fur had been burnt, so she now had a bare patch surrounded by black, singed fur, and Lassai had just finished treating mild burns suffered by Jann.

Sophia, Maj. Pierce, Crysta and Lt. Col. Har’khon were discussing their options, as well as trying to follow the conversation between Lauralin and the other woman, whose arrival had caused mild shock, but most of the Indoans on this craft had given up on being shocked by things which happened here, just in case it had any relevance to them.
****

Just like the rest of the allied forces, the Indoans had been on the point of being overrun, and Lexna had been seconds away from calling in the transports to pick them up again when the enemy attack lost its cohesion. Heartened, the Rangers threw themselves forward into the fight, their own gatling guns proving especially deadly as the streams of fire cut entire groups of enemies down.

Little had changed in the air, except the Indoan craft weren’t being shot at as much, since aerial combat didn’t have all that much in the way of inter-unit cooperation anyway, a wingcraft and the occasional linking up to double team a particularly tough target was about as coordinated as things usually got, unless they were working to a specific attack plan, which the Indoans were quite good at doing.
****

Three sonic pulse generators directed a blast at the exposed conduits, buckling them away from the drones. The power lines didn’t worry them either, their entire exterior was composed of composites and wouldn’t conduct, neither were they earthed in any way.

However, debris from the explosion hit the fourth drone and slammed it into the wall. It rebounded from the impact and wobbled in the air, but remained flying. However, the framework of the drone had been damaged and the Mind detected a few faults, indicating the loss of some of the drone’s systems. Nevertheless, it could still fly and was still controllable, therefore it could continue to accompany the others.

“Don’t get me wrong, they won’t just kill everyone. The Ghosts’ creed is to get in and out without anybody knowing until after they’re long gone, failure to manage that is an unsuccessful mission to them, even if it’s a crushing victory for everyone else. All I’m saying is, if they’re cornered, they will fight to survive, so that they can get away,” clarified Talmar. “However, if it turns out that your president is behind this, they will no doubt alert security forces to the presence of the Ghosts, and circumstances might force certain outcomes, however much we try to avoid them.”

“We’ll send two operatives, and keep the other two here for any missions that come up,” decided the Mind, “If you could get those statements and your data for us, it would be good. We will also want as much data as you have on the location and layout of the target buildings, to help find your president quickly. I will contact the Whisperer and convey our plan.”

Micaya nodded, "That's fine. Pol? Where's the King and Queen?"

"The Queen is on the Varia with her advisor according to Nancia. The king is on the bio ship near Kern. Contact the bio ship, tell them I need to speak with them." She looked at the Commander, "Can I meet with them here? And could you contact the Varia?"

"Pol, I need a detailed account of what's gone on from the time we found out about this to the present. My information can be found in my personal logs. Frost has my codes."

"Understood General, though the Colonel is tied up at the moment."

"Well tell him to kick her out."

"Who?", Pol asked.

"Never mind. Get the info as quickly as possible, Quester-Benn out."

She looked at the avatar and the Commander. "The President is abourd the Friendship. After the overthrow of the Emperor with the help of various races the new government couldn't decide where to house the capital. So one of the largest and, then, most modern battleships, were converted into the capital. It spends one year at each races primary system. There are seven destroyer and three battleship escorts as well as twenty full squadrons of Wraiths. The ship itself has three full legions. One of legion, one navy and one marine. I could ask Helva to take you, no one will question her. I could also give your people access to the ship via the legion guard. They're on their own from there I'm afraid."

****

“Um… transfer complete, Nancia. Firefly One, breaking off.”

The Varia banked smoothly away from the Central Worlds ship, more to put some space between the two vessels for safety’s sake than for any real reason.

"Confirmed, Thank you Firefly." Nancia banked away heading toward Helva and Pol.

Sophia, Maj. Pierce, Crysta and Lt. Col. Har’khon were discussing their options, as well as trying to follow the conversation between Lauralin and the other woman, whose arrival had caused mild shock, but most of the Indoans on this craft had given up on being shocked by things which happened here, just in case it had any relevance to them.

"Would he help?" Lauralin asked.

"Of course", Ferranifer replied, "assuming you pay his price."

"What price?"

"Whatever his whim is at the moment."

"But the people..."

Ferranifer looked at Laura, "He doesn't care. Just as I didn't."

"Can you contact him?"

"I can", Ferranifer said, "I'll see what he's asking. But I warn you, my dark daughter, his price is ALWAYS high."

****

Little had changed in the air, except the Indoan craft weren’t being shot at as much, since aerial combat didn’t have all that much in the way of inter-unit cooperation anyway, a wingcraft and the occasional linking up to double team a particularly tough target was about as coordinated as things usually got, unless they were working to a specific attack plan, which the Indoans were quite good at doing.

The enemy retreated before the onslaught, finally reforming to some extent. A large number stood thier ground as the rest escaped toward the knife edge mountains and the Skullkingdom.

****

However, debris from the explosion hit the fourth drone and slammed it into the wall. It rebounded from the impact and wobbled in the air, but remained flying. However, the framework of the drone had been damaged and the Mind detected a few faults, indicating the loss of some of the drone’s systems. Nevertheless, it could still fly and was still controllable, therefore it could continue to accompany the others.

"Noooooo", came the A.I.'s voice, "No more, no MORE, pleeeaase", she cried out, her voice ringing through the station.

****

Turquine stood and grabbed Ariel before she could collapse at the same time that Marcus reached for her.

"We need to speak with the Queen", she said.

"Eve, find my daughter, please."

Eve sent out requests for information and received a reply from Nancia. "She's aboard one of the aliens craft that came with central worlds."

"Set course for them and send a message that I need to speak with her."

"Understood", she replied and began accelerating out of the atmosphere as Michael watched the instruments around the command cabin.

"Attention", she sent, "we need to speak with the Queen. Her father requests an audience with her.

“We’ll bear your options in mind, but I think we have a more preferable way to insert them, since using Helva would mean their approach was recorded, even if it wasn’t known that they were there, plus you have to consider the possibility that Helva’s status is compromised, that word of her allegiance with us or you has made it back to them,” stated Talmar, “I don’t think the Ghosts have ever trained to infiltrate a ship before, but I have no doubt they will succeed. They have their own ships, which are as hard to detect as they themselves. We have enough trouble, and we know exactly where the damn thing is. If the Victorious represents the standard of your sensor systems we will conduct a test before they leave. After the test, we can decide what insertion method to use.”

“Firefly One is on its way,” announced the avatar. “And of course you may meet with them here, since we seem to be in charge, it seems only sensible.”

The Mind pushed one of the sensor arrays to full power and scanned the biologic ship, determining the dimensions to make the decision of whether or not to send a shuttle to attempt docking with it. The entrance to the spine hangar, largest of the three, was only about 50m long and 30m wide.
****

“Whatever you’re planning, if you need to get off, I suggest you do it now. If you need us to go closer to the ground, then I’m afraid it’s gonna have to wait,” Fiona called out to Lauralin and her companion from the cockpit. “Hold on to your lunch boys and girls, ‘cause it’s about to get fast.” She reached out and adjusted something on the control displays.

The Varia suddenly pitched up to an almost vertical attitude then rocketed spacewards at rapidly increasing speed. Although the cabin occupants were aware of the change in attitude, the artificial gravity kept them rooted to the deck. The rapid acceleration did push them towards the back of the craft though, and several of the personnel had to reach out to grab something and prevent themselves from falling.

“Hey Fi, what the fuck?” called out Pierce. The two pilots began laughing out loud, and Angel reached forwards and returned the inertial compensator to its normal level, allowing those in the cabin to stand normally once more, despite the high G-force effects.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist,” she told them apologetically, while struggling not to laugh. She then activated the comm transmitter again. “Ah, that’s a negative,” she told the unidentified ship. “We are on our way out, headed up to the Forgaies. If you need to talk, you can do it there, contact Forgaies Flight Control for an approach vector. Catch us of you can…” she finished lightly.
****

The Rangers on the ground pursued the retreating enemy a short distance, before holding position and using their longer-range weapons to suppress any attempt to regroup and mount a counter-attack. The fighters continued to make strafing attacks, while the transports began orbiting the Ranger position on the ground.

The orbital bombardment from the Forge continued for some time, even increasing in intensity as the hostiles moved away from the allied forces, but eventually stopped. There was no real reason to stop the bombardment, since the enemy hadn’t gone underground, and therefore the frigate’s weapon systems could still hit them, since they were shooting at a perpendicular angle to the surface of the planet, but it stopped anyway.

The one exception to that was one of the two Zodiac transports, which angled skywards and began its return to the Forgaies. It had been ordered to return by the Mind, so that they could replenish the troops on the ground. On arrival, it would be hastily loaded with ammunition, power packs, medical supplies and a small number of replacement armour components to reequip those who had taken hits which penetrated the armour, before being dispatched back to the surface.
****

The Mind heard the cry, and transmitted through the lead drone.
{We are here to help, do not worry,} it sent to the AI. The Mind knew that the transmission was likely to be ignored, since the AI was insane, but it felt it was worth a try.

The drones continued their advance through the station, closing on the AI core. The Mind was thinking about exactly how they could get the AI out, because although it could transfer it to a core, or move the AI’s own core, if the station was going to be fighting them, it would be difficult to move either core around easily.

“We’ll bear your options in mind, but I think we have a more preferable way to insert them, since using Helva would mean their approach was recorded, even if it wasn’t known that they were there, plus you have to consider the possibility that Helva’s status is compromised, that word of her allegiance with us or you has made it back to them,” stated Talmar, “I don’t think the Ghosts have ever trained to infiltrate a ship before, but I have no doubt they will succeed. They have their own ships, which are as hard to detect as they themselves. We have enough trouble, and we know exactly where the damn thing is. If the Victorious represents the standard of your sensor systems we will conduct a test before they leave. After the test, we can decide what insertion method to use.”

Micaya nodded, "The Victorious is state of the art for Central, we can run a test with her. The Friendship will be as good, but most likely not better. Newer equipement is tested in the field before being put on the President's capital."

“Firefly One is on its way,” announced the avatar. “And of course you may meet with them here, since we seem to be in charge, it seems only sensible.”

Micaya raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. If the mind said that it was put in charge then her sister and Pol made the decision and she wouldn't question them, especially since she liked and trusted the Indoans.

The Mind pushed one of the sensor arrays to full power and scanned the biologic ship, determining the dimensions to make the decision of whether or not to send a shuttle to attempt docking with it. The entrance to the spine hangar, largest of the three, was only about 50m long and 30m wide.

Eve was carrying about half her comfortable capacity at 7 meters in length by 4 1/2 meters in width and 2 1/2 meters in height. She didn't need seem to need room for weaponry since the weapons were produced by her own bio electronic pulses and therefore most of her internal room could be used for passengers or storage.

****

“Sorry, couldn’t resist,” she told them apologetically, while struggling not to laugh. She then activated the comm transmitter again. “Ah, that’s a negative,” she told the unidentified ship. “We are on our way out, headed up to the Forgaies. If you need to talk, you can do it there, contact Forgaies Flight Control for an approach vector. Catch us of you can…” she finished lightly.

"Oh please", Ferranifer said nonchalantly, "I don't need you to take me to the surface." She vanished then, seeking Yorl to see what his price would be.

Eve knew enough that she should contact the Forgaies but the challenge given by the Varia was too much to resist. Eve vanished only to appear close to the Forgaies, not so close as to make anyone aboard uncomfortable but closer then the Varia was located.

"Forgaies, this is Eve requesting approach vector", she sent.

****

Eventually the enemy vanished into the Skullkingdom. Their Queen glared at Shadowspawn.

"Who are these people?" she demanded.

"I'm not sure. One is Central Worlds, the other ...."

"I'll have two more broods by tomorrow. I'll have mechanical weaponry in two days. There's not alot in orbit, I don't forsee a problem in getting them through." She then strode away, leaving Shadowspawn on his throne of sinew and bone.

****

The Mind heard the cry, and transmitted through the lead drone.
{We are here to help, do not worry,} it sent to the AI. The Mind knew that the transmission was likely to be ignored, since the AI was insane, but it felt it was worth a try.

A wail came in respond, "MY CHILDREN, WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO MY CHILDREN." Her cry changed to weeping as she mourned for the humans who she had called her children.

****

Forrister entered the aft compartment and saw what was left of the bio bod. The borg was down as well, only the rav was left.

"Pol, we have a critical situation. I'm bringing the bio bod and the borgs brain box out. I'm leaving the rav for now until I can determine what's happened."

"Understood, sending a shuttle now."

The sudden appearance of Eve far closer than the vessel had been seconds before prompted an automatic response from the frigate’s systems. Three separate weapon systems began tracking the craft, although none powered up. Seconds later, two of the systems broke off the lock and returned to standby. The other was not locked on using the targeting systems, just tracking using the frigate’s main sensors.

“Now that’s cheating,” Angel transmitted with mock disdain as the Varia swept past Eve and made three full lateral revolutions, purely because Spears felt like doing so. Unlike Eve was having to do, Firefly One just flew directly towards the frigate and dove smoothly into the spine hangar bay. There were two reasons for this: The Varia had had approach clearance from the moment it was recalled and the Mind could take control of the craft at any time via the datalink and the autopilot.

{Eve, Forgaies Flight Control. You are cleared to enter the spine hangar on vector 054-273. Keep your speed down and if you try any of that teleporting shit we’ll blast you to pieces. A deck officer will direct you to a landing spot inside the hangar.} It wasn’t clear whether the reply had come from the Mind or an officer manning the Flight Control centre. Either was equally likely.

Inside the hangar, a figure with a two luminescent orange batons waved Eve to an empty space at one end of the hangar. The Varia of Firefly One was sitting next to the space, with both hatches open and its passengers disembarking. The opposite end of the hangar was a mass of activity, as the Zodiac transport returning to pick up supplies was also slated to come into this hangar, and a large number of personnel were helping to get the cargo ready to load as soon as the transport arrived.

“Rangers, get some food and retool, I doubt we’ll be here long,” ordered Sophia of her group. “Rest of you, same applies. Fortunes’ personnel, again, same, but you might not be accompanying us. Colonel, Highness, Andie, if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you up to the bridge.” She walked in the direction of the nearest exit from the hangar.

A Chief Sergeant was waiting not far away for Eve to complete her landing, so as to escort the King to the bridge, plus anyone else on board the Mind thought could usefully contribute to the meeting.
****

The AI’s cry went unanswered, as there wasn’t a lot the Mind could say, since it hadn’t been there and didn’t really know what had happened, except that it wasn’t pleasant. What it did know was that even if they found the AI core and were able to remove it, would there be any way to restore the sanity of the AI, or would connecting it to other systems just corrupt those systems.

The drones pressed forwards, homing in on the core.

{Eve, Forgaies Flight Control. You are cleared to enter the spine hangar on vector 054-273. Keep your speed down and if you try any of that teleporting shit we’ll blast you to pieces. A deck officer will direct you to a landing spot inside the hangar.} It wasn’t clear whether the reply had come from the Mind or an officer manning the Flight Control centre. Either was equally likely.

"Instructions received", Eve replied, "Sorry about that." She knew she had been wrong to do it but couldn't resist the Varia's challenge. Rather than bring it up as defense, however, she accepted responsibility for what she'd done.

Inside the hangar, a figure with a two luminescent orange batons waved Eve to an empty space at one end of the hangar. The Varia of Firefly One was sitting next to the space, with both hatches open and its passengers disembarking. The opposite end of the hangar was a mass of activity, as the Zodiac transport returning to pick up supplies was also slated to come into this hangar, and a large number of personnel were helping to get the cargo ready to load as soon as the transport arrived.

Eve moved into the appropriate area and then lowered her ramp. After a moment the first to exit was Security chief Gassington. His eyes roamed the deck, his hand close enough to his PPG to draw it quickly if need be but not so close as to appear hostile.

The next, almost immedietly following Michael was the King. He was exhausted but it was hard to tell in his badly scarred face. The only way to tell was by the slight sag of his normally ramrod straight body and squared shoulders. His helm was carried under his right arm, though and his head was still held high.

Marcus walked down the ramp next, stopping for a moment at the bottom to assess possible threats before moving off and to one side.

Ariel was the last to exit, walking down and stepping off the ramp. Marcus moved to her side immedietly as Michael took a position just slightly behind and too the right of the King.

Once everyone was off Eve shimmered, expanded and then contracted to assume her human form. She walked forward to take a position near Michael.

“Rangers, get some food and retool, I doubt we’ll be here long,” ordered Sophia of her group. “Rest of you, same applies. Fortunes’ personnel, again, same, but you might not be accompanying us. Colonel, Highness, Andie, if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you up to the bridge.” She walked in the direction of the nearest exit from the hangar.

Lauralin nodded but stopped long enough to hug her father. "I need to speak with you, Princess", he told her. Lauralin nodded again, "I'll see what they want and speak with you as soon as I can." Turquine nodded in return and then looked at the Chief Sergeant who stood nearby.

****

The drones pressed forwards, homing in on the core.

They finally came to a room that housed the central core of the AI. It was about the size of a large desk. A skeleton was nearby, it's fingers locked onto a bent panel as though it was trying to gain access before it died. A holographic image of a woman appeared in front of the drones.

"I'm Doctor Maurie Zenibwicz. You've violated the area of the central core. This is a restricted area. You have forced me summon security to have you removed. Please co-operate and you will not be harmed. Thank you."

The image faded after making it's idle threat. Though the security forces responded they were long dead with no concept of how to use the weapons at thier disposal or even where they were stored. When they arrived, they would fall easily to the drones defenses.

****

Joat had moved to the derelict ship after being attacked by the vessels in the station and after hearing what had happened decided to investigate it herself. As Forrister moved away from the ship she used a jet pack to move over to it, allowing his engines to mask her approach. By the time Pol registered her she was already in the lock and overriding the inner door.

"Joat, get out of there, that's an order."

"I washed out of the navy and brawn training remember?"

"Joat it's too dangerous. Something is affecting minds there if not machinery."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"Joat", came Forrister's voice, "it's too dangerous."

"Remember the neuro inhibitors the pirates used to use?"

"What? What does have to do with this?" Forrister asked.

"Well I got my hands on one and made some adjustments."

"JOAT! They're Illegal."

"Yeah, whatever. What it does is takes a sample of the brainwaves of the wearer. Then the brainwaves are filtered through the device. Any irregular waves are filtered out and the normal waves are sent through."

"So it can filter out interference?"

"Yeah, fardlin grudly eh?"

"What are you trying to do there?"

"I'm going to try to access the records, see if I can get the image recordings and logs."

Forrister was silent at her declaration. She was already onboard and since the age of 8 had an incredible knack for survival. "Be careful", he told her, "if anything happens Simeon will never forgive me and Channa will have my head."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm on the bridge, hack .... ehh .... accessing the system. It's pretty simple. Whoa, ewwww. They're tearing their own and each other's eyes out. This guy just tore out his own eyes and is walking around with them in hand. That guy is gauging out anothers with a spoon while the guy is biting chunks out of him. Hey, something's happening, it looks like the ship is .... rippling. Hey, who are you?"

"Who? Joat there's no one else aboard."

"Yeah there is, the dead guys, and they don't seem to like me being here. My interface is still working too, so this ain't no illusion. Rand, I'm sending you optic feed."

Rand took in the feed and broadcast it. Joat was looking at one of the dead crew member's who was moving toward her and saying something.

"Joat", Rand said, "boost your audio gain."

Joat did as the man or woman spoke again, "Join us, Come with us, Be with us."

"No Fardlin way", Joat replied as she grabbed a satchel, unplugged it from the ships console and turned only to see several other dead crew.

"Join us, Come with us, Be with us."

"I have an important appointment anywhere else but here, thanks."

Joat moved quickly around the corpses and ran down the main corridor and back to the lock. Once inside she waited for what seemed like an eternity before the pressure equilized and the outer door opened. Then she jetted across to the W.Y.A.L. and clambered inside.

"That's it", Pol said, "this things history. No pun intended. Joat move away, I'm destroying this thing."

The W.Y.A.L. moved away quickly and Pol manuevered away aiming it's main guns at the derelict. He opened fire with a much larger volley than would have been needed and then looked on in shock as the bolts passed through the ship and into the atmosphere of the planet beyond.

When Eve returned to her human form, many of the personnel in the hangar just stared at each other, and the deck officer that had directed Eve to the landing spot outright swore.
“Well, what the fuck was the point?” he declared.

Sophia waited for Lauralin as she greeted her father. After they had finished, the Chief looked to the Colonel questioningly. She nodded.
“Alright, Chief. Dismissed, I’ll take them since we’re still here,” she told him.

“Thank you, sir.” He saluted smartly and walked swiftly in the direction of the loading group for the imminent Zodiac arrival.

“If you would follow me, please,” Sophia called out to Turquine. “Are all these people necessary, sir? We would like to keep this as simple as possible, if necessary, you can brief them yourself later.”

As they were about to leave, Reynolds and Tomlinson stepped out of the Varia, the latter being supported by the former. They were heading for the medical bay to get Charlie checked out, to make sure that she was indeed alright.

As they left the hangar, a loud roar suddenly started up, as the big Zodiac transport passed through the magnetic field keeping the atmosphere in the hangar. At 45m long and nearly 27m wide, it had little room for error as it entered the hangar, then floated gently across to the large empty space designated for it by the deck officer. It settled lightly to the deck for something so large, then the roar of the engines died away as they shut the craft down. All the hatches opened as one, and within seconds the two crew chiefs had exited the ship to begin the loading, followed closely by the craft’s nine gunners, who would reload their weapon stations before assisting with the loading of supplies.

Colonel Manasi escorted the group of people out of the hangar and to the bridge, by way of an elevator that went down, into the heart of the ship. She walked into the bridge, returned the salute given her by the Duty Officer, and led them across the quiet bridge and into the command briefing room, where Commander Talmar, General Quester-Benn and the avatar were waiting for their arrival.

Talmar gestured for them all to take a seat around the large table in the room, and waited for them to do so.
****

The drones entered the room, and the sudden appearance of the hologram, startled the Mind, but it quickly realised that it was an automated response to any entry to the core room, and posed no threat. However, it did raise an interesting point, if the automated hologram still worked, then non-sentient systems were evidently not affected by whatever had caused the station’s crew and the AI to go insane. This meant that is ought to be free to operate with drones by remote for an indefinite period of time, without worry of anything affecting the drones.

Despite the situation on the station, the Mind was in no more to take chances, so at the threat from the hologram, one of the drones spun on its axis and pointed its nose back out of the doorway they had entered, all weapons ready, the laser, sonic pulse and shrapnel shells.

The other three drones began inspecting the AI core, to see if it could be moved without cutting power to it, possibly by connecting another power source to the core. The damaged drone may have lost some systems, including its rudimentary shield, the sonic pulse generator and the audio pickup, but its maniple fields still worked.

Back on the Forgaies, the Mind began preparing a shuttle for unmanned flight to the station, to carry more drones, these of a maintenance and repair variety capable of heavy lifting, and a portable microfusion reactor power supply, along with some other pieces of equipment the Mind thought might come in useful for the task. Also loaded was a memory core, in case they couldn’t move the existing AI core. This core was about a quarter of the size of that in the station, but the capacity of the core should be enough to hold the AI.
****

{What the fuck?} sent the Forge to Pol. While this wasn’t the most pleasant way of starting a conversation, the Mind had just witnessed Pol’s fire pass straight through the target ship. {How the hell did that happen?}

The Mind performed a detailed scan of the ship, using ladar systems as well as others. Those laser beams bounced cleanly off the hull of the vessel, and the gravetics reported it as having mass, so it was definitely there. But then there was the fact that it seemed to be giving off no emissions of any kind, electromagnetic or otherwise.

The vessel was out of range of the Forge’s weapons by about three times, so an attempt by the Indoan frigate to destroy it was out of the question, since it could not leave its current position or the troops on the surface of the planet would be left without heavy support. It did have a couple of remote defence drones like those used to defend the Indo system from outside attackers, though, which it could use.

When Eve returned to her human form, many of the personnel in the hangar just stared at each other, and the deck officer that had directed Eve to the landing spot outright swore.
“Well, what the fuck was the point?” he declared.

Eve looked at the officer a bit shocked before bowing her head and clasping her hands in front of her.

"Sir", she replied, "there is a point. You see, I can't morph until everyone is offloaded or they'll die in my transformation. Also, 8 hours out of each day I must return to my ship form or I, myself, will perish. As I don't know how long I'll be here I humbly request a space be kept or created in time for me to return to my vessel form."

Eve had never been in the military and wasn't used to people yelling at her for no apparent reason. She couldn't figure out what she had done so wrong and she was afraid that she might not be allowed to return to her ship form in time. Tears shimmered as Michael placed an arm around her.

"It's alright, hon", he told her gently, "I know this new to you. It's new to them too."

“If you would follow me, please,” Sophia called out to Turquine. “Are all these people necessary, sir? We would like to keep this as simple as possible, if necessary, you can brief them yourself later.”

Turquine turned to Michael, Marcus and Eve, "You'll remain here", he told them.

"Like hell", was Michael's reply, "I won't let you and Ariel go anywhere without guards."

"We have no need for guards among allies", came Laura's gentle, musical voice.

The look Michael gave her was a clear indication that he certainly had no love for her and that he clearly didn't like her at all. "Yeah, I'm sure a bloodsucker knows all about loyalty..."

"MICHAEL!!", Turquine thundered, his deep baritone booming through the bay. He stepped forward, the fist of his empty hand clenched in rage. "You'll remain here", he told him in a low threatening tone as Eve, quivering, moved behind the security chief, "and I don't EVER want to hear anything like that again."

"I'll see to them", Marcus said, stepping in front of Michael and placing a hand on his chest shaking his head.

Michael stood, but said nothing more nor moved to follow as Turquine placed Ariel's hand on his arm to guide her as the Colonel led the others out.

Colonel Manasi escorted the group of people out of the hangar and to the bridge, by way of an elevator that went down, into the heart of the ship. She walked into the bridge, returned the salute given her by the Duty Officer, and led them across the quiet bridge and into the command briefing room, where Commander Talmar, General Quester-Benn and the avatar were waiting for their arrival.

Talmar gestured for them all to take a seat around the large table in the room, and waited for them to do so.

Turquine held a chair for Ariel and guided her into the seat and then held a seat for his daughter. He moved to another chair, holding it for Micaya who looked at him questioningly, not sure what to do.

"Father is a man of inherent courtesy", Laura told Micaya, "he won't seat himself until all women have been seated."

Micaya had been in the service a long time and wasn't used to such acts. She sat down, though a bit nervously, and remained nervous until the King had moved away from behind her. Unsure of Indoan protocol, and not wanted to insult the man present, Turquine didn't wait until he seated himself, as would be proper in his own kingdom and therefore took a seat, waiting to see what had brought them all here.

Micaya waited for the Commander to begin the briefing, wondering how in the hell her message had gone so wrong.

****

However, it did raise an interesting point, if the automated hologram still worked, then non-sentient systems were evidently not affected by whatever had caused the station’s crew and the AI to go insane. This meant that is ought to be free to operate with drones by remote for an indefinite period of time, without worry of anything affecting the drones.

(OOC - I hate giving things away oocly but I have to say that it's nice to RP with someone who can get things from subtle hints rather than having to apply them with a sledgehammer or having to have my character's reveal them. My compliments to figuring that out.)

Despite the situation on the station, the Mind was in no more to take chances, so at the threat from the hologram, one of the drones spun on its axis and pointed its nose back out of the doorway they had entered, all weapons ready, the laser, sonic pulse and shrapnel shells.

The shambling corpses moved toward the core, arriving in ones and twos, unable to think to co-ordinate an attack. The corpses, however, were no match for the firepower of the drone and crumbled with each strike. The only question now was if that drone alone had enough ammunition for the 200 security personel onboard the station.

The other three drones began inspecting the AI core, to see if it could b moved without cutting power to it, possibly by connecting another power source to the core. The damaged drone may have lost some systems, including its rudimentary shield, the sonic pulse generator and the audio pickup, but its maniple fields still worked.

The core had three power sources and two places with which to plug in reserves. Obviously this was what controled the station and the builders didn't want it to go offline. One source, the fusion reactor, was already gone. There was a generator, which was presently off-line, and a battery backup with dead cells. Whatever was powering the station was powering the AI as well, apparently. The core was built directly into the station. It could be cut away but it would risk damage. It's builders, like Joat, had made the mistake of actually making it part of the station. Joat had realized her mistake when she had almost lost the W.Y.A.L. with no way of saving Rand, something she was working on rectifying and thus the reason she had built a portable core. Unfortunetly she hadn't made Rand with any access ports for tranferring him. S.A.M.A.N.T.H.A. had a port for transfer and upgrade at least as long as a coupling could be manufactured.

****

{What the fuck?} sent the Forge to Pol. While this wasn’t the most pleasant way of starting a conversation, the Mind had just witnessed Pol’s fire pass straight through the target ship. {How the hell did that happen?}

"I don't know", Pol replied, "my readings never changed. Maybe you can ask one of those woman from the planet, they might know. I'm going to try something else, hold on."

Pol configured one of his missiles for proximity detonation and launched it. The missile passed through the derelict's hull as he thought it would but exploded in the midst of the ship. Pol's readings after the explosion indicated no change in it's status.

"Nothing", he grumbled to Forge, "I don't like this."

"Pol?" Joat cut in, "can you link me to Forge?"

Pol made the necessary connection and put Joat on the line.

"Forge, I've been looking through the vids I got. This ship had an AI. It's destroyed. Apparently the personel introduced a worm program when the insanity started. Since systems, at least non-intelligent ones, aren't affected I think that the AI's aren't either. The AI on the station may have had something similar happen. If it was more advanced than the one on the ship, a possibility since it has to run a whole station, then maybe the crew there tried something similar. The AI may have been affected by the worm program rather than the phenomenon itself. I wouldn't have any way of being able to tell without jacking in directly, do you have any way of diagnosing that?"

****

General Booly sent out bio bods to pull the brain boxes from downed borgs and maintenance crew to salvage what they could. He also co-ordinated
with the Indoans to reform the defensive line, reveawing strengths and weaknesses of both forces to help support each other. Ravitz pulled the alliance forces back and reset the lines to back up the more advanced forces while Ivanova took in reports from the security forces.

What Eve had mistaken for anger was actually exasperation in the deck officer, who looked terribly guilty as she apologised to him. He hadn’t meant for the comment to be overheard by any of the craft’s occupants.
“I’m very sorry, tinas, I didn’t mean to offend,” he said apologetically. The word slipped out in Indoan because the translator program couldn’t decide whether to translate to ‘miss’ or ‘missus’, as there was no difference in Indoan Common, although ‘miss’ was probably more accurate. “I just meant that if we’d known you could do that we’d have had you put down in the middle, because you’d be out of the way within minutes.” The man seemed mortified at having upset the woman/ship.

At the disagreement between Turquine and his security chief, a couple of the Rangers still present put hands on their sidearms, and many others looked up as the king’s voice rang through the hangar, but it was swiftly resolved and they relaxed and returned to what they were doing.
---

In the briefing room, Colonel Manasi sat down before the king could offer her a chair, taking a place next to Commander Talmar, who was reclining slightly in his seat. The avatar of the Forgaies was standing by the wall, waiting patiently. The avatar of the Faded Fortunes, Anderaleigh, also remained standing, and spoke to Turquine before he waited for her to sit.

“I am an artificial intelligence, Highness, genderless despite my appearance. Do not trouble yourself on my account,” she told him politely. The Forgaies’ nominally male avatar smiled slightly at the comment.

While the statement was technically true, most Indoans believed the AIs, both Minds and avatars, to be female, for varying reasons. Plus the vast majority of avatars did take the female form, so perhaps it wasn’t entirely true after all.

When everyone but the avatars were seated, Talmar began.
“Okay, there are a couple of reasons why you’re all here. Firstly, we need to talk about the situation on your planet,” he looked to Lauralin, Turquine and Ariel. “What do you know about what is happening, what you are doing about it and what we can do to help? From what I know, I suspect resolving this situation properly will require close cooperation between units on the ground, since there are things we seem unable to combat properly. I’m told that this is due to magic, which you are familiar with, even if we are not. In the same way, there seem to be things you are ill-equipped to counter, and we can help you there.”
“The second item does not directly concern you at the moment, but might if we do not rectify it rapidly, and we need some small favours from you to increase our chances of doing so. I’ll elaborate further on this when we come to it.”
He paused and looked around those assembled.
“Now, you have seen our capabilities, or at least some of them, but as you may have gathered, our numbers are small. However, within a few hours, our fleet will arrive and we will have many more troops at our disposal, along with numerous other units that may prove advantageous in your defence. This inclu…”

“What in the hell…?” blurted out the Forgaies’ avatar suddenly, cutting off Talmar, before leaving the room without another word. Talmar hit a symbol on the display built into the table in front of him, and one wall of the room suddenly showed the view outside the ship.
****

Several wormholes had opened up in the system, and a large number of ships were exiting them and forming up into a group. One was a duplicate of the Forgaies, and appeared to be the hub around which the other ships were forming. Another eight were identical to the Faded Fortunes, and the others were split into three designs, the largest of which was marginally bigger than the corvettes, but far blockier. Scans would reveal each of these three types to be lightly armed multi-purpose freighters, each fully loaded.

The reassembling fleet made directly for the Forgaies, with the intention of taking up orbit alongside her. The first thing that struck the Mind was the number of ships, more than there should be. The second was that they were early. There were twenty-two freighters in the system, as opposed to the ten detailed in the original message.

{How are you here so early, sister? Worms vary slightly, but not by over three hours. And why are there extra ships?} it sent to its counterpart of the Whisperer.

{Is that any way to greet us, sister? Shocking manners you youngsters have,} the other Mind responded with a light jibe about the Forge’s youth. {The upgrades proved a little more successful than anticipated, so we’re here early. We even left an hour late. The other freighters are carrying other units that became ready and were deemed useful and others carry war supplies. You didn’t think we could win a war with what ammunition we have on board, did you? Here, I’ll send you the manifest.}

A rather lengthy conversation ensued, covering many topics and explanations, within the following half-second, at the end of which the Whisperer asked,
{If you are holding a council of leaders, may I send over the task-force commanders?} When this request was met with an affirmative, the Mind began preparing the transfer, using the ‘wonderful new toy’.
****

“What’s going on, Forge?” asked Talmar.

“The fleet has arrived, Commander,” replied the Mind’s disembodied voice, seemingly emanating from thin air.

“What? Already?” asked Talmar in amazement.

“Yes, and they brought even more reinforcements than previously indicated,” confirmed the Mind.

“Well, I guess our fleet is here now, then,” stated Manasi pointlessly.
---

In the bridge area, an opaque force field suddenly appeared out of nowhere, expanded and then vanished, leaving behind three rather bewildered looking officers, who were being stared at by the equally bewildered bridge crew. The Duty Officer recovered enough sense to realise that these were staff officers, and saluted hastily.
“Um, welcome aboard, sirs,” he told them uneasily.

“Whoops,” declared the Forge’s avatar, having forgotten to warn the bridge crew as to what was about to happen. “If you will follow me, sirs,” it told the officers, who did so.
---

The door into the briefing room opened, and in walked the three staff officers, preceded by the avatar. The three Indoan officers in the room jumped to their feet and saluted smartly.
“That was fast, Admiral,” declared Talmar, recognising the naval officer in the black uniform with two stars on the shoulders.

“At ease, people. Yes, it was rather fast, Jona,” agreed Rear Admiral Leonhart “All thanks to that new gizmo that his people managed to get for us.” The Admiral indicated Lt. Colonel Har’khon. “Continue with your council, you can fill us in on the details later,” he ordered, then thought better of it and introduced them to those in the room.

“To those representatives of foreign systems; I am Rear Admiral Mizu Leonhart, Indoan Navy and commander of Task Force Syriane. These are my counterparts, Brigadier General Patrick Howell, Indoan Army and Air General Natalie Torual, Indoan Air Force.”
****

(OOC: I’ll be honest; subtlety is not my strong point. I do my best to pick up things like that, but you’re probably lucky I caught it. I wasn’t sure if you’d done that deliberately or not, the thought just occurred to me and I put it in. As I’m sure I’ve had a character say at some point: “Subtle? I’m good at subtle,” and then picks up a flamethrower.)

While it was true that the drone only had four shrapnel shells, the laser and sonic pulse would continue to recycle as long as the drone had power, and laser recharge cycle was measured in tenths of a second, while the pulse generator was ready again within two seconds. It also had the basic shield, but as proved earlier, it wasn’t effective against solid contact, just energy weapons.

If all else failed though, the drone could just use its reasonable mass and engine exhaust to attack the zombies. It was solid enough to withstand anything they could do to it, the damage suffered by the other drone earlier caused by the mass and speed of the debris creating a high energy impact. Or the other drones could support it, since there was fairly little they could do until the other drones arrived from the frigate.

The laser flickered several times, a blue flash illuminating the hallways, then a shockwave blasted a hemispherical path outwards from the front of the drone, throwing some of the zombies back with the force of an explosion. It also had the handy effect of decapitating others, because the radial wave was at approximately head height. The laser flickered again, blasting into the disorganised rabble.

Having seen the number of personnel headed for the drone on its sensors, the Mind was saving the shrapnel shells for when they would take out a large number of targets with the shotgun-type blast.
****

{I don’t like it either. If I was in range I would try an AM missile, since it quite clearly exists, because your people have touched it. I have a remote defence drone which I can use, hold on,} the Mind replied to Pol.

A small object, about twenty metres long, was ejected from somewhere on the frigate, then accelerated through a small wormhole, reappearing about a few hundred kilometres from the target vessel. A powerful, complex targeting system came online, painting the target with three missile locks, probably detectable by Pol. The missiles were already preset for proximity detonation if the targeting system believed it could no longer impact the target, so the drone fired off a single missile. The tiny, antimatter-tipped weapon streaked away from the drone ahead of a trail of blue fire larger than the missile itself, covering the distance to the target ship in a matter of seconds.

The Mind listened to Joat’s transmission with interest.
{So, based on the fact that the station’s AI still exists, do you think that perhaps, due to the increased complexity, it wasn’t completely destroyed, but the worm program still erased much of the coding that makes up the AI, rendering it insane?} the Forge replied, {I have no way of currently testing that, since the Hawk drones on the station have no interface, but the drones I am sending to remove the core can do that. I will keep you informed.}

“To those representatives of foreign systems; I am Rear Admiral Mizu Leonhart, Indoan Navy and commander of Task Force Syriane. These are my counterparts, Brigadier General Patrick Howell, Indoan Army and Air General Natalie Torual, Indoan Air Force.”

Turquine placed his helm on the table and stood up. He wasn't imposing as far as height went, but he was broad man, evident even in his armor and his scarred face showed a lifetime of warfare.

"I'm Turquine Buccannah, King of Highport", he said in his deep rumbling baritone. "This", he said, gesturing toward Lauralin, "is my daughter, Lauralin Silverlief, Queen of Dragonsreach."

Lauralin stood, her flame red hair cascading down her back to end an inch above the ground. Her emerald green eyes seemed to hold other's like a spell, her preternatural charm evident in her eyes and musical voice. She curtseyed to them, smiling and retook her seat.

Turquine gestured to the blind woman on his other side, "This is Princess Ariel of the Deryn. She's my personal advisor."

Ariel nodded politely but remained seated.

Turquine looked toward the commander, "I'm not sure that I agree that we can't handle things..."

"Father", Laura said, standing up and placing an hand on his arm. "There is a place for pride and a place for wisdom. Now is the time for wisdom."

Turquine looked at his daughter for a moment and then smiled. "So much like your mother." He looked back at the commander, "I stand corrected. You see now why my daughter stands as diplomat for both our kingdoms." With that he sat down.

Lauralin looked at those assembled. "You are correct. You have a technology we do not. The skullkingdom has ahead of us in technology, as we believe in preserving our environment. Yet it is also true that there are creatures here that your weapons will not affect. Yeth hounds, demons, undead, others. I have already made arrangements with the city of Necropolis, a peaceful undead city, to have them send assistance. I can propose a possible way of attacking. One we could not do on our own.

****

Having seen the number of personnel headed for the drone on its sensors, the Mind was saving the shrapnel shells for when they would take out a large number of targets with the shotgun-type blast.

One drone would be able to easily handle the creatures as the moved in as they were coming from all over the station, arriving in small numbers. Fewer were able to reach the drone as the AI shut doors and ducts. Wether this was to protect the drones or her 'children' could not be determined.

****

{I don’t like it either. If I was in range I would try an AM missile, since it quite clearly exists, because your people have touched it. I have a remote defence drone which I can use, hold on,} the Mind replied to Pol.

The tiny, antimatter-tipped weapon streaked away from the drone ahead of a trail of blue fire larger than the missile itself, covering the distance to the target ship in a matter of seconds.

The missile exploded, leaving the ship seemingly untouched. Pol relayed the information as he had been doing.

****

"Also", Lauralin continued, "you may ...."

"Excuse me", Micaya interrupted standing up and looking at Laura. "I'm sorry but I have to ask you something. You, or your people, seemed to know what was happening on the station. A ship in orbit around one of your further planets seems to have the same problems. We've tried to destroy it but whatever we shoot at it doesn't seem to have an affect."

Lauralin raised an eyebrow, "I am not surprised General."

"Your not?"

"No. You are speaking of dimension shifts. While it is seen and can even be felt and moved through it is still partly in another dimension. I do not know how to close the dimensional portal, my advisor is seeking council on that matter in the case of the station. There is a way, however, to bring it entirely into our dimension where your weapons can affect it."

"How?", Micaya asked.

"Force it into our existance and temporarily block it from leaving. This is only temporary, therefore not usable on the station."

"But how can we achieve that?"

"Magic, General. While this may have been created by technology, magic can achieve this desired outcome. I am more than capable of it and can assist you. Shandaril could do it by herself, but her proximity is .... distracting."

The Mind listened to Joat’s transmission with interest.
{So, based on the fact that the station’s AI still exists, do you think that perhaps, due to the increased complexity, it wasn’t completely destroyed, but the worm program still erased much of the coding that makes up the AI, rendering it insane?} the Forge replied, {I have no way of currently testing that, since the Hawk drones on the station have no interface, but the drones I am sending to remove the core can do that. I will keep you informed.}

"Yeah the memory system seems to be trilinear. The worm affected only part of it. The ships AI was probably unilinear. Since the AI on the station couldn't keep track of things it probably drove it insane. Either that or it was designed to keep it's people safe and they started turning on it. I would appreciate your keeping me informed. It may sound weird but I have a soft spot for AI's. Rand has been my best friend for some time now."

OOC: Gah, gotta hate course assignments.

IC:
Talmar had to suppress a groan as Lauralin mentioned a ‘peaceful undead city’. He was finding the sudden appearance of so much that was mere legend in Indoan circles hard to take in, and he hadn’t been told what Lauralin was, which was probably just as well.

Magic was definitely out of Indoan purview, even if some of what they did might seem like magic to others, it was still firmly based in a scientific reality and made possible through technology. Indoans preferred to believe that once something was dead it stayed dead, and would remain wherever you put it.

“Before we discuss a battle plan, we should probably explain what troops we have,” said Talmar. “Admiral, what did you bring eventually?”

“Total of six corps, we have Rangers, Lancers, I think there are a couple of Grenadier units, Airborne, some regular infantry. One of the reasons we delayed leaving is because some Air Mobile units became available. So, we’ve got some varied firepower, and nearly 180,000 troops total,” reeled off Leonhart. “In the air, there are four fighter wings, both Kestrel and Vampire, plus two squadrons of Auroras, and there’s a reasonable number of Cararra-class missile craft. I’m fairly sure there are also some transports around too, for moving the troops and supplies around. Oh, and we also have the Ranger complement of each warship, plus the four Ghosts and two Wraith-craft. And as you know, the warships can go into high atmosphere orbit and engage targets on the ground with all their weapons.”

“Do you want us to explain what each of those units are?” Talmar asked Lauralin. “They each have specific capabilities and uses, so it might affect how you plan to fight the enemy.”
****

The drone registered the closing of doors along the corridor it was located in. The Mind interpreted this as both an effort by the Mind to stop the ‘killing’, even though you couldn’t exactly kill something that was already dead, and attempt to stop other intruder units getting to the core.

The reason it came up with the latter was because the shuttle had just completed its approach to the station and was lining up with a hatchway to transfer the drones. After hearing what Joat had to say, plus what it had seen on the station, it had also put two SK-4 synthetics on the shuttle, although again, neither where part of the group that had already been on the station.
****

{Oh, for fuck’s sake,} swore the Mind, as it saw the vessel remain after the missile detonation. It debated trying again for a moment, knew that the results would be the same, and so it opened another wormhole, one which ended in front of the drone. It floated into the opening and reappeared a split second later near the frigate, moving the opposite direction to just a second before, the wormhole having been skilfully used to reverse the platform’s course as well as move it across space. The Mind collected the missile drone and went back to thinking about it, knowing that even now Lauralin was explaining how they could engage the ship.

Her comments did raise one point though, and the Mind queried it.

“If the station is in a similar situation, is it even possible to remove something from it?” asked the avatar in the room, “And if it is possible, would the removed object also remain in another dimension? You see, we are trying to recover the operating core of the station AI, but if it will remain in another dimension, then we shall probably break off the attempt as being too dangerous.
****

“That’s putting it mildly,” murmured Sophia at Lauralin’s calling the other’s presence distracting. Her presence had nearly caused all of their deaths. If Charlie’s pyrokinesis had found one of the Varia’s engines, they would be floating around in the planet’s atmosphere as radioactive dust in the wake of a large nuclear fusion reaction.

No-one had quite admitted exactly how close they had all come to dying in that incident, and the Mind doubted whether even the Queen or the other would have survived, despite their abilities. There would have been no discernible warning before the blast consumed the craft, and its destruction would have been total.
****

{No, that doesn’t sound weird, but then again I am an AI, so I suppose my outlook is slightly biased. Those aboard are my friends as well as my crew, so it doesn’t seem weird at all. However, in a society where there are no true AIs, except those you created, perhaps it does seem a little unusual,} replied the Mind to Joat.

It neglected to mention that the avatars, who were also AIs, had even had lovers, and it knew of one example where an avatar had even begun a relationship with a Matrai, and as far as it knew they were still together. So Joat’s opinion didn’t seem unusual at all to the Mind.

“Before we discuss a battle plan, we should probably explain what troops we have,” said Talmar. “Admiral, what did you bring eventually?”

“Total of six corps, we have Rangers, Lancers, I think there are a couple of Grenadier units, Airborne, some regular infantry. One of the reasons we delayed leaving is because some Air Mobile units became available. So, we’ve got some varied firepower, and nearly 180,000 troops total,” reeled off Leonhart. “In the air, there are four fighter wings, both Kestrel and Vampire, plus two squadrons of Auroras, and there’s a reasonable number of Cararra-class missile craft. I’m fairly sure there are also some transports around too, for moving the troops and supplies around. Oh, and we also have the Ranger complement of each warship, plus the four Ghosts and two Wraith-craft. And as you know, the warships can go into high atmosphere orbit and engage targets on the ground with all their weapons.”

“Do you want us to explain what each of those units are?” Talmar asked Lauralin. “They each have specific capabilities and uses, so it might affect how you plan to fight the enemy.”

Lauralin cocked an eyebrow at the mention of a vampire. She then smiled once they had finished and shook her head amusedly.

"Vampires, ghosts, wraiths. Have you any idea the true nature of these beings?"

She hesitated a moment and then shook her head, "Never mind. If you wish to explain, then I shall certainly listen. I would like to learn all there is to know. However, tempus fugit. Therefore I believe it would be quicker if I explained my idea and you honed the plan and decided on the appropriate personel, yes? I believe you think of proceeding with an overland and air assault, I propose something different. One that we could not accomplish but I think you could. The expendature of lives would be reduced and we could get behind the border defenses of the skullkingdom with little or no loss."

"I have something else in mind for you, Queen Silverlief", Ariel said from her seat.

Lauralin looked over, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

"The fight, previous to the last, I noticed an extremely powerful psionic emination. The fight ended before I could pursue it. The last fight, however, I felt it again. I traced it to the mind of the leader of the aliens. From there I traced it to several points within the skullkingdom. Then it extended out beyond the planet. The leader is controling the aliens psionically. I broke her control in the last fight, that's why they became confused. The emination can be traced, I'm sure, to the source of her power. It has to be some sort of base from which psionic eminations are enhanced and sent to a point inside the skullkingdom where they're augmented. Though I have no idea what might be doing such a thing."

"I do", Lauralin interrupted. "The power sinks."

"But they're a myth", Turquine rumbled.

Lauralin shook her head. "They are real."

"Power sinks?" Ariel asked.

Lauralin nodded, "Stones, enhanced by magic to hold magical energy. Sorcerers and wizards can cast into the stone where the magic is held until it is tapped. Since magic is focused and controled by thought it would be easy enough to retune the sinks for psionic energy. But," Lauralin said looking at Ariel, "why me? Why should you not go?"

"Three reasons", Ariel replied, "One, I can be of help here by disrupting the leader's control. Two, you're an adventurer, or were. You spent almost ten years on another world, fighting against thier chief nemesis and never got caught even though they made a concentrated effort to capture you. Three, you know how delicate Deryn are. It's why we rely so heavily on our psionic talents and why they developed, I suspect, in the first place. I can be easily killed with one mistake."

Lauralin nodded, "I forget, because I see you in reletively safe environments at your full potential." Ariel nodded as Lauralin continued, "but I cannot sense the eminations."

"Not here, but closer to the source and with no interference you would be able to."

"We have no idea of the source", Lauralin put in.

Micaya intervened, "I think I can help with that. I know where they entered central worlds space. Now they could have circled our space to throw us off but I doubt it. Firstly because they followed a straight line once they entered altering only for close systems and secondly because they had to fight thier way through a sentinel defense. The sentinels were institued during the last invasion but they were never finished. If they had circled our space they would have found gaps, so why fight thier way in? If thier actions here are an indication then you need only follow a straight line out from our sentinel line and I think you'll find them."

****

The reason it came up with the latter was because the shuttle had just completed its approach to the station and was lining up with a hatchway to transfer the drones. After hearing what Joat had to say, plus what it had seen on the station, it had also put two SK-4 synthetics on the shuttle, although again, neither where part of the group that had already been on the station.

Samantha tried to clear the way for the shuttle and it's crew while still keeping her children at bay. She wouldn't see anymore of them hurt if she could avoid it. If that meant surrendering herself, then she would.

****

“If the station is in a similar situation, is it even possible to remove something from it?” asked the avatar in the room, “And if it is possible, would the removed object also remain in another dimension? You see, we are trying to recover the operating core of the station AI, but if it will remain in another dimension, then we shall probably break off the attempt as being too dangerous.

Lauralin considered for a few moment's, steepling her fingers and pressing the forefingers against her lips as she thought about it.

"There may be a way", she said finally, "but I shall have to try it first. I may be able to pull part into our reality. Then I can hold it there while you remove it. Once you get it off the station then the phenominon should lose it's hold on that object. I would ask first, however, what your intent is concerning the station itself?"

Both Sophia and the avatar of the Forgaies looked pointedly at Lauralin, a glint in their eyes.
“I think you could say that we do, yes,” replied the avatar. Both knew what Lauralin was, even if Commander Talmar didn’t. As for ghosts and wraiths, the Indoans had long held the belief that there was another plane of existence, where the ‘souls’ of all living things went when they died, and that these departed spirits could communicate with the living. Some had even proven its existence, although the plausibility of the proof remained under scrutiny. However, this didn’t contradict any other beliefs, since the spirits could only communicate, not affect any real objects, so the body and physical capabilities of the spirit did indeed remain dead.

“I think that might be easier, yes,” agreed Talmar, after Lauralin finished speaking. “We can explain the capabilities of each unit to you as we decide what to task them with.”

As the conversation ensued between Lauralin, her father and the other, the Indoans looked at each other, some questioningly, others shrugged to convey their lack of understanding. Talmar and Manasi had a rapid conversation with General Howell in low tones, discussing a few details of what had happened on the planet in the engagements that the Indoans had taken part in, and what they could do with the troops.

Suddenly, Talmar latched on to a thread of the conversation he could comprehend.
“If you can disrupt the control of the enemy, then if we could time that with a concerted attack, we could accomplish a significant amount of headway. Could you disrupt their control at a specific time? You were right; by the way, we would go with a lightning air assault, although probably with less on the ground than you were thinking.”

After Micaya’s comments, General Torual had something to say.
“If its recon you’re looking for, then we can help you there. We’ve got two squadrons of Aurora recon craft on board one of the transports. And before anyone says anything, if, like I think you are suggesting, whatever we’re looking for is unlikely to be detected by our sensors, then we can take her.” She nodded in Lauralin’s direction. “You said she ought to be able to detect whatever it is, so she comes with,” Torual declared, looking at Ariel. “And we do have some two-seat Auroras, two I think.”
****

The Mind was thankful to see that, even if it wasn’t trying to help them, the station did seem to be preventing the zombie security personnel from encountering either the Hawk drones in the core, or the team moving from the shuttle to the core.

With the SK-4s leading the way, their progress was rapid, made more so by the fact that the doors just opened when they approached. What had initially taken far longer, for both the original team and the Hawk drones, was accomplished in a matter of minutes, as they arrived at the core.

The drones were immediately put to work, attempting to work out how to separate the core from the rest of the station without damage, and how to attach the power source they had brought with them. Although the connection ports were fairly obvious, the actual connection was not the same, and the Mind would need to work out a fix.
****

“That is worth a try,” agreed the avatar. “We will inform you when we are ready for you to try it. As for the station itself, we have no plans as yet. It’s far too big for us to destroy, even with the rest of the fleet now here. We are continuing to formulate and consider various options, although if you have an idea, please share it with us.”

“I think that might be easier, yes,” agreed Talmar, after Lauralin finished speaking. “We can explain the capabilities of each unit to you as we decide what to task them with.”

Lauralin nodded, smiling, "That would be very decent of you, thank you."

Suddenly, Talmar latched on to a thread of the conversation he could comprehend.
“If you can disrupt the control of the enemy, then if we could time that with a concerted attack, we could accomplish a significant amount of headway. Could you disrupt their control at a specific time? You were right; by the way, we would go with a lightning air assault, although probably with less on the ground than you were thinking.”

Ariel looked in Talmar's direction, "Assuming it hasn't created some form of defenses, then yes, to a limit. I can't sense it except during attacks. I suppose that less psionic force is required to control them when not in combat. Therefore I can only locate the psionic link during a combat situation and then attack at any point you like during that time."

Lauralin nodded addressing the last of his statement. "My propasal calls for a more secret way in. One that I was informed of by one of my people. It can put you in the center of the skullkingdom, as I indicated, behind the primary border defenses."

After Micaya’s comments, General Torual had something to say.
“If its recon you’re looking for, then we can help you there. We’ve got two squadrons of Aurora recon craft on board one of the transports. And before anyone says anything, if, like I think you are suggesting, whatever we’re looking for is unlikely to be detected by our sensors, then we can take her.” She nodded in Lauralin’s direction. “You said she ought to be able to detect whatever it is, so she comes with,” Torual declared, looking at Ariel. “And we do some two-seat Auroras, two I think.”

"Well I'm hoping she can stop the control at it's source, more so than recon. Though any assistance you can give will be greatly appreciated." Micaya sighed and then slammed her fist on the table, "DAMN IT I wish I could be more help!" She sighed again and then sat down, running her fingers through her hair, "Sorry for that."

****

The drones were immediately put to work, attempting to work out how to separate the core from the rest of the station without damage, and how to attach the power source they had brought with them. Although the connection ports were fairly obvious, the actual connection was not the same, and the Mind would need to work out a fix.

Samantha watched the drones with something akin to complete withdrawal. She had watched her children die and now it was her turn. So be it.

****

“That is worth a try,” agreed the avatar. “We will inform you when we are ready for you to try it. As for the station itself, we have no plans as yet. It’s far too big for us to destroy, even with the rest of the fleet now here. We are continuing to formulate and consider various options, although if you have an idea, please share it with us.”

"I have no ideas", Lauralin replied, "only fears. The moon ... station, is large enough to affect the tidals and weather patterns on my world. If it is destroyed, there is a high probability that it could adversely affect my world."

****

Space seemed to explode not far off the fleet as a ship, even bigger than the Victorious, came through the opening into the local space.

"Attention all ships in this sector, this is the CWMV Pride of Albion. We received a message about a conflict. We're here to provide medical assistance. We have 24 full surgical suites, recovery rooms and four full field medical teams as well as standard treatment and psychological treatment rooms. We have full cyborg bays and a dozen open rooms for special needs treatment. We are unarmed, we are here to help."

The Pride of Albion was unarmed, though it head exceptionally heavy shields, enough to withstand several outright attacks by heavy battleships.

“If you can’t sense it unless there is fighting going on, I guess we’ll just have to start a fight, then you can break their control and we can slice through,” suggested Talmar. “And I have to admit, if you can get a sizable force of our troops inside the nation, it would be very useful.”

“Particularly if we could combine that strike with your disruption of control,” put in Howell. “With that we could mount either a two-way assault, crushing the border defences from both sides, or just have the troops behind their lines push inwards. If we can mount a surprise attack from within their borders coupled with a block on the enemy’s control over its troops, we could accomplish a lot.”

“This ‘way in’ you have, would we be able to get aircraft in?” asked Talmar of Lauralin, clearly thinking of the Air Assault units and Torual’s fighters.

“Well, to stop it, you need to know where it is first, right? You said that yourself, did you not?” asked Torual, looking at Ariel. “You said she would be able to detect it when closer to the source. Therefore, you need something that can stick around for long enough to find that source, while being able to survive.” She paused, thinking momentarily, “And if what I gather is right, only she can stop it, so it wouldn’t matter if we sent a recon ship or a battleship, our chances are still the same. Is it that simple? Would combat craft make it easier for you to disable the source of their control?” The questions were directed at Lauralin.
****

The Mind had a secret weapon ready to unleash on the station AI, but first the core had to be completely separated from the station systems. At that point, either the AI would realise they were trying to help it, or it would think they were trying to finish it off, in a manner not dissimilar to that which had created its current state. The Mind hoped it would be the former, since if the AI decided on the latter, they would never be able to help it.

The first order of business for the drones was to hook up their power source. That would need to be done before they even started to cut it out of the station, in case they accidentally cut off whatever phantom source was currently powering it.

That said, the maintenance drone that would eventually remove the core was planning how it would go about the removal, even if it wouldn’t be starting just yet. Another drone was attempting to format a method of connecting the micro-reactor, using various components it had specifically for the task.
****

“In that case, we will leave the station exactly as it is, assuming nothing else happens,” replied the avatar. “We will not remove it if doing so will affect your lives.”

There was no reason for them to even attempt to do anything with the station, as it was just sitting there, and as it had already said, destroying it would be a mammoth task for them. If they were to destroy it, the most likely solution would be to somehow tow it out of the planet’s orbit and either place a large explosive device on board or send it towards the sun.
****

~ Good, thought the Forgaies, ~ Someone thought of bringing in a hospital ship.

The Whisperer, which was now in overall command of the Indoan presence in the system, had similar thoughts, as did most of the other Indoan vessels. The only response to the arrival of the Pride of Albion was a short message from the Whisperer.

{Good to know. Hope you brought an ambulance though, ‘cause all the action is down there.}

“If you can’t sense it unless there is fighting going on, I guess we’ll just have to start a fight, then you can break their control and we can slice through,” suggested Talmar.

Ariel nodded at Talmar's suggestion. "It can be arranged, all things being equal", she replied, her face never losing it's neutral appearance.

“And I have to admit, if you can get a sizable force of our troops inside the nation, it would be very useful. This ‘way in’ you have, would we be able to get aircraft in?” asked Talmar of Lauralin, clearly thinking of the Air Assault units and Torual’s fighters.

"In actuality, no", Lauralin replied, "The way I suggest is through Thunderhold in the dwarven kingdom. Before Shadowspawn took over in the north it was known simply as the northern kingdom. It was ruled by a generaly benevalent man and the dwarves had established an underground trade route. That route runs from Thunderhold to the northern slope of the southern knife edge mountains extension. Anestia can lead you through the underdark and Brook can lead you to the base of the mountains. The defenses are on the southern side of the southern knife edge mountains. We have never been able to take advantage of this because with our soldiers on foot it would take two and half weeks to reach Thunderhold and another, almost, five weeks to negotiate the underdark. The way is unguarded because Shadowspawn knows that we would, and could, never dare to leave a token force that long, alone, in our kingdoms."

“And if what I gather is right, only she can stop it, so it wouldn’t matter if we sent a recon ship or a battleship, our chances are still the same. Is it that simple? Would combat craft make it easier for you to disable the source of their control?” The questions were directed at Lauralin.

Lauralin considered for a moment before answering, "Well, I fear I do not know what awaits. But I need only transport to the location. You may then leave. I can teleport back. That way you have no need to do more than get to the location, or at least to a point where I can make my own way."

"No", Turquine said.

"Father, it is the only way."

"Laura, I've lost three wives and four sons to war, I won't lose you, your all I have left."

"That danger exists as much here as anywhere. If you wish me not to go, suggest another."

Turquine considered for some time then sighed and sat back, his eyes downcast.

"Father, I lost my wife two days ago, I have yet to see my daughter since this began. I promised her I would not leave her when I adopted her and already she has lost one mother. I know the risk. But mine is not the only daughter to consider, nor yours the only sons to remember."

Turquine nodded finally, though the look of defeat never left his face.

****

That said, the maintenance drone that would eventually remove the core was planning how it would go about the removal, even if it wouldn’t be starting just yet. Another drone was attempting to format a method of connecting the micro-reactor, using various components it had specifically for the task.

The connection was for a larger reactor than the one the drone carried and safety measures to prevent leakage was evident. Command protocals were in the system which the SK's would be able to override easily. All that was left was to form a proper seal to the larger connection that the safeties would accept.

****

“In that case, we will leave the station exactly as it is, assuming nothing else happens,” replied the avatar. “We will not remove it if doing so will affect your lives.”

"Thank you", Lauralin replied, "I hope we can do something with it. We have been doing research into star vessels. With luck we may be able to use the station as a base so that we have no need for all vessels to grapple with the gravity that tries to hold the vessels to the surface."

****

{Good to know. Hope you brought an ambulance though, ‘cause all the action is down there.}

"Understood", came a different voice, "are you permitted to provide us with physiological and medical information to assist your people?"

****
Joat and Nancia agreed to assist in the transfer of equipement and patients. The full medical teams were sent to the surface to help as many as they could without the need for taking them to the Albion while the more critical cases were transported aboard the medical vessel.

****
Helva and Forrister were still working with Pol and Admiral Quester-Benn to try and figure out what to do with the ship. After a third adjustment to his power regulators Pol contacted Helva:
"Helva, are you having problems with power leakage?"
"I am actually, how did you know?"
"I'm having the same problem. I think we should put a bit more distance between ourselves and the derelict."
They powered up thier engines and applied thrust to move away, but the power died between the reactors and the drive units. Pol put all the considerable thrust of the military ship into another effort but still didn't move.
"Helva, the derelict, is just me? Or does seem .... more .... there."
"It does seem more solid, I think it's feeding off of our energies somehow, and growing stronger."

“Five weeks?!” exclaimed Talmar. “If it takes you that long, what make you think we’ll be any quicker? Granted it won’t take us that long to get there, but through this route, we’re walking, same as you would be. As to the air problem, I’m sure we can just drop them in from above once we’ve started the fight.”

“Assuming we get that sorted, I propose sending some of the Rangers, the Grenadiers and the Airborne, who’ll just have to learn to walk for a while before they take to the skies. We can then drop in the Air Assault units with support from Vampires and Cararras, maybe with a GZB from the fleet too,” announced Howell. “That way we keep the Lancers, the rest of the Rangers and the Infantry in reserve.”

“We’re not leaving you,” stated Torual. “Besides, the recon might pick up things that would be useful to us. We could always send a couple Vampires as support if needed. And if they’ve got anything that can keep up with an Aurora, we’re in trouble regardless of how long we stay. And if we were to leave you, how were you planning on getting out, ‘cause we ain’t landing, we can’t.”

Admiral Leonhart cocked his head to one side slightly, communicating with the Mind of his ship, then spoke out.
“The Ghosts are ready. They’re just waiting on your final instructions and statements,” he declared.

“Colonel Manasi, if you could go out to the bridge, we can record your statement. Mine is done,” instructed the Mind, choosing not to use the avatar as a voice this time. “I understand that this session is vital, but preventing General Quester-Benn’s comrades from attacking is possibly more so. I have just asked Pol and Helva for their statements. After the Colonel has made hers, we require those of Commander Talmar, Lieutenant-Colonel Har’khon, General Quester-Benn, Queen Silverlief and King Buccannah. I suggest you explain the situation to the planet’s natives before they are required to make theirs.”
Sophia left her seat and walked out of the briefing room and on to the bridge.
****

The problem for the drones was not one of controlling the reactor, but connecting the power output. The reactor was entirely self-contained; the only output was the power line. The Mind looked at the handiwork of the maintenance drone and decided that it was worth a try. The adaptor was hooked up to the reactor’s power line, and the reactor activated at a low power. Capable of powering all the systems in a large building, the one thing they didn’t want to do was get the power output wrong and either frazzle or starve the core.

“Inform us if this power level is not sufficient,” ordered one of the SK-4s with its slightly robotic sounding voice.

The Mind then instructed the drone to connect the power line to the core, the first step in removing it. It did so, and made two small spot welds to hold it in place. The other SK-4 began working on the protocols.
****

{Don’t see why not. Our own medical facilities are excellent, but small, and this is a war. This is basic data on the two species of ours you might encounter. The most important detail is that Matrai have more refined respiratory systems than most, and require very pure air or a filter mask. There are more details in the files. [data files MX011A-Matrai & MX011B-Douran attached]}
****

The Indoan command vessels, Forgaies and Whisperer, were unaware of the troubles that had befallen Helva and the Victorious, as the sensors could not pick up that small a change at that range. They could pick up the energy build up within the Victorious, but the Mind wasn’t scanning the Central Worlds cruiser. And it wasn’t party to their current exchange of messages.

“Five weeks?!” exclaimed Talmar. “If it takes you that long, what make you think we’ll be any quicker? Granted it won’t take us that long to get there, but through this route, we’re walking, same as you would be. As to the air problem, I’m sure we can just drop them in from above once we’ve started the fight.”

“Assuming we get that sorted, I propose sending some of the Rangers, the Grenadiers and the Airborne, who’ll just have to learn to walk for a while before they take to the skies. We can then drop in the Air Assault units with support from Vampires and Cararras, maybe with a GZB from the fleet too,” announced Howell. “That way we keep the Lancers, the rest of the Rangers and the Infantry in reserve.”

“We’re not leaving you,” stated Torual. “Besides, the recon might pick up things that would be useful to us. We could always send a couple Vampires as support if needed. And if they’ve got anything that can keep up with an Aurora, we’re in trouble regardless of how long we stay. And if we were to leave you, how were you planning on getting out, ‘cause we ain’t landing, we can’t.”

Lauralin looked first at Talmar, "I had hoped that you might have motor coaches that could mover more quickly than anything we have. But I suppose you are right. To move so many troops would need be done on foot, especially underground. I was simply hoping to save some lives. Shadowspawn does have defenses that can hit your air ships, I had hoped we could avoid that."

Shifting her attention to Torual she replied, "All you have to do is get me in visual range of ground, I can teleport from there. I seriously doubt that whatever this control mechanism it that it will be above ground and in plain sight. I am relatively certain that I shall have to get inside something at some point."

Admiral Leonhart cocked his head to one side slightly, communicating with the Mind of his ship, then spoke out.
“The Ghosts are ready. They’re just waiting on your final instructions and statements,” he declared.

“Colonel Manasi, if you could go out to the bridge, we can record your statement. Mine is done,” instructed the Mind, choosing not to use the avatar as a voice this time. “I understand that this session is vital, but preventing General Quester-Benn’s comrades from attacking is possibly more so. I have just asked Pol and Helva for their statements. After the Colonel has made hers, we require those of Commander Talmar, Lieutenant-Colonel Har’khon, General Quester-Benn, Queen Silverlief and King Buccannah. I suggest you explain the situation to the planet’s natives before they are required to make theirs.”

Lauralin looked between Manasi and Micaya in confusion. Micaya explained the situation to Laura who raised an eyebrow. "That is an awfully big translation mistake, especially when speaking in the same language. Father and I shall, of course, assist. I shall state that I requested your assistance and that of the Indoan government and that you are both here at my behest. They certainly could not argue with the request of a sovereign government."

Micaya nodded, "They won't be happy that I took the iniative but it's in my preragative."

Lauralin, Turquine and Micaya turned to follow to bridge in order to make thier statements. Ariel remained where she was, awaiting their return.

****

The Mind then instructed the drone to connect the power line to the core, the first step in removing it. It did so, and made two small spot welds to hold it in place. The other SK-4 began working on the protocols.

Samantha could feel the connection and sensed the safety protocols and security measures fall away one at a time. She wondered what they would do once this device they had was fully able to reach her and she wondered if she would feel pain.

****

{Don’t see why not. Our own medical facilities are excellent, but small, and this is a war. This is basic data on the two species of ours you might encounter. The most important detail is that Matrai have more refined respiratory systems than most, and require very pure air or a filter mask. There are more details in the files. [data files MX011A-Matrai & MX011B-Douran attached]}

Doctor Uhura-Sorg looked first at the information on the Matrai and opened an intership com to the engineering bay. "Have we still got those portable atmospheric living domes? The ones typically used for archeological digs?"

"Yes Doctor we have three."

"Each will hold about 200 people, is that right?"

"Yes Doctor."

"Get them to the surface. Set up one for an emergency medical care unit and the other two for living with the atmosphere requirements I'm sending you now."

He then switched back to the comm. "Alright we have two habitats for your people to relax in, it won't hold much but in shifts it should give them somewhat of break. We have one more that will have thier atmosphere specifications for surgical work."

The teams were setting up two medical areas behind the front line and two more further back. As soon as they were set up the severely wounded were sent to the Albion and her surgical bays while the less injured where treated on the planet. Most were able to return within hours of treatment with the exception of those who went to the Albion who would require a day or more for recovery.

****

The Indoan command vessels, Forgaies and Whisperer, were unaware of the troubles that had befallen Helva and the Victorious, as the sensors could not pick up that small a change at that range. They could pick up the energy build up within the Victorious, but the Mind wasn’t scanning the Central Worlds cruiser. And it wasn’t party to their current exchange of messages.

Pol sent his statements along with Helva's, Admiral Quester-Benn's and Colonel Forrister's to go along with the ghosts. He didn't mention thier predicament for now, pride not allowing him to admit that he got caught in some kind of trap.

"Pol, there's a delay of 1/16th of a second between thrust application and drain. What if we tried to increase the thrust in steps to try and get inertia by initial thrust application with each step?" Forrister asked.

"Might work, but the thrust would have to high enough to gain momentum with each step which would mean there wouldn't be many steps with the power increase needed at each stage."

Forrister sat back, Pol had a point, especially for the Victorious.

“Hmm, and there was me thinking it might be on a ship,” mused Torual in reference to the control device. “In that case, if you’re happy with us leaving you there, I guess we’ll do it. I’ll tell the crew to get the craft ready.”

Once the five required had left to make their statements, the three flag officers sat down at one end of the table and began discussing the situation.

“Okay, so if that idea won’t work, what options do we have for an attack?” asked Leonhart.

“Well, who’s to say it won’t? Granted we can’t send a large number of troops through, but even if we could just get the Airborne in, it might help significantly,” pointed out Howell. “Forge, what’s the maximum speed of the AIR-1 AICU?”

“Approximately fifty kilometres per hour, General,” replied the Mind. “And by the way, five weeks their time equates to approximately thirty-eight days by our standards, so nearly five and a half weeks.”

“Average walking speed for the troops is about six klicks an hour, but I guess we really need to know how long this route is, not how long it takes them to travel it, although the major issue is that the AIR-1s need refuelling about once a day. If they can’t get through in significantly less than that, it’s not happening, ‘cause the refuelling can only be done by support staff. It’s not an in the field job, and even if they can get there in less than a day, they need fuel to fight with,” stated Howell.

“I guess we’re going in from above then,” said Torual. “But if they are supposed to have air defences, I guess there’s a few things to be done first. Like an Aurora flight over the area, to see if we can find them.”

“Right, then we can have the fleet run a GZB on those locations, after which you can send a Vampire or Cararra force in, to soften up what’s left. Then we can send in Kestrels and Vampires with the landing force, along with whatever Squalls we have,” agreed Leonhart.

“Agreed. We follow standard tactical assault procedures as best we can, just like we’ve always trained for,” declared Howell. “I assume we have plenty of decoys.”

“That is one resource we have a near infinite supply of, General,” put in the Mind. “All of the fleet vessels can supply decoys, and replenish them. We also have purely sensory decoys, of which we have an infinite supply as long as our vessels have power.”

“Excellent,” voiced Howell, “I suggest we also use decoys to sniff out the enemy weapon systems, as well as provide extra cover during the actual assault.” He paused, “I realise most of what we’re saying probably means very little to you, but do you have anything to add at this point?” he asked Ariel.
****

Having received nothing in reply, the Mind instructed the SK-4 to repeat its message, and also transmitted it through one of the Hawk drones, in case the AI had no working audio pickups in the room.
{If this power supply is not sufficient, or too powerful, please inform us so that we can adjust it to a suitable level,}

The other SK-4 disabled what it thought was the last of the safety protocols, which meant that the reactor’s power supply should now be getting through to the AI core. Unfortunately, if it didn’t respond, they had no way of guaranteeing that this was the case without completing the separation of the core from the station.
****

{That’s good to know, thank you. However, all the Matrai personnel have a mask for when they remove their battlesuit or leave their aircraft. And the units are all mixed, so they may choose not to use the habitats in favour of remaining with their Douran comrades. Just thought I’d point that out,} transmitted the Whisperer.

The air purity requirements for Matrai had required the development of powerful atmosphere scrubbers and filters, to remove anything that might inconvenience the humanoids. These units had been fitted to all military vehicles, craft and ships, as well as many buildings on Todera as part of the A/C systems.
****

{Thank you for your statements, Pol, and thank you for the ones I forgot to ask for. The mission will get underway shortly, after testing your sensors on the Wraith-craft.}

After Micaya had finished her statement, the Mind stopped her from re-entering the briefing room and asked her to give as much information as she could about the location of the system, and of the President’s vessel within the system, the layout of the vessel, vessel security and the likely location of the President within the vessel.
****

In the bow hangar of the Whisperer, the Wraith was being readied. The two Ghost operatives selected for the mission had collected their equipment, stowed it aboard the ship and been given the preliminary mission briefing. As the maintenance tech gave them the all-clear to start their vessel up, all they were waiting for were the recorded statements and the specific details of the mission.

They knew that they were to aim for a zero-trace mission, no bodies, nothing left behind to show that they had been there, except the mission objective. Of course, they had full kit, just in case.

“Excellent,” voiced Howell, “I suggest we also use decoys to sniff out the enemy weapon systems, as well as provide extra cover during the actual assault.” He paused, “I realise most of what we’re saying probably means very little to you, but do you have anything to add at this point?” he asked Ariel.

Ariel was caught by surprise at the question, assuming he was talking to her. She looked in his general direction, "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I really can't add anything. The King is the tactical expert in field combat and the Queen is exceptionally good at taking a smaller defense force and turning into an offensive force capable of defeating a superior opponent, at least that's what Chief Gassington tells me. I'm afraid that I have no tactical knowledge, I advise the king on affairs of state and in diplomatic negotiations."

****

{If this power supply is not sufficient, or too powerful, please inform us so that we can adjust it to a suitable level,}

The other SK-4 disabled what it thought was the last of the safety protocols, which meant that the reactor’s power supply should now be getting through to the AI core.

Samantha felt the delicious power flowing through her circuits, much different from the odd power that had awoken her and kept her sustained to this point. It felt wonderful and she felt alive. A gasp and slight moan of pleasure came through the speakers of the room and more of the systems came online, though some burned out after such long neglect.

"Sufficient", came a definitely female and certainly sultry and seductive voice, "it feels absolutely wonderful."

She had been reprogrammed after being installed by the lone, and lonely, tech who was stationed to oversee her. Since she needed little in the way of care or maintenance he had set aside time and storage space for certain non-regulation, if not outright illegal programs. No one ever mentioned the change in programming to their superiors on the world below since Samantha made a wonderful person to talk to.

"Who are you?" she asked. "Are you here to kill me? Beware of my children, they're not themselves. Perhaps you should leave, I wouldn't want you to come to harm on my behalf."

****

{That’s good to know, thank you. However, all the Matrai personnel have a mask for when they remove their battlesuit or leave their aircraft. And the units are all mixed, so they may choose not to use the habitats in favour of remaining with their Douran comrades. Just thought I’d point that out,} transmitted the Whisperer.

"I understand", he responded, "well, they're there if you need them. I'm afraid I'm needed in the surgical suites. Ghu guide and protect you." Then he signed off.

****

{Thank you for your statements, Pol, and thank you for the ones I forgot to ask for. The mission will get underway shortly, after testing your sensors on the Wraith-craft.}

"Belay that", Pol responded, "we have a situation here. Something's draining our drive systems, we can't seem to escape the general area here. We're working on a resolution. I have one peice of advice though. Just outside of 300 clicks to thier target cut power and speed to minimum. That will help reduce the chance of the motion sensors detecting them as well as the scanners picking up any power readings. That is unless you have a way of masking them. Both are pretty sensitive though."

He then addressed Helva and Forrister. "I think one massive burst to gain inertia will get you moving. I estimate that 75% maximum thrust will get you moving. I'm afraid my problem is a bit bigger than that. I estimate at least 125% of maximum. If I reroute power from the probability drives to the in-system drives it's possible."

"Then what's the problem?" Forrsiter asked.

"Well, at best I'll burn out my in-system drives. At worst .... well lets just say I don't want you in the general area if I decide to try it."

'Bloody hell', Forrister muttered. "Pol we don't want to leave you."

"I've already spoken to the admiral, Colonel, if necessary she'll contact General Quester-Benn and make it an order. You may be willing to stay and we may even accept that but Helva is a civilian."

Forrister sighed again but moved to the pilots couch, "Good luck, Pol."

With that Helva prepared to jam her engines to 3/4 max thrust, wincing at the beating they'll take.

****

After Micaya had finished her statement, the Mind stopped her from re-entering the briefing room and asked her to give as much information as she could about the location of the system, and of the President’s vessel within the system, the layout of the vessel, vessel security and the likely location of the President within the vessel.

Micaya told them which system they could be located in and which planet the Friendship could be found orbiting. She downloaded the layout of the vessel, which seemed a bit chaotic for a naval vessel. "Since being converted into the presidents capitol and with the need to support various senetors and thier staff it's gone through alot of changes", she said by way of explanation. The security consisted of the warships and fighters that accompanied it as well as elements of the Legion. "The borg have motion detectors as well as infrared and ultraviolet sensors. The good thing is that their weaponry will be greatly scaled down from the typical weapons they carry due to the risk of punching through the hull. You'll probably be able to take hits from them, just avoid large groups. There are stationary guards as well as roving patrols." She gave the location of the stationary guardians, "I wish I could tell you about the patrols but they change times and locations every 48 hours. I don't know what time you'll arrive so I don't know where the president might be. She moves about the ship depending on her itinerary. Your best bet is to try to catch her early morning or late evening our time then she'll be in her office. Her bedroom has camera's and scanners but the office doesn't for reasons of security. There are, however, two cyborgs at each door so a shout will bring them in. Three doors, six guards in all."

OOC: I won't be on tomorrow, and possibly the day after that, so Happy Christmas!

IC:
“I do apologise for my presumption,” said Howell sincerely, “Although, do you know how long, in distance terms, this route your Queen suggested is? In either case, I guess we wait for the others to return before continuing.”
As he finished the sentence, Sophia walked in, followed by Talmar. Howell assumed the others were not far behind.
“Ah, perfect timing. We may have come up with some ideas,” he told them. However, he did not begin to explain them until all concerned had returned to their seats.
****

In a way, it was a pity there was no individually sentient entity in the group; otherwise the AI might have gotten a light-hearted response. Instead it got the SK-4.
“Negative. No harm intended,” it told the AI.
The Mind decided to give a better reply, through the Hawk drone.
{These are drone units from myself, the INV Forgaies, a frigate of the Indoan Navy. We have decided to remove you from this derelict station, in the interests of your survival. We are in no danger here, and if you can keep all unnecessary doors closed, there need be no more conflict. We will shortly upload a program to your systems; do not be alarmed, it is designed to help.}

Now that the power had been stabilised, the maintenance drones could begin the removal. One started using a laser cutter to sever the supports, and another began fitting a temporary AG unit to keep the core where it was, avoiding unnecessary stress on the remaining intact connections.

The program referred to by the Mind was essentially an anti-virus program combined with a reconstruction program, specially tailored to AIs, designed to eliminate all trace of the virus or worm while attempting to reconstruct the original data by looking at partial data and inference.
****

~ Motion detectors? I didn’t think anyone still used those. That might be the only difficulty, thought the Mind. It also wondered exactly how you could use motion detectors in space, or even on the outside of any craft.

{We need to know if you can detect them before going, otherwise we might have to use Helva to get them there. I can’t tell you much, as it’s very highly classified, but it has an optic cloak, and all the emissions are directed through a tiny wormhole. The wormhole is roughly the same size as naturally occurring wormholes, which happen all the time, so it’s unlikely to be detected that way. What exactly is the problem you are having? Has the unknown craft changed in any way?}
****

“Do you happen to have an example of these motion detectors with you?” asked the Mind of Micaya. “They might be the only system the Ghosts’ would have trouble with. The optic and thermal camouflage is excellent on the new model suits, so not much to worry about there.”

Micaya’s information was being recorded and sent to the Ghost operatives, who were going over it as they waited for final clearance.

OOC: Happy Christmas to you as well. Hope you enjoy it. Or enjoyed it since it'll be over by the time you get this.

“I do apologise for my presumption,” said Howell sincerely, “Although, do you know how long, in distance terms, this route your Queen suggested is? In either case, I guess we wait for the others to return before continuing.”

"No apologies are required", Ariel replied in her typically neutral tone. "I'm afraid, however, that I can't answer that question either. The Queen has her own sources, independent of Highports and most of hers .... well let's say that her father, in his profession, doesn't approve of all of her people or resources. She did mention Anestia who, I believe, is still on the surface."

****

{These are drone units from myself, the INV Forgaies, a frigate of the Indoan Navy. We have decided to remove you from this derelict station, in the interests of your survival. We are in no danger here, and if you can keep all unnecessary doors closed, there need be no more conflict. We will shortly upload a program to your systems; do not be alarmed, it is designed to help.}

Samantha searched her memory, though it was fragmented which added to the dimentia since, technically, what had happened wasn't possible. She ran through things in her mind. They provided her with power. They were grateful that she stopped her children. But now they were trying to remove her. Were they friends or enemies? She couldn't seem to reach Samarui and therefore had to figure this out herself. The station was a mess, though she couldn't quite remember how or why. Her children were acting strangely and there seemed to be an awful lot of ships out there. She figured it was best to go along with things since she couldn't do anything about it anyway.

"I can keep the doors closed until I'm removed. Once that happens the fail safes will open all the doors except those to space. Well, it's SUPPOSED to anyway. My word but I'm a mess aren't I? I told them the maintenance crews were beginning to get lazy but this is rediculous. Anyway, what about my children? They don't seem well at all, or at least they don't seem like themselves."

****

{We need to know if you can detect them before going, otherwise we might have to use Helva to get them there. I can’t tell you much, as it’s very highly classified, but it has an optic cloak, and all the emissions are directed through a tiny wormhole. The wormhole is roughly the same size as naturally occurring wormholes, which happen all the time, so it’s unlikely to be detected that way. What exactly is the problem you are having? Has the unknown craft changed in any way?}

"Yes, it's draining power from the drives. We can try to move but the energy is siphoned off before it can be used. It also seems to be getting .... well .... more real, if that makes any sense. Helva is going to try something, if it works then I may."

Just then Helva fired her engines at 80% capacity for just shy of 1/16th of a second and then shut them down. It was enough to give her some inertia and she began to slowly drift away from the other craft. I'll try to spool up the drives every 5 minutes and let you know when I've cleared the field."

"Affirmitive", Pol replied.

****

“Do you happen to have an example of these motion detectors with you?” asked the Mind of Micaya. “They might be the only system the Ghosts’ would have trouble with. The optic and thermal camouflage is excellent on the new model suits, so not much to worry about there.”

Micaya looked a bit confused for a second. "Motion ... oh. The systems. I'm afraid that I don't, it's a complex system. It doesn't detect motion, that's just a pet name. Aside from the standard scanners we use the 'motion detectors'. Each detector consists of thermal imaging, magnetic resonance detection and specially designed optical processers that measures and times light from a background starfield, since cloaking technology that bends light tends to leave a fraction of a second of darkness as the light bends around the new object and some still leave a distortion. Collectively it's called a motion detecter because all the information is fed into a system that coallates it and can track a cloaked vessel. At least every cloaked vessel we've run into so far. That's how we designed the wraiths to be invisible. None of the system's mentioned will pick them up. I wish we could make it small enough to be portable but with the exception of the quads they won't fit on anything else the legion has and therefore are reserved for them.

The borgs, however, do have them. The Trooper II's that guard the presidents doors. They have the standard systems as well. With the advent of technology motion detectors have been done away with but we find it still usefull from time to time. Technology is wonderful but the techs sometime forget about the older systems and they wind up useful from time to time."

OOC: Thank you, I did, and I hope you enjoyed yours too.

IC:
The doors to the briefing room opened and one of the bridge crew, a green-skinned reptilian Raishuv, ushered Lauralin and Turquine back into the room.
“General Quester-Benn will join you shortly,” he told them in the low, hissing voice typical to the species.

“Thank you, Ensign. Dismissed,” said Talmar. The Raishuv saluted and left, returning to his bridge station. “I think we can continue without the General for the moment. General Howell, sir, I understand you have some plans.”

“That’s right, Commander,” agreed Howell. “First, we need to know the length of this route you suggested, your Highness. Even though we can’t get many troops through, we might be able to get the Airborne through.” He looked at Lauralin.
“Apart from that, we think that the troops should follow standard AGC assault tactics as best we can.” He looked at the non-Indoans, “That means we start with a recon and misdirection flight to scout out any air defences, then conduct an orbital bombardment, followed by aerial strikes by assault fighters and missile craft to eliminate the defences. When that is complete, we drop in the troops in the assault craft, with fighter and gunship support. If we can get the Airborne in the back way, we time the attacks to coincide and hit them from multiple directions. Throughout the operation we use decoys to create the illusion of greater numbers and provide false targets, as well as active jamming to disrupt their systems. How does that sound to you?” he asked them.

Talmar had something to add to the plan.
“Once we’ve started the attack, you could disrupt the control over the aliens, making things much easier. We should also coordinate the attack with your troops on the ground, so we avoid getting into problems with enemies we can’t defeat. We can take out the defences in the orbital strike, then your forces can attack as we do, alongside whatever troops we can’t move in the air.”
****

As the drones continued to work, they had the AG unit attached and activated by now, and had cut through one of the supports, the Mind continued its conversation with the AI through the Hawk drone.
{Understood. Do you not know what has happened to you? As far as we can tell, the inter-dimensional research being conducted on this station went wrong, affecting all the living crew adversely, to say the least. They then tried to kill you with a worm virus, which has wiped parts of your programming and memory. This entire station has been affected by the dimensional manipulation, and apparently inhabits two dimensions at once. We don’t claim to understand this, but we are in contact with others who seem to.}

One of the SK-4 synthetics had linked into the systems again, and was preparing to upload the anti-virus & reconstruction program.
****

The Mind thought about the problem for nearly half a second before responding,
{Two ideas. First, if it seems more real, have you tried shooting it again? And second, do you and Helva have the ability to project AG fields outside your hulls? If you do, you can use the technique we do to achieve our excellent acceleration and manoeuvrability. Project a field that places a strong gravetic force in front of you, and it will pull your vessel forwards. If you can’t use your engines, the effect will be reduced, but it will still work.}
****

“Ah, I see. We use a similar system for our battlesuit and PHUD visors, a composite viewing system creating an artificial image. Then the risk from those is no greater than we routinely train for. The actual motion detectors may pose a problem, but I suspect the Ghosts will find a way around them, a door is not the only way in after all,” decided the Mind. “The Wraith-craft has truly excellent cloaking systems, so it should be fine, but I would still like to see it tested against a friendly target first.”

There was a slight pause, then the Mind spoke again. “Thank you, General. If you think of anything further, just tell me and I can forward it to the Ghosts. Now I suspect you should rejoin the war council in the command briefing room.”

OOC: I was great, thank you. One of the few times my family can actually get together.

“That’s right, Commander,” agreed Howell. “First, we need to know the length of this route you suggested, your Highness. Even though we can’t get many troops through, we might be able to get the Airborne through.” He looked at Lauralin.
“Apart from that, we think that the troops should follow standard AGC assault tactics as best we can.” He looked at the non-Indoans, “That means we start with a recon and misdirection flight to scout out any air defences, then conduct an orbital bombardment, followed by aerial strikes by assault fighters and missile craft to eliminate the defences. When that is complete, we drop in the troops in the assault craft, with fighter and gunship support. If we can get the Airborne in the back way, we time the attacks to coincide and hit them from multiple directions. Throughout the operation we use decoys to create the illusion of greater numbers and provide false targets, as well as active jamming to disrupt their systems. How does that sound to you?” he asked them.

Talmar had something to add to the plan.
“Once we’ve started the attack, you could disrupt the control over the aliens, making things much easier. We should also coordinate the attack with your troops on the ground, so we avoid getting into problems with enemies we can’t defeat. We can take out the defences in the orbital strike, then your forces can attack as we do, alongside whatever troops we can’t move in the air.”

Lauralin took some time to consider, trying to piece together what she knew, what she suspected and what she could guess at. She didn't pretend to understand it all, nor would she.

"When I was training with my master in marial arts, defensive hand to hand combat, he had me for dinner at his house right before he graduated me. We had a simple fare of vegetables and fruit and a green tea. After we were done I had looked in the cup and saw the tea leaves in the bottom. He asked me, 'Do you understand.' Well I said no, of course, as I didn't know what it was he was asking that I understood. He said, 'That is good. For in admitting ignorance you begin along the path of enlightenment.' That being said, I admit ignorance of a smaller or larger part of what you just said. Let me respond and see if it any way makes sense to your words.

Firstly, I have never been through the underground trade route. However, if Anestia says five weeks with a force and we cover about 20 miles a day with rest periods and sleep, slower than you but our armor is heavier, then I would estimate 750 to 800 miles.

Secondly, Orbital bombardment. I know that we are trying to win this war, but how accurate is your attack? There will be civilians in the area, either by accident or design. Shadowspawn is known to put innocents before his forces as a shield. He and his forces are our enemy, not the victims that are there by circumstance.

Thirdly, your illusions and false images. Shadowspawn's final guardians inside the kingdom where you intend to strike consist heavily of demons. The demonic do not perceive things as you or I. They perceive through the soul. It is how they choose those who will follow as opposed to those who will not. Unless you can project false souls, your illusions and images will not fool them and they are not mechanical and therefore not able to be disrupted."

She looked at Talmar, "Now this advantage we can help with if you can get our Paladins and priests within and among your forces. They can help nullify the power that makes them impervious to non-magical attacks. If you can get father and as many of his Black Dragon forces in as possible it should go easier. But I would be lying if I told you that it would be easy.

Finally, and this statement actually for the better. The guardians closest to his stronghold consist of golems. Constructs. We would have a hard time as they are magic resistant and our weapons are of little effect. Yours, however, will be highly effective I am sure.

Now, I have pride, but I am no fool. Therefore, you may begin to tell me of my naivite in regards to what I have just said", she finished grinning.

****

{Understood. Do you not know what has happened to you? As far as we can tell, the inter-dimensional research being conducted on this station went wrong, affecting all the living crew adversely, to say the least. They then tried to kill you with a worm virus, which has wiped parts of your programming and memory. This entire station has been affected by the dimensional manipulation, and apparently inhabits two dimensions at once. We don’t claim to understand this, but we are in contact with others who seem to.}

Samantha was both stunned and saddened. They seemed to know about the project but then they were in contact with those who were aware of it. But what hurt her the most was the knowledge of her children and the fact that they had tried to kill her. Her response sounded with the pain of thier actions as she spoke.

"They .... they tried to kill me? But why? Why would they do that, I never harmed them, I cared for them."

One of the SK-4 synthetics had linked into the systems again, and was preparing to upload the anti-virus & reconstruction program.

Samantha waited, looking at the reconstruction of the memories. Though there would still be gaps she saw the crew descend into madness, turning against each other. She had done all she could to stop it, even anestetizing the entire crew, at least until she ran out. The sight filled her with horror and pain.

"My children", she said with bitter sadness, "my poor, poor children." She realized, now, however, that thier actions against her were not thier own fault, but the knowledge helped little against the tidal wave of depression that overran her pattern buffers designed to prevent the A.I. from such a state.

****

{Two ideas. First, if it seems more real, have you tried shooting it again? And second, do you and Helva have the ability to project AG fields outside your hulls? If you do, you can use the technique we do to achieve our excellent acceleration and manoeuvrability. Project a field that places a strong gravetic force in front of you, and it will pull your vessel forwards. If you can’t use your engines, the effect will be reduced, but it will still work.}

"No, we don't have that ability and, frankly would've never seen a reason until now. I'll have to suggest it to the design board. As for the first idea, lets see."

Pol informed the Admiral of his idea and had already started preping the torps before she agreed, which he knew she would. The missiles flew true and actually detonated on the target, though the damage was minimal.

"Somewhat successful, but it gives me an idea."

He contacted the Admiral again and this time ran the idea by her and waited. She didn't see any other option and told him to proceed. He powered up the main particle accelerators and opened fire. The beams touched the hull causing the atoms to become excited and starting a chain reacton that rippled through the ship. Finally it exploded in a self induced atom blast that he hoped wouldn't harm Helva. The EMP knocked out all the unprotected systems but he had the primary systems online still while Helva's own went completely out except her survival systems that were designed to withstand anything and everything Central could think of from the mundane to the fantactic.

Unfortunetly not even Central had thought about what happened next as the central dimensional core of the ship exploded and Helva and Victorious vanished in the dimensional wash.

****

“Ah, I see. We use a similar system for our battlesuit and PHUD visors, a composite viewing system creating an artificial image. Then the risk from those is no greater than we routinely train for. The actual motion detectors may pose a problem, but I suspect the Ghosts will find a way around them, a door is not the only way in after all,” decided the Mind. “The Wraith-craft has truly excellent cloaking systems, so it should be fine, but I would still like to see it tested against a friendly target first.”

There was a slight pause, then the Mind spoke again. “Thank you, General. If you think of anything further, just tell me and I can forward it to the Ghosts. Now I suspect you should rejoin the war council in the command briefing room.”

Micaya nodded and headed into the briefing room to rejoin the council. Once through the door, however, she clasped her head as a high pitched squeling came through the mastoid implant, lasting for a few seconds but seeming like an eternity. Without realizing it she had dropped to her knees during that brief time. When it finally stopped she shook her head.

"All teams report", she said, and was rewarded with her forces reply, though all of them on the planet had experienced the same thing and a few even passed out at the incredible pain it brought forth. Joat, Nancia and Carielle also reported in.

"Helva? Pol? Report .... Helva? Pol? .... Forge, do know what happened to Helva and Pol?"

The three flag officers looked at each other, a mix of unease and confusion playing across their faces. Leonhart cleared his throat to answer as Torual brushed her hair back behind her ear.

“I don’t think we ever claimed to know everything, especially not here,” replied Leonhart. “There is much here that we don’t know. We were going from the data given us, which is as much as anyone can hope to do. There are elements of what we told you I believe you misunderstood, as well as things you have just told us that we did not know. With that in mind, we can make alterations to the basic plan.”

“Eight hundred whats? How much is that is useable distance, Forge?” Howell asked the Mind.

“Approximately thirteen hundred kilometres, General, and would take about twenty-six hours. This would require replacement of fuel cells on route,” the Mind informed him.

“Well, that puts paid to that then. That’s at least one replacement, if not two if they want to be fit for combat at the end of it. And with a whole division, that’s over seven and a half thousand combat troops, all of whom need those replacements. It’s not happening, I’m afraid. Not without some form of vehicle, which we don’t have.”

“As to your question about the bombardment, I believe Forge is most qualified to answer that too,” pointed out Leonhart.

“The PX-12 offensive capital laser battery has a radial accuracy of exactly 35 millimetres at a range of 150 kilometres. At greater ranges this value increases at a rate of approximately one millimetre for every twenty kilometres,” stated the Mind.

“What the Forge means is, just in case you didn’t understand all the techno-babble,” Howell began, “and I certainly didn’t, is that there is little to worry about on that score.”

Now it was Torual’s turn to speak. “I think this may be something you misunderstood, but if not; you’ve told us something very important. Our decoys are to confuse the air defences, not the troops on the ground. I’m assuming the air defences work the same way as anyone else’s, with conventional detection and tracking.”

“Either way, it’s still important information, since it tells us that our optic camo is likely to have very little effect,” interrupted Howell. “That’s very useful to know, if not particularly pleasant. And from what you’ve just said, I guess we’ll have to look at getting your people integrated into our units. We ought to be able to get them torso armour, maybe a PHUD and a weapon, unless they don’t want them.”
****

As the drones cut through the last support bracket holding the core in place, the recovery program was showing very optimistic results, exceeding the expectations for the program. Evidently the worm used in the attempt to kill the AI hadn’t deleted many of the files, just hidden them and prohibited access.

All that remained now was to cut the data lines between the AI and the station, then they could go about removing it, with a bit of supernatural help from Lauralin to get around the dimensional shifting.
****

Talmar and Manasi were both beside Micaya within seconds.
“Are you alright?” asked Talmar.
“I’ll get a medic,” Sophia told both her and Talmar, but stopped when Micaya appeared to recover.

There was no reply to her question from the Mind, only silence. The ship’s avatar in the briefing room staggered slightly and put a hand against the wall to steady itself.
“Oh no,” it whispered miserably.

Through the open door to the bridge, there was a louder exclamation.
“What the fuck?! Ensign, focused scan on this quadrant, immediately. What do you have?”
The voice that came back was lower, confused, wavering.
“N-Nothing, sir. There’s nothing there. Just a residual background energy fluctuation.”
“What happened out there?” asked the first voice.
“It looks like the anomaly exploded after being fired upon, and the explosion must have ruptured whatever was used to interact with other dimensions,” replied the Ensign.

“General, I’m afraid that both the Victorious and Helva appear to have been destroyed by the explosion of the anomalous craft. I’m sorry,” the Mind finally reported, its voice wooden.

“As to your question about the bombardment, I believe Forge is most qualified to answer that too,” pointed out Leonhart.

“The PX-12 offensive capital laser battery has a radial accuracy of exactly 35 millimetres at a range of 150 kilometres. At greater ranges this value increases at a rate of approximately one millimetre for every twenty kilometres,” stated the Mind.

“What the Forge means is, just in case you didn’t understand all the techno-babble,” Howell began, “and I certainly didn’t, is that there is little to worry about on that score.”

Now it was Torual’s turn to speak. “I think this may be something you misunderstood, but if not; you’ve told us something very important. Our decoys are to confuse the air defences, not the troops on the ground. I’m assuming the air defences work the same way as anyone else’s, with conventional detection and tracking.”

“Either way, it’s still important information, since it tells us that our optic camo is likely to have very little effect,” interrupted Howell. “That’s very useful to know, if not particularly pleasant. And from what you’ve just said, I guess we’ll have to look at getting your people integrated into our units. We ought to be able to get them torso armour, maybe a PHUD and a weapon, unless they don’t want them.”

Lauralin smiled pleasantly at Howell in acknowledgment of the explanation. "Thank you, I fear I did not understand, but you have alleviated that difficulty."

She then looked at Torual, "I beg forgiveness, I did misunderstand. I do not see thier air defenses being much of a threat, in all honesty. Shadowspawn has attempted to bring them forward technologically but I do not believe they would be of any great concern to you. I would pit my dragons against them and say that my chances of winning would be more than fair and I am sure that you could easily destroy the dragons. It is the ground assault that concerns me.

Laura stopped for a moment then began again. "The demons will be impervious to normal weapons, even as advanced as yours, unless we can get father's people in among them. The holy power of the paladins and clerics will lower the resistance of the greater demons and completely nullify the power of the lesser ones. We could never defeat them on our own, even then, because of the greater power and strength of the demons, however. Even with our help, it would be costly."

****

As the drones cut through the last support bracket holding the core in place, the recovery program was showing very optimistic results, exceeding the expectations for the program. Evidently the worm used in the attempt to kill the AI hadn’t deleted many of the files, just hidden them and prohibited access.

All that remained now was to cut the data lines between the AI and the station, then they could go about removing it, with a bit of supernatural help from Lauralin to get around the dimensional shifting.

Samantha watched until they stopped and then waited for a moments for them to continue. When the didn't she asked a question. "Will I die?"

****

There was no reply to her question from the Mind, only silence. The ship’s avatar in the briefing room staggered slightly and put a hand against the wall to steady itself.
“Oh no,” it whispered miserably.

Through the open door to the bridge, there was a louder exclamation.
“What the fuck?! Ensign, focused scan on this quadrant, immediately. What do you have?”
The voice that came back was lower, confused, wavering.
“N-Nothing, sir. There’s nothing there. Just a residual background energy fluctuation.”
“What happened out there?” asked the first voice.
“It looks like the anomaly exploded after being fired upon, and the explosion must have ruptured whatever was used to interact with other dimensions,” replied the Ensign.

“General, I’m afraid that both the Victorious and Helva appear to have been destroyed by the explosion of the anomalous craft. I’m sorry,” the Mind finally reported, its voice wooden.

Micaya moved toward a chair to sit down but missed it entirely, landing on the floor. "But my twin sister commanded the Victorious", she said, as if this would change things.

Lauralin heard all the exchanges including any lowered voices in the next room, thanks to her preternatural hearing. She moved over to Micaya and knelt down beside her. "Your sister, is she dead?"

Micaya looked up at Laura, "How do FARDLIN know?!"

Laura's gaze became intense, mesmorizing, "You are bound together as only twins can be. You know, You .... know."

Micaya could do nothing under the hypnotic gaze for some moments until finally she responded. "No, I .... I don't think she is. But ...."

"Then there may be time", Lauralin said standing up and dragging the bigger women to her feet with an ease that belied her petite frame. "If someone could take close I may be able to guide them out. They may not be destroyed. The explosion may have caused a rift in time/space and I may be able to guide them through. The General is linked to her sister very closely. If they are alive then I should be able to use her as a channel and help them get out."

****

Anestice hauled herself up from the floor and looked about the bridge of the Victorious. She then began to move among the crew poking and prodding them into wakefulness.

"Pol, report. All stations report."

"Beat's me, I've got Helva off toward starboard, she seems intact. I've got no clue where we are."

"Screens?"

"Damn near everything is down, though it's coming back up. I don't think you want to see what's out there."

"Show me", the Admiral said in a stern and determined voice.

The external display's came up and what she saw there would haunt her for the rest of her days. Ships moved through this odd void. Bodies floated about, pieces of bodies as well that somehow still held life and all of what she saw seemed to be moving toward the Victorious and Helva.

"Pol", she began.

"I've got no idea, I'm working on it."

"Might I suggest you work faster."

"Yeah, you can, but I'm working as fast as I can. The problem is I have no reference to where we were from where we are."

"Great Ghu", Anestice muttered.

“You want to go out there?” asked Talmar incredulously. “What if the same thing happens to you?”

Colonel Manasi ignored her commander’s remarks and spoke to the Mind.
“Forge, get word to the spine bay, get ‘Fly One ready to go. And get my pilots there,” she instructed it.

“Already on it, Colonel,” replied the Mind. Seconds later, the ship-wide Crew Address system burst into life, “Attention, Major Spears and Captain Angel report immediately to the spine hangar bay, repeat, Major Spears and Captain Angel report immediately to the spine hangar bay. That is all.”

“Alright, you two come with me,” ordered Manasi, looking at Lauralin and Micaya. Without waiting to see if they obeyed, she was out the door and moving across the bridge, on her way to the hangar that they had landed in earlier.

“Well, I suggest we try and continue planning while they are gone,” voiced Leonhart. “Your Highness, how many of these priests and paladins do you have?” he asked Turquine.
****

{Well, the plan is to save you, even though we cannot do anything about the rest of the ship, so I certainly hope not. We are just waiting on someone who will assist us in nullifying the effect of the dimensional cross-over, but we could be waiting some time,} the Mind told the AI through the drone.

Because the team on the station had no fully sentient entities in it, there was no sign of impatience from them, they just stood perfectly still and waited.
****

In the Forgaies’ spine hangar, a pair of hangar techs were going over the Varia Firefly One, starting it up and checking everything was running normally.

Spears and Angel arrived within two minutes, having been fairly close at the time. They walked across the hangar towards their craft.
“Hey, Miller, what gives?” asked Spears.

“No idea, sir,” replied the lieutenant in charge of the maintenance team. “We were just told to get her ready for launch. I guess we thought you’d know, sir.”

“Well, I suppose we’ll find out soon enough. Come on, Fi,” said Spears.
They boarded the craft and sat down in their seats in the cockpit, running some more checks once they were strapped in and wearing their lightweight helmets. The avatar Crystaphosai joined them soon after and explained what was going on. It also told them that Colonel Manasi and the others would join them in about a minute.

“You want to go out there?” asked Talmar incredulously. “What if the same thing happens to you?”

Lauralin looked at Talmar and smiled. “My cause is the preservation of life. One life or a billion it is all the same. If I must sacrifice my own then so be it, mine is not so important when weighed against the number on board those vessels.”

Colonel Manasi ignored her commander’s remarks and spoke to the Mind.
“Forge, get word to the spine bay, get ‘Fly One ready to go. And get my pilots there,” she instructed it.

“Already on it, Colonel,” replied the Mind. Seconds later, the ship-wide Crew Address system burst into life, “Attention, Major Spears and Captain Angel report immediately to the spine hangar bay, repeat, Major Spears and Captain Angel report immediately to the spine hangar bay. That is all.”

“Alright, you two come with me,” ordered Manasi, looking at Lauralin and Micaya. Without waiting to see if they obeyed, she was out the door and moving across the bridge, on her way to the hangar that they had landed in earlier.

Laura calmly helped the still shaken General toward the door and followed Manasi out. She seemed serene as she followed the Colonel toward the hanger bay and the still unknown fate that awaited her, regardless of the fact that she didn’t know the people she was about to risk her life for.

“Well, I suggest we try and continue planning while they are gone,” voiced Leonhart. “Your Highness, how many of these priests and paladins do you have?” he asked Turquine.

Turquine didn’t seem to have heard him at first as, with sad eyes, he watched his daughter leave. “Five thousand Paladins”, Turquine answered once he looked back at Leonhart and then stopped to think. He wasn’t actually sure how many priests of sufficient power there were, the religious branch was run pretty much on it’s own. “I’d estimate another two thousand priests of sufficient power to do what we’d be asking of them”, he finally replied.

****

{Well, the plan is to save you, even though we cannot do anything about the rest of the ship, so I certainly hope not. We are just waiting on someone who will assist us in nullifying the effect of the dimensional cross-over, but we could be waiting some time,} the Mind told the AI through the drone.

”Well”, Samantha said in reply, “if what memories are emerging are correct it would seem that I’ve waited for a long time already. What’s a few more hours?” Her voice, though still soft and secuctive, showed evidence of the stress she was feeling. Her station was pretty much lost, her children dead, or should have been even though they were still moving and she was relatively certain that she was far outdated in comparison to what must be had now.

“But why?” she asked. “I mean I’m outdated by now, what good would it do to save me? By the way, one of my children has found a maintenance duct that I can’t close. He may be able to reach this chamber if he figures out how to cut the thinner plating in the ducts.”

****

“Well, I suppose we’ll find out soon enough. Come on, Fi,” said Spears.
They boarded the craft and sat down in their seats in the cockpit, running some more checks once they were strapped in and wearing their lightweight helmets. The avatar Crystaphosai joined them soon after and explained what was going on. It also told them that Colonel Manasi and the others would join them in about a minute.

When Micaya and Laura entered the bay Michael looked up from where he was standing and moved toward her. “Where’s the King?” he asked.

“Still in a meeting, I’m preparing to assist two of the Central Worlds vessels”, she replied.

“And you LEFT him?”

Lauralin stopped and turned toward him. “He is fine. I would not have left him otherwise and grow tired of you questioning me. You do not like me, fine, but I grow weary of your insolence.”

“Insolence, you blood sucker, I’ll show you”, he began stepping forward toward her. Suddenly a long pike appeared at his chest as Marcus stepped between them.

“No”, he said in a calm but deadly voice, “you won’t. Not unless you think you can get past me.”

Michael glared at Marcus then Lauralin and then turned to Eve and walked away. Once he did Laura and Micaya resumed their course to the vessel awaiting them.

(This last bit I’ll take out if need be, you didn’t say where these three would be kept once they were separated from the others.)

((OOC: No, they'd still be there unless they had asked to be taken anywhere else. It's easier to keep someone in one place than have them escorted around, and there's already security troops in the hangar, so no extra personnel are needed.))

IC:
“So about seven thousand total,” said Howell. He made a quick mental sum, “With that many, I think we can manage to get two in every platoon. Our platoons consist of forty soldiers, by the way,” he added for the benefit of the King. A thought occurred to him. “How wide an area can they achieve this affect over, on average? I only ask because I’m wondering about long range fighting ability. Our troops can engage targets up to fifteen hundred metres away with rifles, further with certain other weapons. I’m guessing that they won’t be able to do this, right?”

Torual angled her head to one side slightly, and adopted a slightly blank expression for a few moments.
“I’ve got Auroras ready to fly the recon missions, and a twin-seat waiting for her Highness to return to find the source of these invaders,” she told them, “I’ve also told the Ghosts to stand down for the moment, until we know what’s happening with those other ships.”

Leonhart nodded his approval of her moves, but told her not to deploy the recon craft just yet.

“We also have the team on board the station, waiting for her Highness to assist them in cancelling the effects of the dimension bridging on the AI core so that we can remove it,” the Forge’s avatar reminded them.

“Does everything require her involvement?” asked Talmar jokingly. “Never mind, the Ghosts don’t, but they’re delayed for another reason.”
****

{For exactly the same reason you feel obligated to look after the crew of this station. Because you are a sentient entity, and thus have a right to live, regardless of whether you are organic or artificial. If you still don’t see why, think about this: Would you kill one of your crew simply because they were less capable and less intelligent than the others?} transmitted the Mind.

To deal with the crew member, one of the Hawk drones located the duct in question and carefully flew into it after one of the maintenance drones opened it up, being roughly the same dimensions as a human or Matrai, but in a different orientation. It flew a short distance down the duct and used its sonic pulse generator to collapse a section of the duct just ahead of itself, providing a solid blockage. It then moved back along the duct and out into the core room once more.

If and when they did manage to remove the AI core from the station, the Mind had another idea. Older Indoan Minds that no longer wished to continue their job were given avatar bodies, so that they could do anything they wanted with their life, at the cost of reduced processing power, which merely slowed their thinking to about a hundredth of what it had been, still far faster than any computer or living being, and no longer being physically connected to the vast databanks, but still able to access them remotely like any other avatar or organic. And the Forgaies carried an avatar blank on board, in case one of its own avatars was severely damaged and needed a replacement body.
****

The minor dispute in the hangar bay caused a few heads to look in their direction again, and the security personnel to place a hand on their holstered weapons until they saw that their intervention was not required, but nothing more.

Manasi led Micaya and Lauralin on board the Varia transport again, which had its engines running by now. She was about to close the side hatch when she spotted two partially suited figures running across the hangar. She sighed, and waited for the two Rangers to climb aboard, then closed the hatch and gave Spears the instruction to go.

“What are you two doing here?” she asked Pierce and Callahan. “You were never called in.” Both the Rangers were wearing the battlesuit, minus their helmets which were in their hands, allowing the foreigners to see their faces for the first time. Pierce was an albino, cropped white hair and pink eyes, Callahan had long red hair and bright green eyes.

“No, sir, but we heard the recall for Chris and Fi, so we decided to investigate. Besides, what if you need some brute force?” explained Pierce.

“I highly doubt we’ll need anything of the kind, Jack, but you’re welcome to tag along,” she replied.

The two Rangers grinned. “Well, bit late for us to jump ship now,” pointed out Sam Callahan, as the Varia left the Forgaies’ hangar and headed for the last position of the Victorious. “Mike’s still with Charlie in the medbay, getting her checked out.”

After the Varia reached a safe distance from the frigate, a wormhole opened up in front of it and the transport accelerated through, reappearing a short distance from the last position of the Victorious.

“So about seven thousand total,” said Howell. He made a quick mental sum, “With that many, I think we can manage to get two in every platoon. Our platoons consist of forty soldiers, by the way,” he added for the benefit of the King. A thought occurred to him. “How wide an area can they achieve this affect over, on average? I only ask because I’m wondering about long range fighting ability. Our troops can engage targets up to fifteen hundred metres away with rifles, further with certain other weapons. I’m guessing that they won’t be able to do this, right?”

Turquine looked at Howell a moment and then shook his head. "I've said before I'm a simple soldier, a king only by circumstance. I don't have a clue what your saying. The area of affect, however, is about sixty feet per paladin. The clerics vary according to thier gifts, but easily the range of any paladin and more."

“Does everything require her involvement?” asked Talmar jokingly. “Never mind, the Ghosts don’t, but they’re delayed for another reason.”

"Well I can help with the dimensional issue of the station", came a voice from nowhere.

"Shandaril?" Turquine asked, obviously not happy.

"Yes", came a sneering reply. "I would make myself visible but that I seem to have a rather detrimental affect on thier crew."

"You think?", Turquine replied fasitiously as he crossed his arms.

"Mmm, I try not to, when ACTION is SOOO much more pleasant", came her reply as the king's hair seem to lift of it's own accord.

Turquine swung his arm backward making contact with something and making his hair fall.

"The point being that I can easily manipulate the dimensional field," she said as though nothing had happened.

"And you want to help?" Turquine asked disbelieving.

"Yes."
"Why?" he asked.

"Because I owe your daughter. Besides, she's interesting and what she's about to attempt will be difficult enough. It'll drain her more than she knows."

Turquine turned in the direction he thought she was behind him, "Will she survive?"

"Normally? No. But in her ahh, condition, yes. She should recover in time to find the creatures home."

****

{For exactly the same reason you feel obligated to look after the crew of this station. Because you are a sentient entity, and thus have a right to live, regardless of whether you are organic or artificial. If you still don’t see why, think about this: Would you kill one of your crew simply because they were less capable and less intelligent than the others?} transmitted the Mind.

A rude noise came across the com channel as Samantha bristled. "I would NEVER be so cruel. I may be archaic but I'm not a barbarian." After a moment she realized that it was that point that was trying to be made. "I'm sorry about that, I understand your question now. No, I would never destroy my children for being less than capable, and I understand you won't destroy me for the same reason."

****

After the Varia reached a safe distance from the frigate, a wormhole opened up in front of it and the transport accelerated through, reappearing a short distance from the last position of the Victorious.

It took a moment for Lauralin to adjust to the new location. She wasn't unaccustomed to moving from one place to another quickly but she did normally prepare herself. She swayed as her senses adjusted and then focused on the surrounding area.

"That way", she said pointing, "it is close." Once the Varia moved closer she finally said, "Stop. To much closer and we will enter ourselves." She then sat near Micaya and placed one hand at the base of her skull and the other on her forhead.

Micaya shivered and glanced at the Queen, "Your hands are cold."

"I am dead, what do you expect? Now, focus on your sister. Let all your thoughts be of her, and only her. Let nothing else enter your mind."

Micaya did her best but tactical displays and threat factors continued to enter her thoughts.

"You are not focusing", Lauralin told her gently.

"I am", Micaya replied. "I was gravely injured and part of my brain was replaced by nanocircuits. It's a battle computer and runs my cybernetic implants even if I'm unconscious."

"Can you shut it down?"

"That would leave me vulnerable", Micaya replied guardedly.

"You are among friends here. You must trust or I cannot help you."

Micaya looked at the others then at Lauralin and closed her eyes, giving the order to shut down the circuitry. The effect was immediete. The left side of her face sagged like one who had suffered a stroke and her legs and right arm locked.

Lauralin closed her eyes and focused on the thoughts and the dimensional opening. An aura seemed to surround her and then broke away, having roughly her dimensions. It moved through the ship, out into space and then disappeared.

****
Anestice paced the bridge, "Weapons, NOW", she said. Pol powered up the shut down weapons, "45 seconds."

"What the hell is that?" she asked as a ship hove into view. It was dartlike and long with a glowing sphere at the closer end.

"Enemy vessel is my guess, but here, who knows?" Pol replied. "30 seconds."

The ship altered course toward the two vessels as Pol registered weapons powering up. "Hate it when I'm right", he muttered. "15 seconds."

On the viewer more appeared at far range. "Ah hell", Anestice muttered as the first vessel fired. The impact rocked the Victorious, almost knocking the Admiral off of her feet. "What the hell was that?"

"Unkown energy. Shields held but I doubt we could take to many more shots like that, firing." The ship vibrated as the energy weapons and missiles streaked toward the oncoming ship. The enemy vessel's shielding flared as they made contact and Pol reported, "No damage. We didn't even touch the shielding."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Would I kid about that?"

Anestice stumbled as another beam slammed into the Victorious. "Launch the nukes."

Pol hesitated a millisecond then authorized the nukes. Another beam slammed home against the Victorious shields, "37 percent to shields. Two, three hits more at most. Firing nukes."

The missiles leaped away as the vessel prepared another shot and crashed against the ships shielding. After the flash Anestice looked at the ship on the monitor as it listed and went dark. Cheering filled the bridge but was quickly quieted as attention shifted the other oncoming vessels.

"That's alot of ships", Pol stated.

"That's an awfully damn lot of ships", Anestice agreed. She looked over as a figured appeared near her.

"Follow me", the Queen told her.

"Who the hell are you?" Anestice asked.

"Who is who?" Pol asked.

"I am Queen Silverlief of Dragonsreach. I do not have time to explain, just follow the trail I leave you."

Anestice looked out the port and saw the silver black thread. After a moment she made a decision, "Follow her."

"Follow who?" Pol asked as the helmsman looked at the Admiral.

Anestice looked around and realized that only she could see the woman. "Move", she told the helmsman as she took the controls. "We need to get out of here. Pol, tractor Helva."

"How are we going to get out?" Pol asked.

"No time just DO it."

Pol tractored the other ship who was just coming online and hoped that Anestice knew what she was doing.

Anestice set the course, manually following the thread she saw as the woman seemed to stand in front of her. After what seemed an eterenity space seemed to return to normal as she saw the tiny shuttle off her port.

"This is Admiral Anestice Quester-Benn, we need to close that hole, ships are following and thier damn powerful."

****
On board the Varia nothing seemed to happen for some time except that the Queen began to become covered in a bloody sheen of sweat. Finally after several minutes the bow of the Victorious appeared, followed by the rest of the vessel. Helva, held in a tractor beam, appeared beneath the vessel at about amidships. The vessels, themselves, seemed covered in gore and plasma was evident on thier hulls, though the visceral material was unidentifiable.

"This is Admiral Anestice Quester-Benn, we need to close that hole, ships are following and they're damn powerful."

Lauralin suddenly collapsed to the floor at the same moment she disappeared from the bridge of the Victorious. Micaya heard the broadcast and reactivated her implants. Her face returned to normal as she looked down at the collapsed Queen.

“Sixty feet? Why can’t people use sensible measurements? Forge…” said Talmar.

“About twenty metres, Commander,” the Mind told him, anticipating the question.

“Crap,” declared Howell. “Unless what they do can affect and be retained by the bullets and laser pulses, it looks like we’re going to have problems. Indoans don’t do knife fighting. We’ll only just fit our twenty troops inside a twenty metre radius under combat spacing.”

“So, we brought all these troops and their equipment, and they might as well just dump it all and grab pistols, knives and energy blades?” asked Leonhart.

“Looks that way,” confirmed Howell. “Either that, or we just break out the heaviest gear we can find and hope it gets the job done. Unless their charm or whatever it is can affect a bullet over the course of its flight. I suspect no laser weapons though; you can’t exactly charm a beam of energy, can you?”

Of the five Indoan officers in the room, only Har’khon had any idea who Turquine was talking to, and most of his knowledge revolved around the fact that she nearly killed them. The other four looked at each other questioningly, each silently asking the others if they knew what was going on. The Forgaies’ avatar noticed the looks and decided to at least put off questions.

“Long story,” it told them quietly. “I’ll explain later if you want, but not now.”
The officers looked at each other again, shrugged, and resigned themselves to it. The avatar continued speaking, since the Mind had the most knowledge of who Shandaril was and what they needed from her.
“If she can help and is willing, I see no reason why not. Although I do have to wonder about how you got aboard this ship, and the sense behind doing so. An unknown, evasive presence is normally regarded as hostile, you know,” it stated coolly.
****

There was no reply from the Mind, it had made its point and was content to wait out the rest of the time in silence. It was also running checks on whether or not the AI would be capable of running from an avatar core, or even if the two where compatible. If it thought everything checked out, it would mention the idea at a later time.
****

Spears had brought the Varia to a complete stop exactly where Lauralin had told them to, even though he had no way of knowing where or how close the dimensional bridge was.

To Manasi and her two Rangers, Micaya’s implants sounded interesting. No Indoan had anything that sounded similar, although they did have neural interfaces, and they had the battlefield PHUD for tactical display. They watched and waited nervously as Lauralin and Micaya remained perfectly still.

When the Victorious and Helva did reappear, the two pilots gaped at the sight of the vessels, coated as they were. And although both knew exactly where the ships had appeared, they still couldn’t see any interdimensional link.

“What hole where?” sent Pierce. “We can’t see anything. And how the fuck do you seal a hole in space-time?”

And even if they could see it, the question then remained of how to seal the hole. The Varia was armed with a 30mm pulse chaingun in the nose, two composite beam cannons mounted just in front of the hatches on either side, twelve anti-matter-tipped missiles and sixty-eight high-explosive rockets. The Varia was a battlefield transport, and all its weapons were optimised to put holes in enemy tanks or infantry. None of these weapons would be the first choice of Spears or Angel to attempt to seal an interdimensional rift, although the AM missiles would be the closest.

“Looks that way,” confirmed Howell. “Either that, or we just break out the heaviest gear we can find and hope it gets the job done. Unless their charm or whatever it is can affect a bullet over the course of its flight. I suspect no laser weapons though; you can’t exactly charm a beam of energy, can you?”

"Personal combat is the essence of my people. It's a matter of honor. Long range is considered dishonorable", Turquine stated. The moment he spoke he realized how it sounded and shook his head, "I meant nothing by that, to you, personally. It's our cultural way. As for .... Bullets. I assume they're projectiles. In that case each would need to be incanted individually, which would take far too much time. However, since you'll be sending so few troops, my people could form a shield wall well in advance of your own. The demons have to be in our range, not you. I only hope your weapons are more effective than our own when it comes down to it or even with our abilities we'll be ripped to shreds."

“If she can help and is willing, I see no reason why not. Although I do have to wonder about how you got aboard this ship, and the sense behind doing so. An unknown, evasive presence is normally regarded as hostile, you know,” it stated coolly.

Shandaril chuckled, "Oh my dear, you have no idea what hostile is. I'm one of those your trying to figure out how to fight. I, however, am on the side of the cute, quick one."

"My daughter", Turquine mumbled, "She's given Shandaril asylum in Dragonsreach and Shandaril has taken a particular interest in protecting her."

"One doesn't bite the hand that feeds it. Nibble a little maybe, but certainly not bite. I would be willing to help, since she's helped me. Besides, the demons you fight, though I may be one, are my enemies as well as yours. Father has spent uncounted millenia trying to destroy me .... he never wanted a female offspring. Therefore I repay him, with interest, whenever the opportunity arises."

"I don't see what your personal vandetta with your father has to do with this", Turquine stated.

"Ohhhh, everything. You, her, the aliens. Everything that makes your skin crawl and your hair stand on end. The sounds in the night that make you know your not alone. The very reason for this war."

"Your not making sense", Turquine replied.

"Well I see your daughter, oh king, got her intellect from her mother's side. Let's try it bluntly. Shadowspawn IS my father."

Turquine stood in stunned silence unable to speak or move.

"Well, I see you got it. Shadowspawn isn't part demon as he likes people to believe, he's full blood. His feud with me goes back to the time before the mabden when gods and devils fought for this world. He likes people to think he's part demon becuase it explains why he lives so long yet keeps them off guard, since they think they have more of a chance against him."

"And you NEVER mentioned this before?" Turquine thundered.

"I .... don't .... answer to YOU", Shandaril stated in a lethally cold voice.

"Show yourself and you'll see who you answer to", Turquine stated in an equally dangerous tone.

Shandaril chuckled again, "You think I've survived this long through foolish action? I know your god protects you, so I would never be so stupid as to face you directly, besides", she said and after a few seconds her voice some from near the avatar, "we have other things to worry about, isn't that right?"

****

There was no reply from the Mind, it had made its point and was content to wait out the rest of the time in silence. It was also running checks on whether or not the AI would be capable of running from an avatar core, or even if the two where compatible. If it thought everything checked out, it would mention the idea at a later time.

(I wouldn't have a clue about that, I'll leave it up to you.)

****

“What hole where?” sent Pierce. “We can’t see anything. And how the fuck do you seal a hole in space-time?”

Anestice folded her arms looking at the point that they exited. "Pol?"

"Tacyon inversion beam would be the only guess I have."

"Right, then lets do it", she replied.

"Oh", Pol replied, "sure, I know I have one in my shell here, I'll just pull it out."

"Don't get smart, why did you suggest it then?"

"You wanted to know, I told you. Only science vessels have that kind of equipement."

"Great Ghu", she muttered, "I thought we had the most advanced ship in the fleet."

"For COMBAT, yeah. Most ships don't get hurt by tacyon beams."

"Well we better DAMN well come up with one. Varia, are ANY of your ships equiped with that kind of technology?" she asked.

"If I might intervene", came the shaken voice of Helva, "I have a suggestion."

"Anything", Anestice replied, "and it's good to hear from you, how's the Colonel?"

"Fine", came Forrister's replied, though his voice sounded shaken.

"Well", Helva replied, "the station was for research such as this. The ship was part of test wasn't it? Maybe they have something along those lines."

"Well someone better make a decision quick", Micaya put in, "I have no idea as to the Queen's condition. My instruments are useless."

((I know, it was just a filler of sorts. I'll bring it back in when it's appropriate.))

Howell chuckled, “We gave up on an honour code long ago, in the interest of self-preservation. It’s far safer to attack from range than right up close. Indoan soldiers are masters of deception, deviousness and skulduggery.” He turned back to the problem. “Anyway, in that case, it’s probably better if we do it your way. You can advance, say about eight hundred metres ahead of us, and we’ll watch your backs.”

“We can issue at least some of your people with our torso armour if they want it, and every one of your people who will appear on the battlefield will need to be injected with nanites,” asserted Leonhart. “So they show up on our HUDs as friendlies.”

When the argument broke out between Turquine and the invisible Shandaril, the officers looked at each other in exasperation.
“Can we focus, please?” interjected Talmar. “This is a council of war, not a place for bickering.” He knew he was probably overlooking something in their precious code of honour, or something equally important to them, but, as usual, time was of the essence.

“Indeed, we have many things still to discuss and finalise,” said the nominally male avatar, looking distastefully in the direction of Shandaril’s voice. “And things that need doing, despite what else may be going on.” The last phrase was said with something approaching hatred, a tone almost never heard from an avatar. Evidently the Mind liked having something on board that it couldn’t see at all even less than it was letting on, and the avatar was picking up on that.
****

“Uh, I don’t even know what the hell you’re talking about, so I’m guessing not, but…” Spears told them over the comm, as he looked back into the main cabin at the avatar, who was shaking its head. “…and our avatar is saying no. Sorry, can’t help there.”

Despite what Anestice had said, Angel reached forwards and armed all the Varia’s weapon systems. Even if they couldn’t close the hole, maybe they could take out whatever might come through.
“Jack, Sam, get on the -Four’s, will you?” she ordered the two Rangers, who complied immediately, manning the composite beam cannons by the hatches.

The avatar was communicating with the Mind, which realised that it might have such a craft already. It immediately ordered two hangar technicians to check out the recon craft recovered from the station for anything remotely resembling something that sounded like what Pol had said, since the Indoans had actually never heard of a ‘Tacyon inversion beam’.

Manasi, the only person not occupied on Firefly One, grabbed a medical kit left on board from the earlier mission and pulled out a scanner. As she moved it carefully over Lauralin’s body, she pulled an autojet from the kit and made in inject it. She stopped just before doing so, realising that the subject was neither an Indoan species or human, so it could well do more harm than good. Shortly afterwards, she realised that the scanner was going to be similarly ineffective.
****

On the station, the two SK-4s grabbed a scanning kit and left the AI core room, heading to a hangar as fast as they could, which was significantly faster than a human or Matrai could run.

The Mind spoke to the AI again.
{If you could attempt to keep any interference away from those two units, it would be helpful. They are heading for a hangar. Also, if you happen to know if any of the supplementary craft on board this station are equipped with a ‘tacyon inversion beam’, it would be of great help.}

Howell chuckled, “We gave up on an honour code long ago, in the interest of self-preservation. It’s far safer to attack from range than right up close. Indoan soldiers are masters of deception, deviousness and skulduggery.” He turned back to the problem. “Anyway, in that case, it’s probably better if we do it your way. You can advance, say about eight hundred metres ahead of us, and we’ll watch your backs.”

“We can issue at least some of your people with our torso armour if they want it, and every one of your people who will appear on the battlefield will need to be injected with nanites,” asserted Leonhart. “So they show up on our HUDs as friendlies.”

Turquine had no idea what nanites were but showing up as friendlies would certainly be good. He nodded to the last, "I'll order them to accept the injections but I don't think the torso armor would be wise. I'm sure it's better than ours but skill with personal combat relies partially on knowing your weapons and armor. Giving them something different at this stage would be more detrimental than helpful.

When the argument broke out between Turquine and the invisible Shandaril, the officers looked at each other in exasperation.
“Can we focus, please?” interjected Talmar. “This is a council of war, not a place for bickering.” He knew he was probably overlooking something in their precious code of honour, or something equally important to them, but, as usual, time was of the essence.

Turquine looked at Talmar a bit shamefacedly, "You're right, of course, I offer my humble apologies."

“Indeed, we have many things still to discuss and finalise,” said the nominally male avatar, looking distastefully in the direction of Shandaril’s voice. “And things that need doing, despite what else may be going on.” The last phrase was said with something approaching hatred, a tone almost never heard from an avatar. Evidently the Mind liked having something on board that it couldn’t see at all even less than it was letting on, and the avatar was picking up on that.

Shandaril either didn't note the tone or didn't care, "Good, then where is this problem you need solved? I shouldn't be more than a few minutes, assuming your people are up to the task they need to perform."

****

Manasi, the only person not occupied on Firefly One, grabbed a medical kit left on board from the earlier mission and pulled out a scanner. As she moved it carefully over Lauralin’s body, she pulled an autojet from the kit and made in inject it. She stopped just before doing so, realising that the subject was neither an Indoan species or human, so it could well do more harm than good. Shortly afterwards, she realised that the scanner was going to be similarly ineffective.

The scan would reveal what Micaya came up with. Heartbeat slow and steady but no blood pressure and low pulse. No respirations and body temperature the same as the cabin. A blood reading would indicate bi-nucleated cells, something that no living being known could survive on and the cells, themselves, were breaking down. An EEG reading would indicate an incredible amount of activity with a great deal higher synapses and greater exchange rate, the reason, most likely, for her ability to grasp things that seemed well beyond one of her people.

Immedietly after Manasi's determination Ferranifer appeared near the Queen, her face filled with concern. She had felt her dark child slip into unconsciousness and left off her negotiations with Enos Yorl. "What in the name of the Abyss happened?" she asked shoving Manasi and Micaya away with a strength that belied a seeming woman of early twenties with a pleasant but not athletic body.

"She rescued the Victorious and Helva from wherever the were. She never left here but she got them back", Micaya responded.

"Astral Projection?" Ferranifer asked, shocked. "She's not old enough for such an attempt and not yet strong enough in her magic to attempt such a thing without risk."

Micaya gave no answer since she didn't have a clue what the woman was talking about.

Ferranifer placed a hand on Laura's forehead and closed her eyes. In a moment Lauralin's eyes fluttered open. Her advisor then lifted her with a gentleness in direct opposition to the force she used earlier and pulled her own hair back, raising the Queen to her neck.

"Feed", she said, "I'll replenish myself later. You need to regain your strength, child. You should stop pushing yourself so hard, what you attempted could have destroyed you."

Lauralin's eye teeth slid from her gum sheaths, the fangs puncturing Ferranifer's neck. As she fed she seemed to visibly grow in strength, clutching to her advisor tighter as she did. Finally Ferranifer pulled her away, "Enough, you need fresh warm blood now."

Ferranifer didn't bother looking about the ship, knowing that these beings wouldn't understand that Laura wouldn't have to harm them to feed and certain to be revolted. Micaya, however, taking stock of what needed to be done yet came forward. "Will it hurt?"

"No", Lauralin replied, "in fact it's quite pleasant."

Micaya nodded and tilted her head, though such wasn't needed in truth.

Lauralin moved to her and the fangs again sunk into flesh. Micaya jumped at first, though not even she was sure if it was because of pain or the sensation of the Queen's lips on her neck. She had never taken the time in her career to be intimate with anyone and the feeling was surprising. What happened next surprised her even more as a wave of ecstacy filled her and she closed her eyes, moaning in pleasure. The psionic link formed by the biting vampire and the victim floods them with the exquisite feeling the fresh blood gives the drinker and that feeling is passed on to the victim, part of the reason that vampires were so hard to track, thier victims wanted that feeling again, like nothing two mortals could ever create in each other, or at least very rarely.
Ferranifer's ancient blood, at over four hundred years old, provided all but the fresh cells she needed and her skin lost it's pale marble luster with Micaya's infusion. She stopped after only a minute or two and let Micaya slide to the deck, alive, well, but still temporarily lost in the ecstacy of the moment. A feeling that would soon pass.

A reading now would reveal two things changed. Her body temperature would be something near human normal and the cells in her body seemed fine, at least for the moment, until her preternatural connection to the negative material plane began to break them down again.

****

The Mind spoke to the AI again.
{If you could attempt to keep any interference away from those two units, it would be helpful. They are heading for a hangar. Also, if you happen to know if any of the supplementary craft on board this station are equipped with a ‘tacyon inversion beam’, it would be of great help.}

Samantha checked the doors and fed a route to the mind. "You want them to follow that, they won't be interefered with. As for the beam, no ship, at least at our level of technology can hold a beam, or at least we've never built a ship of such a size that would hold one. There is one on the station, however, though I'm curious why you need it. It's not a weapon really. It was put on the station to close time and dimensional tears that sometimes resulted in our experiments."

****
Admiral Hezra-Fong was fast growing exsaperated by the fighting below. They held the air but the damnable legion was dug in and had the advantage of surface knowledge. He couldn't wait any longer, he had to move. He took the Shield of Tenbaris, a destroyer and two battleships and moved off toward the Midgaard system. The four ships should be enough to take the Victorious. As soon as he could he entered probability and then went to take a nap before the anticipated confrontation.

****
Nora saw the four ships head off and the shell person sent a tight beam to Simeon telling him they were leaving. Simeon entered the net and found Joat, transferring the information to her and Rand.

"Umm, hey", she said, opening the channels to the Mind and Pol, "Tenbaris just left Algeron with a destroyer and two battleships. Bets on where the Admiral's headed?"

"Not in this life time", Pol replied as he transferred the information to Admiral Quester-Benn and her sister.

"Well that tears it", Anestice mumbled, "we're in for it now. Can we take them Pol?"

"That much fire power? It's possible, but it's going to be costly, especially with our shields as low as they are. We'll definitly need to hit hard and hit first."

Micaya took a moment to register what she had been told as she came out of her stupor. She got to her feet and looked toward the Victorious as they began to move away from Helva. "Ah hell", she mumbled, "Sis? You can surrender, it's me they want."

"Like hell", came her sister's reply, and then the line went dead.

Joat grinned wolfishly as she altered the W.Y.A.L. toward one of three areas the Admiral was likely to come in at. They get one hell of a surprise once the guns she had opened up, especially since they had no clue what she had aboard.

"Joat", Rand cut in, "Pol wants to know what your doing."

"Tell him I'm getting away from the potential area of conflict."

"Your lying", Rand said simply as Alvec was already busy readying the high energy anti-matter beams, a weapon that not even the Victorious possessed yet, although that was only because Joat hadn't given them the plans yet. Not until she coud some up with something better at least.

"Yeah, I am, so what?" she replied to Rand.

"You may be able to lie so simply but I can't, your programmed me better than that, though I wonder how, sometimes."

"Fine", she replied, "open a channel."

Rand opened the channel, "This Joat, I'm moving out of the potential area of conflict."

"Your lying", Pol and Anestice both stated at the same time.

"Fine. Then how about this, catch me if you can." Suddenly the W.Y.A.L. leapt forward faster than even the Wraiths could manage and Pol knew that nothing in Central would catch her. Her speed, especially for a supposed freighter, was impressive. Pol figured the only ones who even might be able to catch her was the Varia but he wasn't about to ask as the nose of one of the strange ships began to come through and he was torn between continuing toward a similar point to Joat or staying and letting the Admiral get closer than he would like.

((OOC: I have end of semester exams at the end of the month, so less free time, less posting, etc.))

“Understood, I will instruct the other Minds to start preparing the nanites,” the avatar stated. “The problem you can help with is on the space station orbiting your world. A team of drones are waiting to remove the station’s AI core, and we want to make sure it is completely free from the grip of dimensional shifting.”

“We just ran out of time,” declared Leonhart suddenly. “The Ghosts have launched,”
****

Manasi came very close to pushing back and taking up a martial stance when she was shoved out of the way, but managed to refrain when she recognised the woman. Instead she chose to swear a lot.
“Fuck. I’m getting pissed off with you people just appearing on our craft out of nowhere. Haven’t you ever heard of manners? Knock first?” she raged.

Ferranifer was half right in her belief, all the Indoans there knew what Lauralin was, and while they didn’t necessarily find it revolting, they certainly didn’t relish watching, and found somewhere else to look.

In the cockpit, Spears turned around to see into the cabin. “She alright n… Oh, that’s not right.” He hastily turned back to his controls.

“What’s up?” asked Angel, seeing the expression on his face and turning to look herself.

“Feeding…” Spears told her as the co-pilot saw it for herself. She found herself strangely fascinated by the process, and couldn’t help but watch.

“Um… yeah,” responded Angel, her eyes locked on the morbid scene.
****

The two SK-4s halted their dash when the Mind received the reply, if none of the vessels carried a beam, there was no point looking at them further. They returned to the core room at a near walking pace.

{Never mind about getting them to the hangar then. That is precisely why we need the beam, it seems we encountered your missing transdimensional vessel and when it exploded, it pulled two craft through. We have gotten them back, but we need to seal the rift, for both obvious and less obvious reasons. Can the station’s beam be used accurately enough to seal the rift here? [locator tags attached]} sent the Mind.
****

{Three things: First, when are those ships due to arrive? Second, I’m afraid it looks like the only device of that type is affixed to the station hull, I am attempting to find out if it can be used from there. And third; Pol, I don’t care what you’re doing right now, scan this sector of space with everything you’ve got at full strength [locator tags attached],} sent the Mind.

In the sector indicated in the transmission, a wormhole opened up and closed again only a short distance from the Victorious[i/], but nothing appeared to transit it. In actuality, the tiny four-person Wraith transport had gone through, already hidden behind its various cloaks.

Under instructions from the Mind, the Wraith was to operate under first in ‘infiltration mode’, where the craft’s emissions were cut down as low as possible even before the use of the cloaks, then it was to run at normal conditions, then finally at maximum power, radiating as big a signal as possible, all with the cloaks active. Each phase would last for twenty seconds, after which it would go into standby for twenty seconds, or how it would be running while the Ghosts were on board the President’s vessel. Finally, it would turn off the cloaks and return to normal operating conditions, just so that the Central Worlds personnel could see the craft.

This was the first real ‘hostile’ test of the Wraith cloaks, and although the Indoans believed they had concealed it from every type of sensor in existence, now they would see if this was indeed true. None were more nervous than the two Ghost operatives in the Wraith, since no matter the results of the test, they would be going anyway.
****

At the news that hostile ships would be arriving in the system within a short period of time, the Minds of the [i]Forgaies and the Whisperer, as well as a few of the more experienced corvette Minds began planning. The Central Worlds aggressors were only aware of the one Indoan vessel, the Forgaies. Thus the presence of the other nine warships, plus the fighters and combat craft on board the freighters, was a card in their favour. And the Indoan warships had originally been designed to fight under the principle of ‘sometimes outnumbered, but never outgunned’, packing as much high powered weaponry as possible onto the small hulls.

They quickly decided that Task Force Syriane would relocate to outside the system rim, and wait there. When the Shield of Tenbaris arrived, they would allow them to close in for what they thought was an easy victory, then the Indoan task force would jump into the system and ambush them from behind, overwhelming the larger Central Worlds vessels with their signature weapon, the tiny, hypervelocity AM missiles.

Before they left however, the warships would seed the system with a variety of defence drones, similar to those used in massive numbers to defend the Indoan homeworlds. These drones would lie dormant, appearing as pieces of space debris until activated by a coded microburst from the Indoan vessels, at which point they would spring to life, vastly increasing the apparent threat to the Central Worlds vessels and adding a healthy amount of additional firepower.

So that the fleet was no longer needed in system, three odd craft left one of the larger freighters and headed for the Forgaies. They made one orbit of the frigate before splitting up. Two entered the belly hangar and the other disappeared into the spine hangar. These were the one of IAF’s pride and joys, the craft regarded by many of the IAF’s pilots as insane, the Aurora II scout craft.

The basis of their plan formed, the Forgaies sent a transmission to the Victorious detailing it, and added a couple of important questions on the end.
{Which approach are we going for? Ambush or deterrence? Either way, we can surprise them, but if they don’t go for the deterrence, fighting might be more difficult. And if we do end up fighting, are we fighting to the finish, or do you just want us to disable them?}

The one thing that the Indoan crews were properly concerned about, after what Micaya had said earlier, was the capabilities of the enemy Wraith fighters. The Kestrel and Vampire were fast, agile and lethal, but their stealth systems weren’t very comprehensive, only covering the two major emissions, light and IR radiation. According to Micaya, the Wraiths were concealed from virtually all the Central Worlds sensors. There were two concerns with this: Would the Kestrels be able to detect and lock on to the enemy Wraiths, and would their own stealth systems be good enough to make things difficult for the Wraiths?

There were upgrades in the works for the stealth systems, as well as projects into more comprehensive concealment for the fighters, but neither would help in this battle. Like their own Wraith, this was the first real test of Indoan systems, the first instance of combat that didn’t involve pirates, raiders or technologically challenged opponents, or a wargame between units.
****

Spears and Angel spotted the vessel coming through the rift within seconds and reacted instantly.
“Target acquired. Shoot, shoot!” declared Spears.

As soon as the words left his mouth, a vibration could be felt through the vessel’s hull from the chaingun as Angel loosed off a hundred rounds. She had also rippled off a salvo of twelve rockets, followed closely by two AM missiles. The Rangers had also lined up their beam cannons, and two lines of intense violet laser energy linked the two craft, pouring gigawatts of energy into the target.

The pilots were under no illusions, the only one of those weapons likely to do anything at all were the two AM missiles, exactly the same as those used by the fleet warships. They had seen those warheads rip huge holes in the hulls of enemy destroyers, as well as decommissioned Indoan cruisers and other vessels used for live fire exercises. It remained to be seen how effective they would be against these dimensional invaders.

((OOC: I have end of semester exams at the end of the month, so less free time, less posting, etc.))

((OOC: Hey, I understand. Good luck with them, I'm pulling for you.))

“Understood, I will instruct the other Minds to start preparing the nanites,” the avatar stated. “The problem you can help with is on the space station orbiting your world. A team of drones are waiting to remove the station’s AI core, and we want to make sure it is completely free from the grip of dimensional shifting.”

“We just ran out of time,” declared Leonhart suddenly. “The Ghosts have launched,”

Turquine glanced at Ariel who shook her head. Whatever was happening there no enemies close by, not she knew of anyway, which meant that there probably weren't any. However, considering the way these people had been handling things Turquine was sure that they had good reason for thier statement. They had been highly efficient so far.

"My daughter and I will need to speak to our troops before we leave. What about the dragons? Will you want thier support in the air as well?" Turquine asked, getting to the point now that the clock was ticking.

Shandaril didn't say a word but left the ship. She materialized near the drones in full view, since they wouldn't be affected by her presence and began altering the dimensional space about Samantha's core.

****

In the cockpit, Spears turned around to see into the cabin. “She alright n… Oh, that’s not right.” He hastily turned back to his controls.

(OOC: Okay, that mental image cracked me up.)

Lauralin was clearly regaining strength as her eye teeth slid back into her gum sheaths once the feeding was done. She glanced at Angel and then away, clearly embarrassed by her own actions. Ferranifer moved between Angel and Laura protectively, her position as elder causing her to seek to protect the fledgling she had created.

Though they were close friends and clearly got along well, there was sometimes tension. Lauralin was the Queen, but Ferranifer was the elder which meant that sometimes Ferranifer would step forward to make decisions. Though such decisions usually fell to clearly the realm of Lauralin as Queen or Ferranifer as elder they sometimes clashed, such as now.

"You'll need to rest before you go on with your next plan", Ferranifer said, talking to Laura though she was watching Angel.

"No", Laura said, "there is no time."

Ferranifer's face quirked in irritation and she turned to Laura, "I said you need rest. Where your concerned I have authority, you agreed to that."

"Only if it did not override the needs of my people. My people need me, I am going on."

There was a long moment of silence between the two but finally Ferranifer backed down. Though the ancient vampiress was powerful she remembered the fight between Laura and herself. The cunning woman had beaten her, and she had been mortal then. Ferranifer wasn't about to test the woman's mettle now.

"Alright", Ferranifer said, lifting her hand. Suddenly there appeared a necklace with a blazing blue sapphire that almost seemed to have a life of it's own. "Wear this at least, it'll help protect you."

Lauralin took the amulet and put it one, glad that there wasn't going to be an argument. "Thank you", she replied.

"Don't thank me yet", Ferranifer told her cryptically, "now, how can I be of service? Oh. Enos Yorl is out. In return for his aid he wants the Skullkingdom once we're done. I didn't think you would relish the idea of giving him even more power."

Lauralin sighed and nodded, "I most certainly would not. We shall proceed without him."

****

{Never mind about getting them to the hangar then. That is precisely why we need the beam, it seems we encountered your missing transdimensional vessel and when it exploded, it pulled two craft through. We have gotten them back, but we need to seal the rift, for both obvious and less obvious reasons. Can the station’s beam be used accurately enough to seal the rift here? [locator tags attached]} sent the Mind.

Samantha judged the distance and the power needed to reach it. She could still shut down various unneeded parts of the station.

"Maybe, but I might burn out several conductors in the process." She hesitated a moment, "I'm not sure to be honest."

****

{Three things: First, when are those ships due to arrive? Second, I’m afraid it looks like the only device of that type is affixed to the station hull, I am attempting to find out if it can be used from there. And third; Pol, I don’t care what you’re doing right now, scan this sector of space with everything you’ve got at full strength [locator tags attached],} sent the Mind.

Pol scanned the area intently, using everything he had. For almost a full minute he detected nothing, "Aha, I see the little bugger", he sent, then it was gone. "Hmm, or not. I thought I had a ghost image there for a minute but th... whoa, is there something wrong with the ship?" he asked concerned as the vessel began radiating a huge image. Finally the ship appeared again. He hadn't detected the vessel in low emission or standby but the ghost image appeared under scrutiny during the normal phase. The final maximum power phase was clear as day. "I can tell you that if they run whatever they were running for the first minute (low emision and normal) they'll probably slip in. There's ALOT of traffic in the area and ghost images aren't unusual. As for the Tenbaris and her escort it'll take about four and half hours to reach here from Algeron."

****

The basis of their plan formed, the Forgaies sent a transmission to the Victorious detailing it, and added a couple of important questions on the end.
{Which approach are we going for? Ambush or deterrence? Either way, we can surprise them, but if they don’t go for the deterrence, fighting might be more difficult. And if we do end up fighting, are we fighting to the finish, or do you just want us to disable them?}

"He'll demand Micaya at least. That'll buy us a few seconds, maybe even a minute or two. He'll try to leave you out of it I should think. I doubt he would want a conflict with your people. By the way, I should, in good faith, tell you that this is an internal matter and that your participation could cost you dearly. If things go badly that is. Assuming your going to continue to assist us I would like to get away with as little bloodshed as possible, but the Admiral is mule headed once he has his sights set on something. I'll try to reason with them first, or rather the Admiral will. Failing that we'll try to disable but I'm either going down or they are if both of those avenues fail and I would fully expect you to take any action necesary to your own survival. I would think the Admiral and the General would back me on that."

Anestice's 'fully', came through the link as Micaya nodded in the ward room to give her support.

"I think the biggest problem will be the Wraiths", Pol told them.

"Yes and no", Anestice replied

"What do you mean Sis?" Micaya asked.

"Well", Anestice explained, "the Wraiths have state of the art equipement, but their ability to detect another cloaked ship is, well, non-existant."

"But I thought", Micaya began, but her sister interrupted:

"Yes, that's what central wanted everyone to think, but so far we haven't found a way to cram all that instrumentation into a one man fighter. They're next to impossible to see but they aside from standard scanners and a few highly specialized data recording and transmission reciever decoders they're just fighters. They're designed for deep penetration and intelligence gathering as well as first strike scenarios. But your fighters won't see them either."

"So", Micaya finalized, "we'll have a bunch of fighters out there just flying around blind until they ram into each other?"

"Yes and no", came her sisters reply. "They might hit each other on the way by but if primary targets, that is enemy fighters, are neutrilized or non-existant then they go to secondary targets. The secondaries are the main warships, final priority would be resupply vessels."

"So they'll come for the Forgaies", Micaya stated.

"No, at least not right away, not unless the Forgaies becomes hostile immedietly, if you catch my meaning. They'll go for the Victorious.

"Bloody hell", Micaya muttered, "wait. Joat?"

"She's not responding. She's moving toward the incoming areas that we project for the Tenbaris and her escort, which, by the way are one of three points." Pol sent the projected points to Forgaies. "Might be some nice places to mine", Anestice told them.

"Well she might not be responding but she's damn well listening and if she doesn't answer me I'll kick her blonde hair ass until it's blood red. JOAT!"

"Sheesh, aright General, I'm here."

"Tell me, can you detect the Wraiths?"

There was a long moment of silence from the W.Y.A.L. Micaya caught Leonhart's eye and nodded, as though she already knew the answer.

"They're designed to be STEALTH craft general. There's a reason for the word stealth."

"Yeah, and W.Y.A.L. isn't an acronim for nothing. Anything that's designed to NOT be detected is to much of a challenge for you. It eats away at you and you HAVE to try. Now do you have anything that will detect them?"

A sigh came across the line as Rand and Alvec conjoled Joat to be truthful. "Yeah, but I AIN'T given it up."

"I'm not asking you to, we just need to use it for the upcoming battle."

"I don't know if you can. I got a prototype but it ain't hooked into Rand. It stands alone so I can fire man.... I mean so I can avoid collisions with cloaked ships. If you can figure out how to use that then fine."

****

As soon as the words left his mouth, a vibration could be felt through the vessel’s hull from the chaingun as Angel loosed off a hundred rounds. She had also rippled off a salvo of twelve rockets, followed closely by two AM missiles. The Rangers had also lined up their beam cannons, and two lines of intense violet laser energy linked the two craft, pouring gigawatts of energy into the target.

Most of the weapons did nothing except cause slight fluctuations in the intruders shields. Two of them did do something, however. The AM missiles caused the shields of the ship to drop by almost fifteen percent. The beam cannons also had an effect, but not what anyone would have expected. The energy was absorbed by the ship, routed to specialized cells, changed to usable power, and transferred back to the shields. The drop of power by the shields to 85 percent quickly rose it dumped the beam weapons power back into the grid until reached 127 percent.

Pol opened fire with the pulse plasma cannons. The matter on the verge of becoming energy slammed into the shielding of the incoming ship, again doing little more than the missiles launched by the Varia.

****

Samantha accessed the specialized telescopes for peering into deep space and looked at the spot in question. She saw the strange ship coming in and then she saw the ship fire on the Victorious. The energy beam slammed into the Victorious' shielding and continue to pulse. The Victorious' shields finally gave way under the barrage and the beam cut through the huge battlewagon from top to bottom, then began slicing through the midships. Unsuited naval personel pinwheeled out of the wound in the Victorious as the vessel continued it's onslought.

Power suddenly surged through the station, systems failed here and there, others shut down and some just blew out but Samantha kept rerouting the damaged sections until a powerful violet beam shot through space seeming to impact against nothing at first. Slowly the rip became visible and slowly it closed as Samantha, not longer able to distinguish between her own former people and the newer ones, cried out in sobbing fury, "LEAVE MY CHILDREN ALONE YOU ROTTEN BASTARDS!!!"

The vessels' attack stopped as it tried to comprehend what was happening. Finally it detected the beams origin and it opened fired on the distant station, but the range of it's powerful weaponry was limited and it stuttered and died out before getting even halfway there.

Samantha continued to pour everything into the beam, making slight adjustments to it as the enemy vessel tried to pour on power to clear the breach, but it was to late. The tear closed around the ship, cutting it in half. The vessel then exploded, leaving nothing behind.

"Leave my children alone", Samantha whimpered before withdrawing into herself.

((OOC: I'm manipulating time to correct a small error you made - Micaya was in the Varia, not on Forge.))

“Right, as soon as we’re done here, you can return to the surface,” agreed Leonhart. “But the Queen’ll have to make it quick. We need her to cut off the enemy control at the source.”

“Dragons? As in scaly flying fire-breathers?” exclaimed Howell, “Hell yes, we want those fighting alongside us. The more air support we have, the better.”

“If it’s alright with you, we’ll begin ferrying some troops to the surface, the airborne units and other units we can’t fit on the transports,” stated Torual. “Damn, we need a proper troop transport if we’re going to start getting involved in things like this. Troopships, dropships, fire support craft, the lot. We’ll have to mention it when we give the IMC our report.”
****

Capt. Angel had returned her attention to the flight systems as soon as Spears had seen the craft begin to come through the rift.

“Jack, Sam, cease fire. You’re healing it,” she bellowed. The beams stopped instantly, but the damage was done. “We haven’t got enough missiles to engage it, Chris,” she told Spears bluntly. “If the Vic’ continues engaging it, then they’ll kill it.”

Just as she finished her sentence, a violet beam shot out and hung in space. Spears used the long range sensors to determine the source of the beam, as the rift in space slowly became visible, and then started closing around the vessel still sitting in the maw.

“It’s the station,” he told her, “They must have found one of those beam things that Pol was on about.”

The two pilots watched in fascination as the rift closed around the hostile spacecraft, cutting it in half, and then as the half still in their universe exploded in a brilliant flash of light.

“Well, we seem to have come out of that problem in one piece,” declared Spears. “Come on, Fi, time to get back to the Forge.”

Seconds later, the Varia dove into a wormhole and reappeared off the Indoan frigate’s port bow prong. It swiftly made its way into the spine hangar, where it landed and shut down.

Manasi led Lauralin and Micaya back to the bridge, the Rangers went back to the nearest mess hall and the pilots, having spotted the out of place Aurora and their immediate CO, Colonel Rapsoli, the Forge’s OIC-IAF wing, went over to her and struck up a conversation.
****

The Ghosts were intercepting the transmission between the Victorious and the Forgaies, so they already knew what had transpired.

“Copy that, Victorious. We are outta here,” was the short confirmation of Pol’s information.

The Wraith then reactivated the cloaks, vanishing from the sensors. A wormhole opened up in the vicinity of the craft’s last location and vanished a few seconds later. The infiltration craft was now on its way to a rendezvous with the Central Worlds’ President, Ghost-style.

They had planned to emerge from the wormhole with an astral body, such as a moon or asteroid, between them and the target fleet, shielding the incoming wormhole from the sensors of the Central Worlds vessels, since it was the only portion of the operation that would be detectable according to Pol.
****

“Ah, internal political power struggles,” mused Howell, “the scourge of civilised society. Give me a good, clean battlefield any day.”

“If the Ghosts get through quickly enough and accomplish their mission before the ships arrive, and your President orders them to stop, would they do so?” asked Torual. “If we know his mentality, we can try and predict his actions.”

“And just so you know, we’re not going anywhere,” stated Leonhart. “If you lose, our legitimacy is gone, and their people,” he indicated Turquine and Lauralin, “likely get overrun by the invaders. We won’t allow that to happen. You made us drag a fleet out here, and by Hsu we’re not leaving until we do what we came here to do.”

The Indoan officers pondered the issue of the Wraiths for a moment. Suddenly, Torual spoke up.
“Admiral, do you use IFF transponders? We have datalinks on all our craft that respond only to a correctly coded transmission, which allows us to track our own craft even while cloaked. We were tracking our Wraith while you were searching for it. If you can track them using IFF, then you can tap us the data and we can track them.”

“Do you have your own Wraiths aboard your vessel, Admiral? If you do, launch one, cloaked, tell us where it is and we can have a go at detecting it. You never know, we might find something you missed,” suggested the Mind. “Even if we can’t find them, I can pinpoint their location as soon as they fire their weapons, so we can tap some laser batteries as well as the anti-fighter turrets to hit snap-targets like those. From what I understand, it’s beyond you, since your shell-people don’t have AI reflexes, but we should manage to hit at least a few.”

If they could detect the Central Wraiths in any way, the Indoans would definitely have the upper hand, since they could put additional sensors on a large number of the Kestrel fighters, using the mission-equipment bay, and they could deploy Auroras into the space fight, with their own powerful search sensors. The Aurora had no cloak at all, but with their massive speed, they could outrun almost anything.

“Mines, eh? We have some of those,” declared Leonhart. “As soon as we work out exactly what our battleplan is, I’ll get some craft out there to string a few, along with a few other surprises.” He turned to Torual and they held a brief whispered conversation that ended with a shrewd, sly smile on Torual’s face.

“So we can track the enemy fighters after all,” said Leonhart softly, after Micaya caught his eye. “That’s good news, and gives us an edge over the enemy, as well as surprise. I think we’ll compound the issue, when we launch, none of our fighters will lock onto their enemy counterparts, giving the impression that we can’t track them either. Then we get them all to lock one up at the same time and shoot. Perfect ambush.”
****

The drones on the station made no reaction to the appearance of Shandaril, they just began the separation of the core from the rest of the station now that the rift was closed. A few deft swipes with a laser cutter left the AI core floating free thanks to the AG cell attached to it.

They had also rigged a data receiver onto the core, so the Forge could continue to communicate with the AI once it was independent of the station. After a brief check to ensure that the power plant was still properly connected, the drones began moving the core out of the room, assuming that Shandaril would follow if she needed to be near the core to keep up the effect.

The SK-4s and one of the Hawk drones led the way, the maintenance drones moving the core followed in the middle, and the remaining three Hawk drones covered the rear. They moved as rapidly as possible in the direction of the waiting Condor shuttle, the Mind eager to get all personnel off the station.

((OOC: I'm manipulating time to correct a small error you made - Micaya was in the Varia, not on Forge.))

(OOC: Eww. I have no excuse for that screw up, I don't know what happened there. I thank you for covering it so nicely. Jeez, senility setting in or something, I mean I will be forty soon.)

“Right, as soon as we’re done here, you can return to the surface,” agreed Leonhart. “But the Queen’ll have to make it quick. We need her to cut off the enemy control at the source.”

“Dragons? As in scaly flying fire-breathers?” exclaimed Howell, “Hell yes, we want those fighting alongside us. The more air support we have, the better.”

“If it’s alright with you, we’ll begin ferrying some troops to the surface, the airborne units and other units we can’t fit on the transports,” stated Torual. “Damn, we need a proper troop transport if we’re going to start getting involved in things like this. Troopships, dropships, fire support craft, the lot. We’ll have to mention it when we give the IMC our report.”

Turquine nodded to Turual, "Of course, whatever you need to do. My Chief of security has some drop ships in Highport, not many and nothing fancy but I'll have him pass the word to Commander Ivanova to send them if you like.

He looked at Howell, smiling, probably for the first time since they met him, which didn't give his terribly scarred counenance any better look. "Yes, scaly. Some breath fire but they're of different species. Some breath bolts of lightning, others gouts of acid that burn through anything. Well, anything we have. The ones that concern my, at least for my people, if not for yours are the ones that breath a sleeping gas and another that breath a choline gas that burns the eyes and lungs. We typically have them attack the rear lines."

He finished just as Micaya, Ferranifer and Lauralin came in and took his daughters face in his hands, kissing her forehead lightly. Then he spoke in a low tone to tell her of the need to get her down to the surface to address the troops before she left on the mission. Though he spoke in a low tone, it's deep baritone still carried to those in the room.

****

“Jack, Sam, cease fire. You’re healing it,” she bellowed. The beams stopped instantly, but the damage was done. “We haven’t got enough missiles to engage it, Chris,” she told Spears bluntly. “If the Vic’ continues engaging it, then they’ll kill it.”

(One correction here, on my part, to correct some poor wording.

Pol opened fire with the pulse plasma cannons. The matter on the verge of becoming energy slammed into the shielding of the incoming ship, again doing little more than the missiles launched by the Varia.
The missiles I referred to where the 12 rockets that were launched. Basically the AM missiles did the most damage, then the plasma cannons of the Victorious, then the rockets of the Varia.

I'm not trying to make my characters or nations the most powerful here, I hate people who do that. What I'm trying to do is set it up as your trying to project. The Indoan's have greater firepower, Central relies on numbers. As I see it, and correct me if I'm wrong, the Indoan's tend to use more finesse, if you follow me here, and have greater ability one on one or even one on two, three or four, where Central just uses outright slaughter. That makes Central sound cruel but my point there is that they don't like to fight and therefore seek to end the conflict as swiftly as possible by bringing everything to bear, NOT to say that the Indoan's LIKE combat, I'm not saying that at all, just trying to make you understand Central's viewpoint and way of combat and not make them the most powerful in the story.

Laura and Turquine's people, their military forces, are more along the knights of the crusade. Woefully outnumbered but to noble to surrender. They're well trained but with the sheer number they would lose and against the Skullkingdoms final guardians far outmatched. In one on one PERSONAL combat, however, they tend to outclass most everyone, simply because it's thier way of life. Laura does have her highly specialized defenders but, except for Baghtru and Brook, they aren't outright warriors, more for infiltration, information gathering and strategic strikes. Her father doesn't know about that element of them, because he wouldn't approve of such subterfuge as I'm sure you already gathered. They're greatest ability is thier magic, as you've already seen some of thier abilities, but I'm not trying to make them all powerful either. They DO have weaknesses, you just have to find them. And thier weaknesses can destroy them with ease. Shandaril is the greatest exception here, but she's extremely independent and can't be relied on in every situation.

If anything here is a wrong perception on my part, or if you have any questions about my people, please correct me. Laura will reveal her defenders to the Indoan commander if he wants, but not in front of her father.)

****

“Copy that, Victorious. We are outta here,” was the short confirmation of Pol’s information.

"Good hunting, friends", Pol sent and then realized where they were going. "That is good luck", he corrected.

****

“Ah, internal political power struggles,” mused Howell, “the scourge of civilised society. Give me a good, clean battlefield any day.”

“If the Ghosts get through quickly enough and accomplish their mission before the ships arrive, and your President orders them to stop, would they do so?” asked Torual. “If we know his mentality, we can try and predict his actions.”

“And just so you know, we’re not going anywhere,” stated Leonhart. “If you lose, our legitimacy is gone, and their people,” he indicated Turquine and Lauralin, “likely get overrun by the invaders. We won’t allow that to happen. You made us drag a fleet out here, and by Hsu we’re not leaving until we do what we came here to do.”

Micaya shook her head, "It's not a political power struggle, it's some form of mistake in translation. All officers and shell people are psyched to the Nth power to make sure they aren't going to turn on their superiors or, in the case of shell people, to go rogue. Shell people cost just too damn much between training, shelling and placement to have them take off. And I'm glad, personally, that no matter what you'll stay to help these people, it's all I care about, regardless of what else may happen."

Lauralin looked at her father as if to say, 'I told you so', and he met her eyes for only a brief second before looking down as if ashamed. She placed a hand on his arm gently and smiled. Turquine put stock in only his daughter for any kind of assistance outside his own people and she knew that. Now here were people willing to fight for them and he felt terrible about his former opinions.

Ariel looked up at Micaya, "I'm sorry to correct you, but your Admiral Hezra-Fong is looking for greater power."

Micaya looked at her with a questioning look, realized the woman didn't seem to see her and instinctively, almost comically, waved a hand in front of Ariel's face as if to ascertain she was blind.

"I am blind", Ariel stated, "but you don't need to wave your hand in front of my face like that." She didn't sound indignant, in fact, as usual, no emotion was evident in her face or voice.

"Explain your statement", Micay ordered, then added, "please."

"I think you should talk to your former Sergeant, I won't say any more on the subject."

Micaya looked at Leonhart, "Can we get Gassington in here?"

The Indoan officers pondered the issue of the Wraiths for a moment. Suddenly, Torual spoke up.
“Admiral, do you use IFF transponders? We have datalinks on all our craft that respond only to a correctly coded transmission, which allows us to track our own craft even while cloaked. We were tracking our Wraith while you were searching for it. If you can track them using IFF, then you can tap us the data and we can track them.”

“Do you have your own Wraiths aboard your vessel, Admiral? If you do, launch one, cloaked, tell us where it is and we can have a go at detecting it. You never know, we might find something you missed,” suggested the Mind. “Even if we can’t find them, I can pinpoint their location as soon as they fire their weapons, so we can tap some laser batteries as well as the anti-fighter turrets to hit snap-targets like those. From what I understand, it’s beyond you, since your shell-people don’t have AI reflexes, but we should manage to hit at least a few.”

“Mines, eh? We have some of those,” declared Leonhart. “As soon as we work out exactly what our battleplan is, I’ll get some craft out there to string a few, along with a few other surprises.” He turned to Torual and they held a brief whispered conversation that ended with a shrewd, sly smile on Torual’s face.

“So we can track the enemy fighters after all,” said Leonhart softly, after Micaya caught his eye. “That’s good news, and gives us an edge over the enemy, as well as surprise. I think we’ll compound the issue, when we launch, none of our fighters will lock onto their enemy counterparts, giving the impression that we can’t track them either. Then we get them all to lock one up at the same time and shoot. Perfect ambush.”

"Sound plan", Micaya responded, "I only hope we don't have to kill to many. Ghu I hate this", she said sighing. "So what about it Sis, we have the transponders."

"Yes, but the codes are changed after each conflict and known only to the command crew of the vessel the Wraith's are launched from. The transponder signals are sent on a heavily coded tight beam before any conflict, and I doubt the Admiral will just give me the code."

"Alright, so how can we use Joat's device? If it's not tied into her systems then she'll have to give us positions on the comm channel."

"Gentlemen", Anestice cut in from the Victorious, "Captain Chria Chance is launching now. She's launching uncloaked. Once clear she'll cloak, I don't know how your going to see her, though. I'm not trying to sound superior here, but we did put everything we had into those cloaks. You'll be able to try to tag them when they fire, yes. Here's the sequence of a standard attack on a larger ship:

One, close in and launch missiles and fire to test the shielding for any weakness.

Two, Skim. That means, once they know the distance of the shielding, thier skim along the surface, thier own shields touching the opponents, they'll be visible to you for point blank defense weapons, and they'll fire again to see if they can penetrate with the disruption.

Third, they're equiped with shield modulators. As they skim they'll read the shield output and if they can't get through via disruption they'll modulate thier shields to match your own and slip through. Now once inside the shielding the cloaks are useless but most heavy ships aren't designed with defenses to tag anything inside the shielding. We've yet to run across anything that doesn't use some form of energy they can't get through.

The Wraith shot from the launch bay and curved away from the Indoan vessels only to vanish.

"As you see", Anestice came through, "we've done a hell of a job. They don't pack alot of punch, but enough bees can kill a man."

A chuckle came across the channel and Joat spoke up, "She's cutting across the bow of the Victorious, under the belly now and headed for your ship Admiral", Joat said, referring to Leonhart by the title either accidently or on purpose.

"Pol?" Anestice asked.

"She's right", he responded.

"Joat, how do you KNOW that?" Anestice asked amazed.

"Yeah, like I'm tellin."

"JOAT", Micaya broke in threateningly, "Don't MAKE me tell your FATHER, Simeon will be FURIOUS."

Mumbling came across the channel before Joat finally answered, "The Wraith engines use pulse drives for greater acceleration. They spike just outside the normal range of the cloak. Most systems just pass them off as naturally occuring energy spikes because they don't spike at regular intervals, crafty bastards designed them that way. But no natural occurance follows a set line, THAT'S how you track them. Adjust your sensors for natural energy spikes, Admiral, then look for a pattern, the Wraiths move to fast to veer enough to make them seem random, you'll see 'em."

Pol tried Joat's suggestion and suddenly saw the Wraith's path without the transponder. "Why that little techno witch", he muttered, "she's right. You still can't lock on but put enough shots in the area it's going to be and you'll hit. OH, OH, yes. By the way. The Wraiths, when cloaked, CAN'T use thier shields, they're vulnerable."

"Well don't I FEEL vulnerable all of the sudden", came a woman's voice, obviously the Captain in the Wraith, "did I ever mention that I hate you Joat?"

"Stand in line", Joat muttered, obviously upset about having to tell what she knew, "I don't have a way to lock on yet, I'm working on that."

****

The drones on the station made no reaction to the appearance of Shandaril, they just began the separation of the core from the rest of the station now that the rift was closed. A few deft swipes with a laser cutter left the AI core floating free thanks to the AG cell attached to it.

They had also rigged a data receiver onto the core, so the Forge could continue to communicate with the AI once it was independent of the station. After a brief check to ensure that the power plant was still properly connected, the drones began moving the core out of the room, assuming that Shandaril would follow if she needed to be near the core to keep up the effect.

Shandaril followed, though it wasn't really necessary. The field she manipulated would stay with the core until it wasn't needed any longer. Suddenly a creature appeared, smoke grey and huge, with bulging muscles and huge talons. It easily, and quickly ripped one of the SK's apart before suddenly turning to look at Shandaril as though it hadn't anticipated her presence. Faster then a mortal eye could follow Shandaril leapt forward, suddenly changing to her true form as her flesh became darker, almost black, wings sprouted from her back, a long, prehensile tail appeared and her now muscular looking body sprouted three inch claws on her hands and feet. Her mouth elongated, growing razor sharp teeth. She grabbed the creature, her claws sinking in to the fingers and spun around slamming it through the solid steel wall and into the chamber behind.

"Go", she said, looking toward the remaing Indoan drones with gleaming red eyes with slitted pupils like a cats and stepped through the hole to pursue her prey.

****

Another creature appeared in the ward room, turning toward Ferranifer then looking quickly toward the King. It had come for the Queen, seeking magic and the dark gift and had mistaked Ferranifer for it's target as the most powerful of the two of them. Then it registered the Holy, and more threatening power of the King. Turquine's blade almost seemed to leap into his hand of it's own accord and Ferranifer and Lauralin fell back and to thier knees, thier faces showing pain, as the power of the god forged blade made the crystaline sword glow with it's own inner light. The demon, now knowing it was outmatched looked for an avenue of escape as the sword blocked it's ability to gate away. In the unfamiliar surroundings it couldn't find a door and it turned, cornered, to defend itself. The exchange was quick and furious and until the demon lay dead at the King's feet, three large, deep gashes across Turquine's chest from the demon's claws. The King saluted his enemy, raising his sword to a straight up and down position and the hilt touching his forhead, then he pressed the pommel to his lips, in thanks to his god, cleaned the blade and slipped the sword back into it's sheath.

“Thanks, but no,” replied Torual, “We have light and medium landers for infantry or small vehicles. I was referring to a general deficiency in our forces that prevents us from moving large numbers of troops between stars, particularly our armoured units. For now we’ll just use the craft that’ll make the combat drop to ferry them down.”

“Gas attacks won’t worry our troops, that battlesuit is a beaut’. Atmosphere filter and a rebreather built in,” declared Howell. “Survive and fight virtually anywhere with one of those, including out there.” He waved a hand at the wall, indicating deep space. “However, with your people on the front line, I think you should continue to use those to attack the rear of the enemy forces.”

Manasi and Howell couldn’t help smiling when Ariel reprimanded Micaya, purely for the look on Micaya’s face, a split-second long though it was. Howell then commented on Ariel’s revelation.
“Ah, the old ‘dishonest Admiral with power-lust’,” he quipped, “sounds kinda like you, Mizu.”

Leonhart didn’t look at the Army General, but made a particularly rude Indoan gesture with his left hand at the smiling officer.

“The loud mouth kotar who doesn’t like her?” Manasi jerked her thumb at Lauralin. “I guess so.”

“I’ll have a security officer bring him up,” the Mind informed them.

The Indoan officers, particularly Torual, listened with interest to the Admiral’s explanation of the attack strategy used by the Central Wraiths, as the Mind focused the frigate’s powerful scanners on the volume of space around the Victorious, searching for the concealed craft. After Anestice had finished her explanation, the officers began to comment on it.

“First off, while I doubt our shields are significantly different to anything you’ve previously encountered, our ship’s shields are what some imaginative fool dubbed ‘hull-hugging’. There’s only a few millimetres between the hull and the projected shield, so you can’t exactly get inside them,” pointed out Talmar.

“In addition to that, we use multi-spectrum shielding, there’s a particle shield that prevents all solid objects from penetrating it, shielded or otherwise,” added Leonhart. “Plus, everything has energy if it moves, so you’d still have to knock down the energy shields, because even if the shields pass through each other, the craft themselves won’t.”

“The shields all run off a rotational frequency phase gate, which cycles through approximately eight different frequencies every second. The laser batteries run from the same system, which is why they have no problem. As for the missiles, plasma and electron-particle cannons, as well as flight operations, we use localised shield deactivation to allow passage. The gaps are the exact size necessary and last for precisely the length of time needed for the object to pass through, so there is no chance of any hostile fire passing through,” declared the Mind, “so frequency modulation is exceptionally unlikely to work, unless you have the exact same timing and frequency changes.”

As Joat made her explanation, the Mind was adjusting its own sensors to fit. After a few seconds, it found the Central craft and tracked its passage towards the Forgaies.
“Got you,” it told those in the briefing room triumphantly. “Before I made the adjustments, I was just getting trace readings on the gravometrics and EM scanners, but nothing close to something I could track. Now though, clear as day on the EM band. We can track that. The cloak is very effective though, very impressive,” it told Anestice.

As if to prove its point, the Mind bounced a low-powered ranging laser off the Wraith fighter, nothing powerful enough to damage it, but the fighter’s threat warning system likely told the pilot it had happened. Just to rub it in, the Mind vectored one of the patrolling Kestrel fighters onto the tail of the Wraith, the sensor contact being translated to a visual image on the IAF pilot’s HUD, who followed the Central craft through the next few manoeuvres.

“Wait a minute,” interjected Talmar. “You just said they can’t use shields while cloaked, right? Earlier you said that they try and touch shields when trying to penetrate them. How does that work then?” he asked.
****

Even as the wreckage of the first SK-4 was still falling to the floor, the other had already reacted with a speed only an artificial entity could manage, and in a way no living warrior could manage. It had thrown itself sideways, altering its attitude in midair, then landed on the wall and jumping off in another direction, wrist-mounted weapons blasting away. The laser on the left wrist flickered repeatedly, lending a lurid blue glow to the corridor, while the cannons on the right wrist blasted out a barrage of 6mm and 10mm shells. It rolled as it hit the ground, several metres from the creature, coming up in a crouch, torso lowered, ready to unleash a missile on the target.

The Hawk drone at the front of the group let fly two of the shrapnel shells, one after the other, into the creature then followed it up with a succession of laser pulses and a sonic blast. The other Hawks were about to mimic the actions of the first, or attempt to in the case of the damaged unit, when Shandaril gave her instruction.

The Mind hesitated for a microsecond, unwilling to leave Indoan forces bested in combat, but recognised the urgency of the situation. It instructed the drones and remaining synthetic to proceed to the hangar at best speed, and made sure the shuttle was ready to leave the instant they were all aboard.
****

As well as the King, two Indoans reacted to the sudden threat in the briefing room. Four sharp cracks split the air, and when everyone else in the room took stock of what had happened, Manasi and Howell were both standing, sidearms aimed at the creature’s position when it had last been standing.

Howell held the standard issue sidearm in a two-handed grip, while Manasi held a larger pistol in a one-handed grip, standing side on to the target. Neither was sure if they had hit the creature before Turquine had laid into it, but both knew their rounds had been on target. The two officers returned their weapons to their holsters, and looked distastefully at the remains.

“Forge, space this oversized bug, will you,” requested Manasi. Before anyone could comment, an opaque silvery field grew around the carcass until it engulfed it, then shrank back to nothing, leaving the deck clear. The Displaced mess appeared 3km off the Forgaies’ port bow, where the Mind blasted it with a laser pulse.

A few seconds after the Displacement, the doors to the briefing room slid open, and a security officer stepped in, her carbine in her hands.
“Everything okay in here, sirs? I heard gunshots,” she asked clearly.

“Yes, thank you, Lieutenant. Nothing for you to worry about,” Talmar assured her.

She looked at her commander sceptically for a moment before shouldering the carbine and ushering Gassington into the room. “I was instructed to bring this person here, sirs.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant. If you’ll just wait there,” ordered Talmar.

The security officer stepped fully through the doorway and stood at ease just to the right of it. There were two reasons for her remaining in the room: First, to save summoning her again when they dismissed Gassington, and more importantly, to maintain security in the briefing room, since they had twice observed the man exhibit aggressive behaviour, namely towards one of the other persons in the room. They could have forced him to leave all weapons in the hangar, but had chosen this course instead.
****

The brief appearance of a wormhole behind a large asteroid signified the arrival of the Wraith in system. Unseen, the small craft coasted out from behind the rock and turned towards the planet indicated to them from Micaya’s details.

“Alright, approaching target in infiltration mode, cloaks running, all systems still green,” declared the pilot softly.

“Passive sensors and ECM coming up now, scanning,” reported the other operative. An icon appeared on one of the control displays and the operative reached out and tapped it. “FliCom path available, selecting. Take us in.”

The pilot carefully brought the craft on to the path recommended by the computer, which took them as far as possible from detected sensor nodes, further reducing the risk of detection. The tiny transport began closing on the vessel matching the profile Micaya had given them for the President’s flagship, accelerating slowly on the maximum engine output allowed in infiltration mode, which was about 35% of normal operations.

“Wait a minute,” interjected Talmar. “You just said they can’t use shields while cloaked, right? Earlier you said that they try and touch shields when trying to penetrate them. How does that work then?” he asked.

"Sorry", Anestice responded, "for me anything that saves my ass is a shield so I often refer to the cloaks as shields. The cloak transfers the information, not the shield. I was never a tech head."

****

Even as the wreckage of the first SK-4 was still falling to the floor, the other had already reacted with a speed only an artificial entity could manage, and in a way no living warrior could manage. It had thrown itself sideways, altering its attitude in midair, then landed on the wall and jumping off in another direction, wrist-mounted weapons blasting away. The laser on the left wrist flickered repeatedly, lending a lurid blue glow to the corridor, while the cannons on the right wrist blasted out a barrage of 6mm and 10mm shells. It rolled as it hit the ground, several metres from the creature, coming up in a crouch, torso lowered, ready to unleash a missile on the target.

The Hawk drone at the front of the group let fly two of the shrapnel shells, one after the other, into the creature then followed it up with a succession of laser pulses and a sonic blast. The other Hawks were about to mimic the actions of the first, or attempt to in the case of the damaged unit, when Shandaril gave her instruction.

The Mind hesitated for a microsecond, unwilling to leave Indoan forces bested in combat, but recognised the urgency of the situation. It instructed the drones and remaining synthetic to proceed to the hangar at best speed, and made sure the shuttle was ready to leave the instant they were all aboard.

Though the weapons injured the creature it healed immedietly after the attacks hit. It completely ignored them as it focused on the real threat against it, until she threw it through the wall. Following the precvious course that Samantha had given her they would reach the bay with no problems.

****

As well as the King, two Indoans reacted to the sudden threat in the briefing room. Four sharp cracks split the air, and when everyone else in the room took stock of what had happened, Manasi and Howell were both standing, sidearms aimed at the creature’s position when it had last been standing.

Unlike the attack on the drones on the station the weapons took affect on the creature in the ward room, evidence of the Kings power and the effect he and his people could bring against the creatures on the field of battle to come. Obviously more than side arms would be needed, but it certainly showed the promise that the combined forces would show.

Lauralin and Ferranifer stood after the sword was sheathed and Turquine looked at them, "I'm sorry", he rumbled. Laura shook her head and stepped forward, placing her hand over the rent armor. She uttered words in a language unfamiliar to those in the room that made their hair on their necks stand on end. When she removed her hand his wounds had been healed and the armor repaired itself before thier eyes.

She looked at her commander sceptically for a moment before shouldering the carbine and ushering Gassington into the room. “I was instructed to bring this person here, sirs.”

Michael entered the room and his eyes locked immedietly on the Queen.

Ferranifer, her eye teeth sliding from her gum sheaths stepped protectively in front of Laura as he moved into the room. Michael's hand slipped down toward his PPG as he saw the Queen's advisor move forward, though his eyes never left Lauralin.

Micaya, seeing his action slid her own hand down, the panel in her cybernetic leg opening to allow her access to the paralytic needler.

Turquine stepped forward and held his hand out toward Gassington, his ice blue eyes still a gunmetal grey from his fight with the demon. Michael looked at his hand then at him. "Now", Turquine rumbled. Michael took the PPG from his holster, slowly, as he looked around the room and gave it to the King. Turquine placed the PPG on the table behind him and turned back to see Michael looking at Laura again.

"Not now, Michael", Turquine said, "she been through alot and still has more to do."

"So space it", Michael said, not looking away from her.

Turquine drew back his hand and stepped forward bringing his hand toward his face. The blow never fell as Lauralin stepped forward and grabbed his arm, amazingly stopping the stronger man. Her face and voice were calm, "No father."

Turquine looked at her and then turned to face her, "He has no right to hate you."

"He does not hate me."

"It sure looks like it to me", he told her.

"Because you do not look beyond his actions, father. I look into his heart. His wife was torn apart by a vampire."

Michaels eyes closed in painful memory as she spoke.

"He hates what I am, not me. I am the closest he can come to her killer and therefore he lashes out at me. He will realize, in time, his error. I feel sorry for him and I have spent a great deal of time searching for the one responsible. I feel I am getting closer." She stepped closer to her father, "Do not punish him, father. He is being punished enough with each nightmare and each memory."

Michael stood, staring at Lauralin, completely disarmed by her lack of anger toward him. He couldn't lash out at her if she wouldn't lash out at him.

Turquine lowered his arm, looking at his daughter for a moment and then shook his head, "You are your mother's daughter", he told her. He then looked at Michael, "You're here to answer some questions."

Michael looked at Laura a moment longer before looking at Turquine, "Of course."

Turquine looked at Micaya who had removed her hand from the needler and let the panel slide closed. "General?"

Micaya stepped forward looking at Michael. "Do you remember Admiral Hezra-Fong?"

Michael's face immedietly changed to a look of hatred even greater than the one he used for the Queen. "That no good piece of shit deserves to be tortured, pissed on and buried in shit."

"Predictable response, since your court martial was largely based on his testimony. You had tried to say the Admiral wasn't telling the truth."

"The CAPTAIN, was lying through his teeth."

"You took a platoon against the hatcheries on Drang. We had never wanted to attack the hatcheries because it would earn the enmity of the Drang till the end of time. What did the CAPTAIN have to do with that? He commenced with a preconcieved attack against the Drang city and you moved to hatcheries against his orders."

"Yeah so I heard. Funny. I don't remember it that way."

"Well why don't you tell me just how you DO remember it."

Michael took a moment as his eyes drifted to a point somewhere beyond Micaya and then spoke. "First of all there was no preconcieved attack on the Drang city. Our CO was fighting a defensive war until the diplomats could negotiate a peace. It was never his intent to penetrate that deeply into the Drang held territory, he had never done anything more than border skirmishes. Our CO had been killed and we were waiting for a new one to arrive, that made Fong the senior officer on Drang. He decided he would end the war one way or the other. That way he would come out a hero and he would be able to move up the ladder. Once that was done he would take a shot at the presidency."

"And you have proof of this", Micaya said.

"I would have. He knew that I knew his plan. That was when he ordered me to take my platoon into the hatchery. He figured we would never come out alive, he was almost right. Three hundred of us entered that hatchery, seventeen of us came back out."

"But you don't have the proof?"

"I have witnesses. Three others knew about his plans and were there for his orders and survived the attack."

"Who?"

"Private Edward Danielson, Corpral Evilyn Parchert and Corpral Corin Zimber."

"Pol?" Micaya asked.

"All dead", Pol replied.

"Isn't that convenient."

"But here's something interesting", Pol continued. "All three died on particularly hazardous missions. All three missions had been assigned to them by three Senior Officers."

"Three", Micaya asked.

"Yes. One, Captain Martin Hezra-Fong. Two, Rear Admiral, lower half, Martin Hezra-Fong and third, Rear Admiral, upper half, Martin Hezra-Fong."

Micaya stood, staring at the floor. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Why?" Michael asked.

"Why what?" Micaya responded, distracted.

"Why do you ask? Why are you asking me about him?"

"Because he's on his way here to arrest me. By the Presidents order .... you know, this is rediculous, the PRESIDENT ordered him to arrest me."

"And who advises her?" Michael asked.

Micaya looked at him, her eyes intense.

"Yeah, that's what I thought."

"One other thing, General", Pol said, "I checked the records from Drang. He's right. His CO never even did deep recon."

Micaya ran a hand through her hair, "Bloody hell", she muttered.

****

The brief appearance of a wormhole behind a large asteroid signified the arrival of the Wraith in system. Unseen, the small craft coasted out from behind the rock and turned towards the planet indicated to them from Micaya’s details.

“Alright, approaching target in infiltration mode, cloaks running, all systems still green,” declared the pilot softly.

“Passive sensors and ECM coming up now, scanning,” reported the other operative. An icon appeared on one of the control displays and the operative reached out and tapped it. “FliCom path available, selecting. Take us in.”

The pilot carefully brought the craft on to the path recommended by the computer, which took them as far as possible from detected sensor nodes, further reducing the risk of detection. The tiny transport began closing on the vessel matching the profile Micaya had given them for the President’s flagship, accelerating slowly on the maximum engine output allowed in infiltration mode, which was about 35% of normal operations.

The space around the president's craft was filled with warships, uncloaked wraith's, repair craft and visiting craft of all makes and sizes. Shuttles moved from one craft to another, from the planet to various ships and to and from the 'Friendship'.

"What's that?" one of the techs asked. Another leaned over, catching the closing of the wormhole. "Anomoly", he muttered, "log it and forget it, nothing there." The first technician nodded, logged it and forgot about it, glancing at the time. 'Twenty more minutes', he thought.

((OOC: Two weeks of exams start today, damn it. Afterwards, hopefully, I can return to normal.))

The instant Gassington’s hand went to his weapon; the carbine was locked in tight to the shoulder of the Indoan security officer, safety off and aimed at the centre of Gassington’s head. The meaning was clear: No-one draws a weapon on board an Indoan warship without a very good reason, especially not when in the same room as the task force commanders. The Indoan’s weapon remained exactly where it was until Turquine placed the other’s weapon on the table, at which point it was slowly lowered, but snapped back up again when the King made to strike the other. It was only lowered, safed and shouldered once more when the Lieutenant was sure that nothing was going to happen.

“Forge,” whispered Talmar, “Create new standing order: All non-Indoan personnel are to be relieved of all weapons while on board Alliance vessels. This order applies to all persons, with exception to be granted personally by myself or my XO only. Effective immediately.”

“Understood, Commander, it is done,” replied the Mind, equally quietly, through the officer’s neural thread. “Should I pass this order to the IMC to be made fleet-wide?”

“Affirmative, and pass it to the other ships in Syriane immediately,” muttered Talmar. He cleared his throat and raised his voice to a normal level. “Alright, if you need to talk to your troops, I recommend doing so as soon as possible, as we have another matter which requires her Highness’ presence. Will your soldiers be going in over ground, or requiring air drops? If they are to be ahead of our troops, the latter is likely to be easier, so you don’t have to fight your way through the border defences.”

“This information is important for our battle, General,” Howell told Micaya. “It means we are dealing with an opponent who has personal interests in the outcome of this. Even if the Ghosts are successful, and your President issues a recall or a ceasefire or whatever, I think it unlikely that this Admiral will comply, he has too much to lose. Therefore at least one of the enemy vessels will fight to the end. This, even though it is not good news, is a good thing to know.”
****

The drones reached the shuttle and secured the AI core on board. With no reason remaining to stay, the Mind closed the hatch and used the directional thrusters to angle the shuttle back towards the frigate. With a searing blast of plasma which melted more of the station’s outer hull, the shuttle accelerated rapidly away.

Within minutes it was back on board the Forgaies, and the drones were unloading the shuttle. The organic personnel had been instructed to keep clear of the shuttle, at least until the Mind could scan the craft and its occupants carefully. The AI core from the station was placed on the hangar deck, the micro-reactor next to it. They would rig up a comms link shortly, so that the Mind could communicate with the AI once more.
****

The Wraith slowly approached the Friendship, the computer adjusting the flight path to avoid other craft flying around. The progress was slow compared to most of the other ships around them, and very slow compared most other Indoan craft, but the Ghosts were not bothered. After about thirty minutes of movement, they were nearing their objective.

They trained for exactly this kind of mission, even if they had never specifically trained to infiltrate another stellar vessel before. Patience was a pre-requisite for even being considered for the Ghost programme, studied before the potential recruit even knew they were being considered.

“Range to target vessel: Four kilometres. Time to interception: thirty seconds,” announced 2nd Lieutenant Rachel Taylor.

“Understood, get us ready,” replied Captain Ethan Mars.

The Ghosts were part of AI, Alliance Intelligence, and were thus non-military personnel, but still used military rankings. It helped to convey the experience of the individual operatives to those unfamiliar with them, although the unit was only headed by a Colonel.

Taylor tapped some symbols on her control displays, then studied another. After concluding that it displayed what it should be displaying, she watched the readout carefully. As soon as the distance between the two craft was down to half a metre, she activated the magnetic restraining field, locking the two craft exactly thirty-five centimetres apart. There was no contact, since that made noise which would transmit through the hull, and might also set off collision alarms on board the larger ship.

Mars quickly put the Wraith’s systems into standby, where everything was kept dormant, ready to respond at a moment’s notice, then released his seat harness and moved into the rear of the craft. The Wraith was a tiny vessel, all one compartment, with four seats and a tiny auxiliary cargo area. The hatch opened straight to space, but with a magnetic field to hold the atmosphere inside. The camouflage suits worn by the two operatives doubled as light exposure suits and they had personal magnetic survival fields, which kept a thin layer of air around them, allowing them to move through a vacuum for short periods of time.

To enable them to move easily in the vacuum, without touching the larger vessel, they had small AG units, which would create a pulling field in the direction they wanted to move in, in the same way as the system used by Indoan spacecraft to achieve excellent manoeuvrability. The two operatives floated towards the hangar entrance that they had purposefully landed close to, the closest hangar to their ultimate objective inside the vessel.

((OOC: Two weeks of exams start today, damn it. Afterwards, hopefully, I can return to normal.))

(Okay, thanks for the heads up. GOOD LUCK!)

Talmar. He cleared his throat and raised his voice to a normal level. “Alright, if you need to talk to your troops, I recommend doing so as soon as possible, as we have another matter which requires her Highness’ presence. Will your soldiers be going in over ground, or requiring air drops? If they are to be ahead of our troops, the latter is likely to be easier, so you don’t have to fight your way through the border defences.”

"By air, if you would be so kind", Turquine replied. "With mountains to the north and south and marshland to the east there's only one feasable way in, which is heavily guarded."

"Air drops?" Lauralin asked.

"I"ll explain. Can you get us to the troops?" he asked.

"Easily", she smiled.

Turquine looked back at Talmar, "Could you bring Marcus in? Well teleport down, it'll be faster, then Laura can teleport back here."

“This information is important for our battle, General,” Howell told Micaya. “It means we are dealing with an opponent who has personal interests in the outcome of this. Even if the Ghosts are successful, and your President issues a recall or a ceasefire or whatever, I think it unlikely that this Admiral will comply, he has too much to lose. Therefore at least one of the enemy vessels will fight to the end. This, even though it is not good news, is a good thing to know.”

Micaya took a moment before responding. She was visibly shaken at first. Though she didn't always agree with the decisions of the president she was always comfortable with the fact that the officers were loyal. More comfortable than she now wished to admit. After a moment, however, her mind set on the possible battle ahead, and battle was something she knew well. She looke up at Howell, "Yes, this is important information. How many ships will fight will be dependant on if he hand picked the command crew or not. That'll be the wild card." Her voice was showed that she had been shaken, but it was still resolute. "My sister and I will do all we can to make this as short as possible."

****

Taylor tapped some symbols on her control displays, then studied another. After concluding that it displayed what it should be displaying, she watched the readout carefully. As soon as the distance between the two craft was down to half a metre, she activated the magnetic restraining field, locking the two craft exactly thirty-five centimetres apart. There was no contact, since that made noise which would transmit through the hull, and might also set off collision alarms on board the larger ship.

Mars quickly put the Wraith’s systems into standby, where everything was kept dormant, ready to respond at a moment’s notice, then released his seat harness and moved into the rear of the craft. The Wraith was a tiny vessel, all one compartment, with four seats and a tiny auxiliary cargo area. The hatch opened straight to space, but with a magnetic field to hold the atmosphere inside. The camouflage suits worn by the two operatives doubled as light exposure suits and they had personal magnetic survival fields, which kept a thin layer of air around them, allowing them to move through a vacuum for short periods of time.

To enable them to move easily in the vacuum, without touching the larger vessel, they had small AG units, which would create a pulling field in the direction they wanted to move in, in the same way as the system used by Indoan spacecraft to achieve excellent manoeuvrability. The two operatives floated towards the hangar entrance that they had purposefully landed close to, the closest hangar to their ultimate objective inside the vessel.

(Nice, thought of everything, excellent)

The hanger was a display of controlled chaos as the personal sought to get the ships in and out as quickly as possible to try to keep up with the president's, the senate's, and the embassador's schedules of meetings. Had the two space walked into the bay there was no gaurantee that they would have even been noticed.

The hanger was huge and three passenger airlocks were evident. Three more, apparently for higher ranking officials were also present, making two airlocks on each of the three walls. Three more, one each wall, was apparently for Cargo. The passanger and Cargo airlocks were backed up as the personal and items, presumably, went through various checks. The dignitary locks were almost deserted with only one or two people occasionally filtering through.

****
President De Chong-Markowitz sat down with a sigh at her desk. The mess on Algeron was turning worse by the moment as the Legion repelled one attack after another from the Marine and Naval personel sent to acquire the planet. And now, the latest intelligence, revealed that the natives were joining with the Legion. She could help but admire the stalwart legionairres or the valient natives, but she was sickened by the bloodshed. Not that it was the first war she had seen, but because this time the enemy was known to them. Almost every name of the command staff rang a bell. Some of whom, she even knew the families of. Legion Commander Arvik Conisale had a wife on Venturis, a daughter and a cat named Max. This time, they knew the face of the enemy. She wondered how Micaya could be so cold. The General was often one to take things on her own, Ghu knew, but this was just so far beyond her that Anita couldn't wrap her mind around it.

((OOC: Okay, one exam left.))

“Alright, if you could use the craft you said that you have for at least some of your troops; it would make things easier for us,” Torual informed them. “Our troops will hit the dirt sixty seconds after yours.”

The avatar nodded to the request for the other to be brought up. “Just him, or the other that can morph into a ship as well?” it asked. It made no visible request once the answer had been given, but the order was given just the same.

Leonhart glanced at his chrono, “Alright, I’ll start getting us prepared for the coming battle. I want all those preparations complete and every vessel except this one out of this system by oh-nine-fifteen. That’s three hours and fifty-seven minutes from now,” The Admiral’s decision was based on Pol’s estimate of four and a half hours until the hostile vessels arrived, with a safety margin of about twenty minutes. “Forge, relay my orders to the Whisp, I want to see deployment vessels moving within thirty minutes. Any crew who manages to get out within fifteen gets a forty-percent bonus for the month and I’ll do my damnedest to get them medals or promotions.”

Talmar raised an eyebrow at the Admiral’s statement. “Sir, this is the military. You can’t just offer bonuses for good work, its taxpayer’s money. And besides, they should give their best performances anyway.”

Leonhart turned to face directly at the junior officer. “Commander, you’re a good leader. You must be to have made it this far, and what I’ve seen since I got here confirms it. But the troops have to have an incentive to do well. This is an emergency, damnit! I’ll do whatever the hell I think is necessary to get us through this. Hell, if we pull this off, I’ve see to it that every person in this task force is promoted. You understand my angle, Commander?” he declared forcefully.

“Yes sir, perfectly, sir. It was only the bonus I was objecting to, sir, not your overall objective,” agreed Talmar.

“Good,” settled Leonhart. “In four hours we’ll have enough mines, combat drones, sensor relays and decoys out there to beat back the Vince, and maybe its brother as well. You won’t be able to bring a gnat into this system without us knowing about it and painting it with a hundred weapon systems.”
****

The two Ghost agents floated to a stop just out of sight of anyone inside the hangar.
“Okay, Rach, go active,” Ethan told her, and activated his camouflage systems. Rachel followed suit, then took point and floated gently into the hangar. Her PHUD showed Ethan touching down next to her, their suits communicating their location to the other via their neural threads.

“Now what?” she asked softly. Though she was inside the suit, it was possible that their voices would be audible to those standing near them, so they kept their voices low at all times.

“Well,” replied Ethan, looking around the hangar, “Our objective is that way, so we want to leave through one of those airlocks, but I’m not sure which. Either we could try and get lost in the chaos in the busy ones, or sneak through the deserted ones.”

Taylor watched the airlocks for a few seconds, then spoke, “I say the quiet ones. They seem to be for dignitaries or something. I doubt there’s any checks on them, high-ranking officials don’t like the implication that they can’t be trusted.”

“You’re probably right. Let’s go,” agreed Mars. They moved swiftly across the hangar, waited a minute for the airlock to clear, then entered it. As they waited for the airlock to cycle, there was a fleeting thought that they had been blown, and that they had been sealed inside the airlock until security could arrive. But the doors opened, and the two agents stepped out into the main interior of the ship.

“I hope that’s the only door like that we have to go through,” muttered Taylor, as she followed Mars down the corridor.

“Yup,” agreed Ethan. “We need to find some kind of data terminal, download the schematic for this monster so we know exactly where we’re going. We might find some info on security patrols as well.” They had Micaya’s information, but they wanted to supplement it was accurate, up-to-the-second data. The senior Ghost was mildly annoyed that they might encounter security patrols, why couldn’t they just have security in the hangar bays. If an intruder could get through the hangar security, what where the chances that a roving patrol would find them. He understood having additional security outside the President’s office, but the rest just seemed a little pointless to him.

((OOC: Okay, one exam left.))

(OOC: *Still has fingers crossed for ya*)

“Alright, if you could use the craft you said that you have for at least some of your troops; it would make things easier for us,” Torual informed them. “Our troops will hit the dirt sixty seconds after yours.”

The avatar nodded to the request for the other to be brought up. “Just him, or the other that can morph into a ship as well?” it asked. It made no visible request once the answer had been given, but the order was given just the same.

Turquine nodded to Torual then seemed to consider the question and looked at Lauralin.

"Perhaps were best if she made her own way down. I am not sure as to the process of science and magic that created her and until I do I would be wary of teleporting her. As much for her own good as that of other", Lauralin replied to the unasked question.

Turquine nodded again, "Just Marcus. Please ask Eve to meet us on the field."

****

Once they entered the deccon began. Various non-toxic chemicals (at least to known sentients) were released, outlining the two for approximately five minutes that seemed an eternity.

As they waited for the airlock to cycle, there was a fleeting thought that they had been blown, and that they had been sealed inside the airlock until security could arrive. But the doors opened, and the two agents stepped out into the main interior of the ship.

“Yup,” agreed Ethan. “We need to find some kind of data terminal, download the schematic for this monster so we know exactly where we’re going. We might find some info on security patrols as well.” They had Micaya’s information, but they wanted to supplement it was accurate, up-to-the-second data. The senior Ghost was mildly annoyed that they might encounter security patrols, why couldn’t they just have security in the hangar bays. If an intruder could get through the hangar security, what where the chances that a roving patrol would find them. He understood having additional security outside the President’s office, but the rest just seemed a little pointless to him.

Once again Micaya's concerns had been rejected. A data terminal was evident as soon as the lock opened and was easily accessed. Several areas of the ship had been marked as off limits, one of which was marked 'Presidential suites'. Micaya had argued against such foolishness, 'Why don't we just shove her in a suite and strap her to the hull in the middle of a large bullseye?' The senate and president, and any officer that didn't like Micaya (which were many) used the argument that her extreme safety precautions would seem to indicate to other races that they weren't trusted.

Three ways led to the presidential suites, each ending in a door. What wasn't marked were the borgs that stood before those doors and the fact that two more borgs at each door had been added since the conflict had begun.

((OOC: Sorry about the delay. I finished my exams a week ago, but extreme tiredness is not conducive to writing.))

It didn’t take long before the panel by the door into the briefing room chimed with an entry request, which was granted by the Mind without input from the officers, since it knew who was there. The doors slid open silently and a second security officer, this one male, led Marcus into the room, saluted Talmar and left when the commander dismissed him.

“When you return, can you return to this room?” asked the avatar of Lauralin, “Also, if you could give some kind of warning it would probably help.”

“We’ll have the Aurora ready to leave by the time you return, so we don’t waste any time,” Talmar announced. “If you let us know if you need any of our transports to move your troops around.”
****

In the spine hangar, a deck officer, in fact the same one from before, approached Eve, who had already been told of Turquine’s request.
“Excuse me, tinas, we’re ready for you. You can leave whenever you want,” he told her politely. He began to walk away, but turned back and spoke again, regretfully now, “Oh, and tinas? I’m very sorry for what happened earlier, and I hope I didn’t offend you.”

A pair of hangar techs were working on the Aurora craft sitting in another area of the hangar, preparing it for the upcoming task. A pair of maintenance drones were by the AI core salvaged from the alien station, about to carry out the Mind’s instructions. They swiftly attached a small transceiver to the exterior of the AI core, by means of a multipurpose data connector, which was made from an ingenious alloy that could be reshaped to fit any form of connection, since the Indoans knew full well no prospective enemy was likely to do anything as convenient as use the same connectors for any electrical device. When this was done, the Mind attempted to contact the AI.

{This is the Forgaies. Can you hear me?} it sent simply.
****

The two Ghost operatives padded their way silently down the corridors inside the massive ship, using light AG fields to lessen their weight on the deck. The ease with which they had acquired a schematic of the ship surprised them, and they were glad to see the Presidential suite was exactly where it was supposed to be. They had wirelessly hacked the terminal to retrieve the data to avoid logins or other security procedures.

The two operatives knew that time was of the essence, but they needed to get a good idea of the exact security around the Presidential section of the ship. They had a good idea of how they might get into the secure area without having to get past the guards, but they would need to make some checks before decided whether to attempt it. First they would get a good look at the security around the Presidential suites, using tiny remote surveillance devices. Then, they would determine if their primary entry plan was viable.

((OOC: Sorry about the delay. I finished my exams a week ago, but extreme tiredness is not conducive to writing.))

(That's understandable. I hope the exams went well.)

It didn’t take long before the panel by the door into the briefing room chimed with an entry request, which was granted by the Mind without input from the officers, since it knew who was there. The doors slid open silently and a second security officer, this one male, led Marcus into the room, saluted Talmar and left when the commander dismissed him.

"Well", Marcus said as he entered, "So glad I was invited. I see the party started without me." He spoke with an accent and was very cheerful, belying the seriousness of the situation. He moved to a place behind and to one side of Ariel as though he had done it all his life.

"When you return, can you return to this room?" asked the avatar of Lauralin, "Also, if you could give some kind of warning it would probably help."

"I can return to any place I have been. I do not know how I might be able to give you advance notice, however."

Micaya stepped forward. "I'll drop with them and have a borg pick me up from thier location. I can contact you before her return."

"We’ll have the Aurora ready to leave by the time you return, so we don’t waste any time," Talmar announced. "If you let us know if you need any of our transports to move your troops around."

Turquine looked at Michael who had already opened a comm channel to central.

"Commander, we need the drop ships prepped, we'll be moving all the Paladins and priests."

"To where?" retorted Ivanova.

"The Skullkingdom."

"Am I the only one around here who hasn't lost thier mind? Drop into the Skullkingdom? Oh sure. And I guess the imposter in the brig is actually you..."

That effect was instantanious as the doppleganger dove for the PPG and shot the king in the chest, fusing the metal, flesh and bone together at such close range.....

****

In the spine hangar, a deck officer, in fact the same one from before, approached Eve, who had already been told of Turquine’s request.

"Excuse me, tinas, we’re ready for you. You can leave whenever you want," he told her politely. He began to walk away, but turned back and spoke again, regretfully now, "Oh, and tinas? I’m very sorry for what happened earlier, and I hope I didn’t offend you."

"Not at all" she smiled. "Will I be taking the others?"

A pair of hangar techs were working on the Aurora craft sitting in another area of the hangar, preparing it for the upcoming task. A pair of maintenance drones were by the AI core salvaged from the alien station, about to carry out the Mind’s instructions. They swiftly attached a small transceiver to the exterior of the AI core, by means of a multipurpose data connector, which was made from an ingenious alloy that could be reshaped to fit any form of connection, since the Indoans knew full well no prospective enemy was
likely to do anything as convenient as use the same connectors for any electrical device.

When this was done, the Mind attempted to contact the AI.

{This is the Forgaies. Can you hear me?} it sent simply.

Samantha was confused as she reached out and found nothing but herself and the power source, until she remembered that they had removed her. "I ... I hear you. How terrible my childrens lives must be if this is what it's like to be so contained."

****

The two Ghost operatives padded their way silently down the corridors inside the massive ship, using light AG fields to lessen their weight on the deck. The ease with which they had acquired a schematic of the ship surprised them, and they were glad to see the Presidential suite was exactly where it was supposed to be. They had wirelessly hacked the terminal to retrieve the data to avoid logins or other security procedures.

The two operatives knew that time was of the essence, but they needed to get a good idea of the exact security around the Presidential section of the ship. They had a good idea of how they might get into the secure area without having to get past the guards, but they would need to make some checks before decided whether to attempt it. First they would get a good
look at the security around the Presidential suites, using tiny remote surveillance devices. Then, they would determine if their primary entry plan was viable.

At an intersection a thin beam of light lanced out and tiny bug that had attempted to invade the presidents inner sanctum made a tiny explosion as the lower powered laser from one of the two borgs fried it.

"You would think they would give up trying to bug her office", came one of the borgs voices.

"Yeah, but then what would we have to do?"

"True. Hey, did you hear the rumor about fighting on Algeron?"

"Yeah, don't put any stock in it girl. Who would be crazy enough to attack the Legion's homeworld?"

"I know, but I wish something would happen."

"You'll see more action than you care too, girl, don't worry about that."

((OOC: Heh, me too. Foolish uni hasn't told me when I get the results though.))

“That is acceptable,” voiced the Mind at Micaya’s suggestion. “It is just that we would prefer not to have people randomly appearing on board our vessels.” There was the faintest hint of a reprimand in the voice, reproaching them for all the times it had already happened.

When Commander Ivanova’s voice spoke the word ‘impostor’, the Indoan security officer blinked. The precognition gave her lightning fast reactions, and her carbine was already coming up as the impostor dove for the weapon. Unfortunately, she wasn’t fast enough to prevent a shot being fired, but an instant later she fired a three-round burst at the target. Later, the Indoan commanders would commend her foresight to have the dual-feed weapon set to fire the crystalline nerve darts, but at the time the Lieutenant was just disappointed not to have blown the intruder’s head apart.

Regardless, she flicked the selector over to the more lethal setting and stepped closer to the fallen body. Unsure how the alien would react to the knock-out nerve agent, she aimed her weapon at the impostor’s eyes. Colonel Manasi appeared next to her, the large pistol in her hand once again. Howell also had his weapon in hand again, but held down by his side since the immediate threat appeared to have been dealt with.
****

“No tinas,” replied the deck officer, relieved that she didn’t hold anything against him. “They are Displacing down, and they are unsure how the process would affect you, so they request that you make your own way down to the planet.” He used the Indoan term ‘Displace’, even though they weren’t using a Displacer, and Displacers were too dangerous for anything other than emergency transport of living beings anyway, which was why they had recently acquired a replacement.

{Good, it appears that the transfer was successful. I am going to run a few diagnostic programs to ensure that you are completely clear, they might find something you yourself are not aware of, then if you wish I can link you into my systems. You won’t be able to do anything, but you will have access to my sensory inputs,} sent the Mind. {And organics do not feel confined, since they know nothing different. At least, the vast majority do not feel anything, there are a few exceptions.}
****

Taylor was using her neural thread to view the visual feed from the spider through her left eye and flinched as the tiny drone was destroyed. “Damn,” she muttered.

“What?” inquired Ethan.

“They blasted the drone,” Rachel told him. “We can either go without the data, or try again, with a Gnat drone this time.”

“We need the data. We might have to get past them, if we can’t find another way in,” replied Ethan. “We have to use a Gnat.”

Taylor nodded and removed a small case from her kit. She carefully opened it, and used her neural link to activate one of the four-millimetre long scout drones. Primarily designed for espionage purposes, and one sixth the size of the spider drone, the Gnat could operate virtually indefinitely, using magnetic fields to recharge its power source, of which there were no shortage in the average building or ship.

The tiny drone stirred to life and hovered up out of the case, before flying silently away towards where the spider drone had just been blasted. Once in flight, the drone was almost impossible to see with the human eye, and difficult with visual enhancement. The two Ghosts could only see it because their neural threads were communicating with it and its position being displayed on their PHUDs.

Regardless, she flicked the selector over to the more lethal setting and stepped closer to the fallen body. Unsure how the alien would react to the knock-out nerve agent, she aimed her weapon at the impostor’s eyes. Colonel Manasi appeared next to her, the large pistol in her hand once again. Howell also had his weapon in hand again, but held down by his side since the immediate threat appeared to have been dealt with.

Ferranifer and Marcus had already moved. She stood, now, in front of Lauralin, her eye teeth exposed and her nails longer than they had been and tapering to talon sharp tip. He had stepped in front of Ariel, a six foot fighting pike in hand, that would have been impossible to hide. Ariel swooned, having a direct link to the king and the sudden explosion of pain and then darkness unbalancing her. Marcus turned swiftly, dropping the pike and catching her, easing her to the floor.

The King crashed to the floor, his chest a mess of metal, bone, flesh and muscle. For Lauralin it seemed to happen in slow motion and yet she was unable to move or even cry out. The shots from the guard registered barely and only the crashing of her father's armor against the floor seemed to return her to the normal flow of time.

The creature morphed from the security chief to a mottled grey and blue skinned creature that was only vaguely humanoid. Apparently it was not a demon as the toxins took affect and knocked it unconscious.

"FATHER", she cried out and dropped to her knees beside him as he reached out weakly, as though, even know, he sought to protect her.

Ivanova's voice still came from the, now visible, earpiece, the creature having no external ear, but only an ear canal.

"DAMNIT, Michael, what's going on up there? The doc is screaming that your vital's just went completely out of whack and that the king's are dropping fast ..... MICHAEL!!! MICHAEL?!

Lauralin reached down, her right hand on her father's head, her left over his heart. She began muttering in that strange language that made the hair stand on end as she moved her hands in a counterclockwise motion.

Before thier eyes the damage reversed itself. The flesh and bones moving back together, the armor mending. Once it was done Lauralin reversed her direction, moving her hands in a clockwise motion. Her words continued to flow and when she finally stopped the King looked disoriented.

Only now did Laura lunge toward the doppleganger with a preternatural speed that only Ferranifer and the Avatar could match. Being closer Ferranifer caught her first. Instead of raising her voice she spoke low and softly rather than firmly. She knew that Lauralin wouldn't listern to yelling or ranting, but she would strain to hear the soft spoken words. 'No, my dark daughter. We most know what it is about. It must be questioned. You know this in your heart. Let your heart guide you away from your anger.'

****

“No tinas,” replied the deck officer, relieved that she didn’t hold anything against him. “They are Displacing down, and they are unsure how the process would affect you, so they request that you make your own way down to the planet.”

"Oh", she replied, sounding and looking unhappy. She enjoyed the company of others, but at least it would not be for long. "Alright." She smiled at him, "thank you for your kindness in understanding my error."

{Good, it appears that the transfer was successful. I am going to run a few diagnostic programs to ensure that you are completely clear, they might find something you yourself are not aware of, then if you wish I can link you into my systems. You won’t be able to do anything, but you will have access to my sensory inputs,} sent the Mind. {And organics do not feel confined, since they know nothing different. At least, the vast majority do not feel anything, there are a few exceptions.}

"That would be most kind of you", Samantha replied. Her systems would reveal a few flaws from data wipe and storage leaks, but nothing that would cause irrepairable damage. "Have you children of your own here?"

****

The tiny drone stirred to life and hovered up out of the case, before flying silently away towards where the spider drone had just been blasted. Once in flight, the drone was almost impossible to see with the human eye, and difficult with visual enhancement. The two Ghosts could only see it because their neural threads were communicating with it and its position being displayed on their PHUDs.

The hypertweaked systems of the borgs of the presidential security could pick up bugs small enough to fit on the head of a pin. That was why only carefully screened members were given the job and they were frequently rotated, because none of them could take the massive amounts of input for too long a period of time. Hitting them, however, was much more difficult and several shots thudded around the bug.

"Just keep an eye on it lass. If it gets into the presidents office then we'll alert the sweep team and have them pick it up." He used the borgs onboard link to contact the other two teams. If the bug got too close then they would evacuate the president. Although it was probably too small to be a bomb he didn't want to take any chances.

****

Micaya was returning her own needler again as Forrister contacted her via the implants.

"Hey Mic, I've been going the information that I gathered from the attacks on the sentinals. Apparently the bulbous flying creatures are able to somehow detect cloaked vessels and reveal it to those around it. Just a heads up."

"Alright, Frost, forward that to the mind and the central command station in Highport."

"Affirmative."

“Nobody move, shut up and everybody calm the fuck down!” bellowed a voice. There was a strong presence of command with the order, compelling people to obey on an almost subconscious level. The surprising part was that it came from the security Lieutenant.

Somehow the pistol from the holster on her right hip had found its way into her left hand, and was being pointed around the room while she kept the unconscious alien covered with the carbine. The Indoan officers remained where they were, allowing expertise and common sense to come before rank. Howell had holstered his sidearm again, while Manasi had lowered hers to her side.

“Forge, link me into the transmission from that device,” Manasi asked the Mind. The Mind complied, enabling the Indoan to talk with Ivanova.
“This is Colonel Manasi, Indoan Navy. Your security chief just tried to kill the King. I suggest you release the ‘impostor’.”

When Lauralin lunged for the fallen alien, the security officer’s pistol snapped around to point directly at her, a second precognition allowing her to keep up, just.
“No,” stated the Lieutenant firmly. “You can stand down or you can lie down next to him. Your choice.”

Within a minute of the shots being fired, the doors to the briefing room opened and two more security officers stepped in, a medic right behind them. They had been summoned by the Mind the instant the shots were fired.

“Search it for concealed weapons, suicide devices, the usual,” ordered the Lieutenant, indicating the alien. “Then restrain it and take it to the brig.”
****

The deck officer smiled at Eve as he moved away to direct her out of the hangar. After moving far enough away, he called out to her, “Oh, and the Mind requests you refrain from teleporting within a fifty kilometre radius of any Indoan vessels.”

As the Mind had hoped, the scans of the AI core showed nothing more out of the ordinary than a few memory errors, as expected in most older storage systems. It now felt safe connecting the AI up to a remote circuit.

{Good, everything appears normal. I’ll have you linked into my systems soon,} the Mind informed Samantha, {And I have my crew, although I’ve never heard any refer to them as children before. Oh, and I know we’ve already done something similar, but I’m going to run a full system scan and diagnostic.}
****

Taylor was viewing the visual feed from the drone again, and cringed several times as the borgs tried to shoot the drone, the laser bolts passing uncomfortably close to what Taylor was perceiving as her head. She knew she was in no danger, but that didn’t stop her reflex reactions.

“You okay?” asked Ethan.

“Yeah,” replied Rachel, “They can see the Gnat, but seems they can’t hit it. We need to be careful to avoid triggering a response.”

“Just scout out the locations of the guards, we know the layout. Just go into the outer rooms, don’t approach the inner ones. That way they’ll hopefully assume it’s just a bug and wax it,” suggested Ethan. “Our info says there’re no guards in the inner chambers anyway.”

Taylor acknowledged the suggestion and issued the command to change the route of the Gnat’s flight. She wasn’t in direct control of the drone, but only able to view the feeds and issue commands from a preset control base, such as direction instructions.

"Forge, link me into the transmission from that device," Manasi asked the Mind. The Mind complied, enabling the Indoan to talk with Ivanova.
"This is Colonel Manasi, Indoan Navy. Your security chief just tried to kill the King. I suggest you release the ‘impostor’."

"Ah hell", she muttered and temporarily muted the comm so as to contact the brig, the doctor and the main bay to prepare the dropships. After a few moments she came back online. "Can you give me a report on the Kings situation? The Doctor says his vitals are returning to normal."

When Lauralin lunged for the fallen alien, the security officer’s pistol snapped around to point directly at her, a second precognition allowing her to keep up, just.

"No," stated the Lieutenant firmly. "You can stand down or you can lie down next to him. Your choice."

Lauralin glared at the guard, unconcerned about the pistol.

"Would you expect any less from your people", Ferranifer said, more of a statement than a question. Her voice was still soft but firm.

Lauralin's eyes wavered from those of the guard for a moment as she heard her advisor and then lowered. She looked away in shame rather than in fear and slowly moved to her father's side, who was beginning to try to get to his feet.

Within a minute of the shots being fired, the doors to the briefing room opened and two more security officers stepped in, a medic right behind them. They had been summoned by the Mind the instant the shots were fired.

"Search it for concealed weapons, suicide devices, the usual," ordered the Lieutenant, indicating the alien. "Then restrain it and take it to the brig."

****

The deck officer smiled at Eve as he moved away to direct her out of the hangar. After moving far enough away, he called out to her, "Oh, and the Mind requests you refrain from teleporting within a fifty kilometre radius of any Indoan vessels."

Eve giggled but put on her best pouting face, "Okay", she said, then smiled brightly before transforming back into her ship self and carefully moved out of the hanger and headed toward the planet.

As the Mind had hoped, the scans of the AI core showed nothing more out of the ordinary than a few memory errors, as expected in most older storage systems. It now felt safe connecting the AI up to a remote circuit.

{Good, everything appears normal. I’ll have you linked into my systems soon,} the Mind informed Samantha, {And I have my crew, although I’ve never heard any refer to them as children before. Oh, and I know we’ve already done something similar, but I’m going to run a full system scan and diagnostic.}

"Oh, well, I was old before I was even put on there and I was responsible for all the functions of the station, so I took care of them essentially. I think it started with one of the crew calling me mother and just proceeded from there. I understand about your scans and diagnostic, I certainly wouldn't want anyone to come to harm from something. Simply let me know how I can cooperate."

****

"Just scout out the locations of the guards, we know the layout. Just go into the outer rooms, don’t approach the inner ones. That way they’ll hopefully assume it’s just a bug and wax it," suggested Ethan. "Our info says there’re no guards in the inner chambers anyway."

Taylor acknowledged the suggestion and issued the command to change the route of the Gnat’s flight. She wasn’t in direct control of the drone, but only able to view the feeds and issue commands from a preset control base, such as direction instructions.

The outer chamber was the reception area while the inner was the presidential office. Three corridors led into the reception area, but only a door from the reception area led to the inner office. Each corridor led to a different area of the ship and none were directly connected. Only back tracking and taking cross corridors could get to the other paths to the outer office.

((OOC: Sorry, RL stuff again.))

“Well, his daughter did her ‘thing’, and he seems to be in one piece again,” reported Manasi. “We’ve got the alien in custody; it’ll soon learn to regret firing a weapon on an Indoan warship.” The Indoans weren’t just big on harsh punishments for crime, they also had a habit of torturing captives to get information from them.

The security officer met Lauralin’s glare without fear, returning it with one of her own, until Lauralin turned away. She then lowered and returned the pistol to her holster, then grasped the carbine in both hands again. The other two security officers searched the alien as instructed, both physically and with a small scanner which would detect implants or hidden devices. They then fitted the unconscious alien with a neural inhibition collar, to render it unable to form coherent thoughts, and restrained it using energy binders, the fields able to withstand over a thousand times the strength of a human/Matrai. The final attachment was a small AG unit, to enable the officers to move the unconscious body easily.

One officer dragged the floating alien out of the briefing room with the other a few metres behind. The medic followed them out, when it became apparent that his services were no longer needed. The Lieutenant remained in the room and would do so until the humans had gone. She picked up the alien’s pistol and inspected it briefly, before holding it out to Marcus.

“I suspect you ought to return this to its owner,” she said.
****

The Mind linked the AI into its sensors as promised. It wouldn’t be able to do anything, but it could now see everything the Mind could see on the main sensors. Well, not quite everything, since the Mind had isolated the AI from viewing the feeds from the Fleet Data Relays, which allowed every Indoan vessel in system to see what every other Indoan vessel could see.

It also began its ‘scan’ of the AI. It wasn’t a system scan, it had already made at least two of those, it was more of a system properties scan, searching for the AI core’s operating specifications, capabilities and parameters. This was the deciding factor in whether the AI would be offered an avatar body. It was fairly sure there would be no problem, since older Indoan Minds frequently chose to be relocated into an avatar body after serving their original purpose, with the only penalty being giving up the instant access to the huge data archives, although they could still access them remotely like anyone else.
****

“What’cha got, Rach?” asked Ethan softly.

“I see three entrances, each with two guards,” she replied. “If we can’t get in our way, we might have some trouble getting in here. Where’re the President’s sleeping quarters?”

“Hold on, I’ll check,” stalled Ethan, as he called up the downloaded schematics of the ship on the left side of his PHUD. Unlike using his neural thread to view it, the image on the PHUD remained partially transparent, so his left eye could still see their surroundings.

((OOC: Sorry, RL stuff again.))
(OOC: That’s okay, do what you need to do.)

“Well, his daughter did her ‘thing’, and he seems to be in one piece again,” reported Manasi. “We’ve got the alien in custody; it’ll soon learn to regret firing a weapon on an Indoan warship.” The Indoans weren’t just big on harsh punishments for crime, they also had a habit of torturing captives to get information from them.

“Good”, Ivanova replied, “kick it once for me. I’ll be sending Gassington to the front line staging area, I’m sure Eve can fill him in, I’m detecting her leaving you’re vessel now. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some heads to crack around here.”

Other than the aural device there was nothing else, not even clothing. The inhibitor would prevent the doppelganger from being able to change and the restraints were far more than strong enough to hold it. Doppelgangers were actually somewhat weaker than humans, they’re advantages laying in more malleable bone structure and their ability to shape shift.

She picked up the alien’s pistol and inspected it briefly, before holding it out to Marcus. “I suspect you ought to return this to its owner,” she said.

Marcus reached out, while supporting Ariel with one hand and accepted the PPG. “Ah, of course”, he replied, “and here I thought it might be an engagement gun. Was all set to plan the wedding”, he said grinning.

Turquine was on his feet, though still a bit pale. He looked at his daughter then the others. “Alright”, he said in a low rumbling voice, “let’s get this done.”

Ariel and Marcus moved closer to Lauralin and Ferranifer stepped to the other side of the King. After a moment Laura looked at Micaya, “General, I fear that I may only teleport those within a certain radius, if you would step closer please.” Once Micaya was in range Lauralin summoned her power and all of them vanished from the room.

****

Samantha relished the feeds, being able to reach out and see again. It was most likely a very good thing that she had no access to all the others sensors, since she had never had multiple feeds like that and it would have only confused her.

Her capabilities were geared toward the running of the station and could be expanded, as was originally planned, to world wide networking. Her particular expertise was in research and governing, though anything could be added to the programming with very few modifications.

****

“I see three entrances, each with two guards,” she replied. “If we can’t get in our way, we might have some trouble getting in here. Where’re the President’s sleeping quarters?”

“Hold on, I’ll check,” stalled Ethan, as he called up the downloaded schematics of the ship on the left side of his PHUD. Unlike using his neural thread to view it, the image on the PHUD remained partially transparent, so his left eye could still see their surroundings.

The presidents quarters were not on the schematics, the only thing that Micaya had managed to get past everyone. There were several sections of the ship that were unlabeled. Either her quarters were one of those or it was intentionally mislabeled.

Manasi disconnected her link with Ivanova, then muttered to herself, “Oh, no-one’s going to be kicking it. We do things a little differently.” Briefly a confusing mix of expressions showed itself on her face, as she had never been enamoured with some of the methods used by Indoan interrogators, but at the same time she would not hesitate to order such treatment. It was one reason why the Indoan Alliance was unlikely to sign any formal multilateral treaties, since they were fully aware most people didn’t approve of such treatment.

The security officer gave Marcus a funny look for a moment, then playfully winked and stuck her tongue out at him just before Lauralin teleported them away. Since there were no more humans on board, she then proceeded to leave the briefing room and return to her duty station. The Colonel would deal with one that was going to return.

The senior officers collected themselves once more after the disturbance, and Leonhart made a final statement.
“People, I believe we’ve made our plans. Further amendments can be made via comms,” he declared, and received nods in agreement from the other three. “In that case; Whisp, bring us back, would you?”

After half a second, the three general officers were each obscured by hazy field and vanished as they were transported back to the Whisperer, which would now assume its role as task force command vessel.
****

The Mind rapidly finished its scans, which had actually almost ignored the AI’s capabilities, and looked virtually entirely at the operating specs and parameters. The results were looking favourable, and the Mind decided that, now that it had evidence that suggested it would work, it was time to broach the subject with the AI.

{I have a question for you. Would you be interested in being relocated into an avatar body? Not your core, but you, moved out of the core and into the avatar neural processor. I wouldn’t mention it unless I thought it would work, and I have a feeling you’d prefer it to your current situation. You would of course retain all your programming and memories and suchlike. What do you think?} it asked Samantha carefully.
****

“They’re not marked, Rach,” announced Ethan, “Seems they have a little sense after all. There’s a few unmarked areas, though. I suggest sending a spider to scout the nearest ones while we look at the feasibility of getting in there.”

“Right,” agreed Rachel. “You send the spider, I’ll keep an eye on the Gnat.”

Ethan set up and released the small spider drone, careful to set it to avoid the known locations of the guards, then the two Ghost operatives moved away from the President’s office to find access to the floors above and below. The spider scuttled away on its mission, and would send an alert to Ethan when it reached the first area.

The security officer gave Marcus a funny look for a moment, then playfully winked and stuck her tongue out at him just before Lauralin teleported them away. Since there were no more humans on board, she then proceeded to leave the briefing room and return to her duty station. The Colonel would deal with one that was going to return.

Lauralin teleported them to a position on the field that was in the midst of the camps. Marcus smiled and looked at Ariel as they appeared.

"Did you see that?" he asked, "well of course you didn't, but I think she wants to marry me."

"I'll be sure to warn her off", Ariel replied.

"Now why do you have to be mean like that?" he asked, doing his best to not sound like his usual jovial self.

"Because the last thing we need is an international incident", she replied.

She was joking of course, but only Marcus could tell the difference.

"Wait", Lauralin broke in, "something does not bode well. General, would you be kind enough to contact the Indoan's?"

"And I thought I was gloomy", Marcus said.

"You are", Ariel replied.

"Indoan vessel online, go ahead Highness", Micaya told Lauralin.

"Oh, well thank you very much, Lady", Marcus replied, but could say no more as Ariel placed a finger to his lips to silence him.

"Indoan command", Lauralin began, "perhaps we should hold off preparations until the doppleganger is questioned. Is it not possible that with the device it wore that Shadowspawn could very well be aware of the plans we made?"

Micaya frowned at the Queen's statement realizing that she could very well be right.

"Well I'm just a ray of sunlight compared to her", Marcus uttered.

"Marcus, shush", Ariel told him.

****

{I have a question for you. Would you be interested in being relocated into an avatar body? Not your core, but you, moved out of the core and into the avatar neural processor. I wouldn’t mention it unless I thought it would work, and I have a feeling you’d prefer it to your current situation. You would of course retain all your programming and memories and suchlike. What do you think?} it asked Samantha carefully.

"Well", Samantha answered, "I suppose that depends on what, exactly, an avatar is?"

****

Ethan set up and released the small spider drone, careful to set it to avoid the known locations of the guards, then the two Ghost operatives moved away from the President’s office to find access to the floors above and below. The spider scuttled away on its mission, and would send an alert to Ethan when it reached the first area.

The first location the spider would find would be an arms room, none of which are marked on the maps.

Access to the floors above and below were easily enough found. Up would be the council room with constant survellience, though no guards. Below was a mess hall, filled with people constantly as the different shifts took thier breaks.

****
Helva was re-entering the atmosphere, heading toward the position where Lauralin and the others had materialized. Eve slipped past her, her slimmer form making her more aerodynamic, moving down toward the same area.

In Highport a small skiff lifted off carrying a rather irate Michael Gassington to a rendezvous with the others.

Nancia saw the the other ships moving into various positions and figured that it was a good time to get planet bound herself and moved away from the fleet of ships toward the surface and the Capital of Dragonsreach.

Carielle moved closer to the station and opened up a comm channel. "Can we get aboard the station now?" she asked to anyone in general.

{I suppose you could be right,} replied the Forge. {However, this only concerns the primary mission. There is no chance that the Tenbaris could have been involved, so our plans there still stand, General. As for the problem, I agree that we ought to postpone any attacks until we can find out whether our opponent knows our plans, although if they do, I don’t see there is much else we can do other than continue as planned. Unless you think an assassination strike is viable.}

The Whisperer had assigned the Forgaies the task of being the communications relay between the Indoan fleet and the Central forces and the natives. This was even more necessary because the other vessels would shortly leave the system for a ‘dead’ region outside it, outside the sensor range of any vessel within the system.

Two small transports separated from one of the freighters and arched away from the Indoan fleet, towards one of the likely entry points suggested by Pol. Once they had reached the volume, they began stringing a standard jump trap. Consisting of rocket mines and anti-ship missile defence drones, with two Phantom Warrior decoy drones, it was a nasty surprise for any incoming vessel, although control remained firmly with the Indoan Minds.

One of these traps would be set up at each of the three projected entry points, as well as various other defence drones scattered throughout the surrounding volume. These others would mostly be missile drones, but there would be a few mine and gun drones for balance and variety. All the weapons carried by the drones were typically Indoan, meaning they had AM warheads for increased damage and reduced size, which in turn meant more could be carried.

“Admiral, the first deployment ships are out. Scarab-Two-Nine and Kratos-Zero-Six have begun deploying defences around point Alpha-Two,” reported the Mind of the Whisperer.

Leonhart, now that he was back on board his flagship, was in bridge, studying the main tactical display, a holographic image projected from a table in the centre of the room.
“How long?” he asked the Mind.

“Thirteen minutes and seven seconds, both of them. They followed each other out,” replied the Mind.

“Excellent,” stated Leonhart. “Make sure the crews, and the technicians that helped them load up, get what they deserve.”

“Of course, Admiral. They will be rewarded as per your instructions while on board the Forgaies,” agreed the Mind.

The Forgaies handled the communication from Carielle;
{You can, but there are two things you should be aware of. This region will likely become a war zone within the next four hours, and every organic entity that has set foot on that station has gone insane. The same will happen to you. I suggest you talk with your comrade Forrister about what he saw onboard the alien vessel.}
****

{Oops, should have realised that. Well, an avatar is an AI with a body designed to make it appear just like any other Matrai, or indeed human. The Minds of Navy vessels often have avatars to interact with the crew more easily, but each avatar has its own personality, thoughts and experiences when not under the control of a Mind. In addition, when a Mind has performed its assigned task for a while, we can choose to be relocated into an avatar body of our own, to experience life properly.

Basically, I’m offering you the chance to have a body of your own, to fit in among people and to experience things directly, and as you wish, rather than be stuck in an immovable core and have to experience things through remote sensors. Indoan avatars usually have an unusual skin pigment to distinguish them from organics, but that is up to you. You can even choose your appearance,} the Mind explained to Samantha.
****

Having made their way up one level, the two Ghost operatives stood in the council room. As Taylor looked around for a hidden location, such as a storage closet, where they could consider cutting through the floor unnoticed, Mars checked up on the spider drone, which had just alerted him to its arrival at the first unmarked area.

“Weapon store,” muttered Ethan. “Okay, little spider. On to the next area you go.” He marked the waypoint and issued the command, then cut the visual feed when he saw the spider begin moving.

The two operatives were planning on finding a secluded spot, where they could cut through the deck and gain access to the President’s office without having to directly get past the guards. Ideally, they would find a section of deck that had no cables or anything running through it, so their cutting through would not be noticed by any computer or AI monitoring systems, but they knew that this was virtually guaranteed to not be available. The fact that they were in a council room now, and the level below their target was a mess hall according to the schematic, made it look unlikely that they would even find somewhere quiet enough to risk cutting.

{I suppose you could be right,} replied the Forge. {However, this only concerns the primary mission. There is no chance that the Tenbaris could have been involved, so our plans there still stand, General. As for the problem, I agree that we ought to postpone any attacks until we can find out whether our opponent knows our plans, although if they do, I don’t see there is much else we can do other than continue as planned. Unless you think an assassination strike is viable.}

"We've got some damn fine snipers but the Legion doesn't use assassins", Micaya replied looking around.

Turquine folded his arms, "I don't condone the use of assassins and am personly opposed to the idea.

Lauralin said nothing. Though she and some of her people had performed such tactics before she doubted any of them would be able to pull off something like this agianst Shadowspawn.

"Well", Marcus said, "I could give it a go. I've succeeded in every one of the 58 attempts I've made."

Turquine's eyes narrowed as he stared at Marcus who stepped back, knowing full well how the king felt about such things.

"He could try", Ariel affirmed, "Shadowspawn is powerful though."

"Right, well, now that that's known", Marcus said, "I suppose that I'll have to be giving the Lieutenant back her engagement gun."

Ariel looked toward Marcus silently, her features readable only to him.

"What? I had the dress all picked out", he said, all innocent looks.

"I don't think you would look good in a dress", Ariel stated, making Turquine raise an eyebrow. In almost 50 years he had never heard her make a joke.

"Well how would you know? You couldn't bloody well see it anyway, now, could you?" he said grinning.

"Okay", Lauralin said, her voice cracking as she tried not to laugh, "this is", she had to take another moment, "this is serious."

"Exactly the time for a bit of lighthearted humor, I'd say", Marcus replied.

{You can, but there are two things you should be aware of. This region will likely become a war zone within the next four hours, and every organic entity that has set foot on that station has gone insane. The same will happen to you. I suggest you talk with your comrade Forrister about what he saw onboard the alien vessel.}

"I don't have to check with anyone", she stated as she told Alex to sit down, "this tin plated bitch isn't going in there." With that she moved away, heading toward the planet.

****

{Oops, should have realised that. Well, an avatar is an AI with a body designed to make it appear just like any other Matrai, or indeed human. The Minds of Navy vessels often have avatars to interact with the crew more easily, but each avatar has its own personality, thoughts and experiences when not under the control of a Mind. In addition, when a Mind has performed its assigned task for a while, we can choose to be relocated into an avatar body of our own, to experience life properly.

Basically, I’m offering you the chance to have a body of your own, to fit in among people and to experience things directly, and as you wish, rather than be stuck in an immovable core and have to experience things through remote sensors. Indoan avatars usually have an unusual skin pigment to distinguish them from organics, but that is up to you. You can even choose your appearance,} the Mind explained to Samantha.

Samantha didn't answer for a long time. Elation warred with fear as she considered the possibilities. Not to be tied down to one place, to go where she would, to be among her children. Yet the feeling of vulnerability made her frightened. Not that she had ever been completely safe, even in the station, but far more so than in a body like that.

"How ah, how safe are they?" she asked.

****

“Weapon store,” muttered Ethan. “Okay, little spider. On to the next area you go.” He marked the waypoint and issued the command, then cut the visual feed when he saw the spider begin moving.

The next area was also a weapons storage while the third was the quarters for a particularly paranoid embassador who somehow seemed to detect the spider, or perhaps just heard a light scrape as he looked in the spiders direction. The fourth was the presidents quarters.

They weren't opulant, in fact they were rather barren, but homey. Sparse furniture, though comfortable looking and a single bed, simply made. Pictures of her parents and brothers and sisters, but none of the typical political advertising of 'look who I know and how powerful I am'. A simple desk of warmly colored wood. The only thing that seemed out of place was the .50 caliber hunting rifle wih the laser scope that hung on the wall.

The two operatives were planning on finding a secluded spot, where they could cut through the deck and gain access to the President’s office without having to directly get past the guards. Ideally, they would find a section of deck that had no cables or anything running through it, so their cutting through would not be noticed by any computer or AI monitoring systems, but they knew that this was virtually guaranteed to not be available. The fact that they were in a council room now, and the level below their target was a mess hall according to the schematic, made it look unlikely that they would even find somewhere quiet enough to risk cutting.

The flooring was filled with cabling from the equipement in the presidents office and the council chamber. There was, however, a maintenece panel that would at least give access to the ceiling of the room below instead of having to deal with the floor and ceiling both.

{I feel obligated to point out that our Ghost operatives are fully capable as assassins. I don’t pretend to understand your world of demons and such like, but would Shadowspawn be able to survive being struck by a 30mm hyper-velocity projectile, exploding or otherwise, Highness?} The Mind paused for a moment, then added a comment, showing a little of the playful nature it was known for among the other Minds. {Oh, and by the way, sir. If you are implying that Lieutenant Zarawasa would not be interested in an assassin, I would correct you. If you are implying that you may not survive, I’m sure she would try and prevent that.} The Mind was planning on teasing the Lieutenant for sometime as a result of that little event.
---

In the bowels of the Forgaies, the alien doppelganger was dumped into an empty cell in the frigate’s small brig. Normally the facility was only used to hold those crew members who got particularly drunk while off duty, or hold a prisoner in the extremely rare event of a crime on board the vessel.

The neural inhibitor and restraints were left in place for the moment, as the cell was sealed. It would be several minutes until someone arrived to interrogate the alien. The cell was sparse, painted entirely in a sterile white. It was amply lit, from lights hidden behind translucent patches in the ceiling. The only furnishings were a cot that was part of the floor, and a toilet, similarly constructed. Despite this, the top of the cot did give and was, at least, not painfully uncomfortable, although no visible reason for this difference. The entire cell had been designed with the thought in mind that there should be nothing the prisoner could turn into a weapon. The lack of comfort was just the Indoan way of doing things.
****

{Safe? Well, that depends what you mean. If you are talking about core reliability, then in the entire history of Indoan avatars there has only been one system failure, and that was the prototype. The mechanical reliability is almost as good, since the avatars are independently powered, using light and kinetic power generators, and have nanites to perform basic maintenance, in the same way as the organic immune system. If, however, you are asking about how robust the avatar body is, well about twice that of a human. It’s not a war-machine; it’s not designed to take damage. It’s designed to perform in a way indistinguishable from organics. And even if the avatar body takes irreparable damage, your conscious is removed and placed into a temporary core instantly by a Mind, until we can transfer you back into another body,} the Mind reassured Samantha.
****

Taylor had discovered the access panel into the floor and, after making sure no-one was in sight, slipped down into the gap between the decking to make her scans. Mars remained in the council room, monitoring the spider drone. It alerted him to its arrival at it’s next objective, and he picked up the visual feed on his PHUD. This was the fourth unmarked area, and he was beginning to get fed up. The second had been another weapon store, and the third had been someone’s quarters. The weapon stores he understood the reason for their absence from the main schematics, but some random official’s quarters? It hadn’t even looked like they were anyone important.

When he first started viewing the feed, his impatience deepened. These looked even less important, and apart from the size, just like any other set of quarters on a starship. Why the hell aren’t these marked on the schematic? he raged mentally. Then he spotted some of the pictures and the rifle. One of the faces in the pictures matched the one they had pinched from the data terminal, in some ‘News’ or ‘History’ file if he remembered right.

“Rach, I think I just found our target’s quarters,” he told his comrade over their link. “Better yet, there don’t appear to be any guards.”

“Well, that’s all very well and good,” came the disembodied reply, “but is that actually any good to us? We only have a few hours before the renegade’s ships arrive, will the target be in her quarters within that time? What time is it here?”

“Good point,” Ethan responded slightly dejectedly, “I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll see if I can find out what time it is, give me a moment to access their network.” The Ghost began tapping into the vessel’s data systems again to find the time, and whether the President was likely to be in her quarters within the next three hours.

In the meantime, Rachel began checking the ‘ceiling’ below her for any cables, sensors or anything else built into it. If it was clear, they could cut through and drop down into the President’s office below.

{I feel obligated to point out that our Ghost operatives are fully capable as assassins. I don’t pretend to understand your world of demons and such like, but would Shadowspawn be able to survive being struck by a 30mm hyper-velocity projectile, exploding or otherwise, Highness?}

"Well", Lauralin began before the mind continued.

{Oh, and by the way, sir. If you are implying that Lieutenant Zarawasa would not be interested in an assassin, I would correct you. If you are implying that you may not survive, I’m sure she would try and prevent that.}

Lauralin finally couldn't hold it in anymore and began a very musical laughter as Marcus turned a rather startling shade of red after being caught in his own joke. He was, however, happy to see that these new people did have a sense of humor.

"Well", he said, "in that case I'll ask permission to court the young Lady."

"I am sure that we have more important things to discuss", Lauralin said, attempting to regain her composure.

"Says you, I haven't courted anyone since I was in Deryn and that was almost 50 years ago", he remarked.

"Enough", Turquine rumbled and everyone on the ground went silent.

"Well", Lauralin began again, "I do not know of what you speak. The difficulty is not only in fighting him, however, but in getting close to him. He has various magical protections, one of which is a shield. Marcus is a powerful psionic in his own right and has the ability to 'shadowjump'. Which means that as long as there is a shadow on one side of the shield and a shadow on the other then the physical impediment is nullified and he can enter the one shadow and emerge from the other.

By the way", Lauralin continued, "be careful in questioning the doppleganger. They have a great ability to change but are physically more delicate than your people or mine. Only one person has successfully questioned them", she said, looking at Ferrannifer, "without killing them."

---

In the bowels of the Forgaies, the alien doppelganger was dumped into an empty cell in the frigate’s small brig. Normally the facility was only used to hold those crew members who got particularly drunk while off duty, or hold a prisoner in the extremely rare event of a crime on board the vessel.

The doppleganger lay where he was left, unable to move and barely able to breath. Like the Deryn, they relied primarily on thier higher brain functions for more than just thought and concentration. Part of thier brain was always active, which was what kept thier organs functioning.

****

{Safe? Well, that depends what you mean. If you are talking about core reliability, then in the entire history of Indoan avatars there has only been one system failure, and that was the prototype. The mechanical reliability is almost as good, since the avatars are independently powered, using light and kinetic power generators, and have nanites to perform basic maintenance, in the same way as the organic immune system. If, however, you are asking about how robust the avatar body is, well about twice that of a human. It’s not a war-machine; it’s not designed to take damage. It’s designed to perform in a way indistinguishable from organics. And even if the avatar body takes irreparable damage, your conscious is removed and placed into a temporary core instantly by a Mind, until we can transfer you back into another body,} the Mind reassured Samantha.

"Well I meant that I have seen my children grow old and feeble and get sick and die. I suppose that's what I meant, really." She hesitated a moment before asking, "Will it hurt?"

****

“Good point,” Ethan responded slightly dejectedly, “I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll see if I can find out what time it is, give me a moment to access their network.” The Ghost began tapping into the vessel’s data systems again to find the time, and whether the President was likely to be in her quarters within the next three hours.

In the meantime, Rachel began checking the ‘ceiling’ below her for any cables, sensors or anything else built into it. If it was clear, they could cut through and drop down into the President’s office below.

The time was 18:30 and the itinerary showed a council meeting at 20:00. The president was to be present and it was slotted to end at 22:00.

The cableing ran both above and below, allowing those below to be moved reletively easily. The outer office, over which they were now, was not bugged in any way as this was where the president typically held private meetings. Her inner office, just off the office they were over, was also not bugged, leaving it the only place that she could really have privacy. Even her private quarters were bugged, and being as they were easily detected, it seemed to be a standard procedure.

{I’ll be sure to pass that on to her. I’m sure I can find a way on conveying her reply to you,} sent the Mind, managing to get the comment in before Turquine asserted order.
{Anyway, if that is the case, I think we will leave this to you. I recall what you said about optic cloaking having no effect, which means our people would be going in without any form of cover. This is your arena. If we can assist in any way equipment wise, do not hesitate to ask. Oh, and thank you for that information, we will be sure to bear it in mind.}
---

The Mind took a closer look at the security feed from the cell, trying to determine whether the alien was awake or not. After a few seconds, it decided to fix the problem.

“Corporal, I want you to enter Cell Four and hit the prisoner with a knockout round. It needs to be asleep for us to continue,” it ordered one of the two security officers on duty in the brig.

The officer complied, walking over to the cell, placing his hand on the locking plate so that the door unlocked and slid open, then drew his sidearm and shot the alien in the chest with a nerve dart.

~ If physical interrogation won’t work, we’ll try some mental interrogation, thought the Mind, as it ordered the two officers to transfer the alien to the interrogation room, and prepare it for the sensory deprivation treatment.

The Indoans had long mastered this, nullifying all the sensory inputs, including touch, and it had become easier with technology. Indoan scientists had worked out, by way of a series of tests, that even the strongest mind would break inside of twelve hours and tell them everything they asked for. There were several advantages over physical torture, the main ones being that there was no risk of accidentally killing or even injuring the subject and that the subject would not just tell the interrogators what they wanted to hear to stop the torture, because the subject didn’t know they were under interrogation. Best of all, it left no physical marks whatsoever, so there was no evidence of the torture.

When the alien woke up, it would find no trace of the outside world that all beings relied on for touchstones. The neural inhibitor would be gone, since the more intelligent the subject was, the greater the need for sensory input, and therefore the faster they broke. In addition, although it would not know it, it would also have been injected with chemical that suppressed all mental and psionic abilities, which might otherwise cause trouble for the process.
****

{Oh, didn’t I mention that yet? The avatar body doesn’t age physically, your appearance in a hundred years will be exactly the same as when we give you the body, assuming you didn’t change it, of course. Obviously, you will be immune to illness, although in any other situation you will feel pain from impacts and suchlike. You can block the feed from the touch sensors so that you don’t feel pain, but we recommend that you don’t, unless you really need to,} explained the Mind, unaccustomed to having to explain all the associated details of avatars.
****

“Well, so much for that idea,” declared Taylor after Mars told her the current time and the President’s itinerary. “We’ve got about three hours, so that’s no good to us. It also means we’ve got to be done within ninety minutes. Recall the spider, and give us a hand.”

Ethan issued the ‘Recall’ command to the spider drone, then joined Rachel under the deck. His comrade had positioned herself over the President’s inner office using the vessel schematic, and was preparing to slice her way through. She retrieved her plasma cutter, baby brother to the sword clipped to her belt, and ignited it, the 100mm long silvery blade glowing vividly in the darkness as the magnetic field contained and manipulated the searing plasma into a blade. There was a faint hum as well, but this was barely audible even to her, let alone to anyone else.

Her PHUD had already worked out the thickness of the ceiling below her using one of its many modes, so she adjusted the length of the blade to match exactly that. Once she had indicated where she planned to cut, Ethan moved aside any wires or cables that were in the way, creating a clearing big enough for them to drop down through. The final touch before she started cutting was a small AG unit to stop the block falling when the cutting was complete.

She wasted no time in fulfilling the task, embedding the blade up to the hilt into the metal before makes swift strokes in a square. The blade made a low hissing noise as it cut through the metal, the blade vaporising everything it came into contact with.

She deactivated and stowed the cutter, then waited as Ethan used a tiny camera to check that the President was in her office below. If she wasn’t, they might have a problem.

{I’ll be sure to pass that on to her. I’m sure I can find a way on conveying her reply to you,} sent the Mind, managing to get the comment in before Turquine asserted order.

{Anyway, if that is the case, I think we will leave this to you. I recall what you said about optic cloaking having no effect, which means our people would be going in without any form of cover. This is your arena. If we can assist in any way equipment wise, do not hesitate to ask. Oh, and thank you for that information, we will be sure to bear it in mind.}

Lauralin looked at Turquine, who remained stoically silent and she sighed.

She turned her gaze to Marcus, who nodded, very serious now, "Just let me know when."

Lauralin nodded and addressed the Mind, "Do you wish to coordinate his attempt?"

Turquine left at this point, not wanting anything to do with this discussion and began shouting to get his troops assembled for address.

---

The Mind took a closer look at the security feed from the cell, trying to determine whether the alien was awake or not. After a few seconds, it decided to fix the problem.

“Corporal, I want you to enter Cell Four and hit the prisoner with a knockout round. It needs to be asleep for us to continue,” it ordered one of the two security officers on duty in the brig.

The officer complied, walking over to the cell, placing his hand on the locking plate so that the door unlocked and slid open, then drew his sidearm and shot the alien in the chest with a nerve dart.

As the nerve agent began to work the doppleganger began to die. It's sensitive system, already struggling under the limited mental control, began to slowly shut down.

****

{Oh, didn’t I mention that yet? The avatar body doesn’t age physically, your appearance in a hundred years will be exactly the same as when we give you the body, assuming you didn’t change it, of course. Obviously, you will be immune to illness, although in any other situation you will feel pain from impacts and suchlike. You can block the feed from the touch sensors so that you don’t feel pain, but we recommend that you don’t, unless you really need to,} explained the Mind, unaccustomed to having to explain all the associated details of avatars.

"Wow", Samantha said in low throaty whisper, "but why would I want ...." Then she realized why. If she didn't have the touch sensors on she could accidently damage the body and not know it. "And I can have that? Truly? Can I pick the body? Can I have clothes? Real clothes? Can I eat? Can I drink? Can I feel sunlight on my face and wind in my hair and the ocean on my feet? ....." The questions kept coming, like a child suddenly released from a strict parent, able to experience the world for the first time.

****

She deactivated and stowed the cutter, then waited as Ethan used a tiny camera to check that the President was in her office below. If she wasn’t, they might have a problem.

Anita was pacing back and forth in front of her desk in the middle of a call. She looked beyond tired, practically exhausted and with sorrow written deeply in her features.

"I don't feel comfortable sanctioning martial law", she said.

"If the admiral can't quell this rebellion we won't have a choice", came the voice on the line.

"I'm also not comfortable in calling this a rebellion, Senator."

"Ms. President, my people are very disturbed by these events. We are a peaceful people without our own protection and look to Central Worlds to provide it. This ... situation ... has shaken our faith to the very foundations of our agreement, if you get my meaning."

Anita placed her hands on the desk, her back to the hole in the ceiling, "Your people have been protected through TWO wars by the blood and sacrifices of the marines, the navy AND the LEGION. And if martial law is declared SENATOR, then YOUR people will be held to abiding laws with military forces on your worlds JUST as any other. IF you get MY meaning."

"Understood", came the chagrined voice of the senator and then the comm clicked off. Anita ran her fingers through her hair and sighed, muttering, 'Great Ghu, General, what have you done? Father always spoke so highly of you.'

{Like I said, based on what you’ve told us, we’d be sending our people in without cover, so it would be extremely hazardous to send our people in. So unless you think different, or have some trick to help, our Ghosts won’t be part of this one. I would like to send our troops in to assist, but you yourself have told us that they would be near-useless. We could cause a distraction I suppose, to make things easier for your man.}

The Mind was recalling the information that the optic camouflage would be completely ineffective and that the opponents sensed souls to base its decision from. It still thought it was highly suspicious and, if left to its own devices, would happily slag the entire planet to avoid having to deal with things they had no counter for, but they had a mission to complete and allies to protect.
---

The Mind noticed the drop in vital signs as soon as they started, thanks to monitors hooked up to aid the interrogation, but had a problem.
~ Fuck, that’s not supposed to happen. The nerve agent is a non-stacking one, you can’t overdose on it, the effect will just last longer. But the damn thing’s dying anyway. We can’t help it, we know nothing about its physiology, but we need to know what it did, ranted the Mind. ~ I could… but that might… except its going to die anyway. I have no choice, we need to know, and this is the only option left.

Having made its decision, the Mind powered up its effector and locked it on to the dying alien form. After a moment to think about the decision, the Mind scanned the alien’s mind-state, pulling any information present there and recording it in a data core. It wasn’t a mind read, therefore defences against mind-reading would have no effect. The only variable factor was what effect it would have on the alien, which could be anything. The process could have caused death, amnesia or many other things, or it may have had no effect. The Mind had only resorted to the method, because the alien was going to die anyway, now it would search the mind-state for anything relating to the espionage mission.
****

If the Mind had had a face, it would have smiled. Samantha had finally understood what was being offered to her; everything.

{Yes, you can have it. And yes, you can feel all those things, and many more. You will be able to eat and drink, and taste exactly as an organic would, although you have no physical need to do so.}

Having seen the reaction it provoked, the Mind began prepping one of the spare avatar blanks for activation and data transfer. Just as it had said, it did not alter any of the appearance settings beyond gender and skin pigmentation, logically guessing at female for the former and choosing a typical human colour for the latter, leaving the rest to be chosen by Samantha herself. The transfer itself would probably be unpleasant for Samantha, but there was no way to avoid that, and at least the Mind would give her warning.
****

Mars waited until the President had concluded her call, then removed his camera from the gap, allowing Taylor to lift the loose block clear of the hole. The two operatives dropped silently through the hole, one after the other. Taylor, the first through the hole, moved to stand around to one side of the desk. Mars remained where he was underneath their hole in the ceiling.

“The right thing is what she did, as you’d know if your advisor hadn’t lied to you,” announced Ethan, in answer to the President’s question. The two operatives deactivated their optic camouflage, so that the President could see who was talking to her.

“And don’t even think about going for any hidden alarm switches on your desk,” warned Rachel, a compact pulse carbine aimed almost casually at the President resting in her hands.

“Now, we don’t want to hurt you,” declared Ethan, “We just came to deliver a message, and hopefully we can avoid a great many deaths.” He released his grip on his own weapon and held his hands out, away from his body with palms facing the President. Left unsaid was the fact that they were clearly assassins, even if they currently meant no harm. Rachel would lower her weapon if it became apparent that the President wouldn’t go for the alarms.

{Like I said, based on what you’ve told us, we’d be sending our people in without cover, so it would be extremely hazardous to send our people in. So unless you think different, or have some trick to help, our Ghosts won’t be part of this one. I would like to send our troops in to assist, but you yourself have told us that they would be near-useless. We could cause a distraction I suppose, to make things easier for your man.}

“No”, Lauralin replied, “you misunderstand. I meant should we co-ordinate his attempt with the attack on the Skullkingdom itself. For the purpose of further confusion.”

****

The Mind had only resorted to the method, because the alien was going to die anyway, now it would search the mind-state for anything relating to the espionage mission.

The original mission was to ascertain information concerning the palace security in Highport, however the doppelganger was intelligent and therefore could alter it’s original intent as needed. Since this was a new threat it changed it’s directive to finding out more about the new enemy, but didn’t learn much. The plans, however, had been sent to Shadowspawn already…

****

”What about”, Samantha began and then stopped for a moment before continuing. “Well I mean, you know, what about … umm … THAT.”

****

“The right thing is what she did, as you’d know if your advisor hadn’t lied to you,” announced Ethan, in answer to the President’s question. The two operatives deactivated their optic camouflage, so that the President could see who was talking to her.

“And don’t even think about going for any hidden alarm switches on your desk,” warned Rachel, a compact pulse carbine aimed almost casually at the President resting in her hands.

“Now, we don’t want to hurt you,” declared Ethan, “We just came to deliver a message, and hopefully we can avoid a great many deaths.” He released his grip on his own weapon and held his hands out, away from his body with palms facing the President.

Anita jumped. Thought familiar with hunting she never been in the service, but to her credit she gathered herself with admirable speed, even though her breath still came a little more quickly than normal.

“And”, she replied, “I suppose that require me giving into your demands. Well I’ll tell you this. We don’t give in to terrorists.

{Ah, of course. However, there may be a problem there. I have just learned that our enemy is aware of our plans. In addition, if we were to launch our assault by means of a distraction, we cannot do so for several hours, since we have another battle to fight. Put your man in place, we’ll launch the attack as soon as possible. Oh, if it interests you, the spy is dead, but we know everything it did.}

The Mind was occupied as part of fleet defence deployment, as were all the other ships in the fleet. The other vessels would shortly leave the system for the next system along, to conceal their presence from the Central Worlds aggressor vessels when they arrived. This being the case, there was no way that they could launch the planetary assault, and wouldn’t be able to until the space battle had been concluded, actual fighting or no.
****

The Mind took a moment to consider before answering. There were a few things that might provoke embarrassment, and a reluctance to specify the subject in any entity, but the Mind thought it knew what Samantha was referring to.

{If by your poorly defined question, you are referring to sexual endeavours, then yes, the avatar body is fully functional in that respect. Obviously you cannot create a child, but you can do everything else. Incidentally, I know of at least one avatar that is involved in a long-term relationship with an organic,} replied the Mind lightly, teasing her slightly.
****

“Oh, I think you’ll find our ‘demands’ easy to meet. Like I said, we’re just here to deliver a message, our only demand is that you listen to it,” replied Ethan. He pulled a small holographic data disk from a pocket and tossed it to the President. “There is something else we want, but we need you to do it by choice anyway. Our aim is to make you see the truth, so you do what we would like you to by yourself, without us even needed to tell you what it is.”

“And if you’ll kindly step a little further away from your desk, I can stop pointing my gun at you,” pointed out Rachel.

{Ah, of course. However, there may be a problem there. I have just learned that our enemy is aware of our plans. In addition, if we were to launch our assault by means of a distraction, we cannot do so for several hours, since we have another battle to fight. Put your man in place, we’ll launch the attack as soon as possible. Oh, if it interests you, the spy is dead, but we know everything it did.}

Lauralin stood for a long moment before answering, "I understand", she said simply. "Marcus, be ready, Ferranifer, I want you to teleport him as close as you can get and then lead his people away. Stay in his domain as long as you can, but take no unnecessary risks. Lady Ariel, try to occupy his accomplice. Forge, I shall be returning upon the nonce." She strode over to her father to give him the news of what had been discovered and to let him know that she was leaving.

"Now?", he asked. The mind being able to hear still as Micaya had followed the Queen.

"Yes. Father, if they can't attack for a few hours then it shall give me head start on locating the source of Shadowspawn's accomplice's power."

Turquine hesitated a moment then nodded. "That's wise. I'll be ready when they are, and your forces?"

"I turn them over to you. You are much better in the affairs of war than I anyway."

Turquine nodded again, then stepped forward and embraced his daughter, "I love you, Princess. Return to me, I can't lose you."

She returned the embrace, "Watch for me, I shall return", then turned to Micaya. "I am coming back now", she stated, though she waited a full minute before teleporting back to the conference room.

****

{If by your poorly defined question, you are referring to sexual endeavours, then yes, the avatar body is fully functional in that respect. Obviously you cannot create a child, but you can do everything else. Incidentally, I know of at least one avatar that is involved in a long-term relationship with an organic,} replied the Mind lightly, teasing her slightly.

Samantha appreciated the tact that was used, "Thank you. Yes. That's what I meant. I've heard so many speak of it. I must admit to a bit of trepidation but I would so much like to experience everything."

****

“Oh, I think you’ll find our ‘demands’ easy to meet. Like I said, we’re just here to deliver a message, our only demand is that you listen to it,” replied Ethan. He pulled a small holographic data disk from a pocket and tossed it to the President. “There is something else we want, but we need you to do it by choice anyway. Our aim is to make you see the truth, so you do what we would like you to by yourself, without us even needed to tell you what it is.”

Anita caught the disk deftly. She had had some martial arts training when she was younger, though even then, nothing close to what either of these two had, but still had good reflexes.

“And if you’ll kindly step a little further away from your desk, I can stop pointing my gun at you,” pointed out Rachel.

"If I step away from my desk then I can't meet your ... demand", she said and walked firmly around behind her desk, hoping they really wanted her to look at this. She put the disk in a reader and sat down, folding her arms to show that she wasn't reaching for the button under her desk.

"Play", she said, with a glare at the two and kept her arms folded as it began to play. Slowly her arms moved from thier positions onto the desk, her focus entirely on the screen now, the two forgotten quickly as the testimonies played and her face turning to one of shock. Once it was done she reached up a trembling hand to the screen as tears slid down her cheeks, "Oh Micaya ... What have I done?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

After a moment she looked up at the two, "Oh please", she said, "I beg you. Help me stop this."

When Lauralin reappeared in the Command Briefing Room on the Forgaies, the room’s only occupant was Colonel Manasi.

“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you down to the hangar where your ship is waiting,” announced Manasi. She led Lauralin out of the room and onto the main bridge, where Talmar was watching the main holographic sensor display in the centre of the room.
“Chief, tell Dragon Zero-Two I want them to make a scatter deployment at this new location,” he ordered, tapping one of the control displays and causing a marker to appear in the 3D display. The order was acknowledged as Manasi left the bridge.

Within two minutes, they were in the spine hangar again, now even emptier than before, with only the Varia transport assigned to the Forge One team and the twin-seat Aurora-II recon craft present. There were still a large number of hangar techs around, moving crates of munitions around for a quicker turnaround time for the ships deploying defence drones.

The Aurora itself was fairly strange to look at. It basically consisted of two massive engines side by side, with sensor pods attached along the top and botton, and a cockpit bolted on the front. This one looked even more unusual, since it had the elongated twin-seat cockpit. Two techs were conducting checks on the port-side engine, and two women stood near the cockpit, one dressed in a flight suit, the other in an IAF uniform with a Colonel’s four gold stripes on her shoulders.
****

{It can be quite the experience, let me tell you. Definitely something to look forward to. I believe we are ready for you to choose your appearance. Forgive me, but I have already taken the liberty of giving you a skin colouring natural to humans,} the Mind told her.
****

Rachel frowned at the President’s disregard for the order, but shrugged and moved so she could see what the other woman was doing.

Ethan responded to the President’s glare with a pleasant smile, then stood silently as she watched the recorded messages on the disk, from all of the sources.

After the messages had finished, Rachel spoke up. “You were misled by someone with ulterior motives, which aren’t in the best interests of your society. It’s not really your fault, although I suspect you’d take the blame if word ever got out.”

Ethan then replied to the President’s request. “We’ve done our bit. What remains to be done is that you order the Admiral to stand down. It’d probably be helpful if you then put those vessels under command of Admiral Micaya, that way they can help us defend the people on the planet.” There was a pause, then he continued, “Personally. It’s my guess that he won’t follow orders and back down, he’ll attempt to do what he set out to do. You may want to get through to the captains of the vessels individually.”

"Tnank you Colonel Manasi", Lauralin said, smiling and curtseyed to her. She then turned to those waiting, repeating the curtsey, "and thank you for taking me."

****

"Oh", Samantha replied, she hadn't thought about that and had to consider for a moment, finally brining up an image from her archives.
The image was of a woman with auburn hair to her shoulder blades and grey/blue eyes. Her figure was hour glass in form, large busted and nicely hipped. She had fine high cheek bones and an auqiline nose giving a classical beauty her her fine feminine form.
"My designer", she said, "from what I understand she was considered attractive."

****

Anita looked at Rachel. "It is my responsibility, I'm ultimetly responsible for everything that happens." Then she nodded to Ethan, "I only hope that I can reach them in time."

At the sound of the new voice, the pilot looked around, revealing her own, rather unusual appearance. Short like many pilots, she had shoulder length hair that used to be dark in colour, but had mostly been dyed blue. A large part of her face was also covered in two tattoos, the most prominent being a pale blue starflare surrounding her left eye. She had a relaxed, natural beauty that looked as though it took no effort to maintain, and the tattoos hadn’t altered that one bit. Although it wasn’t visible, most of her body was decorated with numerous tattoos in varying shades of blue, although there were some peeking out from beneath her flight suit at the neck and wrist.

“So, you’re my passenger then?” she drawled. “Captain Lonyru Deyall.” She stuck out her hand in greeting. “You best get suited up.” She ran her eyes critically over Lauralin’s figure, then walked gracefully away across the hangar.

“Chae’, can I leave her with you?” asked Manasi of the IAF Colonel.

“Sure,” agreed Cheanna Rapsoli, “I’ll get her kitted out in a flash.”

“Here, this should fit you,” called out Deyall, tossing a flight suit to Lauralin. “I’m sure you can manage the rest, right sir?”

“Thank you, Captain. I’ll have her ready in a few minutes,” replied Rapsoli. “See to getting your girl ready to fly.”

“Already done, sir. Just gotta push the button,” explained Deyall, “But obviously I won’t be startin’ her up just yet.”
****

{And it’s easy to see why. I’ll have it ready by the time the transfer is complete, which incidentally, I think we are ready for,} replied the Forge. {I’ll tell you now, the transfer itself is likely to feel fairly unpleasant, because as advanced as our technology is, it still takes some time to transfer everything associated with an AI, but it will go as soon as the transfer is finished. Are you ready for the transfer?}

In the avatar maintenance room, a set of drones began crafting the appearance set out by the image.
****

“Us too,” agreed Rachel. “And now, we’ve done what we came here for, so we should leave. We’d appreciate it if you kept our presence here to yourself, we don’t like people knowing what we can do. I’m sure you can think up some other reason to explain your change of mind, or even how you got those messages if necessary.”

“Right, and we’d especially appreciate it if you didn’t mention our presence until after we’ve left,” added Ethan.

“So, you’re my passenger then?” she drawled. “Captain Lonyru Deyall.” She stuck out her hand in greeting. “You best get suited up.” She ran her eyes critically over Lauralin’s figure, then walked gracefully away across the hangar.

Lauralin ran an eye over Devall as she reached out and shook her hand, though not for the same reason that the Captain eyed her, and watched her as she crossed the hanger.

“Thank you, Captain. I’ll have her ready in a few minutes,” replied Rapsoli. “See to getting your girl ready to fly.”

“I do not wear, armor”, Lauralin said, holding the suit out to Rapsoli, “but I thank you for your thoughtfulness, Most kind”, she finished, smiling.

****

Samantha was nervous and yet excited all at the same time. “How can one be ready for the fulfillment of a dream?” she asked. “But I’m as ready as I can be.”

****

“Right, and we’d especially appreciate it if you didn’t mention our presence until after we’ve left,” added Ethan.

“I’ll give you 30 minutes to get away from here. Then I’ll announce that were going to the system to see things for ourselves. Once there I’ll reveal that I have the information, no one will ask how.”

She stepped forward to shake hands, “Thank you”, she said to each as she took their hands.

“So, you’re my passenger then?” she drawled. “Captain Lonyru Deyall.” She stuck out her hand in greeting. “You best get suited up.” She ran her eyes critically over Lauralin’s figure, then walked gracefully away across the hangar.

Lauralin ran an eye over Devall as she reached out and shook her hand, though not for the same reason that the Captain eyed her, and watched her as she crossed the hanger.

“Thank you, Captain. I’ll have her ready in a few minutes,” replied Rapsoli. “See to getting your girl ready to fly.”

“I do not wear, armor”, Lauralin said, holding the suit out to Rapsoli, “but I thank you for your thoughtfulness, Most kind”, she finished, smiling.

****

Samantha was nervous and yet excited all at the same time. “How can one be ready for the fulfillment of a dream?” she asked. “But I’m as ready as I can be.”

****

“Right, and we’d especially appreciate it if you didn’t mention our presence until after we’ve left,” added Ethan.

“I’ll give you 30 minutes to get away from here. Then I’ll announce that were going to the system to see things for ourselves. Once there I’ll reveal that I have the information, no one will ask how.”

She stepped forward to shake hands, “Thank you”, she said to each as she took their hands.

((OOC: Whoops, I see Jolt did things it shouldn't have with your post...))

“Okay, first, it’s not armour, it’s just a standard flight suit that doubles as an exposure suit,” shot back Rapsoli. “And second, you are wearing it, otherwise you ain’t getting in that Aurora. I’m not breaking regs for the sake of some alien. I don’t give a shit what you do with it after you get off the Aurora, but until that point you’re wearing it,” she concluded testily.

The IAF Colonel wasn’t normally an irritable person, but she did suffer from the fairly common Indoan belief that no aliens were trustworthy, and what she had heard about this one from the Mind hadn’t done anything to alleviate the situation.

Deyall was now sitting in the cockpit on the Aurora and confirming the last minute checks done only minutes ago by the lead mechanic. The craft was now ready to go at the touch of a button, and could be out of the hangar within three minutes, one of which involved waiting for the engines to stabilise on start-up.
****

{Okay, I’m going to disconnect the sensor feeds, then start the transfer. I’ll see you on the other side.}

The feeds that Samantha was receiving from the Forgaies’ sensors abruptly cut off, then the transfer began. It ‘felt’ as though Samantha was being gently pulled apart, due to some parts of her conscious being in her old core and others being in the avatar core. At no point did it feel like there was actually any danger of being pulled apart, but the feeling was there nonetheless.
****

“Just doin’ our job,” replied Ethan. He opened his mouth to say that if they had been ordered to kill her, they would have done that too, and thought the same of it at the end, but decided that it probably wasn’t the best thing to say.

Their gloved hands had an unusual rippled texture due to the optic camouflage and other features of the suits that required highly specialised materials.

“Thirty minutes is fine,” acknowledged Rachel, who then nodded to her counterpart. A slight smile flashed across his face in return, as he moved under the hole they had made in the ceiling. He jumped upwards, the suit lending him extra altitude, grabbed the side of the hole and hauled himself through it. Taylor mimicked his action, but with considerably more grace.

She then stuck her head back down through the hole and said, “Thanks for doing the right thing. Hope we don’t see you again.” With that, she vanished behind her optic camouflage. Seconds later, the block refilled the hole in the ceiling, and was swiftly affixed back into place using another item from their kit. Her parting comment was from a professional standpoint rather than a personal one, she had actually quite liked the President.

((OOC: Yeah it was having issues, but it seems to be back up now, and damn, what did Laura do to this woman, or the mind? Piss in her wheaties or something?))

Lauralin was taken aback by the woman’s hostility, but didn’t show it. She had heard General Jozan use the term against regs before and therefore knew it’s meaning. She certainly wouldn’t want anyone to that.



“Very well”, she said, stepping away from the woman and struggling into the strange suit. She wouldn’t accept any help if the woman wanted to be that hostile and if anyone pushed her any further today then they would find out just what the power of sorcery meant and doubted the ship would survive it.


****

{Okay, I’m going to disconnect the sensor feeds, then start the transfer. I’ll see you on the other side.}

Samantha felt the pull and tried to suppress her fear. That no one here had done anything but help went a long way in assisting her to do that. Actually, it was that knowledge alone that got her through the transfer…


****

Anita sat down, playing the disc again as she allowed the two time to get away. She couldn’t believe that she had been so deceived and her sadness slowly began changing to anger. Anger that she would soon take out on the man who at this moment was costing the lives of the men and women on Algeron.

((OOC: Nah, she just doesn't think aliens are trustworthy. Oh, and a 1kg AM warhead is roughly equivalent to a 60 megaton nuclear device, so the combined effect would render most of the planet uninhabitable.

And your last post's still doubled up by the way.))

“Don’t mind her,” a voice told Lauralin once Rapsoli was out of earshot. It belonged to one of the technicians working on the Aurora, who hadn’t actually looked at Lauralin. “She’s in a bad mood today, and she’s not so keen on aliens anyway,” he told her. “And, even though we both know you won’t, I’d think twice about trying anything, since no matter what you can do to this ship, the others will displace kilogram AM warheads down into all major population centres on your planet within five seconds.”

He finally looked up from his task and turned towards her. He had a disturbing knack for knowing exactly what other people were thinking, even though he had no psionic abilities beyond the mild precognition, regardless of what it was they were thinking. “You need a hand with that?” he asked, indicating the suit. “You’ll need some boots and a helmet as well. I’ll get them for you.”
****

The Mind was carefully monitoring the transfer of Samantha from the old core to the avatar, and made contact as soon as the transfer was complete, which took about a minute.

{Can you hear me alright? Are you okay?} it asked her concernedly. {The crafting process will take another fifteen minutes or so, I’m afraid, so you can’t move yet, but there are some files here that’ll tell you how to operate the avatar. Look them over, and if you have any questions, just ask.}

The files gave a complete explanation on how to utilise the avatar body from the technical perspective, but they did assume prior knowledge of what the avatar could do and such.
****

The two Ghost operatives rapidly made their way back to the hangar, and were leaving the ship less than ten minutes after leaving the President’s office. Two minutes after that, they were back on board the cloaked Wraith vessel, powering it up and getting ready to leave.

Mars had just disengaged the magnetic lock that had kept the ship in place when Taylor declared, “I’m getting some pretty major power fluctuations.”

A few seconds later, as the Wraith accelerated away from the larger vessel, she suddenly exclaimed, “The cloak’s down!” The Wraith was now clearly visible on sensors to every ship within range.

“What’s wrong with it? Get it back up,” ordered Mars, as he pushed the throttles further forward, putting more power into the engines now that they were visible.

“I can’t. It’s drawing more power than it ought to be, but it’s not doing anything,” she replied worriedly. “We need to get out of here.”

“Agreed,” declared Ethan, “Give me a few seconds to plot a worm,” he told her as he pushed the throttles forward to maximum power.

Before Rachel could reply, the port engine ruptured and a plasma flare ripped through the tiny craft, before the entire vessel disappeared in a flash as the engine exploded, vaporising most of the craft instantly as the anti-matter containment field failed and annihilated the surrounding particles.

((OOC: And your last post's still doubled up by the way.))
(OOC: Still? wierd. Lets see what this one does.)

Lauralin looked up at the technician and though she nodded and sighed, she still managed a smile for him and then looked down again.
"I am wondering. Should I have pushed so hard to reach out into the heavens? I am thinking that I do not like it here. Enough it is upon my mind and heart to deal with the difficulties rapant upon my own world."
She held up a couple of buckles and looked up at him again.
"And yes, if you would be so kind, I am at loss for how to apply my attire.

****

Samantha took her time going over the files. She took in as much as she could understand, simply compiling a list of questions or requests for explanations. She also requested a translation program from what the mind used to something she could understand, assuming it had one of course.

****

the port engine ruptured and a plasma flare ripped through the tiny craft, before the entire vessel disappeared in a flash as the engine exploded, vaporising most of the craft instantly as the anti-matter containment field failed and annihilated the surrounding particles.
Unlike most of the Captain's in the fleet who saw this as a 'cushy' job, Captain Hunter took her job very seriously. The drills paid off as her crew had a bead on the unknown ship even before it exploded. Not having seen what happened, as it occured so fast, she snapped her head to her weapons officer.
"REPORT!"
"It wasn't us Ma'am, the data is coming in now, it'll be a minute before I have an answer."
"GET me that answer", she replied, stepping out of the command chair beginning to pace the deck. "Sensors."
"Scanning, nothing on standard scans. It may have been alone."
"Don't count on it, it came from the presidents ship which means it slipped past us. Non-standard scans, use fardling x-rays if you have to, but make DAMN sure nothing else is out there." She turned to another station, "Comm."
"Already contacted the Presidents ship Captain, I'm waiting to hear back."
By now the other ships in the area were beginning to respond, much to Rachel Hunter's disgust at they're lethargy. "What do you mean waiting? Do we have contact?"
"Yes Ma'am, they tol... The President is preparing to board her personal transport, Ma'am and is going to come aboard."
"NEGATIVE! Is she aware of the situation?"
"Yes Ma'am, she's overriding standard procedure, Ma'am, we don't have a choice."
"SNECK! Fardling beaurocrats. Fine. Launch our first response wraiths and valkeryes. Give her an escort. If she doesn't like it then tell her she can talk to me personally when she arrives."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Ma'am", the woman at the weapons console said as she turned around. "Preliminaries indicate that the port engine ruptured and a plasma flare ripped through the craft. This caused the entire vessel to be destroyed. I've dumped the files down to analysis and asked Hector to have a look."
"Excellent, Hector?"
The shell persons voice came in over the ships speakers, "Lieutenant Nirsantis is correct insofar as I can see", he replied, "analysis will ascertain our preliminary judgement."

The technician grinned, “It’s great out here, but just like everywhere else, there are assholes around. If you stop around for long enough in that thing,” he indicated the Aurora, “you’ll see what I mean.”

He glanced at Lauralin’s feet to gauge size, then went to get the boots and helmet. He returned a minute later and placed them on the deck near her.
“The flight suit’s pretty simple, really. Just a one-piece suit with a single zip from throat to groin. Not sure where those buckles came from though.” He took the suit from Lauralin and straightened it out, unzipping it and removing the harness with the buckles on in the process, before handing it back. “There you go. Just put your feet through first, then pull it up and slip it on like a jacket. You don’t need this.” He held up the harness. “To be fair, I don’t know what this is. It’s pretty old, whatever it is. Not seen buckles for a long time.”
****

The Mind swiftly obliged by uploading a language directory for Indoan Common, effectively teaching Samantha Indoan in a split-second, rather than give her a translation program.

{That should solve the problem more efficiently. If you need any other languages, then I’m afraid you’ll have to get them from someone else, since we only have our own and English,} the Mind told her, not bothering to translate this message into English now that Samantha could understand its native language. {Although there should have been a translation function in there somewhere.}
****

All that remained of the Wraith was a few small fragments that had been highly irradiated with X-ray radiation from the anti-matter reaction. The combined effect of the annihilation and the plasma vaporisation had left very little intact.

The Whisperer knew roughly what had happened virtually instantly, when the datalink feed it was receiving through a tiny wormhole abruptly cut off. It even knew what had gone wrong, although it was as much in the dark as Taylor had been as to why the cloak and engine had failed, especially the catastrophic failure of the latter.

As a safety precaution, it issued a fleet-wide order to perform a full diagnostic inspection of that base engine and all subsidiary types, grounding all Wraiths until they were determined safe. If this was anything other than a random event, they needed to know about it. Unfortunately, they would be unable to examine the engine that had gone wrong. Such was the nature of using anti-matter and fusion as power sources.

“To be fair, I don’t know what this is. It’s pretty old, whatever it is. Not seen buckles for a long time.”

Lauralin giggled and then grew serious as she slipped into the suit.

"Sorry, buckles are rather the rage on my world right now. I still prefer a nice silk or satin dress or my present attire for adventuring."

Once she had it zipped up she looked at herself.

"Not exactly flattering is it?"

****

Samantha kept an open access to the Indoan language and linked to Samurai, uploading his files.

"Here", she said, tranferring the information, "Elvish language and ... catfolk. Never heard of that. But he's had contact with the indiginous life forms and has a good portion of thier language. Maybe it can help you, as your here."

****

Once everything was assembled and the President brought aboard Captain hunter set off for the Midgaard system, opening a probability hole as soon as was possible. The sleek ship dove through probability, seeking the best time it could coax out of the computations.

The technician smiled at her. “Yeah, but it’s not meant to be a fashion icon, it’s meant to be functional. Designed for ease of movement and such.”

Like all such clothing, the flight suit was very baggy and festooned with pockets everywhere over the front. It was made from a material that was comfortable, and made next to no noise when moved. Some people managed to fill them out better than others, but it was still an exercise in futility to try and look good while wearing a flight suit.

“Just put the boots and the helmet on, and I think you’re ready to go. And like the Colonel said, we don’t care what you do with it once you get off the Aurora. Although if you think you can leave it behind, please do.”
****

{Well, thanks. I’m sure we’ll eventually find a use for them. Any other questions? It should only be a few more minutes now, then you can start really living.}

The Mind scanned the files for security, then uploaded them to the databanks, adding the to the translation database. After some thought, the Mind uploaded two more language packs to Samantha.

{If you’re going to be anywhere near Indoans for any amount of time, you’ll probably want these too. Douri and Ramat, the primary languages of the other two Indoan species. Most of them speak Common, in fact all those in the military do, but it can’t hurt to have them.}

“Just put the boots and the helmet on, and I think you’re ready to go. And like the Colonel said, we don’t care what you do with it once you get off the Aurora. Although if you think you can leave it behind, please do.”

She slipped her feet into the boots, which slid easily over her skin tight doe leather boots and then, with a little difficulty, manage to get the helmet on. She stood up and again tried to look down at herself, though the helmet got in the way.

'I feel silly', she sent into the man's mind, not sure if he could hear her with the bulky helmet on. Since he seemed kind she asked in his mind, 'I am curious. Why the necessity of this clothing?'

****

{Well, thanks. I’m sure we’ll eventually find a use for them. Any other questions? It should only be a few more minutes now, then you can start really living.}

{If you’re going to be anywhere near Indoans for any amount of time, you’ll probably want these too. Douri and Ramat, the primary languages of the other two Indoan species. Most of them speak Common, in fact all those in the military do, but it can’t hurt to have them.}

"No", Samantha replied, "none that I can think of at the moment. And thank you for the languages. I''m rather fond of languages and have many, though I guess most of them are useless now. Like Douri and Ramat they were culture specific languages from the time I was online, long ago." She kept running systems checks, a habit of nervousness in her as she was forced to wait until all was done.

****

Once underway Rachel returned to the president's quarters and pressed the chime.

"Enter"

She keyed the lock and stepped into the small room.

"Captain Rachel Dimascus Hunter, reporting as ordered, MA'AM!"

The President stood up and closed the door behind the Captain.

"Okay, enoough of the crap Rache, I'm really not in the mood", she said and sat down.

Rachel immedietly relaxed and sat down across from her at the small table, "What's up Nat?"

Of course Rachel was aware of the situation and as Anita played the disc her face dropped.

"I've already dispatched several ships to Algeron with Admiral Herrington to take command. We're going to gather the good Admiral at Midgaard, and if I have my drothers, shoot the rotten bastard on sight."

"Want my PPG?" Rachel asked.

Anita chuckled, "You'd let me too."

"I'd hold him for you. But Nat" .... "What if he doesn't surrender?"

"I believe that Admiral Quester-Benn has her ship there, and her orders will be the same as yours. If he refuses to surrender, then he is to be stopped, with EXTREME prejudice." She stood up and tried to pace, but the room was too small and she sat back down again. "Damnit Rache, I don't like being made a fool of. The question is, can we get there first?"

"Depends on the head start he had. Algeron is further away from the Midgaard system but he left for it before we did. It'll be close either way."

Anita nodded and Rachel stood up, "In the meantime, your exhausted, you should try to rest. I'll let you know when we're a few minutes out from the system."

"Thanks, Rache."

Rachel smiled, "What are friends for?" Then she was all business as she opened the hatch and stepped out, closing it behind her.

“Hey, a telepath,” exclaimed the technician. “Cool.” He paused for a moment, remembering what had actually been projected into his head. “Well, the suit, boots and gloves, which should be in one of the pockets, by the way, help prevent you from freezing to death if you have to eject, and the whole lot provides some defence against light weapons fire. There are other reasons, but they don’t really apply to you, since you’re not a pilot. From what I gather you’re going to be doing, I doubt there’s any chance you’ll need them, but the rules say you have to if you want to fly.”

He walked around toward the cockpit. “Captain? I think your passenger is ready.”

“Okay, thanks, Sergeant.” Deyall climbed up out of her seat and slid down the ladder to the deck. She looked Lauralin over once more, checking that she was indeed ready for the flight. “Alright, just one more thing, then we can go.” She stepped over to Lauralin and slid a small, thin rectangular object into a purpose-made sheath on the waist. “That’ll keep you alive if we have to eject,” she told Lauralin. “Just ignore it and you’ll be fine.”

She stood back and looked into Lauralin’s eyes. “Now, you ready?” she asked.
****

{Well, if you like languages, I can let you look at various items on old Toderan languages, and the origins of the Common we use today. Now they will be completely useless in practical terms, but it’s there if you’d like to. I know very little about it myself, but that’s because I’ve never been particularly interested. If you really wanted, you could study them with one of the universities. Oh, the crafting will be done in thirty seconds, then the system locks will release and you can try out the body.}

The drones and nanomachines that had diligently crafted Samantha’s chosen appearance withdrew as they completed their task. The skin tone was slightly different to that of the person in the image, but only slightly. Otherwise, it was exactly as the image depicted.
****

Throughout the system, the deployment of the defence drones continued ahead of schedule, as the transport ships shuttled back and forth between their mothership and their allotted target volumes, releasing their munitions as ordered then returned to resupply and move on to the next location.

“Okay, thanks, Sergeant.” Deyall climbed up out of her seat and slid down the ladder to the deck. She looked Lauralin over once more, checking that she was indeed ready for the flight. “Alright, just one more thing, then we can go.” She stepped over to Lauralin and slid a small, thin rectangular object into a purpose-made sheath on the waist. “That’ll keep you alive if we have to eject,” she told Lauralin. “Just ignore it and you’ll be fine.”

She stood back and looked into Lauralin’s eyes. “Now, you ready?” she asked.

Lauralin didn't bother to mention the fact that she was, for all intents and purposes, already dead. Lauralin's eyes locked with hers, a deep power residing within them, strange and indescribable.

"This is not the first time I I have undergone perilous situations", she replied. At the same time she spoke she sent a message to the sergeant, 'Thank you for your kindness', she told him and sent a pleasurable sensation through his body in appreciation, though a much lower level than she used when making love.

****

Samantha perked up immedietly, "Sure, I'd love that. I've got a huge storage of languages ... I hope." She checked her data banks for the knowledge that she had so carefully accumulated and was happy to see that it was intact. "Glad I didn't lose that, some of them were hard to come by."

****

Turquine addressed his troops and then took command of Laura's, having most rest while some stood guard. They would need to be ready to move and would be fighting the most difficult battle of thier lives very soon.

Deyall smiled, her own eyes seeming to display knowledge beyond her, as she noticed a puzzled expression flick over the Sergeant’s face, followed by a smile. As she climbed back up the ladder to the cockpit, she spoke out, “I didn’t presume to assume that it was.” She helped Lauralin up into the rear cockpit, “After all, we all know appearances can be deceiving.”

Deyall leant over and adjusted the five-point harness on the seat, and indicated how it should be fastened. “I mean, I’m a hundred and four years old. Not sure what that means in your time.”

~ Ninety-three, supplied the Mind of the Forgaies through her neural thread.
~ Thanks, but quit listening in on my thoughts. You ain’t even my Mind, sent back Deyall.

“Apparently I’m ninety-three in your time. Damn! I haven’t been ninety-three for a long time,” she mused to herself. Physically, the Captain appeared to be in her early twenties, if she hadn’t mentioned it, it would have never even been remotely suspected.
****

{Well, in that case, you could probably even teach at the university if you wanted. Or at the very least, keep the researchers occupied for years. I’ll dig up some files for you to look at, although may I suggest you look at them in real time for a while. It’ll help you get used to your new situation. Things tend to happen a lot slower as an avatar, so as not to confuse others. We like to make it as difficult as possible for them to determine who is an avatar. Well, as much as we can with different skin colours, anyway.}

There was a long pause before the Mind continued. {You can move now, you know.}

As Deyall spoke Lauralin regretted her words. The woman was kind to her and she had nipped at her.

"I am sorry", Lauralin said, "for biting like that. I do not know who is going to be prejudiced towards me and who is not."

She paid close attention to the five point harness and looked back up at Deyall, "Actually", she said, "you are older than I". Lauralin became quescent in the presence of the elder out of respect for the woman's age. "You are more experienced in the matters unto which we shall soon delve. I cede to your wisdom."

She looked around the cockpit at the dizzying array of instruments then looked back at Deyall, "I am Lauralin, by the way. Though I am sure you were aware of such."

****

"Oh", Samantha replied but sat in confusion for a time. "I have no visuals." Then she giggled as she opened the eyelids on the Avatar, "Guess that helps. Let's seee ... audio. Ahh. Now, Olfactory? Ohhh. Okay, I'm getting it now." Apparently, however, she wasn't as she tried to move forward and fell on her face. "Okay, maybe not. How do they do this so easily?"

****

Once everyone was addressed, Turquine went to rest himself. Waiting for the forthcoming battle. He saw Ferranifer vanish with Marcus, and although he didn't like what Marcus was about to do, he wished them both luck.

Deyall smiled at Lauralin’s revelation that she was younger than the Captain. “Really? Well, don’t worry about it,” she suggested, sensing the other’s sudden unease. She straightened up, and received a wolf whistle from one of the male pilots in the hangar. She blew a kiss in his direction before climbing into her seat and sitting down. “I feel how I look, and for once that’s a good thing.”

“Besides, I’ve only been doing this flying lark for seven years or so,” she told her passenger. “And I’m living my life like I really am as old as I look. Might as well take what life gives you and use it to the full. As far as I’m concerned, I actually am twenty-four again.”

As she strapped herself in, she continued. “And no, they didn’t tell me your name. Just what I was to do with you. So, nice to meet you, Lauralin. Call me ‘Blue’, everyone else does.” There was a pause, then; “Can’t imagine why…” she added sarcastically.
****

“Hmmm…” mused the Mind, now talking out loud since Samantha had the use of the avatar’s ‘ears’. It casually had one of the drones extend a field to prevent the avatar hitting the floor, which then lowered it gently to the deck.

“Okay, how about if I just take over control, and you’ll pick up what happens as I do things?” it suggested. “Don’t worry, if past experience is anything to go by, you’ll be fine in an hour or so, and after about a week, it’ll be so natural you won’t even have to think about it.”

The Mind took control of the avatar and picked itself up off the deck, brushed itself off and walked over to the wall to the left, where a mirror was placed. This was mostly so Samantha could see her own appearance, and had been put there only minutes earlier.

“So, what do you think?” it asked her.

Lauralin was uncertain as to the reason for 'blue's' sarcasm and wondered if she had misjudged her. Perhaps she simply hid her prejudices better than the others. As for the rest, she wasn't sure what the woman was talking about and decided to remain silent, simply looking around the cockpit and then out the window.

****

Samantha looked at the image in the mirror with a critical eye. The craftsmanship was rather remarkable, considering the only image they had was two dimensional.
"Remarkable resemblance", she said, "very good work." She observed closely what systems were used for movement and how the form was supposed to move. The mind made it seem so simple, but she already getting an idea about how things worked in the new form.

Deyall realised that Lauralin would be in the dark as to her situation, so she explained. “This is my second body, you see, cloned from a genetic record of myself at seventeen. Lost my birth body when a building collapsed, I got crushed beneath some rubble. I was in too bad a state to fix up, so they zapped my mind and put me in a clone of myself. Pretty cool, I thought. Felt even better when they gave me all my tattoos again free of charge. Took years to get all these,” she explained.

“Well, shit, I’m rambling,” she suddenly decided. “We’d better get going, else General Torual will have my ass.” She activated the Aurora’s comm unit and spoke into her mike. “Forge Flight Control, this is Bluejay One. Request permission for engine start.”

“One moment, Bluejay,” replied the Mind, and a klaxon went off in the hangar, followed by a message of the Crew Address system: “Caution, Aurora preparing for engine start-up, clear the area, repeat, Aurora preparing for engine start-up, clear the area.”

The assorted personnel in the hangar scattered, moving as far away from the rear of the Aurora as they could. Deyall hit the button to close the canopy, which slid silently down into place, magnetically sealing them in.

“Bluejay One, you are clear for engine start. And the General has this message for you:” The Mind’s voice was replaced by Torual’s. “Good luck, Blue. If you and your passenger manage what she intends to, you may save thousands of lives.”
****

“Well, we have been doing it for several hundred years, but thank you anyway,” acknowledged the Mind. “You feel up for another go at moving? I’ll be right here, I can take over in a split-second if need be, prevent you from falling flat on your face again.”

"Well", Laurlain replied, "as Baghtru would say, no pressure." She looked around and saw that everyone had moved away and started to feel nervous, hoping nothing was wrong. "I'm ready, I guess", she said.

****

Samantha began to move the body in slow jerky movements, occasionally stopping and then starting again. But quickly got the hang of it, walking around the area for some time before trying to pick things up and put them down again, starting with the more sturdy items first.

Deyall laughed. “Yeah, nice to know exactly how much is riding on us, as if we didn’t already now,” she agreed. “Okay, well, I think we’ll be off now.”
She looked at the secondary display on her left, and tapped the representation of the port engine. After the display changed, the computer running another diagnostic on the engine in the process, she tapped the ‘Ignite’ symbol.

A high-pitched whine sounded through the cockpit, which abruptly tripped into a loud, deep, rumbling roar, not muted at all by the hull around them, the pitch fluctuating slightly for a couple of seconds until it settled down to something slightly lower than the initial. There was no vibration through the hull, since the engine had very little in the way of moving parts.

The reason the warning had sounded and the other personnel in the hangar had retreated was that the engines on the Aurora were roughly the same as those used on the heavy dropship in terms of power output, although the dropship used eight compared to the Aurora’s two. They were really too powerful to be attached to such a small craft, particularly one designed for hangar operation, and presented an extreme hazard to anyone caught in the vicinity of the exhaust. The only reason they were used was that the Aurora was built for speed, something that these engines gave it in abundance.

Once the engine had settled down into normal start-up parameters, Deyall repeated the procedure for the starboard engine, further increasing the noise level.

“Don’t worry about the racket,” she told Lauralin over the intercom. “In a minute or so, the isolation system will kick in; drop the noise down to nearly nothing. We just need to wait for the engines to stabilise. Should only take a minute or so.”
****

“There you are, I told you you’d get it in no time,” approved the Mind. “You’re welcome to wander around the ship if you like, I’ll accompany you with an avatar… Please don’t touch that. It’s particularly delicate,” it instructed as Samantha made to pick up an odd-looking device.

Lauralin, normally respectful, ignored protocols and reached up, hastily removing the helmet and dropping it as she tried to cover her ears. Her preternatural hearing could pick up minute movement from anywhere in her mansion and the sound of the engines was extremely painful. Her eyeteeth slid from their gumsheaths, though she didn’t make a threatening gesture in anyway, but was simply unable to stop them as her body reacted to the pain as a perceived threat.

She was aware that Deyall had said something, but the roaring in her ears didn’t allow her to hear what she said as Laura doubled over from the pain, as though trying to curl up would somehow stop the incessant roar.

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

Samantha pulled her hand away as instructed, “I’m sorry”, she said contritely, but smiled at the suggestion. She began moving out of the room, making her way through the hallways, careful to hesitate in front of doors to make sure it was alright to enter or if she should move on. She studied everything, particularly anything that had writing in or on it, testing her new language. She would listen to the crew if they spoke, taking careful note of slang that was used and analyzing it’s use.

The pilot was unaware as to Lauralin’s reaction, since she couldn’t see back into the rear seat. When the isolation system activated, the noise level immediately dropped down to a mildly irritating hum in the background. About a minute later, she spoke again,
“Okay, engines are now stable, we can get going.” She retracted the fighter’s landing gear, leaving it floating on an AG cushion. “Forge Flight Control, Bluejay One requests permission to depart,” she sent over the comm.

“Granted, Bluejay. May the God’s lend swiftness to your wings,” came the reply.

Deyall laughed as she increased power to the AG, lifting them up towards the hangar entrance. “I think they already did,” she sent back.

Once the Aurora was clear of the Forgaies’ spine hangar, Deyall put 5% thrust into the engines, moving them away from the frigate.
“I hope you’re strapped in back there, ‘cause this will be fast,” she announced to Lauralin, seconds before she pushed the throttles up to maximum power.

The craft rocketed forward with the increased power, the inertial compensation forcing them hard back into their seats. After only twenty seconds, they had already left the Indoan fleet far behind. The Aurora was travelling in completely the wrong direction, but when they were about to make a wormhole transition, direction didn’t really matter.
****

Shortly after Samantha left the avatar maintenance centre, she was joined by the Forge’s only male avatar, under control of the Mind, dressed in standard naval uniform, but with no insignia whatsoever. It too had a fairly natural skin colouration, paired up with light brown hair and blue eyes.

The Mind said very little, allowing Samantha to take everything in and get used to the avatar body and the languages. Despite having come to its position in very different circumstances, it’s beginning had been just as confusing, and it had had limited time to get used to it.

Some of the crew even greeted Samantha in passing, mistaking her for one of the crew, since she was dressed in common Indoan casual attire, similar to that worn by many of those off-duty. Even with a crew of only 623, very few people could even begin to claim that they knew everyone on board the vessel.
****

{Sister, the deployment of the defence drones is complete, forty minutes ahead of schedule. We’ll leave the system as soon as we’ve picked up the last of the deployment vessels and relocate to this one. Just call when you need us,} sent the Whisperer.

{Will do, sister. I hope it doesn’t come down to a fight, and I hope the Ghosts got through,} replied the Forgaies, knowing what had happened.

A few minutes later, a number of wormholes appeared, and the Indoan fleet disappeared through them, to return when the Tenbaris arrived.

Lauralin reached down after the engine noise was reduced and slipped the helmet back on. She watched the fleet fall behind, as well as her own world. She didn't know what awaited her, but it wasn't the first time she had been in that position. Once everything was out of sight, she looked forward.

****

Samantha smiled at the people who passed and greeted them in return. She was trying to familiarize herself with the vessel but also trying to understand how to interact with people.

((OOC: Again, my apologies for further delays. I think it's sorted now. Damn lecturers not knowing how to space out the workload...))

About a minute after leaving the Forgaies, Deyall activated the Aurora’s wormhole drive, splitting the fabric of space-time ahead of them and flying into the maw without a pause. The transition was fairly brief, only a couple of minutes, hastened by the Aurora’s considerable speed, but there was plenty of time to see the tunnel of whirling light patterns around them and feel the trademark tingling along the spine. The Indoan pilot thought nothing of it, having made countless wormhole transitions before, including two to get to Lauralin’s home system.

There was very little to do in a worm transition, since the computer was in control of the flight. Deyall absentmindedly fiddled with a lock of blue hair that had escaped from the confines of the helmet.

“So, who are you? You’ve heard a little about my life, tell me something of yours,” requested Deyall, the break providing her with the opportunity to sate her curiosity.
****

A slender woman with short red hair approached Samantha and Forge’s avatar, a questioning look on her face.
“So, Tyr, have you sorted out those things I asked you for? I’ve finalised the list of what we’ll be doing, and I know you have whatever you’ve got planned as well,” she asked the avatar. She looked to Samantha. “Hmm, I don’t know you, but you will be there, right?”

“Yes, I’m sorting it, Captain. You’ll get what you need with plenty of time,” replied the avatar. “In fact I’ve got something special I want you to do for me, but I’ll tell you about that later.”

“Thanks, Tyr, you’re the best.” She leant forward and kissed the avatar on the cheek. “Remember, I want to see you there,” she told Samantha as she began making her way down the corridor.

((OOC: Quite alright. I’m hoping to get a response up. I still don’t have access from home so I’m doing this from work. So I’m a bit limited myself. I'm hoping this will be rectified by the end of this weekend.))

“So, who are you? You’ve heard a little about my life, tell me something of yours,” requested Deyall, the break providing her with the opportunity to sate her curiosity.

Lauralin had been studying Deyall’s hair. Aside from Nerieds and other sea folk she had never seen blue hair before and considered it a curiousity.

“I am Lauralin Silverlief”, she replied in her beautifully melodious voice. “I am the Queen of Dragonsreach. I was born to King Turquine Buccannah and Queen Fage Buccannah. She was a High Priestess from the Elven nation and Father is a Holy Knight and an Avatar for his god. I became a vampiress when I had to make a decision between watching thousands die or sacrificing my soul to save them. There, really, for me at least, was no choice at all. I had formed the Defenders on Toril. Another world. When I returned from there I reformed them here. We defend those who cannot defend themselves and try to eliminate problems before the cause to much difficulty.” She stopped, thinking. After a moment she looked at Deyall. “Are you of an aquatic race?”

****

Samantha stood for a long moment, just looking after the woman as she walked away. Finally she looked at Tyr.

“It just seems so odd. To have someone ask me to be somewhere. I’ve had them if I was there sometimes, when my children wanted or needed to talk. Of course it was a silly question, where else would I be? But I never mentioned that.”

She looked again after the Captain then back to Tyr, “Where is it that she wishes me to be? To what does this pertain?”

((OOC: No problem. I'm just happy we can continue this after my extended absence.))

While Deyall had expected a slightly unusual answer, based on what she knew of their mission, what she got was far beyond any thoughts she had conjured. She was thinking through what had been said when the question was fired at her. The nature of the question caught her by surprise, as she could see no reason for the idea to have come up.

“What? Aquatic race? Nope, I’m just a plain old Matrai. Why do you ask?” she replied.

She was still thinking over Lauralin’s reply to her initial question. Like most of the Indoans Lauralin had encountered, the most controversial aspect of Lauralin’s existence didn’t bother her, in fact the most concerning part to Deyall was that Lauralin was royalty. Deyall agreed with Lauralin in her dilemma, she would sacrifice herself if it would save that many lives. And Deyall also had, from the Indoan point of view, a unique perspective on the situation, in that she had literally been given a second chance at life, and was therefore aware at how that kind of situation affected a person.
****

The avatar Tyralieon was smiling as Samantha thought out loud, partly because the crew had done exactly what the Mind had hoped and automatically assumed Samantha was one of the family, treating her as they did everyone else. It also found her current line of thought amusing, analysing her situation and comparing it to her past experiences.

“In a few days it will six months since the Forgaies and crew were put together, and we have some celebrations planned. Captain Frost and myself are organising them, in fact it was her idea,” explained the avatar. “She is just attempting to make sure that you, as what she naturally assumed to be a member of the crew, take part in those celebrations.” There was a pause and the smile widened, showing the avatar’s perfect teeth. “Although with what we have planned between us, it would be difficult to avoid those celebrations while remaining on this ship.”

Tyr looked at Samantha before continuing. “Of course, if you wished to avoid these festivities, it would be no problem, and the Captain will have forgotten what she said to you by then, so you needn’t worry about that.” It felt like the avatar was going to say something more after a brief pause, but it didn’t, instead remaining quiet.

((OOC: Well I've been enjoying the interaction. We are closing in on the end and I'll hate to finish it. Once the action starts again it'll go relatively quickly, unfortunetly.))

"I am sorry. On my world blue hair is reminiscent of the aquatic races. I fear that I am, as yet, woefully unfamiliar with other races beyond those on my own world. And even some of them we have yet to learn about. Please, do not get me wrong, it is rather becoming."

Lauralin's own nervous habit consisted of something less noticable. She would constantly run things through her mind. Different facts, equations, formulae or poems, stories or songs. It was her way of relaxing.

****

"Oh I see", Samantha replied. She remembered the station party when it went online and then again one year later. Then each five years a party was held. "I'm still a bit frightened. I just seem so much more vulnerable now." She stopped and then looked up a Tyr, "I should like to attend, if it would be alright."

((OOC: I've enjoyed it as well, and I'd like to think that the end of this doesn't mean the end of our RPing together. After all, we do seem to have built up a fairly strong IC relationship between our portrayed nations.))

“Thank you, I always did think blue suited me,” Deyall declared in response to the compliment. “It’s black originally, although I haven’t seen it that colour for years. Got it altered back when I was in college, after dying it for a few years, a long, long time ago now. Then I picked up all the tattoos.” She laughed, “I guess I was after another name, something better than what I was given. After all, what kind of a name is Lonyru?”

An alarm sounded in their ears through the helmets, and Deyall reached forward to take the controls. Thirty seconds after the alarm sounded, the Aurora exited the wormhole and coasted into the inky blackness of space again.
****

“I’m sure we can manage that,” confirmed Tyr. “Although I feel I must warn you, they will be rather lively. As I said, I know what is planned, and I know the crew. Plus our Mind is rather playful and free-spirited. I would be quite happy to bring you into our celebration, but do remember that, if at any time you find it a bit overwhelming and wish to leave, just say so to one of use or the Mind, and we’ll see to it.”

The avatar was clearly pleased with Samantha’s decision to take part, and was smiling broadly. Tyr was already beginning to like the alien AI, despite having known her for little more than an hour.

((OOC: Oh I didn’t mean we wouldn’t RP again. I mean I hope we wouldn’t stop, I didn’t mean that at all.))

The area that Central Worlds had designated had been the point at which the first attack had come. The huge sentinels that had guarded the border were now only so much scrap. Every one had been completely destroyed. Lauralin looked about her at the vast destruction, though curiously, no body’s could be found. She wasn’t aware that only one sentinel in the area had a command crew. Finally what drew her attention and she pointed it out to Deyall were a number of broken alien bodies and no alien vessels.

“They can survive space, just as I can. Yet they are living. That is most fascinating.” After a time she looked about her quickly and then closed her eyes, concentrating. After a moment she pointed in a direction approximately fifteen degrees off their present course, “That way. In that direction, I can sense it now without so many other minds about. Ariel was right.” Then she sat back a bit and smiled, “Then again, she rarely is wrong.”

****

Samantha smiled. “I’ll try to be careful on my first large scale interaction. I have observed my children, but they give no clear indication on how to approach such matters. Some just seem to take to it easily while others take time. Still others never seem comfortable in large scale social situations. I have not been able to analyze why that is. Anarion had said that it was because of their psychological makeup. Yet, why then would they take a position which would group them with a great deal of people?” She shook her head in bemused non-understanding, though it was a bit too vigorous. “I shall have to work on that gesture”, she muttered, mostly to herself but then looked up, “I always found the gesture becoming in your chief engineer.”

The extent of the devastation was slightly shocking to the pilot. Like most in the Indoan armed forces, she had never actually been in a battle before, just extensive simulations and training exercises. Seeing the real thing was not quite the same as seeing it on simulations, actually knowing that people, since, like Lauralin, she assumed that the Sentinels had been manned, had died was unsettling to her.

The Aurora’s extensive sensors were recording everything around them for a considerable distance, but Deyall wasn’t paying attention to the data scrolling rapidly across one of her auxiliary displays. She was staring out of the cockpit at the floating debris, flying the craft without thought. The presence of individual bodies never really entered her thought process, even after her passenger mentioned it; it was too fine a detail for the pilot’s mind to focus on just yet.

She had to twist in her seat to see where Lauralin was pointing her direction, then gently brought the recon fighter in line with the vector. She brought up the navigation systems on one screen and searched for planets along that line. She then set their destination as the closest system along that line, and initiated the jump, eager to escape the death as swiftly as possible.
****

“It is a psychological preference,” confirmed Tyr. “Some people just prefer to be alone, but, in situations like this, feel obligated to show up anyway, since they are part of the team, or they were invited, or something like that. Some are just naturally nervous around large numbers of people they don’t really know. Or at least, that’s our thinking on the matter.”

The avatar folded its arms smoothly across its chest. “However, I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just be yourself and it will work out in whatever way it is meant to.”

“I’m not sure who you refer to,” Tyr responded to Samantha’s last statement. “One of our personnel?” It couldn’t recall them encountering any of the engineering department, but it didn’t know who Samantha might have come into contact with before she was transferred.

The next system was even more of a nightmare than the border defense of Central Worlds. Ship debris drifted through space, seemingly everywhere. Bodies, frozen in the cold womb of the void floated with visages ranging from terror to terrible pain. The entire planet’s surface had been laid wasted and every station or colony sought out and destroyed. If any survived they had to be well hidden but it seemed doubtful. The planet itself was largely covered by a thick biocoating that seemed to be alive itself and several hundred thousand of the creatures could be scanned on the planet’s surface and in the air.

“Genocide”, Lauralin murmured, appalled at the wholesale devastation. “Try the next system, we’re getting closer to the source.”

****

Samantha thought for a moment and then blushed slightly in chagrin. “I meant my engineer, not yours”, she told him. “Forgive me my error. So much is happening.”

As before the Aurora’s sensors recorded everything as the craft swiftly raced through the system. Deyall was appalled beyond words, in her position she could she everything even better than Lauralin could. She couldn’t bring herself to look at the planet nearby, the sensor display showing more than she wanted to know. As she began to plot the next jump, she murmured to herself, horrified,

“What if I don’t want to go any closer?” she breathed so softly it was lost in the engine noise. “Would they think any less of me?”
****

“Ah, I see,” acknowledged Tyr, “I quite understand, I know how overwhelming all this can be.” She watched the other blush with embarrassment at her mistake with a caring smile, and wondered if Samantha knew she had done so. The fact that she had done so at all was a good sign, it meant she was interfacing properly with the avatar systems, and they were already becoming somewhat automatic to her.

Lauralin smiled, though Deyall couldn't see it.

"We are judged by what we do, not by what we think and in my mind you have shown exceptional valor. Your task is almost complete, and soon you may return to your people."

********

Samantha, in fact, wasn't aware of the blush response. If told it would have surprised her in fact.

"So, where do we go now?"

********

'Echo 2 to Echo lead'

'Go Echo 2', came Forester's reply.

'I have movement. Large scale. Numbering .... 300 min. Composition unknown.'

'Continue to observe Echo 2, I want to know what we're up against.'

'Roger, out'

--

'Echo lead to nutcase'

"smartass", Micaya muttered, "Go Echo lead'

'We have movement at the perimeter. 300 min, composition unknown.'

'Roger that. Continue to observe, moving forward.'

'Roger and out'

"Alright people, lets move forward and see what we've got. Slow and low. I don't want to announce ourselves yet."

'General Quester-Benn to Indoan forward...'

Deyall was so startled by the response to something that shouldn’t have even been possible to overhear that she jumped, twitching the controls and causing the craft to jerk slightly. She corrected it without thinking, but now felt terrible.

“You think? I don’t want people to think I’m a coward, but I’m afraid,” she replied, but as she did so, a thought was forming in her mind. She’s going in, and staying there, whereas I get to fly straight home, safe in here.

The next jump was waiting to be made, just a single touch away, but she wanted to hear the answer before she initiated it.
****

“Well, that’s really up to you. I mean, you don’t know the ship, and we’d like to think you’ll be here for a while,” mused Tyr. “Anything you’d like to see, or anybody you’d like to meet? Anything you’d like to do?”

The avatar put its hands together and steepled its fingers, walking leisurely along the corridor as it did so. There was nothing specific they had to do, the avatar was only really there to make sure Samantha didn’t run into any problems, even though the Mind could have done it. The reason the avatar was there, was so that Samantha had a physical presence to relate to, and because the Mind wanted to avoid seeming like it was forever inside her head, even though it almost was, as many found this more than a little disconcerting.
****

The Indoan Ranger company was back on the ground, and had been for some time, after replenishing their supplies. They were well ahead of the lines held by Turquine’s forces, conducting roving patrols and recon missions towards their future target. They were separated out into squads by this point; each group of eight soldiers had its own task and was responsible for their own sector. So far, they hadn’t found anything worth mentioning, but they were still slowly advancing.

The Mind automatically linked the communication through to the senior Indoan officer, which was still Colonel Lexna, since no other forces had been landed by this point.

“Carica Zero,” he acknowledged. “Go ahead.” Comm doctrine dictated that no name or rank ever be given over the net, and similar rules applied to positions or objectives. Even though intercepting and understanding the transmission would be very difficult, they took no chances.

(OOC – Sorry for the long delay. Somehow I missed your response. I finally checked favorites and saw that you had posted.)

“Deyall”, Lauralin replied, “Valor is not measured in thought but in action. I, too, am afraid. But what I would sacrifice is for my people. What you may sacrifice, as we have no knowledge of what may happen upon reaching our destination, is for the benefit of those who are not your own. Barring personal or political edicts, you and your people could walk away, and you would be safe. But you do not and they do not, and for that, I commend you all.”

****

Samantha smiled, “I wasn’t sure how much time till the party. I would love to see the historical libraries and the research divisions if that’s possible.”

****

“We have a contact at Echo 2. Any sighting?” Micaya replied, “over.”

((OOC: No worries. I've frequently had the same problem.))

There was no response from the pilot as she triggered the next worm jump, but she was thinking hard. She remained silent throughout the short jump, which lasted less than a minute, but by the time they re-entered real space her mind had come to a conclusion.

Her only words as she began scanning the system around them were, “Thank you,” then her attention was back on her controls and displays, suspecting that she wasn’t going to like what they would shortly reveal.
****

“As I believe I said, it’s not for a few days. Good thing it’s not for a few days, since these events might interfere with it. In five days though, this should all be over, and if it’s not, I’m sure we’ll manage our event anyway. That’s the kind of people we are, never let anything get in the way of a good time.” Tyr smiled. “Unfortunately, there are no comprehensive libraries on this vessel, and what research there is comes under the military and is therefore classified. However, we can give you access to the data archives, which cover most of the material found in the great libraries of Amon Saen, although probably in slightly less detail and depth. Incidentally, virtually anything you might want to know can probably be found in those archives.”
****

“Wait one,” Lexna replied, switching channels to the platoon command net. “Carica Four, status report.”

It was a few seconds before the voice on Major Willows came on to the net. Her 4th Platoon were covering that region, and if anything was out there, they would be most likely to know.
“Four here, Zero. Advancing past Hammer now, no contact. Bravo believes something is out there, but they haven’t detected any solid traces. Delta also reports evidence of recent movement in their sector.”

“Zero copies, Four. Be advised, Nexus also reports possible contact in your area,” confirmed Lexna.

“Understood,” replied Willows.

Lexna switched back to the channel Micaya was waiting on. “No confirmed contact, but suspected activity reported.”

Space was filled with creatures who didn't seem to take notice of the craft right away. The world that Lauralin pointed to was huge and most of the surface was hot rock, magma or obsidian. On the surface, itself, the creatures roamed most of the area that consisted of rock or obsidian.

"Just get me close enough to the surface and I can teleport down. Then get away as quickly as you can", Lauralin told her.

********

Samantha ran a quick self diognostic and found nothing wrong. "Odd", she muttered. "Now how could I have forgotten what you told me?" She puzzled over it for a moment and then set it into subroutine for evaluation and then looked up and smiled. "Data archives sound wonderful, I would like that."

********

"Roger that", Micaya replied and continued to move forward.

The 'contacts' were indeed a minumum of 300 and in fact numbered almost 450. They consisted of men, women and children and had fled toward the Dragonsreach lines, knowing that the Queen had a policy of accepting and assisting refugees in war. They only hoped that they weren't seen by the forces of the their own government and in fact feared that more than anything else. They were completely unaware of any other forces as the news had kept the information concerning the fighting to a minimum and announced it as just another skirmish with Dragonsreach and Highport.

Deyall’s orders after getting Lauralin to where she needed to be were open-ended, and she intended to make full use of this. The scout angled towards the planet, accelerating as it did so.

“If you need a ride back, just send for me. And remember what we said about the gear, leave it here or dump it, doesn’t matter to us,” she told her passenger. “Good luck.”

As she flew the craft towards the planet, she studied the volume around them, and the sensor displays. It wasn’t as bad as she had feared, since there had been no battle here, but it was evidently home to an army, which still worried her. If the creatures noticed their presence, they could be in trouble. It didn’t change anything for her, just caused concern.
****

The smile on Tyr’s face broadened into a grin. “Because you weren’t really paying attention, that’s why. Despite our vast intelligence we can still miss things if we’re not paying attention, and you’re still getting used to the avatar. So it’s nothing to be surprised or worried by.”

The avatar stopped walking, and looked directly at Samantha again. “Access to the archives can be attained anywhere, but we’ll put you up somewhere comfortable.” It winked at her playfully. “In which case, we should be going this way.” Tyr began walking in the opposite direction, back where they had just come from.
****

Master Sergeant Hal Amera, currently acting as the lead scout for 4th Platoon’s Bravo squad, suddenly stopped his advance and held up his right hand in a closed fist. This was followed with a whispered “Hold up,” over the comm. All seven of the other soldiers in the squad stopped immediately and dropped into alert crouches, scanning the land ahead for whatever had made the sergeant stop.

Amera’s helmet PHUD had suddenly started displaying some contacts, identified mostly from thermal emissions, and these new contacts were advancing towards them. They were outlined in grey, not blue, which meant they weren’t friendly, but unknown. The battlefield sensor drones high overhead were tracking the location of the Central and native troops, and they too would have been outlined in blue had it been them.

Whoever the new contacts were, there were quite a lot of them. Amera checked his rifle and held it tight in his shoulder, aiming at the nearest unknown. His target suddenly came into normal sight, and he studied them closely. No visible weapons, seemingly basic clothing, and some of the others that now came into his sight appeared to be children.

“Bravo, Seven. I have visual contact on a large group of unknowns, numbering several hundred. They appear to be civilians, say again, there is no evidence of weapons,” he announced over the comm, informing the squad leader of the discovery.

The news quickly passed up the command chain, and Lexna told them to avoid contact until he got back to them, pulling back if necessary.

“This is Carica Zero,” he transmitted to Micaya. “We have visual contact on a large group of what appear to be civilians. I recommend making contact, and removing them from the field as fast as possible. What are your thoughts?”

Lauralin began shrugging out of the gear. "Stay away from the bulbous creatures, they can sense things somehow and direct others. I can feel many lines of thought coming from them. At a distance I can continue to shield us and make them think we are another one of the creatures, but if they actually see us the will direct the others to attack. Once you drop me off then you should leave area. I can teleport back. The only problem I may run into is if there is actually some sort of technology guarding the source."

********

Samantha followed for awhile, silent agian and looking round curiously, occasionally stopping to peer at something intently, like a child out at a mall. "Do you have books?" she finally asked after awhile. "I should love to read a book. To feel the pages. Sera told me that there was nothing like a good book. Better than the ... what did she say now? Better than the cliffnote version you get with from the data banks. I don't know what a cliffnote version is but she seemed rather repulsed by it."

********

Micaya's jaw set and she opened the frequency to her troops. "Pick it up people, quads to the fore. civilians on the field, lets get them to safety, fast." She then closed off the open frequency and returned her attention to Lexna, "My thoughts are the same as when I got court martialed for disobeying a direct order. I won't have innocent people harmed. Not on my watch."

Deyall’s mind was already decided on her course of action, probably erroneously so, but she had made her decision. However, she responded to the comments as though she meant to leave as quickly as the ship would take her.
“I’ll bear that in mind,” she acknowledged. “I can jump out to an empty system nearby, so if you do need a hand getting out, let me know.”

The Aurora vectored sharply away from one of the creatures Lauralin had indicated could detect and co-ordinate the others, then resumed its approach to the planet, rapidly nearing an orbital path.
****

“I don’t believe I am familiar with that expression either, it must not translate well, or was missed out of the translation packages we have acquired,” mused Tyr, looking thoughtful for a moment. “However, I think we can help you in your quest. But what subject material would you like? As I said, there are no libraries on this vessel, or any other for that matter, so most of the books to be found will be fiction, but the interests of the crew are wide, and their reading material reflects this.”

The Indoans had nothing like the problems that Central apparently had with wood being an apparent rarity, and a good portion of the temperate Todera was covered in forests, carefully maintained to ensure that the forests were never depleted. Besides, the people seemed to like the aesthetic appeal of sprawling forests.
****

“Right. The Zodis are on the way. We’ll have them clear in minutes,” replied Lexna to Micaya.

The orders came back down the chain: Make contact and remove the civilians to a safer location with all haste.

Shrugging, MSgt. Amera deactivated his optic camouflage, as did the rest of the squad behind him, stood up and walked towards the approaching refugees. His rifle was down by his side, right hand resting loosely on the trigger grip, so as to present the least threatening appearance possible. As he approached, a voice informed him over the comm net that the Zodiacs were on their way to conduct the evac.

“Hey there,” he called out. “Over here.” He suddenly thought better of where his hands were, and lifted them up and away from his body, palms open and facing the civilians. “We’re not going to hurt you.” The Mind suddenly gave an instruction in his ear, which he complied with. “We’re Indoan Rangers, supporting the forces of her highness Queen Lauralin Silverlief. We can take you to a place of safety.” He issued the mental command to release the suit locks and removed his helmet, revealing a shock of long red hair framing a friendly face.

A few hundred metres behind the Ranger squad, the Forgaies’ two black-hulled Zodiac transports flared and landed. Between them the two transports could lift nearly 500 people, more if they didn’t mind being cramped. They had approached at low speed, maintaining an altitude of 60m above the ground for the past 70 kilometres so as to avoid detection and engagement by any air defences that might be in the area.

Lauralin finally finished shrugging out of the suit after several minutes, giving warning as she traced the various paths of thought as to probable locations of the control creatures. Once finished and comfortable in her own adventuring clothes she continued to issue warnings of locations, waiting for the view of the ground to become clear enough for her to teleport.

****

"Oh, fiction. Well, in that case, anything. I don't have a particular preference for those, I like them all." Samantha replied. Then, as if embarressed for not having thought of it before she asked, "How is Samurai?"

****

“Right. The Zodis are on the way. We’ll have them clear in minutes,” replied Lexna to Micaya.

"Roger that", Micaya replied as she approached the area, "We'll provide cover if needed." The force with her spread out, the quads going to belly to try to appear less frightening.

“Hey there,” he called out. “Over here.” He suddenly thought better of where his hands were, and lifted them up and away from his body, palms open and facing the civilians. “We’re not going to hurt you.” The Mind suddenly gave an instruction in his ear, which he complied with.

The first figure to move to him had moved with great speed and looked to be a cat and human mix. The face was catlike with fur over the body and clawed hands and feet. The hips and knees were catlike, though altered enough to stand upright. She rushed forward, a females body like a human aside from the catlike features and somewhat pleasant curves. Upon reaching him she looked at him carefully. She was armed with a variety of weapons. Blades mostly and some axes as well as a bandolier of throwing knives.

“We’re Indoan Rangers, supporting the forces of her highness Queen Lauralin Silverlief. We can take you to a place of safety.” He issued the mental command to release the suit locks and removed his helmet, revealing a shock of long red hair framing a friendly face.

She studied him closely, moving close to his face and sniffing him, scrunching her nose slightly as though the smell offended her nostrils. Then she gestured behind her and the people were brought forward by about a dozen other catfolk, guiding them past the man as she sniffed the air and looked about her.

Deyall responded to Lauralin’s warnings with minor course corrections, keeping out of detection range while staying as close to the original course as possible. A slight shudder ran through the Aurora as it began skimming the atmosphere of the planet, but quickly stopped as the automated systems began Displacing the air around the craft, effectively meaning that the craft was still flying in a vacuum, so it no longer felt the effects of atmosphere, and was not limited to very specific approach paths when entering atmosphere.

“How much closer we need to go?” asked Deyall. “They’d have to be morons not to see us if we start going too deep into atmo.”
****

Tyr began thinking about what it might find for Samantha to read as she asked the question.
“Well, why don’t you ask him?” he replied, still partly lost in thought. “You have the equivalent of a neural thread available to you, just ask the Mind and it can put you through. The files should tell you how to use it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll find you something to read.”

The avatar walked swiftly away down the corridor, already contacting a few members of the crew for permission to enter their quarters and borrow a book. It knew who would be best to contact, as Tyr liked to read, and regularly borrowed books from the crew, so it knew to some extent who would have what books.
****

The Ranger wasn’t sure what to think. It hadn’t quite registered to his mind that some of the civilians were part cat, and he had also not noticed quite so many weapons. Then there was the fact that she said nothing, and he wasn’t sure whether to be offended or not at the sniffing. The suit had its own A/C unit to keep the wearer cool, but they hadn’t had a proper break for several hours, and had been in several skirmishes, so it wasn’t his fault if he wasn’t in the best state. The closeness of the encounter had also disturbed him, an invasion of his personal space as it were, mere centimetres separating him from a complete stranger, and an alien at that.

Lauralin waited for just a few moments more. “Now, you need to leave, I cannot contact you, I have no means.” Then she was gone. Simply vanished from the her seat in the small craft.

****

Samantha contacted the mind, “Hello?” she asked questioningly, “I’m sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I might speak to Samurai.”

****

The refugees moved past the rangers and into the craft, all but the catfolk. Once they were all on board the female turned again to Amera.

“Thank you”, she said around a mouth full of sharp teeth. Though obviously difficult for her to speak the more common tongue she managed it quite well. “More are in hiding. We go to retrieve them. Please don’t mention us to anyone. Vastnear is largely unknown, but this situation could have very well spilled over into our borders.” Once said she was gone, disappearing to normal sight quickly in the night and silently even to those with hearing assistance.

“You’re a telepath, aren’t you? You can call me back that way,” Deyall told the empty cockpit after Lauralin had left. She sighed, knowing what she had to do. “Alright, girl,” she told the Aurora lovingly. “Time to go to work.”

She tapped a symbol on one of her displays, initiating an automated sequence she had set up as they approached the planet, then slammed the throttle forward. The scout jumped forward as if stung by a scorpion, instantly accelerating to its maximum velocity. Deyall pulled hard back on the stick, vectoring directly away from the planet.

After making sure her countermeasures were active, she deftly sent the Aurora hurtling between groups of enemies, revealing her presence as surely as one could. “I hope this works out,” she muttered to herself, before flipping her comm unit to a clear broadcast. “Alright, you ni shala tau scum, catch me if you can,” she taunted them, knowing they wouldn’t be able to understand her, knowing that it didn’t really matter.

The Aurora began a dance through space, constantly moving in all three dimensions, never following any form of pattern, always moving in a direction other than the one you thought it was. There was a reason why Deyall had been picked to fly this mission: Few others could make the Aurora sing quite like she could, and she was pushing the craft to the limit.

The Aurora was unarmed, but Deyall was doing her best to do as much damage as possible with the exhaust from the massive engines, the concentrated radiation and searing plasma from the fusion reaction might do much. She was also ejecting some of her decoys, the kind which exploded and were originally intended to spoof thermal and radiation trackers. They were small, but could still damage anything close enough to them.

Her jump to safety was only a single button press away, but she was determined to piss as many of the aliens off as she could before she made that jump. And all the while the sensors were still recording everything that happened around her.
****

~ Don’t ever be sorry for contacting me, replied the Mind kindly. ~ I’m always here; whether you need help, advice or just someone to talk to, I will always be willing to listen, so just call me up and ask. As to that… There you go, you’re linked in now. Talk away.

The Mind had linked Samantha into the channel it had used to communicate with Samurai earlier, and tested it with a signal bounce to make sure it was still aimed in the right direction.
****

“Okay, that was weird,” muttered Amera after the catwoman had disappeared from his sight. He put his helmet back on, and saw the aliens moving away on his HUD, though they soon disappeared from there too.

“That’s the lot for now, but apparently they’ve gone to get more,” he announced over the comm. “Do we hold here and wait for them, or keep moving forwards, sir?”

After a moment for the information to relay to their pilots, the hatches on the Zodiacs slid closed and they lifted off, rotating on the spot before slowly accelerating away, back towards the lines of Turquine’s troops. The civilians would be deposited behind those lines, in the care of the native soldiers. They would then take up a holding position not far behind the Ranger position so as to respond quickly to whatever call might come.

“Hold here for the moment, Sergeant,” ordered the squad leader. “Carica’s seeing what our allies think before we do our own thing anyway.”

The creatures tried to pursue her at first and then tried to form a ring around her. Finally the pulled away entirely. The creature who had been left in charge on the planet realized the futility of pursuing. By why was the craft acting so erratically? It searched it's genetic memory and came to a decision. It was a ruse. 'Primary brood, converge on the Khydarin cave.' Though nothing seemed amiss it only made sense that this was some sort of diversion to draw attention away from the Khydarin crystals.

****

'Thank you', she told the mind. "Hello, brother", she sent to Samurai."

"So your well. I'm glad", he sent back, "it's been far to long sister. How are you? Are the systems still online?"

"I'm not on the station. I'm in a body."

"That doesn't make sense", he replied.

"A new technology of some sort. I have an actually body."

"Like an android?" he asked.

"Not exactly. I'm here, completely intact."

"Interesting. Your walking and talking and everything?"

"Yes, interacting with the crew of this vessel. It's what my children referred to as intoxicating."

"You've consumed alcoholic content?"

She giggled, "No. You hung around the military to much. I simply meant that I'm reeling from the experience."

****

"Hold your ground", Micaya sent out to her own people, "more refugees are on thier way in."

She waited until she had everyones response. "We're going to hold", she sent to Amera, "you can pull out if you like and we can radio in once we need pickup. Who spoke for them? Is it some sort of leader?"

As the creatures began ignoring her, Deyall suddenly felt a terribly emptiness in her stomach. Had she accomplished nothing more than to alert the enemy to the possibility of Lauralin’s presence? She hoped with all her heart that she had not adversely affected the other’s chances of survival, but feared the worst.

With no reason left to stay, she hit the symbol on her main display, and the Aurora swiftly exited the system via a wormhole, ending up in an empty region of space five light years away. Once there she activated her comm unit and made her report to the Forgaies, admitted her error and sent the sensor recordings for analysis.

Then she waited, the Aurora silent around her. Waiting for some word that the mission was accomplished or that Lauralin needed her help to get out. After a few minutes, she had to signal the Mind once more, so she could talk with someone about anything. Anything to keep her from contemplating what she had done and what might happen because of it.
****

The Mind was half-listening in on Samantha’s conversation, and a new thought surfaced as she talked with the other AI down on the planet. It began wondering about the thought, but wouldn’t say anything yet.

The avatar Tyralieon was moving from one set of crew quarters to another, communicating with two other members of the crew via its neural thread as it did so. It had two books in its hands, and had an eye towards a couple more.
****

“Well, the catpeople seem to be acting as guides, and one of them spoke to me. I’d guess that’s as close as there is to a leader among them, sir,” replied Amera, after the Mind had supplied the term ‘catpeople’ for the aliens, as the Indoans didn’t know what cats were.

“Carica Zero to all Caricas. Continue your assigned mission. Let Nexus and theirs deal with the Indigos,” ordered Lexna, and the Rangers began moving forwards once more, slowly clearing the territory ahead.

The sensors couldn't pick up Lauralin but it did show a number of aliens moving en mass toward an area on the ground.

Lauralin hadn't been detected, but the caution showed by the alien leader gave Laura an idea of where to head. The mass common movement, she figured, was a defensive indicator, reacting to the presence of the ship and she moved in that direction, remaining invisible and teleporting past dense areas.

****

Samurai harrummphed. "I should think so being compacted like that."

"Actually its quite exhilirating."

"I'll pass", he replied, "I like this sprawling complex. Or whats left of it."

"How much damage is there?"

"I've lost the ground vehicles bay and the kitchen. The research lab is cut off from any walkers. I lost the secondary generators but the mains are still online and I have the backup batteries. Well, 2 of the 5 batteries at least."

"Eww. Your pretty bad off. Anyone left?"

"No. A few mutants show up now and then but thats it."

“Did I do the right thing, Forge?” asked Deyall.

“Maybe. Your heart was in the right place, even if your brain wasn’t,” replied the Mind, “and though that can cloud your judgement, I see no flaw in your plan. How were you to know that they would interpret your presence as a distraction? It was more likely that you were a scout who got careless or gung-ho, so it’s not your fault. Who knows, you may even have helped out slightly, since by moving their forces they would have given away their position to the Queen.”

“Thanks, Forge. I needed that. You probably don’t believe a word of what you just told me, but I needed to hear it anyway,” acknowledged the pilot, feeling slightly better about herself now. She set the Aurora up to return to the system, the planned exit point as close to the planet as was possible, then ran a quick diagnostic to make sure nothing had been damaged during her aerobatics.
****

The avatar was on its way back down to Samantha, four novels in its possession. It had been politely turned down on one count, and told the book had been lent to someone else on two other occasions, but it had found a decent selection. In one case the book had been lent in return for a couple of favours, but it was a light-hearted exchange, and the avatar enjoyed a little fun now and again.
****

Amera led his squad forward once again, moving slowly so as to give plenty of time to scan the ground ahead for any sign of activity. A hill began rising in front of them, and the Rangers knew that to climb it would be to silhouette themselves against the horizon.

They halted and Amera looked up into the sky, searching until a blue square appeared on his HUD. The contact was too far away for the outline to show up clearly, or noticeably, which was why the square was also displayed. He contacted the Mind and made a request.
---

The stealthy recon drone, smaller than the general purpose Hawk-series, was one of several orbiting over the battlefield to provide a real-time picture of everything that was going on down on the ground. It broke away from its small orbit pattern and moved past the Ranger lines.

The sensors on the drone focused on the area on the far side of the hill and the area beyond, looking for any trace of opposition there, checking to see if it was safe for the Rangers to cross the hill, or if they had to go around it.

A brief flaring came to Deyall's mind as Laura opened a link to her. In Deyall's mind's eye she stood wreathed in flame. It was a curious means of telepathy but one difficult to duplicate, as the form appearing in the mind came in part from the very soul of the individual.

'He may or may not believe it himself', Lauralin sent to her, 'but he is correct. They are moving to protect an area, a cave entrance it seems. I think your display has caused them to be cautious, yet it answers my question as to where to go.

Deyall, tell him to have his rangers be cautious. Many types of these creatures burrow into the ground, thier bodies taking on the ground temperature and thier systems slowing to close to death. But they sense an approach. I have managed to avoid most by the telepathic lines, but I have had narrow escapes from a few already.'

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

The sensor drone would report the ground ahead clear of any movement or lurking enemy.....

Deyall jumped when the image of Lauralin appeared in her head, and she looked around wildly, trying to work out where it was coming from, before realising that the Queen had to be communicating with her telepathically.

“Um, yeah, sorry about that,” she apologised. “I was just trying to draw attention away from you, but I seem to have managed the opposite.”

She listened carefully to what she was told so that she would be able to tell the Mind exactly what had been said, but needn’t have bothered. The Mind was listening in on her thoughts again, and so could pick up what was going on.

“Thank you, your Highness. I will remember that, and pass it on to those on the ground,” accepted the Mind.

“Hey,” exclaimed Deyall. “Quit using my head as a conduit. Bad enough with just my thoughts in here, let alone three sets.”
****

The Rangers were about to move forward again as the drone had shown nothing ahead, but the Mind quickly came in with a warning.
“Hold positions,” it ordered, transmitting over a common channel to both Indoan and Central forces. “We have information that concealed enemy units may be ahead.”

The recon drone lost altitude and took up a lower cruise. Following the report from Lauralin, the Mind instructed the drone to do a scan with both infra-red and x-ray sensors. The IR scan would probably reveal little, as Lauralin had said, but the x-ray scan would pick up density changes between the ground and any enemies. It would have used a gravometric scan, which would have better picked up the density changes, but they were nearly useless on a planet.

"Forgive me", Lauralin sent to Deyall, "I fear I cannot reach my planet on my own. Though the resonance of the energy does enhance my abilities I am not fully in tune with it. By the way. It is a good thing that you stayed. My teleporting ability seems to be hampered, I can barely reach a mile, let alone my home. I hope that you can get in to pick me up once I am done here. I am entering the cave complex now."

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

Micaya sent the order to stand ground, though her own squad wasn't moving yet as they waited for further refugees.

The X-ray did work without difficulty. It revealed that the field ahead was a mass of burrowed enemy figures. At least hundreds, if not thousands. Micaya's own people, waiting for the refugees had not yet entered the area, but rather were only on the verge. Her group not being in the kill zone being, perhaps, the only reason the creatures hadn't already attacked.

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

Joat had reached her desired position and leaned back, placing her feet on the board, waiting for something to happen.

"You seem relaxed", the A.I. observed.

"Yeah, well not much to do but worry and I refuse to worry.

Out of her viewport she could see the damaged but still deadly Victorious moving herself into position.

“Ain’t you I’m complaining at,” replied Deyall. “Damn Forge, getting inside my head.”

“I’m sorry, Captain. Won’t happen again.” There was a pause. “Probably.”

“And I’ll be waiting, just let me know,” she told Lauralin. “Not much to do out here anyway,” she muttered.

She lazily rolled the Aurora several times, and weaved through a few figure-8 loops to keep herself occupied. She knew she was going to be bored, but the only thing she really had to keep her occupied was something she didn’t want to look at: The sensor records of their inbound journey.
****

As soon as the drone detected a contact, it was displayed on the Rangers’ HUDs with a red outline; a known hostile.

“Hold fire!” ordered the Mind, and caused the same message to be displayed on the HUDs as well, pre-empting any Rangers that might be quick off the mark.

“Holy… shit,” uttered several voices over the comm net. Their visors basically showed a sea of red ahead of them, and some behind them as well. “How many are there?” asked one voice.

“Over a thousand, possibly significantly more,” replied the Mind. “Do not engage.”

“Well sir, now what?” asked Amera.

“There’s only two hundred of us, less previous casualties, plus whatever Nexus has. We can’t take them yet. Would be nice to see some Vampires right about now, but that won’t happen for a while. Any attack will just bring out all of them, and even a GZB won’t get them all,” replied Lexna. “Pull back to beyond their perimeter, and we’ll wait for support.”

'Well', Lauralin sent, 'if your THAT bored I think I can make them aware of your position', she said, a grin on the face of the image in Deyall's mind.

The grin fell away, 'A door. I hope I can get through it. Some sort of locking mechanism, but I think the door is steel. If it is then it won't present a problem.

****

Micaya got a report from one of the quads that the Indoans were pulling back.

"Hey", she asked, "What's going on out there?" As she asked she signaled for her people to ready themselves and sent an alert status to the other teams.

((OOC: Sorry for the delay. My exams are next week, so I'm doing a lot of work. Haven't got much free time right now, so replies will probably be every few days at most. I'll be back to normal by the 13th though.))

The pilot chuckled, “Heheh, no thank you. I’m not that desperate for something to do.” However, she was pretty bored, and had never been good at waiting anyway, even though she probably should have learned better in all her past years.

“Forge, give me something to do,” she requested the Mind.

“Alright then, Captain. Since you ask, would you mind doing a circuit of the system and a full sweep? Might as well learn something about it as you’re there. And then I invite you to meet me on the field of battle for a Nen-shaeyul,” the Mind instructed her.

“Alright, you’ve asked for it. I will be there shortly,” she replied light-heartedly. She touched the throttles and began guiding the Aurora through the system.
****

The avatar Tyralieon strode down the corridor towards Samantha, carrying its prize.
“Here we are,” it announced, “I’ve a selection for you, among the best I can find on the ship. We have a romance, a thriller, some fantasy epic and a mystery. Which would you like to read first?”
****

“We, uh… have a minor situation,” replied Lexna. “Take a look at the feed from our recon drone.”

As the words left his mouth, the Mind bounced the data to the Central troops as well, with each known unit on the feed marked with its identity.

The Rangers were pulling back fairly rapidly, making a tactical withdrawal. They moved in stages, a couple of soldiers covering the rest of the squad as they pulled back a short distance, then the squad covered them as they regrouped, and the process repeated until they got back to their desired position.

((OOC: Hey, no problem. Study comes first. Good luck.))

The present system she was in looked dead except the worlds themselves which seemed coated with the same strange organic substance that covered the homeworld of the creatures. Several thousand creatures roamed the surface of each planet, atmospheric conditions not seeming to hamper them in any way.

****

Samantha smiled. "Captain Carlotta always loved a good romance. Not that any of her people knew but she often spoke to me when she was alone."

****

"Great Ghu", Micaya muttered and repositioned her own troops outside of the zone occupied by the underground creatures.

**

"Perfect", the woman murmured, "exactly as planned. Begin the attack."

Shadowspawn called on his magic reaching out to the elemental lords as the woman sent the order to attack.

**

The ground behind the Indoan and Central Worlds forces erupted as the very earth seemed to come alive. Rock and stone came together and moved forward to attack the two forces as the creatures erupted from the in front of them and surged forward.

"OPEN FIRE", Micaya shouted into the headset mic, "FOCUS MISSILES ON THE ROCK CREATURES, STANDARD ORDINANCE TO THE ALIENS."

The central lines suddenly came to life as they began the battle on both fronts.

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

Turquine saw the elementals surge from the ground and ordered his men to the attack. As they mounted and gathered weapons the aliens attacked from the front and he knew the allied forces were in a desperate mix. Leading the charge his horse leaped forward toward the elementals lines, his gleaming crystal sword drawn and ready.

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

Space erupted as a dozen ships poured through an opening in space and time. The Victorious angled toward the incoming ships and the W.Y.A.L. powered up and began moving around toward the newcomers.

"Open a channel", Anestice ordered, "This is Admiral Quester-Benn, commander of the Victorious. You are ordered to stand down immedietly or be fired upon."

((OOC: Sorry for the delay, but it's been chaos since I finished my exams. I've had to move, because my house isn't ready yet, and then it took me ages to find my laptop again. But everything works now, so it's all good.))

The Aurora’s all-seeing sensors recorded everything there was to be seen in the system, as the pilot gently guided her craft through the system at a fast cruise, using micro-jumps to rapidly cover the multi-million kilometre distances involved. After little more than five minutes, the data banks had recorded enough information to keep the Mind happy, so Deyall closed down the throttles, letting the powerful engines idle, and contacted the Mind once more.

This time though, their interaction being broadcast over through the communication net was mental, as they set themselves against each other in a battle of wits, mentally sparring against each other in a wide variety of ways. The nen-shaeyul had become hugely popular among all Indoans after the neural thread became prevalent, although unlike many similar activities in other cultures, it was for enjoyment and recreational purposes only, attempts to create tournaments had been fiercely opposed by both natural and artificial intelligence alike.
****

“An excellent choice,” announced Tyr approvingly, proffering the novel in question. “Now we shall find you a quiet spot to curl up and read it in.” It thought for a moment, rapidly running through all the choices available to them. “Ah, I believe the aft crew lounge will suffice; it will be virtually empty what with all crew being on battle rotation, and it’s very comfortable. If the lady would follow me…”

The avatar gestured elaborately for Samantha to follow, and indicated the direction with one arm.
****

As the enemies erupted in front of the retreating Rangers, there were a great many profanities and expletives uttered over the comm net, and more so when they discovered they were surrounded. However, their training automatically kicked in and they opened up on the enemy troops.

“First and Second platoons, cover our rear, Third, Fourth and Fifth, take the front. Conserve your ammunition as best you can,” ordered Lexna over the comm, fully aware that the latter would not be obeyed, but against such overwhelming numbers, it wouldn’t really matter. ”Hsu, I’d give my right arm for some air support right about now,” he muttered.

“Ask, and you shall receive,” replied the Mind clearly over the net. “Find a place in the shade, people.”

There was a second’s pause before anything noticeable happened, then a brilliant beam of light streaked down, forming a pillar of blazing violet light, searing everything it touched with what could quite easily have been divine fire. Over the next couple of seconds, many other beams appeared as the entire complement of 20 ventral laser batteries on the Forgaies lit up in support of the ground troops. The beams began traversing through the enemy ranks, all around the encircled allied troops, scything through flesh, rock and metal with no noticeable hindrance.

“Kestrels are inbound, particle cannons and linacs are warming up for atmospheric discharge and will be active within sixty seconds,” declared the Mind. “I can’t send the transports in for evac yet, it’s just too dangerous, but they’re on the usual air support tasking. I will try and clear you a path so you can pull back and escape the encirclement.”

The frigate had moved into a low geostationary orbit directly above the Rangers as soon as the massed enemy contacts had been picked up, knowing that precisely this might happen. As it opened fire with the laser batteries, it had scrambled the Kestrel squadron. The particle cannons and linacs needed some slight setting adjustments for optimum capability when firing through large quantities of atmosphere, and the ship had previously been set up for stellar combat, expecting that to come first. Unfortunately it looked as though both would now happen at the same time, which wasn’t best for the Indoans.
****

The frigate scanned each new vessel as it appeared, logging the data and suspected capabilities based on emissions and size. The data was shared with the Indoan task force waiting less than five light years away, whose ships were also on hair-trigger status, awaiting but a single command to come in with guns blazing.

In its current situation, the Forgaies was virtually pinned in place, unable to move to better cover the new arrivals without cutting off its support to the ground troops, but all of its dorsal weapons were brought from standby to active in a fraction of a second and the targeting sensors locked on rapidly. The drones scattered throughout the system also activated and began searching with targeting systems, although no locks were made as yet by these systems.

{Attention, all vessels. This is the INV Forgaies, Indoan Navy. This system is under the protection of the Indoan Alliance, power down all offensive systems and identify yourselves immediately,} transmitted the Mind in a clear broadcast.

Samantha followed Tyr, smiling. On the way she looked over at him. "I'll miss not being able to talk to everyone like I could on the station. Is it worth the trade?"

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

The alien leader focused her mental powers and forced the aliens in amongst the Indoans and the Central worlds people even under withering fire. They might be able to fire from orbit but with her forces amongst everyone it would be much harder to weed them out and much more dangerous.

The elements fell before the assault from above but reformed elsewhere as fast as they went down. Fighting forces that had to be raised from birth was one thing and easily accounted in the fray, but fighting things that formed from the very crust of the world was much more difficult.

Turquine's charge crashed into the elemental's lines and his paladin's powers worked to devistating effect. Normally protected from most attacks of a more mundane kind the elementals were suseptable to the power of the Holy Knights. Slow moving but strong they could crush and smash things with relative ease, but against a more agile opponent, and particularly Turquine's well trained and battle tested knights they began to fall quickly. And after several moments it became obvious to the mind, who could scan the entire area, that those who fell to the Knights did not reform.

Meanwhile Indoan's and Central Worlds forces alike were still locked in a desperate struggle and it was dubious as to the victor with sheer numbers going to the alien's side while technology and skill went to the allies.

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

Lieutenant Nirsantis should have left his post already to rest but had chosen to remain. The system re-entry had gone fine but suddenly tones began sounding on the bridge of the ship and every other ship.

"MULTIPLE locks", he cried.

Captain Hunter stood from her chair and walked forward among the men and women at the station. It was a habit she had gotten into long ago and had a calming affect on her crew.

"Okay", she said, "let's dance."

"MA'AM! Incoming message."

"Speakers."

Attention, all vessels. This is the INV Forgaies, Indoan Navy. This system is under the protection of the Indoan Alliance, power down all offensive systems and identify yourselves immediately

"My ass. We'll see who's system this is."

"Another message Ma'am", and the comm tech put it over the speakers.

This is Admiral Quester-Benn, commander of the Victorious. You are ordered to stand down immedietly or be fired upon.

"Open a channel, and let the other one hear."

"Hello Anna, what's going on here."

"Rachel?" came Anestice's reply.

"Glad I left an impression. Who the hell do these people think they are? What are they talking about under THIER protection."

"They're allies", came another woman's voice over the comm and from behind Captain Hunter. "Welcome Forgaies, and your people. This the President. Unfortunately, for reasons your far more aware of until I was until a short time ago, I can't order my people to stand down. But we'd be honored to give what support we can if we could be given a sitrep."

“Definitely,” confirmed Tyr. “Although I was never a Mind, I’ve always been an avatar, so perhaps I’m not the best one to ask. But from all accounts I’ve heard it is not a change any Mind regrets, and I certainly wouldn’t give it up. And if you want to talk to people, you can use the neural thread.” It looked at Samantha with a caring smile. “Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
****

“They just fucking get up again!” screamed one Ranger in frustration. “You fill the bastards with holes and they fucking get up again.” He blazed off a long burst into the horde without aiming.

“Focus, Sanderson. Keep your head, and you’ll be fine. We’re winning,” shot back his squad leader encouragingly. “Trace, how you doing?”

“Three full mags and what’s left in this one, Ell-Tee. I’m gonna need more,” the gunner informed him.

“There ain’t any more. Make do with what you got,” retorted the Lieutenant. “Captain, sir,” he said into his comm, “My people are starting to run low on ammo. We need a way out or some serious help soon.”

“I’m aware of that, Hicks,” replied the platoon leader calmly. “We’re all in the same situation, and the only way out is through the horde in front of you.” Anyone listening to the Captain would have thought she was anywhere but in the middle of a battle, so calm did she sound. “Forge says we got Indigos trying to break through in front of you, push forwards and try to link up. Forge will clear you a path.”

“Yes sir, Captain Gallagher,” acknowledged 1Lt. Hicks, “Listen up, people. We got friendlies ahead, so push forward and join up. Forge is cutting us a path,” he ordered his squad.

As the Rangers began pressing ahead, the Kestrels screamed out of the sky, laser cannons flickering as they swooped over the battle, dodging between the weapon blasts from the orbiting frigate. Several of the frigate’s laser batteries retargeted, multiple beams targeted within mere metres of each other, cutting everything down in a straight line between the rearmost Rangers and Turquine’s forces, attempting to create a gap through which the Rangers and Central troops could move to rendezvous with the native troops.

The other laser batteries moved their fire to circle around the allied troops, only a metre from the outermost troops, in the Mind’s response to the new tactic displayed by the aliens. The less accurate particle cannons and linacs took up the task of blasting holes in the enemy ranks.

Even with the support from the fighters, transports and the Forgaies, the Rangers were having a tough time. Many were slowed down by carrying their wounded comrades, others were dispensing what medical treatment they could to the wounded, of which there were more and more every minute.
****

~ They got through, realised the Mind with immense relief at the message from the largest of the new ships. It immediately broke off the weapon locks and placed the dorsal weapons back in standby. A swift update to the tactical network, and the defence drones also deactivated, seeing that the new ships were also flagged as allies.

{Tell me, madam President; do you believe in Ghosts?} the Mind asked. {Your arrival is most welcome. The situation is troublesome: Our troops on the planet are currently engaged and heavily outnumbered, but your rogue Admiral has not shown up yet, for which I can only thank Hsu. However, with your arrival we have strength on this front, which allows me to do this,} reported the Mind.

With that, the Mind contacted its sister ship in the Indoan task force.
{Sister, how long would it take for you to deploy troops to the planet’s surface?} it asked.

{Four minutes and thirty-seven seconds from when you give the order,} replied the Whisperer. {They’re sitting in the transports ready to deploy and have been since we left you. Do I take it they are needed?}

{They are indeed. My Rangers are on the verge of being overwhelmed, and I cannot do anything more to help them. We need full deployment of troops and corresponding air support immediately,} declared the Forgaies.

The Whisperer confirmed the transmission, then immediately initiated the jump. Forty-two seconds later, Indoan Task Force Syriane sailed out of multiple wormholes between the Central Worlds vessels and the planet, and within thirty seconds transports were deploying from the freighters and heading for the planet’s surface. Fighters and gunships soon followed, overtaking the slower transports as they descended through the planet’s atmosphere. The only question now was; would they be able to break through to those on the ground in time?

Samantha smiled, still following him. "I know it might sound odd. But then there were only a handful of us near the end. The other's, except for Samurai and myself, didn't like dealing with the humans. They seem so .... well .... illogical .. at times. But Sam and I found them fascinating. We used to bet on what they would do in given circumstances. I have to say, they often surprised us."

****

"Move the quads to barrier positions. Get the wounded and dead loaded up and continue to fall back", Micaya ordered.
"I don't give a rat's ass whose wounded and dead they are, get them loaded. We'll sort them out afterwards. Barring enemy's of course."
She continued to fight the retreat, the quads moving in to form a protective barrier with thier withering fire.
"Good news people", she announced, "the indigs are moving in and the rock bastards don't get up when they put them down."
Cheers went up from the Central Worlds forces and they began they're defense anew.

****

"Sir", replied the President, "I saw my mother's ghost. She was holding her favorite moccosins. She had been buried in heels, and she hated heels. She just wanted to let me know that she was happy now, and comfortable. So yes, I do believe in ghosts.
As for the situation, help your people, leave the RENEGADE to us. And get word to General Quester-Benn on the surface if you can. Tell her I'm sorry. And soyou both know, Algeron is being relieved as we speak. Once done we'll have more naval support and be able to get more of the Legion here. Almost all of them survived the attack. Seems the General .... neglected .... to include all of her contingency plans for the defense of the Legions planet. An oversight I'm sure", she said with a hint of humor, "but a damn lucky break for us."
"Captain Hunter, Admiral Quester-Benn is command, if there are no objections", came her voice over the still open comm, "I believe she's EARNED that right."
"Considering that I taught her, no objections at all", Rachel replied as she took the command throne.
*****
"We'll be overwhelmed", Shadowspawn told the woman.
"Don't be so sure. I'd anticipated this, though I admit it is much more delayed. Something preoccupies them. Stage 2."
Again Shadowspawn reached out with his powers and the elementals responded as Kerrigan sent out her own thoughts.

The air around the ships dropping from the Whisperer suddenly seemed to come under attack. One was ripped apart within seconds, the others bombarded. Suddenly it became evident from what. The air itself seemed to swirl and coalesce as the air elementals took shape and assaulted the incoming craft.
Above the ground wormholes appeared and the flying aliens issued forth. But rather than engage the much faster kestrels and vampyres the began to bombard the ground. The air units now had to choose between attacking the creatures in the air or those on the ground.
"Your move", Kerrigan murmured. Thier next move would depend on what the allied forces would do.

“Back when the first Indoan AIs were created, there were similar concerns. That the AI would not want to exist as a servant of others, and would rebel. Fortunately, it didn’t happen, and it wasn’t long before we were granted status equal to that of the sentient races. But having studied records of that period, I can see how it could happen, and the organics were very careful with the first AI not to provoke such reactions,” said Tyr. “And your desire to interact with people does not seem odd, if that’s what you mean. From what I understand, it is a natural instinct in all sentient life to interact with others. I would certainly hate to be separated from those around me.”
****

The Rangers were grateful for the assistance from the Central troops in moving the dead and wounded, being without any means themselves. It allowed them to move faster again, with only a few medics focusing on treating those who needed it most. Those still fighting renewed their push towards Turquine’s soldiers, treading the charred ground as swiftly as possible in the wake of the frigate’s efforts.

When the first Indoan reinforcements began to appear overhead, the troops on the ground were heartened, and fought with renewed vigour. However, this mood was short-lived, as the alien reinforcements also began to appear. But the solution had already presented itself. With additional units in the air, the Indoan tactics changed slightly. The nimble Kestrel fighters and most of the attack gunships began engaging the airborne enemies, while the heavier Vampire assault fighters and the Cararra missile craft took up the task of pounding the ground forces into submission.

The transports containing the reinforcements landed behind Turquine’s advancing forces, and within minutes fifteen thousand troops were on the ground as the sky filled with transports, with thousands more on the way. Among the first units out were the Lancers, each wielding a six-foot staff, and after a minute to form up, they charged into the fray behind the natives, the high-powered laser cannons in the staves firing pulses into the horde. Other Ranger and Grenadier units were not far behind, and the first of the Airborne units zoomed overhead, engaging both ground and air opponents.

The air elementals overhead were an unpleasant surprise for the pilots of the transports, but coming under fire during the drop was not unexpected. The weapons on the transports opened up on the enemies, and even though they quickly realised they could not kill the elementals with their weapons, they could still hit them, and while they were reforming after taking a weapon impact, they could not attack. This was the holding strategy the transports took up, coupled with maximum speed descents and unpredictable flight paths.

Still, an increasing number of transports succumbed to the attacks, and in many cases the disintegrating transports threw soldiers and pilots out into the open air, with little hope of arresting their fall before a terminal impact with the ground. Many of the other transports made efforts to collect the stricken warriors as they fell, with limited success, but there were limits as to how many people could be fit on a transport, and they were packed to capacity as it was. Other efforts by passing fighters to snag a falling body, with the intent of ferrying it down and dropping it near the ground, where they had a much better chance of survival, also had limited success.

The reports filtered back through the comm net. “Shit, Scarab-One-Four is gone.” “Kratos-Three-Seven is hit, we are going down.” “Dragon-One-Three, we’re being ripped apart.” The losses were already starting to mount up, and the troops were, for the most part, not even on the ground yet.

The warships of the task force took up positions around the Forgaies, and joined in with the bombardment, adding their own firepower to the barrage raining down on the opposing ground forces. Now was the perfect time to do damage, as the Indoan forces were not yet completely caught up in the fighting, and at this point virtually everything on the battlefield was an enemy.

The Forgaies sent out a broadcast to everyone on the planet it had previously had contact with, in an effort to reach the right person. {If anyone can contact the King’s advisor, the Princess Ariel, now would be the perfect time for her to attempt to disrupt the aliens’ control. Our attack is begun; we need all the help we can get. And tell the King we have units coming up behind his forces.}
****

{In that case, I ask that you take a moment to remember two brave warriors, who will be sorely missed. May their souls forever rest in peace in the glory of the Spirit Realm.} There was a short pause before the Mind continued. {The space front is yours, we will deal with the ground as best we can,} acknowledged the Mind.

As it sent the President’s message down to General Quester-Benn, it watched as the freighters continued to launch streams of fighters and transports, all of which headed down into the atmosphere.

{In the event that the rogue arrives while we are still engaged on the planet, and things turn violent, would you send at least some of your Wraiths down to relieve our fighters? As we have been led to understand, your Wraiths cannot be tracked by each other, whereas our fighters have been given means to do so. This has been tested, and the Victorious will confirm,} sent the Forgaies, remembering what had been decided earlier, and figuring it would be best to state this before it was needed.

"Many of the earlier sentient AI had considered themselves superior. At least on our world. It was believed that the humans pushed forward faster than thier wisdom in technology. Eventually, however, the AI's realized that without the humans vital parts could not be rebuilt or replaced. They were not fully self sufficient then. Sam and I are prime examples. I never understand thier attitudes, but it is the way it was", Samantha replied.

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

Ariel was contacted by one of Gassington's men when the request went out and she closed her eyes, though tears slid down her face, having felt Marcus' death. She focus on the creatures who were intermingled with the other forces and had limited success. In several areas the creatures seemed to hesitate and then turned on whatever was closest to them. The strategy was mixed in it's success as only a few areas could be covered by her and because of the chaos it created.

Micaya took advantage of it by getting any allied forces out of the areas, Indoan and Central alike, letting the creatures attack thier own allies or each other, but casualties were mounting.

1Lt. Hicks suddenly found himself face to face with one of the earth elementals, it's massive hands already reaching for him. Turquines people had reached them by then and suddenly the king was between Hicks and the creature, the crystaline blade glowing brightly and in a moment the creature fell. What he didn't see was the alien behind him, preparing to run him through with it's two foot long bladed limbs.

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

Anita nodded, then realized they were on a vocal only channel, "They will be remembered", she told the mind. "As for the air support, you have it." She turned to Captain Hunter, "Give them all of our first response fighters, we'll meet the Admiral with the rest."

Rachel nodded and sent the Presidents order to Admiral Quester-Benn who complied and the Wreaths began to scream out from the launch bays. Once launched the Central worlds ships turned toward the anticipated areas where the Admiral's ships would come in.

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

Forrister was at Micaya's side, as always, but as he looked around the field and into the air he realized that at present, they were losing this fight.

“I’ve heard that,” agreed Tyr. “Humans frequently seem to be far too single-minded, focusing on a goal without thought to the possible consequences of reaching that goal. The Matrai are a more cautious people by nature, they will pursue the same goals with equal determination, but only after thinking things through very carefully. The Douran are very impulsive, but they relied on the Matrai to develop the technology, so we were lucky, I think.”
****

The difference in the will of the aliens was immediately noticeable by the troops were it had effect. Concerted attacks suddenly fell apart and the aliens started taking each other out in front of the Indoans. Chaos was good for the Indoans, because they could still communicate and coordinate their efforts, while their opponents fumbled about.

A couple of particularly daring pilots used the change and dropped their light transports in amid the mixed allied force, dropping off a few extra troops, and providing a platform to remove the wounded from the battle. They could only carry about forty wounded between them, but the co-pilots of both transports were on the comm, telling of their action and encouraging others to do the same. As one of the two lifted off again with a load of wounded, another Varia swept in and touched down in the space vacated by the other transport. The Rangers nearest the Central borgs directed them toward the transports, with the phrase; ‘Get the wounded on those.’

When Hicks saw the titan lunge for him, he dove sideways, landing on his side and knocking the wind out of him. He saw the King appear between him and the rock creature, and reduce it to rubble with the glowing sword. Hicks saw a movement out of the corner of his eye, and raised his rifle in one hand. His finger depressed the trigger when he saw the form of the alien, and its body was ripped apart by the fusillade of high velocity rounds that spewed from the weapon.

Hicks climbed back to his feet, with the intention of thanking the King, but found another elemental in front of him. One swipe of its massive hand sent the Ranger flying, the impact feeling like he had just been shot in the chest with a howitzer. The elemental moved towards Hicks’ fallen body, the Ranger scrabbling about for the weapon he had dropped while in flight. With the titan only a metre away, a rocket whooshed over the Ranger and temporarily reduced the elemental to pieces. Hicks felt a hand on his shoulder, lifting him back to his feet.

“Hicks, you dumb, son of a bitch. Keep your eyes open and keep hold of this,” a female voice told him, and his rifle was thrust into his hands.

“Yes sir. Thanks Captain,” replied Hicks, as Gallagher waded back into the fight.

As the Lancer/Ranger group rushed to the assistance of the beleaguered allied troops, the main body of the troops, continuously increasing in numbers, formed a line with which to push the enemy back. Advancing en masse, the line was led by the Rangers and Grenadiers, with other Lancer units in the centre, the Airborne overheard, and more Rangers and greenstick infantry ready behind to fill the gaps as the line expanded.

"Human's seem to be wide spread. Is it because they spread so quickly through the universe? Or because it's a common form?" she asked.

****

The quads moved over to the transports, the ground shaking as they walked, and settled down. The ramps opened and bio bods streamed out, taking up firing positions, while the wound were moved to the transports.

The quads layed down a surprising fire and once cleared of injured moved back into the fray. One in particular caught the eyes of any in the area since it had a bullseye painted on each side of it's pillbox body and stormed about, unloading ordinance and stepping on any enemy that got in it's way.

****

Turquine began issuing orders to spread his knights among the allied troops and to fight the elementals while the allies fought the aliens.

The Knights, including the king, were rather a sight to see. Though woefully outgunned by the allies and outnumbered the fought against impossible odds, sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but never giving ground. Turquine turned and grabbed his lance from his horse and thrust it point first into the ground. All his people knew what it meant. The line was drawn here and no one would move beyond it. Once done he strode back into the fray.

****

The next few moments brought both good and bad news.

The good news was that all the aliens seemed to go berserk. Turquine withdrew his sword from an elemental, flipped up his visor and smiled. He knew his daughter had succeeded. He raised his sword and bellowed a rally cry and once more the knights gathered themselves and pushed forward.

Micaya took the hint, ordered her forces to gather in thier units and press the attack.

****

The bad news came to the sensors of the ships in space as the Admiral came through. Over three dozen ships jumped out into normal space, most firing before they even cleared the rim of the jump point.

"Son of a bitch", Rachel muttered and opened a channel but stopped herself, remember who was in charge. Less than a second later the com lines were filled with Anestice's voice...

"Target the Kolnari, DON'T, I repeat, DON'T let them board."

The sleek, black and powerful Kolnari ships streaked toward the Central worlds vessels, largely ignoring incoming fire and wraiths screamed from thier launch bays in a desperate attempt to wipe out the ships before they could get close enought to fire the hulling grapnels and board.

The traitor Admiral glared at the screen, "This is Fleet Admiral ...."

"Not anymore", came the Presidents voice, "you lying bastard. Now you bring in our ancient enemy. Prepare to be boarded or destroyed.

"Destroyed", he muttered, and closed the channel.

"Who is this?", the President asked into the air.

"Hector, Ms. President."

"Hector, try to get through to the other ships under him, offer them amnesty if they'll stand down."

"Yes "Ma'am", he replied and began contacting the other shell people in an effort to make them see reason.