NationStates Jolt Archive

The large rectangular doors opened with a low rumble, the bass tone echoing in the cryptorium which also doubled as a command centre. Dotted around the sparsely populated room were several blinking stations each one operated by a spindly B1 control droid; a stark improvement from the more incompetent, traditional model. The Munificent class star frigate was the lead vessel in this expedition, her developed and technologically adept communications array making contact with Coruscant possible however intermittently.

"Dull the lights please."

"Roger roger" the synthesiser replied. Enveloped in a deluge of star systems the assembled staff waited for the briefing to begin.

"Gentleman." Captain Yver offered. "From our captured databases taken during the ground conflict on Juria, Imperial intelligence has concluded that the native name for this satellite Galaxy is the Draco Dwarf." A few snorts emanated from the officers present. "I am now at liberty to begin the disclosure of further details from the information captured. Her current position." A bony finger pointed towards a highlighted cluster. "Is approximately two hundred and eighty thousand light years away from the targeted galaxy, and a further twenty seven thousand light years away from their version of Coruscant."

"I believe they call it Earth."

"Yes, you will find that the natives have many unoriginal names Commodore." Yver looked to his data pad. "Magnify upon sector seven, grid eight please." The swirl of light that was the holo image collapsed and refocused showing a binary system with several planetoids in orbit. "We have extrapolated this to be the best location for the initial phases of the Hypergate."

"Does the system have a designation?"

"Only a numerical one. 11-456." Notes were quickly jotted on pads. "Deep space scans have concluded high levels of ore and dark matter within this cluster, perfect for the expansion our operation. B-12, the information please." The blue striped droid trotted over carrying his encoded parcel; within lay the initial orders from the palace clearly detailing the expectations of the emperor. "We have been given two weeks to construct the Hypergate upon arrival, the emperors demands are of course pressing, but that is why each of you were chosen." A small pause filled the room. "Our orders are to begin construction above this planetoid." A brown misshapen rock glowed a dull red. "Now codenamed Cyrus which will serve as the ground platform for our orbital construction efforts. We believe the terrain here, and here will be suitable for the prefabricated installation."

"Captain, before you go any further, what about security threats."

"Intelligence has given us no advance warning of any indigenous space faring species."

"Patrols from the central Galaxy?"

"Their Galaxy does not consist of one government, instead, we believe them to be a densely compacted series of nationstates. Thusly, any sensible patrol pattern is not to be expected." The officers nodded.

"When will we arrive?" Captain Yver looked over to B-12.

"Fifteen days." The droid answered in its neutral tone.

Deep Space.

Deep space is like another universe entirely, nothing is the same, there is no light, there is no gas, a perfect vacuum, not even the slightest hint of gravity. In deep space, you are the galaxy, you are god. Out beyond the beyond of the galaxy Crassuss had set up his final resting place, looking out into deep space like a deep sea diver looking a continental shelf. Nothing disturbed his solitude, surrounded by several thousand clamoring mortals he was still alone.

From his vantage point on the edge of the Way Crassuss’ whole world seemed filled with the rush of passing ships, even though they were millions of miles distant. They rushed by from the inky depths like avenging beacons ploughing through existence. As they passed Crassuss mused to himself upon their number, size, make up, inhabitants and markings. His conclusion was a question he might never know the answer to.

What could they possibly want that way ?