NationStates Jolt Archive

A large structure sat in a seemingly endless plain which stretches from horizon to horizon. Snow capped mountains could be seen to the east of the great plains, extending their dominating presence upon the earth. However, as the structure grew larger, it replaced the ancient mountains as the most imposing figure in the landscape.

The structure revealed tiny little details as it grew to an enormous size. Girders ran up the whole height of the structure, while a large platform sat at the bottom. The most distinguishing feature was not the size of the girder stucture, but what it supported. A huge structure stood upon the platform, while at several points along the girder spire, several arms embraced the structure.

The standing structure had several large funnels on its bottom, a couple of large fins along its sides, and tapered to a rounded tip at its top. Several distinguishing features included windows, stencils, symbols, and most importantly, an enlarged area halfway between the top and middle of the structure.

Abruptly, text appeared in the view as if by magic. It began scrolling across the view.

"Sharina's very first Star-void Vessel, the SSV Viracocha is preparing to usher Sharina into the Star-void for the first time. It's mission is to map the entire Sharina landmass, and surrounding areas."

The view shrinked to half of its size, as a man wearing glasses and a goatee appeared to the left of the view of the Viracocha.

The man then spoke.

"The Viracocha is the culimation of intensive development of the Sharina space industry and infrastructure. This will be a bold first step by Sharina into the Star-void, which opens up endless possibilities. Missions to Luna, Mars, and even beyond.

The Viracocha is the first of several planned Reusable Star-void Vessels which will aid Sharina immeasurably in construction of a Space Station, installing satellites into orbit, and Zero Gravity research.

The Viracocha is scheducled to launch in several moments. We will return to a full view of the SSV Viracocha."

The view panned back to a full view of the Viracocha as a counter appeared in the lower right corner. The counter began counting down from 4:00.

At 3:00, steam and smoke could be seen as the hydrogen fuel engines roared to life in a pre-launch sequence.

At 2:00, orange flares began to glow through the expanding smoke and fog.

At 1:00, the smoke became more intense, enveloping the entire lower half of the Viracocha and the girder structure.

At 0:30, the roar increased in intensity as the engines reached 90% power.

As the counter counted down in the single digits, virtually the entire nation of Sharina held its breath. Tens of millions of Sharinans stopped talking, walking, eating, and other activities they were performing as the Viracocha prepared to launch.

Inside the Inti Star-void Center, all the technicians held still, watching the complex electronic displays. They kept a vigilant eye on Viracocha's vital statistics and systems, to ensure that nothing went wrong during the launch.

President Rand Veristek smiled, and he uttered two words that ushered the Sharinan nation into a new age.

"Godspeed, Viracocha."

As he uttered the words, the Viracocha acknowledged Rand's words. Then the vessel began lifting into the sky amid great gouts of smoke and fire.

Millions upon millions of Sharinans became one at that very moment. An incredible roar and thunderous celebration could be heard throughout all the cities and towns of Sharina.

Several minutes later, the Sharinans and the astronauts of the Viracocha got their first glimpse of Earth from outer space.

A man dressed in a jumpsuit launched himself off a wall inside the weightless enviroment in the Viracocha. He grabbed the pilot's chair in the cockpit of the vehicle, stopping his momentum. A hand shot out towards a small rectangular blinking button with the words 'Transmit' stenciled on it. A small buzz could be heard as the machinery on the Viracocha made contact with the extensive machinery on the planet far below.

"Jack O'Neill calling Inti Center."

"Inti here. How was the flight?"

"Pretty good. You guys should be up here, watching the beautiful jewel that is our home. Are you recieving live video feed?"

"Everything looks great. So that is what Earth looks like from outer space. We are transmitting the live video feed to all Sharina television and radio stations."

"My crew reports that everything seems to be in working order."

"That's good. There's someone who would like to speak with you.

"Sure. Who is it?"

A beep is heard as the channel changed frequencies, connecting Jack O'Neill to the new caller.

"This is President Rand Veristek. Congrataulations. I am quite impressed that you and your men are in the star-void. We have achieved a feat which had only been a dream several decades ago."

"Thank you, Mr. President. The mission hasn't even begun yet, sir."

"No matter. Getting up there was the hardest part, and you have done it. I truly believe that our people are capable of anything as proven by this feat."

"Yes, sir. My crew and I shall carry out our duty, and bring the Sharina people glory."

"Godspeed, Jack O'Neill."

There was another beep as the connection switched back to Inti Command.

"Inti Command here. You are a go for the mission."

"We shall do our duty. Jack O'Neill out."

Jack pressed the transmit button once again to terminate the invisible link between the Viracocha and Inti Command. He turned around and then flew towards the rear of the pilot's cabin. He slowly made his way towards the Scientific cabins in the middle of the Viracocha. Two other crew-members were working on several instruments with displays that resembled the geography of Sharina.

Jack turned towards one of them and nodded.

"You heard the guys. We are to begin our mapping mission."

The crew-member saluted Jack and then busied himself with the console. The other member made her way back towards the rear of the Scientific cabins to access the bay doors to release the mapping sensor suite.

Several hours later, Jack made his way back towards the Pilot's cabin with a sense of urgency. He slammed the tranmission key in a hurry.

"Jack O'Neill calling Inti Command."

'Inti Command here. What's the problem?"

"We have discovered a completely new coastline several thousand kilometers from the Western coast of Sharina. We are transmitting the latitude and longtitude of the coastline."

The female crew member arrived in the pilot cabin breathing hard. Jack O'Neill turned towards the female.

"Katarina, what's going on?"

"Jack, the newly discovered coastline has vanished."

[tag] good stuff, good stuff.

tag

*TAG*ing visibly rather than though the subscription ability to let ye know i'm watching.

Jack O'Neill simply stared at Katarina.

"Land disappearing? You're up to your pranks again."

Katarina shook her head.

"No prank. This is serious."

"Katarina, double check the sensor suite."

The disembodied voice of the Mission Director from Inti Command wafted down from the overhead speakers.

"Jack and Katarina, what are you talking about?"

"Director Gordo, I am not certain myself. I will have to check the sensors in person with Katarina."

"Understood. Report back when you can. Inti out."

The tranmission line beeped then became silent once again. Several minutes later, both Jack and Katarina were back at the sensor suite console in the science chambers. Jack turned towards Katarina with an odd look.

"Visual sensors show the landmass is still there."

Katarina blinked her green eyes and looked over her shoulder towards Jack's console.

"I swear the land disappeared."

Jack rolled his eyes at Katarina, and turned back to his console. Jack initiated a new scan procedure to confirm the existence of the new continent. As the text and images began to scroll across the screen, Jack's eyes got wider and wider.

"What the hell?"

Katarina whirled around and spoke in a slightly shaken voice.

"What?"

"The land is gone according to laser mapping sensors, as well as radar!"

"I told you."

"I want to run a diagonstic on the sensor suite. In the meantime keep a continous video feed over the location of the vanishing continent. I also want to bring the Viracocha directly above the mysterious coastline."

Katarina nodded.

"It shall be done, sir."

Jack O'Neill made his way back towards the pilot's cockpit with haste, tripping over a couple of rungs in the corridor between the cockpit and the science chambers. He quickly strapped himself inside the pilot's seat, and flicked the tranmission switch.

"Jack O'Neill calling Inti Command."

"Inti Command here. What has happened up there?"

"I am having Katarina run a diagnostic on the sensor suite, and I ordered that continuous video feed is activated. In addition, I'm bringing the Viracocha to a spot right over the new coastline for visual confirmation."

"That is a sound plan. Keep us informed. Inti out."

Jack sighed as he deactivated the communication link. He reached his hand out to activate another switch. A paper thin slab rose to Jack's right, then suddenly figures and numbers began appearing on the slab. Jack tapped the screen, then input several voice commands.

"Computer, calculate trajectory and speed required to reach Latitude 25 North, Longitude 122 West."

Data began scrolling across the hyper-LCD display. Jack typed in several commands on the front pilot console. A hum could be felt building up throughout the vessel as its hydrogen engines began firing. Jack turned on the intercom and made his announcement.

"I am bringing the Viracocha towards the coordinates directly above the mysterious continent. We should be there within an hour. Continue your work on the sensor suite."

One hour later, the Viracocha glided to a stop several thousand kilometers above the mysterious coastline.

Inside the sensor chamber, Katarina breathed a sigh of relief. She began speaking into her earpiece.

"Jack O'Neill, this is Katarina. The diagonstics are now complete. The sensor suite appears to be functioning normally. Wait a minute, I'm recieving telemetry and all sorts of data right now."

"What data? I thought you said that there wasn't anything there except visuals."

"I know, sir. But I am now recieving information on the composition of the coastline as well as swathes of land extending several dozen kilometers inland. I'm reading metallic compositions in mountainous terrain. In addition there are areas of high water concentrations that are probably swamps or marshlands.

Wait a minute. This is odd. I'm seeing some abnormal readings. I'm seeing some spots of intense infrared activity which indicates energy, but these readings are originating from forests and plains. There is no indication of electricty, nuclear power, or any power plants in the new continent. There isn't any indication of forest fires or hot springs around these infrared spots.

I cannot determine any additional information other than what the sensor suite is providing. A ground expedition would be able to discover more than we can up here, or more specialized satellites would have to be deployed."

"Thank you for your report, Katarina. Any idea why the sensor suite malfunctioned, or didn't sense the data correctly other than visual optic sensors?"

"I am not sure. It could have been electrical interference, a gust of solar wind, a mass of star-void dust, or something else. We have no way of knowing until we have a second sensor confirm and verify readings and such.

The only way to do this is to have another SSV up here, or a sensor satellite."

"Very well. Inti Command, did you recieve all the telemetry data and the dialogue between me and Katarina?"

"Affirmative. We are preparing several scenarios of what to do right now. You have done well, crew of Viracocha. You are to remain over the coastline for the time being, and try to gather more data."

"Yes, sir. It will be done. Jack O'Neill out."

Another beep. Another communication connection terminated.

Two hours later, news spread like wildfire throughout Sharina as the findings of the Viracocha is made public.

Two men sat in two comfortable leather seats, looking outside a window. The taller man turned his focus away from the rectangular window, then locked his gaze upon the other man. He blinked his eyes once, and cleared his throat before speaking.

"What is the progress on the Expedition?"

"It has reached the shores of the new land discovered by the SSV Viracocha last week. The Viracocha will remain in orbit for two more days to aid the Expedition with its scanning capabilities. Afterwards, the Viracocha will return to the Inti Center, to refuel and resupply."

President Rand Veristek sighed.

"Director Derslonis, I'm devoting considerable funds towards this project. A completely new land, with no traces of advanced civilization. From what Director Gordo of the Inti Center told me, the landmass appears to be a pretty large one."

Derslonis nodded.

"President, we are aware of this. However, if we rush into things, then we run the risk of unforeseen consquences. New diseases, new types of terrain, new animals and plants, new poisons, and new hazards that we have no knowledge of. Once we establish a base and determine the area around it to be safe, we can begin colonization of the new land."

Rand took a glass of water and began sipping from it.

"That is reasonable. Is the Expedition scheducled to disembark within the hour?"

"Yes. We have a naval force to provide protection, including several Levithian Battleships, Sagittarian Cruisers, and Juggernaut Frigates. In addition, thirty Goliath Transports carrying supplies, material, and personnel has been deployed towards this Expedition."

Rand closed his eyes and collected his train of thought. His mind wandered for several moments, dwelling on the discovery of the new land, and the mysteries surrounding it. Director Derslonis waited patiently for Rand to respond. After a brief period, Rand opened his eyes and gave Derslonis a slight smile.

"Director, are the men of the Expedition briefed about these mysterious infrared signatures detected by the Viracocha?"

"They were briefed to report anything unusual the instant that they ecounter them."

"Very good. If this new land pans out with the high concentration of metallic substances detected in its mountains, it could give our economy a large boost. Our construction, railroad, and star-void industries could benefit immensely."

Derslonis nodded, and at that moment, an announcement chimed over the intercom in the cabin.

"President, this is Engineer Sorenson. The train has to slow down because of an IPR train up in front. It has to disembark and pick up passengers, and we cannot switch tracks because another IPR train is headed this way from the opposite direction."

Rand Veristek sighed once again. He leaned back into his chair, while waiting for the IPR train to depart the Karados station.

Another announcement piped up.

"We are now clear to proceed, as the IPR train has just departed. However, we are directed to go slowly through the station to give the IPR train in front time to switch over to the secondary track."

One minute later, the Presidential train entered Karados station, and Rand gazed outside the opaque window. He took note of the hundreds of busy commuters milling around on the train platform.

Perhaps I should put forth a proposal to expand our railroad systems even further.

Suddenly, a blue vortex opened up in the middle of the train platform. Several figures flew out of the vortex, slamming into the side of the Presidential train. Rand jumped a bit as a woman's face and body hit the window he was sitting next to.

Rand pressed the intercom button, then roared into it.

"Stop the train at once! We have wounded!"

"Acknowledged, President."

Several minutes passed as the Secret Service brought the unconscious victims into the train. The President's personal medical staff promptly began attending to the wounds of the unfortunate foursome.

Rand made his way towards the medical car. He gazed across the four unconscious forms laying on medical beds, and one Secret Service agent came up to the President.

"Mr. President, I found this mysterious device in the pocket of the man with brown hair, and several credit cards and a driver's license from the woman with short reddish-brown hair."

"And?"

"The cards had pictures matching the short haired woman, and has the name of Wade Welles. However, the puzzling thing is that the card shows that this Wade Welles was issued a driver's license in San Franscisco, California. What's more, it says she is a citizen of the United States of America."

"What the hell? There isn't any place, town, or city named San Franscisco or California in Sharina. There also isn't any nation called 'United States of America' as far as I know. I want these four people to be placed under security guard when they recover. When they awaken, I would like to be informed promptly. In addition, I would like to personally question them."

"It shall be done, sir."

Rand dismissed the Secret Service agent with a nod. He headed back towards his lounge car, with thoughts swirling around in his mind.

Too many mysterious and unexplained things happening lately. The inexplicable situation with the Viracocha's sensors, the infrared readings of the new continent despite no signs of fires or advanced civilization, and now this. Four people appearing from a swirling blue vortex right when my train is passing through.

Quite simply, what the hell is going on?

Amazing stuff...

President Rand Veristek rubbed his forehead, and took a sip from a large frosty mug of root beer, one of his favorite drinks. He took a few bites of a turkey sub with melted provolone cheese for his lunch. He brought a couple of additional delicious turkey subs with him from the dining car back to his lounge car.

As he entered, he smiled as he saw a woman rise out from a chair. The tall, blond, and slender woman made her way towards Rand with a a slightly bemused expression.

"Rand, are you pigging out again?"

"I can't help it, honey. I just love turkey subs with provolone cheese. Here, I brought one for you."

"Thanks. How thoughtful."

The woman nudged Rand playfully. Rand simply grinned back at the woman. An officer walked in from the opposite side of the lounge car, and then spoke across the length of the train car.

"President, the four mysterious people are awake now. They are ready for you to interrogate them."

"Thank you, Colonel."

Rand began walking towards the rear of the lounge room, into the medical car, and the tall woman followed behind Rand. He took long strides through the medical car to the guard car just beyond. As Rand and his female companion walked through the connecting doors between the cars, Rand took notice of the two men and two women sitting on a leather couch, flanked by two guards. As he entered the car, he noticed the four people were handcuffed at the wrists and ankles.

The woman arched her eyebrow at the sight.

"Is it really necessary for the excessive restraints?"

The guard standing next to the dark skinned man shrugged.

"Mina, we do not know if they're terrorists or innocent people."

Mina sighed as she found a chair and sat slowly into it, then began nibbling at her turkey sub. Meanwhile, Rand took a seat opposite the couch, and set down his spare turkey and provolone cheese sub. The officer standing next to Rand procured a device that resembled a high tech television remote controller. Rand took it in his right hand and showed the device to the assembled four-some.

"Is this a bomb? It looks like one with a new system, counting up from 01:40:88. What happens 1 hour and 40 minutes from now?"

The four companions remained silent, but shared agonizing glances with each other.

"I see you don't want to talk about this. Very well. I shall have this bomb device destroyed."

The female with dark red hair shot Rand an angry look, the dark skinned man gritted his teeth, and the brown haired man shook his head then spoke.

"Please don't."

Rand smiled.

I am the spider, and they are the flies.

"Why not?"

The red haired woman shot another angry glance and then shouted.

"It is very important to us. I'm giving you one chance to let us go, or I will break your legs."

Rand laughed at the rebellious woman.

"You're in no position to do so. Such impudence does not serve you well, even though I'm a benevolent man."

Mina added, "Do not try the patience of my husband. He is slow to anger, but when he is angered, there's no protection from his wrath."

The woman growled as she began to struggle in her handcuffs and anklecuffs. As she kept struggling, Rand chuckled once again.

"So it isn't a bomb, after all. Otherwise you four wouldn't get so worked up about its destruction, especially the defiant woman. I'm thinking it has something to do with the vortex, or the purpose of these travelers. Perhaps my boys at Laoris Research Complex can figure this device out."

More growling and thrashing could be seen and heard from the rebellious woman. An announcement came over the intercom.

"We are ready to disconnect the E-88 locomotive, and then add a Titan heavy steam locomotive for the long climb into our Fusion labs inside the Grebev mountains. The E-88 will be towed at the rear of the train."

Rand turned away from the 4 travelers to stare through the train car's window. Not a sound could be heard as the smooth and seemingly organic locomotive slid past the window, with the words E-88 #001 stenciled on it. A minute later, a rising roar and the distinct sound of thumping could be heard as the garguantan steam locomotive made its way towards the waiting train.

A shadow fell across the Presidential train as a 25 foot tall locomotive belching massive clouds of smoke approached. Two small wheels passed the train window first, followed by four oversized driving wheels in excess of 8 feet tall. A loud thumping could be heard as another similiar set of four driving wheels and a large steam piston passed by. The sounds did not slow down due to the fact that a third set of giant wheels chugged by along with a third piston. The rumbling increased slightly as three smaller wheels and the cab of the train travelled by the window. The noise and vibrations finally declined as the Titan's tender car journeyed past Rand's view.

Rand remained in a daze, until Mina nudged him. Rand nearly jumped but quickly regained his composure. He rubbed his rib tenderly, as he grinned sheepishly at Mina.

"Sorry. I always get carried away whenever I see the Titan locomotives. After all, I helped design them nearly a century ago. They still are able to compete with diesel and electric locomotives after a century of service."

The four companions had looks of surprise, as the implications sank in. The brown haired woman looked at Rand with an curious look.

"Pardon me, but you said you designed them nearly 100 years ago? That's impossible as you look only 30 or 35!"

Rand chuckled, and nodded his head. Suddenly, a clanking noise could be heard and a slight bucking of the train could be felt as the Titan steam locomotive coupled up with the front of the Presidential train. Another slight nudge could be felt as the E-88 was coupled to the rear of the train. The intercom beeped once.

"The train is ready to depart for the Laoris Complex in the core of the Grebev mountains. It will arrive there in approximately seven hours."

The four-some exchanged pained looks.

Rand looked pointedly at each one of the four mysterious travelers.

"Make yourselves at home. It is going to be a long ride."

Quiet popping sounds could be heard as patches of white foam lapped against several gnarled roots and outlying boulders. The water forced the foam to break up then reform back into itself in an endless cycle. A shadow began eclipsing the bubbling foam, twisted roots, smooth pebbles, and the rushing water. The shadow kept growing larger, threatening to pour the entire scene into darkness and chaos.

A large black boot suddenly imposed its unyielding will upon the cycle of foam, shattering it forever. Barking and grunting noises could be heard from somewhere above the black boot.

"Sir, this river must be the East Rabb."

A tall man with a black and curly beard stepped next to the man standing on the riverbank. The bearded man took a roll of paper out of his backpack slung over his shoulder. He unfurled the roll, and took a glance at the satellite map provided by the SNV Viracocha. The man took out another map roll, then opened it up. The second map showed detailed locations and symbols in paint and ink.

Several names on the ink map label mountain ranges, rivers, and supposed locations of towns or cities. The man slid his finger across the map from the northeastern area towards a long diagonal stretch of river that split the northeastern and southeastern parts of the map. The man's finger came to rest upon the words "East Rabb River" then darted up northwards along the map. The finger crossed several words including "Upper Anar", "Charnal Mountains", "Malg Swamps", and "Eastland".

The other man took a deep breath as he approached his commander from behind to take a look at the ink and satellite maps. He took several quick glances then spoke.

"Sir, the beautifully ink and paint rendered map discovered in a deserted small village several dozen kilometers south of the stone city of Eldwist indicated there are towns south of our current location."

"This appears to be true, Sergeant. However, from what the SNV Viracocha and the newly launched sensor satellites can discern, these villages are reminiscent of medieval era architecture. There have been no indications of electrical, radio, or radar activity anywhere on this landmass, except for these odd splotches of infrared activity."

"Sir, most of these infrared spots on the satellite map appear to correspond in the general area of these house and town symbols on the ink map. In addition, there are some more of these spots and blots in the middle of plains, mountains, and forests. There is a small blot near where the First Expeditionary Force made landfall 18 kilometers west of the Stone City of Eldwist."

"Sergeant, it can't be fire or volcanic eruptions. There is no indication of volcanic ash or activity in the areas indicated by spots in the mountainous areas. There aren't giant plumes of smoke emanating from either the forests or the plains that would indicate fires large enough to give off these infrared signatures."

"Sir, I recommend scouting out these southern towns. The towns of Storlock, Culhaven, Rooker Line, Capaal, Dun Tee Aran, and Graymark should make good candidates to explore and discover more about these primitive people."

"Agreed. However, we need to shore up our lines of supply, build factories and power plants, lay down railroad tracks, and construct outposts here in this valley of Upper Anar. We also need to establish mining operations in the Charnal Mountains and the Toffer Ridge. Once we have infrastructure up and running, then we can launch more exploration missions. After all, this landmass seems to span at least two thousand kilometers across and wide."

"Very well, Sir. Lets head back to the Eldwist region where our main base is located to resupply and refuel. We should scout out the Malg Swamps and Knife Edge Mountains next. Preliminary reports state that there could be deposits of Type A, B, and C diamonds in these mountains, in addition to veins of platinum. The deposits of Type C diamonds appear to be much larger here than the ones in our Motherland. These will be quite useful for our high tech research facilities."

The officer nodded curtly, then began leading back towards a metallic construct lying approximately fifty meters to the north of the riverbank. The tall officer opened a metallic door, then the two men climbed inside. The officer sat down in the front seat, and flicked several switches. A hum could be heard as the top of the metallic construct opened up, as several blades erupted from the opening. The blades flattened out and began spinning faster and faster, lifting the construct into the sky.

The officer reached out for another switch at the top of the cockpit. A beep broke the silence, then the officer began speaking.

"Sharina Helio Scout 12 ready to return to base. We will be arriving in the Eldwist sector within two hours at the airspeed of 200 knots."

"Acknowledged, Helio Scout 12. Eldwist Base out."

In the small forest canopy another shadow moved across the grass and tree roots. A more primal grunt then a roar could be heard. Just as quickly, the form moved off, but not before catching a glimpse of itself in the water.

Several large teeth approximately four centimeters long gleamed off the water, then another roar could be heard, and the visage quickly disappeared.