NationStates Jolt Archive

The starship shot from lightspeed with a sound very much like a cork popping from a bottle of champagne. Well, it didn't really. Space is a vacuum, and so has no sound. But if there was sound, that's what it would have sounded like. On board, though, there was sound. And lots of it. "Well done, crew!" The captain said, spinning in his chair to regard his comrades. "We keep up at this rate, and we'll have enough to retire on!"

His men and women applauded. The navigating officer, Mailkebeth Arian, raised a hand. "Captain, where to from here?" The elf asked, flatly.

"Back to the FreePort, crew. We deserve a break from," his words were lost as the ship suddenly shook repeatedly. "What's going on?" he snarled, turning to the radar technician.

She frowned in concentration, flicking switches until several shapes appeared on her screen. "We've got company..."

The Comm. officer raised a hand. "Sir, we have an incoming transmission..."

"On-screen," he said, and sighed when a tall man dressed in a grey uniform with an officer's cap appeared on the comm. "Admiral Verchan... what a pleasant surprise..." the pirate said, saluting laconically. "How have you been? How are the wife and kids?"

Admiral Verchan sneered. "So, Kazonov... you thought you could evade the Imperial Forces of New Roan. I hereby declare you to be under arrest in the name of Prince Alexander Black... you and your 'Freebooters'," the admiral spat the words, "will be taken aboard. Where you will be flogged. And then you will be taken back to Novaya Zemyla. Where you will be flogged, and put on starships for the prison mines. Where, Gods Willing, you will be flogged some more!"

Kazonov fingered a switch on his command chair. "I'm sorry... I'll have to take a raincheck on that. But do give my regards to the Prince." He pulled the switch, and the Freebooters vanished into lightspeed once more.

~~

Onboard the Reliant...

~~

Verchan smirked. "Hah. We placed the beacon on them. Now, we will know where their secret base is..."

Lieutenant Hawkings looked up. "We did, sir?" He asked, confused. "I don't think so." He watched his Admiral freeze. "Sir?"

"Hawkings, I've lost so much. Don't take this away from me," Verchan said, calmly. "We put the beacon on the Freebooters. We know where they are going. Tell me we put the beacon on them... please..."

"Sorry, sir..."

"You will never get another raise so long as I'm alive."

Obviously OOC:

I'm enjoying this already, especially the "...Gods willing, you will be flogged some more" reference.

Alysanndra looked at the man in front of her over her glasses. "You lost the StarThief?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. The Prime Minister sighed, shaking her head. Her pointy ears twitched in disappointment. "I don't know what His Divine Imperial Highness will say..."

Verchan gulped. He did. "Surely we don't need to involve him... I mean, he has many important things to do."

Alysanndra Ellestrea, Prime Minister of the Divine Star Principality of New Roan, shook her head. "He said he would be taking a direct interest in the apprehension of the FreeRunners. And well he should. The guild has lost over 100 Billion Rubles in the last month alone. And we're losing a fortune in duties and taxes."

"But... but... I don wanna go to the mines..." the admiral mumbled, seeing his life flash before his eyes.

The woman sighed. "Don't worry, Verchan... I'm sure he'll see reason." She rose to her feet. "Return to your fleet. You are to remain docked at Agua2 until further notice."

"Yes, ma'am..." the Admiral dejectedly left her office. Outside, he found Hawkings and his other officers waiting for him. "Well, we're going to live. I just hope it will be in one piece. Come on, let's get back to the fleet..." he sighed, and went through the double-doors at the end, followed by his men.

Alysanndra, however, put her glasses back into their pouch and walked through another door in her office, into her personal teleporter to the Tsar's office. She felt her atoms be rearranged, and closed her eyes.

~~

Alysanndra stepped out of the capsule and onto a thickly carpeted rooom. Across the room, a large desk stood, with a spinning chair behind it. The chair was turned to face the window. Allysandra walked up to the desk and bowed slightly. "My lord, unfortunate news..." she murmured, not wanting to distract him.

"Please, Alys... we're in private. None of that," the voice from behind the chair said. "That's an order."

"Yes... Alex," she said, rising. "Alexander, Verchan lost the Freebooters." There was no sound from behind the chair's back. "Alex? I said..."

"I heard you, Alys." the voice, when it came, was cool and detached. "The mere knowledge that Kazonov exists has been a burden to my soul for years now..." there was a sigh. "But to the Gods, all men are toys. Still...," there was a poignant silence.

"Alex? Don't worry, I've given an order for him to be brought to trial at all..."

"You've given an order?" There was an amused tone to the voice. "Want to be a president now, do you?"

"My lord..." Alysanndra backpedaled, rapidly. She had a certain amount of credit with the Prince, but she also knew when it was being used up.

The chair spun around, and the Prince rose from it, slamming his hand onto the desk and snarling, "I want him found. And I want him dead. And Gods help the next fool who lets him get away." His blue eyes shone with a deadly intensity. "Those are my orders, Alysanndra. And Prime Minister or not, you will carry them out!"

Alysanndra curtsied. "As my lord wishes..." she murmured, backing to the door.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Roania/b8efe240.jpg
Prince Alexander Tyrol Black
Divine Star Imperium of New Roan

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Roania/Allysandra.jpg
Prime Minister Alysanndra Ellestrea
Divine Star Imperium of Novar Ohan

The busty young woman laughed with the pirates, but sidled over to Karzonov anyway. "So, captain... what's your next target...?" She asked, running a hand along his arm. She giggled when he ran a hand up her blouse. "Captain, I'm on duty..."

"Well, lass... I reckon that I'll be taking a break..." Karzonov said, his hand travelling still further up her shirt as the other one lowered her down onto his lap. "A vacation would be nice, no?" He squeezed at something soft, and chuckled when she squealed.

The chuckle ran out of steam rapidly when a dark figure approached him. "I happened to hear you'd be taking a break, Captain... pity. I was hoping you could run a job for me..." The figure's skin was completely covered, and his face was beneath a cowl. Two black hands extended from voluminous robes, throwing a pouch of coins onto the table. "Still, that will be yours if you listen to my proposition. With no obligation on your part..."

Karzonov raised an eye, and sighed, putting the girl back on the ground. "We'll finish our business later, lass..." he said, turning to face the figure. "You have my full attention."

Obviously OOC:

I'm enjoying this already, especially the "...Gods willing, you will be flogged some more" reference.

((Feel free to join in, if you want. ^_^))

"Excellent... I want you to go to the Imperial Archives, and steal something for me..." The cloaked figure hissed. "A simple map..."

"You want us to go the Imperial Archives?" Karzonov asked, raising an eyebrow. "New Roan is filled with men with guns who want us dead. Lots of men with lots of guns who want us dead. That'll be a little expensive..."

The cloaked figure responded by pulling out another bag and dropping it next to the first. "And three times that as soon as you bring me my map..."

Karzonov looked hesitant, but when another clink came from the table... "You've got yourself a ship. What's the map you want?"

The figure smiled beneath its cowl. "Nothing... the map will be labelled Deus. That's D, E, U, S... good. It must be returned to me, and returned to me soon."

"Don't worry, Comrade Financier... The FreeRunners have not failed yet. We'll get you your map." Karzonov held out his hand. The cloaked figure stared at it, curiously, until the captain finally put it down. "Ah-heh... I'll just go and put together a crew, shall I?" he stood up, and almost ran away.

The figure turned to watch him go, and then faded out of sight...

Out in the depths of space, somewhere in the Principality of New Roan, a single spacecraft drifted. Well, it was more rolling than just drifting, and if one considers the motion of the galaxy relative to... Well, anyway, the ship was in trouble.

Its crew of humans had made an unfortunate miscalculation with their last jump, no doubt the result of their going away party the night before. Having been assigned an exploration mission of indefinite length, they'd decided to have a little fun before the trip. Now, with the reactors off-line, the galactic lodestone (a gift from some magical friends) fried, and life support down, they were wishing for a simple hangover. But such was the fate of the NESC Skip the Light Fantastic.

OOC: Feel free to drop by, say hello, trade stories, shoot the breeze, give us air.

Out in the depths of space, somewhere in the Principality of New Roan, a single spacecraft drifted. Well, it was more rolling than just drifting, and if one considers the motion of the galaxy relative to... Well, anyway, the ship was in trouble.

Its crew of humans had made an unfortunate miscalculation with their last jump, no doubt the result of their going away party the night before. Having been assigned an exploration mission of indefinite length, they'd decided to have a little fun before the trip. Now, with the reactors off-line, the galactic lodestone (a gift from some magical friends) fried, and life support down, they were wishing for a simple hangover. But such was the fate of the NESC Skip the Light Fantastic.

OOC: Feel free to drop by, say hello, trade stories, shoot the breeze, give us air.

((Arrest? If the Imperium finds you, you'll be arrested and sent to the mines. Flogging might be involved. We won't be having that...))

The StarThief powered by, its crew of thieves carefully stealthed to avoid the watchful eye of the Imperium and its security forces. None of them had any illusions as to what would happen to them if they got caught. Mailkbeth looked over the Rader Op's shoulder. "Captain, we have an unpowered starship nearby..."

"Take us out of stealth and send a comm. I doubt they'd be Imperials." Karzonov said, stroking his chin. "And if they are, the StarThief can outrun any ship in the Roanian Fleet."

Captain Jim Devaney was brought back to consciousness by a distant beeping noise. He tried to sit up, only to find that his Tactical officer was lying on his chest, and that her brown hair was in his face. He also happened to notice that his left arm was numb and bent behind his back.

Okay, so I drank too much, and took Jen back to my place, he rationalized.

Unfortunately, the beeping had not stopped, and now that he was rapidly approaching full awareness, Jim noticed that his arm was bent behind his back in a very unnatural way, and that "Jen" was still in her uniform. In a painful rush, he remembered the moment before the jump.

Aw, hell.

His eyes swept the bridge, seeing ruptured displays, burned out terminals, and crewmembers scattered about the decking. Rolling his Tac officer to the side, Jim freed his own left arm and discovered that it was very much broken. The good news was that the comm. unit around his wrist was still functioning.

Jim found it more than a little disconcerting that he was treating his own left arm more like a shirt-sleeve than an appendage, so he focused on just pushing the voice feed button on the comm.

"I am Captain Jim Devaney of New Exodus, and I require immediate assistance. My crew and I seem to have made a mis-jump. Our vessel is severly damaged. Please respond."

It was a minor concern that any vessels nearby might not know of Earth or its many languages. It was also a minor concern that nearby vessels might be hostile.

Captain Devaney's overriding worry in this dire situation was Who am I going to blame this on?

His Divine Imperial Highness Prince Alexander stared out the window, and over the city below him. "Gods above, this must be the greatest city in the cosmos..." he said to himself, watching the crowds. People from all over the Imperium and galaxy, all races... "Though this be madness, yet there be method in it..."

He smoothed back his hair, his eyes flickering gray briefly. "Fascinating, wouldn't you agree Richelieu?"

The Patriarch snorted. "A hive of villainy and liars the likes of which should never have been allowed to appear around the great national capital. We can only hope that Rayul forgives them."

"And may the Holy Mother bless us all," Alexander replied, on cue. "Yes, yes." he pulled some papers out of his desk. "So, what did you want to see me about?"

"It's... um... about the Quarantine World, my lord..." Richelieu murmured, softly. "The shields have been broken."

Alexander's eyes narrowed considerably. "What?" he hissed, dangerously. "How?"

"We don't know, my lord..." Richelieu answered, carefully. "All we know is it was broken from within."


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Roania/b8efe240.jpg
Alexander Tyrol Black

Captain Jim Devaney was brought back to consciousness by a distant beeping noise. He tried to sit up, only to find that his Tactical officer was lying on his chest, and that her brown hair was in his face. He also happened to notice that his left arm was numb and bent behind his back.

Okay, so I drank too much, and took Jen back to my place, he rationalized.

Unfortunately, the beeping had not stopped, and now that he was rapidly approaching full awareness, Jim noticed that his arm was bent behind his back in a very unnatural way, and that "Jen" was still in her uniform. In a painful rush, he remembered the moment before the jump.

Aw, hell.

His eyes swept the bridge, seeing ruptured displays, burned out terminals, and crewmembers scattered about the decking. Rolling his Tac officer to the side, Jim freed his own left arm and discovered that it was very much broken. The good news was that the comm. unit around his wrist was still functioning.

Jim found it more than a little disconcerting that he was treating his own left arm more like a shirt-sleeve than an appendage, so he focused on just pushing the voice feed button on the comm.

"I am Captain Jim Devaney of New Exodus, and I require immediate assistance. My crew and I seem to have made a mis-jump. Our vessel is severly damaged. Please respond."

It was a minor concern that any vessels nearby might not know of Earth or its many languages. It was also a minor concern that nearby vessels might be hostile.

Captain Devaney's overriding worry in this dire situation was Who am I going to blame this on?

"Sir, we're recieving a return transmission," the Comm Officer said. He pressed a button on his console, and Devaney's voice flickered across the bridge.

"I am Captain Jim Devaney of New Exodus,
and I require immediate assistance.
My crew and I seem to have made a
mis-jump.
Our vessel is severly damaged. Please respond."

Karzonov nodded. "Prepare a boarding party," he ordered. "We'll get them a-board, and then see if we can pressgang them into assisting us on this mission..."

Return Transmission

I am Captain Ivan Kazonov of the FreeRunners.
My ship is the StarThief.
I am sending a party to your ship to remove survivors.
Do not resist.

~~

Kazonov, Mailkebeth and Commander Carolyn sat in the shuttle, while their marine detachment stood at ready. "Are you sure it isn't an Imperial trick?" The elf asked.

"If it was, they'd have destroyed us by now. Besides, no Imperial Captain would ever damage or allow his ship to be damaged just for a ruse. And none of them, no matter how bad their circumstances, would sound so damned pitiful." Kazonov answered, placing an arm around Carolyn's shoulder.

Or trying, before she rammed her elbow into his stomach.

<bump!>

Alysanndra sighed, looking out over the city towards the crater that still stood on its eastern side. She wasn't seeing the modern world, though. Her mind was drifting back 14 years. To the 'incident'. The young elf brushed back a tear. She could still hear the explosion in her head, still see her husband Devian fall in surprise...

A soft chuckle came from behind her, and she leapt up. Alysanndra spun around. "Alexander, what are you doing?" She asked, allowing herself to breathe.

Alexander didn't answer, not at first. Instead, he limped to the railing, also staring at the crater. He sighed deeply. "We'll get them yet, Alys," the Prince said, softly. "For what they did to me, and what they did to you, we'll get them." He rested himself on the cane he was forced to carry.

Alysanndra shivered, both at the slight chill in the air and the grim determination in his words. "Your desire for vengeance wasn't satisfied by what you did to their first captain?" She asked, softly. "Your hatred consumes you, and..."

He snarled. "I will avenge her on all of them, Alys. I don't care if they weren't even part of Mikhail's crew, do you hear me? 14 years..." he slammed his fist onto the stone balcony. "14 years without her by my side... having to raise both Darien and Malissa on my own. Gods know what I've done to them. 14 years without her comforting words when I return to my personal quarters. It's a pain that I'm reminded of every time I do anything." Alexander turned to face Alysanndra, his fists clenched. "What about what they did to you? Have you forgotten that?"

Alysanndra sighed, and lay her hand on top of his. "Alex, please..." the Prime Minister whispered. "This isn't like you. Kathryn wouldn't want you to live like this. Of course I miss Devian! I will every day for the rest of eternity. But I know... I know he wouldn't want me to suffer." She stepped slightly closer to him, her next words so quiet he could barely hear her. "We're all worried about you, Alexander. Me, Simon... the rest of the cabinet, the other nobles..."

He stared into her eyes, as if he might lash out and send her flying over the side. Instead, he raised her hand to his lips and kissed her ring. "My demons are my own, Alys. I'd advise you to remember that." tightening his grip on his cane, he limped through the door.

Alysanndra watched him leave, her cheeks slightly pink from embarassment. 'We want to help you, you stupid man... I want to help you.'

Alysanndra collapsed onto her chair, and stared into space. "That stupid, stupid man..." she muttered, pulling open a drawer and taking out some papers. She looked up, feeling her ears twitch, and sighed. "Simon, deactivate your phasecloak, please."

The inquisitor grumbled and faded into sight, shaking his head. "Bloody elven senses..." he said, taking a seat across the desk from her. "Alys, Have you seen Alex recently?" Simon Darquis asked.

"Yes, Simon. I've seen him. That stupid man..." she sighed, and shook her own head. "I wouldn't go up there if I was you. He's his usual stubborn self... except he's acting even more arbitrarily than normal."

Simon raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"He looks like he's about to throw me off the balcony and onto the ornamental hedge below," the young woman replied, smoothing back a length of platinum-blonde hair, "but instead he just kisses my hand and walks off. He won't talk to me about his problems... typical man, essentially." The elf looked thoughtful. "Make that typical human man, actually."

The Inquisitor looked interested. "He kissed your hand? I knew there was a reason you were glowing this afternoon..." Simon laughed at her expression. "Please, Alys... give me some credit..." he rubbed his brow. "I mean, it's obvious from the way you're acting that you're worried about him more than just as a Prime Minister or friend..."

Alysanndra turned pinker. "What?" she squealed. "Are you mad? I mean, why would you think that?" She felt her heartbeat speed up.

Simon reached across to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Because it's so obvious... and don't give me that crap about you being an elf and him being a human. The two of you need someone, and you might as well find that someone in each other." He smiled thinly. "I'm not asking you to have a child with him, we already have a suitable heir and dynastic troubles are never pleasant. I'm asking you to be there for him, be with him when he needs you. To be to him what me and his other friends can't be." his smile grew a bit warmer.

She looked down. "And I suppose you've spoken to him about this, too?" Alys asked, softly.

Simon shook his head. "Not yet. But doing as I suggest is the best way to help him and help yourself..."

She looked thoughtful. "I'll think about it..."

"Please do. Now, if you don't mind..." he headed for the teleporter, "I have to give my report."

Alysanndra watched him leave, her cheeks red with embarassment. '...' her mind was strangely empty. 'Is that what I want?'

By the time the boarding party arrived, Jim had managed to check on the rest of the crew. The Skip was a small vessel built primarily for exploration, and as such, only carried a crew of ten. Thankfully, no one had died, so Jim was much less likely to be court-martialed. However, the Commander wouldn't be happy if the prototype Fold-Space drive had been ruined. Theoretically capable of taking a ship 100 Ly in an instant, the FS drive and the Skip were Commander Haase's pet projects.

"Ooohhh.... ffffuu..." someone moaned. Jim turned around to find his electrical engineer returning to consciousness.

"Hey, Rob. How you feeling!" Jim said with false enthusiasm.

"Go to he-ow!" Rob had discovered that his ribs were broken. "I told you..." he wheezed, "Not to... have that party."

"Yeah, well... Anyway, help is coming, but I need you to do something for me. We have to know how bad the ship is, and what we need to repair it. At the very least, we need to get the memory core and the FS drive back to New Exodus. Can you do all that?"

Robert attempted to dissect Jim with his eyes, but when the red-headed Captain seemed unconcerned, Rob gave up. "Fine."

At that moment, they heard the clanking of the airlock being cycled, then footsteps coming down the ship's main corridor. The bridge door slid open. A look of puzzlement came over Jim's face. "Elves?!"

OOC: How is it that I always end up posting about the same time you do?

By the time the boarding party arrived, Jim had managed to check on the rest of the crew. The Skip was a small vessel built primarily for exploration, and as such, only carried a crew of ten. Thankfully, no one had died, so Jim was much less likely to be court-martialed. However, the Commander wouldn't be happy if the prototype Fold-Space drive had been ruined. Theoretically capable of taking a ship 100 Ly in an instant, the FS drive and the Skip were Commander Haase's pet projects.

"Ooohhh.... ffffuu..." someone moaned. Jim turned around to find his electrical engineer returning to consciousness.

"Hey, Rob. How you feeling!" Jim said with false enthusiasm.

"Go to he-ow!" Rob had discovered that his ribs were broken. "I told you..." he wheezed, "Not to... have that party."

"Yeah, well... Anyway, help is coming, but I need you to do something for me. We have to know how bad the ship is, and what we need to repair it. At the very least, we need to get the memory core and the FS drive back to New Exodus. Can you do all that?"

Robert attempted to dissect Jim with his eyes, but when the red-headed Captain seemed unconcerned, Rob gave up. "Fine."

At that moment, they heard the clanking of the airlock being cycled, then footsteps coming down the ship's main corridor. The bridge door slid open. A look of puzzlement came over Jim's face. "Elves?!"

Karzonov's eyes flashed, and a look of surprise crossed over his heavily bearded face. In a surprisingly graceful movement for such a large man, he spun around. "Where? Who?"

Mailkebeth coughed, and pointed at his own pointy ears. "Me, sir." He said, bowing at the waist.

"You're an elf?" Karzonov asked, shocked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Carolyn smacked the back of her superior's head and gestured to the injured crewmen. "Sir, we need to help these guys out," she said, walking to the injured comm officer. "Call over the medical officers and the engineers, Mailkebeth. This ship is likely to blow at any moment... and Gods alone know what the Imperium will do to this ship if they find it." She kneeled beside her. "Pardon me, ma'am... can you hear me?"

Mailkebeth bowed and retreated, while Karzonov kneeled down beside the captain. "What the hell happened to your ship?" He growled. "We need to move quickly."

~~

Admiral Vader clicked his teeth together as he stood at the helm of his flagship, the SHIM Avenger. "Come out, come out, where ever you are, pirate scum..." he whispered, his cold eyes scanning the starry expanse in front of him. He was dressed in the traditional gray outfit of the Imperium's Naval Corps.

Around the Avenger was amassed the entire Third Fleet of the Imperium. One by one, his command broke into its task groups and scattered to the points of the sector.

~~

On board the StarThief, the radar officer noticed a concentration of red dots appear on the far fringes of the map. "Oh shit. We've got trouble."

Recovering his composure at seeing an elf in the crew, Captain Devaney focused himself on the business at hand. "As I said, Captain Karzonov... did I pronounce that right? Bah, anyway, we were testing out an experimental FTL drive, and mis-jumped. Is there any possibility of getting a tow to the nearest starbase?" He tried not to sound too desperate.

Meanwhile, Rob was supervising the Freerunners as they carried the injured crew into the StarThief. Always a bad sign, he grimaced, When the rescue vessel sounds like a pirate ship. And judging by the demeanors of the Freerunners, that was exactly what they were. How am I supposed to keep them from knowing about the FS drive?

As the sensor operator was moved from his seat, Rob managed to unplug the Main Memory Core, and pocket the fist-sized device without anyone noticing.

Meanwhile...

Simon strode determinedly down the long carpet to the desk at the far end, his cape floating in the breeze. He stopped before the desk, and slapped a muscular hand over his heart. "Faith and Duty, my lord." Alexander barely registered his appearance, instead staring at a picture on his desk of him sitting on a swing with a young woman in his arms. Simon supressed a groan, and tried again. "My lord... I have come to make my report..."

Alexander looked up. "Hrm? Oh... oh yes. Please do, Simon... sorry, I've been distracted lately." he turned his full attention to Simon.

Simon sighed at the pain on his friend's face, but pushed his papers across anyway. "As you ordered, I travelled to the Quarantine World to inspect the shields. While they did indeed seem to have been broken at some point in the recent past, the damage appears to have been repaired almost instantly. The hole would only have been large enough for a Thunderbird Fighter, and since it was broken from within I'd recommend we place it as another act of the electromagnetic storms. The Inquisition is keeping a lookout in the systems surrounding the world for anything... out of the ordinary, shall we say."

Alexander nodded. "Thank you, Simon. You've put my mind at ease..." he sighed and looked back down.

The Inquisitor paused, and then dropped some of his stuff onto the desk. "For the love of... stop feeling sorry for yourself!" he growled. "Kathryn wouldn't want that! You're a..." he felt the ground pull away from his feet, and found himself hovering in the air.

Alexander looked up at him, his eyes filled with fury, one of his palms raised and lifting even higher into the air, as if pulling Simon by a rope. "Don't you dare," he hissed, shaking Simon like a rag-doll. "I get enough of it from Alysanndra, I don't need it from you."

Simon snarled back down at the Prince, and made a cutting motion, breaking Alexander's spell. As he landed back on the ground, he slammed his fist into the desk. "Damn it, Alex! We're doing this because we care about you. Maybe you should think about the rest of us, no? We all lost people in the attack, but you're letting it devour you!" He felt hot tears in his eyes. "By all means, mourn Kathryn. But don't let it destroy you! What did you tell her when you first married her?"

Alexander flinched back, but grumbled something.

"I didn't hear you, Alex..."

"I told her that if anything was to happen to me, she was to move on with her life..." the Prince snarled, rising to his feet and glaring into Simon's eyes. He put a hand on the desk to steady himself. "Damn it, Simon... why can't you people just let me rot in peace..." he collapsed back into his chair, tears flowing from his eyes. "Why won't you people just let me die?"

Simon moved around to him, and patted him softly on the back. "I won't, because I'm your friend. And she won't, because she loves you..." he waited for a reaction, but decided to carry on. "You know you're not just hurting yourself with this, either... you're hurting your children, and you're hurting Alys..."

Alexander blinked in surprise. "What?" He snarled, stunned. "What do you mean, 'she loves me'?"

Simon sighed. 'Putting an end to this tyranny of depression might be more difficult than I thought...'

Recovering his composure at seeing an elf in the crew, Captain Devaney focused himself on the business at hand. "As I said, Captain Karzonov... did I pronounce that right? Bah, anyway, we were testing out an experimental FTL drive, and mis-jumped. Is there any possibility of getting a tow to the nearest starbase?" He tried not to sound too desperate.

Meanwhile, Rob was supervising the Freerunners as they carried the injured crew into the StarThief. Always a bad sign, he grimaced, When the rescue vessel sounds like a pirate ship. And judging by the demeanors of the Freerunners, that was exactly what they were. How am I supposed to keep them from knowing about the FS drive?

As the sensor operator was moved from his seat, Rob managed to unplug the Main Memory Core, and pocket the fist-sized device without anyone noticing.

Karzonov was about to respond when he heard a siren from his belt. "Uh-oh..." he pulled out his comm unit. "Report."

"Sir, it's the Third Fleet..."

"Vader..." Karzonov swore, turning to the rest of his men. "We need everything off this ship and we need that now. Otherwise all of us die." He turned to the other captain, and put out his hands. "Looks like you'll be our guests for a while, Captain. Towing your ship would put us all in danger, and if you stay here your piece of scrap-metal is likely to be vapourised."

Mailkebeth grunted, closing his eyes and reaching out with his mind. "Vader isn't there, as I don't feel the signature of his MindShield. Still, it's at least five Firebirds and one Dreadnaught."

Karzonov turned to Jim. "Well, captain? I'll explain everything to you on board the ship. But right now, running is good." He brushed some hair back from his eyes, and extended his hand. "Welcome aboard the StarThief, Captain Devaney."

OOC: Long story, but I'm posting this for New Exodus. He's having some connection problems.

"Well, captain? I'll explain everything to you on board the ship. But right now, running is good." He brushed some hair back from his eyes, and extended his hand. "Welcome aboard the StarThief, Captain Devaney."

Jim was torn. These people seemed nice enough, but were obviously being hunted by a much larger force. It would be a terrible situation to get himself and his crew into. On the other hand, it was the only chance they had to get away.

Jim took Karzonov's hand and shook vigorously, "Give me a moment to help my engineer grab our vital gear, it won't take long." With that, he dashed down the corridor to the Skip's aft.

"Rob! Help me get the FS drive unhooked." Devaney began unfastening the bolts holding the 5m long, 1m diameter cylinder in place. Rob just gasped, wide-eyed.

"Are you ins... ane?! That thing... must weigh nearly a ton!" At just that moment, something went *POP* and the artificial gravity shut off, which was accompanied by several curses coming from the bridge. Why not? Rob thought, and started to unplug the data and power feeds.

Within a minute, they had managed to manhandle the FS drive into the corridor, past the bewildered Freerunners, and across the airlock. Unfortunately, gravity reasserted itself on the StarThief, and the Fold-Space unit slammed to the ground. Had it not been for the shove Devaney gave it in the airlock, the unwieldy machine might not have made it all the way in.

The Skip was now fully evacuated, and the Freerunners closed up the hatch. Jim and Rob tried to act nonchalant about the huge cylinder sitting on the decking. Now come the uncomfortable questions.

OOC: I assume that's you Mike as Stef never posts using her nation. Call me tomorrow, man
IC:
Joe Green woke up as soon as the artificial gravity shut off. His head hurt, bad. Joe didn't know whether that was from the hangover or bumping his head on the bunk. Anyways, the artificial gravity was off, and that was a bad thing that meant something was wrong. Joe, a muscular man, went to engineering where his assigned station was to see what he could do to help. Joe was then shoved out the airlock into some ship he had never seen before with people he hadn't even seen before. But that was the life of a grease monkey on a starship.

Karzonov stood in front of his command chair. "All right. For the benefit of our new partners, I will introduce myself. I am Captain Karzonov of the Freerunner Ship, StarThief. We're currently on a mission to steal a map from the Imperial Archives on New Roan."

Mailkebeth looked over from his navigation display. "Sir, we have 3 minutes."

"Right. I'll be brief. As some of you may have noticed by now, this is a vessel for people of... independent means. For some strange reason, His All-High and Majestic Highness seems to think that the only way for him to deal with us is to take us and smear us across the galaxy." Karzonov sighed. "We're not that bad, really. You'll find out if you're with us for long. Anyway, Admiral Vader has an even deeper hatred of us, of me specifically, than his CnC, and there's nothing to say to him." He clapped his hands. "Switch to light-speed!"

The engineering liason flicked some buttons on her console, and nodded. "Sir, we're ready."

"Then it's go-time!" he pulled his switch, and the StarThief shot into the rainbow glow of lightspeed.

Alexander leaned on his cane, staring out and at the distant mountains. The eyes of the dragon-head that served as a handle for the cane seemed to glow in the dim lamplight as the Novaya Zemyla's bluish sun sank beneath the horizon. He sighed, feeling serenity take hold of him. Allowing himself to relax, he lowered himself onto the bench, a thin smile came to his lips. He closed his eyes, and leaned back, slowly drifting off to sleep.

He woke up when he felt something sit down next to him. "Hrm? Whazzat?"
"Shhh... it's me, Alex..." he heard Alysanndra say, and his eyes widened slightly. "Sorry, did I wake you?"

He grunted, a sound which could be interpreted either as 'yes, but don't worry about it,' or 'yes, and I will now throw you off the balcony and listen to your painful scream'. Yawning again, he pulled himself upright. "How can I help you?"

She smiled thinly. "Has Simon spoken to you, yet?" she asked, wrapping her arms around herself from the cold. "He's right, you know. About you, at any rate." she inched slightly closer to him, seeking a source of warmth.

"Oh?" Alexander asked, not moving. He forced a smile on his face. "I know he's right," he admitted, "but he has no idea how difficult it is..." he sighed. "I mean... how do you remain so... so you?"

Alysanndra paused, staring into space then. She... she knew the answer. But it was an effort to say it. "Because both him and I... knew that there would be someone else." Her next words were quiet, small. "And so did Kathryn..."

They both looked into each others' eyes for a second. Neither of them initiated it, and it wasn't particularly satisfying at first (both were 14 years out of practice). But slowly, they leaned towards each other and kissed.

Alysanndra slammed the door shut behind her, breathing heavily. She could feel her heart pounding. 'I don't believe it...' she said to herself, moving to her bed where she collapsed backwards, staring up at the ceiling for a minute or two. Even now, when he was three rooms away and probably drifting back off to sleep, her clothes still felt too tight and small. She turned her head sideways, examining herself in the mirror.

Simon would have been right. Her expression was glowing, and her eyes reflected happiness. 'I made a mistake' she told herself, but it was already too late for that. Smiling like a teenage girl, rather than the woman she was, she slowly stood up and started to strip to her one-piece. She briefly looked herself over in the mirror, and smiled again, before undoing the shoulder clasps and letting it slide down her to the floor. Alysanndra stood like that for a second, but then opened a drawer and pulled a blue silk robe over her head and some panties up her satin legs. She threw herself back onto the bed, still in a happy daze. As she reached for the controller which would dim her windows, she saw a shooting star cross the sky. 'Mmm...'

Smiling contently, she curled up on the bed and went to sleep.

~~

Above Novaya Zemlya, the StarThief rocketed to a sudden halt and began to orbit in phase-mode.

Captain Devaney could not decide what disconcerted him more: That they were onboard a pirate vessel attempting to evade a pursuing fleet, or that no one had questioned him when he, Rob, and Joe Green had stowed the Fold-Space Drive (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/Redford_Blade/FoldPod.jpg) in the StarThief's cargo bay. No doubt that Captain Karzonov would ask about it at some point.

It seemed now that the best chance the crew woud have was to stick with the Freerunners until they reached the target planet. There, the Skip's crew might be able to commandeer their own starship and try to find their way home. Without the FS drive, it would take much longer, but surely Sol wasn't that far away.

"So, Captain Karzonov," Jim tried to be friendly, "What brought you to a life as a pir- er, a priva-, *ahem* a man of independant means?"

Captain Devaney could not decide what disconcerted him more: That they were onboard a pirate vessel attempting to evade a pursuing fleet, or that no one had questioned him when he, Rob, and Joe Green had stowed the Fold-Space Drive (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/Redford_Blade/FoldPod.jpg) in the StarThief's cargo bay. No doubt that Captain Karzonov would ask about it at some point.

It seemed now that the best chance the crew woud have was to stick with the Freerunners until they reached the target planet. There, the Skip's crew might be able to commandeer their own starship and try to find their way home. Without the FS drive, it would take much longer, but surely Sol wasn't that far away.

"So, Captain Karzonov," Jim tried to be friendly, "What brought you to a life as a pir- er, a priva-, *ahem* a man of independant means?"

OOC: Not far away being 'on the other side of the galactic disc, on the very edge of said disc' :p Roanians like privacy. Does it show?

IC:

Karzonov shrugged. "I always wanted to take to the stars, but I couldn't make it past the entrance examination for the Navy. One day, I was busy trying to get enough to eat... and I signed on with Captain Mikhail. Later, when the Prince tore him to pieces over his role in the Temple Assault... the surviving Freerunners signed on with me." He sighed. "I'd quit, but I don't know anything else any more."

His eyes narrowed as the windows opened up, revealing down below the sparkling cities of Novaya Zemlya. "StarThief, run a simulation. Where is the Prince likely to be at the moment?"

There is a 75% chance the Prince is working in his palace, a 10% chance he has gone to sleep, a 10% chance he is visiting his children, a 3% chance he is hunting in his reserve, and a 2% chance he is at the archives.

"Right. I like those odds." Karmonov looked thoughtful. "Devaney, how easy do you find it to move quietly?" He asked, looking down through one of the zoom windows at a single city. "You and me are paying a trip to the most beautiful city in the quadrant. Play along, and I'll cut you in. And have a friend of mine take you home when we get to the Freeport... where is your home, anyway?"

Mailkebeth studied the unusual contraption in the cargo hold with great difficulty. "Fascinating... in all my years, I've only once seen anything like it." He turned to Rob. "What is it? I mean, it's obviously an engine of some sort..."

Grand Inquisitor Matthias inspected Simon's report, and nodded. He was willing to accept the 'electro-magnetic storm' theory, but not completely discount more horrifying theories. His eyes traced along the various icons in his office, and he made his decision.

He pressed a button on his desk, and smiled wanly before saying, "Barb? Ready some of the Ordos Purgatorium for a trip to the Quarantine World, will you?"

"Devaney, how easy do you find it to move quietly?" He asked, looking down through one of the zoom windows at a single city. "You and me are paying a trip to the most beautiful city in the quadrant. Play along, and I'll cut you in. And have a friend of mine take you home when we get to the Freeport... where is your home, anyway?"

Well, the Commander did mandate that starfarers should try to befriend anyone they encounter, and maybe this will get us home, Jim thought. "Sir, I can tell you the name of the system, but I couldn't tell you its location without a galactic map. I don't suppose you've ever heard of a heavily populated little system called Sol? Well, we are from a small country called New Exodus."

"More importantly, I'd be happy to accompany you planetside. I've had some combat experience in the New Exodus Fleet, and I'd love to see what this world is like. I'd suggest we take my two engineers, since Joe and Rob can help outfit my crew, and they both love a good adventure."

Mailkebeth studied the unusual contraption in the cargo hold with great difficulty. "Fascinating... in all my years, I've only once seen anything like it." He turned to Rob. "What is it? I mean, it's obviously an engine of some sort..."

"...I hate adventure," Rob explained to Mailkebeth, "But Commander Haase and I are good friends, and in truth, no one was better qualified to come along than I was. In fact, it all should have worked out well. The Fold-Space drive would fold space-time back onto itself so that Sol and Coreworlds would be right next to one another, and the Skip would simply pass through the null-space between them. But that insufferable idiot Devaney threw a 'going away' party and got most of the crew drunk." He shook his head angrily, "When I get back and tell the Commander about all this..."

Throughout his spiel, Rob failed to heed Captain Devaney's order of secrecy, and also failed to notice that Mailkebeth had seen something similar to the FS drive.

Well, the Commander did mandate that starfarers should try to befriend anyone they encounter, and maybe this will get us home, Jim thought. "Sir, I can tell you the name of the system, but I couldn't tell you its location without a galactic map. I don't suppose you've ever heard of a heavily populated little system called Sol? Well, we are from a small country called New Exodus."

"More importantly, I'd be happy to accompany you planetside. I've had some combat experience in the New Exodus Fleet, and I'd love to see what this world is like. I'd suggest we take my two engineers, since Joe and Rob can help outfit my crew, and they both love a good adventure."



"...I hate adventure," Rob explained to Mailkebeth, "But Commander Haase and I are good friends, and in truth, no one was better qualified to come along than I was. In fact, it all should have worked out well. The Fold-Space drive would fold space-time back onto itself so that Sol and Coreworlds would be right next to one another, and the Skip would simply pass through the null-space between them. But that insufferable idiot Devaney threw a 'going away' party and got most of the crew drunk." He shook his head angrily, "When I get back and tell the Commander about all this..."

Throughout his spiel, Rob failed to heed Captain Devaney's order of secrecy, and also failed to notice that Mailkebeth had seen something similar to the FS drive.

Joe, the barrel chested engineer, spoke up," Well, adventure is pretty fun until someone dies. I am not really a NE citizen. I'm from a nation that neighbors Ne. Its called Crazed Marines. CM is full of a bunch, of well, Crazed Marines. They love to fight, but they also love peace. Kinda funny how that works. I served in the Secession Wars as a heavy-weapons gunner for Recon. If anyone knows how to destroy something, I'm your man. The same goes for fixing stuff. That space-fold drive is really an improvement on something CM's had for about thirty years, the coaxial/subspace drive. Now, what is it that we need to do?"

Jim resisted the urge to strangle Joe for letting slip the info on the FS drive, but was thankful that he hadn't given the full run-down on it.

Joe saw Jim kinda squirm and cut off the technical stuff on the drive.

Mailkebeth's ears had wiggled slightly at the mention of the words, 'fold-space' drive. "Fascinating..." the elf refused to be drawn any further on the subject, though. "Well, I wouldn't be too harsh on the Captain. No one's dead, and our MedicO will have her machine rebuilding the bones and things of your crew in no time."

Mailkebeth shrugged a little. "Adventure's good enough for those who want it. I'm just out here to pick up a little cash."

On the command deck Captain Karzonov tilted his head on side. "Sol... Sol... yes, it's vaguely familiar to me. Little system? Far side of the galaxy? Only safe route being around the galactic core, making it a trip far too long to be profitable for most?" His eyes crossed a little. "What's a... country?"

Commander Carolyn activated the scanner. "Sir, we'll be in position to teleport you down in front of the Temple of All Gods in two minutes. You and whoever's going should be in the teleport bay."

Jim's heart sank at the words "far side of the galaxy" and "only safe route being around the galactic core." Something must have gone hideously wrong if the drive had taken them this far.

His eyes crossed a little. "What's a... country?"
Oh... Crap.

Commander Carolyn activated the scanner. "Sir, we'll be in position to teleport you down in front of the Temple of All Gods in two minutes. You and whoever's going should be in the teleport bay."
Hearing that, Rob headed back to the command deck, while Joe and Jim pulled the New Exodus and Crazed Marines patches off their uniforms. If they were going to make enemies, better not to draw their nations into it.

"Captain Karzonov, tell us about this teleportation system of yours. Is it at all... dangerous?"

Karzonov wouldn't let go of the first question, though. "Mailkebeth, front and center. You're beaming down with us. And while we're in the archives, I want you to investigate this... 'country'... thingy."

"I pray you aren't serious, sir..." the elf mumbled, pulling down his helmet.

"Mailk, when have I ever joked?" He smiled to their companions. "Don't worry, it's perfectly safe provided that no one has any heart conditions. Or glandular problems. Or is scared of being ripped apart and re-assembled instantly on an entirely different level where if anything goes wrong you could end up inside a mountain. Anyone want to change their mind about coming?" Not waiting for an answer, he smiled thinly. "Too late."

There was a sound very much like 'hummm...' and the five travellers felt a sharp pain start from their feet and work us as their constituent atoms split apart...

~~

And rejoined on the planet. Overhead, three moons winked in the night sky. All around them, huge spires and domes filled the horizon, like a Moscow or perhaps a city from the Arabian Nights. The air seemed heavy with moisture, much like Sol's tropical regions.

The comparison would have been apt, because amongst the domes and towers were arborealforms that would not have looked out of place in New Guinea or the Amazon. Twittering avianomorphs flew overhead, sparkling in the moonlight.

But all eyes were drawn to the immense temple at the very end of the avenue. Over the countless years of seperation from the mother-planet, the Orthodox faith of the first immigrants had mingled with the beliefs of the elves and the other travellers, until it had finally reached its ending form. There was but one Supreme Force, in the Roanian religion. But there were quite literally countless Gods; Orthodox and Catholic Saints mingling with Hindu and Elven deities and becoming something more than the sum of their original parts.

Before the temple, an immense statue of an angel with a drawn sword and shield stood tall, his weapon pointing to the stars. Karzonov barely spared it a glance. "We need to move soon. The Inquisitors and Governmental Security Forces patrol this area every so often. The archives are this way..." he pointed down a side street.

OOC: Beautiful description. I especially like the subtle Slavic heritage.

Captain Devaney stared in awe at the statue and temple, before being roughly pulled away by Rob. "C'mon, you heard what Captain Karzonov said."

As they approached the temple, Devaney couldn't help but make the sign of the cross. Like 50% of New Exodus citizens, he had been raised a Catholic, but over the years booze and women had pushed faith to the back of his mind. Seeing the magnificent structure, he felt it stirring deep inside him.

"Hey, check out that elf babe," Rob said, pointing down the street.

Joe grabbed them both and shoved them out of sight. "Maybe you two don't remember, but we're here to steal something, so maybe we shouldn't be seen."

OOC: So I take it from the title that God will be descending from Heaven at the end to tie up the loose ends and end any remaining conflicts.

I hate it when people just toss that term around so lightly.
Oh, and TAG
IC
A ship of the fledgling Tkalgren space forces was completing an FTL training run when something happened. With a sudden shudder, the ship dropped out, still 75 light years from the waiting Al-Imvad training craft.

"Thkal, what happened? This is not good for our final test."

"The drive gave out. I do not know why. I will have to go to engineering to inspect it."

"Very well. Sensor Officer Kjal, what can be determined of our surroundings?"

OOC: So I take it from the title that God will be descending from Heaven at the end to tie up the loose ends and end any remaining conflicts.

I hate it when people just toss that term around so lightly.
Oh, and TAG
IC
A ship of the fledgling Tkalgren space forces was completing an FTL training run when something happened. With a sudden shudder, the ship dropped out, still 75 light years from the waiting Al-Imvad training craft.

"Thkal, what happened? This is not good for our final test."

"The drive gave out. I do not know why. I will have to go to engineering to inspect it."

"Very well. Sensor Officer Kjal, what can be determined of our surroundings?"

OOC: I actually meant it in a bit more literal fashion... a very much more literal fashion. :cool:

Karzonov directed them down the side-street, towards a large gray building. Engraved over the door was "Dvnus Stellarius Imperialis Archva". The two freerunners checked their guns. "Security won't be tight at this hour, but occasionally the Prince pays a visit when he's suffering from insomnia. We'll want to avoid him. Mailkebeth? Open that door." He pointed to a blank sheet of marble.

The elf grumbled and complied, pressing a small metal device against the marble. The machine hummed and whirled for a few seconds, and then the marble suddenly phased out of existence, revealing a simple archway. The adventurers silently strode inside, and into a well-lit entry-hall. Stairs and walkways went into the distance in every concievable direction. Clearly written signs pointed to specific areas. Mailkebeth gestured down one hall. "Archival Maps."

As they walked, Karzonov pointed out another door. "Dictionaries, Archaic. Go in there and find out what a country is, Mailk."

The elf grumbled, and phased through the door. Karzonov opened the map door, and coughed at the musty smell. "Dear God..." he waved a hand. "Does the Imperium ever even look at this?" He pointed down the various aisles. "We're looking for a map called 'Deus'." He shrugged. "And, if you want, you can find a map of Sol too."

~~

The Prince strode through the secret tunnels between palace and the archives, a black cape floating in the slight breeze that came through the air tunnels. At the side of his uniform hung an automatic pistol.

Just because he was on his own, doesn't mean he was in any danger. And if he found Karzonov, the pirate would be lucky if Alexander used the gun on him.

I the rush to evacuate the Skip, much had been left undone. Rations, clothing, some personal effects, and plenty of tools were left behind on the vessel. In fact, Jim had not possessed the time (let alone presence of mind) to even set the auto-destruct, meaning that the ship and all materials identifying it as a vessel of New Exodus were still there when the Imperium's warships arrived on the scene.

However, Rob and Capt. Devaney had been conscious long enough to grab their Survival Kits. The kits were standard issue on all New Exodus craft, and included most of the items essential to survival in most circumstances: Power cells, entertainment disks, a portable viewer, emergency rations, beer (ostensibly for trading), three packages of toilet paper (Specifically ordered by Commander Haase, for reasons that are yet unknown), assorted survival tools, communication devices, and a three-shot pistol.

Unfortunately, all of that was still on the StarThief with the rest of the crew.

"Joe, you and Rob start looking for a map that will show us the way home, I'll stay with Karzonov. Meet back here in..." he checked his chrono, "five minutes, unless you can make it sooner."

Admiral Vader strode through the damaged wreckage of the Skip with barely a pause. "No engine?" The admiral was a tall man, who stood straight even as his black hair was flecked with grey.

"No, sir."

"Any sign of where it's from?"

"Someplace called 'New Exodus', sir."

"I see..." the admiral examined the bridge. "Is that on any star-maps?"

"Not that we can find, sir."

"Hrmmm... impound the vessel. I want it in the cargo-hold of my flagship in the next two hours. We will bring it back to Agua2, and.. investigate."

~~

Mailkebeth had sat down with a small book of elven romantic poetry when all of a sudden... "Pardon me, sir. Do you work here?"

The elf looked up with a start, and felt his heart sink into his chest. It was a face instantly familiar to everyone from this sector. "My... my Lord Prince! What an amazing surprise!" he said, and wasn't lying. It was an amazing surprise. Just not a particularly pleasant one. "How can I help you? It will be an honour to serve in anyway possible, I mean..."

Alexander looked around nervously. "I... I was wondering if you could get me a copy of some... Elven romantic poems...?" the last words were almost a whisper.

The elf felt the icy grip of death suddenly release its hold on his heart. He proffered up the book he had been reading. "Ah... something for your son, perhaps? Our brave men, off in the war..." it was amazing, he thought, how concentrated the mind became when the prospect of death was offered. "Learning a new language, and... reminding himself of the softer things..."

Alexander, if such a thing could be considered possible, blushed. "Um... a friend of mine, really." He carefully put the book in his pocket and bowed his thanks, before going past the elf and heading for the door. "Speaking of the war, I need to get a new map for the war-room... the Grand Marshal asked me for a holo-diagram of Sector DR22, and since I was coming here anyway... didn't want to waste a servant's time and all that..."

Mailkebeth felt death grip his heart once more. "Neep... My lord!"

"Yes?" Alexander asked, coolly, as he stood at the door.

"Um...happy reading?"

"Thank you. I'll pass the word on to my friend."

Mailkebeth hissed into his Comm. "Cap'n, we've got evil, powerful, governmental trouble heading your way..."

~~

Shit. All he needed. Karzonov growled and hissed at the two other men, "How long will this take? We need to go now!" He pulled a machine shaped like a beetle out of a drawer, and whispered something into it.

The machine took off. Less than ten seconds later, it came back with an old set of data-disks. -Bzzz...search enquiry... DEUS...4 matches found-

Karzonov snatched the discs. 'Oh please make it quick...'

$#!%! Jim dashed down the rows of books, glancing left and right for his crewmembers. You'd think he would have at least mentioned that there was a faster way to get those maps. At the end of the row, he spotted Rob idly flipping through a book.

"We need to go, now!" He grabbed Rob's arm and whistled to Joe on the far side of the row.

"But, my book..."

"Just keep it with you."

Joe bounded toward them with a number of disks and books in his hands. "Sir, I think it might be in this--" the book slipped out of his hand and hit the floor, "er, one of these."

"Great," Jim replied while taking three of the books from Joe, "Lets get back and tell the crew."

OOC: Are you planning to give me a chance to get in on this, or should I just force my way in?
IC
"Well," asked the Tkalgren captain, "Where are we?"

"The sensors show a planet some distance from us. Our position relative to the flight path puts us at around a half hour of FTL to make it to the rendevous point. Other than that, I cannot say... our star maps are incomplete, as you know."

The captain turned to the intercom and spoke to the Engineering department.
"Engineering, what is the condition of the FTL drive?"

"It appears bad. We have suffered some sort of major malfunction. I reccomend we call for pickup."

"No. We will prove our resourcefullness. How long to repair it?"

"I will need parts that we do not carry spares of."

The commander turned from the intercom back to the sensor officer.
"What is it like by the planet?"

"There are signs of advanced activity, they would probably have the parts we need, but rules are t-"

"The rules are immaterial. We are Tkalgren warriors, they can not trick us into revealing anything. I will accompany the engineering officer, Thkal, and a small detachment to the planet in the emergency shuttle. You will remain here and see to it that the ship is not noticed."

Meanwhile, approximately 143 Mmi (megamiles) from the planet of Novaya Zemlya, a Tiburonese surveillance sattelite station monitored (and had been monitoring, for several hours) the actions of a space battleship, presumably of Roanian origin. Although such ships were not new to the crew of the station STTSF-SMRR339 MWA639.401-ROA Ansari, it's path quickly caught the attention of the sattelite. A battleship without any escorts that's within matter transmission/relay distance of the capital planet? A battleship? No, this had to be some sort of trick. Onboard, Lieutenant Reyer deliberated what to do.

Ensign Miller: "What is that? Moves way too fast for a cargo, and doesn't fly like a civilian... it's a Roanian battleship..."

Lt. Reyer: "Look carefully. It's taking evasive action. What's around there definately does not want to be seen. It's only showing up on the MDSDD (Molecular Density and Space-Time Distortion Detector) and a few other systems... we've never seen a Roanian ship do that. Obviously very technologically advanced... probably a mutinied or captured ship."

Egsn. Miller: "What should we do, sir? We can't support them, but we can't hand them over either without approval from CentCom..."

Lt. Reyer: "Hm.... Commander Barton's nearby, we should probably give the Alterion a call..."
----------------------
45 minutes later, the TSS Alterion cruised through space, ready to take on whatever may come its way. It was the main carrier of the 3rd Special Strategic and Tactical Strike Force- one of only 7 that reported, and included, a member of the Cabinet. And, on top of that, it contained one of Tiburon's most powerful weapons.

Ensign Noventa: "All right then... how shall we proceed?"

Cmdr. Trowa: "We can't travel straight through... Roanian surveillance would get suspicious, and we can't have them tailing us. Making a full swing sweep around the planet will take too much time and fuel. Maybe... maybe we should use an assisted low gravity slingshot... we use the slight pull by Novaya to decrease full output and make a partial swing sweep."

Commander Trowa Barton, Director of Intelligence:
http://www.epy0n.com/gallery/epi12/1206.jpg

$#!%! Jim dashed down the rows of books, glancing left and right for his crewmembers. You'd think he would have at least mentioned that there was a faster way to get those maps. At the end of the row, he spotted Rob idly flipping through a book.

"We need to go, now!" He grabbed Rob's arm and whistled to Joe on the far side of the row.

"But, my book..."

"Just keep it with you."

Joe bounded toward them with a number of disks and books in his hands. "Sir, I think it might be in this--" the book slipped out of his hand and hit the floor, "er, one of these."

"Great," Jim replied while taking three of the books from Joe, "Lets get back and tell the crew."

Karzonov grabbed up his comm. "Mailk, we're going now." He flipped open one of his armbands and dialled something in. "Okay, everybody... hold on tight!"

There was a sound of hissing... and then the pirates and their companions were beamed up to the StarThief.

~~

The teleporters normally work well. In the over five-hundred years since the system had first been designed, there had been only 100 fatalities. By Imperial Standards, barely enough to justify an investigation, let alone shut it down. Besides, it was mostly stupid and poor people who died like that, and the Palace and other governmenal buildings had the finest and latest.

The StarThief, however, did not. Occasionally, something went wrong. The five adventurers arrived on the dias, and Karzonov grinned. "Narrow escape there, eh, Mailky?... Mailky?"

The elf was staring silently into a mirror. "My hair! Where's my hair?" He patted the bald spot on his head. "I had black hair when we teleported down! I had black hair three seconds ago!"

"Oh yes, that's right. You did. So?"

"I'm an elf! I'm not meant to be bald! Where the hell is my hair?"

OOC: Are you planning to give me a chance to get in on this, or should I just force my way in?
IC
"Well," asked the Tkalgren captain, "Where are we?"

"The sensors show a planet some distance from us. Our position relative to the flight path puts us at around a half hour of FTL to make it to the rendevous point. Other than that, I cannot say... our star maps are incomplete, as you know."

The captain turned to the intercom and spoke to the Engineering department.
"Engineering, what is the condition of the FTL drive?"

"It appears bad. We have suffered some sort of major malfunction. I reccomend we call for pickup."

"No. We will prove our resourcefullness. How long to repair it?"

"I will need parts that we do not carry spares of."

The commander turned from the intercom back to the sensor officer.
"What is it like by the planet?"

"There are signs of advanced activity, they would probably have the parts we need, but rules are t-"

"The rules are immaterial. We are Tkalgren warriors, they can not trick us into revealing anything. I will accompany the engineering officer, Thkal, and a small detachment to the planet in the emergency shuttle. You will remain here and see to it that the ship is not noticed."

((The Imperium has a policy of not noticing anything which shouldn't be there. People from other cultures are 'things that should not be there'. And, if the man responsible for such things is in a judgemental mood, are quickly turned into 'are not there'.))

Agua2 was the largest starstation ever built in the entire sector. Hundreds of years of work had gone into it, and it had only come on-line 50 years ago. Even now, periodic updates took weeks to finish. It's commanding officer, Lord Captain Commander Terence Trinshaw, stood on his command diadem. "What's the heading?"

"The shuttle appears to be flying towards Novaya Zemyla, my Lord."

"I see. Vapourisation?"

"It is not within range of the Vaper, sir."

"Very well. Hail it, and order them to stand down all weapons and prepare to be boarded. Captain Kallin?"

"Yes, my Lord?"

"I want your team in full battle-armour and on one of the station's shuttles in ten minutes. Understood?"

"With faith and duty, my lord."

Inquisitor Matthias looked around, nervously. Beneath his power-armoured exterior, he was grimacing. "All right, you pest..." the Inquisitor clapped his hands together and drew them apart, forming an energy sword.

There was a chilling sound of musical piping, the same sound he had heard repeatedly ever since he had made planet-fall yesterday. He had a horrible feeling he was being stalked. The Grand Inquisitor had been right. Something had escaped the quarantine world.

And this might herald a new crusade. He knew, as did all Inquisitors, the horrible truth behind the Quarantine. How, when the first colonists had arrived, they had found 'others'. Terrible, ancient, others. There had been a war, naturally. Millions of humans and elves had died, and died horribly, before the ancient beings had at last been sealed away.

And like all seals, there was always a way to break it. Matthias might have reflected on this, near the end. But perhaps his thoughts were concentrated on the piping, and the beating of heavy wings, and the intense pain in his back as he toppled over, and watched a winged figure fly away.

They were very clever.

Meanwhile, approximately 143 Mmi (megamiles) from the planet of Novaya Zemlya, a Tiburonese surveillance sattelite station monitored (and had been monitoring, for several hours) the actions of a space battleship, presumably of Roanian origin. Although such ships were not new to the crew of the station STTSF-SMRR339 MWA639.401-ROA Ansari, it's path quickly caught the attention of the sattelite. A battleship without any escorts that's within matter transmission/relay distance of the capital planet? A battleship? No, this had to be some sort of trick. Onboard, Lieutenant Reyer deliberated what to do.

Ensign Miller: "What is that? Moves way too fast for a cargo, and doesn't fly like a civilian... it's a Roanian battleship..."

Lt. Reyer: "Look carefully. It's taking evasive action. What's around there definately does not want to be seen. It's only showing up on the MDSDD (Molecular Density and Space-Time Distortion Detector) and a few other systems... we've never seen a Roanian ship do that. Obviously very technologically advanced... probably a mutinied or captured ship."

Egsn. Miller: "What should we do, sir? We can't support them, but we can't hand them over either without approval from CentCom..."

Lt. Reyer: "Hm.... Commander Barton's nearby, we should probably give the Alterion a call..."
----------------------
45 minutes later, the TSS Alterion cruised through space, ready to take on whatever may come its way. It was the main carrier of the 3rd Special Strategic and Tactical Strike Force- one of only 7 that reported, and included, a member of the Cabinet. And, on top of that, it contained one of Tiburon's most powerful weapons.

Ensign Noventa: "All right then... how shall we proceed?"

Cmdr. Trowa: "We can't travel straight through... Roanian surveillance would get suspicious, and we can't have them tailing us. Making a full swing sweep around the planet will take too much time and fuel. Maybe... maybe we should use an assisted low gravity slingshot... we use the slight pull by Novaya to decrease full output and make a partial swing sweep."

Commander Trowa Barton, Director of Intelligence:
http://www.epy0n.com/gallery/epi12/1206.jpg
((Yoda, sort this guy out.

Yoda: You will post on the other threads before you get an IC response on this one.))

OOC: I should fill you in on the Tkalgren. They're extremely strong, pick up a man in powered armor and throw him across the room with one arm strong. They also are physically incapable of speaking english, though they understand it and can read and write in it. So they use translator devices that tend to lose the subtle nuances of Tkalgrish speach (hence the apparant simplicity of their conversations). And they're fearless because they know that they're so much stronger than humans.
IC
Onboard the shuttle, Thkal was questioning the captain:
"Shjk, how will we be able to obtain the needed parts, we have nothing to buy with?"

"There are two ways we could pay. I, as an officer am given the option of recieving part of my pay in Marks. They will surely accept the currency of a known nation. And if they do not, then they would be glad keep their lives as payment.

Just then the hail was recieved. The captain laughed, a sound that would be harsh to human ears, then the dull monotone of the translator kicked in as he began to speak.
"Gkkcjr, gkkcjr. You think we have weapons? This is an unarmed flight, we have experienced technical difficulty with out FTL and are hoping to buy parts. By all means, please join us."

The captain left the communicator on and looked at the five other warriors in the shuttle. He flicked the power switch on his translator and spoke to them in Tkalgrish:
"If they are hostile, then we will kill them as soon as they express their intention. If not, we accept their aid and make no sign that we know of the vital areas of humans. We must appear to be friendly, so stow away your battle blades."
There were murmerings amoung the crew as they complied with his order. The captain turned back to the comm, turning the translator back on.
"We are ready for your arrival."

OOC: I should fill you in on the Tkalgren. They're extremely strong, pick up a man in powered armor and throw him across the room with one arm strong. They also are physically incapable of speaking english, though they understand it and can read and write in it. So they use translator devices that tend to lose the subtle nuances of Tkalgrish speach (hence the apparant simplicity of their conversations). And they're fearless because they know that they're so much stronger than humans.
IC
Onboard the shuttle, Thkal was questioning the captain:
"Shjk, how will we be able to obtain the needed parts, we have nothing to buy with?"

"There are two ways we could pay. I, as an officer am given the option of recieving part of my pay in Marks. They will surely accept the currency of a known nation. And if they do not, then they would be glad keep their lives as payment.

Just then the hail was recieved. The captain laughed, a sound that would be harsh to human ears, then the dull monotone of the translator kicked in as he began to speak.
"Gkkcjr, gkkcjr. You think we have weapons? This is an unarmed flight, we have experienced technical difficulty with out FTL and are hoping to buy parts. By all means, please join us."

The captain left the communicator on and looked at the five other warriors in the shuttle. He flicked the power switch on his translator and spoke to them in Tkalgrish:
"If they are hostile, then we will kill them as soon as they express their intention. If not, we accept their aid and make no sign that we know of the vital areas of humans. We must appear to be friendly, so stow away your battle blades."
There were murmerings amoung the crew as they complied with his order. The captain turned back to the comm, turning the translator back on.
"We are ready for your arrival."

OOC: Appearing friendly is *good*. All Roanian military personell have full authority to shoot at anything which even looks like it might be hostile. And they have a policy of hostage negotiations which could be considered... blunt.

Essentially, if your guys attack or threaten or make funny faces at my guys, my guys will open fire. If my guys are beaten, your guys get vapourized by Agua2. If by some miracle your guys land on the planet, they will get stomped on by the full force of the Imperial Defense Corps. There will be much shrieking involved. You know how that awful series, Star Trek, had its Prime Directive? The Imperial Prime Directive is 'You can never use too much force to kill an alien.' Still, I'm assuming your guys are humanoid. That makes them more likely to live. Though you can never tell with Terence. The man makes Alexander look like Gandhi.

IC: "All right, men. Keep your weapons on at all times. The second one of those Xeno-Morphs even looks like making a move, open fire and we'll retreat back to the shuttle for the Agua2 to vape them." Captain Kallin said, his HOPlite (Hydrogen-OxygenPower) Suit making his words sound like those of a robot. While nowhere near as powerful as the Arkhangel suits of the Inquisition -- or even the ICABA (Internally Controlled Autonomous Battle Armour) of the Legions -- the Marines still had their tricks.

And chief amongst them was the fact that their suits were weapons. The two shuttles connected, and Kallin knocked on the foreign door with an immense grey-armoured fist, while his phase-cloak hung down his heavily armoured frame. "Attention, foreign vessel! You have entered Divine Stellar Imperial Territory, which is a vapourisable offence. We have arrived on your vessel for the purpose of ascertaining what it is you require for us to get rid of you as swiftly as possible and to wipe any and all maps of references to our systems!"

It might have been blunt, but the Imperium really didn't want people coming back after an accidental visit.

OOC: Humanoid? No, not really. I'll describe them (I wish I had a better scanner-I'd draw a picture). Check their NSWiki arcitcle (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Tkalgren), thn I'll build from there. They have elongater lizard-faces, with around 300 degrees of vision, and independant eyes (like a lizard). Their legs go up and backwards, then down and into the short ankle area before ending in the foot. Their hands and feet have five fingers, three on top and two on bottom, which means thay have a hard time using human tools. but they could never be mistaken for Xenomorphs, they're scaly like lizards, and greenish-grey. Not smooth and shiny black. They only wear a utility belt and a bandoleir.
IC:
"Come In." replied the captain in the dull monotone of the translator. as he opened his door. He glanced around the interior of the shuttle to make sure that there were no visible weapons, then opened the inner door. He tried not to look with disdain on his visitors, though they would probably not recognize any facial expressions.
"Please, do not harm us. We experienced a problem in a FTL jump and had to drop out here. We only wish to buy replacement parts and leave as quickly as possible."
He then turned off the translator and spoke to the rest of his small crew:
"Let them do as they please, perhaps we can get out of this easily."

OOC: Humanoid? No, not really. I'll describe them (I wish I had a better scanner-I'd draw a picture). Check their NSWiki arcitcle (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Tkalgren), thn I'll build from there. They have elongater lizard-faces, with around 300 degrees of vision, and independant eyes (like a lizard). Their legs go up and backwards, then down and into the short ankle area before ending in the foot. Their hands and feet have five fingers, three on top and two on bottom, which means thay have a hard time using human tools. but they could never be mistaken for Xenomorphs, they're scaly like lizards, and greenish-grey. Not smooth and shiny black. They only wear a utility belt and a bandoleir.
IC:
"Come In." replied the captain in the dull monotone of the translator. as he opened his door. He glanced around the interior of the shuttle to make sure that there were no visible weapons, then opened the inner door. He tried not to look with disdain on his visitors, though they would probably not recognize any facial expressions.
"Please, do not harm us. We experienced a problem in a FTL jump and had to drop out here. We only wish to buy replacement parts and leave as quickly as possible."
He then turned off the translator and spoke to the rest of his small crew:
"Let them do as they please, perhaps we can get out of this easily."

The Marines pushed through and turned around, inspecting the ship carefully. "Hrmmm..." the captain said, tapping his chin. "Right. We'll be bringing her in to a safe landing spot, and then our technicians will get to work on examining what this shuttle needs to get to lightspeed..."

"Cap'n, how did this shuttle get here?"

"Who knows how aliens do things, Rolin? This shuttle is what they are on, so this shuttle is obviously what they arrived here in. The important thing, though, is that we know how much to charge them..."

Thkal spoke up:
"I know exactly what we need, the only question is in regards to payment. I need one E-class hyperspace router and two flow rings. (I just made up some fancy sounding names so don't hold it against me) How much would that cost."

Captain Shjk looked angrily at his engineering officer before realizing that it would not have been okay to allow them to check out the non-FTL equipped shuttle. He looked back at the New Roanian captain and said:
"My engineer is correct, there is no need for you to examine our craft. Would you accept Marks? If not then I am afraid all I would have to offer you is my word that you will be repaid."

OOC: Sorry that this took so long. I guess we were both waiting for the other to post.

IC:
Captain Devaney and Rob were sitting in a cabin that Captain Karzonov had kindly provided, searching through the disks and books they had recovered from the archives.

"Aha! I found it."

"That's wonderful, Cap, but how does that help us?"

"Well, obviously... Its a map that shows us how to get back to Earth."

"Yes, and how does that help us?"

"We know how to get home!" Jim was becoming exasperated.

Rob sighed, "Sir, we know how to get back, but I seriously doubt that any pilot would be willing to take us such a long distance. What we need is to either get ahold of our own ship, and if possible, figure out why the Fold drive took us this far out. Then we could recreate the circumstances and get home in mere seconds."

"But..." Jim was heartbroken, but realized they would need to press on, "Fine, I will talk to Karzonov and ask if we might continue working with him, at least until we get a chance to take another ship."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the galaxy...
Lady Seishi, assistant to the Queen of Crystal Ireland, walked swiftly down the musty halls of the Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4. Queen Stefini and her consort, Commander Haase of New Exodus, were visiting an old friend, but this was a grave matter. Without bothering to knock, she entered the guest quarters to find the Commander and Queen playing some form of holo-game.

"What is the matter, Seishi?"

"Commander, I have just received notice that the Fold-Space testing unit has not arrived at the designated coordinates, and neither has it arrived anywhere in-between. The project director is doing all that she can to locate them."

He stood quickly. "Thank you, Seishi, but why do you bring me this message?"

"Sir, when your sensors could not locate the Skip, Crystal Ireland's assistance was requested. We are currently trying to locate the vessel by homing in on the galactic lodestone that we placed aboard it. Unfortunately, that is also not going particularly well."

"Is there any good news at all?"

"Umm," Seishi blushed, "There is a, uh... tracking device that I placed on Rob, but I don't know if that will help."

Queen Stefini gave her a knowing smile, "Oh, and where would the tracking device be?"

Seishis' Elvin features turned bright red, and she spoke rapidly, "I didn't! I mean, I put it in his communicator, before the mission... Besides, there is nothing going on between us."

Queen Stefini smiled, "...Yet..."

And back on the StarThief...
Rob stared at the viewport at the depths of space.

"Thinking about that Seishi girl from Crystal Ireland, huh?"

"Shut it, Jim."

"Hey, I'm your Captain, remember? And anyway, we all know you two have a thing--"

"There is ABSOLUTELY nothing between us!"

"Riiiiiight..."

Alysanndra smiled, pulling up her pants and stretching. As she moved to pick out a blouse, though, she paused. The young woman inspected herself in the mirror. At this moment, the only covering she wore on her torso was her one-piece.

She knew it wouldn't be appropriate to go to any cabinet meetings in such attire, but there weren't any such meetings today. In fact... She checked her holo-calendar and smiled. She had nothing on her schedule for today. "Mmm..." she stretched again, and decided that she would stay like this, maybe go and rest, work on that tan...

She pulled on some sandals, and left her room.

~~

Alexander blinked blearily. He sighed, and pulled himself up. The prince looked over the breakfast tray the staff had given him, and shook his head. He wasn't in the mood for such a large meal. 'I don't know why that cook keeps trying to stuff me full of food. Is she trying to fatten me up for the pot?'

He pressed a button, and the window returned to transparency and opened slightly, letting a warm tropical breeze in. Alexander took a deep breath, smiling. 'I love this season.'

He pulled on some clothes, and decided he'd go for a bit of a walk. It wasn't like he had any thing to do, and if he was forced into action the clothes he'd be wearing would not be the top priority of any supplicants.

As he left his room, though, he crashed into Alysanndra and stepped back. "Oh, I'm...sorry..." he coughed, smiling wanly.

Alysanndra also blushed. Even after last-night, she hadn't considered the possibility that she'd run into him. And certainly not dressed like she was.

One-Pieces had evolved from the one-piece bikinis of old Sol. In their current incarnation, they were designed more to be conveniently put on and taken off than for any modesty, especially amongst the more beautiful of the upper-classes. While the more important and sensitive organs were covered, the stomach and upper abdomen were bare in a capsule-shaped cut from the waist up to just beneath the breasts. It was hardly the best thing to be wearing when talking to the man you had just kissed a mere twelve hours before. The tips of Alysanndra's pointy ears turned pink. "Ummm..."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, and took a step toward her, running a hand along her arm with a smile. "Have you breakfasted?" he inquired, softly.

She shook her head, and barely resisted when he lightly tugged her into his room with him. She closed the door after them, and smiled, holding her hands out with her palms facing up. "Well?" she asked.

The prince, barely knowing what he was doing, took a step forward and gripped her waist, leaning forward and kissing the elf. She almost melted into his grasp, returning the kiss and clasping her own arms around his neck. "Mmm..." she murmured, pressing herself into him. She groaned in disappointment when he pulled back. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure if this is right, or what either of us want..." he smiled wanly. "A part of me... it pushes me towards you. But... Another part of me..."

She stepped back, and regarded the human prince cautiously. "Is worried about the fact that I'm your Prime Minister, and an elf?" she asked, softly. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about how you're my Prince, and a human..." she took a step forward, and smiled up at him, trying to hide her own fright. "But..."

"Neither of us is asking the other for marriage, and neither of us is urgently required to provide the nation with children," Alexander said, taking a step towards her, narrowing the distance between them. "Was that what you were going to say?"

They both looked into each other's eyes, and slowly moved to kiss once more. They stood like that for a few moments, and then Alysanndra felt his hand undo the belt that held her pants up. She felt them slide down her legs, and closed her eyes again as his hand ran along her now bare skin. "Ahhhh..."

Alexander's hand ran along her leg, and up her inner thigh slightly, almost under the thin fabric between her legs. She shivered, but took a step back, shaking her head firmly. "No... Ahh...no. Not yet."

"Whatever you want..." he whispered, one arm wrapping back around Alysanndra and the other running along her outer leg once more. Before he kissed her again, Alexander smiled gently. "Thank you for being here. I'm sorry I took so long to see you..."

She gave him a warm look, and melted back into his grasp. Before words became too difficult, though, Alysanndra whispered back, "Thank you..."

Their lips met once more, both of them seeking something they now knew was there.

Thkal spoke up:
"I know exactly what we need, the only question is in regards to payment. I need one E-class hyperspace router and two flow rings. (I just made up some fancy sounding names so don't hold it against me) How much would that cost."

Captain Shjk looked angrily at his engineering officer before realizing that it would not have been okay to allow them to check out the non-FTL equipped shuttle. He looked back at the New Roanian captain and said:
"My engineer is correct, there is no need for you to examine our craft. Would you accept Marks? If not then I am afraid all I would have to offer you is my word that you will be repaid."

"We'll be pulling your craft down planetside anyway. I'm sure His Stellar Majesty will find something for you to do..." the captain said, activating the slave beacon. "Who knows? You might even get paid beyond your precious components..."

A tractor beam shot out from Novaya Zemlya, and snared the shuttle. "We'll be landing shortly..." Slowly, the immense domes of the capital city began to be visible...

Joe Green went to the Commander.
"Hey Cap'n, I think I could mod our drive to their ship. It'll take about fourty-three hours of hard work, but we could get it done. We could get Master Miles or Commander Haase to offer the ship and crew asylum. Anyways, we need to get back to our Galaxy."

Mailkebeth grumbled as he put the toupe on. "I will personally destroy your soul next time anything like that happens, Captain." the elf adjusted it, studying his reflection in the mirror.

"Shhh..." Karzonov said, tapping the various maps. "What does Deus mean?"

"Firstly, it's pronounced DAY-us, Sur. And... I think it means God," his commander answered, stroking back her own hair to take a closer look. "We should be arriving at the Freeport in an hour."

"Excellent. We'll get our payments, we'll have cocked a snook at the Prince... all's good."

"Speaking of the prince..." Mailkebeth said finally, "he was acting very strange... asked for a book of elven romantic literature."

They all absorbed this for a second. Karzonov finally smirked. "Well, if you want to study a foreign language... you might as well ensure your attention is undivided... no offence, Commander." the FreeRunner captain studied his files. "Tell the foreigner... um... what was his name... Devaney... tell him I'll see him in my quarters with his map in four minutes." Karzonov stood up and walked over to his office.

Joe Green went to the Commander.
"Hey Cap'n, I think I could mod our drive to their ship. It'll take about fourty-three hours of hard work, but we could get it done. We could get Master Miles or Commander Haase to offer the ship and crew asylum. Anyways, we need to get back to our Galaxy."
Jim shook his head, "Sorry, Joe. No go. I doubt that the good Captain feels any need to leave this stretch of space, and I certainly don't believe he'd want us tinkering around with the StarThief.

"Tell the foreigner... um... what was his name... Devaney... tell him I'll see him in my quarters with his map in four minutes." Karzonov stood up and walked over to his office.
A knock at the door was followed by Mailkebeth, the now-bald Elf, bearing a summons from Karzonov and wearing an obvious toupe (or perhaps it was because they knew it was fake.

"Sure," he turned to Rob, "can I have the disk?"

Taking a copy of the map, Jim stood up and followed Mailkebeth to meet with Captain Karzonov.

Geez! I hope Rob can figure out what happened with the Drive. I'd hate to try crossing the galaxy with regular FTL.

He brightened suddenly, Hey wait! If we go back, we'd get slapped with a court-martial for certain. But if we get Karzonov to set us down somewhere, we could blend in and live out our lives on these beatuiful worlds!

From the vessel's medical bay, Jen mentally reached out and smacked Jim for even considering that alternative. They needed to get home, for the sake of their families.

We'll be pulling your craft down planetside anyway. I'm sure His Stellar Majesty will find something for you to do..." the captain said, activating the slave beacon. "Who knows? You might even get paid beyond your precious components..."

A tractor beam shot out from Novaya Zemlya, and snared the shuttle. "We'll be landing shortly..." Slowly, the immense domes of the capital city began to be visible...

The Tkalgren warriors became nervous at the thought of landing on another world, and began chatting amonst themselves, without their translators active.
"What should be done?" queried one.
"We do as we are told, but under no circumstances should we reveal anything else regarding our origins, I should not have mentioned Marks."
"Should we get our combat blades?"
"We may need them, but probably not. If they ask us to fight for them, then we will use them. Otherwise, they will remain where they are."

As the shuttle appraoched the city, the Tkalgren captain turned to the New Roanian captain and asked: "What is the temperment of your king? When will we recieve word from him?"

A knock at the door was followed by Mailkebeth, the now-bald Elf, bearing a summons from Karzonov and wearing an obvious toupe (or perhaps it was because they knew it was fake.

"Sure," he turned to Rob, "can I have the disk?"

Taking a copy of the map, Jim stood up and followed Mailkebeth to meet with Captain Karzonov.

Geez! I hope Rob can figure out what happened with the Drive. I'd hate to try crossing the galaxy with regular FTL.

He brightened suddenly, Hey wait! If we go back, we'd get slapped with a court-martial for certain. But if we get Karzonov to set us down somewhere, we could blend in and live out our lives on these beatuiful worlds!

From the vessel's medical bay, Jen mentally reached out and smacked Jim for even considering that alternative. They needed to get home, for the sake of their families.

Karzonov was staring at his window, watching the stars skip gaily past. "Ah, Captain Devaney..." the Roanian said, not turning around. "Mailkebeth has informed me that you have in your possession a device called a... Fold-Drive? He says it sounded like something in the ancient writings..." the man shrugged . "But that isn't important. You and your crew would be good men to have in a scuffle, it seems. How would you like to extend your contract with us? We'll be meeting our employer, and people who want maps from the archives will probably want those maps used..."

The Tkalgren warriors became nervous at the thought of landing on another world, and began chatting amonst themselves, without their translators active.
"What should be done?" queried one.
"We do as we are told, but under no circumstances should we reveal anything else regarding our origins, I should not have mentioned Marks."
"Should we get our combat blades?"
"We may need them, but probably not. If they ask us to fight for them, then we will use them. Otherwise, they will remain where they are."

As the shuttle appraoched the city, the Tkalgren captain turned to the New Roanian captain and asked: "What is the temperment of your king? When will we recieve word from him?"

"His Imperial Highness will meet with you when he sees fit!" The Marine replied, sharply. "None may know the whim of His Imperial Highness! He is unlikely to just meet with you at the shuttle dock! Who... what are you doing?"

One of the marines was pointing down at the docks. Standing on a pier landing-point was the Prince himself, dressed in full regalia and leaning slightly on his cane. The captain stuttered into insensibility.

Joe looked at the captain of The Starthief.
"Well, I know how to get in and out of a scuffle without any harm done to me. Heck, I could have whooped the Persians at Thermapalye Pass alongside the Spartains. Now, all engineering and personnel maters must go thru me and my Captain. I'm all for us joining you as long as we get a ship out of the deal that is comparable to ours."

OOC: Doesnt let me subscribe for some reason, so heres an ugly tag.

OOC: No response? Waah. I suppose I should have given you more to work with...

IC: The Alterion was running smoothly on its flight. Despite having been spotted by Roanian sattelites, which it would have sooner or later, flying this close to the planet, they hadn't made a suspicious pattern.

Out of the "radar" of the Tiburonese cruiser, a small, fast-moving vessel headed straight towards the cruiser caught the eyes of the "radar" operator. Markings indicated it was a Tiburonese mobile suit transporter, slowed down by a mobile suit, but one could never really be sure...

Ensign Noventa responded with the standard, "This is the Alterion. To the Tiburonese ship approaching us, please indicate SFS basic information."

But Trowa already knew who it was. Who it had to be. It was inevitable. This was Tiburon, after all, and that was Roania. I told him I'd handle this. But nooo. He had to run after this.

Trowa turned to Noventa. "Let him in. It's all right."

Noventa: "Uh, yes... sir..."

The two ships performed their standard docking procedures, and out of the airlock [OOC: surprise] came, in what appeared to be a private's uniform, Nova Starfighter. Hardly the full regalia most presidents were accustomed to, but by now it had become routine for him.

Amidst casual greetings of "Hey, Nova!", Trowa moved up to Nova and simply shook his head. "Remind me what I said. No, go ahead. Just remind me."

Nova: *sigh* "I know... I know... 'This is my mission, not yours.' Well... change of plans. We're going to divide up the info gathering... you guys'll work on the ship, and I'll check out the planet. It makes it easier that way... and besides, I have an actual Roanian on my team."

Trowa smiled, accustomed to the way everyone managed to weasel something out of everyone else. "Man, you suck." *sigh* "Fine, whatever... but if you get yourself killed for some strange reason, it's not my fault."

The two ships left each other for the time being... the cruiser continuing on its course, and the transporter headed down towards the planet.

OOC: Oooh... the question here is 'to vape' or 'not to vape'... Whether 'tis nobler to split your transport into its constituent atoms like it was a hostile asteroid or GOO... or allow it to land... that, is the dream... :gundge:

IC: Grand Duke Darien Black thumbed the command activation tablet on his StarCrusher's vape-gun. Even as the heir to the Imperial Diadem, he was refused authority to change the Home Defense Fleet's primary orders. The complete destruction of any ship which somehow managed to evade the periodic system trawls and shoot-to-vape orders of the various fleets. Still, he supposed there was some protocol to follow.

Smoothing back his dark hair, he clapped his hands together. "Comm up!"

ATTENTION UNAUTHORIZED TRANSPORT!

CONTINUANCE OF YOUR FURTHER HEADING
WITHOUT COMMUNICATION WILL RESULT
IN THE IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF
YOUR LIVES AND PROPERTY!
THERE WILL BE NO SECOND WARNING!

0_0; Oh, jeez... what the hell have I gotten myself into?

OOC: Roania? Yeah, um... one of my main RP characters is on that ship. Please don't vaporize him. Please?

OOC2: Are you people insane!? Or is it just a very... inhospitable planet?

IC: Nova, in the pilot's seat, set the transport carrier to a slow cruising distance, preferrably to land at a small spaceport disguised as a cargo carrying some obscure import, while everyone went around in the hold doing... well, whatever people did back there. Hearing the familiar beep of an alert, he switched off the stereo. He checked to see an incoming message from the ground, he soon realized he was sadly mistaken on how the country worked.

Holy <expletive deleted>! <More expletives deleted>!! What the <yet more expletives>

He scrambled to create a response:

Message to Roanian military organization, from Tiburonese civilian transport carrier A349, model B-079OS/SPT-079. Transport carrier is a civilian cargo ship, please do not attack! Cargo is assorted amounts of coconuts, Indian specialized sweets, and almonds from the Pilani Birla Mandir in Pilani, India; as well as water collected by the Vatican Organization of Church Services for distribution to churches.

OOC3: Why not? It's certainly something you'd expect to be imported into Novaya...

IC2: Urgently pulling the craft out of descent and into a stable orbit at where they were, Nova leaned back in his chair and sighed. One more like that and you could make a horror movie... *shudder*

0_0; Oh, jeez... what the hell have I gotten myself into?

OOC: Roania? Yeah, um... one of my main RP characters is on that ship. Please don't vaporize him. Please?

OOC2: Are you people insane!? Or is it just a very... inhospitable planet?

IC: Nova, in the pilot's seat, set the transport carrier to a slow cruising distance, preferrably to land at a small spaceport disguised as a cargo carrying some obscure import, while everyone went around in the hold doing... well, whatever people did back there. Hearing the familiar beep of an alert, he switched off the stereo. He checked to see an incoming message from the ground, he soon realized he was sadly mistaken on how the country worked.

Holy <expletive deleted>! <More expletives deleted>!! What the <yet more expletives>

He scrambled to create a response:

Message to Roanian military organization, from Tiburonese civilian transport carrier A349, model B-079OS/SPT-079. Transport carrier is a civilian cargo ship, please do not attack! Cargo is assorted amounts of coconuts, Indian specialized sweets, and almonds from the Pilani Birla Mandir in Pilani, India; as well as water collected by the Vatican Organization of Church Services for distribution to churches.

OOC3: Why not? It's certainly something you'd expect to be imported into Novaya...

IC2: Urgently pulling the craft out of descent and into a stable orbit at where they were, Nova leaned back in his chair and sighed. One more like that and you could make a horror movie... *shudder*

OOC: Well, one good way to get away with whatever you're planning is to have a spare beautiful girl on board... I believe you owe me one in exchange for Kigari? Who, no doubt, you're planning to bring into the country despite her exile to exceedingly distant Earth?

And inhospitable isn't the word for it. Try 'xenophobic'. Or chauvinistic.

IC: Darien sighed and slapped his palm to the console, switching it off. "Command? Ready my shuttle. I'm going to pay this ship a visit..." he closed his eyes and rubbed his brow for a second. 3000 years and not a thing we couldn't vape! And now, three ships in two days! Vape 'em all, that's my opinion... let the Gods sort them out!

TO: Unauthorized Civilian Vessel
FROM: Planetary Defence Force Missile Base #722
RE: Clearance

Remain at your current heading and position.
I will be coming with the customs team in a
matter of minutes. Resistance will be...
unfortunate.

Still, he knew his opinion was probably too harsh. But the young man had an inherent distrust of all off-worlders, strengthened by years of conflict. Snatching up his vape side-pistol, Grand Duke Darien Black stepped into his teleporter and up into the shuttle-link.

OOC: Well, one good way to get away with whatever you're planning is to have a spare beautiful girl on board... I believe you owe me one in exchange for Kigari?

Heh. We're exchanging people now. Ah, well... *create random beautiful girl*

Who, no doubt, you're planning to bring into the country despite her exile to exceedingly distant Earth?

I just don't know when it's time to give up. ^_~

And inhospitable isn't the word for it. Try 'xenophobic'. Or chauvinistic.

Right... inhospitable is for inanimate things, usually climates. Sorry. ^_^;

IC: Darien sighed and slapped his palm to the console, switching it off. "Command? Ready my shuttle. I'm going to pay this ship a visit..." he closed his eyes and rubbed his brow for a second. 3000 years and not a thing we couldn't vape! And now, three ships in two days! Vape 'em all, that's my opinion... let the Gods sort them out!

TO: Unauthorized Civilian Vessel
FROM: Planetary Defence Force Missile Base #722
RE: Clearance

Remain at your current heading and position.
I will be coming with the customs team in a
matter of minutes. Resistance will be...
unfortunate.

Still, he knew his opinion was probably too harsh. But the young man had an inherent distrust of all off-worlders, strengthened by years of conflict. Snatching up his vape side-pistol, Grand Duke Darien Black stepped into his teleporter and up into the shuttle-link.

Nova looked at the transmission received and breathed a sigh of relief. At least they were alive... for now, anyway...

OOC: Too tired for everything.... *yawn* I'll describe the girl later.

Thkal hastily prepared himself for landing after viewing the Prince on the platform. The New Roanian shuttle had detached for the landing, but some of their troops were still aboard. As he guided the shuttle to a smooth landing, he noticed other ships approaching the pad (I am guessing that's what's going on here).

As soon as the shuttle was on the platform, he had one of the others open the door, and he walked out, looking directly at the prince.

Heh. We're exchanging people now. Ah, well... *create random beautiful girl*

OOC: Damn straight.


I just don't know when it's time to give up. ^_~

No. No, you don't. The proper time to give up was when I told you that Alexander would have her killed if he saw her. I think I said that 9 months ago.

Nova looked at the transmission received and breathed a sigh of relief. At least they were alive... for now, anyway...

OOC: Too tired for everything.... *yawn* I'll describe the girl later.

Like every government figure in the DSI, the Customs Bureau was entitled to make people's lives a horrible misery for doing anything that was on the infinitely large list of proscribed actions. Unlike many of the other departments, the Customs Teams carried high-powered AAVM77s (Altaran Arms Vapouriser Model 77s), which were capable not only of eliminating the smugglers, but also of eliminating the things they were smuggling. Also, one of each team was charged with destroying all map data on board each ship, and then activating the hyperdrive to a random destination, preferably outside of civilised space, and to another galaxy. Say, Andromeda. Or either of the Magellanic clouds.

Of course, they couldn't do that to people who were not engaged in smuggling. They could get their pay cut or lose vacation time for that. Darien Alexandovich Black, however, as a Captain in the HDF and the heir to the Principality, could do whatever he damn well pleased. I mean, it's not like they were locals or something. It's a good thing he was in a nice mood.

The shuttle slowly linked up with the transport, and the Customs Officers forced the door open. Darien followed through, dressed in a simple grey uniform, lightly tanned (like all inhabitants of Novaya Zemlya) from the tropical sun. "In the name of Prince Alexander Black, I command you all to drop your weapons."

You and your crew would be good men to have in a scuffle, it seems. How would you like to extend your contract with us?
It was like an answer to a prayer. No need to argue or beg for work, the good Captain must have read Jim's emotions.

"Sir, we would be honored. Of course, as my companion said, our goal would be eventually getting a vessel and returning home, but until then, my crew and I would be happy to repay your hospitality."

Thkal hastily prepared himself for landing after viewing the Prince on the platform. The New Roanian shuttle had detached for the landing, but some of their troops were still aboard. As he guided the shuttle to a smooth landing, he noticed other ships approaching the pad (I am guessing that's what's going on here).

As soon as the shuttle was on the platform, he had one of the others open the door, and he walked out, looking directly at the prince.

The Prince looked unconcernedly up at the tall alien. "Do... you... understand... me...?" he asked, speaking loudly and slowly in a clear voice. One of his aides ran up to him and whispered into his ear. Alexander blinked. "I've been informed you will understand me. Oh, good."

"We've been having difficulties in the Uriah Farming system. Some wild beast is attacking farmers and has already killed..." he checked his personal organizer, "five Inquisitors." there was another whispered exchange. "Oh, and... seventy farmers? Really? Wow." Alexander coughed. "You leave in 4 hours. Until then, you have the run of the city... except, you know, for the starship parts shops. We'll have your starship looked at...wherever it is."

It was like an answer to a prayer. No need to argue or beg for work, the good Captain must have read Jim's emotions.

"Sir, we would be honored. Of course, as my companion said, our goal would be eventually getting a vessel and returning home, but until then, my crew and I would be happy to repay your hospitality."

"Excellent! We'll be landing at the Freeport in a few min..." the Starthief shook, sending Karzonov flying into the wall. "never mind..." he groaned, standing up. Outside, several small buildings stood on a lofty promonotory. Children ran in between them playing happily.

The Freerunner Captain brushed a little speck of sentiment from his eyes as the ship slowly sank into a concealed cave. Down below, brightly lit signs displayed their wares. Cannons, guns, food... all was present. Commander Carolyn slid the door open. "Captain, we've landed."

"Oh. Good. I noticed. Inform the men that we'll be taking a two day shore leave. Anyone who's not back on board in exactly 48 hours, for any reason besides a pregnant wife or child on death's bed or something like that, will be pressganged." Karzonov pulled out his sturdy revolver. Written on its side was 'The PressGanger'. "Now, we need to see our financier..."

~~
Miles and miles of empty space away...
~~

"So, this is where the Freeport is hidden, is it?" Admiral Vader asked, studying the map. "Excellent."

The cloaked figure bowed. "Just... doing my duty, sir..." it faded out while Vader was looking in the other direction.

"That is it? A wild beast. It will be a sunny day in untranslatable when warriors of Tkal are unable to deal with mere animals. I will call my starship into a closer orbit, so that you may have a better look at it."

He turned to those that had come with him on the shuttle, looking at their pleased faces. "Gather your blades and your armor, we will show them the power of Tkal."

As he mentioned, the training craft in which they had arrived pulled into a closer orbit around the planet. The alien warriors went back into the shuttle and pulled out their razor-sharp combat blades, and some small pieces of armor. When they reemerged, they were slashing the air and making small adjustments. They then followed the captain into the city to a small food shop, where the terrified waiter provided them with some steaks.

The combat blades contain low-power lasers, which recharge automaticaly and are strapped to their wrists. Their light armor consists of upper chest armor, forearm guards, and helmets, which mainly consist of communicators and vision enhancers.

The four hours passes quickly, and they boarded the transport which was to take them to thier destination. While boarding, Thkal asked about their opponent.

46 hours of free time. How should I spend that?
Brothel? Not one around here, too much family stuff...
Bar? Maybe...
Food? At the Bar...
Video games? Later on...
"Bar it is." Joe muttered.
"Where's the nearest bar or other establishment with alcohol? I need something to unwind." Joe asked to the guy at the door after asking (and receiving) permission from his commander.

OOC:
the question here is 'to vape' or 'not to vape'... Whether 'tis nobler to split your transport into its constituent atoms like it was a hostile asteroid or GOO... or allow it to land... that, is the dream...
Shakespeare, it isn’t, but somehow I still find myself moved by the beauty of the language…

IC:
"Oh. Good. I noticed. Inform the men that we'll be taking a two day shore leave. Anyone who's not back on board in exactly 48 hours, for any reason besides a pregnant wife or child on death's bed or something like that, will be pressganged." Karzonov pulled out his sturdy revolver. Written on its side was 'The PressGanger'. "Now, we need to see our financier..."
Jim grimaced at the sight of the revolver, but the weapon reminded him that a pirate’s life was full of danger. He would need to see that his crew was armed before they met with this “financier.”

“After all,” he explained to the rest of the Skip’s crew in the medical bay, “We should take precautions when dealing with unsavory characters.

The crew glanced nervously at the FreeRunners standing nearby.

“Oh, uh… Present… company… excluded,” Captain Devaney muttered sheepishly. He turned back to the emergency survival kits and drew out the PEP pistols. Non-lethal, but that should be okay. I’m sure Karzonov has everything under control, so we might not even need them.

Riiiight…

Before Joe Green left the vessel, Devaney handed him one of the pistols. “Remember, just because it won’t kill doesn’t mean you can shoot anyone who annoys you.”

Joe replied smoothly, "Oh, I know it doesn't kill. That's why I carry Mr. Browning's invention, the M1911 chambered for .45 Super. And I won't shoot anyone who bugs me...just small rodents..."

Karzonov and Jim took a brief walk through the bowels of the Freeport, before arriving at a small, dingy little town. When the Freerunner Captain walked inside, everyone waved to him. Karzonov paid especial attention to a young, slightly-less-scantily-clad-than-the-other-scantily-clad-waitresses, waitress. "And how's my girl?" he asked, stroking a hand along her cheek for a second.

She flushed, and, after kissing him for a second, whispered something into his ear. The captain nodded. "Our paymaster is in a private loungeroom," Karzonov told Devaney. He then snapped his attention back to the young woman. "And you can tell your employer you're taking the night off. We have catching up to do..."

She blushed and walked off. Once again businesslike, the Freerunner ran up the stairs and into the office. "Ah, sir..." he said, bowing to the cloaked figure and pulling out the map. "Your map, as requested..."

"Excellent, Captain. I knew you could be trusted..." the voice was harsh and dry, as if it sprang from nonhumanoid lips. "It is a pity... that you won't be able to accept my payment..." the figure stood up, unbending to an immense height of nearly 7ft. "You see, you are a security risk..."

Karzonov quietly cocked his gun. He was ready when the shot came, knocking Devaney to the side and rolling under the blue-energy bolt, before firing rapidly and tearing holes in the cloak. The alien shrieked and twisted to the ground, writhing as Karzonov and Devaney both pointed their guns at it. "Foolish... newcomers..." black leathery wings unfolded suddenly, and a monstrous, lamprey-like face appeared. SHRIEK! came the call, and the transformed creature lifted up and took off, flying up and out of the room before either captain could react.

"God damn it!" Karzonov swore, throwing his gun to the ground. "Can this situation get any worse?"

Then came the radio signal, overriding all speakers and sound-systems on the rock.

ATTENTION PIRATE SCUM. THIS IS THE THIRD FLEET OF THE DIVINE STELLAR IMPERIUM. YOUR LIVES ARE NOW FORFEIT. PLEASE DIE IN A CALM AND ORDERLY FASHION.

"Admiral Vader. We have placed the asteroid under seige." the Captain saluted through his vidscreen. "Any further orders, my lord?"

The Admiral ran a hand through his grey hair, considering. Then he smiled. "Destroy one of the buildings on the surface. Select one that has people running inside it. I know we'll have to accept their surrender eventually, but I intend to burden the court system as little as possible." he shut down his comm. for a few seconds.

The SHIM Kali's Avenger, to give its full name, was the most powerful ship in the entire third fleet. The Starthief could crash into it, and the Avenger's shields would barely register the blow. Several automated weapons system on board it and its escorts were now tracing along the surface of the rock, choosing a target for demolition.

One of the captains once again flickered on. "Sir, we've found a target... the only problem is, we think there are children..."

"What are our orders regarding pirates and smugglers, Captain?"

"To destroy them and their supporters, sir..."

The admiral steepled his hands. "And what would you call people who live on this miserable rock, full of pirates and smugglers?"

"Um... supporters?"

"Good. Remember, these aren't children. These are 'potential future hostile forces'. Commend your soul to the Gods, and open fire."

"That is it? A wild beast. It will be a sunny day in untranslatable when warriors of Tkal are unable to deal with mere animals. I will call my starship into a closer orbit, so that you may have a better look at it."

He turned to those that had come with him on the shuttle, looking at their pleased faces. "Gather your blades and your armor, we will show them the power of Tkal."

As he mentioned, the training craft in which they had arrived pulled into a closer orbit around the planet. The alien warriors went back into the shuttle and pulled out their razor-sharp combat blades, and some small pieces of armor. When they reemerged, they were slashing the air and making small adjustments. They then followed the captain into the city to a small food shop, where the terrified waiter provided them with some steaks.

The combat blades contain low-power lasers, which recharge automaticaly and are strapped to their wrists. Their light armor consists of upper chest armor, forearm guards, and helmets, which mainly consist of communicators and vision enhancers.

The four hours passes quickly, and they boarded the transport which was to take them to thier destination. While boarding, Thkal asked about their opponent.

The Marines studiously refused to answer the question, seeming uncomfortable. Half an hour after leaving NZ, they had arrived at Uriah. There, the aliens were unceremoniously shunted off the transport, which engaged in a rapid exit.

The scent of death floated across from the fields...

"God damn it!" Karzonov swore, throwing his gun to the ground. "Can this situation get any worse?"

Then came the radio signal, overriding all speakers and sound-systems on the rock.

ATTENTION PIRATE SCUM. THIS IS THE THIRD FLEET OF THE DIVINE STELLAR IMPERIUM. YOUR LIVES ARE NOW FORFEIT. PLEASE DIE IN A CALM AND ORDERLY FASHION.

"You've got to be kidding..."

It seemed that absolutely every person in the Freeport was neglecting to heed the order.

"So... what now?"

The warriors looked in wonder at the desolate planet that was their current location. Nothing was moving, and they could see what appeared to be a destroyed settlement on the horizon. AS they moved toward it, they began to notice signs of struggle, but no bodies. After walking (really fast) toward the settlement, they discovered still no life, but also no bodies, and a trail of blood leading into a nearby cave.

OOC: a little more description from you would have been nice...

The warriors looked in wonder at the desolate planet that was their current location. Nothing was moving, and they could see what appeared to be a destroyed settlement on the horizon. AS they moved toward it, they began to notice signs of struggle, but no bodies. After walking (really fast) toward the settlement, they discovered still no life, but also no bodies, and a trail of blood leading into a nearby cave.

OOC: a little more description from you would have been nice...

(As you will, though I thought I'd build suspense...)

Lightning crackled down from the sky as the warriors approached the cave. Nothing seemed to be inside, and the blood was dry. Several small spore-like organisms sat on the side, growing from the blood. As the warriors neared the spores, a high-pitched whistling sound echoed from the settlement.

A horrifying shape cast a shadow on the ground from overhead, but when the warriors looked up there was nothing.

Perhaps 'Wild Beast' had been a bit of a misnomer? Or, perhaps, the Prince had lied...

"You've got to be kidding..."

It seemed that absolutely every person in the Freeport was neglecting to heed the order.

"So... what now?"

"Well, we could go right about now." Joe stated.

Karzonov looked thoughtful for a second, and then he turned to the engineer. "You. Joe. Run, run fast, and get to the StarThief. Tell Carolyn to keep to the code, and go after DEUS. Do you think you can remember that?" not waiting for a response, he turned to Devaney. "Captain Devaney, I don't think the two of us will be able to make it back to the ship in time..." he watched Joe take off like the devil himself was after him.

From the surface came the screams of children, before they were suddenly silenced. Karzonov clenched his fists. "Damn it... Captain, your choice. You might be able to make it to the StarThief in time. If you do, then tell Carolyn it's all gone wrong and she needs to stop our paymaster... if you don't, I'm sorry I dragged you into this."

He stood to go. "I'm going to hand myself in."

Joe ran, not stopping to even helping the children burning. He knew they were past his help and would only slow him down. He could't let his shipmates down, or they too would die.

Joe made it to the ship in his only ever one minute mile. Fear does wonders to a man. Today it made a muscular guy who couldn't run worth a nickel into a track star. He reached the ship, and as luck had it Carolyn was there.

"*gasp*Carrie...Cappie K sent me to tell you to keep to the code and go after DEUS or something like that...*wheezegasppant*"

"What did he say?" was the angry response.

"Keep to the code. Go after DEUS. NOw excuse me, I have some matters to attend to such as a gun." Joe said.

The glistening combat blades shone in the gathering darkness, the storm that had begun earlier that day, as they had approached the caves, continued unabated. They had yet to enter the cave, and were crouching in a circle in the rain.

Thkal was scared. His squad was not, but they did not know what existed outside Tkal. He had heard tales from Al-Imvad officers, respectable men all of them, about creatures which could dismember in a single blow, and left no trace of their passage. Before today he had thought that only humans had anything to fear, the tkalgren being the most powerful alien race on their 'official' records. But he had seen the shadow of the beast in the lightning flash, had looked to where it was obviously perched, and had sensed nothing. No vision, no lingering smell, nothing but a slightly drier patch of rock. Though the rain and fast movement might account for the lack of smell, he did not know of anything that could have dissappeared so completely.

He slowly stood and spoke: (translated from Tkalgren) "We are on an alien land. We are facing an unknown enemy, and we do not know what to expect. Shoot immediately, you know the smell of humans and us. Use the equipment we have, little as it is. We must kill whatever it is we are fighting, and then, I do not know what will happen... I assume there must be survivors, we will contact them, and take them with us to safety... Night is the same as day in the caves, and we are equipped for it. perhaps what we are fighting sleeps, perhaps the survivors are holed up in there... though that is doubtful."

With those words, the crew flicked the charge button on their lasers. They walked slowly into the dark cave, their powerful senses and night vision equipment allowing them to follow the blood trail.

((http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7604322&posted=1#post7604322

W00T!))

Karzonov looked thoughtful for a second, and then he turned to the engineer. "You. Joe. Run, run fast, and get to the StarThief. Tell Carolyn to keep to the code, and go after DEUS. Do you think you can remember that?" not waiting for a response, he turned to Devaney. "Captain Devaney, I don't think the two of us will be able to make it back to the ship in time..." he watched Joe take off like the devil himself was after him.
Jim began desperately coming up with a plan to ensure their survival. It was obvious that the "code" would mean abandoning anyone still in the Freeport and making a run for it, so he and Karzonov were on their own.

Perhaps I can convince the Imps that Karzonov is one of my crew, and that we were rescued by the pirates. The Skip should still be where we left it, so that will lend credence to the claim. Afterwards, maybe we can escape and rejoin the StarThief.

Karzonov clenched his fists. "Damn it... Captain, your choice. You might be able to make it to the StarThief in time. If you do, then tell Carolyn it's all gone wrong and she needs to stop our paymaster... if you don't, I'm sorry I dragged you into this."
Jim shook his head as he finished his plan. We might even be able to grab one of the Imperial ships, then I can take my crew home--

Karzonov stood to go. "I'm going to hand myself in."
"Yes, I was just about to suggest that. My plan is..." Jim faltered as he took in the ramifications of that statement. "You mean, you think they're after you?" He glanced at the destruction around them, the people fleeing and dying. "Let's go then, and maybe I can speak at your trial, assuming they don't shoot us on sight, heh heh." There was something about the look in Karzonov's eyes that said it might just happen.

Joe ran, not stopping to even helping the children burning. He knew they were past his help and would only slow him down. He could't let his shipmates down, or they too would die.

Joe made it to the ship in his only ever one minute mile. Fear does wonders to a man. Today it made a muscular guy who couldn't run worth a nickel into a track star. He reached the ship, and as luck had it Carolyn was there.

"*gasp*Carrie...Cappie K sent me to tell you to keep to the code and go after DEUS or something like that...*wheezegasppant*"

"What did he say?" was the angry response.

"Keep to the code. Go after DEUS. NOw excuse me, I have some matters to attend to such as a gun." Joe said.

Carolyn looked down for a few seconds, her eyes closed. Then she looked up, anger in her gaze. "Mailkebeth? Who's still out there?"

"The captains, ma'am..." the elf replied after a few moments. "Most of the Skip's crew is on, and none of us left..."

"I see." Commander Carolyn pinched her nose. She felt like crying, but she knew she couldn't. Not now. Not when she was in command. "Ryslin?"

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Take us out."

"But..."

"We'll keep to the code and obey the Captain. After we've evaded the fleet, we'll talk."

"Yes, ma'am..."

The woman sighed and lowered herself into her command chair. And somewhere inside, tears started to form.

The glistening combat blades shone in the gathering darkness, the storm that had begun earlier that day, as they had approached the caves, continued unabated. They had yet to enter the cave, and were crouching in a circle in the rain.

Thkal was scared. His squad was not, but they did not know what existed outside Tkal. He had heard tales from Al-Imvad officers, respectable men all of them, about creatures which could dismember in a single blow, and left no trace of their passage. Before today he had thought that only humans had anything to fear, the tkalgren being the most powerful alien race on their 'official' records. But he had seen the shadow of the beast in the lightning flash, had looked to where it was obviously perched, and had sensed nothing. No vision, no lingering smell, nothing but a slightly drier patch of rock. Though the rain and fast movement might account for the lack of smell, he did not know of anything that could have dissappeared so completely.

He slowly stood and spoke: (translated from Tkalgren) "We are on an alien land. We are facing an unknown enemy, and we do not know what to expect. Shoot immediately, you know the smell of humans and us. Use the equipment we have, little as it is. We must kill whatever it is we are fighting, and then, I do not know what will happen... I assume there must be survivors, we will contact them, and take them with us to safety... Night is the same as day in the caves, and we are equipped for it. perhaps what we are fighting sleeps, perhaps the survivors are holed up in there... though that is doubtful."

With those words, the crew flicked the charge button on their lasers. They walked slowly into the dark cave, their powerful senses and night vision equipment allowing them to follow the blood trail.

As they walked into the cave, lights flickered on and off. The sinister piping came from all around now... there was no evading it, no hiding from it. Occasionally eyes flickered in the dark. Then there came a sudden wind, from behind. Something had tried to stab into the last warrior in the group during one of those moments of pitch blackness, but it could not be seen.

Whatever it had been, it hadn't stopped to see if it had succeeded in killing its quarry.

OOC By stab, are we talking with a knife,or claws? It matters to my IC reply.

"Yes, I was just about to suggest that. My plan is..." Jim faltered as he took in the ramifications of that statement. "You mean, you think they're after you?" He glanced at the destruction around them, the people fleeing and dying. "Let's go then, and maybe I can speak at your trial, assuming they don't shoot us on sight, heh heh." There was something about the look in Karzonov's eyes that said it might just happen.

Karzonov smiled wanly. "Let's hope it comes to that, eh?" he and the other captain slowly walked through the door, and down into the chaos of the city. Black-uniformed soldiers marched in perfect precision across the town, gathering up stragglers and putting them into the clearing.

The Freerunner Captain and Jim heard a harsh voice echo out. "I'll ask one more time, scum! Where is Karzonov?"

"I know that voice..." Karzonov started to pump his feet and ran around the corner, slowing to a halt. Several dozen men and women (and children) had been lined up against the wall. Standing in front of them were several Legionnaires, and in front of them... "Admiral Vladimir Vaderski-Dorngov, I presume?"

Vader spun around on his heel and snarled. "Karzonov! What an excellent surprise... hand yourself in, and I will not kill any more of these people."

Karzonov looked doubtful. "Do you promise?"

"On my word as an Admiral of the Divine Stellar Imperium."

Karzonov sighed, and nudged Devaney. "Drop your gun." He dropped his own. Once both were disarmed, several of the legionnaires surrounded them. "I yield."

"Excellent..." the Admiral steepled his hands. "Sergeant?" he addressed the man standing next to him. "Your men may fire on my signal." the legionnaires clicked their weapons into activation.

Karzonov's eyes shot wide. "You promised you wouldn't kill them!" he tried to struggle with the men holding him. "You bastard! You murdering bastard!"

Vader smiled. "I did. And, like I promised, I will not be killing any of them. Sergeant?"

"Weapons loaded, sir!"

"Fire."

"Damn it, Sergeant! Don't listen to him! Think for your bloody self!" Karzonov shouted.

The face of the Legionnaire remained impassive. He raised his hand. "Fire at will!"

Karzonov tried to close his eyes, but two legionnaires forced them open. He had no choice but to hear the screams, watch the blood splatter... "You fucking bastard..." he groaned, and then one of the legionnaires slammed a fist into his stomach.

One of the legionnaires looked down at several of the bodies. A boy lay there...

~~

Rodren h'Lensnir tried to keep his body perfectly still. He didn't want to breathe... the bullet hadn't killed him. He heard the elf watching him raise a hand. "I'm not sure if this one is dead, sir!"

The sergeant shrugged. "You know the procedure for checking if an enemy is dead just as well as I do, Private."

The legionnaire pointed the gun at the boy's head. "Yes, sir!"

And for Rodren, there wasn't any more pain.

OOC By stab, are we talking with a knife,or claws? It matters to my IC reply.
((Knife. Long, sharp, bendy. Like I hinted, Alexander wasn't being entirely honest...)

(( http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=378434

Problem solved!))

Joe was manning one of the ship's guns when he was pushed off his seat.

"Out of my gun shipwreck pig!" an angry, muscular man shouted.

"I can shoot better than most of you! I spent twenty years of my life in the military! I'm a grease monkey by trade, but Marine for life!"

"Get in the grease pit, monkey! My turret, my rules!" The angry guy said.

"I have just as much riding on this as you!" Joe screamed, angry.

The man just made his point with a large first.

Thkal was suprised when the rearguard of his team staggered up with a deep gash in his side. Though not mortally wounded, he would be slowed down for a few days. What was more suprising was the slight scent of cleaning oil in the wound, which combined with the cleanness of the cut to make him certain that it was done with a knife. The the flow of dark, almost black, red of Tkalgren blood stopped quickly, as it clotted. Thkal shouted into the darkness: "You cannot defeat us. It is you who will die in the end."

Joe was manning one of the ship's guns when he was pushed off his seat.

"Out of my gun shipwreck pig!" an angry, muscular man shouted.

"I can shoot better than most of you! I spent twenty years of my life in the military! I'm a grease monkey by trade, but Marine for life!"

"Get in the grease pit, monkey! My turret, my rules!" The angry guy said.

"I have just as much riding on this as you!" Joe screamed, angry.

The man just made his point with a large first.

And Carolyn was there, suddenly, her hand catching his. "Hrmmm?" she asked, smiling faintly. Then she tightened her grip. Barely exerting herself, she made the gunner shrink to the ground. "Get out of here." the beautiful young (barely 40!) woman growled, and the gunner retreated.

"Just you wait, dog!" the gunner growled as he left through the door. Carolyn shrugged and turned to Joe. "Sorry 'bout that..." she said, shutting the door. "So, since you seem to be convenient..." she gesturedf to a seat. "Can you sit down? I need to talk to someone outside of my crew."

~~

Mailkebeth frowned as he walked along the corridors of the StarThief. Commander Carolyn had told him to break the news to Devaney's crew. He thought he'd start with Rob. The officer was unlikely to throw something at his head.

Thkal was suprised when the rearguard of his team staggered up with a deep gash in his side. Though not mortally wounded, he would be slowed down for a few days. What was more suprising was the slight scent of cleaning oil in the wound, which combined with the cleanness of the cut to make him certain that it was done with a knife. The the flow of dark, almost black, red of Tkalgren blood stopped quickly, as it clotted. Thkal shouted into the darkness: "You cannot defeat us. It is you who will die in the end."


There was no sound from the oppressive darkness. The lights had long since completely faded out. There was a feeling of inevitability about this. They were facing something ancient, something evil.

Without a sound of warning, dozen of white daggers of amazing sharpness shot from the shadows.

Anastasia sighed. She had been through this far too often in the last few days. "Squad Captain Darien Black, my answer remains the same as it was yesterday. And the day before that, and the day before that... NO! No, no, a thousand times no!"

"Admiral, I meant no offence..."

"Really?" she stood up and walked over to her window, looking out over the city. "Hrm. Perhaps." the beautiful young woman stretched in the light coming through. "But I'm afraid, as flattered as I am, that I have no reason to believe your sincerity."

Darien flinched as if struck. "Admiral," he began.

"There. You can't even find it in you to call me by my name." she knew she was being childish, but couldn't help it. "I'm afraid, Squad Captain, that your track record is not overly good in dealing with people as equals. Yesterday, you tried to pull noble perogative. Today, you're cringingly servile... and either way, it's not like you ever talk to me when you're not full of sugar."

Darien sighed. "Anastasia, then. What do I have to do?"

"Nothing. I'll make this quite clear. I am not interested. Not right now. I am unlikely to be interested in future." she took a step towards Darien, and smiled wanly. "You have so much to offer to the right person, it's a shame you rather insist on choosing the wrong one."

Darien sighed and saluted. "Very well, Admiral." he replied, stiffly. "I shall trouble you no further." he turned and marched from the room.

Admiral Anastasia Faddeinov Ralinsky of the first fleet sighed herself as she returned to her desk. 'Damn him...' her knuckles were white as she gripped at her chair's armrests. 'He'll wear me down by sheer inertia if I let him, and the worst part is I'm amenable for persuasion...' she just wished that she had something else in her arsenal for testing devotion besides this.

~~

Darien swore as he left her office building and leaped into his staff-car. "To my residence." he curtly ordered, and the robotic driver began the transportation. Darien turned to the other occupant of the machine. "What are you looking at, Archwood?"

James Archwood smiled thinly. "A man who doesn't know when to give up." ignoring Darien's growl of warning, his First Lieutenant continued. "Or, even worse, doesn't know how to talk to women. I mean, really. This is the 5th time in 3 days she's told you off, and from the look of your expression this time she was pretty... <Irk>!"

The Captain was seemingly grasping at empty air. But there was something in his grasp, and crushing it seemed to be injuring Archwood. Darien snarled. "You tell anyone about this, and it won't be your neck."

Captain Jim Devaney had been born and raised in the safe colonies of New Exodus, where the killing of unarmed men and women was reserved for only the most heinous criminals and the following executions of those same criminals. He had heard stories, read historical accounts of such brutality, but the horrific display before him was more shocking than anything else in his life. Every New Exodus soldier was ready to kill if necessary, (though Jim had been spared from such occurances by the non-lethal weapons carried by every member of the Service) but to shoot those who could be easily imprisoned and possibly rehabilitated (light brainwashing does wonders), or worse, to shoot children, was nothing short of Evil.

"You ####### bastard..."
Jim felt like a knife made of ice was being twisted in the center of his chest. He knew that few of the civilians would suffer if the firing squad was competent, but Karzonov might live a while, no doubt to be tortured with the memories being made here, as well as more conventional means.

Isolated as the Skip's crew had been, none of them had realized what this empire was capable of, but now there would be no doubts. The "pirates" they had hooked up with by sheer accident were the closest thing to "the good guys," and if Jim ever made it home, he would call in every favor, pull every string, to get some help for the oppressed peoples of New Roan.

Deep within Devaney's heart, rage was boiling over, but something stopped any rash actions. He remembered a phrase High Marhsal Wu was fond of, "Wait and see." Jim would wait for now, and when the time came, would see how to strike back. And if the opportunity arose, he'd see about getting a real gun.

And Carolyn was there, suddenly, her hand catching his. "Hrmmm?" she asked, smiling faintly. Then she tightened her grip. Barely exerting herself, she made the gunner shrink to the ground. "Get out of here." the beautiful young (barely 40!) woman growled, and the gunner retreated.

"Just you wait, dog!" the gunner growled as he left through the door. Carolyn shrugged and turned to Joe. "Sorry 'bout that..." she said, shutting the door. "So, since you seem to be convenient..." she gesturedf to a seat. "Can you sit down? I need to talk to someone outside of my crew."

~~

Mailkebeth frowned as he walked along the corridors of the StarThief. Commander Carolyn had told him to break the news to Devaney's crew. He thought he'd start with Rob. The officer was unlikely to throw something at his head.

Joe, astonished that someone would trust someone who was hundreds of parsects from home, said, "What is it that you need? And what would you prefer I call you?"

Must remember to show that gunner's mate my sidearm so he doesn't get any ideas. Joe thought as he was looking at Carolyn's deep eyes.

Captain Jim Devaney had been born and raised in the safe colonies of New Exodus, where the killing of unarmed men and women was reserved for only the most heinous criminals and the following executions of those same criminals. He had heard stories, read historical accounts of such brutality, but the horrific display before him was more shocking than anything else in his life. Every New Exodus soldier was ready to kill if necessary, (though Jim had been spared from such occurances by the non-lethal weapons carried by every member of the Service) but to shoot those who could be easily imprisoned and possibly rehabilitated (light brainwashing does wonders), or worse, to shoot children, was nothing short of Evil.

Jim felt like a knife made of ice was being twisted in the center of his chest. He knew that few of the civilians would suffer if the firing squad was competent, but Karzonov might live a while, no doubt to be tortured with the memories being made here, as well as more conventional means.

Isolated as the Skip's crew had been, none of them had realized what this empire was capable of, but now there would be no doubts. The "pirates" they had hooked up with by sheer accident were the closest thing to "the good guys," and if Jim ever made it home, he would call in every favor, pull every string, to get some help for the oppressed peoples of New Roan.

Deep within Devaney's heart, rage was boiling over, but something stopped any rash actions. He remembered a phrase High Marhsal Wu was fond of, "Wait and see." Jim would wait for now, and when the time came, would see how to strike back. And if the opportunity arose, he'd see about getting a real gun.

Vader walked over to the pair, his eyes gleaming. "Hrmmm..." he fixed Devaney with a solid glare, and then spun to face Karzonov, if possible, even more furious. "Does your treason have no limits, pirate?" the Admiral asked in shock. "To bring a foreigner!" he was white with rage now. "Damn the Prince for wanting to put you on trial!"

There was a soft sound. Two of the legionnaires, without being seen to move, suddenly had their guns pointed at their commanding officer's back. Karzonov narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps I should ask you if your treason has limits, hrmmm?" He was praying to any God that was listening that Vader would say something else stupid and get shot.

The Admiral, however, was no fool. He clamped his hand to his breast. "All glory to His Divine Imperial Majesty, of course. His Divine Imperial Majesty is most wise. Perhaps incorrect about this circumstance... but who am I to doubt him?"

"I wonder what Alexander would say about your little sport here?" Karzonov asked, spitting in the Admiral's eye.

Vader snapped his fingers and Karzonov was slammed against a wall with immense force by his guard. "The Prince is... a busy man. I don't think he would care. And it would be for the best if you don't bring it up." he took a step up to the injured pirate. "Hrmmm? After all, it is my word against yours... and it's not like these... these things," the admiral gestured to the coolling corpses, "were really people, no?" not waiting for a response, Vader clapped his hands together. "Bring them up to the Avenger. Put the Foreigner in a purification cell. He should be cleansed before he sets foot on Holy Zemlya for his trial."

~~

Mailkebeth knocked on Rob's door on the StarThief. "Rob? Are you in there?"

Joe, astonished that someone would trust someone who was hundreds of parsects from home, said, "What is it that you need? And what would you prefer I call you?"

Must remember to show that gunner's mate my sidearm so he doesn't get any ideas. Joe thought as he was looking at Carolyn's deep eyes.

"Carin would be fine," Carolyn smiled, "...Joe. As to what I need..." she shrugged. "Someone to talk to who isn't going to call me Ma'am, or ask me what I plan... someone who would be mildly interesting," she stifled a giggle, "to look at while we talk... you know... someone like you."


In the bridge, the Nav Officer was studying the charts in dismay. 'This isn't possible... according to this, DEUS is beyond the edge...'

"Well Carin, I think I win in getting to look at the better one." Joe said, smirking.

"Oh, and if you have any doubt to how fearless I am in battle, look." Joe said, taking his shirt off to reveal a scar on his back that's two inches wide and goes from his left shoulder to the small of his back and one near the base of his skull about three inches long. The scars are right next to a tatoo of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. Joe also has a tatoo of the CM flag on his right arm.

Carolyn raised an eyebrow as he bared his chest, blushing faintly at his comment. "Very... interesting..." she murmured, sliding slightly closer to him. "And I never doubted your ability in battle..." her voice was low and breathy now. The woman looked him up and down for a second, and then reached forward, tracing along the scar with a smooth hand.

Imperial women have a gift that those foreigners allowed to live always mention. They can look their best no matter what their circumstances are. Carolyn was a pirate, currently fleeing from painful oblivion to an ancient danger she knew nothing of, dressed in very harsh, very practical clothes, yet she still was exceptionally attractive. And this man interested her. He's handsome, he actually talks to me like a person instead of some superior being... without knowing what precisely she was doing, her hand traced along his scar a bit more, and then onto the grooves of his abdomen, feeling his muscles. "I think you'd be very good at all kinds of things..."

There was no sound from the oppressive darkness. The lights had long since completely faded out. There was a feeling of inevitability about this. They were facing something ancient, something evil.

Without a sound of warning, dozen of white daggers of amazing sharpness shot from the shadows.

The sharp daggers were not particularily dangerous, not with the warriors on guard as they were. Not many were hit, mostly minor flesh wounds in the arms, used to deflect the blades away from more vital areas. With a nod, from their captain, the group broke into a run, with two supporting their wounded comrade between them, headed deeped into the caves.

Carolyn raised an eyebrow as he bared his chest, blushing faintly at his comment. "Very... interesting..." she murmured, sliding slightly closer to him. "And I never doubted your ability in battle..." her voice was low and breathy now. The woman looked him up and down for a second, and then reached forward, tracing along the scar with a smooth hand.

Imperial women have a gift that those foreigners allowed to live always mention. They can look their best no matter what their circumstances are. Carolyn was a pirate, currently fleeing from painful oblivion to an ancient danger she knew nothing of, dressed in very harsh, very practical clothes, yet she still was exceptionally attractive. And this man interested her. He's handsome, he actually talks to me like a person instead of some superior being... without knowing what precisely she was doing, her hand traced along his scar a bit more, and then onto the grooves of his abdomen, feeling his muscles. "I think you'd be very good at all kinds of things..."

Joe turned around suddenly, taking Carolyn in his arms and kissing her affectionately. He then said, "You don't know the half of it..."

The sharp daggers were not particularily dangerous, not with the warriors on guard as they were. Not many were hit, mostly minor flesh wounds in the arms, used to deflect the blades away from more vital areas. With a nod, from their captain, the group broke into a run, with two supporting their wounded comrade between them, headed deeped into the caves.

Surprisingly, sunlight soon began to filter in. But the horror was only just beginning, as the stone underneath began to turn to ancient masonry, older than human or thalkgren alike. Earth was a young planet when these stones had been laid, but their creators had been ancient even then.

They were wandering into something's lair. No, that made it sound like an animal, and this was self-evidently not an animal. They were wandering into someone's home. Someone who had several times tried to kill them.

Joe turned around suddenly, taking Carolyn in his arms and kissing her affectionately. He then said, "You don't know the half of it..."

Carolyn turned bright pink at the feeling of his arms and the taste of his lips. She briefly tried to push him away, but then gave in, her push becoming a caress as she felt his hand slide underneath her shirt to the bare skin underneath. "Mmmmm..."

Then the door slammed open. "Commander, Benyam needs your imm..." the Freerunner took in the situation, "in your own good time... about the DEUS situation... um... yeah." he walked back outside and quietly closed the door.

Carolyn laughed a bit. "Moving fast, aren't we?" she whispered, nuzzling against him happily. "I'll say this... it's cheering me up!"

Joe shot the runner a mean look basically saying I ought to hit you...

"Carin, you do what we need. I'll be in engineering if you need me....If you think this is going too fast, tell me and I'll cut the engines back a few lightyears..." Joe finished, laughing and putting his shirt back on.

Carolyn looked disappointed, but stepped forward to kiss him. "I can take a few more minutes..." she whispered. "If you had anything special in mind. One of the perks of being a commanding officer."

"Well then..." Joe said as he locked the door, turned on some music so nobody else would hear, and started stripping his clothing.

Carolyn grinned and traced along his muscles with her hand once more, smiling in appreciation as every inch of him was soon bared. With a simple movement, she undid the catch of her simple clothes, and they simply fell to a pile around her feet. The young woman stretched her firm body. "Well? Are you just going to look?"

<And cut to black!>

OOC:
Carolyn grinned and traced along his muscles with her hand once more, smiling in appreciation as every inch of him was soon bared. With a simple movement, she undid the catch of her simple clothes, and they simply fell to a pile around her feet. The young woman stretched her firm body. "Well? Are you just going to look?"

<And cut to black!>
I can't stand it, LOL!
CM, do you think you could explain why it is that whenever I get involved in a thread, your characters always get the best of it? And while poor Captain Devaney is about to be "purified," which no doubt will be made more unpleasant than necessary. On the other hand, Joe is the only unattached crew-member so far, so it makes a bit of sense.

IC:
Mailkebeth frowned as he walked along the corridors of the StarThief. Commander Carolyn had told him to break the news to Devaney's crew. He thought he'd start with Rob. The officer was unlikely to throw something at his head.
Rob, for all the antagonism between himself and his Captain, was saddened by the news.

"But he is with your captain, right? So, those two are canny enough to be just fine,... right?" There was a slight pleading tone to his voice. "No, please don't answer that question. I was just trying to decide what to tell the rest of the crew." He stood up and pulled on his uniform's jacket.

"I better get down to medical. Thank you, Mailkebeth, for coming to me first. It will be difficult keeping the others from trying to go after the Captains."

OOC:

I can't stand it, LOL!
CM, do you think you could explain why it is that whenever I get involved in a thread, your characters always get the best of it? And while poor Captain Devaney is about to be "purified," which no doubt will be made more unpleasant than necessary. On the other hand, Joe is the only unattached crew-member so far, so it makes a bit of sense.

((Your words are untrue. He might be sent through extreme mental trauma, but that's his own fault for being caught. And the Admiral would just be following standard procedures, natch.))

The guards quite literally threw Devaney into the darkened cell. "Foreign pig! Welcome to the edge!" one of them said, shutting the door as they left. Jim was left in the pitch black. There came an audible humming sound as the room activated itself. Then the walls disappeared, and he was amongst the stars.

Impassive cold eyes watched him from above as he was forced to run around the strange space he found himself in. All around him, the galaxy spun. Then there was a shuddering, and the captain was sent flying. Down below him were worlds vaguely recognisable for their political allegiances. Klonor worlds, ESUS worlds, Yut Worlds, DSI Worlds... (the last quite literally marked out in gold). Beyond them all, though, was the edge. A thin barrier of planetless stars marked it out.

And Jim was sent flying past it, flying through empty space. How long he floated like that he couldn't tell. But there was another galaxy coming up now, a proper one. There was a feeling of intense pain as the captain went through the barrier of that galaxy.

And down below, the pattern repeated itself. Except the worlds were massive and red, scarred and twisted and pitted. And visibly, hordes of blackness moved to-and-fro down beneath, hungrily, ever so hungrily.

As Jim was forcibly lowered down, just to where he could make out details of those horrifying beasts, there was the feeling of a fish slapping him in the lips, and he awoke in the darkened room.

Of course, that wasn't all they had planned...

Rob, for all the antagonism between himself and his Captain, was saddened by the news.

"But he is with your captain, right? So, those two are canny enough to be just fine,... right?" There was a slight pleading tone to his voice. "No, please don't answer that question. I was just trying to decide what to tell the rest of the crew." He stood up and pulled on his uniform's jacket.

"I better get down to medical. Thank you, Mailkebeth, for coming to me first. It will be difficult keeping the others from trying to go after the Captains."

"Commander Carolyn requested your presence in the bridge in twelve minutes. And keep the others from trying anything. This is a bad day to die. The best way to help the Captains is by following the code and getting to DEUS."

~~

Speaking of Carolyn...

after an incredibly fast and energetic time together, she had briefly napped in Joe's arms. Then her watch buzzed. With a sigh, she pulled herself up, giggling as his hand briefly ran over her curves once more. "We can start that again later..." Carolyn promised, returning the favour. "Right now, I have commanding duties to do, and you need to get down to engineering and perform your magic."

Even as she said that, her clothes had picked themselves up and were now floating for her to step into. After one final embrace, she stepped into her robes and walked out the door, smiling happily. Where there's life, there's hope...

"Well then, maybe being hopelessly lost in space has its perks." Joe said as he kissed Carolyn goodbye. He had his pants on already and walked outside putting his knife on his belt and his shirt back on his chiseled chest. He saw a few people mutter and giggling as he walked back to engineering. The gunner's mate was waiting by Joe's station with a wrench.

"I heard about you and Captain Carolyn. You have five seconds to run before I hit you." the gunner said.

Joe, taking his knife out, said "Go ahead. Make my day. I'm feel lucky."

The wrench just dropped, followed by footsteps of a man running scared.

"That was easy enough." Joe muttered.

The 89th 'Airborne Defence' Squadron was the elite of the Imperial Air Forces. Captained by Darien Black, its missions had a 99.9% success rate. They were widely viewed to be heroes, and it was a rare young girl (or boy, since many members of the squadron were women) who did not have one of their innumerable posters on the wall. While some people might object to such commoditisation, the 89th and its superiors had more important things to worry about. Such as the rather odd job description in the title, when most of the time the team's G24 Fighter-Bombers were anything but defensive.

Darien himself had minor objections to his face being on every wall in the DSI's Central Territories, but if it kept morale up amongst his men, what are you going to do? Of course, he had been severely disgruntled by an unfortunately timed poll that declared him to be only the third most handsome member of his own squad. Squad Captain Darien couldn't do much about that.

Grand Duke Darien Alexandovich Black, however, had had those responsible arrested on trumped-up charges and sent to the mines for a year. That had sorted out all problems in their now cordial relationship.

Of course, he mused as him and his men walked down the street, being more famous might mean I wouldn't have to do bodyguard duty for the most ungrateful woman I've ever had the displeasure to meet. Like a pendulum, his mind had temporarily swung away from attraction, and towards a desire to bring painful death, to Admiral Anastasia. "Captain, we have many things to do... why did you pick us?"

Anastasia shrugged in what Darien currently considered her irritating manner. "Well, as an admiral I should be guarded by the best. And you are the best, no?"

Darien frowned and fell back next to his Lieutenant. "James, if we pushed her into the path of a moving vehicle, would any one notice?"

"Your father, probably..." James yawned. At Darien's disapproving expression, he smiled an apology. "Sorry, Darien... bit tired, bit bored... you know how it is..."

Second Lieutenants Alice and Ivan sped up to join their two commanders. Ivan lowered his voice. "I think she likes you, Darien..."

"Hah."

"No, seriously!" Ivan smiled conspiratorially. "Why, if I was in your position... I'd walk right up there and give her a big sloppy kiss!" he noticed Alice staring at him, and turned pinkish.

Darien smiled thinly. Right now, the volcano was still... villagers were hanging up laundry, playing with their children. Only an occasional growl from beneath the surface showed what was coming.

James joined in, unable to resist a joke at his captain's expense. "Come on, Darien... could be worth a try!" at Darien's thoughtful expression, he immediately turned it around. "I bet she'd say 'oh, Darien... how I've waited for you to ignore my obvious distaste at your company and kiss me...' " the 1st Lieutenant fell silent. The mountain was rumbling.

Unfortunately, Ivan had not been promoted for his brains. "Nah, she'd say something like," his voice switched to falsetto surprisingly easily, "'My god! Your kisses have awoken me to the attraction I feel to you...'" the mountain exploded, and only Alice's bodily interference had saved Ivan from being sent flying across the street... the street...

There was a scream from the street just in front of Anastasia. For whatever reason, a tiny, doll-like little girl had wandered into the path of an in-coming transport. Almost everyone had frozen in that second when she looked up at the vehicle and shrieked.

Well, everyone except Darien. All thought of publicity and killing Ivan gone from his mind, the Grand Duke had dashed forward, past Anastasia and tackling the girl, to the side, rolling over so that she wound up underneath, protected beneath his arms. Right. Dumbest thing I ever did in my life... he thought, not sure if he would be able to move out of the path of the robot-controlled transport fast enough. Great. I have so much to live for, and I just threw it all away... he closed his eyes and ran blindly, hoping against hope he'd make it across the one-way street without painful crushing.

He opened his eyes a second later, and found himself on the other pavement. "Oh, thank god." he looked down at the little girl who was currently clinging petrified to him. "You okay?" at her nod, he gently released her. "Stay right there." Darien then slowly took a step up, waved to his men, saluted Anastasia, and fell down in a dead faint.

The 89th Squadron, and their Admiral, politely applauded. Anastasia turned to her underlings. "Okay, people... I'm sure Captain Darien will tell you the same thing when he wakes up, but I'm hammering it in now. Not a word of this incident goes to the palace, papers, or whatever. Agreed?" once she had their acquiescence, she nodded and crossed the street.

~~

Darien woke up staring into the face of the one man he had hoped not to see. "Hello, father..." he pulled himself up, surprised to find himself in his room at HQ.

Alexander Black scowled. "Your sister. Remember her? She made a 400% profit yesterday on the market. She doesn't risk her life running across the street."

"It was my..."

"If the next word out of your mouth, Darien, is 'duty', it will go very harshly on you."

"Ah."

"Honestly, what am I going to do with you..." the Prince sighed. "Running around the sector, aerial combat, bombing cities... and now this. Really... last month, didn't your Lieutenant save that cat up a tree?"

"Um..." Darien thought for a second. "I thought he had saved some people up in a tree from a catman."

"Well, whatever..." Alexander looked thoughtful. "Hrmmm... I know..." Darien closed his eyes, knowing that this would be it... "I think your squadron needs a general raise... and new quarters, certainly." Darien's eyes shot open as Alexander continued. "I believe that the old summer palace is due for a renovation... yes, I can certainly see my way towards putting our brave heroes there." he patted his son's shoulders. "Keep up the good work, Darik." he said, rising.

Darien saluted. "Thank you, sir!"

Alexander tapped his cane as he stood in the doorway for a few seconds. "So, will you be at the Christmas festival at the palace?"

"Of course, father."

"Excellent. Well, see you then or sooner..." and he was gone.

Darien was just getting his breath back when his commander rushed in. "Oh, I'm so sorry... he had stopped by at your office and we couldn't get you in quietly..." Anastasia looked him up and down and then kissed his forehead. "That was a brave thing you did, you know..."

"It was bloody stupid... how is the girl?" Darien asked, afraid he would start to blush if he allowed his mind to dwell on the subject.

"She's in the next room, recovering. Your men have asked me if they can keep her. You know, as a mascot." the two of them shared a laugh. "I told them that a military base is completely the wrong place for a little girl..."

Darien nodded, curtly. Then he paused. "You're right... a military base would be the wrong place for a little girl... but..." the next words came from a distance, "my residence would be perfect... I mean, if her parents can't be found... I'm rarely there, and the servants would leap at something to do..." at her expression, he flushed. "It was just a thought..." when she reached forward and checked his temperature, he scowled. "Admiral, what are you doing?"

"Hrmmm... no fever..." Anastasia looked doubtful. "Maybe you've been working too hard..."

"What are you babbling about?" less than a second passed between the question, and the hastily added, "ma'am."

Finally making a decision, the admiral reached forward and embraced him. “You’re a better man than I thought…” she smiled.

Darien stoically endured the pain throbbing in his left shoulder as he briefly returned the hug. “So… would this be a good time to ask you to dinner, Anastasia?”

She blushed. “Well… um…. okay.”

“Ah. I just, you know, thought… I mean, I understand… silly of… sorry?”

“Okay.”

“Ah ha. Well… um… see you tonight, then?” Darien’s expression was blank. And what the hell do I say there? he thought. There didn’t seem to be much to say.

“I guess…” Anastasia kissed his forehead again. “But I’m taking you off active service for the rest of the month. You bruised your shoulder pretty badly.”

“Oh.”

“And no chocolate tonight.”

“Oh.”

"That was easy enough." Joe muttered.
Feeling full of himself, Joe turned around...
And received a solid slap to his cheek. Jen stood there, fuming visibly, with a terrified Robert Mink cowering behind her. "You stuck up pig," she said in a harsh whisper, "we have more important things to do right now than pick fights and spread Terran DNA, although I do realize that is what Crazed Marines is known for. Ji-, I mean, Captain Devaney, is being tortured as we speak."

Joe rubbed his cheek, although the slap hadn't really stung. "How do you know he's being tortured?" Another glare. "Uh, Lieutenant?"

Jen closed her eyes, and Joe immediately had the faint sensation of a fish slapping his lips, then vague fear and horror. "You... you're an empath?"

The lieutenant grimaced and shrugged, "It's a curse... but, it is worse with Captain Devaney, because he... well, its hard."

The anger was gone, but a new authority took over. "Okay, I've been advised that the best we can do for the Captains is to help the FreeRunners reach their objective. Mr. Green, get back to what you were doing, and keep your mind focused on the task at hand. Mr. Mink will see how many of our personnel are healed enough to be of help." She began walking back towards her quarters.

"Lieutenant, what about you?" Rob asked.

"I'll be meditating, trying to reach Ji- Captain Devaney. Maybe I can offer him some comfort, or at least an escape from whatever they are doing to him."

The Avenger came out of lightspeed around Novaya Zemlya. Down below, the city once again was visible to Devaney's eyes. This time it was day... which meant something else was visible. An immense floating metal superstructure, almost as large as the two moons...

And anchored to it was the Skip. Large robots visibly skitted across it, looking for some distinguishing marks. Vader waved to his two unfortunate guests. "See that?" he asked, smiling thinly. "We've got it. We will find where it came from. And then there will be... words..."

The admiral waved forward his comm officer. "Send a message to the palace. Tell them that Karzonov will be able to stand trial... and that we have a foreigner for the Inquisition..."

~~

"Lovely day, isn't it?" Alexander asked his friends, looking out onto his city. "Quiet, peaceful... I had pie for breakfast... the birds are singing, children are playing..."

Simon looked over at a message on the Prince's desk, "Karzonov is under arrest..."

"Karzonov is under... what?"

Alysanndra looked up at her 'boyfriend'. "I guess it's a good thing for him you're in such a forgiving and wonderful mood, right?"

"Oh, no... there is always plenty of time for torturing Karzonov." Alexander spun back to the window, and cackled. "Always!"

~~

The StarThief continued along its course, Carolyn and Mailkebeth both looking over the maps. "That isn't possible. Nothing should be outside the galaxy."

"Do you think if we stop our former employer, Alexander might just let the captains go?"

Mailkebeth sighed. "No, I don't. But I do think that you acted hastily and without thinking with the engineer."

"Thank you, father."

"Do be silent, human!" Mailkebeth snapped. "Therefore, because your judgement can not be trusted, as is shown by your response, I am taking joint command. This is important!"

Carolyn flinched. An angry Mailkebeth was like being savaged by a friendly dog. "As you will, Mailkebeth." she muttered.

"And as such, I think Master Robin and Mistress Jennifer should be brought up here immediately for us to plan our next step."

The commander sighed. "Very well... but we need to move fast."

"Fighting and spreading DNA...that's a good one, gotta remember it..." Joe muttered as he was running simulations of the space-fold drive on the ship's computer, seeing how it would improve the ship's maximum speed. After twelve long hours, he finally figured out a way to convert the power couplings of the ship and the possibly new engine. All that was needed was some wires made from a superconductor, a neutral matter tubing, intermitent parts, and some elbow grease.

OOC:
"And as such, I think Master Robin and Mistress Jennifer...
Master Robin? Been watching Batman, have you?

IC:
And anchored to it was the Skip. Large robots visibly skitted across it, looking for some distinguishing marks. Vader waved to his two unfortunate guests. "See that?" he asked, smiling thinly. "We've got it. We will find where it came from. And then there will be... words..."

The admiral waved forward his comm officer. "Send a message to the palace. Tell them that Karzonov will be able to stand trial... and that we have a foreigner for the Inquisition..."
Jim was still mentally sore and a little nauseous. He knew he would regret speaking, but this would be his only chance to help Karzonov. "M-my Lord, I humbly request to explain the origins of that vessel, as well as bear witness against that vile fiend Karzonov, who stole us from our homeworlds, if you would permit me to attend the trial."

This isn't going to work, Jim sighed, and felt a comforting mental contact from Jen. Next would be a punch, or simply the word 'no,' or a vape-gun, although the first two were infinitely preferable.

Joe walked to the bridge to see Carolyn, "Carin. I've figured it out. We can increase your ship's speed by ten fold and leave less of a trace for us to be followed. All we have to do is to reroute power from our current drive into the Fold-space drive. We'd also have a spare drive if we needed it, and the switch between both drives would take five seconds. All I would need would be five engineering personnel, twenty-five feet of super-conductor power lines, a switch, and ten hours of down time."

Vader chuckled drily. "We shall see, foreigner. We shall see." he waved the question away. "Are we ready for a transport?" at his Lieutenant's hasty affirmation, the Admiral snapped his fingers. Karzonov and Devaney were snapped into restraints by the black-armoured guards. "You're a very lucky man, foreigner... you will see the Prince. Most of your kind would be executed on sight. But considering who you were found with..."

Devaney wasn't given a chance to respond before he was slapped across the face and stuffed into a tube, then carried and locked into position.


The transport landed at the Imperial Central Government Starport. There, Karzonov and Devaney were released from their tubes and doubly-restrained. Soldiers then silently escorted them outside, where they came face to face with the Lord of a Hundred Worlds.

Prince Alexander Edvardovich Tyrol Razlin-Black had held life-and-death power over nearly 7 billion souls (*see note at bottom) for longer than many men of the Divine Stellar Imperium could remember. Very few could recall more than the later years of his father's reign, and even less could recall that Alexander had only come to the throne by a freak accident (his older brother's unfortunate death by cutting his own head off while shaving). He was... striking.

That was the word for him. Tall and handsome, his face was kind and compassionate. Until you looked into his eyes. While normally they were blank, amused, when they looked at Karzonov they gave the impression that he was trying, with difficulty, to refrain from killing the pirate.

His voice was cool, composed... "So, Karzonov. We meet again."

"My lord... I promise you... if we had known Mikhail was an edgetaint, we wouldn't have..."

"Be silent." the words were snarled, in an icy tone of sheer hatred and loathing.

There was a cough, and a beautiful elf walked out from behind Alexander. Her eyes were sad. "My lord, perhaps you can afford to be merciful...?"

"As my first minister, Alysanndra, you should know better than to ask that. You know what the Freerunners did as well as I."

"Alexander..."

"I will have silence, thank you."

Another man spoke, this one dressed in a thick red robe over dark armour that had a cross upon it. "Alexander, shall I have them taken to the question by my brethren?"

Alexander looked thoughtful, and then shook his head. "No, Simon. Some things must be seen. He will serve as an example. Politsya! Take him away! Get a Justice" the uniformed men snapped a salute and began to take Karzonov away. Alexander thought an internal battle with himself, and won. "Wait... there is one more thing..." the two guards spun around, holding Karzonov between them.

Alexander moved forward and stared at Karzonov for a few seconds. No one saw him move. There was just a blur, and then the sound of wet cement hitting the ground. Karzonov was curled up on the floor beneath a snarling Alexander, the handsome face filled with animalistic rage. "And that was for my wife, pirate. Get this piece of shit out of my sight."

Karzonov was taken away, and then the prince and his retinue turned to examine Devaney for a few seconds. The elf spoke first. "Who are you?"

((Man... that tired me out. I'll do something with the starthief tomorrow, don't wait for it before posting, though.))


((*The DSI has a system very similar to that of another Imperium, that of the Romans. Out of the total population of 6+ billion, only about 1.7 billion people are actually citizens. And thus, the military is drawn only from that 1.7b people, who are scattered across roughly a dozen worlds. Of course, the Imperium has no intention of dealing with external worlds if they can avoid it, and the various defence fleets and military forces are used primarily for dealing with internal rebellion and system defence. Roughly 8% of the total 'citizen' population is in the military, and they have the thankless job of being a colonial army in their own home.

At least supply lines are simple... :gundge: ))
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Roania/b8efe240.jpg
Prince Alexander Edvardovich Tyrol Razlin-Black
Divine Stellar Imperium of New Roan

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Roania/Allysandra.jpg
Prime Minister Alysanndra Ellestrea
Divine Stellar Imperium of New Roan

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Roania/SimonDarquis.jpg
Simon Octavus Darquis II, Inquisitor, Plainclothes
Divine Stellar Imperium of New Roan

"Jim.......I can sense something's wrong.............hope you're ok..." Joe muttered while on the bridge. Under no circumstances were they permitted to attempt a rescue mission if there was any chance of the hostages being executed. Stupid New Exodus rules....... Joe thought.

Upon seeing the Prince, Jim sighed inwardly. Of course, he's tall, blonde, probably wears some sort of white mask, and his sister is doubtless involved with someone he wants to kill. Obviously, Captain Devaney has a very strange imagination.

His voice was cool, composed... "So, Karzonov. We meet again."

"My lord... I promise you... if we had known Mikhail was an edgetaint, we wouldn't have..."

"Be silent." the words were snarled, in an icy tone of sheer hatred and loathing.

There was a cough, and a beautiful elf walked out from behind Alexander. Her eyes were sad. "My lord, perhaps you can afford to be merciful...?"

"As my first minister, Alysanndra, you should know better than to ask that. You know what the Freerunners did as well as I."

"Alexander..."

"I will have silence, thank you."

Another man spoke, this one dressed in a thick red robe over dark armour that had a cross upon it. "Alexander, shall I have them taken to the question by my brethren?"

Alexander looked thoughtful, and then shook his head. "No, Simon. Some things must be seen. He will serve as an example. Politsya! Take him away! Get a Justice" the uniformed men snapped a salute and began to take Karzonov away. Alexander thought an internal battle with himself, and won. "Wait... there is one more thing..." the two guards spun around, holding Karzonov between them.

Alexander moved forward and stared at Karzonov for a few seconds. No one saw him move. There was just a blur, and then the sound of wet cement hitting the ground. Karzonov was curled up on the floor beneath a snarling Alexander, the handsome face filled with animalistic rage. "And that was for my wife, pirate. Get this piece of shit out of my sight."
This is bad. This is really bad. I'm going to die. This blonde guy is going to kill Karzonov and then I'm going to get vaped. Such were the thoughts as Devaney watched the proceedings.

"Who are you?"
What should my response be? Beg for mercy? Nah, looks like the kind to just laugh and then kill me. Terrible misunderstanding? Maybe, but that might be harder to sell. Blame Karzonov? That idea was promising, but would have been too difficult for him to stomach. Okay, I suppose I could try the whole, 'I'd like to tell my story' trick, then beg for mercy because it was all just a big misunderstanding... Yeah, that sounds right.

"Your Most Extremely Highness Oh crap! That came out wrong, but maybe he'll laugh. Humor is good..." Jim sped up his pace of speech to prevent interruption, "My-name-is-Devaney-and-I-arrived-in-your-fair-section-of-space-as-part-of-an-unfortunate-accident-involving-a-new-FTL-drive-and-got-picked-up-by-the-Freerunners-who-were-most-helpful-in-taking-us-to-the-freeport-to-find-us-a-way-home-and-the-vessel-you-have-in-your-custody-in-space-is-my-ship-which-was-built-in-New-Exodus-which-is-my-home-and-would-very-much-not-like-to-be-your-enemy-if-that-is-alright-with-you-and-I'd-like-to-be-a-witness-at-Karzonov's-trial-*runs out of air*."

*Gasps* I'm so dead. He felt a comforting (mental) pat from Jen, which did little to ease his disquiet.

OOC: I give up... I lost my post... I'll just put down what happened.

Carolyn said lots of motivational things, and then all of a sudden they broke past the galactic barrier. Right now, they're staring at an immense Planetoid.

Alysanndra saved Devaney from Alexander and convinced him to let the captain testify at the trial. Devaney has run of the Imperial City owing to a strange little beacon place on his neck.

I'll set you all something to work with... :(

IC:

Carolyn stared at the immense battle-station from her quarters, and shivered. "It's horrible..." she whispered, taking a step back into Joe's embrace. She smiled thinly as his arms enfolded her.

~~

Mailkebeth narrowed his eyes. "Have you ever seen anything like it, Rob? It's bigger than the Agua2... and there's no way humans or elves could have made it.

~~

Jim was shown to a comfortable room in the palace. Two servant girls stood at the door and bowed. "If you need anything..."

"Anything at all..."

"please, just call. The trial will start tomorrow afternoon."

Joe did as he had before (that's as bad as you're gonna get on a shared computer). This time, however, he decided that work could wait afterwards. He then just talked to Carolyn.

"So, what did you do before you became a freelancer?" Joe asked, hoping to get her whole life's story. She was actually the first one he had really been interested in more than just her body.

OOC: I suppose I should post something, eh?
IC
The Tkalgren warriors were not yet afraid. But they would be. They noticed the obvious signs of habitation, and the mysterious end of the blood trail, as if somebody had tried to trick them into entering. That someone had succeeded, and it did not appear likely that they would make it out the way they had come in without a fight. Thkal began looking for the source of the sunlight. The rest chekced the charge levels on thier lasers and prepared defensive positions.

OOC:
The Holidays are almost here! (accursed political correctness...)

What? No response to Devaney's assessment of recurring characters in a certain brand of animated entertainment? ;)

Uh, is there anyplace I can get info on just how big this station is?

IC:
Mailkebeth narrowed his eyes. "Have you ever seen anything like it, Rob? It's bigger than the Agua2... and there's no way humans or elves could have made it.
"No, this is larger than even the biggest O'Neill cylinder in New Exodus, heck, its bigger than some of our Colony Clusters!" (Note: the average cluster can support about 50-60 million people)

Jim was shown to a comfortable room in the palace. Two servant girls stood at the door and bowed. "If you need anything..."

"Anything at all..."

"please, just call. The trial will start tomorrow afternoon."
Anything, eh? Jim thought with a toothy grin.

He smiled his most charming smile, smoothed back his hair, and tried (unsuccessfully) to look coy. "Well, if you two wouldn't mind doing me a... special favor... I could use some information on His Highness and some of the other people who might be at the trial, since I'd like to make a good impression tomorrow. In fact, I'd really appreciate if you brought me-"

What do evil guys always like?
Big guns? I don't want to encourage that.
Money? Don't have any.
Turncoats? No, I don't think faking treason will help in this situation.
Vicious, predatory animals that match their personality? CATS!!! Evil (and semi-evil) guys ALWAYS have cats. (OOC: I have cats)

"Yes, please bring me a beautiful, very playful and friendly cat, preferably light-colored, say, similar to the hair of that Minister that keeps hanging around Prince Alexander..."
My luck's held out this long, but these Roanian's are pretty fast on the uptake.

((Except for the fact that Alexander killed his siblings and parents. In his sister's case, with a thermonuclear strike. Now, you know how I said Agua2 looked like a small moon? DEUS looks like a small planet.))

((Crazy Marines))

Carolyn sought out the warmth of his body, nuzzling against him, feeling his hands on her hips, her waist, her... "mmmm..." she breathily moaned, before closing up and kissing him again. "Ah... I suppose my story's similar to the captain's... I always wanted to fly. I joined the Imperial Navy, got posted to Genavda... then I messed up, and crashed a transport into the castle."

"The Archduke wanted my head, so I had to flee... and now, here I am..." Carolyn sighed and pulled away from him, feeling around for her robes. "Will you be coming with me onto the station? And what's your story..." she looked like she wanted to say something to him, something big, but she was shying back from it.

New Exodus

Mailkebeth raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid I do not follow." he adjusted his toupee. "How are your men armed? I am afraid that we will probably need to fight in order to destroy this station." the elf grimaced as the toupee fell off, revealing the beautifully shining dome of his head. "Stupid teleporter..."

~~

The two servants giggled and went off, smiling. Within a matter of hours they had returned, carrying a small metal cage in which a white kitten was playing with a ball of yarn. The kitten looked up at Devaney and roared, large fangs showing as it made a sound that most people would expect to be from a lion.

It then stretched and shook, revealing itself to have a scaly underbelly beneath the fur. "A kat, Captain..."

Outside, the sun had slowly set, and NZ's moons were now revealed. Unfamiliar constellations appeared in the sky. In all directions but one. To the galactic south-east, the sky was black. Blacker than coal.

Al-imjavidah

As they walked, the walls grew lighter once more. Then they were suddenly in a valley, surrounded by high walls. The only way something could get in here, apart from the tunnel, was by flying. As they all thought that, there came a chilling musical piping.

And something, something hideous and black and utterly alien, swooped down from above, shrieking its hatred as it unleashed a volley of the sharp white daggers. It flew up again, disappearing.

But what they had seen of it showed that it was something that shouldn't be alive in a sane universe.

((Crazed Marines))

Carolyn sought out the warmth of his body, nuzzling against him, feeling his hands on her hips, her waist, her... "mmmm..." she breathily moaned, before closing up and kissing him again. "Ah... I suppose my story's similar to the captain's... I always wanted to fly. I joined the Imperial Navy, got posted to Genavda... then I messed up, and crashed a transport into the castle."

"The Archduke wanted my head, so I had to flee... and now, here I am..." Carolyn sighed and pulled away from him, feeling around for her robes. "Will you be coming with me onto the station? And what's your story..." she looked like she wanted to say something to him, something big, but she was shying back from it.


"Well. I was born to a middle class family. My mother died when I was two and my father drank heavily. His drinking problem led to his eventual suicide by a shotgun five years later. I was sent to an orphanage owned by the Marine Corps. It was very much like a ROTC, Reserve Officer Training Course, unit. I was Cadet Captain by age eleven and commanded the Company until I enlisted at age seventeen. They asked me what I wanted to do, and I said mechanical work. They sent me to boot camp and then college to learn about warp technology. I was the best engineer the Corps had, the Commandant even admitted it. They sent me on this mission for that reason. I came here and fell in love with you. Now, what should I add into this story?" Joe finished as he got on some pants and then a olive drab tank-top. No shoes, socks, or even underwear today. Just his pants and shirt. Joe then picked up Carolyn and asked, "Where should we go?"

OOC: Oh, a small planet? In that case, my entire nation would be dwarfed, but that matters little.

IC:
Mailkebeth raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid I do not follow." he adjusted his toupee. "How are your men armed? I am afraid that we will probably need to fight in order to destroy this station." the elf grimaced as the toupee fell off, revealing the beautifully shining dome of his head. "Stupid teleporter..."
Rob was too entranced by the massive structure to notice the foible of the fake folicles, or the elf's mutterings. "Armed... Oh, right! Sorry, I was, er... is your head okay? Oh, the toupee, sorry I mentioned it!"

He looked away and tried to change the subject. "The Skip was never supposed to be for combat, and the Fold Drive would have been good enough to run from any hostilities, so we had no mounted weapons. Same goes for the crew, although I understand that Mr. Green possesses a number of projectile weapons and, knowing citizens of Crazed Marines, is likely to have a number of especially lethal knives on his person. The rest of us have weapons training, but few weapons of our own. Captain Devaney took one of our three PEP pistols, but I suspect we will not be encountering opponents with a weakness for concussive blasts. Any weapons you could provide us would be welcome."

He brightened. "Still, I am the top programmer and electrical engineer in New Exodus, and Jen, I mean, the Lieutenant, is a decent empath. The rest of the crew is still in pretty bad shape, though, so it would just be me, her, and Joe."

Robert Mink turned once again to look at what could only have been DEUS. "I just wonder what that thing was built for..."

The two servants giggled and went off, smiling. Within a matter of hours they had returned, carrying a small metal cage in which a white kitten was playing with a ball of yarn. The kitten looked up at Devaney and roared, large fangs showing as it made a sound that most people would expect to be from a lion.

It then stretched and shook, revealing itself to have a scaly underbelly beneath the fur. "A kat, Captain..."
Jim felt his eye twitching. At times like this, Commander Haase would have said, A blind man in Cleveland saw that coming... Yeah, well why didn't you send HIM then!

Turning his thoughts away from disabled people in Ohio, Jim looked at the "Kat" once more. "Are you certain that this is the type of animal that His Highness likes?" Stupid question, it fits the profile of a vicious predator, just more obviously vicious than I would have expected.

Despite its physiological differences, the Kat obviously possessed a very feline mind. Perhaps this could still work to his advantage.

Jim sighed, and dropped his head in surrender. "Fine, I suppose I'm responsible for it now. Please bring me whatever little toys, food, and katnip" he worked to pronounce the 'k', "that this precious creature will enjoy most. Just because I'm miserable doesn't mean he... *looks again* she needs to be."

The adorable little monster glanced up at him lazily. Picking out the tender parts, no doubt, unless you're as friendly as I had originally hoped. "Do you think she would mind if I held her?" he asked.

I think it might be wisest to speed things up a bit...

((Crazed Marines))

Carolyn blinked up at Joe for a second, and then rapidly dressed herself and ran for the wall, sobbing. She shimmered a bit and passed through the solid metal, runnning down the halls. Damn him...why did he have to say that?! Why did I let myself get involved? Once we complete this, he'll be going home... and I can't go with him... Damn me for making me love him, and damn him for loving me right back... she didn't stop running until she was sure he wouldn't be able to find him.

Then she collapsed against the wall and started to cry. It's all happening again...

((New Exodus))

Mailkebeth frowned and tapped his brow for a second. "I...don't think I like the idea of taking the officers onto DEUS. Commander Carolyn is staying behind because she needs to provide a focal point for the men." The elf's ears perked up, and he frowned even deeper. "...thought I just heard a woman cry..." he shook his head. "And I think the Lieutenant should too."

"Anyway. The three of us should enter at one of the docking bays with a Squadron of Buccaneers. We then need to defeat whatever security system is on board, get up to the top, and defeat our former paymaster." Mailkebeth groaned. "Then we need to fight our way down before the station self-destructs, get back here, and rescue the captains."

"We're all doomed..."

((ALSO NEW EXODUS!))

They curtseyed again and left, leaving the Kat on the desk of Jim's room.

***

"Court is now in order! Justice Pyotr Rosenbaum presiding!" the bailiff called out. "All rise!" The black-robed and bewigged justice came in and sat down on the bench. The jury also filed in and sat in arrayed splendour. "All rise for His Divine Imperial Highness, the Prince! All rise for Her Excellency, the Prime Minister!"

Alexander and Alysanndra walked in and sat in the observer box, followed by Simon and Alexander's guards. Everyone sat down again. The special prosecutor rose to his feet. "My lords and ladies, distinguished personages, your worships, and members of the public. We are assembled here today to ensure that justice is done to a liar, a cad, a murderer, and a traitor." the special prosecutor opened a notebook. "Lieutenant Commander Ivan Karzonov. Aka Pyotr Heinrikson, aka 'Captain' Karzonov. You are charged with a weighty list of crimes, the extent of which I have not heard of in all my years."

Karzonov stood there impassionately. The prosecutor put on his glasses. "To the 15 counts of piracy, the details of which you and your defence team have been informed of, how do you plead?"

"Guilty."

"To the 14 counts of murder, the details of which you and your defence team have been informed, how do you plead?"

"Guilty to all but numbers 2 and 14."

"To the 3 counts of high treason?"

"Guilty, not guilty, not guilty."

"To the crime of lese majeste?"

"Not guilty."

"To the regicide of Princess Kathryn?"

"..." Karzonov turned around now, and fixed Alexander with a steely glare. "Not guilty."

Alexander, to his credit, didn't rise to the bait. The woman next to him had her eyes locked on Karzonov's though, as if she wished he would just fall off the earth. And Simon? He was looking anywhere but at the pirate, whistling nervously through his teeth.

The prosecutor nodded. "The other crimes will be dealt with in the appropriate system courts. The charges of Lese Majeste, High Treason, and Regicide will be dealt with here." He took a deep breath. "The first prosecution witness will be... His Divine Imperial Majesty, Prince Alexander Black."

Joe saw Carolyn distraught and went over to calm her.

"What's wrong?"

".........."

"Carin...Are you afraid I'll leave you?"

"...mmh-hum....."

"Look. I'll pull some favors and stay with you, I'll get discharged and live the rest of my life out with you if that's what you want...I don't have anything to come back to in CM, but I have something to live for and to protect...that's you...Now I'll leave you to think that over while I convert our drive to your ship. I'll be back in a few hours." Joe put his tool belt and coveralls on and walked to engineering.

"Anyway. The three of us should enter at one of the docking bays with a Squadron of Buccaneers. We then need to defeat whatever security system is on board, get up to the top, and defeat our former paymaster." Mailkebeth groaned. "Then we need to fight our way down before the station self-destructs, get back here, and rescue the captains."
"We're all doomed..." Rob muttered. Mike, you sent us to our deaths. At the thought of Commander Haase, Rob remembered something he had heard the man say once before. "Almost any problem involving space combat can be solved with a conveniently opened airlock. Boarders? Airlock. Stowaway? Airlock, assuming it is an enemy. Invading an enemy vessel? Blow their airlocks open..."

"Thats it! Can we target their airlocks and blow them open? Even if they manage to seal them up quickly, it would create a distraction. And there are always airlocks near important places, especially on stations that size."

much needed bump while NE's out-of-town

((Sorry, sorry... I have something big planned for this thread, but I didn't transfer my info to my laptop... I'll get something up soon.))

OOC: Take your time. We want the story to be satisfactory as much as you do.

IC: Devaney was unsure when he would be called in for the trial, or even if he would still be called, so he had prepared for most cases. The Kat seemed to favor a toy rodent similar to Terran mice, and Jim had cunningly attached the plaything to another Kat toy, a long fuzzy streamer akin to an animal's tail. A flick of the wrist would send the adorable predator zooming after the toy, heedless of where it landed.

Soon, little Kat, we shall see what you can do...

OOC: I was somewhat inspired by my own pets, but the credit for this latest escape plan goes mostly to my younger sister. How vicious is the little critter, anyway? (the Kat, not my sister. I know that she is vicious...)

Using methods that cannot be fathomed by mere males, Jen had discovered that she was not going to be part of the away-team, even before Rob had been informed. That Malke-something-or-other is behind this, I'm sure. The Lieutenant hunted down the passageways in search of Carolyn, the one person who might be able to help.

Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be found in the duty stations, which meant... She's with Joe...

Joe looked at Carin and said, "You know, you're gonna need some help when we have to destroy that enemy station and save the Captains. Why not use our crew? I mean, we're all pretty good fighters and I have a few firearms with me." Joe finishes as he gets out a Chinese made SKS and begins to clean it.

Carolyn looked up when Jennifer showed up and smiled wanly. "...Joe?...Can...can you leave me and Jen alone for a while? I...I need to talk to another girl for a few minutes." she kissed him. "Alone. Go and see if Mailkebeth needs any help, please?"

Once the engineer was gone, the Commander rose to her feet and blinked back the tears that still threatened to overwhelm her. "...Jennifer?...um...I know you don't really like me, but I'd like to talk to you..."


~~

Mailketh frowned. "I don't think that's going to work, Rob. Whatever's in there isn't human or elven. I think we're going to have to make a landing." he played with his pen. "I wouldn't ask this ordinarily, but how do your men feel about cloning techniques?"

~~

Two robed servitors knocked on Jim's door. "His Divine Imperial Highness the Prince, and their worships the Justices, request your attendance to hear the opening prosecution testimony."

((Okay, its' not the best... I'll get back up to speed, though))

Joe left Carin with a kiss and left for the planning with his rifle in hand. He reached it just as Mailkebeth was talking baout cloning.

"You want to clone us?!?!" Rob shouted, "That's immoral! I won't do it!"

"Rob, think about it this way, if you die then there's nobody who can replace you within ten months. With a good chip read, if you are killed in battle, then you can be revived in a new body within ten hours. I'm ok with it, and the CM military has been using it for 50 plus years with no ill effects. Yes, we clone, no we don't clone everybody. We only clone those killed in accidents and battles. When you enlist in the CM military, they plant a chip in the base of your skull that records pretty much your entire mind to be placed in a clone of you and we already have DNA on file. I'm fine with it, I mean, with this there's less chance that Carin will be left heart broken. And as all these clones would be me, I wouldn't mind if I get killed and they take care of her." Joe said, pretty much ending Rob's objection.

OOC: Actually, Rob wouldn't mind the cloning too much, but I'll work with it.

IC:
I'm fine with it, I mean, with this there's less chance that Carin will be left heart broken. And as all these clones would be me, I wouldn't mind if I get killed and they take care of her." Joe said, pretty much ending Rob's objection.
"Yeah, except that your clones would be killing eachother to get Carolyn, leaving her with a pile of your corpses."

He turned to Mailkebeth. "But Joe's assessment is pretty accurate anyway. Clone away."

More to Come...

OOC: Mailkebeth meant cloning the missing limbs and body organs to get the crew up to speed...

Once the engineer was gone, the Commander rose to her feet and blinked back the tears that still threatened to overwhelm her. "...Jennifer?...um...I know you don't really like me, but I'd like to talk to you..."
Jen was taken aback. Although she was annoyed at Joe's indiscretion, she had no negative feelings towards Carolyn. In fact, Jen's empathic abilities made her much more, well, sympathetic, to the Roanian woman's feelings.

"There's no need to hesitate, just tell me what the problem is, and I'll do whatever I can to help."

Two robed servitors knocked on Jim's door. "His Divine Imperial Highness the Prince, and their worships the Justices, request your attendance to hear the opening prosecution testimony."
Jim glanced at the servitors, trying to discern whether they had any weapons or a way to get the collar off his neck.

"Can I bring my Kat? She shouldn't be left alone..."

OOC: As you may have gathered by now, Jim is hoping to use the critter to distract/injure/kill a guard/jailer/soldier, thus allowing him to aquire a weapon/key to the collar/means of escape. So, if that doesn't work for you, just have them grab him and drag him to the trial.

As for the cloning, that's fine. I'm sure the crew would be thrilled.

Mailkebeth frowned at the outburst, yet reached across and pressed a button. "Doctor, you can begin prepping the cloning-tanks. The Commanders want those bodies together in two hours." he turned to Joe and Rob. "This isn't your fight, gentlemen... I should mention that now... you can turn around and wait here and leave if we fail."



Carolyn smiled through her tears. "Thank you, Jenn..." she sighed. "...I lied to Joe... I...I'm not just some exile... I'm a witch. And the only reason I'm alive is that my brother interceded with His Divine Imperial Highness..." she started to cry again. "If the Imperial Navy finds us here, finds me here, you'll all be lucky just to die..."

She gasped for air, clearly drained from crying so much. "It's... I know this doesn't mean anything to you, but my full name is Carolyn Leonovna Melissa Darquis... I...I..." her eyes looked downwards. "I need you to order Joe to go back with you...because I'm going to hand myself in to save the Captains..."


He can try, but... where's he going to run to? He doesn't have a citizenship card, he's stuck in the palace... the best thing to do right now would be go with them. But hey! The Kat could maul all three servitors...

"The animal may come with you." the servitors breathed as one, extending bony hands to grab the Captain. "You must go to the trial."

"Mailkebeth. This is my fight. I guess you don't understand that my love is on this ship, my life is on this ship, and I honestly don't want to see anyone here hurt seriously. If that means taking the chance of getting killed, I'm willing to do it."

No matter what, I'm gonna stay here and fight to keep Carin. I've felt nothing like this for anyone else before Joe thought.

OOC: want to start this one back up?