NationStates Jolt Archive

The transfer to a new Emperor had gone flawlessly and the turn-out from the entire Empire was superb and there were even a few representatives from allied nations. The former Emperor, Dusanyu, now had a task set out before him instead of joining the Ex-Emperor's Council. The map of Planespace was far from complete and it would never be complete but everything can always be improved. There was the unfortunate instance that Xanthal would not share their maps so it could be checked against the Abh's but it was understandable. So it came to be that the Abh would go back into Planespace and map out more systems and Sord locations. There was also a couple underlying objectives as well.

A large fleet had gathered outside of the orbitting capital city and awaited it's commander. It was the first exploration fleet that was being mounted since a previous disaster that had cost the lives of thousands of Abh and hundreds of the Empire's best ships. Attack Vessels of the Roil Class dotted the stars along with the big gun class Guardships with the largest Anti-Proton cannons possible. Supply Fleet Gaftonshu had assembled with all possible ordinances. As part of Dusanyu's orders, the Emperor had supplied parts and engineers for building a jump gate.

Ah the Sankakue, ever had it remained Dusanyu's flagship and it was afforded to him for this long mission. The only difference was that there were a few personnel changes. Mainly the absence of the pilot Keirn've, was now replaced by a younger female Abh fresh out of Star Forces academy. The rest were minor changes with those being promoted to war ships and other posts. The one person that had refused to leave the ship though was the Chief of Staff Kenesh. She had always been at his side ever since he took command of the Sankakue. Unfortunatly for her, she had caused a stir with HQ because of her decision and had created a bit of difficulty for herself when it would come to climb the ranks again. The woman had her personal reasons for remaining.

A communications shuttle shot out from the docks and followed the flight path to where the Sankakue awaited. Dusanyu slightly adjusted his gold tiarra as he plopped down into his chair on the bridge. Kenesh was soon there reporting the preparations of the fleet.

"Welcome your Highness. All ships are fueled and have ordinance stored securely. I doubt they will be needed but it all is prepared with the warships. The supply fleet is also ready. All ships' capable hydroplanic farming equipment are established and will provide a few years supply of food. All jump gate equipment and personnel are situated and we are ready to proceed with our mission at your order."

Dusanyu nodded with a smile. "Have the fleet form up and move into the Sord. We are heading back to where the Abh came from. Planespace."

The countless ships roared to life and activated individual Space Time Bubbles as they pierced the Sord. The length of this mission was unknown and all accomodations were being made with temporary stations and even entertainment to break up the monotony of space travel.

The vastness of blue void that was Planepsace engulfed the Abh exploration fleet. Attack Vessels had gone ahead of the fleet to scout further just in case there were any unknown nations that had developed the same technology. Communications ships continually streamed back and forth to relay orders and reports.

The fleet had moved past the last known outpost several days ago and would now be dependant on the supplies that were being taken with them. The next gate was not scheduled to come up for about a couple weeks at least. The crew had been given permission to break down to a skeleton crew as shifts were given via clyuno. Many took to the jousting arena to pass the time and break up the monotony. Others still took to relaxing in a bath or getting some sleep.

Dusanyu himself though, rarely left the bridge. It had become so customary that Kenesh had found a comfortable chair and brought it to the bridge so she could sit and talk with him. The conversations were rarely anything important while others were more personel.

Kennesh looked at him with a grin. "You know your highness, you are still missing two phases in the life of an Abh."

Not even opening his eyes but keeping relaxed in his chair, "I have no intention of becoming a merchant. It is just unbecoming of my character."

"Perhaps. As you know, the current Emperor served as a merchant. He worked alongside his partner. They had two children of some importance as you know. Perhaps fulfilling one aspect of this part of your life could lead to the fulfillment of another."

Eyes closed still but now his head resting on his fist. "Why does this interest the Chief of Staff so much? I take it she knows all about love especially after her incident with Admiral Bebaus and his brother."

A tint of red graces the Abh's pale cheeks as her eyes move to the floor. "Forget I mentioned it."

Dusanyu opened an eye her way and slowly grinned but returned to his normal stoic expression.

Outside, the going of energy continued to drift by as the only safety between the fleet and destruction was a narrow bubble that kept them spinning into unknown territory.

"All hands report to your stations at once. Ship munitions are to be put into stasis."

Similar orders rang out on every ship in the exploration fleet as they approached the first gate. Attack Vessel squadrons formed up and prepared to scout out.

Deca-Commander Ekuryua lead the excursion in her Roil class ship. The crew of the Basroil gave one final diagnostics check before preparing to pass through. "Passing through the gate in 5......4.......3........2........1.......passing through gate."

The Basroil was head of a hundred ship column squadron to scout out the area. The blue void of Planespace gave way to the darkness that was normal space. They encountered no signs of a fleet or orbital defenses. The squadron broke into two groups to scour the area. It took several hours to get a decent map of the system but it was only occupied by five planets with a medium sized star.

"Captain, our sweep is completed and we have arrived at the rendezvous point."

Ekuryua nodded. "Good, we will wait here for the other squadron to arrive. Were there any signs of life?"

The senior aviator pulled up a map on his glass display screen that showed the orbit of all planets and the sun. The third planet was quickly magnified for the captain. "This here is the only planet that seems capable of sustaining life. It is largely aquatic with three large continents. The largest one is here, with several mountain ranges and what appear to be several rivers. The rest of the planets are just gasious planets that are of very little use to the Empire as of now but in time they could be productive."

The communications officer looked back to Ekuryua. "Captain, the other squadron has arrived. Orders?"

A panel slid out from her arm rest as she worked to bring up a signal for the Basroil to send a message. "Inform the fleet that the area is secure and that they may move into the system."

"Yes ma'am."
----------------------------------
Kenesh ascended the bridge and stood by Dusanyu. "Reports from the Basroil contigent. The system is completely empty of any fleet or hostilities. Only one planet seems capable of supporting life but there have been no signs of intelligent life as there have been no communication attempts."

The Abriel relaxed in his chair. "This is interesting. Perhaps we will claim this star system in the name of the Empire for an ever expanding population."

He sat there thinking for a moment with his hands folded before his face. "Bring the fleet out of Planespace. I want to visit that planet as part of the second part of our orders. If there is life, I'd like to make contact with them."

"Are you sure that is wise your highness? We don't have any ground forces should you run into trouble."

"Every ship has an ammo locker, so a descent size force can be scrounged up. That should be more than enough for protection. Now, bring the fleet into the system."

She looked non-pleased about the matter about the matter but Kenesh dutifly obeyed her orders. The exploration fleet came fully out of the Sord and moved into orbit around the third planet while calling all Attack Vessels to return to the main fleet.

The large fleet completely surrounded the planet. Even if there was a ship trying to escape the planet, it wasn't going anywhere. Ships were now taking time to refuel while a temporary station was erected. It was going to be a while before they moved on so some recreation was put up for the crews. One area had a large jousting arena which received the most attention other than the mess hall.

A large shuttle was off to the side and was receiving a fairly large amount of calickes. This was the ground force that was preparing to set down on the planet. Dusanyu humself was standing in the center giving furhter information to the mixture of a hundred or so Abh and humans. "Further scans of the planet indicate that there are lifeforms down there and we have plotted a map that contains the major cities and best we can figure are the major centers of government. We will land out at sea since the shuttle is only capable of water landing on the planet. Everyone is going armed but do not show any signs of hostility. We don't know what awaits us down there and we can't afford to a skirmish with a mere hundred men. Any questions?"

The shuttle glowed red as it breached the planet's atmosphere. Every single man and one woman were strapped down for the ride as the artificial gravity was switched off. "Your highness, we'll be splashing down in one minute."

Dusanyu nodded. "Good, make sure we are land a goodly distance from the shore. I don't want to cause too much of a problem."

"Yes your highness."

The linewing aviator's screen showed the descent of the ship and the distance from the water. "Contact with the ocean in 10....9....8.....7......6.....5......4.......3.......2......1......splash down." Waves fifteen feet high rolled off the bow of the ship as it leveled out and slowed down. The shuttle came to a stop about a mile from the shore.

Rafts were tossed over the side and the troops began filtering in. The boat ride was only a few minutes long with the motors. Brush hid the five rafts well enough and the territory was mapped so they could be found easily enough. The sound of weapons charging and being put in holsters went out through the company. "Kenesh! Stay close to me."

Kenesh a little shocked at Dusanyu's order but she was more than happy to obey it. The rest of the day was spent marching through the woods until they finally found a beaten dirt path. By the time the sun was set, they found themselves outside a large castle. Kenesh looked at Dusanyu quizically. "Could we possibly have been so confused as to end up back in D'Hara?"

The Abriel looked down at her and smiled. "Dear woman, you have never been to D'Hara. The People's Palace makes this castle look like a hut. This is only a system that is somewhat similar only they have not gone to the stars as Lord Rahl's people has."

Dusanyu turned to the rest of his men. "Move back into the woods. We'll make camp there for the night and greet the locals."

Dawn krept slowly over the horizon to find the Abh camp was already broken down and on the move. Sentries stood guard at the bailey when Dusanyu's company came into view. Alarms rang out throughout the wall and thundering hooves came rolling down paved streets and across the wooden draw bridge.

A knight with a huge purple plume lead a column of knights and drew up sharp in front of the former Emperor. "Stand and be counted."

Dusanyu raised his hand. "Easy. We are just explorers come to visit your liege."

The man raised his visor and deep blue eyes peered back at him. "What land are you from? Certainly not from Honce-de-Bear nor To-gai and certainly not Behren. You are all much to small to be from Alpinandor and you're not goblins or powries."

The Abriel smiled. "No we are not from any of those lands nor are we any of the creatures you have mentioned. We are Abh of the Abh Empire and I am Lord Dusanyu, former Emperor of said realm."

The man still looked puzzled. "Are you from one of the other continents across the great waters?"

Dusanyu sighed but Kenesh was there to help him. "Perhaps you should be less artistic and speak plainly."

The man nodded. "You're right." He looked back up. "Good knight, we are not from this planet. We have travelled such distances that you could not fathom in the search of exploration. We have come to meet with the figure-head of these lands to introduce ourselves. Now are you the leader of these lands or is there someone else we may speek to?"

The knight slammed his visor home. "I am Duke Targon Bree Kalas, leader of the famed Allheart Knights. King Midalis Ursal is king of all Honce-de-Bear. I don't know if he will grant you an audience but I will give him your request. You may follow me though and I will find some temporary quarters for you and your company."

The twenty armed knights glinting in the sunlight lead a troop of a hundred Abh into what had to have been the poorest area of the large city. Small dirt filled hovels lined the roads as far as the next wall. Every peasant that wasn't a farmer must have been crammed into the small living space. However conditions seemed to improve as they passed through the next gate. It must have been the merchants section since shops were everywhere. Harpers called to passer-byers about their latest wares and the sound of hammer hitting anvil could be heard off in the distance. The large keep of Ursal loomed over them as they approached the final gate that would lead them to the royalty of the kingdom.

A day had passed and still there was no sign that the king would be admitting Dusanyu into the royal chamber. Dusanyu was outside his temporary tent pacing while Kenesh sat on a stool smirking at him.

"Would the Chief of Staff like to explain what she finds so amusing?"

A slight giggle escaped her lips but it was kept in check. "I don't believe I have seen his highness this upset before. Not even in the face of battle."

"The fools do not realize who they are dealing with..."

Thundering hooves interrupted the conversation. Both turned to see a knight making his way into their camp. "I am looking for Lord Dusanyu. His majesty has requested your pressence. If you'll please follow me."

Dusanyu hooked his sidearm into its holster and bade Kenesh to follow him. "The rest of you stay here." Kenesh and Dusanyu walked side-by-side into the palace behind the knight.

The King's hall held a small dias and wooden thrown on which set a king that appeared to be in his late thirties. To his left stood two large men dressed in animal furs. Both dwarfed the king even when he stood up on the dias to greet the guests. "Lord Dusanyu I presume. You like much like a Toul'alfar except far too tall and thus was the delay for your admittance. Please accept my apology for keeping you waiting. I am King Midalis of Honce-de-Bear along Bruinhelde and Andacanavar of the Alpinadoran barbarians. We are still waiting for the other leaders from this world but it shouldn't take much longer."

Dusanyu and Kenesh both curtly bowed. "As you have probably heard we come from the Abh Empire which is not known to this world. We have travelled many leagues for many days just to be here."

The King sat back down and rested his head in his hands looking none too happy. "Yes about that. I still find it hard to believe. Is there anyway you could prove this to us?"

The Abriel smirked. "If you gentlemen would please come to the window, you will have your proof." Dusanyu brought his clyuno up close to his mouth and gave orders for one Attack Vessel to do a fly by at his location. "If you will wait one moment my Lords, all will be revealed."

All five of them stood at the stone window sill and looked up. Several minutes lapsed until a bright glow came from the atmosphere until a sleek Attack Vessel came fully into view and roared over the castle. Horse whined in the distance and alarms rang out along the walls with cries of "dragon" among other confused expressions.

Dusanyu turned around with a smug smile on his face. "Well gentlemen that was one small space craft of the Abh Empire."

The three stood there with jaws hanging open and shock in their eyes. "H-how can this be?"

"We are far more advanced than you are but in time, you too may be able to possess such technology. However I doubt it will be in any of your lifetimes."

King Midalis looked at him for several moments. Finally regaining some composure, "I would be honored if you and your woman stayed here in the castle with us."

Dusanyu looked back at Kenesh and smiled. She crossed her arms and narrowed an eye. "Don't get any ideas about me being your woman."

It had been a week since Dusanyu and Kenesh were invited to stay in the palace with King Midalis. Dusanyu's men were also being attended to better than before. They had been moved to a large temporary barrack where they could get out of the elements.

Dusanyu's meeting with the king and barbarians consisted of mostly what the Empire could do for them and explaining what some of the various items that could be sold here actually were. The new ore appealed to both barbarien and bearmen and the surplus of food greatly appealed to the king which would keep his people quite happy. This particular day brought about the complicated topic of converting their coins to Empire credits.

A page entered the great hall at that time and kneeled before Midalis. After a few brief moments of conversing, the king rose with a smile. "It seems the remaining guests have arrived. Now you may meet the remaining leaders of this great planet."

The company made it's way out to the courtyard where a great red dragon was fast descending with two riders on its back. Kenesh hunkered close to Dusanyu to hide from the force of the wind. A dark complected woman with a man that appeared to be of the same race but older. Though it was peculiar that he carried himself as someone half his age. The spectacular sight of the dragon was soon reduced to a seven foot lizard man as bones snapped and remolded into a bipedal lizard.

The king stretched out his hand. "May I intoduce Brynn Dharielle leader of the Togai-Ru along with her parnter and Jhesta Tu mystic Pagonel. Not the least of all is the mighty Agraduleous."

Both Abh bowed curtly. "It is an honor to meet you all. I must admit this not the first time we have seen a dragon. A close friend lives on a planet that boasts of a red female dragon."Agraduleous's eyes flashed at the mark but didn't say anything.

In the next few hours, Dusanyu and Kenesh were introduced to Ashram emperor of Marmo and King Kashu of Lodoss. The king had a young knight in attendance and someone else that would have appeared to be a young Abh woman except the hair was blond and not blue. Very puzzling to the former Emperor but there was time to investigate later. More days would now be spent going over much of the same thing as had been discussed with Midalis. The positive part was that he had the support of the barbarians and Midalis which would make the job of getting support much more easier. He would later find that the policy of leaving the ground governments to govern their people as they see fit would appeal to many and would ultimately through support behind the idea of being a part of a space empire.

It had now extended to a month since Dusanyu's party had arrived on the Corrona continent and Dusanyu had learned much in that time. He and Kenesh had learned about the constant wars and civil wars that seemed to plague the planet. Such is the way of fuedalism. Most intriguing though were that of the tales of the war between Marmo and Lodoss along with strange rumors about an island that held mysteries where they say giants walked.

"I would very much like to visit this island."

Kenesh might have been upset or surprised a couple monthes ago but now, nothing really surprised her with this man. It was to be expected really.

Dusanyu studied her face thoughtfully. He saw no remarks forthcoming. "You are not going to protest?"

The woman blew a strand of blue hair away from her brow. "With you...what good would it do? You're just going to proceed with whatever pops into that little Abriel brain of yours."

It was the first genuine smile he had given in a long time, one that was not out of malice or for spite. Brynn was still present since she shared the same continent with King Midalis. "Do you have a ship to get there?"

"We can have a ship prepped in orbit for ground travel but it will take some time."

The dark complected woman smiled slightly. "You and Agraduleous have grown accustomed to walking and talking among the ramparts at dusk. Don't think I haven't been watching. I have to make sure his thirst for destruction doesn't overcome him. I would hate to find out what would happen to us if he snapped your head off."

It was true though. Dusanyu and the dragon often conversed up on the walls even taking part in sentry duty, much to the dismay of Kenesh. He had found that the dragon was immensly wise once you got past all the fabrications of his exploits and such. There were strange similarities between the two races with one living for three hundred years while the other could live longer than three thousand years.

Dusk approached and Dusanyu found the dragon in his lizard man form as he did everytime he spotted Agraduleous in the palace. The wizard had a scaley grin on his face. "Well my little friend, will you tell me more of the Abh and their battles this night?"

Dusanyu smiled and shook his head. "Perhaps later but first I must ask a question. There are rumors of an island that quite different from the rest with beasts that seem to be giants. Do you know of what I speak?"

"If you want to see a giant so badly I can transform outside the gate for you."

The Abriel held his hand up to keep the dragon from moving. "The island Agraduleous."

"Yes I know it." Smoke began to drift from his nostrils.

"I take it you do not like this island."

"It's a cursed island."

"Nonetheless I would still like to see it. Will you fly me there?"

"And me."

Dusanyu whirled around to see that Kenesh had steppe from the shadows of the nearby gateway. "Kenesh, I..."

"was going to leave me behind, I know. Is it so much to ask if I my accompany my Lord?"

Dusanyu sighed and looked at Agraduleous for support but all the dragon did was move his head from side-to-side. "You may come then but you will have to hold on tight."

The woman smiled. "Not a problem."

Dusanyu turned back and faced the dragon. "Will you take us?"

The wind whistled through their ears while Kenesh clunged tight to Dusanyu's waist and burried her face into his back. Her hair whipped in the wind while Dusanyu's had to tucked in the back of his uniform so as to not blind the poor woman.

Clouds blew by in a blur as the land gave way to an ocean of blue. The sky appeared to be all around them with not a sign of land in sight. Brynn's make-shift saddle was the only thing keeping the two passengers secure while Agraduleous's wings beat steadily towards the horizon.

"How much further?" She had to shout the words just to be heard above the whistling wind. Even then Dusanyu had to strain to hear her.

His shoulders rose and fell. The Abriel's head turned towards her. "You wanted to come along remember?"

She nodded into his back. The truth of the matter was that the flying didn't bother her. It was the cold. It was so much colder up here and holding him close was all she could do to keep warm though she had been using his cape as a blanket. It was more of a kind gesture from the man than anything else as the fabric wasn't really warm.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of flight, a mountain ringed island came into view. Agraduleous's wings tilted and the dragon dove down. Kenesh would have screamed, if there was air in her lungs. The dragon leveled out and glided over the lush island. Kenesh's chest rose and family, as Dusanyu could well feel, as she finally opened her eyes again. It seemed peaceful, and deserted.

Dusanyu was somewhat disappointed. Where were the giants the rumors had spoken of? Even if he wanted to, he could ask the dragon since the air still kept everything muffled but Agraduleous seemed to be knowing what he was doing as he turned towards the east.

There on a high plateu was a monstrous figure. It's large clubbed repeatedly struck the ground. It seemed to be trying to kill an ant or something from this distance. As they approached, they could make out a small figure running around the ground as the behemeth pounded away. "What on earth is that little man doing?"

They all thought he was surely doomed as the club came down again but to their surprise, the young man was running on top of the club. He ran up and clung to the beast's arm. It flung wildly trying to shake the man but he held stubbornly and continued to climb up.

Agraduleous continued to circle around the battle scene as the young man finally ascended the beast's shoulders. There it was a quick dash to the top of it's head. A bright flash shone forth and was gone as the behemouth squelled and lurched forward trying to swat at the top of its head. There came the flash again as another agonizing pain came from its mouth.

Then it was over as the monster came crashing to its knees then slumped over. Dusanyu pointed for the dragon to land. He looked back at Kenesh. "Fascinating don't you think?"

She smiled coyly and moved close to his ear. "I thought I fascinated you?"

When he asked what she had said, Kenesh simply slid her hands up his chest and kissed behind his pointed ear. He got the point after that.

Finally on the ground and out of the saddle, Dusanyu was thankful to be away to clear his head at the moment. The young man still had his sword drawn as he watched the Abriel approach. Dusanyu held out both hands showing that he was no threat. "I come from far away seeking the service of great and noble warriors to lend aid in times of crisis." He got the feeling that the man didn't understand a word.

Surprisingly, the young man sheathed his sword and gave a shrill whistle. "Agro!" A black stallion came thundering up and the man put a foot in the stirrup and swung into the saddle.

Scratching the back of his head, Dusanyu looked from the dragon back to the horse. "This is going to be awkward. Agraduleous, do you think you can carry the horse safely in your talons?"

Smoke waffed up from his nostrils. "I'd rather eat it." As if it understood every word, the horse stomped the ground and grunted in disaccord.

"I don't think the horse agrees with you."

"I will need it to remain perfectly still."

Agraduleous let out a low threatening growl but remained calm. It slowly walked over towards the horse until they were nuzzle to nuzzle. The young man seemed on the verge of drawing his sword but the horse bobbed its head up and down.

Within the hour, they were soaring back to Castle Ursal.

Several more weeks had passed since Dusanyu and Kenesh had returned with their new recruit. A counsel had been called shortly thereafter of all the main figureheads of this planet. The former Emperor had never been around a group of people that had proven so interesting.

At this meeting, all were seated around a crescent wooden table while Dusanyu stood at the center of it all. "Esteemed ladies and gentlemen, I have gathered you all today to begin enlisting able bodied warriors that seek to protect the lives of civillians beit from this planet or across the Empire. All of you here posess qualities suited for our needs. We have scoured the Empire for a length of time and have begun the drive for new warriors and their weapons. This new order is being called the Rangers. Many are already in service and abroad serving for the good of the people. However our ranks are no where near what they should be and we are seeking more. I already have the support of the young man that Agradeulous help secure under the condition that the Empire cure his sister's illness. He is on his way there now to retrieve her so that our medical staff can take a look. I come before the rest of you to ask if anyone else will pledge their support."

King Kashu of Lodoss was the first to stand. "I believe that King Midalis here will agree with me when I say that being a king will not allow me the oppurtunity to leave my position to galavant across space. I will have to decline your offer."

Midalis nodded his agreement as well.

"Your positions are understandable and I had not expected any such support from either of you. However, there are those in attendance that would appear to be of some use and perhaps may be intrigued by the offer."

The blue-eyed knight that had always accompanied Kashu now stood. "I will join this new order to protect the people. It seems my domain as a knight has expanded beyond a small continent."

The woman had been always at his side now stood as well. "I will go with him. Someone has to watch his back."

"Deed. Y-you should stay here."

The woman smiled. "Parn you know I can't be separated from you. I'll accompany you and fight with you."

Dusanyu smiled at Kenesh. "Well that would make three."

The barbarian Andacanavar stood along with Brynn Dharielle and Pagonel the Jhesta tu mystic. "We have protected these lands for many years. It seems that they are all currently stable and as what you have told us, it will remain that way. Considering that, we will also support you. The Togai-ru are in good hands with Brynn's commander and the Alpinandorians have a great leader in the form of Bruinheld. We will go."

"That's six. Are there any others?"

Duke Kalas merely grunted. "My service is to the Ursal line and I will stay here to protect it."

"Fair enough."

That left Ashram and his attendant who seemed to be just like Deedlit only darker complected. The man stood in his black armor. "My people need a new home. This one has become unfriendly and constant warfare plagues them. As an emperor I must look to care for my people first or I have no kingdom. What assurance do I have that you can secure a new one for us."

Dusanyu stood there for a moment. "We shall study the planets in our domain and discern whether or not they can be terraformed. If that is so then the planet will be yours and your people to inhabit and multiply as you see fit. Is that satisfactory?"

"It is. In that case Pirotess and I will join until this new land can be secured."

The meeting had brought a smile to Dusanyu's face. The support had been greater than expected. The Ranger would be gaining powerful new allies this day. Everyone was dismissed and all new Rangers would have a month to get their affairs in order before a ship would arrive to pick them up. Dusanyu and Kenesh retired to their room in good spirits. The idea was taking route and in a few days they would be heading back into space to complete one final objective in their exploration mission.

It was going to be a long haul.

(Tag for interest. Please see http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=469632, Thanks)

"Where are we going now?"

The Abh exploration fleet was once again traveling through the restored safety of Plane Space. They had been travelling for a few weeks now after a successfully establishing authority of the Abh Empire in a new system and at the same time had recruited new members for the Rangers. The system showed other promises as well. It was quite fertile and would add to the aggriculture surplus along with a fine crop of warriors that seemed willing to learn about this new technology. The site was also ideal for extending the Abh border defenses so other systems could be freed up to build another naval yard that had been in plans for quite some time.

"The last leg of journey Kenesh. We have been mapping out Sord locations this entire trip and so far have located about 20 new ones. Most leading to dead worlds and dead systems or the expanse of the universe into hostile territory."

He stood hooking an arm around her waist and bringing her to the rail where she could peer down. The Sord Raze map had been uploaded into the ship's computer and every other ship in the fleet. She could now see that they had mushroomed out three dimensionally. A smile flashing beacon was placed at the location of Lakfakalae and the direction of the fleet was heading towards the rear of the Abh Empire and out into the void of space. Their next destination appeared to be space between galaxies.

Kenesh sighed as she took it all in. "So it's true, we are preparing for all eventualities to protect our home."

Dusanyu held her tighter. "Try not to think of it that way. I like to think of it from a military perspective. We are going to build a jump gate that will be anchored to our Empire so it doesn't drift away. From there we can attack our enemies and invade at will. No one knows about this mission and no one can follow us into Plane Space nor can they stop it. This puts us at a strategic advantage. Try to look at the positive side of things."

The woman smiled and leaned in a little closer. "You're right. There is a bright side to all things."

The fleet drifted closer to its destination.

Reconnisance reports were constantly coming back in. Only days until they reached their destination.

"Anything yet?"

"Nothing captain."

The Basroil scout fleet had been moving steadily in what could be assumed as "outward." They had registered an energy source that matched that of Sord. For three days the Basroil and its counterparts had been following the signal. If they couldn't find it by the end of the day, they would have to return to the main fleet and resupply.

Captain Ekuryua of the Basroil was growing weary of this chase for the phantom sord. Many of the crew members were beginning to grumble that there was no way a Sord would lead to the void in between galaxies.

"Captain! I'm getting a signal...it's faint but I'm getting one."

"Is it a known Sord?" Of course it wasn't but better to ask now than looking foolish later when they arrived into a charted system of the Empire.

"No ma'am. It matches none of our known gates."

"Launch the communication shuttle! Inform the fleet that we have located another Sord."

"Yes ma'am. Launching shuttle now."

A single shuttle from the Basroil dropped out of the hangar and sped towards the main fleet.

"Shuttle is clear and heading to the fleet."

"Very good. Senior aviator, prepare pass through the gate. Communications, send a message to the rest of the squadron. Inform them of our intentions and tell them to back us up."

"Yes ma'am."

"All ships, prepare for Space Time separation."

The eight attack vessels separated as they steadily approached the gate.
-------------------------------

Kenesh approached the bridge with a glass datapad in her hand. "My Lord, I have a report from the Basroil. It seems that they have located an unregisterd Sord. This could be the last part of our mission. If all goes well we can be home within three or four weeks."

Dusanyu smirked. "My don't we sound hopeful."

"Well it has been a long journey. It would be nice to see the capital again. Home."

He looked up at the woman from his chair for a moment. "Indeed it would be. Send word to the fleet, we are heading towards the Basroil squadron and investigate this Sord."

"Right away sir."

The Abh exploration fleet had exited in full force. The blue glowing lights from inertia navigation dotted the vast darkness of the void between galaxies. Guardships were the heavy cruisers of the fleet and they seemed like small fireflies in this darkness. Roil-class Attack Vessels darted around like little gnats as they patrolled the region.

Supply ships unloaded all parts that would be needed for this last part of their mission. Workers in pressurized suits worked around the clock organizing the parts and equipment before they could even begin construction. Building a fully functional station for a fleet's recreation could be completed in less than twelve hours. Building a jump gate though took a little more finesse.

Sparks began to fly once the parts were all arranged. Maintance bots darted back and forth lifting and pushing beams for the workers to weld together. The structure was only about 10% complete so that gave the rest of the staff to see to making sure this construct wouldn't drift away.

In the cargo bay of the Sankakue; Dusanyu, Kenesh, and several engineers were finallizing a graviton generator. A similar one had been constructed in Lakfakalae for this very reason. The generator would make sure that the jump gate and Sord didn't move to a location that was not desired like drifting into enemy territory and giving them a clear path to the capital. The generator would make sure both gates stayed in this relative position with the capital so that when the galaxy itself moved, the gates would move with it.

"Are you sure it is strong enough?"

The enginere bobbed his head. "Yes. We have three other such generators for each prong of the gate so that will be more than sufficient for this job. Two will be directed back home while the other two make sure the Sord doesn't drift away."

Kenesh nodded. "That sounds good to me."

Dusanyu concurred. "So it seems. Have you finished with the coding procedures?"

A second engineer nodded his head. "Yes it is finished and will be implemented once the gate is finished. Only ships that know the access code will be able to use the jump gate and the Sord is only usable by those that possess similar technology as us. Which are far and few between, none that we cannot handle should things get hostile with any of them."

Dusanyu nodded and turned to leave. "Make it so. Kenesh, I want a defense grid armed and ready within the hour."

"Yes my Lord. Not a single ship will be able to survive should they venture to close to the gates."

Defense grid was in place and the gate was built. There was only one thing left to do and that was to make sure that the bloody thing would actually work like it was supposed to.

The Sankakue stood at the verge of its finality for this mission. It would be one of countless that the old ship had seen through to successful completion. Dusanyu stood at the bridge with Kenesh as they watched the finalizations of it all. They were linked in with all engineers that had been in the docking bay going over the physics of the gravity generators.

Dusanyu looked over at Kenesh and smiled. "Are you ready?"

"The sooner we finish, the sooner we get home."

"Alright then. Initiate gravity link."

Upon his command four blue lights flared to life. Two shone straight back at the Sankakue which were linking straight back to Lakfakalae. Two others flashed off to the side on two other prongs of the jump gate which would keep the Sord in the same relative position with the jump gate.

"What's the status of our gravity wells?"

"Operating at peek efficieny Admiral. We have confirmation from the capitol that there is a steady feed. These two gates aren't going anywhere."

The Abriel let out a sigh of relief. "Well it looks like we are half way there. Alright, open the gate."

Four tiny lights at the very tip of each section of the gate lit up. They proceed all the way to the back of the structure until they converged into one strong light and then collapsed. The white light was replaced with a blue vortex that lead into Hyperspace. "What are your readings?"

"Jump gate seems to be operating normally and the jump point is stable. It is a safe jump gate."

A flood of relief washed over the old Abh as he embraced Kenesh in a warm hug. The gesture was unusual for the man and there was an audible silence on the ship while Kenesh stood there numb with shock.

Dusanyu released her though and moved to the rail to look down at his crew. "Well done all! You have all done a commendable job. This mission has been long and tedious but you have all held true to our cause and are to be rewarded for such deligence. A week long celebration will take place in the Capitol's great dinning hall for all crew of this exploration fleet. It will have been seven months since we have last seen or glorious capitol and I am sure many of you are anxious to return to it."

He looked back at Kenesh then returned to his crew and the fleet. "Let's go home."

The Abh exploration fleet that had spent seven months in space aquiring a new system and mapping out new Sord Raze sources, fell into formation with the Sankakue at point and penetrated the galactic gate. They were heading home.