NationStates Jolt Archive

*Two weeks after the Treaty*

"Peaceful isn't it."

"Fifteenth time."

"*groan* What of it XO?"

The seventh of nineteen star systems in the Milky Way Core Galaxy being explored, amongst tens of thousands of similar missions the Republic Sphere StarFleet has increased upon, to further the contact missions ever since the Return from Intracellic Space for the Ascendancy Sphere.

This two Treeship flotilla of gleaming white and light blue and earthy green, haolic white aura vessels of the might of the Ascendancy's power to use it's tools or war for peaceful endeavors, orbits over a barely Prehistoric M-Class world, with a green haze ecosystem too alien for supporting advanced life due to simple biological compatibility.

The Horshan and Ornestia Treeships float along with little severe concerns, other than a course coordinate to choose.

Lady Rei was remarking essentially to this state, when Lord Changu chided her in his own way, each commanding a vessel, but the former of the Ornestia, commanding, and the latter of the Horshan the executive officer of the expedition. The cruise was as much relaxation, as it was attempting to find new friends, and maybe some old ones.

"Any reports from nearby Comm-Orbs of any technological activity as of late?" Rei simply asked.

"Nay, the screens are clear commander."

"Rei."

Changu bit his lip, trying to keep formality. Their closeness was too close their his own comfort. "Yes commander." Rei groans back across the Link.

The two vessels continue on, their gleaming swan carved shapes of uniqueness each swimming through the opal sky with ease. Only the plain lunar world orbiting GSE.139/III, -A by designation here, glowed brighter from sunlight reflection here.

*After three hours*

"Nothing here milady." ..an Angel God aide informs of automated reports from sensor drones coming back from all across the GSE.13-XII Star System, which were being docked in both vessels and downloading sensor data shortly after into the isolenear computer cores.

Lady Rei nods. "Prepare to Fold to GSE.14-LVI in ten minutes."

She then turns her eye to the holoscreen of her 'brotherly' Treeship commander. "Planning on avoiding eye contact there?"

Changu flinches with his back turned. She just giggles.

Meanwhile, the two vessels begin to move off from the planet below and into a more gravity nulled location for the jump.

Ship's Log, C.S.S. Discovery / Captain John Archo
Stardate 3899.5:
We are on route to system J-766 in search of new planets to colonize. The ship has preformed flawlessly since launch.

"Approaching the system, captain," the helmsman reported. "Drop out of warp," ordered Archo. "Scan for M-class planets." "Captain! Sensors show two unknown ships in the system!," shouted the science officer. "Full scan!" ordered Archo. "Open a channelto the aliens."

"This is Captain John Archo, of the Terren starship C.S.S. Discovery. We are on a mission of peaceful exploration. Please respond.

((OC- Kewl. =^^= ))

--

Lady Rei was thinking on how to later 'annoy' Lord Changu on their off duty hours, when Sensor-Tech Section suddenly yells out.... "Contact coming out warp rended subspace format, Level Four measurement!"

Rei all but shot out of her chair, just as Comms a moment later informs. "Signal Contact of hail origin!"

"On screen." ..she orders. Lord Changu on the Horshan reacts in their private holoscreen with a look to his own external holoscreen connection.

"This is Captain John Archo, of the Terren starship C.S.S. Discovery. We are on a mission of peaceful exploration. Please respond."

Lady Rei smiles. "Wonders never cease. Open channel, no scramble."

Comms signals the open link, and she replies with her image on their screens, one of a beautiful chinese apparent human, with light-blue eyes and long opal black hair. A Chinese-Japanese hybrid kimono of royal make, black and green in color pattern adorns her. She does not hide her natural beauty, (very, nothing is enhanced, even by the Hikari Power,) as she addresses the captain of this Discovery.

":: ~ Greetings from the infinite Void and worlds beyond. Lady Rei Tenkawa of the same BloodHouse lineage commanding the 304th/103,772nd Hikari fleet Detatchment, on exploration duties from the Archonis Supercluster.

The Gaian Ascendancy Sphere Republic and Empire is our hail, home of call, and on a missin exactly the same as yours, possibly save one. Our seek of this world was observation, not claiming. Many enough we have, and give no quarrel of a clam if you seek it.

We are here, along with thousands of our bretherin TreeHikar, on peace errand along, to increase our knowledge of the universe, in all aspects, including making new of friends, whether new or old.

I give you greetings in the name of my Lord Excellency of my pleasure to meet you here and now. ~ ::"

Across the private link, Changu feels a pang of the impressed.

The edge of the system grew ravenous and cold, as the aperture opened and the crackling vessels of the Imperium slid forth; though in truth it was one vessel; a hulking, smoking thing; a monstrous aberration of ship-building. It was as though a scrap-heap had become animate and taken to the stars. This was a Chronosian junker. Amongst the dead fleets loyal to Nurgle and Pyaray, there were many who scavenged the dead; and this was one of the grander affairs. It was named Starwrecka and other vessels floated behind it; held by chains, long dead; skeleton crewed and dormant; waiting in carrion slumber.

"Junkmasta! Junkmasta!" The abomination leapt on sinewy bionic legs; it's mightt steel fists slamming into the deck as it landed before a throne of rusted, twisted metal; bodies impaled upon the gleaming ends; as the great Junkmaster lounged upon his throne; mighty powerclaws hissing and seething with raw power; bionic eyes gleaming in his skull; not two; but at least 6. He grinned, a shrapnel smile cast upon his servant.

"What is it, wretch?"

"We's in the da new system...Whats we gotta do? Whats we gotta do?"

"As the Emperor instructs; survey; and if we find anything of use, well, we initiate the Device."

"Yeah, Yeah..Device...gots it...."

"Chaos rules the starwinds, little servant; the tides must turn, the Balance must shudder and shift. If we do not begin the change; then who will? If we do not serve our capricious lords...What hope is there for this galaxy? Trapped forever in a singular form; guided and chained by the White Lords of Law? That shall never come to pass; infinite possibility; endless change! That is our goal!"

Sensors picked this new disturbance up easily, having to discern it from an Infernal event horizon being a priority system function from the War, as it all was.

"Chronosian signal architechture. Pretty fractal in overall signal type to gain an effective fix, other than overall confirmation."

The Sensor Section of the Horshan detected first, the Ornestia split seconds after, they only waited for any incoming signal, rather than disturb presence as if a chatty folk looking for heads to talk to.

"Activate the reactors; remove core containment...Let's give 'em a little more confusion" The Junkmaster grinned his wicked grin, teeth jagged and uneven; gesturing to his servitors.

The other ships began to power up; sputtering and belching thick black smoke; engines thrummed and purred and bellowed; emerging into glorious unlife; blazing with a furious, radioactive intensity...

"Now boys; what we got?"

"Ships; can't really make 'em out; look to be them Ascended thingies..."

"Didn't Lucian meet 'em once?"

"Shut up!" The Junkmaster bellowed, running a hand across his bald scalp, half of it a gleaming sheet of steel; whirring with the workings of certain bionic portions of his cerebrum. "Open up the comms; let's see what they're doing here."

You're a long way from home, Ascendant ones. If you follow the rule of Law, perhaps you'd be best to return there. We serve the Lord Remiel; his will is that Chaos work it's will upon this system. We shall not interfere with your affairs so long as you don't interfere with our mandate; our survey. We 'ave an understanding, I take it?

The Intelligence slinking around the Imperial ships processed the equivalent of a smile. It had been a long period since the Concordiat's Machine-Nation had been awaken. There was no apparent reason why Unit 2259 XLR had been activated, but activated it was, and so it monitored the situation.

Unit 2259 summoned a small cylindrical probe in the Outside, and it appeared in-system, small but not invisible, monitoring. Its smaller sentience was slaved to Unit 2259; he could monitor the entire 30 meter probe.

~ The Terren Discovery off port-bow, some 1.2 million kilometers off.

~ The chaotic vessel that defies complete sensor sweeps, 2.47 million kilometers off 165 degrees aft section.

~ And now an intermittent datalink echo being bounced from particle sensors off nearby Comm-Orbs, the source not known as yet.

Lady Rei smirks. "We have a tea party." ..she turns to the chaos lords and replies/asks simply. ":: Distance to us is a state of mind. Nothing more, and all far less than expected.

Tell us, is it that if we leave this system to your will, that not the next one we enter, will not then be a token same if you decide to follow us? Chaos we know dead in the eye to be less than trustworthy. Still, we have no official recourse here, so in as long there is no futher outside this system, since we two are not the only civilizations seeking to expand and further ideals.

In other words, make not a habit of too much chaos, since the Balance is a living entity all it's own. If we are in agreement, we will depart to our next exploration aspect. ::"

She waits patiently for a response. (Inside her emotions however, she feels herself sweating some. She not foolish of ignoring the obvious.)

"This is Captain Archon. Unless anyone in the system objects, I am going to send survey teams down to find an acceptable place for a new colony. Archon out."

"Helm," Captain Archon ordered, "Take us into orbit. Survey teams: prepare to beam down." The Discovery slowly moved into orbit above the planet.

The Junkmaster laughs loudly and brazenly across the communications, slamming a claw into the side of his throne as he rises, steadily; proudly, eyes gleaming with what bionics can convey as sly cunning. He begins to speak; and his voice echoes across the void; he does not feel fear; nor does he hesitate in this confrontation.

Balance you say? And in this do you serve the Balance? Do you serve Law? Would you see us bound by rules and restrictions? Chained into one path; one vision? One singular ideal? Law is weak because it refuses to acknowledge possibility; Chaos is flawed because each form is sampled to shortly; change is continuous; but I would rather experience each and every state; to be fire, water, air and earth; to be flesh, to be energy; to encompass all things or be part of a grander whole; than to simply dwell upon one path. My victims each thought themselves grander than Chaos; now, they are trophies. Tell us who you serve...tell us, what you believe.

Lady Rei was forced to turn back attention to the Terren vessel when it responsed. She looked at Changu warily after. "I don't like this."

"No argument there." He responds over Link.

This new honking pearl white ship was to be commissioned as the second flagship of the Symphonic Fleet as soon as it had finished passing through its testing phases and practice runs. It had already gone through its break in phase which is done to all ships of the Empire as soon as they are built. Now the ship was fully crewed and fully armed making its way through space to conduct tests safely. At least not to endanger any Abh citizens.

A single red marking on the front of the vessel gave the ship its name. The marking was in Abh and thus the ship was dubbed the Silver Noah. It was the latest of the D'Haran shipyards and the crew was hand picked by the commander. His Chief of Staff was his wife Kukuru. The pilot was Changala who was interesting sort of man. His second and third in command were Toshu and Gogen. There were other members of his band as well aboard the ship but they were mostly there because they had always followed this man. Commander Arc rested back with his eyes closed as soft music from a harp drifted through the command room.

"Thank you Pocco. I don't know what we would do if we did not have your music to accompany us on this long voyage. We can't even travel entirely through Hyperspace which would speed this process up tremendously."

The old man Gogen sat nearby but still remained leaning heavily on a staff. "Ah the imaptience of youth. You should enjoy the fact that you have gotten the oppurtunity for peace and quiet. You should spend time contemplating why you have decided to join the Abh in their quest."

"You've been saying a lot about what he should do. Why don't you just relax old man." Toshu crossed his arms as he grunted.

Arc finally opened his eyes and looked at them all. "We do what we must for the good of the people. If that means we must serve in times of war, then so be it. How much longer until we come out of Hyperspace Inga?"

"Preparing to come out now Arc."

Arc reached over to clasp his wife's hand. She had belonged to a low noted Abh house which has risen since her joining with Arc and aboard the Silver Noah. "Bring us out of Hyperspace so we may gaze at the stars again. It will be nice to see something more interesting than this dismal dimension."

Hyperspace jump point opening...

The Junkmaster laughs loudly and brazenly across the communications, slamming a claw into the side of his throne as he rises, steadily; proudly, eyes gleaming with what bionics can convey as sly cunning. He begins to speak; and his voice echoes across the void; he does not feel fear; nor does he hesitate in this confrontation.

Balance you say? And in this do you serve the Balance? Do you serve Law? Would you see us bound by rules and restrictions? Chained into one path; one vision? One singular ideal? Law is weak because it refuses to acknowledge possibility; Chaos is flawed because each form is sampled to shortly; change is continuous; but I would rather experience each and every state; to be fire, water, air and earth; to be flesh, to be energy; to encompass all things or be part of a grander whole; than to simply dwell upon one path. My victims each thought themselves grander than Chaos; now, they are trophies. Tell us who you serve...tell us, what you believe.


...and she turns attention back to the chaotic ones. Rei sighs, not the type to be too flowery in speeches.

It is not her voice that returns a reply. "We do not serve. We ally." ...as she hears Changu speak to the junkmaster instead.

"We are no the betters. We are the pathmakers. It's better to learn from all paths made, both ourselves, as well as others made, than to follow only the same roads others traverse, not even making new ones either.

We ally with the Balance, acknowledging both Law and Chaos, Good and Evil, and the Greater All in between every pore and possibility, because to ignore any aspect, is to become weakened against it. We are great powers of light, because we like being that way. The Light can cast shadows all it's own as well. Even in Heaven's very grounds I have seen Light's shadows, when great Angel armies descend on helpless Devil towns that are not connected to the armies lording over them, with just as much terror as Demons do to innocent villagers on the Angelic side.

Tell me something we don't know, and we'll learn. We'll learn because we are here to do just that. Think we're above that is weaker than Law and Chaos combined, by your tongue.

We can't rule your passions and actions. We however 'can' ensure that those passions and actions don't destroy for others, the same they seek. The line between want, and greed is the line we mention in any warning. We serve to prevent greeds that destroy for no just cause of actual truth.

Find flaws in us, as we can for you. The result will be the same. We decide to follow what we are, and damn the consequences, for the sake of those that deserve better. In this, we ally as much as possible, to strengthen ties, rather than fall a step behind, or pace one further, from the side of a chosen ally."

Changu took a sigh. "If you want your answer, it's in there. Nonetheless, another representative of another civilization places intrest here. Please consider them in any action you take."

Lady Rei stops herself from wanting Changu's child for the moment, and focuses on the problem at hand. She adds.. "By the way, how many dimensions have you traversed before this one, good chaos lord?"

This new honking pearl white ship was to be commissioned as the second flagship of the Symphonic Fleet as soon as it had finished passing through its testing phases and practice runs. It had already gone through its break in phase which is done to all ships of the Empire as soon as they are built. Now the ship was fully crewed and fully armed making its way through space to conduct tests safely. At least not to endanger any Abh citizens.

A single red marking on the front of the vessel gave the ship its name. The marking was in Abh and thus the ship was dubbed the Silver Noah. It was the latest of the D'Haran shipyards and the crew was hand picked by the commander. His Chief of Staff was his wife Kukuru. The pilot was Changala who was interesting sort of man. His second and third in command were Toshu and Gogen. There were other members of his band as well aboard the ship but they were mostly there because they had always followed this man. Commander Arc rested back with his eyes closed as soft music from a harp drifted through the command room.

"Thank you Pocco. I don't know what we would do if we did not have your music to accompany us on this long voyage. We can't even travel entirely through Hyperspace which would speed this process up tremendously."

The old man Gogen sat nearby but still remained leaning heavily on a staff. "Ah the imaptience of youth. You should enjoy the fact that you have gotten the oppurtunity for peace and quiet. You should spend time contemplating why you have decided to join the Abh in their quest."

"You've been saying a lot about what he should do. Why don't you just relax old man." Toshu crossed his arms as he grunted.

Arc finally opened his eyes and looked at them all. "We do what we must for the good of the people. If that means we must serve in times of war, then so be it. How much longer until we come out of Hyperspace Inga?"

"Preparing to come out now Arc."

Arc reached over to clasp his wife's hand. She had belonged to a low noted Abh house which has risen since her joining with Arc and aboard the Silver Noah. "Bring us out of Hyperspace so we may gaze at the stars again. It will be nice to see something more interesting than this dismal dimension."

Hyperspace jump point opening...

Three Comm-Orbs triangulate a new jump particle signal, and send the information to all nearby vessels, including the Horshan and Ornestia.

The art of near-instantaneous signal processing was old hat to the Gaians now.

I am not one to touch dimensions; I am a slave to the Scion; the chosen Champion of Entropy! He who has endured life, death and the warp and returned to lead us to a new era of grace. He has spoken with the truer lords of Chaos; Slaanesh, Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch? They mean little in the grander tapestry of reality. Remiel finds a place for them, and for all things. But Elder races; self-proclaimed as Ascendant and glorious? Those who walk the planes...They require his attentions. Nothing must interfere with the design; for it is fluid; it is pernicious; it is a scheme worthy of Chaos itself!

You set yourselves above the Balance; this is interesting...You seem reasonable in your approximation; yet would you...I wonder...Would you interfere should the Balance shift? If Law or Chaos should become dominant upon this plane?

Lady Rei smirks back at the chaos lord.

"Have you heard not the Eternal War? Above the Balance was not our words, as alliance means being along side it.

Such a war is a fundamental war of even morals itself, since killing a demon means killing all it stands for, one that feeds off all that makes it's essence possible. Doing the same to an angel means doing the same to all that makes an angelic essence exist.

We already 'have' stood at the cusp of standing in the way of said forces. We meddle after all.

Are you saying we may have to do so again?" ..she puts in a 'level' tone.

"Captain," said the science officer. "The survey teams have beamed down and are collecting data." "Excellent," replied Captain Archo. "Communications, contact our scoutship. Have them meet us here to begin detailed scans." "Aye, aye sir," the lieutenant at the comm replied.

I am saying it wise to take sides; never to stand between. Do you presume to know the future? The rages of the Balance even unto the end of time? No being can; not even the eldest of races can see all ends; we can merely scry; determine paths and take them...Our Master sets us to follow a path most ruinous; that will change everything, for good or ill. Blessed is he; Remiel Thrice-Damned, Remiel Oath-Breaker, Remiel kins-bane; he who usurped his dark Father, that he might lead us to our truest end

Rei blinks. "So you say no one can know all ends of future. But you then say you can make that end anyway, determining the end you say can't be seen.

Very well. Do ye then know what you will do, after you apparently have destroyed everything. Do mean to say, that you will fail to exist in that Great Null, to realize what you have created?

Well, I bid thee well then to a fate you will not live to survive in. We, our own, prefer to enjoy the one law we cherish. Life.

If chaos was meant to rule so completely in the first place, then chaos and law would 'never' have agreed to create all reality in the first place. It, along with other great forces of course, all combined to create the flaw that is Existence."

Rei asks plainly. "Would your own thoughts, words, and even breath to speak them, be possible in a pure chaos? If you believe so, do attempt to try.

Even if you succeed, you will fail, for the living universe and existence will make it's own law afterwards.

Not even gods can stop this. Being in the presence of them attests that all is a flaw, and all creates something else afterwards that can't make sense to anyone that sees only what they see."

Rei turns around. "We're done here. Prepare to fold to the next coordinates. We didn't come for orations alone."

Changu calls over however. "So we mean to abandon this system?"

Rei replies back over Link... "It's not ours, and morals this time say that chaos is not to be interfered with.

The next time however is another matter. Republic Command will be notified."

At that, the Gaians end their part of the transmission. They are not here for a battle.

And it is not a battle that they sought; nay, instead they seek possibility; limitless options. Not because they choose to; but because they can. An order is given, as silently and implacably as the void that orbs them; a chain of events is set in motion; a choice is made.

The vessel moves closer to the world; this ripe world; still forming; still growing, not yet aware; not yet perfect. It is wracked by Chaos even as law tries to impose itself. For a moment the Junker simply watches, and then the Junkmaster sits; regarding the world with his whirring mind of wheels and metal.

"Perhaps it should begin here..."

Rei however, before departing, makes 'one' order to the chaos lord.

"Allow the Terren vessel and crew to depart without incident, or we'll turn back and ensure that criteria is met by any means necessary. Forget them we have not.

Comply please." ..she puts in an obvious warning tone. That choice was clear already.

"Captain. Message from the scoutship Truex. They have a problem in the warp drive and will be delayed." "Understood," said Captain Archo. "Continue scans of the planet. And get me a report from the survey teams."

The 304th/103,772nd Hikari Fleet Detatchment by now had informed Fleet Command, and Grand Admiral Yurika Tenkawa responds by putting the 18,332nd/1,949,883rd Facet Fleet on alert, mainly ten major warships of the Assault Vanguard, hardcore veterans of the Eternal War.

These vangards of the law's aspects, were well able of chaos for meeting objectives as well. It didn't look it, from seeing the Angelic type formatted Warships, and Angelic ally Cathedral Ships.

All of this however as precautionary. Safer than sorry if needed.

Meanwhile, Lady Rei orders messages to the Discovery to depart the system within two to three hours. This planet wasn't worth a war.

"Captain," said the comm officer. "We're recieving messages from the alien ship. They want us to depart the system within three hours." "Very well," replies Captain Archo. "Beam up the survey teams. Helm, prepare to leave orbit and plot a course to intercept the Truex. Communications, contact the Truex. Tell them that we will meet them instead. But first, open a channel to the alien ship." "Aye, sir. You're on Captain."

"This is Captain Archo of the Discovery. In order to prevent any hostilities, I am complying with your order. As soon as our survey teams are beamed aboard we will depart the system. Please contact me with any other concerns. Archo out."

Lady Rei however didn't want this to end empty handed for anyone. The chaos lords would get a system, the Gaians would avoid war (enough reward for them,) and for the Terren cause.

..after getting the return comms, she informs Comms to return a suprise message.

"Inform the Discovery to head to Sector 218.446, GSE.328.11 Star System. Three Parsecs distant in a nebula cloud zone.

One bare marginal M-Type class world and six other worlds of various types that might meet their approval. They'll need terraforming work, but should prove useful.

Inform they can meet us there, we'll head there before continuing on."

Comms complies easily enough. The vast stellar cartography archives of the Ascendancy Networks was proving useful here.

"Captain, new message from the alien. They are sending coordinates of a possible M-class planet for us to colonize." "Very well," replied Archo. "Send them a message of thanks. We'll meet up with the Truex first and assist them with repairs. Then both ships will head to the M-class planet." He sat back in his chair, deep in thought. Turning to the communications officer he said, "and send an update of our mission to Command. Inform them of the change in plans. "

The Gaians quickly departed, taking mere seconds to traverse the distance to GSE.328.11. There they simply waited, taking system readings and other plain data.

Not terribly exciting, but still something to do.

Slipping out from Quantum Slipstream, half-way across the star system from the Gaian ships, a Ha Dum Scout Fleet emerged. The second Scout Fleet to be dispatched to the Milky Way Galaxy.

Battlecruiser - Bridge

We are not alone.

Should we hail them.

Let the Thrall know.

<I already do.>

Acknowledged, Creator.

<Hail them. The ships intrigue me.>

By your command, Creator.

Messages

Transmitted to the Gaian ships:

This is the Garden Flame of Ha Dum. Our Thrall wishes to speak with you.

OOC: Notes:
1.) A Ha Dum Scout Fleet is composed of one central Ozymandias class (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10400421&postcount=2) battlecruiser and ten Scouts (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10400437&postcount=6).
2.) Due to the unique energy absorbtion properties of the Photonium I use in construction, my ships don't appear on passive sensors at all and only appear as a void the size and shape of the ship on active sensors.

Things were getting interesting. More ships were required. A summons went out, and several ships responded. Several more were on standby, and the rest were, if one will, asleep.

The call awakened them. Machine-Spirits sparked abruptly into life, and the Sentiences began running their ancient processors again.

Four units, 2256-2260, appeared in-space from the Outside around the chaotically tinted planet.

Four space battlers, small ships similar in function to modern destroyers, rotated in space, awaiting orders from their Chronosian allies, whilst their malignant intelligences withheld their Prime Code evolutionary trait. They were to destroy all whom could be destroyed. Their logic restrained this Code, but if it were to be unleashed, then those who were the Concordiat's enemies would feel the onslaught of a berzerking machine, followed by a period of sheer rational logic when the others assumed their assigned states.

It was caused, of course, by the influences of a long-dead Discord.

The Silver Noah glided out of Hyperspace into the darkness of space once again. This system was supposedly where they were to begin testing operations on the ship. As fate would have it, there was already a ship in the system. The Chronosian junker lurked around the planet ever omnipresent.

Toshu raised an eyebrow when the ship came on screen. "What the heck is that thing?"

Kukuru stared at it for a moment trying to recollect something she had once studied. "Arc, I believe it is a Chronosian vessel."

"Whoever it is, I have no desire to conduct tests near any population for risk of causing unwanted harm. Inga, how long until we can jump again?"

"We've put a lot of strain on them just getting to our destination. We've pushed them to the limits just getting here so I would recommend waiting a few moments."

Arc sighed and leaned back. "Very well. Inform the crew that they may stand down from their posts and get some rest. Changala, keep your distance from the Chronosian vessel, I don't want to appear agressive. We can sit here an monitor the system. Better yet, have all fighter crews report to the bays. We can test out the docking system while the pilots practice attack runs. Make sure they launch well away from the other vessel."

Fighter bay doors opened and about fifty Star Cutters poured out into space. Systems were working smoothly and pilots were free to stretch their wings and have practice runs at each other.

This is the Garden Flame of Ha Dum. Our Thrall wishes to speak with you.

Lady Rei, considering her choices again how to get 'at' Changu, is suprised again by the appearance of another vessel, that isn't the Terren ones being expected.

"Here we go again." She comments to herself, and has channels opened.

":: This is Lady Rei commanding the 304th/103,772nd Hikari Fleet Detatchment, on exploration taskings. Our channels stand open, unless you wish personal contact protocols. ::"

Messages

In response to the Gaian message:

The Thrall wishes to speak with you. Over comms, or face-to-face, that is your decision to make.

Rei replies.. ":: Comms will do for the moment. Whenever you are ready. ::"

A real-time audio/video comm channel was activated. The Shadow Thrall (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y160/DragoonKVess/Character%20Pics/shadow.jpg) in charge of this particular Ha Dum Scout Fleet was waiting for the Gaians to connect to the other end of the line, so to speak.

A wave of a hand from Lady rei does likewise on their end. The image that forms on the Gaian side of the holoscreen makes the two commanders reflexively cringe a bit, but also makes Lady Rei somewhat impressed.

"Noble and handsome in a shadowy way. Interesting."

<Who are you?> asks the Shadow Thrall through its telepathic voice as it looked at the Gaians with its six red-orange eyes <Not your name, that is already known, but the name of origin.>

((OC- Sorry, nature called with a bullhorn, if you catch my drift. =--=;; ))

--

Lady Rei cocked her light blue eyes with slight confusion. She guessed an answer that was appropriate.

"The origin of my vessel is of the Gaian Ascendancy Sphere Republic and Empire, Empire of Light, Guardianship over the Archonis Supercluster, quasi-ascended allies of the Intracellic Heavens, Sphere Parent of the Confederacy Alliance of Free Worlds.

That a good start, honored ones?"

<Its a start.> was the reply.

The Thrall cocked its head to the left a little.

<Interesting ship design.>

"Our Treeships are as much living works of art, as it is a ship of war. I can imagine your own vessels before our eyes are just as unique in make and philosophy." Lady Rei returns with a compliment, added with next to change subject.

"Can I ask your purpose in this system? We are exploring for it's own sake, of our part."

<This Scout Fleet just arrived in this galaxy. We have returned to this galaxy to see how far the chaotic influence of the Others has spread. This is only the second Scout Fleet to enter this galaxy.> replied the Thrall.

OOC: Curtesy bump.

"Captain!" shouted the communications officer. "We're recieving a Priority One message from Command!" "Well what does it say," asked Archo. "We've been recalled back to Terra," replied the lieutenant, "Maximum warp. Also, a tug has been dispatched to retrieve the Truex." "Send a message to the alien that we were going to meet," ordered Archo. "Tell them that we must cancel our appointment as we have been recalled back home." To the helmsman he said, "Set a course for home, ensign. Maximum warp."

Time had slipped by seemingly uneventful as the fighters returned back to the docking bays after a good few rounds of dog fighting.

"Arc the fighters have returned and the jump engines seem to be returning well rested. Should we jump?"

Pocco's soft melodies continued to drift throughout the cabin as everyone was silent for a moment just enjoying the relaxing feel as they were all transported home for a moment. Arc's soft voice finally woke them from their dreams. "Inga, find us quiet place where we can test the sub-light engines. Hopefully this time we will not run into another vessel."

"Sure thing Arc. It should only take a moment."

Arc nodded and looked at the Chronosian vessel still drifting near the planet. "We leave you in peace. Jump engines, jump."

A rift was torn into the fabric of space and the Silver Noah drifted back into Hyperspace where it would move on to a different part of space.

<This Scout Fleet just arrived in this galaxy. We have returned to this galaxy to see how far the chaotic influence of the Others has spread. This is only the second Scout Fleet to enter this galaxy.> replied the Thrall.

Lord Changu replied next over Comm.. "Please explain what the 'Others' are. And is your purpose to ally or to scout them?"

Lord Changu replied next over Comm.. "Please explain what the 'Others' are. And is your purpose to ally or to scout them?"

<The Others are the originals. The Shadows of Z'Ha'Dum, the ancestral home that we, the Shadows of Ha Dum, were driven from as we did not choose to view ourselves as Gods.>

The Silver Noah was soon ripping another tear in the fabric of space. The sleak pearl-like ship glided gracefully out. Unfortunatly for the crew they found themselves amidst another's pressence but this time there were more.

"It doesn't seem like this is our day Arc."

Arc and Kukuru smiled at each other. "It's alright Changala. Do we know who they are this time?"

Changala peered down at the miniature holo display. "One appears to be of Gaian design. The others appear to be of Shadow design."

Everyone was silent for a moment while Arc sat there contemplating the news. "A Battlecrab?"

"No it's a different design but it possesses the same technology. Should I open fire?"

"No. Let's see what this little meeting is about. Bring us in slowly Changala."

"Right away Arc."

The Silver Noah drifted towards the little gathering on inertia navigation.

Lady Rei blinks. "Are you saying then, that there are these Originals already present in this galaxy?" ..she asks with a tone, wondering what Pandora's Box from the storehouse of universal chaos is about to be opened this time.

The Silver Noah was soon ripping another tear in the fabric of space. The sleak pearl-like ship glided gracefully out. Unfortunatly for the crew they found themselves amidst another's pressence but this time there were more.

"It doesn't seem like this is our day Arc."

Arc and Kukuru smiled at each other. "It's alright Changala. Do we know who they are this time?"

Changala peered down at the miniature holo display. "One appears to be of Gaian design. The others appear to be of Shadow design."

Everyone was silent for a moment while Arc sat there contemplating the news. "A Battlecrab?"

"No it's a different design but it possesses the same technology. Should I open fire?"

"No. Let's see what this little meeting is about. Bring us in slowly Changala."

"Right away Arc."

The Silver Noah drifted towards the little gathering on inertia navigation.

Sensors from the two Hikari Treeships pick up the large echo, resolution of an Abh type starship. Lady Rei looks back and comments.. "I think we're being followed everywhere we go today."

Lady Rei blinks. "Are you saying then, that there are these Originals already present in this galaxy?" ..she asks with a tone, wondering what Pandora's Box from the storehouse of universal chaos is about to be opened this time.

<Affirmitive. The Shadows of Z'Ha'Dum view themselves as Gods whose sole purpose is to plunge the universe into pure anarcy. Every thousand years they awake from their slumber and came forth to try again. Every time, the balance of Nature made sure their Opposites stopped them. The Others and their Opposites keep each other in Balance.>

The Silver Noah (http://www.gaming-media.com/rpg/atlc/Images/arc-collcetion-ss01.jpg) stopped abruptly from the group. A holographic image of the captain was projected at the Gaian ship. A picture of Arc (http://we-love-anime.com/Gallery/Anime_Images/gal/Arc%20the%20Lad/Arc%20the%20Lad01068.jpg) flashed up.

"Greetings from the Abh Empire. I am Arc and commander of the Silver Noah that you see before you. I believe whatever we may have interests in whatever meeting is going on between you and the Shadows. I would like permission to come aboard and speak with you all."

The transmisssion ended and Arc sat back in the chair. Toshu looked over at him. "You want some company on this one?"

He smiled and shook his head. "Thank you Toshu but I will be fine. The spirits are with me so there is no need to worry."

Battlecruiser - Bridge

Another set of signals has appeared.

Anyone we know?

No. Signals match nothing from any known nation.

Have one of the Scouts keep an eye on them.

Should we inform the Thrall?

No. Let's not interrupt the Thrall's conversation.

Understood.

Exterior

One of the ten Scouts that was floating around the battlecruiser slipped out of position. It then banked towards the Abh, but came to a stop one-hundred kilometers away and took no farther actions.

OOC: @Abh: The Photonium my ships are made of has the ability to absorb mutliple types of energy (hull/armor combined), thus they are invisible on passive sensors and only show up as voids the size and shape of the craft in question on active sensors. Best way to spot one is visually (ie, through a window).

OOC: The ship has plenty of windows and after fighting with the Shadows for some time, the Abh have been able develop a little bit more sophisticated sensors combined with anti-cloak detection. Obviously not all ships have this good of systems but flagships will.

OOC: The ship has plenty of windows and after fighting with the Shadows for some time, the Abh have been able develop a little bit more sophisticated sensors combined with anti-cloak detection. Obviously not all ships have this good of systems but flagships will.
OOC: Okay, cool. Just wanted to make sure you knew that little tidbit about the Photonium.

OOC: Yep read it in your first post about it.

IC:

Changala had been monitoring the surroundings since the message was broadcasted. What he saw coming at them wasn't promising. "Arc it seems we have one small craft bearing at us. There could be more though lurking about."

Arc looked at his wife Kukuru then back to Changala. "Are they attacking?"

"No. It just stopped. Do you want me to spread the EA field?"

He sat there weighing his options for this scenario. "No. It may provoke them. Our priority is to only test for comission not battle test."

Toshu leaned back with his arms crossed. "Don't you think this is a bit hostile?"

"It doesn't matter. We hold our position and wait for a response."

((OC- Sorry, had to go to the clinic today for possible stomach flu (and not the apendicitis I feared..) so bear with me and my really slow posts tonight. ))

--

Lady Rei however responded to the Ha Dum first. "You mean the Vorlons. I think we already know where this is going."

She then turns to the Abh transmission, and offers... "I will allow my vessel as the meeting ground for all parties. I suspect the discussion will be deeper than first anticipated.

Shuttle or teleportation will be fine. Our defensive screens will be lowered for this transport." She then turns to Changu. "Meet me in the Habitation Ring of my ship." ..Lord Changu nods and heads to his Treeship's teleporter station immediately.

<Correct. The Opposites of the Others are the Vorlons. They are known as the Opposites of the Others due to the differences in philosophies.>

Lady Rei, on her way to the Habitation Ring, with her Tree Key headband still tuned to the communication frequencies..

"We already met them, if briefly during the Eternal War. Please come over to my vessel to discuss further please." ..she put, worried more sensitive stuff might not be wise to discuss over unsecured channels.

<Co-ordinates for transporter? Or sould I come in a Corsair?>

Comms returns.. ":: Either is fine... ::" ...and gives coordiantes, if they choose the transporter method, for a location that seems to be in the middle of the Treeship. The same is given to the Abh as well.

<Acknowledged.>

The Thrall dissapears from the screen as the line goes dead. A few minutes later, the Thrall and a lone male Sernaix guard would transport to the designated co-ordinates and the battlecruiser then launched a Corsair for use on the return trip in case any guests wanted a tour. While the Thrall and the Sernaix were on the Gaian ship, the Corsair would drift five kilometers away.

*During that interm time...*

Lady Rei softly walked from the Treeship superstructure sections, into a marvel of the Ascendancy Sphere. The Ha Dum would see the same thing as soon as they arrived.

Entering the Habitation Ring, where instead of a standard Hikari Habitation Zone where a typical, yet immense, M-Class world type landscape many kilometers wide and large, such as an entire mountain valley in a Swiss valley, usually with a large lake of crystal blue, the norm on most Hikari vessels was upped one here.

The Habitation Ring was a microcosim small version on the outside, no bigger than the few kilometers of the vessel's size, was on the inside, thanks to subspace field technologies, was the size of an actual ringworld. It was a new concept to the Gaians, one being implemented more and more. Nonstandard subspace habitation zone types.

The ringworld zone was easily in size, an entire equatorial circuit, filled with far more M-Class world scenery than the typical Treeship. The expanded zones, powered by ever more powerful Hikari Tree Networks as Alcoves kept expanding. There was no apparent limit to how vast the Habitation Units could eventually get. Both Treeships present employed this new system.

The sky was a haze blue, with the starscape outside the vessel somewhat visible through the soft haze. Lady Rei deliberately chose this over a pure sky of blue or stars for a romantic effect. As Lord Changu arrives via a teleport beam of silver-blue, Rei comments cutely. "I finally got you to come back to my ship."

Changu cringes some. "Can we keep this visit short then?"

Rei slits her eyes at him. "Am I that distasteful?" ..he puts rather sultry. It leaves Changu sputtering for words as the Ha Dum arrive.

As the transporter energies release, the Ha Dum Thrall looks around.

<Impressive.>

Noting the two Gaians, the crab-like creature moves over to them. Though, it stopped one meter away so as to not alarm them. The male Sernaix (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/MistrissDraconia/Character%20Pics/sernaix.jpg) serving as escort followed along silently.

<Greetings.>

The two Gaians, alrezady veterans of the Eternal War, and seen the worst the Infernals could throw at the Angelics, were therefore rather hard to startle anyway.

Lady Rei nonetheless looks impressed at the Ha Dum masters and their Sernaix escort. She turns and curtsies respectfully. "Greetings shadow lords, and welcome to Ascendancy Sphere territory." Changu bows likewise. They have no guards anywhere near, nor are they needed.

They await their guest's responses.

<Not a Lord. Simple Thrall will do. The Others would call themselves Lords, we of Ha Dum do not. Note, my companion is a Sernaix, our child race.>

Changu comments to this.. "Humble shadow beings are ye not?"

Lady Rei adds.. "Forgive, we are bred from birth for ecclectic manners for all others.

Now, we were talking about the Originals and Others. Or Shadows and Volrlons as we know them. Our expereinces in the ascended state has been prolific in many ways for us."

<Those of Z'Ha'Dum are known as the Others to avoid confusion with those of Ha Dum. As we have not encountered the Vorlons in our travels, we only know to describe them as the Opposites of the Others.>

Lady Rei thinks to herself maybe the Foreign Advisory Section would be her next career choice. She nods to the Ha Dum and adds.. "In our experiences, limited as well, the Z`Ha`Dum and the Vorlons are as much incarnite force agents of the powers of Chaos and Law respectively, as the Infernals and Angelics were to incarnite core Evil and Good.

We only know of them some from contacts through the Elder Races that were connected to both of them. Beyond that, you are our first true contact with either race as it is."

<Understood. Perhaps you were wondering what precisely caused the split between the Shadows of Z'Ha'Dum and the Shadows of Ha Dum. I would be willing to explain as much as I can remember.>

Lady Rei nods. "Do please. We love history lessons."

<Too long ago to bother with the specifics, the Shadows of Z'Ha'Dum awoke to try to attempt plunging the galaxy into anarchy once more. However, that time was different. Some of the Thralls had grown tired of all this fighting. Due to the fact that most of the Others had by this point grown to view themselves as Gods, those of us, myself included, choose to leave Z'Ha'Dum and ventured beyond the Rim. Eventually, we came across a planet in another galaxy quite similar to Z'Ha'Dum that had no native life. It was similar enough that we choose it as our new home.>

<After the Thralls had set-up on the planet, now known as Sycorax, we created a child race, the Sernaix, to explore the galaxy that contained our new home. We created the Sernaix due to the fact we knew that very few out their would trust our kind due to the actions of those of Z'Ha'Dum. We also helped the Sernaix develop technology that would rival that of used by those of Z'Ha'Dum when we left in the eventual hope that, one day, we could reclaim our ancestral homeworld.>

<During our trip between Z'Ha'Dum and Sycorax, we grew from an entropic philosophy not that different from that of the Shadows of Z'Ha'Dum to one that was more understanding the Balance of Nature. While we may still manipulate younger races from time to time like the Others do. We don't do it as often or an such a short-term scale. We also make sure that anything we do is for the betterment of the race in question and maintains the Balance.>

The Sernaix standing behind and to one side of the Thrall scratched behind his left ear as he listened to the Thrall. The Thrall, due to having a telepathic voice, had no need to stop for breath.

<Any questions?>

Lady Rei smiles. "No real questions. Your race seems to have developed in a similar fashion we have, though we have had far far more ascendant help than the norm should allow."

Changu adds.. "Our journey has been very interesting, history wise. Not sure how much of it you want to hear."

<The highlights will do for now. As I am sure you noted, our two nations aren't the only one with represenative craft in local space.>

"Arc it seems the Gaians will allow you to join in this little interesting convention."

Kukuru hooked her arm around Arc's. "Let me go with you Arc."

Arc looked down at her and shook his head. "I want you to stay here in case anything should happen."

Her stare turns unrelenting. Arc finally sighes. "Alright you can come."

A small plain shuttle drops out of the hangar from the Silver Noah and moves toward the Tree ship. The Abh had never really aquired transporter methods for several reasons but mostly because they just didn't desire them. They were a patient race and taking time to travel through space was not a burden.

The shuttle stopped infront of the ship and sent out a video feed for communication. On board two people could be seen, Arc and Kukuru (http://we-love-anime.com/Gallery/Anime_Images/gal/Arc%20the%20Lad/Arc%20the%20Lad01017.jpg).

"Requesting permission to dock and meet with the Lord and Lady of this ship."

Gaian Comms replies to the Abh quickly.. ":: The welcome mat is open at the bottom of our vessel. The commanders and the Ha Dum guests have already begun discussions. ::" ..at that, a docking beacon based on Abh frequencies directs the shuttle to a quick docking procedure.

--

Lady Rei decided to reply in a different way to the 'highlights'. She opens her right palm flat horizontal, and open, mentally commanding her Tree to teleport to her a glowing white crystal holocron. She then offers it to the Ha Dum to inspect.

"Our history in the past century has been too prolific for mere highlights here. This holocron describes our history through the Three Ages of the Ascendancy.

As of recent, we just ended about a combined forty years of constant war between the Dark Eternal War, which actually is still technically on, but interrupted due to the receeding twenty years of the Eternal War, after we ascended to help assist in the Accordance with many other ascended civilizations throughout the Existence, to help the Angelic Forces fight the Infernal forces, the first part a fifteen year experience in the Angelic Realms and Planes, the latter five in this very Dimension and Universe as the Infernals linked with out mirror enemies from another Dimension, the Dark Ascendancy, who led a massed invasion of essentially the entire Infernal war machine upon our original realms.

The war only ended, temporarily at the moment, but still for seventy-five years to a whole century, after the Infernals and Angelics utterly exhausted themselves. Given their vastly infinite numbers, the word exhaustion has a far more tragic meaning. The Treaty ended all that for now, and for two weeks since then, we've been simply exploriing, but also..." ..Lady Rei looks around reactively to her next words.

"...we have a war plan in place to end the Dark Eternal War once and for all, with an invasion of three seperate Dark Eternal held Superclusters, with limited Angelic and Elder Power help, along side other Elder and Kinseth Races, to establish the lasting peace the Treaty promises.

Our goals are as lofty as our home Archonis Supercluster is in size. To learn of your own trails therefore is little more burden to us as is. Feel free to tell us more."

The holocron contains the whole, current history of the Ascendancy with little hidden. ((OC- http://www.freewebs.com/gaianknight/ascendancyhistory.htm ))

The two wait for the Ha Dum to inspect the device, finding it is quite flexible to different telepathic methods, depending on species type, as if it was a compatible device for communication protocols.

The Thrall makes a slight gesture and the Sernaix accepts the holo-crystal with a slight bow of thanks.

<Thanks are given. Forgive me for not taking it myself. As you can see, evolution has long since removed the manipulators required for such from my species.>

<If it is permissible to you, I would like to connect it to the Realm so the information can be Up-Loaded to the subspace network for everyone in Ha Dum to be able to access.>

The shuttle quickly docks in the bay. Arc and Kukuru exit the craft and make their way. Arc's armor glints in the aura while Kukuru's long flowing robe swish as she moves. The scenery of the ship gives them the warm comfort of their home as they make their way to the meeting location.

Lady Rei nods. "Of course."

Soon after, they see Arc and kukuru arrive, and the Gaians turn to them. "Greetings honored lord and lady." Lady Rei offers in greeting.

The thrall turns slightly to look at the new arrivals.

<Greetings.> it sent telepathically to the Abh.

The thought to draw his sword on the Thrall quickly flashed through his mind but quickly faded as Kukuru squeezed his arm. Kukuru curtly bowed. "Greetings to you all."

Arc's fist relaxed a bit. "Sorry to interrupt you so but we have some interests with the Shadows. Please continue."

The Thrall gave a mental sigh.

<Once more, another group that has encountered the Shadows of Z'Ha'Dum. They are really starting to give the rest of us a bad name.>

OOC: Curtesy bump.

OOC: Curtesy bump.

ooc: for the sake of conversation.

IC:
"There is good in all living beings. The only problem is that what certain beings feel is 'right' rarely is."

<True, in most cases. But when the beings in question now view themselves as Gods, I don't see how morals or ethics apply to them.>

((OC- Sorry, I've been having more problems with my abdomen as of late. Not fun. =--= ))

---

Lady Rei and Lord Changu gave their respective guests a quizzical look. Lady Rei offers, and infers.. "If you are both uncomfortable with each other, we can stop. No fighting will be allowed here, to ensure this much."

The Sernaix holding the holo-crystal spoke up for the first time.

"And I," he said stepping between the Abh and the Thrall, "will allow no harm to come to the Creator."

Changu decides on a different tact outright, and responds.. "...not going to. I'd rather eat. Anyone else hungry?"

Lady Rei shakes her head. "I have a walking stomach for a partner." To which Changu takes offense.. "Partner nothing milady."

"Wana bet." ..she slys back. Changu offers a direction towards a large mini-chatteou palace Tree, one with gilded sipdersilk webbing and no larger than a two story house.

The actual palace lies more off the left about a kilometer off, where the twenty story tall Tree lies.

<Come, Vakama.>

The Thrall turned to follow the Gaians.

"Coming, Creator," said the Sernaix with a bow as he fell into step behind the Thrall while keeping a hold on the Holo-crystal.

OOC: So where is this exploring being done?

OOC: So where is this exploring being done?
OOC: The Milky Way Galaxy, I assume.

ooc: I need to start getting on earlier. Oh and the only one that is an Abh is Kukuru. Arc is human.

Arc and Kukuru follwed the group holding hands. "Even the Shadows believe they are doing right by keeping the universe in constant turmoil. We intend to show them the wrong of their ways as they cannot control people's lives in this way. Destroying planets pains every spirit that gives us life and their screams can be heard by those attuned to it."

Arc looked over to the Sernaix then back to the Thrall. "You may want to keep your servant under better control."

Trying to lighten the mood a bit, Kukuru looked around at the tree ship. "Ah, it reminds me of home. The place is so beautiful."

The Thrall seemed to bristle at the 'servant' comment.

<He is not a 'servant' as you put it. The Shadows of Ha Dum view the Sernaix as they are, our children.>

<We long since split from those of Z'Ha'Dum in philosphy. Life is to be cherised. We guide species, preferrably without their knowledge, on the best path for them to develop into the most they can be.>

<You'll also have to excuse Vakama's agressiveness. In the current Sernaix species, the males have evolved to be the soldiers while the females are the thinkers. Best way I can describe it as I'm no scientist.>

Kukuru thumped Arc on the head as he responded by rubbing his head. Kukuru just smiled at the Thrall. "Yes I see what you mean about the males being the warriors and the women being the thinkers. It is not solely restricted to your people it would seem."

OOC: Any explorations near the galactic core?

<In the Sernaix's case, its a matter of genetics. It was an unexpected course of their evolution that led to the males developing physically while the females developed mentally instead. Usually, a female is as strong as an average human. Males, on the other hand, are many times that.>

OOC: Any explorations near the galactic core?
OOC: If you have F.T.L. tech, it doesn't have to be near the core. In fact, I'm not even in my home galaxy right now.

"The Spirits truly work in mysterious ways. Don't you agree Arc?"

Still rubbing his head. "Yes, they do." Arc let his hand fall to his side.

OOC: If you have F.T.L. tech, it doesn't have to be near the core. In fact, I'm not even in my home galaxy right now.

OOC: It needs to be if we are to notice it.

OOC: I'm sure you can find the emission signatures or something drifting your way. Be inventive. No one is going to cry GODMOD if you find out some extraordinary way.

"The Spirits truly work in mysterious ways. Don't you agree Arc?"

Still rubbing his head. "Yes, they do." Arc let his hand fall to his side.

The Thrall gave a mental shrug.

<I guess you could see it like that. In fact, the Alterans of SeaQuest are another race we coaxed along behind-the-scenes. We introduced them to the whole planetary life-force concept. Their current evolution of the concept is....interesting to say the least.>

OOC: I've been talking with SQ about the whole philosophy/religion thing. He's agreed to allow it to be that (even though his nation is older) my Thralls put his Alterans on the path that brought them to the current Gaia Theory they have as the national philosophy before the Sernaix were created.

"We have detected something. It appears to be a starcraft. We have yet to determine its methods of FTLT" said the Finder officer

"So it's not a way back to the core. Not unless we can use its FTL drive. Get us closer at our maximum attainable speed" replied the patrol craft captain

"We shall reach it in 5 minutes" announced the insership comm device.

OOC: @Nikedo: You refering to my 11 ships (one battlecruiser and ten Scouts (a standard Ha Dum Scout Fleet)), Gaia's two (I think its just two), or Abh's ship (I think its only one)?

OOC: @Nikedo: You refering to my 11 ships (one battlecruiser and ten Scouts (a standard Ha Dum Scout Fleet)), Gaia's two (I think its just two), or Abh's ship (I think its only one)?

OOC: I'll go with Abh's.

ooc: &Ha Dum about SQ- it's your guys' nation

IC:
Arc shrugged. "All beings are free to do as they please as long as it is beneficial to all."

OOC:@Abh: You can detect my craft. Unless there's another reason.

ooc: alright I didn't realize there was a ship in the system yet.

IC: The Silver Noah was sitting in space as a pearl of the deeps. Toshu had taken over the helm while Arc and Kukuru were away. Pocco was sitting back relaxing as the soft melodies of his harp washed through the ship. Chongala manned the Silver Noah keeping an eye on the Ha Dum vessel that was in close proximity.

Any other ship not quite like the shadows entering the system would have stood out like a large trumpet fair announcing their arrival. The basic sonar systems detected the entrance of the new arrival. "Toshu, there is a new ship in the area."

Toshu uncrossed his arms and opened his eyes. "Another one of those shadow things?"

"Nah, it appears to be made out of metal."

"Well go ahead an open up communication link with them."

A text message was sent to the Nikedo ship:
This is commander Toshu aboard the Silver Noah from the Abh Empire. You have entered a unique situation. Some have come in the idea of exploration while others have come for safe testing of ship systems. This area has now turned into a diplomatic meeting grounds. What are your intentions here?

"Sir, they appear to be attempting communications" anounced the Finder officer.

"Well, it appears we will not be able to tear it apart. Send a shuttle to investigate it. And scan it. I want to know the atmosphere and what the creatures are made out of. And wake a mentalist" ordered the captain.

The shuttlecraft launched from its bay, heading towards the Abh ship.

OOC: Just wanted to make it clear I wasn't godmodding.

IC: Exterior

The Scout that had been observing the Abh forces darted back into formation with the other Ha Dum ships.

Gaian Ship - Interior

<Unlike those of Z'Ha'Dum, the Thralls of Ha Dum try to uplift each species we encounter from how we encounter them to their ultimate potentional. However, as we do not actively interefear, many have choosen to destroy themselves. Thus is the grand design of Nature.>

ooc: sorry didn't mean to imply that you were godmodding. was just trying to help nikedo get into this.

"That is not the design of nature. We are all able to live peacefully if it is our desire but many choose to be consumed by their greed and lust for power. This is what destroys them."

Silver Noah:

"They aren't responding to the message."

Toshu grunted. "Well it seems that they don't appear to be talkative. Good, it gets boring if I have to try and act diplomatic."

Chongala's golden tooth glinted in the light as he grinned. "Well don't get too excited yet. They just launched a shuttle and it's heading this way."

Toshu hopped out of the chair with a bounce in his step. "Ah good. Open the shuttle bay doors. This should be interesting. Oh and don't send any guards, it won't be necessary."

"Right."

A side panel raised slid open to reveal a docking bay while holographic squares were projected to show the flight path to land in the dock.

ooc: sorry didn't mean to imply that you were godmodding. was just trying to help nikedo get into this.

"That is not the design of nature. We are all able to live peacefully if it is our desire but many choose to be consumed by their greed and lust for power. This is what destroys them."
*Snip*

OOC: Didn't say you were. It was just a precaution SQ suggested I do.
2nd Disclaimer: Galactic Patrol and I have agreed to have an alliance between my Shadows and his Arisians (both Super-Uber Races (ie, very, VERY powerful and the best we both have)).

IC: <Nature is as Nature does. We will not, and do not, interfere directly. Our selective breeding programs on many worlds have enhanced the abilities of the natives many fold. In fact, a similar project is being undertaken by the Arisians with the nation of Galactic Patrol. The penultimates of the lines they have created are nearing fruition.>

ooc: sorry didn't mean to imply that you were godmodding. was just trying to help nikedo get into this.

"That is not the design of nature. We are all able to live peacefully if it is our desire but many choose to be consumed by their greed and lust for power. This is what destroys them."

Silver Noah:

"They aren't responding to the message."

Toshu grunted. "Well it seems that they don't appear to be talkative. Good, it gets boring if I have to try and act diplomatic."

Chongala's golden tooth glinted in the light as he grinned. "Well don't get too excited yet. They just launched a shuttle and it's heading this way."

Toshu hopped out of the chair with a bounce in his step. "Ah good. Open the shuttle bay doors. This should be interesting. Oh and don't send any guards, it won't be necessary."

"Right."

A side panel raised slid open to reveal a docking bay while holographic squares were projected to show the flight path to land in the dock.

"Sir, the shuttle bay door has been opened" announced the Shuttle Finder.

"Good. Order the crew to prepare to disembark" ordered the captain as the shuttle approached.

"That is your preference whereas ours is to allow everyone evolve to their own extent."

Long red hair went down to Toshu's shoulders while his Japanese style sword was strapped to his back. He leaned back against the wall while monitoring the force field leading out into space as the shuttle approached.

<Do you not put them on paths that would bring races you encounter on the path to becoming their ultimate? The methods need not be the same, nor the results. It is the motives that matter.>

ooc: geeze GA must really be feeling bad

IC:

"No we do not. We merely protect them from being snuffed out by those with craven eyes. All are free to develop as they please whether it is their ultimate or not. It is only when they become a hazard to the rest of the universe that we must deal with them."

<To each their own. We view the younger races as our successors to this universe and only want the best to succeed us. We tried uplifting a few species on our journey through the void, but in the end, we created the Sernaix for that purpose.>

OOC: Yeah, poor guy,

The shuttlecraft approaching was black. But that was not the most striking feature about it. That feature was that it was big. Very big. Far biggger than any shuttlecraft had any business being. And it did not give out a feeling of universal peace and brotherly love.

"Then I wonder what your plans on for your own people."

Toshu grinned at the shuttle coming into the bay. A second door had to be opened to accomodate for its size. "This looks a little interesting." Toshu pressed his earpiece in. "Hey Chongala, send Elc down here also. That kid needs to get out of bed."

"Sure thing Toshu."

The large ship landed by extending four large appendages with gripping feet at the end, creating a very high ceiling. After a pause, the belly lowered in the middle, with a ramp disgorging a reddish and violet light. Out came a small, two-legged creature, seemingly wearing a breathing apparatus, far, far too small for the shuttle it came from. The next thing that came out, however, explained why the shuttlecraft was so big. It was a massive, two-legged, two-armed, that was a full half a person taller than most people. It was covered in black coverings. Instead of hands it had collection of thick, long tentacles and attatched to its head were four stalks with what were presumably eyes. From its back came two, large, leathery wings. It, like the shuttle, had an ominous and tense air about it.

Elc had finally arrived with a red band around his forehead and black hair spiked up. He had a spear attached to his back and armored shoulder pads. "What is it Toshu?"

Toshu jabbed his thumbs at the arrivees. "We have guests."

Toshu unhooked the latch on his sheath that was keeping his Katana secure. The two stop several meters from the shuttle. "My name is Toshu and this here is Elc and we are both from the Abh Empire."

Elc had finally arrived with a red band around his forehead and black hair spiked up. He had a spear attached to his back and armored shoulder pads. "What is it Toshu?"

Toshu jabbed his thumbs at the arrivees. "We have guests."

Toshu unhooked the latch on his sheath that was keeping his Katana secure. The two stop several meters from the shuttle. "My name is Toshu and this here is Elc and we are both from the Abh Empire."

The larger being seemed to look towards the spear, emitting a low growl. At this, the small creature, before jittery, now seemed as if it were looking around, though it was hard to tell as it seemed to have eyes all over its head. Whatever it was doing, it seemed to not be doing it fast enough to satisfy the large being, who gave a high, sharp, pop.

"Then I wonder what your plans on for your own people."
*Snip*

<When the time comes, the Shadows of Ha Dum will all ascend leaving the nation to our choosen successors, the Sernaix.>

OOC: Bump

OOC: Curtesy bump.

OOC: ...bump

ooc: still no GA?

IC:

Arc nodded at the Thrall's statement. "Those of Z'Ha Dum will be dealt with though. They have caused much sorrow and destruction in this universe."

Toshu looked puzzled at the the two new guests. "Do you understand a word I'm saying?"

ooc: still no GA?

IC:

Arc nodded at the Thrall's statement. "Those of Z'Ha Dum will be dealt with though. They have caused much sorrow and destruction in this universe."

Toshu looked puzzled at the the two new guests. "Do you understand a word I'm saying?"

The larger beast gave out another moan, though this time shorter. The short being , now apparently very nervous, began pointing to the apparatus in the middle of its chest.

"Apparently not Toshu. What should we do?"

Toshu shrugged. "Well we can't give him a translator since we don't know what language he is speaking. Elc, remove your spear. We may appear to be hostile with our weapons strapped on. Don't worry, we'll keep them close incase we need them."

Toshu rested his katana against the wall and Elc did likewise with resting his spear next to the sword.

Arc looked at the Thrall. "And what do you feel about the Shadows of Z'Ha Dum?"

"Apparently not Toshu. What should we do?"

Toshu shrugged. "Well we can't give him a translator since we don't know what language he is speaking. Elc, remove your spear. We may appear to be hostile with our weapons strapped on. Don't worry, we'll keep them close incase we need them."

Toshu rested his katana against the wall and Elc did likewise with resting his spear next to the sword.

Arc looked at the Thrall. "And what do you feel about the Shadows of Z'Ha Dum?"

The larger beast gave a long moan, which caused the small creature to relax, so it may have been satisfaction. Meanwhile, the smaller creature opened a small port in the apparatus, apparently a linking point and gestrued towards it with its fist.

*Snip*
Arc looked at the Thrall. "And what do you feel about the Shadows of Z'Ha Dum?"

OOC: Sorry about the delay. I've had some RL stuff to deal with.

IC: <Eventually, we will take back our ancestral homeworld from them. Their reign of terror will come to an end.>

Toshu and Elc both strode up towards the two creatures. "It looks like a linking point."

Elc looked at Toshu. "What do you suppose they want?"

"I have know idea unless we can figure out a way to communicate better."
-------------------------------------

The Abh Empire had been in planning for some time on their assualt against the homeworld of the Shadows. The Shadows had been engaging in random attacks against their allies which was raking havoc on trade security. All of Star Forces was being secured for this endeavour which would soon take place. The Silver Noah was the last flagship to be tested before it would all begin.

Arc only smiled. "I hope you succeed."

Toshu and Elc both strode up towards the two creatures. "It looks like a linking point."

Elc looked at Toshu. "What do you suppose they want?"

"I have know idea unless we can figure out a way to communicate better."
-------------------------------------

The Abh Empire had been in planning for some time on their assualt against the homeworld of the Shadows. The Shadows had been engaging in random attacks against their allies which was raking havoc on trade security. All of Star Forces was being secured for this endeavour which would soon take place. The Silver Noah was the last flagship to be tested before it would all begin.

Arc only smiled. "I hope you succeed."

The small creature continued to gesture at the linking point, while looking around for another one.

"I think he wants another linking port, Toshu."

Toshu looked around the docking bay. "Well he can't use anything around here. We'll have to take him to one of the guest rooms so he can use one of the communication uplinks. That way they won't get into anything sensitive."

Toshu and Elc waved them over towards two sliding doors that would lead into an elevator.

"I think he wants another linking port, Toshu."

Toshu looked around the docking bay. "Well he can't use anything around here. We'll have to take him to one of the guest rooms so he can use one of the communication uplinks. That way they won't get into anything sensitive."

Toshu and Elc waved them over towards two sliding doors that would lead into an elevator.

The small creature looked towards the larger one, which gave a short moan. The little creature scurried towards the doors.

The elevator was not large enough to accomodate the large creature but it wasn't terrible uncomfortable either. Thankfully the ride was a short one. They were soon looking down an open hallway. Pictures of landscapes and mountains dotted the walls along with a couple sections that allowed someone to view holographic art.

Toshu waved them on. "This way around the corner and there is a conference room where we can find a linking port for you."

The two creatures walked down the hall to the conference room.

The door slid open to reveal a large wooden table with high back oak chairs. A linking port was set infront of each chair for easy access. "Please take a seat."

The door slid open to reveal a large wooden table with high back oak chairs. A linking port was set infront of each chair for easy access. "Please take a seat."

The large creature stood still, while the small one scurried toward a chair and attempted to link the two interfaces with different iniversal standards.

*Snip*
The Abh Empire had been in planning for some time on their assualt against the homeworld of the Shadows. The Shadows had been engaging in random attacks against their allies which was raking havoc on trade security. All of Star Forces was being secured for this endeavour which would soon take place. The Silver Noah was the last flagship to be tested before it would all begin.

Arc only smiled. "I hope you succeed."

<Agreed.> replied the Thrall.

ooc: Ha Dum- talk to SeaQuest about the last leg of the Shadow War. It will probably commence soon and I'm just trying to get everyone on board that is interested.

ic:
Toshu looked at the little creature. "Can you get them to work?"

ooc: Ha Dum- talk to SeaQuest about the last leg of the Shadow War. It will probably commence soon and I'm just trying to get everyone on board that is interested.

ic:
Toshu looked at the little creature. "Can you get them to work?"

The small creature searched through a compartment in its tunic before coming upon a linking device similar to the two ports before connecting them and beginning the difficult task of figuring out the computer language.

Toshu looked over at Elc. "I wish we had clyunos. They have a listing of all languages. Remind me to have this conversation logged in incase we have similar problem some other time."

"Right Toshu."

Toshu looked over at Elc. "I wish we had clyunos. They have a listing of all languages. Remind me to have this conversation logged in incase we have similar problem some other time."

"Right Toshu."

The small creature made some headway having figured out rudimentary aspects of the language and attempted to find the ship's design.

The port would not allow them to access the ship design though. Any such probing in the ports from this room would only allow them to access all known languages to the Abh.

Toshu looked over as it was taking so long. "Any luck yet?"

The port would not allow them to access the ship design though. Any such probing in the ports from this room would only allow them to access all known languages to the Abh.

Toshu looked over as it was taking so long. "Any luck yet?"

CALIBRATING
"Good-bye...Quadraped" said the vocalizer of the computer of the small creature in a rough(and poor) first attempt, "Fleas...Assimilate...Ketchup Wheel?"

((OC- Anyone want this kidney stone problem I've been stuck with for three weeks now? It might be passing finally though. =^^=;;; ))

OOC: Ouch! Never had them myself, but I hear its quite painful.

ooc: that sucks dude. Get better quick and hurry back.

Toshu sighed. "I guess not."

He turned to Elc. "Don't we have a dictionary or something?"

Elc shrugged. "I can go to the library here and see if I can find a data crystal."

"Do it."

((OC- So, what have I missed, and where is everyone, before I start posting again? ))

Well Nikedo is on board the Silver Noah trying to learn Galactic Standard via a communications port while Arc, Kukuru, and the Shadow Thrall are on board your ship just chattering away about the Shadow War while they wait for your response.

((OC- Kay then. I'll take a different tact here to restart things. ))

--

Inside the pavilion Tree, a large carved table from the living Treeship hull itself, stodd in a flowing level of large level tabletes, with table section merged, yet level below or above the cental level.

Upon it, literally out of midair, projector emitters, instead of any serving droids or such, replicated many forms of food onto the large, carved 'table' or white and silver-blue wood, with many foodtypes from across the Confederacy Sphere and core Republic Sphere. Litteraly speak, a beam of light would pan across the table in different directions, formatting platted food onto it, with little fracus.

It was in the latter stages of doing this, as Lady Rei dragged Lord Changu with her, sharring glasses of wine from three different winery planets, while the Abh and Ha Dum spoke to each other, allowing each to divest their chosen words and counters.

Meanwhile, in the miodst of this, whilst the Gaians seemed in their own world, their minds were Linked to the Homeworld via the Hikari Network. They were getting new news from the Archonis Supercluster.

Eventually, Lady Rei spoke aloud.

"How could the Dark Eternals 'do' that.........."

..all of a sudden, the two royals had faces 'most' grave.

While Arc and the Thrall were exchanging words, Kukuru however was more aware of her surroundings and noticed the food and wine that had been laid out for them.

Kukuru tapped on Arc's shoulder armor which made a decent clanking sound. He turned his hazel eyes to her. "Yes Kukuru?"

"I think you boys have talked about war long enough. Come, our hosts have prepared meals and beverages and it would be rude to ignore them."

Arc looked over and saw that his wife was right. "You are right my dear. Come, let us all go and forget about troubles for a while."

((OC- Ahhh.. to not be in pain. So nice. :fluffle: ))

--

Lady Rei noticed the Abh entering first, and tried to put up a proper front. "Welcome. Do not be bashful. All this bounty is free to enjoy. If you wish for anything specifc that is not present, just ask openly, and the holoemitters will attempt to meet your criteria."

The tone said in all this however, did not match the face very equally.

ooc: please don't kiss me :p

Kukuru bowed deeply to show her appreciation. "Thank you kindly for the wonderful hospitality."

Arc howeve had his focus on the Lady. "Is there something wrong Lady Rei?"

((OC- Not that type dude. =^^= ))

----

Lady Rei looked at Arc, and couldn't hold it in. As soon as she thought of how to respond to that query, the images that had been imparted through the Hikari Link, ones most horrendous to witness on any form of thought.

She suddenly collapses to her knees in a sobbing fit, the last thing the Abh probably expected. Whatmore, Changu suddenly reaches for her, feeling inside from the same images, intense anger and equal sadness.

For a few moments, Rei couldn't respond properly.

-just messin'-

Arc nodded to Kukuru and they both walked around the table. Arc placed a hand over Changu while Kukuru did likewise with Lady Rei. Almost immediatly an aura of pure light emitted from their hands that would typically bring healing powers. Now they evoked the ability to calm those around them and tried to supress the evil thoughts that plagued their hosts' minds.

OOC: Well, doesn't seem like there's anything for me to say.

oc- I'll fix that

IC:

Elc finally returned from the library with a datacrystal that had both the Abh and Galactic Standard dictionary on it. "Here Toshu. I finally found it."

Toshu took the data crystal and plugged it into a second port near where the little creature was working which would give him access to their language.

The Thrall, due to its telepathic nature, emitted feelings of concern about the Gaian's well-being that would be easily noticed if one was 'looking'. It looked at the two from Abh as they started emitting their calming energies. The Thrall decided to support them and began to emit thoughts and feelings of peace and tranquility.

oc- I'll fix that

IC:

Elc finally returned from the library with a datacrystal that had both the Abh and Galactic Standard dictionary on it. "Here Toshu. I finally found it."

Toshu took the data crystal and plugged it into a second port near where the little creature was working which would give him access to their language.

"Oraganid, I greeted you."

Toshu looks confused. "Who is oraganid?"

"You be oraganoid."

Toshu and Elc share a look. "Well my name is Toshu and this here is Elc. What are your names?"

"I Centurenom, it Nikedoen."

Toshu nodded. "Nice to meet you both. So what brought you to this god forsaken part of the universe?"

Toshu nodded. "Nice to meet you both. So what brought you to this god forsaken part of the universe?"

"Misfunction. Need a way to break light."

"You had a misfunction with your ship? Light? You mean you can't get past light speed?"

"You had a misfunction with your ship? Light? You mean you can't get past light speed?"

"The device break. Us need drove."

Toshu looked at Elc. "Hey Elc. Go and get some of Changala's best men together. We may need a few engineers to to fix this device or we may need to completely replace it."

Elc nodded and left to get gather some men.

Toshu turned his attention back to the little creature. "If you would like, I can gather some men and we will go to your ship and try to repair your device."

Toshu looked at Elc. "Hey Elc. Go and get some of Changala's best men together. We may need a few engineers to to fix this device or we may need to completely replace it."

Elc nodded and left to get gather some men.

Toshu turned his attention back to the little creature. "If you would like, I can gather some men and we will go to your ship and try to repair your device."

"That will be correct."

A few minutes slipped by until Elc had returned with about five men and women that would travel over and make repairs to the alien craft. Each one carried a case or two that would be enough tools to allow for repairs.

Toshu looked over at the little creature. "We are ready to leave whenever you are."

A few minutes slipped by until Elc had returned with about five men and women that would travel over and make repairs to the alien craft. Each one carried a case or two that would be enough tools to allow for repairs.

Toshu looked over at the little creature. "We are ready to leave whenever you are."

"We are ready" as the small creature headed towards the door.

The Abh group lead the company back to the elevator and down to the docking bay once again. Once they were standing in front of the alien craft, Toshu turned his attention back to the small creature. "Shall we provide our own transport or is it acceptable to accompany you across."

The Abh group lead the company back to the elevator and down to the docking bay once again. Once they were standing in front of the alien craft, Toshu turned his attention back to the small creature. "Shall we provide our own transport or is it acceptable to accompany you across."

"We advise your own mover."

"Right."

Toshu and his group moved towards a smaller craft off to the side of the docking bay. "We'll see you outside." The craft hovered off the ground and moved through the shielded doors and out into space.

"Right."

Toshu and his group moved towards a smaller craft off to the side of the docking bay. "We'll see you outside." The craft hovered off the ground and moved through the shielded doors and out into space.

The creatures boarded the shuttle which lifted off and speed towards the ship.

The abh shuttle waited outside of the creature's ship until they were cleared to dock.

The abh shuttle waited outside of the creature's ship until they were cleared to dock.

"You are cleared to dock" came a mechanical voice.

The small shuttle made it's way into the docking bay of the alien ship. Toshu and his crew moved down the ramp and out into view.

The small shuttle made it's way into the docking bay of the alien ship. Toshu and his crew moved down the ramp and out into view.

The door was on the far side of the shuttle bay.

The shuttle bay, was due to the size of the Nikedoens, quite large. But that was not the only odd thing about it. It also contained many devices and instruments, more then one expects a shuttle bay to have.

"Interesting. I wonder if these double as a repair facility."

Toshu's crew moved through the door and into the interior of the ship as they began looking for those that they were following.

"Interesting. I wonder if these double as a repair facility."

Toshu's crew moved through the door and into the interior of the ship as they began looking for those that they were following.

"I am this" said the little creature as it gestured towrds them and began walking down the hall.

Toshu shrugged and signaled for his team to follow.

Toshu shrugged and signaled for his team to follow.

As they walked through the massive corridors thay passed many of the Nikedoens who gave them an unreadable look. Thay passed a weird, archiac looking door with alien images shortly after they set out, and a while before they reached the FTL drives.

Toshu looked at the drives and sighed. With a nod of his head the engineers that came aboard all moved in to inspect the drive. It was a light speed drive so they had that at least going for them. However, it was still an alien craft with alien tech and it would take some time to make the repairs and mold it seemlessy with their own.

Deciding now a better time than ever to make conversation, Toshu looked over at the Nikedeon. "Have you had any dealings with other races?"

Toshu looked at the drives and sighed. With a nod of his head the engineers that came aboard all moved in to inspect the drive. It was a light speed drive so they had that at least going for them. However, it was still an alien craft with alien tech and it would take some time to make the repairs and mold it seemlessy with their own.

Deciding now a better time than ever to make conversation, Toshu looked over at the Nikedeon. "Have you had any dealings with other races?"

"Many in the core."

"And where is this Core that you speak of?"

The sound of metal banging against metal accompanied by the sparks of welding devices soon took the place of the once dimly lit and quite engine room.

"And where is this Core that you speak of?"

The sound of metal banging against metal accompanied by the sparks of welding devices soon took the place of the once dimly lit and quite engine room.

"The core of the galaxy."

"I see you are the cryptic type. What kind of races have you encountered?"

Shouts began coming from the repair crews as they started fishing around for parts.

"I see you are the cryptic type. What kind of races have you encountered?"

Shouts began coming from the repair crews as they started fishing around for parts.

"My race, inscetese, reptids, amphibs, nitrogen-based, sentient invertebrates. How much longer."

"Interesting."

An engineer walked over with sweat and grime on his face. "We got it working again Toshu. It should last them until they get back wherever they are going and the engine can be fixed with their own materials."

Toshu nodded and looked back at the creature. "Your ships is fixed so you may be on your way."

"Interesting."

An engineer walked over with sweat and grime on his face. "We got it working again Toshu. It should last them until they get back wherever they are going and the engine can be fixed with their own materials."

Toshu nodded and looked back at the creature. "Your ships is fixed so you may be on your way."

"Correct. We now need for your leaving. I will lead" said the creature as he began the walk to the shuttlebay.

Toshu rounded up his crew and followed the creature back to the shuttle bay.

Toshu rounded up his crew and followed the creature back to the shuttle bay.

"Now it is time to go" as the creature directed them to their shuttle.

Toshu said goodbye and then loaded everything up into the shuttle. They were quickly off and heading back to the Silver Noah.

The large black ship turned and activated its FTL, heading towars the core.

On the bridge...
"So, you made contact with sentients?"
"Yes sir, they were very trusting" replied the captain.
"Do you think we can use them."
"Yes, and there will be many other species."
"Excellent. In'Ray'Na'Ke'Do."