NationStates Jolt Archive

((OOC: I've decided to RP a little FT on the side, so I came up with a little story for my country in the future. For reference, check here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=480225). Please note that it is not yet complete.))

*****************************

It had been years since contact had been officially made with the outside universe. Occasionally trade would occur, but for the most part the people of Cravan kept to themselves since the Exodus from Earth. News of happenings offworld were common throughout New Cravan, though, and people were informed of events in the galaxy.

But today it had been decided that Cravan would no longer be so isolationist. It was ordered by the Emperor himself that a message be sent to the galaxy, informing them of Cravan's wish to reopen diplomatic relations with the outside universe.

And so, a message was sent on a general frequency used hundreds of years ago, which the Cravanians hoped was still used. It was sent to every known world in the galaxy, and it was hoped that the message would not fall on deaf ears.

To: Anyone with open ears
From: The Democratic Empire of New Cravan

It is time for us to end our isolation which has lasted us for centuries, and end it now. We wish to reopen contact with the outside universe completely, and open diplomatic relations with other governments among the stars. Please accept our offer to diplomatic relations. For too long we have been isolated from the outside universe. And it is high time for us to reenter on the galactic stage.

Sincerely,
Emperor Kyle Craven II

Is anyone out there... out there... out there...

“Jump!”

The FTL drive on the small cargo ship wined into action, making the ship disappear in a flash of light.

10 seconds later….

“Where are we?”

“God knows.”

“Check the sensors…” sighed a graying man, who looked like he hadn’t seen a bar of soap and a razor for months.

“Oh right yeah,” replied the other man in the cockpit, wires hung down from the ceiling to the extent where he needed to brush them aside to see the display panel, “We are… errr in Cravanian space.”

“Who?”

“Dammed if I know.”

The graying man looked around the cockpit, wincing when a console sparked into inactivity. “We need repairs, try and contact…”

“Woooahh!” yelled the other man, jumping… well falling, from his seat as the subspace radio sparked and made a shuddering sound.

<It is time for us to end our isolation which has lasted us for centuries, and end…>

BANG

“Bloody hell! They fried our radio boss!”

The graying man checked that a data stick was still sat in his top pocket and then turned to the other man, “Denny, land on the nearest planetary body… they owe us one by my reckoning.”

“Ok!”

"Sir, we're recieving a transmission from an unknown nation. What do we do?"

"We're on a total recall order, is it en route to Solari Prime?"

"Aye sir, but just barely."

"Take us there then. Let's see what we've got."

A single lonely Destroyer, riding the Wormhole Ways of the League turns off course, seeking out the source of the strange call.

It was a slow day at New Cravna Space Traffic Control. Slow as usual. At that moment, a small blip appeared on sensor readouts. It was classed as an unknown vessel.

"Incoming craft: please identify yourself.", one of the controllers said into the comm. After a few miniutes of no response, he tried to make contact again. Little did he know their communications were out.

"Sir, we've got one who's not responding."

An older man stood in the control room, his hands behind his back.

"Inform the fleet. Tell them to attempt visual contact."
"Yes, sir."

The young technician turned back to his console.

"Cravanian Defense Force, this is ground control. We have a bogie bearing in on us. Think you can launch a couple fighters to make visual contact and escort them in?"
"GC, this is INS Liberty. We're launching a flight of Vipers as I speak. They should be at the target craft in a few miniutes."
"Good to hear, Liberty. Ground control out."

He turned back to the older man in charge of the Space Traffic Control.

"A flight of Vipers is moving out to intercept and escort them in."
"Excellent."

The first Whyatican destroyer, WSS Pride of Whyatica, recieved the mssage and the Captain was overjoyed. This was the chance for his ship to be the first Whyatican to contact alien races and tell the tale, as WSS-01 was destroyed in a freak accident due to mechanical failures onboard. The ion drives of Pride of Whyatica kicked in, pushing them through the Cravanian system at maximum speed. They sent a message back, saying,
We would be glad to talk with your representatives. This is WSS Pride of Whyatica from the planet Whyatica.

As a sign of respect to the Cravanian people, the guns were deactivated entirely and the Whyatican's version of energy shielding was completely off, allowing any Cravanian satellites to scan the ship in it's entirety. They didn't want to screw up their first encounter with a non-hostile race..

"Do we know anything about the nation that sent this transmission?"

"No sir. Everything we have from the Old Records is right here, and there's no information."

"Alright, prep the Marines, just in case. Here's hoping."

"Aye sir, I'll get Major Papadapolous right on that."

"Prepare for transit back to Real Space. Translation...now."

"Translating, Wormhole closed successfully, sensors back online."

"Send a transmision, "Unknown Nation, we recieved your transmission, and are here to meet you. Please give us directions as to where to go so we can offload a diplomat and get on our way." Send it exactly likethat."

"Aye sir. Transmission Sent."

“YAAA HOOOO” screamed Dennings as the ship started to pass into the upper atmosphere, “We’re going in boss!”

“I can see that Dennings!” screamed the graying man as the ship bounced him against a bulkhead as he made his way to the command chair, “Try and keep us steady!”

“Can’t”

“What?”

“Controls went about 2 minutes ago, luckily I aimed us towards the nearest population center on the planet… if we’re going out with a bang, a lot of people are going to witness it! Just like my fortune cookie said!”

“Christ!” screamed the graying man, securing the harness on the chair.

“Oh!” yelled Dennings, over the noise of another console exploding, “I picked something up on the scanner just before… well the receiver dropped off… looked like military craft…”

“They’re going to blow us out of the…” said the graying man, somewhat resigned to his destiny.

“Hell no! the cookie said I’m going to crash and burn… so regardless of what they do, we’re going to hit terra firmer! THE COOKIE SAID SO!”

The ship broke through the clouds and the 2 men saw the city, probably the first men not from Cravan to see it for centuries… They didn’t see it through the view screen however, that had fallen off with the front of the ship, they had a nice unimpeded view through the gapping hole where it used to be.

“FIRING STABERLIZERS!”

“God help us” muttered the graying man.

“THEY WORK! HAHA! I TOLD YOU! DENNINGS LIVES AGAIN!”

The ship smashed into what must have been a roadway, careering down it for about a kilometer before it came to a stop.

((OOC: I assume this has nothing to do with your MT nation, Why? Else we can have some interesting discussions about the past...))

IC:

"Sir, incoming transmission."
"Put it up."

We would be glad to talk with your representatives. This is WSS Pride of Whyatica from the planet Whyatica.

"Prepare a response."
"Yes, sir."

You have permission to enter our perimeter. Welcome to New Cravan.

"Sir, another transmission."
"What is it this time?"

Unknown Nation, we recieved your transmission, and are here to meet you. Please give us directions as to where to go so we can offload a diplomat and get on our way.

"Prepare another response communique."
"Yes, sir."

You have permission to offload a diplomat at New Cravna Spaceport. Coordinates of the port are attatched to this message. Welcome to New Cravan.

*************************

Fireships and rescue craft were deployed to the crash site to find out just what the hell happened. Twelve Vipers patrolled the skies above to ensure the safety of anyone in the area.

Rescue crews began digging through the wreckage, not knowing what the hell they'd find.

"Alright, send off a shuttle with that damned annoyance we've been saddled with and head for home. We're still under Recall."

"Aye Aye Sir. If he refuses?"

"Have the Mardukans load him and escort him to the surface."

"Aye. The Marines say he's on the way to the shuttle, being carried."

"Heh. We can leave them here until the newest calamity blows over."

A shuttle rockets down from the Destroyer, one of 2 the ship carried. When the shuttle was safely away the Destroyer opened another Wormhole heading outsystem, and left, closing the hole behind them.

“You fried our radio you gits!” yelled Dennings towards the sound of the digging, “I want compensation!”

“Quiet Dennings,” coughed the graying man, the crash had knocked him about and he had a gash on his head, “Purge the databanks if you can find them, quickly man, before they get in.”

“Right… err,” said Dennings looking around for the computer module that had been thrown across the room and was smashed into a thousand pieces, “… Done.”

A sliver of nature light cut its way through the rubble.

“Think they’re friendly or unfriendly Dennings?”

“I’m going to go with Friendly…”

“Fortune Cookie again?”

“Blind faith this time boss.”

Ground control guided the shuttle down, while it was escorted by two Vipers.

************************

"They're alive!"

One of the rescuers had managed to cut through the debris and found the men inside.

"You guys okay? That was a mighty hard fall yas took there."

The shuttles side opened up, and a single Solari of average height stepped out, followed by a pair of 3 meter tall Mardukan Guards, without their Powered Armor, but still carrying Bead Cannon. In any other beings hands they would have looked out of place, but with the simple size of the Mardukans in question they looked like standard issue rifles.

"I am Willian Alexander, and I bear greetings in the name of President Harris of the Solarin League."

The first thing which exited the opening was a radio, at great speed… flying past the rescuer, “Look at it, destroyed!” yelled Dennings as he climbed out… “You owe me ONE ship! And a good one… with lasers.”

“Help,” coughed the graying man as he pulled himself out of the hole, “I think something more then the wind got knocked out of me.”

“Oh yeah, right,” said Dennings pulling up the graying man to his feet, “This is Grand Air Marshal Rupert Colt, I’m his loyal taxi driver Sebastian Dennings… you should probably take us to your leader… via a med center.”

Duke Gaedroth Ontillan had been given the position of governing Arrakis while the Padishah Emperor was away. He was also in charge of international affairs during the Emperor’s excursion. The message from New Cravan was brought before him after Liheem, his master of assassins, had deciphered it. They met in a plain room in the Imperial Palace in the city of Arakeen. The only features of the room were a stone table and a window that showed the Shield Wall far off in the distance.

“M’lord, I have come before you with an interesting message. I am sure that our sublime Padishah Emperor would have responded to it if he were here.”

The two reviewed the message, and were perplexed.

“He says that he wishes to end isolation. Why?” asked the Duke.

“Craven II indicates that it is the proper time for such an action to be taken.”

The Emperor contemplated the strange message. “I suppose this is a good enough reason. I am still confused by it, though.” Then, after thinking more about it, he said, “He obviously wants something from us. What other reason could there be?”

“A divine revelation could have told him to send out this message, sire,” suggested Liheem.

“Possibly, but if so, he would have mentioned details of his revelation in his message.”

“Yes, that is why I think that you are right when you said that he wants something from us. The next sentence seems to indicate those intentions as well.”

“He says that he wants diplomatic relations. Why would he want that?”

“I am as puzzled as you are, sire. Avoiding war, possibly?”

“We have no intentions for war against them.”

“Indeed, sire. His statement is either vague or irrational.”

“His use of the words ‘for too long’ seem to indicate desperation. Should we offer help in whatever predicament he may have in exchange for markets in his empire?”

“We will need more information, sire. We will need to respond to him.”

“He says that he is from the ‘Democratic Empire’. Democratic, as is ruled by people? As opposed to not being ruled by people?”

“Rule by the gods is another alternative, sire. Perhaps he is saying that he is a secular or atheist state. Of course, there is the lesser known connotation of the word democracy, which is a government ruled by officials elected by the people.”

“That would make no sense. Why would anyone want to have to elect their own emperor? That would be too much of a burden.”

“I agree, sire.”

“His actions are either irrational or vague. Both are signs of weakness.”

“I suggest that you ask him whether or not he is weak, sire.”

“Excellent idea, Liheem. Sometimes I think that without you, our Fief would collapse.”

“Of course not, m’lord.”

The Duke sent a short transmission to Emperor Kyle Cravan II:

I, Duke Gaedroth Ontillan, leader of the House Ontillan, send my humble greetings. We would like to help you and provide for you that which you seek, but some of the statements that you made in your message that we received indicate possible weakness. Are you weak?

The shuttles side opened up, and a single Solari of average height stepped out, followed by a pair of 3 meter tall Mardukan Guards, without their Powered Armor, but still carrying Bead Cannon. In any other beings hands they would have looked out of place, but with the simple size of the Mardukans in question they looked like standard issue rifles.

"I am Willian Alexander, and I bear greetings in the name of President Harris of the Solarin League."

Head Director Thomas Gans stood on the pad with two men in business suits, both of them having their hands concealed. They were wearing black sunglasses, and watched the area carefully.

"Welcome to New Cravna. I am Thomas Gans, Head Director of the Imperial Cabinet. If you would please step this way we have a speeder prepared to take you to where you will be staying during your time here."

He motioned to a speeder sitting on the pad, the driver waiting for the passengers to board.

Head Director Thomas Gans stood on the pad with two men in business suits, both of them having their hands concealed. They were wearing black sunglasses, and watched the area carefully.

"Welcome to New Cravna. I am Thomas Gans, Head Director of the Imperial Cabinet. If you would please step this way we have a speeder prepared to take you to where you will be staying during your time here."

He motioned to a speeder sitting on the pad, the driver waiting for the passengers to board.

"Where are we going to put these two? They'rea bit...large."

The first thing which exited the opening was a radio, at great speed… flying past the rescuer, “Look at it, destroyed!” yelled Dennings as he climbed out… “You owe me ONE ship! And a good one… with lasers.”

“Help,” coughed the graying man as he pulled himself out of the hole, “I think something more then the wind got knocked out of me.”

“Oh yeah, right,” said Dennings pulling up the graying man to his feet, “This is Grand Air Marshal Rupert Colt, I’m his loyal taxi driver Sebastian Dennings… you should probably take us to your leader… via a med center.”

"Yeah, well at least yous two are all right."

The rescue worker looked around, then seeing what he looked for, waved someone over.

"Get these guys transport to the city, will ya?"
"Sure thing, chief."

The man turned to Dennings and Colt.

"Will you two please come with me?", he said while walking towards a landed speeder.

********************************

I, Duke Gaedroth Ontillan, leader of the House Ontillan, send my humble greetings. We would like to help you and provide for you that which you seek, but some of the statements that you made in your message that we received indicate possible weakness. Are you weak?

The Emperor, a middle aged man, sighed. He read over the message, again and again, making sure he did not misread it. He walked to his computer in his office, and prepared a response on the same channel. He was slightly annoyed by the message, but knew they had good intentions.

To: Duke Gaedroth Ontillan, leader of the House Ontillan
From: Emperor Kyle II, Emperor of Cravan

No, I am not weak. I am curious as to what in our message made you believe that, but I can guarantee I am not a weak leader nor is my government weak.

I would be more than happy to open diplomatic relations with you and your people. What type of help can you provide? I am sure we can come to an agreement that benefits us both.

*************************

"Uh... I can have another speeder here to take them to the hotel if you wish."

Gans looked over the two guards from The Solarin League. They were quite large...

(OOC: Mind If i pop in?)

(OOC: Mind If i pop in?)

(OOC: Not at all.)

"Yeah, well at least yous two are all right."

The rescue worker looked around, then seeing what he looked for, waved someone over.

"Get these guys transport to the city, will ya?"
"Sure thing, chief."

The man turned to Dennings and Colt.

"Will you two please come with me?", he said while walking towards a landed speeder.

********************************



The Emperor, a middle aged man, sighed. He read over the message, again and again, making sure he did not misread it. He walked to his computer in his office, and prepared a response on the same channel. He was slightly annoyed by the message, but knew they had good intentions.



*************************

"Uh... I can have another speeder here to take them to the hotel if you wish."

Gans looked over the two guards from The Solarin League. They were quite large...

"That will serve,advise something like a flatbed, or a cargo hauler. They have alot of equipment with them." William heads towards the Speeder, "Wait here boys, they'll come and get you, I'll meet you at the hotel later."

"That will serve,advise something like a flatbed, or a cargo hauler. They have alot of equipment with them." William heads towards the Speeder, "Wait here boys, they'll come and get you, I'll meet you at the hotel later."

"I'll have a dropship come to pick them up. In the meantime, after you."

“You alright boss?” asked Dennings as he helped the man into the speeder.

“Yeah, just a bit battered, we were dam lucky,” said Rupert, adjusting his jacket, “Too lucky in fact.”

“I’m a lucky person boss, it tends to rub off on people,” winked Dennings, “plus this isn’t the first crash landing I’ve been in…”

“Listen,” said Rupert again, adjusting his position on the seat he lowered himself on to, “You can’t mention anything about our little plan, I don’t want the Cravanians jumping the gun and getting everyone killed… ok?”

“Right boss, I’ll keep mum,” said Dennings turning around and rubbing his aching shoulder, “HEY there! You meant to be taking us somewhere?”

“You alright boss?” asked Dennings as he helped the man into the speeder.

“Yeah, just a bit battered, we were dam lucky,” said Rupert, adjusting his jacket, “Too lucky in fact.”

“I’m a lucky person boss, it tends to rub off on people,” winked Dennings, “plus this isn’t the first crash landing I’ve been in…”

“Listen,” said Rupert again, adjusting his position on the seat he lowered himself on to, “You can’t mention anything about our little plan, I don’t want the Cravanians jumping the gun and getting everyone killed… ok?”

“Right boss, I’ll keep mum,” said Dennings turning around and rubbing his aching shoulder, “HEY there! You meant to be taking us somewhere?”

"Right this way, guys."

This'll be fun.

He hopped into an open top hot rod speeder, and waited for the two men to climb in.

The Emperor, a middle aged man, sighed. He read over the message, again and again, making sure he did not misread it. He walked to his computer in his office, and prepared a response on the same channel. He was slightly annoyed by the message, but knew they had good intentions.

To: Duke Gaedroth Ontillan, leader of the House Ontillan
From: Emperor Kyle II, Emperor of Cravan

No, I am not weak. I am curious as to what in our message made you believe that, but I can guarantee I am not a weak leader nor is my government weak.

I would be more than happy to open diplomatic relations with you and your people. What type of help can you provide? I am sure we can come to an agreement that benefits us both.
Liheem and the Duke met again in the same room, although it was darker now. The day was coming to an end. "Good news, sire," began Liheem. "The Emperor of Cravan replied and said that he is not weak."

"That is good. Thank you for informing me, Liheem."

"It is my duty, m'lord."

The Duke turned to stare out of the open window. The wind created by the cooling air stirred his robes.

"Now, we will find out what his problem is," declared the Duke. "Something has disturbed the equilibrium in his nation. A crisis threatens his survival and the only way he can solve it is by foreign intervention, or he has found a void in his nation, one which must be filled by an outsider."

"I agree, m'lord."

"I will find out what he wants, but we must now consider what we are wanting in return for helping him."

"Markets in his nation, sire. Foreign interest in melange is skyrocketing. We will have other alternatives, of course, but if he agrees, that is the option we want to push."

"He is asking what we can provide him. I am assuming our sublime Padishah Emperor granted us everything under his direct control, am I right?"

"Yes, sire. We will be able offer him military and economic assistance, which will most likely take care of whatever problem he has."

The Duke sent a message back to Emperor Kyle II:

That is good to hear. Tell me, what has disturbed the equilibrium of your nation to a point that it desires foreign attention? We will be able to provide military reinforcement in case it is a crisis of internal strife, or economic aid and trade in raw materials if your problem is the lack of a particular resource. I am very sorry for the state of your nation. A disturbance of the magnitude of the one you must be experiencing would be a horrible ordeal.

(http://www.deviantart.com/view/32419422/ )
The USS Tempest – A slowly glided out of 4 D time space the mosaic of colors flowing around the ship it self, it glided to a stop. The large grey ships hull was illuminated by the star, as it slowly floated still in the darkness of space, its hull lights blinking off and on.


Its engines were glowing lightly; its hull was reverberating with the noise of the temporal power core.


Mean while on the bridge:

The con officer was looking over the many, many frequencies of communications and, sensor readings. Suddenly the console began to beep in loud successive beeps; the con officer looked down and taped his holographic console, the message that was encoded in all this mess was played automatically by the computer and AI, the commander stood a few steps behind the young con officer who was playing the message and asked “what is that?”
The con officer responded “sounds like a message form a new faction… do you want to hear it?”

The commander nodded, and the con officer taped the play button to play it on speaker, the commander rose an eyebrow, and looked over to the helm officer quickly who was sitting over looking her own beeping and blinking holographic console, he said “Set a course to the inner planet, full speed ahead I also want sensors panning around to see if we have any others around here.”

The helm and con officer nodded scanning the entire system, the ships engines revved up even more as the large ship moved towards the planet at fast speeds.


A Communications was sent out, “This is the USS Tempest- A From the United States of the Federal Union, We have heard your message and have come to investigate.”

Mean while sensors had detected the other ships, the commander looked over the records over the huge holographic multi sensor table, he stared at the other ships ,over looking the tactical analysis

That is good to hear. Tell me, what has disturbed the equilibrium of your nation to a point that it desires foreign attention? We will be able to provide military reinforcement in case it is a crisis of internal strife, or economic aid and trade in raw materials if your problem is the lack of a particular resource. I am very sorry for the state of your nation. A disturbance of the magnitude of the one you must be experiencing would be a horrible ordeal.

We are not suffering any major ordeal. It is just... We have been in isolation for 200 years, ever since the exodus from Earth. I feel it is time for us to reopen to the rest of the galaxy. We do not really lack any resources or anything, but trade is one of the things which we seek. What do you have to trade?

*************************

“This is the USS Tempest- A From the United States of the Federal Union, We have heard your message and have come to investigate.”

"Attention USS Tempest, this is the INS Liberty. Please go to the coordinates attatched to this message in order to make contact. Thank you."

tag

"I'll have a dropship come to pick them up. In the meantime, after you."

William gets into the waiting Speeder, wondering exactly where he'll be taken. "Thank you very much."

The tempest Changed course to the signified area, and arrived shortly there after, its large ominous body floated over every thing like an overlord, its hull lights blinking off and on as the grate eagle of the FDF was illuminated by spot lights on the hull.

Another message was sent from the grate behemoth of the ship, “Please Tell us how you would prefer our delegate delivered, teleportation or shuttle?”


The ship waited for response, slowly floating as its huge engines cut off, and it sat over the world slowly gliding in ominous orbit.

William gets into the waiting Speeder, wondering exactly where he'll be taken. "Thank you very much."


"No problem."

The speeder sped off into the sky, headed towards the Imperial Hotel in central New Cravna. Seconds later, a Talon Assault Dropship appeared to take the guards to the hotel.

“Please Tell us how you would prefer our delegate delivered, teleportation or shuttle?”

"However you would like. We'll transmit coordinates to a landing zone ASAP."

Coordinates were transmitted to a landing pad, and all was prepared for the delegate's arrival.

The commander him self along with a team of two Objective force warriors, were immediately engulfed in a flash of bright white light, a split second later the young tarrens appeared in a flash of glorious light at the landing zone, the objective force warriors stood ominously over most shorter things around them, there twin negative energy Cannons hidden in there arms, hey scanned the area, as the black haired brown eyed, tall and skinny young commander stood awaiting.

We are not suffering any major ordeal. It is just... We have been in isolation for 200 years, ever since the exodus from Earth. I feel it is time for us to reopen to the rest of the galaxy. We do not really lack any resources or anything, but trade is one of the things which we seek. What do you have to trade?
"He is asking what we have to trade, sire."

"That is odd. The customs of these people are very odd."

"I agree, sire, but that still should not cause us to not associate with him."

"I suppose you are right. But why would he ask that? He says that he seeks trade, but does not assert what he needs."

"It could be that he needs everything, m'lord."

"I certainly hope that is not the case."

"Sire, it is interesting that he says that there is no ordeal in his nation. Do you think he is lying to us?"

"Of course. We should not blame him. We House leaders often lie to one another to propagate our power. We want others to think that we are greater than we actually are."

"Could it be, though, that he is telling the truth and there actually is no problem in his nation?"

"It would seem pointless, then, to end his isolation. Why change deliberately when your equilibrium is in balance to insure your survival?"

"Exactly what I was thinking, m'lord. Let us not push this topic, though. He obviously wants others to think that there is no problem. I do not see why we should not play along with him for the time."

"I suppose you are right, Liheem. I will inform him that we are interested in marketing our spice to his people."

The Duke sent another message to Emperor Kyle II:

We would like to establish markets in your empire for the spice melange. It is a rare spice that can be mined only on certain planets within the Padishah Empire. The standard price for melange currently stands at 1,450,000 solaris per decagram. Those who are ignorant of the spice tend to wonder why the price is so high. This is because of the affects on humans granted by the spice. Consumption of the spice grants heightened mental functions, and consuming it for a long period of time can slow aging significantly, therefore increasing lifespan by as much as a factor of three. The spice is also key to the training of Mentats and navigators, although I am sure that you are like most other nations and do not need such specialists because of your computer technology.

I highly recommend that you accept this deal. In addition, if you wish to cultivate the spice yourself, we can sell you some shai-hulud larvae (known to outsiders as sandtrout), and in a few thousand years they can transform a planet into one capable of producing melange.

The commander him self along with a team of two Objective force warriors, were immediately engulfed in a flash of bright white light, a split second later the young tarrens appeared in a flash of glorious light at the landing zone, the objective force warriors stood ominously over most shorter things around them, there twin negative energy Cannons hidden in there arms, hey scanned the area, as the black haired brown eyed, tall and skinny young commander stood awaiting.

"Welcome to New Cravna.", said a man in a business suit as he approached the three men. "I am Fred Dawson, Director of Foreign Affairs."

We would like to establish markets in your empire for the spice melange. It is a rare spice that can be mined only on certain planets within the Padishah Empire. The standard price for melange currently stands at 1,450,000 solaris per decagram. Those who are ignorant of the spice tend to wonder why the price is so high. This is because of the affects on humans granted by the spice. Consumption of the spice grants heightened mental functions, and consuming it for a long period of time can slow aging significantly, therefore increasing lifespan by as much as a factor of three. The spice is also key to the training of Mentats and navigators, although I am sure that you are like most other nations and do not need such specialists because of your computer technology.

I highly recommend that you accept this deal. In addition, if you wish to cultivate the spice yourself, we can sell you some shai-hulud larvae (known to outsiders as sandtrout), and in a few thousand years they can transform a planet into one capable of producing melange.

A message was sent back.

We accept your offer to import the spice. However, at this time we do not require the ability to cultivate it ourselves. Is there anything which you may require through trade?

The commander smiled and held out a hand, the commander said
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, while I’m not a diplomat I am allowed to speak for my nation in this case, and I look forward to learning about your nation, and I also hope we can come to an agreement, be it trade, non aggression pact or other affairs of that matter”

The five foot eleven tall commander stood diplomatically, his blue and black uniform with metals and 3 bronze stars with circles around them on his collar, all gleaming in the light of the star, his black shoes gleaming as the glossy layer of plasi carbon keeps them intact.

The commander smiled and held out a hand, the commander said
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, while I’m not a diplomat I am allowed to speak for my nation in this case, and I look forward to learning about your nation, and I also hope we can come to an agreement, be it trade, non aggression pact or other affairs of that matter”

The five foot eleven tall commander stood diplomatically, his blue and black uniform with metals and 3 bronze stars with circles around them on his collar, all gleaming in the light of the star, his black shoes gleaming as the glossy layer of plasi carbon keeps them intact.

"Indeed.", he said with a cheerful smile. "If you would please follow me to that speeder we can have you to your accomidations during your stay. We will have the Emperor meet with you ASAP."

The commander nodded, his 2 OFW’s ready to flow him behind, as he stood ready to leave. “I’m ready when you are” he commented

The commander nodded, his 2 OFW’s ready to flow him behind, as he stood ready to leave. “I’m ready when you are” he commented

Dawson stepped into the back of the speeder, and motioned for the others to do the same. The driver prepared the engine.

They made there way to the speeder, stepping in, and the commander dusted off his uniform as he relaxed a bit, his officers doing the same.

They made there way to the speeder, stepping in, and the commander dusted off his uniform as he relaxed a bit, his officers doing the same.

"Take us up."
"Yes, sir."

The speeder lifted off the ground, and sped into the sky. After a few miniutes, they arrived at the Imperial Hotel.

"One Imperial Suite, coming up."

"No problem."

The speeder sped off into the sky, headed towards the Imperial Hotel in central New Cravna. Seconds later, a Talon Assault Dropship appeared to take the guards to the hotel.

The Mardukans removed two massive cases from the shuttle, almost resembling Sarcophagi, they were cases for the massive powered armor of the Mardukan Marines. They loaded them onto the shuttle, boarded themselves, nd wited to leave.

The Mardukans removed two massive cases from the shuttle, almost resembling Sarcophagi, they were cases for the massive powered armor of the Mardukan Marines. They loaded them onto the shuttle, boarded themselves, nd wited to leave.

The dropship lifted from the pad, and headed to the Imperial Hotel at top speed.

A message was sent back.

We accept your offer to import the spice. However, at this time we do not require the ability to cultivate it ourselves. Is there anything which you may require through trade?
The new message was reviewed by Liheem and the Duke.

"I think I will already know the answer to this question," said Liheem, "but, is there anything that we need through trade?"

"No," answered the Duke. "We are quite self-sufficient. The only thing we require is the ability to sell melange. Once we begin selling the spice, it will take care of itself."

In addition to the benefits provided by regular melange consumption, it was also a highly addictive substance. If not taken in large enough quantities, those who had previously taken the spice would suffer painful withdrawal, with death soon following unless the melange quota was met. The knowledge of these downsides was not widespread, as those who could afford to buy melange could generally also afford to buy enough for them to have some melange mixed into their food every day. Most were not aware of it's addictive qualities.

"Well, I will confirm our willingness to set up melange markets with the Emperor of Cravan," announced the Duke.

"Excellent, m'lord."

The Duke sent a message to Emperor Kyle II:

No, I am afraid all we want out of this deal is the money provided by spice trade. I am sending merchants to sell the spice in your towns and cities, as well as a considerable load of spice for them to sell.

As a gift between members of royalty, I will also be sending a free package of spice for use for you and your family. May it grant you longevity of life and quickening of the mind.

OOC: Even though I don't know that ICly, you do realise that I ain't gonna use that, right? And besides, all products brought into the Empire are inspected and tested, so it may not get far. There is a bustling black market, though.

IC:

Very well. That perfectly suits us.

The Emperor looked up to an aide.

"I want all imports from now on inspected and tested for the standards that domestically created foods are put to."
"Yes, sir."

(OOC: Well, whether or not you decide to let melange into your Empire, I'm still going to try to get it in there. And, OOCly speaking, the benefits of melange do heavily outweigh the downside for those who can afford it. If you are worried that I will suddenly stop melange shipments to you, then you don't need to worry about that because the Emperor has outlawed that particular tactic.)

A massive Heighliner VIII class freighter was folded through space from the spice mining system of the House Ontillan to the space outside the system that housed New Cravan. As it moved towards the planet, it sent out a message and hoped that their signal would reach the proper authorities:

This vessel belongs to the Grozek Spice Company. We have been authorized by his majesty, Emperor Kyle II, to come and sell our cargo on New Cravan. Shuttles will be disembarking and returning to this ship regularly. We thank you for your cooperation.

As the message had said would occur, a shuttle exited the craft and made its way to the planet. It sent out a signal asking where it could land.

(OOC: Well, whether or not you decide to let melange into your Empire, I'm still going to try to get it in there. And, OOCly speaking, the benefits of melange do heavily outweigh the downside for those who can afford it. If you are worried that I will suddenly stop melange shipments to you, then you don't need to worry about that because the Emperor has outlawed that particular tactic.)

A massive Heighliner VIII class freighter was folded through space from the spice mining system of the House Ontillan to the space outside the system that housed New Cravan. As it moved towards the planet, it sent out a message and hoped that their signal would reach the proper authorities:

This vessel belongs to the Grozek Spice Company. We have been authorized by his majesty, Emperor Kyle II, to come and sell our cargo on New Cravan. Shuttles will be disembarking and returning to this ship regularly. We thank you for your cooperation.

As the message had said would occur, a shuttle exited the craft and made its way to the planet. It sent out a signal asking where it could land.

(OOC: I do understand that. And it's not that I'm gonna outlaw it or anything. You know how it can be, though. I'll probably do something like only licensed merchants can sell it or somethin'.)

*********************

"Grozek Spice Shuttle, this is Cravanian Groud Control. I am sending the coordinates to the industrial cargo port now. After a routine customs check you should be good."

Even after so many years of isolation, the Cravanians had not lost touch with security.

(OOC: I do understand that. And it's not that I'm gonna outlaw it or anything. You know how it can be, though. I'll probably do something like only licensed merchants can sell it or somethin'.)

*********************

"Grozek Spice Shuttle, this is Cravanian Groud Control. I am sending the coordinates to the industrial cargo port now. After a routine customs check you should be good."

Even after so many years of isolation, the Cravanians had not lost touch with security.
The shuttle captain sent a message back to Cravanian Ground Control:

This shuttle does not contain any spice, it is merely full of some merchants who wish to seek out locations for their offices. We were hoping you would be able to direct us. If you are looking for cargo to check, we can try to pull the Heighliner into your port. It is a 14 km ship, though, so it would take up a lot of space. It may also need to be towed in to place because it has such a large turning radius.

The shuttle captain sent a message back to Cravanian Ground Control:

This shuttle does not contain any spice, it is merely full of some merchants who wish to seek out locations for their offices. We were hoping you would be able to direct us. If you are looking for cargo to check, we can try to pull the Heighliner into your port. It is a 14 km ship, though, so it would take up a lot of space. It may also need to be towed in to place because it has such a large turning radius.

"You only have merchants? Then I suggest landing at Pad 2B. I'll guide you in. If you want to land the Heighliner, then I suggest you land in the industrial docks. I'll have someone guide it in if you want."

---Pyon, Pythogrian Homeworld---

"Sir... you wanted to end our isolationism."

"Yes, Geralt. I did."

"Remember that ally we had, thousands of years ago?"

"Cravan?"

"Yes. They are still around."

"What? Where? Put our alliance up!"

"Yes sir, Ezel."

To: Our Old Ally, Cravan

From: Your old Ally, Pythogria

En Taro Adun.

Remember us? Your old ally? Pythogria? Our policy of isolationism is now dead, once more. We wish to re-establish forgotten ties. You are first on the list. Please accept our offer of alliance.

---Pyon, Pythogrian Homeworld---

"Sir... you wanted to end our isolationism."

"Yes, Geralt. I did."

"Remember that ally we had, thousands of years ago?"

"Cravan?"

"Yes. They are still around."

"What? Where? Put our alliance up!"

"Yes sir, Ezel."

To: Our Old Ally, Cravan

From: Your old Ally, Pythogria

En Taro Adun.

Remember us? Your old ally? Pythogria? Our policy of isolationism is now dead, once more. We wish to re-establish forgotten ties. You are first on the list. Please accept our offer of alliance.

OOC: I just replied to your thread, too. :p

******************************

Of course we remember you. And we would be more than happy to be allies once more. In our eyes, we never stopped being allies.

OOC: I just replied to your thread, too. :p

******************************

Of course we remember you. And we would be more than happy to be allies once more. In our eyes, we never stopped being allies.

Why, thank you! May our relations prosper again.

the doombriher droped out of transwarp

red alert ordered the warrior king

aye sire the tatical ofcier sayed shields raised and the weapons are armed

Rupert and Dennings climbed into the speeder, “Where we going then?” he asked the pilot as Rupert clutched his side wincing slightly.

move us closer helm one tenth impusle aye sire

OOC-You could at least use some grammar.

Zukariaa']OOC-You could at least use some grammar.

OOC: I have to agree.

OOC: Same here.

***************************
IC:

"Well, we're going to customs to find out exactly who the hell you are. I've got the names, but, you know. Routine stuff.", the man said to Rupert and Dennings. The speeder took off, headed for the inner city space port.

**********************

"Attention unidentified craft. Please identify yourself immediately and state your intentions.", the traffic controller said into his comm. He looked up at the sensor readouts. "Sir! They're arming weapons!"

The head of the control center walked over to the sensor console and looked over the controller's shoulder.

"Contact the fleet."
"Yes, sir."

He flipped channels over to the encrypted network of the fleet.

"Home Defense Fleet, this is Ground Control. We have a ship inbound presumed hostile. They are charging weapons. Move to intercept and disable."
"Copy that, ground control. Fleet out."

*****************************
INS-23 Justice
High-Orbit Over New Cravan

"Bring shields to full and break from orbit."
"Aye, Admiral."

The INS Justice, a Legacy-class vessel, broke from New Cravan's orbit, three Freedom-class cruisers in tow.

"Target is on sensors, sir."
"Hail them."
"Aye, sir."

A holo-display appeared before the admiral. He watched until it confirmed he had audio with the incoming vessel.

"Attention unidentified vessel. You are trespassing in Cravanian space, and we have detected you are charging your weaponry. Identify yourself and power your weaponry down or exit this system now. We will fire upon you if you do not comply."

He looked away as the comm turned off, waiting for a response from the ship. He looked to his second-in-command.

"XO, inform the turbolaser turret gunners to fire upon the engines and FTL drives on my order. I want ion gunners to spray the ship and take down their shields and crucial systems if they open fire. Prep the fighters for immediate launch. Also, prepare some marines for a boarding party. I want that ship disabled and our marines on it if they open fire."
"Aye, sir."

ce at the barrel of a weapon pointing at us

OOC: Uh... No offense, but... Excuse me?

OOC-You'd think a few months of being a noob would be enough. Hes been here, what? 2 years? Come one, man! Learn some English. :rolleyes:

ooc lil kid sister kept deltein my post sorry


ic sir hostile ships shall engage them in battle or hail them said the tatical oficer
com them said the warrior king

*coms to hostile shipes this is the doom bringer we do not talk peace with the barrel of a weapon pointing at us*

The dropship lifted from the pad, and headed to the Imperial Hotel at top speed.

OOC: Yeah, we just kindof ignore Seph most of the time...

IC:

The Mardukans would find William waiting for them in the lobby of the Hotel.

OOC: I'm starting to understand why...

ooc lil kid sister kept deltein my post sorry


ic sir hostile ships shall engage them in battle or hail them said the tatical oficer
com them said the warrior king

*coms to hostile shipes this is the doom bringer we do not talk peace with the barrel of a weapon pointing at us*

"There are currently no weapons pointed directly at your ship. But know that you are severely outnumbered and outgunned. Leave now or disengage your weapons."

The commander of the Justice watched tensely, waiting for them to make their move...

*******************************

The dropship landed, and the guards were allowed to disembark and gather their gear. An official on the landing pad of the hotel informed them to tell William that the Emperor would be availiable whenever William wanted to meet with him.

so be it depower weapons keep shields energized

so be it depower weapons keep shields energized

"Sir, their weapons are down."
"Good.", the admiral said, relief flowing over him. "Open a channel."
"Aye, sir. Channel open."

The admiral straightened up.

"This is Rear Admiral Jack Peterson. What are your reasons for being here? And what are your intentions?"

OOC: I'm starting to understand why...



"There are currently no weapons pointed directly at your ship. But know that you are severely outnumbered and outgunned. Leave now or disengage your weapons."

The commander of the Justice watched tensely, waiting for them to make their move...

*******************************

The dropship landed, and the guards were allowed to disembark and gather their gear. An official on the landing pad of the hotel informed them to tell William that the Emperor would be availiable whenever William wanted to meet with him.

"Alright, gimme ten minutes to get everything all set up in my room, and then I'll leave Denat to finish up while I'm gone."

coms we were currios our intentions were to become alies but now this hostile greeting has soured our view of your race

coms we were currios our intentions were to become alies but now this hostile greeting has soured our view of your race
OOC-Are your guys on crack? Do they see things that don't exist?

coms we were currios our intentions were to become alies but now this hostile greeting has soured our view of your race

"Well, if you hadn't charged your weapons and shields we wouldn't have minded. However, you trespassed into our territory without hailing us, you charged your weapons and shields, and you wonder why we're so hostile to you. Maybe you could take a hint?"

ah our fault
we tend to be over cautious when meeting new races

ah our fault
we tend to be over cautious when meeting new races

"It is of no consequence. Now, would you like us to escort you to the planet?"

we can do that ourselves if you would pemit us do deploy a few fighters

we can do that ourselves if you would pemit us do deploy a few fighters

The admiral could tell they did not understand.

"No, we mean take you to the planet. Although we do trust you... We do have our own security to look out for."

The admiral could tell they did not understand.

"No, we mean take you to the planet. Although we do trust you... We do have our own security to look out for."

so be it
our universel translator seems to be playing up

so be it
our universel translator seems to be playing up

The four ships began to escort the Doombringer towards New Cravan, all eyes watching it warily...

(ooc: feel free to rp my commander arrvaing at the meeting room)

"You only have merchants? Then I suggest landing at Pad 2B. I'll guide you in. If you want to land the Heighliner, then I suggest you land in the industrial docks. I'll have someone guide it in if you want."
Thank you, we will proceed to that area. The Heighliner, however, can not land. It must remain in orbit.

As the shuttle descended towards the location known as "Pad 2B", the crew, a group of merchants, made plans on what they intended to do.

"Firstly," said one, "I think we can all agree that a stable source of water and food must be procured before any other action can take place."

"Certainly, but one of us must remain with the shuttle. In case of any storms or dangerous wildlife, we may need to take off quickly."

"They could be directing us into a city, in which case we may be able to buy our water and food."

"Yes, I just hope that they find what we have valuable enough to trade for water."

"That may be a problem. In that case, some of us must search for a natural or free source of water in case those looking to purchase water fail. Once we procure a stable source of water and food, then I will lead a group in erecting a shelter."

"And if the natives are hostile?"

"Well, we will try to negotiate. We can bring water from our Heighliner's to them as a gift, and if that fails, then all we can do is search for another location. If all goes to plan, then we will begin our marketing strategy. I hope our plan is flexible enough."

"Indeed."

"We are approaching Pad 2B."

The shuttle was a sleek craft that somewhate resembled a banana in shape. It slowed down and curved stilts extended from the bottom of the craft. With a soft hiss, it landed. Atmospheric checks were done by sensors on the craft, and when everything checked out, a ramp extended from the bottom. Twelve robed figures emerged, and took in their new environment.

(OOC: A few questions. Does this area have any fountains, open sources of water such as streams or rivers, or any other means of getting water? Also, is this area densely populated, is it in a large, open area or a tightly packed city? Just some other info would be appreciated.)

OOC: This is new Cravna:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/crave22/Cravan%20FT/city.jpg

Very western society of the future type place. There should be a link in my sig to my FT factbook. If you can't see it I'll post it here. If you need any other info, just ask.

**************************

The representative from the Fedral Union arrived in the Imperial Palace, and the Emperor greeted him by extending his hand.

"Welcome to New Cravan. I kinda run things around here... The name is Kyle. Emperor Kyle II. Are you enjoying your stay so far?"

The Emperor tried his hardest to keep it an informal atmosphere. Being in a business suit didn't help much, but he tried.

The Fremen merchants made mental notes about important parts of the environment they saw. They had landed in a large population area, as shown by the large buildings. This would surely enable them to barter for food. A large river flowed in the distance. Rivers, recalled the Fremen, large flowing bodies of water. The Fremen were not picky when it came to what water they drank, so it would most likely be okay.

Adhering to the plan, one Fremen stayed with the shuttle, six went to the river to fill up their water containers, and the remaining five would search the city for an appropriate place to construct their shelter. Among the five of them, they carried all the materials necessary to construct a stilltent.

Citizens passing by the group might be surprised or frightened by their odd appearance: robed figures with dry, leathery skin and eyes that were 100% blue. They were still human. The eye discoloration was one of the affects of a diet with a large amount of melange.

The Fremen journeyed until they found a park, where they constructed their stilltent shelter. One of them radioed back to the Fremen in the shuttle that they now needed their first supply of melange, which they would sell at an area they had seen that sold food.

The shipment would have to temporarily wait, as the slow Heighliner was still trying to get into orbit around New Cravan and the cargo was being counted for by managers.

Meanwhile, the captain of the Heighliner sent a message to the proper authorities of Cravan:

This is the Heighliner VIII in orbit around your planet, New Cravan. You have been cleared to inspect our cargo should you desire to do so.

OOC: After I inspect the cargo or whatever I have to do to find out about the addictive affects, I'll probably have it so only licensed shops can carry it. You should still make a fortune, anyway, even if it has a little Surgeon General type warning.

**********************

"We will be sending a team up there to analyze your product. Please stand by."

A shuttle ascended through the atmosphere, and docked with the cargo ship. The team disembarked, and got to work.

**********************

Alot of people looked at these newomers with a multitude of feelings. Curiosity was chief among them. Most people had no idea what the hell these "screwballs" as some had called were doing. They had seen some go down to the river to fetch water, and yet there was a clean plumbing system just below them. They were also curious as to why they set up in a park.

However, they merely went on with their daily lives. It was of no consequece to them what these newcomers did.

**********************

OOC: I very much like your style of RPing your guys in my city. Could create for some interesting scenarios.

secert ic hmm thes escorst look big

ic they followed

secert ic hmm thes escorst look big

ic they followed

The four ships, chief among them the massive Legacy-class battleship, escorted the Doombringer into orbit. The crew of the ship probably knew that all eyes were on them, and defensive satellites were armed and ready.

"Would you like to send a representative to the surface? If so, we will escort a shuttle down for you."

Aboard the Heighliner, Fremen soldiers from the House Ontillan watched the inspectors at a comfortable distance. Melange theft was a serious crime.

The first melange shuttle departed the Heighliner, and landed where the initial shuttle still was standing. A lone Fremen approached the pad. The Fremen that had been staying with the shuttle got out once the approaching Fremen gave an innocent looking hand signal.

"I have brought water."

The two drank their water without saying a word. They were used to conserving every drop of water, and speaking or concentrating on anything other than drinking at that moment might yield a critical error in water handling. Then, after the drinking was finished, they began to converse.

"We will not need to construct an underground water storage area," said one Fremen. He motioned with his hand towards the river. "There will be plenty enough water for us here."

"Very well, then. I will need you to help me guard the shuttles that will be coming in and out. If we begin making enough money, this task will eventually be taken up by more specialized guards."

"The others have constructed a shelter 5.3928 kilometers that way," he pointed with his hand in the direction of the park in which the shelter had been set up. The Fremen then procured a piece of chalk from inside his robes and drew a reference line on the ground, showing the exact direction one must walk in order to reach the stilltent. "They have found an area that might be suitable for selling our melange. I am unaware of its location, although that information is not necessary. Travel will be made easier once a map is drawn out."

One Fremen emerged from the shuttle that had just arrived. He saw the line on the ground and began walking with containers full of melange.

At the location of a stilltent, one Fremen had been delegated to the task of mapping the area. He unfolded some paper and found a pen for writing notes about distances, angles, elevations, and landmarks. He then began walking away from the camp, taking 40 centimeter long steps. He measured any change in slope or angle of travel with his feet, and performed the necessary trigonometric calculations in his head. It would be extremely difficult for a normal person to achieve such a high level concentration, but the increased ability to process data in one's mind that was granted by the melange diet gave the Fremen these abilities. On their home planets, if one was to wander off in to the desert and his direction of travel was to be off by only one or two degrees, it could spell disaster.

Back at camp, the remaining Fremen discussed strategies. Even though securing water was not as big of a problem on this planet, it was subconsciously brought up first.

"What if a hostile tribe attempts to block us from reaching our water source?"

"Then we will try to fight them off if we judge that we may win. Otherwise, we will have to find another location. These people seem to not be hostile towards our presence."

The next topic was how to market their product. This would probably be the most difficult aspect of their mission. Anywhere else they had been, everyone knew about melange and everyone wanted it. Here, no one was familiar with it and the high prices that the Fremen demanded for it might be laughed upon.

"We will make conversation with local food vendors, and offer to sell them melange to put on their food. We will at first sell at a lower price, but as the populace gains faith in the spice, we will move it up to standard price. The temporary lowering of prices will even out compared to the large profits we should make later."

The Fremen took a moment to scan their environment again. Their stilltent seemed almost pathetic compared to the skyscrapers that surrounded it. Should our business prosper, thought one, we may attempt to build a more permanent headquarters.

The Fremen then set out in groups of two. They had grown somewhat comfortable around these peaceful people. However, they would be wary until they knew more about them. Whenever they stopped and talked to a person, they made sure that they placed themselves out of reach of that person's arms, but just close enough so that their throat could be slashed by the tip of their concealed scimitar.

They staked out many vendors. Those that appeared to be attracting local customers were confronted with melange. The price had been lowered significantly: 3 solaris per decagram, or about 500,000 times lower than the actual price was.

The typical conversation began like such: a Fremen would approach a vendor, who might be freaked out by the robes and the blue eyes. They greeted one another and the Fremen brought up issues of water decisions, which the vendor normally ignored or played along with. The Fremen then purchased some of the vendor's food using money he had gotten by breaking into vending machines. The Fremen added melange, and ate some of the food. He then offered a taste to the vendor. Whether or not the vendor accepted the food with spice mixed in, the Fremen then offered to sell his melange at the lower price. In some cases, the vendor was told about how the spice increased the longevity of one's life, as well as heightened mental functioning. In other cases, however, the properties of the spice were not mentioned. If the vendor bought a package of melange, the Fremen would offer to meet him again at a predecided on place, where a portion of the money on the day's sales with melange food would be given to the Fremen, and the Fremen would give the vendor more melange. The vendor also was obligated to put up a sign telling the customers that melange was in some of their food products, so that customers would recognize the spice later in other sales.

Another tactic employed by the Fremen was to sit in front of a store and offer to sell melange directly to pedestrians passing by.

Some Fremen hung up signs that urged others to "BUY MELANGE" on trees, buildings, or anything else they deemed suitable.

(OOC: This could really prove fun...)

Well what the hell do we have here?

Lieutenant Joseph Dawes of the New Cravna Police Department watched as a robed man sold packages of... something to passing pedestrians. He was slightly creeped out by the man's appearance, but brushed that aside for now. He walked up to the man, tipping his hat.

"'Morning, sir. May I see your license to sell whatever you are... selling?"

He hoped to God he had caught a drug dealer. They brought in a good bonus...

***************************

The customs team on the Heighliner took out their portable lab equipment, and analysed a sample of the spice which they in turn paid for.

(OOC: Would there be anything specific I would find that would make it do what it did? Since I don't wanna just say I found something weird with it.)

(OOC: Melange has psychotropic substances in it, which most drug detection equipment could probably identify.)

The Fremen was not used to the tendencies of these people's speech, but had learned some from his conversations with vendors to be able to figure out many of their common conversational idiosyncracies with some mental analysis. For example, he dismissed the word "Morning" as meaning an indication of a time of day, and instead interpretted it as a casual greeting.

From what the Fremen had gathered, the officer had asked for a license to sell what he was selling. License... pondered the Fremen. He recalled an incident in which he was working at a foreign space port. A soldier had asked for the license of every visitor, and in turn the visitors presented the soldier with a document that said they had permission to carry out a certain action. License...document detailing permission...to sell, in this case...

Realizing that he had no such document, the Fremen did not want to disappoint the man and instead replied with something different.

"This city is beautiful and full of moisture," stated the Fremen.

The Fremen made sure to note the positioning and posture of the officer, location of possible weapons on his person, and possible routes of escape. He made these mental notes every time he confronted someone on this planet, and would use this information should a confrontation occur.

(OOC: Thanks for the info.)

***************************

"Yes, it is a beautiful city. Now, I must ask again: Do you have a license to sell your product? If not, there is a fine of 500 Craves and possible detainment. However.... seeing as you're not from around here you would probably get off with a warning."

Dawes studied the man, noting his remarkable blue eyes. He also noted the clothing he wore. And noted that those robes were perfect for concealing weapons.

Shit... I have to be quick if he does decide to use a weapon...

*************************

"What the hell?"
"What is it?"
"These readings... There's something in this spice."
"What is it?"
"Abnormally high psychotropic subtance readings."

One of the scientific teams turned to a crewman of the Heighliner.

"What does this stuff do, exactly?"

Helping the inspectors was a crewman who's job was to make sure the melange was kept at the best temperatures for storage.

"Melange is a spice designed for mixing in to food. It has a few beneficial properties. When taken daily, it can increase one's lifespan by over three times. It also stimulates the brain and allows the consumer of the spice to think and process information faster."

Meanwhile, in the confrontation between Lieutenant Dawes and the Fremen merchant, the Fremen determined by the use of the verb "fine" that a Crave was the currency used here. So that's what those numbers on money mean. He should have known that was the purpose of the numbers. He wished he had granted more priority in his mind to paying attention to the numbers on the money he had shoved into his robes. He could not remember how much he had.

The Fremen still did not want to disappoint man by saying that he did not have any license, but apparently the man would press the issue until he realized that the Fremen did not have one.

"I have not found a license," he finally admitted. "I have some money," he added quickly. "I am not sure how much."

He pushed open the right side of his robes with his left hand. A sheathed scimitar could be clearly seen on one of the Fremen's belts. The Fremen also had a crysknife in a sheath on his right arm and a lasgun mini-rifle slung around his right shoulder. It could be inferred that more weapons were hiding under the left side of his robes.

The Fremen fiddled around with one of the pouches on his belt and pulled out 45 Craves.

Dawes nearly died when he saw the weapons on the man. He went white with fear, but managed to hide it skillfully.

"It's all right. I'll let you off with a warning since you are new here. If you want I can direct you to where you could acquire a license. We will have to find out exactly what it is you are selling, though."

At that moment, his radio blared.

"Attention all units. Be on the lookout for men dressed in robes selling spices. These spices contain materials which require a specific license to be sold, and sales of this product are to be halted until the situation can be sorted out. Force is not necessary. Suggested course of action is to inform them of the problem and suggest a solution as acquiring a license for sale of the product.

Repeat: Do not under any circumstances use force unless provoked..."

Dawes turned the volume down as the order was repeated.

"Could you take me to your counterparts? I have a feeling we may need to have a bit of a chat."

******************************

The team onboard the Heighliner asked if they could speak with who was in charge, in order to get the situation sorted out as quickly and cleanly as possible.

Dawes's words reaffirmed the Fremen's assumption that he was a law enforcement officer from the local tribe. The Fremen's confusion was erased when he heard the radio transmission. They are trying to shut our operation down because it is competing with their markets, thought the Fremen. He could not think of any other reason why they would be trying to stop the selling of melange. Since when did anyone need a license to sell melange?

He was unsure of whether to resist or to cooperate. He would try to stay neutral until the officer's intentions became more clear.

"I am unaware of the location of the other merchants of our operation. You see, they are scattered throughout this area."

Meanwhile, on the ship, the captain was summoned. It took several minutes for him to arrive because of the massive size of the ship.

He was dressed in Fremen robes, much like the merchants down on the planet's surface, but his skin was less dry and leathery, which suggested he lived more comfortably. He smiled as he saw the inspectors. Soldiers saluted as he passed.

"Blessings from the Great Mother be upon you! I am Ramze Hortuli, representing the House Ontillan on this ship. What seems to be the problem?"

The scientists returned the smile, and immediately got to the point.

"We have detected some amounts of possibly harmful substances in your spice. Now, there is no need to worry. You will still be able to sell it. However, we need to ensure the populous knows the effects of it and that we can have your men on the surface sell it at licenesed vendors and institutions."

*******************************

"Do you know of where you might've set up a camp? Or can you take me to your ship?", Dawes asked the Freman as politely as possible. He did not want to provoke a man with as many weapons as this man had...

coms yes i the warior king myself shall go

Hortuli did not appreciate the news. He had read that melange might have some harmful effects on those who did not use it properly, but the actions of these people were overly protective.

"I do not see why we have to restrict our merchants so much. It is only common sense that if a product is misused, it may have harmful effects."

Meanwhile, the Fremen that was confronted by Dawes realized that he must take action soon. He weighed his options. He could kill Dawes, which would temporarily get rid of the problem, but it would make the government of Cravan mad and they would probably be forced off of the planet. He could not do that. To obey the officer’s orders, however, would be giving in too easily, and they could lose all they had accomplished thus far. That also was not an option.

The Fremen came to the conclusion that he had to somehow get rid of Dawes without killing him. He did not want to try and trick the officer in to wandering away, as the officer was clearly very interested in disposing of him and would not walk away easily. He did not want to try and hide from the officer in the land of Dawes’s own tribe. He would surely be found quickly.

He therefore had to subdue Dawes. He thought about the non-lethal weapons he was carrying. He had Fire Powder in his pocket, which would cause inflammation of the eyes and respiratory system. That would not work. Dawes could kill him in a burst of adrenaline.

The Fremen was unsure of what to do. All the other non-lethal weapons he carried were some kind of variant on the Fire Powder. He looked up at the sky. This planet had giant white floating balls of wool in the air, which, if he remembered properly, were not actually wool, but clouds. Moisture in the air. This planet was so full of moisture. He moved his tongue around in his mouth. He was used to feeling a dry mouth, but his mouth now contained saliva from excess water drinking. He then felt something with his tongue that seemed out of place. Of course!

The Fremen began formulating his new plan immediately. He slowed his breathing. I must achieve absolute respiratory control, he thought.

“Yes, I suppose that I have to take you to our camp,” said the Fremen. He did not immediately move, however, and stared at the sky for a few more moments.

(OOC: What kind of area are they in? Are there many people around?)

(OOC: Well, you're in the middle of a densly populated city, much like any modern day city in America or Europe. So there are going to be plenty of people around.)

*****************

Dawes smiled, thinking he had finally gotten through to this man.

"Good to hear. The quicker we have this sorted out the quicker you can sell your product."

Dawes thought about arresting the man for having as many weapons as he did have since he didn't have a permit for that many concealed weapons. But he decided against annoying him further... Someone that heavily armed who was not causing problems could be let off the hook...

********************

"I know this, but it is the law around here. Our society prohibits the use of harmful substances without the user being notified of the qualities it possesses. I'm really sorry about this, sir."

********************

"Okay, then. We'll escort your ship down, if you don't mind.", the admiral said through the comm to the Sephriothian ship.

There were several people in the surrounding area, the Fremen noticed. This may be an inconvenience, but if he did not act now, he would allow the enemy more time to reinforce himself.

The Fremen felt around his mouth again with his tongue. The fake tooth was still there. If the Fremen punched down on it with his tongue at the right spot with the right amount of pressure, it would burst. A chemical reaction would occur immediately, creating a gas that the Fremen called “night gas”. The night gas, when exhaled upon a victim, would cause temporary blindness to the victim. Usually within less than a second, the victim would be rendered unconscious. A normal effect that followed was short term memory loss. These properties made the gas useful in the “zombie” rituals that were practiced in some Fremen religions.

The key to what the Fremen was about to do was to quickly exhale once the tooth was burst, and not to immediately breathe in, as was the instinctual reaction when something was thrust into one’s face.

“These mudtowers are quite astonishing,” remarked the Fremen, referring to the tall buildings. “I am sorry if I am acting strange, but this place is so new and confusing to me.”

With one hand clutching his scimitar, he glanced around and saw an escape route with not as many people crowded in that area as in other areas. He looked up at a skyscraper, inhaled into the deepest region of his chest, turned so that he was face to face with Dawes, and burst the tooth. His diaphragm rapidly pushed the air out of his lungs and towards Dawes’s face. The Fremen closed his eyes and turned around, practically leaping away from Dawes.

His eyes were burning and his vision was noticeably blurred. He had escaped the full force of blindness of the gas, though.

The Fremen had learned much about these people’s tendencies since he had arrived. He had learned how they reacted to a crisis. He used this information in an attempt to confuse the surrounding people.

“Someone call for help!” he screamed. “This officer is suffering from an acute allergic reaction!”

The Fremen dashed away from the scene, not looking back. He hoped all had worked well. The merchants may have to leave this area, but, then again, they may not.



On the Heighliner, Hortuli was disappointed by the inspector’s explanation. “We are informing them of the properties of melange. It increases longevity of life, and allows one to think faster. It has bad effects like anything that you put in your body. Even water, which gives life, can overwhelm the body if taken in excess. Do you put warnings on every package of water?”

The inspector had a pained look on his face.

"Well... Water doesn't have the same materials in it as some hallucinogenic drugs... It is not my policy, it is my government. Like I said, I am sorry, my friend."

***********************

Dawes fell to the ground, clutching his eyes and moaning. He began to lose conciousness, but managed to press a special button on his gear reserved for emergencies. Within miniutes six police speeders crowded the area, and an ambulance was called to take the unconcious Dawes for treatment.

It was midday now, and the skyways above bustled with noon traffic. It wasn't as busy as rush hour, but many speeders flew between the massive skyscrapers of the city, sticking to the skyways. Landspeeder traffic also bustled, with landspeeders filling the streets. Traffic signals had not changed much in the past few thousand years.

And through all this, police cruiser scoured the city in search of the man whom Dawes had encountered. Eyewittnesses had reported a man in a cloak running from the scene, shouting for people to assist the fallen officer.

However, they were not seeking him out for arrest.

They were seeking him out more for his own safety...

Hortuli scratched the top of his head. A Fremen guard about twenty meters behind him scratched his nose. Hortuli held his hand in front of his body and looked at it, flexing his index, middle, and ring fingers.

What is this? thought Hortuli. He is sorry? He is part of the government, just as I am part of mine. He has shown that he is clearly irrational, and, most likely, his actual loyalties lie with rival merchants.

Hortuli spoke sternly to the inspector, but hid his anger. "You say you are separate from your government, in which case you are no one to give me orders. If you are indeed a representative of the government, then I will have you turned in for treason."

Three of the guards behind the inspector had procured pistosl from holsters in their uniforms. They took aim, and shot powerful sedative darts at the inspector. As the poof sound of the guns went off, Hortuli smiled to himself. Emperor Kyle should reward me richly if I can turn this criminal in.



On the surface of the planet below, the Fremen that had just got rid of Dawes had quickly relayed information of the event to the others via cielago distrans communicator. He returned to the camp to remove the remains of the busted tooth. A few other Fremen were to journey back to the camp to discuss what should be done about the enemy tribe's aggression.

Soon after, a lone Fremen was walking towards a food vendor he saw about a kilometer away, when a police cruiser entered the area. The Fremen, not knowing that it was a police cruiser, did not think anything of it. The cruiser, however, would surely see him...

The inspector standing next to the one who had been shot stood, his eyes wide. He was speechless, and full of fear.

***********************

"We've got one here."

The officer drove up towards the man slowly, and rolled down the window.

"Hello, sir. Mind if I ask you a few questions?"

The Fremen guards closed in on the inspectors, including the one who had been hit by the darts.

"Your co-worker was apparently a traitor," explained Hortuli to the shocked man. "You may be one, too." He turned towards one of the guards. "Lieutenant, put the false inspector in a prison cell. He should be waking up in a few hours. Check his person and confiscate anything that could be used as a weapon, or to contact any accomplices he may have." He turned towards another guard. "Round up any other inspectors that they may have sent and bring them to block G for questioning."

The other inspector, and any others on board, were brought in to an area of the ship full of small, empty rooms. They would soon be interrogated.



On the planet, the Fremen that was stopped by the police was annoyed, but complied. "I do not see why not," he replied. He turned his head and looked into the police offcier's face with his piercing blue eyes.

"Excellent."

The officer looked into his eyes.

"Do you have any idea where your companions are? I need to speak with them, and soon."

*****************************

Unbeknownst to the Fremen, the remaining inspector managed to send out a faint signal to the fleet nearby, alerting them to the situation. As he was dragged off to an interrogation room, he feared for his life...

But most of all... He feared what may happen if this escalated into a conflict.

******************************

"Incoming signal."
"Patch it through."

A sharp tone filled the ears of the men on the bridge of the INS Legacy, the flagship of the Cravanian fleet.

"Distress beacon... Civilian. Where's it coming from?"
"The Heighliner, sir."
"Open a channel."
"Aye, sir."

Attention Heighliner:

We have reason to believe something has happened to our inspectors aboard your ship. Please elaborate what is going on.

The Fremen that the police had stopped found the question curious. He knows that there are more of us. He can either be asking for melange, or he could be a member of the hostile tribe. Two very different approaches I must take to court either one. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that I find out his allegiance immediately. The Fremen noticed that the officer did not seem agitated or intimidating. It was most likely that he had done business with some of the other merchants earlier just wanted to buy more melange.

“My tribe is scattered throughout this region,” replied the Fremen. “I would not know where any of them are. Would you like to buy some melange?”

What the Fremen said was true. Fremen rarely lied. He did not know where the other merchants were. A common Fremen tactic was to conceal their locations even from friendly groups. That way, in case one was captured, he could not betray the location of the others.



A message was sent back to the INS Legacy:

One of your inspectors has revealed himself to be either a traitor or an impersonator. Do not worry, we have him detained. Neither of your two inspectors will be harmed unless they first harm us. If you wish to have custody of either one of them, send a shuttle. If you do not want custody of them at this time, we will send both of them to you soon.



The inspector who had sent the signal was now being brought to the interrogation room. The rooms radiated from a circular hall, with a wide arch and gate closing off each room. One of the gates was opened, and a soldier brought the inspector inside. The gate was closed off.

The soldier sat on the floor. In a niche in a wall was a candle, which the soldier lit. The Fremen guard was heavily armed: battle armor, a large rifle, a smaller minirifle, a sheathed scimitar on the right side of his belt, a sheathed kindjal on the left side of his belt, a crystknife in an arm-sheath, and several packs which contained various ammunition, explosives, and other weapons.

After sitting in silence for a few minutes, the soldier spoke up suddenly. Although his voice was muffled by his three horned battlemask, he spoke with clarity. “They are coming, I can hear their footsteps. They should be here in about ten minutes. They are going to want to know whether or not you want a Fremen trial. I would suggest that you take it. I doubt that they will move to spill your body’s water, but we can never be sure. Tell me, are you innocent or guilty?”

"I... I do not know what I or my partner are even accused of!"

***********************

A message was sent to the Heighliner.

We would very much like to have our inspectors back and find out their true intentions. If you do not mind we will be sending a shuttle to pick them up immediately. Thank you.

"Sir... Any idea about what's going on?"
"One of them probably said something about the government or the planet or something... And I have a feeling these guys don't have the same liberties our people do... I just hope they don't take the law into their hands, else the Emperor will be seriously pissed..."

************************

"No, I'm afraid I am not interested in buying any melange at the moment. Thank you, anyway. I do need to speak to your fellow... Tribesmen."

A message was sent back to the ISN Legacy:

I am sorry, we can not immediately give them to you. They must be tried within the sietch that the crime was committed. Once we have determined their innocence or guilt, however, we will hand them over to you for proper freedom or punishment.



In the cell, the soldier waited motionless. An amount of time passed, and the soldier’s prediction came true when two men came down one of the long halls. One was dressed in a normal Fremen robe, but the other was dressed in a longer black robe, with white stripes coming down it. The two men stood outside the bars of the cell, looking at the inspector.

The one dressed in the normal robe spoke first. “Hello, foreigner. I am Amut.” He indicated to the man in the black robes. “This is The Shadeout Rasnzin. He will be our arbiter for this hopefully short interrogation.” Amut turned towards the soldier. “I see the candle of truth has been lit. Let the Great Mother shed truthful light upon this incident.” He cleared his voice. "You are being convicted of treachery and impersonation of a melange inspector."

Amut held out his hand to quiet the convicted in case he wanted to speak. He then procured a small black cube from his robes. As if it reminded him of something, he quickly spoke up and put the cube back in his robes. “Oh, I almost forgot to ask. I am required to ask you if you would like a Fremen trial. Well, would you?”



The Fremen being questioned by the police did not want to start violence unless it was indicated that violence was needed. He doubted that it would be. “Why must you talk to my tribesmen?”

"Well, I've been ordered to speak to yuor tribesmen by my government. Do not worry, for it will only take a very short time."

************************

Another message was sent back.

I am afraid this is unacceptable. If they are being tried for treason against us, then we should be doing the interrogating. Please, we wish to have our men back.

"What happens if they refuse, sir?"

The Admiral sat in silence, staring at the distant object which was the Heighliner.

"How long until we can have a team of Knights onboard?"
"We would have to call the enclave to request their support... But they usually support government actions."
"If they refuse, I want a small fleet to surround their ship and initiate boarding operations. We'll get our men back, and request they gather their men on the surface and leave immediately. This is all pending the Emperor's approval, which I'm sure he will approve. Send a message to the Emperor informing him of what is going on. And ask him if he approves."
"Aye, sir."

Several miniutes later, the Emperor responded.

"You have my support, Admiral. Do not fail Cravan. Those men depend on it."
"Yes, sir. Have the Knights voiced their approval?"
"Indeed they have. A strike team is being dispatched from one of their ships now to rendezvous with the Legacy."
"Good. Very good."

The screen blinked off.

"Now all we can do is wait..."

************************

"What exactly is a Fremen trial?", the inspector asked, confused.

Ahh, thought the Fremen who was being questioned by the police. This is not a man of the hostile tribe, but a government representative. I suppose I should comply.

"Very well. I can not lead to my tribesmen, but I can show you to our camp, where they will surely come." He procured a piece of chalk from his robes and drew a line on the ground. "The camp is 2.9302 kilometers that way. Your vehicle will mostly likely take you there before me, so I shall meet you there." The Fremen then turned and began walking away.



The soldier in the cell stirred. Curse his ignorance! he thought.

"Well," began Amut, "The Fremen trial would determine your innocence or guilt in the typical way of a Fremen sietch. The accusor will duel the accused and whoever comes out alive is innocent. The winner takes all the loser's property, as well as a portion of the loser's body's water. The master of assassins has appointed Narluc-" He gestured at the soldier "-as the man you would be facing should you choose this option. Most foreigners do not choose this form of trial. Which do you choose?"



Meanwhile, Hortuli was back at his command station. He sent out a message to the INS Legacy:

That makes absolutely no sense. He committed the crime in our sietch, and must be judged in our sietch. Anyone who is not mentally incapacitated can understand that. You will have your dear inspectors back without a scratch, trust me.

"I am not a fighter... I am a scientist.... I can't choose that trial...", the inspector said with regret.

********************

The next message to the Heighliner was not so friendly...

Transmission to the Heighliner
You fail to understand that your ship was in our territory during the time which the supposed crime was committed. You also do not have knowledge of our laws, and therefore he may not even be guilty of treason. We kindly request our inspectors be returned to us immediately before we must take action.

Ten Freedom-class cruisers slowly made their way towards the Heighliner, showing they were not threatening them but still showing they were present. Other ships of the Imperial fleet were being recalled to orbit...

Meanwhile, a small shuttle slowly drifted towards the Heighliner. Onboard was a strike team of twenty Imperial Guardian Knights. The commander, Master Ken Harrison, sat in his combat robes. He stroked the small cylinder which he carried with him everywhere, the blue blade which was currently disengaged having never failed him yet... He hoped a peaceful outcome could occur, but he was prepared to kill for justice.

*********************

"Thank you. I'll see you at your camp.", the officer said with a smile. He rolled up his window, and drove away.

Freak...

“Well then,” said Amut. “I suppose we will have to do the other trial. You and Naruc will both present your cases, and then the Shadeout Rasnzin will decide who is innocent or guilty. Now, explain why you are innocent, guilty, or other, and tell us why you say so.”



Hortuli did not understand why they were confused. He had received reports of ten large ships coming near the Heighliner. They were clearly warships, but it did not seem like they were preparing to attack. Will they really try to attack over such a simple matter? he thought. He sent another message:

I will say it again. You will get your men in a few hours. This may be your space, but it is our sietch. When the Harkonnens ruled over Arrakis, was it the Harkonnens who administered justice in the sietches of the Fremen? Be reasonable! I have noticed your ships near the Heighliner. The Heighliner is unarmed, and do not be foolish and try to kill so many over so few.



Meanwhile, an automatic message was broadcast to the strike team’s shuttle as they got closer.

Welcome to Grozek Spice Industries. The price of melange is currently at 54 solaris per decagram. Please have your spice order and payment ready when you dock. You may dock in any open hanger. Hangers currently open are hangers G, K, and BB. If your ship is over 80 meters in length, we suggest that you dock at one of our open ports. Ports currently open are ports B, Q, V, AJ, and BT. Please enjoy your visit.



A lone Fremen sat atop the tallest building adjacent to the Fremen’s camp. He had just climbed up the building and was on the look out for anything suspicious. As the police cruiser stopped near the park, the Fremen procured a small device, flipped a switch, and spoke in it.

Inside the stilltent, a group of four Fremen were discussing what must be done about the aggressive tribe. The meeting had just begun when one Fremen’s cielago distrans communicator vibrated. The device was pulled out of the Fremen’s robes, and a button was pressed on it.

“Unidentifiable people stopped near our camp. Take a look.”

“Dothus, you go.”

The Fremen known as Dothus clutched his lasgun minirifle and opened up the sealed door of the tent. He walked out of it, but did not walk towards the police cruiser. Instead, he took refuge behind a large tree and watched it.

The officer walked slowly towards the camp, making sure to not look threatening.

"Hello? Anyone there? I'd just like to talk to you, if that is okay."

He made sure that his thumb was always on the reinforcements button in case the situation got out of hand...

***************************

You still do not have any knowledge of our laws and what is treason to you may be loyalty to us. Our cultures are completely different. Also, we do not plan on any bloodshed over this incident. But be forewarned: If both of our inspectors do not walk on the shuttle docking with your ship now unharmed, there will be severe consequences. The Emperor will be most displeased with your actions if anything happens to our men.

****************************

"I am innocent. I have been a law abiding citizen of my world for the entirety of my life, and have served my world as a scientist with pride. I will do anything for Cravan, because I love my home. I would never do something to betray it."

****************************

The small Guardian shuttle docked in hangar BB, and sat there waiting for the inspectors to board. Knights stood at the ready, lightsabers in hand. They reached out with the Force to sense the area around them, and try to see exactly who was outside their ship. They were sure to keep the hatch locked until they could confirm the inspectors were trying to come aboard.

Master Harrison held his saber close, stroking the button which caused his aquamarine blade to come to life. He was ready for anything, as were the other experienced Knights of the strike team...

Dothus stepped out from behind the tree. “Greetings, stranger. What brings you here?” From inside the stilltent, the Fremen listened to the conversation.



Outside of the inspector's cell, the Shadeout Rasnzin listened to the inspector’s plea.

“Interesting,” said Amut. “Naruc, he says he is innocent. How, then, can he be guilty? The two can not exist simultaneously.”

The soldier straightened up and answered. “Well, the other inspector was clearly a criminal. If this man was associating so close to him, then it would be hard for him not to know that his coworker was a criminal.”

“Yes,” said Amut. He turned to face the arbiter. “Have decided upon a verdict yet?”

The Shadeout Rasnzin shook his head. “No. While the accused’s argument is compelling, he has not shown whether or not he is human.”

“Yes, that is an important factor.” Amut turned to the inspector. “We are not sure if you are human. Can you please leave no doubt in our mind as to your humanity?”



In hangar BB, a robed Fremen moved towards the shuttle. He held in his hand a transmitter that would allow him to send a transmission inside the ship. He pushed down on a button on it and spoke:

“Shuttle, you have been cleared. You may open up and tell us your order.”

“Shuttle, you have been cleared. You may open up and tell us your order.”

"We are here waiting for the inspectors. We have orders to take them back to the Legacy."

***************************

"Hello. I'm here to speak to you about your product. I have been ordered to have a short chat with your people here. It should not take long."

***************************

"How could I prove my humanity other than the fact I am a human being? I am biologically a normal human, as is the rest of my world."

The Fremen outside the camp took a couple steps toward the officer. "Excellent. The price has been raised to 54 solaris per decagram. That is not a large raise, I am sure that you will still want some. How much do you want?"



The robed Fremen outside the shuttle understood. "Oh, okay then. I remember hearing about those inspectors. I thought they would be done with their job by now. I shall contact Hortuli and make sure that they are not lost."

A few moments later, he spoke again. "Apparently one of those inspectors revealed himself to be a criminal and is being detained. Hortuli says that both men will be released to you shortly."



In the cell in block G, the inspector said quite possibly the worst thing he could have said.

"What!?" cried out Amut incredulously. Instantly, the soldier was now squatting, with his unsheathed scimitar raised high. The blade glimmered eerily in the flickering candlelight. "Lower your weapon, Naruc," ordered Amut. "Let us hope he does not mean what he says."

Amut considered the possible implications of the inspector's words. That is an obvious lie. He must not know that we are aware of the thinking machines that live on his world. He must want us to think that his civilization is like ours, and that only humans live there. We know better. Then again, maybe he was just scared and the words did not compose themselves properly. Either way, we need to be more wary of this man. One lie means that he could have told other lies.

Amut cleared his voice and spoke to the inspector. "You do realize that we know there are thinking machines on your planet, right? Just because we are not from this area, that does not mean we are ignorant. Despite your foolishness, if you can prove beyond doubt that you are human, we will release you."

"We don't consider computers and droids full citizens, though. The only biological sentient beings on our planet are humans."

He was cowering in fear of his life, knowing that it could end any time now.

**************************

"I am afraid I am not here to buy any, friends. My government has requested that you cease your sales of your product until we can get this situation sorted out. The main problem we have is your product did not go through customs before you began selling. We also did not get a full roster on the men you have in your camp. I am sorry if this is any kind of inconvenience to you, but you know how it can be sometimes."

The Fremen talking with the officer sensed that this man was obviously a member of the enemy tribe. Since he did not yet know how they would decide to deal with these people, the Fremen just said, "We will consider it, stranger. Now leave us."

The Fremen inside heard all of what had been said. They found our location, they all thought. We will have to move to a different spot in this city.



Amut was confused by the man's words. He seemed to be denying that he was a thinking machine, but further analysis of his words proved that he had not said any such thing. Is he trying to trick me? thought Amut. Amut was unsure of the meaning of the word "citizens". Although normally a Fremen would ignore a word that he could not figure out the meaning of, a situation like this required that there be complete understanding.

"Arbiter, what is the meaning of the word 'citizens'?" asked Amut.

"The most general definition I know is 'belonging to a nation'. Many nations grant citizenship."

Amut turned to the inspector. "Well, that does not clarify your words, but that is not important. What is important is that you still have not shown proof of humanity." Amut paused, and procured the black cube from his robe again. "If need be, we can use the gom jabbar test to prove your humanity. I do not think you would want to do that, though."

The officer walked a short distance, then called in.

"They're going to be moving soon. I know they are. What should I do?"
"We're sending some backup your way. Should be there in a few miniutes."

Seconds later, a civilian speeder drove up. A man in a cloak, which was in stark contrast to the clothing worn by the locals, stepped out.

"Morning, officer."
"Good morning, sir. I take it you were the backup?"
"Indeed. They are over there, correct?"
"Yes. Good luck."
"I don't believe in luck.", the Knight said, passing by the officer. "Good day to you, as well."

He walked up to the camp, looking around for any activity.

"Hello? Is anyone in there?"

He knew they were there. He felt them there. And they weren't about to get away. It was time to stop babying these men, and teach them that ignorance of the law was no excuse any longer......

*************************

The inspector sighed, and looked around hopelessly.

"Listen, I have a wife and a kid down there. I really want to get home in one piece and be with my family. How else can I prove I'm human? And what does it really matter, even?"

**************************

The hatch on the shuttle opened, and a tall man in a dark brown cloak walked out. He walked to the nearest Fremen he could see. He was flanked by three other men, and there were more waiting aboard the shuttle. Many more.

"It is taking too long. I am a patient man, but I do have things to attend to. Can we please have our inspectors back now?"

He didn't have to add before we take action.

Informed of the new developments outside their tent by the observer on top of the building, the four Fremen opened up the seal and climbed out into the open. Three of them immediately began skillfully manipulating parts of the tent in order to bring it down. The other Fremen addressed the Knight.

“We are moving to a different place. We will be out of your tribe’s area. Now, leave us.”



Amut stared at the inspector. For a man who is trying to prove his innocence, he is doing it foolishly.

“'What does it really matter?' It can possibly mean the difference between your innocence or guilt. Everything a thinking machine says is opposite of the truth. Now, I do not want to administer the gom jabbar test. I will let you tell me if you want to have the test done, but we must know whether or not you are human. Please show us your humanity.”



The Fremen that the Knight had walked up to in the hangar was sitting on a tank that was used for gas storage. He looked up at the men, who had finally come out of the shuttle. “I shall check with Hortuli.”

He pulled out the device again and held down the button.

“Sir, the men I told you about earlier asked again that the inspectors be brought to them.”

The voice of Hortuli came through the device. It could be clearly heard by all standing around the Fremen. “Let them know yet again that they will have their inspectors in at most a couple hours. While they are waiting, ask them if they want to buy some melange.”

"We have no tribes here, friends. Whereever you go you are under our jusridiction. There is no running away on a unified world. Now please, allow me to speak with you."

*****************************

"HOW THE FUCK DO I PROVE MY HUMANITY!?", the inspector said losing his patience. He then realised how foolish it was to lash out like he did, and calmly asked. "I am sorry for my outburst... How do I prove my humanity other than this test you speak of?"

*****************************

"I can already tell you I do not require any of your spice.", Harrison said to the Fremen.

He then rasied his hand to the man, and waved it across his face.

"You will take me to where my men are being held."

He hoped that his mind trick would work on these men... He truly hoped it would...

Despite the Knight's words, the Fremen continued to pack up their stilltent. The Fremen talking to the Knight recognized the tribal proverb that the Knight had said. It is like the ancient saying, but in different words. He recalled the proverb:

""""""""""""Now, there is just us,
""""""""""""There are no tribes here,
""""""""""""Only desert, caves, and my sietch,
""""""""""""Your men,
""""""""""""Weak savages,
""""""""""""And mine,
""""""""""""Who will take joy in the slaughter.
""""""""""""This magnificent world belongs to the
""""""""""""Great Mother,
""""""""""""And those in her favor.
""""""""""""We shall rule with the shai-hulud."

"Yes, we understand. Where we come, every tribe has jurisdiction everywhere as well. But, where we move, I do not think the dominant tribe in that area will like you coming into their territory to chase us."



The outburst made by the inspector revealed something important to Amut. He cries out int he name of 'Fuck', in a similar way that a Fremen might lament in the ears of the Great Mother. Perhaps this 'Fuck' is the patron deity of this planet.

"A stunning revelation that is," said Amut. "The thinking machines are godless creatures. That you have religion proves your humanity." He turned to Naruc. "Have you anything to say now?"

The soldier, who had gone back to sitting against the wall, said "No."

"Well, arbiter, have you reached a verdict?"

"The evidence behind this man's innocence is great. Now that we know that he is human, I shall declare him innocent."

"Well, congratulations, foreigner. One last step remains: water decision. Get up, we must go before Hortuli."

The arbiter left them, striding down the hall to the right. The rest of them began walking through the labyrinth of the Heighliner towards the control bridge.



In the hangar, the Knight's mind trick worked. Unfortunately for the Knight, it still would not get him anywhere.

"I am afraid that I do not know where they are being kept. This is a large ship. They could be in any of the twelve jail blocks." The Fremen stared down from the Jedi and at his feet. Suddenly, as if the thought had just come to him, he said, "Wait, I do not think you are supposed to be going there anyway. Hortuli does not allow customers past this area."

"Thank you for the information...", Harrison said. At least he knew his trick worked. "I will wait here, then."

*************************

"Very well... What is the water decision?", he asked while walking with the Arbiter.

*************************

"You do not understand. Law is universal here. No matter where you go we can come to you. There are no tribes for... In your terms we are all one tribe.", the Knight said, hoping these men understood.

the sephrions shuttle touched down

When the Sephrions touched down, they did not recieve the warmest of greetings. Troopers stood around with their assault rifles held at a safe position, but always ready to point and shoot. There were two men standing on the platform, silver cylinders hooked to their belts.

The Director of War stood there in a suit, waiting to meet the delegates from Sephrioth...

the kitir lord and his aprentic said lower your wepons whilst waving thier hands the kitir lord causaul flicked his robe to one side reaviling drass the light katana

"Our weapons are lowered. We are merely here for security."

The Director of War approached the men and extended his hand.

"Hello. I'm Thomas Garrison. Welcome to New Cravna."

it is qauont he said forgive us for coming so armed our light weaponsds and a phaser rifle each we are used to being shot at we are the kitir ,gaurdians of the empire of sephrioth, the chosen ones, the force sentitives to use our correct titiles

The two Guardian Knights looked at each other and smirked, then continued looking ahead emotionless. Their lightsabers hung off of their belts menacingly.

"That is quite all right.", the Director said. "If you would not mind I will be taking you to your hotel during your stay. Please follow me to the speeder."

so be it the kitir lord grined i hate having to carry a phaser riffle so uncivviled now a light saber or katana now thiers a civillesed weapon

Of course he would not know what water decision meant, thought Amut. These people have enough water on their planet for everyone to have a lifetime supply.

“Water decision,” began Amut, “can mean many different things at many different times. Right now it means that we will discuss how to compensate for the water you expended here. The Heighliner has a lot of water, so it should be quick.”



Meanwhile, the Fremen continued packing up their tent in the park. The Knight’s words had little meaning to them. They thought he was trying to intimidate them. Even our sublime Padishah Emperor can not enforce his wishes everywhere.

“Your intimidation tactics are foolish,” said one Fremen calmly. “There is no need to show how much or how little power you have, and it is not wise to exaggerate it. Now, if you will please leave us be.”

The Knight sighed.

"Friends, you are breaking the law. I know you have ignorance of our laws and customs, but I feel it is about time we were blunt with you. Now, I did not want to have to do this, but you give me no choice..."

Reaching through the Force, he tried to push the Fremen away from the tent, in order to be able to speak with them more easily.

***************************

The inspector followed the Amut willingly, knowing he would be off of this ship soon.

"I am sure my people would be more than willing to trade water with you if you wanted.", he said, trying to be helpful. He knew deep down they'd take it as an insult somehow, but what did he have to lose now?

(OOC: Sorry for my infrequent responses. I've been busy this week.)

The Fremen did not know where this mysterious force was coming from, but they linked it with the Knight because of what he had said just before. It was obvious to them now that they had to flee, since if this man could push them around, he might also be willing to use other methods of getting his way.

The stilltent meant nothing now. They would not go back to the stilltent, because they had many stilltents in the shuttles and the water recaptured by the stilltent was useless in a land where water was so plentiful. They could fight the Knight, but his powers seemed strange, and they did not want to risk conflict if there could be another way out. They were merchants, not trained soldiers. They could not burrow, because the ground here was not the loose sand they were used to on their home planet. The only other way of escaping that they could think of was by running on foot, leaving the stilltent behind.

One Fremen took a step closer to the Knight. He held up his hand with the palm facing the Jedi, took a breath as if he was going to say something, paused, and turned the palm of his hand perpindicular to its original position. To an outsider, it may appear as if the Fremen was just struggling for words. To other Fremen, however, it was a clear message. The Fremen then started speaking quickly. "We do not know your tribe's ways. We are sorry if we have displeased your gods. We are not, however, guilty of any crimes."

The Fremen around the one speaking knew what to do. They only paid attention to the words "we", which were timed with each crisp saying of the syllable forming a cryptic countdown. After the Fremen had stopped speaking, they made the last two counts in the sequence silently in their heads. On the fifth count, the four Fremen sprinted off. One ran north, another south, and the other two east and west.

There is only one of them, thought one of the running Fremen. Two if that officer is counted. They can not catch all of us.

Meanwhile, the Fremen on top of the building hid. He had seen the hand signal, and immediately sent for the shuttle crew to begin preparing for liftoff. One of the Fremen that had just fled would be making his way towards that shuttle. Another message was sent informing other Fremen in and around the city to not return to the camp.



Amut responded the inspector's statement in a straightforward manner. "Well, trading water is not what this is about. After every Fremen trial, the winner must decide how much water to take from the loser to compensate for water lost during the trial."

The signal did reach Alaska, but at that moment every single Alaskan was listening to Nina Alatov's speech (here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10935219#post10935219)), so nobody noticed the message arriving from Cravan.

About an hour after the speech was over, the communications center at Bering Shipyards did find the message in their logs.

Acting President Alatov was contacted, and she decided to send a response

We have recieved your message, and we would like to establish diplomatic relations with you.

Meanwhile, plans were made to dispatch the Polar Blade, the first cruiser of the Alaskan Federal Navy, to Cravan as soon as it was finished.

OOC: I know how that can be.

IC:

To: The Alaskan Federation

We welcome your delegate with open arms, and would like to establish relations with your nation.

**************************

Dammit...

The Knight began sprinting after the one who had gone north, looking around for him. He searched through the Force, trying to find him in the endless sea of souls. He pulled out a comlink, and called for backup. Within miniutes assault dropships filled with SWAT teams patroled the skies, looking down for the Fremen. The SWAT members were armed with non-lethal weapons, since the last thing they needed was bloodshed.

***************************

"Ah, I understand.", said the inspector as he followed Amut.

The Polar Blade's retrofit was completed in double-time, and the new cruiser was dispatched to the New Cravan system, arriving a few weeks later.

OOC: Can we assume that this entire conversation happened a few NS weeks ago, and the Polar Blade is about to arrive? Would be interesting for the Alaskans to show up just after Sephiroth.

The Fremen scattered, preferring to run rather than hide, because there were so few good hiding places in this crowded city. One Fremen made his way back to the shuttle.

"The enemy tribe found our camp!" he said to his companions that had come out to see what was the matter. "We must be ready to leave at a moments notice."

Meanwhile, the Fremen were keeping in touch on their cielago distrans communicator. Some Fremen chose to hide in any nook or cranny that they could find, but others decided to keep running.

(OOC: You can RP finding some or all of my 10 remaining Fremen anywhere you want.)



Amut and the inspector had walked about a kilometer down the long hall. There were few doors on this ship, only open arches. They past many of these, and finally they had arrived to a large arch that sprawled across the right wall.

The two walked through the arch, followed by the Fremen soldier, who had been trailing about forty meters behind the two. The chamber was a large hemisphere, around one hundred meters in diameter. There was a raised path on the floor that they followed as they walked out to a center platform. Several instruments were situated on the platform, which would help in the water decision.

On the center platform stood Hortuli. "Welcome, I hear that the Great Mother has decided your innocence. Come, I am sure you are wanting your water."

Amut greeted Hortuli, then turned to the inspector. "The standard amout of water given to the victor of a non-combat trial is five liters. However, that would not be fair. You did not expend nearly that much water during the trial, so Hortuli will let you suggest a lower figure."

Hortuli stared at the inspector. While he had seemed happy to see him when he first arrived, that feeling quickly gave to anger as it sank in that he would have to give this man water.

OOC- Sure thing, TAF. You can RP your guys landing, since I don't have much time right now.

*******************************

The inspector noticed the man's annoyance.

"You do not have to give me any water for my victory. Water is a plentiful resource on my homeworld."

********************************

The Fremen who made his way back to the shuttle wouldn't be able to stay there very long. Several troopers stood about the shuttle on guard, waiting to take any Fremen returning in for questioning. They were not heavily armed, and only equipped to use nonlethal force.

Meanwhile, police scoured the city for the Fremen. Two officers came up upon a small area which would make the perfect hiding place...

...And there they found a Fremen. They showed they did not mean him harm, but kept their hands on their pistols, tazer attatchments armed.

Hortuli, who had managed to only show his annoyance in his voice, now failed at hiding his anger when he spoke. "Are you saying that my water is not good enough for you? Many of my ancestors have died to give this water to you!"



At the shuttle, the Fremen noticed the guards gathering outside. The crept into the cockpit, staying low so they would not be seen.

"Apparently, some locals have gathered outside. We must determine whether they are friendly or hostile."

"I concur."

Slowly, one of the Fremen reached up onto a panel and pressed a button. His voice would be projected to the outside speaker of the shuttle.

"Attention local tribesmen. Are you hostile or friendly?"



Meanwhile, the Fremen that was hiding were surprised when the police found him under a large group of bushes. He had been trying to sell melange to a nearby location that contained many food sales outlets. When he saw the police that had been described, he ducked into the bushes quickly.

"What do you want?" he asked to the approaching officers. The Fremen noticed that the police would be ready to use their guns, possibly at any moment. That did not matter now, however. If the police chose to fire their guns, there could be little that he could do.

"We only wish to speak to you, friend. Please come out, and we won't harm you.", they said as they approached the bushes.

*********************

The guards outside the shuttle were startled, not having known there were Fremen in the shuttle.

"We... We are friendly. However, we have orders to speak to your people. Would you mind coming out?"

*********************

"No, I do not mean it as an insult. It's just... You need this water more than I do."

The Fremen in the bushes slowly erected himself and walked out. He pulled his cielago distrans communicator out of his robes, and in an Arrakeen hunting language he sent a message to other Fremen who may be listening.

"The men that have been described to be members of the enemy tribe have found me. They are beckoning me out of the bushes in which I was hiding."

In the same language, one of the Fremen that had been listening sent a response:

"Are they hostile?"

"I am not sure. They have not shown their intentions."

The Fremen watched the two officers closely, but did not say anything.



The Fremen heard the guards outside the shuttle. Their outside communicator went both ways. One Fremen responded:

"We can not come out now. Please go away."



Hortuli was still angry, but the inspector's reason seemed legitimate. "Very well, then. My soldier over there will lead you back to a shuttle that is waiting for you. Now, go, before I get angrier."

Hortuli shooed them away with his hands. "Good bye, foreigner, and may the Great Mother bless your path," said Amut.

As the inspector and Naruc, the soldier, were walking out of the room, Naruc turned his head towards the inspector and stared at him. "You should have accepted the trial and fought me. There is no honor in what you did. Have you no sense of dignity?"

"I am a scientist, not a fighter. My people don't condone unecesarry bloodshed. You probably would've killed me, anyway.", he said, chuckling. "Do not take us for weaklings, though. With the right provocation, we will fight and die for what we believe in."

He continued walking with the soldier, then turned back to him.

"By the way, where is my colleague?"

***********************

The two officers watched as the Fremen slowly approached, and noted he had used a communicator. One of the officers spoke into his comm link quietly so the Fremen could not hear him.

"He's alerted the others. They know we're looking for them. Stay sharp."

***********************

The guards outside were annoyed, but had their orders.

"We'll just stay here, then."

They continued a patrol pattern around the shuttle, blocking the entrances to the landing pad.

The AFNS Polar Blade, the first (and so far only) cruiser of the Alaskan Federation, entered orbit around Cravan.
Captain William Uskov was a little unsure about this. Like 98% of the Alaskan population, he had never set foot on a planet before. Luckily, the shuttle pilot, Tom Rindley, had visited other planets when he had worked as a shipper for Anchorage.
"How many reentries have you completed, Mr. Rindley?"
"Four. Most of the stuff is handled by computer anyway."
After a rather scary reentry, the shuttle landed the landing pad across from the Sephrioth shuttle. Uskov exited, along with Irina Sakhin, who would represent the Alaskan government on this mission, and two security officers from Polar Blade.

Naruc found the inspector's choice of words interesting. "Unneccessary bloodshed?" Us Fremen also fear unneccessary bloodshed, as it is a waste of our body's precious moisture. Justice in the tribe, however, is very important and neccessary.

The soldier spoke. "I am not sure where he is. He is probably still in a drugged sleep. He may be in the shuttle already, or he may be still in a cell in which he was kept. Did you know of his guilt?"

Meanwhile, in the hangar, four Fremen soldiers entered. One of them carred the knocked out inspector that had been found guilty. He saw the Knight, and dropped the inspector on the floor. "Here is your criminal. He has been charged with impersonation of a professional. You may take him, and punish him accordingly."

The Fremen stepped away from the inspector's body.



The Fremen who had just crawled out of the bushes stopped in front of the officers. Out of his cielago, a hunting language voice blurted out "Where are you?"

"Around 4.202 kilometers away from the water collection point, in a direction of 84.6 degrees. I can not be sure, as I was slightly disoriented when I ran for thsi location."

Other Fremen would hear that message, and know not to go near that area.

"What do you need to say to me?" Asked the Fremen to the officers.



Inside the shuttle, the Fremen decided that they would tell the people of this tribe of their permission to carry out melange sales. Through their shuttle's speakers, they addressed the guards.

"We have been given permission to sell melange unobstructed by Emperor Donalbin Garindi VI and Emperor Kyle Cravan II. Please clear the area and allow potential customers to come."

"Actually, Emperor Craven didn't give you complete permission. You've been selling your product contradictory to our trade laws, and therefore we must halt all sales of it before you can begin selling again.", the guard said to the men in the shuttle.

****************

"According to our sources, your people have been selling spice in a way that breaks our trade laws.", the officer said to the Fremen they had found. "If you would please follow us to your shuttle we can have this sorted out."

****************

The Knights picked the inspector up, and took him into the shuttle. One Knight medic performed Force heal on him, trying to bring him to back conciousness.

****************

"I know the man is not guilty, actually. Our people enjoy certain personal freedoms that allow them to disagree with the government. I am loyal to my government, as is he. However, he had a strange choice of words when he said what he did."

A new message was broadcast from the shuttle to the surrounding guards:

"You are no one to tell us what to do. You say that the Emperor did not give us complete permission, but he did. Now, please stop lying, lest the Great Mother suck the breath from your lungs, and leave this place. We have many customers throughout the city who will want more spice."



"I am sorry, but I would not like to follow you to the shuttle," said the Fremen to the two police. "I have other business to take care of. I am sorry that we have violated your laws, it is just so hard to tell each tribes' territorial claims here."

In his cielago, he warned the men in the shuttle. "They know where our shuttle is. Be prepared."

The Fremen in the shuttle sent back a message: "They have already found our shuttle, and are surrounding it. We may have to leave."



The soldier did not dwell upon the odd words of this man who had apparently been judged worthy by the Great Mother. He was too strange, and his words seemed hollow.

"But his is guilty!" interjected the soldier. "The Great Mother must have proven it. I would advise that you stay away from him if the two of you are again united. He will be punished by your Emperor."

They had entered the hangar.

"You may go now, if you wish. I understand that our ways are different from yours, and I wish you luck."

The inspector looked at the soldier.

"Thanks. I hope our people can put this incident aside, and our people can become friends."

He walked to the shuttle. When the two inspectors were aboard, they were taken back to the Legacy where interrogations were held by the Knights. Both were cleared of all crimes and sent back to their families...

***************

"We don't lie. We're under orders from the government to guard your shuttle and prevent you from leaving. We are sorry for the inconvenience."

The soldiers continued their patrol, holding their rifles close, taser attatchments armed.

***************

The two officers looked at each other.

"I am afraid there is no choice in the matter.", they said to the Fremen.

"We must get the shuttle out of here." agreed the Fremen in the shuttle. "Nothing good can come of staying here." They informed all Fremen that the shuttle would be lifting off via cielago.

On the outside of the shuttle, the entrance ramp extended just slightly down from the craft's belly. Two Fremen quickly slipped out of it and onto the platform before the ramp was shut. The Fremen ran to the nearest guards and cleared the distance quickly, coming up near the guards so that their bodies were almost touching. "We wish you no harm!" they said as they ran. "We only wish to settle this dispute."

Meanwhile, the shuttle behind them had long been ready for takeoff, and finally lifted up off that pad. It quickly rose about eighty meters up, and the pilot began scanning the city for another place to land.



The Fremen that had been confronted by the two officers contemplated his situation. They would not cease until their demands were met. If I fight them, I might be able to beat them, thought the Fremen. However, there are two of them, so I will not risk it. I will give in to them, for now.

"Very well then. I am afraid that we will find no shuttle where you wish to take me," said the Fremen to the two officers. "Is there somewhere else we can go?"

(OOC: In case you may have missed it, The Alaskan Federation made a post above. (Post # 138))

OOC: Thank you very much, I did miss that.

The AFNS Polar Blade, the first (and so far only) cruiser of the Alaskan Federation, entered orbit around Cravan.
Captain William Uskov was a little unsure about this. Like 98% of the Alaskan population, he had never set foot on a planet before. Luckily, the shuttle pilot, Tom Rindley, had visited other planets when he had worked as a shipper for Anchorage.
"How many reentries have you completed, Mr. Rindley?"
"Four. Most of the stuff is handled by computer anyway."
After a rather scary reentry, the shuttle landed the landing pad across from the Sephrioth shuttle. Uskov exited, along with Irina Sakhin, who would represent the Alaskan government on this mission, and two security officers from Polar Blade.

"Welcome to Cravan.", the delegate who had welcomed them said. "There is currently something going down, so someone of importance couldn't be here to greet you... So they sent the intern. In any case, please follow me to the speeder so we can get you to your accomidations. The Emperor will meet with you ASAP."

**********************

"We'll take you down to the station if you want to, then. Until we can get you to your shuttle."

They walked him over to a police cruiser, and opened the back door. They made sure that the prisoner shield was down, so the Fremen was not alarmed.

**********************

"The shuttle is taking off! Repeat, shuttle is taking off!", one of the guards said as two of his companions watched the two Fremen nervously.

"How do you wish to settle this dispute, then?", one of the guards asked in a hostile tone to the Fremen. Other Troopers assembled along the entrance ramp to the pad, their rifles in a safe yet ready position.

**********************

"Attention Garindi shuttle, this is Cravanian ATC ordering you set down on the specified landing pad immediately. Four Vipers have been dispatched to escort you back down to the landing area.", an Air Traffic Controller said into the comm to the Fremen shuttle. Meanwhile, four Vipers streaked through the air towards the shuttle, circling it in a defensive formation. Anti-Air turbolasers also recieved targeting orders, and pointed towards the shuttle...

"Please set down immediately."

The Alaskan delegation hesitatingly entered the speeder. Not that they didn't trust the Cravans, but they were very unfamiliar with this sort of ground transportation (not being used to "ground" in general).
"Are you able to tell us what is going on?" asked Sakhin.

OOC: The speeder is of the air type. Landspeeders are ground speeders.

****************

"I'm afraid not, my friend.", the delegate said as the speeder lifted off from the ground, joining the traffic in the crowded skyways of the urban jungle known as New Cravna.

OOC: Didn't know that. Well, the Alaskans are going to be slightly jumpy in general.

IC

The Alaskans took in the sights of New Cravna. It was totally new to them. True, some of the stations of Alaska were like cities, but those were either built into asteroids (like McKinley and Juneau) or more like monstrous shopping malls (ie Bering or Inuit). This city was so open!

OOC: Garindi, do you want to RP some kind of contact between the Fremen and my people?

"So, what can you tell me about your nation?", the delegate asked trying to stir up some conversation.

"Well," Sakhin said, "we are a very young nation. Alaska has been settled for nearly a century, but we have only just formally declared independence. We have chosen to adopt the American system of government - whole sections of our Constitution are copied from the American Constitution."
"If you wish to know about our system, there is a little more detail there. The Alaska system is the remnant of a massive nova. This nova reduced all of the planets to rubble, and scattered radiation throughout the system. The radiation we have learned to live with - radiation shielding is standard on all Alaskan ships and stations. As for the lack of planets, we have large space stations - some built on asteroids. There are seven major mining stations - Juneau, Anchorage, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Nome, Aleutian, and McKinley. The other two important stations are Inuit Research Station - which houses Inuit University, the main college of the Alaska system - and Bering Shipyards, our capital."

The Fremen got into the back of the police cruiser as instructed. With his cielago, he informed other Fremen that he "had gotten into the back of an enemy vehicle, no other options seemed viable."

A Fremen from another part of the city replied: "That was not a good idea. You might betray us in some unconscious way."

"I will do my best not to."

"Well, keep your communicator on. We must hear everything that goes on, so we will be able to judge whether or not you are betraying us."

"Of course. I understand the law."



On the platform, the two Fremen had ran up close to the guards in order to ensure the safety of the ascending shuttle. That having been accomplished, they now had to figure out what to do. The best course of action would be to separate and flee, but that would be almost impossible with the volume of troopers in the area.

"We propose an exchange," one said. "We want safe passage out of this area, in exchange for something that we may give you. Say what you want."



The shuttle was still hovering above the platform. The Fremen inside the cockpit was now at the controls. He could not see any immediately promising areas to land, so he would have to fly around the area.

Fear was injected in him by the message from the Cravanian ATC. They refer to me as "Garindi shuttle". Do they invoke the wrath of the Padishah Emperor?

The pilot sent back a message to Cravanian ATC: I am sorry, I can not do that at this time. I am attempting to escape a confrontation from local tribesmen.

The four Vipers came quick, taking the Fremen by surprise. They whipped about in a circular formation around the shuttle, as if they were going to attack. Quickly, the shuttle pulled up out of the circle and began flying at a moderate speed above the city, looking for a landing area far enough away from the hostile tribe's known territory.

(OOC: Sure, Alaska, our guys can have an encounter. Do you have anything in mind? If not, I suppose one of my Fremen could stumble upon your delegate's accomodations that Cravan speaks of. Also, if this ends up being my last post tonight, I want to say that I won't be able to post tomorrow, and I also may not be able to post on Tuesday.)

(OOC: Perfectly okay with me. Your Fremen would be walking into a 5 star hotel, but you could meet him in the lobby. It could be like he ran in to escape the police.)

************************

"You will set down immediately. You are currently not authorised to fly over this area, and will set down at your designated landing point. Failure to do so will result in the use of force.", the controller said through the comm.

***********************

The Vipers continued their intercept of the shuttle, and one of them hailed the shuttle.

"Follow the orders of the ATC immediately or be fired upon. This is your last warning."

The pilot heard a deep tone in his ears, signaling a target lock on the shuttle. (OOC: I realise your people don't use computers, so I dunno if you would have any way of knowing they had target locks on your shuttle.)

*************************

The cruiser began to move down the street, and they drove for a few miniutes until they came upon a police station.

"Okay, then. Get out."

*************************

The trooper looked at the Fremen cautiously.

"I'm afraid I cannot authorise that request. The police said you guys are making one hell of a ruckus in the city. I'm afraid you're staying here for now."

The trooper turned his head as he heard a mechanical noise. He watched as an anti-air turbolaser positioned on a platform adjacent to the one they were on moved into position, quickly targetting the shuttle above. He looked back at the Fremen.

"I suggest you tell your friends to come back down. They've got an awful lot of firepower pointed at them."

the kitir lords were relaxing in the hotels foyer the got up and went looking for a soldier

A police officer noticed the Kitir Lords walking about, and walked up to them.

"Excuse me, sirs. May I ask what you are looking for and if I can be of assistance?"

The men from Sephrioth were under heavy secret surveilance by Cravanian Knights, but no matter what they were to be treated like guests.

we wetre wondering how long this would take we got a force message saying we were required in the empire

"If you would like, I can contact the Emperor and see if he can bump up the appointment. I'll do that now."

so be it

"Well," Sakhin said, "we are a very young nation. Alaska has been settled for nearly a century, but we have only just formally declared independence. We have chosen to adopt the American system of government - whole sections of our Constitution are copied from the American Constitution."
"If you wish to know about our system, there is a little more detail there. The Alaska system is the remnant of a massive nova. This nova reduced all of the planets to rubble, and scattered radiation throughout the system. The radiation we have learned to live with - radiation shielding is standard on all Alaskan ships and stations. As for the lack of planets, we have large space stations - some built on asteroids. There are seven major mining stations - Juneau, Anchorage, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Nome, Aleutian, and McKinley. The other two important stations are Inuit Research Station - which houses Inuit University, the main college of the Alaska system - and Bering Shipyards, our capital."

"That is quite interesting.", the delegate said, taking in every word. "I don't really understand how you guys could live like that and not live on a planet. I know that'd drive me nuts."

The speeder maneuvered out of traffic, and gently fell to the landing pad at the Imperial Hotel. The men from the Alaskan Federation were taken to their accomidations.

*********************
Several hours later...
*********************

A man in a suit approached the Kitir Lords.

"The Emperor will see you both immediately. We must ask, however, that all weapons be left here."

The Alaskans shrugged.
"Well, it's all we've ever known. It's not as if we're introverted people - far from it. We just happen to live on space stations. Actually, most Alaskans get to travel quite a bit within our system."
After the delegate left, the Alaskans took a look at their acommodations.
"Spacious," said Captain Uskov.
"Reminds me of the Platinum Suite at Hotel Anchorage," commented Sakhin. "I once was assigned to escort the station master from Juneau to his suite."
"Did he ask you to stay with him?" Uskov teased.
Sakhin simply dropped her bags and headed down to the lobby, leaving Uskov to put the bags away.
(OOC: This can be where she runs into the Fremen.)

There was nothing that the Fremen in the shuttle could do. He would continue to look for a landing spot, because he could not go back to the hostile tribe on the platform.

"Some aircraft are following me and ordering me to land where I just took off," said the pilot in a hunting language through his cielago. "They seem to be from the government, and I have been threatened with the use of force."

He sent a transmission to Cravanian ATC:

You may not realize that hostile tribesmen are stationed on the platform that you want me to land on. I can not go back there. This shuttle has no weapons, and I mean no harm. I would like it if you pulled your fighters away so that I can get through the city.



The Fremen got out of the police cruiser. He told the other Fremen this via cielago and checked to make sure that the cielago was always on and recording what was going on. The Fremen then asked an officer, "What will be done with me?"



On the platform, the two Fremen had no choice but to stay put. Hopefully, something would happen soon that would allow their escape. The Fremen spotted the turbolaser on the nearby platform. Should I shoot it? he thought. No, my gun is not powerful enough to do much good on that. It is used primarily for shooting flesh targets. The Fremen did, however, warn the shuttle pilot of the gun. The shuttle suddenly sped up, and a small pod was ejected from the bottom towards the ground about a kilometer away from the platform.

"I think he is trying to escape," voiced one of the Fremen to a guard.



Somewhere in New Cravna, one Fremen was still scurrying around to hide from the police. He looked around, seeing many vehicles that could possibly contain members of the enemy tribe. I must get out of the open, he thought. He ran into the nearest dwelling he could find, which happened to be a hotel. He started throught he building at a run, but realized that it was drawing more attention to himself than necessary.

Slowing down to a walk, he took in his surroundings. He had made his way into an area with some doors. He had seen doors before in the houses of some of the wealthier residents of the Imperial worlds he had visited, and knew that they had to be opened to get past. After attempting to open some of the doors, he had failed. Apparently, they were locked.

The Fremen thought about using his crysknife. It would be able to get through the doors easily, but it would attract more attention to himself and he did not want to destroy doors when it may not be necessary.

It was then that the Fremen spotted someone walking up to the door. The man pulled out a conspicuous object, which he administered to the door. The door opened and the man had walked inside. So that is how these doors open.

The Fremen made his way back to the lobby and found a person to follow around to a room. Unknown to the Fremen, this was Sakhin of the Alaskan delegation.

Creeping up behind Sakhin, he said suddenly "Bring me to your door. I will give you the gift of the shai-hulud."

a king has his customs in his own halls but we requst to keep our light weapons

a king has his customs in his own halls but we requst to keep our light weapons

"There is no need for them here. You will not be attacked or challenged. In any case, please follow me."

The man led them to a landspeeder in front of the hotel. He opened the door, and motioned for them to get in.

he said as you wish but if dras rhe light katana is damaged my angeer will be great for this weapon has beein in my family for many generations they got in the speeder

ooc get on msn

Irina Sakhin turned around to face the strange man. His dress was totally strange to her. He looked like an Arab out of a history textbook. She, for her part, was wearing a gray spacer's uniform, which is what passed for dress clothing in Alaska.
"Who are you? What is this 'gift of the Shai-Hulud' that you speak of?"

The Fremen was tired of the stupidity of the people on this planet. Do these people not know anything? "I am Ra-Cuwlom, here in service of the House Ontillan, and I was speaking of melange. If you show me through your door, I will give you melange, the ancient spice mined on Arrakis and its sister planets. If I do not get in to your door, I will be captured by a hostile tribe that inhabits this area."

Sakhin was unsure how to proceed. She figured that "hostile tribe" probably did NOT mean the local authorities. Instead, she decided to bring Ra-Cuwlom to the Alaskans' rooms.
"OK, my name is Irina Sakhin, and I am a diplomat from the Alaskan Federation. I will tell my colleagues that you are coming."
As they walked, she pulled out a short-ranged subspace communicator. In case anyone was monitoring the call, she spoke in Russian, gambling that the locals didn't speak it.
"Captain Uskov, there's a rather strange man who wants to sell something called 'melange' to us. Something tells me that this could be valuable stuff. I'm bringing him up to the room."

New Cravan System <local designation>

The HHS Magpie hovered in the space between space just outside of normal space-time. She had picked up some strange chatter over the past few side-real jumps. The Olde Records from Holy Terra of Sol had indicated something of these barbarians. Her memory tickled her...Craven...of demonic Kraven...of multi-insane Stanis? Soleirii...shirk mistaken they had worshipped a Celestial King...Zuuks...and countless other Gaijin!

<faint whispers> Zensunnis?!?...the lost tribes...cousins...

They had all survived the Diaspora? Interesting. Best notify the Commander. Within nano-seconds the HHS Magpie assumed code yellow. Flicker fields powered up and Weapons Systems armed. Babel fish were distributed to the crew for rapid instantaneous communications. The wings were pre-scrambled and battle stations quickly manned. The parasite battleships and cruisers were on standby, and within minutes She was ready.

She re-entered Samsara and immediatly released a courtesy broadside at the smallest of the local Gas Giants. Sensors had indicated little local activity around the planet. The immense nuclear-quantum reactions in the upper atomosphere ought to be visible from the distant New Craven. They could easily engulf the Cravanian homeworld...Yet from N. Cravan they would merely light up the distant planet. A beautiful dance of distant colored lights. That ought to get their attention. It was a Great Gift.

Now she would wait.

ooc: Allo everybody! Room for one more?

سورة الجن

The Commander cleared the holo-display and shifted to Tactical. The 72-Al-Jinn-surya was sent on low-level encryption to the large Zensunni ship. The cousins reaction to the message would tell the Melii much about their evolution since the Daispora. He hoped they would respond with the correct answer. It could get extremely complicated with all of these foriegn ships. There were too many unknowns. The cousins must be very strong to come unarmed...he assumed the large local ships heading in system were Cravanain.

Several other ships of different configurations were active throughout the sector. There were at least a half dozen that were not from this system. Curious. Perhaps they were weak after so long. Then again perhaps the cousins prefered the Open Hand. The HHS Magpie scanned <pinged> and targeted all potentially hostile out-bound System traffic.

So many different tribes in such a local space. Well hell that's what this survey exploration was after all! To go were your people have never gone before in recent times! The scions of Olde Terra had taken root and were now reaching for the local stars. Within a few millenia...humanity would burst from this local egg and seed the Local Clusters. Eventually we will meet Others...

He smiled at the thought. It was a joyful smile full of promises. The smile was slow in fading as he watched the eruptions of the planet below. She could be a bit overdramatic. A simple Hello! We Come in Peace! Take us to Your Leader! would have been just as effective. He sighed. But this was...well very Melii of her.

The Cravenian may not take this very well. First contacts with alien tribes are full of pitfalls. Even with the discovery of the Babel-Fish Millenias ago, languages and ideas shifted. Just because they understood what was meant did not mean they were able to Comprehend. Misunderstanding was common when dealing with Foriegn Devils. The Cravanain, if what he suspects was true, might just respond rather badly to the Gift. If they were still of Kraven...the Survey group would have to cut and run for it. HHS Magpie would play mother hen. The Fleet would need to know.

With the flicker fields active the Ship appears to be a very large Golden Egg. A very large egg. A small planetoid sized egg. The Magpie is orbiting the distant Gas Gaint, in the less crowded outer systems. Standard formal greetings and request for shuttle landing clearance has been issued to the main Cravanian planet.

OOC: A few things, not meaning to nitpick or anything, but since you're joining in:
A: It's Cravan, not be confused with Craven or Kraven. Infact Kraven and I are at war in MT. :p
B: Cravanian when referring to nationality.
C: Welcome to the thread. Very good RPing. :) I am, however, afraid I am lost. If you don't mind me asking, where the hell are you?

the kitir lords were growing impatyaent

HHS Magpie

She eavesdropped on the unencrypted local chatter. The languages had shifted some since the Sundering, but She was able to reconstruct enough to feel more secure. They were not Demons.

Ancestors be praised! The natives barbarians were not of Kraven...or any of the known Demons. They appeared to be descended of some Devils that had fought the bottle demons. She powered down the Weapons System and lowered the alert status a few notches.

The Other Gaijin seemed nonresponsive and there was no word yet from the Cousins. Perhaps they had fallen from the Path? Perhaps they had forgotten the Olde Tongues of Holy Terra? Perhaps they were no longer of the Tribes? That would complicate things.

The Golden Egg shrunk.

She would wait.


ooc: Thanks for the compliment. I like the RPing in the thread so far. Especially the Freman! Jedi Knights or rather Cravan Knights! Melii will have an Order paralleling the Benes, the Fishy, AND the Knights/Sith LOL. I followed one of Zuk's posts to see what he was doing...from Danteri Civil War. His troopers make my peacekeepers nervous. Bottled CP Demons hamster lovers.:mad: :p

Well we just added II to everyone. Will do about the ethnicity of your tribe. :eek: Everyone has names that sound so much alike. Cyberspace is as confusing as Real Life.

Location: If you mean in game we are just one of the Survey Groups of the Melii. Think big globe, Hecate's planetoid, a small Dantak planetoid, or for the Star Wars folks Mini-Death Star. The Ship is parked in the outer systems waiting for your government's reaction. We just gave you an honourable guns salute! It is causing rather pretty explosions in one of your outer outer planets...or Oort Bodies. Sorta-FT version of Hello! We Respect You! Are You Weak?

Parallels to the Perry's Hello! Nippon! During the 19th century...OR maybe more like Cook and Drake...to the Spainish?:D

In RL? South-East Coast US of A!

OOC: Thanks for the info. Needed to know where you were ingame.

OOC @Sephrioth: I'm waiting for you with post 161.

"Sir! Massive anomaly detected on the edge of the system!", shouted a sensor operator on the INS Legacy.
"How didn't we detect it earlier?"
"Our sensor arrays in that area are down for maitenence. They would be coming up, now, but I'm picking it up here."
"Dispatch a small force of Freedom-class cruisers to investigate."
"Aye, sir."

Six Freedom-class cruisers broke from orbit, and engaged their FTL drives when out of the planet's gravity for a tiny hop. Within milliseconds they appeared before the unknown ships with bright golden-red flashes. They hailed the unknown ships, and showed they were ready for combat.

"Attention unidentified craft, this is the INS Glory. You are in Cravanian territory without authorization. Please identify yourselves immediately."

The commander on the Glory watched in awe as the light show inside the outer planet continued, the beautiful colors making him have to cover his eyes from the light. It was truly a sight to behold, and he was sure the people back at that little tiny speck he called home were taking in every second of it.

The Fremen walked beside Sakhin, trying to think of what might await him. He had never journeyed into the sietch of these people before, choosing instead to confront them outside.

He asked the first question that came to mind. "Will your tribe be hostile to my arrival?"

(OOC: Me li, is the message you sent me those Persian words at the top of your post? I can't find a translator that knows what that means, so I can't reply. Also, Cravan, I'm waiting for a response to post #159.)

OOC: Will do now.

******************

"Those 'hostile tribesmen' are government troops with orders to guard your shuttle and intercept any Fremen coming to the shuttle. I will ask one more time for you to set down immediately."

*******************

"Don't worry, everything will be all right. We just have a big mess here to sort out between our people. Once it's worked out, you can be on your merry way."

He motioned for the Fremen to follow him into the police station, and the other officer stayed behind the Fremen, watching his closely.

*******************

The turbolaser moved faster, gaining a target lock on the shuttle. A transmission was sent from the gunner to the pilot of the shuttle.

"We are firing warning shots across your nose. Set down immediately or be fired upon with hostile intent."

A string of red plasma erupted from the twin barrels of the turret in rapid succession, all of them zipping harmlessly past the shuttle. The next batch wouldn't be so harmless, however...

"Certainly not," said Sakhin. "If you are offering a trade to us, we would welcolme it."
Sakhin realized that he probably did not know that she was not Cravanian.
"You see, we are diplomats from the Alaskan Federation. We are a new nation that is seeking to trade with other nations. Perhaps we could trade with your nation."
Sakhin opened the door. Uskov was playing a game of poker with the two guards. They all turned and looked at their visitor.

The bridge was quiet as the barbarian cruisers popped into the real-space a few AU's distant. The HHS Magpie restrained the eager young. They would await the Commander's decision. The battleships and cruisers reluctantly stood down. They were good ships. They would wait.

The Commander's Babel-Fish translated the Gaijin Capitan's words and thoughts to comprehendable Melii. They understood the Gift. That was a good start. They were not weak. That too was a good start. They were foolishly brave to send only six cruisers to investigate. The Captian was a good grub. He knew his Duty. That too was admirable.

Very well. The rest of the Survey Group could continue the Survey and inform the Fleet that the HHS Magpie would remain in this foreign sector.

He stood and turned to the holo Comm.

"Well met, Barbarian Cravan Captain of the New Cravan ship INS Glory, I am Admiral Hummingbird Silver...<continues for several seconds> of the Melii Survey Group Epsilon, aboard the HHS Magpie.

"We see you like our Gift." The Commander stopped to breath and grin. The crew smiled, they knew what was coming next. The Golden Eggs rippled with amusement. A Grand Joke. How very delightful.

"Know now Barbarian that WE COME IN PEACE! TAKE US TO YOUR LEADER!"

The Admiral Silver's laugh was shared by the entire fleet as most of the Survey Group popped out of Samsara and continued the Survey. Almost as rapidly as the Ships disappeared, the Admiral's good humor vanished as well. He frowned and redirected his concerns to the local Barbarian Capitan.

"We are most concerned! What are your intentions to the UNARMED Zensunni ship? Are you Devils or Demons?" His eyebrows rose with the question.

The remaining Parasite Ships instantly Re-Armed and targeted the local cruisers. All known Comm channels were jammed and the fighter wings deployed. They would await the answer.

OOC: Garindi Freman--It is the Arabic title for the 72nd Al-Jinn Surya of the Koran...it is were the Jinn/genies/fire-spirits/fae...etc... renounce violence as a method of conversion of the heathens. They repent their past wily ways and admonish mankind for being stupid enough to fall for their tricks. We noticed you were unarmed and potential hostiles were closing on your position. It was a round about way of asking ARE YOU WEAK? Do you require assistance?

"Comm traffic with the group has been jammed, sir."
"Prepare another group to move if the situation escalates further. We may be deaf, but we aren't blind."

The Legacy's own sensor array went active, revealing majority of the solar system to her.

"I want the Harbinger and the Requiem ready to jump in with some support destroyers."
"Aye, sir."

Two Legacy-class battleships broke from orbit along with twenty or so smaller frigates and destroyers. They prepared to jump at any moment, and were ready for anything that these newcomers may throw at them.

*******************

Are we devils or demons? What the hell is wrong with these people?

"No, we are not demons or devils for that matter.", he replied. "Two of our men were being held onboard that freighter, and after a tense standoff they have been returned to us. There are mixed reports that their people on the ground have been breaking our trade laws, but that is so far unconfirmed."

He closed the comm with the Magpie for a moment, and turned to his XO.

"Set Condition One, and launch the alert fighters. Have them use emergency encrypted frequencies since all of our regular frequencies are jammed. Also, try to contact home on an encrypted channel, and see if we can get some support out here."
"Aye, sir."

The bridge crew set into action, as klaxons sounded and red warning lights flashed. Fighters emerged from the port and starboard bays, taking up defensive positions around the cruisers. The maneuverable Vipers sat in space, waiting for the others to make the first move.

The Hummingbird was a clever one She mused. He really watched too many olde fables. That was classic 20th Century humor. In all likelihood the barbarians wouldn't understand the joke. They didn't seem to understand his question either. The Viper starfighters were deploying in defensive screens. And apparently the Gaijin were utilizing several other military bands.

Interesting. They seemed to be using some restraint and hiding their hands.

Were they Demons after all? The Survey Group would have to be recalled if they were. She sighed. No perhaps there was miscommunication. They were Savages after all. Most likely they were foolish Devils that had forgotten the True tongues. The Parasite Ships drifted slowly back into defensive postures. And the Fireflies fighter wings pulled into a tight patterns.

The Admiral pondered Magpie's thoughts and concured.

HHS Magpie reopened the Comm lines and the Admiral grinned into the Holo-Comm, "You are Devils. Very well. The Cousins have obviously dealt with the problem on their own."

"What makes you believe we're devils? And what the hell do you define as a devil? I dunno about you, but I'm just an average human. Nothing more, nothing less."

The Cravanian captain then thought back to a childhood lesson.

"One should not be too quick to judge, friends."

**************
OOC: I am somewhat confuzzled by some of the terms you use like Gaijin, Zensunni, and a few others. Is there a meaning behind them for your nation or something...? I will be embarrased if it is something I should know. :p

HHS Magpie grinned to herself. The barbarian, foreign-devils, Gaijin Commander was obtuse. Almost as stupid as her own Commander. They refused to be classified as devils. They were obviously devils. They were not Melii or of any of the Allied Tribes. They were not the enemy-demon-spawned not animals but animals in Human form. They were not of the Others-aliens outside of Humanity. Yet they insisted that they were Human.

Perhaps he wanted a trail? A test? Surely not! A gom jabber would be certainly fatal for this savage. That wouldn't be a very smart idea. He must be mistaken.

The Admiral hid his grimace. Well now...she was right. Stupid ship. So perhaps another word...barbarian seemed OK. They seemed to understand that they were barbarians. Yes...that would have to do.

"Perhaps we mispoke friend barbarian. um...We formally request to send a laison/ambassador plein to your Leaders."

He indicated a well dressed and well-proportioned young woman to his right. She was eerily empheral. Too perfect, too willowly...one could not help but being slightly taken aback by her poise and her youth. She was obviously a young Companion of the Guild, her adepts robes clearly indicated her rank as a Master of the Path. She nodded and the view shifted back to the Admiral.

He preformed a silly court bow to the Captain, with all of the affected flourishes. Pure perfected politeness which to the Melii was tantamount to thinly veiled sarcasm for the benifit of the barbarians.

"We humbly await your government's response."

The Parasite Ships redocked with the HHS Magpie and save for two the Fireflies Wings were recalled.

OOC: Gaijin is a Japanese word. The others, they are just roughly translated words for Foreigner.:p You are obviously a foreinger. Well, I guess we would be the foreign devils to you but to US you are the foreign devils. Demons in Asia aren't necessarly the Demons we think of in the West. They are just very very powerful...usually destructive. Devils are slightly less powerful and tend to be more troublesome.
Zensunni were the Path "tribe" of the Early Free Men of Arrakis. They refused to participate in a Jihad against the thinking machines. Many were enslaved. The rest scattered to the winds. Some were exiled/escaped to Arrakis/Dune and eventually became Garindi's lovely Freman of Arrakis. We of the Melii are another related strand of the movement/people but tend to emphasize more of the Asian influences. Hence, cousins. You HAVE to read Dune by Herbert! It rocks!

The Captain looked at them quizzically, but shrugged it off. Although he didn't appreciate being called a barbarian, he let it slide for now. He contacted New Cravan, and within miniutes sent a transmission back to the Magpie.

"My government will allow your delegate entry. Coordinates to a position where your ship may stay are attached to this message, as is a landing platform where you may deliver your delegate. Thank you, and welcome to New Cravan."

He ordered his ships back, and the cruisers in his group jumped away when the last of the alert fighters were recalled. Although they were physically left alone, the Melii were constantly watched by sensor arrays spread throughout the system. Nothing would happen without the homeworld knowing about it. Nothing.

The admiral preformed another court bow. And cut the Comm channel to the INS Glory. He turned his grin to his young protegee and niece. She was busy in communion with the HHS Magpie.

Companion Isobelle admonished Magpie. She was too vain and craved too much attention. The Cravanians were obviously admiring the Ship's grace and beauty. The active scans weren't that itchy. And of course they would be wise in keeping an eye on such a mischevious guest. The GUEST had obligations to the HOST. Stop fidgeting and stop trying to play with the System's systems. She was a big girl now.

The HHS Magpie was at least a century old now and ought to have outgrown youthful pranks decades ago. Obviously, the Hummingbird was a bad influence. Yes he was! Uncle was/is an asshole. She tried not to laugh at the memory of the barbarian's consternation.

Isobelle walked towards the closest Shuttle Bay. Matter teleportation to the site could be easily possible if the HHS Magpie popped into a closer orbit. No that wouldn't do. The natives were already restless. AND Magpie had a tendency to "collect" interesting things and people. She lived up tho her namesake. So by shuttle it would be.

The Melii Marine escorts met her at the Bay. Professional grubs. Without a word all systems checks were nominal and the delegation launched from the Magpie. They headed in system towards the co-ordinates. As they reached one of New Cravan's LaGrange points, Isobelle opened the Comm.

"New Cravan Control, this is Cricket Six of the HHS Magpie requesting ground clearance...Over."

ooc: The Cricket Class Light-Cruisers are generally lightly offensively armed it excels in stealth, speed, and defense. They are usually geared for Diplomatic missions. It is a ruby teardrop about 1.5 km long.

"Ground clearance granted, Cricket Six. Commence landing on platform six-two-beta. Coordinates transmitted to you now. Welcome to New Cravan."

"Roger." Isobelle then grinned at the young Melii pilot. She had previously ruled out a buzz of the New Cravan Control. But couldn't in good concious deny the delegation a small joke. "Do it grub."

The diplomatic shuttle blinked Outside and back in within milliseconds at the designated platform. That should make for an interesting Welcome party. Everyone changed to full impressive court regalia. She merely waited as the battle suits were prepped. Companions rarely wore anything other than their distinctive flowing robes. True there were many varieties of Robes but the movements of the Companions were distinctive. Few outside the order fully mastered the Breath and Dances so well.

The Escorts went out first and secured a perimeter. She followed slowly and regally afterwards. "All this trouble to impress the natives," she mused. She could feel Magpie giggling agrement. "Live Long and Prosper."

"Shush they are here."

She nodded to the New Cravan delegation as the Captain of the Guards delivered her credentials.

Two men in business suits approached, escorted by similiarly dressed men in sunglasses, their hands in their sport coats on their weapons at all times. Along with them came four men in brown robes, silver cylinders attached to their belts.

"Welcome to New Cravan.", the delegate said warmly. He looked over the delegation who had come, noting the fine robes.

Great... More royal bullshit., the delegate thought to himself as he outwardly displayed a smile. Even the Emperor knows how to dress properly.

The usual attire for a formal occasion on Cravan was a modest suit for men, and dresses for women. Cravanians usually weren't intrigued by exoctic clothing, and these newcomers would be treated indifferently.

"Please, follow me to the speeder to take you to your accomidations during your time on Cravan."

He motioned to a luxurious looking black airspeeder parked on the platform.

This one hides his thoughts poorly. Yet he speaks for the others? Surely, the Foreigner meant no disrespect. Yet he lies, the body betrays the Truth. He has been trained well...not extremely well but well nonetheless. She dismissed him and his guards after noting their weakenesses and estimating their strengths. No what interested her was the Others...they were familiar.

She had seen them somewhere before. The Archives had mentioned that there were many like her own Order among the barbarian tribes. This was her first actual mission and IFNI would have it there they were...Knights of some lost Order. Perhaps they were strong? Hard to tell. They hid much in their movements and it would be rude to intrude on their thoughts directly.

Curiouser and curiouser...little silver rods...energy weapons of some sort...they must be a warrior caste.

She nodded.

The Escorts ported arms and checked the speeder. After a Marco Polo A-OK, two entered with her while the rest returned to the Shuttle. They would await orders from the Admiral.

The two delegates entered the speeder, and it took off. Several miniutes later, they arrived at the hotel. The delegate opened the door of the car, and held it open for their guests as he motioned for them to disembark.

***********************

The Knights walked off the platform with the guards, but not first without looking about the area. They studied the guards which had come with the delegates, and they politefully acknowledged them before leaving as a sign of respect. They were silent the whole time, however, ensuring to keep their minds clouded in case any of them possessed the gift of the Force. The less they knew about the Cravanian Knights, the better.

This one tires me. He is strange and i don't like him. Now why would he open a door for us? The Marines are sure to take offence. She calmed them with a glance. We are guests. They are Gaijin. Behave. This city was quiet crowded. Pretty in an exotic sort of way. The warrens extended upwards like shards of broken glass. I wonder if they have subterranean warrens as well?

She nodded politely to the delegate as she exited the speeder with a hop...not exactly full of the Guild's grace but more of the Order's effectiveness. The Marines were amused...they hid it well. Companions could be fickle...or at least they had a tendency to do things uncomprehensable for regular people. AND she was the Admiral's niece. The Hummingbird was crazy.

*******************************************
Cricket Six

The Escorts noted the Respectful nods...they had manners. They returned the nods and kept a careful eyes on the Four. They reminded them FAR too much of the Order. The Marine's were proficient enough in the Weirding Ways to notice that at least one of them was a Master of some Art...perhaps similar...perhaps not. No One was foolish enough to intrude on the Master's or his apprentices thoughts.

They were ordered to sit on their thumbs at the Shuttle until an Embassy was established. Half the Squads immediately started studing the locals via the Net feed and the others began gambling. Four were left to Sentry duties.

The delegate led them to a set of large oak double doors, and inserted a keycard into a small panel next to the door. An audible unlocking sound was heard, and he led them into a suite large enough to pass as a condominium. It was richly decorated, mostly hardwood and glass since that was the most common Cravanian decor. Potted plants were common throughout the suite, and the walls ranged from mostly shades of white to slight shades of green and hardwood panels. Carpeting was mostly brown in color, while most of the suite was hardwood. Meanwhile, massive plate-glass windows gave a spectacular view of New Cravna's coast.

He waited to see the newcomers' reaction, since he knew that the architecture would probably be strange to the point of bizarre to them. But, this was the Imperial Suite.

The Marines were not happy. This suite would be nearly impossible to properly defend with the materials they had brought with them. It positively invited an assasination attempt. The Admiral would have what was left of them ressurected and killed several times over...even a Companion could be unlucky enough to die...and so on and so forth. They revealed little as the preformed the scans and set up the safeguards. Embassies were information holes. It was their job to plug said holes and protect the ditsy staff. Luckily the Companion could take care of herself. Still this place was too damn big.

Isobelle graced the delegate with a brilliant smile...mesmerizing smile. She laughed...silver bells tumbling and sunlight...the Companions were Very good at influencing people. In a siren's voice, "This is delightful delegate. We will await your Imperator's pleasure." She briefly touched his arm and left the poor barbarian open mouthed. It was a clear dismissal.

The Cravanians had excellent tastes...but clearly liked too much of a good thing. She would have to remove most of the furniture...they cluttered the space. The view was excellent.

*************************************
Cricket Six
The Escorts had made and lost 100,000 whatever it was the Cravan used for currency, before the Captain ordered them to stop and study the locals.

*************************************
HHS Magpie
The Admiral was consoling Magpie about being stuck in the Outer Systems. She could always play on the local Net, and Study the Locals. It wasn't so bad.

The delegate left, blushing. He informed them he would contact them the second the Emperor was availiable.

The Marines, however, would probably come to like the room, for as luxurious as it was it was also just as secure. The windows facing the ocean were actually transparisteel, used on starship windows. Also present was a tiny shield generator, which at the click of a button surrounded the window with an energy shield. Security controls were also availiable with motion sensors, thermal detectors, and other such detection equipment. They would also find the door had a similiar shield generator to the windows.

The suite was capable of becoming a fortress in mere miniutes.

Alright, thought Ra-Cuwlom, this person is not from around here. They may be trusted, as they are not likely to be a part of the enemy tribe. The Fremen scanned his new surroundings. The door had been opened. A new sietch had been breached. The Fremen had been told that he would not be treated with hostility in this place, although he could not help but to be more aware of the hand that he would use to whip out his scimitar.

"I will trade with you if you have something suitable to give to me in return," said Ra-Cuwlom. He had been so absorbed into this occurence that he had completely forgotten the initial obligation he had made. "For sheltering me within your sietch, I will offer you a sample of the spice melange."

From Ra-Cuwlom's robes, he procured a small sack. The neck of the sack was unwinded, and a powdery sample of the spice was poured into Ra-Cuwlom's hand with the utmost care.

"Melange, the gift of the shai-hulud. Take and mix it with your food."



The shuttle continued flying forward as the pod crashed into a street in the city below. The shuttle suddenly turned upward, in hopes that it would be intercepted and stopped by another shuttle from the Heighliner.

The hatch of the crashed pod opened immediately after it had settled, and the pilot hopped out and fled. In his robes, he carried the melange that he had salvaged from the shuttle. This is madness! he thought, Even on the most hostile worlds that we have been on before, local tribes have allowed us to leave. What will become of us?



Inside the police station, the Fremen followed the officer. He was worried; not about what the police might do to him, but rather to his fate should he somehow betray his troop. He knew that they were listening in...



The halls of the Heighliner were quiet after the two inspectors had been shipped off. Hortuli sat in the control bridge gazing out on to the planet of New Cravan, as well as the many ships that passed by. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a bright comotion. Turning, he found the golden egg. His mentat abilities took over, pushing aside feelings of amazement in favor of computation. It looks to be a display in some sort of Cravanian celebration.

Hortuli received the encrypted message. Instruments told him that it was sent from a ship in the area of the egg. What is this? Hortuli examined the message more closely. I recognize this language from my studies, but I never learned most of the words of it. This must be from a tongue whos term of use has ceased in the Empire.

Hortuli had walked down to his personal quarters and procured a pen. This matter seems to be important. I have nothing better to do, so I will contact a Reverend Mother. Those weirding witches will certainly know something about this.



Reverend Mother Urrelin Ragus opened her eyes to the dry air of the Imperial Palace. Even the wealthiest corner of Arrakeen was not immune to the effects of the maker's unstoppable process. Outside, the robes of pedestrians swirled with the twisting wind created by the thermals of heated air.

The Reverend Mother had been disturbed by someone in an adjacent room. Disrupting a Reverend Mother during her private hours required an important impetus. The Reverend Mother lifted herself up off of the matted cushions and rugs of her chamber and closed the curtains around the window, with the only light now coming from dim glowglobes. From under one of the hangings closing off the chamber, an unseen person pushed a golden instrument into the domain of the Reverend Mother. A note on the device read:

Hortuli requests information from the Baron's Truthsayer.

The Reverend Mother was annoyed, but she would see what this was about and would most likely accept this request. She detached a golden band from the instrument, and wrapped it around her forehead.

The Fremen mentat Hortuli appeared before her. He addressed her in a calm voice. "I received an odd message just now. I have no idea as to its meaning, but something tells me that it is important."

Urrelin looked at the message. "Yes, I recognize this. It is a passage from a religious text that fell out of wide usage several thousand years ago."

Hortuli was intrigued. Are these people one of us, or is there some other distant relationship? "Go on, what does this passage tell of?"

"The passage is mainly of religious significance. Known as the Surat Al-Jinn, it describes several spirits that have submitted to the sovereignty of Shai-hulud. It denounces forcing others to accept Shai-hulud through violent means, which was one of the more controversial parts of the passage. Then it gets interesting. It refers to our Mahdi, and how only He and Shai-hulud know the exact time of the Yaum al-Qiyamah."

The Reverend Mother paused. She knew that she was now treading on thin ground. She hoped that she had not violated the Missionaria Protectiva. Her past egos seemed to indicate that what she had said was okay, but she was still worried.

She continued. "Since we have been ruled by the Garindis, who have each been Mahdis, I think these people are refering to them. Maybe they are seeking knowledge of the time of the Yaum al-Qiyamah?"

"We can not be sure. I, for one, have never heard more than a whisper about the Yaum al-Qiyamah. It has indeed been taken out of normal religious practices, but perhaps these people are from an isolated group that still believe in it. I shall ask them about this matter."

"Yes," replied Urrelin. "That would be the proper course of action. I am very interested in the outcome of this incident, and would like to be informed."

"Why does it interest you?" asked Hortuli, puzzled.

"I have my reasons."

Hortuli left it at that. The ways of these witches were strange and unpredictable, and it was often not worthwhile to find out their motives. Hortuli sent a response, in which he would first state that he was not in trouble, and then he would ask about the Yaum al-Qiyamah. The following message was sent:

Subakh un nar. We have received your cryptic message, foreigners, and we believe that you are wanting to know of the time of the Yaum al-Qiyamah. Is this true?

The officers led the Fremen to a waiting area, and motioned for him to take a seat.

"Sit down if you like. We shouldn't be here long. If all goes well your people will make one of two choices: abide by and learn our trade laws or leave. Hopefully we can catch up with as many of them as we can."

He paused.

"Would you like something to eat or drink?", he asked, pulling a bottle of water from a refrigerator and twisting the cap.

*****************************

"He went that way!"

Several men ran after the Fremen who had emerged from the pod, shouting after him.

"Are you all right!? Are you hurt!?"

Emergency crews arrived on scene in order to contain the crash site of the pod and hopefully track down the pilot. Several other men ran after the pilot, and more people gathered around.

*****************************

The soldiers on the platform watched the events unfold.

"Dammit. I wish he set down... This only makes things even more complicated."

The Marines dourly noted that the Gaijin had built in safeguards to the psoh apartments...no doubt they built all manner of interesting things as well. They hated suprises. Surprises usually meant Volunteering for a good reaming. Wonder if they had advanced beyond the inherent instablities of a standard energy shield. Namely the Cascade failue and sub-atomic explosion that results from say a nice laser beam...The ancient Holtzemann Fields tended to fail spectacularly...Best inform the Captain. She can ask the Admiral and HHS Magpie.

Isobelle grinned. How typical of the Melii Marines. The first thing they try and figure out was how to blow up the place. No to be fair they had tried to figure out how they could kill her and themselves first. Embassy Security was their function afterall. Still they were arguing rather loudly in silent battle language.

She stared over the City...It was almost as beautiful as the Homeworld's Xanadu or even Magpie's Enclave. Clever and strong Barbarians indeed. Perhaps they would become Allies. It would be a pity if they decided to become Enemies. So much potential. She paused to review what she had learned during the morning's meeting. Her eyes reflected the data stream and the Marine's shivered. They hated it when the Guild did things like that. It was damn creepy.

She entered the Path. Unbidden, a memory tugged her to a small Eddy. She recalled a passage from an Acient Tome...

The future of prescience cannot always be locked into the rules of the past. The threads of existence tangle according to many unknown laws. Prescient future insists on its own rules. It will not conform to the ordering of the Zensunni nor to the ordering of science. Prescience builds a relative integrity. It demands the work of this instant, always warning that you cannot weave every thread into the fabric of the past.
Kalima: The Words of Muad'Dib
The Shuloch Commentary
Children of Dune

Insallah...what will come will come.

Cricket Six

First Squad was heading by foot to do a little Recon of the City on the way to the Embassy. Second Squad found some tantalizing clues as to the activities of the Cousins and would seek them out in the Warrens. Third remained at the Cricket Six.

HHS Magpie
The Admiral frowned...Misson Protective...End times...why would the Cousins refer to such Ancient things? They were surely not Shirk...Mistaken.

Tell us of Shaitin. Of the light-bringer and of the dark. Are you not of the Tribes of Holy Terra, of the Way, of the Zennsunni? the Honored Matres? the Bene Gessarit? or other Orders?

She Grinned the Old Bird was right! She could dance along the Net...surely she would find something fun to play with. She dived into the Local Net as a Magpie...when she emerged into the local cyberspace she manifested as a young six year old East-Asian peasant girl from Olde Terra. It was her favorite persona next to the bird.

Lots of things to do!!! Hmm...I wonder what will happen if I push this big red button?

OOC: I'm assuming your squad is armed. If not, then I'll delete this post.


All was going as usual that day for Officer Jenkins, and he sat in his patrol car with a doughnut in his hand. All was normal until, however, he saw several men walking down the street in heavy battle armor and carrying heavy weapons.

"Oh boy..."

The officer got out of the landspeeder police cruiser, and walked up to the lead Marine.

"Excuse me, sir... But may I ask why you boys are so heavily armed? We do have a policy in these parts that carrying anything larger than a sidearm in a populated area is illegal."

Glade Battle

Second Squad stopped to confirm the constables words...they practiced the Empty Hand here. Oh...but surely we will be allowed our arms. It is a basic right of all Melii. Yes but maybe it isn't a basic right here. Don't be stupid the Babel Fish is eating your brain. Quiet clearly he wants to test our abilities with a friendly match. We would be poor guests to refuse. Nonono...we aught to ask the Captain.

He was booed down. The Squad was in agreement. Ian would be their Champion. The first to knock out the other Champion or force a submission would win. They spotted a nearby glade and headed towards it.

Ian was the one protester. He bowed gracefully and shrugged the Babel Fish was a pain-so maybe he was wrong after all. He was not very massive but he had trained hard and was a toughen whip. Very very quick.

"Sir I accept your challenge on behalf of my squad. To the black is A-OK with you? Let us to the glade." He indicated the nearby children's playground

"Uh... Excuse me?", the officer said. "I'm afraid I didn't challenge you to any fight. I am sorry if you misinterpreted my words."

Ian was already stripping off most of his gear when the constable answered in a rather feminine voice. The Babel Fish clearly showed his agitation and confusion. Perhaps Ian was right after all. It wouldn't be the first time that the Foriegners would misunderstand normal customs...or for the Melii to confuse the two...no matter the Challenge whether made or not was already accepted.

Still...

"Noble Barbarian, so you forfeit the Match? You do realize then that we are entitled to a boon?"

He stopped to stare at the strange circular confection in the constable's patrol craft. A sacred dish? Strange that they are so different. His nose sniffed...sucrose and other sweet sugars...it must taste divine. Surely there was some festival for so richly flavored a food.

"Or perhaps it is some Sacred Day...We are always happy to oblige our Savage Hosts with a freindly bout."

The Squad was attempting with little luck at clearing the Glade of the Little Ones. The Melii were very easily manipulated by Little Ones...It was something they did not try very hard to hide. Half of them were now Horses or Bears or any manner of Creatures.

A strange sight surely!

Ian awaited the constable's reply in parade rest.

In the waiting room, the Fremen thought about accepting the water. A water offering...it could be poisonous, but why would they lead me all the way in here just to poison me? They could have killed me earlier. "Yes, I would like some water," he said.

Suddenly, his cielago blared: "Do not accept it! You are young and foolish. They may want to bring you out of the public eye before killing you!"

"On second thought, I have had much more water today than I should have had. I am sorry, I do not want any."



In the streets, the pilot Fremen who had just ran out of the pod wondered if he could out run these men. He had gained a head start on them, but the situation was quickly attracting attention and he did not know how many others were out there that would try and catch him.

He decided that now was as good of an opportunity as ever to test these people's climbing abilities. In the short amount of time that he had spent on this planet so far, he made several observations. These people were not of the sand, so he hypothesized that they would not be as adept at climbing as a Fremen. He suddenly changed the direction of his running without losing speed and dashed to the nearest building. It was many stories tall, and if he could successfully get up to the top, he would distance himself from his pursuers significantly.

With a large leap he threw himself up in the air and on to the side of the building. The fingers and feet of a Fremen had developed to easily grasp on to even smooth vertical surfaces, much like a gecko crawling up a wall. The Fremen began to scramble up the side of the building, with his bare feet propelling him and his hands used for guidance and balance. He used any indentions that might be on the wall, such as where windows might be, to ease his climbing.



The message from the Magpie was received by Hortuli on the control bridge of the Heighliner. So these people are asking us for religious guidance. They ask if we are of the Honored Matres...I have no idea what that means. But the Bene Gesserit! We both share knowledge of the Bene Gesserit! Hortuli sent a response that he hoped would be sufficient:

Spirits of Shaitin and Shai-hulud inhabit each and every one of us. It is in us that they battle for dominance. While the Fremen in this system are not of the Bene Gesserit, we have witches of the order in our Imperium.

"I am afraid I never made any challenge or anything like that... I was merely doing my duty as an officer here to point out that your weapons are in violation of our laws."

He paused while watching the Marines playing with the local children. He smiled at the thought that such big burly soldiers could still have a soft spot.

"In any case, today isn't a holiday that I know of..."

He noticed the Marine had taken an interest in his doughnut.

"... I do see you've taken an interest in my doughnuts. Lucky for you I have an entire box of the things. Would you like one?"

"Your choice.", the officer said, sipping from the bottle. "Anything to eat or... anything?"

*****************

The people watched in awe as the man climbed skillfully, and saw him quickly rise to the top of the building. Out of the crowd stepped a man in a plain brown cloak. He shed the cloak, and threw it to the side. He built up his energy, and jumped, covering nearly half the area the Fremen had climbed in a single leap. He latched onto the building with his hands, and climbed up it much more slowly than the Fremen, but still making speed. His boots clattered against the side of the building as he rose up the side.

More attention was coming to the area. A fire department Repulsorlift had been called on the scene, and it rose through the air, its engines humming as it brought two rescue workers up towards the Fremen.

"This is the New Cravna Fire Department. We mean you know harm. Please come down.", they said through the megaphone mounted on the craft.

HHS Magpie
The Admiral pondered the latest missive. The Cousins had called them Foreigners...so be it. They did not claim kinship, yet he hid much. He had been trained in one of the Paths. So were they Demons? It did not appear so. The language was very precise...Mentat or witchy precise. Yes, the Freman was a mentat. He had wanted to ask several questions but restrained himself. Why?

The Humingbird schooled himself...he would test the mentat...and let slip some clues. He assumed one of the Ancient forms of supplication even as he feigned Anger.

Magpie had already noted that the Zensunni ship was in sproadic contact with its tribesmen. She also noted that they too were guests of the Cravanians. The Cravan thought them stranger than the Melii even! They had set up a Bazaar and a camp in the middle of a Glade! She giggled with mirth and the Egg shimmered in response. She wasn't even miffed when Admiral Silver ordered her to note the Gaijin Mentats reactions. She had intended to anyway. Still it was best to humor the Old Bird.

You speak strangely Mentat. Do you twist the tiger’s tail on purpose? You have circumabulated <as do we>. Answer now our questions Devil <Kin>! Are you the Leader of this <Way> “Freman tribe.” What do you know of the End Times...of the Missionaria Protectivia? Who are these witches you speak of? Such <amusing> disrespect for the Holy Orders! Tell me why the Magpie ought not to destroy your ship?<complete seriousness and firm conviction>

Magpie frowned. The button didn’t do anything. No matter she would find some button to do something funny.

Melii Embassy
The Marines were somewhat surprised at the appearance of the strange visitor. The Admiral would have skinned them alive, after the Captain had finished with them of course. They had forgotten that people could climb to the patio...it was highly unlikely yet here one was. Out of the depths of the misty chaos of New Cravan City.

They did not bother informing the Mistress. Nor did they bother with the strange Barbarian Craft. They immediately surrounded their guest and asked politely if he sought Refuge in the Dharma? The blasters emphasized the question with an unspoken exclamation point.

Glade Battle
Ian smiled beatifically. He bowed gracefully to hide his smile...he was right!!! The Barbarian was just trying to inform them of the local customs...he didn’t make a challenge...Still How was he going to explain it to the troopers?

The Savage had appropriate manners...perhaps a temporary trade...that would be honorable. Yes. The Grubs could understand trades and Holy Days. It was Sunday, Saturday, or Friday evening local calendar wasn’t it?

“Thank you kind constable. I would very much like to offer you a temporary trade of our heavy weapons for your box of Sacred Doughnuts. The Melii were told to respect local customs and Holy Days. Tell me barbarian what day is it?”

"Well, today is Sunday. Technically it is the Sabbath, but not many people hold it sacred anymore other than going to church and paying your respects. In any case..."

He rushed to his patrol car, and came back with a small box. He opened it, and inside were eleven doughnuts of varying flavors and styles.

"Take whatever one you like.", he said with a smile. "And see if your buddies over there would like some."

Glade Battle

One? For a dozen heavy arms? Surely he jests? Ah a merchant...the Melii understood trade. He must haggle with this Barbarian lest he offends. He would be laughed at anyway seeing as there were only eleven Doughnuts and twelve troopers including Himself. So he feigned anger as was proper.

“Thank you kind sir but surely you jest? The Holy Sabbath must surely be observed everywhere? <the Melii rarely observe it themselves> <feigned fury grows impressive> For One day trade of Twelve excellent arms you but offer One Sacred Doughnut? You dishonor yourself and your tribe, foolish savage! The Eleven for two Arms!?! His prana bindu swordmaster would have skinned him alive for giving away so many obvious hints.

It continued for several tense minutes before the constable finally understood the ploy.

Three Doughnuts for each Arm? Two Doughnuts for each Arm? You strike a very hard bargain Noble Merchant Barbarian Constable. Twelve Heavy Arms for One Day for the Entire Box of Sacred Doughnuts! He spat and shook the native’s hand. A solid deal!

The Melii Marines happily handed over the heavy carbines and tasted the Sacred Doughnuts. Eleven troopers plus eleven doughnuts equaled eleven grins. It was too easy sometimes. Then again when it wasn't it wasn't.

Ian grinned...”Now about my Boon.”

"Well, you can keep your weapons. I was just giving you the doughnuts...", he then remembered how these men thought, and switched over to a primitive mindset of how trading might be carried out in their society. "... In good faith. You may keep your weapons. Just keep the heavier weapons on your ship when you come out into public."

He watched as the men ate the doughnuts, and noticed their pleasure.

"They are good, aren't they?"

Ian's grin grew wider...it was interesting the Constable thought them Primitive. How smugly superior...How very Melii. He conveyed the joke to the troopers in the battle language. They began nodding and laughing. It was a good joke.

Ian bowed again. "Verily, Sir Constable they are good. We thank you for the parole of our weapons and in the future we will remember to keep the heavy girls at home when we next wander the Warrens. Still the matter of the Boon is before us. As you forfeited the match we must ask that you um...the idiom is "Pay Up or Else!"

He turned to confer with the biggest and burlest Sargeant Major...yes so what can we ask of the Native...No don't be stupid Luetenant. Our mission is our own. We must ask for many many doughnuts...the Little Ones seem to want many of them...most of the Grubs have only tasted but half of theirs before losing it to the little devils. Yes HAM...it was worth a shot. Besides now that the trade was over it was honorable to request a goodly boon.

"Honour of the Boon Barbarian. We will absolve you of the geas if you meet our goodly demands. We demand twelve dozen <144> Holy Doughnuts of assorted flavors to be delivered to this Glade within the Hour."

Ian finished with a half bow and shifted into parade rest.

"Uh, okay then. I'll be back in a little bit."

He walked back to his cruiser, and drove around the corner to the doughnut shop. He thanked God cops got free doughnuts here. And he knew that was about to change.

Fifteen miniutes later, he pulled back up, and had twelve dozen boxes of doughnuts.

Ain't my fault when they get fat., he thought to himself as he brought a few boxes over.

HHS Magpie/Glade Battle

Three of the Parasite Battleships, six of the Cruisers, and their Destroyer Escorts detatched from the HHS Magpie. As soon as they cleared her and made formation, they and the Two Fireflies Starfighter Wings jumped to within an 1/5 AU of the Heighliner. They acknowledged the New Cravan Control and assured them of peaceful intention towards their Hosts. Magpie politely inquired Control if the Freman were Sacred Guests on several of the unused open frequency. They didn't want to step on any customs.

Magpie was happy. She had found Ian and his Grubs. They were in a delightful playground glade in one of the Warrens of New Craven City. She hid. It wouldn’t do to be sent back to the ship. Most of her attention was already there. Besides Magpie liked it here. There were other Little Devils to play with. She thought about projecting herself but decided against it...no just watch for now.

While the Constable was absent the Melii continued to befriend the Little Devils. Most Bigger Devils seemed to forget that the Little Ones were everywhere and saw and knew much, much more than one would think. The trick was getting the absolute truth out of them. They usually didn’t lie on purpose...but their truths could be a little bizarre. Still they were usually closer to the Path than the Adults of any world.

They saw the world less bound by their own fragile egos. They knew the Path. It was one of the reasons the Melii always had a soft spot for the young. It was the reason Magpie tended to assume the persona of an Ancient young child. She was a manipulative Little Planetoid. She smiled. I wonder what those Sacred Doughnuts taste like?

The Constable arrived with the Boon. Save for one box for the Cousins, the rest was distributed to the glee of the Little Ones. Stories flowed back and forth. Half were grand pantomimes and archaic atavistic dances but Ian observed and recorded everything. Time enough later to review the day’s events. He couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched by something he couldn’t see. Yet he did not feel threatened...strange that.

*********************************

She grinned and waved to herself. The other Magpies were wandering the Net looking for interesting things to play with. Sooo many buttons were begging to be pushed. They hadn't met the Guardian of the place yet either. That was strange in and of itself. Several sectors were wlled off by prickly briairs and fire walls. She would get around to seeing what was behind them eventually but it was much more interesting watching the Devils of Cravan. They went about their lives oblivious of her...it was annoying.

Silly Isobelle made her promise not to cause mischief...she never did define exactly what was and wasn't mischief...so technically...hmmmph that wouldn't hold up in Council. Still...I wonder if the Ambassador knows she is on the holo? Well maybe just the Hotel she is in...wait a second. That brown robed fella just jumped a few stories from a standing.

Definitely Interesting!!! She giggled and told Magpie who told Magpie etc...until finally all the Magpies knew. This took several nanoseconds to complete the Telephone Game. They began concentrating around the Embassy. One Magpie took over the Defense of the Embassy while the rest remained deeply hidden from the sniffers programs. It wouldn't do to get caught by the barbarian programs. No more Fun! And it was a potential security leak. They would have to crash part of the Net and that would definately cause a bigger funk.

Magpie was brilliant but even She knew she might leave some fingerprints...nope better play it safe. The Gaijin expected the Melii to take control of the Embassy. No problemo! Hmm now what do we have here?

the kitir smiled and said it is against the law of the empire for a kitir to be disarmed whilst not in the empire

קפיצת הדרך Do NOT Ask the witches.
http://www.jitterbug.com/origins/dune.html
<low encryption to the Zensunni Ship>

Hummingbird cut the Holo-Comm. Time would tell if the Cousins would finally understand. He was doubtful...they seemed so far removed as to nolonger even be Kin. The Freman Mentat was, however, a mentat...he ough to piece everything together. The Melii had come to liberate their brothers from all of the enslavers! They were the leading edge Dragonfly messengers bringing warning of the Others...the demon possessed.

The Demons too had survived. The Fleet was fleeing before them. The Melii had lost the Great Battle millenia ago and were still reforming their strength. The Gaijin still had several millenia to prepare. There was much to do before they died. He sighed and turned to the Tactical display. The Survey Group Epsilon had scattered throughout the local sector looking for the Tribes of Man. They had found several worlds sunk back into barbarainism. Few were the Jewel that was New Cravan. Few too could produce the Heighliner...

The Task Force Yellow armed Weapons system and closed distance to the Heighliner. Twelve of the Fireflies deployed several Limpet Tick Transponders to burrow into the Heighliner's hull. The Melii would track this craft if it should decide to flee. They had not yet recieved the right answer from the Zensunni--NO--the Freman ship.

They would wait...but HHS Magpie and her crew was starting to grow impatient with the Cousins and with the Gaijin Cravan.

ooc: Hebrew term K'fitzat Haderech "A jump forward along the path" The link is for all those Star War fans...come to the other side! :p I'm not really impatient...the Melii tend to be high strung and manic...they are both forethoughtful and not so much...it is mecurical.

ooc Me li rp contact with my flagship the doombringer
ic the two kitir lords were on edgethey got in the speeder

ooc:Will do, but you're going to have to try even harder to write a little bit more clearly and well a bit more period. I have a friend finishing Uni with dyslexia. It is hard but hell man. It is hard to carry on a conversation with a wall...well I manage anyway but still.;)

One of the Out-System Gaijin was drifting too close to Task Force Yellow for comfort. One Parasite Battleship, two Cruisers and their Escorts broke formation and headed it off. It was given the Task Force Desination Hope. Magpie Hope grinned. It had been a very long time...almost three months since the last major Combat with the Demons. They had completely destroyed that excursion into the neighboring Plane two realities sideways. It was Gloriously Destructive.

Now what do we have here. A Porcupine...very prickly...but cougars, bears, and wolves would often Eat the pricklies if they had to...you had to flip 'em over to the soft side without getting whacked too hard by those quills. AND countrary to popular thought...the quills while painful...were very useful...they stop hurting after awhile and your tummy was full.

Magpie Hope grinned...it was a carnivores grin...hyenas and dolphins often laughed as they hunted. First the warning.

The battleship fired across the bow of the Out System Gaijin. Magpie Hope assumed one of her older personas a young Polynesian Captain of the Melii. "Gaijin Barbarians! Cease your approach! Power down your systems and retreat from this Area! We are having a discusion with the Freman. It does not concern you! Obey or Fight!"

She stopped to allow the Gaijin to understand...it would be interesting their reactions. The Fireflies and Mosquitoe Wings, the Cruisers, and Escorts deployed in an Offensive screen. Now she openly smiled.

"Or Fight and Die!"

The speeder took off, and then later landed at the Imperial Palace.

*************************

"Shots fired in the outer area of the system."
"Who is it?"
"It's the Doombringer and our Melii guests."
"Keep an eye on the situation. If it escalates to open combat send in a group to break it up. There will be no wars fought here."
"Aye, sir."

The Legacy continued in its orbit, watching warily as the situation in the outer areas of the system continued.

****************************

OOC: This may be my last post tonight, since I'm going out for Dudes' Night Out, then getting up at four tomorrow morning to chase turkeys around. :D

coms you dare challenge me to open combat screamed the doombringers a.i
the doombringer raised its shields and renegrized its weapons
the doombringer deployed its hell saber drone fighters 200 of em

"Doombringer is activating weapons."
"Prepare a group to jump."

Twenty ships of varying size, led by the massive INS Harbinger, broke from the orbit of New Cravan, and sat in space, waiting for the order to move. The group was mostly made up of the heavy Freedom-class cruisers, a few battleships, a few destroyers, and the Harbinger, a Legacy-class Dreadnought.

They all tensly waited...

Mapie Hope wanted ever so badly to flip that annoyingly dense Porcupine Doombringer on its belly. How very pretentious! He energized his Weapons Systems...that would seem to indicate Hostile intentions. Foolish Porcupine! The Melii had a wolf pack! She prepared to finish this before it could escalate further. All known Comm was jammed except for the Cravan Military Channels...they were Guests after all. The Hosts had not yet indicated who were Formal Sacred Guests yet...so therefore the Melii were within our Rights to defend ourselves.

This Doombringer was obviously a Hostile Warship. It would not listen to reason so therefore it was demon-possessed or run by Animals...not Human either way it was declaring itself Enemy of the Melii. Her persona frowned and grew older. Still she hated taking life from any universe...even stupid life.

Magpie Hope wished the Cravanians would show up like good Hosts. She would love to breath a sigh of relief when and if the Cravanians jumped in from inner orbits. She turned to the Holo-Comm "Honored Cravanian Hosts perhaps you can tell these Savages to let us alone? We wish to discuss olde things with the Freman." She used one of her more openly flirtatous and seductive smiles.

ooc: Bag a Bigun Cravan :rolleyes: :p

the doombringers a.i grew enraged it was listeninginto the coms

the doombringer armed custer qantium torpedoes and readied its phaser arays and turbo laser battries the a.i smiled a scary smile the chance of battle was upon it

ooc the a.i is female and my race arnt homasapiens ther are homo sephrions the warrior race calling a sephrion human is a bad insult

((OOC: I'm withholding my ships back in the inner areas of the system until the situation escalates.))

[QUOTE=Me li]Mapie Hope wanted ever so badly to flip that annoyingly dense Porcupine Doombringer on its belly. How very pretentious! He energized his Weapons Systems...that would seem to indicate Hostile intentions. Foolish Porcupine! The Melii had a wolf pack! She prepared to finish this before it could escalate further. All known Comm was jammed except for the Cravan Military Channels...they were Guests after all. The Hosts had not yet indicated who were Formal Sacred Guests yet...so therefore the Melii were within our Rights to defend ourselves.
the doombringer coomed them this is the untite d sephrite empire of sephrioth flagship the doombringer my nauym is naomi i am the ships multi purpouse wraith combait a.i i if attacked i am programed to relalate with all force at my disposal

Magpie Hope Pouted darnit that usually works out better...she turned more of her attention to the Tactical Display...this Porcupine had very sharp quills. She didn't want her Melii protoplasmic brothers and sisters to die needlessly...but the damn Gaijin was not altering course. Very well it had two more warning shots...before the cliffs edge.

The HHS Seagull told her an interesting story about how the clever bird opened up mullosks of Holy Terra. They would ask it politely to give up. If that didn't work they dropped the bastards until they opened up. Sometimes though the seagull needed some help...Magpie Hope talked to Magpie Yellow who played a much more serious Telephone game with the HHS Magpie. The stupid Gaijin were being Very Stubborn.

Two more Task Forces equal to Magpie Hope would jump in about two-minutes.

She turned her grin to the Doombringer...what a silly name for a ship. She sent another warning shot a little closer and the Offensive Screens armed their Systems. It was an Easter Egg hunt of bright Jewels...silver, gold, amythysts, rubys, sapphires, emeralds and obsidian...Very very scary and pretty Easter Egg hunt.

Here little rabbit.

ooc: yeah seph I figured as much but I would really suggest you try to talk nice to Magpie She is a bit younger than the other Magpies but you are seriously out numbered for the next few minutes.

namoi conversed with the tatical part of the a.i
kelly
what do you think namoi asled should i i fire a warning shot ornnot kelly replyed hitt 'em witha warning broard side from the turbo lasers the doombringer meonouvered hard to starbord to bring the qaud barreled turbolaser batters into firing range of the magpie hope she fired on shot from the batries

coms i warned you i would fight back
encoded coms to hq i need re enforcment



ooc my a.i has 6 parts namoi is the sum of the parts

Magpie Hope was seriously annoyed. The bastards had shot one of the Cruisers!!! Well...they had shot over its bow. She chuckled. Turnabout is fairplay. One minute until the Cliff. Hmm...the Cravanians seem to be letting this build up...Oh...a test of our systems...how delightfully decietful of our honored Hosts...how Melii. The crew radiated warmth. Yes it was a funny joke. Magpie sent an encrypted note to the Doombringer one to tell it to compute its odds of winning and two think stupid gaijin and three it shared with the Gaijin the Cravanian's joke.

If you could not laugh you were not human. Magpie Hope was as Human as the Hummingbird...hell he was her father. The Admiral always said it was great to see your enemy smile just before you gut the damn demon bastard.

30 seconds until the Cliff.

AFNS Polar Blade
"Commander Daniels?"
Kevin Daniels woke up from his dream and hit the comm.
"Yes, Tovarich?"
"Two ships have begun to exchange fire at the edge of the system."
"Keep an eye on it. And send a message to Captain Uskov."
"Da. Tovarich out."

Alaskan Quarters, New Cravna
Sakhin went downstairs to get some food. She hit the breakfast bar and took half a dozen crossaints. She returned, and put some of the melange on it.
It was wonderful. She felt her consciousness expand. Ever the businesswoman, Sakhin realized that this product would sell like crazy if she could get it to Alaska.
"Well, the Alaska system is a major mining system. We have a truly amazing production capability. We can offer you titanium, steel, silicon, many materials. We also have a rapidly expanding industrial base. This melange will be extremely popular. All we need is to set up a trade deal. You can then tell your superiors and we will trade."

The Fremen in the police station waited peacefully. If he could not accept water, then he could certainly not accept food. "I am not hungry," said the Fremen.



The Fremen on the top of the building was grateful that he was correct: most of the people had stopped pursuing him. There was one, however, who had kept chase. He seemed to be a novice at climbing, but the man's extraordinary leaping power astonished him. This is one I can not take any chances with, lest I be surprised again. The Fremen procured from one of the belts under his robes a small sphere that had a dial protruding from it. He looked at the man down below attempting to reach hiim, noting landmarks that he had passed on his journey upward. He quickly calculated a range of distance between him and the robed figure. Using the dot language inscribed on the dial, he turned the dial underneath his robes to set the distance that the object would travel before it burst. The Fremen then quickly thrust the sphere out from his robes, traveling fast down towards the pursuer. When it reached a few meters above him, it burst, releasing blinding powder, a substance that caused temporary blindness as well as a disorientating burning sensation in the eyes.

The Fremen did not watch to see the fate of the man, however. He was now focused on the repulsorlift. I will not be safe up here, he thought. The Fremen gave no vocal response to the rescue workers, instead opting to sprint off in the opposite direction. He quickly reached the other side of the building, and looked around for what to do next.



In the Alaskan's room, Ra-Cuwlom was delighted that Sakhin liked the spice. "What you speak of," he said, "is beyond my personal power to grant. You wish for trade of the likes of large quantities of metals, which is the domain of some of the more powerful members of the melange companies of the Great Houses. I will, however, note that you are interested and bring it up when I next encounter one who is able to trade melange with you for what you have." Then, he quickly added, "However, if you want more melange now, I am authorized to trade it to you for currency."



In the Heighliner control bridge, Hortuli received the message from the ship, the origin of which was still unknown. It was not a Cravan ship, however. Hortuli had determined that. Mentat, thought Hortuli, yes, I am. But how did they know that? They must be familiar with our ways. Tiger—an ancient carnivorous beast. These people might be referring to themselves as the tigers, but I do not want to make that assumption. Assumptions are dangerous. That remark does not seem important to the overall message, anyway. They then say we have circumabulated. I am not aware of any specific instance of this, although this may have multiple connotations. They want me to answer their questions, yet the only question posed so far in this message was that of the tiger. Then they ask if I am the leader of the Fremen tribe. It should be obvious to them that I know nothing of the End Times, as they have termed it. Missionaria Protectiva? They speak of things of which I have never heard. They ask of who the witches are, and yet I believe I have told them in my last message that they are Bene Gesserit. Do they want specific names? Disrespect of the Holy Orders...there are many orders that claim themselves to be "holy". I can not with the information given determine which one they mean. Finally, they end with a rather obvious question. All in all, these people are very strange. They say one thing with glee, and the next statement with coldness. Their topics brought forth for discussion are equally disparate. They are a much more different people than we, who strive for clarity in our discourse.

All of these thoughts and more were completed instantly in the mind of the Mentat. He was about to go to his communication instruments when another message was received. This one was more like the first he had received, an inscription in an ancient language. This one, however, required no Reverend Mother for the Fremen to understand at least one thing about the meaning of the message. Hortuli recognized immediately an ancient inscription still used in some modern Bene Gesserit documents that he had examined for the Duke, who was very suspicious of the witches. These odd characters assembled in this way were used to refer to the Emperor. So, they do want something from the Garindis after all. There is also a high probability of them being of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood.

After much quick note taking, Hortuli sent a response to these people:

Greetings. I see that you have at least some knowledge of our ways. My Fremen here, who are of several tribes, are only here on a mission from Duke Gaedroth Ontillan. We are to introduce melange markets in to the planet of New Cravan. I know not of the Missionaria Protectiva, the End Times, or the Holy Orders that you speak of. You ask, however, why you should not destroy us. As there are many reasons why you should not, I will only say that you should destroy my ship only if you have no sense whatsoever.

Your latest message to me indicates that you seem to wish for an audience with Padishah Emperor Donalbin Garindi VI, as the message you have sent is one of the ways which the Bene Gesserit refer to him. Are you of the Bene Gesserit?

Hortuli noticed the ships that had jumped in close to the Heighliner, but he was not immediately alarmed by them. Many ships had come close to the Heighliner while it was here in high orbit over New Cravan, including several large and ominous ships, such as the Doombringer. The Cravanians seemed to have no problem with them, and his orders were to not take on this mission with a military mindset, so he would ignore them until it became impractical to do so.

Ah...a sensible fellow. Strange that he should infer so little from the clues. Perhaps our missive lacked the clarity despite our best efforts. Or perhaps the Olde forms have changed since the Sundering. He does not appear concerned about the Doomslayer. Inference...he is a Sacred Guest and under Cravanian protection. Strange that the locals had not responded to our Inquiries. This incedent with Doomslayer was a Cravanian test of our reactions and abilities...clever of them. He knows nothing of the things we had asked...he is not of any of the Orders...a merchant captain? no more? no...he was not concerned with any large military deployment, perhaps something more to than the Cravan protects him.

Seconds pass as the questions and answers flowed past him and through him. He felt a trace of fear. The Litany was not helping. The witches have succeeded? They made their savior...and he still rules? This complicates things.

Strange but why is this one before us so? A Medjay-Janissary-Freman former slave? No it did not appear so. Too little data to properly extrapolate with any degree of confidance. His concerns intruded upon the clean mental calculations. Our brothers need not be free? How did this come to pass? How do you free a free man?

*

He began to take a deeper notice the other features that he had previously dismissed. Sometimes he forgot that many Tribes prefered to live on the surface of planets as opposed to the inside of planetoids. This Freman was from a harsh place. Blue on blue eyes some strange adaptation to the enviroment analagoue to some Melii's silver-reflective eyes?...weathered skin...harsh climate...high radiation...likely desert judging from the robes.

Very thin ice they were now on. Best to increase surface area...circle the point. Address only their direct questions. We have raised enough hints and concerns. With time, the mentat will understand everything. It will come like a Chan burst of enlightenment. The mentats that remembered the Olde Ways invariably became great sages and joyful Masters. This Hurili is a goodly true human. The Path will come to him. Yet maybe he needed a good whack as practiced in the Zen traditions?

*

The Admiral Hummingbird Silver ordered the Magpie Hope Task Force to hold honour positions around the Heighliner and for the Wings to escort the Heighliner's shuttles. They were not to engage the Doombringer unless the Gaijin scored a direct hit on any of the ships. Ping the hell out of the bastards but let them speak to their babies. No itchy fingers.

*

He nodded and reallocated more attention to the Freman Menat Merchant Captain. The multiple strands of thought converged until finally he dismissed the Tactical Display and shifted back to the Holo-Comm channel to the Freeman ship. He hated improvising. A dozen seconds had already passed, it would be rude to keep the Captain waiting, so perhaps some of the Truth?

"Well met Freman! We are the Melii. We must apologize for our cryptic queries. We had hoped to find our lost brethren on this Plane. Our Archives were damaged several millenia ago, so we are uncertain as to thier exact location. When we heard faint whispers on the ethers that sounded vaguely like a tongue of the Tribes of the Zensunni. We assumed that our allies were nearby. We also assumed they needed help.

"Your ancestors<raised eybrow> were a peaceful folk. The Empire persecuted them for their beliefs and yet they held fast. A goodly and true people the Zensunni! The Melii shared many a lively debate before the Sundering. When we found your Unarmed ship, we made erroroneous assumptions. You are not weak. Nor are you passive. You have changed these millenia.

"We are concerned that perhaps your Bene Gessarit have also changed. Beyond the edges of the Empire many things have changed. We fear that perhaps you are in their thrall. The Orders, both old and new, have a tendency to manipulate us all. This can wait. We have much to discuss and debate. His Holiness will want to meet with your Madhi. I am sure they will share in the Great Joke."

He stopped to allow the mentat to process the missive before he let loose the bomb.

"You are sure your Freman Tribes do not wish to claim the bonds of Kinship, Cousin?"

ooc: Your rooftop guy runs into the Melii Marines? I took the liberty a few pages back. "Do you seek Refuge in the Dharma?" Plus blasters to make the point. Post 201 Feel free to play with the Marines...it would be interesting to see how he reacts first to them and then to a "Reverend Mother.":p

سورة البقرة

Surah 2. Al-Baqarah 2:190-193

2:190: Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you,
but do not transgress limits;
for Allah loveth not transgressors.

2:191: And slay them wherever ye catch them,
and turn them out from where they have Turned you out;
for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter;
but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque,
unless they (first) fight you there;
but if they fight you, slay them.
Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.

2:192: But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

2:193: And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression,
and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease,
Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.


Task Force Hope

Magpie Hope received the Admiral's instructions with great relief. The full Task Force reinforcements helped too. She had been given command over Task Force Yellow, and the Magpies were already reintergrating into herself. Perhaps another time they could play with the Porcupine. There would be little honor in slaying the foolish Doombringer. Yet a friendly bout would be fun. Her brief contact with the Gaijin's AI left her a bit confused. Why have six seperate function with different names? Naomi was surely crazy! At the Very least, her designers were a little daft. The other Magpies agreed. Strange Foriegn Devils! They always did strange things! But why were they so angry to be called Humans? The Magpies agreed that this was a bad omen.


Embassy Defense

Magpie was warily observing the two visitors. One was still climbing the side of the building. Why didn't he just take a lift? Or a speeder? He was chasing a Freeman. The Freman was running towards the Melii Embassy Perimeter. She debated whether or not to activate the shield and defensive systems. The others in Cravan City wanted to see what he would do. They voted to let the man be and use him as bait for the other stranger. THe Brown Robed one who left his robes and jumped several stories. They would betray many more interesting tidbits if she allowed them to wander in. The decision would be hers. So be it.

Magpie grinned and recalled an old saying. Welcome to my parlor said the spider to the fly.


HHS Magpie

He wondered what the Mentat would make of this particular passage of one of the Holy texts. The Cousins had apparently found new sources of Divine Inspiration, and had forgotten much of their Heritage. Thin Ice indeed..hmm perhaps they use another metaphor...booming sand perhaps. Both were very dangerous and would drown the unwary. He would have to ask after the Formal Dinner. When the devils were the Devils going to hold their State Dinner? The Melii almost broke tradition and blasted that damn Seraph ship to the Voids. Why would they name themselves after the Angels? Surely that was blasphameous? He had a sinking feeling that these were neither human nor animals...nononono accursed ancestors noonono more abominations

Why were there always more augmented Bottle-Demons? The Melii met the artificial creatures in nearly every Plane of Reality. They usually always forgot their Humanity. Very rarely the supermen kept their good humor and their Humanity. More often than not the godlings forgot and ignored their True Self. They Became Terrible Demons. They had to be purged with the flaming swords of the righteous lest Humanity be purged in turn by them. This was one of the warnings that the Dragonfly Messenger Survey Groups carried to the Realms.

Yet now he feared that the Seraph were not of Humanity...still he would send them the verses. Perhaps they were the exception to the Rule.

After a brief hesitation, he sent the Verses to the Heighliner and politely asked what the Freman gleaned from them. If the Archives were correct...the Empire's mentats would answer most questions truthfully. One had to take care to Understand the question and responses. They tended to be a very precise folk. Nevertheless, it was a realitively safe gamble to make. The Melii would learn from his reactions and responses.

His eyes began to glow in a soft silver light.

Several of the Bridge Crew hid a shudder...the Way was a bit weird and more than a little creepy sometimes.

ooc:http://www.e-mushaf.com/modul.php?mod=quran&op=surah&surah_no=2&page=20&lang_id=7
Translated text for those interested in further reflections.

Naomi grinned arrogently she new all though she was out nummbered more ships of the empire were coming 12 ships of the empire exited from trans warp

ooc sephrions are augmented people a race created for a war that never happened

"Continue watching the situation.", the Admiral said. "If any more ships arrive or if shots are fired we kindly ask them to leave. If they don't, they die."
"Aye, sir."

***********************

The Knight saw the object coming, and quickly pushed it away. It burst harmlessly in midair, the powder inside dispersing. He watched as the Fremen arrived at the balcony, and took another leap, cleanly landing on the balcony. He straightened up, his saber concealed in his sleeve, ready to be in his hand within a millisecond of danger.

He looked around, noticing the Marines, and looked for the Fremen. He felt through the Force. He was here, someplace... However, the Knight remained silent while searching, cautiously looking around the area.

(OOC: What I gathered from Me Li's last post is that his guards are letting my Fremen go past to lure the Knight up to them, which would mean that my Fremen made it to the roof. If I'm wrong on this, please tell me. I'll hold off posting ICly on that topic for now.)

The next message received by Hortuli was different. It is more straightforward, thought Hortuli. He quickly began interpretting it. So that is why they take interest in us. He then speaks of our ancient history, which I do not know much of myself. Apparently our two peoples are distant relatives. This might also explain why they are familiar with some of our terms, but the exact meanings of each of our terms may vary somewhat. He then warns us of the Bene Gesserit. The witches are of no harm to us right now. Strange as their ways are, they have no real power. "Mahdi"...another Emperor reference. Apparently one of their leaders wants to meet with the Emperor for a discussion. Then, a final question about our kinship. Either this message was much easier to dissect, or I am just missing the point.

Hortuli then noticed that another sample of text from a long dead religion were sent. Apparently, they are wanting to know how to interpret this. This must be part of the religious guidance that they are seeking from our Emperor. I will tell them how I interpret this. Hortuli read the passage. Well, this is not too abstract. I wonder why they could not figure out what this means on their own.

Hortuli sent back a message to these people:

I am glad that we share part of our history. You ask us if we claim kinship, and I will say that we are kin. Am I not, however, kin with you in the same way that I am kin with these Cravanians? Our history goes back so far, and it is hard to tell where in the branches of memory the two of us separated.

While I can not guarantee that one of you will get to meet our sublime Padishah Emperor, you have asked the right person. I can get your request through the proper channels and it will be heard.

I have also received the ancient holy text that you have sent me. Since you have asked for my interpretation, here it is:

The first part, 2:190, tells that one should fight in the name of Allah, one who I assume is a god, those who wish to fight you. This is most likely a reference to challenges made to the tribal leaderships, but it can also be applied to any situation in which there is confrontation. Then, the scripture says that one should remain moral and dignified in their fighting, and not to sink below normal standards.

2:191 first tells how one should do back to your enemies what they do to you. It then warns not to fight at the place called the Sacred Mosque unless that is where your enemies first attack you. Then, it says that death is the fate of those who fight against this religion.

2:192 says that Allah will forgive your enemies who stop fighting you.

2:193 says that fighting should continue until peace is achieved. It then says that if an enemy stops fighting, you should also stop fighting.

May this analysis help you in your religious studies.

Hortuli wrote down the passage in his notes, where he would later determine what ancient religion it was that these people practiced.

HHS Magpie

The Admiral hid his grin...it was a straightforward text...hmm...he forgot to ask if the Freman shared these views. Magpie was laughing at him. It was obvious that the Freman knew nothing of the ancient text. They had lost critical pieces of themselves. This mentat was even more precise than the Archives had said. The mentat had answered his questions. Yet he neither answered nor asked the unasked questions. Perhaps a different tactic. He sighed internally and drew in his awareness. We must take even greater care. These Freman are not as straightforward as they seemed. They are as arrogant and as strong as we. Magpie interjected perhaps their Great Tribe was even more powerful. True, this was likely. The Freman still misunderstood. Yet, this was less our doing than his own blinders.

Politeness was the best Path.

He gave a bow as to an equal and replied.


A direct audience with your Emperor will not be necessary. A Holo-Comm conference will be acceptable. His Holiness finds your people curious. If your Madhi so wishes, we would be happy to arrange for a personal audience with His Holiness in the next few years.

All of the Tribes of Man are related good Captain. Some choose to deny this basic truth. We were not sure if you were still of Humanity or if you had fallen to the Demons. I am most pleased that you have chosen to remember our common roots.

Your interperatation of these Verses is illuminating. We have had the same interperatation for millenia. It is one of our favorite teaching tools for the young ones. Tell us, have you not an inspired verse or two to share with us before the Cravanian State Feast?


Magpie Hope

Magpie Hope was certain now...Naomi was a bit kookers...she had some new freinds. They seemed to be utilizing an archaic trans-warp field technology. She sent the info packet directly to the Admiral and the HHS Magpie. She had to focus on these new gaijin. Sea urchins and Porcupines formed around the Doombringer. What the Infinite Hells was their problem? Crazy Gaijin. Didn't they understand inspired words? Speak proper Melii stupid foriegners! Stupid Cravanians messing with her head and stupid Outsiders. She shook herself...well at least the Cousins weren't crazy. Good reasonable people. They even understood basic poetry. Magpies City were arguing with her. They aren't so bad. Bah Humbug! A Pox on them all.


Melii Embassy

The Cousin made no threatening moves. He was merely fleeing. He hadn't properly responded to the challenge. "Do you seek Refuge in the Dharma?" But quite obviously he did seek refuge from the Warrior-Knight. Magpie and the Captain agreed and told the Marines to let him through. The warrior following him was to be allowed to pass as well. The Ambassador will likely want to chat with both of them about proper manners.

The Marines grinned...Companions could be very prickly if provoked. Usually they hid it to well...but Isobelle was the Hummingbird's Neice! Maybe she would be a little crazy too? The gambling began almost immediately after the warrior passed the perimeter.

The Knight finally broke his silence.

"You wouldn't happened to have seen a man in a brown cloak come climbing by, would you? Yeigh high, with deep blue eyes and rough skin...?"

The Marine jerked to attention. He had been in busy coversation...ie...betting with the Squads as to the possible outcomes. He had not expected for the Master had spoken directly to him! What to do...Magpie giggled in his inner ear. Tell him the truth stupid.

"Noble Barbarian Master-Knight of New Cravan. I did indeed see such a man."

He stood at attention. Yes, the Truth was always easier than the not-so-truths , purred Magpie.

"Would you mind telling me where he is, please?", the Knight asked in a highly cultured accent. "It would make my job a whole lot easier."

The Marine was a typical Melii grub. He was very literal-minded.

What a strange question. Of course he would answer as best as he could. It was not his job to make his job easier...but the Knight had not asked for help. He would try not to offend the Knight. A simple answer was usually the best answer when dealing with the Order.

He bowed and then replied in a clear Melii.

"Yes Sir."

He remained at formal attention.

*
Magpie notified Isobelle of the visitors. They watched them on the internal Holo-Displays. The cousin was a very skilled climber...strange for a supposed merchant. They had hidden depths these Freman.

The Brown Robed one was of the same warrior caste that had greeted the delegation. Magpie replayed the leap for the Ambassador. It was an impressive jump. He knew something of the Arts. Obviously, he was of an Order. It would appear that the barbarians were still civilized afterall. Generally, where ever the Orders remained, people were still rational...except when they weren't. She shuddered.

The Orders were sometimes overtaken/subsumed/co-opted/polluted by Demons and the Evil. The Melii had fought for centuries against these forces. It was a gloriously terrible battle. The shaitin and others rejected the True Paths. The battle was rejoined with each new birth. Occasionally, the Melii lost the battles and were forced to flee. We are still recovering from the last Great Defeat. Now we have return from the Hajj...Magpie mused. The Great Retreat.

Isobelle sighed and stood. She glided towards the archway. These two were interesting.

Hortuli received the message from these people, and was angered by what he saw. He would let this infraction slide, however, for he felt that these people knew not what they were saying. It is now time to find out who these people are, Hortuli thought. He got his notes, which he was writing down any details or thoughts that came to his mind during these back and forth transmissions. He sent back a message:

Who are you, anyway? You treat the sublime Padishah Emperor like he is a commodity that can be perused without any effort on your part. You refer to him as Mahdi and forsake him at the same time. Do you treat your own ruler so dispicably?

You may not know our customs, so I can forgive you this once, but it is hard to believe that someone could make such an obvious mistake. I suppose I will still try and get you an audience with the Emperor. You will need to travel to Arrakis like all pilgrims.

Now, let us put that behind us. I know of a Fremen hymn that I humbly submit to you:

"The Old Man's Hymn"
I drove my feet through desert
Whose mirage fluttered like a ghost.
Voracious for glory, greedy for danger,
I roamed the horizons of al-Kulab,
Watching time level mountains
In its search and its hunger for me.
And I saw the sparrows swiftly approach,
Bolder than the onrushing wolf.
They spread in the tree of my youth.
I heard the flock in my branches
And was caught on their beaks and claws!

Hortuli realized that he had not hid his anger well. I hope they understand their mistake.



Meanwhile, the Fremen that had been running from the Knight did not see him follow him to the top of the building. The powder must have worked, he thought. The Fremen stood at a corner on the building while he tried to figure out his next move. This way, he could see if anyone was climbing up two sides of the the building, while being far away from the sides that he could not see.

The Knight cleared his throat, showing patience yet urgency.

"Well...? Aren't you... Aren't you going to tell me where he is?", he asked in as polite a tone he could muster. He was slightly annoyed, but he cleared his mind of all emotion and let the Force flow through him.

HHS Magpie

You offended him Admiral.

What did I say? These Freman are a strange folk. Who are we? We are the Melii. I had already said that. He is Freman. We are Melii. You transmitted that properly didn't you? Why was he so angry? His Holiness is our Madhi...and he is unavailable. He would be busy for the forseeable future. He could converse with their Madhi via Holo-Comm but he could not come in person to this reality.

Then...enlightenment struck him.

The witches! They had tampered with the strands of history. Damn prescient Norns...plucking at the weft that held the culture of those left behind. They warped everything with their meddling! He shared a vicious grin with Magpie. They had succeded in their plotting. Perhaps they had succeeded beyond their dreams? He sincerely hoped so. Humanity did not need more godlings or heroes. Both would only bring death. Now to this Freman. When he reached enlightenment...

Magpie laughed and the Egg shimmered.

The Mentat had chosen an appropriate verse. Yes a sparrow is by far more fearsome than a wolf. The Cousins were still poets. He turned to the Holo-Comm. Then he half-bowed and assumed the form of appeasement of righteous anger.

"Ah...an evoctive poem Good Captian. Your people are accomplished bards. A goodly beginning. Now then to your other concerns.

"We are the Melii.

"Good Captain, you are angered by our words. Perhaps we mispoke and gave offence were none was intended. We would appreciate any assitance you may provide in facilitating an audience with your Madhi. I myself and the HHS Magpie will await the Imperator's pleasure.

"We had meant no offence.

"Our Madhi has a tradition of walking amongst us and encourages our familiarity with his great and holy person. Through his exalted example we strive for holiness. He can speak with your Madhi via Holo-Comm but for the next few years will be unable to visit in person. We are battling Great Demons across the Known Voids. His Holiness is a true and Valaint Warrior Sage, and He is currently leading the Defence of the Homelands. If your Imperator wishes to speak with Him in person, he will have to either wait until the Demons are beaten back, or join with us in the most Honourable of Battles.

He unconsiously emphasised the last sentences with a feather's touch of the Voice. The silver eyes flashed brilliantly with a martial gleem and stared directly into the Blue on blue eyes.


Embassy

She stalked the Freman merchant visitor. Concentration...Will...she appeared beside him. She as well inside his guard, before asking politely with but a trace of the Voice,
"Tell me Freman Merchant!
Why do you trepass upon Melii grounds?
Do you seek Refuge in the Dharma?
Or do you seek Death?"

*

The Marine nodded his assent. Of course he would tell the Master-Knight-Warrior of the Cravanian Order. He would be foolish not to.

"Sir, Yes, Sir!"

He stood in even stiffer attention. Wasn't the Knight going to tell him to stand at ease? Crazy Gaijin...he quickly blanked that thought from his mind. I am Nobody...I am the Void.

"You... You can relax... I am not military, and I do not demand respect. I merely wish to be treated as a normal man."

Embassy: Marines

Now the Gaijin was speaking madness! Of course he demands respect...it is basic to everyone. Why would he not be treated with respect. The babel-fish was messing up the thoughts again.

This Knight was of an Order. He was obviously of the warrior caste. Why then would he say un-truths? He was military...but not of Cravan! The Marine conveyed his thought in silent battle language to the Squads. They debated and concured. If this Knight was a Rogue-Demon this would be tricky. Magpie activated the Defense systems. The Melii would deal with this...Eddy.

The Marine was very careful in his questions.

"Sir, you are Human and of the Cravanian Order are you not?"

The squads had deployed...

"I am human, and I am of the Cravanian Knights. Why do you ask?"

His grip on his lightsaber tightened.

The Marine exhaled a sigh of relief. This was good. The Squads pulled back, but remained wary. The Gaijin could be lying. Foreigners did that sort of thing all the time.

"That is good. We were worried you were a Dark One."

"Sir Knight, I would be happy to tell you were such a man as you seek went, it this is your wish?"

The Marine executed a court bow without the flourishes, and return to parade rest.

"Yes, I would very much appreciate that.", the Knight said, his grip on his saber loosening.

The Marine grinned a friendly inside joke grin. The Squads laughed outloud and Magpie giggled causing the Shield to flicker.

"Sir Knight, I believe he is currently having a nice little chat with the Ambassador about proper manners. Undoubatably you will be able to chat with Isobelle and the person you seek after they have finished their talk."

He then realized he had forgotten his own manners. Well it still wasn't to tardy.

"Sir Knight, Do you seek Refuge in the Dharma?"

He stared hopefully at the Knight.

"No thank you, I am perfectly fine as is. I'm merely here to chase down that runaway Fremen. He ejected from his shuttle over there-"

The Knight pointed back towards the street where the Fremen's pod had come down hard, and where emergency crews were currently cleaning up the smouldering debris.

"- after being warned that he was entering the no-fly zone over the city. And then he ran for it... I was on the street when it happened, so I went after him, and now we're all here."

The Marine was a bit confused...the Knight seemed not to want to join in the Path yet he clearly was already upon it...He mentally shrugged. Gaijin Orders may have different Ways. Now it would seem to make some sense to chase someone who purposefully broke local customs after being warned.

He nodded.

"Well that makes more sense. So this fugitive caused deaths? Why was he running? Sometimes people run because big scary warriors that can jump several stories are chasing them!"

He and the Squads laughed.

"By the way what is that energy weapon you carry?"

"Nobody was injured, and we probably won't prosecute him. We just want to talk to him, and inform him what he did was against our laws around here."

The Knight looked down at his saber.

"You mean this?"

He pressed the button on the hilt with a soft click, and with a loud whoosh an azure blade erupted from it. It cut cleanly through the air, and as he maneuvered it it made humming noises.

"This is a lightsaber. The weapon of the Jedi and, subsequently, my Order. The Order to which I belong is independent of the Jedi Order, but we adhere to their ideals and hold the Jedi Code high."

He swung his blade around a bit, then quickly tapped the button twice. With a loud fwoosh, the blade extinguished.

The Marine was even more confused. These gaijin were strange.

"So he is merely to be informed he broke the laws? What of his punishment!

"It is good there was no death for that would demand wergild and possibly vendettas. Those can consume people and worlds.

"Your weapon is more of a rapier or foil or even a long sword rather than a saber. Why do you call it by something it is not?

"May I inspect it?

He looked hopefully at the Knight.

"Well, he has ignorance of our laws. Nobody was hurt, so I guess we can let him go on his first offense."

The Knight looked down at his saber.

"I do not know why we call it a saber, but it is an anicient weapon. Here, have a look."

The Knight handed his saber over, all the while prepared to jerk it back into his hand through the Force.

He expertly began examining the saber. Hmm. polished metal exterior..heavy metal of some sort...titanium or some similar alloy? Focusing Lenses. Energy source must be interior...variable design modification...basics very similar to the children’s pen-knife craft tool. The Melii could probably produce such weapons...I wonder how it will affect personal shields...a small test.

Which button did the knight push? Hmm..ah yes this one.

Yhoooosh....light...it was a light rapier. Very well balanced. If it would work against personal shields this would revolutionize combat! If it didn’t we could all blow up...well hells bells...Ian gently tapped the rapier against his personal sheild...it bounced after slightly penetrating the exterior...hmmm...they were still alive. A virbroblade still equaled it in most combat situtations with personal shields...still the blade offered other potentials...he would have to inform the Order.

Ian turned the rapier off and bowed.

“Thank you Sir Knight.”

"No problem.", he said accepting the saber back.

The Knight continued to wait for the Fremen.

I am most curious Sir Knight...you are a Warrior of your Order? Are you also versed in your Order's history? These Jedi that you speak of...were they consumed by the Kitir or other Dark Orders? We noticed that the Sephrions are of the Dark Kitir...the Kitir are not of Humanity. Those that follow the Outsiders are not of Humanity either. Yet, you offer Sacred Guest status to the Doombringer.

Why?

They are an Enemy. They are close to becoming consumed by Demons. They choose this path willingly. The Magpie wonders why your Tribe acts so strangly. DO you too seek the Dark? You claim to be Human yet your government acts against Humanities interest.

He smiled.

Errr...Do you know when the Dinner will be?