NationStates Jolt Archive

Time had seen to grow unstable in the greater universe surrounding Mythrandir. News broadcasters seemed to every now and then sneak in updates about some of the greater wars abroad. Never were the larger nations ever identified since the scope of the Myths was small indeed with very few contacts abroad and even fewer allies. How much longer would those wars stay far far away from their soveriegn borders? Many had come to the conclusion that a small nation such as theirs would prove a tempting target for power hungry empires or upstarts trying to make a name for themselves in the universe.

Sebastian sat curled up with his wife Sarah in their large four posted master bed. Sheer curtains draped around the bed to provide little covering at all but at least guarded the couple from insects during the cool spring nights when their windows were wide open. A thin silky smooth leg slid in between Sebastians as Sarah subconciously snuggled closer. Her thin frail hand glided over his bare muscled chest until her arm finally lay across it with her face nuzzled up next to him. A round breast fell across Sebastian's arm as she finally got close enough for her taste. Such were the simple pleasures of their marriage.

A holographic screen flared to life as Sebastian's alarm clock came to life. Strange how his alarm was set to turn the news on at the appointed hour. The woman rattled on more about how new players had entered the greater wars and made some announcements about alliances being formed and destroyed all within the same breath. One news flash after another came on until it began getting to the more national news. Some thing about the Mythrandir races coming in a month along the big news today. The three Elders were scheduled to meet today in the great white tower to discuss how they will see to the defense of their beloved home system. The blabbering from the blond on the holo screen began to stir Sebastian from his peaceful slumber. Haze shrowded his vision as the stone ceiling finally came into focus with its steepled wood frames. A low groan escaped his lips while he rubbed his forehead. It might not have been a good idea to stay up so late when their meeting was taking place so early in the morning, but he never could say no.

"Off." His voice was barely above a whipser but loud enough for the voice command to register it. The screen blipped off and disappeared along with news anchors voice. Sebastian twisted his head to the side and kissed Sarah's forehead. Her beauty never ceased to stun him and he considered himself lucky to have such a woman by his side. Coincidently, she was one of the reasons that he was pushing for this latest development in the Forge. Gently grabbing her wrist, he lifted her hand from his chest and rested it close to her chest. Removing his arm from under her breast was an easy manuever but sliding his leg from between hers without waking was something different. Slightly pushing up with his knee then bending his leg back towards him had his lower leg free. Now came the tricky part. He gently let her leg fall back down while removing his knee at the same time. The leg hit the mattress and he was free. Another successful move. He threw the covers from around his waist so that they doubled on his wife. Stretching upwards and arching his back, Sebastian removed the last of the cricks and kinks in his upper muscles.

A gentle hand rested on his shoulders. Drat. And I was so close. He turned his head to look at the hand and followed the arm all the way back to its source. The blankets only covered Sarah's narrow waist while leaving the rest of her exposed. Long brown locks cascaded down around her and past her waist. It had really gotten long as of late but he loved it. Seemed old fashion to him but whatever it was, her hair was the envy of all women around. Lightly golden brown and lustriously thick. Her hair had been straigthened recently which added a couple more inches already to her hair. The bed creaked slightly as she shifted up and moved behind him. Sarah wrapped her arms around her man and pushed her bare chest up against his back while gently moving it back and forth. Her hands moved up and down his chest while she leaned in and purred into his ear. Always had her voice sounded like ten thousand angels singing in blissful harmony to their creator. Added with a bit of lust in it, she was simply irresistable. "Won't you stay just a little while longer? I promise you won't be late."

A smile ever on his lips while in her presence no matter if they were being intimate or enjoying the beautiful day during a simple walk. "Sirens pale in comparison to your alluring voice. I believe I have been lured in many times before."

Her beauty was not her only wondrous features but her mind and wit was just as sharp. This is what most likely did him in from the very beginning. "You are mistaken dear sir. You have always been lured in by me."

Laughing slightly, Sebastian pushed his lips against hers where they stayed for a while. He finally pulled back. "My dear, can you keep that thought until I return later?"

She smiled coyly and liked the tip of his nose. "Don't be late."

Sebastian stood on the cold floor and walked over to the large oaken dresser. He swung the doors open wide looking for the proper attire. Brown trousers were selected and slid on. He looked down at the four runes encircling the palm of his hand before looking for a shirt to wear. A white shirt with ruffled sleeves was removed from its hangar and thrown around his shoulders. He turned back around to the bed as he buttoned the four buttons on his shirt. His wife had taken to covering herself more with the covers now that her man was leaving. Leather boots with wooden soles stood at attention at the foot of the bed. He sat down on the edge next to Sarah's covered feet and stomped on his boots. He walked back around to the edge of the bed and kissed her one last time before exiting through the heavy doors.

Braziers were burning low as morning steadily approached giving an erie glow to the stone hallway. Apparently the late night patrol decided not to fuel the flames anymore deciding that the current glow was sufficient. It mattered not to the man. Around the corner he could pick out one figure in particular he knew well. Even in the diminishing light, the figure of war-mistress Shizra was leaning against the cobblestone wall with one boot heel up against it while her arms were crossed underneath her chest. "Good morning Shizra."

Shizra removed herself from the wall causing her two blades sheathed at her side to sway up with her. "And good morning to you Elder. I trust you slept well."

They began walking side by side towards the stairs that would lead them down several levels to the exit of the small palace. "Yes, quite well. And you? I hope you managed to catch some sleep before you arrived here."

"Some but I am afraid I must lodge a protest from some of the guards stationed in the barracks down the road."

Puzzled wondering what could possibly be the cause of discontent among some of his hand selected guards for his house. He had picked a blend of many of the main races living on the planet but never before had their been problems. The elves and dwarves managed to get along fine as he had put this idea was a deciding factor in some of his decisions. "If there is a problem, I would hear it. I do my best to tend to our soldiers' every needs."

The dark complicted elf nodded with her stark white hair pulled back in a pony tail. "And we all thank you for it. Not a single soldier in the Forge could complain about your care or your leadership for that matter. No, this complaint comes on a different level."

Still puzzled, "well what is it then?"

"Permission to speak frankly, Elder?"

Smirking slightly. "Shizra, you are always welcome to be blunt with me. Formalities can sometimes get in the way of matters at hand."

"Thank you."

"Now what's the problem?"

"Many of the soldiers have requested that the next time you and Sarah have sex, please close your windows. The sound travels far on the cool spring air and some of our guards were kept awake from the noise."

Sebastian's face turned scarlet as he never had thought anything about closing the windows. He never realized that their bedroom music had drifted so far on the cool evening air. The mistake about not closing the windows would not be made again. He only hoped that he or his wife would not run into any of those guards for sometime until the event had been forgotten from their minds. The two walked on in silence for some time now with the conversation simply being small talk and never really going anywhere. Shortly later they finally arrived at the double oak doors leading outside into morning sun. A cool breeze played with Shizra's braid while it rustled Sebastian's shirt. "I'll have the bikes brought around, Elder."

"No need. The weather is beautiful so we should not waste it. Let's walk to the tower."

"Alurial will have a fit if we are late."

Laughing out loud as they walked past the iron gate, "she is a stickler for time schedules but there is nothing to worry about. All will go according to plan even if we are a few minutes late for enjoying the day."

"You are late Sebastian!" Alurial removed herself from a half circle table that was sitting in the middle of a tile floor. Stained glass windows surrounded the room at the pinnacle of the white tower. Her golden dress matched her hair perfectly in brightness and color as it fell about her bare back. Beads swayed back and forth as her hard heels clicked the floor while she stormed over to the duo. One icey glare shot from one culprit to the next. "I gave strict orders for you to make sure that the Elder arrived on time."

Shizra's dark violet eyes returned the glare tenfold. How she would love nothing better than to remove the smug elf's head from her shoulder. Sadly, the alliance that the dark and light factions had formed would not permit such a thing. Her time would come one day. An alliance such as their's would never last and all Shizra had to do was bide her time. Still, she moved to protest that she had done everything that she could to hurry the Elder along only to be shot down that he wanted to walk instead. Sebastian raised a hand to hold off her retort though. "Do not blame Shizra for it was my own doing to cause our tardiness. It is truly a beautiful day and I would much rather spend it outside enjoying the fresh air. Surly an elf could appreciate such things."

Alurial's rage was cooled for now which was all that Sebastian needed to step around her and move to the table with Shizra close on his heels. "Well hello master Thrandur. I see you are doing well this evening."

The dwarf was sitting in a thick legged chair with his short legs dangling over the edge of the seat. A mug of ale had already been drained and he was working on his second when the greeting came. His silver stien thudded against the hard table as he dabbed away a few drops with his beard. "Good mornin' to ye ladie. I see yer as punctual as ever. Bah, I'd perfer to sleep in meself but the elf here always wants to be up at the crack of dawn."

Thrandur was a calm and friendly one for a dwarf and Sebastian never had trouble getting along with him. Now it was time to get down to business and see the improvements the Forge had been making as of late. A metalic three pronged holder sat in the middle of the table. Shizra fished around in a pouch at her side, the outfit she was wearing barely had enough cloth to cover her features let alone form a pocket, and finally pulled out a crystal globe. Once connected, the globe flared to life showing a holographic image of the Mythrandir System. Sebastian took a seat between the dwarf and elf while Shizra moved to face them on the flat edge of the table. Six planets orbited the sole sun of their system. The view changed as it zoomed into the third planet from the sun, Mythrandir. "Defense of our homeworld is obviously our number one priority. At the moment, we cannot hope to withstand a full fledge invasion in the likes of what we have seen on the holonews of late. Great nations go to war with one another and move great numbers of ships across the galaxy as if they were pawns on a chessboard. Our Forge fleet is no where near that capacity."

The view changed once again from their planet to a small compact sateillite. It whirled around in slow motion so the Elders could get a complete view of it. "The Smith's have decided on our first line of defense. It's small, cheap, and easy to mass produce. What you are looking at are EMP emitters with the ability to hide visibly from sight. Sensors have been emplaced so that the light bends and visibly 'disappears'. We have not been able to cloak it from electronic sensors but we are working on that as we speak. Each one is equipped with a small engine making it manueverable since an EMP would require the distance to be fairly close. If we can jamm their sensors and disable their ships for a time, that will provide us with crucial time to mobilize our fleet to prepare for our defense."

Sebastian sat at the table stroking his chin while he looked at the small satellite. "For this plan to be effective, we will have to allocate quite a few resources so that their numbers are sufficient. Resources that could go into producing more ships."

"That is true, but if this works we will have an advantage at the start of the battle and perhaps be able to eliminate several ships while they are still 'dead in the water' so to speak." There were no more questions so the war mistress pressed on. "With these in place we will be able to send an advance force to stall the enemy and by some time for our main fleet to mobilize. Should battle reach any of our key planets or Mythrandir itself, these next defense enstallments should aid our navy." The holographic screen changed once more to a circular compact satellite with a turret extending from one edge while engines appeared to be on the opposite side. "This is our modern day version of a catapult. It is capable of firing five meter diameter asteroids at speeds of light into approaching enemy ships. We don't believe that any enemy ship can withstand such an attack though it is still possible. There is much that we do not know about other nations. This is also equipped with its own drive so if nothing else, we can ram it into a nearby enemy vessel."

"I like it." The enthusiastic response brought from the dwarf brought a small smile to the usually serious dark elf as she changed the projector screen once again. The next image was larger and appeared my formidable than the last two. "This is our first defensive platform with three high energy focal beams. By bringing several waves of energy into one focused beam, we will increase our power output many times over and punch holes in the enemy ships. The only down side is that the longer they are constantly being fired, the more the power output drops. One minute is the duration that it will last at a constant stream. Fired in spurts, our power output will last much much longer. Also, there are four torpedoe tubes for our warp torpedoes. Hopefull we will be able to swallow large ships into the warp with single shots. As an added defense, we have installed defense systems such as shielding and anti-craft turrets that can double as anti-missle turrets."

Alurial looked the readout up and down as she passed her own judgement. Surprisingly to the elf, defenses looked promising. "There is room for improvement but it is a good start War Mistress Shizra. What's next?"

"First we will look at our new warships up for approval and then we will move on to view our ground forces."

"The first ship on our list here is one that is well known to us all as it has already served faithfully during our first incident with the Sephrioth Empire. She obviously works but there has only been one change made since her installment and that is with our new warp torpedoes. Warp torpedoes can be sit with a proximity fuse to suck attacking ships into another dimension of space or they can collide and cause major damage space and time are separated to a new dimension. Hopefully this will be a critical deterrent to any enemy."

Shizra waved her black hand as ships came to life on the holoscreen. Each one was a treasure to the Forge as they did not yet have the resources to quite create a massive military force. A loss to any ship displayed before them would be a catastrophy. The loss of every life would be a tragedy.

"Here is our Angellic Cruiser (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j289/Mythrandir_NS/warship.jpg) that you've been viewing. It is five hundred and seventy-five meters long with a minimal crew compliment of thirty-five. It can also hold up to one hundred boarding troops if need be. The light cruiser is armed with four electromagnetic pulsars, ten ion cannons, four beam cannons, twenty-four torpedoe tubes, and far warp torpedoes. Besides our standard point defense system and shields, each ship within the Forge is composed of a molecular iso that is stronger than diamond. We've compounded the molecular structure as far as physically possible. Our ships should be able to take several hits and keep on moving.

Next is our Horde Cruiser (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j289/Mythrandir_NS/battlecruiser_all.jpg) measuring at six hundred and twenty-seven meters long with a crew compliment of about forty-seven to run the ship. She will be able to hold about three hundred storm troops when necessary. It is armed with four electromagnetic pulsars, twenty pulse cannons, twenty-five ion cannons, eight beam cannons, twenty torpedoe tubes, and six warp torpedoe silos. It's armament is standard as will be everything else.

Here is the Wraith (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j289/Mythrandir_NS/lokirrim-patrolship-ff.jpg) which will be used to patrol our borders along with a small number of cruisers. It measures at two hundred and seventy meters with a crew of fifteen. She is armed with four heavy beam cannons and a torpedoe tube.

One of the last ships that we have either completed or are working on is the Avenger Battleship (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j289/Mythrandir_NS/BCO_lead_image_middle.jpg) measuring at seven hundred and forty eight meters with a crew of three hundred and fifty. Here we should be able to hold about a thousand storm troopers when needed though they may be a little cramped. She is armed with fifty ion cannons, twenty-five electromagnetic pulsars, four MAC's, one hundred and fifty grasers, fifty heavy burst lasers, five hundred torpedoe tubes, one main super heavy focal beam cannon, and twelve warp missles."

The final ship was brought up so that every ship she had listed was visible though in smaller format. Her presentation on orbital defenses and fleet potential had been finished. "Are there any questions?"


Alurial raised her hand as she studied one ship after another. "You mentioned electromagnetic pulsars. How exactly do you intend to get them to function in space?"

Shizra shifted her wait from one high heel to the next. "We had trouble during weapon test phases to generate a powerful enough pulse to actually travel a fair distance so that it was effective. In the chamber of each tube is a Pinch Generator where will create the pulse without the massive explosion of a nuclear weapon. Turrets have been specifically created to feed the pulse until it's out of the tube. Our range is not all that great but it is now at nominal capacity. With further engineering, we should be able to push the range beyond one thousand kilometers."

Her golden head bobbed up and down once with her question being answered. Shizra looked around the room and saw that there were no more questions coming. "Well then, I suppose we should head to the transport and move to our next destination where will take a look at the future in our ground forces."

All three Elders stood and moved away from the table as Shizra collected her crystal globe and returned it to her pouch. They moved past the double iron doors and back out into the bright sun as it rose high in the sky. It was now midday and puffy clouds drifted lazily by. Their ride was a chariot of sorts with a hover bike attached to it infront. Shizra threw one finely muscled leg over the side of the bike as she positioned herself so that her short skirt wouldn't ride up so far as to reveal everything. A slight hum sounded as the power cell within turned energy throughout the bike. She slid on two leather black gloves and pulled out black sunglasses from a side panel. One quick check on the Elders so that they were secure and she cranked down on the throttle to head out the main gate of the city and to the space port.

one of the newest ships in the Kirisuban Exploration fleet was crusing into the fringes of the Mythrandir star system as it continued its mission of exploration.

Samurai-Captain Keiko Ishido sat in her command chair and sighed. when she was given command of the 'Naga' she had expected adventure and the chance to meet new races and people.

so far they had charted comets, asteroids and the occasional dead planet.

Hopefully this system would yield better results...

ooc: the ship is silver and looks like this only theres no big bird.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/nihongaz/cracker.jpg

its got all female crew of 80 humans and they look asian since their ancestors came from that part of Earth.

they practice the code of bushido and still have a warrior class but they are peaceful people all the same.

uniform wise its similiar to the ST:TNG uniform with black trousers, short boots and dark red wrap round jacket. rank is shown by pips on the jacket collar.

the ship has a cloaking device and the equlivant of 5 phaser banks along with 5 forward torpedo launchers and 4 aft. the phasers are set to rapid fire and only fire forward.

The ride took them out past a massive double plated iron door with a chinese dragon and lion facing each other. Locking mechanisms clicked and rattled as they came undone by the command of the gate wardens. One farewell salute from the soldiers guarding the entrance was their last view of the city as they made their way over the grassy plains and towards a plateau in the distance. A short ride since Shizra was able to accelerate faster once out of the city without running any risk of harm or injury to innocent bystanders and then they were there. The major artery into space from Mythrandir, the Myth space port. It was carved deep into the cliff face so not to be a scar on the land. Military ships were the rarity in the space port as most of it were commercial liners or transport ships bring military personnel back to the planet for leave or bringing commercial supplies planetside. In any event, it was relatively peaceful this time of day with very little comings or goings. The small transport tug that was to take the three Elders up into space had already gone through system checks and was moved forward ready to launch.

Alurial was the high class sorts and rarely approved of anything that did not suit her needs or rather desires. Somehow she managed to swallow her pride as she gazed up at the plain ship while they entered the hangar. One pilot and two attendants, all three humans, were standing outside near the lowered ramp as they waited for the passengers this day. "Good day Elders and to you as well Mistress Shizra. If you will all please step onboard, we will have space bound in no time and onto your liner."

Thrandur lugged his warhammer over his broad shoulders and walked on up. Obviously not paying much attention to manners or perhaps such things were not custom to the dwarves. Alurial lifted her dress slightly above her ankles and followed suit. Sebastian stopped short though. "What ship is to be pickign us up?"

Slightly puzzled, the pilot checked his datapad. "It appears to be one of the commercial liners by the name of..."

Before he could finish, Sebastian had already cut him off. "Tell the liner that they won't be needed today and that the crews may step down for a while." He turned his attention back to Shizra. "We are here for a military overture are we not? Then I suggest we proceed accordingly."

"And what is it that you propose, Elder?" A hint of sarcasm dripped into her voice but she admired the man if nothing else could be said.

"Last I checked your reports, we have one Avenger completed. Let's use that as our means of transportations."

This was something she had come to expect from him even though her reports mentioned that it was not entirely finished. A grand showing of the Avenger would have to be cancelled as there would be no point. "You do realize that it is not entirely complete. The engines have not even go through their proper testing."

A simple smile was what she received in return. "Seems there is no better time than now to try them out." He patted her shoulder and walked up the ramp with his hands clasped behind his back. Shizra blew a stray strand of white hair away from her face and followed closely behind him.

Their ship departed on schedule though it would be making a slight detour to the naval yard that was ringed around Mythrandir's smallest moon. Locked away behind steel frames and mechanical arms rested the first Avenger class battleship. Sparks flew from the hull as armor was being remolded and fitted to perfection, lights were being rewired, and the lettering "001 Avenger" was being painted on the side in red. Much to Shizra's relief, nothing had been removed from the ship that was major like an engine. From what she could see, it all capable of handling a journey to one of the further planets in the system. A trip to the fourth planet shouldn't take long with their output. Their small tugboat docked in the hangar with much surprise to the dockworkers and everyone else when they saw who exited as passengers. Shizra lead them through the chaos and noise of construction much to Alurial's disapproval since the ride began. Pressurized doors slid away as they finally walked into the threshold of the ship. Sparks lit up dark corodors of the ship as workers fixed emergency lights along the floor and ceiling as well as putting wires back behind panels and out of sight. Some workers were sweeping away the remnants of their as their section was completed. Shizra lead them all past this and to a working turbolift where they could move on to the bridge.

A ping and a blue light sounded when the doors opened for the four to show them the bridge. It could be possible that this was the only place that seemed absolutly complete. Crews were seated in their appropriate stations as they went through checks throughout the ship. Glass pannels were the monitors of choice here that were touch sensative. It was designed to require little aviator or technical skills to navigate. Steering and weapons systems were all done by mostly the push of a few buttons. There appeared to be no captain at the moment as one had not been assigned and only a skeleton crew was present to work by side the technicians and the engineers. Afterall, during battle they would have to be the one to fix problems so it was best that they knew where every switch and bulb went. Shizra held out her hand in showing fashion. "Here she is, the first battleship of her type from the Forge. Give me a minute to have the workers leave the ship and we will be off."

Shizra walked over to the throne chair and waved her hand over one of the two dragon's head that served as armrests. A single panel slid to the side revealing several buttons for various commands. Blood red pointed nail slid over them all as she tried to remember which one served as the main com for the entire ship. "Ah here it is." A ping sounded throughout the ship to get everyone's attention. "Attention to all workers and supervisors, you are to immediatly vacate your posts and head back to the dock. You have been granted the day off by the Elders. I repeat. All workers and supervisors are to vacate your posts and head back to the dock. You have been granted the day off by the Elders."

Moments passed as workers piled out and exited the area surrounding the ship. It wasn't much longer before the okay was given for the ship to shove off. Thrandur moved to the head of command deck. "Move aside lassie. I'll take it from here."

The woman looked a bit amused but complied and gave her station over to the dwarf. Thrandur plopped down and looked up at the screen. "Leave the drivin' to me."

A smile was across Sebastian's face and he tried hard to supress a laugh. "Would you like a box to sit on master dwarf?"

"Shut yer trap boy! Ain't nothin' worse than an angry space dwarf."

Sebastian pursed his lips and nodded. "Well if you are going to steer, then I'll monitor the ship's integrity." He excused the young man working at a council and took the seat. Quick moves with his finger and he had the outline of the ship pulled up on the screen. A white circled flashed repeatedly around it while the a line slowly moved across the ship as it checked for pressure leaks and system failures. The circle turned green and stopped flashing. "Looks like we are good to go."

"Very well. Prepare to depart." Shizra plopped down into to the throne chair while Alurial was left with nowhere to sit. So, she just stood there and crossed her arms. Hoses snapped and whisshed outside as air hoses were blown. Steel locks were retracted to free up the ship. "Launch the ship."

For a moment there was nothing but silence, then it came. Slowly but surely life creeped into the ship as the reactor flared to life. Blue glowed from the back of the ship as the engines came online. Energy hummed throughout the ship as shields and weapon systems came online. They lurched forward and glided free of space dock. "Take us out slowly master dwarf."

"Aye elf. I know wut I'm doin'." Thrandur reached up towards the panel and flashed a few buttons to life. Thrusters took over to ease the departure slightly until they were completely free. Once clear, the main engines came online and pushed them across space the rest of the way. They had only travelled passed the moon and planet below when red lights started flashing followed by sirens. Some of the crew members had not given up their posts and began analyzing the source of the problem. At first they feared that it was an internal matter, something wrong with the ship. Unfortunatly it was not that simple.

An elf male sat at the communications post. He had a holographic image of the last planet in the system and an unknown ship projected on the center dias for Shizra to see. "War mistress, it seems we have an unknown vessel that has just entered our space."

"I can see the image communications, thank you. Are there any signals coming from the ship?"

"No ma'am. At the moment they are running silent. It's possible that they believe this system is relatively unoccupied."

"Do we have any ships close by?"

"Two Mistress and both are Angellic Cruisers. One is commanded by Haldir,"

"Haldir is out here?" Alurial piped in for the first time since she had come on board the ship. It was no secret that she had two crushes in life. One was the elf Haldir who she favored the greatest in her clan. It was also no secret that Haldir wanted nothing to do with the woman. No secret to everyone except for Alurial that is, who refused to believe such things.

"Yes that is correct Elder. The other is commanded by the Genji."

The last commander was a downer to the other three. How a man like that could become a military officer was beyond anyone present though he did have his finer points. It's just that being popular with womem was not considered a fine point. "Contact them both and inform them of our guest. They have permission to make contact but not to engage unless fired upon. We still have our military matters to attend to and can't be interrupted at the moment. They will have to handle first contact situations."
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A floor mattress with the edge of the blanket pulled back rested in the middle of the floor along with a single pillow. Ink paintings and scrolls dotted the walls here and there in the captain's personal quarters. Furniture was scarce according to the more traditional sense and a small pot of bamboo was tucked away in a corner. Two cushions were set aside and were currently occupied. In one was the beautiful Murasaki with her thick lustrous black hair that went all the way down her back and rested on the floor behind her. She played absently on a wooden flute while wearing a simple robe. Across from her sat the shining Genji as some had come to call him. He had been called shining because of his remarkably good looks, fine taste in poetry, music, and parties. A thirteen stringed koto rested easily in his lap while he plucked a few notes on it. It was a more of an intimate concert as the music was soft and moving with Genji only wearing tan pants and no shirt. Sneaking a woman onboard the ship with as much prestige as Murasaki for a deep patrol was a stroke of genius especially considering that she was head of relations for Mythrandir though many had their hunches where she was.

Genji was about to suggest something slightly closer when the call came out. He had turned his link off because he was ignoring everyone for this moment but it seemed the matter was more urgent than he had anticipated. "Yes?"

The voice came over the private com system in his room. "Captain, we have picked up an unidentified vessel in our space and the Elders have given us permission to investigate the matter. We need your pressence on the bridge."

"I will be there momentarily." He looked to Murasaki who had a slight smile on her face. "My apologies my dear. It seems we won't be able to continue our little concert."

Her voice was smooth as silk. "That's quite alright. It seems that I have some business to attend to as well. I am the head of relations afterall. But, you might want to put some clothes on."
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The first ship on the scene was commanded by Haldir who was a bit more formal than Genji was. His light armor clinked slightly as he moved to his own throne chair and sat down by moving pushing down on the hilt of his curved blade so he could sit down. Crew members were at work in their stations as they were trying to get a read on the ship and approach from what looked to be the front of the ship. "Have we made contact with Captain Genji yet?"

"Yes Captain. He will be joining us shortly."

"Very good. Communications officer, once we are in line with the ship I want you to broadcast a message for me."

"Yes Captain."

Their light cruiser came from the other side of the last planet in the Mythrandir System where they had been patrolling just momentarily before. It would now be in plain sight of those entering the system. In accordance with the captain's request, a message was sent to the unknown ship.

Attention unknown vessel, this is the Angellic Cruiser Micheal of the Forge Naval Forces of Mythrandir. You have just entered Mytharndir occupied space and are asked to state your purpose.

Captain Haldir-

Striding onto the bridge, Captain Artemus Gordon asked, "Why are we even going to this out-of-the-way star system again?"

"You know full well why," replied the First Officer, "the probe that charted the system noted possible signs of intelligent life. Our mission is to confirm or deny this. If its confirmed, we are to judge how advanced they are and, if its not at a certain point, we are to gain as much intel as we can without interfering in their natural course of development."

"I know, I know," replied Gordon, "But why us? This isn't one of those research cruisers."

"True," came the response, "but one of the missions the XMC was designed to do is first contacts. While the HRCs are decently armed in case they need to defend themselves, command wanted an XMC to go in as we don't know if we've got a new hostile star faring species on our hands."

Gordon rolled his eyes and groaned.

"Brace yourselves," called the Lieutenant in the pilot's seat, "we're exiting Slipstream."

With a burst of white light, the Deus Ex Machina (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/andromedaascendantlarge1on.jpg), third XMC built by SeaQuestian shipyards, dropped to sublight. Almost instantly, the Slip Point inverted as the tendrils of energy were sucked back inside.

"We've arrived."

"I know that."

"No need to get all snooty, Gordon."

"Sorry. What's our position?"

"We are fifteen terrameters from the edge of the outermost atmosphere layers of a gas giant. According to our charts, its the fifth planet from the sun."

Attention unknown vessel, this is the Angellic Cruiser Micheal of the Forge Naval Forces of Mythrandir. You have just entered Mytharndir occupied space and are asked to state your purpose.

Captain Haldir-

Samurai-Captain Ishido smiled and said to her her comms officer "on viewer" and replied "Captain Haldir, I am Samurai-Captain Keiko Ishido commanding the Kirisuban Exploration ship 'Naga'.

Our purpose is exploration and to meet new people. we are a peaceful people as well"


ooc: Captain Ishido is 25 years old with the usual asian good looks. she also has long black hair, green eyes, of small build and is 5'1" tall. she also has a katana resting by the side of her command chair.

the bridge crew can also be seen and they are also female most of them younger than their captain.

It was a calm and peaceful ride to the fourth planet in the solar system named Dag'goroth where the training and breeding of their main ground force would take place. The planet had two to three times the gravity which would increase the strength of any monstrosity that they decided to give life to. Dag'goroth's atmosphere provided just enough oxygen for the planet to be workable and breathable. Sporadic electric storms were the norm here where fierce winds and tornadoes happened everyday. Dwarves had moved in and occupied the area by digging deep underground caverns where the weather would not effect them. Air shafts and an oxygen replicating system kept them alive along with the usual shipments of food from Mythrandir. Weapon smiths had also been created down below alongside living quarters. Every now and then an exhaust could be seen release blue energy from the ground and back into the atmosphere.

The Avenger fell into orbit over the planet and eased back on her engines. Shizra collected the three Elders and gave orders for the remaining crew to keep their scanners and sensors online. With the recent arrival of an unknown vessel, space could get crowded in a hurry. They walked back the same route that lead them here back down the turbo lift and through the dimly lit hulls. Their shuttle this time would be slightly different. Something with a little more armor and shielding was needed to get them through the atmosphere safely. A special shuttle had been specifically designed for such with it's engines well protected and a bullet shaped body would allow for fast entry and to take a couple hits from the storms. Doors slid open and the small shuttle was dropped from a robotic arm. Their axis changed until they were angled properly for entry. Rust colored clouds swirled below them as they passed through. The outside glowed orange from the heat until a few moments passed when they were through and below the stratosphere.

Below them was a desolate scene with hardly anything worth calling vegetation. Mostly short brown grasses lined some of the rocks along with little other shrubbery. Their port was a deep scar on the face of the planet lined with planetary grade defenses. A slight opening near the floor of the canyon was their target for docking. "Welcome to the only port in Dag'goroth. About a hundred kilometers below us is the main level and from there we can branch off to various sections of our ground military's aspects." Thrusters flared to ease the landing as three legs extended. Before the four was a carved out cave with an iron caged elevator that lead down to the main floors.
-----------------------------

The image was fed to the circular holopad that was infront of Haldir's seat. With it's activation, an image would be broadcasted inturn back to the Naga. "Greetings Captain Keiko Ishido. It seems you have accomplished some of your purposes here today. Now that you have found new people and a new territory, what do you intend to do now?"

A second Angellic Cruiser pulled around the planet near the starboard side of the Naga. A message was sent with full visual and audio from the command deck. "This is Captain Genji of the Angellic Cruiser Gabriel. Welcome to Mythrandir."
--------------------------------------

Planetary defenses came online. They were mostly sensor satellites designated to send warnings to nearby ships upon the arrival of an unknow vessel. The Avenger received these reports as well and its crew moved to activate defense grids and power up the weapon systems onboard. However, Wraith patrolships were the closest ships on the scene being only a few thousand kilometers away.

Four ships turned from their patrol with a flip and spin to head towards this new incoming vessel. She looked down at her glass screen while steering the ship towards them leading her squadron. Blond hair fell to her shoulders and her blue eyes scanned over the screen while the ship churned out a reading. "There seems to be no signs of hostility at the moment. I recommend holding our current course and hailing them." The other three faces on the large holo screen at the front of the ship all nodded their agreement.

This is Squadron Commander Kathryn O'Neil of Mythrandir. You have entered our soveriegn space territory without announcement. State your intentions.

"arn't we popular today" Keiko thought and replied to Captain Haldir, her comms officer also accepting the hail from the Gabriel.

with both officers now on the view screen Keiko continued to speak.

"I'm asking for permission to enter your space and to continue our primary mission of diplomacy. We are primarily explorers and my government is extremely interested in making friends and allies.

If we could speak to someone in your government that would be appreciated but we can leave if we are not welcome"

*Snip*
Planetary defenses came online. They were mostly sensor satellites designated to send warnings to nearby ships upon the arrival of an unknow vessel. The Avenger received these reports as well and its crew moved to activate defense grids and power up the weapon systems onboard. However, Wraith patrolships were the closest ships on the scene being only a few thousand kilometers away.

Four ships turned from their patrol with a flip and spin to head towards this new incoming vessel. She looked down at her glass screen while steering the ship towards them leading her squadron. Blond hair fell to her shoulders and her blue eyes scanned over the screen while the ship churned out a reading. "There seems to be no signs of hostility at the moment. I recommend holding our current course and hailing them." The other three faces on the large holo screen at the front of the ship all nodded their agreement.
The XMC's A.I. detected the incoming vessels and, deciding to be prudent, she brought the sublight engines on-line to keep hereself no more than 1.5 light-minutes distant from the local craft. The Glorious Heritage class heavy cruiser's A.I. then began putting the incoming hail through a translation matrix. In the mean time, while not wanting to provoke the locals, she still started passive tactical scans of every ship in range.

OOC: The A.I.'s creation of a real-time two-way translation matrix is probably going to take another post or two.

(Hok-Tu, sorry about the confusion but the last transmission was just meant for SeaQuest. So you just have Genji and Haldir speaking with you.)

Heat washed over them as their elevator descended down into the depths of the planet. Exhaust vents ran parallel with the lift and every so often they passed a crevice in the rock wall from which the smell of sulfur waffed over them. Fire would leap out from the raw energy escaping in forging the weapons that would be issued to the ground troops. Talking was practically out of the question from the humming of machines, energy, and hammers. Ever so slightly, they creeped towards their destination. Minutes ticked by as the rock floor began drawing near until they came to a stop on a hard floor. Shizra grabbed the metal gate and threw it back for everyone to exit. "This is the main floor which branches off into breeding, training, weapons, technical advancement. We will start with breeding and end with our ground weapons. Technical advancement is currently doubling in the weapons and training area until we can expand our sphere of influence and gather more intelligence outside of Mythrandir space."

The dark elf held out her arm to lead the three Elders towards a cave with rune markings that would have translated into "Breeding pits". Gravel crunched under their boots as they descended down further into the planet. Now the sounds changed from that of machines at their harmonic work to that of the sounds of screams and growls. Sounds of chains rattling and metal pounding metal filled the room as the Elders finally arrived to the breeding area. An enormous cavern that opened wide with a high domed ceiling a rock fissures spiking down. Lava pits darted the floor here and there. Genetic engineering lab facilities were located off to the side of the room. Small glass windows hid the rooms contents for the most part except for test tubes, beakers, advanced microscopes, and several biological charts. On the other side of the doorway was an operating room with materials and tools that made even Thrandur cringe and wince. "This is where our ground military will be born. To my right is our genetical examination facilities. We have captured a few goblins and orcs from the few wild tribes that are left on Mythrandir and here we seek to eliminate their weaknesses as well as create something new."

Shizra lifted her arm out to the left. "This is our surgical implantation room. Soon we hope to devote an entire wing to this facility so that the process is made more efficient. Here we surgically place a nanocomputer into the brain where we can give them orders from afar and download tactical readouts of enemy emplacements as well as ship designs and layouts once we gear towards boarding parties. Hopefully this will lead us to take over many ships of our enemies as well as spare many lives of our soldiers should a battle on the ground occur."

"So far we've seen the technical side of all this Shizra. How about something that is a bit more tangible now."

Her white teeth were revealed as her lips peeled back in a smile. "Right this way then Sebastian." She lead them all over to the nearest pit that was well halfway into the cavern. In front was an electrified steel meshed plating to keep whatever was down there secured. Sparks flew in the air as whatever was done there threw itself at the gate with wild abandon. Two dwarves were standing guard at each pit with loaded rifles as well as their personal close quarter weapons. An actual modern day weapon would have never been seen on the homeworld due to strict policies but here things were different and guards carried both standard home guard weapons as well as Forge military issued weaponry. Shizra nodded to one of the dwarves and the viewing plates were pulled back to reveal about twenty goblins in the pit. Each stood at about five feet tall and completely naked. Wide eyes stared back up at them as they crawled around on spindly arms and legs. They were fast and agile but tests of strength would not be there strongest points. Sebastian looked down at them and stroked his chin. "What did you have in stored for these little guys, Shizra?"

"Assasinations of key military generals behind enemy lines or perhaps snipers. We're still exploring their potential."

"I have a better idea." Sebastian began pacing around the circular mouth of the pit. "I want a thousand goblins geared for intense space flight with the ability to withstand seven or eight G's."

Shizra looked over at him a bit puzzled but nodded slowly. "It's not impossible but what do you have in mind?"

He finally stopped walking and looked up at her. "Gear these goblins to withstand high accelerations and placed them in our small fighters where there is no inertia dampering. There they can achieve high velocities without blacking out like our normal pilots. Also, they will be expendable and we can build up a substantle fighter force without sacrificing other Forge military personnel. We'll build our fighters up to be fast, agile, and powerful."

The proposal made sense and the War Mistress had little place to argue with him. Afterall, they had the authority to delegate what direction the military went. If nothing else, this plan would save lives. Shizra had the viewing plates closed and lead the Elders over to another section of the cavern where a different breed of ground troops was being held. Iron bars disquised as rock fissures connecting to the ceiling were the holding cells for the next batch of creations. These beasts stood a little taller anywhere between five feet seven inches or five feet eleven inches. Unlike their goblin counterparts, these orcs were far more muscular and versatile in combat. "This here we were looking to utilize in our boarding pods to take control of any attacking ships. We can also upgrade their intelligence for adapting to any enemy's battlestrategy. Most likely they will be one of the heaviest armored units we produce so they can take a solid beating and still keep moving."

All four looked through the bars in to see orcs mulling about with not much else to do. They were bred stupid for containment purposes and under the idea that their intelligence would be upgraded at a later date when they were more controllable. Now, they simple saw them in their primitive state. Soon there would be hordes of orcs and goblins that could be made as intelligent as needed with the only thought of death and destruction. Shizra had two more showings before they could move on to weapons. They moved to the center of the of the cavern where a deep hole was situated. The ceiling shook and the ground quaked with every loud thump and roar that came from this massive hole in the ground. "This is our heavy ground unit." Sebastian, Alurial, and Thrandur looked down to see several massive trolls beating at the walls trying to escape. "Their hide is as tough as stone and their brute strength is well beyond any of the other units. We plan on equipping them with heavy weaponry where they can carry their ordinances around like they were feathers. Not to mention that their weapons can be thrown off and moved to melee weapons."

"Very impressive Shizra. It will be interesting to see what weapons you have designed for them."

Shizra nodded her head and lead them to the last cage which was much the same as the one holding the orcs. Inside here appeared to be an advanced state of the orc but these monsters stood at over six feet and near to seven. Each one finely muscled and sporting long sharp tusks on their lawer jaws. "Last but certainly not the least of our ground forces are the uruks. Mean, strong, and fast, these will be the bulk of our planet side forces. We've prepared a full range of weapons and armor for these monsters."

"It's hard to judge what we have on our hands here without actually seeing them in action. I suppose it would be best to hope that we never need to but in any event, I want as many units as possible."

"That is the intent Sebastian."

"Good. I also want the training level at the warrior college to be stepped up. If something ever goes wrong with these things, we are going to need our own soldiers to kill them and they should never be as skilled as our own warriors."

"Bah, just give me a hunner of me kin and we'll put the lot of 'em down."

Both Shizra and Sebastian turned to smile at the dwarf. "I am sure that is no boast but we will need more than just a hundred dwarves if these creatures are to number in the proper range. That is why the war mistress here has had a few dwarves comissioned to prepare some special armor and weapons."

"I'll I need is me hammer."

"Well why don't we just move on to the weapon wing anyways?"
-------------------------------------

Haldir rested back in his seat. "I am afraid the leaders of our nation are away on business. We will have to contact homeworld and have one of the aids fetch a diplomat."

Genji's faced brightened slightly. "Captain Haldir, I believe I have the problem solved. May I introduce the very talented lady Murasaki, head of foreign relations. She will be able to handle any diplomatic venues."

Murasaki stepped into view and bowed gracefully. She was wearing a simple green robe that went down to her knees while her straight black hair went well pass her back. Haldir gritted his teeth slightly seeing that she was onboard Genji's ship. It was hardly proper to be frantanizing with such an important diplomat while on a deep patrol. Genji's voice came over the speake again. "If you will kindly follow us, we will lead you back to Mythrandir. There we can talk about anything you desire."

Both ships fired their engines to maximum thrust and shot off back towards the third planet nearest the sun. It wouldn't take much time to travel with a decent engine capable of speeds near light.
------------------------------------------------

The transmission to the second unknown vessel continued without much effect which was causing some concerns in the squadron.

Captain Ishido replied "I would be honoured to deal with the Lady Murasaki and we will follow you in.

Ishido out"

the transmisison was killed and the helm officer matched their course and warp speed.

a liberation class cruiser exited trans warp shields up ordered capatian hunt of the highgaurd ship the hammer of sephrioth


coms to Mythrandir i come in peace from the empire with whom you signed an alaince for give me foe not naming my self i am captian ryu hunt of thehighgaurd of the empire of sephrioth permision to come down

*Snip*
The transmission to the second unknown vessel continued without much effect which was causing some concerns in the squadron.

The Deus Ex Machina noted the locals were getting a little impatient. Thus, the XMC's A.I. broadcast a message in binary code. The message would be understandable to another computer, but not to many organics. The basic premise of it, though, could be boiled down to a message basically saying that translation was in progress and to please wait. With the simplicity of binary code, it allowed for many unsimilar computer varients to communicate on a base level. The average organic crew member would probably not be able to understand, let alone keep up at the speeds computers usually used.

Using a second binary message, the A.I. of the XMC asked the computer of one of the Mythrandir ships to upload a lingual database.

Bridge

"Sir, another ship has entered the system."

"Seems to be a popular place..."

"Intercepted transmission....They claim to be a Sephrioth vessel!"

"Those nits again. Shame they didn't bring one of those damned Doombringer 'clones' of theirs. Then we could show them what a true warship could do."

"Agreed. As I recall, their favorite tactic is to resort to the cowardly act of cloaking and running away after jumping in with entire fleets and having their arses handed to them on a silver platter."

OOC: @Seph: First off, what happened to that one thread where you were being invaded?
Secondly, I noticed you have done a canon jump. I never recall you using Andromeda terminology in any previous threads.
Third, don't try something. Relations between Sephrioth and SQ were never that good IC'ly, and I'm in no mood to have to blow your ship out of the sky.
Fourth, I take it this 'Liberation' class is one of your custom SD varients.

It was a large ivory spire; jutting out from the green skin of the land like a fallen spear, land no more than an acre in diameter in any single direction. Elaborate runes, pictures of strange beasts and men; bloody battles and horrible wars; meander with strange constellations, swirling galaxies and vast nebulae, all carved with delicate precision into the simple stone surface piercing the sky. It stood no more than twelve meters high and only about five meters wide at its base; a spherical temple supported by columns of simple pillars atop a small knoll, with a solid wall laying a few meager feet behind them. The field of thick grass that covered almost every inch of the land swayed gently in nonexistent wind in fresh, still air. With the few mighty crystal trees, that ran sporadically along the cobblestone road, that snaked from the ornate open arched façade, to over the edge of this strange plot of floating land, into a starlight stained infinity.

A lone island in a vast wilderness of empty space, encased in a sphere of near-transparent cerulean energies, swirling the light into wisping hair like clouds of violet, emerald, and tangerine. Cut from the land of some unknown place in an unknown time; sliding, through the desolate black like a fallen leaf along the currents of a mighty river, unperturbed by harsh eddies or fierce rapids, in between the Mythrandir and SeaQuestan ships.

Inside the base of the structure, a man sat comfortably in a thick-stone chair near the back of a vast room lit brightly by the flickering light of crackling torches. In front of him stood a radiant brazier, burning away like the surface of a hot star in the center of a floor of twisting stone tiles. He stared into it with clouding teal eyes under a thick graying brow supporting a neatly cropped head of jet-black hair mingling with numerous strands of platinum. Staring with almost fanatical intent, as if the small pyre of dancing azure fire was the only thin in his universe, breathing heavily.

He rose suddenly from his heavy stone seat as the once wild fire calmed into a contained sphere of hot azure light, supporting himself with a shimmering black staff of Uhrylian steel, capped by a small crystal orb with vortices of deep purple and crimson storming just under its smooth, glowing surface. Taps echoed faintly around and around every time his black staff tapped the cold tiles.

Light glimmered against an indigo robe fastened over an iridescent black tunic with a silver trim that had been spun into a fine, thin lattice. He edged his face closer and closer amidst stray flames licking at his aging, wrinkling face. Peering into the dark depths of time and space, through twisting dimensions of cascading lightning and morphing shades and tints of color, before finally gazing beyond the maelstrom into a cyclone of clarity.

“Hello strange beings from a strange place in this strange space, I am Tartain, Acolyte of the Spinning Mistress; how smooth does the journey go?” He whispered into the brazier, with a voice deep as the deepest oceans and hard as the hardest stone. A voice that now reverberated through space, along the gentle unknown currents of energy from the planes of uncharted dimensions, into the ears of the commanders aboard the gathering Mythrandir and SeaQuestan ships.

ive encorpated andomeda tech and its like the the leberation is like the usss voyager erm were here on a peacefull mision to an allly

ic shields are greens said remmy the a.i of the hammer

Energy bolts ripped gloomy cavern with speeds that left the mind still wondering what had just happened. Sparks ignited as Electrostaffs and Cortosis staffs came to life with furry. It seemed that an entire back wall had been lined with the staff weapons. Every so often gunfire would ring out in the nearby firing range. Guns of various sizes and shapes lined a heavy wooden table for display. This room held the finished weapons whereas a tunnel leading off to the left was where the smiths were housed. The pounding of hammer against metal drifted lazily up from the hole in the wall.

Shizra walked over to the table and lifted up a black pistol. There was no clip in the butt and the action was pulled open. "This is a standard issue sidearm that holds eight rounds in a clip with a lethal range up to three hundred meters." She gently let the pistol rest back on the table and moved to a rifle laying nearby. "This will be standard on our infrantry. The rifle holds thirty incenerary rounds with explosive tips. It also comes with a night vision sight."

She moved on to what appeared to be a sniper rifle. "The sniper rifle holds six rounds at once and comes with an adjustable scope. It's range is that up to two kilometers and perhaps more. We haven't been able to test on anything except this planet and its lovely weather conditions." A dark hand moved to the table and picked up a single cartrdige with a pointed tip. It appeared to be four or five inches long. "Standard round which we guarantee to penetrate practically any armor on the field. At least we hope it will since it has gone through most of the armor we've been able to throw at it."

The rifle and cartride were laid to rest as she waved the Elders over to the table. What remained appeared to be heavy ordinance weapons. "Eight round grenade launcher, single shot bazooka, and a triple shot rocket launcher is what we have for infantry artillery. We are looking at ways to have the triple shot mounted on one of the troll's shoulders and have an automatic targeting system plugged into its brain but that is still in the development phase. We also have a light weight machine gun with bipod that carries a hundred rounds in a barrel canister. There is also the personal arsenal laying there on the floor which we will be strapping two of to the sides of every troll. They each carry eight hundred rounds of six inch cartridges guaranteed to put a small hole in your gullet and leave a big exit wound in your back. It also comes with a sub rocket launcher for antiarmor purposes."

"Very well done on the weapons end of this area. Perhaps when enough uruks and trolls have been bred, we can have a mock engagement to see how well everything performs."

Shizra bowed her head in gratitude for the compliment. "Yes, that would not be a bad idea and we could have a few marshalls on the field to direct orders." There was silence around the room, except for the continual pounding of hammers and hum of energy, for a moment until Shizra motioned them back to the elevator. Overall it seemed that the ground forces had met with approval and would be accepted by the Elders but now it was time to head back home. She would have to remember to congratulate the dwarves on their work. She shuttered at the thought.
-------------------------

Planets and stars flashed by as the twin light cruisers zipped through space heading back to their homeworld with the Hok-Tu vessel close behind. They pulled up at the planet that was third from the sun. Below them a blue orb with a few large land masses on its surface, spun lazily on its access. A shuttle launched from the Gabriel which Haldir hoped only carried Murasaki. The Micheal fell into orbit around the planet to preserve energy and angled to hail orbital command.

"Forge Command, this is Captain Haldir aboard Micheal. It seems we have a few guests so please have the main chambers ready for their arrival. Standard protocol should apply here. Lady Murasaki is on her way now and she will handle all matters that will be discussed and arranged."

There was silence for a moment until a woman's voice came back. "Affirmative Captain. Inform your guests to send their envoy down in a shuttle and we will have them escorted in."

Haldir nodded and waved the link off. "Communications, get me through to the Samurai-captain again."

"On line now sir."

"Captain Ishido, Lady Murasaki has already departed for the planet surface on a shuttle. If you will please follow her down on your own shuttle, an escort will be there to meet you and direct you to the main chambers in the white tower."
-----------------------------

A signal light began flashing on Kathyrn's glass panel as the SeaQuestian A.I. was attempting to download files from the ship's computer. Any such attempts would still have to be cleared with the commander of the vessel. Kathryn looked through her panel and gave permission for the Mythrandir dictionary of the common tongue to be downloaded along with grammar tips and linguistic skills.

The arrival of this strange new "ship" was something of a wonder to the four commanders on their Wraiths. Something like this had never been seen before and it was making a few crew members nervous. "Commander...unknown vessel has just entered our sector."

Kathryn's slender hand passed to a small button on the side of her arm rest. It would provide a holographic image as well as a communicaion link to the spire, one she assumed would have no trouble accepting. "This is Commander Kathryn O'Neil of Mythrandir. It seems this area has become somewhat popular today. We welcome you to Mythrandir,...."
--------------------------------

The arrival of a Sephrioth vessel triggered the alarms on Haldir's cruiser. It's message was rerouted to the captain's council for him to listen to while the rest of the crew had the ship turned to face the Sephrioth. "This is Captain Haldir. What brings you back to Mythrandir, Captain Ryu Hunt?"

(Since Sephrioth asked for permission to come down, I've assumed that he was at Mythrandir itself.)

Haldir nodded and waved the link off. "Communications, get me through to the Samurai-captain again."

"On line now sir."

"Captain Ishido, Lady Murasaki has already departed for the planet surface on a shuttle. If you will please follow her down on your own shuttle, an escort will be there to meet you and direct you to the main chambers in the white tower."

"Understood. we will follow in a few minutes. Ishido out" Keiko replied and nodded to her science officer to come with her. Given the nature of first contact taking armed samurai-guards down with you was sometimes a bad idea.

they got to the the shuttle bay and took two very compact plasma pistols out of the weapons locker which looked like very small torches. they only had two settings those being heavy stun and vapourise but they were easy to conceal in a trouser pocket.

Now equipped with a compact scanner, a comm badge and a weapon each Keiko turned to Lt Commander Raiko Ito her young science officer. still only 19 years old Raiko showed a confidence and calmness beyond her years and it would be a learning experience for her.

Captain Ishido flew the winged shuttle herself, the craft looking like a smaller version of the mothership. the wings were swept back into a 'V' and it was unarmed.

She soon picked up the Lady Murasaki's shuttle and matched their speed and course cruising 50 metres behind her.

OOC: @Seph: Dude, if you are going to shamelessly rip a quality show like that, at least do it with some respect.
1.) An ship's avatar has a name that is derived from that of the ship itself.
2.) Its about more than just using the words, you've got to know the feeling that goes with them.
3.) Don't just shamelessly rip off a Rodenberry, especially not in my presence.
4.) If you try ripping Andromeda and poorly kitbashing it with ST and SW tech, you are going to make a lot of people pissed with you.
5.) I could care less what you rip off to refer to your ship as. You make a wrong move, and I'll show you what true Andromeda tech can do when seemlessly melded with my own.
6.) You can't just suddenly say you've incorporated Andromeda tech. Sorry, tech jumping like that is frowned upon (and quite GM-wank).
7.) I could care less whom you 'claim' to be allied to. The friend of my friend does not equal my friend.
8.) Tech ripping doesn't gain you many friends.

IC: Logging that the Joranhor message was telepathic, in a sense, Gordon transmitted a return message in the Universal Standard Language (OOC: Ie, English) as well as all other known, and unclassified, languages in hopes of striking it lucky as it was doubtful the A.I. could interact with the computer of the Joranhor 'ship':

What do you want? Why are you here?

Bridge

"We have a target lock on the Sephrioth ship. If they try anything this time, we won't have to wait to shoot back."

"Good," commented Gordon before turning to face the ship's android avatar, "'Mac', how is that translation matrix coming?"

"Its getting there," replied 'Mac', "I've managed to download a copy of their basic lingual data. I doubt its going to be complete given that I highly doubt they would give us classified military jargon on our first encounter. I suggest that when its ready, you try to keep sentence structure as basic as possible."

"Alright. Until then, we'll use the bio-skin's photomorphic capabilities. See what you can do, 'Mac'."

"As you wish."

Exterior

The unique bio-skin that was the outermost layer on all SeaQuestian High Guard ships was the latest in a long line of organic wonders.

Currently, it was displaying a basic mottled blue color pattern. Then, it shifted to a brownish-green ventral half on the side facing the Mythrandir ships. The dorsal half took on a sky blue coloration. An rough animation suggesting a shuttle descending through the 'sky' and landing on the 'ground' was displayed. Once it had run through a couple times, a bright red question mark appeared over the shuttle.

Hopefully, this form of visual communication would suffice while the A.I. worked on finishing a rough translation matrix.

coms the highgaurd bids me to be in this sector of space our two nations have an allanice

(SeaQuest, you attack that Seph ship and I tell you that the wrath of a thousand prequels will be considered merciful for what I'm gonna do to you. He's RPing peacefully, okay? Now hush.)

remmy said we have a weapons lock on us shall i lock on back
ryu glared at the ships avatar no but load defencive missiles in tubes one through to 12 and cloak

He mused over the meager set of questions the SeaQuestan had offered him, while pacing about amidst the repeating taps of his staff and the dancing shadows from dancing flames. More confused at their nature than anything else, but then again, he was often remise in remembering that knowledge of the Lady had been misplaced by some and many from time to time. He had seen it many times before, and not always was he successful in his missions, but still it struck him as odd every time questions such as these were asked.

Though, after a few more moments of silent pontification, he found the words to string into the answers the SeaQuestan desired, speaking softly into the brazier with eyes still affixed on the low fires, with words heard and understood by one and all provided they were near enough, and both the SeaQuestans and Mythrandir were indeed.

"Want... why friend that word you have used in asking is entirely wrong, making the question itself wrong as well as it would be impossible for me to answer. Friend the correct word is 'need.' However, even then the question is still unanswerable, as I do not need anything; it is you and everyone else who are in need of something. So then the question becomes, 'What do I need?' A simple question, but a complicated one indeed, in which the answer is already known. So I shan’t be redundant and utter the obvious.

"As to the second question; why, well that too, is obvious given the answer to the first question of need; I am here to provide the need that has been long neglected, to put it simply. Such a long response to such simple, albeit wrong, questions. My, my am I not long winded? I must apologize, for my transgressions now and for my transgressions later, if any shall be hearing me later, of course.

"And O'Neil, madam I have not forgotten about you surely; such rudeness to the Mistresses children would doubtless have me drawn over the surface of a hot star for millennia - we train in the arts of respect and courtesies after all, not just those pertaining to the abstract nature and interpretations of fate, so let me say it is indeed excellent to know you welcome the Lady and her humble acolyte into your fine realm. Glorious it is to know that the Lady had not decided my journey was all for not, though it still might be, can't predict her or what she might have planned as much as you try, her nature that. And speaking of my long journey: I have been without company for quite a time now, and well, if it is not too much trouble…" He directs questions to both those from SeaQuest and those from Mythrandir, "… that I might have some company? If it is too inconvenient kindly forget I asked; I don’t want to burden to my hosts after all. It's just that, my tiring old bones desire some actual company from time to time, and it has been a long time to be sure.

"If you would fancy joining me for a bit whilst I traverse the stars wherever I am directed - assuming, of course, that your noble government would have me, then please, say so and I shall come at once to receive you. If not, I am doubtless content to just sit here, and go where I am told, alone." He finished with a long sigh, hoping the rest of his journey would not be as lonely as it had been thus far. A mans own thoughts can be poor company after a while.

OOC: @Joranhor: The questions have a far deeper meaning you apparently didn't get.

IC: While the A.I. and Gordon considered the response to the message from the newly arrived Joranhor 'ship', the A.I. transmitted back a response:

You misunderstand the questions.

OOC: They don't have any meaning at all given the context of the situation; you can't just ask someone a few simple questions when neither of us have ever talked to each other before and expect anyone ICly or OOCly to know that you somehow have a deeper meaning behind them. Even if I wanted to wank to death magic powers and such I could not discern a deeper meaning from two questions from some buckaverage guys I haven't met before; there's no indication whatsoever anywhere that the questions mean anything at all other than requesting two simple bits of information.

There is an art to being deep, one I myself have no mastered yet, but you're only being as deep as a fortune cookie when you're trying to be like Confucius, while also totally ignoring -everything else- I said, which is rather rude I might add.

com the Joranhor vessel this is the highguard liberation cruiser the the hammer of sephrioth

we are here on a mision of peace so whom are you

(sorry I haven't replied in some time but I have been busy preparing for the in-laws to visit so I've been a tad stretched. I promise to get a post up tomorrow. This is just to show that I haven't disappeared on any of you.)

Heat dispersed as the four rose out of the depths of the caverns and back to the docking bays. The pounding of hammers soon gave way to the pounding of lightning bursts as the storm had picked new furry during their stay below. Sebastian stood on the tarmak as dust and rain blew in a whirlwind. Lightning strikes became more and more frequent accompanied by deafening thunder clashes. It was as if the giants of old had returned to this rocky surface and had taken up a game of catch with massive boulders. He stood there musing about how to harnass this natural energy for the benefit of the forges below. Perhaps long metallic rods pointing to the sky could catch several bolts and feed generators through long cables travelling below the surface. It was a possibility and worth the effort.

Alurial, Thrandur, Sebastian, and Shizra all climbed back into their shuttle and began to embark on their journey back to the ship that was orbiting Dag'goroth. Rocks and dirt pelted the ship and a few flashes of lightning even glanced off the shields as they rose higher into the atmosphere. Dark brown clouds gave way to an almost violet sky as they left behind the ominous clouds. Soon they would be passing through the stratosphere then the atmosphere itself back into space. Their ship remained exactly where it was supposed to be as they approached the shuttle bay in the belly of the vessel. It felt somewhat good to be back in a controlled atmosphere with circulated air and a bit of climate control as well. Officers were already waiting for them in the docking bay as soon as their shuttle had touched down. One female officer snapped off a quick salute and handed Alurial a report of the current events that had been transpiring in Mythrandir space during their temporary leave.

"It seems we have several visitors. One appears to be a Sephrioth cruiser while the other two are unknown at this time but we do have visuals. One is a very striking vessel indeed. There is also a vessel that seems to have originated from a nation known as Hok-Tu."

Sebastian waved it off as he moved towards the elevator. "Do we have anyone handling it?"

"Lady Murasaki is already enroute to Mythrandir to handle the formal greetings. I suppose we should hurry back to assist her."

"No need for that. She is a capable woman which is precisely why I chose her. I have other important matters to attend to."

Alurial struck a curious stare not quite sure what he was referring to but the elevator doors closed and he was already heading back up to the bridge. Shizra leaned over and informed her of the extracurricular activities that the Elder was planning to participate in. The elf sighed and rolled her eyes. "All those times and no children? It doesn't seem natural."

The ship turned silently in space and headed towards an opening in the fabric of space where they would be well on their way back home.
---------------------------------

Murasaki's shuttle entered the atmosphere of Mythrandir with Captain Ishido behind her. Heat overtook the armor plating as it changed colors from yellow to orange but it was merely a momentary lapse as she safely passed through the atmosphere and on towards the surface of the planet. From this high up both pilots would be able to see the vast oceans surrounding one large continent and a few small islands. The surface looked relatively green and lush for the most part while a few white peaks dotted the landscape here and there.

One of those mountain ranges was their target as they headed down towards the planetside docking bays.
--------------------------------------

Up above Haldir was still trying to get a hold of the situation with the Sephrioth. "I am well aware of our alliance that our two nations have but are here on business from one of your leaders or do you need to speak with one of our Elders?"
--------------------------------------

Kathryn looked from tactical readout to the next and they still could hardly come up with an answer to this strange riddle that lay before them. A shrug of her shoulders was all that she could manage afterall, there were supposed to be more advanced races than their own out there. "Master Tartain, we would be happy to acomodate you on our home planet for a conversation where you may spend time basking in the sun. Or if it is your wish that we should come aboard, then please inform us otherwise. To the SeaQuestian commander, you may follow one of our wraiths back to Mythrandir where you can disembark to the planet below if you so desire."

(I believe I got everyone and again, my apologies for taking so long)

the high guard bids me to bring a gift of ship desgiens to your leader

the Kirisuban shuttle also glowed briefly as it entered the atmosphere but it was built to take a lot of stress.

the winged child of the mothership gracefully flew on as Lt Commander Ito took some brief scans of the surface and Captain Ishido could see they were headed to a mountain most likely housing a base of sorts.

she followed on cutting down to 1/3 speed to give her more time to avoid the peaks they were flying over.

Light, images, and pulses of energy eminated from the Micheal as Haldir worked at the controls on his armrest until Mythrandir command was informed of the situation. His gaze was turned back towards the Sephrioth commander while his holographic image came back to life. His long blond hair fell past slender shoulders and over an olive green cape. "You have clearance to send a shuttle down to the planetside docks. An escort will be there to meet you and take you to the city. Micheal out."
----------------------------

Nestled neatly in a little lush valley, rested the planetside dock of Mythrandir. Smaller shuttles could be seen exiting caverns to take passengers to other islands or smaller contenants on the planet but for the most part the activity in the bay was very limited. Murasaki's shuttle eased back on the throttle while it glided down a mountainside and into one of the caverns. Robotic legs extended at the same time thrusters fired to soften the touchdown.

Two figures descended a flight of stairs from the small craft and stood by waiting for their guests to land as well. Murasaki's robe rustled gently in the warm breeze while Genji stood by her side in formal wear dressed mostly in forest browns and greens. A motorcart was waiting nearby to deliver them all into Mythrandir proper.

coms im affraid the liberation class was not isused shuttles would an disarmed slipfighter be acceptable said captain hunt

OOC: Sorry about the delay. Almost forgot I was in this thread. My bad.

IC: To the SeaQuestian commander, you may follow one of our wraiths back to Mythrandir where you can disembark to the planet below if you so desire."

Bridge

"Translation matrix has been finished," said 'Mac', "Replaying incoming message in translated form and uploading a patch to your personal units."

"About time," snorted Gorden with a wry smile.

Messages

Response (translated into a near perfect example of the local dialect, with only a trace of a foreign accent that the A.I. had decided, on the spur of the moment, to slip in):

Sorry about the delay in response. That's the problem with first contacts, have to work out a translation matrix for each new language so the universal translator units can get an update patch.

As for your offer, lead the way. One question, though, how large do your docks get? Ranging from our smallest support craft to this XMC are all capable of entering a planet's atmosphere safely and later returning to orbit.

OOC: I don't remember if I gave the dimensions for the XMC, so here they are. Sorry if its a repeat of info.
Length: 1,301 meters
Beam: 976 meters
Height: 325 meters

@Joranhor: Oh, there is a deeper meaning for each question (TBH, I didn't even give you the complete set, and yet you still whine). More philisophical(sp?) ones in nature. If I'm being too deep for you, fine. No need to go further there if you can't handle it.

@Joranhor: Oh, there is a deeper meaning for each question (TBH, I didn't even give you the complete set, and yet you still whine). More philisophical(sp?) ones in nature. If I'm being too deep for you, fine. No need to go further there if you can't handle it.
See, here is the problem: There is no way in hell anyone, ever, anywhere on earth could interprit from OOC information or IC posting history any sort of deeper meaning for those questions. Also there is the issue of /why/ they have a deeper meaning considering that entire prospect seems to have come totally out of no where on your part.

Regardless; there is a way to be deep and there is a way to be confusing, both are diametrically oppossed to one another and therefore the writer must be sure that the 'deeper meaning' is not muddled in a confusing mess. Granted I am not the best in the world with the deep part, but I try and I get better as time goes on, and I at least try to give the readers some context in which to place things that have deeper meanings, instead of pulling them out of a hat and expecting someone to get it dead on right away. And that is your whole problem: You haven't given me any context in which to decipher any meaning in these 'deep' questions of yours, which seem somewhat misplaced regardless; like a bicycle with square tires kind of misplaced.

So until you figure out a way to fix what you've done; I shall stand by my response as entirely and utterly appropriate to the questions given.

Joranhor;11597623']See, here is the problem: There is no way in hell anyone, ever, anywhere on earth could interprit from OOC information or IC posting history any sort of deeper meaning for those questions. Also there is the issue of /why/ they have a deeper meaning considering that entire prospect seems to have come totally out of no where on your part.

Regardless; there is a way to be deep and there is a way to be confusing, both are diametrically oppossed to one another and therefore the writer must be sure that the 'deeper meaning' is not muddled in a confusing mess. Granted I am not the best in the world with the deep part, but I try and I get better as time goes on, and I at least try to give the readers some context in which to place things that have deeper meanings, instead of pulling them out of a hat and expecting someone to get it dead on right away. And that is your whole problem: You haven't given me any context in which to decipher any meaning in these 'deep' questions of yours, which seem somewhat misplaced regardless; like a bicycle with square tires kind of misplaced.

So until you figure out a way to fix what you've done; I shall stand by my response as entirely and utterly appropriate to the questions given.

OOC: Fine, for your sake I'll post what is mean by the questions.

"What do you want?" - Not to be taken litterally. This question centers more around desire than identity, intent, or anything else. This question is favored by those of a dark nature (exs.: The Shadows and the Dark Empire (Phobos side of the SQian family of nations and sub-nations).

"Why are you here?" - Also not to be taken litterally. This question centers around intent. This question is favored by those who are individualist and tend to be loners (exs.: Lorien and the current evolution of the original SQ (ie, SQ2032))

Of course, the modern SQ evolution prefers to use the complete set of 4-5 questions (one is a special use kind of question, so 4 is the norm) for important matters. These aren't just questions that are to be answered on a whim, they are intended to make you think before answering.

That good enough?

Oh, and please, mark your non-IC comments with an OOC tag.

Haldir's expression softened slightly. "That will be sufficient. I've also just recieved word on the ETA of our Elders and they should be returning shortly. Someone will guide you to a room to make yourself at home for the time being and serve refreshments. Enjoy your stay."
------------------------------------

Kathryn quickly pulled up the docking facilities schimatics in Mythrandir. There were extensions in progress for larger ships to accomodate future Forge war vessels that would be larger, however these facilities were still under construction. "We regret to inform you that our docks at this point in time cannot house any ship larger than eight hundred meters. Shuttles on the other hand will quite suffice."

(Joranhor, not to pester but I responded to your last post with invite. Don't know if you caught it or not.)

((OOC: Yes I did infact, I am very sorry about my tardiness, but the debate team is taking up more time than I expected. However, I shall have a post up by tonight, or by tomorrow if tonight I am too busy studying for tomorrows AP essay test... something about characterizing Renaissance thought as it pertains to authority and the problem of what it means to be human.))

*Snip*
Kathryn quickly pulled up the docking facilities schimatics in Mythrandir. There were extensions in progress for larger ships to accomodate future Forge war vessels that would be larger, however these facilities were still under construction. "We regret to inform you that our docks at this point in time cannot house any ship larger than eight hundred meters. Shuttles on the other hand will quite suffice."
*Snip*

Messages

The ship's A.I. responded with a slight bit of humor mixed into the message:

Acknowledged. Though, our shuttles are much smaller than that. I wouldn't want to even consider the physical size of a people who would need a shuttle that long.

Bridge

"Couldn't we just use the transporters?"
"Yes, but we don't want to take them off guard or create any sort of inferiority complex."
"They have space flight capabilites. They obviously already know other people's exist out here. Thus, its only logical that they would expect to someday encounter a race further along technologically than they are."
"That's true, but we are still using a shuttle. The hull will protect the occupants in case things go south, like they can do on first contacts."
"Alright, you win. We'll take the shuttle."

Fluid Time later...

Once in orbit around the world of Mythrandir, a small Puddle Jumper (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/Atlantis_Puddle_jumper.jpg) slid out of its berth in the hangers of the Deus Ex Machina and extended her 'wings'. Gracefully, the small craft descended to the dock that had been assigned to her use during communications back and forth along the journey between the planets.

"Excellent!" Tartain exclaimed with a chuckle, into the fire "Just tell me where to set this thing down; anywhere will do it's quite versatile that way, so you neet not worry about any dimensions or such trivial things when assigning me a location in which to land. I shall greatly enjoy my time on your great world, this I am certain."

He tap tap taped his way back to the stony chair, tired and aching somewhat, feeling the full effects of age on muscle and bone. Ah well, what is a little pain when you get to meet so many interesting people? he thought to himself contently as he shifted his weight around in his seat.

"Dear brothers from Sephrioth, we're here on a peaceable mission as well, well somewhat: you never know what fate has in store regardless of your intentions." He said, staring lazily back into the fire that had regained some of its lost vigor; bathing the room in bright azure flame from its old brazier.

coms to haldier how ever said ryu i could trarspor directly over via transport but the ships hard avatar remmy shall accompany me

coms to jonaror strergnth noble friend this is one of the smallest and lightly armed ships of the first but due to my home nations alanice i was biided to bring them a gift of ship desgiens of this i am as sure as a barage of rkvs is dangrous and that is verry

Judging the size of the ship and the fact that it appeared to be a floating spire in space, they quickly surmised a suitable place for landing such a craft. "Master Tartain, there is a harbor near the major city in Mythrandir. If your...'vessel' can settle on water, then you are more than welcomed to use it as your docking facility. Just follow the SeaQuestians that seemed to have vacated this area rather suddenly. We'll be close behind."
------------------------

Haldir had been on his way back towards his quarters when the message came back. He visibly sighed as he returned to his chair. "You may use whatever means you deem necessary to get down to the planet."
--------------------------------

"How much longer until we are back home?" Sebastian seemed to be rather anxious though the entire crew now knew why he couldn't sit still. Some thought it quite humerous while others simply tried ignoring the matter and continued their tasks. Only Alurial seemed to show disgust.

Outside the ship, flashes of lightning and dark swirling mists continued to engulf the battleship. Each second brought them closer in a seemingly endless tide of gravimetric shifts and anomonalies. Time ticked by until a siren sounded throughout the deck, ending the monotony. "It looks like we are home Sebastian."

Pure energy arced through space then reached back in like tentacles to pull apart space finally spewing forth the ship carrying the elders. Much to their surprise, home just got a little more crowded.

"Why of course, water is by no means a problem for a craft as glorious as this. I shall be down shortly!" He said with renewed excitement that seemed to chase the weariness away. Tartain closed his foggy eyes, focusing them still on that now roaring fire through heavy eyelids.

His fingers clutched the staff in one hand, and the armrest of his stony seat in the other. Energies suddenly swirled into existence both outside and within the spire, engulfing it utterly in a vortex of deep cerulean and crimson, writhing like snakes over the ancient stone surface and the thin needles of green grass that rolled like a wave forever stopped in time over that small hunk of space-born land. And then it was no more.

A violent explosion that gave off no energies, nor heat, nor pressure to affect the interstellar medium, only a flurry of light that encompassed everything and nothing all at once and never at all. Wrapping the system in a clawing, spinning, and twisting pyre of electric fire indescribable with words and unfathomable to the eyes. Then it was all gone, and normalcy returned to all space within the system.

The spire itself, which had seemingly disappeared from reality, was now bobbing lazily upon the energetic waters that those from Mythrandir had directed it to. Roots shot down from the base of the once star traveling mass of earth and stone; lithe has the thinnest strings but tough as the thickest bar of steel, secured on the sea floor. The island of the stars was now and island in the sea, no longer protected by a bubble of energy as before, but now simply a living part of that harbor.

"Ah, indeed the hardest part of any visit: setting down this old junker. I think so anyway, even if the younger acolytes believe the act a simple manifestation of the Lady's will." He said, rising from his seat and stretching his stiff joints, "But enough of my rambling; where do you will me to be now that I have arrived upon your most magnificent soil?"

what the hell he thought i transport coms to myth prim 2 beaming down

a 7 foot tall muscualar man and a 6 foot blonde andriod beamed down

The flash and brilliance at which the tower had disappeared stunned the left behind ships of the Forge. "What in the name of Krun's furnace was that?"

"Ma'am, we've lost track of it. It seems that the man is already heading to Mythrandir."

Kathryn rolled her eyes and sighed. "Oh begora. Ships two thru five stay here and keep patrolling. I'll return home to vouch for the new guest."

Four Wraiths idly glided forward while O'Neil's ship spun around one hundred and eighty degrees. The name Wraith came from the ship's appearance as it entered and exited dimensional space. It simply shimmered than disappeared as it transversed the realms of space heading back for home. If nothing else, the vacation would be a nice reprieve from the long lonely patrols.
--------------------------------

The appearance of a landmass out of nowhere landing near the oceanic docks came as a great surprise to many hands working there. What may be just as big a surprise to the newcomer were that many of the Myths still utilized fishing boats to harvest their underwater crops with many even using nets. But, this planet held many surprises of its own adhering to the old ways either by choice or necessity.

Dwarves and humans alike occupied the long wharves that jutted out into the water. Many were bear from the waste up letting their bodies brown evenly. Many a muscled figures stared out into the water at the spire. It seemed that Master Tartain was drawing quite a crowd.

(Ah Hok-TU, just the person I've been waiting for. I will reply to you and SeaQuest after this. That way we are all on the same page.)

Light, images, and pulses of energy eminated from the Micheal as Haldir worked at the controls on his armrest until Mythrandir command was informed of the situation. His gaze was turned back towards the Sephrioth commander while his holographic image came back to life. His long blond hair fell past slender shoulders and over an olive green cape. "You have clearance to send a shuttle down to the planetside docks. An escort will be there to meet you and take you to the city. Micheal out."
----------------------------

Nestled neatly in a little lush valley, rested the planetside dock of Mythrandir. Smaller shuttles could be seen exiting caverns to take passengers to other islands or smaller contenants on the planet but for the most part the activity in the bay was very limited. Murasaki's shuttle eased back on the throttle while it glided down a mountainside and into one of the caverns. Robotic legs extended at the same time thrusters fired to soften the touchdown.

Two figures descended a flight of stairs from the small craft and stood by waiting for their guests to land as well. Murasaki's robe rustled gently in the warm breeze while Genji stood by her side in formal wear dressed mostly in forest browns and greens. A motorcart was waiting nearby to deliver them all into Mythrandir proper.

Two women emerged out from the Kirisuban winged shuttle after the door opened.

they both had the alternate uniform of the red wrapover jacket, a knee length black skirt and tall black boots. they both had combadges on but no obvious weapons.

Capatin Ishido and Lt Ito both bowed to the lady Murasaki and Captain Genji, the kirisuban captian saying "thank you both for your welcome to your planet"

ooc ermmtrth i beamed down ,y guy has a force lance and the driod has 2 of em

Both Murasaki and Genji bowed deeply to Captain Ishido and Lieutenant Ito. Genji's smile was wide and charming. "Good afternoon ladies. If you will both follow us, there is a chariot waiting to take us all to the city."

The chariot so to speak was an open craft that hovered over the ground pulled by what appeared to be a futuristic motorcycle that was modeled into the rest of the body. Seats were nicely cushioned and waiting for passengers.
----------------------------

The SeaQuestian shuttle would find much of the same as they would come across the mountain range and enter the planetside docks.
----------------------------

The sudden appearance of two personnel outside of Mythrandir's main gates caused a bit of alarm with the sentries. Pikemen stood at alert and archers in towers as well as along the walls drew back with energized arrow heads. One armored figure called out in a commanding voice. "Stand and be counted. From where do you come?"

he puled his force lance from its holster i come from the nation of sephrioth on a mision of great importance the droid pulled bouth of her force lances

(Still waiting on the rest to reply so they can catch up. If the rest don't post soon, I'll have to send out telegrams to make sure everyone is still around.)

The guard held up his hand. "Please wait here a moment." He turned and entered the nearby guardshouse to converse with other guards on the perimeter. A sound echoed throughout the frontwall as great locking mechanisms unlatched and the great iron doors slid open.

Archers standing over the cullis kept their bows in hand but returned their arrows to their quivers. "An escort will show you towards the white tower. Our Elders will arrive shortly. Until then, you may make yourself at home."

so be it sorry for deawing my weapon and my comapiom drawing hers she his an warship avatar

the two Kirisuban officers boarded the chariot and sat back enjoying the ride.

Lt Ito smiled at Captain Genji enjoying her away mission so far. there were so few away missions where you got to meet civilised company.

*Snip*
The SeaQuestian shuttle would find much of the same as they would come across the mountain range and enter the planetside docks.
*Snip*

The ambassador (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Character%20Pics/ulkesh01.jpg), in his towering encounter suit (OOC: About 7 feet tall), alongside Captain Gordon (OOC: I would post the pic, but I can't find it right now). Knowing that Sephrioth personnel would be planetside, Gordon had a holstered Force Lance and Fighting Pike in their compressed forms as well as a Zat'Nikatal (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/zatextend.jpg).

Gordon then proceeded to look around for their local 'welcoming comittee."

The armored guard nodded at the Sephrion's response. "I appreciate you showing your weapons as it was the right thing to do when being called to stand and be counted by a guardsman. However, I would ask that your guard leave her weapon with us. I am sure that you are familiar with our weapons policy on the planet. You yourself may keep your weapon as a gesture of good faith and hospitality."

Just then a small security escort had finally walked up the cobblestone road to greet the ambassador. It was a strange company indeed comprised of an elf and dwarf. By all outward appearances though, they appeared to get along fine. The burly dwarf carried an impressive double edged battle-ax on his shoulders while the elf woman carried a long curved sword at her hip. "Follow us and we shall show you the way."
--------------------------

It was a beautiful day for the chariot ride especially in an open compartment. Genji smiled back in kind enjoying the ride just as much. "I can only imagine how good the being back on a planet among people feels. It must get awfully lonely out there."

Alterior motives aside, Genji was kind enough in his own ways. In the far distance, a white tower pierced the skyline in radiant beauty. A pinnacle of flawless masonry and construction with strikingly smooth surface. It caught a glint of sunlight which gave the tower a flaming appearance for a brief moment. As they drew closer, great walls encircled the massive city that lay behind them. The rest of the inner cities beauty would have to wait until they were inside but the deep blue of the ocean could be seen from this distance as well as the large harbor and strange ship that had come to rest within it's confines. Shortly, the representatives would arrive at their destinations.
------------------

Kathryn's patrolship had not been far behind the SeaQuestian ship into the port. Military ships had their own section blocked off as did diplomats which gave the two ambassadors a bit more peace and quiet during their few minutes alone. A traditional setting would have sparks flying, wrenches dropping, and shouts of dock managers barking out orders.

Shortly later, Kathryn herslef arrived to greet both representatives. Her short brown hair that fell about her shoulders and statute did nothing to diminish her pressence. There was really no standard uniform for the Forge Navy. Only a small broch fastened to the left breast of all its members. A small hammer and anvil was all the symbol needed to identify naval personnel at this time in the evolving military forces. Instead she simply wore tan breeches that fastened up the front with a leather string and a white shirt on top the laced up the chest. Her greeting was informal for the most part, not really speciallizing in diplomacy. "Welcome to Mythrandir, ambassadors. I am commander Kathryn O'Neil."

so be it remmy hoster your force lances but lock them

these weapons normaly cant be handled by any one thier assgeined users. if someone other then that person were to handle it the would recive a fatal elcritc shock

its a secrerity meausere

Captain Ishido smiles and replies "space is very lonely and a lot of the time when you do find a planet with life diplomacy isn't always an option. its even rarer to find civilised hosts"

*Snip*
Kathryn's patrolship had not been far behind the SeaQuestian ship into the port. Military ships had their own section blocked off as did diplomats which gave the two ambassadors a bit more peace and quiet during their few minutes alone. A traditional setting would have sparks flying, wrenches dropping, and shouts of dock managers barking out orders.

Shortly later, Kathryn herslef arrived to greet both representatives. Her short brown hair that fell about her shoulders and statute did nothing to diminish her pressence. There was really no standard uniform for the Forge Navy. Only a small broch fastened to the left breast of all its members. A small hammer and anvil was all the symbol needed to identify naval personnel at this time in the evolving military forces. Instead she simply wore tan breeches that fastened up the front with a leather string and a white shirt on top the laced up the chest. Her greeting was informal for the most part, not really speciallizing in diplomacy. "Welcome to Mythrandir, ambassadors. I am commander Kathryn O'Neil."

"Actually," said Gordon as he bowed in greeting, "I'm Captain Artemus Gorden of the Deus Ex Machina. My compatriat here is the Ambassador."

The Ambassador looked at Kathryn and nodded his 'head' slightly in acknowledgement of her presence.

Tartain had risen from his seat not a second after touching down in the water. He was walking towards the door at a slow pace, tap tap tapping his way there with total focus on what lay soon ahead, he suddenly stopped; looking up into the infinite white that was the ceiling: as if searching for the eminence of some faint sound just beyond audibility. "Oh yes M'lady, I'll be sure your will is done this day, worry not."

He finally managed to arrive at the door a moment or so later, occasionally peering through the small windows build into the walls. The outside was amazing he thought through eyes that could not see; people still utilizing old manual methods of fishing instead of relying on automated technology like so many others. He felt a deep sense of respect for them, even more so after realizing that it was a conglomeration of peoples born of different races who were doing it. Well at least they seemed to have evolved far beyond the prejudices that plague so many other races. I have great hopes for these people I do. He thought to himself.

The giant marble slab of a door that arches on towards the ceiling, covered in the dancing shadows from the over-bright light that appeared from the Brazier that was no longer lit, like a single star placed out in the desolate nothing that was space. They danced and danced, writhing like snakes and then as passionate lovers before descending into menageries of bestial shapes that moved along like the surface of a strong river. Tartain looked it over a few times through those blind eyes, before pushing gently against it.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen of Mythrandir, it is I, Tartain at your humble service." He said as he crossed through the tomb door and entered into a conference room containing a diplomat of Mythrandir.

besides my eminent bodyguard wouldnot hand over her force lances because of the decree trust me she is ementily skilled in most forms of unarmed combat hence why i chose her to come with me and she is a skilled diplomat for a warship avatar

"As long as your weapons remained holstered then you should be fine. Melee weapons are tolerated for the most part around here," the elf continued to explain as they walked down the great cobblestone streets of Mythrandir's plazas. Great stone buildings lined some of the more prominent streets acting as great stores or inns for visitors. In other areas, open air markets cluttered the streets with their whares. They walked for several minutes until the enormous white tower loomed over them. The dwarf heaved open the large iron doors and showed the Sephrions in. "This way laddies. The receptionist will show you the rest of the way."
--------------------------------------

"Well then I hope you enjoy your stay among the civilized peoples of Mythrandir," Genji finished with a smile. The chariot was now on a clear path towards the city. A gap in the magnificent white wall appeared to be the public entry and exit for all hovering vehicles such as motorcycles and chariots. They passed through without incident and moved down a much wider road than the Sephrions took.

The white tower fastly approached until the ride stopped. A small door on the side slid out to offer an exit ramp. Murasaki exited the cart first follwed by Genji who stopped to offer a helping hand to both female samurai crew members.
---------------------------------------

"Ah my apologies then. Well if you will both follow me, we will head to the city where hopefully our Elders will be waiting."

She gestured out her hand to the nearest chariot ready to depart.
---------------------------------------

A small spindly man nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a voice that should not have been there. The poor shaken man had no idea how this elderly individual got past all the guards and entered the inner most chambers. Judas stuttered over himself as he tried to collect himself and adjust his modest robes. "E-excuse me? Can I help you sir?"
----------------------------------------

Mythrandir space had grown crowded indeed as far as the three Elders were concerned as their battleship spewed forth from warp space. Lightning arced out like great tentacles until the ship cleared then they pulled in amongst itself.

A small shuttle launched from a docking bay within the belly of the ship as it screamed down towards the planet's surface. There was a special landing protocol in place for them as the sprawling city drew ever closer.

he grined as you can see i am captian ryu hunt of the highguard liberation class cruiser the hammer of sephrioth my compaoion is remmy its solid avatar

the two Kirisubans accepted Genji's help since they were wearing skirts.

Captain Ishido looked round her and replied "thank you Captain for the welcome and she waited to see where the lady Murasaki went next.

Lady Murasaki lead them all into the White tower right beside the Sephrion representatives. "Ah so you must be the Captain from Sephrioth that I was informed about upon our arrival. If I may be so bold to introduce everyone with me, I am Lady Murasaki head of diplomatic relations. With me here is Captain Genji of the Angelic Cruiser Gabriel, and these young ladies are Captain Ishido and Lieutenant Ito from Hok-Tu."

The dwarf and elf shut the doors behind the representatives to give them the privacy they needed. Murasaki looked around and motioned for everyone to follow her. "Please, I'll how you to the main chamber."

(Sephrioth, just in case you were confused. The remark from Judas was directed towards Joranhor)

Captain Ishido and Lt Ito bowed to the Sephrion Captain and then they followed the Lady Murasaki to the chamber to get down to business.

*Snip*
"Ah my apologies then. Well if you will both follow me, we will head to the city where hopefully our Elders will be waiting."

She gestured out her hand to the nearest chariot ready to depart.
*Snip*

"No apology needed," chuckled Gorden in reply, "It was an honest mistake."

'Kosh' looked down at him through an 'iris' that had shrunk to a mere pin-prick before the two followed along behind their escort.

a seaqeustion the sephrion captain frowned remmy snapped calm your self captian hunt we are on frogein ground thier will be no bloodshed do i make myself clear she snapped as she sucker punched him in the gut or do i have to knock you out?

a seaqeustion the sephrion captain frowned remmy snapped calm your self captian hunt we are on frogein ground thier will be no bloodshed do i make myself clear she snapped as she sucker punched him in the gut or do i have to knock you out?

OOC: IIRC, I'm still at the docks and you are far distant at another location in the city. Unless you can see all that way through all the buildings in between, I doubt you would know who else is here by nation name as my XMC in orbit is not one I've used before during previous encounters of our nations.

oppsie hunt is a low level psi onic so hes kinda sensing you

oppsie hunt is a low level psi onic so hes kinda sensing you

OOC: And SQians are high level. High enough that he would sense something of interest, but be blocked from surface thoughts. Thus, he wouldn't know the origin of who it was.

That compromise okay with you?

ooc yeah hunt is low leveled but thier other psionics more advanced ones likethe shadow


ic ow that hurt

ooc yeah hunt is low leveled but thier other psionics more advanced ones likethe shadow


ic ow that hurt

OOC: Ironically, I've got some non-canon Shadow-esque characters in my Dark Empire side. My Imperial Commonwealth side, the one in this thread, has some non-canon Vorlon-esque characters, like the one with Gordon.

IC: Kosh traced the mental intrusion he had detected to its source. Telekinetically, he have the Sephrioth Captain an atomic wedgie.

OOC: Roffle-sauce.

goddamit remmydo not do that again or i will personaly disamaemble and deactivate he growled as he flet an unknown persence in his mind

(Still waiting for Jorahnor before we move on so hopefully he will show up soon. If not, we may have to move on.)

Kathryn showed them towards a transport shuttle that was a little diffferent than the one Murasaki and Genji used. This one had no discernable front or back on the outside and a cushioned bench circled the interior for seating. Both representatives were shown up a small stair case while Kathryn moved to one end of the oval transport. There in the gap between cushioned benches was a control panel that navigated the transport.

It hovered silently and moved out into the open fields with little jolt or noise. The sun shone down brightly on their face as they made their way to the shining city in the distance.

(Still waiting for Jorahnor before we move on so hopefully he will show up soon. If not, we may have to move on.)

Kathryn showed them towards a transport shuttle that was a little diffferent than the one Murasaki and Genji used. This one had no discernable front or back on the outside and a cushioned bench circled the interior for seating. Both representatives were shown up a small stair case while Kathryn moved to one end of the oval transport. There in the gap between cushioned benches was a control panel that navigated the transport.

It hovered silently and moved out into the open fields with little jolt or noise. The sun shone down brightly on their face as they made their way to the shining city in the distance.

OOC: A'right, who else got a chuckle at the psychic wedgie thing?

IC: Kosh, due to the design of his encounter suit, was unable to sit. As Gordon took his seat, he noted, with slight amusement, as Kosh telekinetically secured himself.

OOC: Sorry for the short post. Its 0418 right now and I'm pretty much braindead for thet ime being.

((OOC: I will have a post up soon: I was at a tournament in Wake Forest NC and that's why I've been gone for about five days.))

(No problem at all. Just been waiting for you and trying to stall everyone.)

The white marbled city began to grow on the horizon with it's tall spire jutting up into the sky and scraping against the heavens. High walls surrounded the growing metropolis. A great archway with interlocking stone blocks was the entrance that Kathryn was aiming for.

One armored guard with a force lance waved lazily as they passed into the city. Rolling fields gave way to cobblestone streets as they made their way in. Some of the more finer and well worked homes and buildings lined this section of Mythrnadir as it was the merchant sector. Pulling back to an arial view, city streets formed overlapping pentagrams until they reached the city circle. It gave the layout an almost spiderweb appearance. At the city's center was a pearl fountain of tree trumpeting angels while water poured from their golden trumpets. Orange and white speckled fish swam easily through three circular cojoined pools.

Behind the fountain was the massive tower the sat dead center. Sickly smooth, it enflamed every time the sun shone down on it. It was one of the greatest stone workings of dwarven masonry. "Here we are sirs. Follow me and I'll show you to the main chambers."

hunt sat down whilst rubing his head remmy stayed stood up

(No problem at all. Just been waiting for you and trying to stall everyone.)

The white marbled city began to grow on the horizon with it's tall spire jutting up into the sky and scraping against the heavens. High walls surrounded the growing metropolis. A great archway with interlocking stone blocks was the entrance that Kathryn was aiming for.

One armored guard with a force lance waved lazily as they passed into the city. Rolling fields gave way to cobblestone streets as they made their way in. Some of the more finer and well worked homes and buildings lined this section of Mythrnadir as it was the merchant sector. Pulling back to an arial view, city streets formed overlapping pentagrams until they reached the city circle. It gave the layout an almost spiderweb appearance. At the city's center was a pearl fountain of tree trumpeting angels while water poured from their golden trumpets. Orange and white speckled fish swam easily through three circular cojoined pools.

Behind the fountain was the massive tower the sat dead center. Sickly smooth, it enflamed every time the sun shone down on it. It was one of the greatest stone workings of dwarven masonry. "Here we are sirs. Follow me and I'll show you to the main chambers."

Gordon nodded as he got up from his seat to follow. Kosh followed along moments later as apparently his encounter suit had accidently gotten wedged in so tight it took him a bit to unstick it.

"Interesting architecture," Gordon remarked.

OOC: Is the architecture based on the middle ages style or some other style?

Murasaki and Genji both lead the Sephrions and samurai captains into the main chamber where Judas stood conversing with Turi from the mysterious spire floating out in the ocean. Inside the room was a massive chandellir hanging from the wall adorned with multiple candles. The lighting was enough to illuminate tapestries and paintings lining the walls. Most of them simply landscape paintings while others drew one's eyes into a swirling mass of cosmos and planets being sucked into the middle. Still others depicted mythical battles with a pagan god in each scene however one god was not so kindly illustrated which was the god of the wild orc tribes.

A half circle wooden table with a number of chairs lining the arc of the table while three teardrop metalic chairs, that hovered in air, faced the others. Papers had been stacked on the edge where Judas was making preparations until he was interrupted. Genji stepped off to the right and Murasaki to the left of the doorway. "Please take a seat and let us know if there is anything we can do for you. A drink perhaps."

Kathryn looked up at the tower and around the city then continued to lead them inside. "Ah yes. Our dwarven craftmen are quite gifted. The strongest stone workings around here were made by the great masons in the northern mountains many years ago. They were embued with some sacred runes at strategic sections of the wall to add to their endurance. Though that is if you believe in that sort of thing."

"we're both fine" Captain Ishido replied and Lt Ito and herself got comfortable in the chairs.

hunt growled maybe some thorisne would dofor this headache remmy daid for give my compains attudie he is a psionic and using his gifts gives him a headache

"It will be done." Murasaki snapped her fingers and a servant went off to find something to relieve the pain as well as a drink.

Outside a shuttle hovered just above the cobblestone streets near the white tower. Four figures hopped out from the side and walked in through the doors. A dark elf, light elf, man, and a dwarf all entered into the inner chambers. Both Genji and Murasaki bowed deeply as they entered the room as well as Judas. All four figures stopped just behind the gathered representatives. Sebastian stepped forward to address them. "Good afternoon to you all. My apologies for our tardiness but we have had business to attend to. Our soldiers have informed me that some of you have important matters to discuss. What is it that we can do for you?"

(Sorry Jorahnor, I've kept them waiting for a while. Hopefully you can still get in.)

Samurai-Captain Keiko Ishido and Lt Ito also bowed to the newcomers and replied to Sebastian "It is the wish of my government that we seek out new civilisations and make diplomatic contact with them.

I have the honour of representing my people today on the honourable planet of Mythrandir. We are seeking friends and allies in this universe and would like to establish formal diplomatic relations between Mythrandir and Neo-Kirisubo.

Over time I would hope that the seeds planted today blossom into a friendship between our two worlds and that we can be allies in the future"

((OOC: No problem; sometimes the rigors of life keep us all far more busy than we would really like. I assume that Tartain is still in the room with Judas ja?))

Tartain looked upon the cowering man with as wide a smile as a smiling old man could muster, and eyes full of friendly emotion, though they had been dead to the world of light and color for many years. "Indeed you can my good sir, I am Tartain, the title I shall leave off for now: can be more of a mouthful than an honor at times, but sir I fear I do not know yours. It would be a great help to me if I were to know your name!" He said jovially as he could while half leaning on his walking staff.

"Also where I am would be information I would be eternally grateful for if provided; I like knowing the names of places the Lady sends me and what not." He continued as he walked closer to the man he had no doubt disturbed. He meant no harm, that much would be evident to any outside observer, but then again he had just walked in unannounced into the room of someone probably unacustomed to such; so he had valid reason to be suspicious, and perhaps even afraid.

hunt growled im here on thebehalf of the empires highgaurd my compaion has some data files for you ship desgeins and what not

Kathryn looked up at the tower and around the city then continued to lead them inside. "Ah yes. Our dwarven craftmen are quite gifted. The strongest stone workings around here were made by the great masons in the northern mountains many years ago. They were embued with some sacred runes at strategic sections of the wall to add to their endurance. Though that is if you believe in that sort of thing."

OOC: Sorry about the delay.

IC: Gordon replied, "Magick does exist in this day and age. For example, there are several groups out there that use something known as the Force which can't be explained by physical science. Hell, even mental science has some trouble with a few things.

"I may not be that well versed in the magick used by the Imperial Commonwealth, but I know there are quite powerful magick users in existance."

"It will be done." Murasaki snapped her fingers and a servant went off to find something to relieve the pain as well as a drink.

Outside a shuttle hovered just above the cobblestone streets near the white tower. Four figures hopped out from the side and walked in through the doors. A dark elf, light elf, man, and a dwarf all entered into the inner chambers. Both Genji and Murasaki bowed deeply as they entered the room as well as Judas. All four figures stopped just behind the gathered representatives. Sebastian stepped forward to address them. "Good afternoon to you all. My apologies for our tardiness but we have had business to attend to. Our soldiers have informed me that some of you have important matters to discuss. What is it that we can do for you?"

(Sorry Jorahnor, I've kept them waiting for a while. Hopefully you can still get in.)

OOC: Assuming the 'continued to lead them inside' bit means they are there.

IC: Gordon bowed in greeting and Kosh, due to the constraints of his enviromental suit, nodded his 'head'.

"You are the leaders of your nation I take it?" inquired Gordon, "As for why we are here, curiousity, I guess, could be the main part of it. The Imperial Commonwealth, while not residing near here, is still interested in the happenings around here. Then there is the possibility of a new trade partner in info and items, magickal, technological, or otherwise.

"Oh, how rude of me, I almost forgot to introduce myself. I'm Captain Artemus Gordon of the Dues Ex Machina and my compatriat here is one of my nation's ambassdors, he, like all the other's I've met, for some reason I don't know, goes by 'Kosh'."

hunt growled how rude of me i am captain ryu hunt of the sephrion highguarf ship the hammer of sephrioth mt comrade is rem its solid a.1

(Now it's my turn to apologize to keep you all for waiting. No worries Jorahnor just glad you're still here.)

The four individuals scanned the room. It seemed Mythrandir had indeed gotten just a little more crowded. Might as well change the feeling. Sebastian walked over to the table and waved his hand over a small globe that was set in the middle. The interior of the room shimmered slightly as a holographic program activated. What was once cold stone walls with torches burning to erase the darkness was now an open meadow with the mountain range holding the planetside docks off in the distance.

"That's better." Sebastian plopped down in the center hovering chair and adjusted his shirt to be a little more comfortable. "Well now we know your names, allow me to introduce us all. Our vertically challenged friend here is Thrandur. The two lovely creatures beside him are Lady Alurial and Warmistress Shizra. I still have yet to figure out which one is more deadly. Shizra is the leader of our armed forces while Elder Alurial could kill someone in far less pleasant ways I imagine."

The dark elf crossed her arms resting on the twin blades sheathed at her side and grunted. Alurial on the other hand bowed mockingly to Sebastian. "As always your tongue is coated with fine silver and requires the utmost patience of a saint."

"What he needs is a swift kick to the head," the dark elf finished with a growl.

Sebastian cleared his throat slightly. "Ahem, yes well to business. For some time now I have been monitoring news broadcasts from here as well as abroad and the current strife within the galaxy to say the least is a bit disturbing which is also a small part due to our lateness in arriving here to meet you all."

His chair turned slightly to face the Samurai-captain and her Lieutenant. "Captain Genji has been sending me information on your behavior, personality, and appearance. For some reason he always seems inclined to do that. Anyways from what the three Elders have seen, we approve highly. You have acted with great respect while here in our home. Diplomatic ties with one another should not be a problem nor should possibly opening up trade routes between one another."

Just then a servant walked in carrying a tray with a teapot as well as a porcelain cup. "Here you are sir. The tonic should help alleviate the headache in short order." With a final bow, the woman was off back to her duties.

Sebastian's chair then turned towards the Captain from Sephrioth. "As always our friends from Sephrioth are welcome here and will be shown with great hospitality. I believe Warmistress Shizra will have more use for the ship plans than I will." The dark elf came forward slightly with her hard heeled shoes clicking against the floor as she walked though even the floor had turned to prairie grass.

The next "target" was the delegation from the Commonwealth. Commander O'Neil had already left the room once the two personnel were shown to seats and the Elders had arrived. Sebastian looked from the man sitting down to the one that remained standing. "Seeing as how trading with another nation is rarely an evil thing, I believe that can be worked out."

The thee foot four inch dwarf walked over to Kosh and looked up. He stood there with an inquizitive look on his face every so often stroking his long brown beard. "There's more than one of ye tinmen out there?"
------------------------------

Judas calmed down slightly and took a deep breath before continuing. "I-" He stopped short and bowed his head.

A soft delicate hand touched Tartain's shoulder. The light elf had noticed the man by himself talking to Judas for sometime but this one seemed different from the rest. "He is Judas and I am Lady Alurial, one of the three Elders that rule over Mythrandir. The planet you are standing on is Mythrandir and you have entered the White Tower."

Gordon (OOC: I really got to go back and check on the correct spelling of his name) chuckled slightly as he watched the friendly banter between the local leaders.

"In order to better know what it is we can offer you in trade," he said, "it would be helpful to know, in general at least, what you already have and don't need."

Meanwhile, Kosh's 'eye' dialated a bit as he looked down at the dwarf.

Gordon, looking over at the two, chuckled even more.

Then, for the first time that Gordon could remember, Kosh spoke:

"Youth, my nature inside here is none of your concern. This encounter suit serves me in the same way a space suit would serve you.

"As for your question, you are correct in assuming that I am not the only member of my species to exist."

OOC: Not a problem. These things happen, dude.

Sebastian checked on the dwarf every so often to make sure he wasn't getting over his head. Thrandur was the most diplomatic of the dwarf clans but that wasn't really saying much. "At this current time, our planet is quite capable of supporting our population in terms of food and our agriculture methods are quite efficient. We have a modest supply of resources for our military which will suffice for now but may change over time. I believe what would be most profitable at the moment would be information and a bit of culture. By selling trinkets and eccentrisities of your own here in the markets your merchants will make the best profit. Now your governments can all possibly offer us something to help a little program we've been running. We are willing to pay for detailed readouts of any enemy ship you've encountered. The more detailed the better and the more detail about ship interiors, the more profit there is in it for you all."

Thrandur looked up and down both sides of Kosh then back up. "So what are ye hidin' in there mistur tinman?"

ah thats beeter he grined remmy give the war mistress the olans she and i share a simmalar duty

remmy glared at the dwarfs words remmy you will not do what i think you wish to do to the dwarf concering the tinaman remark it was clear the android was pissed off regaurding that remark

Gordon chuckled, "Well we don't have all the variations in use by every nation, we would gladly provide you with the base schematics for what is probably the most commonly used type of ships in the nations we have thus far encountered and heard of.

"Judging from the converstation with our escort outside this building, I would assume magick isn't generally common in your nation, correct?"

Kosh telekinetically lifted the dwarf up into the air so that his eyes were level with that of Kosh's encounter suit. Not out of malice, but so he didn't have to look down at such an angle.

"If you really want to know," he said in the 'chorus of voices' voice common to his species, "I suggest you learn how to breath methane."

Then, gently, he allowed Thrandur to drift down until he was once more on the floor.

hey gordan growled hunt that dwarf is digging himself into a deap hole with my comrade ishe finds the term tinman offencive i doubt i could restrain her if shr drcides to relive him off his head

[QUOTE=Mythrandir;11734624


His chair turned slightly to face the Samurai-captain and her Lieutenant. "Captain Genji has been sending me information on your behavior, personality, and appearance. For some reason he always seems inclined to do that. Anyways from what the three Elders have seen, we approve highly. You have acted with great respect while here in our home. Diplomatic ties with one another should not be a problem nor should possibly opening up trade routes between one another."

[/QUOTE]

Captain Ishido smiled and replied "thank you for accepting my governments request. This day will live long in the memory of my people.

May I also request that i cam leave my excecutive officer in Mythrandir as the acting Ambassador from my people?"

captain hunt smiled at the captain from neo krisbuo

Sebastian's eyes darted towards the dwarf every now and then to make sure he wasn't getting over his head. "I see. Well that is slightly disappointing but we can't expect one nation to know the ins and outs of every military vessel in every nation. Still, we will take whatever you can offer. Shizra here will take whatever plans you can provide then download and catalogue them. After reviewing the schimatics that you have provided, she will determine their value and quote your a price.

Magic is all a matter of perception. To some this holographic prairie field that we are sitting in would be considered magic. Magic is often used to describe something that we cannot explain or comprehend. Sometimes it is called technology or even better, a phenomenon but it all still comes down to perception and beliefs. The dwarf clans have their beliefs as do each race of elf present here and so do the human families. We all have magic but perhaps call it by a different name."

Thrandur adjusted the massive warhammer that lay across his broad shoulders and stroked his beard while looking back up at Kosh. "Elder can't you behave yourself for just a few moments so that someone would actually get a good first impression of us? Wait until perhaps the negotiations are concluded to show your true face?"

The dwarf looked back at Sebastian and hrmphed. His short tree trunk legs carried him back to a silver hovering chair which descended to an appropriate hieght where Thrandur proceeded to plop down. "Bah, next time I'll get me can-opener and find out fer meself what's in there." The chair rose back up to normal elevation on level with Sebastian.

Sebastian rubbed the bridge of his nose and slightly shook his head then sighed. "Sometimes I just wonder about you." His chair turned towards the Captain from Sephrioth. "Our friends from Sephrioth are always welcome here and will be treated with hospitality as long as they return the favor. Warmistress Shizra will collect the plans and handle the rest of the arrangements. We thank you for your contribution."

Shizra's hard heels clicked against the floor as she stopped short of the android to accept the plans.

The Elder lastly turned his attention to the Samurai-captain and her Lieutenant. His face was slightly puzzled at the request. "This is a little sudden for a brand new relationship but I do not believe that this arrangement is impossible so long as your executive officer agrees to this. There are several wings on palace grounds that are used for housing diplomats from various clans and tribes. I will have one of the finer ones appointed as her lodgings for the duration of her stay. She will be allowed to furnish the room as she pleases and I will have someone assigned to her side as an aide until she becomes accustomed to the life on Mythrandir. Is that satisfactory?"

Gordon chuckled.

He replied, "The magick I speak of is the one with a 'k' at the end. The spelling without it is what is given to the slight-of-hand stunts done on stage and such. For instance, opening portals from place-to-place, summoning things from entirely different rooms, alchem, the runes supposedly giving structural strength to buidlings here, and many other things done without technology. The technological magick you refer to would most easily be answered by our Technomages, but our Battlemages, Warmages, and other non-technological magick users still are able to do what they do. Some specialize in individual elements, others prefer to generalize.

"Surely you've heard what some nations out there call the Force? While not used, at least not to my knowledge, in SeaQuest, there are groups out there who are quite far in mastering its mystical intercracies(sp?).

"If you wish for a demonstration of one of my ship's compliment of magick users, I would gladly arrange it for you. To be honest, I've seen too much in my life to discount the existance of it. I hope you'll agree once you've seen it with your own eyes.

"As for the ship schematics, here," he continued as he pulled out a data crystal, "this contains all the data we've obtained on what we have termed Warsie tech ships due to that they seem to be designed for warfare and not much else. Still, that doesn't mean its one of the most advanced. Our thoughts are that its used because its cheap and easy to use, repair, build, and modify. The second most popular one, which we have termed Hammer tech because it seems to really be designed to hammer away at enemies, and the third most popular, we call Trekker tech as those ships seem to have exploration at heart, those would be on seperate crystals."

Kosh looked down and his 'eye' dialated.

"It seems that I've not made myself clear," he said, "I am unable to due to atmospheric differences. Inside here it is methane based, out there it is oxygen based. Do you understand? It would be, as they say, like a fish out of water."

Gordon nodded, "Its a proper anology. According to all I know about his species, Kosh wouldn't survive long, if at all, out here in this atmosphere. Of course, I don't know for sure as I only just met him right before we left to come to this star system and all my knowledge stems from pre-departure research into the databanks of my ship."

"Perhaps," added Kosh, "once relations are more secure, it would be a possibility for me to serve as the SeaQuestian represenative to your nation."

OOC:
Warsie tech = Star Wars tech
Hammer tech = Warhammer 40,000 tech
Trekker tech = Star Trek tech

Sebastian rubbed the bridge of his nose and slightly shook his head then sighed. "Sometimes I just wonder about you." His chair turned towards the Captain from Sephrioth. "Our friends from Sephrioth are always welcome here and will be treated with hospitality as long as they return the favor. Warmistress Shizra will collect the plans and handle the rest of the arrangements. We thank you for your contribution."

Shizra's hard heels clicked against the floor as she stopped short of the android to accept the plans.

The Elder lastly turned his attention to the Samurai-captain and her Lieutenant. His face was slightly puzzled at the request. "This is a little sudden for a brand new relationship but I do not believe that this arrangement is impossible so long as your executive officer agrees to this. There are several wings on palace grounds that are used for housing diplomats from various clans and tribes. I will have one of the finer ones appointed as her lodgings for the duration of her stay. She will be allowed to furnish the room as she pleases and I will have someone assigned to her side as an aide until she becomes accustomed to the life on Mythrandir. Is that satisfactory?"

Captain Ishido replied "that will be satisfactory and I'm sure that she will enjoy diplomacy. It is our aim after all.

I'll let the Commander know shortly"

Captain Ishido replied "that will be satisfactory and I'm sure that she will enjoy diplomacy. It is our aim after all.

I'll let the Commander know shortly"

Sebastian smiled warmly. "Then I will have her quarters arranged at once and have someone standing by to escort her and tend to her needs."

"Spend a few days down in them caverns wit a few hunnerd of me kin and yull be pretty much breathin' methane."

*Sigh* Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Thank you for the reminder. I still haven't completely gotten the smell out of my nose and it's been a month."

He turned his attention back to Gordon. "Well we will let Shizra look it over for us in time." The dark elf then stepped forward to take the data crystal for cataloguing.

It seemed a demonstation may be called for just but he didn't want to spend all day in meetings. He had a beautiful woman in bed that was still waiting on him. Well, hopefully this wouldn't take long. "I have heard of a variety of forces at work in the universe and don't pretend to understand them all. Shizra, why don't you show them a bit of dark elf magick then?"

"I'm not here to perform for you, Elder."

"Nor would I want you to. You're far too serious and usually hostile."

She shot him a glare that would freeze the sun but finally gave in. Delicate hands lowered down to her bare navel. Clouds of darkness began forming within her palms into they converged in the center rolling and building on one another. Her hands let go and the pulsating cloud drifted lazily up above the table and representatives. In one brief glorious moment, the cloud expanded to envelop the entire room. Light could not penetrate such a complete darkness and nothing even within an inch of eyesight could be seen. This darkenss lasted for a few brief but enjoyable moments for the dark elf until she disspelled it. For now she was standing beside Sebastain instead of next to Gordon where she had normally been standing. Not a sound had been made and nothing had been nudged or tampered with while she had moved.

Thrandur swatted at his clothing, chasing away the last of a few dark wisps. "I hate it when them durn elfs do that."

Shizra bowed politly to the dwarf. "My apologies Thrandur but Sebastian was being stubborn once again."

"It's a'ight. It's just been a while since that's happened."

Despite the dwarfs sullened mood, Sebastian was satisfied with the display. "And there you have it. Dark elf magick."

hunt geowled the liberation class plains are highly clasfied during the display hunts hand strayed to his holster

At Shizra's display of talent, Gordon's keen eye analyzed it as best he could. While not as exact as one of magick would have been, his gift of research and technical knowledge let him do it.

"Interesting," he said as he handed over the data crystal on Warsie tech, "an apparent mix of the Water, Air, and Darkness Elements, correct?"

Sebastian looked down at Shizra for the explanation. "Not exactly. Light is simply refracted from a general area giving it the appearance of a darkness globe which is also why you cannot see anything if your eyesight is limited to the light spectrum."

Sebastian's gaze turned towards Captain Hunt. "You should know that your plans will be kept perfectly safe and no one will ever see them outside of the military. I would also advise not reaching for your blaster. It's not healthy."

blaster you mean force lance sorry old habit thiers plans for kuja stroke frigates sephiroth miile firgate acendant warships and my liberation class

"Ah glorious, glorious!" Tartain said as he bowed after noticing Judas doing so upon the Lady entering the room. He was somewhat relieved really; Judas looked as if trying to carry on a conversation may have been his undoing. "I am Tartain, Acolyte of the Spinning Mistress as some call her; she has many titles in fact, all of them new as they change at a rate that matches her will." He laughed to himself.

"And thank you, it's not often I know the names of the places I visit; sometimes plans do not 'pan out' as they say, so I appreciate very much knowing that which this magnificent land of yours is called." He gave the room a quick look over with eyes that could not really see, before he turned and starred straight into Alurial's eyes, past her person and seemingly into her soul, before continuing in a relatively low tone of voice considering all the cheer that had once resounded through it. The strength also seemed to have been taken from him, leaning more on his staff than he was earlier and breath increasing in rate and depth.

Though business always had a way of doing that, to anybody.

"It is also quiet an honor to make your acquaintance my Lady, me and Judas here were just having a nice conversation, though I fear it a tad one sided, but anyway the past is the past as they say. I am here on business of course, not to say that all friendliness must now come to an end so that we may barter, only that there is a purpose behind my being here.

"Which is good that the Lady of Fate had you chance by us; for it is with someone of your political standing that I am destined to have an audience with."

The elf smiled and held out her hand showing him towards the table where the rest of the representatives were already seated and discussing matters with Sebastian, Thrandur, and Shizra watching over them all. "If you will please follow me, I will show you to a comfortable seat and you may discuss whatever you desire with the rest of the three Elders. I am only one of the three."

his pose spoke of alertness and power well i supose old habbits need to be reformed

Sebastian looked down at Shizra for the explanation. "Not exactly. Light is simply refracted from a general area giving it the appearance of a darkness globe which is also why you cannot see anything if your eyesight is limited to the light spectrum."

"I may not be a magick user, but SeaQuest recognizes around eighteen seperate Magickal Elements last time I checked," replied Gordon, "Light and Darkness amoung them as well as the Base Four of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. The Base Four plus a fifth form what we call the Prime Elements. There are also various sub-Elements, like Stone is a off-shoot of Earth, and unrelated Elements, like the Elements of Light and Darkness which I mentioned a few moments ago."

he cocked his eyebrow so basicly he sephrions are alies to these people but we are not exaclty friendly with the seaquestians

Sebastian smiled warmly. "Then I will have her quarters arranged at once and have someone standing by to escort her and tend to her needs."

Captain Ishido bowed and replied "I'll have her beam down and I'll meet her outside the chamber when she's ready. Lt Ito can represent Kirisuban interests while i'm gone".

She leaves the chamber hitting her comm badge and telling Commander Mari Takahara in Kirisuban that she's going to the acting ambassador to Mythrandir and to pack a bag with what she needs.

the order is acknowledged and the Captain waits for the XO.

((OOC: Going to try and have a post up tomorrow; btw, SQ was DoSed, so he won't be a part of this little RP any longer.))

(A pity. Well I will just assumed that that transaction was completed and his government received a decent enough compensation for it all. I'll have to think of something going wrong with communications for not hearing from them again. Thanks for the information. It looks like it is just down to us four then.)

Transactions completed, the Seaquestrian delegation was shown back to a transport which would deliver them to their shuttle. Now only the Elders and the other representatives remained to discuss matters of importance. "Good captain, your relations with the Seaquestrians means very little to us. You are free to hold any opinion of anyone you see her just as long as you understand that should you rage war against an ally of ours, we will remain neutral in the matter. Monetary aid can still be supplied and the likes but will not interven militarily."

Sebastian's chair eased towards Ito. "Well lieutenant since you are now commanding officer here for you government, is there anything that your people value trading with others? Some good that depends primarily on exportation?"

Lt Ito replied "my people are recovering from a disaster on our old homeworld that wiped out most of our population and our main need is ship building facilities, ores and the raw materials to rebuild our defence fleet.

We can export timber and other natural raw materials from our new homeworld which could pay for the raw materials we need to rebuild our defence fleet"

the captain spoke we will arm you with energy weaponry

"This is grave news indeed. If you provide us with a list of the materials needed, we shall see what can be spared and send to your people. We also have a fairly large space dock around the nearest moon here. Part of it can be designated for your use if you wish."

Sebastian held out his palm containing a small metalic sphere. A slight wave of his hand had the orb pulsating red until a screen opened before them all showing a small graph. "This is a record of our harvest. Since our population relatively small at this time, we produce more than is needed and can send extra food to your people if it will help."

the young Lt Ito nodded and replied "I believe we have a deal. Our Ambassador once she arrives can sort out the details of a treaty.

At present we are fine for food production since we have food replication technology. However a large part of our last rice crop failed and we can't afford another disaster otherwise our people would have problems"

Sebastian's ears perked up, well for a human at least. "Food replication technology? I have never heard of such a thing. Please elaborate on this."

Lt Ito replied "its similiar to the technology that goes into a transporter beam but basically basic food matter is bombarded by energy so it transforms into what food you asked for.

the more complex the meal the more energy is required.

Most replicators are set to rice which is a very simple meal to make"

the sephrion spoke up it is a standard tehnolgoy for the empire we have relictors thet can replicate any part we need or food or whhat ever we need im more then willing to conact high comand to get you some industriual replicators

"Then we would be very interested in purchasing this technology from you both. Such innovations would greatly lighten the load of our starships leaving more room for other materials."

Sebastian snapped his fingers and Captain Genji stepped forward. "Now, before you and your captain leave. I have a gift for your people. It is customary to give a gift to new people that we establish contact with. The Sephrions received theirs the last time they were here in Mythrandir. I believe we may just have something that may interest you. It is very old so I would beg that you take care of it while transporting it."

Genji bowed to the Elders and walked out of the room.

erm we must leave th enemy is attackin our captail planet

Lt Ito replied "thank you" and had a concerned look when she heard that the Sephrion homeworld was being attacked.

"I can take a food replicator from our ship so we can demonstrate it." she added "All we need is a power source to run it off"

he grined and said bye coms to the hammer two to beam up

"It is sad to hear of your plight. We wish you well and a safe journey home."

Thrandur looked at Lieutenant Ito. "Anythang fer free food."

the two beemed up and the warship left

The elf smiled and held out her hand showing him towards the table where the rest of the representatives were already seated and discussing matters with Sebastian, Thrandur, and Shizra watching over them all. "If you will please follow me, I will show you to a comfortable seat and you may discuss whatever you desire with the rest of the three Elders. I am only one of the three."

Tartain was not surprised that a private audience was not the first thing on the mind of the young elf, though his thoughts on the matter remained safely hidden within the confines of his sharp mind. He thought for a quick moment, allowing the Lady Alurial to take hime a step or so towards the room's exit before stopping completely with the intention to speak

"Of course, if your will sees it fit, then I shall indeed go where you bid me; it's not as if I am not used to the concept by now." He said with a chuckle, and with of his former strength returning, only to be lost again as he continued on, leaning more and more upon his staff, breathing at an increased pace, and allowing some small beads of sweat to form upon his wrinkled brow. "However, I should say one thing before we continue: the business in which I have been tasked to carry only requires the pressence of one. There need not be others involved; the matter at hand can be resolved with a word, just one word, from one person who may or may not have goals and desires of their own that may not coinside with with those of others. All that person must do is hear my words and consider them with all seriousness, then my business will be through."

"It is sad to hear of your plight. We wish you well and a safe journey home."

Thrandur looked at Lieutenant Ito. "Anythang fer free food."

Lt Ito smiled and her Captain returned with Commander Mari Takahara who was in the alternate red kimono uniform with the traditional short sword in her obi and carying a small case.

Lt Ito spoke briefly to her Captain who replied "We could send down the spare replicator to yourself and you could see how it works"

Alurial stopped and turned around to face the older gentleman. They were far enough away from the rest of group that no one need hear anything that was mentioned. Judas was dismissed with the wave of her hand and the man was eagerly away. "Alright good sir. You now have my attention and we are well out of earshot of anyone in this room. What is it that you have come to say?"

Sebastian smiled with the arrival of the new woman and the return of the captain. "I take it that you will be the new ambassador here on Mythrandir. It is our hope that you will enjoy your stay will this relation between nations grows."

Thrandur on the other hand was more concerned with the food aspect of it all. "That'll do just fine lassie. Bring it down when ye can."

"Ambassador Mari Takahara at your service" the XO repled as she bowed "and I hope that our nations can continue to grow in friendship"

She also had a box with her which she presented to Thrandur.

"this is a Kirisuban long sword, a traditional symbol of our warrior past and present" she added as she bowed again before presenting it.

ooc: its a long steel sword with a straight one edged blade. the guard is round with a two handed grip and the binding is made up of red and black cord. the metal scabbard is red.

Thrandur hopped down from the chair and accepted the sword. He opened the fine box and examined the sword. "Sebastain, dinn't ye have somethin' for these fine lasses?"

"Ah, I almost forgot. Now where did Genji runoff to. I hope he's not fratenizing with someone woman in the hall."

As if merely speaking his name was enough to summon him, Genji arrived pulling a large gift behind him. It was covered with a large cloth and rolled on wheels but a slight shape could be seen underneath. Captain Genji yanked the cloth back revealling a golden suit of armor. Each band of gold was intricatly weaved into one another forming a breastplate that also covered the torso. On a wooden helmet rack rested the final piece of golden armor in the gift. It adorned a large crest running down the center of the helmet. Green gold colored it all pleasantly adding a tint of color. "This is our gift to your people. It is some of the finest work that our gilders have come up with."

"My people will treasure this" Mari replies.

Captain Ishido replied "I'll leave Mari to her diploming while I see about transporting the food replicator. We will be back later"

she nodded to Lt Ito who joined her Captain's side.

she hit her comm badge and said "two to transport".

Both officers vanished in columns of white dazzling light as they returned to their ship.

Sebastian smiled and nodded before the two left, glad to hear that the gift was acceptable to them. Once they were gone, it seemed now was a good time to show the new diplomat to what would be her living quarters. Sebastian and Thrandur hopped out of their seats and walked over to Mari. "Please follow us good lady, we shall take you on a tour through the new city that will be your home away for home for some time it would seem. I am afraid the diplomatic quarters will be rather lonely for the time as you are the first diplomat that has deisred to stay on the planet here. But then again you won't have to worry about anyone bothering." Sebastian finished the last sentence with an easy laugh to try and relax the woman as they head back out into sunlight.

Instead of taking a ride in another carriage, they walk on the cobblestone streets for now. A beautiful day with a nice cool breeze. Stone buildings loom on both sides of the walkers with trees dotting the sidewalks every now and then though they haven't grown to their full stature. The diplomatic palace is just a few blocks from the White Tower and up on a hill. The roof of the complex can be seen and most of it still looks under construction, but what is finished promises to be a magnificant palace indeed. Large colored windows have already been installed along with the foundation and every wall was already erected. Stone workings looked much like that of the tower proving the masters of masonry were at work once again. "There it is," Sebastian says lifting his arm up high to point out the building that finally came into fuller view. An iron gate surrounded the complex giving it a bit of security.

Mari looked up at the palace and replied "Very nice. I'm sure its more space that i have already"

The company walked through the iron gate and the double doors of the palace. Inside, most of the complex had been completed with exquisite marble staircases with gold bannisters off to the sides leading up and around. A great crystal chandellir hung in the main meeting hall with many furnishings surrounding the main chamber along with a herth in the back. Architecuturally, this seemed to be the focal point of the palace with the vaulted ceiling rising well above the rest with a rose colored pinnacle at the top leaving red rose petals on the floor when the sun shone through.

Most of the walls and slots set aside for art would remain bear until the palace was completely finished and they were hoping to have a bit of foreign art to mix as well. Sebastian turned around to face Mari. "The east wing is the only other part of the palace besides the main chamber that is completely finished. So you have your choice of where you would like to stay. Would you like the third floor, second floor, or ground level?"

"I'd like the third floor" Mari replied.

"when can I have the tour?" she also asked smiling slightly.

"Very good."

Sebastian smiled and held out his arm for her to take. "Right now if you would prefer."

"I'll leave of my bag first and then I'll be ready to go" Mari replied smiling.

A couple of minutes later she had left of her luggage, had returned and took Sebastians arm looking happy with life.

Sebastian smiled and lead her further into the main chamber. Leather cushions were abound along with small wooden tables strategically placed for someone to rest a drink on. "We made this one of the largest rooms in the diplomatic palace for future diplomats to gather and converse with one another. Here you may even be able to build relations with other diplomats to increase ties with your own nation while you are here. We will have security posted around the area constantly with the understand that not everyone may be on friendly relations with one another. Our strict weapons policy will help maintain the peace around here so you need not worry."

The chandellir hung from a glass ceiling showing a second level with a much higher ceiling, plenty of windows and the pinnalce of the turret. Sebastian lead her up the stores over to the left and through the heavy wooden doors. Here on the second floor above the main chamber was a great library. Shelves full of books of all kinds and some shelves were bare with the hope that other nations would add their own literature to the collection. Furniture was around the room for a relaxing atmosphere and the walls were almost solid glass letting a bounty of sunshine through. Desks were placed off to the side for studying purposes and an orb was on each desk. Ambassadors would later learn that they were sources of light. "This is our library. It will remain open at all times for your use and pleasure. Our books range from personal history to fictional novels composed by our authors. Some of the shelves remain open with the intention of filling them with literary works from other nations. Perhaps your people will contribute to the collection."

"I could arrange for a library download from my ship" Mari replied "and a computer to read it on. We would like to add to your library but we don't really go in for books anymore. However we could print them onto flimsies and file them.

We also have 2D recordings of traditional dramas and films that you might find interesting. They're subtitled using galactic standard so others can understand them"

"If you are willing to download them from your ship's computer, then we will take care of transferring them to a more hardcopy. Perhaps it's just me, but I find holding a hard text in my hand and carrying it whereever I go more comforting. Just something about relaxing on a couch or out outside somewhere with a book appeals to me. But to each their own some say, it's all about preference."

He lead her around the library in a quick circle before taking Mari out a side door that lead down a carpeted hallway. Flames flared to life as they passed several iron braziers illuminating the long hallway. It still lacked decoration but what was there was ornatly finished with fine carvings in the wood panneling. "Your recordings would be a great bonus to us. A chance to view some of your dramas would please many and perhaps your people may think of performing a few here. It doesn't matter if it is in a different language. Most people will understand the meaning if the drama is performed well."

They stopped outside one of the wooden doors. Sebastian reached out towards the golden knob and turned it. The door creaked slightly as it opened revealing a finely furnished room with plush carpet. Great windows had curtains pulled back letting the light stream in. The main room provided a sort of lounge for the diplomat along with a holographic image projector for viewing the local channels and what interstellar ones they could link into eventually. Glass doors blocked off the left side of the room and there were three other doors around the room. "This will be your room during your stay. Behind the glass doors is the kitchen should you wish to entertain guests or fix your own meal but there will be a sort of room service on call for your benefit if you wish to use it. Don't worry about the cost since we will be covering it. To your immediate right is the main bedroom with a fourposted bed, desk, and boudoir. The other two doors are a guest bedroom and a full bathroom. Since you are the first ambassador we have, I've given you a room with a view that looks out over parts of the city and towards the mountain range where the sun will set. I hope this meets your satisfaction."

Mari smiled and replied "these quarters are beyond my wildest dreams. I'll arrange for a computer to be downloaded with our ships library and be transported here"

She put down her case and smiled again as she took a good look round the place she would be calling home for a while.

He directed her attention to a black orb resting easily within a tripod atop a small coffee table between an easy chair and a nice leather couch. A wave of his hand activated the holographic screen showing a detailed map of the diplomatic palace, or at least what it would look like when it was finished. "This will be your basic instrument of choice to fulfill certain needs. It acts as a map, itenerary, communication link to the rest of the network, television, room temperature control, personal planner, and art guide. You may adjust the placement of the holographic screen to any part of the room you wish once you find your comfort zone. This will also allow you to contact maintenance and other household offices should you need anything along with anyone in this palace, myself or the other Elders. There is a personal computer in your room with a data crystal reader. It's portable so you should have no problems carrying it to any part of the room. Plus it's the lightest unit we can provide."

Mari smiled and replied "I'll make the arrangements for the download. Now is always better than later"

She hit her comm badge and spoke briefly in kirisuban telling the archives officer what she wanted downloaded into the Kirisuban laptop and when she wanted it for.

The conversation finished she got back to Sebastian and replied "the download should be complete within the hour and you can see some of our dramas. The legend of the seven samurai is well worth watching."

"I would very much like to see it."

He clasped his hands behind his back while looking around the room one last time to make sure all was in order. "I probably should get back outside to see that your Captain does not end up lost when she returns to the planet. Shall I bring her here when she arrives?"

Mari nods and replies "that would be a good idea".

###

Back on the Naga Captain Ishido and Lt Ito made sure the golden armour was carefully moved to her ready room for safe keeping. An engineering crew was also adapting a spare replicator so it wouldn't need a supply of biomatter to keep it going.

The new food replicator was the next step forward and only needed energy to produce the food. it drew heavilly on transporter technology and Captain Ishido hoped that Mari could put it to good use as well as demonstrate Kirisuban know how.

Fish and rice dishes were already programmed in but the engineers were also adding Neoman recipies such as red meat and chicken dishes and Wumpus steaks as well as selctions of vegetables

Sebastian closed the door to Mari's room allowing her some privacy to arrange the room as she saw fit and put away her personal belongings. Outside he met up with Thrandur and Shizra who were awaiting the return of Captain Ishido and the food replicator.

Thrandur was licking his lips and rubbing his hands together impatiently while standing outside the diplomatic palace, waiting.

within 20 minutes Captian Ishido and Lt Ito had reappeared in two columns of sparkling light.

This time Lt Ito had a laptop computer and the Captain had the replicator which was box shaped and stood about 12 inches long, 14 inches high and 12 inches deep.

They bowed when they seen Thrandur and Shizra and the Captain said "honoured elders of Mythrandir, as well a piece of our technology we have also brought a download of our ships library and our period dramas in 2D display form.

If you can direct us to a power source i can show you how this works."

###

Mari took the time to unpack her small case and re-joined Sebastian 10 minutes after he had left her so they could meet up with the Captain later on.

Shizra and Thrandur were slightly unsure what the library and drama downloads were for but they assumed that Sebastian would know. A power source though might slightly be a problem in the diplomat palace. There were plenty of ports for a computer hook-up along with other various electronic devices but the power source inside was not exactly astronomical. Shizra made a move for the door to open but it stopped slightly. "How big of a power source will this require? We have basically standard outlets and the likes inside along with a few sources for our holographic projections."

Sebastian hooked an arm around one of Mari's as soon as she caught up. Together they headed back through the library and down the stairs to the main entrance where everyone was basically waiting.

Captain Ishido replied "the computer won't need much power but the replicator will use different amounts of energy depending on what food or drink is created.

The more complex the item the more it uses"

"Then I suppose we will have to keep the demonstration fairly simple for the moment. Please, come inside." Shizra opened the door to the main lobby. Just a few feet in Sebastian was standing there with Mari, a small smile on his face for greetings.

Kirisuban Captain located a power point and plugged in the replicator once she and Lt Ito had entered.

"i'll start with something really simple" she says before hitting a green button on the front panel and speaking clearly.

"one tuna sandwich with extra mayo"

The unit hummed into life and 10 seconds later a pre-cut sandwich appeared on a paper plate.

Keiko handed the plate to Shizra so she could sample the sandwich.

They didn't exactly have tuna on Mythrandir. There were a number of fish that were kinda used for the same concept, but composition and taste was completely different. Shizra nibbled at it. Her expression wasn't one of digust. She was simply trying wrap her mind around the unique flavor. Sebastian smirked, almost laughing. "How's it taste?"

"It's....different, Elder. Why don't you try some? I can assure you it's not poisonous."

Smiling wider and trying not to laugh. "No thanks. I think you should keep eating it."

Thrandur pushed his way between the two bantering back and forth. He looked up to the two women. "Ye got any salted pork in dere?"

"salt can be added to taste" Captain Ishido replied and pressing the button spoke into the replicator.

"two Pork fillets wth extra salt" she said and they appeared in a shimmer of light paper plate and all.

she then gave the plate to Thrandur so she could see what he made of it.

Thrandur took one of the fillets and crunched down on half of it. His eyes widened slightly once he had finally tasted the meat itself then he continued to chew. He grabbed the other fillet and proceeded to make short order of it as well. Thrandur looked his fingertips thoroughly then rubbed his great round belly. "Ah, now that's some good pork. I like this here contraption. I fer one vote to buyit."

Sebastian smiled wide trying not to laugh at the dwarf making a spectacle of himself from eating two helpings of pork. "Alright, Elder. I believe we could use this technology for many areas of our lives once we understand the technology better. Thank you for the demonstration Captain. It has been most helpful."

Captain Ishido smiled and replied "Ambassador Takahara can repair this if it breaks down.

Over time I'm sure you could build your own version of it. The main benefit of replicators is that your ships need to carry less stores and our larger replicators can manufacture spare parts, tools, clothes and even panels to repair the ships.

This means that our vessels are fairly self sufficent since their tour of duty can be a year or more away from home and supply bases"

"Yes I'm beginning to see the value of such technology. This will be a great asset to us. At the moment our ships don't travel too much further outside our solar system. Now, we could possibly begin launching further explorations instead of sending out probes."

Sebastian had been scratching his chin much of the time while walking back and forth. He finally stopped with a small smile on his face. "Well thank you Captain. I shall see that your government is fairly compensated for sharing this technology with us. Was there anything else you wished to see or discuss?"

Captain Ishido smiled and said "theres only one thing for now. I need to return and supervise the ships maintenance.

Would it be possible for my crew to have some shore leave here? I promise that they won't misbehave while on your world."

"Hmmm. I suppose that will be acceptable. I will have extra guards patrolling the city then and I will have a map and guide ready for the members of your crew so that they will know possible attractions as well as parts of the city to stay away from. What's the size and make-up of your crew?"

"my crews all human females, 80 in total" Keiko replied "but we need some of the crew aboard at all times.

We normally let them loose in groups of 20 on a 24 hour pass. They do behave themselves since they know whats at stake but information on places they can and can't go to would be helpful"

Sebastian stopped in mid stride. "All women? Then maybe I should have guards watching the guards." He finished with a small smile.

He clasped his hands behind his back and stood straight to face the Captain. "I have no doubt that your women behave exceptionally well. The security is merely a way of protecting your crew from say petty thieves and pick pocketers. It would not bode well for us if something were to happen to your fine ladies. So, I will have an orb ready for each of your crew members when they arrive and they may pick then up at the White Tower. We shall see to it that they are fed if they don't have enough money to eat at one of the restaurants in the city. Will this suffice?"

Captain Ishido replied "my crew can take care of themselves but orbs would be helpful.

They'll only fight if they're attacked first and we usually have either a plasma pistol or a sword to defend our honour with.

We do use currency but I don't know what Obans would be worth here. "

She goes into a pocket and comes out with some silver and gold coloured coins as well as paper notes for larger denominations.

"the silver ones are one oban coins, the gold ones are worth 10 and the notes range from 20 to 100 obans"

"There is a slight problem with that. We do not allow any sort of ranged weapon like blasters on the planet below. Your melee weapons are acceptable though. As far as your currency goes, I will have a money exchanger standing by to appraise the purchasing power of your Obans. Fair enough?"

Keiko Ishido nodded and replied "Swords only and a money changer is fine by me".

Sebastian opened his palm and rubbed a violet orb. Contact caused the instrument to hum until it flashed a holographic screen in front of them. A runic alphabet appeared on the screen, apparently the writing system on Mythrandir. After accessing a few tabs and moving through to a communication circuit, the image of a portly bearded man appeared on the screen. His smile was kind and his light green eyes gave off a sort of youthfulness to his soul. "Good afternoon Elder. What can I do for you?"

"Hello Matthew. In a short while we will be entertaining some guests on planet here. They have brought along currency from their home called Obans and will need to exchange it for our gold marks. Appraise and compare the purchasing power of each currency. Have a large enough amount of money standing by to exchange."

"I will have it taken care of right away. Will that be all?"

"Just one more thing Matthew. Let the cooks of each leading clan know that their services will be requested. Tell them now is the time to impress us with their creations."

It took a moment for Matthew to catch on to what Sebastian was meaning but he finally understood and nodded. "I will let them know. This evening should prove to be an interesting one. Good day Elder."

"Good day Matthew." The screen folded in on itself and disappeared leaving the rest of them alone. Sebastian turned back around to face Ishido. "Well Captain, monetary matters have been taken care of and a great feast will be prepared for you and your crew catered by all the leading clans of Mythrandir. I hope you will attend as well as Mari. Tonight should be a good night for all."

(Just in case anyone is reading this and wondering, this is open and anyone is welcome to join if they wish to.)

Captain Ishido looked over to Commander Takahara and Sebastian and replied "thank you for making the necessary arrangements. I can bring most of my crew down but I still need a skeleton crew to run things.

I reckon that you'll have 60 of my crew to cater for and Mari and myself will be there. We don't usually eat much meat but fish and vegetarian dishes always go down well with us.

Lt Ito needs to be aboard although to look after things in my abscence"

"Well I'm afraid the dwarf clans will be highly disappointed with not being able to fix their favorite meat dishes. Thrandur, get your clans to fix some of their finest ales for sampling. That should make the atmosphere merry. As for the others, I will have them prepare accordingly. You and your crew don't have anything against desserts do you?"

Bumped

"Well I'm afraid the dwarf clans will be highly disappointed with not being able to fix their favorite meat dishes. Thrandur, get your clans to fix some of their finest ales for sampling. That should make the atmosphere merry. As for the others, I will have them prepare accordingly. You and your crew don't have anything against desserts do you?"

"We've nothing against desserts" Captain Ishido replied with a little smile on her face.

Lt Ito looked slightly saddened that she would miss the feast but even she knew that there was still work to be done on the ship.

Seeing the soured look on the Lieutenant's face, it didn't take Sebastian long to figure out what was troubling her. "And since your entire crew can't be down here on the planet to enjoy the night, if it is alright with you Captain; I'll have a few small shuttles ferried out to your ship laden with enough of the foods to feed the rest of your crew. That way everyone will be able to enjoy a hot meal."

(If you don't mind, after this I'll fast forward a little bit to get the feast going and celebrations.)

Captain Ishido nodded her assent.

"that would be appreciated" Lt Ito replied "but we'll probally get the first shore leave instead"

She looked a bit happier with life after hearing that.

(ooc: fast forward away :)

The company broke and went their separate ways with Shizra heading back to the Underdark to procure some more security guards. It would be night soon so dark elves would be best for patrolling unnoticed as they moved from shadow to shadow.

Sebastian stopped by quickly to see how Matthew was handling the orders and went over the orbs that were going to be lent to Captain Ishido's crew. Satisfied that all was accounted for and laid out with professional care, he ventured back to his own small mansion where he had been away from Sarah for far too long. He dived back into bed with his wife to spend more quality time with her and informed her of the spontaneous festival that was taking shape. She only smiled. "I'll have to find a dress on short notice for such an occassion."

"Non sense my dear. Just wear what you're wearing now."

Sarah looks somewhat confused but giggling slightly. "But I'm not wearing anything."

A wolfish grin spread over Sebastian's face. "I know."

Some of the greatest coneisures from the human and elf clans went to work in a frenzy to whip up their latest masterpieces for this festival. They all had the guidelines handed to them so they went to work with a newfound furry of concocting something that meant the guidelines of fish, rice, and vegetables. Fish and vegetables were not a problem and Mythrandir boasted some of the most exotice specimens of both that they had ever known. Rice however came only from one small island off the western coast of the main continent. Fortunatly, there was enough stockpiled to accomodate the short notice. Dwarves went to work on brewing some of their finest ales and baking tall cakes. It was amazing that such short people could bake cakes that towered over them. Their forges doubled as baking ovens and icing came from very fine berries that only grew with minimal sunlight in the airshafts. Such a variety of food was only outdone four times a year when the season solstices were celebrated and enough food was prepared to feed all within the city and outter villages.

Once the samurai crew began arriving, their money was being exchanged for gold marks that would be good anywhere on the planet Mythrandir and they were welcome to come back to exchange it back out or keep it as souvenirs. Matthew on the other hand was handing out the small violet orbs to the crew members. Each one had a number ingraved on the surface. He was standing in the middle of the throngs of people. "Ladies, if I can have your attention. These orbs are activated simply by waving your hand over the top like so."

He waved his hand over the orb and it immediatly lit up throwing out a holographic screen with a few menues listed. "From the menu, you can activate several features. One of the most important menu is the map. The map is divided into districts and it provides a pictoral image of your surroundings. Their is also a communication feature between orbs and the security lines in Mythrandir. To communicate amongst yourselves, simply type in the number of the corresponding orb and a holographic image of your companion will appear on the screen. For security, you simply need to press the word and it will take you right to an officer. Are there any questions?"

The Kirisuban women seemed happy and didn't ask anymore questions before going on their way. They all caried some kind of short sword or dagger as well. Most of them were wearing the skirt uniform with the red tunic and tall boots but some were wearing trousers and short boots.

Captain Ishido was wearing a red kimono for the banquet along with her katana which was tied with a black obi in the style of married lady.

As her crew went off to the feast Captain Ishido bowed when she seen Sebastian again.

"My crew was overjoyed to set foot on a planet again. Thank you for all that you've done for them."

As the Kirisubian women walked throughout the city, they would encounter the various shops and hawkers selling their wares. Items ranged in a variety of shape, size, material, quality, and price. Crystalline figurines were sold in a bricked building with slated roof near the fountain at the base of the White Tower. Almost any figurine could be purchased from flowers and angels to all sorts of beasts. Some shops were selling breads and meats just for everyday life and needs while others were selling sweets and pastries. A gildsmith had a shop setup near the diplomatic palace that Mari was staying at and the man was well versed in his craft. He was actually the one that spent many years of his life crafting the golden armor that was a gift to Kirisubian captain so the quality of his work was guaranteed though it might cost a little more. Elsewhere weapon smiths had their forges at the second ring of the interior near some of the guard barracks. The more finer smiths had their finest jeweled pieces out on display as their crowning achievements.

People in Mythrandir appeared to be friendly for the most part helping anyone who was slightly lost or had a question. The only ones that would appear to be rude were the dark elves who simply kept to themselves but even the dwarfs were friendly though it could have been because the outsiders were all women. Patrolling the streets security personnel were out in full force and armed. Many barbarian men were making up the interior patrols with bare muscled torsoes and bulging muscles on every inch of their bodies. The only article of clothing they wore was what was wrapped around their waists and the hide boots around their feet. Weapons ranged from warhammers to battle-axes to massive bastard swords that were strapped along their backs. Armament was same for the dwarves as well but the elves displayed more graceful weapons if they could even be seen carrying slender curved swords. Some of the dark elf women even sported whips at their waists.

Sebastian smiled and waved at the captain when he spotted her from afar. He was wearing a white open vest with gold trim along the edges with no shirt on underneath with trousers colored lightly brown. Sarah had an arm hooked in his. Her long, lustrous, curly brown hair fell past her shoulders and stopped at her midback. The dress was fairly simple in design being purely white with a "V" cut neck line and synched at the waist allowing her curves to be moderatly shown off. "Hello again Captain Ishido. I'm pleased to hear that your crew is enjoying their time here on the planet. Oh, I would like to introduce you to my wife. Captain Ishido, this is my wife Sarah."

The Kirisuban women were enjoying themselves buying little crystal figures and other things like Mythrandir style clothes.

A good few of them had also purchased swords and long daggers of local manufacture.

Keiko Ishido bowed in welcome to Sebastian and Sarah and replied "Sebastian, its good to meet you again and its a pleasure to meet your lovely wife."

Elsewhere Ambassador Takahara was with a group of her friends as they went shopping in the marketplace.

Clothing in Mythrandir ranged from simple dresses that were all one piece with ruffled sleeves and various necklines while others were more elaborate with various exotic trims, bodices, ribbons, and fabric. Some of the smaller clothing shops that were not on the main road even sold a few errotic articles of clothing for couples.

Sebastian and Sarah both bowed in return to Keiko. "Well Captain, we have an hour or two before the food will be ready and we still have some daylight left. I could take you on a small tour if there was anything that you wished to see."

Keiko smiled and replied "i would like a tour if you're offering one. Since I don't know your world it makes sense to show me what you and Sarah can in two hours".

Meanwhile in the marketplace some of the kirisuban crew were buying the simple dresses and the ones which had paired off with others sneaked a look or two at the clothes for couples. Most couples in Kirisubo were female although.

Shopkeepers in the clothing stores did not mind in the least showing the women their variety of items and proved most helpful to show what was the latest craze both in dress styles and elswhere.

"Let's see...hmmmm...you've seen most of the tower and the diplomatic palace. There are many shops all over the city that I believe your crew is frequenting. I don't if I ever mentioned it but this city was designed by the human race on this planet though the mason work on the wall and tower was done by the dwarf clans but each race here on Mythrandir has their own main city. The mountains you came through has a tunnel leading to the dwarf clans metropolis and a forest far off across the plains houses the elves. Would you like to see one of those cities or perhaps some more of this city?"

the Kirisuban crew continued to be happy shoppers as they finally had a chance to spend some of their wages. 10% percentage was taken as a contribution to their pensions as well as the normal taxes they paid.

Keiko had made up her mind and asked "could I see the dwarf city. Thats if they would mind me being there?"

He was somewhat surprised by the desire to see the dwarf city. "They wouldn't mind in the least though it is rare for anyone that isn't a dwarf to visit the city. It will be a little warm and I can't promise that the aroma will be pleasant either. If you'll wait one moment, I'll have a cart brought out."

Sebastian put in a call for a small transport to meet them near the fountain and pick them up.

Captain Ishido nodded and waited beside Sarah.

After all she was an explorer and a chance to visit a dwarf city didn't come along everyday.

A cart arrived in short order. It was smaller than the one Captain Ishido used to travel from the docks to the city but the seating looked far more comfortable. Sebastian opened a side door for the ladies to both get in and once they were secure, the tear drop shape vehicle darted off towards the northern exit. Buildings and people flashed by as they sped along the paved streets and out into the open field.

White peaks were up ahead as they quickly closed the long gap from the city walls to the feet of the mountains. Grassy fields left them behind as they entered a light forest but the transport still had to slow down and navigate through. There were few birds in the tree at this time with a few being driven off as they passed. Variations of deer, foxes, and other woodlen creatures started popping up as they went deeper in. Their path now began to ascend and the trees began to grow thinner and thinner until there was a small valley just up ahead. Sebastian made the final arrangements on the consul to let the transport take it the rest of the way through the valley. Once they reached the ridge, looking down nestled into the mountain wall was a worked gate. It stretched upwards of about twenty meters which was surprising to make such a large door for such a small people. A wrought iron gate stood open allowing the few torches in the tunnel to shine forth their light into the growing darkness. As they drew closer, they could see that there were even a few dwarves standing outside on guard. Heavily armed, it was believed that a few dwarves could withstand any adversary and the only creature to worry about in Mythrandir were the few wild goblins left. Three dwarves was more than enough then.

Sebastian smiled as they came to a stop. "Well here we are. It's not much to look at right now but this is the 'back door' afterall." He opened the door and helped each woman down before escorting them to the gate.

Keiko smiled and said "thank you Sebastian" as he helped her down.

she adjusted her katana when she got to solid ground and took a good look round her.

The dwarves certainly seemed to fit the way that the old storys from Earth depicted them as they wore armour and were heavily armed with bladed weapons.

She bowed to the guards to show her respect to fellow warriors since it was the way samurai greeted each other normally.

The dwarven guards bowed in return, their long curly beards brushing against the grown. Sebastian was of course more than welcomed through the gates with his guests. He hooked an arm around Sarah's waist as they plunged down to the gloomy depths. "Stay close Captain. These tunnels are not well lit and it's easy to get lost down here."

Once pass the gate, the cavern opened up slightly to a small room. There wasn't much to it really except some stairs leading up a ledge to three different tunnel entrances. Sebastian took them down the right one. Braziers lighted the way down short stepps that would prove quite treacherous if someone didn't watch their step. It went on and on spiralling down to the depths below the mountains. The air started warming as they moved deeper in. Their descent finally leveled off to an earthen bridge over a bottomless casm. Sebastian held Sarah tight and looked over to make sure Keiko was alright before continuing on.

Up ahead was another tunnel with an orange glow eminatig from it. "Up ahead is the forge works of the dwarves which explains why the air is so warm. The dwarves built their city like a giant maze and that tunnel does not lead to the forge. You can only pass by a small window. If we wanted to see the forge itself, we would have had to have taken the left tunnel and come up underneath the forge. Up ahead is a small pass that will wind around the cliff face leading to the Helm Hall, the great city of the dwarves here."

Keiko listened carefully and stayed close to Sarah and Sebastian.

she had been in caves and tunnels before on other worlds but this felt like a home. Even the walls felt warm to the touch now they were approaching the forge.

Now the path became more traversable and wide open as they rounded the narrow bend of the cliff face. To the left was a drop that went on for many phantoms. Up ahead was a stair case leading down and spiralling back around below the forges until it jutted out between a small casm acting as a tunnel. Once they were through here, a light began to grow and grow as they walked. The din of hammers on anvils was soon replaced with the clamor of voices and the hustle and bustle of a prosperous city.

Where once there were no dwarves, now the short burly people were busying themselves walking through the broad hallway and off into different tunnels only offering a short gruffy greeting before disappearing into the darkness. The hallway finally gave way to a massive metropolis of dwarves going about their business. A ceiling could barely be seen as it shot up hundreds of meters above their heads and was supported by great thick stone pillars that dotted the area everywhere. Throngs of dwarves swarmed the cold stone floor with their heavy boots sloching away while they walked going to their business. Shops were opened either out in the open or built into the stone walls. The auroma of hot food cooking drifted up over the ordinary dingy air smell. A few humans and elves dotted the populace as they were here to either collect a specialized order or to place one, and they weren't hard to pick out since they were nearly twice the height of any dwarf.

Sebastian lead Sarah and Keiko out into the main chamber. "Welcome to Helm Hall (http://www.neilblevins.com/artgallery/media/fellowship_l.jpg), the last great dwarven city on Mythrandir. We are now several thousand kilometers beneath the great giant mountain range that we call the Karock mountains."

"its certainly impressive" Keiko replied not having seen anything like this before "and certainly a safe place to live."

"Yes it is." Sarah smiled as she looked around over the tops of every dwarf's head. "I find that each race has their own idea of what a city should look like and they are all factored on how each race respects the land. Both the dwarves and elves mold their abodes into their surroundings. Elvish homes wind up around tree trunks until it reaches the boughs of the trees. There is where the room of their homes are strategically placed to not disturb any tree's growth. Dwarves delve deep within mountains like moles and burrow out their own little home using what the mountain has to offer to shape their homes. I believe the dark elves and humans are most alike when building their cities."

Sebastian shivered slightly. "Let's not go there. Sometimes that place just gives me the creeps."

"You wouldn't say that if Shizra was around."

He smiled slightly. "You're right. I'd be afraid she would cut my tongue or something of the sorts. The woman has a strange sense of humor."

Sebastian then turned his attention back to Keiko. "You are probably standing in a chamber down here that is fitted with the least amount of traps and defenses. Every pass we took was triggered to collapse a ceiling, drop a bridge, or roll ten ton boulders over us. Luckily they knew we were coming. You were right when you said this is a safe place to live though I don't think I would want to go without the sight and warmth of the sun nor the scent of fresh air."

"when you're home and place of work is a cramped space ship you don't get fresh air or sunlight very often either" Keiko replies "so I can appreciate how the dwarves live here.

We can be in space for up to two years at a time on our missions."

"How sad. Long trips like that must be hard on your families and loved ones back home. I don't know if I could ever do anything like that especially if it means leaving this big lug behind."

Sebastian mockingly smiles. "Thanks dear."

Keiko smiled and replied "Sarah i'm sure that eventually once our ships get larger that we'll have familys on board but that is something for the future.

Until that happens we'll make sacrifices for our people and in my case that means no children or marriage partner for now. I don't think that its fair on either party."

Sebastian nodded his understanding. "Perhaps someday you'll be able to take love ones with you on your long and lonely voyages, but until then I hope you and your crew take this time to enjoy themselves. So, was there anything special you wanted to see down here? Forges, tasting ales, look at dwarven gifts and crafts?"

Keiko thought about sampling the ales but thought against it. she didn't want to show herself up later.

"A look at the crafts would be nice" she replied to Sebastian "and I hope we can stay for a little while. Its good to walk on a plantary surface again"

"But of course. We still have about an hour or so until the festival starts which grants us plenty of time to wonder around down here."

Sebastian leads the ladies through the throngs of dwarves and the occasional human or elf. The sweet auroma of pies and cakes start drifting in the cavern air as the desserts for the feast are being prepared. Bottles line wooden shelves along cavern walls while dwarves barter over ales and spirits.

He then leads them down a row of shops displaying figurines. Some with stone statues of a variety of animals including some mythical like dragons and unicorns. Other works are of glass or iron. Dwarves had built their reputation on being the finest smiths in the land and their work reflected such quality and refinement.

Keiko was interested in an iron dragon figurine and asked the shop keeper how much it was.

The dwarf maiden grabs the particular statue that held Keiko's interest. A fine figurine indeed that made the dwarven woman grin a jagged toothy smile. "It'll be 80 gold marks far ye lassie."

Sebastian steps up before Keiko can pay or reach for her wallet. He examines the statue thoroughly. "I say it's only worth 40 marks."

Her smile droops into open mouth disbelief. "Bah yer crazy. The craftmanship and material alone is wurth da 40 marks. 70 marks then."

"55."

She splutters and almost breaks into a tirade. "65 marks and I ain't comin' down further unless I be removin' parts of yer body."

Sebastian smiled and nodded. "Now that's a better price. 65 gold marks it is then."

Keiko smiled at Sebastian and replied to the dwarf maiden "I'll take it at that price" and counting out the required number of gold marks.

She then accepted the figurine and bowed to the shop keeper.

The dwarf grabbed the gold marks and stuffed them in a wooden box. Her attention turned to other customers who she hoped would not be up to haggling over prices.

Sebastian lead Keiko passed a few more shops with some selling pastries and others had fine gilded goblets, steins, and glasses hanging from wooden racks up above their heads. "The trick with some of these shopkeepers is you have to haggle with them but you also have to know when to haggle. You typically wouldn't haggle with a weapons smith or chef but the ones selling little figurines and such are a different story."

* nods as she gets the explaination *

As they walk more time passes and the feast gets closer but there was still more to see!

As they passed the racks containing glasses and the sorts, the sound of hammer against anvil began to dominante the drone of the milling crowd. Up ahead, weapon and armor repairs were taking place right out on the main floor. Orders were being taken from customers and some of the finer pieces of armor were displayed on wooden manicans.

Swords, axes, warhammers, and a wide variety of staffs were lined against a wall or hung for all to see. Obviously this area was the dwarven pride as it took up the most room and the amount of jewels and gold worked into every piece was staggering. Many were simply works of art while others looked quite formadible indeed.

Nearby, cloth was being sold and various forms of die and styles. Capes, caps, travelling cloaks, pants, ruffled shirts for women, boddices, to revealing and provactive clothing hung on racks or were folded neatly out on display for all to see.

Practically everything could be found down here except for botanic wildlife, however the dwarves had managed to bring in a few flowers that required very little sun at all. They were simply white bell flowers with short green stems but they were quite popular among dwarven women who rarely received a flower, ever. "Do you see anything else you like, Captain?"

Keiko liked weapons and although she already had some live swords on a wall of her cabin she was always looking for interesting pieces.

She looked at the clothes and a simple long red dress caught her attention. Like the kimono she was wearing now it flattered her figure and came down to her ankles.

The plunging neckline also caught her attention.

"how much is that one?" she asked.

The dwarf maiden pulled the red dress off the rack and held it up around Keiko's neckline, or at least tried to. Her smile was wide, even through the short beard it was easy to tell she liked the look on Keiko. "Ah, now dat's a fine fit lass. Looks good on yer curves and dis neckline is bound te show off yer 'qaulities'. I say fifteen gold marks fer it."

Sebastian smiled, half embarrassed about the dwarf woman's assesment with the other half pleased with the better treatment this time. He nodded his approval. "It's a good price."

"Bah, of course it is. I ain't one of dese sqalliwags trying to pick de pockets of nice people such as yerselves. Whaddya say lassie? A deal?"

Keiko wasn't that much taller than the dwarf maiden so she ducked down very slighty so she could see how the dress looked.

Smiling she said "you've got a deal" and paid the asking price happy with her purchase.

It would certainly show of her best assets.

The dwarf took the money and placed it in her own wooden box and then reattached the lock. Keiko's newly purchased red dressed was folded and handed it over. She flashed a big toothy smile. "Good luck lass. Yer bound te catch yerself a man with dat little dress."

Sebastian nodded his thanks to the dwarf. "Well Captain, our time here is almost up and we should be getting back to the city soon. Is there anything else you wish to see here?"

Keiko shook her head knowing that she should be getting back.

Even the briefest glimpse at the dwarf city had been worth it and her report home would certainly attract a lot of interest.

"Then let us return." Sebastian hooked an arm around Keiko and Sarah as he lead them out of the thriving dwarf populace. They took the same road back through the tunnels and out the rear entrance where their shuttle was still waiting. The dwarven guards bid them farewell, and the trio was off back down the slopes towards the city.

As the banquet was beginning to draw closer along with the sun starting to set, long oaken tables were being setup outside the White Tower and all around the main marble fountain. The marble dragon spewed it's aquatic breath forward as its eyes watched the caterers throw on nice tablecloths and bring out silverware for everyone to use. Finely carved chairs were being setup around the tables providing enough seats for the Samurai crew as well as a few extra chairs for individuals from Mythrandir. Appetizers were already being set out. Fruit platters were setup at regular intervals along the table along with a seafood platter. Fish from Mythrandir were picked in tight rice balls. Other balls had shellfish of some sorts and others were packed with steamed vegetables. Silver pitchers of water were being put out at the moment and goblets were placed at every seating for someone to use.

The orbs that the women were carrying would begin to vibrate trying to catch their attention. The alert was to inform them that appetizers were being setout should anyone be hungry and that dinner would be soon within a half hours time.

Keiko's crew answered the call to dinner and made their way to the White Tower.

Most of the women were carrying a bag of one kind or another as they had been shopping.

###

Keiko watched the terrain out from the window as they returned to the banquet.

It was standard practice for her in case she had to deal with an emergency landing. This way she would know the direction of major population centres and other helpful information.

Once the crew arrived, they would have found the tables completely setup for them. Candles were arranged eloquently in large gilded holders lining ten candles at a time. The multitude of appetizers were all ready and the goblets had been filled with water for the moment.

While the crew was arranging themselves in their seats, food for the main course was beginning to arrive. Barbarians stripped to the waist brought smoked fished on spits and placed them on racks in front of the tables. Elvish men and women, finely dressed in silk garments for the occasion brought in bottles of their favored spirits. The train of liqour was followed by more elves bearing wooden bowls filled with steamed rice, various cooked vegetables, and a number of spices for the food. The last group to make their way to the feast were the dwarves. Sweets and cakes taller than any man were carried on metallic trays and were placed on a table behind the main courses. Barrels of the finest ales were wheeled in and stacked while some were put on tap.

Sebastian, Sarah, and Keiko arrived just as the food was all being put into place. Sebastian let out a low whistle. "It seems everyone has gotten into this festival. Your ladies look like they'll be in for a royal treat."

Sarah smiled and hooked an arm around Sebastian's. "Good because I'm starving."

Sebastian nodded his agreement and held out an arm for Keiko. "Shall we?"

Keiko nodded and accepted Sebastians arm noting that Sarah didn't seem to mind.

The rest of Keiko's crew were eating, drinking and enjoying themselves as they chattered away in their own language.

(sorry this has taken me so long. power out and the whole bit has really pushed me back so don't think I was ignoring you or anything.)

Sarah hardly minded at all and his curteousy towards others, even other women, was something she had come to expect and even admired about him. She simply too his other arm and they walked out towards the feast. Many servants were moving about the tables refilling cups, laying out food, or simply talking to some of the crew members.

Alurial and Thrandur had arrived with their appropriate trains. Thrandur wore a belt buckle of gold and his long golden beard was trimmed neatly and tucked underneath his belt of leather that held back an enormours girth. His boots were of hard leather and his clothing were of silver and gold. A favorite group of colors among dwarves. Alurial on the other hand was slightly less flashy but far more beautiful. Her long brown hair had been brushed out with only a slight curl to it. The dress flowed behind her in a modest train of blues, purples, and white. Clearly it was meant to resemble the night at which the festival was taking place and she looked much like the heavenly hosts above. The two Elders bowed when they saw Keiko and Sarah again out of respect.

Sebastian, Keiko, Sarah, Alurial, and Thrandur now walked over to the head of one table setup high where drinks had already been prepared. Golden liquid seemed to glow from within. Sebastian picked up a glass and examined it. "Thrandur, did you borrow some more of your holy ale again?"

The dwarf only smiled as he took a long drink from his cup. Sebastian leaned down to Keiko. "Go easy on the drink, it's the strongest drink the dwarves posses."

Leaning back up, he held out his glass to the host that was around him. Sebastian cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "Brothers and sisters of Mythrandir. Friends from afar among the stars. This feast is in a celebration for an early fall solstice as well as to celebrate the new friendship that we have forged here today. While it is still young, it looks to be a promising one at that. So tonight, you are all more than welcome to eat and drink as much as you desire. From now on, your people are welcome in Mythrandir as our friends and may that relationship be a never ending one." To finish off his toast, Sebastian and Sarah along with the other Elders took a drink from their goblets and sat back down.

( don't worry I've had a mad week myself )

At the top table Keiko watched her crew, to a woman honour the toast as they sipped cautiously at the drinks.

They still weren't quite sure what to expect only having access to Sake while on ship.

Keiko joined the elders in the toast as she was the highest ranking Kirisuban here.

Then the feast began..

With the toast complete, the party could truly begin. The smell of burning wood drifted up in the air from the crackling fires only to be outdone by the warm auroma of the food still coming in. Trays of fruits and vegetables were being passed around for everyone to take their pick followed by large wooden bowls of rice that could only be grown on one island off the mainland of Mythrandir.

Cooked fish and different types of fowl soon followed and the servors would even carve off certain parts if it was so desired. A multitude of wooden bowls were handed out to the crew members full of salad and soups. Water, tea, wine, and ale all came by in gilded pitchers.

Fireworks began going off in the background, steeling the stars. An array of colors and patterns were displayed as projectiles traced intricate patterns during their ascent only to be interrupted with a climatic explosion of life. Bards started taking up instruments and tuning them before going into songs of good life, comedy, lost loves, and old battles of Mythrandir.

Sebastian was taking care of Sarah's plate. So many years with his wife, he knew just what foods she would want in this feast. A few vegetables here, a small piece of chicken, and plenty of pinneapple. For some reason she loved pinneapple but he did have his own desires of strawberries. Looking around he noticed someone was still missing from the scene. "Where's Shizra?"

Alurial shook her head, not particularly caring and happy for the absence. Thrandur had no idea either. "Ye know them dark elves. Always mysterious they be."

"Any dark elf but her. I know she would be here for this so I don't understand why she's not here yet."

Like a wisp of a dream that only comes back after great longing and desire, a figure stepped past the braziers that were lighting the outskirts of the party. Shizra walked up to the party participants. "Someone call my name?"

Sebastian recognized the voice and turned to greet Shizra but he stopped as his mouth practically fell to the floor. Sarah quickly put it back into place. Shizra had changed perhaps just as revealing but far more attractive than her typical black leather outfit. "Shizra...where did you find that?"

The dark elf looked down at herself. "It's my party dress (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j289/Mythrandir_NS/Characters/All_About_Lineage2.jpg). Is there something wrong with it?"

Sebastian just shook his head while the dark elf stepped up the platfrom and took the seat reserved for her. After a quick shake of his mental state to remove the images of the dress from his mind, Sebastian turned back to Keiko. "How does the food taste?"

"I like it" Keiko replied "and so it seems does my crew".

The Kirisuban women were enjoying the feast along with the new Kirisuban Ambassador to Mythrandir.

Keiko was always a small eater and expertly cut up the fish into small cubes with the supplied knife and fork before taking out her own chop sticks from a skirt pocket enjoying the taste of the fish.

"It pleases me to hear that everyone is enjoying it."

Sebastian took a small amount of everything to sample all the foods. His eating habit was slightly peculiar as he had a tedency to go days without eating, only adding to his toned figure. Sarah always worried about him and never hesitated to use this opportunity to make sure he filled up on good cooked food for a change. The Elders on down the line took what they desired for themselves and refilled their glasses on various drinks.


While the company was eating, some items of the main course were being taken away either because they were completely gone or interest had been lost. The next train was practically guaranteed to spark interest as the dwarven wagon came through with monstrous cakes and bowls of chocolate sweets.

Keiko had been chatting with Sarah and Sebastian as they ate and was looking forward to the desert course.

And like her crew she loved chocolate.

She had admired Elder Shizra's rather revealing dress and knew that she could never get away with something like that. However it suited the elder and all was well with the world.

Sarah and Sebastian both enjoyed their conversation with Keiko, asking about her world and life there.

Cake trays came around and Sarah couldn't resist helping herself to a decent size chocolate cake from one of the dwarven servers. "Dear, why is it that whenever we eat somewhere you always have to have a piece of chocolate cake?"

Sarah smiled with some bits of chocolate mixed in with her teeth. "Because I like it and I get what I like."

Sebastian shook his head with a sigh and picked at a vanilla piece. "So true."

In the background, fireworks continued to light up the sky as they slowly built up for one final finale. Many of the bards had put away their instruments and songs to allow the atmosphere to quiet down towards the end and allow many to relax. Warmer beverages started coming around for the dessert meals. Hot teas and fruit ciders were abundant to be found.

the Kirisuban women almost all took chocolate cake with Keiko taking a fairly large slice herself.

"Its amazing wherever you seem to go in the galaxy that you can find chocolate" she said to Sarah.

The tea and cider were appreciated by the visiting crew as some chattered away in their own language to each other and most of the crew of the crew started talking to the bards and the Dwarves.

Keiko then turned her attention to Elder Shizra as she talked about Kirisuban dress and kimono styles.

Sarah smiled and nodded her accord. "I believe it is one of the universes greatest gifts to all people. I feel sorry for anyone that is allergic to this sweetness."

Bards pulled up chairs with glasses of cider as they talked with the women and a few of the larger, buffer security guards couldn't help but try striking up conversations with the women.

Shizra looks down at her "dress" before looking back up. "Dresses like these are typical for banquets of this nature whereas casual attire is less modest by some standards. For dark elves, clothing is not for covering the party but simply to express something. What are the dresses of women on your planet like?"

Sebastian sat nearby picking at the leftovers of his cake thinking, and what are you trying to express Shizra?

Keiko replied to Shizra "we're inclined to have either the full kimono or knee length skirts nowadays. a kimono is still quite expressive of a womans curves and shape although.

Even an exploration fleet uniform is flattering to my crew once they put on the skirt and tall boots.

At the moment women outnumber men 5 to 1 on my world. They always did outnumber them but we've managed to find a way round not having a lot of males and to still keep a small but stable population"

The Kirisubans were starting to break off into little groups now as they talked to the local menfolk regardless of race. Seeing a male at all was a rarity for them.

Oddly, Shizra looked somewhat pleased at the prospect. Perhaps it was the one part of the dark elf within showing through. "See in our society in the Underdark, women are the leaders of our race where men serve supportive roles either as warriors or lovers. Though, I don't necessary agree with all of our practices. How did you manage to keep such a gender a ratio and keep a stable population?"

The men talking with the Kirisuban women seemed to be quite enjoying themselves. Talking to attractive women such as these from a far off planet made them appear even more exotic and attractive.

Keiko sighed and said "Elder its a long story but when the colony on New Kirisubo started 300 years ago one of the ships with the men on board was lost on the way.

That left leadership and power in the hands of the women as well as very few men. It was a 3-1 ratio at that point in time.

Over the years we found ways round the problem and new ways to organise families. Most children grow up having two mothers and no knowing no father. Our men continue their line through their sperm donations and are content to keep the race going that way.

We have also managed to find ways for two women to have a child without a mans help.

Our military and Exploration fleets are made entirely up with all female crews as a result of this population imbalance"

"Interesting story but I feel you are better off without the abundance of the male species." She finishes her remark by eyeing over at Sebastian.

Sebastian had finally finished his piece of cake and placed it on one of the servants trays to have it carted off when he overheard the remark. "I know you weren't referring to me War Mistress."

Shizra fiegns innocence. "Whatever could you possibly mean Elder?"

He eyes her suspiciously. "You'd do well to remember that I know where you live and I can have any number of 'friends' dump a cold bucket of water in your bed while you sleep."

With a dominanting smile, Shizra leaned back in her chair. "If your 'friends manage to creep through the house without me hearing them, then they have my respect. But once they enter my bedchambers and see what little I wear when I sleep, I believe they will just stare and gawk allowing me plenty of time to move. Perhaps I could even find ways to....convince them of returning the favor."

Sarah laughs and Sebastian flopps back having been defeated. Shizra smiles and leans over to whisper to Keiko. "You'll get in less trouble without them as well."

"I heard that!"

Keiko smiled and laughed enjoying the feast and the company. She knew that Elder Shizra was right and that Sebastian was outnumbered.

With quite a few of Keiko's crew making 'first contact' with the Mythrandir menfolk the Kirisuban Captain also noticed this as well.

It was then her comm badge went off and she listned to the clipped kirisuban of Lt Ito as she gave her Commander the current state of the repairs.

Leaves of mint came by on wooden platters for a sort of after dinner breath freshener. Sebastian and Sarah both took a couple of leaves to chew on as the servant went down the line explaining what they were and inquired if anyone wanted one. Above them, the fireworks had finally built up to their finale. Greens, bright purples, orange, red, and white all streamed through the sky tracing out geometric patters with some even be far more intricate taking on shapes of swords, trees, and even birds. Then the night sky lit up in a dazzling show of explosions and color, letting the embers float back down in flower scented auroma.

Sebastian sat there reclining and chewing on his mint leaf like a cow chewing on a blade of grass. "Captain, did you have any idea where you wanted your crew members to sleep? I mean if some are not needed on board your ship for repairs, they are more than welcome to sleep here on land. We have plenty of room and I imagine many of them would like sleeping in a warm bed with the stars above them for a change, intead of among them."

While the three Elders, War Mistress, and the Captain talked on, many of the cities people continued about their business and discussions. Even a few of the barbarian men that were currently off duty, started pushing their luck with a few of the female crewmembers. All for the good of intergalactic relations, of course.

"A central location would be nice then I could find all my crew in the morning" Keiko replied as she chewed her own mint leaf.

"theres enough crew aboard to carry out the repairs and the ones down here are on a 24 hour pass anyway"

The Kirisuban crew didn't protest when the barbarians came over and some of them were already about to leave with a man for the night.

Lt Ito's report complete it was back to business again and this meant small talk with the elders.

"Hmm." Sebastian tapped the hard wood of the table while he thought. "I believe we can have some of the guards quarters turned into temporary hotels for your crewmembers. I doubt many of them would protest to handing their beds over to your young women. As for you, I would have to insist that you stay at my wife and I's home for the evening. It would be inhospitable of us to let you sleep elsewhere."

The lucky men escorting a woman for the night either took them home for the evening or found an inn that was closer if they lived outside the main city. Some even exercised a bit of romanticism by taking a young lady for a walk on the wall to show them the starlit night and the moon reflecting off the ocean while others took them down to the beach for a quiet stroll. Either way, the Kirisuban were being given the royal treatment by some of the menfolk on Mythrandir.

"Elder, my crews used to cramped quarters on ship anyway so this will be no different for them.

Thank you for your kind offer and I look forward to seeing your wife's and your fine home"

"Then your crew should enjoy their quarters. Just let me know when you are prepared to leave for the evening and we will escort you back."

As the evening progresses, the fires begin to burn low with the warm glow of orange embers burning in the dark. Food racks and dishes are beginning to be taken away. Musicians not engaged in a conversation pack up their instruments and head home for the evening. The Elder of the elven clans, Lady Alurial, excuses herself from the crowd to head back home with her entourage for the evening. Sarah in the meantime, gets up from the table and makes her rounds around the tables to talk to the various Kirisuban women. Asking from everything about family and home to how they are enjoying themselves and whether or not the food was good.

Family and home were sore matters of conversation since practically every crew member had lost family during 'Z-Day'.

One young Ensign explained the story briefly on how a group of Kirisuban Terrorists set of this bio weapon that killed most of the population of the city Neo-Osaka within a day. They didn't stay dead although and roamed as zombies killing as they went.

The infection then went airborne and infected the local animals until one day later 4/5 of the population were dead or infected. The uninfected survivors were evacuated and New Kirisubo died when Sephrion Nova Torpedo's destroyed their world so the infection couldn't get of the planet.

They were now split over two star systems the warrior class having taken the chance to split and join with the warriors of the Sephrion Empire and the others going to Federal Union space.

As the girl sobbed after telling the story Keiko comforted her as they spoke in Kirisuban.

"I am so sorry. I had no idea." Sarah greatly apologized for her ignorance as she tried to comfort the women as well though she was clueless as to what she could accomplish as a foreigner. She made a mental note to avoid any talk about home or family as it was now an understood sore subject.

the young Ensign seemed to understand as Sarah helped comfort her.

"you weren't to know" she replied softly "and my ship is my family as long as i'm part of it".

This was the way Kirisuban crews worked and to a lesser extent the Kiribushi ships.

That effectively made Keiko the mother to her crew even although she was still in her late 20's.

The evening had wound down with the crew splitting up between groups of women, others going off with Mythrandir menfolk and others heading to their accomodations or a tavern to talk further with their friends.

The young woman dried her tears and joined a group of other young women who were heading to a tavern.

"our new home world is called Neo-Kirisubo on the star charts" Keiko told Sarah "but we can't help what happened in the past. We just have to move on and rebuild".

Sarah smiled while patting the young woman's shoulder. "Of course and we will be right here to help you rebuild."

Sebastian walked up behind his wife and hooked an arm around her waist. He suddenly appeared more noble and intelligent than the young lively human that had been known to wonder around in Mythrandir. "Indeed we shall help in anyway we can. For now, we should let everyone get on with the evening. The feast is over and I imagine some would like to get some rest. We also should remember our manners and escort the Captain back to our home so she may rest."

Sarah nodded that she understood and followed her husband back to where Keiko was waiting.

Keiko was ready to get some sleep in a proper bed and knew her crew would be fine from now on.

"I would be honoured to see your home" Keiko replied as they left the feast together.

"Then please follow us."

Sebastian bid goodnight to Shizra and Thrandur before leading the two women down the cobblestone road. They walked opposite the direction of the diplomat palace quarters and off towards a slow rolling hill not far from the White Tower. Lights flickered from iron lamps lining the street giving off a soft warm glow to the evening as stars filled the sky above. A quiet and peaceful night.

Sarah and Sebastian's "house" rose up in the twinkling light. It piled up at four stories with a crenulated stone wall encircling the complex complete with iron gate. A guard's barracks rested just within the courtyard and braziers burned along the walls and outside the gate. Far too large to be called an ordinary house, it looked more like a mansion or small fort.

"Well, home sweet home." Sebastian swept his arms outwide just as they passed by through the gate. Guards on both sides snapped a quick salute by thumping a fist to their heart clanking against armor.

"Welcome home Elder, m'Lady, ma'am."

Sarah smiled politly. "Did you manage to get any food from the banquet?"

One guard spoke up above the rest, apparently a captain of the house guard. "Yes ma'am thanks to one of the serving women under your orders. We managed a small feast of our own."

"I'm glad to hear it. Well enjoy the night. It looks like a beautiful one."

"Indeed. Sleep easy ma'am, we'll be on watch."

The trio walked on through the courtyard and up the stairs to twin oaken doors which Sebastian promptly threw open wide revealing a massive main floor to their home. Stair cases and glass windows were everywhere with a crystal chandellir hanging from the ceiling. Sebastian turned to face the women, Keiko in particular. "This will be your home for the night. I hope it is satisfactory."

this home was unlike anything that she had seen before. Even buildings on Neo-Kirisubo were based on the open plan villas of old Earth Japan, the nation that the Earthbound Kirisuban empire had been based on.

"Its wonderful" Keiko simply replied as she left down her dwarven dress eager to try it on later. It didn't need any alteration since she was short anyway.

"Thank you. I'll show you where you'll be sleeping." Sebastian lead Keiko up the stair well infront of them while Sarah collected Keiko's things and followed behind. The stairs spiralled around once before the stepped off at the second floor. Sebastian lead them over to the left towards the far wing. With their passage, braziers flared to life throwing dancing shadows on the ceiling and illuminating the path down the green carpeted rug.

Halfway down the hall, Sebastian finally stopped and grabbed one of the iron rings for a door handle. Pulling it open, an orb hovered up from over the night stand and flashed to life shedding light in the darkness. The room was modestly furnished with a decent sized bed with four wooden posts, warm covers, and a couple nice fluffy pillows. A dresser leaned against the wall opposite the bed and a desk butted up against the window looking out over the courtyard of the grounds. From there she could see the guard's barracks and the sentries. Sebastian walked over to the bed and the night stand nearby. Pushing a discreet wooden button, a glass screen raised up from the little stand. "This will be your room for the night and this little computer will help with any need you may have. Also the bathroom is right behind that door." He finishes by pointing towards the door in the upper right hand corner of the room.

"Will this do for your stay?"

Keiko smiled and replied "Elder, thank you for your kindness. My own cabin is nothing like this".

She sat down on the bed and opened up the dress taking a better look at it, her katana resting on a bed post.

"Time to try this on properly" she added and slipped into the bathroom.

Unsure, Sebastian looked to his wife. "I think you had best wait outside until I say it's ok to come back in."

Sebastian nodded dumbly. "I think you're right. I'll...be right outside." With that he left while Sarah waited inside the room for Keiko to return.

A few minutes later Keiko returned looking more like a Mythrandirian that a Kirisuban and barefoot.

The long dress really did suit her and left plenty to the imagination as her curves were hugged and the low cut revealed some cleaveage as well.

Sarah looked up and down giving her own womanly opinion of the dress. "Very nice indeed. Any man would drop dead to be with you in that dress. I think we have us a man slayer here."

She lightly tapped on the door behind to let Sebastian know that it was safe to come in. Sebastian's jaw dropped when he saw the figure in the dress.

"Wow," was all he was able to stammer out.

Keiko managed a girlish smile and replied "You're so right Sarah" as she watched Sebastian's reaction to her new dress.

She walked over to Sebastian and smiled softly.

"Maybe I'll get the chance to try this out tomorrow" she added.

Sarah covered her mouth to hide her smile and to try and stifle a giggle while she watched Keiko walk over to Sebastian. He swallowed a huge lump in his throat while his eyes darted around nervously. A man that commanded a vast army and ruled a small kingdomw, humbled before a beautiful woman. He could only stammer when speaking now. "Wh-what do you mean?"

Keiko smiled and replied "Since my first officer is going to be an ambassador here it makes sense to take her shopping for Mythrandir style dresses and other clothes that she would need.

She is representing Neo-Kirisubo so she should look her best at all times"

Sebastian nodded dumbly. "I agree. However, if she looks like you all the time then I doubt she will ever be without friends or suitors for that matter."

Moving to take control of the conversation and to let Keiko get some sleep, Sarah nudged Sebastian through the door and outside. "Don't worry about Mary, Captain. We'll take good care of her while she stays here and see to her every need. Now you go on and get yourself a good nights rest. We'll see you in the morning."

(Merry Christmas Hok-Tu and to anyone else that might be reading.)

(have a good Christmas as well :) )

Keiko nodded and replied "I suppose I should get some sleep. I'll see you both in the morning"

When Sarah and Sebastian had left she closed the door over and left her katana under the bed and the Wakizashi within reach if she needed it.

As a Samurai-Captain it was an old habit she had.

She took of the new dress and slept in a sleeping kimono she had brought in her overnight bag.

Soon she was out like a light.

The night passed without incident not that there would have been much to worry about. The guards positioned outside were the best at what they did and strongly loyal to the people sleeping inside. Two moons crawled through the sky while servants broke down the remnants of the nights feast. Ashes were swept away from the bonfires and spread out wide into the night wind. Women that had stayed with a man from Mythrandir were more than welcome to stay the night.

Those that stayed in temporary settlements setup were surrounded by a ring of armored soldiers with force lances in their hands. Not a soul would disturb the women inside.

As the sun finally reached above the mountain range in the distance, a cart of fruit and juice was placed outside Keiko's room for her morning breakfast. It would remain outside the door until she awoke and wanted breakfast. Elsewhere, similar breakfasts were being prepared for the women staying inside the barracks. Women sleeping over at a man's house were getting slightly different meals with whatever they could scrounge up to cook for them.

Keiko was an early riser and when she opened her door she noticed the breakfast trolley waiting for her.

She liked fruit and after eating her fill got a shower and got on her new dress and a little makeup.

###

In the barracks and in various houses and taverns over the city her crew were also rising. Some were bidding farewell to men they had stayed the night with.

Soon the women were transporting back to the Naga to reume their duties and to let the others who had to wait have their shore leave.

the group of 20 women led by Lt Ito transported down to the city ready to meet with her XO. Commander Takahara was there to greet them and she gave them the briefing that the others had got previously.

It was somewhat of a lonely farewell for some of the men after enjoying the night with such fine women. They waved their goodbyes and returned to work for the day ahead.

Food trays that had been laid out for the women in barracks were now being cleaned up and carted off while the guards that had originally been posted there, were now returning to their barracks for a bit of sleep from the long night vigilance.

Sarah and Sebastian would be downstairs waiting for Keiko when she finally finished her shower. Sarah wore a violent dress with white viens of cloth snaking through it while Sebastian remained simpler in an open green vest and brown trousers with knee high hard black boots.

Keiko didn't take long to get ready and emerged down stairs fairly quickly after changing into her new dress. She had her swords in the gold cloth obi as usual since they never left her side. she was Samurai and they were the marks of her status.

She still had the little shoes that she had worn with her kimono and which were still practical with this.

She had also packed her overnight bag again and was ready to retrieve it when she needed it.

"Good morning Sarah san, Sebastian san" she said bowing to them in greeting.

###

Lt Ito hadn't been in charge of a shore party before and was feeling a bit nervous. However she was certain that her crew wouldn't show her up.

They were equipped with bladed weapons as usual since the Captain has forbade them energy weapons while on the surface.

Their 24 hours of R&R had begun and the shops were their first stop.

Sarah and Sebastian both bowed in unison to Keiko. "Good morning to you as well. I trust you slept well?"
-----------------

The shops were much the same for this crew as the last. Food and ornate objects could be purchased in various stores. Automated carts were on standby incase women desired to tour the wider landscape and see other cities on Mythrandir.

Orbs were being passed out again for communication purposes and as guides to the touring women. Meal times and resting areas would all be highlighted for them if requested.

Keiko replied with a smile on her face "I slept very well. a lot better than I normally sleep on my ship"

###

now equipped with their orbs the shore party broke up into smaller groups.

Lt Ito had ended up with a pair of 16 year old girls to look after and this was their first shore leave anywhere.

Feeling like a mother with children they started looking round the shops especially looking out for mythrandir clothes.

"Glad to hear it. It's another beautiful day outside and I believe we aren't due for rain for another day or so."

Sarah nodded along with him. "I believe that is correct. Coming out of the north I believe. Should bring some colder weather and eventually snow with it."

Sebastian opened one of the double oaken doors and let the sunlight flood into the main lobby. "Well Captain, this is your last day before you shove off again. Is there anything specific you wish to accomplish today?"
------

The shops from all around had everything out in plain view for everyone to see. Fine silk dresses, wide brimmed hats, and hard boots were everywhere along with pantings and shirts. Colors were wildly arrayed giving a grand selection different fabrics.

Keiko replied warmly to Sebastian "A look at an elven city would be nice if thats possible. Then I'll have to make sure Ambassador Takahara has all she needs before our mission of exploration resumes"

###

The silk dresses were of interest to the Kirisuban woman as well as the boots as they were used to it from wearing kimono's so often.

As arranged the 20 women met up for lunch planning the next part of their days leave.