NationStates Jolt Archive

Word concerning the Darker half of the infamous Masaki family had taken its time in filtering to the ears of the great Abyss. But, in the end, reach him it did.

Dark Prince Phobos, a name the Abyss rarely used after the merging of the two entities to form the new, current Abyss, had been wondering about these Sith that seemed to be so widespread throughout known space. Sith, a group who 'claimed' to be of Darkness. A rare smile, one that could freeze the spine of any not careful, appeared on his face as he imagined a warrior with the combined powers of the Abyssal Darkness and the Sith's so called 'Dark Side'.

Thus, he had an invitation sent to the one called Lady Nightshade through channels that would take one of true darkness to appreciate. The message contained a simple request for a meeting along with a set of co-ordinates where both sides would arrive aboard a single ship. The co-ordinates were for a system in neutral space in which both parties could meet with as minimal concern as possible.

Lady Nightshade was not one to take invitations lightly, especially from another supposedly 'dark' nation. But word of this 'Shadow Seaquest' has trickled through Imperial channels, perhaps just enough to get her noticed. Then came the coordinates. She was now intruged enough to visit, which she did, sending her heavily armed and armored Lambda shuttle out into the depths of space where she would meet these people, if for no other reason than to give Imperial "diplomats" another nation to file into their already full bureaucracy...

Cautiously waiting mid-way between Real Space and Hyperspace using a cloaking tech derived from Shadow technology (OOC: Essentially, hiding between dimensions) was a custom Puddle Jumper. Different enough from the original to qualify as a seperate class, the Shadow Jumper's most obvious difference was the Shadow armor coating its exterior.
Shadow SeaQuest's previous encounter with a nation proclaiming to follow one of the multitude of the paths of Darkness, Chronosia, hadn't gone exactly as had been hoped. Thus, why they were being cautious for this meeting. So, after scans showed that Lady Nightshade appeared to genuinely be interested in the meeting as well, the shuttle decloaked and Phased back into Real Space.
At the moment of full transistion to Real Space, the Shadow Jumper transmitted a message to the Lamda:
I hope your journey here was as uneventful as ours. Please, follow us down to the surface of the M class world below. I know that its native populace is currently in the local equivilant of Earth's Dark Ages, but the castle we 'obtained' for the meeting is isolated enough that we shouldn't be bothered.
Then, without another word, with her black Shadow armor glistening in the refelcted light from the system's star, the Shadow Jumper descended towards an isolated castle in a mountainous(sp?) area that had obviously been extensively modified to suit the current needs. The Shadow Jumper retracted her 'wing pods' and sat down on part of a landing pad attached to the structure while leaving more than enough room for several Lambdas to follow.

The Lambda followed and touched down, revealing the Dark Lady and two highly trained men clad in black armor and cloak. They are the Shadow ninjas, sworn to protect their Mistress unto death, much like the Emperor's Royal Guards. The Dark Lady glanced around the castle, comparing it to her own grand palace.

"A similiar yet different feel to my own 'humble' abode." Was her assessment as she met up with the Dark Prince.

"Welcome to the world of Narnia, Lady Nightshade," replied Phobos as he gave a bow in greeting, "I am, as you have probably already figured out, Prince Phobos, also known, in some circles, as the Abyss."
Having decided to appear with no visible guards could come across in either two ways, depending on how Lady Nightshade chose to see it. Either it could be an insult in that he didn't view her as a threat, or it could be a message of trust in that he was placing himself in her hands, in a manner of speaking.
Standing up from the bow, Phobos asked, "Would you care to join me for some Earl Grey tea while we talk? I find that it has a unique calming effect on many that can be conducive to an outcome that is productive for both of us. Feel free to bring your 'friends' if you wish."
As he finished speaking, a lane of light, from no visible sources, appeared leading directly from the bottom of the Lambda's ramp to the closest door leading to the castle's interior. The darkness around it appeared almost alive, almost watching every move Phobos and Lady Nightshade's party made.

OOC: Cookie if you recognize the origin of the world's name. There is a reason I choose that particular name and I may or may not wind up leaking it in this thread.

OOC: Heh. I didn't watch C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia for nothing.

IC:
"I once read a book about a land called Narnia as a child." Nightshade mused. "Perhaps it is related to this place? And yes, please. I would like some Earl Grey."

She took note of this 'living darkness' and reveled in it as it resonated within her own cold heart. That witch I remember has nothing on the Dark Lady of the Sith!

OOC: TBH, I haven't seen the movie, yet, but I do have the complete book set. My mom's old set from when she was young.

IC: As Phobos led the way to a room set aside for the meeting, he replied, "Not being of a people originating on Earth, you'll have to excuse me if my knowledge of Terran literature isn't what it should be."
Once they reached the designated chamber, he opened the door. Inside was a group of plush leather chairs with a few small tables around them. Behind them was a full sized dining table with various food and drink refreshments with Terran seafood dishes being in the majority. The main source of lighting for the chamber came from thick veins of a glowing red fluid running through covered channels that were in archaic designs on the floor, walls, and ceiling. At the far end of the main table was a tank containing a Black Mamba contentedly dining on a mouse. On the opposite end, the side where the armchairs were facing, at an angle, was the usual replicator and holo-emitters.
"This chamber is shielded for privacy, m'lady," said Phobos as he politely gestured for her to enter first, "Please, take a seat and I'll bring the tea over."

"Thank you." Lady Nightshade took a seat while her guards waited outside the door. "Now, let us begin."

"As you wish," replied Phobos as he poured two cups of tea and brought them over.
Handing one to Lady Nightshade, he continued, "But first, a gesture of good faith, as they say."
He leaned over to a near-by end table with a few boxes of various sizes on it. Carefully selecting one of the uniquely designed and decerated, yet unlabled, containers, he held it up.
As he opened up the solid mahogony case, he said, "These are for you. I had them specially made in honor of your arrival."
Inside was a pair of equistely crafted lightsabres(sp?). The handles were curved in a style similar to Dooku's old pair. They were a black material that looked and felt like marble, but would form fit to fit perfectly the grip of the first to use it, no matter the position. Flowing through the black 'memory' material were marble-like veins of sterling silver. The unlit blades sat softly in position inside the red velvet lined interior.
"The crystals in these are made from solidified Darklight," continued Phobos as he handed the container to Lady Nightshade, "and thus they have some unique properties that are unique amoung their kind."

OOC: No, the glowing red liquid in the channels isn't back-lit. It also isn't well known outside its canon and users of its canon on NS.

OOC: Which canon did it come from, BTW?

IC:
"Ooh. Exquisite!" Nightshade smirked at her gift. "I must thank you in some way..."

OOC: I'll TG you what it is and what canon its from.

IC: "No need," Phobos replied cooly with a polite smile, "It was a shame seeing those going to waste as none of my people use such equipment. We did test similar solidified Darklight crystals and found the combination quite unique.

"Now, to use a modified quote from an old Earth reference I've come across, 'ask not what you can do for us, but what we can do for you.'

"My proposal is this. You take us on as patrons, in a sense. Each of our empires have unique assets that could be pooled to create new and more powerful ships and weapons.

My Dark Empire works from the shadows, your empire works more in the open. With our support, you will become more powerful than you currently are and able to focus more of your attention on matters you think are more important to you. In exchange, all I ask is that you keep an open mind in regards to not only this proposal but everything you encounter along the line, if you accept, that you previously viewed as not possible.


"Take all the time you wish to think this over. Return to wherever you need to so you can discuss this with whomever you wish. Feel free to return to this world whenever you have reached your decision, m'lady.

"If you wish a demonstration, do not hesitate to ask. However, I must mention that the resources under my control are currently limited and any demonstration you request will have to be weighed against the risk to the few assets I have left."

OOC: If you want, I can TG you the special traits unique to these Darklight Sabres(sp?) (Never could get that spelling right) that seperates them from regular SW tech ones.

OOC: Sure, TG me the traits.

A Sith seeks understanding through power. That was one of the first lessons Nightshade learned under Palpatine, and hearing this proposal from the Dark Empire...well, she was intruged. As she looked at the familiar redness of the Darklight crystal, she mused it over. "I know your resources are limited. However, perhaps a small demonstration would be in order. After that, I shall take my time to mull this proposal over."

"As you wish, m'lady," replied Phobos setting his tea cup aside and standing up, "If you wish to bring your guards, feel free to call them in. I'll leave the Fold open until you cross while I get things ready on the other side."

With a wave of his hand, Phobos opened a Fold. The fissure like opening glowed white around the edges and a more brightly lit chamber could easily be seen through it on the other side. With a polite bow, he stepped through. When Nightshade decided to join him, with or without her guards, she would find that he had used a non-standard aspect of Folds, something he rarely chose to apply, to arrive before she did. She would arrive at the same time she stepped through, but long enough after Phobo's arrival that everything had been set up for the 'demonstration'.

The chamber on the other side was clearly a reception chamber for such occurances and overlooked the shipyard area of the Dark Empire's hidden space complex. Their smaller, due to being much younger, version of the old SeaQuestian Pendragon Complex would continue to grow and expand just like the original. However, it was still already far to large to fit inside a solar system, even though that's where it started from.

In the distance, an SSD size craft could be seen early in its construction. Much closer, though, the Nemesis, Phobo's personal flagship, could be seen. She was pretty much split open as a new spinal weapon was being insalled.

Fluid Time later (to whenever Nightshade goes through the Fold)

Phobos, patiently waiting while looking out at his Nemesis as she underwent the installation of the new spinal mount, turned as Nightshade stepped through.

"Welcome to the Star Dragon Complex," he said with another polite bow in greeting, "Long ago, the old SeaQuestian Empire formed the Star Dragon shipyards as a place to sell ships. It didn't do very well and eventually flopped. Many years later, we took control of the abandoned facility and moved it here to form the core of this Complex."

He gestured at a near-by berth easily visable through the array of windows.

"That ship," he said, "is what is going to be used for the demonstration you requested. She employs the best in what we have thus developed."

The scout glistened in the yard lights as she was prepped for her first test flight.

"If you wish, m'lady," Phobos added, "we can either watch from here or from the ship's bridge."

OOC: I note she never made any notice of the Black Mamba in the tank in the room.
Pics of the Scout (dots are color coded indicators of weapon implacements):
Bow/Front View:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/Sfrnt.jpg
Side View:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/Ssid.jpg
Dorsal/Top View:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Ships/Stop.jpg
Dimensions:
Length: 153 meters
Beam: 94 meters
Draught: 37 meters
Crew:
Avg. Personnel: 10
Max. Personnel: 40
Note: I aquired the pics for this ship class and a few others from a friend who also uses ships with similar, if not the same, designs (picture wise). Though, mine use a different tech base than his.

"I would like to watch things from here." Nightshade said. She came alone, leaving her guards to wait for her return. In the meantime, her efficient mind filed the Star Dragon and the ships' appearances away. If she could get her engineers to design something similar, surely her enemies would fear her! She spoke again. "What systems and weaponry are employed in this craft?"

"As you wish," Phobos replied with a nod of his head as he turned back to view the as yet un-named scout class, "as for the ship, without going into descriptions of proprietary technologies, we've taken the original Shadow tech and developed it much closer to its fullest potential. Most of what we use is highly classified proprietary technology. As such, I'm afraid you can't learn about it as of this point in our relationship. For that, I apologize as I'm sure you would find it all fascinating. I can still provide some of the names we've given some of the tech, but that's as far as I can go detail wise.

"There's also the matter of safety. Your nation may have been around longer than mine, but we've been working with this tech from the beginning and know how to safely manipulate it without the Shadow tech taking over and becoming dominant in everything, including our population.

"As for the origin of the base design, we've aquired the design for this scout class along with a few other designs from a more contempary Shadow nation, yet one still allied with us, in exchange for some tech upgrades that we were able to provide them with.

"After this naval demonstration is a demonstration of our troops and their tech."

As Phobos spoke, he had given the signal to go ahead with the demonstration. The ship slowly slid from her berth in the yards on her reactionless drives. Gracefully, she banked and took a course that took her past the windows Phobos and Nightshade were watching from as close as she could come without physcial contact with the Star Dragon Complex itself. As the distance grew between them and the ship as she headed for the testing grounds, the 'windows' automatically magnified to provide crystal clear close-range views of what was happening.

Once the scout had reached her destination, things started to get interesting. Remotely controled by the A.I. of the Nemesis while her body was getting the new weapon installed, was an Imperator IIII class Star Destroyer. Phobos raised an eyebrow when he noted it and mentally reminded himself to check later where they had even gotten her to begin with. As he was doing that, the scout and the ISDIII began exchanging blows. Turbolaser fire pinged against the black hull of the many times smaller scout sometimes blasting off chunks of the armor. It was obvious that the captain assigned to the ship for this demonstration felt like showing off and held off firing back until they were at the equivilant of point blank range. Once there, however, the scout cut loose with purple pulses from her Heavy Quantum Bolt Cannons soon followed by a cluster of torpedoes from her bow Mark-X Torpedo Launcher along with salvo after salvo from her CR-X Pulse Cannons.

To make a long story short, the demonstration duel took around a half-hour for the the ISDIII to be vanquished in a beautiful display of the scouts abilities. It was apparent the assigned captain was playing around with the much larger ship, frustrating the A.I. of the Nemesis and entertaining her at the same time, toying with it. As the scout returned to her berth, she made sure to pass by each chunk of armor that had been blasted off in the early stages of the duel before the armor started to adapt, and rejoined it back to the rest, covering the patches of the mottled gray layer below the mottled black of the Shadow armor.

However, part of the way back, a surprise second part of the demonstration was sprung. A battle ready Galaxy II class tactical explorer, another old style ship Phobos didn't know how the Dark Empire had come to aquire either, decloaked and began blasting at the still recovering scout. The battle ended, once again with the captain of the scout obviously playing with his kill, a quarter-hour later with the Galaxy II being disabled.

In the meantime, Phobos watched as the hulk of the ISDIII was salvaged. He had an idea for the wrecked Star Destroyer that would make her into a wonderful new toy, if not for him, then for Lady Nightshade. The hulk of the Galaxy II was also recovered for a similar treatment.

OOC: I'm going to be setting this RP in the new SQ2032 timeline. This means its set after the fall of old SQ and SSQ.
Oh, and I talked to the friend I got the pics from and he has given me permission to use some of the stats that go with them, adapted to suit the Dark Empire's tech base of course.
Notes:
1.) According to my info, the Galaxy II class tactical explorer is the three nacceled version from the future sections of "All Good Things".
2.) The ISDIII was not one of those wank SD.net versions or one of the proprietary NS developed versions, but was one that used true and pure Lucas canon tech.

Hmm. Those purple beams appear similar to the main cannons of the Obliterator, in form if not function. How intruging that a scout like that could take on an Imperator... Nightshade noted. "Quite a powerful ship for a scout."

"Something our enemies won't expect until its too late," replied Phobos, "we don't use brute force to accomplish our goals, most of the time. As the old addage goes, 'slow and steady wins the race.'"

Phobos knew it was unwise to reveal all your aces so early in the game, especially when in situations like this. Not knowing the full extents of Nightshade's powers, he covered his deeper thoughts with surface thoughts on what was planned for the next part of the demonstration.

"Would you care to proceed to seeing the demonstration of our troops and their assets now?" Phobos inquired, "or would you like to break for a bite to eat first?"

Phobos knew he was probably as much an unknown to Lady Nightshade as she was to him. Thus, if he played his cards right, he could further his goals regarding this meeting without giving away too much too soon.

OOC: The offer of lunch is pretty much a stall tactic so I can dig up my text files regarding the Dark Empire's ground forces and their stuff.

OOC: Ok. And just so you know, her mental powers are rather considerable capable of (and did) mindraping a Chronosian Primarch, but she isn't likely to use their full extent any time soon.

IC:
Nightshade tilted her head slightly. "Very well, let us grab a bite."

OOC: Lol, shame I missed it. Sounds like it would have been a good read.

IC: Phobos nods in acknowledgement and opens a Fold to a private dining area elsewhere in the Star Dragon Complex. On the other side of the Fold, a group of young girls (OOC: Around 7-9 years old) were finishing setting the table with a place for Phobos and another for Nightshade. These youths had been given this duty to keep them occupied so they didn't cause any trouble and to give their Dark Paradine instructors a break. When they noticed Phobos and Nightshade (OOC: Hope you don't mind me moving her through the Fold to speed things up) stepped through the Fold, they all curtsied(sp?) politely and stood to the side awaiting to see if they would get the proverbial pat on the head for a job well done or not. Meanwhile, servers were waiting in the wings for the two national leaders to take their seats so they could serve lunch.

Nightshade only mentally acknowledged the little girls, used to being serviced in the same way back home and occupied her place. She patiently awaited the meal.

She wouldn't have to wait long. As Phobos nodded in approval at the children, the servers brought forth two covered platters and set one down in front of Nightshade and Phobos. They removed the domed covers revealing a platter of breaded butterfly shrimp, lobster tail, softshell crab, and various dipping sauces. This was served with a glass of red or white wine, depending on the individual's preferences, poured from a bottle several centuries old.

As for the young girls, upon receiving the nod from Phobos, they curtsied again and quietly left the room. As they left, Phobos pondered for a bit on Nightshade's apparent ignoring of them.

"Hmm," he thought, "There's a potentially interesting topic for conversation."

Aloud, he said, as he sat down, "I noticed how you didn't acknowledge those students that were here. I may lead a Dark Empire, but I find its benficial to morale to treat people as if they were more than just furniture.

"Now, I'm not criticising or passing judgement, just making an observation."

"It's how I was treated when I was growing up. Even though the Masaki Clan trains its successors to high moral standards, we were still the ruling clan and had all the privileges and powers that entails. Servants were a part of life." Nightshade shrugged. "Not to say that I don't give acknowledgement. Even a Sith praises her students from time to time."

Phobos nodded in understanding.

"It seems we both have similar backgrounds," Phobos replied, "while I doubt my family lineage has been in control of the SeaQuestian throne as long as yours has had control of the Coridian(sp?) throne, we are both outcasts, the black sheep of our generation."

With a wry smile, he added, with a slight hint of amusement, "I wonder what the odds are of two people like us happening to encounter each other like this. Slim to none, I bet."

OOC: Ironically, I was not planning this coincidence of backstories for Phobos and Nightshade. Damn, what are the odds of this happening, eh?

OOC: Heh. Royal families are all the same, it seems like. And its Coredian.

IC:
"Yes, quite a coincidence." Nightshade smiled, pecking at the seafood. A subtle link seemed to form between the two as the similarities were exposed. "I doubt we'd find another one like us."

After dabbing a few crabcake crumbs from his lips, Phobos replied, "That's a possibility."

Phobos didn't mention the rumors he had heard some centuries prior regarding a black sheep from the Chronosian royal family that had turned a blind eye to Chaos and joined the Sith. Without any proof to back it up combined with the reports Lord Cedric and Wuya had brought back with them from the diplomatic gathering the Chronosian's had thrown some time back, he highly doubted the validity of the rumors.

A waiter came up with a wine bottle and refilled both their glasses before retreating to his station on the other side of the room near the kitchen access.

With a smile, Phobos added, "Predicting the future isn't one of my preferred things to do, but still, I give the chances of our two nations, or at least the parts the two of us lead, getting along in the future very high odds."

For Phobos, let alone anyone of the Dark Empire, a nation of people who preferred not to challange the status quo unless they could manipulate the odds in their favor, to chance a guess at what the future might hold was extremely rare.

"Now, I propose a toast to a potentially fruitful friendship," continued Phobos as he raised his glass.

OOC: Thanks for the correct spelling. I'll have to log it away. Oh, and I answered your TGs.

After dabbing a few crabcake crumbs from his lips, Phobos replied, "That's a possibility."

Phobos didn't mention the rumors he had heard some centuries prior regarding a black sheep from the Chronosian royal family that had turned a blind eye to Chaos and joined the Sith. Without any proof to back it up combined with the reports Lord Cedric and Wuya had brought back with them from the diplomatic gathering the Chronosian's had thrown some time back, he highly doubted the validity of the rumors.

A waiter came up with a wine bottle and refilled both their glasses before retreating to his station on the other side of the room near the kitchen access.

With a smile, Phobos added, "Predicting the future isn't one of my preferred things to do, but still, I give the chances of our two nations, or at least the parts the two of us lead, getting along in the future very high odds."

For Phobos, let alone anyone of the Dark Empire, a nation of people who preferred not to challange the status quo unless they could manipulate the odds in their favor, to chance a guess at what the future might hold was extremely rare.

"Now, I propose a toast to a potentially fruitful friendship," continued Phobos as he raised his glass.

OOC: Thanks for the correct spelling. I'll have to log it away. Oh, and I answered your TGs.
Little did Phobos know that Nightshade would know exactly what he was thinking about had she been inclined to read his mind. It would also appear that despite being slightly less than thirty years old, at least physically, according to Seaquestian chronometers, she's centuries old...odd enough as it is.

"A toast." Nightshade raised her own glass.

Phobos took a sip to complete the toast and set his glass down.

"M'lady," he inquired, "Are their any questions you would like to ask of me as of now, or would you rather wait until the end to ask them?"

OOC: Whenever you're ready, CW, we can continue to the ground forces part of the 'demonstration'.

Phobos took a sip to complete the toast and set his glass down.

"M'lady," he inquired, "Are their any questions you would like to ask of me as of now, or would you rather wait until the end to ask them?"

OOC: Whenever you're ready, CW, we can continue to the ground forces part of the 'demonstration'.
"Let us wait until later." Nightshade said. "I'd like to see the rest of the demonstration."

Phobos nodded in acknowledgement. With a snap of his fingers, the chairs he and Nightshade were sitting in sprouted extra legs and began to move (OOC: Picture the mobile throne Nute Gunray used in Phantom Menace). He opened a Fold and the 'chairs' carried them through.

On the other side, they emerged on a glass enclosed causeway. The far end so distant, it was barely visible. The area outside the the windows was pitch black, until Phobos manipulated some of the controls. As lights lit up in sequence spreading out from the inspection catwalk, the first of the massive bays it passed over was gradually revealed.

"These are known as Shadow Ligers," Phobos said gesturing at the mecha down below.

The mecha, were apparently modified forms of a base Liger Zero with Shadow tech integrated into them. Some were in various stages of having the Shadow tech integrated and the original white armor was easily visible in places. There were enough to defend the facility on Narnia, but not enough for a full scale planetary defense, let alone a planetary invasion.

The next few successive chambers held Shadow tech versions of the other Liger forms, including, but not exclusive to, the alternate armors for the base Liger Zero model, as well as various other animal-like mecha (OOC: There are obvious physical and behaviorial(sp?) differences, besides the Shadow black regenerative adaptive armor covering them, that I can't list (there are far too many to go through right now (When they are used in an RP, I'll go into more detail. Right now, though, they are just sitting there)).

After that, they past chambers containing students, of varying(sp?) ages, ranging from a bit younger than the girls that Nightshade had encountered earlier to others many, MANY times older, training in armed, unarmed, magickal, and other forms of combat.

There was also chambers obviously storage hangers for Shadow tech versions of old SeaQuestian sub-craft ranging from the first used to some of the more recent ones. Shadow Raptors, Shadow Gliders, Shadow Raiders, Shadow Angels, Shadow Lysanders, and others were represented.

The next chamber was a hanger for various Shadow Jumper varients, including the escort shuttle version that had met Nightshade's Lamda in orbit around Narnia. There were also representative examples of the strike bomber, troop transport, heavy bomber, assault transport, and other varients.

Following that were a couple chambers filled with various models of old Alteran drone torpedoes, including new Shadow tech modified models. Also included in these sections were various Photon, Quantum, Transphasic, Hellfire, Isolytic Burst, Starburst, and Tri-Colbolt torps along with various other M/AM and other types of torpedoes.

At the end of the corridor opposite of their arrival point, Phobos said, "Before we go any farther, I must warn you, some of the things beyond this point have made a few with even stronger stomachs than normal citizens of many nations have get a little...overwhelmed, to say the least."

They had passed through Section 1, and still had to go through Sections 2-4. Section 5 and beyond, however, would be left off as they required a many times higher security clearance than Lady Nightshade currently possesed.

Nightshade took note of all the things she has seen so far. Much of it useful, and much of it interesting curiosities. She had heard rumors that the Jedi was building similar craft to these animal mecha and perhaps she could one-up them with a divison of Shadow...Zoids, she believed they were called...

"You must not get out often." Nightshade scowled at the 'warning'. "I have done things that would make the worst of men scream in terror. Do not underestimate the Sith's search for power. But let us go on."

Phobos nodded. Using the controls on the arm of his walking chair, he opened the door to Section 2. The first few chambers that the catwalk passed over were filled with webbing. Some were subdivided into seperate compartments for individual specimens, but all contained spiders large enough to pose a threat to an adult human.

"Its not that," Phobos said as they passed them, "its just that most people seem to have a subconsious dislike of spiders."

The rest of the Section 2 chambers contained altered strains of flora and fauna that played on the base fears of the human psyche, and some that didn't. Section 3 was mostly various types of labs that served a wide variety of purposes. Section 4's chambers contained test ranges for prototype weapons and defenses for ground troops, assembly lines for test version batches (mid-way between prototype and production versions), and other engineering related facilities. At the end, Phobos Folded them back to the original room on Narnia.

"That was as much as I can show you at this point-in-time," he said, "Now, is the question-and-answer session I mentioned earlier. Ask away."

"I noticed there were other sections beyond #4. If possible, would it be acceptable to share their wares?" Nightshade asked.

"Sorry, but no," replied Phobos, "As they say, its unwise to show your hand so early in the game."

Nightshade continued to be curious, but let it go...for now. "I understand. Let us go back to the Shadow Zoids. I am intruged by them. Quite intruged."

"With the original design," replied Phobos, "the units had to sacrifice armor coverage for actually being able to move. With our incoporating Shadow tech into them, the regenerative adaptive armor in particular, nullifies that. They now have overall armor coverage on top of their original armor plates. Plus, the Shadow tech gives them other features not found in the originals as well. In a one-on-one between one of our Shadow Zoids and the original version, hands-down, I would bet on against the original."

"With the original design," replied Phobos, "the units had to sacrifice armor coverage for actually being able to move. With our incoporating Shadow tech into them, the regenerative adaptive armor in particular, nullifies that. They now have overall armor coverage on top of their original armor plates. Plus, the Shadow tech gives them other features not found in the originals as well. In a one-on-one between one of our Shadow Zoids and the original version, hands-down, I would bet on against the original."
"Would it be possible to send a number of my soldiers to train and form a company? I have substantive evidence that my enemy the Jedi are creating similar mecha and I'd like to show them up." Nightshade coldly smiled.

"Being able to use one requires more than just practice, m'lady," replied Phobos, "but as long as you, and the pilots you send, are willing to allow the gene therapy and other requirements needed, then I don't see why not.

"You provide the manpower, we'll provide the equipment. We can step up production, but were holding back in order to keep up with our supply of potential pilots."

It was true that just mere training couldn't cut it with these Shadow mecha. Special measures had to be taken to ensure that the mecha wouldn't try to absorb the pilot as an organic core, ensure the link between the mecha and its choosen pilot was unbreakable as possible, and that was just the beginning.

"Being able to use one requires more than just practice, m'lady," replied Phobos, "but as long as you, and the pilots you send, are willing to allow the gene therapy and other requirements needed, then I don't see why not.

"You provide the manpower, we'll provide the equipment. We can step up production, but were holding back in order to keep up with our supply of potential pilots."

It was true that just mere training couldn't cut it with these Shadow mecha. Special measures had to be taken to ensure that the mecha wouldn't try to absorb the pilot as an organic core, ensure the link between the mecha and its choosen pilot was unbreakable as possible, and that was just the beginning.
"Excellent. I suggest 32 pilots in squads of four. Eight squads. Enough for an elite force of Zoids to take on the Jedi." Nightshade said. "Then there's the matter of logistics and supply. And perhaps...production rights? *winking slyly here*"

"Shadow tech takes experience to handle safely and properly," replied Phobos, "An untrained person could find themselves abosorbed by it.

"Regarding the matter pilots, I have to mention the gene therapy required to provide them with the ability to activate and control the Shadow tech in the mecha doesn't take in everyone, but it is passable from one generation to the next. A security measure, one of many, that we took to prevent our own technology being used against us.

"As for production rights, we'll have to start small. It will take time to give everyone involved the proper training required, but in the end, you will be able to produce your own versions of Shadow tech enhanced units, be it mecha or otherwise."

He manipulated the controls on the arm of his chair causing a photo-realistic hologram of a planetary system of a desert planet with a trio of moons to appear between him and Nightshade.

"This Class K world is located in enough of an out-of-the-way location that it can serve as the place where we can construct the facilities where we will train your people in the safe application of Shadow tech. Currently, on our charts, its only identification is an alpha-numeric sequence. As we had no use for it until now, we've pretty much ignored it. Excluding some native flora and fauna, there is no native population, naturally occuring on the planet or from elsewhere, to get in the way of the pilot candidates you send that do succeed in bonding with Shadow mechs.

"Perhaps, in honor of this arrangement, you would like to be the one to name it, m'lady."

OOC: I'll let you decide how many of the candidates you send it takes in.
Regarding production rights, I'm RPing Shadow tech as dangerous as it is in canon, if not more so.

OOC: Out of 32 candidates, I'll say 24 makes it through the training regimen, the others dying horribly in various Shadowy ways (:p ). And I understand about the Shadow tech. Don't forget to fully brief the Dark Lady on the advantages and disadvantages of the tech.

IC:
The Dark Lady took the warnings about Shadow Tech in stride. Of course, there would be issues with incorporating a new technology into the Imperial arsenal, but any losses would be, in her eyes, acceptable for the glory of the Empire. She looked at the world, and reached into her mind and the Dark Side for a name.

"Shisou." Nightshade spoke. "It means 'shadow of death' in the ancient Coredian language (Japanese)."

OOC: As I don't know all the pros and cons of Shadow tech by heart (still doing research on the canon stuff (its been quite some time since I watched the series), and there are enough blanks that I have to extrapolate some things), I'll just do it this way.
As for the candiates that the gene therapy doesn't take in, they don't die. They just aren't able to activate the Shadow tech and use it safely. Feel free to use them as 'Cores' in Shadow upgraded vessels (like the ISDIII and Galaxy II that was salvaged from earlier, for example) or unpiloted ground craft.
There is one thing on Shadow tech that I'll be sending you a TG on.

IC: Phobos tapped a few controls on his chair and removed the data crystal that popped up a few moments later.

"I've put all the recordings we have on the original ships used by the Shadows during the Shadow War, including during their attack on Altera," said Phobos, "also included is a list of all currently known pros and cons to Shadow tech."

The crystal was semi-clear and about a hand-span in length. The data had been stored on a molecular level.

"If need be," he added, "I can transfer it to a form more adaptable to your data reading devices."

OOC: CW, check your TGs.

OOC: As I don't know all the pros and cons of Shadow tech by heart (still doing research on the canon stuff (its been quite some time since I watched the series), and there are enough blanks that I have to extrapolate some things), I'll just do it this way.
As for the candiates that the gene therapy doesn't take in, they don't die. They just aren't able to activate the Shadow tech and use it safely. Feel free to use them as 'Cores' in Shadow upgraded vessels (like the ISDIII and Galaxy II that was salvaged from earlier, for example) or unpiloted ground craft.
There is one thing on Shadow tech that I'll be sending you a TG on.

IC: Phobos tapped a few controls on his chair and removed the data crystal that popped up a few moments later.

"I've put all the recordings we have on the original ships used by the Shadows during the Shadow War, including during their attack on Altera," said Phobos, "also included is a list of all currently known pros and cons to Shadow tech."

The crystal was semi-clear and about a hand-span in length. The data had been stored on a molecular level.

"If need be," he added, "I can transfer it to a form more adaptable to your data reading devices."
"Truth be told, we do have readers capable of reading these data crystals." Nightshade said. "There won't be a problem there."

OOC: Lol, this is the second thread I forgot to link to a pic of Phobos. At least, I don't remember doing it in this thread.

IC: Phobos (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/SeaQuest_Sim/Schematics/SeaQuestian%20Commonwealth/Character%20Pics/phobos.jpg) nodded and set the data crystal aside for one of Lady Nightshade's guards to pick up later. Standing up to stretch his legs, he offered Nightshade a small, bite-size pastry from the table.

"Any more questions?" he politely inquired.

OOC: Meh, short post due to writer's block.

"Yes, bring me one of those spiders." Nightshade said. "I wish to do something."

Phobos raised an eyebrow at the request, but only said, "Is there a specific species you had in mind? If I were too choose randomly, you could wind up with a rather peeved Black Widow on your hands."

"Won't matter." Nightshade shook her head. "Any spider will do."

"As you wish," replied Phobos with a nod.

He blinked once and, at almost the same moment, an immature male wolf spider appeared in front of Nightshade. While not fully grown, it was still large enough for a small child to ride like they would a pony or minature horse.

Nightshade smirked and held out a hand without fear. The wolf spider obediently went to her hand and when she pressed her hand to the head, there seemed to be some sort of communication between them. Then a small scroll poofed out of nowhere. Nightshade bit her thumb to draw blood and wrote her name on the scroll. The wolf spider then poofed away, leaving a small cloud of smoke in its wake. Nightshade looked up as Phobos would not understand. "This is the prerequiste to Kuchiyose or Summoning. Every major species, spiders, serpents and the like, has a contract that one, with the proper training, could sign and then command that animal at will. The contract can also allow one to summon the King or Boss of the animal and use it to slay armies or fight another Boss. The Arachnids will be useful in the future."

"Interesting," replied Phobos, "A form of blood contract, it seems. Does it also work as well with plants as it does with animals? There are some mobile meat-eaters that we passed along the way that could be useful."

"Haven't tried plants." Nightshade shrugged.

Phobos inclined his head in understanding.

"Perhaps another time you can try," he said, "If you wish."

"Perhaps. But for now, I'll have a unit to train under you in the Shadow tech." Nightshade said.

OOC: Perhaps I can talk Planet Zi into letting me have one of her 'evil' Zoids characters to lead up the Dark Empire's Shadow mecha division.

IC: Phobos stood up and strode over to the Black Mamba's case.

"In the meantime," he asked, "Do you mind if I have one of my 'associates' return with you to check on where our Shadow tech would best be used in upgrading your forces, m'lady?"

OOC: CW, please check your TGs.