NationStates Jolt Archive

It was spinning like and out of control top, at a one-hundred and thirty degree angle on its axis. Its surface was a banded menagerie of miasmal color, created by winds too fierce for mortals to survive. It was also as hot as the red ball of fire that dwarfed it in size by an entire order of magnitude. Drifting through this system, this system drifting through space, forever alone save for their own company, and that offered by the scattered remains of a rocky planetoid, that was ripped up and strung out like a cut kite string in a soft cyclone by the gravitational forces of two bodies many times its own size.

The wandering pair was likely to be alone forever, flowing along the currents of relativity until all that remained was a spread conglomeration of photons and other particles that entropy could never touch. However, nothing is certain, in so far that the purview of Man's ability to know, analyze, and predict with any accuracy is short.

An object slowly entered the system, slowly illuminated by the red giants bloody light, and that which was reflected off the cool-colored surface of the gas giant, burning away the dark shadow of physics violation that had hitherto kept it hidden.

It was a station of some sort, or a ship with really strange design aesthetics, and great dimension; being some twenty kilometers tall, fifteen wide, and fifteen long. It was a half-cylinder conglomeration of beams that bisected one other, forming geometrically perfect squares between them, that increased in side till they reached the middle, and then decreased again. The number of squares also decreased as one moved down the y-axis, till there was nothing but forty-five forty-five right triangle.

The topmost sections appeared to be dedicated to the mass transit of materials and personnel one would find normal at a stellar hub, as this appeared to be.

The more central sections could be described as an area likely to be the life of the station: sectors with extra armor usually indicative of the reactors location, spacious rooms indicating living facilities, and rooms so large and built in such odd areas that they could not be mere cargo holds.

It was only logical from then, assuming initial assumptions were true, that the lower portion of the station was the manufacturing, and raw materials processing sector. The armor was not as significant here as in other places, save over the inordinately large rooms that could only serve for the storage of flowing ores or ground up solids. The shield generators could also be said to be down here, since the immense capacitors associated with such systems appeared to be present here.

Though, in order to know any of this, one would have to get much closer.

It wasn't a jamming signal, but more or less radiation from the various processes still going on inside a station that for all appearances, looked completely dead in the water. The large amounts of armor and hull plating also made long-range deep scans difficult if not plain impossible. There was the radiation from the dying star, and grotesquely large gas-giant to consider as well, the latter of which, the station was the closest. So much so that it was well within its magnetic field, and also the radiation belts that naturally occurred in such an environment.

However, given the system's current location, that is far away from the galactic plan, not too far from the center, it would be fair to say that this system would remain as quiet now as it had always been, even with the arrival of this new guest. The station, as if sentient, seemed to sense this fact. And let loose a signal of medium strength that any normal passing patrol could pick up if it passed within a thousand or so lightyear radius.


#Nothing noted on COMscan...
#Signal boosted...
#Contacts found...
#Broadcasting...
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TO: Whoever Can Hear
FROM: Stranded People
SUBJECT: HELP!!!

Greetings,

We are unsure if anyone can hear or read this...(Signal Corrupted)... but we need help!
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#Message sent... Signal lost...
#Reactor shutdown: 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

And all was silent again.

BSS Franklin, a Galileo class science vessel (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/32850170/) with the hull designation SV-075, shot through hyperspace at several thousand times the speed of light. She was on a star system surveying mission, and had already catalogued twenty three systems. Unfortunately, all were either uninhabited or occupied. A few first contacts were made, one even botched and turned into a slaughter, but otherwise the mission had been uneventful.

That was, until the mysterious message was picked up.


"Captain, I'm picking up a weird transmission."

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure, but I think it might be a distress call."

"Patch it through to my station."


The communications officer did as ordered, and within seconds the ship's captain was listening to the short, mangled message.


"Interesting. Do you have a bearing on the source?"

"It appears to have come from roughly eighty degrees to port, twenty two degrees high."

"I see. Mister Snacks, I'd like you to scan for any star systems or objects along the given bearing."


The sensors operator was fast at work before the captain had even finished the order. Almost immediately, he got his results.


"Captain, I've finished the scan. The only thing in the area is a small system situated around an old red giant. Scans indicate a single satellite."

"That sounds like a good place to start the search for the source of the distress signal. Mister West, set course for the system we just scanned."

"Aye aye."


After a quick heading adjustment, the science vessel was en route to its new destination. Within a few hours or so, Franklin would be on site and able to investigate further.

Mission report:009392324
Commander Firetide reporting
Message to: Tau High council, T'Au, T'Au sept through Warp message boat 45332
Message as follows:
This is Commander Firetide of The Farsight colanies exploration fleet Fio. We have located an unknown vessel during our mission to explore system 2302-304. The ship has sent off a distress signal and shows no signs of hostility, therefore I have ordered the fleet to move within contact range. However, another vessel of unknow origins is also heading towards the ship. This vessel could be considered hostile and so we are requesting that the third battlefleet be prepered and rady to warp if a fire fight insues.
----Message ends.----
OCC: I have no intention of going to war, just a precation that any Fire caste member would make sure was taken. will make official contact in next post, just waiting to see about any reactions.

The station hummed slightly over radio frequencies. It was the sound of the hull radiating waves of low-powered radio energy as power to the communication relays was cut. It wasn't powerful enough or fast enough to reach anyone more than a light-year out, but within that radius, anyone receiving would hear a hellish sound.

A large flash heralded the arrival of the TFS destroyer, Washington. On the bridge, the men and women of the bridge crew dutifully went about their duties, scanning the area, setting their course in the system and watching the status of the ship. As soon as they arrived, they scanned the area and noted the system, cataloging everything in it and the schematics of the station. When they came into range to try and hail it, the hellish sound of the frequency before it was cut off resounded over the speakers, and they quickly turned it off. This was most unusual and they decided to check it out.

Captain Virandi stood before a large holomap that depicted the system in it's every minute speck and detail. Standing around it were the various Lieutenants of the M.I. squads on board the ship, as well as the second-in-command of the ship, Lieutenant Ferzen. Virandi's white uniform glared in the soft glow of the machine, as he began to speak. "Gentleman, I have called you here for a new mission. We were on patrol in the Girkin system, when, at 0800 hours, we received this distress call." He pressed a key and the distress call played out over the speakers in the holomap generator:

#Nothing noted on COMscan...
#Signal boosted...
#Contacts found...
#Broadcasting...
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TO: Whoever Can Hear
FROM: Stranded People
SUBJECT: HELP!!!

Greetings,

We are unsure if anyone can hear or read this...(Signal Corrupted)... but we need help!
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#Message sent... Signal lost...
#Reactor shutdown: 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

Once it had finished playing, he turned to the soldiers standing across the map, gazing at the system. "We scanned the station and could not find any life-signs. We tried the comms...but you heard how well that went..." They all nodded, the harsh sound had been horrible to take, the religious among them had claimed it sounded like demons....but that had been hushed up. Morale was key amongst the troopers and that kind of stuff would kill it, if let unchecked. One man stepped forward. "Sir, permission to speak, sir." Virandi nodded his assent.

"Go ahead, Lieutenant Perez." Perez nodded.

"I recommend a recon sweep first, send in three squads of M.I, with Marauder support, to check it out and see what is going on. Then, depending on what we find, we can send in more, check this thing out or blow it to hell, situational choices of course." The Captain nodded.

"I agree Lieutenant. You, Lieutenant Wilson, and Lieutenant Sharaz, ready your squads and report to Hangar Bay Four. Three dropships have been prepped for you. Godspeed, we will be watching and providing intel per the situation. The rest of you, remain ready to be called at any time. Dismissed!" Perez, Wilson and Sharaz saluted and walked off, going to gather their squads. The remainder left to go inform their men and start their pre-entry protocol.

Perez entered the area of his squad, Perez's Piranha's, and shouted. "All right you apes, front and center!" Sergeant Cole, second-in-command of the squad, barked.

"Alright ladies, officer on deck. Liven up!" The six troopers ran up and stood at attention in the blink of an eye. Perez nodded to Cole.

"At ease." They all visibly relaxed and gazed at him, eyes intent. Perez set down a mini-holographic generator and it flared to life. The system came into view, along with the station. It then focused on the station and brought up a scale model of it. "This is the station from which the distress call was received at 0800 hours. The Captain has seen fit to send three squads as recon into the thing, to see what is causing all the ruckus." A collective groan sounded; recon for M.I. was the worst thing they could get as an assignment. "I know this job sucks, but there is something fishy going on and we are not going to waste lives by going in without investigating first! Now, our squad is going to be dropped off here," He pointed at the front of the station. ", while Lieutenant Wilson's Zebra squad will drop off here and Lieutenant Sharaz's Alpha Squad, here." Perez pointed out the left and right flank of the station respectively. "From our scans, we have determined most of the layout of the ship, and there should be a command center of some type, here." He pointed at the center of the ship, slightly forward than the exact center. "We are to meet up there, establish a temporary command post and then search the ship, find out what happened. Once that is complete, we will regroup at the command post for new orders. Clear?" They nodded. "Then suit up, apes! You want to live forever!?" They rushed to get their gear on, as Perez smiled, walking to get his own suit on.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived, with Zebra and Alpha squad in tow. They entered into the dropships and strapped themselves in. There was a buzz on the comm and then the Captains voice sounded. "Lieutenant Perez, do you copy?" Perez put a hand to his ear.

"Yes sir, I read you."

"Long range scans have picked up two unidentified vessels. We have no idea what they are or their purpose, so be on your guard. I have called for reinforcements, and they should be here within a half hour. Also, be careful, I don't want any heroics in this mission. Just a clean sweep, in and out."

"Understood, Perez out." Taking down his hand, he looked at the squad. "Understood, Piranhas?" They slammed a fist to their chest, acknowledging the question. Leaning back, he closed his eyes and sighed. The hangar doors opened and the three ships shot out like rockets, blasting towards the station. The troopers bounced around a bit, as the initial turbulence rocked them around, but the straps took care of most of it. They stayed in formation until a few kilometers away from the station, they split into their separate missions. Alpha squad docked at the right docking point, Zebra on the left, and Perez's squad in the front. They unstrapped themselves, and hefted their weapons. Aiming at the doorway, they tensed themselves as it hissed open.....

OOC: If there is anything you want me to change or if something is wrong, let me know. Also, just tell me what they see when they get in there.

OOC: Nevermind. I'm not going to bother if this is going to become a clusterfuck.

((OOC: These short lil' posts of mine are basically an IC way to bump the thread; I like the current lineup, but we need more then three participants for this to be any fun :P))


#Vessel Detected. Checking Docking Authorization...
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#Check Failed. Authorization Given.
#Initializing Docking Protocols...
#Dock 3D-4A Vacant... Activating...
#G-Beam Active...
#Targeting Coordinates (2,0,0,0);(0,12,0,0);(0,0,45.3,0);(0,0,0,5x.ee9)
#Target Locked. G-Beam Firing.


The first thing the Washington would notice upon arrival, was that deep scanning was difficult from a distance. In fact, the only useful information a ship at a distance could gather was that of the station's shape, and perhaps its layout assuming practical design ambitions. Though, regardless of their distance, they would soon enough notice a strange energy lance spearing towards them at speeds that breached the light-speed barrier.

The beam did nothing destruction. It only acted as a guide to a a docking bay that could fit the Washington's proportions.

Scans for life-forms, no matter the distance, returned what computers could only conclude as 'negative.' Though, permeating the station's entire existence, was a low level energy wave weaker than the light given off be a single photon, but still somehow powerful enough to register as more than white-noise to any scanner system's data-logs. An energy wave that had no known point of eminence, and no recognizable pattern that would allow its placement on the EM spectrum.

As the men departed from the Washington in their landing boats and got closer, anyone with a child's galvanometer could detect a sudden increase in energy output from the station.


#Subcraft departing from unidentified vessel.
#Authorization Check Canceled.
#G-Beams Active... Lock Established At... Coordinates Lost... Lock Acquired.
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#G-Beams Shutdown...
#Quan.Vec System Active... Lock Acquired...
#Subcraft Docked At Docks 4F-4.2F
#Transmitting Message...
#-{We're sorry, but your current flight-path is invalid. The station will now redirect you to a more appropriate location.}-

The increase in energy was barely enough to power a PD laser, but enough to trap all three boats in a quantum tunnel, directing them to docks that they were not initially heading towards.

Docking clamps locked onto the new arrivals in one smooth mechanical motion. The atmospheric tunnel activated, connecting the hatch of the ships with the station's airlock. It was a cubical tunnel of energy that soon flooded with breathable gas, that was then covered by a three-inch thick armored sleeve in the incredibly unlikely event that the capacitors powering the tunnel failed.

The airlock opened with the characteristic, soft, pneumatic hiss. Revealing a spacious metallic room that was dimly lit by cobalt pane-lights built into the wall. There was nothing but another door that actually led into the station, one that could not be visibly opened from the inside. A message softly repeated in the jetway.

Please proceed inward for decontamination...

If the Telrossians went through with the decontamination procedures, they would notice that the door actually leading into the ship would open up, to an utterly empty and totally dark hallway, that stunk with stale air.

Welcome To Paradise Station, Please Enjoy Your Stay.

Virandi watched the station on the main screen, as the dropships headed towards the station. "Ship status?" The Lieutenant checked the diagnostics. "The Washington is at full operational power and the dropships look fine, no problems." The Captain leaned back.

"Very well, have us ease into an orbit around the station and-" The alarm klaxon went off as the sensors detected the energy-beam. It shot through space towards the ship, and impacted with them before they could even register it. The ablative armor status blinked, registering the energy had hit it. "Report!" The bridge crew quickly did a systems check and were stunned.

"Well....the ship is fine. It would appear that beam just gave us information on a docking section that could fit the Washington." Virandi tapped his hands on the sides of his chair, a habit he had when thinking.

"Lieutenant, statistics of that beam?"

The Lieutenant brought up the information on his console. "Well sir, it was incredible, to put it frankly. The beam broke the light-speed barrier and reached us before we could detect it. But all it did was show us where we can dock." The Captain sighed.

"Anything else on the scans?"

"Well sir, the scanning we had is relatively weak, we only had an estimate of the layout of the station was. And scans for lifesigns was negative. Also sir, I personally think we have a problem." The Lieutenant gazed at Virandi, who nodded and waved for him to come closer.

"What exactly is it, Ben?" Ben looked back at the screen.

"Well sir, there is an anomaly, which I think is linked to that screeching we caught on the radio. There seems to be an unknown type of energy pulsing throughout the station. It is weaker than anything we have seen before, but is still being caught by our scanners. Not only that, but it doesn't fit the EM spectrum at all, and we have no idea where it is coming from. Something weird is going on in that station, sir." The Captain laced his hands together.

"Well, I am sure that Alpha, Zebra, and Perez's squads will find out what that is and-" They were cut off by the comm.

"Sir, this is dropship 01, do you read over?" Virandi moved towards the communications console and pressed a key.

"I read you, son. What is going on?"

"Sir, the station appears to have fired a beam similar to the one which just hit you a few minutes ago. It has drawn us into a new flight path, we are heading for different docking ports now. This station's computer seems to know its stuff." The Captain thought for a moment.

"This changes things little. However, orders have changed. That beam that hit us gave us information on a dock we can use for the Washington. Here are your new orders: Find this dock," He transmitted the information to their suits directly. ", and secure it, it will be the new command post, linked directly to the Washington. Then proceed on as planned. If you need reinforcements, shout for them, we have all our squads on standby."

"Will do, sir. Dropship 01 out." Virandi walked back to his seat and sat down, eyes grim. Something was off about this station and they were going to find out what.

"Set a course for that dock the station sent us. I want this thing docked to that as soon as possible. Also, have tactical bomber squadrons Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta launch and have them on patrols. I want no surprises. When we are in range, do a full scan, I want to know what is on that station!" A chorus of "Yes sirs" sounded and the ship shuddered, moving towards the station.

***

The pilot clicked off the comm and opened the channel to the squad. "Lieutenant Perez, new orders came through. It appears that beam that hit the Washington was some sort of guiding beam to a dock that the ship can use. So, our new orders are to find it, the location should be in your NAV's, and to secure it, as the new command post. Then resume the mission as planned. Reinforcements will be on call, whenever you need them." A loud clank sounded, followed by some rumbling as the beam attached to the ship, followed by the steel cover. Perez signaled for them to form up. They all quickly got into formation, with the Marauder suits in the back. Perez turned to face them. "Private Wallace, you will be on point. Private Denkin, you and Private Walters, keep the Marauder suits in back and in single file, this tunnel doesn't seem big enough to hold both of you side by side." Everyone else, keep your eyes peeled. Something ain't right about this place..." They all nodded and the Marauders took the back. Wallace opened the door to the connecting tube, and slapped up his rifle. He checked out the room and then knelt, scanning the room. After a few moments, he walked in, checking it one final time, eyes scanning every detail, before motioning for everyone to follow him. Perez repeated the gesture and they moved in. The Marauder suits barely made it out the door, since they were so large. Once they all were inside, the door to the dropship closed, and a hissing filled the chamber, as the cheery voice announced that decontamination was underway. After a few minutes, the spray stopped and it announced that it was finished. The door opened and it welcomed them to Paradise Station. Denkin murmured into the radio. "Yeah, a real nice paradise. Dark, just how I like 'em." Perez spoke up.

"Piranha's, suit lights on! Be careful and move slowly. Wallace, move up." Wallace nodded, as they all turned on their lights, flooding the hall with light. The point trooper scanned the air. "Well, sir, it is breathable, but it is stale as all hell." The Lieutenant shook his head. "Well, until we can find a way to fix that, keep the helmets on. I don't want any diseases or something that we don't know about. Let's go." Wallace moved forward, followed by the rest of the squad. The exact same process occurred with the other two squads, as they began to enter the forboding complex.

A distant message was received:

The time of the long slumber has come to an end. The awakening is upon you, and the agreement shall be renewed.

With that Golad woke from his slumber. Yawning, he raised his next and stretched his legs and wings.

"Lakorus, did you hear that?"

"Yes, Maat, I registered the message. Though weak as it was, I believe it was sent several days ago."

"Then it has happened? The Emissary is free?"

"Yes, Maat, it is presumed so."

"Wake the crew."

"As you wish, commencing awaken procedures. Sir, I received another message before you woke. Stronger, and on audio only.”

“Play it,” ordered Maat Golad.


TO: Whoever Can Hear
FROM: Stranded People
SUBJECT: HELP!!!

Greetings,

We are unsure if anyone can hear or read this...(Signal Corrupted)... but we need help!


“Interesting, scan the system.”

A few minutes later, the ship responded, “There is a station in orbit of the Gas Giant, and a vessel appears to be docked to it. Also there are several smaller vessels patrolling the area surrounding the station.”

“Are any of the men awake yet?”

“Yes, sir. Teks Kirira, and Undri are awake and coming to the bridge now sir.”

“Good, now shake this cocoon and hail that station.”

An asteroid in a high orbit around the gas giant begin to vibrate, slowly the rock begins to crack.

Alien station, this is Maat Golad of the TGF Lakorus, are you in need of assistance?

After twenty minutes the asteroid shatters revealing a roughly oval shaped object with one end coming to a rounded point. Scans reveal that it is organic, and show strong life signs.

The object breaks orbit and begin heading at three hundred kph toward the station and the docked ship.

Another hail:

Alien vessels, this is Maat Golad of the TGF Lakorus, are you in need of assistance? Please respond.

Inisde:

The bridge crew enters.

“Officers, reporting for duty, sir,” exclaims Poth Tek Kirira as she enters.

“Good, Tek, take you stations, and I want a status report from all departments in one minute. Also this could be trouble, determine if there are any other ships in this sector. We may need help,” commands Golad. “Lakorus”

“Yes, Maat,” came an immediate response.

“Relay, the wake message, and make it a strong signal. Given its strength, there may be other ships in the area that aren’t as telepathic as you and I. Oh, and add to it a request for assistance with our coordinates as well.”

“As you wish sir.”

“Maat, according to the information we have before we entered our slumber state, there are no ships within 1000 light years of us,” informed the science officer.

“Well, lets hope our information is wrong and thank you, Nurel. Lakorus, take us in slowly, I don’t want to appear threatening.”

As the squads entered the station, the Washington received the message from the Maat Golad. The bridge crew quickly picked up the first message and relayed it to the Lieutenant, who looked it over and walked over to the Captain. Virandi was in the process of typing a letter to his wife on a holopad, using the time in-between docking and the time they had left to dock to get some personal work done. Virandi paused when he saw Ben. "Ah, Ben. I am a bit busy at the moment, can't this wait?" Ben shook his head.

"Sir, we are receiving a transmission from an alien source, coming from an asteroid. It was sent to the station but we caught it as well. And...well, it's better if you saw for yourself." Grumbling, he set aside his holopad, and walked with the Lieutenant to the communications console. Ben pressed a key and two things appeared. One was the message sent:

Alien station, this is Maat Golad of the TGF Lakorus, are you in need of assistance?

And a video of an asteroid which began to wobble and cracks appearing across it's surface. The Captain stared. "What am I seeing?" Ben glanced at the sensor readings.

"Well, it would appear to be some kind of ship inside that asteroid. How that is, I have no idea, but from the scans and what we are seeing, that appears to be the case." Virandi stared at the screen and remained there for the rest of the time it took for the asteroid to break and reveal a ship. The bridge crew scanned it and the information appeared on the console.

"Well, it appears to be organic and has a high scale for life signs. And we are receiving a message, to us this time." Ben read off the information and turned to the Captain.

"Play it." Ben typed in the command and a second message played:

Alien vessels, this is Maat Golad of the TGF Lakorus, are you in need of assistance? Please respond.

Virandi chewed this over in his mind for a few moments. Then he turned to Ben. "Send them our counter-reply. Tell them we do not need help, though they are welcome to help search the station. They must have received the call as well." The Lieutenant nodded and sent the reply.

Maat Golad, this is the TFS [i}Washington[/i]. We are not in need of any assistance, though we thank you for the offer. If you so wish, you may aid in the investigation into the station and it's call for help. It has an automatic docking system, simply send some shuttles with whoever you send and they will be guided in.

Maat Golad, this is the TFS Washington. We are not in need of any assistance, though we thank you for the offer. If you so wish, you may aid in the investigation into the station and it's call for help. It has an automatic docking system, simply send some shuttles with whoever you send and they will be guided in.

Thank you for the information, Washington, I will dock and send in some men to investgate.

"Lakorus, scan that ship, I want to know what race we are dealing with and move to a docking port on that station in close proximity to the Washington, I want to be in range to telepathicly contact its crew."

"As, you wish, sir."

"Tek," Golad bent his neck to look at his second in command, "gather a team, no more than two. Expect anything, we don't know what we're dealing with over there, our scans are inconclusive."

"Aye, sir."

"This is the Tau exploration fleet to organic vessel Maat Golad, we thank you for your offer of assistance. However, we do not require help at this time. We would however like to propose a joint boarding of the station, as our defence team is to small to search the entire station effectivly. Message ends."

From the mass shadow of the gas giant the Tau exploration fleet Fio apeared. The fleet consised of only five ships, and four of them were research transports. Only one real battleship, a Hero class, was amoung them, and it was from this ship that the boarding party was launched. With a series of sudden flashs several Orca trop transporst and even a Manta Misstle Destroyer left the battleships main hanger and slowly headed towards the station.

moments later a second smaller set of flashes we visable from further along the battleship 6Km length, as Suction cables we fired to connect the battleship and station. These cables could be used to ferry troops across in transport cablecars if the initial landing proved sucessfull. Final a third serise of flashs signified the launch of Drone turrets, which attached themselves to the surface of the station, around the docking port that the transports were heading for, securing a foot hold for the Tau.

OOC: again, not trying to be threatening, just the Tau fire caste don't leave anything to chance.

On board the TGF Lakorus

“Sir, we are being hailed, by another source. It is coming from the shadows of the Gas Giant.”

“Let’s hear it.”

"This is the Tau exploration fleet to organic vessel Maat Golad, we thank you for your offer of assistance. However, we do not require help at this time. We would however like to propose a joint boarding of the station, as our defense team is to small to search the entire station effectively.

“We are detecting the ships now sir, five of them, and one is heavily armed,” informed the Nurel.

“What!! This is a scout ship, we can’t stand up to a fleet. Lakorus, how could you let someone sneak up on us like that?”

“My apologies, Maat, the radiation from the planet, and that station, have my senses confused,” complained the ship, “…and lets not forget, I have been asleep for who knows how long, much like you, I might add. Besides…”

Maat Golad ignored the ship’s mental barrage; he really wasn’t interested. Lakorus did remind him of something that of vital importance, he needed to contact High Command, immediately.

“Lakorus,” Golad issued a verbal command, and ignored his Comm Officer sitting close by, “Contact High Command, and request orders.”

Golad then turned to his Comm Officer, “Open a channel and transmit.” The officer presses a button on the holo-display in from of him.

Tau exploration fleet, I was responding to the TFS Washington, whom I assume is listening to this conversation. We thought the message came from their ship, or the station they are docking at. Since you require no aid, none shall be offered. In the interest of good will I accept your offer, I believe our three groups will be quite capable of helping each other explore this station… Have either of you been able to scan the interior of the station. And on a more personal note, may I ask what species each of you are?”

Golad looked at the Comm officer who immediately ended the transmission.

Lakorus continued toward the station.

"This is Commander Firetide to Maat Golad, my apolagise if we startled you, however we felt that we should respond to your message and revial our selves in good will. As for your questions we have not yet been able to penitrate the hull with deep probe scans and so are unaware of the situation within. As for the second question we are of the Tau race, found near the Damocleas gulf at the edge of the Galaxy. If you wish to learn more of our culture and the Greater Good then I will be happy to send over a team of Water caste Negotiators. I'm also granting your ship or any landing craft you may have access to the landing bay we have secured, the turrets will guard yor ships while they are within their limits. Firetide out".
OCC and to clarify, your message was addressed to Alien vessels so that would include mine, even if you had not spotted them. Nice idea about the ship having a consiousness by the way, I just hope its ok with back seat drivers XD

"This is Commander Firetide to Maat Golad, my apolagise if we startled you, however we felt that we should respond to your message and revial our selves in good will. As for your questions we have not yet been able to penitrate the hull with deep probe scans and so are unaware of the situation within. As for the second question we are of the Tau race, found near the Damocleas gulf at the edge of the Galaxy. If you wish to learn more of our culture and the Greater Good then I will be happy to send over a team of Water caste Negotiators. I'm also granting your ship or any landing craft you may have access to the landing bay we have secured, the turrets will guard yor ships while they are within their limits. Firetide out".
OCC and to clarify, your message was addressed to Alien vessels so that would include mine, even if you had not spotted them. Nice idea about the ship having a consiousness by the way, I just hope its ok with back seat drivers XD

OOC: Thank you, all of my ships, except shuttles and fighters, are organic, and have a consciousness. As they grow they become bigger, and change class. They also all have different personality, some resent being a host, others enjoy it, it just depends on the ship.

What size is your ship? Mine is only about 100 to 200 meters. If it your ship can hold a vessel of that size, I will probably be interested in boarding. Also I like the idea of diplomatic relations, but if we do that we should start a new thread and not hijack this one.

I wonder what happened to Ambrosia Incorporated? It appears this thread has been abandoned by every one but us.

OOC: Your right ofcorse, we need to make another thread for diplomatic negotiations but maybe you could bring another ship into the system to begin a search. As for docking we the agverage Hero class batleship is 6K long and about half a K high, so one of the main ports wil fit your ship.

Thank you for the information, Washington, I will dock and send in some men to investigate.

Virandi nodded. "Acknowledged, Maat Golad. TSS Washington out." The Captain turned to his Lieutenant. "Well, this is going to be interesting. We seem to have another race. Stats on their ship?" The bridge crew had done a scan while they had been talking between ships.

"Well, sir, it would appear the ship is organic. Therefore, we have no idea of it's defensive or offensive capabilities. Added onto that is since it's organic, we can't find any lifeforms on their ship. A strange energy signal is messing with our scans, so we can't get any details." Another voice broke in.

"Sir, we are detecting scans directed at the ship, they are originating from the Maat Golad.." Virandi smirked.

"Well, I see they are curious about us. Have the A.I. enact countermeasures, and the anti-scanner pods. All hostile frequencies are to be jammed."

"Yes sir." The ships A.I., it's "brain" received the order and processed it. Countermeasures were activated as the computer system was locked down and the anti-scanner pods projected disrupting frequencies, designed to disrupt and scatter incoming scans on any frequency in the EM range. The Lieutenant then spoke up.

"Sir, we have another fleet in system. Unidentifiable. They are hailing the Maat Golad. They have launched several ships. One appears to have weapons, the rest are full of troops, lifeforms. Also, they have launched some kind of machines that have attached to the docks that they seem to be heading to, at least their trajectory matches that."

Virandi narrowed his eyes. "When will reinforcements arrive?" The Lieutenant checked the countdown.

"Seven minutes sir." The Captain sighed

"Good, then have everyone ready to go into battle at a moment's notice. We will wait until we get reinforcements, then we will have what we need in case they prove hostile. And inform the M.I's of the new situation."

"Yes sir."

Would it be ok if I joined this thread, or is it a bit too late?

OOC: The ship is called Lakorus, the commander is Golad. Orthodox feel free to join. I don’t think we are going to do anything with the station, but we can still discuss issues here, and it sounds like combat may be happening soon. I also think we will be starting a diplomacy thread soon as well.

“The Washington is deploying some kind of counter measures to prevent scans,” Lakorus informs the commander.

“Open a Channel.”

Washington, this is Lakorus, we are interested in opening diplomatic dialogue with you, and intend no aggressive action.

“Lakorus, help me out here,” requests Maat Golad, “Let us attempt to contact their commander through alternative means.”

Golad closes his eye, and focuses his mind on the TSS Washington. His mental psionic are supported by the ship. Together they begin scanning through the thoughts of the various crewmen, looking for one in authority. When they find one, the captain hears a voice in his head.

Hello, I am Golad, Maat of the TGF Lakorus. We seek to learn more about you. What race are you and where are you from?

"Sir, we are getting another message." The Captain narrowed his eyes.

"Play it."

Washington, this is Lakorus, we are interested in opening diplomatic dialogue with you, and intend no aggressive action. Virandi raised an eyebrow. "So, they want to open dialogue with us, by scanning my ship? That's rather strange and-" He then paused as he felt something probe his mind and heard the alien voice. Anger built up in him and he firmly and quietly replied back in his head.

"Alright, listen up. If you want to learn more about us or something, then send a representative to my ship. I am under orders to not let our technology be copied or anything by a race not approved by the Federation, and I would like to ask if you would not violate my mind like this! Use normal channels, thank you!" He then shut off his mind, looking back at the screen.

"Prepare the meeting room on deck twelve for diplomatic relations." He said curtly and the ensign he gave the order to ran off, not wanting to get him pissed off.

Commander Firetide sat viewing a holo read out of the system. Like all Fire caste members he was cautious of the unknown, the Tau had many a time been attacked by those they had tried to befriend and this had left a genral distrust with in the Fire caste for those who they had never met. Still, if they did not make contact with the other unknown vessel in the system then all hell could break loose, he whould have to eplain his ations of creating a secure foothold. Turning from the holosphere he called out to his number one "Get me a secure channel to that other ship, I'll have to explain the situation to them"

Message starts
This is Commander Firetide of the Tau exploration fleet Fio. We mean you and your people no harm, repeat no harm. You will have noticed our deployment of security measures to one of the stations docking bays, this is meerly standard procedure in an unknown situation like this, always cover your entrance and exit. By now it is likly that you will also have made contact with the Bioship Maat Golad. If you are hosting diplomatic talks with her crew I would like to ask tha you allow a team of Water caste diplomats to join the table. Again I inform you that we mean you no harm, we wil submitt to a scanner sweep so that you can see that our weapons are disengaged if you will give us the same opotunity. Firetide out
Message ends

OCC: sorry about all this, my first RP in ages and i'm a bit rusty, should have made contact a while ago.

an imperial battle armarda exits the warp the strike cruiser orrien leading the fleet

on board the orien the space marine at ops said brother captain tau fleet in system permision to engage grateted hail to tau fleet leave this sector or be destroyed

"Negative Marine forces, you have no jusristiction over my forces, this is free space. We will however quite happily accept any help you are willing to offer with exploring this station, Fleet Fio out"

OCC: since we have worked together before seph I see no need to fight, but i'm not leaving the thread.

It has been a week since the conference onboard the armistice station. The Colonial Fleet, was in a state of euphoria and terror. They found out they were not alone, they were instead a small force, in the galaxy abroad.

They had suffered attacks, and gained two new allies. With this new realization, President Adar personally ordered a battlestar to scout out the outlining systems from the colonies. He commissioned the Battlestar Hades to begin the scouting.

THe Battlestar Hades was one of the first four battlestars at the battle of the Armistice Station. Her commander had some experience with extra terrestrials, and unlike other commanders he was eager to meet new races.

Commander Jack Fisk on board the Battlestar Hades, "Is everything a go for FTL jump".

Major Vox replied, Yes sir with these new star maps, we should be able to jump farther than any other battlestar. And if we run into aliens, hopefully the new translators will be able to allow us to communicate.

Commander Fisk responds, "will here is hoping that the damn things work. Jump on my mark...mark"

In a quick flash, the Mercury Class battlestar jumps into unknown space. They were alone, about 300 Lightyears from colonial space.

"Where are we?" Commander Fisk asked.

Lt. Gallian replies," Sir we are on target. These star maps that we were given are hyper accurate.

Commander Fisk responds, That is the best news I have heard all day.

Lt. Gallian, "Sir we are getting chatter from a few ships about a light year away.

Commander Fisk, "This is good news, unless they are hostile. Either way let's make another impression on this Galaxy, set jump coordinates to the origin of that signal and jump. " ANd patch me through to the com on the ship.

Lt. Gallian responds "Aye Sir".

Commander Fisk, "This is the commander, we have intercepted a communication from unknown vessels and are about to investigate. THis ship has been instrumental already in the Armistice station, and I expect you to continue your fine work. With any luck we will find new allies. Set Condition two throughout the ship, and prepare to jump."

With that order Condition two is set, and in another flash of light the battlestar jumps into the unknown.

--------------------------------------------------------

Above the derelict station, the Battlestar jumps into the area.

"Draidus contacts" Lt. Gallian replies, two no seven vessels bearing 120, at 90.

Commander Fisk responds, "Any vessel transponders that we know?"

Lt. Gallian replies, "Yes sir, one a Taron vessel, much smaller than the ones we encountered at the station."

Commander Fisk send this transmission, and maintain condition two. Keep our FTL drives spun up as well.
This is the Battlestar Hades of the Colonial Fleet, to the unknown vessels. Please state your intentions in this area.

Send this encrypted message to the Taron Ship

Attention Taron Vessel, this is the Battlestar Hades, it is good to have you with us out here

Virandi paced the bridge, muttering to himself and making small gestures. He was not happy with this. Who the hell did these alien scum think they were, barging into his mind because they felt that the normal channels were 'taking too long'. He growled and clenched his hands. If it wasn't for the fact that he was outnumbered and was busy trying to help whoever was alive on the station or figuring out what happened, he would have done something about it by now. No destruction, just some threats. But, in his current position, he would have to lie low. An ensign walked up to him, holding a holopad. "Uh....sir?" The Captain turned his baleful eye on him.

"Yes, what is it, Ensign?"

"We...we have a message from the other fleet." Virandi took the holopad and dismissed the Ensign, who quickly left, and played it.

This is Commander Firetide of the Tau exploration fleet Fio. We mean you and your people no harm, repeat no harm. You will have noticed our deployment of security measures to one of the stations docking bays, this is meerly standard procedure in an unknown situation like this, always cover your entrance and exit. By now it is likely that you will also have made contact with the Bioship Maat Golad. If you are hosting diplomatic talks with her crew I would like to ask tha you allow a team of Water caste diplomats to join the table. Again I inform you that we mean you no harm, we will submit to a scanner sweep so that you can see that our weapons are disengaged if you will give us the same opportunity. Firetide out

He scratched his head and sighed. Did every race intend to have peaceful, diplomatic relations the first time they met? Once in a while, he just wanted to meet a race that watched them from afar and did not barge in unless they had a reason. He went to the bridge, typing a reply into the holopad. When he arrived, he gave it to the Lieutenant. "Ben, I want you to send this to those other ships, the ones who were hailing the Maat Golad." Ben nodded.

"Will do, sir." Ben turned to the console and typed in the following message, then sent it:

Very well, Firetide. If you so wish it, then you may come aboard the TFS Washington for a diplomatic meeting. We will not do a scan for disengaged weapons, but we will ask that you not try anything funny, though you seem to be keeping your word. Just send a shuttle to the coordinates given in this message and we will accommodate you.

Ben turned to Virandi. "Message sent sir."

He nodded. "Good, now we can-" They were interrupted by a klaxon going off. "Report!"

"Sir, we are detecting a massive warfleet exiting some kind of warp. They have hailed the Fio fleet, getting message onscreen now:"

To Tau fleet, leave this sector or be destroyed The Captain swore.

"Goddammit! We were doing fine, everyone was happy and these gunhappy idiots come in to screw everything up. For now, just don't do anything. If they don't fire, I don't give a flying fuck. However, send a message to our reinforcements, to go double time, if you know what I mean."

"Yes sir." Their reinforcements were only three minutes until they were ready to jump to their location. The klaxon went off again, and the bridge crew spoke up. "Sir, another ship has appeared. It is sending two messages, one to all of us, open-channel, the other an encrypted one. Destination unknown." Virandi sighed.

"Play the damn message."

This is the Battlestar Hades of the Colonial Fleet. Please state your intentions in this area.

"Well then, here's my reply." He typed in the message and sent it himself.

[quote]Battlestar Hades, this is the TFS Washington. We are currently helping the station which sent the distress call, which you have obviously received. So, it is a bit obvious that everyone here is doing the same thing. Washington out.[quote]

The Captain rubbed his temples. "I better get a raise for this...."

"Sir we are recieving message from a ship calling itself the TFS Washington. " Lt. Gallian states.

"Put it through," Commander Fisk responds.

.Battlestar Hades, this is the TFS Washington. We are currently helping the station which sent the distress call, which you have obviously received. So, it is a bit obvious that everyone here is doing the same thing. Washington out."

Send the reply,

TFS Washington, this is the Battlestar Hades, if you require assitance let us know. If you do not we will not inquire any further.

"Sir new draidus contacts, it appears to be a fleet." Major Vox says. " No known transponders. They are sending a message to one of the other fleets."

tau fleet leave this sector or be destroyed

Commander Fisk weighs the options. Is that a correct translation?

Lt. Gallian responds ,"Yes sir, and it is directed at the one of the fleets."

"Maintain condition two, if fighting breaks out go to condition one but do not engage any forces unless they target us. Until then just watch these ships, and try to catalogue the races they are from, and check out the list from the Coredian civilization list." Commander Fisk orders.

"Sir, none of these ships are in our computers." "Either they were ommited by the Coredians, or they have yet to encounter these 'people.'" Lt. Gallian states.

"Ok, then begin to catalogue the ship's exterior shapes, and copy all live transmission's lets find out who they are. Do not do a scan of their ships unless fighting breaks out, or unless we are scanned or locked on to. We do not wish to provoke them." Commander Fisk orders.

"Yes Sir."

The Battlestar Hades, begins to move further back away from the unknown fleets, to a safe distance. For it's mammoth size the ship moves gracefully away from any potential combat zone.

Message starts
This is Tau exploration fleet to Battlestar Hades, we are making an attempt to board this station inorder to search for possible surivors. Please state your intentions, the Tau are not an overtly hostile race but if your intentions are hostile we will defend our selves
Message ends

Sir, another message coming from the fleet claiming to be the Tau. It reads, Lt. Gallian states,

Message starts
This is Tau exploration fleet to Battlestar Hades, we are making an attempt to board this station inorder to search for possible surivors. Please state your intentions, the Tau are not an overtly hostile race but if your intentions are hostile we will defend our selves
Message ends

Please respond to the Tau Fleet, Commander Fisk orders,

This is the Battlestar Hades to the fleet claiming to be the Tau Fleet. We do not wish hostilites. We have just begun to discover that new races besides our own exist in the universe. We repeat we do not wish for any hostilities to occur. We found this place by accident and found a multitude of 'alien' races and came in to investigate.

"understood hade's, thisis comander Firetide of the Tau flee. Ifyou are only just making first contact with the galaxy at large then we can provide you with an overview of our race, simple history and language data as well as physiolagy if you wish. This data is being streamed now.....DATA FILE:039493922 (OCC: check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tau_%28Warhammer_40%2C000%29 for basic data,though my version of the galactic timeline is quite diffrent ship and basic race data is the same though.), FILE SENT.

Hopefully this will help you put together a translator program and show you te Greater Good in all its glory. Firetide out.

Commander sir, Major Vox, states, they are sending a data stream to our ship. They state that it includes a basic history of their race as well as a translator. They also wish us to know that they are the greater good.

Commander Fisk replies, "Accept the data stream, a third translator program will be useful. When our scientist combine it with the other two that we have recieved we should be able to communicate with any race."

Send this transmission to the Tau.

This is the Battlestar Hades to the Firetide: We graciously accept your gift. If it would be possible may we have a copy of your transponder codes so that we can easily identify your ships upon future contacts. This will help our ships to know who you are and that you are not hostile. We will send over a copy of our history as well to you. http://en.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/History_of_the_Twelve_Colonies (((OOC: Ignore the fall of the colonies, in this version we beat the cylons back)))

Commander Fisk thought to himself, "If I can make peaceful contact here as well, as in aiding at the Armistice Station treaty, I am certain to make rear admiral."

standingdown to amber alert coms to farsight our mistake your ships look too muck like standard tau ships

coms to unkowns this is an armarda of the united human imperium of sephrioth be you terran of xenos

standingdown to amber alert coms to farsight our mistake your ships look too muck like standard tau ships

coms to unkowns this is an armarda of the united human imperium of sephrioth be you terran of xenos

Lt. Gallian "Sir we are recieving a transmission from the unknown armada. The message is unclear, maybe these new translators are acting up. It seems they are asking us if we are the terran of xenos, and they are indentifying themselves as an armada from the United Human Imperium of Sephrioth."

Commander Fisk responds, " What, ok send this message."

This is the Battlestar Hades to the Armada under the United Human Imperium of Sephrioth. We are in fact a human ship from the Twelve Colonies of Kobal.

"Understood Imirium ships, its good to see the you again, we have a secure docking port set up on the station if you wish to make an landing their. We also have a docking port free on one of the Merchant class transports if any of your troops wish to use our recriational facilitys, Firetide out"

coms understood imperial armarda esplion 3 comining in

Lakorus interrupted the Maat’s communication with the Washington’s Captain, Sir, I am receiving a week old databurst from Command. Golad completed his communication with the Washington, and returned his thoughts to the ship.

“OK, what does it say.”

“It has multidimensional encryption on it sir, still decoding.”

“Why can’t they just send these type of top secret communications psychically? Its not like the ships can’t detect them. Hurry it up.”

Sir, we’ve detected a new fleet in the system, they are sending a message to the Tau fleet.

Tau fleet leave this sector or be destroyed

“Continue to monitor communications. Lakorus, prepare to combat. Attention all crew, we are in lockdown in preparation for combat, in the event that combat is necessary, Lakorus has complete combat control. Maintain you stations.”

“Sir, another vessel has appeared out of no where.”

“What is this,” exclaims Maat Golad.

“It is hailing the other vessels and we are receiving an encrypted message from them.”

“They know our encryptions? Lets hear the messages.”

This is the Battlestar Hades of the Colonial Fleet, to the unknown vessels. Please state your intentions in this area.

Attention Taron Vessel, this is the Battlestar Hades, it is good to have you with us out here.

The science officer spoke up, “Sir, the data burst has been decoded, and it contains the transponder for the Hades, it is a Colonial ship from the Colonies of Kobol.”

“Well, it seems we have made some new allies already. Respond on the same encrypted channel and inform the Washington we will be happy to send a representative, if they will provide us with information on what race they are. I intend to serve as representative, but most people won’t accept a Wyrm such as myself on their ship, besides I wouldn’t want to alarm them anymore than I apparently already have.” He could feel the seething anger of Virandi, at least his race couldn’t hide their emotions from one such as him.



Hades, this is Golad, Maat of the Lakorus, this is a scout vessel. It is good to have some friends out here as well, we are slightly outnumbered if problems arise.


Washington, this is Lakorus. Maat Golad is preparing to meet. He will be departing on a shuttle in 10 minutes. We are sending you a data burst with information on our races. DATA BURST (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/People_of_the_Taron_Agreement)

“Sir, the Tau fleet is sending a data burst to the Battlestar Hades containing information on their race. We are receiving it as well.”

“Good, we need more information on the child races.”

“We are also receiving a message from the unknown armada sir.”

This is an armarda of the United Human Imperium of Sephrioth. Be you Terran of Xenos?

“I am not certain we translated that properly, but they are human.”

“Report Stand down, then, all seems to be peaceful. Send the databurst to them as well, with a message”

Sephrioth, this is the Taron Guardian Force Scout Lakorus. We are interested in learning more about you people. Here is a databurst on our races. (OOC: Check the message above for that.)

"Sir, the Sephrioth report they are calling for another fleet."

"Well, then they still appear to have plans for combat. Send a encrypted request to the Oceanus, and Uranus to bring in their fleets immediately."

"Aye, sir."

“Continue to monitor communications. Lakorus, prepare to combat. Attention all crew, we are in lockdown in preparation for combat, in the event that combat is necessary, Lakorus has complete combat control. Maintain you stations.”


The science officer spoke up, “Sir, the data burst has been decoded, and it contains the transponder for the Hades, it is a Colonial ship from the Colonies of Kobol.”

“Well, it seems we have made some new allies already. Respond on the same encrypted channel and inform the Washington we will be happy to send a representative, if they will provide us with information on what race they are. I intend to serve as representative, but most people won’t accept a Wyrm such as myself on their ship, besides I wouldn’t want to alarm them anymore than I apparently already have.” He could feel the seething anger of Virandi, at least his race couldn’t hide their emotions from one such as him.

“Sir, the Tau fleet is sending a data burst to the Battlestar Hades containing information on their race. We are receiving it as well.”

“Good, we need more information on the child races.”

“We are also receiving a message from the unknown armada sir.”



“

The Hades sends a transmission to the Taron vessel:

Golad, Maat of the Lakorus, This is Commander Fisk of the Battlestar Hades. If combat ensues land your ship in our starbord flightpod, and we will take you to safety. We have a raptor prepared to launch and jump into colonial space at the first sign of trouble. Until then be advised, we will keep to our previous agreement and will aid you if your ship comes under fire.

Send this transmission to the Sephrioth ships.

This is the Battlestar Hades to the Sephrioth armada. Why did you call for reinforcements? Are your intentions hostile. Do not fire on the Taron ship or this ship. This will be the only message you will recieve from us pertaining to this subject.

Transmission to the Tau Ships:

This is the Battlestar Hades of the Colonial Fleet of the Twelve Colonies of Kobal to the Tau ships. We wish to meet you. We would love to have a first contact with your civilization. Please respond.

Transmission to the Farsight Ship Firetide and to the Telros ship

This is the Battlestar Hades of the Colonial Fleet of the Twelve Colonies of Kobal to the Tau ships. We wish to meet you. We would love to have a first contact with your civilization. Please respond. We thank you Firetide for the Data on your species, and we want to have a conference. If you like we can meet on board this ship. Please respond.

Commander Fisk, "Their call for reinforcements is disturbing. Have the Raptor lauch immediatly, and move away from the possible engagement zone. If they begin to shoot at us, have the raptor immeditly jump and contact the Ministry of Defence. This armada may be the ones that incapacitated the space station, I want us to be prepared. Also spin up the FTL. If fighting breaks out I want to beable to hold out til we can get the Taron vessel on board and jump out. We can not last against this many ships. Go to Condition one but do not launch the alert vipers, not yet anyway but I want all of our squadrons in the tubes immediatly."

"Aye sir." Major Vox responded.

Ten minutes after the message was sent to the Sephrioth armada, one small raptor takes off from the port flight pod. and begins to move away from all of the ships. It's FTL drive is spun up, and is moving at flank speed.

Golad, Maat of the Lakorus, This is Commander Fisk of the Battlestar Hades. If combat ensues land your ship in our starboard flightpod, and we will take you to safety. We have a raptor prepared to launch and jump into colonial space at the first sign of trouble. Until then be advised, we will keep to our previous agreement and will aid you if your ship comes under fire.

“It’s good to know that we have some friends in this area of space.”


One the encoded channel:
Thank you for the offer, Commander Fisk. We have requested that the Uranus and Oceanus Fleets be dispatched here as quickly as possible. They are on standby and can be here as soon as hostilities occur.

“Sir, the Battlestar Hades has launched a fighter and it is moving away as quickly as possible.”

“Keep an eye on that fighter, if anything happens to it, contact Oceanus and Uranus, and request both complete fleets immediately.”

coms our desgination is epslion 3 gah by the god emperor

This is Tau comander Firetide to Battlestar Hade's, we have a team of Water caste negotiators on their way to meet up with the Maat Lakorus and crew of the Washington aboard the Washington her self, if you contact them I'm sure all four of use will beable to conduct a joint first contact and decide what should be done with in the station. However if this can no be obtaained then we will send a second team to your ship, Firetide out.

OOC: I think this should allow us to restart searching the station and introduce our selves fully.

This is Tau comander Firetide to Battlestar Hade's, we have a team of Water caste negotiators on their way to meet up with the Maat Lakorus and crew of the Washington aboard the Washington her self, if you contact them I'm sure all four of use will beable to conduct a joint first contact and decide what should be done with in the station. However if this can no be obtaained then we will send a second team to your ship, Firetide out.

OOC: I think this should allow us to restart searching the station and introduce our selves fully.

The Hades begins to transmit this message to the Firetide

We understand, we will contact the Washington.

Transmission sent to the Washington:
This is the Battlestar Hades to the TSS Washington. We understand that you will be holding a diplomatic conference onboard your ship, and request permission to attend. Please respond.

Commander Fisk, "Prepare a raptor to link up to that derelict station. I want to know who built it and what happened to it. If you can bring back any unknown technologies with you."

Moments later a second raptor leaves the port flightpod heading to the derelict space station. On board is a detachment of marines.

“Sir, Uranus and Oceanus are not available, they have jumped into a new situation,” informed Lakorus.

“Drat, contact Rhea and hail the Battlestar Hades,” replied Maat Golad.

Encrypted message to Battlestar Hades:
Commander Fisk, we have been informed that two of our fleets are not available. We are requesting support from a forth fleet, but whether they are available is unknown. So we may need to take you up on your offer of assistance. If combat breaks out we can be in your flightpod in an instance, if you don’t mind us opening an Astral portal into you ship.

Golad changed form to look like a human, and walked toward the shuttle bay. Within minutes his shuttle was on its way to the TSS Washington.

TSS Washington, this is Maat Gold, requesting permission to board, please direct me to a docking bay on you ship that we may begin diplomatic relations.

OOC: If everyone is in agreement I will start a new thread for this.

OOC: sounds good to me

Commander Fisk read the commication. Astral Portal inside the flight pod. What the hell was that, and what they hell would it do to the interior of the flight pod. Commander Fisk orders this response on an encypted channel

Taron Ship, this is the Battlestar Hades. What is the worse case scenerio of opening a portal inside our flight pod? If it would be at all possible you may jump to the outside of the flightpod, and do a combat landing inside. I have cleared all traffic out of that pod for you. Do not jump inside unless you have no other choice as I would prefer to keep my ship intact.

OOC: Please do

"Sir, we are receiving several messages. I am uploading them now" Virandi sighed, rubbing his temples. He was not much of a diplomat and he was not looking forward to this meeting. He was happy that he was getting contacts for his nation, as the Sky Marshal had put forth the edict that all military vessels, upon first contact, had to initiate diplomatic meetings. However, he was not expecting to be part of them. Sighing, he read the messages:

[uqote]Washington, this is Lakorus. Maat Golad is preparing to meet. He will be departing on a shuttle in 10 minutes. We are sending you a data burst with information on our races. DATA BURST[/quote]

Reading the message, he glanced at Ben. "Have that data copied and sent to SICON HQ at Terrasia. And is the meetint room ready?" The Lieutenant nodded.

"Yes sir. And the data burst is copying now." Nodding, Virandi sent the following reply.

Understood, Lakorus. We have received the data and are ready for the shuttle. Washington out.

This is the Battlestar Hades of the Colonial Fleet of the Twelve Colonies of Kobal to the Tau ships. We wish to meet you. We would love to have a first contact with your civilization. Please respond. We thank you Firetide for the Data on your species, and we want to have a conference. If you like we can meet on board this ship. Please respond.

Virandi was preparing to make a reply when Ben spoke up. "Sir, we are receiving another message from Battlesatr Hades."

This is the Battlestar Hades to the TSS Washington. We understand that you will be holding a diplomatic conference onboard your ship, and request permission to attend. Please respond.

The Captain sighed.

This is the Washington. You have permission to attend the conference, just a shuttle after Maat Golad and follow where he goes. Washington out.

"Okay, now for the final message..."

TSS Washington, this is Maat Gold, requesting permission to board, please direct me to a docking bay on you ship that we may begin diplomatic relations.

Maat Golad, this is Washington. A data package has been sent with this message to you detailing the docking bay for which you are to head to. Docking Bay 042, starboard side. An escort will meet you there and bring you to the meeting. Washington out.

Maat Golad, this is Washington. A data package has been sent with this message to you detailing the docking bay for which you are to head to. Docking Bay 042, starboard side. An escort will meet you there and bring you to the meeting. Washington out.

Understood, setting course and heading there now. Golad out.

Golad piloted the shuttle to the requested docking bay, and landed the shuttle. When he was given the all clear, he opened the port hatch and exited the shuttle. He graciously followed his escort to the conference room.

OOC: The diplomacy can begin in the Deep Space Diplomacy (”http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=519242”) Thread. I assume this includes all further meetings and introductions.

OOC: Soo.... how about a quick summary of what has happened in my thread since a school function spirited me away?:P

Quick Cliff notes version:

A bunch of us came to the area, Spehrotih threathen tao, reinforcements were/are being called, and we are on another thread for a first contact meeting on Telros ship, while keeping this thread for the search of the station.

decerate to 7 aus helm begin sensor scan for space station

As two raptors leave the Battlestar hades, one heading to the conference, and the other heading tothe station.

The second raptor begins to try to scan the station, to no avail. All that they can gain is the physical shape and compooite material used in the creation of the hull. Nothing else can be detected.

"Battlestar Hades, this is Raptor two, we have begun our preliminary scan of the derilect, and can not penetrate it's hull. However it's made of an unusual composite material."

Battlestar Hades responds:
Send us the data on a secure encryption, and you have permission to begin to search the station.


The Raptor begins to land near the station. As it does an magnetic seal forms around the door, from the station. The marines get out and set foot in the unknown derelict. Their lights shinning from the tips of their rifles they begin to look around in the station.

Finaly, the Tau strike fource arrived at the station, launching ancours into the docking bay to hold them selves in place. With a hiss the door to one of the Orca's slid open and three large shimmers and two small ones exited. The first course of action on any boarding mission was to deploy stealth suits to do recon.

After the decontamination chamber finaly cycled the three troops stepped into the startion, followed by a sheild and marker drone, which were linked to the commander. With the ilence of trained specialists they loaded two 400 pulse round clips into their burst canons primary and secondary ammo ports and engaged their jumpacks, with a flash of light their stealth feilds and boosters engaged and the team shot down the corridor before them, ignoring the pleasent welcoming message that the station sent them. They only had one thing on their minds, and that was their mission.

Mean while out side the station the other Orca's and the Manta were unloading troops. 30 Fire warriors, 10 Pathfinders, 20 Drones, 10 Crisis suits and even a squad of five Broadsides exited from the transports. When the Tau conducted a mission they always brough a force that could be worked to any situation, because things could always turn ugly.

The TGF Lakorus moved to the docking port on the station by following the automated orders it was given

At the entrance, Tek Undri and a security detail consisting of two Raptors, Parthans Thron and Grell, waited for the signal. They were wearing the environmental combat suits and as soon as Lakorus opened the portal displaying the metal of the stations docking port, the three stepped into the door.

Stepping out the other side of the closed door, they surveyed the hallway they were in to determine where to go.

Asteroid Field near Agreement space
Dak Jorl Drake issues telepathic orders to Lakorus and other scout ships to begin dropping marker bouys along the Agreement claimed space.

Lakorus - Station Docking Port
Lakorus being the current commander since Maat Golad, was on the TSS Washington, and Tek Undri was onboard the station received the message.

He considered the situation and paused.

Then is sent a message to Golad.

Zues orders distibution of bouys. Committing to mission. Will return upon completion.

OOC: Is there anything that would keep me from disengaging from the station?

OOC: Guys, I think we should wait until Ambrosia returns and posts, so we don't loose him. Ambrosia, if you want, I can email you what has happened, if you are confused?

(((OOC: All, I, unfortunately, have become far too busy with work and home to be able to make time for anymore RPing in the forums. I will return, eventually, and attempt to start this over again. This will be my last post in this thread. Good bye, all.)


Maat Golad’s shuttle left the TSS Washington.

The summons was strong, even for Lakorus, and all crew were returning to the ship as quickly as possible.

Once all were onboard, Lakorus disengaged from the station, and moved away, heading for the far side of the planet. Once he was out of sight, and the gravity well of the planet masked his signal an Astral Portal was opened to the Ladea system and he was gone an instant later.