NationStates Jolt Archive

It occurred as simple as it was unexpected. The harbinger of what once was, still was in another place and time. All off the actions that had no reprecussions in the Alpha Universe anymore.

A result of another war no one would ever experience here.

The sudden convulsion of dimensionalized subspace, scrambled code strings of celestial computers that still held now old coordinates of Folds long since abandoned. A great warping of an insignificant area of space in the near endless voids of the Milky Way Galaxy Orion Arm, which from without, suddenly jumps a single star craft of war bird like design. (A badly beaten up Knightwing (http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/GaianKnight/Midway/?action=view&current=Knightwing2.jpg) Class vessel.)

One that arrives with terrible scars of war, and only one survivor of a battle that was endless. The rest of it's crew dead.

A single craft, now adrift in the empty cosmos.

Minimal life-support, and a single distress beacon on frequencies long since devoid of the former glory, on a separate power supply.

If only it'll last long enough to even be found. Vessel and knight alike.

(OC- Trying a simple way to get back again into this. This time on a very small level. You think I should learn. =^^= )

A mind drifting in and out of....

....at eyes seen for the first time. They were blue in blue, steel as hard as any.....

A proud moment holding a new standard, at the head of a graduating...

I told her I loved her... never expected the reaction that she.....

Too much war, even more than our leaders ever wanted. Why would they start to....

...eyes opened to a dark interior.. something shut them back closed...

....I want to marry her. Even if Celestia-Valkyries are hard to....

Dear goddess that is a huge weapon... wait... we need to warn before it...

*fighting -everywhere- ..never thought even 'this' much fighting could happen at once... they.... they keep...*

...................................Lind........... I...... *shudder of more than one kind*

...where are.... are my...

...eyes open again... did he hear some... thing..... *close back shut*

.............................................................

........at eyes seen for the first time.

On board the Gungnir, recommissioned Final Production Type Musai Class Light Cruiser, 713rd Evaluation Unit

All was going well with the small three ship group's evaluation of the Zimmad company's version of the FTL drive, until, all of a sudden, they all fell out of faster-than-light travel and into real space.

And seemingly completely off their course, as well.

The captain jumped up from his seat. Due to the zero G status within the Musai class ships, he had to put his hands up to stop his head from hitting the ceiling.

"What the hell? Why did we jump back to regular space? Status report!"

"Uh, Sir, it seems that some kind of interference around here forced us off," said one of the officers on deck, with his headphone off his head.

"How do you know that? I thought you had nothing to do with the activities with this FTL drive, you're the COMMS officer, Jones!"

"Well, it's because... There was this horribly high pitched sound that happened when we came out. Which is why I took these," he showed to the captain, "off."

"Hmph," went the captain and sat down on his seat again, after which he continued, "We need better communications. These things we encounter so regularily seem to screw them up on a mighty regular basis."

"Yes, Sir..."

The captain looked at the sensor officer.

"So, anything of interest close by?"

"Yes, Sir. I'm guessing it's the cause of why we fell out of faster-than-light. It looks like a ship on the sensors and looks like it in visual, too. Has seen better days, though. Here, look."

The captain jumped off his seat towards the monitors.

"I've never seen anything like that."

"Neither have I, Sir."

"... And I didn't ask you, either."

"..."

"Sir!", shouted the comms officer, as he finally had put his headset back on, "There's something going on here."

He turned towards the comms officer.

"What, exactly?"

"I'm not exactly sure, but it sort of looks like a distress signal of sorts," he said, "I guess they're really bad off."

The captain jumped to him.

"Let me hear it."

And he did.

"Alright, let's see what we can do. It looks weak enough so it couldn't really beat us even if it wanted. Who knows, we might even get to salvage something."

He turned towards the monitors in the front.

"Bring us in closer to that vessel! And lets send a transmission of our own at it, just if someone's there to pick it up."

"Very well, Sir."

PRINCIPALITY OF ZEON - EVALUATION UNIT #713 - Gungnir

This is captain Steiner, the commanding officer of this Zeonic group.
Whatever it is that you did caused us to get off our course, but it seems that
it may have been good for you. We're coming towards you to see if there's
anything we can do to help.

Steiner out.

PRINCIPALITY OF ZEON - EVALUATION UNIT #713 - Gungnir

This is captain Steiner, the commanding officer of this Zeonic group.
Whatever it is that you did caused us to get off our course, but it seems that
it may have been good for you. We're coming towards you to see if there's
anything we can do to help.

Steiner out.

It didn't truly matter. Not because of lack of caring, but lack of ability. A barely intact transceiver received the message, some redundant celestial type core systems managed to cobble itself a working computer sentience, no better than a dumb-droid core at best, and interpret the message as best it could. Old translator circuits and other adjunct systems did their part.

No one however able to utilize the signal incoming. The knight thought he heard something, but didn't know the severity of the concussion he received between a clash of massive amounts of energy, normal and subspace alike, as well as dimensional 'decompression sickness' like-conditions his mind was inflicted.

No one therefore answered. All that came back was the ceaseless distress beacon.

On board the Gungnir, recommissioned Final Production Type Musai Class Light Cruiser, 713rd Evaluation Unit

"Hmm. Now that we're en route, I want a full report on what we have lying around. More specifically... What's the status on Mobile Suits?"

"We have two MS-09RII Rick Dom IIs, Sir. And your MS-14J ReGelg."

"... And I knew it'd come in handy some day!", said the captain rather loudly, smirking, "Seriously. I knew something would happen, what with the rumors about the unreliability of Zimmad's drive going around! No matter what everyone told me!"

"Right, Sir."

"So... What about the other ships? What do they have?"

"That information is... Oh, nevermind, it just came," said the comms officer, concentrating more on the small monitor in front of him right now as to open the message which came in, "They have... Taranis reports three MS-09R Rick Doms and Segomo reports six MS-06FZ Zaku IIs."

"Twelve Mobile Suits, huh."

"Yes, Sir."

"Well. Tell the others to prepare the suits for launch. Tell ours to be prepared for launch as well. I'll go with them."

"Sir, is that wise...?"

"That's not something you should worry about, Lieutenant, unless you want to be reduced back into an Ensign when we get back home! And besides, I want to see first hand what's going on in that ship."

"... Very well, Sir."

"OK, I'm going to the hangar. Just keep the ship intact while I'm away!"

"Yes, Sir," said the officers in near unison - with not quite as much zeal as he had hoped. He picked his his helmet from the floor, left the bridge and left for the hangar.

This ought to be interesting... Or at least more interesting than what's been going on so far.

*Deep in the formerly named Archonis Void.*

The celestial tech still did work wonders with what 'was' left behind in the days after the First War began, the First that put all others to shame. Now also forgotten by all.

A 'Brian Cache' of sorts, where a single world, a single Ascendant regenerative star, and a huge amount of Void space to protect it all from the faintest possibility of being found, (something on the order of 1:100,000,000,000 chance, at a minimum of a 1:1000 chance at 'that'. Do the math.,) here a still working transponder of an essentially automated world, began receiving the same distress signal, some three hours later.

The ancient Comm-Orb network itself was the author, never needed to be moved at all, would lend to an eventual event one day.

----

For the moment... all the knight did, was drift in and out of subconscious, not even the vaunted nanite systems, medical systems in the bridge level, and even basic droid functions, were working.

If a Gaian could die, this would be the way.

(Welcome back GA. Try to stay longer this time.)

(OC- Between more participants and RL stuff, I will. Going to try something far smaller this time, thought the big momma behind it all still exists. )

"... Steiner, launching."

A couple of steps and a leap out of the hangar doors, and he was out in space again in his trusty ReGelg. It had served him well ever since the Zeonic War of Independence, when it had been "just" a MS-14S Gelgoog S. Indeed, it was an old Mobile Suit, but one upgraded to the standards of the current year of the Universal Century. He was a veteran pilot - not quite an ace like some who had showed New Type qualities, but quite good still as Old Types went.

He turned his Mobile Suit towards the alien ship. They were pretty close now. He didn't even need to magnify to see the ship clearly enough in visual. It was deep in his ReGelg's radar, too.

It'd be a short trip.

"Alright, form up on me. The vessel seems to be too damaged to fire on us, but don't forget to stay on guard. Who knows what might happen out here, especially since this is a completely new situation for us. Once we start moving, maintain radio silence. Once we reach the ship, we will try to find a way into it, or we'll have to latch onto it to try to gain entry... Oh yeah, I want the Rick Doms to stay to guard our MSs, though!"

"OK."

"Roger."

"Will do."

"Sure, sure."

And so forth went on the responses, as they did as they were told. In the end, two of the Rick Doms were on his sides, two behind them and one was straight behind his ReGelg, while the six Zaku II FZs formed up in vertical wedges on both sides, sort of enveloping the Rick Doms - with one Zaku behind and in front of the Rick Doms and one on each extreme side.

After that had been done, they began moving towards the ship.

Still ain't going no where. No better than space junk as it is, no sensors and all as it was.

OOC: Well well, if it ain't the ascendedly inclined. What round are we on for demon wars? 3? 4?

((OC- What, I'm supposed to give away my plot? Gotta have something to give my poor excuse of an absence some credence. Just have to read.participate to see what happens.

Sorta using some fan fiction I've written lately as a partial thread for doing this all with.))

"OK! We're here. And there's something that looks like a hangar."

The Zakus which could flew in following the captain's ReGelg, while others were forced to stay outside. It wasn't like this ship was made to accomodate a big and bulky Mobile Suit.

He, skillfully, touched down on what he thought would be the floor. He positioned his Suit into a kneeling position, and placed one hand on the floor. Just in case if there was some kind of gravity - even though it was highly unlikely, what with the ship being in the state it was in.

Looks pretty beaten up if you ask me... Even worse than on the outside.

He double checked his normal suit's helmet, pressed a couple of buttons and opened the cockpit's hatch.

"Alright guys, let's get going."

Without saying a word, the pilots of the Zakus exited their Suits as well, and soon they found themselves together on the floor, while the Rick Doms, as ordered, stayed outside.

They soon found a way out of it that would take them deeper into the ship.

"Alright, let's go this way. Stay on guard. Oh yeah. You can talk now if you want to."

He was greeted with silence.

"... Be that way."

And so, they began to walk down an unknown corridor.

(OOC: Well, I like doing things a bit slower I guess, it's not like everything happens in one hit. But if you want me to, I can hurry up!)

((OC- Doesn't matter, makes more time to do this...))

---

They found few working emergency lights. The light they more encountered, was a kind that would normally be caused by plasma fires. In this case, more than a few conduits and panels were blown out, with white plasma-like mists fanning outwards. They gave off more glow to see by, than the normal lights that remained.

And yet, there was no radiation, no heat of dire nature. Rather a subtle warmth that betrayed little more than a bleeding nature the ship was suffering.

In fact, it was a theme through the few corridors they could access,with fiber-run wires, blown out signal routers, twisted metals of exotic natures, structure beams of mixed crystal, glass, spiderglass and more fiber runs, all bent in ruined shapes.

There was no sound, as despite no severe hull breaches near them, all power was rendered inert. Only due to recent arrival, was there an atmosphere to breathe from. However the smells mixed in were... unique, to say the least.

None of it more of dead bodies, since so few were to be found for some reason, (in fact none until they try the engineering and bridge sections,) as rather, the smells might as well be from the ship itself. (As if 'it' was the rotting body.)

Course, that just made for a silence that was unexplainable.

They'd have to continue on to see what was going on.

Inside the alien vessel

As they had started their little "tour" through the ship, trying to find things of use, survivors, anything really, they had noticed that the place had some kind of breathable mixture of oxygen inside it, so all of the seven had opened the visors of their normal suits, which had quit, in turn, feeding air, as to conserve it. Even if the smell inside the ship wasn't that nice, it was better to conserve their own air anyhow. They were career military - it wasn't their job to criticize smells.

"This ship is creeping me out," said the captain quite matter of factly.

"Oh, you, too? I thought I was the only one," said one of the Zaku pilots behind him. Most of the others seemed to be agreeing with him.

"Yeah," he muttered, "It's nothing like our ships... And there's so few dead. I expected at least a few hundred people to be in here! And look at all those odd materials they've used!"

"That's right... I wonder what kind of people can make ships like this in the first place," said another of the Zaku pilots.

"... No idea. At least we've mapped a good portion of the ship so far. No obstructions and all... Let's go through here now," he said, and the others followed him through another door to another unexplored room... Or whatever else could be behind it.

And of course, what was unsaid was the weirdest part - so far, they had not found a single survivor, but somehow the ship still was sending out a distress signal. Was it put up before everyone died, or what? Was someone there still alive, but they just had not found him/her yet?

They entered another room, and this time 'did' find someone. A strange, glass like being, humanoid in form, in a jumpsuit uniform of white and blue, slumped over a console, a good plasma burn all but gutting it's backside, though where the 'body' wasn't charred, a glass like seepage of dried 'blood', more like a glass like polymer than anything recognizable, was splattered on the uniform, and over the console and nearby deck/bulkheads.

Nearby however, was a now inert transporter chamber, several plasma burns and breaches seen, but doing nothing other than look tragic.

"Now isn't this just swell, another dead guy!", shouted the captain frustratedly. "They obviously aren't human, but just finding corpses won't help us determining what actually did this to this ship! We'll need to tow this thing back home if there aren't any people here to find any answers."

"Relax, boss. We still have time to..."

"Shut up! I know we have time! Knowing that just doesn't make this any less nerve wrecking! And I'm not touching that damn corpse!"

"Hehheh, you can say that again."

"Shut up, you bastard."

"Hey boss, come see this!", shouted one of the pilots from the back.

The captain turned and walked up to him.

"What?"

"Look," he said as he pointed at something rather unrecognizable for them, "what the hell is this?"

"... How the hell should I know? I'm not a scientist!"

"Hey, is that some kind of transporter thing?"

The captain shrugged.

"Your guess is as good as mine. What makes you say that, though?"

The pilot scratched the back of his neck - which was covered by his helmet.

"It kinda reminds me of something I've seen on TV... Sci-Fi, you know... Heh."

"... You gotta be kidding me."

"Not really, Sir."

"Well, screw you," was his response and he crouched down, holding a hand over his face.

What kind of idiots does that ship have, anyway? I could get them court-martialed for this kind of behavior!

In a minute, he stood up and turned.

"I think we've gone through this room long enough. Nothing's working here, just like in the other places, and that corpse isn't making things any easier. Let's go check some other location."

He walked out of the room, and the others followed him. So far all they have gotten is more questions, and no answers - other than the fact that the people who made, or at least used it, were not human.

But at least they were humanoids.

As soon as they left the transporter chamber, something made a rather heavy, metallic sound. Half clank, half... walk?

And as if that wasn't enough, the internal computer nodes began to cobble more of itself together. Soon some basic functions would come back online.

Was this a dead ship? (Was it 'just' a ship?)

---

Meanwhile something 'else' began to activate, in the bridge deck. The sound made his eyes open again, but then slam shut without further strength.

"... What was that?!"

The captain didn't know who said it, but that was exactly what he was thinking, too.

"No idea... But it came from the room we just left! Did you notice anything?"

"Nah."

"Nuhhuh."

"Nope."

"... Likewise. I think we should check it out again. Maybe we missed something."

"Sir, do you think that's...?", asked one of the pilots who hadn't even said anything yet.

"No, I don't think it's wise, but what else do you think we could do? This ship... This thing... Is still completely unknown to us."

"Thing, boss?"

"Yeah. I've had this weird feeling that there's something here. Sort of like we've been watched all this time... Or something. I wonder if we're really alone at all here."

"That's crazy talk, boss. It's just an advanced ship."

"Is it? Can you explain how there's no sound of metal grinding with all the damage we've seen? And why isn't the heat much worse around the plasma-like substance? And... Oh crap, what is that humming sound?"

"Uh... Nah. Can't."

"There you go."

"So what do we do?"

"... We go check the room again. Just stay wary. We have no idea what's going on here."

The others nodded silently and they turned to walk back to the place they just were in.

The captain signaled them to stop just before they entered the room. He unholstered his pistol.

"Get to the walls, I'll open the door and peek in. I don't want us getting ambushed by anything that might be in there."

That they did, and wielded their own weapons.

The captain opened the door and peeked in, trying to see what the hell was in there.

It took a bit to see the movement in the darkness, but something 'did' move, as the unit in all essence, finished 'stepping' out of the deck wall. Something humanoid looking, but with a look that was standard battle droid, but with a barely glowing blue-silver sheen to it's surfaces and structure.

And one that looked like it was ready to outright collapse. It looked at the trained gun, and it's owner, then 'did' collapse, it's lack of a power waveguide feed shutting it back down.

What caused it to move at all?

*Clank*

...and another from a nearby section of the ship now?

--

Meanwhile, the ship began to notice the presence of other bioelectric signatures. It was trying to reconfigure it's barely operating systems to activate the biodynamic feed units. Ones that used biosignature activity as a backup powersource, separate from the entire main and secondary power wave feeds.

What was activating off of that, was a small, sphere looking orb of a droid unit. Standard protocol for a badly damaged ship, one that was all but alive.

It began trying to detach from an overhead port, to begin it's program functions. As soon as it did, the lack of adequate power made it fall and SMACK the bridge deck, creating 'another' sound to creep the visitors with. With the lack of other sounds, 'any' sound at all was magnified in here.

The captain saw the droid in the darkness, although not having had any real life experience with such, he didn't realize what it really was.

"... There's something in here!"

He saw it, whatever it was, look at him... And then suddenly fall down. He signaled for the others to move in, which they did as he rushed inside. Now, they were looking at the odd machine on the floor. No one said a word for a while.

"What the hell is that, boss?", asked one of the pilots.

"I have no idea."

He crouched down to take a closer look.

"You know, it looks kind of robotic..."

He stood up.

"But it wasn't here just a few minutes ago!"

"Yeah, boss, we seriously checked this place already."

The captain nodded silently.

Then they heard the other clank. It was really close. They all turned quickly.

"... I'm starting to think it was a mistake to come in here," whispered the captain.

"Yeah, boss. It's like something's waking up in the ship."

"... And I'm sure it doesn't like us being here."

Yet another sound.

"..."

"... That wasn't like the ones before."

"... Yep."

"Where did it come from? Somewhere around the bridge, right?"

"Something like that, Sir."

"OK... Let's get the hell out of this room and get there. I don't wanna stay here with that robot."

"Is that wise, Sir...?"

"No. But let's check it out anyway. If it turns out to be hostile, let's run back to the hangar as fast as we can."

The others nodded in agreement. In a moment they started their trip back to what they had thought to be the bridge - no one wanted to stick in one spot for long right now anyway.

Ship ID Code #4G367DM, Jellyfish Class Transport

Broadcast: Second transmission received. Intelligent lifesigns increasing. Investigating. Put spheres on full alert.


... And a ship dropped out of hyperspeed, 1,000 feet from both spacecraft.

112312010201023012030123010201302031021302301203010001231123

A flash of space dust and vapor threads blurred sensors for a moment as a ship exited subspace, coming out of a jump. The frigate sized vessel had detected and tracked an Ascendancy transmission and energy signal, weak though it was, from a neighboring system. The Draconic Order had fought alongside the Gaian Ascendancy several times over the last century, even obtaining advanced technology from them after their last encounter. Though both civilizations went dark a year later, they both seemed to be back in their own way.

The DO frigate was the advanced scout for another Draconic expansion. Finding the Gaian's so far from home was something rare. What was even more uncommon was another race having the capacity to disable one of their warships with something smaller. Which was the first reaction when the frigate detected nearby ships.

To all ships:

<Nomeno ui wer Vs'shtak meage, identify.>
(Translation: This is the Draconic Order, identify.)

DO info. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=403226)

The dark knight walked through the crowded halls of the People's Palace of D'Hara. Politicians, wizards, and sorceresses alike moved aside for his passing affording him due respect. His iron boots clanked as he marched up stone stairs and down another corridor finally stopping outside a great double oaken door frame. A gauntleted fist pounded on the door.

"Enter."

Pushing open the door, Lord Ashram strode into the Mother Confessor's chambers with rolled parchment clenched in his fist. Two Mord-Sith barred any further entry into the room. Despite the absence of Richard for some time now, they would not let any man breach the bedchambers of Kahlan. Especially this one.

"What is it Ashram?"

Instead of reading it aloud, Ashram handed the paper to Cara the closest Mord-Sith. The blond beauty walked the note to Kahlan as she sat with her back turned.

Finally deciding to answer now, Ashram gave her a quick summary. "The Abh have picked up a distress beacon in a rather uncontested part of space. It appears to be Gaian in origin but under orders of Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton, the signal is being ignored. I thought you might be interested."

Kahlan laid the note to the side of her desk. "Yes thank you."

Ashram waited at the door for a moment. "Is that all? Nothing about your grand plans?"

The Mother Confessor quickly scrawled a note on parchment then had it delivered to the dark knight. "Have Arc and his crew investigate. You go with them as well Ashram."

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

An hour or so later and many choice words after the fact, Ashram stood on the bridge of the Silver Noah along with Arc and his ragtag crew. Kukurru sat next to her lover Arc while Toshu leaned against the wall absently. Changala manned the helm as they prepared to exit Hyperspace in the last known location of the beacon. Pocco sat in a comfortable chair playing a relaxing tune on his harp while the rest of the crew waited down in the hangar incase fighters were called for.

Ashram clutched the hilt of the demon sword Soul Crusher as the ship made the quick lurch from Hyperspace to normal space.

Arc rose from his chair to stare out the windows. "Alright Changala, begin scanning the area. Send out a signal identifying ourselves and that we mean no harm."

"Right away Arc."

Ship ID Code #4G367DM, Jellyfish Class Transport

Transmission: Multiple empires detected. High density of intelligent life confirmed.

Welcome, Abh. If you require assistance in any way, we are here. However, it appears 2 species have arrived before us.

Do you have dossier on these species?
(OOC: In Illinuuki)

On board the Taranis, recommissioned Final Production Type Musai Class Light Cruiser, 713rd Evaluation Unit

"Sir, we have a contact... Make that multiple new contacts on radar!"

"Augh. At such an unopportune moment!"

The commander jumped up from his seat, barely evading hitting his head in the ceiling.

"Recall our Rick Doms! Tell them to come back and guard these Musais!"

"You sure, Sir?"

"Of course I'm sure! I'm in charge here now that Gungnir's captain is in there, exploring, and I think we might be in mortal danger!"

The comms officer of the vessel did as he was told and for a few moments there was near-silence on the bridge. Then it was broken by the same comms officer.

"Sir, it seems like these others are trying to contact us... Or something. These messages make no sense."

"Huh?"

The commander extended his arm to the ceiling and pushed himself towards the comms officer.

"Show me."

"Well, first there's this... See what I mean?"

"... Numbers?"

"Yeah, and that's not even binary."

The commander sighed.

"And the other?"

"Here," said the comms officer and gave his headphones to the commander, who put them on.

"... I can only understand the word 'identify' here."

"Same problem, Sir. Has to be some kind of alien language... But I don't think we have any people who know much about linguistics on board."

"That's because we aren't prepared for any kind of first contact situations. It's not like we were expecting for this to happen."

"What shall we do, Sir?"

"Well. Let's not do anything until they specifically ask for us or try to interfere with whatever the good captain's doing. I don't think we have any kind of training for this in the first place."

"... Roger."

And so, the commander slid back to his seat.

I hope nothing's gonna happen...

(OOC: The people of the Principality of Zeon are pretty much stock humans with no augmentations, although with a small (if growing) chance of people being New Types, especially since now everyone's in space.))

The frigate decelerated as it approached the Gaian vessel. As it slowed, it banked toward an access point. When it was a few hundred meters away, a small craft appeared on sensors, coming from a retractable bay from the bottom of the warship. This shuttle craft made its way to the landing bay on the opposite side of the ship that the Zeon mobile suits entered from.

The sudden presence of 'that' many vessels in the local area, crew bodies of bioelectric capability, and more than enough additional emission matter from energy sources of several kinds, started a chain reaction for the vessel's systems, ones built specifically to literally ressurect themselves from nigh death.

Several heavy, yet smooth clanking sounds snap open along the outer hull, and start 'inhaling' the first iotas of free energons that were now floating everywhere. It'd take awhile, but systems meant to allow a large Empire of Light to sustain itself against a far larger, darker enemy, were now brought to the fore.

None of which helped the being still alive in the midst of all this sudden miracle of technology beginning to reassert itself.

It 'did' suddenly cause a slow, but noticeable, wind up of power transformers that began funneling the new energies (and there were more then the incoming vessels realized they were generating..,) towards it's vaunted Zero Point Core chain reactor unit.

Still, no new lights as yet, and not much else of previous droid like movements.

And no response returned to 'any' signal for that matter.

--

((OC- Getting curious yet? Hehe... =^^= ))

The crew of the Silver Noah sat back counting the number of signatures in the area. Three, including the Gaian craft, were familiar. What they were all doing here was assumed to be answering the distress signal that they had picked up on as well.

"Hey Arc, we got a message coming through."

"What is it Changala?"

The navigator read the screen for a moment while the analysis crystal took the time translating the Illinuuk language into Galactic Standard. "It's from the same race that showed up at the Summit back on D'Hara. Vimparia I believe. They want the information on anyone we know."

Arc headed back to his chair and plopped back down. "Send them a message containing what we know on these races. Hope they got the room for information on the Gaians. Prepare message in Illinuuk. Good thing the Mother Confessor figured the language barrier out."

To Vimparia:
Greetings. Standby for information download.
The information contained a brief summary of the rare dealings with a nation called the Draconic Order along with a relatively neutral stance the Abh carried towards them. The other file dealing with the Gaians, the strange craft floating dead, was rather larger detailing the extent of their ascended race and a history of Demon Wars that the Abh Empire actively participated in.

"We got another contact. This one smaller coming from the Draconic vessel."

Arc drummed his fingers on the arm rest for a moment. "Monitor the situation for now. No need to launch any other transports until we see what happens to theirs. If it gets destroyed then we know that the front approach is not a good idea. But I do want Elk and Shu ready in the hangar just in case. They could be making a quick landing on the Gaian's beacon."

"Right Arc."

The Lithijir ship quickly rotates itself to face the Gaian spacecraft, pointing the long funnel at the end directly towards the Gaian ship.

The chain reactor unit, a 'starter' for the ZPC, in automobile like terms, starts getting a good feed from the influx of energons, the complex setup to use all of to cold start a core that requires a huge dump of transformed-amplified energies, does not need too much more for the starter to cause the catalyst.

Meanwhile, the oblong droid on the bridge, tries to float back up again, barely poking a light port open to 'see' by.

It could be a planet it was about to crash into, and it still didn't know. A mere funnel from another craft did little at present.

And a knight's jumbled dreams of dimensional hypoxia inducement continued. As did a strange 'phasing' of his skin......

<Report.>

<Shuttle has landed in the port hanger, marines ready to move out.>

<Roger that, keep us apprized of the situation.>

<Yes sir. Ok you jarheads, let's move.>

A squad of gray armored dragonoids hurried down the access ramp of their troopship and made for the access doors into the hanger. Their scales glistened with the composite alloys that laid over them like a second skin. They each carried a standard issue blaster, which looked like an oversized carbine slug thrower. They hardly noticed the silent power up of the ship as it fed on the energy they all generated.

And the vessel hardly noticed them in turn. Everything the Zeonite troops saw/heard/jittered at, thew Draconics got to hear, as apparently, some of the droids, systems and individual units, tried as best their programming allowed in a energy deficient environment, to move and try to do something to better the situation the vessel had begotten itself.

If anything, the dark corridors were the real danger here.

At least as long as the ZPC was still silent.....

(OC- Bump. Dang it, would like to move a thread more than once a day. Still got Galactic Civilizations II to play while I wait.)

"That wasn't here before."

"You sure about that, boss?"

"Yes. That ball wasn't here before."

The Zeonic group had reached the bridge a few minutes ago, and had been observing an odd ball trying to levitate, but failing miserably. They kept their distance - they wouldn't want it to turn hostile or something on them.

"I wonder what the hell is it anyway," said the captain, scratching his chin.

"Want us to take it, boss?"

"No. No no no. That'd be insane. We have no idea what it is. It could be some kind of killing machine. Some kind of defensive thing of the ship."

"OK, if you say so."

"Captain!", shouted a voice inside his helmet, startling him momentarily, until he realized it was coming from his helmet. Which had a sort of communications system built in. It was the comms officer from the Gungnir. He shut the visor of the helmet.

"What is it?"

"There's multiple new contacts out here! The Taranis's commander ordered his Rick Doms back!"

"... Great. Anything else I should know?"

"One of the others who've showed up has, from the looks of it, entered the ship! They've got some kind of boarding action going on!"

"Oh crap. Thanks for the information. I think we'll head out from here, before things get hairy."

"Roger, Sir. Good luck."

"... Steiner out."

He opened the visor as the line was cut.

"OK guys, we're going out."

"Why, boss?"

"Because more folks have come in," replied the captain, sighing as he began walking to the door, signaling the others to follow, "I don't want us to end up in the crossfire if something goes bad. We have no idea who these people are, nor," he continued and paused momentarily as he opened the door, "from the looks of it, who the people outside are, either."

"Uh, right."

"So, we're getting out of here."

No one objected as they began their walk back to the hangar. Better to retreat alive than take a risk that only seems to be growing.

Unfortunately, there was only one way onto the bridge... and with the understanding that the Draconic Order had on Ascendancy ship schematics, the two boarding parties were destined to run into each other.

As the Zeonites opened one of the many doors between them and the hanger they came from, they spotted the doorway at the end of the crystallized corridor open and strange dragonoids in armor come through.

pic 1 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/azureink/Dungeons%20and%20Dragons/sots_tarkfight.jpg)

pic 2 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/azureink/Dungeons%20and%20Dragons/sots_hiver_armourtark.jpg)

"I'm going."

The crew aboard the Silver Noah turned sharply to see the dark knight leave from the wall he had been holding up and head down to the hangar bay.

Kukurru eased a hand onto Arc's forearm. "He is a mysterious one. Sometimes it makes me nervous having him around."

Arc nodded his head. "Yes. His path is a different one from ours. We must let him travel as he sees fit."

Down in the hangar bay, Shu and Elk were patiently standing by for any word on what was needed for them. They were surprised to see that their visitor was Ashram. With a simple point of his finger at Shu, he bade the man to climb into the Gunstar and take him to the downed Gaian vessel.

Quickly out the door, leaving Elk all alone, Shu and Ashram breached the hangar of the Gaian craft. Lining up vertically, the Gunstar quickly deposited its two passengers. Not wanting a follower, Ashram held up his gauntlet hand and said, "stay."

Alone, the dark knight along with his demon sword headed to the bridge of the ship. Never personally having met the Gaians, but he had heard of them and read up on their activities. This should prove an interesting encounter.

[Is your nation made up of popular culture, both in sci-fi movies and anime?]

Not exactly. Why?

The basic Abh do come from anime and I get a character name here or there from something I may read or see. But I tend to not go too deeply into the sci-fi that is out there. I'll use some technology for my own like FTL travel, but the rest tends to be of my own creation.

[Sorry, I know a movie called 'The Last Starfighter' in which the name of the fightercraft is a Gunstar. The anime characters you've listed are some of my favorites.]

So have I. This one is different though but obviously with the same name.

((OC- You think Ahb is bad, I'm worse with anime. =^^= ))

---

He kept hearing things. Too many sounds that were not of a subconscious mind. It kept 'clawing' at him, dragging him into more conscious thoughts.

He suddenly blurted...

"..Lind..." ...but almost slammed back shut a split second after betraying this.

And 'then', the ZPC starter had gathered enough energy for it's snap charge to begin firing. All everyone heard for a split seconded, was the weirdest plasma sound any of them ever heard.

It didn't matter where, since as soon as the starter activated, the subspace funnel within the ZPC that took the massive 'fuel source' of open space itself, all that massive amount of dark matter energy and additional subspace layers that held unquantifiable amounts of matter and base plasmas, all suddenly all but roared it's way into the subspace funnel breach the ZPC created off the starter charge.

That in a split second after 'that', caused the ship to suddenly come alive with lights! Everyone without a proper eye shielding piece, for another split second, saw blinding light from both high yield neon-plasma lights of white and blue, as well as the hyper reflective surfaces of the interior, which for a Gaian vessel, meant not a surface didn't magnify the light that blared forth for that first split second.

Another after that was when the fun really started........ (..not counting all the damaged surfaces and breaches that were connected still to the suddenly charged energon conduits. Which meant all those open sources of breaching white energon, flooded out a moment later!!)

Yup, fun all to be had. =^^=

The Zeonites and the dragonoids didn't see each other for more than a moment before the corridor between them erupted into a sideways spout of energon. As it tore through the wall from the other connecting hallway, the dragonoids reared backwards to avoid the deadly stream; the lead soldier getting bad burns across his arms and chest, fusing the metal skin to his skin. This explosion trapped the Zeonites in the upper section of the ship, separated from the hanger.

As things started happening, everyone in the group nearly instinctively shut the visors of their helmets, thus saving them from being blinded by the sudden wave of lights. Luckily for them, however, they were still far enough from the sudden burst of... Whatever it was.

Anyway, it looked hot - and in fact, it felt hot with the distance between them and it.

"Crap."

"You can say that again, Sir."

"The damn thing activated before we got out. We can't get out this way anymore..."

"Hey boss, look what I have!"

He turned towards one of the Zaku pilots, who was waving a blow torch at him.

"Great! We can make a way out of our own."

"That's the idea, boss. Never leave home without it."

"According to this map we've made," he looked down to a datapad, "we should be pretty close to the outer hull... Now all we'll have to do is..."

"Find a weakened spot so it's easier to get through?"

"Yes," replied the captain absentmindedly while looking at the walls, the ceiling and the floor, trying to find such a spot.

"Boss, I found something."

"Huh? This fast?"

"Yeah."

The captain and the rest ran up to him.

"You're right, this looks like a perfect spot! There's nothing flowing out of it, the reflective qualities have been diminished and..."

"I'll start burning our way through now, boss," he said, and ignited the blow torch, and started his attempt to punch a hole through the outer layers of the ship.

"OK, everyone, make sure your helmets are shut! You don't want to die of asphyxiation now!"

If everything would go their way, they'd be outside in no time.

(OOC: Oh yeah, as a side note, it's "Zeonic", not "Zeonite". The "Zeonite" form doesn't bother me a whole lot but I just felt compelled to tell you guys before everyone starts saying "Zeonite" instead of "Zeonic". ;) )

"Well that is a slight problem."

Ashram looked at the destruction blocking his path to the bridge of the vessel. Energon flooding the breaches in the hull and corridors caused compartment to melt and fuse together right before his very eyes. Not letting slight distractions like these to stop him, Ashram rigged a couple thermal detonators to the debris.

With the push of a button, an explosion rocked the hall as it blasted an opening through the twisted metal and debris. "And I was planning on saving those for later..."

Stepping through lightly, the dark knight continued onwards in his march to the bridge as his black cape billowed up lightly behind him.

((OC- Zeonic works... =^^= ))

---

The next five split seconds...

1. All of that flooding energon from breaches, also were running energy to other systems that survived more intact. The first was to the computer core, where it suddenly got a dump full of energy. As a result, as soon as it flickered on, about a thousand holo-panels, holo-globes of various sizes that adjusted furiously, all across the ship, as complete jumbles of holographic information flooded as much across them, as the flooding energon did!

2. One second after that, and for all of one second at that, the computer suddenly began crash activating by suddenly shooting the sound of incomprehensible electronic emissions in a mass burst of uncontrolled signals. It was in essence, hearing a thousand cats and dogs in heat, while a thousand CD-ROMS were played on CD players at maximum volume. This jammed across all frequencies for a good parsec, over all dimensional and subspace wavelengths at the same time.

...and then stopped that next split second later.

3. And then the lights began to flicker, fluttering to a more 'seeable' level of ambiance. (I.e. Not as nearly dang arse blinding.) At the same time, the flood of white energon suddenly started to subside, though still coming out at a decent rate. This all while the computer core began to reactivate it's diagnostic functions. As it did so, the droid that had been noticed before, suddenly shot up, smacking into bulkheads all over the ship. The one in the teleporter chamber hit the dead teleporter Tech, knocking the poor bloke to the floor. Several others in the ship smacked like clanging pots in various areas, as their overload of wave power feed was corrected.

Nice ruckus included on the bridge, as the oblong probe unit smacked into the ceiling, and nearly back into the unconscious knight near it.

4. The computer core began 'recognizing' things, the initial diagnostics compiled/compared to the last data it recognized, the shielded 'black box' connected to the computer core, the only information not wiped in the dimensional scale jump the ship endured. (And goddesses knows what else before 'that',) As it analyzed, it activated it's initial repair systems, as the energon floods were cut off, saving energy, while all of a sudden, about ever breach, already made or in progress of, suddenly saw a 'different' flood, as nanites in the millions of seems, started pouring out like small, glistening, sparkling ants. (Which meant all just made breaches ended up being treated the same.)

Stepping on them or such, was pointless since they just repaired each other more quickly than they could be stomped on. They ended up either lining up on all edge cracks, or form up into various sized 'spider' like unit, that all took to repairing every breach they could, slow yet effective fashion.

And this didn't stop them from tending to any droid or bio-lifeforms on the vessel, which meant anyone wounded by the eruptions a moment earlier, soon were swarmed to be healed as quickly as the ship was starting too. The ship didn't care just yet, as IFF systems weren't a priority yet.

5. The computer finished analyzing the data it had on hand, and started a step by step reactivation procedure. for the next minute, systems stabilized where they could, sensors activated, lights all over the ship activated where they could, and more importantly, the vessel droid systems began to stabilize.

The nanites were soon joined by the first units that began to meld right out of the very walls! Full scale units of humanoid format, silver-blue sheen and chrome understructure, began to take up emergency compliment positions for the crew that were no longer present. Meanwhile on the hangar deck, another highly unusual version of this was taking place, as multiple Chobit like units began to emerge from stasis pods, and forming up in a 3x3 formation, forming two such units. They wore the same white and blue lined jumpsuit as the crew dead that remained, but their eyes were quite empty at present, waiting for orders.

A lot of activity, no?

"Hold position."

The commander ordered as the energon stream dwindled and was replaced by dozens of swarming 'spiders' that began crawling toward the dragonoids from every direction. The dragonoids slung their rifles to a non-threatening position, pointing down at the floor or seams where the wall and floor met. Some looked on in quiet concern, trying to remember what they heard of Ascendancy technology and the threat these nano-bots presented. The one who was injured was immediately pounced on when the creatures got close. He thrashed around for a moment before the commander placed his clawed hand on the man's torso, the robots swarming around and in the fused armor, repairing around the hand.

"Don't move. Let them do their job."

The explosion behind them sounded off the clicking silence before a man in black armor came through the doorway leading back to the hanger. The nano-bots retreated from the now uninjured dragonoid, who was helped to his feet, before the group wheeled around and brought their guns to bear on the newcomer. The commander stepped forward with an outstretched, pointing claw.

"Identify."

Fortunately for the Zeonic group, they had managed to exit the ship just before the nanites activated and would have, from the looks of it, repaired the hole which they had made irregardless of whether or not there had been a person in the way. Instead they were now on their way back to the hangar through space - from which the ship seemed just as inactive as it had seemed before.

Well, other than the moment of discomfort caused by the flurry of noises - luckily it was possible to lower the volume of their own receivers. Not that they kept their receivers at full volume to begin with, so it wasn't that bad in the first place. It didn't really stop them for that long... Not that it even continued for that long, either.

"Sir!"

As they had continued their way to the hangar, that sudden yell broke the otherwise serene silence. Steiner recognized the voice. It was one of the MS-09RII Rick Dom II pilots.

"What is it, Vrooman?"

"There's something going on inside the hangar! It looks like people came out of the pods there!"

"What?! What are they doing?"

"Nothing right now. You better get here fast, who knows what they'll do!"

"OK, we're coming as fast as we can."

"Roger, Sir!"

"Steiner out."

The transmission was cut.

"You heard the man. We need to get there, now!"

Luckily though, Zeonic normal suits had small propulsion systems on their sides - it wouldn't take that long for them to reach the hangar.

(OOC: Since people seem to like visual aids, I'm going on that bandwagon, too. So, first:

MS-06FZ Zaku II FZ (http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/5288/ms06fzbt0.jpg)
MS-14J ReGelg (http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/407/ms14jvw4.jpg)
MS-09RII Rick Dom II (http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/2442/ms09riiit5.jpg)

Musai Light Cruiser, Final Production Type (http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/2482/musaijt6.jpg)

So, there you go. I could've taken the same sized pictures, however... But I felt not like just ripping them from one source.)

:: Sensors... Life Support.. routing of effective Systems... reestablishing force fields... routing new subroutines for automation systems... checking primary defensive... support..... offensive... all systems being rerouted...

...damage to 0.9%.... 1.4%.... 3.6%..... 10.2%.... 12.7%.... calculating... 14.9% effective damage.... recalculating.... 42.3% total damage, effectual and secondary inclusion...

All available droid and sentry systems in activation modes...

Check sensor scans... compare to last known effectual standard...

Processing...........................................................

Begin scan for lifeforms.......

Begin scan for anomalies.......

Check scan for primary crew, sensing for logs last active..... ::

-----

The oblong probe droid finally was able to begin it's initial scan, hovering over the prone body in the center chair, the combat rests and raised back of head rest, somehow managing to allow the mumbling bastard there to look dignified.

What the first of it's initial scans showed however, was anything 'but' wholesome.

OOC: Chobits? Now I have *got* to come in!

IC:
As with all things that interest a hell of a lot of nations, the fact that there was a badly beaten craft surrounded by other nations' ships has interested a member of the Coredian Interstellar Defense Force.

Namely, one Jacen Masaki (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/Coredia/Masaki%20Family/Jacen.jpg), the Water Knight, and wanderer of the stars.

"Question: Master, why do you insist on passing by every dead relic in space?" Amphibos, the water-modified HK-59 assassin droid replied indigently to the young-appearing Jedi Knight. "Especially one that is already being combed over by a bunch of non-Coredian meatbags?"

"Because, my bloodthirsty water friend, it is my job to search for things of interest to the High Council. And the fact that this ship looks battered...there could be survivors needing help. I am going to go in. You, Tim and Jim will manage the Nautical Nausea while I'm away."

"Pleading statement: Aww, Master! Why won't you let me come with you?"

"Because the last time something like this happened, we nearly got spaced because of your running around trying to shoot phantoms in the darkness." Jacen replied as the sensors suddenly recorded an increase in energy output of the Gaian craft. "My decision's final."

"Resignation: Very well, Master. I'll hold the fort with your apprentices." Amphibos sighed.

"I'll say this: if I get in trouble, I'll contact you and you can bail me out." Jacen said. "But only if I call in needing help."

"Pleased statement: Very well, master!" Amphibos would have smiled if he wasn't a droid.

Jacen sighed in exasperation as he reached out into the Force for a safe zone within the old relic and disappeared in a poof of white, steamy smoke.

He reappeared in what appears to be a hallway of the Gaian craft and took a look around. It was rather bright and aside from a bunch of very humanoid droids running around, he didn't see any sign of life. So, he started with a tentative, "Hello? Anybody here?"

OOC: Oh, and I have you on MSN!

Ashram heard voices echoing through the cooridors, before and after the symphony of unpleasant sounds. Sound waves were only blocked by the wall of crap that had previously blocked his path. He now walked calmly through the hall in his black armor while keeping an armored fist on the hilt of his sword.

When he heard the inhuman voices asking him to identify, he still walked forward. His thick gravilly voice filled the halls. "I am Ashram and I have come to see what remains of the Gaians."

---------

Down in the hangar, Shu was somewhat surprised even pleasantly so by the new comers. He walked over to dead eyed chobits and studied them intently.

"Well now, what do you suppose you all are?"

"Zyak tepoha yth."
(Translation: So have we.)

The dragonoid replied. Then he turned toward the now repaired corridor, towards the bridge. His hand came up in a fist and then unfurled as it pointed towards the direction they were heading originally.

"Hysvear!"
(Translation: Soar!)

The group moved away from the doorway across from Ashram. Like a pack of predators on the hunt, they headed up the corridor, and passed by the sealed breach as they headed towards the bridge. As they went they ignored the now awakening robots, they had nothing to fear from Ascendancy technology.

((OC- Heh, these aren't ordinary Chobits, if anyone that knows of the series The Wonderful World of Narue may soon realize in this very post. =^^= ))

---

Normally, fear of Gaian tech was true a form to give.

Normally didn't include the manner or arrival, and the fact the vessel that normally could stand up to a normal standard fleet of Alpha universe make. (Don't throw a battleship at one of these cruisers, not a healthy decision nowadays.) Normally didn't consider the kind of enemy the Gaian were facing in another existence now.

So 'normally' was out the ol airlock, as the computer core activated it's nominal systems, including the full spread of sensors and arrays.

Ones that normally should have a live Gaian to control and offer orders to prevent what happens next.

--

Activating full spectrum sensor arrays..... begin formal sensor sweeps... tracking locational coordinates....

...searching for allied signals on all waveforms... searching..... searching.... searching.....

(Meanwhile) ...activate subspace Formation Layer scanner, correlate to active star patterns and recognition of all signals, allied, enemy or base.

Internal scans for crew compliment.....

....error...... 37 crew unaccounted.....

...searching.... teleport chamber memory information backlog in saftey memory node. Processing.....

...warning... unknown lifeforms detected within vessel area...

...warning... unknown vessels in immediate sector area.

...warning... no allied vessels detected....

...WARNING... Dimensional signatures foreign, no Comm-Orb signals detected by sensors.. (still faulty..)

Conclusion: Vessel compromised... crew teleported by standard protocols in vessel emergency situation.... 5 crew detected remaining....

...four not responding to bio-signals... one..... one..... one.... warning, error to sensor recognition... phase distortion detected in vicinity of command platform...

Summary: Violation of security protocols. No bio-allied signatures of capable sensory available for orders. Several unknown lifeforms have compromised the vessel.

Begin initiation of defense protocols until further notice!!

---

All of a freaking flat out sudden, the lighted hallways turn a bright red, gravity suddenly is reduced to ten percent nominal, and humming sounds start emanating from everywhere.

The still damaged vessel reacts as a bio-organism to a foreign body it 'now' can comprehend.

It suddenly steels out over all corridors, bridge to docking bay..

":: All bio-signature lifeforms of unknown origin, remain still for processing and recognition protocols! State parameters of vicinity or become immobilized!

Palladium crew-units, begin standard self-defense Sphere formation at this time! Internal droid units begin defense standard one protocol! ::"

Those near the inert 'Chobits' get a ring side seat to the latest in bio-android technology. Ones with Mass profusion capability. Ones that suddenly snap their eyes to life, at first a glowing blue-white, before turning rather human like in various colors.

Ones that 'then' march forward at two steps before suddenly leaping up like old Angel Gods, given the speed of severity they do so, just before they suddenly activate their Mass expansion units, and literally begin to transform themselves, up to fifty times their size, as they exit the docking bay into open space, and eject energetic blue-white-silver shimmer fields, that allow their highly compacted forms, to expand into droid like corvettes of 'decent' size and basic shape.

Ones that look like elongated craft with tri spoke 'wings' in an right-side up 'Y' format, and a midsection with side half-saucer shaped hull nodes, that expand to take up a good ten meters to each half saucer, to give the thirty-five meter long vessel a edgy look that give weapon ports that equal the look!

They (eighteen) all shoot out and begin forming a defensive sphere around the stricken 'parent', as another 3x3 platoon forms up as reserve back in the hangar, all the while about forty droid units form up in pairs, all of a sudden, all over the ship, most of whom had prior been repairing, change their actions to defend their 'parent'.

As a result, the Gaian craft isn't very warm to the eye anymore.

All of whom, are 'not' in the bridge for some reason, only about the remainder of the ship. The only good thing about it all, this unexpected display of force, is that the Gaian non-lethal capture protocol is in effect.

Though the Gaian droid systems of self-defence, had become very good in this department.

A ship from The Garbage Men warped in and sat a far off from the assembled ships. Initial scans had shown the stories true, a ship floating in exstance, un-crewed. There are life signs onboard but the organisation of them seemed to indicated boarding parties, no one seemingly organising the ship nor any life that seemed to be on it's own. All tight groups, signatures of the boarding parties, but what was obvious is that, the ship was no longer as dead as it originally thought it should be.

"Interesting technology, must have type of energy dump, perhaps absorbing the latent bio-electric energy or perhaps even absorbing the energy from the various engines. This ship is nice, however all these guys have just made it harder for us. Now whatever defensive systems the ship has are going to be active." The captain of the ship mused to himself

"I want you to run scans on how we can get in there, the ship probably now has some form of protection against boarding, or teleporting on board. We've no idea just how much energy the ship has so, it could become dangerous if an AI takes over and doesn't have a sapient being in control."

"Scans underway for defensive and other protection..."

"How long till we get the results?"

"Not long, a few minutes?"

"Alright."

"Alert boarding party, tell them to get ready we may want them."

OOC: It may be too late but can I join... My guys want to scavange tech

Ashram merely nodded his head at the dragonoids assessment and continued walking. The bridge of the ship couldn't be much further and he was curious to see who was aboard this ship while floundering in space. Though that idea was interupted by the ship systems coming online.

"Damn. This ship is really starting to bore me."

Turning the nearest node or whatever was speaking to him. "Lord Ashram of the Abh Empire sent from the planet D'Hara."

----------

Shu jumped back slightly startled by the activation of the chobits. Even more impressive was their quick transformation. He had a few weapons on his personal but wasn't really about to get in a fight with eighteen of the mechs at once. Instead, he raised up his hands showing no harm. "Shu of the Abh Empire. Uh-I come in peace."

First they ask for help, then they threaten with bodily harm. Can't they just choose what the hell they want?

The captain was visibly frustrated, but no one really noticed it as they had reached their Mobile Suits and he was sitting in his ReGelg by the time the ship started demanding identification. He had started the reactivation of the Mobile Suit, and it would've been now ready to exit the hangar. Same with the other pilots.

Just one problem. They weren't apparently going anywhere because the ship seemingly "forgot" about having been broadcasting a distress signal the moment it regained some level of mobility.

Well... I guess I have no choice.

He pressed a button on the panel in front of him, activating the loud speakers of the Mobile Suit.

"Captain Steiner of the Musai Light Cruiser Gungnir from the Principality of Zeon, as was stated in the transmission we sent earlier. The others with me are part of the crews of the vessels under my command. We were responding to a distress signal sent from this ship, but obviously nothing is in distress here. As of now, we are requesting to be allowed to launch."

Obviously, as the captain knew very well, no good deed goes unpunished... All he could hope was that he and his crew would be allowed to leave.

The droid controller responded back... ":: Processing.....

...Ahb Empire... confirmed...

...Principality of Zeon... confirmed...

Other parties please state identity as well at this time. Identified parties please note a Level three phase distortion is still affecting this vessel currently. Please take any precautions warranted.

Palladium units please hold defense posture until further notice. Droid crew medical heading to main command deck for phasic distortion treatment protocol. ::"

Just then, two medical droids of the same humanoid makeup, pass by Lord Ashram with a decent pace, heading at the Draconic troops at the same speedy pace!

--

The Palladium units meanwhile hold sphere formation, but do little else.

The computer then starts scans of other critical systems. Weapons.. navigational... Fold drive... FTL backup drive... dimensional shielding systems...

Standard protocol.

The commander held up his hand and his troop stopped. He indicated again of a non-aggressive posture and his marines again pointed their guns in a non-threatening direction. The commander sighed his distaste toward the hoops he had to jump through so far to get to the bridge. His task in this situation was to stabilize the bridge crew, but he kept getting sidetracked.

"We are soldiers of the Draconic Order."

He then gave the recognition codes given to them from the Battlestar warship that the Gaian royal family had bestowed upon the Dominion after their last encounter (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=504955).

":: ...Draconic Order.... confirmed... please adhere to previously stated warnings. ::"

Standard protocol.

The commander held up his hand and his troop stopped. He indicated again of a non-aggressive posture and his marines again pointed their guns in a non-threatening direction. The commander sighed his distaste toward the hoops he had to jump through so far to get to the bridge. His task in this situation was to stabilize the bridge crew, but he kept getting sidetracked.

"We are soldiers of the Draconic Order."

He then gave the recognition codes given to them from the Battlestar warship that the Gaian royal family had bestowed upon the Dominion after their last encounter (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=504955).

Hail, Ascendancy Spacecraft. This is a Lithijir Eagle Class Transport, and we are currently in a trade alliance with the Abh. You would not have us on file.

The ship points its nose slightly in a different direction from the Gaian ship.

The computer takes an additional moment for the previously unlisted ship, making a new file and such..

":: Lithijir Eagle Class Transport... confirmed... please follow Ahb protocol commands by stated presence and allegiance. ::"

((OC- Lotta recognition responses here.. =^^= ))

"Well, better not make 'em mad." Jacen said as the defenses came alive. "I am Jacen Masaki, Jedi Knight representing the High Jedi Council of Coreworlds. Hold on, are you from the Gaian Ascendancy?"

He asked that because there was a time when Coreworlds had met the Gaian Ascendancy, and he had a vague recollection that this technology might be from them.

OOC: You still use MSN?

":: ...Draconic Order.... confirmed... please adhere to previously stated warnings. ::"

"We request access to the bridge."

The commander continued as they waited authorization to move from their position.

":: Coreworlds.... confirmed...

...stated query response: This is the Dimensional Grand Ascendancy Sphere Warbird: GSS-12609/442.3 Morphemic Blade. Current locational query in turn if you would please. Star charts are not confirmed by this computer system. ::"

...the return response on all frequencies probably caught everyone off guard, since it sounded... wanting... in tone.

A sign the sentient AI units were regenerating along with core memory processors and bio-isolinear matrices. A sign the ship wasn't just a tool for it's own part.

"Oh. You are in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy, several thousand lightyears rimward from Sol." Jacen replied helpfully.

That last bit of information was all the computer needed to confirm the rest of the correlated it had gathered from sensors and other obtained information. The star charts it was using to gain vector coordinates from, were completely incorrect.

":: Antara Dimension charts ineffective. Switching to archives from ancient Alpha archives. Processing.....

Oh, and thank you.. ::" ..before swimming through rather ancient data logs that hadn't been used, by the computer log's account, for many cycles now.

Many in fact. The phase distortion had another problem no one expected to encounter....

This as it then asked.. ":: Um.... can I ask for a time base data stream as well? ::"

...the sentient units were coming more online now. This wasn't limited to just the ship either. The droids onboard, and the Palladiums outside started to look more dynamic in movements, even a bit..

...organic.

A tiny sweatdrop rolled down the young Jedi Knight's head as he scratched his chin. "Um...let's see...last time we knew where you were was..."

He told the Gaian ship the time data then (which happened to be the aftermath of the Woodian civil war) to compare it with the time now (about a year or so hence). Mind you though, it's Standard Time according to the Coredians, so it may be different from how Gaians perceive time, but it was the best he could manage under the circumstances.

That just made the reality of what the computer core realized, become impossible for the unit processor to realize.

":: Error.... error... time dilation inexplicable. Error.... error....

Reorienting sensors for chronoton particles. Reestablish parameters... ::" ..that however got cut short, when the computer got the life sign readings from the bridge.

":: Vessel commander identified. Life sign parameters unstable, reorient system priority to all medical capability at this time! ::"

--

The reason became dire indeed. The sensory probe droid that had been scanning the remaining living Gaian onboard, discovered the presence of a distortion field upon the very body of the Gaian itself. His body began to destabilize due to effects attributed to other aspects of the knight that were also affected by the event.

One inside of him, one that was convulsing due to more dire effects of the dimensional narcosis that flooded the knight, reflecting back and forth between the knight, and the 'soul' within.

Both of whom were dying in a visibly painful fashion.

Jacen snapped to attention as soon as he heard about the dying Gaian Knight. "Show me the way. I have healing abilities based on my powers over water as well as some potions on my person."

Though, to be sure, I'm not a medic...

Knowing that there was a Gaian on board, Ashram could only assume that the medical droids dashing about were heading to assist in healing the one left alive still. Even as his demon sword awakened within its sheath, he ran on after the droids while his armored boots clanked against the metalic floors.

"I assume they're heading to the Gaian still alive." He shouted as he ran pass the dragonoids from the Draconic Order.

The droids were a bit 'rushed' as they slipped by the Draconic souls, and into though the heavy deck hatch and into a startling sight. The droids reached and saw something normal medical procedures were woefully unusable unto.

This as the immediate area around the command chair, was fluctuating in a growing phasic fashion. The droid probe shouted out.. ":: He's in space-time shock! ::"

..the computer core's own voice announced. ":: Alert, Level Four dimensional sheer pulse in progress. He's losing stability in this dimension! ::"

The probe announced out loud.. ":: The Symbiont may be a cause! Information required on event that caused this! ::"

The computer in turn.. ":: Dimensional sheer waveform from a massive energy discharge. Vessel appears to have undertaken standard escape protocols, reducing crew size per safety requirements, but also at the same time coordinate vectors were activated for an emergency Fold jump.

A 1.245 second variation is recorded in safe archive block. ::"

One of the medical droids the noted with a pointed finger.. ":: The dead crewmen. They may have a frequency vector discharged into their cells! ::"

At that, if somewhat cold looking to the sight, the probe trained a laser of mixed ruby-violet coloration, into the back of a dead Gaian Nav-Tech. All this taking place while the bridge looked like a bubble of reality was trying to tear itself apart!

Might want to watch entering folks. =oO=;;;

The draconics moved at the rushing, but stopped when they saw the bubble through the door connecting the bridge to the hallway.

"Stay back and let it pass, there is nothing we can do for him without a seer."

Ashram stood at the doorway looking on as the medical droids tried to save the life of the Gaian on the bridge. From the unstable dimensional warping around the bridge, the dark knight would have to wait for it to pass before he could step in.

Still, he was curious to see who it was in there.

The probe droid more 'scanned' the laser in, than any actual burning, as it took a cross section scan of the cells in the dead crewman, and found the particles it needed, 'seeing' a differential...

":: Previous frequency subspace domain: 4.721

...distortion frequency: 3.142 ::"

The computer replied.. ":: Exit the bridge chamber for a level one subspace field correction discharge. All droid and foreign personnel evacuate immediately! No exceptions! ::" ..the computer voice sounded very stressed in announcing this.

Meanwhile, a bit of movement protruded through the back of the chair, as something wing like, copper and bronze in color, tried to extend itself out for some reason...

"Damn." As long as there was that bubble blocking the way to the bridge, Jacen can only hope the Gaian knight would make it through alive. Although even with the Force, he doubted he could heal the extent of the damage the Gaian incurred traversing to this reality. After all, he knew that he was out of his league concerning the type of injuries the person recieved.

((OC- I'll push this one ahead a bit..))

------

The medical droids actually pushed everyone else back out of the bridge, while the probe unit shot up and recessed back into the overhead slot. Meanwhile, a heavy humming sound starts to seriously overtake hearing, as the computer announces...

":: Subspace stabilization charge set at distortion frequency 3.142. Sealing bridge deck.

Discharge in twenty seconds. ::"

The bridge hatch slams shut, with a secondary clank of sealing plates taking hold, before the outer seal is seamed shut with a glowing energy field that fills every hull crack.

At that, while the energy sound rises in pitch, a count down not said of needless note. The medical droids meanwhile, while waiting, remark to each other.. ":: These bio-organic forms are so fragile. ::"

":: Creator races usually are. ::" ..a second said, as the waiting grew a bit terse to wait upon.

Just before they all felt the ship vibrate violently, before...

*!!!!!ZARCK!!!!!*

A wisp of strange energy seeps out of the sealed cracks.. ":: That was a lot of energy just now. ::"

":: Bet that stings. ::"

"Well that was less than courteous. Does it look like I'm standing here so I can play a game of cards with myself?"

With nothing else to do but wait, Ashram leaned against the wall with his arms crossed against his breast plate. The dark knight sunk his chin down and waited for the portal to open back up.

One of the medical droids just replied back, just as cross in tone.. ":: You'd rather be pummeled by intense subspace sheer energy in there? ::" ..this just before they all then suddenly see a very slow moving wave line of bright blue, begin creeping out from the closed hatch, slowly crawling past them as slow as an ant.

The computer seems to anticipate.. ":: The distortion waveform is now encapsulating this vessel, to match it to end further dimensional distortion effects.

There should be no sensation. ::"

The medical droid however blanched.. ":: Gee, thanks for warning us. ::"

":: Keep your subprocessors to yourself then. ::"

Just then, the hatch suddenly hisses.. ":: Procedure for interior complete. Prepare for hatch repopening. ::"

The light passed over him, but nothing happened, thank goodness. Although he felt a subtle shift in the Force around him. Whereas it felt a bit off, it now felt...right. Guess interdimensional travel does more than just shift people from one area to another.

He made a mental note to produce a good report on this, including the possible consequences and solutions to any interdimensional travel Vector Industries might accomplish one day. He then noted the hatch opening. "Finally."

As the hatch opens back up, a white haze floods out from the interior, a sign of how heavy the energy discharge was. However unlike the other 'white' energy that had flowed out of the breaches, this version only had a light tingle to it. No heat, more like a energy version of dry ice mist in a sense.

Past this, the bridge now just glows as if everything was a halo, sight more obscured by the amount of fading light, the droids adjusting to the light amount through their sensors.

":: Seems more stable. Distortion bubble not detected. ::"

The computer adds.. ":: Particle levels now safe for reentry. Life signs now stabilized. ::"

The droids reenter first, as the probe droid from before extracts itself again. Entering the bridge now seems more surreal in feel this time.

The draconic soldiers followed onto the bridge. They fanned out to look over the systems and the chair-held Knight.

Entering the bridge, Jacen could see that others have also arrived at the same time as he. "Yo. I'm Jacen Masaki. Pleased to meet y'all."

The bridge appeared like something out of a heavenly scene, what with the glowing halo light and all. Amidst the droids running around, in the center, appeared to be a...casket...life pod...enclosed ship controls? Whatever it was, the Gaian Knight was in there and seemed to be alright. Wonder when he/she would wake up?

Actually it was no more than a command seat with a surround action control panel, one inert of input controls upon of the LACARS style. Within, a still living form of a Gaian Knightly commander still sat, semi-slumped in place.

But, as the droids scanned, and then announced.. ":: All distortions are now inert. He's no longer compromised.

Lord Commander? Lord Commander? ::" ..the medical droid prodded.

A slight moan, half-groan, and mixed in sigh of weariness ekes out, as if the bloke was waking up from a nap.

"...........cousin?" ...he moan-whispers out, before the droid imparts.. ":: They are not present Commander. ::"

The wrinkle of unfamiliarity, is added a second when Jacen Masaki's 'very' unfamiliar voice comes across.

A stark... "Eh?" ..marks out, still closed of eye. (And trying to open, only to see blaring light of unadjested sight.)

Ashram strode into the bridge taking in the foreign scene. There was already plenty of activity with the dragonoids and the Coredian. His own demon sword was having a field day with the potential energy in the room. Ashram let out a low rumbling whisper. "Stay silent. He is disoriented and you will only confuse him with your talk."

The dark knight made a few steps towards the chair hand on sword hilt. He called out gently to the Gaian. "Be at ease. You've drifted far from home. There are people from the Draconic Order, CoreWorlds, and the Abh Empire in the room now."

Uh.... now we come to the crux of 'another' problem. The fact there was someone a dark voice, with a rather palatable demonic aura emanating from it, was affecting the senses of 'someone' else in that same seat.

Rather, inside the the form of the groggy knight upon, within.

Nevermind the fact the knight never heard the terms that were just explained to him, in his life, before the 'other' side reacted as to any demonic influence of such unfamiliarity.

Before anyone could react, (and they 'better' get out of the way of this..) the knight suddenly shot out of the seat, hardly a sight of one supposed to be at ease, as all of a sudden, a second form al but explodes from the knight's backside!

The knight, garbed in formal battle armor of white diamond armor, gold lined, full suited, with robes and cape of deep blue and silver lining, accented with a head 'helm' of a circlet shaped like a bird like angel, flanked by two rather protruded 'wings', white as any real angel feathers, in a sort of Valkyrian-Norse fashion. The hair however went through a strange change, from all of a sudden, prior, blond and simple long hair, to fully white and angel feather 'like', as a reaction to the controlling host trying to protect the knight.

This as the second form, a heavily cloaked, and robed being, of pure white full encapsulating robes, lined in gold, a hint underlay of brass and bronze glinting through on shifting of form in light and shadows, spread it's very 'large' wings of copper-bronze, as 'it' threw it's master away from the demonic force it sensed. This equaled with a glare of fierce eyes of burning white wrath, shot through a full cowl and full facial covering of the same white robe coloring, same gold lining, with a holy shadow that all hides sight of a face underneath.

Which is fortunate, as seeing an Arch-Angel's facade isn't for the meek.

In full form, the knight and angelic Symbiont, as the angel spread it's massive wings, almost fully halfway about the bridge deck walls to either side!

And so in doing this, knocked the droids back, in a misguided attempt to protect the angel's master, in a situation that was completely foreign to the somewhat 'aggressive' angel.

The angel meanwhile, as it controlled the knight, shone it's eyes in a empty format of being controlled, streaming blue Incarnum energy from the eye sockets. As it shot the knight back, it was also waking the knight up!

~ WAKE!!!! ~

This took a split second as the controlled eyes shot to consciousness, internal nanite substructure processes in his body being activated with a shock-start from the angel...

..the knight blared out in this next split second later... "Wha!?" ..before the angel, not realizing how little room there was...

..smacked it's head onto the bulkhead above/behind it!!

As a comical result, as the Symbiont and Knight share the same of everything felt and experienced, meant the smack to the angel's head, caused the knight to go dizzy as well! "OW!"

before anyone could react to 'this' further, the angel suddenly 'fell down' from the blow, and it's massive form dragged the knight down with it! Angel feathers flying everywhere as the bridge just went 'THUD' from the combined falling effect of the two-in-one!

In summary, the angel reacted for the knight, before it knew the surroundings better, and woke the knight up in time for them both to be clobbered by the area they are pinned in!

And so a moment later, depending on how the foreign dignitaries react, they end up seeing the large double form of angelic might, splayed about the bridge deck, the wings draped like lucid blankets over many consoles.

All the unknown knight says a moment later, in comic pain in result, is...

"....dang bub, I hate it when you do that! Owie....."

":: What a pain. ::" ..the computer 'adds'.

The draconic medic that stood over the knight was thrown back by the sudden appearance of its angelic protector. Two of the draconic guards took the confusion to push Ashram away from the center of the room. They stood between the two as the angelic form dissipated.

"Wer demonic re ti aldoer persvek wer realm di angels."
(Translation: The demonic are not welcome in the realm of angels.)

After the brief stint, the medic returned to monitoring the health of the knight and the soldiers that were at the controls went back to trying to figure out the status of the ship, using Gaian translation programs in their gauntlet screens. Specifically they wanted to know why the ship was here and why it was in this condition.

Meanwhile, outside the ship, the Palladium units, learning what just occurred, were actually giggling at the fracas their commander had becometh himself unto. The Zeonic units still outside would have seen this as the small 'ships', each began to spin and pirouette in this fashion.

The ones inside the hangar deck were doing no less.

Anyone else confused yet? =oO=??

Mmmm so the fear of the demon sword Soul Crusher is not reserved to demons alone. Even the ascended can feel its powr. Interesting...

Ashram ignored the dragonoids pushing him aside along with their spouts of demonic aura not welcomed among the ascended. Already this visit was proving most fruitful but he reserved the urge to actually draw the blade. Such things were reserved for actual combat and not pin pricking.

The dark knight instead simply let the medics tend to the matter of befuzzled duo bumbling on the floor. Right now, Lord Ashram really didn't care about lending assistance despite the business of his mission.

Yep, Jacen was quite weirded out at seeing the Gaians in action. Of course, he's not going to say THAT corny line (the one about angels), it was too obvious. The only thing he could really do in this situation was sweatdrop and let the Gaians introduce themselves.

Meanwhile, Amphibos drummed his metal fingers on the dashboard, waiting for Jacen. Things got exciting when the big ship spilled out littler ones but the programming ordering him to not do anything without Jacen's order prevented him from acting upon the show of force. Still, it grated on him to wait. Then the little ships began to shake and spin as if...laughing?!

"Statement: This is the strangest mission I've been on, and that's saying something." The HK unit shook his head.

":: Commander? ::" ..one of the medical droids prodded again. The knight 'this' time, with some fashion of cognitive ability, managed to raise his head, and hold it as if 'he' was the one that smacked it a moment ago.

He just droned out.. "I feel terrible."

":: He's alive. ::" ..the second medical droid pointlessly.. uh.. pointed out.

The knight meanwhile started looking around, as the angel 'wrenched' itself back up with use of a nearby chair armrest. At this, the knight started looking around..

..and then really looked.

"Uh...." ..he said with confusion.

The ship-droid computer then.. ":: Forgive.. ::" ..and then began presenting all the parties that were present, (Ahb, CoreWorlds, Zeonic, Draconic, ect...)

The guest list surprised the knight, on more than one level.

"What.... did you... say?" ..the knight then added... "I... I don't recognize these names."

The knight then turned a wary eye at the strange personages, whom were either looking at him, or inspecting the technology nearby. The knight then stood up, the angel still readily present, both looking at an impossible situation.

"What the Light is going on here?" ..he whispered out, almost in a hollow growl even.

"Batobot ui svabol wux jalla anyui."
(Translation: That is what you should answer.)

The commander of the DO boarding party replied as he now stood in front of the knight.

"Wer ascendancy has put hesi last tafiaf ias lore. ir ornla siofme batobot astahii dah forgotten udoka due ekess douta confusion."
(Translation: The Ascendancy has put our last encounter into lore. One would think that they had forgotten us due to your confusion.)

The DO Commander's voice however didn't come across translated to him. In fact, he'd 'never' heard of this voice in dialect before. The knight just blanched at this in tone of.. "What bloody language is this?"

He then moved his right forefinger to a spot on the right forehead, past the hairline, off the right eyebrow, where a small blue 'square' is suddenly seen. ":: Deania, is your translation matrix working? ::" ..his voice suddenly turned as 'if' a droid version.

":: Already correlated, all pertinent information being transfered now. ::"

In mere seconds, the blue square glows brightly, as a information download processes faster than a blink of an eye. The knight closes his eyes to desiminate all the information, not just simple translation matrix data, but everything since arrival here.

He SNAPPED his eyes open, and staggered backwards.

"We... we... we're WHERE!?" ..a voice more of shock incarnate than the others expected as well. The reaction is joined by the Arch-Angel holding 'it's' own head in the same discourse!

":: Another query Milord... ::" ...the computer named Deania offers... warily.. ":: ...the information indicates a chronoton anomaly as well.

I.... I am not sure I want to investigate this further. I do not believe my logic matrix can handle the illogic of the information presented. ::"

The knight gulps, sweating at what he is suspecting as well. He then notes the foreign types he should be handling, but is to jumbled in thought for a moment to worry about that.

He straightens his thoughts and then himself a moment later.

":: Investigate this, remove your logic matrix from consideration and process the data.

Even if it makes no sense. Heaven of Hell of it. ::" ..his voice commands in the artificial tone of like. The computer 'nods' this.. ":: Acknowledged. ::"

Meanwhile he turns back to the originating voice he didn't understand. A change of such from a moment ago thanks to technologies that are working 'W-A-Y' to fast for nominal good.

He gestures his hands.. "Speak of me unto more. Understanding begins with small talk, As I was taught." ..apparently done so to calm himself down as well.

"Uh, well. I'm Jacen." Jacen said, rubbing the back of his head. "What's your name? Are you OK now?"

Start off small, he will.

The knight teardropped.. "My manners... my poor form." ..he then presented of himself.

"Imladris Kerensky-Morisato, Lord Gaian Knight of the Celestia-Valkyrian, Templar-Holia. Commander of.... uh... was... I guess... the 12th/12763rd Valkyrie Combat Assault Fleet and attached Armies."

He then paused. "Um... at least I used to be." ..his voice went shallow. "Of being well?

How in a place of legends? Just..... how?" ..he echoed out more in disbelief.

He then realized, and looked around.....

...his heart sank at seeing what of his bridge crew they became.

((OC- Bump.. hope I didn't make anyone mad. =oo= ))

Ashram was growing tired of the Gaian's babble and nonsense. Though it was curious how one of the Gaians own came to be so lost and why he was in the state he was in.

"Do you remember how you got here?"

The knight heard Ashram, but for a moment held off. He walked past the guests, and with his angel actually holding him steady, he went over and placed a hand on the back of.. "Arandus.... my old friend.

We... he came from the same family gene clutch together. Over fifty Eons at least."

He looked over, a good tear or two falling out. He saw another Gaian at the Science-Tech station... "I`pa`thru...

...she kept teasing me about her always. Never had to worry about keeping track of things."

...further to the far starboard of the bridge... the tactical station... "Karl... always kept my head on straight when I really needed it. He has a wife and six kinseth. Their planet made excellent vintages......

Has........ had......?"

He looked around, seeing a lack of other crew members....

He then remembered Ashram's query, annoyed and all in tone he readily heard. Imladris gave a slight glance in perturb to this, before touching his blue network-node.

":: Deania... calculate how much energy is needed to breach a dimensional barrier. I know it's... ::"

":: In equvalency terms, over ten galaxy mass AU's just to form the aperture, another fifty in worth to form a tunnel. Over a hundred overall to complete all aspects combined.

Sensors are still uncertain, but the readings we encountered.... were off this scale. ::"

Imladris gulped, and then asked the obvious.. "How the frak did we survive then?"

":: Emergency Fold Jump procedures did activate at the time. Standard to all aspects for a Class One battleground protocol. ::"

Imladris started to remember. His internal nantie network acting as his memory backup, as well as bodily enhancements and so much more. he sorta of walked around everyone for a moment.

"We.... we were sent to ascertain a Dark Ascendancy fleet probe in the Castron Galaxy sector.

Heh... probe... only ten million vessels. Only fifty thousand in my own. Good thing we retreated at the.... *sigh* ..and the chased after us as well. damn this is looking bad..." ..he kept remembering, seeing as if he was reliving the memories in real time. He kept walking around as he remembered..

"Aye... that three gas giant system. Well, two gas giants and a brown dwarf... yes.. that nebula cloud with ionic disturbances. it was good sensor cover while we called for help.

Not that the DA bastards waited.

Not..... that we waited either... ohhhhhh.. oh aye." ..he chuckled... "Fleet Command use that bait and switch tactic again. The DA did attack before it considered anymore, so we were just the 'fishing lure' to see what we bit off."

Imaldris stopped halfway between the port hand rail, at the depression deck level, between it and the bridge chair.

"They always started out like that... one fleet piling unto another.... and another..... and another.... and....." ..he was actually shaking..

Deania offered.. ":: Last count held over seven hundred fleet groups, twice that number for our assets. ::"

Imaldris gulped.. "I think it was a trap. The full Fleet Command was there. His excellency included, was it not?"

":: That last signature Commander? ::"

Imaldris stopped. He had to angle back and sit down in his command seat. He rubbed his head as his angel held off behind him, knight and seat alike....

"Two day battle at least...." ..more facial rubbing... "...then that.... that.... what the hell and heaven was that thing?!"

The viewscreen suddenly flashed, hiss-static flared, before an image popped up. One form a wholly different dimension. One that only encapsulated barely the smallest patch of the grandest of battles. Gleaming Ascendancy warships, fighting an enemy that could only be seen, when weapons hit the dark as Void vessel hulls.

And there were a 'lot' of flashes, as if a star was born, and then died every microsecond. The 'sparkling' curtain rippled back and forth, as vessels were hit, died or retreated, and then came back after a frighteningly short recovery phase.

Even some from open hull ruptures and almost worse.

A sight Imladris remembered enduring more than once. Ascendancy regenerative technology by this Age, had become literally... godlike.

The enemy's own equal capability by now, made for long, protracted battles.

Except this time.

"What?" ..Imladris betrayed, as all of a sudden, the image shown started to turn utterly void black.... the starscape view behind the battlefield scene, turning utterly empty.

Imaldris shot up. "What the hell!?"

":: Energy readings went off scale at this point. Not even Universal scale equivalence measurements matched what occurred here. I have ascertained this went past Universal scale levels.

I also suspect the signature cause, was Dark Ascendancy origin. ::"

Imladris fell back in his seat, as the image of 'everything' in the viewscreen, went dark.

All of it. The... whatever energy waveform... of it all that advanced, just wiped everything before it off existence! All the colors in the viewscreen went dark.

And then he saw... "There are Fold flashes..."

Some of the vessels began to escape as programmed, once the computers of each of the living ships saw what was happening. He then realized as the wave apparently 'hit' his vessel.

"Where are the crew?"

":: Unknown commander. the Fold emergency protocol automatically sent crewmembers to larger surviving ships, as soon as we were hit. However at the same time, the Fold jump was initiated.

As energy readings were off Universal scale, this vessel apparently reacted and....

...logic matrix cannot comprehend this. ::"

Imaldris leaned his head back, thumping it unto the headrest.

"Hypothesis..." ..he offered, making up the mortal quotient the sentient computer couldn't make the illogical leap of faith with. Not that offering it make Imaldris feel easy either.

"....An off scale Universal energy signature... at the same time as an emergency Fold jump. If they occurred at the same time... and I mean down to the micron...

Would they counteract.. and 'that' be the cause of a dimensional tunnel?"

Imladris then sighed out.. "We still have the ancient coordinates for the realm once called Alpha Dimension, do we not?"

":: Correct. Protocol Alpha One Matrix series. Intent was in case of either last resort, if the war effort against the Dark Ascendancy failed, or a reason to return for unspecified reasons ever occurred.

But...... but my Lord....

...that was nearly a billion years ago. If.... if my chronometer was.... ::" ..Deania sounded if her computer circuits 'would' cry at this...

Imaldris shakes his head. "That makes no sense too. Did you do as I asked of those calculations?"

":: They.... *dead sound* ....they correlate. Only an eight percent margin of error is possible at this. Sensors from scans of your distorted condition indicate this. They match distortion still present in the hull. ::"

Imaldris half joked.. "At least the ship held up better than I was. I... I guess."

He then leaned forward and cradled his own head. "So...... I guess we somehow escaped a massive catastrophe, Fold jumped into another dimension, and somehow jumped through time as well."

":: Summary...... conclusive... ::"

For a moment, the knight lord forget anyone else existed in the room.

Or anything else for that matter. What of his crew?

His family?

Her.........

Is he all that is left of......... is there.... "Is the Sphere..... gone?"

":: Inconclusive. ::"

Imaldris just balled out comically.. "Well that don't help very much!"

Jacen's mind spun at all the information. @_@ "So you're telling me that not only did you get sent from another dimension, but you also got sent back one billion years from now by things as powerful as you are?!"

"I need to sit down..." Jacen groaned. "The Academy teachers never said this sort of thing could happen..."

Imladris just asked of anyone generally, he didn't care whom.. "Anyone that can give me a time data base uplink, would be appreciated. I need to have an idea just what era we have ended up."

Imaldris then considered, and asked... "...also.... when was the last time any of you had contact with my government. Whatever form it was back then. Man I'm out of my element here."

The commander of the DO party replied.

"Vi lauth weeks ghoros wer200th anniversary di wer foundation di wer entity known lae wer ascendancy buatleb vur confederacy alliance, yth ran ias wer shehad family, led ini aleaic di gaia. batobot jahus dampra years ago."

(Translation: A few weeks before the 200th Anniversary of the Foundation of the entity known as the Ascendancy Sphere and Confederacy Alliance, we ran into the Royal Family, led by Aleaic of Gaia. That was several years ago.)

"About one year ago, we were treated to a diplomatic summit with Evil Woody Thoughts after their civil war. One of the delegates was a Gaian." Jacen said. "It's also 105 years after the Battle of Yavin, if you still have that battle in your records. That would make it about 25105 years after the founding of the Galactic Republic of the Corusca Galaxy."

Imaldris gulped a bit. (He honestly didn't have a clue about what this history was being talked about. He just gulped at it rather.)

"You get that Deania?"

":: Accuracy being obtained to about a twenty year probable timeline. Goodness.. ::" ..the computer voice eked out, it could have sweatdropped if the ship was capable.

Imladris looked over at Lord Ashram, his angel still warily for obvious reasons. "How bout you good sir. Or.. uh.. evil if you'd prefer. Anything to add?"

((OC - A plot filler bump. I 'don't' want this one to dieyyeeyyeeyyeeyyeeeee. =xX=;;; ))

----------

She didn't understand what was happening. She only went with the last orders she got from His Excellency. she tried not to look as Oblivion raced all around her. Her ship, her crew... the last of a civilization that couldn't anticipate an act of a magnitude order on the vicious extreme.

She just held her best form, and her tight arse grip, on the command platform guardrail. I won't cry... I can't cry. Hold it together Valkyrie.

She then heard behind her. "It's ready Commander."

The Said commander spun her head, her asymmetrical steel blue hair spinning just as fast. "Do it, don't wait for me! Just go!!"

At this, she braced herself, as did the crew of the last A-SSD to exist in this era. All others now obliterated along with the rest of the Antara Dimension... civilizations, space.... all of it was Void now.

She couldn't believe the Dark Ascendancy had won! She looked down blankly at the pearlescent bulkhead flooring, and sighed a dreadful number. she then turned and all but smacked herself down in her command seat. She sighed in the same tone, again and after.

"How could this be?" ..this the Commander heard and looked over at her equal number. One of thousands all but crammed into this oversized, ad-hoc refugee vessel.

Next to the steel blue maned one, a spiky fire-hair like mane looked back with a facade that did not match. The voice echoed... "We had the war won.

We WON it! I.... I just don't understand...."

The first Valkyrie shook her own head. "I.... credit... our enemy's resolve to use a tactic that eve they themselves would not survive. To sunder using Dark Energy as a source.

To think we knew all things."

The two heard each other's sigh at this, as a heavy thrumming of energon rippled through the ship. The second then admitted with a retching sound... "Then.... the Ascendancy.... 'is' dead.

What do we do now Lind?"

A pause, as a computer voice.. ":: Dimensional aperture formed. Void event horizon ten light-years distant, One minute calculated. ::"

Lind looked over... she held a steady tone, fit for a Commander of the Celestia-Valkyrian Order.

"This era is lost." ..she then put her hand to a 'necklace' on her neck-chest. A simple light-chord, holding a single blue-crystal coloration style, flat format isolinear chip.

The information about where they 'may' go, and when as well in fact.

"Phosus.

We will find one of our own. That is the orders of His Excellency. The last and all of this Era."

Phosus said nothing. She held the same hope the rest of her Commanders.. her vaunted kin all but crammed into this super-sized colony ship, and she prayed as befit her angelic heratige.

It befitted a few others that were on board in fact. A certain familial few added.

She nodded and then called out for Lind.. "Jump us, and ensure the temporal chamber does it divine job!

A billion years is a long trip."

Lind sighed, and looked around. The... of all things... an Ascendancy Class A-SSD, filled with the last of a magnificent civilization, all prayed as never before, as she noted this on facades of immediate note.

She then in turn, did likewise.

Salvation for us that cannot conceive defeat to hope. Deliver us to the land where we can learn better anew.

And where heart is not fleeting.

Just as soon as she finished, everything lurched in a heinous, maddening fashion!

A moment later, they went through the Portal. A locational beacon from a certain lost Warbird of wanted note, a hoped for destination.

A moment after 'this', the Void overcame....

Nothing was left behind now. Nothing.... only forward, and unto a forgotten past.

((OC- Bump. Gee, where is everyone? Watching football like me? =oO=?? ))

OOC: I'm still here! =^_^= Was waiting for everyone as well!

[First, I am not posting because there is nothing happening that needs reaction from my characters, other characters are being asked questions. Second, I have yet to get a response about the boarding party looking over the controls of this ship.]

(And I'm pretty much sitting in space looking pretty, and unless the Abh need something blown up am unlikely to do anything, or if I get contacted.)

Imaldris gulped a bit. (He honestly didn't have a clue about what this history was being talked about. He just gulped at it rather.)

"You get that Deania?"

":: Accuracy being obtained to about a twenty year probable timeline. Goodness.. ::" ..the computer voice eked out, it could have sweatdropped if the ship was capable.

Imladris looked over at Lord Ashram, his angel still warily for obvious reasons. "How bout you good sir. Or.. uh.. evil if you'd prefer. Anything to add?"

Ashram merely smirked as he leaned up against the closest wall. "Good or evil makes no difference to me if you simply judge a man by his presence. But as for my story, I would say that I do know your Lord Aleaic and fought in your demon wars and against the dark ascendancy. I was there at the spear head where we blunted their entry into this dimension. That was several years ago though.

If you can contact the Silver Noah that is parked outside of your ship, they will oblige you with a update on our files of current events as well as history. Perhaps that will clear some of the things up for you."

OOC: Sorry, I rarely post on the weekends. Spend it with my fiance.

Imladris just sighed yet again.

"So this 'is' just after the start of the Antara War." ...he considered that. "I'm actually in the era of 'the' legend." ..a betrayed chuckle, a bit more giddy sounding than he intended.

He then looked at the Draconic troops looking over the Warbird's technology. He didn't pay it much heed. He had more ample reason besides the old Gaian sharing trait that had by his Era, become prolific for a full Dimension's worth of Universes.

Only eleven so far.... or..... were..... he didn't know now.

Instead, he looked at the Draconics, and wondered if they could fathom the data they probably were dealing with, moreover since the ship adjusted to the draconic's own methods of communication, tactile and sight alike.

How the ship was doing it, might disturb the lot of them, if they really knew. (Living ships for Gaians, had taken up an entirely new meaning in the era he...... had known.)

"Dear goddesses. What the Light do I do 'now'?" The slump back down into his seat, said the rest.

He then thought for a moment, and considered his next appropriate moves.

"Deania, establish network contact with this... *looking at Ashram* ...Silver Noah, and get the pertinent information. Ask the same of the other vessels in the immediate area.

The more information the better." ..he then added.. "..and send our datalog with recent tactical and information data on how we ended up like this. Send it with our regards."

..and then the rough part.. "And 'then' begin a scan for full damage and vessel status. Include vessel casualties, and droid compliment status."

Deania replied back 'plainly'. ":: Processes begun. Network links being established. report being comprised. Processing.... ::"

Imladris sighed, and then looked at the other various 'guests'. "So, anyone see any new stars born lately?" ..he put as a quirky 'crack'.

----

((OC- Sorry, was worried this all was losing interest. Really want to keep myself around NS this time. ))

Time travel...

Distortions in space seem to happen a lot in this universe since the Dominion took to the stars. The Gaian race was one of several that developed technology that strained reality to a point, breaking it was easy. Since then the Draconic Order had begun research into these phenomenon... Though they were not far enough along to help this lost one.

"Temporal Mechanics is out of my field, I'm afraid." Jacen chuckled. "Still, perhaps it'd be best to look for members of your people in this time period."

Imaldris considered that. However Deania ever so helpfully pointed out. ":: I fear this course may be difficult to pursue. If the calender data is correct, we save arrived approximately seven years after the Beachhead event, Lord Ashram mentioned.

As such.. ::"

"We have no such civilization to get to, even if we wanted." ..Imladris dryly admitted. "Just breaching the portal into the eventual Antara Dimension, took all we had, if I remember my historical-holos properly." ..he then sweeps a hand around the ship.

"And this ship tain't an A-SSD. Hardly the power needed to power a formal Portal."

"::And forget not the Temporal Accord. A possible convergence problem exists, if you were to attempt contact with them in person. The situation might.. ::" ..Imaldris just flusters back, almost at point of using his hands as such. "Yeah, yeah. I go there, boom, I blow up another Dimension.

Those Valkyries swore that was all I'd be good for." ..he sighs out thickly.

He adds with not as much comedy in the tone. "I'm no better than a mercenary with a wrecked ship now."

":: WRECKED!!? ::" ..the computer actually got miffed at. Imaldris gulped. "Uh... maybe a poor choice of..." ..all of a sudden, the sound of droid activity seems to accelerate, as Imaldris recognizes Deania pushing the droids into overdrive. "....words?" ..the bloke finishes off kilter.

--

The droids aren't limited to inside vessel repairs. All of a sudden, the Palladiums begin moving from defensive posture, to then hover all over the stricken Warbird, to effect hull repairs.

--

Imaldris just complains at the sounds of all the sudden banging all over the ship. "You'll just end up running them all into the ground you know."

":: Hush, we're busy. ::"

Imaldris just grumbled at the treatment.

((OC- Nother bump, plot thickens bit... ))

----

*Remember that Comm-Orb network? A loverly thing it 'is' still.*

Very much so in fact, as the unknown source deep, deep in the Archonis Void, 'reflects' the signal to see if any Sphere assets might still be around to ascertain if the distress can be attended to. Not knowing so has already been done, the signal jaunts on back towards areas of space where Gaian assets might be found.

One heard, where one should not be at all. Almost diametrically opposite where the distress signal originated, across the Milky Way Core Galaxy, a 'new' source discovers the signal.

It don't take long for a new signal, a location beacon, to start transmitting back out, on the same distress frequency. (A bit secretive a function at that.)

The Silver Noah obliged the ship by supplying the appropriate data that the Gaian computer was requesting. Historical information relating partly to what Ashram rattled on and current events. A colorful collection to be sure when comeing from the Abh.

"Well if mercenary is the track you're looking to get on, perhaps I could be your first employer." Hard to tell if he was being serious or not, even with the evil grin constantly on his face.

Deania would go, on and off, 'hmm' from time to time, as the data was transfered. She added.. ":: Interesting. ::" ..which Imladris ignored. He focused for a moment on Ashram's 'joke' and offered back. "Not sure you'd be able to handle me. I do jobs for the good will of all and not for economic gain.

I'm a stickler like that." ..he says, as he hears a rather HEAVY zap of energy, as some droid really has at a weld. Imaldris just complains. "We can't hear ourselves POUT in here!"

":: Keep your gene-string in check bub. We took heavy damage in that scuffle. ::"

Imaldris cocked an eye. "Scuffle? Down play it why don'tcha."

Just then, a a damage report suddenly snapped up on the vidscreen, as well as a projection holo just behind the command chair. ":: I said hush, take a look why. ::"

Imaldris looked.

~ The Port wing strut was gone, up a fifth of the way up the wing.
~ Port side thruster arrays, FTL drives, and power grids were all needing reworking.
~ Fold drive array was overloaded. (Needs drydock for formal repair.)
~ Support systems. (Life support, medical, nutritional.) All off line.
~ Weapons: 27% marginal strength. 21 one multi-yield warheads remaining.
~ Sensors: Less than one light-year radius, Starboard six through thirty, and Port seven through forty all off line. Forward and partial aft nine through twenty-two online only.
~ Power supply: 37 standard cycle weeks worth. ZPC Core at 34% efficiency interoperability. Back up charger supplies at 51% nominal.
~ Computer core and supporting systems: 23% efficiency rating.
~ Crew compliment: 1 of 44. Droid Compliment: 57 units. Palladium compliment: 75 units.

...and gulped.

"Okay, I'll shut up now."

":: Thank you. ::"

"You're right, you probably wouldn't be able to handle the work required."

Ashram took a moment to read the damage reports. It seemed the ship wasn't much more than a floating hunk of junk and it probably wouldn't be difficult for someone to come along and finish it off.

"Why don't we tow your ship in to a proper port? We can get you to D'Hara where there are enough workers that can assist with the reconstruction."

Imladris was hardly in a disconcerting mood towards such an offer. "That is the best news I've heard all day. Yes please."

He then looked at the Coredian and Draconic 'guests' on board. "I.... don't know if you'd want to come along, or whatever such." ..he put unsteadily, not certain about the Abh sensitivities to all this.

It was hard to keep track of all the guests, with a wreck to deal with.

":: STOP CALLING ME A WRECK!! ::"

"I'll add nag in a bit here."

":: I'll cut off Life Support. ::"

"You're no fun."

"According ekess wux, wux chiili ti tepoha life-support."
(Translation: According to you, you do not have life-support.)

The commander comments as he gets a shake of the head from one of his men manning a console. The commander made a signal to another and an image of the surrounding systems came up on a holographic display, a pinpoint of light flared up several light-years away from their position.

"Yth vucot Ascendancy technology byanlti loupon lastu tenpiswo... Si suggest yth bring nomeno ship ekess hesi facility. Mobi ui vi shipyard ias asildk itmen-years de tenpiswo."
(Translation: We know Ascendancy technology better than most here... I suggest we bring this ship to our facility. There is a shipyard within ten light-years from here.)

As if to flat out just trump up the Draconic commander, the sound of atmosphere ventilators suddenly switch on. Deania then quipped.. ":: Oopsie, was looking at drive diagnostics. ::"

Imaldris just rolled his eyes.

":: I saw that. ::"

Imaldris meanwhile just turned to the Draconic commander. He had two offers now, rather magnanimous and all. He looked at the Coredian.. Jedi was it? "How bout you? Not that I can split my vessel three ways and such."

With the craft mostly offline, advanced listening devices could easily penetrate the vessel, giving the Lithijir the ability to 'listen in' on the conversations. Usually, hard shielding would prevent this..

The Lithijir, as a species, also offer to take your ship to our nearest repair station. We can promise a place that no one would be able to find without an extensive search, as as soon as a word gets out that a ship of your technology is around, all will want to take it apart. That is another thing you could find for a time estimate, is if we are anywhere in your logs, when the Lithijir were first encountered.

Waiting for the Coredian to respond, when he 'heard' the Lithijir offer. Imaldris just sighed/teardropped. "Gee, aren't we popular."

Ashram couldn't help but let out a rumbling laugh. "Why don't we all just draw straws? The one with the shortest straw gets the distinct honor of dragging this...craft to their docking facilities."

As if to flat out just trump up the Draconic commander, the sound of atmosphere ventilators suddenly switch on. Deania then quipped.. ":: Oopsie, was looking at drive diagnostics. ::"

Imaldris just rolled his eyes.

":: I saw that. ::"

Imaldris meanwhile just turned to the Draconic commander. He had two offers now, rather magnanimous and all. He looked at the Coredian.. Jedi was it? "How bout you? Not that I can split my vessel three ways and such."
"Heh. We have facilities of our own for help, but I don't think we've ever dealt with Gaian craft. We do have our allies Godular to assist if necessary." Jacen said. He hasn't heard the news about Godular yet, which shows how far from home he is in surveying the Milky Way Galaxy.

Ashram couldn't help but let out a rumbling laugh. "Why don't we all just draw straws? The one with the shortest straw gets the distinct honor of dragging this...craft to their docking facilities."
"That might be best." Jacen smiled.

[Is there some sort of random number generator or something to make a straw drawing?]

The draconic commander's eyes narrowed. The nerve of these beings in trying to lead the Gaians to their systems! Especially when the Dominion had the most contact with the Ascendancy. However, the signal they sent to their ship to be redirected had yet to produce any response from their sector fleet, stationed at the shipyard... one frigate could not force a compromise to their benefit. He would have to delay.

"Svanoa throden di wer races whais tenpiswo geou clax part persvek nomeno 'straw drawing'?"
(Translation: How many of the races present here will take part in this 'straw drawing'?)

((OC- Got a better idea. ))

"Um, I don't want to cause a scene with..."

Suddenly, Deania stuttered out.. ":: Wha.. wha... what is... I.. ::"

"Deania?"

The computer used the same 'map' function that the draconic commander had displayed, to suddenly expand it to show a 'second' beep, of some kind. ":: Commander, I'm reading... impossible....

...I'm reading a Gaian classification signature. Seems in homing classification even. ::"

Imaldris's eyes went WIDE. "What did you say?"

":: We're not alone! THAT'S WHAT I SAID! ::"

The voice volume caused Imaldris and his angel (yes, still fully seen,) to clamp their ears. "Okay okay! I hear it.

And still..."

":: The signals seems to be....... over three hundred thousand light-years, distant. It seems triangulated from some Comm-Orbs I started picking up in repeater relay mode. ::"

Imaldris was starting to hear too much at once to comprehend simply. But with a few moments of thought. "Can we make it that distance with our current systems?"

":: No. We need to effect repairs. And other than a beacon signal, nothing else is ascertainable with the current sensors. ::"

Imaldris however complained. "Still sounds too convenient in timing."

Deania held her tongue for a moment, and then just pointed out. ":: I would offer you'd find another way to discover the signal source and come back after me when you know better.

I would ascertain the closer Draconic yards would serve me better, while you go with one of the other vessels. This is a logical course of action. ::"

"Logical as in dumping you behind like that?!"

":: COMMANDER!! ::" ..Deania actually whined put, which just struck at the knight's eardrums again. "Will, you stop that!! Owiee!"

"Douta ship ui ihadoal... Wux dah byanlti clax wer opportunity ekess ehtah out svabol nomeno signal originates de. Nomeno vessel geou qe tokeq mrith udoka."
(Translation: Your ship is correct... You had better take the opportunity to find out what this signal originates from. This vessel will be safe with us.)

The commander interjected.

I doubt the vessel is really safe with anyone. Anyone who gets it is going to want to take it apart, piece by piece, to see how it works, and reverse-engineer the technology. And the nation that does.. Are there any neutral docking stations at all?

Obviously the Lithijir don't really trust anyone.

The new nation ruffled the commander's scales.

"Wer Vs'shtak meage jalyur has ascendancy technology... True, nomeno ship ui centuries persvek advance, shar yth won’t rigluin ekess krikvlic nomeno ship loaw persvek meage ekess satisfy hesi curiosity."
(Translation: The Draconic Order already has Ascendancy technology... True, this ship is centuries in advance, but we won’t need to tear this ship apart in order to satisfy our curiosity.)

He said as he bit back animosity.

You will, however, attempt to gain much new technology from the ship. Anyone with this technology will be much stronger than most of their neighbors. Are there any neutral repair stations? Ones declared Perdita for warfare?

The voice sounds slightly angry, and it's obvious they won't give up fast on this.

Imladris heard where the Lithijir and Draconic spat was going. Imaldris ended all of that with.. "I think Deania will take offense if anyone pokes too far into areas of her systems that are not damaged, and without good cause.

As such, the Citizen Law takes precedent, since Deania is sentient by Eternal Council standards. To poke into her like a mere ship, would be like violating a biological equivalent in our... well, society. (If it still exists.)

As such, I expect her to be treated accordingly. If not, she can wipe herself, hull structure and all, down to the atom, along with whoever offends her sentient rights of privacy."

Imladris then stopped and sighed, before adding. "So just fix her up, and unless she asks for you to look at something, don't." ..he then taps his blue node on the side of his head. "I will know if otherwise occurred."

He hoped he didn't have to veil a threat in addition to this. He needed all the 'realistic' allies he could get. Besides, discerning the deep secrets of the Warbird would take centuries just to understand why Imaldris called Deania 'sentient'.

And anything sentient, was a citizen. Imladris didn't want to dwell on such dry conversations anyway.

Deania just imparted further. ":: I still have the Palladium to use, their comptroller matrices are not damaged at all.

And their weapons equal mine. ::"

"And have attitudes of a Valkyrie, like you."

Everyone felt the air pressure drop for a moment, which was enough to make even Imaldris cough a tic. ":: Your jokes wear thin like the air. ::"

Imaldris took the cue. in an air choked off tone. "I think I better hitch a ride then." ..before Deania just opened an airlock.

If you truly feel you can defend yourself against an entire fleet, go with whom you wish. Whoever takes you with them might end up with a fleet at their doorstep however, if it becomes well known. I recommend that this entire proceding be declared to not exist. Let only those absolutely needed in, or spies and traitors may bring the news to other nations.

Perhaps they're a bit paranoid? Maybe?

"Boja yth re persvek elmoup. Yth geou send ihk vi tow."
(Translation: Then we are in agreement. We will send for a tow.)

He walked to the communications station in order to send the message to their ship. The Dominion was expanding all over the place... A large fleet currently at the shipyard would keep this precious commodity safe.

"Oh, you'll have no problem from me in respects to Deana." Jacen said. "Now, it seems that you'll be heading to the Draconic Order's shipyard. Mind if we tag along? Me being my ship and her crew as well. Just three people, my HK unit Aquilos, and two young apprentices I've picked up a while ago, Tim and Jim."

Imaldris looked at Jacen. "I don't if they don't. Unless you meant helping me get to.. whatever.. this location is. Presuming it 'is' a beacon.

Um... Tim and Jim? How... noble "

The knight shrugged, and then looked at Ashram, wondering if the Ahb had anything to add.

"It's your ship. You do with it as you like. I believe it would be wise to inform my ship of what your intentions are though. A strange ship just appearing suddenly is not going to make a good impression especially after this one leaves.

The only other personnel from the Silver Noah is in the hangar bay still with our space craft."

Imaldris looked at Jacen. "I don't if they don't. Unless you meant helping me get to.. whatever.. this location is. Presuming it 'is' a beacon.

Um... Tim and Jim? How... noble "

The knight shrugged, and then looked at Ashram, wondering if the Ahb had anything to add.
"Heh. They're twins." Jacen chuckled. "K, I'd like to return to the ship now. They must be worried sick by now."

Imaldris smiled. "Of course." ..course he wondered out loud next. "So.. uh... who do I hitch a ride with?"

---

((OC- I might start a new thread, just to see if anyone else joins. TG me with who wants to 'piggy back' my poor schmo for the trip. The Warbird can be considered at the DC yard when the new thread starts.

I wana concentrate the next thread on what happens next. (Which should be both comedic, and disconcerting a thread at least. =^^= ) ))

[Does that include the shipyard stuff also? Because if it doesn't that would allow you all to concentrate on the other story.]

((OC- Not directly, though I may 'peek' in, to shoe how Deania hates being poked all over, probably freaking out the repair techs and all at least.

But I wana concentrate on 'trying' to get to this homeworld, and end up on some side 'missions' along the way. (Maybe let you guys each have a turn before we 'get' to the beacon signal, making things 'dragged out' and all.

So, maybe, Abh gets a story turn..

..then CoreWorlds

..Draconic next...

..I suppose Vimparia as well.

One or two at a time to get some meat into a mini-plot and all. All this t make Imladris help you guys out first, before he gets to the 'reward'. That's my idea, and it just blossomed as I write this, just like this. =^^= Maybe someone else will jump in along the way, or two.. or sixteen..

It'll make the end result more endearing, if not abusive for the bloke when Imladris gets 'there'. =^^= ))

Journey to that unknown star. (FT Open) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=539439)

It had been quite some time since Deania had been left in DO hands. The repairs were happening swiftly as the DO were in a state of build up. The technology given to them by the Ascendancy vessel had produced a leap in capabilities that the DO did not have before. Woe be the race that encountered them in battle. However, the DO weren't planning on breaking the promise with those who knew about the vessel. They would repair the vessel and then let it go about as it wanted.

((Was wondering if Gaian Ascendancy wanted to 'peek in' to the rp.))

((OOC- Actually, check the last few pages, the end of the battle me and Ahb were in ended up with Deania and my Knightwing cruiser ending up in Gaian refugee space. You'll have to read, since that will explain things. =^^= Sorry for the surprise dude. ))

((OOC- Actually, check the last few pages, the end of the battle me and Ahb were in ended up with Deania and my Knightwing cruiser ending up in Gaian refugee space. You'll have to read, since that will explain things. =^^= Sorry for the surprise dude. ))

((What page did you take her back?))

((OC- Sure take the fun outta it. Page 9 in this post: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13412461&postcount=133

Have fun. Was a fun post if ti came out right. =^^=;;; ))

((OC- Sure take the fun outta it. Page 9 in this post: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13412461&postcount=133

Have fun. Was a fun post if ti came out right. =^^=;;; ))

((I guess I don't understand the post then... 'cause I don't see it. But whatever...))

With the Gaian ship gone the shipyard was in full swing modifying its fleet.

((OC- Float ya both then. I need to get ready to make a 'really' long backstory post here soon, once I get to the new Homeworld. that'll be fun as heck to read when I do it. =^^=;;; Explaining the death of an Inter-universal scale civilization sure will be. ))

((OC- Float ya both then. I need to get ready to make a 'really' long backstory post here soon, once I get to the new Homeworld. that'll be fun as heck to read when I do it. =^^=;;; Explaining the death of an Inter-universal scale civilization sure will be. ))

((Looking forward to reading it.))