NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is for all of the people in the "A Time of Uncertainty" Thread by Scandy.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13095589#post13095589

Until he can post back and we can get some more players to be bad, ill be playing as the Xelitor. Then I'll step down and itll be all his

IC

It had been a long time since the Great Victory had been won against the destructive hegemony of the Xelitor. For a time, an uneasy peace had reigned across the galaxy. Yet every man, every woman, and every child knew that one day the Xelitor would once again ravage the Milky Way.

That day has come now...

Aboard the Hammer of the Eternals, swarms of Xelitorian men and women ran throughout the ship, checking weapons status and such. Amongst the Xelitors stood a stoic figure at the bridge, commanding her crew.

"Admiral Talith!" a Xelitorian ran up to the figure in a panic and saluted.

Admiral Talith turned and returned salute to her subordinate. "Ensign, calm yourself. Remember the third law of the Eternals; Peace in mind, Efficiency in Action."

"Yes my lady," the ensign calmed himself and spoke, "We have reports that one of our ships has been attacked along a trading route in the Xeliratha Sector."

"Dammit," Talith bit her lip and held back her anger, "What was the fate of the crew?"

"The crew was killed and they stole something...important..."

Talith's patience was wearing thin as she asked, "What was taken?"

"They stole one of our hyper-vibronic explosive devices that we had in cargo to be sent for the invasion," the ensign said fearfully. "It is capable of killing massive populations without damaging valuable buildings and outposts by using special frequencies to vibrate live cells until they burst. The Grand Speaker of Halitha has demanded that any vessel within the Xelitorian Sector must investigate the area and locate the device at all costs."

Talith glared at the Ensign and said, "Dismissed Ensign." She turned and walked towards the teleporter, transporting to her quarters. There she sat and activated the holocom.

"This is Talith to Fariaha, do you read?" Her voice echoed through subspace.

"This is Fariaha. Long time old friend long time," Fariaha spoke

"Save the chatter for another time. I need your help. There was a situation and a device was stolen from us. Is there anyone you know that can help us retrieve this device?" asked Talith

"Yes actually we have someone that may be able to help you...for the right price; we can get this Templarian that is perfect for the job. Of course you'll have to pay a lot for his services." Fariaha sneered.

"Anything, we just need to get this device back," Talith sent a large amount of credits to Fariaha. Fariaha smiled and said, "Well then, his services are now all yours. Of course, we will not take any responsibility for any people...harmed on the job."

"I don't care," Talith said coldly. "Just get me the device. I'll send schematics to you shortly..."


Aboard the Ossuary:

Khaltax's ship skimmed through the cosmos, silently searching for new bounties. He lay in bed, bored beyond all hell and tired of flying through space.

A'ras spoke over the commsystem, "Khaltax, we may have something ahead."

Khaltax rose from the bed and sighed, "Fine, there's nothing better to do." He walked to the bridge and looked at the screen. Ahead was a huge wreckage. It looked like the ship had been there for a short time.

"A'ras, what kind of ship is it?" Khaltax asked.

"Scanners show that it is an Alliance skimmer," A'ras spoke. "There seems to be a strange energy signature amidst the wreckage. Want to pick it up?"

Khaltax sat back and said, "Sure, it may fetch us some credits from the Alliance. Let's grab the thing and get out."

The Ossuary left with its new cargo, unknowing of the dangers they had just driven themselves into...

OOC: Alright thats the first post. We can use the old thread as an OOC thread.

The Hollow stalked the Ossuary, keeping out of sight and emitting radar dampening rays. On board, Varu watched out of the viewport.
"What are you carrying?" The ship only emitted a faint energy signature, as it was only matching the speed of the other ship. He began to scan it.

OOC i'am making the Cadian language as Russian and post *when Blade and Rose are taking in Cadian
IC

Alliance Base somewhere

it was midnight and Blade was heading back to the small roon with the single bed that he shared with Rose after a long boring day of guard duty

"*that you Blade"said a soft sleeply Voice from the dark as Blade open and close the door

"*it's me Rose go back to sleep"said Blade as he heads to the small bathroom to have a shower and change into his night cloths

a hour past and Blade slides into bed next to Rose

"*love"said Rose as she snuggles up to him
"* i love you too now sleep"said Blade as he closed his eyes

Aboard the Artifice:

Christopher stood at the bridge of the Artifice, in an easy parade-rest. Bedecked in colours easily reminiscent of ancient Royalty, he seemed somehow ill at ease as standing over the shoulders of the small army of technicians present.

"Report." He intoned to all at once. An enthusiastic operator - with large headphones clasped around his ears - piped up. "Sir; the sweep is nearly complete. Imput from the Observatorium should come up shortly - and we'll get everything ready for your review - Sir!" The young man snapped a sloppy salute, and went back to hunching over his computer before his superior could respond.

And so he sighed instead. Deep-space scanning had a tendency to take some time, if you wanted to be truly accurate. With alien cloaking devices capable of muffling their natural emissions, a scan had to work its way up through the spectrum band-by-band. While a newer system could get the job done much faster, it was still a terrible bore, he felt.

"What about the Grid Dump?"

"The...Oh! Right, that." The previous technician glanced backwards, and fixed the collar of his stained blue shirt. "Well, are you sure its a good idea, sir? Not-Not that i'm questioning you! It's just that we can't really be sure..."

"It will be fine, Connor. If we don't read anything, what's the loss?"

The youth didn't salute this time. He just bobbed his head, and went back to work.


(( The vessel is working with information put out by the Observatorium (see, factbook) and its own extremely sensitive scanners to construct a partial render of the surrounding galaxy. Most of the stationary celestial objects are automatically stripped from this rendering, leaving an end result a panoramic view of the local space. For this purpose, we may assume that the ship is on the northern fringe of Alliance space. I will leave it up to you what the results are as far as ship location are, though it should be noted that the instruments are -exceptionally- sensitive.

The "Grid Dump" refers to the Avalan "Grid", which is a phenomena that occurs between exceedingly large generators (and thus, capacitors) wherein energy is known to 'leak' from one to the other, without explanation. This is, in fact, an unwitting manipulation of the Hyperspace/Warp planes, though the nation is ignorant on the principles behind these. In this experiment, the Artifice is using its disgustingly bloated reservoirs of energy in an attempt to flood the nearby "Grid", and see if they can witness any effects in 'real life', or otherwise. This is likely very unsafe for hyperspace travel in the proximity. (Let us say, a solar system or two's breadth.) ))

The Star Snake hovered, cloaked and unmoving, near the Artifice. The ship's scanners had not yet passed over this area, but they would, and once they picked up the ship's signiture there would be hell to pay. Kartosh sat in the pilots chair, all systems except for life-support powered down. He glanced at the cargo Skyler was bolting to the deck. Avalan ore, recently stolen from a colony. Very valuable, it would bring in a load of credits. If they managed to survive this encounter.

"Grid-dump complete, sir. Now we just sit and wait!" Cupping his hands, the boyish technician reclined cheerfully in his chair.

Durnsk nodded, his eyes darting from screen to screen as he eavesdropped on the hushed conversations of the men at deck. As he did so, a number of discrepancies became clear. Namely, the monitoring of the ship's power grid was beginning to show faulty and clearly ludicrous results. Most namely, life-support being three hundred percent satisfied, with random symbols cropping up throughout various other digits.

He moved over to the site, and tapped the woman - a brunette a short-cropped hair and restless eyes - on the shoulder. "What is all this?"

"This? It's normal - Absolutely normal. For a dump, anyhow. Everything's charging everything else."

Brows arched.

"It's a little like...Like a soup pot. Everyone has their own bowl, but they all get it from the same..." She continued to explain as the scans completed, and renders were quickly generated. "So that when - " She was cut off as the head operator, the same energetic sycophant from before, bolted to Christopher.

"Sir! Sir! We've got something - Sitting right outside our door!" It was a figure of speech, perhaps, but it was arguably accurate for the image that displayed at the fore of the room ; a slightly broken, but largely complete, 3D recreation of the Starsnake.

"Patch communications."

(The vessel is barraged with a multitude of information-laden broadcasts until one is picked up.)

"They've patched us though on our comm unit." said Skyler softly. "Any signals?" asked Kartosh from the top gun turret, where he was recalibrating the sights. "Nothing. Maybe they expect us to go first." "Well, try it and see what happens."
The following message was sent to the ship:
Greetings, we are a merchant vessal on our way to Oduiss Prime. Please identify yourselves.
OOC: All the weaponry on the ship has been retracted, the ship os about the size of a freighter.

Khaltax looked at the device, puzzled at what it could be.

"Scannings show that it is of Xelitor technology, yet I have never seen soemthing like this before," A'ras spoke.

Khaltax glared at the thing and spoke, "Why would the Alliance have a Xelitorian device?"

"It must have some importance to the Alliance. May I suggest a barter with the Alliance. I am sure they would find this very important and I am sure you would be paid very handsomely."

"I knew I liked having you around," Khaltax said to the program. "We'll head to Palvonia. Its the closest Alliance world that isn't crawling with their military. Turn on the stealth and warp there A'ras! We may not be the only ones after this thing."

"A please would be nice Khaltax," A'ras muttered bitterly.

The Ossuary engaged the OCTI/RIE Colloid systems and silently left the system towards Palvonia.

OOC: Edoniakistanbabweagua thank you and please continue to tommorrow as I have homework up to my kness, literally in terms of reading.:rolleyes: As well, you have earned the right to be a mod.

On another note since I failed to establish it the currency for the Alliance will be the, credit(s) for short and will be essentially the only name acutally used. if you really want to know the full name it is the Standard Form of Credit of Trade for the Union of Allied Planets. As for the Xelitor I will allow you guys to get to decide the name of their currency as long as it fairly short(one or two words), but with some zazz(spelling?) if you know what I mean.:p

A message was returned to the Xiscapian vessel - a direct transmission, with video support, should it be present on the receiving end, of Christopher Durnsk. Lacking the usual heavy and slurred speech of the Avalan people's attempts at the "Trade" tongues, he spoke with relative fluidity.

"Dangerous place for a cargo ship, isn't it? We're at the edge - where's border patrol?"

06:00 Alliance Base somewhere

Blade wakes up and was about to get up to change for duty when he feels a soft hand of Rose on his arm so he turns and looks at her
"* take it easy" she say to as he looks at her
"i well"said Blade as he got and start to change

Rose who was a beautiful woman with long Blue hair and beautiful deep red eyes look back at Blade who was special to her from the bed
"i know"said she said as he picks up his rifle
"see you tonight "said Blade as he opens the door
"*love you and don't forget we going out to eat and then a bar to drink"said Rose
"*love you back i a wont"said Blade as he close the door

"hey Blade"
"hey Hammer"said Blade to his Dwarf friend
"another boring day ahead for us"said Hammer
"yup"said Blade as they walk to the duty offices

OOC
Rose
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Rose.jpg
Blade
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Soldier_by_eidolonhawk.jpg

"Damn it!" Varu yelled as the ship disappeared before the scan completed. He saw something, though. Something his bosses would like to have, no doubt.

He stopped emitting the anti-detection rays and focus his power on trying to pick up a warp or ion trail. His ship moved out from cover and broadcast the signs of an Alliance Military Craft to avoid any unnecessary distractions.

A message was returned to the Xiscapian vessel - a direct transmission, with video support, should it be present on the receiving end, of Christopher Durnsk. Lacking the usual heavy and slurred speech of the Avalan people's attempts at the "Trade" tongues, he spoke with relative fluidity.

"Dangerous place for a cargo ship, isn't it? We're at the edge - where's border patrol?"
"If we take this route it will shave two days off our time, which is always a good thing. Border patrol is unconfirmed, this is a relativily lonely section of space."

" 'Lonely' isn't typically a good idea for a merchant any more. Why don't you dock yourself? We're not going anywhere special. I'd be happy to take you."

Negative, we've got a shipment to make, though we thank you for your kind offer. If you would jump a few systems away we'd be most apprechative, as your vessals energy readings are making it hazardous to jump.
"Come on." Kartosh muttered. "Go away." he glanced at the cargo as Skyler sunk into the co-pilot's seat beside him.

"Energy readings...?" The commander glances to somebody off the side of the screen.

"I'm afraid we can't jump. We are not adept travelers - though the delay is apologized for."

"hey where you lot going to Blade"askd Hammer when he saw Blade and his men gearing up
"some thing is take woman and man from a small town near the swamps and police find tracks going into the swamp that do not belong to any of the creators of this world and asked for the Army to check it out"said Balde as he loads a mag into his Rifle
"mm not good"said Hammer
"i just hope it's not something that using the woman for breeding and the man for food "said Blade
"they only stories of things like that"said Hammer

"space is a big place Hammer now see you later i hope"said Blade as he heads off towards a dropship with his Squad of ten


Hours later inside the dropship

some of the Squad look over at they'er Sergeant who they find odd as he like his life partner ,well they did not know if she was his life partner as they don't show signs of tying they'er life bond and some others was not from they'er world but sent here by the Alliance after been hired from Cadia to add some Veteran troops to their ranks

"remember when we get into the swamp we only have short range communication "said Blade as the dropship lowers into a open space in the swamp
"yes sir"said the Squad

Varu grinned as a signal was picked up.
"Computer!" He yelled, and was greeted by an over-enthusiastic 'Hi there!' He groaned then yelled, "Set course for Palvonia!" The ship engaged its hyper-drive system and began warping towards Palvonia.

OOC: Cadian? Like, Warhammer 40k?

OOC: Cadian? Like, Warhammer 40k?
OOC yup but with Halo gear which is easy to get better infor on :)
IC

it was a day later and things were bad it all started when they had found the Lair of the creator,where it killed four in it's lair and was now stalking and picking them off ine by one

"ARRRRRRRRRR"

"shit i told them running off was a bad idea and straying together was the best thing for us to fight this thing"said Blade to himself

Base

at base COs and others were worrying in what happen to Blade and Squd who did not report in to the dropship that was sent out to check on how the mission was going

"still no sign or word of them"said someone in a command bunker

OOC: Are you serious? Warhammer 40k is like, the most well-detailed setting ever. In fact, I made Avalas for easy integration into it, if we ever get there. I will,however, point out that Cadia speaks High/Low gothic.

OOC: Are you serious? Warhammer 40k is like, the most well-detailed setting ever. In fact, I made Avalas for easy integration into it, if we ever get there. I will,however, point out that Cadia speaks High/Low gothic.

OOC get over it ,High/Low gothic not real, i wanted something real and know how many rounds in Blade rifle mag ,all so if i want 40k i would have use my nation BFG ships to station them on

OOC: Save the OOC chatter for the thread my friends. And don't get me started on Warhammer 40 (My other race is similar to the Tyranids)

IC

The Ossuary dropped from warp only .5 lightseconds away from Palvonia. There it was, a colonized planet (http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/psychicwraith/?action=view&current=World3.jpg) with only 3 million people on it. Alliance presence was thin here so it was common to sell anything considered illegal or even dangerous. There's always some renegade Alliance member or Xelitor zealot that would want anything here.

Khaltax however reasoned that while the Xelitor would want this device, the Alliance would be willing to pay more to keep it away from the Xelitor.

He broke through the atmosphere and sent communications to one of the launchpads. He knew some people here and it would make the transaction faster. Speed was critical. The last thing he needed was the Xelitor capturing him and torturing him. Or worse.

A'ras continued to scan the device. There was something strange about this device. Something not right.

Khaltax landed on the launch pad.

"Energy readings...?" The commander glances to somebody off the side of the screen.

"I'm afraid we can't jump. We are not adept travelers - though the delay is apologized for."
It's alright, our sublight speeds will take us out of here in no time.
The Star Snake turned and began to glide away, going faster and faster.

"Very well, but keep your coordinates public. We do not need anyone getting lost out here."

Do not worry, our navcomputer is excellent.
Minutes later...
The Star Snake quickly got beyond the range of the Avalan ship's hyperdrive dampening effect and jumped for Palvonia, it's highly illegal cargo safe in it's hold.

OOC: Where's the device at now?

OOC: Where's the device at now?

Its still on my ship. Ive landed on Palvonia.

" - Strange. You would think people would take the war a little more seriously."

He was talking to himself at this point, but a number of the attendants were beginning the finishing touches on the Renders. Noticing the odd number of recent 'trails' heading to Palvonia, they decide that it'd be best to alert their captain - post monologue - of the situation.

Given a good five minutes, it is so, and the vessel is ordered to set course in that direction; plodding along through space.

The Star Snake reached Palvonia, a dirty, backwater world. You take me to the nicest places. Skyler sighed, leaning her head on Kartosh's shoulder. She was communicating though their mind-link, unable to be overheard by anyone, even another telepath. Skyler and Kartosh had a rare gift, as Qonn, the god of Nature, the elements and all things that grow. This'll be quick and painless. Kartosh promised. He didn't know how wrong he was as he communicated down to ground control to find a launch pad.

A'ras continued her scanning as Khaltax stepped off of the Ossuary. The air felt nice, he thought. It was quite a beautiful day on Palvonia. Khaltax looked off into the blue ocean, the seas moving along the gentle breeze. The sun shone on his brown skin and the salty wind blew through his hair. Over the horizon however storm clouds could be seen brewing. Looks like a storm is coming, Khaltax thought.

"Indeed it is old friend," Khaltax turned to see an overweight elderly man walking towards him.

"Nari!! You son of a bitch!! What'd I tell you about going in my mind?" Khaltax smiled as he hugged his old friend.

"Bah! All you ever think about is fleecing stuff and seeing A'ras as a naked woman!" Nari chuckled. "So what brings you here to this place? Wait wait...let me guess...you found something intriguing and want to sell it?"

"Do you really need to read my mind?" Khaltax questioned sarcastically.

"Nope, just know you too well you greedy bastard! Now come on in! You look famished!" Nari led Khaltax into the complex to eat and talk of old times.

A'ras had finished scanning the device. She still did not know what it was however there were some telltale signs that this was indeed a weapon of some sort. And if the Alliance had stolen this from the Xelitor...it must be a powerful weapon.

"A'ras to Khaltax!" no answer. "A'ras to Khaltax, do you read Khaltax! Dammit, he turned his communicator off..."

The Star Snake landed in a rather seedy spaceport, a, as a wise old man once put a simular spaceport "hive of scum and villany." And there was one particulr piece of scum the Xiscapian mercenaries were intrested in meeting...

The Fearless was heading towards a nearby spaceport. Apparently, it was a hive of Mercenaries and Scum. They had a mission from the APNHQ itself to try and track down one particular group from a friendly planet.

Captain Cavourna watched as the planet loomed into view before turning to his First Officer and Security Chief "Prepare a team to hit the surface" he order grimly

"Yes Sir!" They both clicked their heels togather and saluted before moving off the organise the landing.

"Yes, these will do quite well." The crimelord chortled. He was a grotesquely fat Rodian named Reelo, who dealed in most anything. Kartosh and Skyler were in the alien's mansion, their cargo on an anti-grav lift beside them. "Hmm...10,000." said the Rodian. Kartosh laughed out loud. The price was far below what it was actually worth. "You insult us. We didn't outrun an Alversian Frigate, two Alliance fighters, and sweet talk our way out of trouble with an Avalan ship just to be cheated! 50,000." Reelo stared at him. "30,000, take it or leave it." Kartosh sighed. "Fine, we'll have to take our jewels elsewhere..." "38,000, final offer." said the crimelord. He needed these, as his favorite misstress's birthday was coming up. "Deal." said Kartosh, grinning and gently pushing the lift over to one of the cargo droids. "Your credits will be deposited in the usual manner." said Reelo, already looking though the boxes and crates. Suddenly a soldier ran in. "Sir, there is an Alversian ship in orbit!" "WHAT? Hurry, hide everything!" The anti-grav lift and it's contents vanished as if by magic and Kartosh and Skyler found themselves being shoved out the back door. Kartosh gave a bemused smile. I wonder why they're so scared? Skyler shook her head. Criminals are often paranoid. The irony was not lost on Kartosh. Except us, right? Correct. thought Skyler back.

Estimated to arrive within the day, the Avalan ship wasn't the stealthiest ship around the planet. With the sheer magnitude of the sensor arrays and observatories set into it, it was a veritable 'nova' atop foreign sensors.

OOC: Reelo? That's Jedi Academy, right?

IC:The Hollow landed, and Varu scanned all the landing bays. cked up the signal from the ship he was chasing.
"The Ossuary? Fitting." He snapped his fingers and two droids walked to his side.
"HK-36 and -37, follow me. We're headed to reclaim something." The 3 stepped off the Hollow and headed for the Ossuary.

four days later Blade wakes up in a room back at base

"where i'am"said Blade as all he recalls was killing the creator by raming a frag into its mouth

"you in hospital "said Rose
"how i get here"said Blade as he looks over at her

"they sent more Troops out to look for your squad after getting no rerports from you"said Rose as she takes one of his hands into hers

Khaltax sipped tea as Nari continued asking about the object.

"So, you have no idea what it is and you want to sell it to us?" Nari asked. "That's pretty ballsy."

"Well we found it in an Alliance wreckage, yet the device is clearly Xelitor origins," Khaltax took another sip. "Besides, I'm sure you will be getting big bucks from the Alliance. They will pay top dollar for this thing."

"Well then what is it exactly?" Nari asked.

Khaltax sighed and said, "Let's head down and figure it out ok? My ship should be down scanning it."

Nari and Khaltax walked back out to the outer complex. There was a bit of pandemonium about the complex. Alliance must be here no doubt, Nari thought. It didn't matter. He was used to talking them out of closing him down. He was one of their biggest suppliers of weaponry so he knew he'd be safe.

They walked onto the launch pad to see a man headed for the Ossuary with two droids following him. Khaltax put his hand on his pistol and said, "Hey you! What are you doing near my ship!?!"

Cavourna entered the mansion of Reelo in the cpmpany of a dozen men and women armed with rifles and pistols. He was also accompanied by a rather beautiful woman and one of the largest men in Alversia.

One of Reelo's men came running up to Cavourna waving his arms "Sir! Sir! You cannot enter! My Lord is having no visitors today!"

"No?" Cavourna kicked the man hard between the legs, making his gasp and crumple to the floor "He'll see me" Cavourna continued through to Reelo' office

He shouted into the vast room "REELO! Come out here you fat shite! SHOW YOURSELF!"

Varu signaled to his droids, then turned to face the man. He put on a friendly demeanor and said, "We'd like to trade. I believe you have something that I would like to purchase."

OOC@Void Templar: It's from Jedi Outcast, actually.
IC: That's our cue to get out of here. thought Skyler to Kartosh as they observed several squads of armed men and women enter the mansion. As they began to casually stroll away, they noticed a man and two droids being confronted by another man with a pistol, along with a fourth fat, elderly man behind him. Somebody's in trouble.

Mansion...
Reelo hurried into the office, escorted by two armed Human mercenaries toting blaster rifles. "There's no need to shout Captain, I am here. Do you require refreshment? A drink, perhaps?" A scantly clad dancer of a unknown humaniod race appeared, holding a tray filled with all manner of drinks.

after answering some questions from some high ranking officers Blade was was heading home back with Rose

"let just go to bed early"said Rose as they walk back the barracks where they lived
"be the best i still feel drained"said Blade as he put his arm around her waist
"i was worrying that i never see you again" Blade added

Varu signaled to his droids, then turned to face the man. He put on a friendly demeanor and said, "We'd like to trade. I believe you have something that I would like to purchase."

Khaltax kept his pistol holstered but ready just in case.

"What do I have that could possibly belong to you and what will you give me for it?" Khaltax asked.

OOC@Void Templar: It's from Jedi Outcast, actually.
IC: That's our cue to get out of here. thought Skyler to Kartosh as they observed several squads of armed men and women enter the mansion. As they began to casually stroll away, they noticed a man and two droids being confronted by another man with a pistol, along with a fourth fat, elderly man behind him. Somebody's in trouble.

Mansion...
Reelo hurried into the office, escorted by two armed Human mercenaries toting blaster rifles. "There's no need to shout Captain, I am here. Do you require refreshment? A drink, perhaps?" A scantly clad dancer of a unknown humaniod race appeared, holding a tray filled with all manner of drinks.

Cavourna raised his eyebrows in interest but made no other movement or gave away any other sign.

"My thanks, Reelo. I understand you have some work to do that may require a small to medium warship?" Cavourna asked casually as he accepted a drink

"Where'd you pick this up?" he asked, eying the girl up but not actually taking a drink from the cup.

"Some, ah, associates of mine brought her in." said Reelo, casting a nervious glance at the door Kartosh and Skyler had gone though. "Nobody seems to know what planet she hails from, but we suspect she comes from a world now under Xelitor control. Anyway, yes, I do need some work done." He leaned forward, the chair groaning slightly under his bulk. "There is a rival of mine named Rax Keeard. He's a Xiscapian, working out of a base in an astroid field. His pirates are preying on my shipping, and only a few select pilots can get though their screens. I need the Rax assassinated and his base destroyed, or at least heavily damaged. Without their employer or a base of operations, the pirates will disperse, leaving my shipping free. I am willing to offer 500,000 credits for the Captain of the ship who takes on this contract, as well as an indefinite stay here and acess to my many...ah, luxerys." He gestured to the drinks, the expensive gold jewelry on the dancer, and the dancer herself.

"I see"
Cavourna's eyes darted to the door Kartosh and Skyler had just departed through before giving a small nod and his First Officer, Lt. Commander Ashe, went into action.

She swung her rifle around her shoulder so the barrel was facing outwards and began to walk towards the door. She was followed by four other, very large men. They too unslung their rifles as though expecting trouble

"Don't mind if we make ourselves at home, Reelo mate?" Cavourna asked as the team moved away

"This contract sounds very interesting but I need to know about what sort of defence I can expect to meet"

OOC: Ah well, close enough.

IC: "You picked something up before you jumped here. I'd like to take that off your hands. As for a price, uh... Name one, I'll run it by my bosses and we'll see from there."

"I see"
Cavourna's eyes darted to the door Kartosh and Skyler had just departed through before giving a small nod and his First Officer, Lt. Commander Ashe, went into action.

She swung her rifle around her shoulder so the barrel was facing outwards and began to walk towards the door. She was followed by four other, very large men. They too unslung their rifles as though expecting trouble

"Don't mind if we make ourselves at home, Reelo mate?" Cavourna asked as the team moved away

"This contract sounds very interesting but I need to know about what sort of defence I can expect to meet"

Mansion...
"No, no, not at all Captain Cavourna. As for the defenses, well, you'll see why I need a Capital ship." Reelo handed Cavourna a datapad.
Defenses:
2x Laser satellites (designed to take out fighters)
2x Missile Satellites (designed to take out corvettes and frigates)
50x Assorted Fighters
2x Modified Combat Freighters
8x Gunboats
Base Hardpoint defenses:
2x Ion Cannons
4x Turbolaser Batteries
2x Concussion Missile Launchers
1x Tractor Beams, able to hold up to a Light Cruiser and smaller
2x Heavy Guns
________________________________
"As you can see, the base is quite heavily defended. I would recommend targeting the base's hardpoint defenses first off. Once you actually defeat the defenses and gain entrance to the base, you will have to fight your way to Rax and make sure he does not escape."

Outside...
The appearence of five armed Alversians did not escape the Xiscapian mercenaries attention. Keep walking. We'll double around to the motor pool and grab some speeder bikes. Then we make our way to the ship and get the hell off this planet. thought Kartosh to Skyler.

The Artifice sits quietly in orbit above the planet, its crew relatively relaxed, yet perfectly aware of the coming and goings of the planet. The damaging fields around it had largely subsided by this point, but interference was still prevalent in the local vicinity.

Rose rolls over in bed and runs a finger up and down Blades chest
"do you have enough energy for a bit of fun"she asked Blade still running her finger up and down his chest

Blade looks into her eyes as he thinks
"yur i'am up for it"he said as moved his head to kiss her

Mansion...
"No, no, not at all Captain Cavourna. As for the defenses, well, you'll see why I need a Capital ship." Reelo handed Cavourna a datapad.
Defenses:
2x Laser satellites (designed to take out fighters)
2x Missile Satellites (designed to take out corvettes and frigates)
50x Assorted Fighters
2x Modified Combat Freighters
8x Gunboats
Base Hardpoint defenses:
2x Ion Cannons
4x Turbolaser Batteries
2x Concussion Missile Launchers
1x Tractor Beams, able to hold up to a Light Cruiser and smaller
2x Heavy Guns
________________________________
"As you can see, the base is quite heavily defended. I would recommend targeting the base's hardpoint defenses first off. Once you actually defeat the defenses and gain entrance to the base, you will have to fight your way to Rax and make sure he does not escape."

Outside...
The appearence of five armed Alversians did not escape the Xiscapian mercenaries attention. Keep walking. We'll double around to the motor pool and grab some speeder bikes. Then we make our way to the ship and get the hell off this planet. thought Kartosh to Skyler.

"I see" Cavourna's eyes darted back to Reelo's. Then he exploded

"YOU EXPECT ME TO TAKE THIS OUT WITH ONE SHIP!?! HELL, IT WOULD AN ALVERSIAN FLEET TO CARRY OUT THIS MISSION AND YET YOU WANT ME DO DO IT ALONE!?!"

He calmed down and asked a rather more reasonable question "What back-up would your own substantial forces be supplying?"

Outside
Ashe looked out the nearby window as her men crept along the corridor. She noticed a line of rather sleek looking racing bikes and instantly guessed the escaper's plan.

In one move, she dived out of the window, performed a double spin in mid-air at the same time grabbing a vine and using it to slow her descent to the ground. She then took out her pistol and, with one clean shot each, cut the fuel lines of each one, rendering them useless. She smirked and waited for her guests to arrive as the nearby Marines increased their pace to narrow the gap with the Xiscapians.

Mansion...
Reelo merely shook his head at the Captain's outburst. "Of course I will be supplying my own forces, you foolish human. 5 Freighters with my very best pilots will be provided for the mission, as well as a Cruiser rescued from the scrap pile and modified. The Cruiser holds 15 of your own fighters, and 2 Headhunter patrol ships, as well as 10 TIE Fighters. The Cruisers job will be to keep the fighters and freighters off your back, plus give the gunboats and point defenses something else to shoot at. Your ships job is to damage to base sufficently to be able to enter it, and take out the defense satellites. Your ship has the firepower to do it, while my private fleet has not. Along with your men I have provided 50 mercenaries, and those freighter pilots of they manage to land. 20 of the mercs are former Stormtroopers, and another 10 have combat experience fighting the Xelitor. They will fight the stations internal defenses along side you."

Outside...
Run. Kartosh and Skyler took off, legs pumping, for the motor pool. Skyler got there first, only to find a female Alversian Commander already in there. Skyler shot off a Stunner before diving behind a parked speeder. Behind her Kartosh moved silently along the wall, hoping to get the drop on the Commander. They had left the pursuing Alversians far behind.

Mansion

"First" Cavourna began as a dozen gun barrels were pointed at Reelo "Do not call me a foolish human again you ridiculous glob of nothing. Secondly, I'll accept the contract IF I get 60% in advance

Outside...

Ashe was easily able to dodge the stun round and ducked behind another speeder bike. She was faintly aware of the rustling sound coming from the nearby bushes. Grinning, she turned and threw a dagger into the bushes, landing slightly in front of Kartosh.

Reelo shook his head, excreting a sweat-like slimy substance. "50%, no less."

Outside...
Skyler reached up and pulled the switch on the bike. Nothing happened. Damn. In the bushs Kartosh pulled the knife out of the ground and threw it right back, simultanesly leaping into the air with his pistol in hand. He fired three secessive Stunners at the Commander.

Mansion

Cavourna shook his head "55. Take it or leave it. I'd like to see you find another warship willing to work for less" he taunted

Outside

Ashe was able to similtaneously backflip and dodge all stunner shots aimed at her. She stood up and smiled at her two attackers. Her catlike eyes were fiercly yellow

"Going somewhere?" she asked casually, keeping on the balls of her feet.

Reelo frowned, or at least gave the Rodian approximation. "Deal. But make it snappy, I don't have weeks to waste on this."
Outside...
Kartosh reached into his jacket and flipped a switch on a little device. "Indeed, we are." Skyler began to move silently towards him.
Hangers...
...Activation signal, recieved
Systems, on
Engines, CHECK
Weapons, CHECK
Shields, CHECK
Life support, CHECK
A.I., DOUBLE CHECK
ALL SYSTEMS GO
The Star Snake, slaved to Kartosh's transmitter, lifted off and made for Reelo's mansion, guided by it's A.I. to it's master.

PLACEHOLDER FOR FUTURE POST

A bit busy sorry guys I should be good starting saturday night.

Mansion

"Deal!" Cavourna extended his hand to shake and confirm the deal, "Now then" he said, as soon as your reinforcements arrive and you tell me who those two were. I can get started"

Outside

"Really?" the young girl asked while spinning to face Skyler, she leapt through the air like a panther, aiming a kick at the unsuspecting Xiscapian. At the same time, she pulled a second sword from a scabbard on her back.

"All my men are already here, waiting for you. We begin immediatly. The two Xiscapians your men are chasing happen to be associates of mine, thank you. I'd suggest you back off on them, I don't want to have to explain Alversian corpses to the locals."
Outside...
Skyler grinned. Fool! She turned to deal with the attack while Kartosh manuvered the Star Snake to the ground near them.
OOC:
EDIT: It's been fixed

Mansion

Cavourna smiled "I think my Lieutenant Commander can deal with anything they can throw at her

Outside
OOC: My girl JUMPED at you, she's not hiding, her boot's aiming for Skyler's head

Reelo smiled, or gave an expression that would be the Rodian equivilent. It was not a nice one. "For her sake, I hope you're right."
Outside...
The boot clipped Skyler on the side of the head, but this was all a part of her plan, she used the moementum to spin and drive the sword straight for the Commander's gut.

Mansion
"I think she'll be fine" Cavourna explained flatly, "as soon as she returns with my troops we can leave"

Outside
Ashe gasped as the hilt of the sword was driven into her gut. She rolled away and had recovered pretty quickly. She knew faced both Xiscapians, her swords raised "What happened to a Xiscapian fairplay?" she asked them both as she set herself in a fighting stance

Kartosh smiled. "There is an Alversian saying, what is it? Ah yes. "All's far in love and war." Besides, you are not training against Xiscapian troops. We are mercenaries. We don't play by your rules." He let off another Stun shot at her. "You're lucky I'm only trying to Stun you. As you felt, my partner has no such reservations about killing." Skyler turned and walked up the ramp to the Star Snake. "We're wasting our time here. We've got a contract, remember?"

Sliding into a synchronized position over the newly detected Starrider[I], the [I]Artifice's crew begins to focus a series of cameras and sensors on the unfolding scene below.

((Are the Xiscapians recognizable from the video footage during their brief communications?

Also, FYI, soon-to-occur offscreen events may have Avalas joining the Xelitor.

OOC: Whos's ship is the Starrider? And yes, they would be recognizable.
IC: The ship's A.I., unheard by the Xiscapian's, as they were on the outside of the ship, spoke.
"We are being watched from orbit."

Despite being winded, Ashe was able to narrowly dodge the next stunner dart. As she looked up, a small dribble fo blood fell from the corner of her mouth

"Fine. If that's the way you want it"

she stood up and held her swords at a ready level

"Come and get it, Mercenaries!"

Skyler boarded the ship, watchful for Alversian reinforcements, while Kartosh put away his blaster pistol and drew his katana. "You have made a very poor choice." he said quietly. He held his sword out in front of him in one hand. Suddenly cherry blossem petals appeared, swirling on an unfeelable wind around the fighters. The blade seemed to split into four ghost-like clones, shining pink before vanishing. "I suggest you run now."
OOC: Do you know where this is going? Ever seen Bleach?

OOC: I haven't and I don't think it's fair to use an attack when I have no idea what it can do

OOC: It's going to spit four swords from the left, right, up, and down all at once at your commander. It's fast, but avoidable. It's not actually meant to kill, just to scare.

Ooc: ?

OOC: I just explained what the attack is going to do. It's Xiscapian swordsmanship.

OOC: Right

Ashe watched calmly as the four shadows swirled and spun and simply relaxed her weight onto the balls of her feet. She could hear her reinforcements galloping down the stairs within the mansion and she knew it wouldn't be long before they arrived

"Do your worst" she whispered.

One sword ripped out of the ground, another came flying down at the Commanders head, a third ripped towards her chest, and a fourth speeded towards her back. Kartosh smiled. "Should have run."

In one quick move, Ashe was able to flip to her left and so avoid the various swords, although it was barely by an inch that she managed to do so. She was smiling now at the two Xiscapians

"Now are you going to fight like a man?" she asked as she raised her swords again.

"You forget. I am not a man. I am kitsune." He charged her, sword flashing as he sliced furiously, hoping to overwhelm her with the sheer volume of attacks.

Ashe was able to deflect the attacks from the Xiscapian, although she was forced slowly backwards as a result. She used her dual swords to both deflect and get a little cut in here and there, forcing Kartosh on the defensive for a while.

OOC: TG BTW

Kartosh took a light cut to the arm, but this only made him smile. "You have teeth, hmm?" He fought one-handed, not even sweating, grinning as he forced his opponent back. He fought casually, with light blows and strong blocks.

Every one of Kartosh's moves was blocked and countered by Ashe as she fought with all the skill and tenacity of a Xiscapian.

Kartosh began to force his opponent back with a series of heavy blows. "It seems we are at a stalemate. Neither can kill the other, but we are both loathe to break away." At that moment the door in the motor pool burst open and armed mercenaries came pouring out, followed by Reelo. The mercs pointed their blasters and plasma rifles at Kartosh and the Commander. "What are you doing?!" cried Reelo. He pointed to the Xiscapian and Alversian in turn. "You are to be partners! This is the mercenary captain I was telling you about. Kartosh, Commander Ashe of the APS Fearless. Ashe, Captain and Pilot Kartosh of the merc/smuggler vessal, Star Snake. Now that introductions are made, get off your asses and let's go!" Behind him stood four other smuggler/pirates: Jarnold Dumfur, human, of the Eon Eagle (http://www.galacticempiredatabank.com/CarrackCruiser.gif), a heavily modified Xiscapian patrol ship. Karla I, a spindly white alien all joints and arms, flew an alien ship, which she named the Quick 1 (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/54/Lancer_Frigate.jpg). Thirdly was a human women, Guill Yun, who flew the Blue Bomber, large gunship (http://www.galacticempiredatabank.com/CoreGunship1.gif). Last in line was a werewolf, named simply "Dash". He was flying the Cruiser (http://theforce.net/swtc/Pix/comics/de/cruiser5.jpg) named Intimidator, which was to be the main assistant to the Fearless. He stood an imperssive 7,4, with cold red eyes and long, sharp teeth, yellow and blood-stained. Together they made up an adept fighting force, aided by a platoon of mercenaries to fight thought the base and of course, the Fearless and her crew.

Ashe turned in astonishment to look at Kartosh and the others "I have to fight with that!?!" She asked disgusted before turning to face Cavourna and the other Marines as they appeared behind Reelo.

Sir, I have tracked down the Mercenaries" she said rather stiffly

"As it would seem. Well done Commander, you may stand down now"

Ashe bowed and moved until she was behind her Captain. Their ship, the Fearless (http://images.wikia.com/starwars/images/thumb/6/6f/Consular-class_Space_Cruiser.JPG/250px-Consular-class_Space_Cruiser.JPG) was a brand new test ship armed with twin phasers, an experimental Alversian weapon.

Ashe turned in astonishment to look at Kartosh and the others "I have to fight with that!?!" She asked disgusted before turning to face Cavourna and the other Marines as they appeared behind Reelo.

Sir, I have tracked down the Mercenaries" she said rather stiffly

"As it would seem. Well done Commander, you may stand down now"

Ashe bowed and moved until she was behind her Captain. Their ship, the Fearless (http://images.wikia.com/starwars/images/thumb/6/6f/Consular-class_Space_Cruiser.JPG/250px-Consular-class_Space_Cruiser.JPG) was a brand new test ship armed with twin phasers, an experimental Alversian weapon.
Kartosh grinned. "Now now, let's all be nice about this." From behind Reelo Karla I laughed. "Nothing is ever nice when you're in it." she spoke though a transmitter, causing her voice to come out harsh and inhuman, which she was. With a competuous flick of his tail Kartosh put away his katana and boarded the Star Snake. The other mercenaries powered up their respective ships and got into orbit with the Fearless. Reelo spoke to Cavourna. "It's time, Captain. The approximate coordinates have been loaded into your ship's nav computer. I'll be seeing you...maybe." He went back inside, followed by his mercenaries.

Cavourna watched suspiciously as Reelo walked off before turning to his Commander "Send a signal for them to beam us up" he ordered

"Yes, Sir" Ashe claimed, looking rather annoyed at the entire situation.

Message from the Star Snake to the Fearless:
Come on, we don't have all day! Time is money!

"Yeah, yeah, very funny" Ashe muttered as she stood over one of the Fearless' consoles and typed in the co-ordinates to attack.

"Sir! We're ready to go!"

"Make it so!" Cavourna ordered as he settled back into his chair.

Thus joined by the Fearless, the merc ships turned on axis and shot away into hyperspace, Kartosh taking one last look at the Artifice before leaping away.
General message out to fleet:
It will take us approximitly 2.5 hours to get to Rax's asteriod base. I suggest you prep yourselves with that time.
As he sent out the message Skyler slipped up behind him. "Two and a half hours huh?" she purred, letting his head rest on her stomach. "Looks like we have plenty of time..." Her jumpsuit slowly fell to the floor and Kartosh grinned before turning the security camera off and leading her to his bunk.

"Two and a half hours eh? That gives us plenty of time to test our new toys" Cavourna strolled to the front of the bridge and smiled "Commander Carson! Give me 100% on phasers!"

The man behind him typed for a few seconds before declaring "Phasers at 100% Sir, Locked onto the nearest asteroid"

"FIRE!"

The two bright blue beams were emitted from just beside the two outermost engines and their effect on the asteroid was devastating. By the time the light had cleared, there was nothing left.

"Excellent work!" Cavourna cried "I suggest you get some rest before we meet our target"

The ships materialized into realspace several hours later, just outside of an asteroid field. From here nothing could be seen, but the base, and it's armamenets, were out there. The mercenarie ships moved catiously into the field, shields up and weapons on full power. The Cruiser released her fighters, 15 XX-30s (http://membres.lycos.fr/drayson/rebels/chasseurs/x-wing/xwing%20-%20rendu1.jpg), 2 Headhunter (http://swg.allakhazam.com/images/ships/Z95_Headhunter.jpg) patrol ships, and 10 \TIE fighters (http://www.vegatransports.com.au/starwars/OTC/tie_fighter_squardron5.jpg).