NationStates Jolt Archive

Captain Cravein mused over the situation the twelve colonies had found itself within in little more than a year. Decimated by war, liberated by the Empire, further decimated by the Coredians with a dastardly blackhole weapon, and then finally attacked and almost eradicated from the face of existence by the Cylons. A true testament to the death that humanity so often expounds.

It is true that the Galactic Empire is known for its destruction, the behemoth of power extends its grip from the deep Galactic Core to the far reaches of the outer rim, and then further a field to the Milky Way.

The twelve colonies were new to the Galactic scene and had quite quickly been punished and forged in fire. Reports coming from the planets surface had consistently come back with telling tales of suffering and environmental catastrophe.

But, the information about the colonies was still… sketchy at best. No formal treaty with the colonies had yet been formulated, and it was now time for the Galactic Empire to insure the survival of this nationstate by affording them the protection they were due against the ravenous wolves that circled from the rebellion.

The Fang mindful of all that is and has been happening had painstakingly decided to relinquish the reconstruction resources allocated to the colonies. It was not often that the Empire rebuilt what it had torn down, it was not often that the emperor even deigned it with notice but every so often, mercy was gifted to those that welcomed Imperial support with open arms.

The Balroggans were of course there, busily reconstructing the planets devastated ecosystem, and, according to sources so were the Godulans and even some civilian contractors from the Empire itself… without the specific permission of Coruscant….

Dispatching a Command Carrier, along with a series of Star Destroyers and transport vessels, the mandate was quite obvious. Rebuild the defences on Caprica. Garrisson the planet. Construct orbital defences. Rebuild the colonial armed forces. Formalise a binding treaty with the colonies, and aid as far as possible the medical welfare of the civilian populace.

It was a curious question as to why the Godulans were present, aiding known Imperial supporters. The vessel they had present had not been seen by any reconnaissance operatives, or any intelligence network. It was certainly quite the mystery.

Yet the Empire had new vessels of their own. The Command Carrier, one of the first of the line was leading the sortie, yet war was not on the agenda. Of course the Godulan Kythons were instantly a concern, and if they had infested the planets, then specimens would necessarily have to be gathered, analysed or naturally destroyed.

No civilisation would desire or allow an alien force to remain resident upon their world without significant permission. And Cravein was certainly intent in elaborating the danger of the situation that the colonial security forces are in.

The traditional method of travel that the Godulans would be accustomed to from the Empire was certainly not going to be evident today. Instead, the Imperial mercy mission would arrive by means of a significantly more subtle measure. Cravein flicked the fingers of his hand, giving his permission for the task group to advance into the blue.

Transport through wormholes is a tricky thing, especially when wormholes are created by mankind.

The colonials would of course be startled by the sudden emergence of a Command Carrier above Caprica, they would also be startled by the emergence of Star Destroyers and civilian liners which dotted the skyline, but they would of course be gratified the peaceful, closed gunports and the signal that was transmitted from the Imperial warship that afforded them protection.

Cravein smiled as he walked confidently towards the one open viewport that cast his gaze downwards to a world scarred, barren and brown. “Open a channel to the colonial high command.” Cravein stood rigidly still as his eyes looked up at the sensor display. The Godulan vessel was comfortably distant for now, and he was under strict command not to open fire unless fired upon. “Colonial High Command. The Emperor Lord Vader sends his greetings and his aid in your time of need. He opens the storehouses of the Empire with kindness and humility, and offers your freely food, medicine, arms and weapons to rebuild a shattered society that is so clearly entwined with our own. The Emperor desires to meet with Admiral Cain, he sends his summons for the debt you owe for the Empires saving grace of the colonial way of life.”

(ooc: Get on MSN please since you're around. >.>)

Tag

Two weeks after the massive Caravan of the stars, Admiral Cain stood on the CIC, listening to the reports from the colonies below. The Balroggans, now trusted above all others, especially Lord Atrox, apprentice to Darth Vader, second in line to the throne of the Empire stood next to her, her confidant, her ally through all the hell and turmoil of the reconstruction stood next to her in the CIC.

Across the planning table stood her obese executive officer, Colonel Jack Fisk. Next to him stood, the next ally of the Colonies, one who’s actions have spoken well above the reputation of their nation, an avatar of the Godulan, Domiel. A nation, who could have destroyed the colonies with the blinking of an eye, came dispite their alliance with the Coredians, to aid those who were in need.

The last two weeks were particularly interesting, as nations nicknamed by the Colonials as Non-Partial Communities, or NPC’s for short came in massive bulk to the colonies promising to aid the planets below. She thought back for a moment, as she remembered asking Domiel, and Atrox to command the NPC fleet, in their directives and how to be most helpful. The transition was an easy one, it would seem, as the Avatars and Ta’Nar broke up the NPC fleet, based on national specialties, to begin work in aiding them as best they saw fit. Aside from that, Cain trusted those who she delegated responsibility to, she knew that they would do their jobs and do them well. Besides it saved her from a mountain ridge of paperwork, unimportant to the military of the colonies.

“Sir multiple Draidus Contacts... it is the Empire.” was yelled across the CIC, as Lt. Hoshi saw the draidus signals. “Sir it is mostly civilian liners, and star destroyers, and some big round circle ship, unclassified in our data banks. They appear to have arrived via wormhole sir.” Mr. Hoshi yelled out.

Admiral Cain looked up to the Draidus, watching the green blimps (green = designated friendly) ships appear in space. She sighed, “Anyone else coming?” she asked as the Colonies had received more visitors this week than they knew even existed.

Mr. Hoshi looked confused at the Admiral’s question. “Nevermind.” Admiral Cain replied, after seeing the expression on Mr. Hoshi’s face.

“Sir we are recieving a message from the Imperial Flag ship.” Mr. Hoshi continued.

“Well then put it on speakers and let us hear what they have to say.” Admiral Cain replied in a civilized tone.

The message played and after the commander was done, she picked up the ship to ship communications.

“This is the Battlestar Ares, Flag ship of the Twelve Colonies of Kobal, to the Imperial... vessel. I must say I am quite surprised to see you return. Emperor Remiel, Warmaster of the Empire assured me that the presence of the Imperial Navy and army was not necessary in the colonies, unless a direct threat was detected. Our intelligence has yet to find such a threat, do you have any credible evidence for an upcoming threat? She asked the flag officer of the new Imperial vessel. “

She paused for a slight moment before continuing, “I would like to thank you for your support in the manner of Food, and medicine, and for those gifts we gladly accept. The crops that have been sown by the Godulans, and the Balroggans have yet to fully grown, and I am sure that the people of the colonies will be grateful for the fresh meats, fruits, breads and vegetable of the Empire. Truly my thanks go out to you and your Emperor, lord Vader.”

Admiral Cain paused for another moment, as she reached up with her hand and brushed a piece of hair out of her face. “As for your offer of weapons and planetary garrisons though, I am afraid that I can not allow that to occur. Our military has always been a top priority of this nation, and in that area even on the ground, with the aid of other imperial agents, the Balroggans, have already seen to that. Our ground forces have been fully trained, and are fully armed, along with other defense installations, so at the moment there is no need or desire to have foriegn garrisions or additional defenses on the surface of the colonies, allied or not. The ability to defend the colonies, and it’s territory is as always my top priority. However for further relief efforts, I am quite certain that your charity and that of Lord Vader is appreciated. The mercy and grace of the Empire continues to surprise us, and we are grateful for it.” Admiral Cain continued.

As she finished her last portion, Admiral Cain then continued, “I also am grateful that Lord Vader wishes to meet with me personally. However do to the reconstruction efforts at the colonies, and the ongoing work, I am afraid I can not leave my post until such work is completed. I do not feel comfortable with Admiral Hallen out in the Chronosian Empire and with the Colonial blockade of Konoha to leave the Colonies in the hands of others, as well as Civilian contractors. They have a tendency to try to form unions behind your back. Please express to Lord Vader my express gratitude for his offer, but that until such reconstruction is finished, I can not leave the colonies. I can not abandon my duty, nor my post. He is an understanding man, I am sure he will understand my decision.” Cain in a completely serious tone.

She paused again for a second, still holding the black corded phone to her head, "However, I would love to see my old friend Emperor Vader as soon as possible. If I may, I would like to extend an invitation to his lordship, his right hand Moff, Tarkin, as well as any other dignitaries to the colonies, to celebrate our continued friendship and alliance, as well as let him witness first hand the fruit of our collaberated efforts, and if at all possible. I would love to introduce him to the people of the Colonies in a ceremony in his honor, and allow the Colonies to meet the man who helped to destroy the harmful corruption of the Coredian forces from this planet." Admiral Cain finialized her transmission.

As the Imperials arrived and began to open channels with the Colonials, another visitor would instantly appear on everyone's scanners. The Ascendants, having worked out this in advance with the Colonies, appeared with twelve, immense dreadnoughts (http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/5462/2h/images.gamezone.com/screens/27/7/89/s27789_pc_87.jpg) that were of Xel'athi make, having somewhat of a organic appearance. They would shimmer smoothly into existence, appearing on scanners only when they had finished appearing, which took only a couple seconds anyhow. The fleet, once they appeared, again opened the fake channel/psionic link to the Colonials, announcing their arrival. "This is Darian of the Starchild, I have come with the relief fleet for the rebuilding of the Colonies, and as we agreed, they are now under the command of the Godulans. I will be coming aboard soon to meet with you. Darian out."

Darian turned and made his way through the Xel'athi ship. He had sent the transmission so as not to draw attention of any force users the Imperials may have had with them to their hidden ships that were escorting the dreadnoughts in. He had a simple task force of two destroyers and three frigates for protection as well as to enhance the Colonies defenses. Barring a major invasion, they could help the Colonies handle pretty much anything else. He made his way through the ship, and reached the hangar, where he got into his Archlord-class fighter (http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/5462/2h/images.gamezone.com/screens/27/7/89/s27789_pc_116.jpg), and shot out into space. He met his escort of Colonial Raptors and then entered the hangar. Swiftly reforming his human form (http://fc05.deviantart.com/fs7/i/2005/193/9/2/magicks_by_50401.jpg), he rushed out of the hangar, was escorted by Colonial Marines and made his way to the bridge. As he walked in, he nodded at Atrox, whom represented their ally, the Balroggans, and bowed his head respectfully to Domiel, of the Godulans, whom they respected deeply. And finally, and he did a full bow to Admiral Cain.

"I greet you, Admiral Cain, and I hope to help ensure a better future for the Colonies alongside the Balroggans and the Godulans."

The Godulan Avatar known as Domiel was too busy keeping track of his own people to care much about the arrival of the Imperial fleet. Right now, the Godulans' only major concern lay with the reconstruction effort, in which a significant amount of resources had been dedicated. Never the kind for half-measures, the Replication Array alone could be subjected to arguments about overkill, while the spacefold portals were just icing on the proverbial cake.

The Telrosian fleet had been expected, however, as pre-arranged with Cain, and the Coordination Avatar greeted the newcomer representative with a smile. When he spoke, his mouth did not move, but his body seemed to vibrate in just the right manner to generate the proper tone and pitch such that a deep voice reverberated forth as though played from the intercom...

Ah, Darian. We are Godulan Coordinator Domiel. So glad you could join us.

If you would not mind, we believe that there is still extensive utility for your people's efforts on... Sagittaron, Tauron, and Scorpia in particular. The latter would likely be where you would have greatest effect, as the destruction of the shipyards there rained significant amounts of debris upon the planetary surface, inflicting further damage than just the nuclear assault. You don't mind working in proximity to Imperial Contractors, do you? We will likely send them to the same worlds once the formalities are concluded.

Darian listened to the Godulan's words and when it reached the part about the Imperials, he could see his eyes harden immediately, but with some effort, he forced it into a neutral face. Domiel would be able to sense the enmity that Darian had for the Empire. "I suppose that is possible. If it was in any other case that didn't have lives on the life, no, but with the current situation, it would be petty to do so. It will be fine. And we will be helping out at the other planets, but will focus our efforts at those three." He sent out the mental command to the Xel'athi commander, who acknowledged the order and proceeded to split up his fleet. He did send a message back and Darian's face look startled for a moment before settling into a look of understanding. The Xel'athi were an honor-bound species and they would be going all out for anything they set their minds to.

"Admiral, my commander is asking for permission to add to your defenses by letting his interceptors join your Raptors in patrolling."

Cain glanced at Darian, looking away from the screen where she awaited the Imperial response. "That is alright, Darian, but as long as they have Raptors alongside them to oversee their routes."

Darian bowed. "Understood, Admiral." He sent a confirmation to the Xel'athi and soon enough, as the twelve dreadnoughts made their way to each of the planets, hundreds upon hundreds of Manthis-class interceptors (http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/5462/2h/images.gamezone.com/screens/27/7/89/s27789_pc_105.jpg), which proceeded to join patrol routes around each planet, to maximize their protection. They were joined by Colonial Raptors and they began their routes with vigor.

Almost invisible against the backdrop of night, swarms of ebon entities filled the sky of Scorpia. For three months now they have been crawling all over the planet as well as the other eleven colonies. The radiation levels were nearly absorbed. Phase Two had begun weeks ago. The Clone vats in the second fleet were busy duplicating the lost flora and fauna taken from samples found on the planets. The carriers from both fleets were in orbit of each planet while their escorts were patrolling the system to keeping the whole effort safe from strikes or disassembled into the swarms of Kythons scouring the planets below. The environmental problems were rapidly being corrected while reconstruction of the buildings had already begun using data from the Battlestars. Maps and pictures of the capital and the other blasted cities aided greatly in the reconstruction efforts. Work had been progressing quite nicely and was actually ahead of schedule.

Then the Others arrived.

The caravan jumped out of hyperspace, a multitude of vessels of hardly organized at all. There were at least half a dozen different nations in the ragtag fleet. They had immediately made contact with the Colonial government as the Ta’Nar vessels locked upon them in case they proved to be hostile. After the short communication, orders were passed along from Atrox who was on The Aries with Admiral Cain instructing the ships to stand down but keep an eye on, as the Colonial forces call them, the Non-Partial Communities. Orders were given to put the NPSs to work and to spread them thin but where they could do the most good.

Two weeks passed and progress had finally restored after having to train the newbies on what was going on with the processes as well as getting their systems set up with the proper biological samples for producing the stock needed for each planet’s individual ecologies. At first the new arrivals had cost the revival processes a lot of production rates but eventually as the NPCs got their systems adapted resources were able to be reassigned to the planets instead of overseeing their integration.

Atrox was attending a meeting aboard The Aries going over the revised schedule now that the NPCs had finally been brought up to speed and their additional assistance had finally paid back the reduction caused by pulling resources from the initial forces. Their assistance was just beginning to pay off and Atrox was glad to report to his ally the acceleration of the rebuild schedule.

Then the Imperial vessels arrived.

Their arrival was first announced by a multitude of alarms going off across the fleet as every vessel in the system detected the formation of the spacefold. The wormhole tore space apart and formed a large aperture of swirling nothingness. From the center a large number of vessels began to appear, visually distorted by the gravitational energies as they were flung from the rupture into Real Space. The distended ships compressed until they appeared to be normal, a trick of the light as they passed through the wormhole. After the last appeared, the ebon maw closed behind the ships, sealing the wormhole and returning the spacefold to its natural disconnected state.

Sensors revealed there were a large number of transport and cargo vessels but there was also a large number of ISDs. Several Shipminds wondered at the large number of ISDs in the fleet if it was really a mission of mercy but they kept their opinion to themselves and did not broadcast their worries. Several more looked at the newcomers and wondered how far these newbs would throw the reconstruction behind schedule like the NPCs did.

Shortly afterwards yet another group arrived. They were assigned to the Avatars so at least there would be minimal interference with their own processes although everything affected the entire process. Atrox listened to several Shipminds begin to express their impatience and the prospect of yet more incoming helpers that would drag things even more behind schedule than these two new groups.

It is so hard to be helpful at times…

Captain Cravein poised as the returning communication filtered through the unseen speakers that littered the command centre of the Carrier. Dressed in the officers uniform of the emperors elite, Cravein enjoyed the rather adequate response of Admiral Cain.

He had heard much about this woman of… war. He knew she so rarely desired peace, and he also knew that she despised the influence of aliens something of which that she would be shortly repeating even if it is exceptionally vocal.

“The twelve colonies of kobal.” The name just flowed from Craveins lips as his eyes still looked down the world below. Cain was fluent in Galactic Basic it now seemed, or she had discovered a most proficient translator, most likely embezzled from a Cylon wreck from one of the various engagements.

“Admiral Cain, in the name of the Emperor to whom we both owe much, I salute you. We are gratified that you so openly accept the supplies we offer, they are but a small token of our friendship to your people, and we honour the tenacity to which you guard your worlds. Let it be known that the Empire bares no ill will to your caution, instead it is respected as wisdom from the heart.

The Emperor is most glad that you desire to so meet him Admiral. It is with great pleasure that I announce his presence to you, privately of course.

Though you have many duties to attend to, and the defence of your system to seek, Emperor Vader requests your presence aboard this vessel, so that we may discuss the threats we perceive to your already broken lands. We would not leave your nation in incapable hands should the worst befall the colonial fleet during this time. The Emperor commands his apprentice to remain aboard the Ares to watch over the twelve colonies, to insure adequate competence is in command.

He anticipates your arrival Admiral for he considers it an honour that you may join us.”

Cravein lifted away from the communications console leaving silence from the Imperial transmitters. The Godulans, as he could see from the sensor read outs were paying little to no attention to the presence of an Imperial force, while the colonials cautious as ever, had recalled several more battlestaars to Caprica.

“She will come.” A voice indicated from behind.

“How do you know?”

“It is the shape of things to come.”

The dreadnoughts by now, as well as the task force the Ascendants had sent to guard their investment in the Colonies as well as to back up the Colonies defense. Shock and surprise ran through the fleet and it soon became apparent that the Empire had helped the Colonies out before, as consulted records informed them. Grimly, Darian had to avoid taking any action. He did not like the Galactic Empire, but in this situation, he had to play nice. He still sent out calls along his racial mind-link to have reinforcements ready.

Just in case.

The dreadnoughts by now would be getting to the planets and after finding a landing point, they would descend, land, and unfold to form giant aid shelters, home complexes, food and other material dumps, and reconstruction centers. The Xel'athi, in the thousands, poured out of these ships and immediately set to work on detoxing, although much was already done, the ground and everything else, setting up building zones, and began to work on the environment/agricultural part of the planets as well. In tandem with Godular, Imperial, and Balroggan assistance, recovery of everything but population would be quick and easy....relatively.

The Mind of Helena (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoUEtzYkCFw&watch_response)

A pain, like a knife slowly entering Helena’s back, as if her spinal cord had just been severed pinged against the nerve endings. She reached around, and grabbed it, pressing her hands hard against her spine, trying to stop the pain. Her face winced, as her old war injury, one that like so many other wounds she had taken never truly healed. The pain was a reminder of the cost of war, a nagging reminder of the cost of duty.

As she winced, the speakers blared with the silver tongued words of the Command Carrier Commander. “So Lord Vader is here.” she remarked to herself and her company. “How lovely, and after all I thought he wanted to summon me to Courescant.” she said out loud.

Colonel Fist looked to his Admiral. “Sir, I do not like this. Something is not right.” he said with concern for her. “As your executive officer, I would never challenge your decisions Admiral, but I must ask you to consider the motivations for this. The Empire left here months ago, without so much as a good bye. The Chronosians left, everyone left but the Ta’Nar. And suddenly out of no where, once the Avatars, the Ascendancy, and the NPC fleet arrived, the Empire shows up in force, to give aid. Something is not right Admiral. I strongly advise against accepting his offer, for all we know it could be a Coredian style trap.”

Admiral Cain looked to her xo, and her gut agreed with him. Something was not right, relief fleets do not bring a massive war fleet with them. The Empire would also not bring in it’s newest top secret vessel, and ask Cain to come on board to take a tour. At least not any real responsible nation. Even Atrox, the most trusted Alien, had yet to be given access to any sensitive areas of the Ares. Cain lowered her head, “What do you think?” she asked Domiel, Atrox, and the Ascendency representative.

(Post will continue after Telros, Godular, and Bal respond.)

Darian gazed at the Admiral, startled for a few moments, before his gaze went neutral. "I wouldn't be the one to ask, Admiral Cain. We hate the Imperials; their lack of respect for life, and their penchant for destruction. They are a threat to everyone, even themselves. My answer would be obvious. Don't trust the Imperials with anything, so I think this is a trap. When they want something, they are either planning a trap to force what they want from you, or a trick to get you to do what they want."

They are here because we are, replied Domiel, indicating himself and the gargantuan replication array on the Draidus display. By whatever means they had at their disposal, they learned of our presence here and our efforts to assist you despite the things committed by our... troubled... Coredian allies.

He pondered the Imperial fleet over Caprica for a moment, then continued.

Their arrival directly over Caprica betrays their intent. Rather than appear at the edge of the system, they have appeared at the heart. They are not here to bring relief, they are here for you. He pointed at Cain. They feel threatened because your allowing of the Godulans to come here for the purpose of facilitating reconstruction threatens to undermine the propaganda that they have put forth to show that the 'Rebels' are nothing but bloodthirsty cretins. Ever have we been the enemies of the Imperials for the genocides and depredations they have inflicted upon the Galaxy, and our presence here seems to them as an incursion on Imperial territory, and the fact that you are not yet Imperial is but a minor counterpoint to them. They want to get rid of us, and to do that will likely require them to get rid of you.

They will either seek to dominate you or destroy you... or some relatively nuanced variation of either... something that requires them to be on their ship in order to fully realize. If you go on the ship, you will be at their mercy, and in all the time we have watched the Imperials we have yet to see any sign of their mercy. We would recommend an alternate venue for the meeting, but would leave the specifics up to you. Perchance a tour of a reconstruction area to see how things are progressing? Something... in plain sight? But then, the first step in evading a trap is in knowing of its existence. Perchance if you should decide to indulge them and venture aboard that command carrier, you might have a trick up your sleeve... something to turn the tables...

Atrox listened to the Ascendant speak his words and then in turn the Avatar. They both had good advice but their worldview was not the same as his.

The Ascendants were new to the scene and their experience was still limited. They only knew the surface events but he was confident they would get to understand the events happening in the background as time passed. They have been observing for some time but you can only get to know some things from being neck deep in the BS.

The Avatar’s advice was clouded by their opinion and prejudices against the Galactic Empire. They fashioned themselves as being the ultimate Enemy of the State. The truth is the Godular forces have been here for over three weeks, in all reality almost a month had passed. The logical conclusion is the Flotilla of NPCs would have attracted the Emperor’s eye much more than the presence of the Avatars. They had just arrived barely two weeks ago with a large number of ships from several “rebellion” governments. If Admiral Cain had not accepted their help, it would have been his duty to eradicate them completely as invaders and rebels both. Cain was the only reason those additional ships were not forcefully converted to either energy or Thur’Tahg. They really never knew how close they came to obliteration.

“Actually you are both wrong in your reasoning but correct in your advice. The Reason Lord Vader is here is because of me.”

Atrox expected everyone to take his words the wrong way thinking he had actually invited the Emperor here so with an upper hand gesture he interrupted them before continuing.

“No, I did not contact him nor did I issue any sort of invitation. My actions, or rather lack of actions has called him here. I have been here for many months, only leaving for the preparation and the assault on Konoha. I have tied myself to Cain for months now. I have gained her trust and confidence yet I have not done anything to take advantage of it. I believe he is here to teach me a lesson.”

Atrox hesitated a moment before continuing emotionlessly, knowing they might need it to gather their thoughts.

“The proof is the fact that even though the Imperial forces are quite aware you are all here, there are only two people mentioned in the message. Admiral Cain is to be used as a punishment against me. The fact that I have been given orders to keep me here under the guise of taking control in her absence is further proof of that. I have been given a direct order by my Lord that I cannot refuse. I will have to watch my close ally be dragged over there to his new warship and I cannot leave this ship. I will be forced into a role of observance while I am being made an example of. My closest ally will be taken out of my supposed reach and I can do nothing about it.”

Atrox stepped back a couple steps and Ba’El materialized in his vacated place. He turned to Cain and placed his hand on her shoulder. A slight psionic surge could possibly be felt by the two others if they were paying careful attention but most likely not noticed in the heat of the moment. His touch on her shoulder was soft and warm, almost comforting in a bizarre way.

“I am truly sorry you have been compromised by my presence. If I had known this would happen I would have kept my distance to keep you safe. I have my orders and I cannot disobey them. That is part of the punishment Lord Vader is imposing upon me. He wants me to feel helpless. He wants me to feel powerless. He wants to remind me who is in control. Please forgive me for putting you in such a position.”

Ba’El returned to the form of Atrox and stepped forward into his original position.

“The ultimate decision is yours. You are the only one who can decide your course of action. Either to remain here like a prisoner under house arrest or to enter what surely must be a trap. I cannot nor will I even try to make you change your mind, it is a decision that is yours and only yours to make. I will support you in whatever decision you choose to the fullest of my abilities. I will stand at your side but I will not lead you, that is your own fate. I will only ask you to be careful.”

Foreshadow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEZb5LVByak)

Admiral Cain placed her hands on the planning table, her fingers spread out. As the universal consensus was spoken she put more pressure on her hands, til her knuckles made a loud pop.

She lowered her head as she was trying to decide what to do next. She was not weak, she was not a coward, and as long as she lived, neither her, her ship and crew or the colonies abroad would ever be subjugate to any alien force.

Admiral Cain stared at the table, as the possibility of another ally betraying the colonies took place. Admiral Cain cracked a smile at the thought, how in the small time the colonies appeared on the galactic scene, that the blur between ally and enemy has shifted into one. But she knew she had to step carefully. If the Empire was serious about aid, then any misstep might turn that aid into an act of war.

Her brown eyes widened at the fact that she knew the empire, if they were going to betray the colonies, would have to take the first step. They, not her would have to be the ones to cross the line, something that as she listened to her most trusted alien advisors, is something they would be willing to do.

Admiral Helena Cain lifted her head up, as she straightened her back. “I will not be a prisoner, nor will I ever allow a nation of any kind to have the ability to hold a gun to the head of the Twelve Colonies.” she said. Admiral Cain turned to her three guests, “The reason you are allowed here is because I trust you. Each of you have the ability to destroy this nation at a whim, a flick of the wrist, and yet all of you have chosen to aid us. You have proven your friendship a thousand times over, and for that you have my trust.” Cain says to Atrox, Domiel and Dorian.

She then turns to Colonel Fisk. "Send a transmission to the Command Carrier. Inform the Emperor, that tomorrow at Libra Shipyards, at 0900 will I will be at a commission ceremony for the soon to be dubbed Battlestar Neptune. Inform them that Lord Vader is personally invited to attend the ceremony, and that this will present a grand opportunity to show the people of the galaxy the unity and sincerity of our defensive alliance we have with the Galactic Empire, as well as a recognition of their aid to us during the Coredian Insurrection. Inform him after the ceremony that he is to attend, and after his arrival at the ceremony, I will then visit him onboard his Command Carrier.” Admiral Cain replied.

“After you do that, I want you to send a team to the munitions depot. I want you to disconnect the warhead from one of the new Balroggan black hole missiles. Have it placed onboard my raptor, along with a small receiver. If my personal communications device has any breach in the signal, or if my medical transponders, or latent carrier transmission breaks at all, or if there is a skip in the line, I want it to detonate without a moment’s notice.” Cain ordered her Executive officer his eyes wide open. "Also rig it with a manual trigger, to be held by one of my marines. If he releases the trigger, the warhead is to detonate as well."

“As you did with the Coredian meeting, I am going to issue you an order that even I will not be able to recall. If I come back, and do anything out of the ordinary, after tomorrow’s meeting, anything at all, if you have even the smallest hint that something is wrong, or that I have been manipulated by their Coredian style mind tricks, or if my orders are out of the ordinary, I am to be removed of my command immediately, and Admiral Sarah Hallen is to be put in charge of the Twelve Colonies. If anything is amiss, anything at all, I want you to order condition one, and you are hereby authorized to use anything and everything at your disposal to protect the colonies.” she concluded her orders to her executive officer.

Colonel Fisk’s eyes grew wide.. “Sir you can not mean...”

Admiral Cain met his gaze, “You have your orders, do not flinch or show a moment’s hesitation. If my signals interrupt for a millisecond you are to follow these orders. If everything turns out ok in the end, and I find out you hesitated, you will be floating home to Picon, without a ship.” she ordered. “These are my orders, and you will carry them out.”

“Yes sir.” he replied

Darian was struck dumb as Atrox revealed the real reason why the Empire had come here, to punish him for doing something anyone would have done: for helping the Colonies, instead of advancing the cause of the Galactic Empire alliance by manipulating the Colonies. Disgust roiled in his stomach as he took in the situation. Vader had ordered him to remain here and do nothing, to let his ally walk away to an inevitable trap. His anger was as such that it blocked the slight psionic burst as he struggled to hold himself in check, lest he shoot out a wave of psionic energy, killing most of the people on the bridge.

He turned to Cain to watch her decision and watched as she carefully, calmly, and with military precision, set about deciding her fate and ensuring that her nation would be kept safe, no matter what. Her pronounciation of trust in them touched Darian and he was further moved by how she agreed to her fate, and set in motion the steps to cut off any tricks that could harm her nation. Darian was only able to do a full bow to her, a deep sign of respect for her as words failed him in this moment.

Domiel smirked somewhat knowingly at Bal'El's dissertation, nodding in acceptance before speaking. Of course that was simply my interpretation, and I am no Intelligence Avatar. Forgive me for failing to recall the treacherous nature of internal Imperial Politics, for we have somewhat less experience on that subject.

Domiel continued to listen to Admiral Cain's response and nodded again, this time both out of respect and out of knowledge that no other way was possible. So rarely do we see one formulate a plan contingent on their own death. This is something of a breath of fresh air, however morbid that fresh air may be. Understand that until you are on that ship, you have our support. However distasteful the notion of being in a ceremony celebrating the Empire might be, we would with your permission accompany you at least that far. We would accompany further, but we doubt they would allow us on board that command carrier.

OOC:

I never stated I was to keep Cain under house arrest. It is implied that she could either say on the Aries or go over to the ship. If she stayed it would be like house arrest.

I have no communication with anyone on the other ship and I am only going off what I have heard from the message telling me I was to stay on the ship when Cain leaves, making me the subject of a type of House Arrest.

Just clearing things up.

Darian nodded. "I second the idea of Domiel; I wish to come with you, just in case. I would not want to see anything happen to you while I still have the power to help you."

OOC: Sorry, Bal, I was a bit confused by what you meant. Thank you for clearing it up.

Cravein listened with unease as the colonial reply trickled through the speakers as his superior waited expressionless for the transmission to end. Admiral Cain was not as foolish as the analysts had predicted, though her unease on boarding an Imperial vessel was certainly disturbing.

Just what did it indicate about the level of trust the colonies had towards the Galactic Empire, had they been corrupted by Godulan agents? Have they fallen to the telepathic abilities of the Telrosians, each deed gone unnoticed by the emperors firm fist Darth Atrox? Such questions and conclusions thereafter were satisfyingly above his rank, though the resulting situation did offer significant pause for thought.

Imperial lives had been lost in attempting to secure the Coredian embassy, entire battalions of troops, a Victory Star Destroyer, and two of the empires most famous generals, and Cain scowled upon it all with her ploys and gambits.

“Send a return acknowledgement of the offer.” Cravins superior commanded. “Tell them that Lord Vader shall not attend the shipyard, make it explicitly clear that it is for the emperors security, Godulans and their scourge are present.” Cravein nodded with the given command and opened a channel to the Ares.

“Admiral Cain, the emperor is honoured that you would seek to grace him with the launch of a new vessel of war. Though it is certainly time for celebration we regret to inform you, that the emperor cannot attend due to the infectious threat of the Godulan Kython strain.

In knowing your own fears of alien threats, the emperor is aware that you will understand these grave concerns with sympathy as he regards it as an opportunity missed for our peoples to stand side by side for all to bear witness.

The Emperors hand remains open for you to discuss matters vital to the security of both nationstates either before or after the launch of the battlestar. He looks forward to shaping the thousands of Imperial lives lost in the form of a solid treaty which will give meaning for their sacrifice. He also appreciates the great mistrust that will have been sown into your mind by the tricks and manifestations of the Godulans. So it is once more Admiral that Lord Vader places his warriors desire upon……”

A deep breath crushed the communications line as the dull baritone of Darth Vader echoed from the black. “Cain. Come and address your friend and ally as a friend should, without hesitation. The Empire has lost lives defending your world. I myself fought upon it. Let us leave politics to the politicians, we are warriors. Mistrust has been seeded through your mind, told by the simple presence of Coredian friends and allies. Even now the Jedi virus creeps back in before you. Come and honour your debt to the Empire, for the Empire is the only force in this universe that gave lives for your security. And it is still the only force that seeks to defend you with the raw material of life.”

The coordinates of the hanger bay for Cain to dock were transmitted carefully along with a manifest of those Imperial troops that died in securing Colonial freedom.

As Cain heard the words of an Emperor upon the bridge, Darth Atrox would feel the desire in his mind. Vader was present, and commanding.

My apprentice…. I sense fear in you. Concern for the Admiral…… Your thoughts betray you Lord Atrox but you need not be afraid. If we desired Cain dead, the young Jedi Hera would have accomplished it long before now. Defend the colonies my apprentice. Keep watch over the Godulans. Insure the Admiral meets with me. Insure the Colonial fleet is kept uninfected from the enemy scourge.

Domiel raised an amused eyebrow at the response from the Imperial Command Carrier. He waited for the communication to cease and spoke lightly to Cain. You see it, do you not? You see their veiled implication that the sacrifice of however many cloned stormtroopers is a debt that they will not consider repaid until you have put forward a sacrifice in kind? The concept of charity is alien to those upon that vessel, nothing is ever given freely. They might even consider the relief supplies they brought with them today as a favor for which they expect to be compensated.

Note also the barb directed at us, he continued, indicating himself. Very apparently the Godulans are not to be trusted at all, so it might be wise to discount their recommendations for the situation at hand... oh wait... it was not solely this Avatar who urged caution.

He turned to the Balroggan with an inquisitive nod. What of you, Atrox? No doubt the Emperor has said something to you via more 'direct', yet less detectable means?

Darth Atrox stood there, listening to the voice of his Master. The presence of Lord Vader meant there was nothing he could do. If it had been just some overzealous ship’s officer trying to order a Sith Lord, he could have not only been justified in denying the order but also required to travel over to the other ship and choke the life out of the offending presumptuous worm that dared to order Atrox and then return to Coruscant with the mangled remains so Vader can deal with his family. Atrox would have every right to simply walk through that foreign ship slaying any officers that were supporting the traitorous worm and tossing them out the nearest hatch. If the ship had resisted as a whole, he would then be justified in obliterating the vessel, cracking the ship with his very thought and making the works in that tin can suffocate on their own bubbling blood as vacuum filled their lungs.

All that changed as Atrox heard the voice of his master.

A clever officer could run an AI unit to simulate anyone’s appearance or vocal pattern. It would be simple to link the familiar to an actual person, mapping the features of the illusion over the individual. Voice modulators were an old technology easily gotten anywhere, even as children’s toys. One could have been used to imitate Lord Vader’s voice and transmitted to Admiral Cain. There are precious few ways to fake a Force Identity, especially one between Master and Apprentice. Emperor Vader was without a doubt here in the system, Atrox just could not tell on which ship. The communication had come so unexpectedly and lasted so briefly, he did not have time to react and trace the source. Atrox knew there was no technology that could broadcast a Force message like a radio signal and still allow it to be focused upon a single mind at the receiving end, for that Vader needed to be here, somewhere out there on one of those ships.

With a sigh Atrox seemed to shrink a little upon himself. His whole appearance seemed to change into that of a scolded schoolchild. When Atrox spoke, it was in a hushed tone. “He is indeed here.”

Atrox turned once more to Admiral Cain and continued. “I cannot do anything to stop this. If you go over there, I have to remain here on this ship.”

The Ta’Nar turned to look out the view port at the assembly of ships that had just arrived. His head tilted forward as if in defeat. “I’m sorry.”

Atrox turned and began to walk away, unable to help his friend. He was just in the way on the bridge and wished to be away from it all. He wished to return to his temporary quarters and lock the world away, keep it from crushing the thoughts he had been getting about beginning a new Ideal. He couldn’t even return to The Abomination, instead being held on The Aries as if he was under House Arrest. After taking a few steps, he turned to Cain. “Permission to leave the bridge. I need to take a walk.”

Admiral Cain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwM1n1WLevc)

Admiral Cain’s eyes turned to fire, her soul burned with passion, as she watched her friend and ally, cower in the sight of his master. Vader, who under the authority of the Warmaster Remiel, had left the colonies to their own, assurances given by the warmaster himself, the commander of the army and navy of the Galactic Empire, that no Imperial base would be established by the Empire, nor Imperial Fleet in orbit without express consent, the same consent they currently did not have.

That same consent, must be given to the Quorium, who now newly re-elected, and housed within the newly constructed forum halls in Caprica City, rebuilt by no small effort by the Balroggans and Godulans, must be approved, by them, based under the articles of Colonization, and Cain’s express orders, to give the civilians some say on the governance of the Colonies. The trust, the friendship Cain had with Remiel, and that with the Iron fist of the Empire, Darth Atrox seemed to mean nothing to Vader.

Even more so, Vader had dishonored her. An invitation to such a prestigious event, a chance to show the galaxy, and to reassure the colonial populace of their true friends and allies had been squandered by the Dark Lord of the Sith. Was Vader truly this idiotic, to metaphorically slap Cain in the face, in her own system, when he was surrounded by nations that could crush his newest toy with the slightest request from Admiral Cain? Was Vader not aware of the dangers of dishonoring the Admiral of the Fleet in her own system, especially with the Ascendance war ships on high alert, and aiding in the patrolling of the colonial system, another nation that only cause of Cain’s honor, has refrained from blinking the Empire’s ships out of existence.

She looked to the Domiel, the Avatar of the Godular, who was an ally with Remiel, Warmaster of the Empire and god of the Chronosian Empire, also an ally of the Fallen Balroggan Empire. Yes, she knew the Godulan’s had strange taste in friends, as she glanced Domiel examining her pocket knife, but still they were more than helpful, in her eyes. “True friends, true allies help one another without debt”, she thought to herself. “Remiel’s troops died, and have asked for nothing.” she thought to herself, as she looked over the list of Imperial troops that died.

TK-101
TK 302
MH-412
TL-923 ......

Admiral Cain looked to Domiel, and held out her hand to him, in a gesture asking for her knife back, that he picked up from the planning table. Domiel looked at the simplicity of it, as he handed it back.

“Nice craftsmanship.” he replied as he folded the blade back and handed it to her. Cain glanced at him and shook her head as she placed her knife in her pocket. She then turned to Atrox. “Permission granted my old friend, mind if I join you?” she asked him. As the pair turned to walk out of the CIC, Cain looked to Fisk. “Inform Vader, that I will be going over to his vessel within the hour. Also remember your orders Colonel.” she said as she glared at her executive officer. Colonel Fisk, straightened up his back, and saluted his Commanding officer.

Admiral Cain turned and began to walk with Darth Atrox, in pure silence. The pair, knowing that the fate of not only the colonies, but actions that will resound with massive echoes throughout two galaxies was about to occur. For good or for ill, after today, the colonies will never be the same.

The Pair continued to walk, as nothing was said, winding down the corridors, towards the flight pods. As they approached, Admiral Cain saw the newest batch of new recruits. She put her Arms behind her back, as she approached. Thirty of the newest crew members to the Ares, quickly saluted, as they stood in formation against both sides of the corridors. Admiral Cain looked at each one of them.

“Do you know why you are here?” she ordered.

“Sir yes sir.” they all announced in unison.

“Why?” she asked.

“We are the best of the best SIR.” the new recruits all answered in unison.

“Then why the frak are you littering my corridor, get to your stations, what do you think this is a frakking coffee break. Move it.” she ordered.

As the men and women grabbed their duffle bags, Atrox noticed in the distance, a young seventeen year old woman, in a navy blue colonial uniform. The golden patch on her arm, BSG 142, BSG Ares. He looked at her as she walked by him, her eyes avoiding his, as she walked briskly towards her quarters.

Cain turned to Atrox, “That is always fun, putting the fear of the gods in the new recruits.” she said smiling.

“Excuse me Admiral, I need to do something.” Atrox said, as he turned his head back to the girl now turning the corner.

“Of course, I hope to see you again.” Admiral Cain replied. She walked by herself, to Flight pod number one. As she boarded the Raptor, all was set in place. She reached down and hooked up her medical transponders, her comms device and the static subspace signals. She looked down to the new circuitry of the balroggans, and the the black hole device, that would only arm before exploding, and that as long as it was not armed, it would only appear to be a new electrical device by any sensor system.

As she boarded, six marines joined her, as the raptor doors opened. Along side her, two other raptors, filled with Colonial Guards, as the three raptors took off. The ships glided gently towards the command center, as they were met by a squadron of Vipers. In escort formation they flew straight and true, towards, the command center.

As the small fighters and three Raptors approached, the Vipers veered away at the last moment, as the three Raptors, slowly descended in the flight pod of the command carrier. Two of the three raptor doors opened, as they checked the electronics. First thing they noticed was a jamming field in place. One of the Guards walked over to the Imperial solders, “Why is there a jamming field in place, in this bay. This is a significant security breach for the Colonial Guard, and we request immediate deactivation of this field.” the marine stated to the Imperial representative.

OOC: Sithy, not trying to nitpick, but I only just arrived. I don't see how you know of my people. If you have a valid reason, let me know.

IC: Darian had to clench his hands and restrain himself from wrecking the communication equipment as the words of the Imperials and then Darth Vader came on. They just reeked of lies and manipulation. They tactlessly force the issue of the dead Imperials, even putting that a treaty should be formed from it. To think of this was...maddening and made Darian want to kill things. The mention of the Coredian friends and allies, alluding to their "machinations" deceiving her mind was almost enough to break his control. He was not an ally of Coreworlds, nor did he want to be, and yet he had been looped in the Imperial's desperate attempt to force Cain to do what they wanted.

All in all, if it hadn't been for the innocent people in the room, he'd have annihilated the equipment already. When he heard Domiel's words, he felt some relief come in and ease the anger; it was soothing to hear someone vocalize what his thoughts were when he could not. He glanced at Atrox after Domiel's question; he, too, had detected a link being opened and closed, although he knew not what it meant.

He was shocked to see the confident, wise, and energetic Atrox shrink within himself and ask for a walk. Darian's face became grim; with the dark side, all happiness was destroyed. Cain quickly granted his request and joined him, walking the crushed warrior out of the bridge. When Cain was out of sight, Darian walked over to Domiel, opening a psionic link to keep their conversation private.

"So, what will you do if the Imperials decide to....force the issue?"

Domiel shrugged slightly and gave Colonel Fisk a lengthy glance before returning his gaze to Darian. We came here to rebuild the colonies, and that objective remains our top priority. If the Imperials have come peacefully and have no other intent than to assist in reconstruction, we shall merely chalk it up to a fluke of nature and continue our work. We would however prefer to avoid dwelling on what might happen if initiative is forced. Rest assured though, we will not shy from anything.

The second level docking bay opened gradually for the triad of colonial raptors as they slowly touched down onto the eight level docking pads. Stormtroopers guarded several doors on the distant outskirts of the hanger bay. Imperial Guardsmen watched carefully from rafters above acting like brids of prey waiting upon their moment or an excuse to pounce.

No droids were present which would surely gratify the Colonial Admiral, though her marines which stormed forward onto the command deck met a stiffly arrogant officer. “Why is this communication field activated, disable it now.”

His aggressive tone met a tall commander dressed entirely in black, apart from a red sash that decorated his right shoulder. “And you are….” The officer looked to the Colonials insignias. “Captain? I’m afraid we cannot comply with your request, the field is natural to the Command Carrier, generated by her new combat vessels, to disable it would require a self destruct of this vessel. Surely your vessels concluded such when attempting to scan our warship?”

“And that would not be acceptable Captain.” Vaders respirator echoed from behind. The Emperor, usually one who neglected stealth at the best of times quite often surprised everyone when his advancements appeared quite suddenly. “Tell me where is Admiral Cain?”

Peace, the space of time between the inevitable wars to follow, the grace time between the egos of rulers, the time when a people could forget the horrors of their existence, permeated throughout the Twelve Colonies of Kobal.

Three months prior, Humanity was brought to it’s knees, as the third Cylon rebellion crushed the fragile peace and nearly brought the human race to it’s end. Three months ago... seems like an eternity, since that time, as the healing process of the Balroggans, and Godulans began to heal the wounds of the nation. Despite the reconstruction, and the terra forming, despite the colonies once again having a stable atmosphere, and it’s cities rebuilt exactly the way they were before, at the end of the day, eleven billion people are still dead, and forty seven battlestars, have broken away from the fleet. The nation might one day forget, but I never will.

— Excerpt from Admiral Cain’s personal log.

The Colonial solder ignored the comment and arrogant smug statement of the Imperial officer before him, and instead turned his attention to someone who was actually in charge. He turned his head and saluted, as the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, approached.

Quickly, the Major, raised his hand and saluted. “Admiral Cain is here, Emperor, but as head of the security detail for the Admiral, I must insure that this facility and all areas of the ship that she may enter are safe, and that the Admiral comes to no harm. I must say, Emperor, that it is quite displeasing that you can not shut off such a field. How exactly do you communicate across this vessel, if your communication lines are so disrupted by it’s own field?” the man asked Lord Vader.

As the Major asked his question, and nearly taking his life into his own hands, a voice replied. “Is there a problem Major?”, coming from Raptor II. The Major turned around, to see his Admiral standing behind him. He turned to her and quickly saluted, “Sir, due to a “Natural occurring field.” communication lines with yourself, and with the Raptor crews is greatly diminished. I must say sir, that due to this field, that this meeting is a high security risk, and I recommend a change of venue immediately sir.” the major replied to his Admiral’s question.

Admiral Cain looked at the Dark Lord of the sith, as she placed her hands behind her back. “I do not think that is necessary Major. The Empire is our friend and ally, this is not like we are meeting on Jurai or Coredia. Forgo the normal security methods for now, I do not think our hosts will cause us any harm.” Cain replied.

“Sir I must protest, the security of your person and of the colonies is at stake.” The Major continued.

Admiral Cain sighed, “Very well Major, you may have a detail follow me around if it makes you feel any better.” she ordered. The major quickly saluted, and walked over to talk to some of his guards, as Admiral Cain walked closer to Lord Vader. She saluted the Emperor. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lord Vader. May I ask, why the sudden and unexpected visit to Caprica, and what situation was so important that you had to fly straight to Caprica, instead of coming to the red line to be escorted in?” Admiral Cain asked of the Dark Lord of the Sith.

Atrox wandered through The Aries, his mind reeling from the betrayal he had just received. His trust had been broken. His values have been shattered. His word was made worthless. All the things he valued was stripped away and shattered before his eyes. His worth was ground into the dura-steel of the deck and left to wither dying.

Atrox was broken.

The past thirteen years he had followed Lord Vader as his apprentice, trusting his wisdom as a student would trust his instructor. He had used his own sense of values where his Master’s instructions had been vague and vacant. This allowed Atrox to build up his knowledge of The Force and the ways to manipulate it but basing everything upon his own values, assuming since he had not received instruction from Lord Vader that they were the same as his.

It was too late that he found out he had been deluded into believing his Master shared his same values. Vader only used the Ta’Nar’s values to his own means and now when the timing was right, the Sith Emperor had done what no other has, cracked Atrox’s armor like he was crushing an insect in his gloved hand.

As he walked blindly through the corridors, Atrox could feel Vader’s glare upon him, even from the other ship as he met with Admiral Cain. He could feel his master’s attention to his broken servant’s soul as it lay bleeding. He could feel the satisfaction Vader was feeling from the torture he was inflicting upon the Ta’Nar. Atrox sat down upon a bench, not knowing where to go. He had run out of avenues of escape and felt trapped like a deer in the headlights on an onrushing car, frozen and unable to do anything, helpless before the onrush of the speeding car.

Atrox looked up and saw a familiar face. It was the human female from earlier, the last soldiers Cain spoke with before leaving the Aries, the very ones she “put the fear of God” into. Her face seemed familiar to Atrox’s confused mind until he recognized her from the visions he had seen ever since he had discovered some of her hairs in the bird’s nest in the tree she would spend much of her free time under. Atrox then noticed her visage was slightly transparent, as if he was having another vision. IT seems they were coming more frequently lately, probably tied to some event that is nearing.

Suddenly Atrox found himself in another place, a meadow stretching endlessly past the horizon. Above the plain angry grew clouds flashed and rumbled as if undergoing temper tantrums. A steady but light breeze was blowing from the south, bringing the warmth of spring and the smells of summer. The raven haired girl stood before Atrox. No, Atrox was not here. His form was replaced by Ba’El. The raven haired girl stood before Ba’El, the wind not touching the grasses near her as if there was a gentle calm around the child.
“Oh why do you carry on so much?”

“What?”

“I said, why do you carry on so much.”

Ba’El couldn’t believe his ears; the girl actually was questioning him. Visions are supposed to be, well, visionary, not interactive. He quickly checked to see if there was a telepathic connection and found none. He checked to see if The Force was involved but again, there was no trace of it, besides, he was currently Ba’El and the Force had no hold on him while he was outside Atrox’s physical form but in return he could do nothing but sense Force abilities and could not actually use them in his current state. This did not have the feel nor did it detect as magical. He didn’t have an explanation and that puzzled him.

“Are you going to answer me or stare dumbfounded? If you aren’t, be kind enough to let me know because I have other things to do.”

“Well, ummm... I…”

“”Well, ummm.. I…” doesn’t answer my question. I said, why do you carry on so much.”

Ba’El sighed, now his subconscious must be ridiculing him. He decided to answer just to humor himself.

“Because everything I knew has collapsed; my friends, my Instruction, my values, everything.”

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha. Are you serious?”

That stopped Ba’El and caused him to pause, thinking about what the phantom meant while it continued speaking.

“What in hell are you doing? You get slapped in the face and all you do is mope around? That is nothing like the Admiral Ba’El I know. IF you were even one tenth that type of person you would have gone reclusive back when Daniel locked you in your quarters for pointing out he was murdering innocent people on Asfaltum. You would have ran cowering when Prince Doran stood there with his hand full of Force ready to choke the life out of you as you were escorted from the bridge. When Emperor Palpatine was assassinated by Tarkin and you were caught in the Force Storm, you would have allowed yourself to die instead of taking refuge within that insect body.”

“Look at what you have become after thirteen years of training under Darth Vader. You are ready to give up. You are ready to lie down and die. You are ready to accept anything that partial human is doing to you and take it sitting down.”

The raven haired girl walked over to where Ba’El stood in confusion and touched his hand.

“You need to come back. You need to take control. You are not a human so you don’t have to take any sort of shit from one. You were alive long before any of them were and you will outlive them all. You don’t let emotions control you, you rule over your emotions. They are your strength, not your downfall. Take hold of them and drag yourself back there kicking and screaming. You will not take anything lying down. You are Darth Atrox, Lord of the Sith and Advisor to Nhur-Galladu. You do not follow the worthless commands of a meatbag. You give them.”

Ba’El felt a tiny growing spark from deep inside himself. The hot spot seemed to swell as the girl spoke. He began to find himself as he remembered defeating Master Sakir without even using his sabers. He commanded Master Jessyka to surrender giving her no choice. He thought about dragging the two supposed Jedi Masters before Cain under the cover of an inhibitor field to await her judgment. He took Sakir to Kobol and used his own blade to remove the Coredian spine from his body. He felt the Master’s life-force be dissolved by the force surrounding Kobol, forever dead. He looked into Sakir’s dying knowing eyes as the last measure of awareness drained out of him forever. He took Sakir’s own saber and after killing it’s owner, twisted and warped the blade so it was an empty as it’s old owner, as hungry as Kobol itself.

Atrox took no orders from any Meatbag. He will now give them. He will not allow this to even happen again. He will take control of his own destiny and not let some half-man dictate his future. He will do the dictating from this moment forward.

“There, now that’s the Ba’El I know. Go show them what Hell is like.”

Ba’El looked at the raven haired girl as she began to fade away, the meadow disappearing with her. The next thing he knew he was again within Atrox’s body. Deep within him lie a seed, a hard kernel that was taking root. Hidden by multiple layers of defenses was the image Vader wished to see of Atrox, the bent and broken form. The obedient one. The one that would never rise up and speak against him.

Atrox began to make plans to begin his own Sith Order, one that is not based on breaking your apprentices but one that values Knowledge over personal immortality.

With a start, Atrox rose from the bench he has taken refuge in and returned to the bridge, carefully guarded thoughts planning for the future.

“Admiral Cain.” Vader acknowledged, as he turned towards two large bay doors in the distance. With Cain trailing behind him the emperor and the admiral began their discussion quietly, as the security detail formed behind Vaders red robed Imperial guardsmen.

Officers saluted in the wake of the detail which passed by great Imperial Walkers, tanks, garrison bases and of course drilling legions which screamed upon both sides. “I arrived above Caprica Admiral Cain as to allow the enemy within no time to prepare. It is my current understanding that you have opened the colonies to Godulan military personnel, under the belief that they are present for ‘reconstruction’. I am most concerned for the safety of the twelve colonies, and I have come to safeguard my friends.” Vaders respirator mask hissed as it drew a large intake of air. “The Galaxy is focusing upon your worlds once more Admiral, it is only a stroke of fate that one of our probe droids detected Godulan signatures within your system.”

The Emperor took the Admiral out into the cold corridors of the carrier, the halls were dimly lit, with a steely dark red aura to them. Crewmembers dressed in an unfamiliar uniform marched without uttering a word to each other, heads bowed low and intent focused upon duty.

Lord Atrox awoke from his vision, as he watched everyone pass by, solders, marines, deckhands, some in orange uniforms, others in black, but mostly, he saw the traditional Navy blue uniforms, passing by him, like a sea of insects surrounding the Dark lord. As he watched, he noticed in the distance, one girl, running. She wore black athletic pants, and a tight sports shirt, as her hair in a pony tail bopped up and down, as she went for a morning jog. This in itself was not too unusual, but something shiny caught Atrox’s eye, something out of place, a rapier, attached to her side.

Atrox watched the girl, with a tatoo on her neck run, down the hall. “Aren’t you going to go after her? There is your target, there is your gift, and your future. Or are you going to break your oath now?” the voice of the raven haired girl whispered in his ear.

Atrox ignored her for a moment, as he began to follow the girl. He followed her, down to the gym. As he walked in, he saw many of the crew, some on tread mills, others lifting weights. The smell was nauseating, the stench of sweat dripped in the air.

Lord Atrox’s senses were alive, as he walked around the gym, the small TV’s in the corner, some people reading as they exercised, others hitting punching bags. Where was she, where did she go? He asked himself, until he found a small arena.

Hera swung her sword, the blade slashing at nothing, as she practiced her swordsmanship in the ring against a phantom opponent. She thrusted inward, aiming at the invisible target, as one or two of the crew came by and watched. Oblivious to Atrox’s existence, she continued to attack, to move with lightnign speed, of an olympic fencer. She trusted, and dodged, as if she was in a real fight, moving with surprising agility, thrusting with sheer force. Atrox watched her form, the way she moved. You can tell a lot about a person in battle, and this was his chance to see Hera alone, to meet her without speaking.

She danced around for an hour, before finally sheathing her sword. As she reached for her towel, and began to wipe her neck, she looked over to the loaming figure that is Darth Atrox. Her eyes glanced at his, her dark brown eyes. She put the towel up to her face and dried it off. As she pulled the towel down, she looked at him and smiled. She showed no fear, of the robotic insect, her pulse did not race. She showed no hate of the jedi towards the sith, she showed no jealousy of the sith to one another, she only smiled. Hera reached down to her gym bag, and began to put her towel, and her bottle water back inside. She slowly turned, to the statue that was Darth Atrox. Looking at him, as he looked at her a predator stalking and watching their prey. The question is whom was which...

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

On the Command Carrier

Admiral Cain walked with Lord Vader, as he spoke of the grave and imminent threat to the colonies. She walked resolute next to him, as she continued, a leader of one nation, next to the leader of another, walking as equals in the great new ship of the Galactic Empire.

Admiral Cain staring straight ahead, as the entourage behind her, of red robed guards and Colonial marines walked side by side, ready to defend their leaders to the death. “Lord Vader, I can assure you, and I also have these assurances from Lord Atrox himself, that the Godulans that are on the colonies are not of their military personal. In fact, the reason they are here, is they oppose whole sale genocide, and wish to aid those whom genocide has come to.”

She continued to walk along side him, “Despite their ill choices in friends, they appear to be sincere, and once the biosphere of the colonies is fully restored, and the reconstruction is complete, they will leave the colonies peacefully. I have these assurances, and I would never have allowed them to come if I did not have the proper evidence to support that claim. I understand that the Godulans see you as a grave threat, and I understand how you would be concerned. My friend, I am grateful for your concern, you are a true ally of the colonies, but no harm will come here today, or ever from the Godulans. The Galaxy is full of nations that are willing to shove a knife in the back of a nation for something as small as a cookie, but it will not happen here, or if they happened to do so, may the gods have mercy on them, for the Colonies never will." Cain continued.

As they walked she noticed the changes in the ship’s design and uniforms. She turned to Lord Vader, “Very interesting design, and change in uniforms. I must say though that I liked your older uniforms much better, they had more of a military look to them. Tell me, when changes like this occur it is as much symbolic as it is updating. What is changing, to warrent such drastic changes in the Imperial Navy?” Cain asked.

Darian nodded at Domiel. "Of course. I just was curious." The Ascendant turned and established a link to the ships he had in system.

"What's your status?"

"Well, to put it frankly, we're all set but about to fly apart from the tension. Man, do I hate Imperials; they live suspense!"

Darian chuckled mentally. "Be calm; we can hope that they choose not to commit certain actions."

"Indeed. I'll be ready for the worst, and wait for reinforcements."



OOC: Short, I know, but I have nothing to do really.

OOC:

I know what you mean. I gave OG control of Atrox for his meeting with Hera until he gets to the bridge. I think he is waiting for US to reply.

Atrox started the conversation that was fated to happen.

“You are quite impressive. Your skills with the blade exceed one of your years. Who trained you?”

Hera smiled to the dark lord, as she lowered her eyes from, as if she were far inferior to him. She could feel his mind, his power, and she knew in the back of her mind, that this one was not to be deceived so easily.

“My lord,” she continued, “back on Caprica, my mother placed me in lessons when I was little. It was her hopes that I would go to the Olympic Games, but that was all shattered by the Cylon destruction of the colonies,” she replied, her eyes adverting from his. She knew that he did not believe the act, but she had to try.

Atrox knew she was lying about the training on Caprica, the hairs he had found on Konoha told him she was Hera and he knew she had been sent as a child to the Coredians to be schooled. Besides, Jedi maneuvers hinted at in her routine, even though she had held back, betrayed her extensive training and the ultimate source of the training. The Colonies did not have those maneuvers in their Olympics.

“Ah, yes, Caprica. That was a marvelous city. I remember it well and fondly think back upon it. Too bad it was black holed by the Coredians and they caused the Cylons to nuke it. Before it was ruined I had met a number of interesting individuals.”

Hera looked to Lord Atrox who easily stood a foot taller than she, "Yes Lord, it was quite beautiful. It was my home for many years. After the great Coredian betrayal, and Cylon insurrection, I am afraid that there is nothing left of my home. She replied sadly. She looked to Atrox, but Caprica City was always an interesting place, tell me of your experience in the city."

“Well, I should not tell you this but I feel I can trust you for some reason. Perhaps we are kindred spirits of some sort.”

Atrox gestured with one of his smaller and lower hands at a bench off to the side. If he was to tell her a tale, it would be more polite to invite her to sit. If he didn’t want any to overhear, it would have to be off to the side out of earshot of the others in the room that were already giving them looks. He could see them through the Kython’s senses from his suit.

After Hera took her seat on the bench, Atrox positioned himself to block the view of the others, almost by accident and then crouched, putting his face level with Hera’s, speaking to her as an equal. His voice was modulated so only she could hear and he made no unexpected movements, using his upper and larger arms for support occasionally gesturing with his lower arms as he spoke.

“To be honest, I was asked to land on the planet to seek out known Abh spies. Footage of one of them, a human Apprentice by the name of Erickson, had been retrieved of him fighting Colonial soldiers of whom one was slain. I landed near the bar the fight took place in and after searching the deserted place, located a personal object I could use to get an aural trace upon him. I followed his Aura to a warehouse basement where he was talking to seven humanoid Cylons. I asked for permission to extradite the Abh Spy and they were debating it when Master Sakir from the Coredian Embassy showed up. While we were debating the extradition, I located several blue hairs on the back of a chair left by Erikson’s Master and collected them. The Coredians tried to argue in the favor of not allowing me to take the Abh. The Cylons were tied three votes for each and the final vote was left to a woman. The Coredian spoke a cryptic message to her about her daughter being safe at school to sway her vote. That act of betrayal of trust caused the Cylons to deny the extradition so I left after promising to return the daughter to the mother. I also told the Jedi his act was the most despicable one I have ever seen and he would pay for his dishonor.”

Atrox paused for a moment to make sure she was following every word he was speaking and broadcasting to her telepathically before continuing.

Hera listened to the story, the truth of his words echoed from Atrox’s mind and memories. She also knew the other half, of the attack on Konoha, the devastation of two billion lives wiped out, but unlike before where she had hate, now she knew the other side. Still though, it was all her fault, no matter what occurred. Her emotions swelled inside her, like a helium balloon, but on the outside, she remained calm. "My lord, that is an interesting tale, but I am not sure if I am authorized to hear it.”

She lowered her head a bit, the first real sign of her actions, and placed her hands in her hair. “What happened to Sakir, and the Abh?” she asked the second in command of the Galactic Empire.

“Nonsense, there is only one person that can override my decision to tell this story and he is not in this room at the moment. I feel you need to know the Truth Hera, the Real Truth.”

Atrox had deliberately used her name. He wanted her to know he knew who she was and how the story was relevant to her. It was her story as well as his own and he wanted her to know it all.

“Yes, I knew who you are and I will keep your secret for now. You are safe from me.”

Atrox looked deeply into her eyes letting his feelings be felt by Hera. He let her know he really meant no danger to her and he could be trusted.

Hera smiled to the dark lord, and looked around the room. "My Lord, you are mistaken, my name is Lt. Sarah McNeil." she replied to the Sith Lord, who both parties knew was an obvious lie. "Sarah" looked down and saw the dark lord’s lightsabers at his waist. "Those are beautiful." she replied, in a poor attempt to change the subject.

“I understand, ‘Sarah’.” It was pretty apparent the ruse was not believed but Atrox was not going to break her cover.

“After I left the Cylon home, I used the hairs I found to locate the Abh Jedi, Jessyka. As I was following her trace, the nuclear detonation went off and devoured the city. I had to open an Aperture to the general location of where the Abh was to escape the blast myself and ended up in one of the Colonial bases. I knocked out some guards and created doppelgangers of them to assist me. I found the way to the base commander’s office and in walked the Abh and Coredians. This was after they detonated their black hole device, killing thousands of Colonial civilians that fled to the safety of the area under their Embassy Shield.”

“I infiltrated the group posing as another Coredian apprentice and assisted in getting the 200 survivors onto a train that lead to safety. While on the train, Sakir confronted me. I am not sure how he knew I was not what I was pretending to be, probably because I felt the lost child through the Force right before and it might have caused my disguise to slip. Regardless, the ruse was up and I revealed myself and was offered to sit down and discuss philosophy. My doppelgangers were moving the Colonial refugees out of the train car and after that, I felt Sakir use the force. Right afterwards, the last car came uncoupled and one of the guards he believed to be Colonial was killed as he went under the train. The others were injured as it derailed and I was tossed about the compartment. Sakir and Jessyka teleported out as if they knew it was going to happen. When they finally showed up they never even bothered to assist in saving the remaining colonial soldiers and watched one die. I gave the soldier an Honorable farewell and called my ship. When it arrived I gave the two so-called jedi masters the opportunity to travel as cargo or to leave. They chose to hitch a ride and I dropped them off at The Aries. Admiral Cain allowed me to claim their sabers for my own and I have them in my ship as I speak.”

“As a symbolic gesture to the way he acted, I twisted Sakir’s saber to act much the way it seems your rapier would. It is Force Dead and impedes the force much the same way. Just like Kobal does.”

Hera's eyes gave the subtle clue, as her pupils eyes widened. She was shocked, that not only this dark lord knew the method in which her Rapier drew its ability, but also what it did. Even more disturbing to Hera, was he not only knew of Kobal, but believed the old legend. She knew she was giving slight hints, which only the most trained person would be able to pick up on, but she scrambled in her mind to reclaim control over her body. "You are most wise, Lord Atrox." Hera replied, to the dark lord. "Tell me, I have heard stories of the Sith, their lust for power, their unbridled hate. The holo-net is filled with such legends, but why is it you act more like the legends of the Jedi than the Sith?" She continued, "You are helping to rebuild a destroyed nation, and you are here talking to me not like I am a servant, or a junior officer, but as an equal. I must say, you fly in the face of stereotypes"


Atrox chuckled. The sound was not truly a laugh, more of a wheeze through the insect sphincters, but it came across telepathically as a chuckle.

“The stories are mainly about Darksiders, ones who Fall and are slaves to their emotions. A True Sith Lord has complete mastery over his emotions and uses them to fuel his passions and his foci when using the Force. He uses them to focus his power and to temper his reactions. Darksiders are prey to their own emotions and by default controlled by them.”

“The Colonies were betrayed by those they thought were allies and we feel it is our duty as an older race to show younger races the right thing to do. It is our duty to help those deserving of our assistance. It would be Dishonorable to leave the Colonies in the state they were. That is why we continue to assist them and defend them against any who would attempt to destroy them.”

The two leaders walked continuously through the dimly lit corridors, Emperor Vader intimidating as he was seemed not to phase Cain in her arrogance. Was she fearless, or perhaps just foolish? Her questions about the Empires new military development seemed vain and superficial and her comments on the Godulans carried a certain lack lustre concern for the security of her own homeworlds.

“I would not have come here personally Admiral, if there was not a credible threat to the colonies, I have many duties to attend to instead of sight seeing Caprica…. again. We are under an unsigned but standing defence obligation to your worlds. We have arrived on force, and have arrived en masse with civilian vessels and repair crews to help maintain the peace in an already dangerous system.” Vader led Cain through a side door into a magnificent park that was bustling with children, supervisors and a synthetic blue sky. In the middle a great fountain or Sith Lords of old sent water high into the air as children danced beneath it, and just before in between two beds of beautiful roses was a table and two chairs.

Vader led Admiral Cain to her seat as the chair mysteriously pulled away from the table by use of supernatural means. Vader himself sat down his respirator not taking leave of a moment that would traditionally be encompassed with silence. “If you pick up the data pad in front of you Admiral you will find the first item on our agenda.” Imperial, Colonial Military Treaty.

Henceforth, on behalf of the Galactic Empire, and the Twelve Colonies the following imprint of Admiral Cain and Lord Darth Vader will signify the bondage of each nation-state in legally and honour bound protocol. The treaty states:

1) Both Nationstates shall agree to a non aggression pact and forbid the targeting of allied vessels, unless under due threat from ‘rogue’ personnel, or other such extraordinary measures.

2) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies shall agree to full military defence of individual each Nationstates in being bound to unrestricted service for the defence of each realm, not short of total war upon any aggressor. Be it allied or foe.

3) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies cannot deny a direct request for either party for aid.

4) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies will agree to Free trade and unrestricted open commercial markets.

5) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies will agree to the principles of order.

6) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies will agree to implement a formal extradition treaty.

7) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies will announce the principle of joint scientific venture.

8) This treaty supersedes all others which could and can cause conflict.

9) The Galactic Empire will assume sole responsibility for the reconstruction of the Colonies, and in responsibility to paragraph two, begin full shipment of material resources to reconstruct the colonial fleet.

10) The Twelve Colonies will permit the Galactic Empire to construct and maintain one Holo-Network station within the Colonies, and one permanent Faster than light inhibitor field network. Including additional assets to the security and safety of its operational parameters, as defined in the Imperial code of compliance volume 18 section 569.

11) The Twelve Colonies will not harbour any Coredian. Jedi. Force sensitive that is at large with the Galactic Empire.

12) The Twelve Colonies will fully commit to the removal of all Godulan presence within their star-system within one Imperial year, for the security of both nationstates.

13) Both nationstates will agree that this treaty is of a most secret nature and cannot be discussed outside of high level government.

14) Failure to abide by these articles can be constituted as an act of war, on either parties behalf.

“I consider the arrangement to be most reasonable admiral.” Vaders respirator crackled sincerely.

Hera

The temptation sings from on high, the quiet drumming of fate trickles closer as the melancholy of the present arises. The dull sound of wind storms against the ice white walls of the nameless place. Hera alone once again walks slowly up the stairs. A palace wrought from ice and marble glistening in the moonlight, brings echoes of a lonely fear that has hidden itself from the reality of life. Clothed in a red, crimson dress she walks like a stain of blood through a sinless world.

Pillars stretch from floor to the rune engraved heaven on her either side. The temperature is cool with a white mist of her nervous breath filling the space in front of her as she comes to a great cross road. Three hallways leading into the black, she can go forward, left or right.

There is no turning back.

The two leaders walked continuously through the dimly lit corridors, Emperor Vader intimidating as he was seemed not to phase Cain in her arrogance. Was she fearless, or perhaps just foolish? Her questions about the Empires new military development seemed vain and superficial and her comments on the Godulans carried a certain lack lustre concern for the security of her own homeworlds.

“I would not have come here personally Admiral, if there was not a credible threat to the colonies, I have many duties to attend to instead of sight seeing Caprica…. again. We are under an unsigned but standing defence obligation to your worlds. We have arrived on force, and have arrived en masse with civilian vessels and repair crews to help maintain the peace in an already dangerous system.” Vader led Cain through a side door into a magnificent park that was bustling with children, supervisors and a synthetic blue sky. In the middle a great fountain or Sith Lords of old sent water high into the air as children danced beneath it, and just before in between two beds of beautiful roses was a table and two chairs.

Vader led Admiral Cain to her seat as the chair mysteriously pulled away from the table by use of supernatural means. Vader himself sat down his respirator not taking leave of a moment that would traditionally be encompassed with silence. “If you pick up the data pad in front of you Admiral you will find the first item on our agenda.” Imperial, Colonial Military Treaty.

Henceforth, on behalf of the Galactic Empire, and the Twelve Colonies the following imprint of Admiral Cain and Lord Darth Vader will signify the bondage of each nation-state in legally and honour bound protocol. The treaty states:

1) Both Nationstates shall agree to a non aggression pact and forbid the targeting of allied vessels, unless under due threat from ‘rogue’ personnel, or other such extraordinary measures.

2) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies shall agree to full military defence of individual each Nationstates in being bound to unrestricted service for the defence of each realm, not short of total war upon any aggressor. Be it allied or foe.

3) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies cannot deny a direct request for either party for aid.

4) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies will agree to Free trade and unrestricted open commercial markets.

5) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies will agree to the principles of order.

6) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies will agree to implement a formal extradition treaty.

7) The Galactic Empire and the Twelve Colonies will announce the principle of joint scientific venture.

8) This treaty supersedes all others which could and can cause conflict.

9) The Galactic Empire will assume sole responsibility for the reconstruction of the Colonies, and in responsibility to paragraph two, begin full shipment of material resources to reconstruct the colonial fleet.

10) The Twelve Colonies will permit the Galactic Empire to construct and maintain one Holo-Network station within the Colonies, and one permanent Faster than light inhibitor field network. Including additional assets to the security and safety of its operational parameters, as defined in the Imperial code of compliance volume 18 section 569.

11) The Twelve Colonies will not harbour any Coredian. Jedi. Force sensitive that is at large with the Galactic Empire.

12) The Twelve Colonies will fully commit to the removal of all Godulan presence within their star-system within one Imperial year, for the security of both nationstates.

13) Both nationstates will agree that this treaty is of a most secret nature and cannot be discussed outside of high level government.

14) Failure to abide by these articles can be constituted as an act of war, on either parties behalf.

“I consider the arrangement to be most reasonable admiral.” Vaders respirator crackled sincerely.

Hera

The temptation sings from on high, the quiet drumming of fate trickles closer as the melancholy of the present arises. The dull sound of wind storms against the ice white walls of the nameless place. Hera alone once again walks slowly up the stairs. A palace wrought from ice and marble glistening in the moonlight, brings echoes of a lonely fear that has hidden itself from the reality of life. Clothed in a red, crimson dress she walks like a stain of blood through a sinless world.

Pillars stretch from floor to the rune engraved heaven on her either side. The temperature is cool with a white mist of her nervous breath filling the space in front of her as she comes to a great cross road. Three hallways leading into the black, she can go forward, left or right.

There is no turning back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKLUDylr-E

The world vanished, as Hera came into the new, kicking and screaming, her mind reaching out to any anchor it could, any at all, and grab a hold it did.

Hera stood in the ice hallway, nervous at first, as she wore the beautiful red dress. Hera turned and pushed her fingers against the ice cold walls as she stood before three hallways.

“Where are we?” she heard from behind her.

“We are home.” she replied to the voice behind her, as she turned to see the giant black bug. Hera looked up towards the heavenly cathedral rooftop, and spun around, her arms wide open, as her nervousness faded into happiness. “It is not my home, but his, the man in black who wears white.” Hera replied, as she smiled and began to dance around in place in the ice.

Reality never sat well with Hera, her home was always her delusions, the deep cracks in her psyche, that drew others in as has happened so many times. Master Hawkins, Emily Rydo, Daniel Massaki, all who have touched Hera, like all that would have fallen prey to the gaps of her mind, so too would Darth Atrox.

Hera stopped dancing for a moment, and stared blankly at Atrox. “Hawkins is right...” she said, as her eyes sparkled blue. “I have no master, only teachers, only students... no one has power over me, I am free.” she exclaimed as she grabbed Darth Atrox and continued to dance in beat with some tune in the back of her mind.

As she danced, she leaned forward to the dark lord of the sith, “He is in my mind, using my own powers, and I know this now... Hawkins was right.” she said giddy. She continued to dance and smile, as she continued, “It is so sad, the truth will set you free, it releases you from your bonds, and it can never be taken away. The truth is he like me, like you, we are all an idea, nothing more, just actors on a stage dancing for other’s amusements, and I am fine.” she whispered as the two twirled around.

As the pair twirled around, the room changed, from the icy cold cavern, to the beautiful scene of the Opera house on Kobal. This was her first illusion, and the best, as her heart ached to be there. The Ice melted away revealing the warmth of the opera house in the city of the gods.

Atrox and Hera danced away on the stage, the six white curtains behind her, alone in solitude. “No one has power over me but me.” she replied, as she danced some more. An orchestra appeared, and began to play, as they danced for what seemed like hours. When the song finished, Hera took Atrox’s hand and kissed it. Her red dress, now a sparkling white evening gown, her feet bare, she curtsied before him.

Atrox, looking the opposite direction of the young Hera Agathon, could see the red carpet, the audience full of people clapping with thunderous applause, and a man, as still as a statue, a man dressed in white. Hera slowly turned around, and bowed, to the waste before him. “Why hello.” she replied smiling.

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

Meanwhile in the really real world...

Admiral Cain picked up the treaty. Her emotions filled with hate as she read each and every line. The lines that were vague, too vague, the insult of having to sign a treaty, when as a solder her word was her bond. This insult, higher than ignoring an official invitation to a high level Colonial event, swelled in her.

She held the treaty in her hand as she tossed it on the table.

“Is this some kind of joke.” she replied to Darth Vader. “What member of the Galactic Empire has ever signed a treaty? What alliance treaty has a provision of a declaration of war for violation?” she asked him. “The Ta’Nar never did, their word was good enough. Has Remiel, the Warlord of the Galactic Empire? Does he even know of this?” She exclaimed. “I am a solder, I am the Admiral of the Colonial Fleet, and treaties are not a warriors way, they are a politicians.” she continued.

She looked up to the durasteel helmet of Lord Vader. “A treaty is not just simply a contract, but when it is before nations, it is law. How can a law be a secret, that is counterproductive.” she continued. “You want me to support order, then my guess is that you want me to stand against Chaos. How far have you fallen to become like the Coredians, to stand against the agents of Chaos, your very own warlord? You want this treaty to he held higher than any other agreement, I am a warrior, my word is my bond. Atrox understands this, Remiel understands this. If you do not, then my expectations of you are not that high.” Cain retorted.

Admiral Cain began to walk back to her guard. “You deal is not a valid one, no troops of a foreign nation will set foot on the colonies, without my and the Quorum’s consent. No nation will garrison any defenses of the colonies during peace time, without my and the Quorum’s consent."

"No nation will set up devices in the colonies which they control again without my and the quorum’s consent. And no treaty that requires the lack of trust of signing paper, will ever be held in secret. Secrecy is the nature of liars. I am not a liar.” Cain continued her retort. We are your allies, not cause of paper but because of honor. Even after this, my actions will prove louder by my words, as I will continue to support our defensive alliance as a member of the Galactic Empire.” she continued.

“Remiel, Atrox, and countless other nations have accepted my friendship not for paper, but by actions freely given by our friendship. Instead you snubbed my invitation to show the galaxy our friendship, and you have asked me here to sign this in secret, like some sort of thief in the night to be hidden away from the world. If you are the colonies friend then you do not need paper. I will not sign, as every other member of the Galactic Empire has never needed to. ” she concluded.

Cain turned to walk out of the park. "Accept my friendship as friendship, or not that is your choice. I am leaving." she said as she and her guards turned to walk out towards the hanger.

Atrox, looking the opposite direction of the young Hera Agathon, could see the red carpet, the audience full of people clapping with thunderous applause, and a man, as still as a statue, a man dressed in white. Hera slowly turned around, and bowed, to the waste before him. “Why hello.” she replied smiling.

As Hera bowed to the Man in White in the distance a silver hand touched her shoulder. “Why hello Hera.” A voice whispered in her ear from behind. “Lets go.”

The room changed, Atrox captured within the illusion of Heras own making had nothing to do but enjoy the music, while the man in white studied and conversed with his child. She had improved, she had learned a lot, but she was still nothing more than a youthful concern. One with a blade and a sword certainly, but nothing more than that.

They were now in an ice blue room, the walls decorated with the finest Caprican art, the temperature a magnificent minus five. Hera stood aimlessly in the room, fraught with anger at her abilities being superseded, controlled, dominated, manipulated but also nurtured.

There were two seats, one which the man in white had already adopted while Hera was free to choose her own. Stand, sit, there was no where else to go, nothing else to do, but look and stare at the hooded figure merely five feet away.

“Its been a while Hera.” A voice said slyly from behind a folded hood.

Hera once again stood in the Ice blue room. She sighed, as she looked down at her white dress, as her feet began to get a chill. She looked to the man in white, as the temperature around her rose, to a more comfortable level, for the scantily clothed woman.

AS he body began to warm, she felt no anger, no hate, nor even frustration. Instead she felt... happiness. She looked to the man in white, “Yes it has been.: she said smiling. “You have been away so long I thought you had forgotten me.” she said smiling. “How have you been?”

“Fate has its eyes upon you Hera, through someone so small lies the fate of so many. In you, the balance lies and from you the balance will be set. You’re growing stronger, more powerful by the day and yet the anger and the pain still haunts your every moment.” The Man in White paused as Hera started to dance on her feet as a small pool of water gathered around her. The Ice was melting.

“I said I could take your pain away Hera, would you still like that, to be free of such hurt? Or would you like something else, something greater?"

Hera smiled to the man, "Pain is a part of life, to be free of pain is death. Life is the greater portion, the truly brave and noble choice, the only true dance worth dancing. Tell me." she replied, "what is this greater purpose?" she asked the man before her.

“The greater purpose is everything. It is light and it is dark, it is good and it is evil, it extends from this reality to infinite others. It stretches from the beginning of time to the end and only here and now is it being abused. Your part in this purpose is yet undefined, perhaps in time you yourself will find your use, but we.”

“We need to know now Hera.” A second Man in White appeared from the walls.

“You stand at a crossroads as one who is unique.” A third rose from the floor.

“Your mother and sister Hera threaten the purpose.” A fourth chuckled as he skulked towards her, obsidian cane in hand.

The fifth Man in White rose from his station and walked towards the nearest wall. Hidden almost seamlessly was a door that led into the same hallway which Hera was faced with when she first arrived. Three corridors, only one choice, only one door to pass through. But this time, the hallway was starting to melt. The icy marble shattering away revealing the telling signs of the opera house. Music started to filter through into the conversation but this was oddly expected, as though it were necessary. The Men in White remained calm and steady, their features as always masked by the truth of their confusion.

“Your fate is already mapped and the balance is already approaching. Only one choice will result in joy for you Hera. You will be a creature of pain. Which door do you choose?”

Laughter bursts out of Hera, like a fountain erupting to the sky. She just laughed and smiled, as the game continued. “I love this game so much, we used to play this in school. The only thing you are missing is the one man who always tells the truth and the one man that always lies.” she replied.

She looked into the new arrivals, the glowing white presence of the men. “Only three possible futures, this is fallacious. The future is a linear set of events, not some random chance that could occur. It is not a roll of the dice, or some random Saggitaron roulette.” She looked to the man that was always been, and always would be. “Who are you?” she asked.

Only one word came forward. "Calamity."

Hera smiles, "Do you mind if I call you Cal then?" She looks at the doors, each non discript, each as bland as the other. She turns her body to the man. "Well Cal." she replies, "We will have to see which I choose." Hera replies as she laughs. The Ice melts away as they return once more to the Opera house. The golden stairway and the beautiful artwork that surrounded them. The warmth, the light shined on the actors on the stage.

"The future is set in stone. It has all happened before and will happen again. Hera replied to "Cal" as she stood on the stage. "We are all actors in a story that is told and retold throughout time. The last time I was in your place, and you were in mine. The actors change, but the characters remain the same. I would have thought you would have known this." she replied.

The men in white each rose a silver left hand towards Hera. "You chose to go back. Now you must choose the path blindly and burn upon the consequences." As the reality of her youth struck Hera, each robed man chose a door to walk through, their wisdom having been ignored.

"Hera." Calamity said just before he passed. "You will seek me out, in time." The door closed behind him before slowly fading away to the gentle music of the Opera house.

Domiel tapped his fingers on the tactical display in front of him, an odd display of boredom from the otherwise stoic countenance of the Godulan Avatar. The Ascendant's discomfort was plainly visible, and the Avatar did not blame him for it. With the Imperials in the system, blithely taking position over the capital world and demanding to see Cain as per Imperial Standard Procedure, who would not be on edge?

We find it is easier to focus on the relief effort than the rather unsightly presence over Caprica, Domiel commented to Darian, for there is really nothing else we can do but watch and wait.

Domiel removed his hand from the tactical display and held them in front of him, flexing his fingers one at a time with a remarkable degree of precision and control. Still, we wish the formalities would conclude in whichever manner, so we will know if the Imperial relief units will actually be allocated... and so we can start telling them where to go. Do you think they will have an issue with placement orders coming from a Godulan?

Geminon

Ixxis Cranata was the Ithorian in charge of the reconstruction effort that members of the galaxy who were not allied to the Empire or its allies sent forth to the Twelve Colonies. Having to negotiate with the Godulans and haggle with Cain over where to put the 'independent' reconstruction fleet took a goodly amount of his time, but he managed it, perhaps thanks to the Force. The Godulans had directed the reconstruction fleet to concentrate on Tauron and Geminon, while sprinkling ships and personnell all over the Twelve Colonies. And they began.

Clearing away rubble, putting up shelter, doling out rationed food, medicine and clothing to the civilians on the surface of the planets, the Galaxy has come to give the Colonies what it most desperately needed: a place in the Galactic community. Nevermind the fact that it's considered a third-world nation by most standards nowadays...

Then the Empire arrived to 'add' to the reconstruction. The Ithorian High Priest could sense that Darth Vader was around somewhere, judging by the great darkness he could feel coming from the new Imperial flagship and wondered what the Empire was up to this time. He feverently hoped it wouldn't disrupt his own efforts, but with the Imperials around, he knew he would have to expect something.

=====

The Pair continued to walk, as nothing was said, winding down the corridors, towards the flight pods. As they approached, Admiral Cain saw the newest batch of new recruits. She put her Arms behind her back, as she approached. Thirty of the newest crew members to the Ares, quickly saluted, as they stood in formation against both sides of the corridors. Admiral Cain looked at each one of them.

“Do you know why you are here?” she ordered.

“Sir yes sir.” they all announced in unison.

“Why?” she asked.

“We are the best of the best SIR.” the new recruits all answered in unison.

“Then why the frak are you littering my corridor, get to your stations, what do you think this is a frakking coffee break. Move it.” she ordered.

As the men and women grabbed their duffle bags, Atrox noticed in the distance, a young seventeen year old woman, in a navy blue colonial uniform. The golden patch on her arm, BSG 142, BSG Ares. He looked at her as she walked by him, her eyes avoiding his, as she walked briskly towards her quarters.

Cain turned to Atrox, “That is always fun, putting the fear of the gods in the new recruits.” she said smiling.
Thirty new recruits aboard the Warstar gathered up their gear and headed to their stations. Three of these recruits, however, were of note.

Lt. Nathanel "Jarhead" Wilkins was one of the nuggets. A bit on the cocky side, as pilots are wont to to be, but he had the skill to back it up, as only the best would be able to fly the mk VIII Viper off the Ares to engage and destroy the enemy, whether they be Cylons or, if scuttlebutt was true, Coredians.

Corporal Shelly Able, a member of the Ares' detachment of the Marines. She has a cool personality as befitting one who understands duty above all other considerations. She was considered to be on track for advancement by her superiors at base camp, but only time would tell if that was true.

Warrent Officer Kenneth Zeiss is the new quartermaster of his section, and likely had the most demanding positon of the threesome, but he was sure he was up to the job, even though it called for making sure that supply and logistics were at optimum parameters. It was also a job that allowed him to keep an eye and ear out for everything that went on aboard the Ares, including the fact that the Empire has shown up to help reconstruct the Twelve Colonies.

Unbeknownst to the Admiral, the threesome would be quite important in the future. Quite important indeed...

Warstar Ares
Two hours ago...

The new officers and enlisted men, grabbed their duffle bags and began to walk in formation down the hallways. The moment was joyous, as several people could be heard talking about their new positions.

“Man I can not believe I qualified for this ship, this is going to be one hell of a stepping stone for a promotion.” one person replied.

“What the frak are you talking about?” a marine dressed in black replied, “Why would you want to be off a ship like this. From what I have heard, Cain is not an arm chair admiral, I just can not wait to blow the shit out of the mother frakking toasters.” another replied.

“Shut the frak up.” one of the pilots told the crewmen. “Is this your first frakking time on a warstar. Talk like that creates sloppiness, and with the NPC’s, Ta’Nar, Godulans, the Ascendancy, and now the frakkin Empire, this place is a gods damn powder keg. Keep your thoughts to yourself.” she yelled. “Just look at your orders, and find out when your duty station is.”

The three important crewmen and officer, looked down to their duty stations.

Jarhead was the first to look at his duty card. “Flight Deck one, Duty shift three, quarters 112, pilots bunk. Plane assignment NC 3221 Mark VIII Viper.” was all his said.

The marine looked down to hers, “Duty shift three, Marine Barracks 002. See duty shift roster for assignment.”

The easiest of the three was the new quartermaster. “Quarters 231, Duty assignment Duty shift 4.” He was sure to be at ease, being that colonials made you live eat and sleep with your squadron or platoon, out of the three he would have it the easiest. He only had to share his room with four other people, unlike the pilots, who had to sleep with their squadron, or the marines. They each turned to go to their quarters to meet the men and women that they would serve with, those who would protect their lives, and who’s lives they would protect.

(waiting for CW to come online to continue his portion and catch him up to the current time. )

Atrox was mildly surprised when the gym disappeared but could feel what happened. He was within Hera’s mind, her Vision. He has had enough of them in the past to immediately recognize the subtle qualities of a visionary world. Even though Hera’s internal world was different, they all share the same basics. Atrox figured he would ride along to see what was going on.

He first appeared in a large structure composed of ice. The walls and doors made it look like they were in some sort of ice palace. Hera’s breath floated like a silvery cloud or aura.

“Where are we?”

Hera turned to Atrox and whispered to him. “We are home. It is not my home, but his, the man in black who wears white.”

Atrox pondered what she meant by that reference while the girl began to dance around the room as if she was hearing music hidden from him. As she danced, her red dress made a sharp contract against the white and blue of the ice. Hera suddenly stopped and stared at Atrox with a vague blank look, almost as if she was watching something else.

“Hawkins is right...” she said, as her eyes sparkled blue. “I have no master, only teachers, only students... no one has power over me, I am free.” she exclaimed as she grabbed Darth Atrox and continued to dance in beat with some tune in the back of her mind.

Atrox was unsure of what to do so he followed her lead at first but then as he accessed memories of different dances he took over and Hera followed his lead. He was not sure of the music but could hear a vague echo of it from Hera’s mind. The strange sight of the young woman in a red dress dancing with the black insect form of his power suit would have been comical in any other situation but here it felt right, it felt like defiance against the Ice Palace and its owner. “Yes, you are free. You can make your own choices. You are not a slave to anyone, only yourself.”

As she danced, she leaned forward to the dark lord of the sith, “He is in my mind, using my own powers, and I know this now... Hawkins was right.” she said giddy. She continued to dance and smile, as she continued, “It is so sad, the truth will set you free, it releases you from your bonds, and it can never be taken away. The truth is he is like me, like you, we are all an idea, nothing more, just actors on a stage dancing for other’s amusements, and I am fine.” she whispered as the two twirled around.

Atrox looked at Hera. “If that is true, who is in the orchestra, who is the writer, who is the audience? There is a much grander picture that has to be seen because behind everything is a reason. Until you can figure out the reason, all you can do is follow the script and act your part.”

As the pair twirled around, the room changed, from the icy cold cavern, to the beautiful scene of the Opera house on Kobal. This was her first illusion, and the best, as her heart ached to be there. The Ice melted away revealing the warmth of the opera house in the city of the gods.

He found himself standing on a stage of some grand theater. No it was not a theater, the orchestra pit definitely pointed this out to be a large and well build opera house. The masterfully crafted balconies gleamed with oiled woods. The brass fixtures glittered in the light of a thousand candles, yet none could be seen anywhere.

Atrox and Hera danced away on the stage, the six white curtains behind her, alone in solitude. “No one has power over me but me.” she replied, as she danced some more. An orchestra appeared, and began to play, as they danced for what seemed like hours. When the song finished, Hera took Atrox’s hand and kissed it. Her red dress, now a sparkling white evening gown, her feet bare, she curtsied before him.

Atrox, looking the opposite direction of the young Hera Agathon, could see the red carpet, the audience full of people clapping with thunderous applause, and a man, as still as a statue, a man dressed in white. Hera slowly turned around, and bowed, to the waste before him. “Why hello.” she replied smiling.
The strange man garbed in white suddenly appeared next to Hera and touched her on the shoulder. “Why hello Hera.” A voice whispered in her ear from behind. “Lets go.”

With that the two vanished and Atrox was left in the Opera House. Suddenly Atrox fell to his knees as another vision took him over.

Atrox was on The Aries walking down a hall when suddenly a great wind picked up and blew everything around. Small objects were grasped by the swiftly moving air and dragged along, coming to rest against the grills of several air ducts. People began to scream and run about and they panicked as red lights began to flash and alarms sounded. Coldness crept into his awareness and a fire began to burn in his chest. His eyes ached and everything became blurry. The cold crept into his throat and he began to gasp, clutching his throat as he tried to inhale. For some reason he could only breathe out, as if a giant weight sat upon his chest. Pain formed in his stomach and his head as if they were trying to burst. Red bubbles were forming on his mouth as his lings bleed out; he dropped to the floor trying to gasp in any air. His lungs were ablaze and sharp pain pierced his ears as the thin membranes ruptured. The alarms became silent as there was no medium to transmit the noise or any intact ears to hear them. His eyes also began to dim as the pressure damaged the retina. His vision faded until it was gone and the fire ceased and he lay still.

Atrox suddenly found himself back in his own body looking down at the aspirated form of the Colonial soldier lying on the hall floor. Around him in the ship he could feel hundreds of others dying as the atmosphere left the ship. There were people in the mess hall lying on their faces, bloody froth covering their faces and looks of terror frozen forever in their eyes. In the quarters, bodies lay where they fell from the bunks as they awoke to witness the passing of their lives across their lips. Their blankets tangled in their still forms a testament to their final struggle.

Atrox then saw a lone infant in the arms of her dead mother. Its body was tightly wrapped but there was no movement. The two just lay together near one of the vents as if they were trying to follow the fleeing air to get one last breath. The two were dead still.

Atrox experienced a brilliant light and found himself on the stage once again. He felt extremely sluggish and found it hard to move. He had to find Hera to warn her before it was too late.

The Phantom of the Opera (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_vomKHNMV0)

She watched as he faded away, the man in the robes, the man who had haunted her since the beginning, since her youth, hidden in the guise of others. He left her, as she had once left him.

Hera raised her hand, as she was returned to her home, her refuge, her index finger and middle slowly touching the back of her neck. Her hands drawn, touching the black ink of the ward of Hawkins. Why had it not kept him out this time?” she wondered to herself.

She stood to Atrox, her back turned to him. Her back exposed in her long flowing dress, as a small oval in the fabric showed her skin. He could only see her backside, as her hands reached under her long dark brown hair.

“It is because I wanted to see him.” she whispered to herself. “I wanted to speak with him once more, to show him that I am not a slave. His teachings were well learned... too well.” she said to herself. She slowly turned around to Lord Atrox, who drained of energy, walked more like an old man than the energetic robotic insect she had become accustomed to in the last few minutes.

“What is it?” she asked him, as she heard a moaning from the audience. She turned to it, and watched as one fourth of the audience began to die. They screamed, grabbing their throats. They grasped for air, as their skin began to turn blue.

Panic and despair grasped the audience, as they could do nothing. They got up from their seats, running and stampeding like a herd of cattle. The red carpet filled with people, as more screams of agony began to grip the opera house. Bodies caught under the weight of the terrified crowd, fell, as they were trampled to death by the masses above them. The carpet was red, and it flowed with blood.

Hera turned to the still approaching Atrox, as she noticed a white crib in front of her. She rested her hands at the edge of it, to see a still baby, not the energetic baby she had known, but still, silent, and blue. “What happened?” Hera yelled to Atrox.

Atrox was extremely drained and fell to one knee, supporting his body with his four arms. The Kython suit, while normally able to perform tasks without his guidance was just an inert shell here in the Dream and he had to support that too.

“The…ship…vented,” gasped Atrox. “…lungs on fire…people dying…cannot help…Aargh!”

Atrox collapsed and lay writhing weakly upon the center of the stage. The Vision had sapped more of his strength than he had counted upon and since his existence in the Dream also did the same, he was powerless at the moment. With some of his last energy, he sent his memories of the Vision to Hera.

As Hera began to live the Vision, she would realize she was viewing the event as it happened from the point of view of one of the victims.

After the vision was finished, Atrox muttered only once more to Hera.

“I cannot leave…no energy…return us…save them…”

With that, Atrox fell silent and spoke no more.

Outside the Colony of Tauron

Two small units of ships would arrive to join the fray at the Twelve Colonies.

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

Mixing themselves among the hustle and bustle of the relief ships in country--Godulan, Balroggan, Coredian, etc.--joined what seemed in comparison a motley crew of vessels. What was different about them was their allegiance though. It was not to a nation. Instead, it was to an organization. The Roman Catholic Church of New Dornalia--in particular, the Society of Jesus, those legendary Jesuits who had come to foreign lands in ages past.

They had come on a mission of peace. Father Bernard Mulcahy ensured this was made clear when he insisted on his ships coming unarmed, along with his personnel. Surprisingly, the MacIntyre Government let them go, despite the massive Imperial and Kython Presence in the area. Though it was hard to find at first, HoloNet searches led them to their potential beneficiaries.

As the ships advanced closer to the planet of Tauron, the priest declared in a humble voice, "To whom it may concern--this is Father Bernard Mulcahy, of the Society of Jesus of the Roman Catholic Church of New Dornalia. I come on a mission of mercy to the people of the Twelve Colonies, to relieve their suffering. I request permission to enter the area and will submit to inspection."

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

Similarily, a lone shuttle trailed the Jesuits about a light year behind them. Waiting for the Jesuits to get done with their business, the men aboard, an Englishman, a Chinese fellow and a South African elf, began inspecting their merchandise. So far, all they brought with them were business documents, showing their organization of origin--International Import-Export Company. It stated what they were doing--which was in the interest of selling luxury goods, sporting arms, and foreign films--why they were here, and all the information necessary to pass muster. Even a computer search would reveal that they existed on file.

Of course, the men checked the documents, and nodded at each other. It was go time. After all, if they wanted access to the Twelve Colonies, then the time was now.

(OOC: Waiting for Sithy or CW to post. BTW Great idea ND, I can not wait to play out this jesuit relief, it will be a lot of fun)

OOC:


I agree with OG. Welcome to the stew. Remember to keep stirring or things will start to burn.

Leonis

Fortune had not treated this particular research center kindly in terms of the bombardment, though one could make a case that the world's status as the center for manufacturing nuclear weapons did not help at all. The Cylon devastation had left a great many chunks of uranium lying around out in the open, creating an even greater radiation hazard than the other worlds of the Colonies. This was attested to further by the rather large number of haggard looking colonial science teams roaming about helping with the pickup, though one couldn't exactly see that they were 'haggard' underneath the radiation suits.

Serr'Gennis, named for an old mountain on the Shirassi homeworld used for divination rituals, walked through the debris and destruction without protection or worry, having no need of the former and no concept of the latter. He was here to get information. What others made of that information was not his concern. Worrying was somebody else's job.

The science team accompanying him trudged along fitfully, occasionally whimpering at a half-melted piece of formerly valuable computer equipment. Cleaning up around this place seemed entirely too much like picking through a field of shattered dreams. Though the same could be said for the rest of the colonies. Thanks to the bombardment, the only sign of life around this area was not alive at all, but in fact a pair of mechanical scarabs that skittered along behind the procession, chittering happily despite the decidedly non-mirthful surroundings.

"Sir," one of the scientists spoke up and came to a stop... though whether he said 'sir' or the first part of 'Serr'Gennis' didn't really matter, "we're here."

The avatar looked out, following the scientists' indication and saw a half destroyed hangar. With a couple more minutes worth of marching they stood just within the entrance, and Serr'Gennis surveyed the damage. He tsk-tsk'd lightly and reached over to a slab of fallen roof.

Oh this simply will not do.

With a heave, he picked the massive three-ton chunk of detritus up onto its side and rolled it over to the nearest wall, and for the next two hours cleared the area of anything other than what the hangar was supposed to protect. When he was finally satisfied, he dusted his palms and beckoned the tense and bored scientists over.

It is good that the building deflected the majority of the bombardment. If the nukes had come any closer this debris would have been rendered beyond tracing. Now, if you gentlemen would be so kind, I would like to start with a sample that still has at least some semblance of writing on it. Please look for an equipment serial code or identification number that I can reference. I shall begin my search amongst those salvaged turbolaser turrets.

"Yes sir. You really think these are Imperial vessels?"

No. They were Coredian, but the Coreworlds had a list of vessels that had been commandeered by Imperial Forces, and it is our job to find whether the Coredians attacked your people at Kobal in an unprovoked assault, or whether the Imperials made it look like the Coredians attacked your people at Kobal in an unprovoked assault by sending co-opted Coredian vessels to do the dirty work.

"Still think it sounds a little far fetched..."

Occam's Razor fails to apply when the Imperials are concerned. The best deceptions are the simple ones, and the Imperials are quite proficient at such things, though we do not expect you to take our word for it. Serial Numbers. Writing. Charge Capacitors. Get them. The faster we get this done, the faster we can send in the ant swarms.

"Yes sir."

And so they set to work...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZx63a7ZJCo

Hera breathed deeply as she entered the stern reality upon the Ares. The locker room, was filled with people getting dressed, messing about, heading towards the showers or the head. As the young girl struggled to understand Atroxs doom mongering Hera looked around glancing from person to person just catching the back glance of some Lieutenant closing the cast iron door.

“So this is a human mind.” Calamity said with a rambling certainty. “Lieutenant, thank you for being such a generous host.” His smile accompanied with a genial bow echoed a callous warmth as his host naked and gagged struggled against her coarse bonds. “Oh please, come now, we both know that what you’re doing is pointless, now rally strong and be the good colonial officer you wish you were.” The Man smiled as he looked about the barren wasteland that was this womans mind. “Now, where are your memories?”

Thousands of doors began to appear, some flickering in and out, new ones arriving old ones disappearing. They were all solid oak, stained a seasonal red which at the very least showed that this pack of meat had at least some taste in furniture.

“Now, what would you do my dear –oh you can talk now.” The bonds disappeared as well as the gag over her mouth. “If I”

“Who the FRAK are you and what the FRAK am I doing here?”

“Well, you’re here because I tho…” A hand came crashing into Calamities face sending him to the floor. The young maiden quickly sat on top of him and moved to break his neck, her hands grasping tightly upon his cold silver skin. The crack that she roused from his bones achieved something, it brought her a little bit of comfort as she made her way to stand the frak up.

“Just where the hell am I?” She asked herself. “And what the hell is this?” Kicking Calamity as he lay there, dead on the ground she looked around, seeing nothing but her memories.

“A little help?” Calamity asked, looking up at her with his head an unhealthy one hundred and eighty degrees in the wrong angle.

“Frak you.”

“Say, uhm, what was you’re name….?” A door swished to the front of the line its oak frame opening to reveal a cloister of information. Ahhh Daphne Rolins, call sign hmmmm, ‘bender’? I wonder how you got that nick name?” The man in white licked his lips slyly.

Daphne sent her foot slamming into Calamities face. “Say… Daphne, I don’t suppose you know how to kill the entire crew on a battlestar.” Two doors surged forward as the Lieutenant automatically thought of the possibilities. Both unavoidably opened surrendering the secrets of the Battlestar to Calamity itself.

Daphne lifted her foot up again getting ready to plunge it back into the intruders face but before she knew it he was gone, and she was on the floor herself passing into shadow.

Calamity jumped from person to person, moving from man to woman to child dancing the sabre dance of pleasure. Memories, insights, all came flooding towards him as he moved from the outer extremity of the starboard deck into the deep vulnerable innards of fates call.

Hera stood above the dark lord of the sith, the supposed harbinger of doom, the very nature of the dark side. Destruction, pain, suffering, power, all stood before her, laid crumpled up at her feet.

“Save them Hera.” the words echoed in her mind, as she turned her head now to the dead audience members. Their bodies laid there, black and blue, broken, the very life trampled out of them.

“I do not have the power to leave this place, get us out of here, find a way to save them.” the words again echoes through her mind, as she turned. As she spoke, another white light appeared. She turned her head quickly, as a man smoking a cigar walked up to her. “Kill him Hera.” The man replied.

“He is powerless, defenseless, and he has done nothing wrong.” Hera replied, her words stern towards her former master.

“It is the way of the Raven council, you must eliminate any and all sith lords.” The man continued.

Hera looked down to the now nearly empty and powerless Atrox. “This creature.” she replied, “has done nothing wrong. Sith are not concerned for anyone else, only themselves, yet his last words to me were simple. Hera Save them.” she replied.

“It does not matter, he is a Sith, it is your primary mission to eliminate all Sith.” the man continued.

Hera lowered her head, “Master, my primary mission is to save Admiral Cain from Travis and his gang. Killing Atrox would endanger if not destroy that mission. I can not save the Admiral from the brig, or when I am shot. Besides my sister...”

“The child is irrelevant, this creature will cause countless to die. Do not be fooled by his weakness. Here is an opportunity for you, to not only rid the galaxy of another sith, but to prove yourself as the knight I trained you to be.” the visage of Master Hawkins said, his voice growing angrier.

Hera lowered her head, “Then when I return to Ossus, I will take the scolding. Once my mission is complete, then if Atrox proves himself a threat, I will put him down like a rabid dog. Until then, I must save Cain and find my sister.” she shouted back to the illusion of Hawkins.

As her words fell on the illusion her mind created, the opera house faded away. Her eyes awoke, and Hera took a deep breath. Her lungs filled with the air, she slowly exhaled. Before her, the statue that was Atrox sat like before, motionless, as if dead.

Hera felt her sword, the cold metal touching a small sliver of skin exposed from her shirt. She slowly reached for it, and pushed it away, from her body.

People bustled around, as her senses fully came back. The smell of sweat drifted through the air, the loud noise of the showers, the clanging of treadmills, and feet pounding them from below. The noise of pointless chatter, the clinging feeling of the cloth that surrounded her own body. Hera sighed, as she got up. “Sleep tight.” she said to Darth Atrox, as she placed her hand on his cold kythonized shoulder.

“Duty Shift Two report to your stations, Duty shift two report to your stations. Gold Squadron, report to your aircraft. Condition two is maintained.” broke the pointless chatter.

Hera reached down to grab her bag. The bag felt light, as she tossed it over her shoulder. As her attention was gazing at the wall, the noise died out. She turned around, to see dozens of blue bodies, twitching, fighting for survival.

Hera’s pupils dilated as she screamed. “What the hell is wrong?” one officer asked her, as the bodies of the dead ceased to be, and as the gym stared at her.

She did not say a word, instead she ran, down the hall, past many people, the very image of the walking dead to her. “I have to find her now.” was all that went through her head. “They are dead, but she will live.” she ran frantically through the hall way. “Where is she, she has to live.” her inner thoughts continued.

As she ran, as the sound of her own heart climbed into her head, pounding, she slowly began to hear a new noise, that of crying. Hera turned her head to the direction of the noise, as she ran into a marine. She with ease knocked over the Two hundred and forty pound man.

“What the frak are you doing?” the marine snapped at her, his voice sounding annoyed. Hera looked down at him. “So sorry.” she said as she offered him her hand.

“Watch where you are going next time.” he snapped to her as he ignored her hand and pulled himself up.

“Wahhahha” was all she could hear again, as she ran towards the noise. She would find her sister and soon. Hera began to run once more...



Tauron

Warrant Officer Michael Romus, sat at his station, drinking a sip of tea. It was a boring day, as the draidus screen continued it’s cycles. Godulan, Ta’Nar, Ascendency, Colonial, NPC, Imperial ships all lined up. He turned his head, “Yeah I could not believe it, she actually turned him down.”

Another guy laughed, “I thought she is as loose as a squad of drunken cheerleaders.”

Laughter burst forth, between the two, as a small chirp began to come from the screen. “Frak it, who is it now?” the warrant officer asked.

“Maybe if we are lucky it will be a shipment of booze.” the man tried to say laughing. “Nah we could never be that lucky, probably another ship of walking fur bags, or another insect race. Man those frakkers give me the creeps.”

“One second,” Romus replied, “What the frak is this.” as the message from the Jesuit vessel began to play out. “Check the records for New Doralian.” he ordered the other man.

The other guy clicked the records as fast as he could typing it into the computer system. “Who are they and where are they from.”

There was a pause, a long pause for a moment. The guy as if he could not believe what his screen was telling him, just stated blankly at the monitor.

“Are they friendly or hostile?” Romus asked impatiently...

“It is from..... Earth.” the other guy responded.

“Earth...” Romus replied as the message played out. “What the hell are they doing here?” he asked.

“Maybe you should respond and find out sir.” the other guy said, stating the obvious.

“Do not be a smart ass or you will be cleaning the Wookies toilets for a month.” Romus snapped back.

Romus then reached for the coms, “Jesuit vessel, this is Tauron Air Control. You are to land at the coordinate provided. Once you have landed, you are to designate in what way you wish to aid, and we will assign you to a team under the Command of the Avatars, or the Ta’Nar, to best provide aid in the reconstruction. Any and all goods will be inspected, Welcome to the Colonies.”

Once the ship landed, and all goods out of the vessel, the goods (which I will leave up to ND) were searched throughly for any diseases, or contraband. (Waiting on ND to post his guys leaving the ship to interact)

Tauron

...Romus then reached for the coms, “Jesuit vessel, this is Tauron Air Control. You are to land at the coordinate provided. Once you have landed, you are to designate in what way you wish to aid, and we will assign you to a team under the Command of the Avatars, or the Ta’Nar, to best provide aid in the reconstruction. Any and all goods will be inspected, Welcome to the Colonies.”

Once the ship landed, and all goods out of the vessel, the goods (which I will leave up to ND) were searched throughly for any diseases, or contraband. (Waiting on ND to post his guys leaving the ship to interact)

OOC: Posted. Took some liberties though.

The Sacred Heart, lead vessel of the Jesuit fleet commanded by Father Mulcahy--it would be improper to call a converted cruise liner a "flagship," especially as it had no arms to speak of--made planetfall upon Tauron soon enough. It was in turn followed by the other vessels of the fleet commanded by the Society of Jesus. Mulcahy looked out of the Bridge, and couldn't help but witness the scenes he saw. Desolation contrasting with frantic rebuilding was the image of the day, and Mulcahy realized he had quite a job to do. God willing, he would do it. After all, one had to work "for the salvation of one's neighbor," as St. Ignatius Loyola declared.

As the ships landed and the goods unloaded, their mission would become evident. The Colonial Defense Forces assigned to process the Jesuits would only find shipments of food (tinned, fresh, and frozen) medicines of all sorts, fuels of all kinds (fossil and FT energies, such as fusion and fuel cell), civilian-grade replicators to aid in rebuilding, school supplies, machine parts, tools, and all sorts of things. They even brought the kitchen sink. The only items missing were weapons; but as Father Mulcahy had stated, this was a mission of peace. No arms were welcome in his mission.

The Colonials would also notice these "Jesuits" were somewhat odd. Their leaders would run about in strange black robes, marshaling the stevedores and workers among the Earthlings who were working with the Colonials and occasionally stopping to make meditative motions before embarking on really big tasks. Also, they would notice the strange "t" shaped icons on the vessels. Though not so obnoxiously large, they were present. Nevermind these people from the Thirteenth Colony spoke in any number of tongues, though many spoke English, although with strange accents. And, some of these people even had--cat ears, or pointy ears....

Father Bernard Mulcahy walked out of the vessel, priest's cassock and all, with pince-nez glasses and a tall, imposing figure that gave off an air of strength. If you knew your actors, he'd be a double for Liam Neeson. Yet the Father, true to his words, was obviously a man of quiet strength. The Colonials who would come and meet Father Mulcahy would no doubt notice he had a very serene composure on his face--one that was almost Zen-like, built up through years of spiritual discipline. He walked to a Colonial soldier inspecting a pallet of replicators, and said, "Excuse me, good sir. Who is your commanding officer? I would like to speak to him; I am Father Bernard Mulcahy, commander of this mission."

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

After the Jesuits landed, the shuttle belonging to International Import-Export Company pulled up. The Englishman onboard nodded, and then delivered this message to Tauron Air Command--

"Tauron Air Command, this is Mr. Smithers of the SS Little Katie, registry out of Hajarra, Cooperative Union. Request permission to enter Colonial Space. We're here to speak with any government representatives about investment in the Twelve Colonies, over."

“Duty Shift Two report to your stations, Duty shift two report to your stations. Gold Squadron, report to your aircraft. Condition two is maintained.” broke the pointless chatter.
Chatting up a storm with some of the other pilots almost made Nathanel miss the chatter, but he heard it and managed to make it right on time to his Viper. It looked a fine beast and he looked forward to riding it out of the station, so to speak. As he boarded the fighter, he turned back to the laughter about a place known as the 'Rec Room'. Maybe he'll check it out later and report back to his friends...

Meanwhile, Shelby Able, the Marine, reported to her station as ordered, which happened to be Damage Station Two. Here, she watched and waited for any sign of danger...

I was in a near panic, and yes I know panicking only causes death, but still I could not help myself. My reason for the mission, my reason for returning home, and to feign an attempt to kill Admiral Cain, was within sight, and was a moment from being plucked from it’s petal and withering on the floor dying without it’s petals.

What would you do if your family was in danger, by a figment of your imagination? Kill it? How can you kill an idea, the imaginary. Can you quantify it enough to erase it from the mind. If you can please tell me how.

So what could I do but the obvious, I had to save Athena. My heart raced, as I ran down the hall, listening for the echoes that surrounded me. The tears, the crying infant that would only know me. My God, could they make this ship any frakking bigger?

All I can hear are my footsteps, the sound of my shoes, the thoughts of others, talking in my head, mucking up everything. Why won’t these people shut up? I am losing control, I must regain control before I end up being as big of a danger as Cal. Where the frak is she?

I have to stop, I have to relax, or I have to push through the nonsense to find her. Yes, I must, before the air goes out the window, she must be safe. Where is the bug when I need him, he seemed so helpful. Damn, I wish he would wake up from his nap.

So I stopped, I could feel the sweat forming beads on my neck, the sound of my heart pounded in my head, the words of the ship flowed into me, all were distractions, all I had to shut out before it was too late.

So I stopped in the hall, and closed my eyes. The sea of thoughts flooded me. Control, control yourself, I told myself as I continued to search the sea. I can see then, Domiel on CIC, Atrox napping, wow what are those two doing in their bunk. I did not know people could bend like that.

Then I found her, a small white crib in one room. Another woman, not the mother sitting by, reading a book, as the child laid still in the crib. Athena, I see you, as my ghostly visage floated above her bed. The child, my sister looked up to me, and in a moment of recognition she smiled at me, and cooed. She is even more beautiful than I had imagined, than I had seen. “Where are you sister?” I asked her.

She only smiled, as I returned to my mind, to my body. She was close, I knew it. As I looked around, I saw her, five years old, her long beautiful blond locks of hair, in a stunning blue dress. She looked to me and smiled, as she walked away. I had to follow. Past several bulkheads, making twists and turns down the maze like ship, I followed the apparition to her room. Suddenly she stopped in front of a bulkhead.

“Is this it?” I asked the ghost. The girl nodded, and stuck her young arm out, pointing at the door. I knew I had arrived. I watched the door, knowing the woman was inside. I knew what she expected, and became that to her. I looked down to the key card lock, and forced my will upon the world once more. In my pocket, I found a card. Gently I slid the card into the device. It was accompanied by a hiss, as the door opened.

“Starbuck, you are back.” the woman said startled.

“I am, you look tired, you should sleep.” I responded to her. My mind overwhelmed hers, where I stood she thought she saw the mother of the child. I watched her, and I could feel my power grow. I lashed out against the woman, not in an evil or painful way, after all she was there to take care of my sister. Instead she fell asleep. A deep sleep.

As I continued to watch her sleep, her mind opened up before me. Memories flooded me, passion, emotion, her life was before me. Moldable, easy to be formed, I watched I learned. Then came the memory I wanted, the memory of a minute ago. I watched it, as she saw Starbuck enter the room, my short blond hair, my arms covered in tattoos. I reached down with an eraser and wiped the memory clean. I was never here.

Then I heard her, not in my mind’s eye, but with my ears. A coo. I looked down to the child, the world to me, and smiled. “Hi dear.” I replied, as I reached in the crib. Suddenly an emotion overwhelmed me. I did not know what it was, it was overwhelming. Tears began to flow down from my eyes, down my cheeks. It was happiness, it was love. I held the baby in my arms, “You are home now. I will not let what happened to me happen to you Athena.” I whispered to her.

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

On board the Command Carrier

Admiral Cain had expected some response from Vader. Anything. She knew she was playing with fire, but time had continued, and he still had not spoken. She looked to him, the terms that I have negotiated with your warmaster and equal Emperor Remiel for entry into the Galactic Empire is what I will hold to.

We agreed to not have any troops, warships, or military presence in any other nation without express permission of said nation of the alliance. No warship may enter the space without first annoucing their presence at the border and having government permission to enter the space. A military vessel is defined as a ship with more than two cannons on board or offensive arrays, or that carry weapons of mass destruction, and is currently or was within the last one hundred years under the command of the military of the nation. Sold ships to other nations are also defined as military vessels, if within the last one hundred years they were in the command of a nation or it's military. Any and all ships entering space are subject to search at the discretion of the host nation, but seizure is not allowed unless violations of this agreement, or other national laws have been breached. Diplomatic Immunity does not extend to Military or Civilian ships in the space of said nation.

We agreed to a free trade agreement between companies, as long as they do not infringe on the rights and laws of said nation. Any agreement between civil companies, must be in full compliance with national laws of both nations. Diplomatic Immunity does not extend to civilian members or corporation.

Extradition is allowed, only with permission of a judge from the host nation, after reviewing the evidence, and in accordance to the laws of the nation the suspect is hiding in. The decision to extradite a suspect is solely up to the discretions, based on the laws of the host nation of the judge in the host nation where the suspect his hiding. Political crimes, racial crimes, or misdemeanors are not subject to extradition. Only crimes that have been committed by force or fraud are acceptable to be accepted for extradition, after careful review by the host nation.

We agreed to a permanent alliance in which one is to request the aid of another nation when it is needed, through economic, military or social needs, be it cause of war, natural, or acts of the gods.

We agreed to a joint defense pact in time of war, if one nation of the Galactic Empire, or the Lords of Chaos was under attack by enemy forces, again if requested by said nation, assuming the allied nation can spare the forces to defend the other nation. If the requirements of the terms would pose a security risk to one of the requested nations it may be denied, under grounds of national survival.

Any joint scientific programs may be denied by either nation for any reason, and must be ratified on a case by case basis by both nations before being allowed to proceed.

We also agreed to an embassy exchange, of a size no larger than a Twenty acre total of land and no smaller than ten acres total area with thirty troops allowed. Also any weapons other than a rifle and a pistol for your security forces is not allowed, and the size of security may not exceed thirty individuals. Any vehicles will be provided for transportation at the request of the host nation. Any violation of said weapons laws or embassy rules will result in diplomatic immunity being revoked, for the personal. No staff is permitted to own weapons, or possess them, nor is the Ambassador himself. The allowable defenses for an embassy is a small shield generator, and will not exceed a class five rating. No offensive systems will be allowed on embassy grounds. All power requirements will be met by the host nation, and no power facilities may be brought in from off world. Any and all equipment from off world must be searched and verified by the host nation before being allowed to proceed to the planet. Diplomatic Immunity does not extend to equipment. No artificial intelligence will be allowed at the embassy.

We also agreed to national sovereignty, these things are all I will agree to, the exact terms that have been spoken and held by the honor of a word, by Remiel who accepted our application in the Galactic Empire, and upheld by your apprentice Lord Atrox. Paper is only required by nations who can not trust their friends. Paper is only required by lawyers who wish to find loopholes to screw others over. Tell me Lord Vader, do you not trust your friends in the colonial fleet, or do you wish to screw us over? If not then you will accept my word, as law and leave my original agreement for entry to the Galactic Empire as is.

She paused for a moment as Lord Vader seemed frozen. “It is this agreement that the Ta’Nar have also expressed. They are here to help. They asked and we allowed. They did not come in dictating commands to another nation. They did not attempt to thrust more treaties upon others. We have their respect and they have ours. When the time comes, the Colonies will be there to support the Empire and all of it's endevours, not because paper demands it but my word, the word of the Colonies demands it. You would be well advised to learn from the virtues of your Equal the Warmaster Remiel, and your apprentice Lord Atrox. "

"They understand honor, and they would never ask to have an biased agreement for one member of the Galactic Empire over the others. We are allied to the Galactic Empire, not just a portion of it. We hold all of the Empire high, not just a member or two over all the others. The Huntaers, the Chronosians, The Ta'Nar, the Thrashian Empire, the Empire of the Unified Sith, all of it, even the bastards the Tenetian Coredians, not just one or two members in it.” Cain concluded.

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

Tauron

“The Jesuit ship of the thirteenth colony, has arrived Major.” the docking control person informed her commander. “Their supplies appear to be clean.”

A tall man, about six foot three, turned to her. “Very well, I guess it is time for me to go and meet this Father.” he responded, as he turned to walk out towards the deck control

The priest did not wait long, as a contingency of colonial marines, surrounded a man with short brown hair, and a navy blue uniform. “Father Mulcahy” the colonial marine said, “It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Major Gallon. I must say that I am quite surprised that our story has made it all the way to earth. I am even a little bit in awe that they would send people to aid us.” the major said.

“On behalf of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, your brothers amongst the stars, I would like to thank you for this aid. Tell me please, where would you like to begin aid?” he asked. The priest.

Meanwhile the ship of the IEEC, appeared on Draidus. Once hearing their communications, they received one response.

IEEC vessel, this is Picon command. Please be informed that you will be escorted to Picon, where you may meet with representatives of the Colonial Fleet and the Quorium of Twelve, to negotiate terms for setting up business. Please follow the coordinates given and have a great day.”

Atrox drifted through the Void and stars floated past in their lazy paths leaving behind a slight blur, one that could only be noticed if you looked for it. The warmth of this nether region comforted Atrox as he watched the stars disappear behind him, dazzled by their display. Time seemed to stand still and a fog covered his memories so he could not remember the past. His only awareness was locked in the present.

As he flew through space, a distant star began to brighten as he drew near. The star lay directly ahead and it continued to grow larger until it filled his awareness. Suddenly he found himself orbiting the star and curved around the stellar furnace until he sighted the sole planet orbiting it. It was a wondrous blue emerald lit by the warm rays of the sun and two tiny moons paid their tribute to their parent by imitating her in their own orbits.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/beldragos/250px-Unkwld_space.jpg

As he drew near the sparkling planet, he noticed the presence of wreckage. It was not a little bit, but the degree of wreckage two warring empires would leave behind, forgotten. The debris literally formed a cloud of durasteel fragments with the sunlight catching the glint of metal as it drifted in the tidal eddies of the two moons. The ring of ruin sparkled in the sunlight like a thousand jewels, a halo of pixy dust around the brilliant blue of the planet.

Atrox now found himself slipping through the debris field and entering the atmosphere of the planet. The Ta’Nar fell through the thin layers of clouds and burst out of the lower layers into the atmosphere of the water planet. He could see numerous islands dotting the surface but the endless blue sparkling water dominated everything. He continued to drift downwards until he settled upon the beach of one of the islands. He looked up and saw the closest moon lying faintly in the midday sky resembling a huge pale eye staring down onto the visitor upon the warm beach. He cast his gaze sideways and sat broken ships lying almost everywhere, a testament to some ancient conflict from ages past.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/beldragos/wreckage1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/beldragos/wreckage2.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/beldragos/200px-Unkwld_temple.jpg

He could feel the planet itself calling out to him, pleading him to visit, and begging for the return of some lost status from before. He felt wanted and needed here and knew he had to seek this place out and restore it to its former glory. He had to locate this world and make sure others could not. He would not allow them to find the jewel and tarnish its sparkle. He would turn the littered planet into the shining crown jewels of his legacy.

Atrox suddenly felt the tug of reality as the world faded away around him. The planet sent a last plea to locate her before it disappeared into his subconscious and Atrox found himself walking. He still felt extremely drained from his earlier precognition but the experience he just felt was not a Vision, it was different. That is the only way to describe it. It was almost as if the planet itself reached across the distance to his mind, seeking out a champion for its defense. Choosing a Warrior to defend its honor.

Atrox sent a query to his suit.

Status?

Returning to the shuttle as per protocol. Consciousness was not detected so I activated emergency protocols.

Good thinking, what is our current location?

A map of The Ares was fed into his awareness. He easily located the gym he was at before he went unconscious. From there, the choice of where Hera could have gone was still too much to determine which way the hybrid girl ran off.

Do you know which way she went?

Sorry Sir, how about the hairs of hers you collected from Konoha? I still have them in my chest cavity.

I don’t have the strength yet, take me back to the gym, by then I might have enough for some usage.

Yes Sir.

Atrox’s suit stopped and turned around. It then began its journey back to the gym while within lay a weakened Ta’Nar getting stronger by the minute.

Tauron

“The Jesuit ship of the thirteenth colony, has arrived Major.” the docking control person informed her commander. “Their supplies appear to be clean.”

A tall man, about six foot three, turned to her. “Very well, I guess it is time for me to go and meet this Father.” he responded, as he turned to walk out towards the deck control

The priest did not wait long, as a contingency of colonial marines, surrounded a man with short brown hair, and a navy blue uniform. “Father Mulcahy” the colonial marine said, “It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Major Gallon. I must say that I am quite surprised that our story has made it all the way to earth. I am even a little bit in awe that they would send people to aid us.” the major said.

“On behalf of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, your brothers amongst the stars, I would like to thank you for this aid. Tell me please, where would you like to begin aid?” he asked. The priest.

Meanwhile the ship of the IEEC, appeared on Draidus. Once hearing their communications, they received one response.

IEEC vessel, this is Picon command. Please be informed that you will be escorted to Picon, where you may meet with representatives of the Colonial Fleet and the Quorium of Twelve, to negotiate terms for setting up business. Please follow the coordinates given and have a great day.”

Father Mulcahy seemed to convey a strong presence as he stood in front of Major Gallon. The uniform seemed professional enough, and the serene priest figured to himself, "This must be the man I was looking for. A shame there are no civilians to talk to, only soldiers." The thought of being greeted as a brother to these people was something unusual, even for a man used to thinking all men were children of God, and thus his brothers and sisters? Thirteenth Colony? Earth, related to these folks? It might explain their habits and uniforms. Were they not from the stars one would assume they came from another part of Earth indeed, probably one that spoke English and used European weaponry.

He cracked a gentle smile and looked the Major in the eye as best as possible, considering Father Mulcahy was a man of considerable height, though the Major was just slightly smaller than he was, so it wasn't too hard. The Father said, speaking with a soft Irish brogue, "I intend to deliver this aid wherever it is needed in the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, Major. As part of my obligations, I am not only to serve my neighbors as Jesus did, but also to travel wherever I am needed and relieve the suffering of others. I intend to start where I can do the most good in terms of getting people on their feet again, and work my way from there as best as I can. That is my goal, nothing more, nothing less."

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

The three men aboard the vessel looked at each other, and simply nodded. The shuttle entered Colonial space, moving to the coordinates fed to them by Picon Control and eventually encountering the escorts that would take them deeper into their space.

As they did so, the elf spoke in a guttural Afrikaner accent, going, "Ach. Picon. Only Uitlanders would name a fucking planet Picon. Sounds like a fucking vibrator model, if you ask me. Abortsie-baabies." He spat out his chewing gum into a receptacle angrily as all Boer Elves did, as the Englishman replied, calmly, with a smile: "Temper, Mr. Hardie. A wise man once said, 'Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you.'" To that, the Elf replied, continuing his streak of prejudice: "Well, fuck. They may not be failed attempts at being me, but that still doesn't change the fact the planet's named after a fucking vibrator. Really, Smithers!"

The Chinese fellow in the shuttle, meanwhile, simply nursed his cigarette, saying to Mr. Hardie, "Would you mind not using the f-word so much? It makes you sound uncivilized." Mr. Hardie then flashed the middle finger at the Chinese, saying, "Fuck you, Chong." The Chinese replied, with a smile, "No thanks. I don't swing that way."

Serr'Gennis stood amongst the wreckage, staring at a piece of bulkhead as though lost in thought. His ornate vest shifted slightly in the slight breeze, though his hair remained quite still. He did not turn or flinch at the approach of one of the scientists picking through the debris, but he directed his attention towards the man none the less.

"Sir? I have a rifle with an intact code, and a question."

The avatar's hand reached out and took the rifle, he turned while flipping the weapon over to where its manufacturing code was evident and surveyed it before nodding to the scientist to continue. "Your question?"

"Well... we have been out here for some time, and a few of us are getting... hungry."

"You did not bring rations with you?"

"We were rushed, sir. All of the food was at the mess hall on the other side of the compound. Walking three kilometers in this suit is a little overwhelming one-way. Having to do so just to eat is..."

"Unacceptable, we see and understand." Serr'Gennis placed the object in a pile of previously noted paraphernalia and turned back to the scientist. The scientist noted that the Avatar had a second pile beside the first, made up only of a few smaller objects. "We have notified the relief camp of our predicament. If you would not mind waiting perhaps... another hour, we shall have a small adjunct area set up nearby for the purpose of allowing the science crew to properly recuperate. Is this suitable?"

"Uh... yes sir. A decon tent and everything?"

"We do not expect you to sleep in your radiation suits. This may well take several days and we are not cruel taskmasters."

"I see sir."

"Was there anything else?"

"No sir. Sorry sir." The scientist returned to the other side of the hangar and to picking through the wreckage.

"No need to apologize," Serr'Gennis commented, then returned to his thoughts. He hoped he did not appear as too disconnected from the project, but his own little side inquiry seemed to be bearing fruit...

OOC: Just to let everyone know I am alive, and the post is delayed slightly due to serious overwork from university. I will be posting this weekend once my work is completed.

I know people are busy and all, but I am giving this thread til 1/27/08. then I will be moving it along a bit, at least my story. Three weeks is plenty of time for a one liner, at least

While the Imperials and the Colonies had their showdown over the treaty, and Hera raced to save the Ares, the Ascendants were continuing their tasks they had agreed to carry out at Konoha. The fleet which had entered the system, spread out throughout the Colonies, had gone into orbit and landed the Xel'athi dreadnoughts. The dreadnoughts, upon landing, had disgorged the thousands of Xel'athi workers who had brought out material to rebuild the colonies, along with medical supplies to aid the people. Special attention had brought anti-radiation serums, to help those who could still be saved.

Food,water, clothing...all were in plentiful surprise. Whether or not the Terrans liked the Xel'athi, who were very buglike and alien in appearance, the Xel'athi said nothing. They merely continued their work, working in tandem with Imperial, Godulan, and Balroggan workers to rebuild the Colonies. The cities were full of metal skeletons, as the Xel'athi worked to Colonial specifications for their buildings. The Xel'athi had a rather....unique way of building, and their structures looked very alien. They didn't want to offend the Colonies by building things which made it look as if they were trying to take over. Skyscrapers reached into the sky, and the bare bones of many houses, sewer treatment plants, grocery stores, farms, factories, schools and many others were seen. Many more Xel'athi were hard at work, scrubbing the radiation from the planet, so they could plant trees and restore the wildlife of the planets.

The Ascendants, under Darian, had made a pledge and they were sticking to it.

While things continued on in their generally tense and bustling atmosphere on the CiC of the Ares, Domiel seemingly stopped cold for a moment before drawing back and shaking his head in exasperation.

Bloody hell, radiated the voice from his body, and Admiral Cain is not available at the moment... such aggravation seems to come from all sides of this issue...

He turned to Colonel Fisk and returned to the tactical display. It would seem that the Colonial Officer in charge of the forces supporting the Chronosians has deemed it appropriate to open fire on a fleeing civilian fleet.

OOC: This'll open up a little side-thing to deal with while waiting for Sithy's post, somewhat unrelated to what Domiel just announced...

Darian's attention was instantly on the Godulan as he mentioned the attack on civilians by Colonials forces. "What, how is that possible? Why would the Colonies-" That was as far Darian got when the word "Chronosian" kicked in. The Colonials and Domiel would be shocked to see the proud and mysterious Ascendant suddenly cower under the desk, his hand hold a ball of lightning.

His eyes shot this way and that, looking for invisible enemies. The word Chronosian had enacted the most primal responses within his mind, ever since the Scarring that had occurred countless centuries before. But for him, like all Ascendants, he had lived during that time and it was still a vivid memory....

On board the Command Carrier

After Cains initial response Vader had elected to stay silent. The woman whom the colonies relied on, rested on, needed so much stretched and strained against a pad of mere text. Vader was no diplomat, his offer was more than generous, yet this woman, ignoring the position of her people elected to ignore so much in favour of so little. “Admiral.” Vader said passively. “You have signed no such treaty with the Empire, your word with the Chronosian Imperium will be honoured by the Imperium, but I ask you, how do we know what was agreed unless it is written upon paper? What would happen should you perish in battle? What would the colonies do if their admiral so gloriously celebrated succumbed to alien attack of the mind, and these promises so mightily cherished, were so promptly changed? Upon what word can the fate of billions rest?

How is the empire supposed to be aware of your desires and conditions without first distributing it on paper as a result of agreed terms…. We administer an Empire of thousands of worlds Admiral, can I send a binding oath to my territories? Negotiations between the Galactic Empire and her legions and the colonies have barely scratched the surface. Where is the documentation to support free trade? The great matters and fields of which you speak of planting have yet to reach the hallowed halls of Coruscant, or cross the desk of my infinite beaucracy.

We have understood the friendship of the colonies, yet the size and scale of our alliance has yet to be defined, determined and reached? How can we rely upon an ally without knowing what to expect, in having an untouched variable. As I’m sure you will agree Admiral, it makes sense even for the fiercest warrior amongst us to know what support he can draw on in a time of crisis.

Admiral, I am unaware of the agreement you and Remiel conducted in totality, he is a master of war for the Empire. I am the master of her politics, her policies, her decisions and quotas. To what extent can I promise aid or even government cooperation if this apparent embassy grant has not even reached my ear?

Paper my admiral is as necessary as your guns. It makes strategy function, it gives us wisdom, it allows nations to function even when her most beloved of leaders pass.

The Ta’Nar understand honour Admiral, you are correct, but we are talking about the survival of empires, the lives of billions. I ask no more of you than what I ask of the Huntarians or Chronosians. We all have our agreements, each one differing but yet the same. Would I treat the colonies any less different them they? Certainly not Admiral, I am the Empire and the Empire is me, it seems your understanding of our origins are not complete. We only ask of you what we expect others to ask of us.”

Vader remained seated and motioned the chair once more for Cain to sit. “Admiral, there is much more going on here than the survival of the colonial remnant. My intelligence operatives have uncovered much from the depths of the Jedi. Our suspicions of the Godulans do not go unwarranted, and our treaty is for the benefit of a nation that requires protection against a force which numbers into the many.”

“I believe that formalising our alliance, signing it and declaring it shall ensure that your government can never take action which is against our binding debt to each other Admiral. We require a non aggression pact to be agreed upon. We require that both nations defend each other as one, unrestricted defence which Admiral has been forever mandatory in the Empire. You say you seek to leave a clause to deny help or aid? Where is the honour in that Admiral I ask you, you seek to grow enraged about a piece of paper, while I grow angered by you insincerity about our friendship. Though Admiral, it seems you see the great need to have an extradition, and scientific proposal and for that I applaud your wisdom, especially since we have so much to offer you.

But I must understand your reluctance to place the Empire at the heart of your loyalties.” Vader looked down to has pad at clause eight, reading the brief summary. “Should not our alliance forever supersede future events, even…. Transgressions?”

“Or do you simply ask that we offer a small hand in your reconstruction, liberation, and defence. I offer the colonies unfettered access to the Galactic holonetwork, building a substation in colonial space at vast expense. Do you doubt our integrity in that Admiral, do you not trust the people whom you owe your very survival?

At the very least, I would have anticipated you to agree with us to remove the Jedi from your nation, or is even that too much a stumbling for our friendship to grow aflame?

We mention the Godulans Admiral for they are dangerous and deadly, we cannot possibly have free trade or relations with a state that is so close to their machinations, their tricks and devilry. Their genocide of so many of our people goes unanswered Admiral, would you hope or allow the Empire to befriend the Cylons? Would we befriend them out of respect and honour we hold for our own war dead, and billions lost on Caprica alone?

Admiral, I am speaking of honour here, do not belittle me. I have suffered fires and pains that you dare not dream of. I have seen torments and dangers which this Galaxy dread not face. Do not question my honour, in doing that you risk your neck from the soldiers that love me so.”

“Take your seat Admiral.” Cain instead moved back to the table preferring to stand.

The parklands dimmed as the artificial lighting was lowered by an unseen hand. The table which Vader sat at one end burst into life, revealing a holographic recording and a Coredian insignia. “This Admiral Cain is Obsidian level clearance, the highest the Jedi order have.” The emblem rotated for a moment before revealing the Jedi council chamber. There were seats some filled and some empty. Jedi Master Hawkins was present, Daniel Masaki was also seated as well as an assortment of other Jedi leaders.

The programme played and with it the stark reality of the dangers that faced the twelve colonies. Daniel Masaki spoke of plans to invade the empire, destroy her worlds and exterminate the Sith. He spoke of worlds and far reaching systems which Cain had never heard of, names such as Geonosis Pentova and Kaminos.

The Jedi spoke of plots to kill Vader and his advisors, infiltrate the Imperial palace, all of which was not relevant to the predicament Cain found herself in, until the council mentioned the colonies.

Words of assassination were in the air. Talk of enlisting the Godulans to help destroy Admiral Cain. Talk of rendering their worlds torn asunder and mastered into Jedi…. Pulp.

They talked of the colonial fleet its strengths and weaknesses and the planned instalment of Admiral Adama as supreme leader of the colonies. Until one issue circled and circled. The assassination of Admiral Cain. The mission was decided that it was a go, Jedi masters wrangled with the ethics merely briefly. Words and sentences revealing that the “Godulans could be counted on” floated ominously above ending with a sentence before Vader interrupted the recording “Cain must be killed.”

Ares

The sound in the corridors was laughter, talking, running, people coughing and breathing. Calamity looked on the faces as he walked past in his new form, salutes followed him wherever he went, the respect afforded his position was an excellent tool to achieving his means. Chaos was the aim of the day, further meant of the path was the cause, and the effect had to be worthy, worthy of his desire for everything to be realised.

“Marine upon that locker.” Calamity ordered with a clipboard in hand. The solider diligently obeyed as Calamity entered through the coded door. He looked over his shoulder as the door closed keeping with security procedures. Calamity looked down and up, his eyes travelled the cases of explosives and rounds finding the case he was looking for. Detonators.

His hand cherished the touch, the fixture, the feeling, the joy. The two pronged device entered a soft, doughy material as he inputted a simple time. 140 minutes. This man that he had decided to borrow was exceptionally helpful. His knowledge of routines, especially the circuit of small arms lockers.

Calamity finished a quick scan of the boxes, everything was as it should be, and he left, leaving the marine to a quick and painless fate as he begun to rinse and repeat all over the Warstar.

Arms locker after arms locker was infiltrated, the silent dagger of white revealing no hint of malice or glee. Only joy in the fulfilment of what must be done. The rounds were not uninhibited however, people attempted to talk to the master at arms to delay him with matters unimportant to the glory of the cause. All Calamity could do was take joy in his command to file a request and report and he would get back with them in a few hours.

Certainly time was set as the end drew closer and closer. The ninth small arms locker had been passed as Calamity headed for his final place of honour. Port forward Damage Control.

Just a simple door led to the steel, well lit corridor. His access codes worked just as they should, and in, down at the end were two marines well known to him. Ageis and Realin of Geminon. “You two, you’re relived.” Calamity ordered as though nothing were wrong. “Report to CIC immediately, and report to the CO.” Calamity looked at the two and smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ve managed to get you two a post transfer, something more interesting than corridor watching.” Both of them glanced at each other again, before saluting and following orders. So simple marines…..

Calamity witnessed his prize as he entered damage control. It was so simple and easy, he didn’t shout, he didn’t laugh when the outer airlocks opened and his watch alarm erupted in a perfect crescendo.

Luckily for the Ares' survival, two of the three infiltrators aboard the flagship were close to Calamity's damage control station. As the alarms began to blare, Reika Uchiha (aka Shelly Able) moved swiftly, heading for the damage control station to find out what was wrong. Her first thought was that it was a Cylon infiltrator (having a Colonial mindset helps in that regard) and she figured that she could take it down if it came to that, perhaps without revealing herself. Now if it happened to be an Imperial infiltrator (with the Empire flitting around, one never knows), depending on the strength of the infiltrator, she may or may not need to reveal herself. If she does, well, that's that. Hopefully she can be deported. But she would never reveal her teammates, even if the Colonials decide to torture the information out of her. She will play it up as acting alone, perhaps make up Council's orders to protect the Admiral or at least the Colonials. That should help.

She discreetly reached out, probing the area for the source of the trouble. An odd signature was at the damage control station...

In the meantime, she had a ship to save. "CIC, Corporal Able! we have a problem at Damage Control Station 2! I'm moving to take care of it!"

Hera, do what you can to slow it down!

Two marines passed by her, mumbling about heading to CIC. "You two, you've been to the station?"

"Yes, sir." Both appeared to be privates. "The master-at-arms is there."

"Shelby" narrowed her eyes. "I see. You're coming with me. He may be a Cylon."

As the mens' faces turned to masks of hatred. Reika almost smiled. All too easy to push their buttons.

They approached the damage control station swiftly, then Reika contacted Kensuke, the quartermaster of the section and Travis, somewhere out there. Keep on alert for infiltrators. I found one, but there may be more.

Roger that. Kensuke replied.

Gotcha. Travis replied. Should I return?

Neg. If anyone is to reveal themselves, it's me. You guys are better placed than I to recieve intel on the Colonies.

All right. Travis sighed. Sounds like our original mission's scrubbed...

Kensuke chuckled wryly through their minds. How ironic, we go to take Cain out, and we end up saving her ship. Makes me think she's more useful to the Force alive than dead.

Yeah, I suppose... Travis replied. Well, I'm on the alert. Keep me and Hera posted.

All right.

Gotcha.

When we start killing. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe2bcceU9aA)

Caprica City
Caprica

The city was finally returning to normal. The city, the Capitol of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, once destroyed by cylon and colonial guns, betrayed by a Coredian bomb, once the burn wreckage and carcass of the city was returning to it’s former glory. Sky scrappers once again filled the skies, the parks once again held trees and flowers. Children, only a few months ago that were starving, began to play again, flying kites in the newly cleaned atmosphere. The brown skies of the thermonuclear weapons, now cleaned, and blue once held kites, and flying airplanes, as the children dances and laughed in the park.

Although there was a lot fewer people living in the city, the Avatars, the Ta’Nar and the Ascendency, did a impressive job restoring the old city. Cars bustled down the now overly wide streets, to the newly created infrastructure. People once again had jobs, and thanks to the supplies of all those in the reconstruction, food and water. Truly the people felt a debt of gratitude to those here to aid them, the NPC’s, the Avatars, the Ascendency, and the Ta’Nar, along with the other charities like the Jesuits of the thirteenth Colony.

The day was warm, in Caprica City, as the sun shined down on the new and glistening city. There was a slight warm breeze, as one of the kids ran towards the edge of the play park. The sign in the background could clearly be seen 75 degrees, as the time flashed, 12:32. It was the perfect day, nothing could ruin it.

People walked along newly opened shops, as the factories, only recently reconstructed began to create more goods from the recycled from the burnt or twisted metal from the war not that long ago. Jobs were being created, and the soul’s of the people began to heal, although slowly.

People of every race, from any and all of the Twelve Colonies walked down the new sidewalks.

Overhead, in a square (similar to that of Time Square in NYC) a large flat screen TV played. The TV was currently playing a new recruitment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLcKuS2nrIU) video. The video was somber, showing the glory of the Colonies, and the peril that the Colonies lived in, and under. Still though most tried to ignore the message, as they wanted to forget about war, about betrayal. They wished to live peaceful blissful lives once more. Today their desires would be shattered once more.

As the people walked along, a woman appeared on stage, her face was white. She looked nervous, as the Camera rolled. “This is Caprica News Network, I am Francisica Devion.” As she began to speak, a tear rolled down her left eye.

“We have just received word...” she paused for a moment... “That the Warstar Ares, the flag ship of the Colonial Fleet has had several internal explosions, and has begun to vent air out into space.” she said.

Francisica, had long dark hair, and dark brown eyes. Her red lips seemed like she could barely begin to speak for a moment.”

The people on the streets stopped and looked up to the large TV screen that hovered above them. “We do not know as of yet the cause of the explosions, but early estimates report a catastrophic amount of lives lost.” She said.

She then gently placed her hand to her ear. “Are you sure?”

“Ok.” she says as she turns into the Camera. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have just received word, that General Alexander, has called a press conference. Please stay tuned, as we will be going live momentarily to Picon Ministry of Defense.” the anchor woman said.

Moments later the Colonial Crest appeared on the television screen. The purple flag, with the golden phoenix, the twelve razor sharp feathers reached far into the sky, united by the bird.

The television panned out, and revealed a man, tall, with gray hair. His hair was gray, and cut short, like a marines. On his rigged face the man adorned a scar on the left side of his face, from the blade of a cylon knife, during the first cylon war.

The man walked up to the podium, as he placed his hands on the wooden oak podium before him.

He gently cleared his throat, then began.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, and to all of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. About one hour ago, the Warstar Ares, the flag ship of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, has suffered severe sabotage.” he said calmly.

The crowd of the press broke out, as the noise reached a maximum level. The man waited. “Please, let me finish.” the general replied.

The press died down. “Thank you.” the general continued. “About half an hour ago, the ventilation system on the Ares activated, and soon to be followed, a series of explosions have occurred. The known death poll is roughly two thousand with many more injured. Although it is early in the investigation, it would appear to be the work of a saboteur.”

The press continued to jump trying to ask their questions each trying to shout the others down. The man looked to them, “Please be silent.” he said sternly.

The crowd died down once more.

“Right now, due to the accident on the Ares, Admiral Helena Cain’s whereabouts, and status are unknown. Also due to covert military operations, Admiral Samantha Hallen’s whereabouts and status are also unknown. Moments ago I ordered the government to initiate case orange. All Civilian ships, and foreign vessels planet side are here by land locked without permission of the Ministry of Defense. Any vessels in space are here by ordered to stand down all defenses and stop all movement, until escort can be provided. Until the situation can be fully understood, I am here by ordering Martial law.”

The noise spoke up again. The general looked into the crowd. Pointing his finger at a young blond female reporter he replied, “Your question.”

“Thank you sir, Who do you think is responsible for the terrorist attack on the colonies?”

The general cleared his throat, “Right now, we do not have enough information to speculate. Next Question.”

The next reporter stood up, “General, is there any truth that the Coredian’s have anything to do with the terrorist attack on the Colonies?” He asked.

“We are currently leaving all of the options open, and are investigating all leads.” the General replied

The crowd began to jump up again, as they spoke up. He looked to the crowd, “That is all I have time for. Ladies, Gentlemen” the General answered, as he walked off the stage.

Thirty minutes earlier
Command Carrier:

Admiral Cain held up her right hand, close to her chin, as her fingers rubbed against each other. As Vader spoke, she turned slightly towards him. She listened to his speech, his needs of signing paperwork to ensure the bureaucrats of the empire were satisfied. His desire to see the colonies strong, his fear of her death. She looked to the man out of the corner of her eye, the monstrosity that looked like the very Cylons she has fought her entire life. She then turned around, and looked at the trees in the space park. The sound of the birds.

“You mean to tell me this meeting is not being recorded?” Cain asked the Dark Lord of the Sith. “If you are not, then well what can I say. I would have recorded this moment if the situation had been reversed.” she replied coldly, as she looked out to the stream.

Her thoughts began to wander. “Something is not right, the Vader I met, was far more of a brute, relying on Tarkin for his silver tongue. This man before me, is way too diplomatic. The Dark Lord of the Sith trying to bargain, instead of force his way? Has he gone soft? Was this even Lord Vader?” she had to ask herself. Either way walking out now would never answer the questions. If this was not Vader, than this impersonate would be committing treason not only against the Colonies, but against the Empire. But she had to be sure.

She turned to Vader and smiled. “You have convinced me Lord Vader.” she replied. “I will agree to the same terms as I have with the Imperium, and the Balroggans. Write it on paper, if you wish to satisfy your politicians.” She replied. She mused to herself as she walked back over to the table. “For a man calling himself a warrior, he speaks like a politician. He is too concerned about politics, even claiming to be the political power of the Empire. How amusing.” she thought, as she got closer to the table, closer to Lord Vader.

Helena, walked over to the table, as the Dark Lord, his respirator thick began to command her to sit. She looked at him, as she placed her hands on the table. “Lord Vader, you know sitting causes me terrible pain. I must respectfully refuse to sit.” she answered as she listened to him talk about the Godulans and the Jedi. Admiral Cain interjected. “Vader, if you know of Jedi amongst the Colonies, they will be extradited. We will not allow the traitors and terrorist in our midst to get away with another cowardly attack on our colonies, or our allies.” she replied, as she stared into his dark obsidian “eyes”.

The Dark Lord, soon raised his heavy durasteel hand to the holographic display. She watched as the meeting unfolded. Then came the display, the damning evidence, of the Coredian plot to kill her and Vader. Cain sighed. “Lord Vader that is nothing new, although I am a bit shocked that it was not Empress Katrina, considering she, not Daniel Massaki is now Emperor of the Coreworlds, who ordered my death. Then again, I do not know much about Jedi affairs. I am shocked though, if you have such spies, why not take them out yourself?” she asked the Dark Lord.

Admiral Cain waited for a moment, as the possibilities of that recording came to her mind. “The Avatars had been here for months. They had their opportunity many times to take me out, on Terivine, even on my own vessel. The Colonies are crawling with their kythons, and their ships. Their technology far surpasses our own, and if they wanted to they could wipe the Colonies out off existence. Still they choose to help. If the recording is true, then obviously the Massaki’s would have asked them to. Still though, they have yet to try, and they have had more than ample opportunity to do so.” she thought to herself.

Admiral Cain then sighed, “Lord Vader, I understand your concern. But the Empire has befriended the Cylons. The Ta’Nar are right now constructing vessels for the Cylons as we speak. I know this cause I was informed of this development. Lord Atrox, has assured me, and it was proven at the Battle of Konoha that the new cylon vessels could not fire on the Colonies. Should I hold it against the Empire that one of our allies has aided the enemy?” she asked him. “The same ally, that is second in line to your throne?”

She then continued. “The Godulans are allied to the Imperium, and to the Ta’Nar. This is a fact. “Your Warmaster, and the second in line to your throne are allied to them. I understand your hatred towards them, hell if you allied with the cylons, I would be concerned for your safety. Still though, the fact remains that the Avatars have yet to fire upon the Empire or her ships, and here they seek to aid an ally of hers, to correct the damage done by the Coredians and cylons. Perhaps they have undergone a change like the Ta’Nar, who used to be your enemy?” she replied.

Admiral Cain then reached into her briefcase and pulled out a document. “I am well aware of the movements of Adama. I know where he is right now, and what is being planned. I also am aware that Baron Sky, of the Avatars has openly declared himself as siding with Remiel against the Coredians. If Daniel is counting on him, then I must say, he is more of a fool than we thought, and there is nothing to be concerned about.” Cain replied.

Warstar Ares, on parallel Orbit of the Command Carrier.

Vipers flew in escort, of the large and heavily armed warstar. The pilots, waiting for the raptor to exit the Command Carrier began to get bored, as idle chatter began to break across the lines.

The pilots began to sing out, the old song from Boot camp.

“What do you hear?”
“Nothing but the Rain.”
“Grab your gun and bring the cat in”
“Boom boom boom.”

Then song after song, as the pilots in the air began to laugh. “So Jarhead, tell me what is up with that petite desk jockey of yours?” Raven shouted out.

“Leave him alone, he can’t handle a real woman.” Starbuck chimed in.

“Probably right sir, after all who could handle a woman who sits on a rocket all day.” Raven replied, as the squadron erupted in laughter.

Jarhead, being the rook of the squadron, finally responded. He had to say something, “ Women can sit on rockets, but it is men who get to ride them” he replied.

Raven shouted back, “No wonder he has to get a desk jockey, he probably can’t pull more than two g’s without firing his missiles.”

Starbuck then replied, “Ok, lets leave the rook alone, he might be in luv.” she replied.

Over the Coms, nothing but AHHHHH! Sounded off.

“What is happening” Jarhead cried even though he knew what was coming.

“So when are you and the petite getting hitched if you are so in WUV!” another squad mate replied.

Raven then replied, “Don’t ask and don’t tell.”

The squad broke out in laughter again.

Travis did not really know how to respond. The boy was really barely a teenager, and had not grown up with the culture of the colonies, nor any experience despite his borrowed appearance.

“Oh look have we embarrassed you?” Kara responded to Travis.

Of course Travis believed he could trade insults with the best of them. Reika was much worse than these people. Travis responded, “ Nah she is just some CIC bitch, there is nothing between us.” he said with confidence.

“Over the coms after he said that, static broke though the radio. “Gold Squadron, this is Ares. You are instructed to knock it off when in communication range of a foreign vessel. And please instruct Jarhead, that Sarah is not amused.”

“Looks like someone is not getting any tonight.” Raven replied.

“Ok, shut the frak up, we have our orders.” Starbuck replied.

If they could see Travis’s face glowing red with embarrassment, they would have died laughing. Instead he chose to follow his orders and remain silent.

Two minutes past, as The radio broke it’s silence again. “Ares Actual, this is Gold one. I am running on fumes, request permission to return to the nest.”

“Gold one, this is Ares Actual, request granted, You have the ball, bring her in.”

“Confirmed Actual, Gold four (Travis) take point, and for frak’s sake do not fly into the warstar.” Starbuck ordered.

“As ordered.” Travis replied as he chuckled to himself. His viper kicked in, as he flew to the point in the V patrol formation.

Starbuck however, begin a vertical thrust as she spun her viper 145 degrees. As it spun, she took off and kicked in her afterburners, as she flew straight towards the secondary flight pod?

“Finally, I can spend some time with my frakking kid.” Starbuck thought to herself as she touched down. The magnetic seal began to click in, as the Viper lowered below deck.

Her plane, then came inside the hanger where she opened the cockpit, and took off her helmet. Several men and women came walking up to her plane, as she walked away. Little did she know this was the last time she would ever fly, and she would never see her daughter.

Kara walked down the corridor, as quickly as she could. Since the arrival of the Empire, she had spent to little time with Athena. She like any good mother wanted to spend time with her newborn, but with the recent events of the Colonies it was becoming more and more difficult. All she could do was have an enlisted woman watch her. Kara thought to herself, “If I find that bitch reading a magazine, or sleeping when Athena is hungry one more time I am going to frakking shoot that bitch.”

Starbuck continued, until an alarm rang out. A breeze formed, as it grew stronger. The bulkhead before her slammed shut. Starbuck walked up to it and inserted her code. The light glowed red. She tried again, and it continued to glow red.

“Frakking great.” she said. Starbuck then began to turn around and run, she made a left at the next corridor. The bulkhead was sealed. She turned around and put her hands on her hips. “What the frak is going on?” she asked herself out loud. She looked directly across from her. Weapon Storage two. It was ten feet from her...

Hera was in the bow starboard section of the ship. She was walking frantically, holding her sister in her arms. The vision of the Opera house, and of Lord Atrox haunted her. “This section of the ship is about to be vented.” she thought to herself, as she walked faster. She had to get Athena to safety, it was her only concern.

In her arms, she held the little infant. She was so warm, so full of life, so perfect. Hera could not help but smile at her sister, but she knew she did not have time to get acquainted. She had to move and fast. Then it happened, out of instinct, Hera changed her location in evanescence. She appeared in her quarters, in the stern port side. Hera almost freaked out, as a slight mist surrounded her. “What the frak just happened?” she asked herself. She looked around, moving quickly as she got her bearings. She was in her room, her sister was in her arms, Athena was safe.

As she looked at her sister, a voice rang out in her mind “Hera we do not have much time.” yelled at her. “We need you now.” the voice or Reika shouted in her mind.

Hera sighed, “Athena is safe.”

“Well isn’t that nice, the ship is not. The man in white is about to vent the ship, we need you now.” Reika yelled at her.

“How did I get here?” Hera asked sounding very confused.

“Like I do not know already. All I know is someone who is powerful in the force is trying to vent the frakking ship. Damn he is doing it now.” Reika screamed in her mind.

Hera looked down to her sister, “If he is venting, then the bulkheads will seal. How do I get there?” she asked Reika.

“Teleport, there is no time to explain.” Reika replied as she opened her mind to Hera. As she did, Reika, Travis and Kensuke all appeared in a blank room. They sat in red soft chairs as Hera walked between them.

“No time to explain, he is Calamity.” Hera said, as the expression on her face grew cold. Before Hera, a computer appeared. She reached down with her hands and grabbed a cord. Slowly she inserted it inside the palm of her hand. Travis and Kensuke all stared in awe, as Travis replied, “What the frak, I am flying a frakking viper, and you are taking me now? Of all the times...” Travis yelled.

“This is weird, it reminds me of that one game.” Kensuke replied.

Reika said nothing as she stood in shock.

“No time to explain, the man is Calamity” Hera continued to say as she accessed the minds of the three jedi knights. Each one’s mind opened before her, like a computer holographic interface. Hera spread out her hands, and began to type. “Friends, enemies, loves, fantasies, force techniques.

She double clicked on all three screens force techniques, as a multitude of files and folders opened up before her. All three could not resist, or maybe they were not trying hard enough, as she took the cursor, and surrounded all the boxes. The files light up blue. She left clicked the mouse. “Cut, Copy, Delete, Move to, copy to. Hera clicked copy too, as she installed herself as the H drive. A blue bar sped across all three screens. Within a second the act was done.

Hera reached down and yanked the wire out of her arm. “No time.” Hera said, as the room vanished and she stood over her sister, holding her in her arms.

Hera kissed Athena on the head. “I will be back soon.” she said. Athena began to cry. Hera looked to her sister as she felt her heart break. She looked to the room, and her eyes glowed for a moment. A white crib appeared. Hera reached over, and placed her sister in the crib. “Sit tight.” she said, “I will be back. No one will hurt you.” Hera replied. She then walked over to under her bed. She reached and grabbed her first creation. The six shot colt (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfSna9-iM-E). She looked at her ornate creation. “He was worth it.” Hera told herself, as he loaded the gun, sliding a bullet into each chamber. She reached for her sword and dagger, and placed them on her waist. “He threatened my sister.” she said to herself.

Hera looked down at her sister, Athena. Her eyes grew yellow, as the anger built up in her. “He wants to snuff out her life? Someone so small so innocent.” she thought to herself. The rage began to build, as she vanished once more, from the stolen force techniques. “He will die.” she yelled as she appeared before Reika.

A few minutes earlier:

The two privates stared at the Corporal before them. “Sir.” they responded. “Why would you think the Sargent at arms is a cylon. We have been trained and know the faces of the seven cylon models. Why in the hell would you think he is a cylon,.and if you think so why in the hell did you not take this information to command?” one of the marines asked her.

"Because...I know." Reika's eyes blazed red. The Sharingan, the powerful eye-technique that only the Uchiha can use, was activated, allowing her to effect their minds. Although not quite as effective as a Mind Trick, since it needs eye contact, it will suffice. "Now, come. We have little time to waste. We must defeat this Cylon."

The mind trick worked, as the guards, loaded a bullet in the chamber of their rifles. They quickly walked behind Reika, as the wind began to pick up. The air began to rush out, as the two marines began to choke...

CIC

The lights bustled, as the coms cracked of the pilots joking around. All seemed right, until Domeil began to speak. His words set off the Ascendant, who then ducked like a coward. In his hand a ball of lighting grew.

“What in the frak is he doing?” Colonel Fisk asked.

Before any answer was given, a few papers on the planning table began to blow around.

“Sir damage control two is going active. Venting Docks are opening across all sections in it’s control.

Colonel Fisk looked at her, “Shut it down now.” he replied.

“Can not sir, it is manually overridden.” she responded, as the wind grew violent. The air rushed out, of the ship, as huge gray mist exited over twenty five percent of the ship.

“Shut the CIC doors now, set condition one.” Fisk yelled, as the large glass panels began to close. The air was thin, in the CIC, as most of the oxygen left the room. He gasped. Shut all bulkheads, and begin....

The ship rocked, as the nine lockers blew. Over a hundred pounds of c-4 in each locker exploded, setting off the shoulder fired missiles, and the small rounds in the lockers. The rooms exploded in pure violence, as fire and shrapnel expanded out of the room. The heavy bulkhead doors did little to stop the explosion, as the fires reached far and wide. The ship was under attack

From Space Travis could clearly see the ventilation system, designed to put out fires from a nuclear explosion venting the air out in space. Over the radio all that could be heard was “Oh my gods.” as those outside in the vipers could only watch helplessly. As Travis watched in horror, a body floated out by his window. The man’s face was frozen, as he floated by.

CIC

The bulkheads closed, containing most of the fire, as the vipers and raptors screamed out of the tubes. The every ship that was available launched out, as the Ares automated becon began to transmit the distress. Only those in the vipers could see the true horror. Where was Admiral Cain?

Picon
Minsitry of Defense

It was an average day. The joint chiefs sat at their desks, pushing around paper. Fleet rations, military operations, there was nothing unusual at all.

As they sat there, the phone rang. “Priority message from the Ares.”

The man sighed, as he put his hand to his head. “What did Cain want now?” he thought to himself, as he pushed the button on the phone. “Send the message in.” he said reluctantly. A young boy about nineteen years of age walked in, with a folder in his hand. The boy saluted.

“Thank you, that will be all.” the General said as he took the paper from the boy. He opened up the folder.

“Ares transmitting emergency signal. Cain’s whereabouts or health is unknown.” was all the paper said. The man looked in horror, as he ran to the phone. “Get me Admiral Hallen.” he replied.

“Are you frakking kidding me. Order Case Orange. Find out who in the frak is in command of the Colonies, now.” he yelled. He got up and looked to the sky. “What in the hell was going on up there?”

(OOC: Phew done for now feel free to post.)

Atrox wandered the halls, trying to locate Hera. Her signal was directly ahead about 50 meters but the intervening walls and bulkheads presented a maze of corridors for him to pass through, some of which he did not have the clearance to use. If he had been crew, it would be different but even though he was considered an Ally of the Colonies, he still had less rank than the lowest soldier. He was considered a diplomat of sorts but that was all. He was a foreigner in a robotic powersuit. Both aspects made him appear suspicious to the colonial thought but he understood why. Their xenophobia was well founded seeing as they had been betrayed by almost everyone they met. He was determined the Ta’Nar not be placed upon that list with the others. We had Honor.

Taking a left and running into a bulkhead door with a pass code lock, he turned around and retraced his steps. He scanned the area and located a wall map a few meters further back and around the corner from where he had come. He examined the map and found the route he would have to take to find Hera, somewhere in the forward crew quarters. He set out following the memorized map.

Atrox walked down the hallway feeling the source of his search just a few doors ahead when it suddenly disappeared. He stopped in confusion and cast about looking for the missing presence. A faint flicker came into existence at the other side of the ship, near to where he believed her quarters to be.

“Dammit, so close.” He turned around and retraced his path to the map, seeking a route to where Hera was.

Minutes later as he was walking, Atrox felt the ship shudder. The violent rocking threw him to the deck and his hard armor skidded until it struck the wall. He immediately contacted The Abomination through the suit’s link.

“Commander, what the hell was that?”

“Sir, it appears The Ares is undergoing several explosions.”

“I know that, what the hell is causing it?”

“Sensors is reading eight, no nine massive internal explosions and the ship has lost its integrity. There are ruptured several places across the ship and the atmosphere is leaking.”

“Get in here and cover this ship. Provide protective services and get Kythons here immediately to seal the hull breaches.”

“Moving the ship as directed.”

“Also, get Childer and Ta’Nar over here skilled in healing. I want them here ASAP.”

“Assembling the team and they will be hitting The Ares as soon as possible.”

Atrox braced himself against the wall and righted himself back on the suit’s feet and ran toward Hera. He had to get to her. He did not know why but he knew he had to get there before he did anything else.


-----


The Abomination, which was sitting a respectable distance away, suddenly disappeared only to reappear moments later in front of The Ares, shielding the flagship with its bulk. Shielding activated, snapping around the tortured vessel as a swarm of familiar black objects flew out from the massive dreadnaught. The Kythons neared the ruptured Battlestar and they landed upon the hull. After scurrying about to locate the hull ruptures from the explosions, they melted and reformed plating over the holes. Several joined together to seal the larger tears while smaller ones only required a single Kython or two. Within a minute or two, the ruptures were fixed, albeit temporarily. unfortunately the damage had already been done.

While this was happening there were two messages being sent out from The Abomination, one directed toward The Ares repeated until it was replied to and the second directed to everyone else in the system.

The first message was:

Attention Ares. We have detected multiple explosions. We are moving The Abomination to cover you with our shields and are sending repair crews over. The Kythons will seal your hull breaches and we will be transporting healers over to assist with the wounded. I repeat, we are sending assistance and we are protecting you with our ship. Please reply.



Attention Ares. We have detected multiple ...

The message sent to everyone else was as follows:

Attention all vessels

Something terrible has happened aboard The Ares and it is now under our protection. We are shielding the vessel in case it was an attack and are sending relief personal to assist the Colonials. If you wish to do the same, clear it with me first. The only exception is the Colonial Fleets which would of course have free access.

So far we have not received word of what happened but it seems catastrophic. Please be patient. We will inform you as we know more.



Minutes later Code Orange was declaired by the Colonial Goverment.

Darian was shocked out of his fear when the alarms went off, and he began to detect the air thinning around him. The deck shuddered as explosions went off and his eyes narrowed as he felt two large auras on the ship. One felt Colonial, but slightly different. Another....felt incredibly different. He didn't bother trying to locate them physically, he knew at the rate the air was going, that the entire CiC, except for him and Domiel, would die.

Closing his eyes, he focused as the humans around him shut the doors and struggled to breathe. Reaching out, he connected to their minds, supplying them with energy. Energy which transformed into oxygen for them.

"Do not fight; I am helping you. I will help to ensure you get the air you need until it stabilizes in here."

The message from the Balroggans got a message of concern and confirmation from the other forces in the Colonies, but they merely stepped up patrols and began using the Ascendant ships to guard the planets. Archlord-class fighters, beautiful and smooth compared to the insect-like interceptors of the Xel'athi, began to pour out of small openings, moving closer to the planets to increase the defense around the Colonies.

The sudden burst of confusion struck Domiel remarkably hard, for despite his lack of any need for oxygen, he was not a military avatar.

Even so, the delay was only momentary, as other members of the Legion jumped in almost instantaneously to take momentary control. No time to ask... He scanned the area, looking for a specific signature, and finding what was necessary, he leaped across the room, almost gliding amidst the swiftly waning maelstrom, and punched a hand into a bulkhead. The sound reverberated through the chamber and the area outside, and his inhuman hand breached the reinforced surface with remarkable ease.

He drew his hand out, and in its clutches was a thick power cable. Tiny fibers of Kythonstuff snaked through the cable's cladding, and tapped into the energies contained within, causing the Avatar's body to spark and shimmer and lose its external coloration, revealing the crystalline form that all Godulan Kythons truly were.

He cast his gaze outward, to the view of the situation from the Replication array and the Godulans on the world below. He needed to pinpoint every single breach right now, and within several tenths of a millisecond had each one located and locked in for what he would do next.

This was where the power requirements came in.

He reached out towards the ceiling with an outstretched hand, striking an odd pose considering the circumstances, and his body surged with tapped energy. With a hearty snap, a field of kinetic force materialized within each ventilation shaft on the hull, preventing any more air from escaping and containing the section of the ship as best he could. The hurricane stopped almost instantly, leaving the CiC silent save for the blaring of various alarm claxons and the beeping of one console.

Domiel focused on it for a moment, drawing on his recollection of the command center's layout to recognize the sytem itself.

Pressure low. Press to isolate and repressurize.

He reached out with his mind's eye, targeting the button, and with the energy he had to spare, generated just enough of a kinetic thrust to depress the button. Doors thudded shut and a renewed rush of air silenced the gasping for air in the room, relieving the suffocation at least for those still inside.

"Colonel Fisk. Would it be possible to repressurize the other parts of this section from here? We have contained the venting, but the areas outside this chamb[er are still near depressurization, and we would like to prevent further termination due to hypoxia."

As the Godulans and the Telrosians unleashed their magical powers to contain the breach, Reika Uchiha added her own, albiet limited, skills to the corridor. An invisible bubble seemed to appear, blocking off the hurricane that suddenly sprang up and collecting as much oxygen as necessary to protect herself and the two soldiers with her. They didn't deserve to die, after all. She knew that she would have to wipe their memories later (or have Hera do it, she seems to be quite the reader, even better than an Uchiha...) but for now, they were safe.

And so...she sensed...was Travis, in his Viper, and Kensuke, who had the presence of mind to find a 'suit and get in it before the air runs out.

Then...

Hera looked down at her sister, Athena. Her eyes grew yellow, as the anger built up in her. “He wants to snuff out her life? Someone so small so innocent.” she thought to herself. The rage began to build, as she vanished once more, from the stolen force techniques. “He will die.” she yelled as she appeared before Reika.

Reika only spoke advice. "And he will. But strike in hatred and you become your enemy. I see you learned teleport quickly."

As if she needed reminding, but Reika knew that Hera had dangerous mood swings. Keeping her stabilized is just as important as ensuring the success of the mission (the intel-gathering part, not the Kill-Cain part, as it'd only justify war at this point) after all.

Save Yourself (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wK7S6RH1gk)

Caprica City
Caprica

The city stood still, as the news reports came in. People on the street stopped as tears ran down their eyes. Mothers hugged their children, hoping that soon another attack on the Colonies was not underway. Was another invasion coming? Were shells about to rain down once more? Who was leading the Colonies? All of these questions, that no one had an answer to.

The streets of Caprica City began to fill with cars, as families, quickly ran out, and tried to leave the city. Was this a first strike? Remiel would be proud, as chaos gripped the colonies once more, as the streets and highways of Caprica city began to become clogged with cars, and trucks.

Those near the square at Caprica City, continued to look up to the giant television, as a older woman, with dark skin, and purple robes appeared. Her vestments showed her position clearly, she was an oracle of the Lords of Kobol. She lowered her head.

“Lords of Kobol, hear our prayers. Please deliver the souls of those departed here today into your hands. They were good people, and please bring safety and security to Admiral Helena Cain. If she is no longer with us, please deliver her to your hands, and protect the Twelve Colonies of Kobol.” the older woman said.

When the prayer was said, the people in the streets lowered their heads in solemn prayer. Even those who were not religious, felt the need, as their heads bowed down.

“Lords of Kobol, hear our prayers, please save those in the stars above who are still alive. We beg of you, to safeguard those of the Fleet, and the people of the Colonies who are still with us. Deliver us from death, and bring us peace.” she pleaded on the screen.

Warstar Ares

Small flames licked the outer hull of the ship, as smoke and air began to rupture from new points. Small fragments of metal began to break apart from the ship, as bodies, some blackened from the fires below, who were sucked out into space, others frozen in perfect stasis floated around the ship, as the Abomination broke it’s position and engaged it’s shields. Flames still leaked out, licking the hull, as the Kythons rushed down, in a frantic frenzy to save the ship.

Large ventilation ducts opened on the side as the gray mist exited the vessel. It streamed out, like steam out of a cup of coffee, as the Godulans did their best to seal the hull. Slowly the air began to dissipate, as the leaks began to seal. Although it was already too late.

The Interior of the Ares, as quite bad off, as large holes existed inside the ship. The ship moaned and creaked, as large holes, some as large as a football field, extended through the ship. Hallways were on fire, as men and women, where they could, in fire fighter gear ran out, to snuff the flames out with a white foam. Sprinkler systems began to activate, as the ship’s exposed wiring, began to flicker white sparks. The damage was extensive.

Darian held his own, in the thin atmosphere and low pressure of the CIC. Truly it was a good thing for him, being an ascendant race, as he would be passed out along side the crew in the CIC. Their mouths opened slightly, trying to take in as much air as they could. Like a fish out of water, they struggled to breathe, as he put all of his energy to putting oxygen in their blood stream.

His abilities worked, to some degree, as the newly enriched oxygen blood began to flow. It was not enough for true movement, but it would keep them alive. Still they laid unconscious, but at least brain damage and eventual death was staved off.

Then came the electric dance of Domiel, as he grabbed the electric wiring of the ship. The power was overwhelming, as he began to seal off the vented sections of the ship. As he pushed the button, the air vents hissed, and the computer consoles sparked and flickered in and out. The white fluorescent lights, began to flicker, as Domiel drew more and more power into himself to save the ship.

The Wind began to die down, in the bow/port side of the ship, as the air began to stabalize. Domiel continued to draw more power, like the kythons outside to repair the outer hull. Finally the gaps closed.

As Domiel moved away, the lights in the CIC, and throughout the ship cut off. Screams could be heard, as the remaining crew were in total darkness. A second later, the secondary lights flickered on, in a self contained battery circuit. The scene was truly grizzly.

As Atrox pushed himself up, in the bow/starboard section of the ship, he could hear the screams of the crew. He got up and looked around, as people laid unconscious. Blood dripped from their foreheads. A few, had limbs that were shattered in strange angles. Most of them laid silent in shock. Atrox looked down at the people, as he reached his healing hands out to one. Energy pulsed from his hands, as he began to repair the damage, to the young private before him. His hands glowed, as the broken areas began to heal, causing a warm sensation.

Atrox knew what had happened, the man in white had struck, but he could not leave these people. They were innocent in this war, and they were struck down, like a fly under a swatter. He moved on to the next person. Atrox scrambled as fast as he could, until he heard a voice from behind him. “We have this Ba’el.” a Ta’Nar said behind him.

“Good.” Atrox replied as he got up.

“Where is she?”

“Hera is heading to Damage control two. The area is sealed by the explosions and by bulkheads, it is impossible to reach there by foot.” Atrox’s power suit responded.

“Then I will have to leave this body.” Atrox responded.

Hera walked next to Reika, as she spoke her words of wisdom. Unfortunately, Hera was blinded by hate. Her words washed over Hera, as she pulled out the colt. She gently held the gun, like a baby holding a rattle, as they approached the damage control two station. Only the orange glow of the emergency lighting remained, as the Two marines followed in tow.

Reika looked to Hera, “Hera are you listening to me?” she asked.

Hera did not respond, as she continued to walk closer to the heavy bulkhead door.

“Hera” Reika yelled out.

She still did not respond.

Reika finally got fed up with this. She knew all too well that Hera was a loose cannon. Sweet one minute, homicidal the next. She also knew that they could not afford to lose her to the darkside, and multiply their problems. She sighed, as she walked in front of Hera.

“Are you ok?” she asked the seventeen year old hybrid.

Hera just looked at Reika, as she cocked her head slightly to the left. “I am fine.” she responded in a cold voice.

Reika looked into her eyes, “No you are not.” Reika said, seeing the thin yellow band around her iris. “Do not kill him in anger.” she said to Hera.

“How else can I?” she asked Reika.

Reika looked to her, “Do not do this, not like this. What would Master Rydo think?” Reika responded.

“She would think I am doing what is right, I am protecting those I love, and those she loves.” Hera responded coldly.

“You are protecting no one.” Reika yelled out. “You are going to become him, can you not see that. You will kill him and become the killer of your sister.” Reika said.

Hera said nothing. Reika sighed, “Fine, I will take point, you back me up Hera.”

Reika walked in front of the group, her rifle trained in front of her. They slowly turned around the corner, as they did, their flashlights piercing the darkness, a ghostly visage appeared. Ba’el Materialized, as the two marine guards trained their rifles on him.

“Lower your weapons, I am not here to harm any of you.”

Reika’s eyes stared at the Dark Lord, as Hera walked up to her. “Do not be a freak.” she whispered to Reika.

“I am here to aid you and to save this ship. This attack was a cowards way, and it is something I will not abide.” Ba’el continued.

Reika’s eyes grew bold. “Well now I have seen everything.” she said.

Hera sighed, as she continued to walk. The rest of the group ran up in front of her, as they approached the big bullet proof glass door at Damage control two. Inside, a man could be seen, his fingers dripping with blood. In the orange hazy lights, two words could be seen, scratched into the walls, dripping with blood. “For Coredia”

The man turned and laughed as he opened the doors for the people. “Hera my child.” he said gleefully. “I am so glad that you finally decided to come. And I see you have brought some friends, how quaint. Tell me how is that brat?” the Sargent at Arms asked. His lips slightly cracked into a smile, as he watched the Coredian, the abomination, the Ta'Nar and the two marines.

The anger built up in Hera, as the man mocked her, and her sister. Her hand tightened around the colt, as the hammer was cocked back...

(The characters in this post that are not mine, have been written in with the express permission of Sithy and Balrogga. Unfortunately I have yet to have a chance to talk to CW, so if he wants me to edit I will. I just thought I would move along the boring talk to the action at the end.)

Ba’El would have preferred to use his body in this battle but he didn’t have a choice, In order to make it here in time he would either have to leave it behind or go around all the bulkhead doors by taking an EVA route outside the ship. With all the activity going on out there it would be slower than simply leaving behind the extra luggage and walking here in a straight line through all the walls in between him and Hera.

When he appeared, he was mildly surprised to find a Coredian, by the taste of the surface thoughts she was broadcasting. It was not hard, she was so worried about Hera loosing control and the urgent mess within the ship that she was almost shouting her thoughts. It is funny how people think their thoughts are private but when you experience the point of view of a Psion you are truly awakened to that façade. The girl was mainly “yelling” what she was speaking so there was no hidden secrets given away. If he hadn’t been exposed to the thoughts in the council chambers on Konoha and the time spent with Daniel before Palpatine was murdered, he would not really have a good grasp of what the Coredian “flavor” was. He was certain the girl before him was Coredian but that didn’t matter right now.

What mattered was the presence he felt behind him on the other side of the door. It felt familiar but he could not place his finger on it. He had recently felt this aura before, it was very familiar but not of anyone he personally knew. First he had to deal with the reactions of those he startled.

“Lower your weapons, I am not here to harm any of you.”

Reika’s eyes stared at the Dark Lord, as Hera walked up to her. “Do not be a freak.” she whispered to Reika.

“I am here to aid you and to save this ship. This attack was a cowards way, and it is something I will not abide.” Ba’el continued.

Reika’s eyes grew bold. “Well now I have seen everything.” she said.


Ba’El turned and faced the security door at the end of the hall, preparing his defenses. He was not yet up to full strength but it would not take long. His paralysis from the Vision earlier had warn off otherwise he would not have been able to use his healing abilities on the wounded earlier. He began to draw on his abilities and set a multitude of virtual minds for defense, each in charge of a particular one.

It was too bad he had to leave Atrox behind, he would be unable to tap into the Sith Lord’s body’s reserve of Force energy. While he was the only Ta’Nar who could manipulate the Force, he needed a physical form to pool the energy for him to tap into, unless he found another strong source that would have the same effect as the body would, concentrating Force Energy.

Ba’El then created several virtual minds to act as offensive platforms to launch his psionic attacks from. Be it a telekinetic pellet bouncing about the brain bucket, a massive discharge of static electricity comparable to lightning, exciting the molecules in the target to cause spontaneous combustion, or simply hitting them with a Mindwipe to erase their mind. He was ready


He walked up to the door with the others, ready to do battle against the Honorless coward within.

As Reika and the others entered the room, the two marines that followed Reika wasted no time in leveling their rifles and firing bursts of high-speed slugs at the so-called 'Cylon'. They didn't have an inkling of the true nature of Calamity, but they did know that this enemy had to be put down once and for all.

The battle to save the Ares had begun.

As the two Colonial Marines raised their weapons, Ba’El examined the stranger’s aura further, trying to figure out why it felt familiar. It felt so familiar, he had met this person before but he could not recognize the man.

Then it hit him.

He thought back to what seemed to be hours ago but it was less than an hour. The message sent by his Master matched the feeling he was getting from the figure before him. He thought back on the mental communication he had received from him.


My apprentice…. I sense fear in you. Concern for the Admiral…… Your thoughts betray you Lord Atrox but you need not be afraid. If we desired Cain dead, the young Jedi Hera would have accomplished it long before now. Defend the colonies my apprentice. Keep watch over the Godulans. Insure the Admiral meets with me. Insure the Colonial fleet is kept uninfected from the enemy scourge.

It was unmistakable, the man before him sent the message that was supposedly from Vader. Ba’El also realized he had met him elsewhere but the aura was subdued. He was the man in white in Hera’s Vision, the “man in black who wears white” as she called him.

Ba’El was pissed. This imposter had the gall to impersonate the Emperor? That is not only Treason, but also a Capital Offense punishable by death.

This man will be caught and brought before the Emperor in chains that binds him powerless as a newborn mortal. He will then peel apart his mind; layer-by-layer until he has every secret that lies within, every name he is working with, every location that he keeps secret. After the Traitor has bared his soul, Ba’El would keep going, tearing every little bit away from him until he was left with nothing but tatters of his mind and soul. He would listen to him beg for forgiveness in trying to deceive the Ta’Nar and as the Traitor was about to think he might get some compassion, Ba’El would dash it on the sharp jagged rocks of despair.

As Ba’El contemplated the Traitor’s fate, the others would definitely feel a difference overcome him. The room began to feel way too small, like there wasn’t enough space in here with Ba’El there. His eyes began to shine with an inner light, electric blue sparks seemed to surround him, as he stood there motionless staring at the man bathed in red emergency lights.

The static of rapid gunfire brought him to the surface and he shook his head as if to clear away something that was covering his face. The closterphobic feeling faded but the feeling of menace from Ba’El did not. It was clearly directed at the intruder.

“Surrender Traitor. I will have Justice done to you no matter how hard you resist. Make it easier on yourself in the long run and submit.” The Ta’Nar knew simple machinegun fire would not stop this guy. He had to give him a chance before he was to resort to obliteration.

Calamity slid the one of the doors closed leaving a patter of thuds as the bullets impacted at high velocity on the glass. Glancing up at the security feed Calamity almost sniggered as he reached inside a jacket pocket. Pulling out a block of high explosives he pressed his hand down on the trigger. “Kill me, and you kill yourself.”

A pressure was felt as if a giant vice clamped down, preventing his hand from even twitching open a fraction of a millimeter. The pressure continued to grow until his hand was filled with unbearable pain. As he tried to clutch at his hand, his unconfined one could not come into contact with the one being imbedded into the explosives block due to the tightly woven telekinetic field held around the pinned extremity by the Ta'Nar.

“You will NOT be allowed to choose your death, we will decide. You had your chance to surrender and now you forfeit your life to us. You have chosen this yourself and you have chosen foolishly.”

To accent the point, Ba’El crushed his hand further, forcing a cry of pain from his lips as he could both feel and hear his bones cracking. Taking the chance given by the distraction, the Ta'Nar flung the sliding door open as the man clutched in vain to his mutilated hand.

“You lose.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSz90Whc4kQ

Hera let Reika make the first move. She watched, as she, and the two marines raised their rifles and shot at the man, their spread of bullets striking the glass of the Damage Control. Small dents appeared on the glass, as the bullets bounced around. Ping, ping, ping, was all anyone could hear, after the bullets ricochet off the glass and around the walls.

Then a scream, as one of the bullets bounced into the leg of one of the marines. The marine began to drop, as her left leg fell out from underneath her. Hera did nothing but watch, as the blood ran out from her leg.

“Mother frakking, gods damn son of a bitch!” the young marine yelled out, as her body hit the hard steel platform. Hera turned her gaze to the fallen marine.

“Poor girl, she has no idea of what is going on.” a small voice spoke to Hera.

“Which one, Reika or the marine?” Hera asked

The voice laughed, “Both. You know what you have to do. She does not want you to kill me, she wants the power and glory to herself.”

Hera replied, in her mind, “Who gives a frak about that, you sick bastard. You are trying to kill my sister.”

The man calmly replied, “My dear, it is a necessary sacrifice. Your brat is one of many, does she deserve to live over the others?” the man said sneering.

Only one word came from Hera’s lips. “Yes!”

As she spoke, she found herself sitting at a Tavern. She looked down, as she wore a long brown duster. Strapped to her side was the Colt, beautifully decorated pistol. Hera looked around her, before her was a fifth of whiskey, and two shot glasses. She picked them up, and walked over to the table.

At the table, sat a man, wearing a white cowboy hat, and duster. She smiled as they she sat down, the sound of her boots and spurs clanging on the wooden floor below.

“You have come along way, my child.” he said, as he reached for one of the glasses, and poured two shots.

Hera just looked at the man, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a deck of cards. Hera looked at him, and sighed, as she picked up her shot and took down the bitter liquor.

“I still remember the little lost girl, the one who wandered in my village. My child, who was stolen from me, the same way you stole your child.” The man spoke.

Hera’s gaze looked into the eyes of the man before him. “Hawkins is nothing like you Cal.” she retorted. Cal just looked to her and smiled. “Sure he is not. He stole what was mine, tried to seal you off from me. You were mine, you always have been.” Cal replied.

Hera’s brown eyes grew yellow, as the hate built up in her. “And see you are proving my point. The Jedi are not supposed to get angry. There is no emotion, there is only peace. You know that is a bunch of crap though. Your emotions give you focus. Much like Hawkins being a slave of the Empire, you are mine.” he replied, as he shuffled the deck and handed her five cards.

Hera poured herself another shot of whiskey, and drank it. She reached down, and fumbled in her pocket. She felt a familiar box, as she reached up and opened it. Slowly she drew out a cigarette, and a match. Scratching it against the table, she let the smoke, and inhaled it, trying to calm herself down.

The man then smiled, “I bet five cubits.” He said smiling.

Hera looked down to her cards, “I belong to no one. I am free, I am not yours, I am not Daniels, or Hawkins, I belong to myself.” she said as she looked down to the cards. In her hand she held four queens, and an ace.

“Of course you do, or are you that blind.” he replied. “And your sister will belong to me as well. He said, as he threw down a royal flush.

Hera could not take it anymore, her anger reached a boiling point. “You frakking cheating ass bastard.” she screamed, as the tavern shook. She tossed down her cards, showing the four queens.

The Tavern began to shake, as an explosion of air and energy erupted from her. “You will never do to her, what you did to me.” Hera screamed, as she reached for her pistol. She cocked the hammer, and aimed it at his head.

“I already have.” Calamity replied smiling.

That was the last thing, he saw, as the bullet left the chamber. It glowed red, as a yellow slight began to glow from the tip. It’s symbol was simple, a circle with a cross in the center. The bullet slammed directly into his forehead.

His body shook, as the hole formed in his forehead. His body light up, as a red and yellow light shined brightly under his clothes. From the outside, his body convulsed, as a light shined so brightly, that one could see his skeleton light up. The hole flickered, as red lighting, shout out of it. Then his body died. Hera walked up to the man, looking into his eyes, as the spark of life, died. Smoke poured out of his forehead. “Frak you.” was all she said.

As she spoke, her head began to ache. Her brain felt like it was on fire, as the holocron in her mind began to melt. The pyramid once stuck in her mind, opened, fully. In her mind, the knowledge of Calamity began to pour out, as the holocron began to unload it’s dangerous and heretical teachings. “You are now worthy of my knowledge” the last voice in her head spoke, as the small object melted in her head. The pain was intense, too intense as she fell on her knees. Her hands reached to her head, as if she was trying to scratch it out of her head.

She could barely close her eyes as the body of the dead, laid before her. Then she heard a voice, “Howdy partner.”

In the Real world.

Reika and her team continued to shoot, as Atrox stole the bomb from Cal. Then they felt it, a violent explosion, towards the bulletproof glass. Hera no longer cared. The glass shattered like hundreds of tiny daggers. As Reika and Atrox turned, all they saw was her raising her pistol and firing it, at Calamity. The body light up like before in the vision, as his spirit and soul died, both that of the Sargent at arms, and that of Calamity. Then as before she fell down to her knees, screaming in pain.

(Going to write up Cain’s part when I have time later on. This post was done with the express permission of Unified Sith.)

Reika was astonished at the power of Hera's pistol. Where her machine guns didn't even dent the bulletproof glass, the glowing bullet smashed right through and smacked Calamity right in the head, spewing some kind of light that completely destroyed the Force signature of both Calamity and the possessed sergeant-at-arms. What the hell did she just shoot?

In other news, the death of Calamity would seem like the crisis is over, but with thousands dead on the ship and thousands more injured, it would be a while before the Colonials would ever calm down.

In the meantime, Kensuke remembered that there was a "Rec Room" somewhere onboard the ship. Just before the attack, he discreetly asked about it and learned that there was 'someone' in the brig and that someone was inside the "rec room" of the brig. Deciding it'd be good for Coredian Intelligence to learn how the Colonies treat her prisoners, he put the idea on the back burner until he got a chance to see the prisoner for himself.

When the attack came, he got his chance and moved for the brig...

Calamity was dead, his corpse a blinding emptiness on the theatrical stage. His opposition stood there watching the spectacle as though it were a trifle more than an everyday occurrence, no show of surprise upon their faces as his hand mutilated and crushed covered the deadly package beneath.

With no head remaining, nothing at all, and the sudden collapse of all energies psionic or force around the corpse of the master at arms, Calamity paid his dues to this most generous of guests.

Electricity flew down the arms, passing through the high density explosives the charge that Atrox so caringly protected detonated into a sudden fireball following the expanding shards of glass and shrapnel that expanded outwards uncontrollably.

Metal gave way and the damage control systems that were so integral to the ship were obliterated. Hera, on her knees in pain and confusion was oblivious to everything that was happening.

With Atrox/Ba'el unable to help and Hera incapitated by her headache, it was up to Reika to save the day. She held an ironic smile as she her eyes turned red again and one of her hands was shaped with the forefingers pointed upwards, close to her chest. A Sith indebted to a Jedi. What will the Force think of next? Well, what will be will be...

The explosion roared out at them, fire licking at their faces and preparing to immolate them. Then it seemed to slow down as it was shaped by Reika's powers, her control over fire being an Uchiha trait. The air grew unbearably hot, but the fires didn't touch any of the would-be victims as it was shunted down another corridor, scorching the metal as it roared through.

Then its fury was spent and Reika allowed the explosion to die down. She wondered now if Ba'el would turn her in...

Command Carrier
In Orbit of Caprica
Ten Minutes after the Attack on the Ares.

The room was silent, except for the birds, chirping away in there near spring like environment. Helena watched and waited, as a scribe began to write down the new treaty, the exact same treaty the Colonies had with the Imperium, The Ta’Nar and the rest of the Galactic Empire.

Cain watched, as she thought to herself. “How in the hell did Vader not know of my agreements with the rest of the Empire?” “Communication should be easy enough, yet the Emperor here seemed completely ignorant of the situation at hand. Is there a problem at the core of the Empire that I am not aware of?” she asked herself as the man continued to write down the words that she spoke earlier.

She reached her hand up to the back of her neck and began to rub it. Diplomatic missions were not her specialty. She would rather be fighting in a battle than negotiating over treaties. At least then she had the luxury of looking her enemy in the eye, and was able to do with them what she wanted to do to diplomats, incapacitate or destroy them.

A young Imperial officer walked in the room. His black uniform, showed he was of some rank, and with impunity he approached the table.

“Forgive me my lord.” the man replied.

Vader, turned his durasteel helmet to the man. “What is it, Commander?” he asked as his respirator permeated the air. “Why would you dare to interrupt our talks?” Vader said.

“My lord, We have just picked up on sensors, massive internal explosions inside the Ares. Colonial Battlestars are jumping into the area, and have gone on full alert. Picon is transmitting some automated code, asking for any and all government officials to send their codes immediately. All transports and non colonial ships are being stopped. What are your orders sir?” the Commander asked.

The world fell on Admiral Cain. Her ship, her crew... were dying. She turned her gaze away from Lord Vader, and stared at the commander. “What the frak are you talking about, when in the hell did this occur?” she yelled at the commander.

“Admiral, sensors began to pick up the explosions about ten minutes ago. When we got a full report, per Imperial regulations, I then saw fit to come down and explain the situation.” the Commander replied back in a calm voice.

“You saw fit, while my ship is being attacked.” she yelled at the commander. “If you were a colonial officer I would shoot you dead for your incompetence.”

Vader turned to the Commander, “You have failed us.” he said, as the Commander began to choke. His hands went to his throat, as the man was lifted off the ground. Within a few moments, the spark of life left his eye, as his tongue hung out of his body. Then his body dropped to the floor.

“My apologies Admiral. If you want you may use the facilities of this ship to coordinate the rescue operations. And this ship and it’s crew is at your disposal.” Vader replied.

Cain just looked to him. “I am no longer in command unless I get to Picon now. Case Orange is designed to find out who is in charge. My codes coming from this ship will not be valid.” Cain replied, as she looked to her guards and began to run down the hallway. Past all of the guards, the storm troopers all of it she took off running, down the one mile hallway until she reached the hanger bay.

As she approached, her guards looked nervous. “What is going on Admiral?” one asked her.

“Start up the engines, and plot a immediate jump to the Ministry of Defense.” she ordered, as she jumped in the ship.

The three raptors began to lift off, as they exited the Command Carrier. When the raptors exited, three squadrons of Mark VIII Vipers lined up in a protective spherical formation.

“This is Viper 322, of the Battlestar Dianna. It is damn good to see you guys leaving that ship.”

Admiral Cain walked over to the front of the ship. She grabbed one of the mics. “What in the hell is going on?” she yelled.

“Sir we do not know. Thirteen minutes ago, the Ares began to suffer catastrophic internal explosions. We counted at least nine, before we lost communications with the ship.” the pilot responded. As He spoke Helena looked out of the cockpit window. Debris laid around the Ares, floating in a circle, as smoke poured out of portions of the ship. She watched as an electrical discharge began to pulse around the ship, and the Ta’Nar sent thousands of tiny kythons to plug up the holes. She then looked around, as Battlestar after battlestar popped into orbit, along with the Warstar Zeus, and the Ta’Nar fleet. Cain sighed, “Transmit my indent codes to Picon now and tell them to prepare for my arrival.” Cain ordered.

On the Ares, Reika display of power, shoved the explosion down the corridors, saving the lives of the two Marines and the incapacitated Hera. Reika and Atrox turned to see the one marine still laying on the ground, and Hera rolling on the floor in pain. Her hands grabbed the side of her head, as she let out a blood curtailing scream. Tears streamed from her eyes, as her hands were clawing at her head. Blood began to pour out of her forehead from the scratches. What ever was happening to her, it was not a simple head ache.

Kensuke though, on the other side of the ship walked through a nightmare. The lighting sparked, as the ceiling was covered in thick black smoke. It was almost like a thick fog, as the boy began to cough. He passed solders carrying their friends down the hall, trying to get to sickbay. Kensuke had to step over bodies that littered the floor, as his boots stuck to the thick blood covering everything. As he walked, a man reached out to him and grabbed his foot. Kensuke looked down, as the man, who’s left side of his face had been bashed in from the force of the explosion muttered, “Help me.” As the man spoke, blood gurgled out of his throat, and the man began to suffocate on his own fluids. Kensuke looked at the man, who was dying, and across the hall. He could see the brig, barely through the smoke filled haze as another explosion rocked the ship, forcing him to the ground. He had to choose what to do, save the man, or see the rec room.

Warstar Zeus, and Konoha Blockade.

Many points of lights appeared over the colonies, as their vipers, due to the orders screamed out of the flight tubes. The sirens blared, as the ships prepared for combat. What in the hell happened was anyone’s guess.

The comm officer, turned to Admiral Hallen. “Admiral, the Ares has been assaulted by a terrorist attack. Earliest estimates show severe damage to the ship.

Admiral Hallen looked to the com officer, as her eyes grew wide. “Those mother frakking cowardly Coredians. Those gods damned bastards can not fight with ships, instead they have to resort to terrorism.”

“Sir, we do not know if it was the Coredians, it could have been the cylons.” an officer retorted.

“Yeah well it is obvious now that the Cylons are working with the Coredians, otherwise they would not have surrendered so easily. Send my indent code to Picon, and continue the lockdown. Send the message to Picon, “Is Cain alive?”

Ba’El noticed Hera pulling the revolver and aiming it at Cal. He concentrated upon the bullet in the chamber and channeled some of his abilities into the shell. It would not last long but it would provide a better chance to force its way through the barriers in the way and make the shot true. The act drained a lot of his remaining energy so he hoped it was enough to make a difference.

As the explosion ripped through Damage Control (ironic place for one if you ask me), Ba’El threw up both arms and attempted to place a Psychokinetic Barrier to protect the people around him. Unknown to him, Reika did the same thing using her own abilities. It was never known to him the presence of her barrier or which one actually saved the party. It really didn’t matter as long as it worked. Only Fate knew who saved them that day.

After the blast passed, Ba’El noticed Hera writhing upon the floor, clawing at her own head trying to get at her pain. Ba’El rushed to her in the speed of thought (a blur to the others) and knelt down to Hera. He pulled her hands away from her face and held them there telekinetically. He applied healing to her deep scratches and looked her over. She didn’t seem to be hurt but was under some sort of mental assault. The only way he could help her was to go in.

Ba’El concentrated the remaining energy he had and submerged himself within Hera’s consciousness, merging with her mind. The shock of pain took him momentarily aback and he wondered how she was still aware due to the amount of torture she was undergoing. He opened his Link and requested aid from his fellow Ta’Nar, explaining what was going on. As Others joined with him, he again submerged himself into her awareness, attempting to act like a heat sink to the pain and torture Hera was experiencing. The pain bled through him to be watered out among the Ta’Nar who joined in.

Within Hera’s mind, Ba’El could see what was happening and tried to assist Hera as best he could.

OOC: edited with proper evidence... ICly, the Godulans do not lie. No framing. Just the honest to goodness truth.

"And that is the last of it?"

Serr'Gennis gave the scientist an inquisitive look as the man informed him that despite the amount of remains they had to sift through, only a small portion contained any form of identification. A goodly portion was just melted slag, unreadable by any scan. The Godulan had not quite anticipated the work being done so swiftly, but then their findings were also somewhat slimmer than anticipated, so he decided it did not much matter. The other findings would be more than adequate to present the proper case to Admiral Cain.

"Alright, wrap things up. Get some rest, you all deserve it." I shall relay the findings to Picon. Good work, all."

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

And so, Serr'Gennis departed the Godulan Avatar for other lines of inquiry, to replaced by an avatar known as Ilt'Kazzar, or the 'Knife of Inquiry'. This Avatar was dedicated more towards correlating evidence than finding it, and its only interest was in presenting its case to the concerned parties... in this case the Colonial High Command.

The evidence from the wreckage unfortunately caused the Godulans to revise their notion that the vessels were co-opted Coredian vessels pressed into service for the Empire. As the evidence came into the correlation, the analysts involved in that previous assessment bowed their metaphysical heads in shame for the slip up, and subsequently set to work with massive vengeance upon the new information. Indeed, all viable pathways suggested that the vessels were in fact not of Coredian manufacture at all, but of similar construction to Imperial vessels in all the ways that mattered. It was not because of any particular identification code to be found, as the Godulans would have a very difficult time properly tracking manufacturer identifiers to Imperial factories. Such information was nowhere near as widely available as the information regarding Coredian production centers.

The first thing the Godulans discovered, even before the metallurgical analysis began, was that all of the ident codes they could get on small arms and the shattered remnants of one turbolaser were in fact made by the Coredians, but sold in Imperial territory. The Coredians frequently facilitated munitions to various resistance cells throughout Imperial Territory, quite happy to ensure that at least somewhere at any point in time, somebody was shooting a Stormtrooper in the face with no small amount of retributive glee. As it happened, the codes of all the weapons they found matched a small complement of such weapons that had been reported as missing by the various intelligence agents tasked with ensuring that such munitions would not go into the wrong hands. Some resistance cells were, after all, little more than fronts for this or that aspiring crime lord or smuggling ringleader. One could say that such had been the legacy of the Coredians being in such close contact with the abominably paranoid Godulans. They made no argument that they spent almost too much effort contemplating potential methods of subversion and intrigue, but then it had saved them from considerable aggravation on many an occasion.

With such in mind, it was relatively safe to put forward that the weapons, drawn from the pile of scrap the Godulans had just scraped through with the assistance of a few weary technicians, had in fact not been in Coredian possession for months, even years. Lost in Imperial Territory with no way to keep track of who or what would use them next.

The second line of evidence the Godulans established was metallurgical in nature, as one thing in particular was an important factor in determining the legitimacy of any vessel's ancestry: What metals were used to make it. Indeed, the vessels very likely had been a great aesthetic match for the Coredian vessels, but it was clear that they were in fact quite sub-par when compared to Coredian standard. Imperial Vessels were tough and hardy, such was understood and given, but also somewhat cheaper than their Coredian counterparts when it came to hull plating. After all, it becomes far more difficult to keep vessels geared with top of the line armors when so much of the Imperial Budget is dedicated to creating such funding mammoths as the Death Star and all those little inhibitor stations that made Imperial worlds nigh unassailable. The Coredians, in counter, focused on quality over quantity, ensuring that not only the metals involved in the construction of their vessels would be the most efficient possible, but also capable of ensuring that a single Coredian vessel could in fact take a single Imperial vessel of comparable size and mop the floor with it in short order. Such was of course assisted again by the Godulans, particularly post-Kythonization. The Godulan Legion, no longer requiring their proprietary alloy for the construction of their vessels, decided to permit the Coredians with a great honor: The Godulans would actually cough up some information rather than soak it up like a sponge. In this case, the secrets of properly crafting the Neutronium-Carbonide Steel that put standard Imperial construction materials to utter shame. Serr'Gennis had not even needed to poke his finger into any piece of the hull to discern that the construction of the vessels involved in the attack on Konoha were constructed according to Imperial standards, not Coredian. Not one scrap of Neutronium-Carbonide was found anywhere.

Construction according to Non-Coredian standards suggested Non-Coredian construction, and the Godulans did not have to stretch very far to recognize that if the Coredians started buying their military vessels from their mortal enemies, it would be a sad day indeed for the Rebellion... present circumstances not being counted, of course. All of this presented a simple picture of the fleet assaulting Kobol being perpetrated by a bunch of rent-a-wrecks equipped with Coredian munitions that had long since passed beyond actual Coredian purview.

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

Ilt'Kazzar's arrival on Picon was only slightly delayed by the hullaballoo going on in respect to the Ares. The Avatar wondered if he and Serr'Gennis were going to be assigned to collect evidence on THAT situation as well. One thing was certain, this system seemed to be a veritable maelstrom of intrigue and backstabbing.

The Avatar arrived on Picon, to be escorted under relatively light guard to the Ministry of Oversight. The escort arrived at the front gates and waited to be permitted entry...

Thanks Godular.

OOC: Edited

OOC: Fixed... I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwqtMg5U2sc

The Sun slowly fell across the mountains west of Caprica City. The long shadow of the mountain ridge near by, crept across the sky scrappers. The streets below, were filled by millions of small candles, each held by a mourner. People from all twelve planets, in every city watched and waited, as their prayers filled the heavens, as their white candles burned, and as their anger and anquish saturated the heavens. The Colonies were united, not by tradition, but by blood and hate.

Ministry of Defense
Picon
Nine hours after the Attack on the Ares

Admiral Cain stared out the window towards the night sky. In the distance, she could see the Colonial Flag, flying at half mast. It blew gently in the wind, as she watched it, flapping in the wind. She cast her gaze up to the stars.

“I left them, I could not save them.” she said to herself, as her eyes began to water up slightly. Her mind flashed back to her last moments on her ship. She watched those young men and women come on board. Each of them no more than twenty. How many of them lived? She could only wonder.

She held her hand up to her face, as she wiped the tears off her face. “I will destroy whoever did this.” she said to herself.

KNOCK, KNOCK, came from the door to her make shift office in the ministry.

Cain turned to the door and sucked up her emotions. She reached down to her jacket and pulled it down, to straighten it up. “Come in.” she ordered.

The large oak doors opened, as Admiral Hallen, and two guards walked in to the room. Admiral Hallen, looked to Helena and saluted. “Sir, I am so sorry.” Samantha replied.

“Do not be sorry, sorry does not bring back the dead or correct the issue, what do you have for me.” Cain replied.

Samantha Hallen, looked down to her hands which held a large folder. She walked over to Helena, and held it out. “Helena” Admiral Hallen responded, “Final tally of dead, injured, or MIA, is three thousand, four hundred and fifty seven, including your prisoner.” she said

Helena Cain, looked down to the folder in her hand, and walked over to the desk, and laid it down. “Have the letters been issued?” Cain asked?

“I believe so sir, the families will be notified very soon.” Admiral Hallen responded, as she walked up to Admiral Cain. She placed her hand on Cain’s shoulder, “Are you ok?” Hallen asked Cain.

“I am fine.” Admiral Cain replied. “Do we know who did this?”

“We have no proof yet, but we both know who did this. Who fights like a coward, hiding behind children and murdering from the shadows?” Samantha replied. “We both know it was Katrina, Admiral.” Samantha Hallen replied.

Cain turned and walked over to her desk and pulled out a now only one fourth filled bottle of scotch. “How did you mission go?” Cain asked Hallen.

“Sir, we supported the Chronosians, and found it necessary to begin an all out attack on the Exodus fleet with civilians on board. Although it was regrettable, it is the Massaki’s fault. They made the safety of Exodus their top priority, and the prelude to victory at Jurai. All was going well until the Godulans appeared out of no where and began to protect the Exodus fleet. A few minutes later, we were recalled.” she replied

Cain looked up, “Did they fire on you?” she asked.

“No sir,” Hallen responded, “They issued me a stern warning, and threatened to tell you.”

Admiral Cain sighed, too pissed off at the attack on the Ares to care about a few hundred thousand Coredian deaths. “You did not consult me on the mission.” Cain responded.

“Sir there was no time.” Hallen responded.

“Frankly I do not care right now. Normally I would have shot you for that, but right now I need you. Prepare a battle plan for the destruction of the Coredians, and get Atrox, and Domiel off the Ares, and in my office within the hour.

Admiral Hallen quickly saluted, as she turned around and walked out. The third time, this woman walked away from a near death, truly the gods smiled on her.



Nine hours Earlier on the Ares

Hera’s body was on fire, as the tavarn around her burned, like a roman candle on the fourth of July. She could not escape as the flames licked her flesh. All she could hear was the laughter, as the voice took pleasure in her pain

Then the man in black walked in, the robot bug, as the fire began t o pull towards him. The flames began to be pulled into him, as the hot flames and lava began to be spread throughout the Ta’Nar network


Agony that no one should endure, began to subside as the holocron finally burned out of her. Hera’s Eyes flickered, as she began to come to. With a massive scream the hallway began to shake, as the cameras above shattered. She reached for her gun and ran to the corner of the hallway. “STAY AWAY FROM ME!” Hera yelled as she cocked the colt back, while she sat on the floor, her knees pulled up to her chest, aiming it at the pair. Her body shook, like it was twenty below zero, and her yellow eyes almost glowed. She was terrified.

It took some work to finally separate Domiel from the power conduit, as his impromptu solution ended up fusing his hand to the cable. With a bit of effort and judicious application of a crowbar, his hand eventually came free, none the worse for wear. Of course, when he finally DID get his hand free, it was almost instantly followed by a summons to the Picon Ministry of Defense.

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

Domiel stepped into a small waiting room and turned to see Ilt'Kazzar and his crate of 'evidence' at his side. The two did not speak, but the Intelligence Avatar stood up and carried the container with him into Cain's office under escort.

"We are relieved to know that you departed the Command Carrier unharmed, Admiral Cain," Domiel began, bowing slightly and then turning to Hallen. "Much has happened since you left to speak with Lord Vader. We assume that since your subordinate is here that you have been apprised of the incident at Jurai?"

He turned to the other Avatar and back to Cain. "Where are our manners... this is Ilt'Kazzar, Correlation Avatar from Godulan Intelligence. He and Serr'Gennis oversaw the collection and analysis of the salvaged materiel from the fleet that attacked Kobol. We believe that the evidence they have accrued might assist in the present situation. We were told there would be a tribunal hearing for the evidence, but whoever committed the sabotage on the Aries was most inopportune with their timing."

The Ascendant fleet had been on high alert ever since the explosions ripped through the Ares, and patrols had been stepped up. However, this had not delayed the reconstruction effort in the least. Massive gains had been made as entire towns had been rebuilt and people were beginning to be moved into their new homes in the quickly rebuilding cities. The Xel'athi worked tirelessly, ensuring the Colonies were given a chance to recover.

Darian, who was now drained and exhausted from his efforts of keeping the crew alive, relaxed his control when he sensed it was safe, and slumped against a table. His breathing came under control soon enough, and he was able to watch as the Godulan was suddenly summoned. To where, he knew not, but he had a ship to take care of. Grimly, he stood up, told the officer on the bridge that he was going to look at the damage himself, and headed out, the door closing behind him.

Coruscant Industrial District

Over seventeen million personnel worked within this simple manufacturing factory on Coruscants lower sector. It was deemed of low priority to the war effort and was also therefore afforded low security and protection. Its main export was simple capacitors and regulators for land speeders and Imperial walkers however, it being in a significant Imperial conservative area made it the prime target for terrorism.

Only the Masakis had ever attacked and destroyed large swathes of Coruscant before, Daniel Masaki notably killing himself apparently and taking millions of other innocent civilians with him. The footage was easily available on the holo-feed for everyone to see, the empire using it as permanent propaganda to further the Imperial cause at every turn.

Within the basement of tower 333/C on sector 27, three unknown agents placed a large proton bomb. The timer was set for a fifteen minute countdown as the assassins vanished into the bleakness of the night…..

Command Carrier

The Command Carrier maintained its position within the relatively busy area of space. Before it lay the Ares a smouldering burning wreck which was now nothing more than a piece of antiquated machinery. The bodies that floated through the void of space bumped harmlessly against the carriers shields while the small flotilla of civilian ships and the larger escort of star destroyers kept a respectful distance.

“Report Commander.” Vader demanded as he entered the command deck.

“Lord Vader, the Ares is unserviceable, from monitoring their communications traffic we estimate over three thousand personnel dead.” The officer reported with the traditional dry Imperial voice. “We have also ascertained from civilian traffic that the colonials are blaming the Coredians for this abrupt action, it is turning into mass hysteria my lord.”

Vader walked past the officer and looked out of the only viewport the Carrier had. The various lines of the EM spectrum brightened with every explosion on the Ares, the atmosphere appeared as dull white clouds as it slowly filtered out within the void while the bodies of each colonial citizen shone like black diamonds in the rough. The situation was tentative and Vader felt an odd appeasement within his soul. The first mark had come with such relative ease and now the girl had also chosen her path. She would meet her brothers and sisters on a Base Star somewhere in the distant cosmos, and when she was reborn she would be the blade to devise the will of the force.

In the background the same Imperial officer leaned over the commscan console his face paling with a trembling fear. “Place it up on the holofeed.” He said just audibly in the background. The flickering white and blue signatures revealed a planet on fire, as the Empires bravest reporters brightened the carnage with telescopic cameras. “As you can see the carnage is unimaginable! What appears to have been an explosion has ripped through the twenty seventh sector with multiple towers collapsing in on themselves.” Relief vessels could be seen swarming into the inferno as the fires glistened a brilliant white, above five Victory Star Destroyers descended through the blaze which extended kilometres into the sky to bravely rescue those, if any that were alive. “As of yet we have no report of what caused the explosion, however the palace has yet to issue a statement.” This is second situation that Coruscant has ever experienced, and in this reporters opinion it resembles the style of Daniel Masaki. Images of the first attack haunted the projection as the same fires but different leaped upon the viewer.

“Turn it off.” Vader commanded.

“My Lord what are your orders?”

Vader breathed in deeply, his respirator heaving with every breath. “Command Lord Atrox to return to Coruscant and report on the situation and his failure, he will be held accountable for the people who orchestrated the attack on the Ares.”

“Yes my lord.”

“Inform the colonials that Coruscant has been attacked and we are returning with immediate effect to ascertain the situation.” The officer snapped to attention as he quickly signalled to Commscan. “Tell them that the attack resembles that of the Masakis, and that the Empire is holding the Coreworlds responsible.” Vader turned and left the deck as the Imperial warships entered a newly fashioned wormhole.

Communication to Lord Atrox

Coruscant has been attacked by unknown assailants, you are ordered to return to the capital immediately and report on your failure to the Emperor.

Transmission End.

Communication to Picon Headquarters.

Admiral Cain, the Empire has come under attack upon Imperial Centre. All Imperial military vessels are returning to protect the capital from further assault. All supplies to alleviate the civilian conditions throughout the colonies are entrusted into colonial protection and supervision. The situation will of course be updated upon the holonetwork and through official channels.

“Commander, I am receiving a message over the Imperial Network. It is addressed to Lord Atrox.”

“Relay it to his Suit.”

“Yes Commander.”

Moments later the message arrived in the quarters of the Sith Lord. The black form of Atrox stood silently in the dim light of the viewport. It was actually a holo because having a hole directly to the Dark Lord’s suite would be a grave security risk, one that no sane individual would take. Regardless, the Holo was seamlessly set into a recess in the black wall, making it seem more than real. The burned out hulk of The Ares was silhouetted against the planet, a halo of debris still drifting about the stricken craft. If Cain would let him, he could have Infected the ship and made it a Kython Enhanced vessel and done the repairs much faster. The problem is the Colonials don’t trust their machines to be more intelligent than they are, the Cylons had proven to be too much for them in the past. Thanks to the manipulations of the Coredians and the Abh, the Cylons were forced to strike out against the manipulating humans, ending the shaky truce they had. Perhaps the truce itself was being undermined all along; he had no evidence to support his suspicions.

His suit beeped and the Kython entities within gently informed him there was a message waiting from him. He strolled over to the empty suit and the thing collapsed into a pool of black liquid only to reform around the insectoid form of Atrox. He linked his mind with the systems of the suit and accessed the awaiting message.



Communication to Lord Atrox

Coruscant has been attacked by unknown assailants, you are ordered to return to the capital immediately and report on your failure to the Emperor.

Transmission End.



With a mental sigh, Atrox walked back to the Holoscreen and looked out upon the setting sun as it passed behind the planet.

Well, here it comes. He had to go before Lord Vader; the question is was it the false one from aboard the command carrier or was it the real one that trained him for thirteen years in the ability to manipulate the Force? If it was The Imposter, he would arrest him for Treason and perform the execution himself. He had experienced the Imposter’s Force Aura thrice and each time it was clearly not his Master’s. It took a moment to realize it because he was stunned by a vision shortly before but he would not be fooled again.

Darth Atrox walked over to the display cabinet that was lit from within. There was a place for two sabers in there but one was vacant. He had returned it to Jessyka before he had smuggled the Dark Abh out of the system. In exchange for the freedom, he would receive a favor at a later date. The clone vats had created a clone for her replacement aboard The Ares, the genetic material harvested from one of the strands of blue hair he had collected from the back of the chair what seemed like eons ago. He had overseen the departure of the ship itself straight into T-Space from within the hanger of The Abomination but an hour ago. He had plans for the Dark Abh, ones she would particularly enjoy if the Sith Lord was able to get what he was thinking about set properly up.

First he had to deal with Vader.

He created a connection to the Command Bridge and it was answered by the Fleet Commander himself.

“Commander, plot a course for Coruscant. Order the escort fleet to accompany us, we might need them.”

“Yes My Lord, requesting Wormhole.”

While the wormhole was forming, Atrox sent a message to his ally, Admiral Cain informing her of what was transpiring. He used the Kython and Childer assigned to her long ago so none were able to eavesdrop upon his mental communication.

While he was saying his farewells, the Escort Fleet had moved from their holding place beyond the moon and formed up aside the Sith Lord’s flagship. Moments later the tear in space formed and the entire fleet disappeared.





Nine Hours Earlier, The Ares:



After he recovered from the stunning effects of the pain he had channeled away from Hera, Ba’El reached out with his mind and formed a telekinetic hand. He quickly seized the gun and wretched it aside where it would not hit anyone. At the same time, he spoke directly to Hera’s mind using his telepathy and his voice simultaneously.

“Knock it off Soldier. You are giving into him. You are failing those who need you and you are failing your sister. Snap out of it now. If you don’t she will die because of your inactivity. We have people to save and they are dying as we speak. Get your wits together. I know exactly what you were going through for I was in there with you. I acted like a heat sink and drained away the pain to the others of my kind. Everything you did not feel went directly through my own mind. Think what that means and think about how I am standing here concerned for your crewmates. Show me you are strong enough. Show me you are not a failure. Show HIM you will not falter because of a little pain. Show HIM you are in control of your own destiny.”

Ba’El was really tired after today but he had to show Hera a wall of strength or his little speech meant absolutely nothing. He had to show her the willpower a Ta’Nar could muster. He would show her that if he could be strong, so could Hera. A Sith will not falter before dying. She knew it and he would show her.

He then spoke to her with a more gentle voice.

“Come on and gather your wits, we have people to save.”

Ba’El held out a single empty hand, offering to help her up. It was an honest gesture and she could feel he meant it.

OOC: Some liberties taken post if you're not happy with them Balrogga.

Several Command carriers littered the space above the Imperial Centre, space stations and warships dotted the view while the endless line of civilian traffic stretched far into the unknown. The cradle of the Galactic Empire was a jewel that glistened brighter than a thousand suns, it shone as far as the Empires boot could tread, and now a few more ships marched this hallowed ground, lord Atrox had come home.

On the great Northern pole a great beam of crimson light shone up from the surface, while below on the Southern edge of the planet a blue beacon glared off into infinity. The capital was changing, the emperor was doing things that were new and unique.

“Lord Atrox and escort you have permission to maintain your holding pattern in sector three nine. You are currently inside civilian traffic lanes and you are ordered to adjust your heading by thirty three degrees X and twenty eight Y for three hundred thousand kilometers.” A flurry of green blips would appear upon the Balroggan screens as it appeared that every available ship in the empire had been recalled as a result of the terrorist action.

“Lord Atrox you have permission to descend to your personal landing pad, the emperor is expecting you.”

The same Kythonised shuttle emerged from the hanger bay as Lord Atrox made his way to have an audience with his master.

The palace had changed little since he had been last. The walls were still vast Obsidian towers and the corridors cathedrals in their own right. Millions of administrators and vessels of servitude laboured under the iron glare of their master, while great mechanised beasts stalked the perimeter.

The throne was adorned with the same cavernous ilk, great doors suggesting nothing more than wealth and power. Lord Atrox walked by them and spent the next twenty minutes marching to his master.

Red robed guardsmen stalked him at every corner, beings which no living eye could see watched with a merciless glint, yet there was no danger not while Atrox's master reigned in dominion.

“You come back to me with your head held high my apprentice, I assume you return with news to explain your failure?” High, on a raised dais sat the Galactic Emperor in all his power and might, and he wanted answers. . .

OOC:

Real or Imposter?

OOC: Real.

Present, Coruscant:



Darth Atrox stood in the massive hall, his two meter form dwarfed by the high ceiling high above. The distant walls enclosed the massive structure, supported by a large number of pillars. It took several minutes to walk across the space, the Sith matching the gait of the Red Robes. When he had finally stood before the massive throne built upon a tall dais, he remained staring forward. Atrox was using the sensors of the suit to see, they allowed the Ta’Nar to view in all directions so he did not have to crane his neck to look up. He kept an eye upon the escort in case they were to try something, Atrox had a feeling something was amiss and would not be caught off guard.

He halted the prescribed distance from the Throne, the symbol of authority for the Empire. He respected the Empire as an entity but after the recent escapade at the Colonies, he had reason to doubt in the Emperor himself. The Imposter at the Colonies had removed that aspect and trashed it like an enraged bull in a dinnerware shop.

Atrox subtly accessed his Force abilities and checked the Force Bond he had with his Master. He knew they were impossible to duplicate and it would show him if the being before him was the Imposter or if it was the True Emperor. After examining the link he shared, he determined the man before him was the real Vader.

“You come back to me with your head held high my Apprentice; I assume you return with news to explain your failure?”

Atrox smiled to himself.

“Failure? How have I failed to carry out your commands? The last one you gave to me was to make sure Cain joined the Empire. I spoke with her and hunted down the infiltrators at the Colonies and tied them to both the Abh and the Coredians. I gave her the chief conspirators, Master Sakir from Coreworlds and Jessyka, an Abh royal. Cain executed Sakir and imprisoned Jessyka. My mission was completed successfully and without any problems. She has the utmost trust in me because of this. I have kept my Word to her and she has seen I am Honorable and trustworthy."

"When the colonies suffered at the manipulations of the Cylons by the Coredians, I requested two Ta'Nar fleets to cleanse and rebuild their worlds. They have become reliant upon us and owe the Fallen Empire much they will never be able to pay back. The Ta’Nar further show their trust by not taking advantage of the Colonies. We show them we are sincere and demand nothing from them in return for the assistance we provide.”

“In summary, I have not failed you, I have succeeded spectacularly. The Twelve Colonies are so deeply tied to me and my people that they would never act against us. We have become part of their culture and been so integrated that they could not think of opposing the Will of the Ta’Nar. How is that a failure?”

Atrox expected something about the Imposter and the events surrounding him and his actions to be brought up next.




Past, 9 hours ago:



Ba’El stood there with his hand extended to Hera, watching the conflict being played across her face. He had done his best, appealing to her desire to protect her sister and the crew of the ship. He had used her determination to not be controlled by others to make her resolve strengthen against any hold HE might still have. The Man in White would be just an uncomfortable memory in her past, hopefully. He was not exactly sure what the force-user did to Hera but he would see her through it if she allowed him to help.

Across the ship he could feel the crew dying. The Ta’Nar sent over from The Abomination were busy saving those they could but there were some that needed the assistance only he could provide. He had important stuff to do and time was running out.

He had a certain prisoner who fit perfectly into his plans to take care of.

OOC:

*checks pulse*

"Yep, I'm still here."

*looks for the others*

"Hmmm, where did they go, they were somewhere around here the last time I saw the other players. Where did they go? Under here? Nope. Behind here? Nope. Dammit, where could they be?"

The flames had been extinguished, but the pain and the scars would last. Hera’s mind, once burned by the visage of Palpitine, had been scorched one final time, by the man in white. His knowledge from the holocron, now fully given to her, in the most vile and painful ways. Had it not been for the efforts of Atrox, and the Ta’Nar, her soul would have been utterly consumed in the flames of wrath and calamity. Instead now, she remained, wounded, but safe.

Hera’s mind began to become clear, for the first time in her life. The voices were gone, the impending doom and gloom visions had subsided. All that was left was Reika and Ba’el looking at her, wondering what was going on.

At first their words had been unclear, like they spoke some unknown language, as she only heard gibberish, but now they were becoming clear. Then Hera felt it, the seal of Hawkins. It began to burn her neck as well. Hera dropped the colt, and grabbed it, as she leaned forward. The seal began to run deeper into her mind and soul. The seal, which was held at bay by the man in white for so long, now unimpeded, began to fortify itself. Nothing, unless Hera wished it, could infiltrate her mind, as Hawkins had originally desired. The darkness, would be kept out forever, unless Hera wished it not to.

As she leaned forward, she felt a renewed sense of strength. Hera stood up, her neck writing in pain, as she picked up the colt.

“He is dead, there is nothing more to show him Ba’el.” Hera responded. She holstered the pistol. “We need to get Athena off the ship.” she said. Hera then turned to Reika, “We have to get to the raptor asap. Meet me in flight pod three.” Hera ordered Reika.

Hera then turned to Ba’el, “Thank you.” was all she said as she left in purple mist.



Picon:

As the Avatars and the Ascendancy entered the office of Admiral Cain, they noticed the Admiral standing by the window, staring into the sky.

Then the Godulans began to speak about their evidence.

Cain turned to him, “Let me see your evidence.” she replied, as she held her hand out asking for the folder. As she took the folder, she laid it down on her desk and began to walk towards the Godulans. “I asked you here, to find out what happened on the Ares. Tell me what exactly occurred.” she asked both the Avatars and the Ascendancy. “And where is Lord Atrox? Did he not receive the summons to come?” Cain asked.

Cain turned for a second, then placed her right hand on the desk, “Were there any Coredians on board the Ares, or any cylons?” she then asked the pair.

(OOC: Sithy your turn for Atrox, and CW's turn to free Jessyka)

The flames had been extinguished, but the pain and the scars would last. Hera’s mind, once burned by the visage of Palpitine, had been scorched one final time, by the man in white. His knowledge from the holocron, now fully given to her, in the most vile and painful ways. Had it not been for the efforts of Atrox, and the Ta’Nar, her soul would have been utterly consumed in the flames of wrath and calamity. Instead now, she remained, wounded, but safe.

Hera’s mind began to become clear, for the first time in her life. The voices were gone, the impending doom and gloom visions had subsided. All that was left was Reika and Ba’el looking at her, wondering what was going on.

At first their words had been unclear, like they spoke some unknown language, as she only heard gibberish, but now they were becoming clear. Then Hera felt it, the seal of Hawkins. It began to burn her neck as well. Hera dropped the colt, and grabbed it, as she leaned forward. The seal began to run deeper into her mind and soul. The seal, which was held at bay by the man in white for so long, now unimpeded, began to fortify itself. Nothing, unless Hera wished it, could infiltrate her mind, as Hawkins had originally desired. The darkness, would be kept out forever, unless Hera wished it not to.

As she leaned forward, she felt a renewed sense of strength. Hera stood up, her neck writing in pain, as she picked up the colt.

“He is dead, there is nothing more to show him Ba’el.” Hera responded. She holstered the pistol. “We need to get Athena off the ship.” she said. Hera then turned to Reika, “We have to get to the raptor asap. Meet me in flight pod three.” Hera ordered Reika.

Hera then turned to Ba’el, “Thank you.” was all she said as she left in purple mist.
"All right." Reika nodded. She turned to Ba'el, recalling that he's Darth Atrox. "I wouldn't normally say this to a Sith, but...thanks."

Reika disappeared with a slight *pop*.

Meanwhile, Kensuke looked over the man who's about to die. He didn't have much medical training, but he could see that there wasn't much he could do for the man. He sighed.

"I cannot help you, my friend. Will you forgive me?" Kensuke asked sadly.

The man barely conscious looks to the young enlisted man, as more blood begins to be coughed up. The man choking on his own vile, rests his head back as his arms attempt to grab at anything it can.

Kensuke knew what must be done, though he hated it. The barrel of his pistol pointed straight at the man's heart. With great regret in his heart, the young man pulled the trigger, sending a single slug into his heart. Then he moved on heading to the brig.

When he entered, he immediately noticed that his Force powers were unavailable. Some kind of inhibitor was in place. He also noticed a giant glass brig and moved towards it, then was suddenly taken aback. "An Abh? Here?"

She was in a sorry state, bone-thin. Her hair was dirty and she wore only rags and chains. But that wasn't all, for her body appeared to be horribly mutiliated.

Horror gripped Kensuke. How dare the Colonials do this to her! He wondered how could he get her out of this place...

Dance With Cain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeGkqW3YvCE)

Alone in a room with little but rags to cover her body, Jessyka lay on the cold metal floor somewhere between unconciousness and a hazzy state of awareness. Long ago her shirt had been ripped away exposing her breasts along with nasty bruises from teeth marks and fists. Bruises ran all the way from her chest down to her stomach. Dry blood ran from the corner of her mouth and one of her eyes had swollen shut. The other eye was finally begining to heal with only a light brown circle remaining as the swolling went down.

Strands of Jessyka's hair had been taken as trophies for some of the soldiers and not all the hair came from her head. As Jessyka rolled to the side to try and cover up, her back was covered in scratches and cuts. Most of the blood was dry though none of it had been tended to.

The outside damage to her body was minor the emotional and psychological damage she had received from the constant rapings of the crew and the beatings. She lived her days naked aboard the ship as a mere tool used by the crew to relieve stress, take out their anger, or fulfill their carnal desires. In the days aboard the ship, the Abh had grown to hate every human she saw. Revenge was always outside her grasp with the ability of the Force supressed and her arms and feet chained.

No Abh had been treated in such a way since the old Empire had stood enveloping nearly half of all humanity. During the times she was actually clear headed, Jessyka wanted nothing more to run away and hide. She was a rollercoaster of emotions from supreme anger to a lowly state of self-pity. She would often cry while alone so to not let any of the soldiers see less it provoke more of their pleasures. Other times, she pounded the floor wanting to strike out something, anything, only to be denied the object of her hate.

Her only hope, in the far depths of her mind, was that the Empire would come for her.

As the full weight of what the Colonials have done to Jessyka dawned on Kensuke, he didn't know whether to cry or punch the wall. He wouldn't blame Jessyka if she went all Darth Vader on the Colonials.

Well, there's nothing to do but get her out of here. Kensuke checked for anyone else who would notice him and then tapped the glass. "Hey! Who are you?"

"Atrox has recieved a summons from the Imperials to report to Coruscant in order to 'answer for his failure to protect the Ares'," Domiel replied to Cain's second question. "There was, however, a delay between delivery of the summonses from both you and the Imperials and when he became aware of them personally. We know not whether he will come here first or if he will go straight to Coruscant.

"As for the first question, we-" he indicated himself and Darian "-were in CiC, somewhat preoccupied with a psychological issue that has been something of an issue for the Ascendants, when explosions shook the ship and alarms began to go off. Air swiftly began to vent from the room and suffocate the personnel within, and we-" he indicated himself only "-felt it necessary to contain the leak as swiftly as possible. We discerned the location of a suitable power conduit and tapped into the vessel's power supply in order to produce a containment field over the air vents, preventing further decompression. We then initiated the repressurization process for the CiC and took stock of the damage, unfortunately there was something of a delay in this as our containment procedure caused a momentary blackout before the vents were sealed and we were able to disengage from the conduit.

"Prior to the catastrophe we were operating solely within the CiC, so we would be hard-pressed to tell you if there were Coredians on board. We can however detect certain... 'dispositions' on a relatively wide scale, and we sensed no sign of hostile-combative intent leading up to the incident. Attempting to cause such damage on the Colonial Flagship would have required significant planning and forethought, and we would have sensed that something was not right long before it would have become an issue. However, the fact is we did not detect anything. What does that mean? Well, it could imply a great many things, very few of which are quantifiable, unfortunately. We would need to know the identity of the perpetrator to formulate a proper theory as to who or what might have been behind this.

"Might we inquire as to why you ask us about the Coredians? Are they implicated in this sabotage? Such would seem... entirely too convenient. Oh, Admiral, might we see your pocket knife again?"

Tapping on the glass asking Jessyka who she was at this point in time was equivalent to tapping on the glass of a fish bowl asking if they were hungry. Someone would gotten the same answer regardless of their question.

Jessyka pulled in on herself and curled up into a ball. She had seen this type of play before from the other soldiers aboard the ship, pretending to be kind and interested in who she was. It always turned out that they were the worst abusers of the lot. The Abh simply hoped he would finish quickly.

Darian nodded. "It is as Domiel has said. We were in the CiC when the explosions went off, and I noticed the crew beginning to struggle with breathing when the oxygen began to be vented. While Domiel tapped into the power conduits, I connected with the minds of the CiC crew and sent power to them to act as oxygen for them until the CiC was safe once more. After that, we were summoned by you, and so we came. I do not know much else aside from that fact. As usual, I will support any endeavor you undertake in response to this horrific act."

Darian then went quiet, his eyes looking curiously at Domiel. He had smoothly moved away from the topic of his......indisposition they had been discussing, but he was a bit off-balance at the bit about the pocket knife. Of all times, why would Domiel ask for her pocket knife? He shook his head; sometimes, the Godulans were just impossible to understand.

Cain listened to the testimony of the Avatars and the Ascendancy, as she tapped her hand on her desk slightly. Their stories were courageous, how these friends of the Colonies of Kobol had attempted to do their best to save the crew, especially that in the CiC. However Admiral Cain could not help but to feel disappointed. She looked down to her desk, as Doran asked about the Coredian Implication.

She quietly and with resolve looked up to the Avatar, “We are investigating every possible lead.” she responded, “But yes as of now the Masaki Clan is our primary suspect. The Coredians are cowards. They use sneak attacks on unsuspecting people instead of fighting with ships. Do I need to remind you of the attack on Caprica. It fits their profile.” Admiral Cain replied, as she stared at the Avatar in the “Eye”.

She slowly walked around the desk, and with sadness in her eyes, over the her lost crew she walked closer to the Ascendant and the Avatar. “Thank you for your service to the Colonies.” she stated to them.

“Without your resolve and bravery many more of my men would have been lost.” Cain replied.

Then as Doran asked about her pocket knife, Admiral Cain shot a look at him. She spoke sternly, “Why in the hell do you want to see my pocket knife, and what is your obsession with it?” she stated more than asking. “If you are that interested in Colonial Pocket knives I am certain you can go get one in the market place.” Cain replied to the Avatar.

Knock, Knock

Cain just stared at the Avatar for a moment, confused about their love of pocket knives. “Strange people.” was all Cain could think, as she yelled, “Come in.”

The two large wooden doors opened up, as a man dressed in the navy blue colonial uniform came in. “Sir we have the records from the Ares security feed.” he stated, as he saluted the Admiral of the Fleet.

“And?” Cain ordered.

“Sir it would seem that the man who sabatoged the Ares was the Sargent at arms.” the officer replied, as he handed the Admiral a new folder. Cain reached for it, and she opened it up. Inside was a stack of pictures and reports from the security feed.

The man put his arms behind his back, as he spread his legs slightly, at the “at ease” stance. While he waited, Admiral Cain flipped through the photographs. She could see clearly this man, whom she trusted, walked into each locker, and set the charges.

She slowly raised her hand to her mouth as the true brutality of the events unfolded. Admiral Cain could not believe what she was looking at. She turned her head towards the man, “Are you sure these are authentic?” she replied.

“Sir, yes sir.” the man replied. “These pictures were printed off of the security feed before the power in many sectors of the ship were lost. That is not all sir.” the man replied.

The officer walked closer to the Admiral, as he flipped to the last scene, the battle of Damage Control. “Sir if you look on the wall in the back ground, the man scratched in the wall with his own fingers, “For Coredia.”

Cain lowered her hand from her mouth to her neck. “That is impossible, that man served with me for years, he was not a Coredian sympathizer.” she replied.

“According to the pictures sir, he was. Maybe it was one of their mind tricks, but if that is the case, then that means we have a Coredian in the Colonies.” the man replied to his Admiral, “And on board the Ares.”

“My gods” she replied. Then Admiral Cain flipped to the next picture, of “Lt. Sarah McNeiel” And the Corperal and the two privates, as they fought along side Ba’el.

Cain lowered her hand to the picture. “Who the hell are these people?” she asked.

The man looked to her face, for a moment than recast his gaze on the pictures. “Sir we identified one of them as Atrox, although why he is without his suit I do not know. The others were some of the new recruits brought on board the Ares.

The man then flipped the picture. “This is what is so interesting, this Lutinent, she is not using a Picon 5. She is using an six shot revolver.” he said as he showed the Admiral a close up picture of the ornate pistol. “And she is also carrying a rapier.” he replied.

Cain laughed, “Well it is a classic.” she replied for a moment before her face straightened up.

The man continued, as he showed her the next picture. “A classic that can shoot through bullet proof glass like it is nothing?” he replied as she showed her the next picture. The picture showed the man being shot with something that hit like lightning, and broke the glass like it was not even there. “She, this Lutinent McNeil, is our primary suspect for the Coredian spy sir.” That gun is not like anything we have.” he replied.

Cain looked to him, “And the others?”

The man smiled, “The other seems quite, strange herself. The man flipped through the photo to the scene where the now dead Sargent at Arms somehow managed to blow himself up. “If you look sir, you can clearly see, she held her arms up, and the explosion stopped and ran the oppisite direction.” he replied.

Admiral Cain turned to him, “Do you have their location?” she demanded to know.

The man replied calmly, “Yes sir, they are in an escape raptor, near the Ares.”

Cain’s eyes light up like fire, “If they are Coredians, I want to know and now.” she said, as she closed the folder and laid it on the desk. “Bring them here, and now. If they try to run shoot them down.” she ordered.

The man saluted his admiral.

“You are dismissed!” she ordered.

The man then turned and walked out of the room.



Space

As Hera held her sister, safely on board the Raptor with Reika, a message came across the Void. “Raptor 482, Raptor 482, Picon Command has ordered you to set course for the Ministry of Defense. Do not devate your course.”

Hera looked out the window nervously, as a squadron of Vipers could be seen in the distance heading on an intercept course. Hera turned to Reika, “Can you hold her for a moment?” she asked the young Coredian, as she handed her sister to her. Hera then pushed a few buttons on the Raptor to fire up the engines.

She genly placed her helmet on, sealing the suit. “Looks like we are going to have a chat, or be shot.” Hera replied calmly and coldly, as she input the coordinates to Picon Fleet HQ.

“If you have any prayers might want to say them now.” Hera told Reika. “And remember your training, and your stories.” she ordered the young Coredian.

(OOC: Where are you Sithy? Bal needs a post from you.)

AIM to post tonight

Domiel anticipated Cain's response and accepted the retort without comment as things took a bit of an intriguing turn as an orderly came in and presented the Admiral with a rather large collection of unsettling pictures. He and Ilt'Kazzar exchanged unseen glances between each other trying to wrap their minds around what exactly was going on, though they did not give much evidence of this even as Cain dismissed the orderly and returned her attention to the others in the room.

"Admiral Cain, might we be permitted to view the contents of that folder ourselves? We happen to have secondary resources that might assist in determining whether the individuals concerned were Coredian or not. And if you do not mind... it really is a nice knife."

Ilt'Kazzar spoke after Domiel completed his request.

"This does not correlate properly..."

Space

As Hera held her sister, safely on board the Raptor with Reika, a message came across the Void. “Raptor 482, Raptor 482, Picon Command has ordered you to set course for the Ministry of Defense. Do not devate your course.”

Hera looked out the window nervously, as a squadron of Vipers could be seen in the distance heading on an intercept course. Hera turned to Reika, “Can you hold her for a moment?” she asked the young Coredian, as she handed her sister to her. Hera then pushed a few buttons on the Raptor to fire up the engines.

She genly placed her helmet on, sealing the suit. “Looks like we are going to have a chat, or be shot.” Hera replied calmly and coldly, as she input the coordinates to Picon Fleet HQ.

“If you have any prayers might want to say them now.” Hera told Reika. “And remember your training, and your stories.” she ordered the young Coredian.

(OOC: Where are you Sithy? Bal needs a post from you.)
Reika took the child. "Well, let's hope it all turns out for the best."

She didn't show it, but she was concerned for the boys on her team. As long as they remain hidden, they should be fine, but if something happened to reveal them...

Meanwhile, Travis took point on the Raptor's nose. He too hoped that Reika and Hera would be all right. He even went so far as to cross his fingers in hope for the best, silently echoing Reika's sentiment.

=====

Kensuke searched for any opening to the cage. He saw that there was only the door in and out. Checking it, he noticed it was frozen shut due to the power outage. "Hmph. What to do..."

He figured his lightsaber would be of use here, but the lightsaber makes distinctive marks and he's not the kind of person to make such rookie mistakes.

Travis, on the other hand...well, there' s a reason he was a pilot and not a Quartermaster.

Anyway, he began looking around, searching for another way to get in when he noticed that there was a floating object that looks extremely out of place on a Colonial Battlestar. Kensuke reckoned that it may be the inhibitor preventing Force access.

"Well, looks like we have a plan!" Kensuke smiled as he took out his pistol and put several bullets into the inhibitor, destroying it. He felt relieved as the Force returned to him and immediately pulled open the door with TK. Once he entered...

OOC: Bal, I'll edit if you don't like the inhibitor being destroyed.

Past, minus 9 hours:



Ba’El watched as Hera and the other strange girl ran off. He knelt down to check the life signs of a crewmember but they were already passed away. With a sad expression he shook his head and stepped through the wall headed toward the brig, where he could feel his quarry.

Outside an emergency airlock, a black form exited the open chamber and the door closed in the silence of space and cycled atmosphere back into it for the next use. The ebon form activated the drives that were part of the integral structure and it headed for the immense ship floating a little ways off enveloping The Ares in its protective shielding. The form recognized at Atrox glided through empty space toward The Abomination following the Emergency Protocols programmed into his suit. They were designed to keep the form of Atrox safe and to move it to a location of safety. The safest place was the flagship. As it approached, a swarm of Kythons met the form and escorted it aboard the dreadnaught. Atrox would be safely waiting for Ba’El to return and claim it when he was ready.





Past, minus 5 hours:



Atrox walked through The Abomination after just arriving. He had several things to check on and he needed to contact his sources on Coruscant. He entered his private chambers and after securing the door, he used his Link to contact some Childer station on Coruscant. He wanted to make sure of the true location of Emperor Vader and shortly after tracking down his ship and escorts, it was determined he was at the Kuat Drive Yards. The Childer passed on the information to Advisor Ba’El through the Link.







Present, Coruscant:




Atrox waited for Emperor Vader to speak. The Red Guards were silent as ever.






OOC:

I don't see a reason to edit, I suggested that course of action over MSN.

With the inhibitor gone, the Force hit Jessyka like a rush. She grasped at in every way possible regaining some sort of her identity in the process. The first grasp of Force went into her healing her body and gaining some energy. Once her physical hurts were on the mend, the Abh woman stood on shaky knees then steadied herself.

The rags of her clothing fell to the floor leaving her completely naked. None of it mattered to her now though. The rape and degradation had already been done. All that went through her mind now was the rage and desire for revenge. So great was Jessyka's anger that the Force all around her went out in a rush throwing everything away and even blowing the glass out. Metal in the brig groaned and the floor beneath her bowed.

Ignoring all around her, Jessyka left the brig clothed only in the Force. Energy crackled all around as she thought about nothing except killing all of those that so much as had touched her while she was aboard the ship.

Kensuke was thrown against the wall as soon as he entered, flung by the sheer strength of Jessyka's rage. He was certainly lucky he was on the other side and not slashed by the glass, but he was still injured by the attack.

"Dammit! I didn't realize..." Kensuke groaned as he picked himself back up. "This is bad. This is really bad..."

He had to think of something before Jessyka started killing people. Gathering his strength, he unleashed a potent Paralysis attack to slow her down for someone, anyone to help him out...

The paralysis attack hit Jessyka but unfortunately was absorbed by the Force and only fueled her inner fire. She could of possibly have dealt with the colonial right there in the brig but she wanted more than just one body. The door at the end of the brig was thrown open before she ever reached it.

Jessyka glided out into the hall where she would have assumed there were guards patrolling. Instead she found only bodies of the guards that had died. It seemed a lot had happened outside her cell and worse there was no one around to take her revenge out on which only infuriated her more.

Up ahead was a sealed section that lead to wherever, the Abh had no idea. Reaching out with the Force, she could feel that there was life on the other side. Thrilled at the discovery, Jessyka clawed at the seal with the Force blowing it open. There lining the hallways, were the wounded and the medics tending them. A small smile twisted on her lips as she found the first victims that would be the targets of her revenge.

Force pushing them against the wall and breaking their bones would have been too simple. She wanted them to feel pain through their bodies before they died. It was the least she could do to pay them back for her stay. Standing there naked in the hall she unleashed lightening with her hands sending it through the walls and the floor. Jessyka wanted to gain maximum damage in one attack by having the energy travel through the metal on the ship and strike everyone in succession. If she blew a few electrical systems at the same time, then it was just an added bonus.

Blue lightning streaked out everywhere sending sparks as danced from one section to the next. Having the Force surrounding her in its embrace, the lightnining tha would normally have effected her surrounded her in a bubble adding a bit of a horrific picture to the nude Abh that was determined to kill them all.

Past, minus 8 hours:



Several Ta’Nar who were assisting the wounded looked on with horror as their patients were incinerated right before their eyes. Being Ta’Nar, the electricity passed harmlessly through them so they were unaffected. Some poked their heads out of doorways or even walls to see what had happened to cause the mass electrocution. As many retreated back to where they were upon seeing the blue-haired electrically sheathed Abh filled with rage standing at the end of the hallway near the torn blast door.

The Ta’Nar medics was not sure what to do, they had no standing orders of what to do against incandescent inmates out to settle a grudge so they simply send a message through the Link to the Ta’Nar in charge. Fortunately the one in charge just happened to be on his way to the Brig. Ba’El arrived moments later, simply dropping through the ceiling from two floors above, the level damage control used to reside.

Everyone, evacuate the area. I will take care of her.

The psionic message was unmistakable and the medics scrambled out of the area disappearing through the bulkheads to other sections where patient survivability allowed them to do their work. They would pass word to security of the event when they found someone able to take appropriate actions. For the time being, it was up to Ba’El to stop the insane escapee.

“Jessyka, you have to stop what you are doing or I will be forced to destroy you.”

Ba’El knew she was beyond hearing his voice so he spoke for the benefit of any security systems that might be still operating. He needed to be sure it was not and reached out with his mind to locate any functioning systems and got ready to disable them. He prepared a photonic illusion of a power surge in case any cameras were still working and made it appear as if he were “powering up”. It would provide entertainment and a last image before he disabled the systems so it looked like it was an accident and not deliberate. He then shorted out all the systems and made sure they were truly dead. Once satisfied, he turned to his next task, the obsessed Abh.

The grey-robed form of Ba’El began to float towards the enraged Abh at the end of the hall. Most of her attacks were centered upon getting visceral revenge against those who had imprisoned her and the desire to see them bleed or be grievously harmed resulted in several physical attacks, which would not affect the immaterial form of the Ta’Nar. When he was close enough to her, he gathered his strength into a sharp jab and used his Psionics to press a telepathic attack against her conscious center of her mind, knocking her senseless and causing her to fall to the scorched deck. Picking her up off the sizzling metal, he twisted reality causing her to disappear. Moments later she reappeared but she was not as injured. The clone was then battered around from wall to wall to make it look like she was in a great battle and then finally Ba’El imploded her torso, spraying chunks of the Jessyka clone around in the red hot hallway. The damage he caused would disguise the fact the recent damage she incurred was not present by adding more over it.

Approaching the bulkhead at the other end of the hall was several security personal alerted by the fleeing healers. They would have arrived just in time to see the splattering Abh, a witness to the bloody end of the prisoner.

“I can sense another within the Brig; check him out to see if he is OK.”






Present, Coruscant:




Atrox took the extended silence to open up another topic with the Emperor.

“Sire, I wish to ask you about something. Are you aware of a Traitor?”

Not giving him a chance to answer, Atrox continued. He knew what must be done and if he gave him a chance to interrupt then all the facts would not be brought out.

“While I was at the Colonies, a Command Carrier arrived bearing Emperor Vader as well as a fleet of reconstruction vessels and a battle fleet. You were commanding the fleet and entered into communication with Admiral Cain. You also sent me a message through the Force demanding I keep The Ares safe while Cain was meeting with you. During the meeting, an entity of a sort slipped aboard the Ares. The entity tried to blow the ship up through sabotage but I was able to assist in stopping it.”

“Who was the false Emperor at the Colonies? It was not you; you were at the Kuat Drive Yards. I know because I checked and you were in two places at once.”

“It is my understanding that any who impersonates the Emperor is committing the capital crime of Treason and should be executed at once. To allow any to divide the power of the office of Emperor is to hurt The Empire itself. Even if I were to carry your direct words to another and pretended to be you, it would be an act of Treason. If impersonating a police officer is a crime, then it most certainly is to impersonate you. Also, to command your Apprentice like he did demands I remove his head by the very same reasoning. I will not let that crime against my Honor drop.”

“While the Traitor was there, he directed me to keep The Ares safe but then sent over an assassin to make sure I failed. Since they were not your Orders, I have not failed to carry yours out. Another point is any agreement the Imposter and Cain signed is not enforceable since it was not with the Real Emperor. All their work was voided by that simple fact. The signature on those documents is a forgery, another crime they committed. There is also the misappropriation of Imperial Forces when they stole that battle fleet and all those resources, the danger they represent to the internal workings of the Empire is immense. If they can take a command carrier and a battle fleet, who is to stop them from using it to strike against your own flagship and take your place? This cannot continue.”

Atrox paused before continuing as a revelation struck him.

“I think I see the picture now, you are no longer serving The Empire. You are following a new Master. You have become someone else’s lackey, somebody else’s servant.”

“I cannot allow myself to follow one that no longer serves with the best interest of The Empire in mine. I cannot call one Master that does not serve The Empire. You are no longer worthy of being my Master and Instructor. I am taking my leave now to serve the Empire directly. You can keep the title of Emperor for it is just a position, an office. It is not the Empire itself. While you go off and serve your own masters, I will dedicate myself for the betterment of The Empire itself.”

Atrox turned away from Darth Vader and took a single step toward the distant doors before stopping. He again spoke to Vader once more.

“Don’t try to stop me for then you would be working against the will of the Empire. You will betray your office as well as your oaths. Your betrayal of my Trust is bad enough, don’t make this worse.”

Darth Atrox continued to walk out of the audience chamber of the Emperor, possibly for the last time. He was keeping a careful eye out for deceit and attacks for he doubted he would be let go that easily.

It was the first time that Vader had laughed in years. His eyes, looking at his apprentice were cloaked by a shaded transplurex, and while this act of rebellion was to be expected, his apprentice was by no means capable of using the force capably yet. He had power yet not understanding. He was rash and yet ignorant, there would have to be some form of control placed upon this Balroggan yet what?

“Darth Atrox.” Vader commanded. “Do not take another step before you have listened to your master.” The apprentice poised on one of his legs for a moment not knowing whether to turn or to continue walking. Vader rose from his throne and walked down onto the large Obsidian floor. The Sith Lords single steps and wheezing respirator crackled with mechanical strength.

“You are not all wise my apprentice, nor have you completed your training. If you continue walking there is little chance that you will make it past the Kralin archway, my master devised all sorts of devices which can render even us into oblivion.” Vader took a few more steps forward.

“It was indeed I who commanded you to protect the Ares my apprentice, do not mistake it, and I have recalled you’re here so that you may explain your failure. You claim there was an impostor on board my command carrier, yet you do so without knowing the true nature of the force. Did you not seek to trust in the commands of the throne before coming to your own near sighted conclusions.” Vader walked closer to Atrox.

OOC:

I protest!

You told me the Real Vader was at Kuat weeks ago so I adjusted the RP to have Atrox notice the "feeling" from the fake Vader was not the same. You also posted not long ago the person in front of Atrox was the Real Vader. He cannot be both unless you changed the facts around. I was close enough to tell the difference between the two using the method we spoke about on MSN just a couple days ago.

I told you long ago that I was going to do this and why. Now you change things around that invalidates weeks of Rping and months of planning.

Imagine my surprise when I posted this morning from work and went home between shifts and came back to work 8 hours later to find out the facts have been rearranged.

I am so pissed off because of this.

OOC: Wouldn't you want to ask how was it possible that the command was given to Atrox by the real Vader? Is he telling the truth? Could a Sith be telling lies?

Nothing has in fact changed at all. Vader was not on the Command Carrier and it was the man in white. How did the real Vader give the command?

I have not changed anything and it's still all as it should be Balrogga.

I apologize. I was called in to work a morning shift and then had to come back for a third with little sleep and I over reacted.

The Raptor slowly touched down, on the tarmac. As “Corperal Abel” and “Lt. McNeil” landed, Hera reached around for her pistol. She opened the chamber and took out the bullets from the gun. She quickly reinserted from her ammo pouch, Five normal .44 rounds into the revolver. She then snapped the revolver closed, as she turned to Reika.

“Ok lets go.” Hera told her as she reached over and picked up Athena. She raised the door to the raptor. They slowly got out of the Raptor, and began to walk down the tarmac to the base inside, where they would be escorted to see the Admiral.

Meanwhile

Admiral Cain, finally fed up with the Godulan insistence on seeing her knife pulled it out of her pocket, and slammed it on the desk. “Here look at it.” she said very annoyed. “I need to know what happened up there. If you want to see the pictures fine, just get over your frakking obsession about my knife. If you like them so much, you can buy one.” Admiral Cain replied, not so much as yelling, but more of ordering the men.

As she placed the photo’s down on the table, a Knock could be heard at the door.

“Come in.” Cain replied.

The door opened to reveal Reika, Hera and the baby Athena. Admiral Cain turned to the avatars, and the ascendency, “If you will excuse us gentlemen.” she replied, “You may take those photos to the next room and look over them at your leisure.” Admiral Cain told the two witnesses.

Ilt'Kazzar immediately moved to the pictures, picking them up and moving to the other room with remarkable alacrity. As he moved, he took a momentary glance at Hera, then shifted his eyes over to Domiel for a moment before exiting into the other room with Darian.

Unspoken between the two avatars was their analysis of the errant synaptic signature Hera was radiating like a beacon.

She shows some human reference points, but the rest is seriously out of wack. Our Avatars on Konoha report that the signature is inconsistent with Cylon reference points.

Well at least we don't have to kill her.

Indeed... it would be a very compromising situation if such were the case. You think it is some kind of mental disorder? Maybe some form of paranoid schizophrenia we have yet to encounter?

We are at a loss for a better solution. Damn this large universe and the horrendous levels of variety contained within...

All this mental conversation took place over the course of about one point five seconds, the end of which resulted in Domiel pointing directly at Hera and saying the following:

"YOU... did you know that you are insane?"

Reika didn't know about Hera, but she almost missed a beat when the Godulans called the crazy girl out. She was irritated at their seemingly lack of tact. Sheesh. Leave it to the Godulans to break cover!

Hera walks in, with the small blond hair child in hand. She had little to no emotion, unlike Reika, who seemed to be having a near heart attack at the Godulan’s words. Hera turned her gaze to the Avatar, who ever so politely insinuated that something was wrong with her.

Hera’s head cocked slightly to the left, as she replied almost like a machine, “Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1.1 percent of the Colonial population age 18 and older in a given year. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don’t hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others.

She then turned to Admiral Cain, who looked more confused than anything. “Yes I have been diagnosed, when I was in the Raptor pilot program. Hince why I was assigned to a desk job, until the bombing of Caprica. Somehow I was assigned to the Ares.” she replied her face as blank of any emotion as she spoke.

Admiral Cain turned slowly to her desk, as she placed her hands around her neck for a minute. “My gods,” Cain thought to herself, ‘not only was the Ares bombed, but I had a frakking psychopath in the CiC.” she thought in anger.

Cain grabbed a glass of Ambrosia, and began to drink quickly.

Hera just watched, “I do have medication though, and it keeps me stable.” she quickly retorted.

Cain glanced up at her, “I do not give a shit if the gods themselves cured you.” she replied to Hera, “You have no place anywhere near a battlestar. You are a danger to everyone on board.” she retorted. “Who assigned you to my ship?” she asked.

“My recruiter sir.” Hera responded, “I believe his name was Sargent Anderson.” She quickly responded.

Cain quickly picked up the phone, “This is the Admiral, I want you to search for a Sargent Anderson on Picon. He should be a recruiter. Once you find him, he is to be arrested for ignoring Colonial protocols after a mental disorder has been detected, and begin court marshal proceedings.” she ordered, before hanging up the phone.

Cain glanced at Reika, “Would you like to have a drink?” she asked the solder.

Reika felt that it'd be better to agree. She didn't want to step on anyone's toes. Not now. "Yes, sir. I would like a drink, sir."

Admiral Cain walked over to Reika with a glass in her hand. She poured the light green liquor in the glass for her, filling it half way. She then turned and walked back to her desk, and leaned against her desk.

“Mental disorder or no, you two are the only ones I have to see what happened.” Cain replied, ignoring the baby in the room as well. She looked to Reika first, “Since you are the only one that seems to be mentally lucid at all times, why don’t you begin. Tell me what the hell happened up there.” Cain ordered.

Domiel chimed in just as Hera completed her comment about being assigned to the Ares despite previously occupying a position centered around pushing paper, giving her an oddly serene smile in return for her entirely too verbose response:

"Oh. So long as that is clarified."

Past, Minus 8 hours:




Ba’El watched as the Colonial security forces went to see about the life sign he had felt in the brig while others remained at the site of the massacre of “Jessyka”. He looked around at the efficiency of the Colonials as they went to check on the victims of the enraged Abh. He knew many of them felt the grizzly and gruesome fate of “Jessyka” was not messy nor painful enough after viewing the scores of dead, all bearing the tell-tale marks of the Force Lightning.

“I can do nothing to bring them back but I can do good elsewhere. I trust you will document everything as is proper. I will speak to Admiral Cain after I have done all I can here. I have work to do elsewhere.”

With that, Ba’El stepped through a wall and out of sight of everyone. After making sure he was not in an area that was being recorded, Ba’El stopped and willed himself to The Abomination. Moments later he found himself aboard his flagship. He merged his mind into that of the Community and located the area the medical personal had taken the real Jessyka. He made another quick Jump to the specific medical bay and waited for the Healer to finish with the unconscious Abh. He was examining her and repairing any physical damages as well as any mental ones, well, at least the more severe ones. She will have to do most of the healing herself but after N’Gaal was done, she would at least be functional, for a corporeal being.

“So, how’s the patient?”

“Physically, she has been abused badly but we have most of her body healed. Her mind is the main injury. The maltreatment has caused her severe psychosis and most likely multiple personality disorder or even schizophrenia or some other disorder. Without her being awake, I cannot be sure.”

“You wouldn’t want her awake; she was in quite a mood when I knocked her out.”

“Looking at her abuses, I can see why. I will have her calmed down when I awaken her.”

“Make sure there are no male images present. She will be extremely biased toward them.”

“Good point, thanks. I will instruct the Healers to adjust their appearance to feminine, or androgynous at the very lease. I will be waking her soon.”

“Let me know, I want to be present when you do, just in case.”

N’Gaal turned and floated back to his patient while Ba’El returned to his quarters to continue some work, namely to track down those images he envisioned on The Ares. He was pouring through the records in the Nav Computer when a message from N’Gaal gently prodded his awareness. He pulled his mind away from the connection he had made with the Shipmind and allowed the communication from the Healer. Moments later he Jumped to the med lab to be present when Jessyka awakened. He still had not reunited with the form of Atrox, the insect being in its hibernation chamber and the suit having the time off back in his quarters. It was just easier to get around in any Ta’Nar ship if you were not weighted down by a body. Ba’El could see those present had taken his advice and adjusted their images so there were no males present.

“The patient will awaken in a couple moments.”

On the black table, the blue haired Abh stirred. Her now fully dressed form began to move as she regained awareness. She should feel a lot calmer and her body was as healed as she opened her eyes.

Atrox stood in the doorway, fully prepared to render her unconscious if he needed to. He really hoped he could talk to her first but if she didn’t present that opportunity then it would be lights out again. He had a deal to talk to her about.


"Welcome to the world of the living. We have much to talk about..."






Present, Coruscant:




Atrox took two more steps forward to prove a point. His head turned to face the approaching Emperor and he spoke.

“In case your short term memory has suffered over the years, I will remind you that you are no longer my Master, I dismissed you a few breaths back while you sat on your high and mighty throne. You were telling me you were able to be in two places at the same time, bullshit! You are a corporeal being and do not possess that ability. According to records you were personally inspecting the new experimental drive at the Kuat Drive Yards. You were personally inspecting the attempts to incorporate the Colonial jump drives the same way the Coredians have.”

“If you are telling the truth then you ordered that Assassin to make sure I failed your so-called orders. That is betrayal at its worse and if Palpatine had done that to you, you would have killed him. The interesting point is those same orders that were sent to me were from someone that was obviously not you, I could tell. So if you were at the Colonies why did you have to have someone pretend they were you when you could have easily sent that message yourself seeing as it was done before you could meet with Cain? (I think it was before, I could not locate the actual post so I went from memory.) The only way is if you are lying through your teeth to cover something up. What is so important that you would risk alienating me?”

Atrox now pivoted at the waist, turning 180 degrees while the head continued to face Vader.

“Why are you lying to me? There is no reason to lie to me for I serve the Empire. Since you lied to me, it is obvious you do not trust me so there is no reason to remain the apprentice of one that does not trust in me. It really is too bad you no longer serve the Empire and decided to serve another Master. We could have remained a great team but at least I still have the ideals instilled from Palpatine. I still serve the Empire. I will always place the good of the Empire above false masters. That is one reason I am not after your position, my fate lies elsewhere than the Throne so you can keep it and your head. I have no interest in either.”

Atrox was carefully scanning the obvious weapons placements and could tell they were pointed in his direction. That was fine. He had made preparations too. This was not the first time he was in the Throne Room and knew about the dangers involved in being within the place. Being the second in rank in the Empire had made sure he was familiar enough to know of the dangers in the Capital and how to use them for his defense. While it was certain the Emperor absolutely controlled the current defenses, he had his own plans in operation.






Past, Minus one Hour:




Atrox’s shuttle landed at Picon as directed. The shuttle had left The Ares and made a stop at The Abomination before it began the last leg of its journey. The shuttle passed through the required clearances before settling down where directed. Moments later Ba’El appeared within the room.

“Please pardon my tardiness; I was undertaking important work aboard both The Ares and The Abomination. Here are the reports of the people my Healers managed to save and the injuries they have healed.”

Ba’El then noticed the general hubbub that was going on. “Did I interrupt something?”

TAG for Atrox post coming

Jessyka stirred momentarily before blinking her eyes open. A new room and a new ceiling. Something she had never seen before and now she had to wonder where the damnable humans had put her now. As her senses began to awaken more fully, she was aware that the Force was still with her. Not only that but she was clothed which was also different from her experiences on the Colonial ship.

Looking around, she noticed she was surrounded by strange hovering beings. The mental repair jobs had helped keep her lucid for the time being though she was not hostile now to other alien races, it was the humans that drove her anger. Repairs to the mind were far from complete, there were simply somethings that psionics could not even conquer.

Mostly the repairs had kept her from panicing once seeing knew faces, they weren't in any real danger being not of the Colonial make she was used to. Despite the modest clothing on her, she still felt naked in their eyes causing her to at least try and cover more of herselg.

Jessyka took a moment more to look at the faces around and study them deeper seeing if any looked familiar. Then she saw one standing in the back, towards the doorway that was familiar to her.

She let her head fell back then closed her eyes. "So Atrox, have you come here to rape me as well? Or do you just want to release some anger on my body?"

Ba’El chuckled for a moment before answering.

“Actually, I am here to help you. I know you don’t believe me but it is true.”

Ba’El stepped forward, slowing approaching the Abh. His arms were at his side and he held nothing in his hands.

“I did not know Admiral Cain would have done this to you. I transported you here when I found the chance and replaced you with a clone. The Colonials believe you to be dead.”

Ba’El let her think about that for a few seconds before continuing.

“I wish to put you on a ship and secretly drop you on the planet of your choice that I safely can. I only ask you to consider an ‘opportunity’ I may approach you with in the future. I believe it will be something you not only would be willing to do but also enjoy and profit greatly from. You are not promising to do what I wish, only to seriously consider the offer.”

Jessyka snorted at Ba'El's remark concerning the Colonials believing that she was dead. Muttering under her breath, "They'll wish I was."

The Abh rubbed the bridge of her nose from some sort of head ache. "You waited long enough to figure out that I was down here. What the course remarks about the Abh whore on board didn't catch your attention? Or didn't you think to look further into the collection of my clothing that most of those pigs were carrying about?"

Jessyka shook her head with eyes closed trying to shake away bright flashes behind her eyelids. "You're asking me to trust a Balroggan Kython. While it's better than a Godulan Kython, it still doesn't put much favor in the eyes of the Abh. If you want me to trust you, send me home."

“Actually, I was not circulating among the crew after I turned you over to Cain so long ago. I never heard such rumors or saw those trophies you mentioned. I noticed you when the inhibitors went off and retrieved you. Good thing your clone didn’t have to be more than a general resemblance of you.”

Ba’El hesitated a moment before continuing.

“If you wish to leave, then within the hour you will be taken from The Abomination and you will be set free at the location of your choice. Here’s another gift for you to show my sincerity.”

Ba’El reached within his robes and pulled out a saber. It was Jessyka’s own saber the Colonials took away from her way too long ago. The Ta’Nar handed the instrument to the Abh who could not believe she would ever see it again. The prized object was unaltered in any way and the power cell was fully charged. Perhaps the reunion with her saber would help begin the healing she so needed.

“Remember, you are only required to listen to my offer. If you don’t wish to take it, you are free to disappear forever. May the Force be with you.”

Ba’El turned and walked out of the medical bay and disappeared into the ship.

Helena looked at Reika, staring her down about two feet from the hidden Coredian. She watched and waited for Reika to say anything, anything at all, as the solder stood with the glass in her hand staring back at her “Admiral.”

Helena Cain’s eyes focused on Reika, “So are you going to answer the question soldier, what the frak happened up there?” she asked the young Coredian girl. “Or will you just stand there like a statue.” Admiral Cain spoke with the clarity and strength of an military woman.

"It was...strange to say the least. The sergeant-at-arms was acting strange around the time of the explosions and I moved to investigate. Imagine my surprise when I saw that he was manipulating Damage Control Station #2. I believed he was a Cylon collaborator." Reika replied, as she took a sip of the Ambrosia given to her by the Admiral nervously

Cain shook her head for a moment, and took a sip of the green liquor. She held the drink in her mouth, tasting the sweet liquor before swallowing it. “Do you still believe it was a cylon agent?” Cain asked the young girl before her, as Cain looked her up and down like she was a gnat.

Reika frowned. "I'm not sure. As I said, it was quite strange. If I had to say, I would characterize him as...possessed."

Admiral Cain walked closer to the young soldier, almost up in her face. Reika could feel the heat of her breath as she spoke, ‘You mean to tell me that someone ‘possessed.” the Sargent at arms, and he suddenly was able to cause the damage that he did.” Admiral Cain stated very strongly and clearly to Reika.

“Sir,” Hera spoke up, “It is true sir. The man was not the man, but that of a costume or a shell. Underneath was someone else, evil and dark.” Hera replied to the Admiral.

Admiral Cain turned to Hera, “Did I give you permission to speak yet Lieutenant. She said as she walked closer to Hera. Reika could feel Hera tense up slightly, as Cain approached. “Honestly I do not know what good your testimony will go, considering you have a few screws lose, but do not speak again until spoken to.” Cain replied harshly. “Do I make myself Clear.” Cain sounded off.

Hera looked directly into Cain’s eyes, “Sir yes sir.” she replied.

Cain just smirked for a moment, “Button up, you are out of uniform.” she stated to Hera, as the top button of her military jacket was undone.

Reika took a deep breath. "I know how strange it sounds, Sir, but I don't really have the words to explain what I saw."

Cain turned around and walked back to her desk. With her right hand she reached down and grabbed the bottle of Ambrosia. Slowly she took another drink. Cain then turned around and leaned against her desk, “Tell me then what you did see. What exactly happened, and why do you feel he was possessed.” she ordered in a kinder voice.

To make a long story short, Reika told Cain of the 'sergeants' actions and the fact that Hera (she didn't say the name, of course) was attacked in a mystical fashion. As she drank the last of the ambrosia from the glass And then she ended with the C4 exploding. She shook her head. "I still can't believe I survived that."

Helena listened to the tale, intently as the girl seemed really confused about what had happened up there. Then Cain saw an opportunity, a true test, “Tell me, Corporal Able, what would you say if I told you we have just received intelligence that several Coredian agents are currently hiding out in the colonial fleet, and that one such Coredian agent used his or her mind tricks to be able to rob the Sargent of his will?” she asked as she crossed her arms.

Reika turned her head and looked even more confused, “Permission to speak freely sir?” she asked the Admiral.

Cain simply replied, “Granted.”

“If that intel is correct, I would say lets find the mother frakkers and kick the shit out of them, Sir.” Reika replied like a true Colonial.

Cain smiled at the bravery of the youthful soldier. “Tell me Corporal.” she replied, as she took out a copy of the photos that she let the Avatars look at, “Exactly what in the hell were you doing here.” she replied. As Reika looked at the picture she could see herself warding off the explosion from the C4.

Reika frowned at the picture, keeping the real self under extremely tight control. "Looks like I panicked, Sir. It was a big-ass explosion coming at me, after all."

Cain just lowered her head, as she turned to Hera. “Let me see your pistol Lutinent.” Cain ordered Hera.

Hera looked down at Athena for a moment, and then looked to Reika. “Can you take her please.” Hera replied

As Reika nervously took Athena, Hera unstrapped the colt. She walked over to Admiral Cain and handed her the pistol. The pistol was heavy, much heavier than the standard Picon five. Admiral Cain looked at the gun, “Nice pistol, ornate, and it is a classic.” Cain replied, as she appreciated the look of the pistol.

Hera smiled, “Thank you sir, It was my fathers. He was a collector, before the damn toasters and ravers blew the shit out of Caprica.” Hera responded.

Cain opened up the chamber, and looked at the 5 unspent bullets (which Hera did replace before leaving the Raptor). “Tell me Lutinent, why do you use this instead of your standard issue?” Cain asked.

“Sir, as I said it is sentimental. It is of regulation calabur sir.” Hera responded.

“I know the regulations lieutenant.” Admiral Cain quipped back. “However against a toaster it will not do shit unless.” Cain responded, as she took aim near Reika and fired.

The bullet whizzed past Reika, and jsut shattered against the wall, as the loud bang scared the crap out of Reika and Athena. The baby began to cry, and loudly, as Reika almost dropped the infant. Hera looked to her sister quickly, as the anger began to build up in her. “What the frak was that.” Hera demanded to know.

“Watch your tongue.” Cain ordered, as she watched the hole in the wall. No lightning appeared. “Tell me Lieutenant, how in the hell did your gun shoot through bullet proof glass.” Cain ordered.

Hera just looked down, as her anger and hate began to grow. In her mind she could see herself destroying the Admiral, burning her alive in bright fire. Hera could almost smell the scent of the flames, the bubbling and charred flesh of the Admiral before her.

The darkside began to grow over Hera, as Reika could feel the dark energy swarming around her invisible and undetectable to others.

Reika could sense the Darkness building in Hera, wondering how to contain it without alerting Cain. Luckily, the wailing Athena saved the day. Reika handed her back to Hera. "Sarah, your daughter needs you."

Hera turned her attention to Reika for a moment, which broke her inner rage. Hera turned and walked over to her sister, and picked her up. As she held the baby, Hera just glared at the Admiral. If Cain had been paying attention she would have seen Hera’s eyes were no longer brown but yellow. Luckily though, she was looking at Reika.

Gently she placed the colt on her desk, as the door busted open with Marines. “Everything ok sir?” one of the Marines asked.

“It is fine,” Cain replied.

As she spoke Atrox entered.

“No Lord Atrox you are not interrupting anything.” she replied, “I was just having a chat with these two soldiers. Tell me, did you notice any Coredians on board the Ares?” she asked Atrox.

(Done over MSN with CW)

Ba’El bowed deeply to his host, as it was dictated the proper thing to do in this situation.

“I am sorry, I was detained by events aboard The Ares and I was attempting to finish several important things when I received your request to meet me here. Please pardon my tardiness. Also pardon my appearance. My form was trapped by the bulkhead doors and I did not wish to cause any more damage trying to get it through so I sent it back to The Abomination and went on my own.”

Ba’El looked at the two soldiers, one which he knew as Hera/Sara and the other he recognized from the hallway outside Damage Control. The crying of the infant in Hera’s arms was subsiding now that Hera had her.

“No Lord Atrox you are not interrupting anything.” she replied, “I was just having a chat with these two soldiers. Tell me, did you notice any Coredians on board the Ares?” she asked Atrox.

“I cannot say for sure but I have my suspicions. I don’t know what was down there in Damage control but it was definitely not Colonial.”

Cain’s expression remained featureless as Ba’El spoke. She had seen the pictures and knew a little of what happened but not the events that tied those frozen moments of time the Avatar and the Ascendant had taken with them to the other room before the Ta’Nar arrived. He was not aware of any pictures, only Cain and the two soldiers in the room.

“It would be better if I showed you like before, allowing you access to some of my memories. If you will permit me, I would like to show you what I witnessed.”

After nodding permission, Cain had the officers removed from the room. She was not worried about Ba’El doing “anything”, the Ta’Nar being her most trusted non-colonial ally and possibly the closest thing to a friend she had these past few months. Once they were alone, she turned to the Ta’Nar.

“What is it?”

“I have my suspicions but no proof, just odd things said and then the whole thing with the man down in Damage Control that was controlled by something else. It was not psionic or magic, but a Force-based control. I have never encountered anything like it before but then again I have only been using the Force for a little over twelve years.”

Cain paced back and forth as Ba’El spoke. Her back had began to bother her, especially after what had happened earlier. The stress was reminding her who was in control.

“So, what do you have to show me?”

“Please sit down, I know about your aversion but I don’t want you to fall while you are viewing this.”

With a sigh, Cain took a seat. It would be the first time the Ta’Nar had seen her doing something other than standing or walking. It felt strange to see her sitting but he did not want her to lose her balance and risk her getting injured.

"The way Ta’Nar perceive reality is vastly different than the way humans do so I will of course have to filter out much of the extraneous sensory data. We view the raw energies instead of the effects they have upon matter. I can see the thermal energy from your blood flow in your face; I see the kinetic energy your voice generates when you speak, if a Jedi tries to gather his Force ability and I were looking at him I will see the accumulation of the energy in their hand as they attempt to direct it. The world is alive with a multitude of energy patterns and if I were to show it to you unfiltered it would be like trying to stare into a floodlight, sensory overload for you and you would be left confused and understand very little of what you saw, just blurs and confusion.”

“I just wanted you to understand how I actually perceived things before I started. I can give you a glimpse if you wish just how I see you sitting there in your chair at this moment.”

Without a doubt, the offer was something no Ta’Nar had ever offered another before. It was a glimpse into their mind, the way a being perceived the world around themselves would tell volumes about the way they could react, think, or even the possible choices one could make. The use of ultraviolet dyes centuries ago to attract pollinating insects to crops was used to counter the mysterious disappearances of the bee colonies in the early 21st century. The act had saved millions from starvation and the subsequent genetic inclusion of those colors allowed the humans to ride out the dangerous situation until the virus affecting the colonies had been discovered and the cure distributed through out the still existing hives. The research turning up the fact insects could not only see but also used those distinctive colors to locate their food supply allowed their tendencies to be used to solve the food shortages.

After the Admiral agreed, Ba’El reached out with his mind and allowed Helena to see herself as he saw her. There was a vague human shape of thermal energy with tracings of the circulatory system across the skin. The body had an aura of electrical energy flashing across it as the bioelectric field controlled the minute muscle movements as well as involuntary actions like the blinking of her eyes. The radiant energy from photons bouncing or being absorbed by the skin and clothing each registered as a different energy pattern. Humans would see colors but Ta’Nar, being immaterial, did not have the rods and cones much less actual eyes to see “normally”. The slight noise as she drew in breath in an involuntary reaction to her vision caused a strange rippling wave action as the sound waves spread out from her. While it was only a couple moments, the experience was long enough to allow Cain insight and awe for her ally. She was glad it was only a couple moments, a very brief glimpse into the world Ba’El experienced. For once, she was caught speechless and could not say anything, instead reaching for the nearby glass and taking a drink. She set the glass on her desk and looked into the depth for a couple seconds as the feeling of vertigo went away.

“Are you OK?”

The concern in Ba’El’s voice helped ground her and she took her hand from the glass where she kept them to prevent the limbs from shaking and was glad she was already sitting. She gathered her breath and spoke to her friend.

“Y-Yes, it is just a bit, um, unsettling. I am fine.”

Yes, that is certainly Cain speaking, Ba’El thought, she is always strong no matter what happens.

“I am ready to begin whenever you are ready. It will not be anything like what you just saw, it will be like the times before and I believe a movie would be the best description. Just sit as comfortable as you can.”

“Before we begin, thank you. I understand what you are truly giving to me.”

“You Honor me by showing the friendship you have this past year or two. I am about to begin.”

Cain braced herself as she was shown the arrival of Ba’El as he stepped through the wall seeing the two girls in the hallway. The possessed man was already in Damage Control. Ba’El stepped forward and called him a Traitor and demanded he surrender. Sara also stepped forward as the two guards that were with the girls opened fire on the “intruder” who simply slammed the door shut. Seeing one of the girls drawing her weapon, Ba’El gathered energy psionic energy and attempted to infuse it into the bullet. The act weakened him momentarily and she fired. The energetic flare of the charged round going off was brighter than he expected. He must have placed more into the shot than he has guessed. The door panel shattered and the man was struck. Energy coursed through him and he fell. As he died, a surge of Force went through the corpse and somehow threw off the holding of the detonator causing it to explode. Taking another step forward, Ba’El tried to put up a telekinetic shield to direct the explosion away from the girls behind him as well as the two security officers. The next thing he knew Sara was down and screaming. There was a taint covering her body as the entity tried to do something to her mind. Ba’El attempted to talk her into fighting Him and not to give in, she had an infant to save.

Ba’El stopped broadcasting the feed. He hesitated a few moments before he spoke again.

“The reason I suspect Coredians being on board is because of events that happened afterwards. During the Encounter I was standing in front of the girls so I was unable to observe them as my attention was upon the assailant. Afterwards, one of the girls said this to me.”

Another vision began in the admiral’s mind. This one showed Reika standing in the hallway afterwards.

"All right." Reika nodded. She turned to Ba'el, recalling that he's Darth Atrox. "I wouldn't normally say this to a Sith, but...thanks."

Reika disappeared with a slight *pop*.


“I know those words are uncharacteristic of any Colonial. She spoke them like no other would. I am not sure what she is, just suspicions. The way she disappeared also makes it hard to argue she is a Colonial. I have no hard evidence but that memory so it would not stand up in court. You can do with it as you will.”

Ba’El let the information sink into her thoughts before continuing.

“Right after that, I felt a source of great death from the area of the Brig. When I got there, the prisoner had somehow broken out of the brig and had electrocuted everyone in a nearby section. I dealt with her.”

Ba’El showed her the memory of Jessyka being flung from wall to wall and then finally torn limb from limb as the security forces arrived. Bodies of her victims were strewn about the halls where they had died their very violent deaths, char marks showing where the electricity had arced through them. Ba’El told the guards there was one more he could feel in the Brig.

“I am not sure what was going on in the brig, only that the power source for the Inhibitors were self contained so anything that happened should not have disabled it. You will have to have that investigated because I had to run off to other parts of the ship.”

Ba’El stepped back and waited for the Admiral to digest what she had seen and to regain her composure.

Helena watched all the events unfold, from the eyes of Ba’el. She could see the battle that ensued, although she had to admit to herself that it seemed more like a fantasy movie than anything in reality. Then again she had never witnessed a sith or a jedi fighting without use of a lightsaber before. It was quite frightening to say the least.

After the “movie” was over, Admiral Cain stood up, as she winced from the sharp pain in her back. “So the intel was correct.” Cain replied, as she began to walk over to her desk. She reached down on the phone and pressed a white intercom button.

“Send in the Avatar, the Ascendant, and the two soldiers.” Cain replied.

“Yes sir.” the voice on the other end of the phone replied.

Moments later, a marine opened the door, and the parties came inside.

Cain reached over to the colt that she had acquired from Sarah, and with it in her hand, she handed it back to the poor sick girl.

Cain slowly walked over to the window, and looked back to the heavens.

“First of all I want to say, that everyone in this room, has done a great service to the Twelve Colonies of Kobol.” Cain said to the group, as she turned her head to the ensemble before her. She turned and walked over to Sarah. “Although you are disabled, you have proven your worth a thousand times over.” Cain replied to Hera. “You and Corporal Able, along with Lord Atrox have taken down a saboteur that would have stopped at nothing to kill everyone on board my ship.” Cain replied.

“For your service, I am going to give you an honorable discharge, in which you will receive Seventy five percent of your current pay for the rest of your life, as well as medical treatment through the VA, to treat your illness.

“Sir.” Hera replied.

“I can not have a mentally sick person on board my ship, but I can not either ignore the fact that with Lord Atrox’s aid you have done us a great service. You should take this offer.” Cain said not really asking Hera.

“Sir, Yes sir, thank you.” Hera replied, as she looked down to Athena.

“Take care of your daughter, hopefully she will be a great soldier for the colonies one day.”

Cain then turned to the Avatar and the Ascendant. “Both of you showed great bravery in saving the CIC, and other lives on board the ship. For that both of you have my gratitude and friendship. I wish I could offer you more, but I hope that will be enough.” Cain replied to the two.

Turning to Atrox, Cain stated, “Like the Avatars and Ascendancy, you have also proven your friendship a thousand times over, and we are truly indebted to all three of you. But I do need one thing of you. I need force inhibitors and the upgrades to the colonial fleet. I would like to use your ship yards to begin this, and I would also like to know how long will it be before we can upgrade the fleet using your facilities at maximum efficiency?” Cain asked her friend Atrox.

(Insert replies here)

Then Admiral Cain turned to Corporal Able. She looked at the Corporal in the eye. Cain’s hand behind her back she reached around and saluted the corporal. “Congratulations Sargent.” Cain replied to Shelly Able. “For your bravery in defending the ship, I am promoting you.” Cain replied. “Also I am going to transfer you immediately to the new ship that will be commissioned in the next day or so. I want you to be at the commissioning ceremony with me, where I will present you with the Colonial Medal of Honor.” Cain ordered Reika.

Then Admiral Cain turned to Corporal Able. She looked at the Corporal in the eye. Cain’s hand behind her back she reached around and saluted the corporal. “Congratulations Sargent.” Cain replied to Shelly Able. “For your bravery in defending the ship, I am promoting you.” Cain replied. “Also I am going to transfer you immediately to the new ship that will be commissioned in the next day or so. I want you to be at the commissioning ceremony with me, where I will present you with the Colonial Medal of Honor.” Cain ordered Reika.
When Ba'el revealed that little bit about Reika's true nature, Reika held her breath, realizing that Cain knew what she was: a Coredian. And yet...and yet...she was actually commended for her actions! She released the breath she was holding. "Thank you, sir. I'm proud to serve, sir."

After hearing the request for the inhibitors, Ba’El quickly replied.

“Of course, they can be integrated into the schematics starting with the current ships in the yards. The ones already built can be retrofitted with them so they cover every inch of the ship. Give us a week to install them on the ones already built and you should be set.”

Balrogga any chance of MSN?

“Actually, I was not circulating among the crew after I turned you over to Cain so long ago. I never heard such rumors or saw those trophies you mentioned. I noticed you when the inhibitors went off and retrieved you. Good thing your clone didn’t have to be more than a general resemblance of you.”

Ba’El hesitated a moment before continuing.

“If you wish to leave, then within the hour you will be taken from The Abomination and you will be set free at the location of your choice. Here’s another gift for you to show my sincerity.”

Ba’El reached within his robes and pulled out a saber. It was Jessyka’s own saber the Colonials took away from her way too long ago. The Ta’Nar handed the instrument to the Abh who could not believe she would ever see it again. The prized object was unaltered in any way and the power cell was fully charged. Perhaps the reunion with her saber would help begin the healing she so needed.

“Remember, you are only required to listen to my offer. If you don’t wish to take it, you are free to disappear forever. May the Force be with you.”

Ba’El turned and walked out of the medical bay and disappeared into the ship.

Jessyka held her lightsaber in her hand the same way she received it from Ba'El. She didn't embrace it or put at her side for comfort, she simply stared at it. A strange thing that so many could become attached to a weapon that was almost virtually useless. The Abh were different as they did not place so many high ideals on titles or weapons, they simply were.

As she lay there on the slab, she couldn't help but find weakness within the weapon. It wasn't there to protect during her treatment, during the constant rapings and beatings. It had all but been useless to her.

The lightsaber, prized position to most, floated up from Jessyka's hand. Hovering a couple feet in the air, Jessyka used the Force to crush the weapon. Crystals broke and the metal twisted in on itself piercing the fuel cell. The crumbled mass hit the floor now completely useless. Jessyka fell back into the pillow and wanted nothing more than to go home and be very far from this place.

A short time later, three Childer came to take Jessyka to a waiting ship. After she boarded, the vessel rose slightly off the deck and dissappeared, Uplifting to T-Space from within the hanger of the Dreadnaught.

Some time later, a sinlge solitary ship Emerged at the planet Jessyka had chosen. The small craft settled upon the ground and the hatch opened, allowing the Abh to depart with the necessary supplies she had requested.



OOC:



@ Abh

You can do whatever you wish with the character, she is not confined in any way by me and has been set free as agreed.



@ US

I was on earlier today between classes but I had to shut down to go to my afternoon Logic class. If you want you can send me a TG or email if I am not online.

OOC: I'll just start working her into other threads. So there will be no more need to post here about her.

"Begging your pardon, Admiral," Domeil queried somewhat tentatively, "but our associate in the other room has completed his initial correlations. If you do not have anything further of concern for the, ah, honored persons here, we would like to go over our findings with you, Ba'El, and Darian."

Cain turned to the Godulan for a moment, then turned her head back to the two soldiers. "Sargent, you will report to the commissioning ceremony at 08:30 tomorrow at Scorpia. Lt. You are dismissed. Take the rest of the day off, dismissed." she told the two soldiers.

She then turned to the Avatar, after they left, "What did you find?" she asked the avatar.

OOC:


TAG for Atrox post coming

I've been waiting for you to post since this 27-02-2008, 8:41 AM TAG.

Can you please post soon?

OOC: If I'm not welcome here, or, for any other reason, you wish me to leave, just let me know, and I'll withdraw with no further comment.

Also, hello to all of you.

IC:
"Kal'Mel, reversion will commence momentarily."

"We are on target?"

"Yes, Kal'Mel. Stellar Cartography reports that this system should have a great amount of resources - the perfect stop-gap on our journey."

The Arazi Remnant Flotilla soared through the galactic eddies and swirls of PhaseSpace. Moments after those words were spoken, the PhaseSpace around them began to shift and distort. "Reversion underway!" called the Kal'Shi.

Standing from his Command Seat, Kal'Mel Dentar watched the forward screens as the Phase Jump Drives pulled the Arazi back into Realspace. Seconds later, the Arazi emerged from a distorted section of space, followed closely by the Indomitable and the Deliverance. "Kal'Jot, commence Gravitic Scanning,' he ordered, as he linked into the Ship Coordination Systems and initialized the Tactical systems.

"Cross-check complete, Kal'Mel. We are at our destination. Planets have been confirmed... position in solar system confirmed. Commencing active scans. A lot of debris in-system... nothing so fa - CONTACT! I've got several contacts... by Kar'Os, there's too many to count!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Dentar activated the shipwide comm. "All hands, Action Stations. Prepare for possible contact." He then turned to his officers. "Initialize Gravitic and Energy Defense Fields. Polarize Hull Plating. Charge Plasma Lances and LASER Arrays, and warm up Ion Array Harmonizers. Kal'Jot, give me a tactical overlay of all potential threats. And order the rest of the Flotilla to prepare for possible contact!"

Turning back to look at the main screen, Dentar whispered to himself, "By Kar'Os... this could be bad..."

OOC: Hi, this thread is almost over and as such I do not think it would be appropriate for a first contact type mission. Besides with the tension over all that has happened in this thread, I can assume you coming in with weapons hot would mean that Godular, Telros, Bal, and myself would blow you out of the water. If you would rather have a peaceful contact that can be arranged at some point, but for the moment I will have to ask you to delete this post. Perhaps a first contact can be arranged in a latter thread. Thanks, OG

Domiel nodded slightly and glanced towards the door through which Ilt'Kazzar had exited only a matter of minutes ago. The door opened just as he did so, and the Avatar poked his head into the room, taking in his surroundings before stepping in full once again.

"We can conclusively prove that one of the individuals in these pictures is Coredian," Domiel began for his compatriot. "However that individual would not be the saboteur."

Ilt'Kazzar took up the cue with no delay between Domiel's statement and the beginning of his at all. "The curious action Reika took in relation to that fireball was, in point of fact, a Katon Jutsu. Katon is the fire branch of Konohan ninjutsu that can either create, suppress, or manipulate fire. This would suggest that the individual known as Reika at the very least has had schooling in Coredian Ninjutsu Techniques. However, this only proves that a Coredian was antagonistic to the Saboteur. In this case, we must ponder why a Coredian would work to stop the sabotage if a Coredian was in fact behind the sabotage in the first place. This presents an incongruity.

"In order to proceed further, however, we would require Ba'El's to confirm a small aspect of our analysis in order for us to fully place it in the correlation. As it stands, the notion of possession is not unknown to us, but we are aware of only a handful of entities capable of such a feat, and we feel it necessary to reduce this list somewhat by incorporating only those entities within the system at the time of the incident. We believe the Ta'Nar are capable of possession, but they do not have a vested interest in causing harm to Colonial Personnel or Property. We are unaware of Telrosian Ascendant Capabilities in regards to possession, but they are also recognized as having no vested interest in causing harm to Colonial Personnel or Property. The Coredians might have cause to inflict the damage to Colonial Personnel or Property, but we have been close enough to them over a long enough period of time to say with some conviction that they do not have the capability. They can perform the somewhat well-known 'Jedi Mind Trick', but this only generates temporary lapses in judgement, as far as we are aware, sufficient to cause a security breach or mislead, but nowhere near sufficient to force a sentient being into a complicated course of action that is recognized to be self-destructive. As far as we are aware, a Jedi cannot mind-trick another sentient into throwing itself off the side of a cliff. Self-Preservation instinct overrides simple lapses in judgement. The Colonials have shown no recognizable aptitude in supernatural capabilities thus yet, and are quite skeptical to the concept, so it would be a significant stretch to conclude that the possession was Colonial. After eliminating these entities, we are left with one possibility."

Domiel completed the thought for Ilt'Kazzar: "Palpatine."

Ilt'Kazzar went on to elaborate the point. "The notable occurrence leading us to this is an interesting situation in which it was discovered that a serving Imperial Senator by the name of Vedil was in fact the host of Palpatine's 'Essence', so to speak. We have some eyewitness testimony about this particular situation, and also some secondary contacts that might be able to correlate this information. Unfortunately one of those would be the Jedi Master Hawkins of the Farstars Confederacy. We are not on good speaking terms with them because they took some umbrage at our announced support for Remiel and the Chronosian Imperium. They would likely shoot at us as soon as look at us, and this is not conclusive to acquiring corroboration.

"We understand that Palpatine is quite dead, in the sense that he is presently fueling a force-storm of significant size and violence over the world known as Asfaltum. However, we do find it somewhat convenient that Palpatine's star pupil, Darth Vader, or some passable facsimile thereof, was present in this very system at the time of the Sabotage. Again, we would require some form of confirmation from Ba'El regarding the nature of this supposed possession. If we require a correction, we would appreciate it now, before we continue."

“What pictures are you talking about?”

After examining the folder with the security pictures he settled upon the one showing him from the rear standing before Reika as she raised her arm in a peculiar manner. He could also see his own hands raised and the blast from the explosion flooding the far end of the hallway. It was taken as he raised a telekinetic barrier to keep the blast away from the four soft humans that were with him, the two girls and the two soldiers.

“I have already spoken with our host about my concerns with Reika. Certain actions and words witnessed by me during the emergency were out of character. The situation is hers to deal with as she sees fit.”

The Ta’Nar stopped speaking about Reika knowing Cain would handle the situation and if she wanted to elaborate upon it then she would. It was not his place to hand out information on her plans to anyone. As the question of the Ta’Nar being able to possess people Ba’El simply shook his head.

“The Ta’Nar have not been able to possess any mammal or reptile for over five centuries, right after the Entropy Incident in the Cluster. Remaining within those forms causes feedback that causes extreme pain similar to a real nasty migraine that gets exponentially worse as the seconds pass. The Officer in question walked about the ship and set those charges over the space of, let’s see the time stamps here, over an hour. I doubt even Nhur –Galladu himself could hold onto his form that long. We could actually possess the ship itself or I can possess my Insect form but no, none of us are able to hold that human form for even a tenth of the time it took for him to complete his actions without being subjected to crippling torment and being unable to control the person before being eventually driven out by the pain.”

After hearing the Avatars speak of Palpatine Ba’El again shook his head.

“The Dead Emperor is completely mindless and pure emotion fueling his last act. If you were ever to go to Asfaltum, you would hear his ceaseless howling at the edges of your awareness. If you are Psionically Dead, you would be much more comfortable as long as you don’t sleep.”

Ba’El left it at that, letting their imagination fill in the details of what it would be like without protection.

“As far as Darth Vader, I did not feel his presence there. I did feel a strong Force presence but it was not Palpatine nor was it Vader. It was someone or something I have never felt before. I do not know if any Coredian is able to use the Possession ability but Daniel is well known to be the “Master of Lightning”, an old Sith ability favored by both Palpatine and I believe Vader too. Who knows what abilities the Jedi Council members possess?”

Ba’El looked over to the Avatars.

“Is that the information you were looking for?”

"And thus the Balroggans are removed from consideration entirely as an entity capable of Possession. We do have some recollection of the entropy incident causing some lasting effects but we were uncertain as to what the extent of those effects were.

"As for the issue with Reika, we are afraid there is little to debate on the matter. Several of our compatriots are learned in the ways of Coredian Ninjutsu as well, and they agree that the gesture Reika is seen making in this picture is part of a Katon Jutsu. In terms of the force repertoire of the Coredian Jedi, they fancy themselves as a sort of Elemental-based association. Daniel Masaki is indeed 'The Lightning Master', and is known for a wide variety of electricity based abilities. His sister, Fiona Masaki or 'Lady Nightshade' as she fancies herself, was recorded as having significant aptitude with the element of wind. Coredian Jedi activities tend towards a lot of flash and remarkably little subtlety. They rely on Ninjutsu for subtlety.

"Admitted however that there IS a form of Ninjutsu based possession, but we recognize that it is more akin to a form of puppetry. Line of sight is required and the victim is capable of articulating that he or she is no longer in control of his or her physical body. It also requires physical actions on the part of the perpetrator, making both possessor and possess-ee readily noticeable and the fact that such control is in place blatantly obvious.

"Returning to the main consideration, you are certain that it was not Darth Vader but some form of extraneous force-signature? Was Darth Vader even in the system?"

"I have no evidence in either situation and cannot say until I know for sure. To speculate would commit a great injustice. If I am wrong with either answer it could cause repercussions that would be felt for a long time so I will have to reply with an 'I'm not sure'."

Ba'El paused a moment before continuing.

"One thing I am certain is Admiral Cain was interacting with him while the Possession incident was going on. If he was controlling the Officer from a distance he would be too busy to speak, much less undergo negotiations with the Admiral."

Ilt'Kazzar pondered for a moment, then turned to Cain. "Admiral, would you happen to know of any other... 'prominent figure' that was present during your meeting on the Command Carrier? Or perhaps there was a lengthy period of time in which you did not have contact with Darth Vader?"

The Admiral, just listened as the news from Atrox and Domiel was presented. To say the least, it was a strange stretch. There was no way to verify any of this using colonial methods, no physical evidence to validate the claims, but she also knew the Ta’Nar and Avatars had.... more exotic methods of investigation. In the end it would come down to trust. Did Helena trust the Avatars and the Ta’Nar.

“I see.” she responded. She walked around her desk, and pushed a button on her phone.

“Yes sir.” the voice came over from the other side.

“Have our diplomats on Courescant find out the current location of Lord Vader, and his where about within the last eight hours. Inform the empire about this inquiry and that we have some credible evidence that concerns the internal security of the Galactic Empire.”

“Yes sir.” the voice replied again as the phone hung up.

This was all very strange to the Admiral, but as of now, she could not recall a time when Atrox had attempted to lie to her, nor the Godulans.

“So this Shelly Able is in fact a Coredian.” Cain replied, although instead of sounding angry, or resentful, she spoke of it like it was a matter of fact. “This is interesting.” Cain said, as she walked back over to the window. She slowly looked out, as the wind began to pick up. The leaves of the trees shook against the wind. She looked up to the night sky, as clouds began to cover the night sky.

After Domiel asked about Vader, Cain just turned. “I would like to commend you both, for your service to the Colonies. You have been more than helpful, and you will both receive an accommodation from the Colonial Fleet. If you will excuse me now, I have to attend to some things.” Cain ordered more than asked.

(OOC: Going to continue the Colonial story arc within a sequal thread, to which everyone in this thread will be invited to.)

The End

OOC: Done this for me and Balrogga, if there is anything that needs changed please get in touch Bal.

Atrox continued his dangerous stance against the Emperor. Vader a mechanical behemoth himself stopped and looked upwards towards the cavernous roof of the throne room.

Something about this wasn’t right, his apprentice seemed somewhat lacking. Vader stretched out with the force and probed the aura that surrounded the Balroggan and sensed that almost nothing seemed consistent.

Certainly he was the monstrosity in appearance that was birthed on the bastard world of Asfaltum, but here, in this place Atrox was only a shadow of his apprentices former self.

“I do not know what tricks you are playing Atrox, but I will have no more of them. You are a traitor to the Empire and I find you guilty of high treason.” Vader placed his hand towards his side grasping the silver hilt with mechanical fingers. From behind several pillars the red robed Imperial guard melded into existence, seemingly appearing out of the shadows.

What could one unarmed creature accomplish against so much?

Atrox paused having his line of exit cut off, his multiple limbs refused to enter into an attack stance. “You come into my Empire and refuse to obey my commands.” Vader thundered. “You challenge my authority before my very throne.” The Sith Emperor grew in anger, his rage extended deep into the darkness. “I will have you crushed before long, you have broken the rule of two!” Vader roared with rage at the extent of this deceit.

Calamity had struck this room, the tendrils of his machinations dug deeply into everything that was transpiring and there was nothing that could be done to prevent it. “You are hereby banished from the Galactic Empire foul beast, I will seek you out and destroy you.” From beneath the feat of Atrox ray shields extended, Atrox’s bug like form almost avoiding the event as he attempted to jump to safety.

Trapped in an Imperial cocoon the empire slowed time down, literally, employing an eternal prison upon this Judas.

Atrox stood defiantly before his former Master, the one that betrayed the Empire by taking another Master before it. He will not allow him to browbeat him into submission, mainly because he knew something the former master did not.

“While you claim to be the Emperor of the GE, you betray it by taking on a new Master. You have put another before the GE and in that act you have shown your own betrayal of the Empire. An Emperor can betray the Empire just as easily as the common man can. I serve the Empire, not the figurehead. The figurehead has betrayed the Empire and for this reason I will not continue to call you Master. I deserve better than that. I will serve the Empire itself directly instead of through a mascot. Instead of through a puppet controlled by their new Masters. I will not---“

At this moment, Ba’El began to feel the power buildup from overhead and pulled his consciousness out of the form he was using. The Time Dilation field snapped shut upon the mechanical form as it was speaking to Vader.