NationStates Jolt Archive

" We have entered the system and now have orbit over the civilized planet, well maybe not civilized for animals, there appears to be two warships, planet defences dont look very tough, SASM damage has been done."
Do not underestimate their defenses. Scan carefully, check for hidden defenses. You are NOT to engage under ANY circumstances. You have your orders. Continue and scout the entire system. Then report back.
A single scout fighter flew close to the Observer, then stopped. The sensitive sensors were picking up a massive gravity well...where there should be only the planet's.

A single scout fighter flew close to the Observer, then stopped. The sensitive sensors were picking up a massive gravity well...where there should be only the planet's.

The hangar opend up and the Observer moved foward, englufing the fighter, and closing, then the inside of the hangar declocked, the fighter was trapped.

The hangar opend up and the Observer moved foward, englufing the fighter, and closing, then the inside of the hangar declocked, the fighter was trapped.
The pilot stared in shock at the inside of the Observer's hanger. Impossible! They were all destroyed! How? How!? He desperetly patched a warning message outside, but it bounced off. Jammers. He slowly settled the fighter to the floor.

The pilot stared in shock at the inside of the Observer's hanger. Impossible! They were all destroyed! How? How!? He desperetly patched a warning message outside, but it bounced off. Jammers. He slowly settled the fighter to the floor.

Calaverian soldiers poured into the hangar, this stunt got Kash another Xscipian AGAIN!. Kash walked into the hangar with his battle armor, staring at the fighter, as the soldiers surrounded it, rifles raised. " Attention pilot, exit your vehicle."

He was captured. The Calaverans were known for the confinement and tourture of their POWs. He had no intention of coming quietly. The fighters was on the floor, but not powered down. Lifting off, it flew straight at the bulk of the Calaveran soldiers, and the pilot engaged the self-destruct sequence.

Kash smiled as the magnetic floors tore the fighter down to the floor. Kash began walking at the fighter, smiling as his grin bounced off of the fighters window. The site of horror was approaching.

Calaverian soldiers poured into the hangar, this stunt got Kash another Xscipian AGAIN!. Kash walked into the hangar with his battle armor, staring at the fighter, as the soldiers surrounded it, rifles raised. " Attention pilot, exit your vehicle."
He was captured. The Calaverans were known for the confinement and tourture of their POWs. He had no intention of coming quietly. The fighters was on the floor, but not powered down. Lifting off, it flew straight at the bulk of the Calaveran soldiers, and the pilot engaged the self-destruct sequence.

Kash smiled as the magnetic floors tore the fighter down to the floor. Kash began walking at the fighter, smiling as his grin bounced off of the fighters window. The site of horror was approaching.
OOC: Uh, I still engaged the self-destruct, so the fighter has exploded...

OOC: Uh, I still engaged the self-destruct, so the fighter has exploded...

OCC:ah dam lol okay.

The fighter exploded, Kash turned and began his way back to the bridge shaking his head " What a waste" he said to his men. Peices of debry killed two soldiers.

Planetside...
"Ma'am, we've detected a energy signiture briefly emitting from sector 4930."
"What type and size?"
"Thermal, about ten by fifteen."
"Big enough for a missile. I want scans there, now. Probes too. Anything you can get up there."
"Yes governor."
Three probes headed up to the Defiant, which was still cloaked. Chances were that they would run into the giant Observer before they found it, but if the Observer moved, the engine flare would be detected. So they were stuck.

The probe ran into the Observer, it didnt do anything to the Defiant. Kash's eyes grew a bit " We were hit by a probe!, Shit!" the officers and other ranking men were quickly going through sensor and comms checks.

OCC:ah dam lol okay.

The fighter exploded, Kash turned and began his way back to the bridge shaking his head " What a waste" he said to his men. Peices of debry killed two soldiers.
Planetside...
"Ma'am, we've detected a energy signiture briefly emitting from sector 4930."
"What type and size?"
"Thermal, about ten by fifteen."
"Big enough for a missile. I want scans there, now. Probes too. Anything you can get up there."
"Yes governor."
Three probes headed up to the Defiant, which was still cloaked. Chances were that they would run into the giant Observer before they found it, but if the Observer moved, the engine flare would be detected. So they were stuck.

"We've lost probe number two!"
"To what?"
"I don't know, we suddenly lost signals."
"What do the other probes show?"
"Apparently it was destroyed on it's own...ran into a force field or something..."
"Blast! There's a cloaked ship up there! Ground guns, target the hostiles and open fire!"
On the planet the massive land based turbolasers, three in all, targeted the space the Observer occupied and fired. The blasts were more than enough to utterly wipe out the Defiant's shields.

Sparks flew in the control room as the Defiants shields were taken down, a feet that was rarely done. Kash fell over and sat back up, an officer replyed " shields down sir, light hull damag." the cloak disappeard and they were revealed.

The probe ran into the Observer, it didnt do anything to the Defiant. Kash's eyes grew a bit " We were hit by a probe!, Shit!" the officers and other ranking men were quickly going through sensor and comms checks.
"We've lost probe number two!"
"To what?"
"I don't know, we suddenly lost signals."
"What do the other probes show?"
"Apparently it was destroyed on it's own...ran into a force field or something..."
"Blast! There's a cloaked ship up there! Ground guns, target the hostiles and open fire!"
On the planet the massive land based turbolasers, three in all, targeted the space the Observer occupied and fired. The blasts were more than enough to utterly wipe out the Defiant's shields.

Rebel Base

Chordata stood and sayed nothing, but it was obvious that he was seething beneath the surface. Hanlon shook his head
"Maybe you misunderstood me, the Republican Navy does not have vast reserves of ships or men. You're the one with the pirate armada, use the bloody thing" He was starting to get annoyed as well.

Star Snake

Nigripes opened her mouth to speak when Cavourna entered the rear
"Kartosh wants to know how you're getting on" He stated

"We are almost complete," Nigripes replied, "a few more modifications and..."

She suddenly stopped typing and looked around, puzzled,
"Flag Captain Cavourna?" She asked

"Yeah?" Cavourna turned to face her, "What's up?"

"What am I doing here?" There was a slight hint of panic in her voice

"Adjusting the shields so we can infiltrate the Barracuda undetected. It was your idea, remember?"

"I..." Nigripes looked at Skyler, then at the panel and back to Cavourna, "...I do not remember making that suggestion"

There was an expression of fright on her face as she spoke and that, in turn scared Cavourna. If something was able to provoke such a reaction from an Alumina, they should ALL be very worried indeed.

Palace

"Indeed, numbers rarely designate the outcome of a battle. If the smaller force is better handled and better equiped, then it will more often than not, triumph" Silvestris spoke from experience of the dozens of Danaversian Wars his people had fought,
"You wish t exchange information on our peoples. Now is the time. You first. Give a basic description of your people"

Rebel Base

Chordata stood and sayed nothing, but it was obvious that he was seething beneath the surface. Hanlon shook his head
"Maybe you misunderstood me, the Republican Navy does not have vast reserves of ships or men. You're the one with the pirate armada, use the bloody thing" He was starting to get annoyed as well.

Star Snake

Nigripes opened her mouth to speak when Cavourna entered the rear
"Kartosh wants to know how you're getting on" He stated

"We are almost complete," Nigripes replied, "a few more modifications and..."

She suddenly stopped typing and looked around, puzzled,
"Flag Captain Cavourna?" She asked

"Yeah?" Cavourna turned to face her, "What's up?"

"What am I doing here?" There was a slight hint of panic in her voice

"Adjusting the shields so we can infiltrate the Barracuda undetected. It was your idea, remember?"

"I..." Nigripes looked at Skyler, then at the panel and back to Cavourna, "...I do not remember making that suggestion"

There was an expression of fright on her face as she spoke and that, in turn scared Cavourna. If something was able to provoke such a reaction from an Alumina, they should ALL be very worried indeed.

Palace

"Indeed, numbers rarely designate the outcome of a battle. If the smaller force is better handled and better equiped, then it will more often than not, triumph" Silvestris spoke from experience of the dozens of Danaversian Wars his people had fought,
"You wish t exchange information on our peoples. Now is the time. You first. Give a basic description of your people"
Rebel Base...
"Admiral, do you overestimate your worth? If you do not use your ships for this operation, why should I feel that you would ever use them? Pirate crews are poorly trained and frequently inequipped. Your crew and commanders stand a far better chance, especially with Danaversian assistance."
Star Snake...
Skyler raised her eyebrows. So far as she knew, an Alumina never forgot anything. Ever. "You cannot remember talking Kartosh into going on this mission?"
Palace...
"Physically? Well, there's the obvious: Our four ears, tails, yellow eyes, teeth and whatnot. We can see even in pitch darkness. We are naturally gifted in the martial arts and sword fighting, due to genetically good reflexes and speed. Every Xiscapian has been gifted by our god, Qonn, with the ability to use the Force and manipulate nature. Most Xiscapians can use the Force to only a very small degree. We have our Force-users like anyone else, but most cannot use it beyond very simple tasks. We are very close to our planet, however. Life here is us, and we are to protect and nurish it any way we can."
Sparks flew in the control room as the Defiants shields were taken down, a feat that was rarely done. Kash fell over and sat back up, an officer replyed " shields down sir, light hull damage." The cloak disappeard and they were revealed.
"Calaverans!"
"How long until the guns can fire again?"
"Three...two...one..."
"Get our the Dark Star and the Revenge over here. That Observer won't be leaving here alive!"
The surface guns fire again as the Dark Star and the Revenge, a Cruiser and a Destroyer, made course for the Observer's location, not too far from them.

Rebel Base

Silence. Then,
"Very well" Chordata huffed, "one of my Barracuda's and Barramundis will be made available for this mission"
Hanlon waited a little longer then nodded as well
"I will give you three of my Cruisers, that is all I have to spare" he stated

Star Snake

Nigripes simply shook her head timidly, this revelation had knocked the arrogance and fight clean out of her.
"I am unaware of what mission you speak of" She stated.

"Nigripes, if this is some form of joke, it's really not funny." Cavourna's own panic was rising, "You are certain you don't remember anything"

"I can assure you, this is no joke Flag Captain, I cannot remember anything of which you speak"

"Get me a Medical Tricorder" Cavourna instructed to Skyler, "We need to scan you for signs of TF"

At the thought of the killer disease, Nigripes simply sat down on one of the bunks and sighed.

Palace

Silvestris listened to the Emperor's description and nodded at the end of the monologue. However, he had a few questions
"Correct me if I am incorrect, but you claim to be a democratic people? Why then, are you ruled by a single Emperor who reigns until his death, that is an undemocratic system of government, is it not?"

Rebel Base

Silence. Then,
"Very well" Chordata huffed, "one of my Barracuda's and Barramundis will be made available for this mission"
Hanlon waited a little longer then nodded as well
"I will give you three of my Cruisers, that is all I have to spare" he stated

Star Snake

Nigripes simply shook her head timidly, this revelation had knocked the arrogance and fight clean out of her.
"I am unaware of what mission you speak of" She stated.

"Nigripes, if this is some form of joke, it's really not funny." Cavourna's own panic was rising, "You are certain you don't remember anything"

"I can assure you, this is no joke Flag Captain, I cannot remember anything of which you speak"

"Get me a Medical Tricorder" Cavourna instructed to Skyler, "We need to scan you for signs of TF"

At the thought of the killer disease, Nigripes simply sat down on one of the bunks and sighed.

Palace

Silvestris listened to the Emperor's description and nodded at the end of the monologue. However, he had a few questions
"Correct me if I am incorrect, but you claim to be a democratic people? Why then, are you ruled by a single Emperor who reigns until his death, that is an undemocratic system of government, is it not?"
Rebel Base...
"Fine. Have them ready as soon as possible." Vila cut the connection and turned to Adrian. "Will you be supervising the mission personally?"
Star Snake...
Kartosh pretty much ignored what was going on. He didn't need any more of the incredibly arrogant Alumina's lip. Skyler got the Medical Tricorder and quickly returned. "Here." she handed it to Cavourna. Silvertooh looked at them. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
Palace...
"All of our political leaders are elected. And all have a certain term in office. Except the Emperor, or Empress. Once they are sworn in, they are there until one of three things happen: They die, they resign volunteerily, or, if they have become corrupt or the people are dissatisfied, they are impeaced and forcibly removed from office. A lot of time, money and consideration goes into choosing the next ruler. It is democratic, but we have our limits."
OOC: Excuse the "Political" section of my FB if you looked at it, it needs to be updated. Whatever is says there doesn't apply.

Rebel Base

"I doubt there is a need for me to oversee the mission personally, the amount of ships should ensure victory in any case" He smiled, "We may soon boost our fleet by a massive number"

Star Snake

"Memory loss is usually the first symtom of a disease known as TF to us, it is fatal and is a mental version of cancer. If she has it..." He gulped, she did the same.

The Tricorder beeped a few times and Cavourna stared at the readings, he breathed a sigh of relief
"No sign of TF, you're clean"

Nigripes sighed in relief and then started to scan herself again

"What are you looking for?" Cavourna asked, curiously

"A sign that I may have been tampered with physically, Crewmate Skyler, assist me" She stated.

Palace

Silvestris nodded
"It has it's limits." He repeated, "What of your fleet? Of what does it consist?"

Rebel Base

"I doubt there is a need for me to oversee the mission personally, the amount of ships should ensure victory in any case" He smiled, "We may soon boost our fleet by a massive number"

Star Snake

"Memory loss is usually the first symtom of a disease known as TF to us, it is fatal and is a mental version of cancer. If she has it..." He gulped, she did the same.

The Tricorder beeped a few times and Cavourna stared at the readings, he breathed a sigh of relief
"No sign of TF, you're clean"

Nigripes sighed in relief and then started to scan herself again

"What are you looking for?" Cavourna asked, curiously

"A sign that I may have been tampered with physically, Crewmate Skyler, assist me" She stated.

Palace

Silvestris nodded
"It has it's limits." He repeated, "What of your fleet? Of what does it consist?"
Rebel Base...
"You are turning to be every asset I thought you would be. We were wise to have rescued you from Xiscapian hands."
Star Snake...
Skyler grabbed another scanner. It took a while, but...
"Nope. No...nothing. Last scan..." she squinted at the screen. "Wait. I've got something. A bloodstream compound. Do you guys know what it is?" She turned the handheld scanner screen their way.
Palace...
"Naturally the exact numbers and types are classified, but we make our own ships. It is not large, tiny compared to some Navys, certainly small next to the Alversians. We have a Sixth fleet made up of ships we've captured or bought from other races or found, as well as a few specialized ships. I think an area where our ships really shine was during the Calaveran war." The Emperor called up a holo showing the Battle of the 42ed Moon, at which the Calaverans were attempting to create a base of operations inside the Jomstar orbit on one of the moons. It was the only of three engagements which could really be called a battle, and had the largest loss factor for all sides involved. There was 20,000 GOU deployed, ten post walkers, and three Observers in orbit. The battleship Foxfire and the Alversian Dreadnought Talon approached the base and engaged in combat.

Nine hundred Probe fighters engaged, vs. Xiscapian 15 fighters, 2 gunboats and a corvette, plus a hundred Alversian XX-30s. These were supplimented when a Carrier jumped in-system and another two hundred fighters and ten LAM. A massive fighter battle occured as the Talon and the Foxfire pounded the Observers. One Observer had taken damage from an engagement before an was beginning to collapse. Wiithin a few minutes, due largly because of the great skill of Alversian fighter piloting, the enemy was down to 700 fighters. One Observer finally broke apart under the fire in a massive explosion, but the other two fired their powerful beam cannons at the Talon and the Foxfire, repespectivly. Both ships rolled though space, slammed by the beam, but both returned fire quickly. The Observers were in bad shape, they wouldn't get another shot off. The Foxfire and the Talon, both heavily damaged, collected their small craft and retreated into hyperspace right as reinforcements from the Xiscapians arrived in the form of a Cruiser, a Destroyer, and three hundred more fighters. By this point the NC fighter count was down to three hundred. Both Observer flamed under the fire, and one could see what looked like a heat wave in space as the massive white ships beamed their crews down to the saftly of the moon. Then they both self-destructed. The fighters returned to the moon.

The holo blanked out and the next shot was off the NC barricks, fighters, and post walkers all going up in an explosion, destroying their entire base. The camera turned to show some 20,000 GOU with their hands on their heads in a field, standing hundreds of ranks deep, stripped out their weapons, overseen by a few Xiscapian MPs and patrols.

Jomstar Battle Stats:
The Foxfire was heavily damaged
155 pilots killed
486 Crew onboard the Foxfire WIA/KIA
155 Fighters destroyed
1 Gunboat destroyed
Total: 382 Killed, 103 Wounded

Alversian Casualtie Report:
APS Talon suffered extensive damage

45 XX-30's destroyed
200 Alversians KIA
150 Alversians WIA

Calaverans Losses:
3 Observers destroyed
600 fighters destroyed
20,000 GOU, 300 pilots, 57 crew members POW

Rebel Base

"I'm glad you think so" Connolly smiled, "but there'll be time for celebrations after we have defeated the Star Snake and recruited it into our ranks"

Star Snake

Nigripes stared at the screen, switching from Doctor to analysist within seconds. She frowned as she glanced at each atom and tuned it to bond with all the others. After a few seconds of complicated examination, she handed the scanner back to Skyler

"The compound is a Hamacarbide based solution, designed to alter moterary functions and synaptic relays to gave an external reciver control of the individual" Her description of it made it sound no more threatening than a cold, "It seems I have been under the influence of a mind-controlling sedative"

Cavourna looked first at her, then at Skyler, then back to Nigripes. Stunned.

Palace

"An important victory, I'm sure" Silvestris allowed before turning back to the matter at hand
"Our ships are ready for deployment. Where do you think they would be best suited for the task?"

Rebel Base

"I'm glad you think so" Connolly smiled, "but there'll be time for celebrations after we have defeated the Star Snake and recruited it into our ranks"

Star Snake

Nigripes stared at the screen, switching from Doctor to analysist within seconds. She frowned as she glanced at each atom and tuned it to bond with all the others. After a few seconds of complicated examination, she handed the scanner back to Skyler

"The compound is a Hamacarbide based solution, designed to alter moterary functions and synaptic relays to gave an external reciver control of the individual" Her description of it made it sound no more threatening than a cold, "It seems I have been under the influence of a mind-controlling sedative"

Cavourna looked first at her, then at Skyler, then back to Nigripes. Stunned.

Palace

"An important victory, I'm sure" Silvestris allowed before turning back to the matter at hand
"Our ships are ready for deployment. Where do you think they would be best suited for the task?"
Rebel Base...
"Indeed. You are dismissed." She turned around and took out a handheld comm unit. "Hanlon! Chordata! Time waits for no mortal, how long is it going to take?"
Star Snake...
"Well it obviously hasn't worked," said Skyler dryly. "Mind control? Hardly. Memory eraser sounds more like it."
Palace...
"Right now we are in need of capitals to deal with attacks. Our boarders are well guarded, but as I said before, we cannot deal with boarder defense and outside attacks."

Rebel Base

"Already taken care of" Chordata and Hanlon replied similtaneously, "The vessels are on their way to intercept the Star Snake"

Connolly chuckled, "I will be attending to the main fleet" He stated as he left.

Star Snake

"I would not be so sure" Nigripes sighed at the Xiscapian's lack of understanding, "It was not me who pursuaded you to this position and it was not me who gave you the specifications for those shield changes"

She strode over and checked the changes she had made moments ago

"These alterations would have generated an EMP pulse, disabling all primary, secondary and tertiary systems within the Star Snake. You would all have been vulnerable to attack or capture" She reported calmly.

Cavourna seemed surprised
"A mind-controlling potion...sounds like an underhand Danaversian trick to me, and that could only mean they are in contact with the rebels" He sighed.

Palace

"Give us a Fleet to join or an area to patrol and we will do it" Silvestris stated calmly, "Unlike the rest of your fleet, we will not need to refeul and we can keep our ships cloaked to scan the area without fear of counter-attack"

Rebel Base

"Already taken care of" Chordata and Hanlon replied similtaneously, "The vessels are on their way to intercept the Star Snake"

Connolly chuckled, "I will be attending to the main fleet" He stated as he left.

Star Snake

"I would not be so sure" Nigripes sighed at the Xiscapian's lack of understanding, "It was not me who pursuaded you to this position and it was not me who gave you the specifications for those shield changes"

She strode over and checked the changes she had made moments ago

"These alterations would have generated an EMP pulse, disabling all primary, secondary and tertiary systems within the Star Snake. You would all have been vulnerable to attack or capture" She reported calmly.

Cavourna seemed surprised
"A mind-controlling potion...sounds like an underhand Danaversian trick to me, and that could only mean they are in contact with the rebels" He sighed.

Palace

"Give us a Fleet to join or an area to patrol and we will do it" Silvestris stated calmly, "Unlike the rest of your fleet, we will not need to refeul and we can keep our ships cloaked to scan the area without fear of counter-attack"
Rebel Base...
"Very well. Good luck to you all."
Star Snake...
"Well, it's been right in front of our faces the whole time," said Kartosh from the pilot chair. Skyler rose quickly to fix the modification made. "Shall I change our course?" Kartosh asked. It wasn't an actual question: He was already manipulating the controls to take the Star Snake out of hyperspace. Silvertooth looked at Nigripes. "So...what do you do about this?" he inquired curiously.
Palace...
The Emperor did not even bother to point out the Alumina's misconception that his ships needed to refuel. The refueling team had been for Alumina use, the Xiscapian ships were powered by the Guilda power crystals. But this was irrevalent. "Currently, we have an area in need of ships: The Cholk system. Several of the ships lost in the SASM battle came from that system, and it is severly under-defended at the moment.

Star Snake

As Cavourna moved up to the pilot's seat so that he could help try and find both the Barracuda and any other unfriendly vessels in that area.

Nigripes looked up from a small concoction she was making in the rear of the Star Snake, and shook her head
"I am afraid I do not understand the purpose of your question" She stated.

Palace

"In that case," Silvestris got up and walked, unannounced to the door, "We will be in position soon" He closed the doors behind him.

Mallon was next into the room where the Emperor now sat alone
"Well? What did he tell you?" The Prime Minister asked curiously

Star Snake

As Cavourna moved up to the pilot's seat so that he could help try and find both the Barracuda and any other unfriendly vessels in that area.

Nigripes looked up from a small concoction she was making in the rear of the Star Snake, and shook her head
"I am afraid I do not understand the purpose of your question" She stated.

Palace

"In that case," Silvestris got up and walked, unannounced to the door, "We will be in position soon" He closed the doors behind him.

Mallon was next into the room where the Emperor now sat alone
"Well? What did he tell you?" The Prime Minister asked curiously
Star Snake...
Silvertooth shrugged. "I mean about this stuff in your system. Why did it suddenly stop working? It's still there, so what are you going to do about getting rid of it?"
Kartosh cursed softly. "We've got a Barracuda. It just dropped from hyperspace. Another Danaversian ship, two, no three, Cruisers. We've got our hands full, boys and girls." Skyler poked her head out. "Done. All weapons online."
Palace...
Foxfire sighed. He'd recently felt much older than he was, and the meeting hadn't helped. "The war, specifically the deployment of Aluminan forces. They'll be sending some ships to reinforce the Cholk system soon. He seemed...I can't really describe it. Arrogant, certainly, to the point of annoyance. But he didn't seem so bad...once you got past the fact that he looked down his nose at you every time you opened your mouth. And he was tall enough to do it, too." The Emperor gave a tired, ragged laugh.

Star Snake

Cavourna stared at the Danaversian vessels
"One of those is a Barramundi. It's their equivelent of a Battlecruiser. Those three Cruisers look like VERY old Alversian models. You should have no bother outrunning any of them" He stated, clapping Kartosh on the back.

Nigripes continued to work on her potion and did not answer for several minutes. When she was finished she turned to Silvertooth
"The reasons for the syrum's failure and the subsequent cure are complicated both to explain and understand. It would be more beneficial for all if one does not even attempt an explaination."

She held up the light green liquid she had mixed

"This will ensure it does not happen again" She claimed.

Palace

"They are like that as a race in general," Mallon smiled, "Arrogant, patronising, irritating. But fiercely loyal and very protective of their allies" He smiled again, "Did he mention any more ships? Did he mention anything or did he let you do the talking?"

The Defiant shook hard as the guns hit, Kash opend communcations.

" Xscipians.....I am Kash Wilson Captian of the Defiant, may we discuss terms of surrender."

Star Snake

Cavourna stared at the Danaversian vessels
"One of those is a Barramundi. It's their equivelent of a Battlecruiser. Those three Cruisers look like VERY old Alversian models. You should have no bother outrunning any of them" He stated, clapping Kartosh on the back.

Nigripes continued to work on her potion and did not answer for several minutes. When she was finished she turned to Silvertooth
"The reasons for the syrum's failure and the subsequent cure are complicated both to explain and understand. It would be more beneficial for all if one does not even attempt an explaination."

She held up the light green liquid she had mixed

"This will ensure it does not happen again" She claimed.

Palace

"They are like that as a race in general," Mallon smiled, "Arrogant, patronising, irritating. But fiercely loyal and very protective of their allies" He smiled again, "Did he mention any more ships? Did he mention anything or did he let you do the talking?"
"No problem." said Kartosh. The Star Snake wheeled around and shot away at sublight speeds. All the ships were relatively far away, and the Star Snake was only a tiny blip in the vastness of space. Silvertooth shrugged. He felt this strange being was implying that he was stupid, but he had had worse insults hurled at him before. "Good." Skyler came back in and sat in the co-pilot's chair, watching the scanners. "The ships are falling behind." she annonced.
Palace...
"He asked me questions: About our fleet, about the war, about kitsune politics and about kitsune in general. I didn't really expect any answers to questions I had, and he made it quite clear that he wasn't here to answer questions. I did most of the talking, he took in data, and then he left."

The Defiant shook hard as the guns hit, Kash opend communcations.

" Xscipians.....I am Kash Wilson Captian of the Defiant, may we discuss terms of surrender?"
Vist's mouth broke into a feral grin as she heard the transmission. "Calaveran ship, turn your bow away from the planet and destroy all fighters. Power down and prepare to be boarded."
The Dark Star and the Revenge flew cover as drop ships and troop carriers came up from the surface.

Star Snake

Nigripes winced as she dig the needle deep under her skin and began to inject the syrum. Once the needle was empty, she whipped it out. Grunting slightly with the pain. She then started to scan herself again.

Cavourna watched the scanner, the Barramundi were fast vessels but they had started too far away and she would never close the range in time. They had escaped.

Rebel Base

"I've just heard that we've lost our new spy" Connolly entered Vila's office again, "It seems she was even smarter than I had planned for"

Palace

"So he found quite a lot without divulging any information in return?" Mallon rolled his eyes,"Imagine what it was like for us after First Contact. It took a Danaversian War to earn their trust"

He smiled

"At least they will help, that is a big step in the right direction"

Star Snake

Nigripes winced as she dig the needle deep under her skin and began to inject the syrum. Once the needle was empty, she whipped it out. Grunting slightly with the pain. She then started to scan herself again.

Cavourna watched the scanner, the Barramundi were fast vessels but they had started too far away and she would never close the range in time. They had escaped.

Rebel Base

"I've just heard that we've lost our new spy" Connolly entered Vila's office again, "It seems she was even smarter than I had planned for"

Palace

"So he found quite a lot without divulging any information in return?" Mallon rolled his eyes,"Imagine what it was like for us after First Contact. It took a Danaversian War to earn their trust"

He smiled

"At least they will help, that is a big step in the right direction"
Kartosh hit the button and they vanished into hyperspace, this time on a course for Xiscapia. "Why don't these missions ever go the way I want?" he muttered. "It's never simple." Skyler looked to Cavourna. "Three outdated Alversian ships? Why were they here?"
Rebel Base...
Vila allowed herself the luxery of a roll of her eyes. "Already? And I presume the Star Snake has escaped?"
Palace...
"I hope is dosen't take the entire war to earn their trust!" said Foxfire. "Otherwise we're in trouble. We've got enough to worry about without extra-species relations."

The Observer turned and as soon as it did Kash nailed it " Jump into hyperspace were out of here." the window opend and they slammed out of the system.

The Observer turned and as soon as it did Kash nailed it " Jump into hyperspace were out of here." the window opend and they slammed out of the system.
Unfortunatly for the Observer an inhibitator field had been put up, so the ship exited hyperspace scant yards from where it had been before, violently yanked out by the field. The planatary guns fired and the ships fired and the Defiant's engines were turned into a smoking, flaming mass of slag. Drop ships and carriers flew into the hangers and SBAU stormed out, gray armor gleaming, firing on anyone and everyone they could see.
OOC: BTW, check the main Guardian thread. You need to post more, stuff's happining!

Rebel Base

"Unfortuneatly" He stated, "She is resourceful. I have another plan. Route 1, so to speak" He smiled, "How money do you have in the bank at the moment?"

Star Snake

"The Republican Navy," Cavourna observed sadly, "They are a rebel force against us and consist of older ships."

Nigripes looked at Kartosh
"I would not head for Xiscapian space just yet" She stated, "There may yet be a device aboard this ship that will pose some threat to the either the Xiscapian People or this ship directly"

Palace

Mallon smiled
"They will fight as hard as other troops once they are engaged in action. Gaining their trust enough to allow you access to their databases is another matter entirely"

Rebel Base

"Unfortuneatly" He stated, "She is resourceful. I have another plan. Route 1, so to speak" He smiled, "How money do you have in the bank at the moment?"

Star Snake

"The Republican Navy," Cavourna observed sadly, "They are a rebel force against us and consist of older ships."

Nigripes looked at Kartosh
"I would not head for Xiscapian space just yet" She stated, "There may yet be a device aboard this ship that will pose some threat to the either the Xiscapian People or this ship directly"

Palace

Mallon smiled
"They will fight as hard as other troops once they are engaged in action. Gaining their trust enough to allow you access to their databases is another matter entirely"
Rebel Base...
"Credits...since Jorga's destruction, the Danaversians looted his stronghold, although nearly all the treasure was destroyed, as we know. However, the Rebellion seized the oppertunity to freeze his accounts and draw the credits. We now have well over five hundred million credits." She smiled.
Star Snake...
"A Rebel force with outdated ships? And you know of them? Why weren't they crushed along time ago? According to the database of Alversian history, the RN has been around for a long, long time."
Kartosh turned around and looked at Nigripes. "We scanned this ship quiet thouroughly from top to bottom, inside and out. What else could their possibly be here? Or are you telling me that the Danaversians have suddenly come up with such that cannot be detected by our scanners?" To Kartosh this was a personal insult. It was like saying he was not careful enough or good enough to pilot and mantain his own ship.
Palace...
"That it may be, I have just received a very interesting report. Apparently there was an Observer snooping around the Cholk system. Fortunatly my troops were able to disable the engines, and it's being held. Even now boarding parties are landing inside," The Emperor leaned forward excitedly. "Think about it! When we interrogate the crew, we may be able to find out the location of the Rebel Base! We could end this whole thing right here!"

Kash and twenty officers and ten soldiers were locked inside the bridge as the firing went on, no doubt his army of thugs would fall shortly.

Rebel Base

"Good" He smiled, pacing up and down, "Because it has just occurred to me who is transporting the Flag Captain and his Alumina assosiate. Mercenaries! Motivated entirely by greed. If you could offer Captain Kartosh a big enough sum, he may be tempted to join our cause"

Star Snake

"The Republican Navy continues to function as a small and relatively insignificant rebel movement, it is currantly led by the brother of the former Grand-Admiral, a man named Hanlon. It will never be a match for the People's Navy, although it was the first Armed Alversian Force that Trezan created" Cavourna explained as he was sitting at the cockpit.

Nigripes took out her own scanner and started to run over the bulkheads
"I have already proven that a spy can be brought aboard your ship and a device would not be difficult to conceal if one knew how"

Palace

"Indeed!" Mallon started to grow excited, "If I could be excused old friend, I need to help organise the Fleet we will be dispatching to your space. Hopefully a few Alumina ships will join us"

Rebel Base

"Good" He smiled, pacing up and down, "Because it has just occurred to me who is transporting the Flag Captain and his Alumina assosiate. Mercenaries! Motivated entirely by greed. If you could offer Captain Kartosh a big enough sum, he may be tempted to join our cause"

Star Snake

"The Republican Navy continues to function as a small and relatively insignificant rebel movement, it is currantly led by the brother of the former Grand-Admiral, a man named Hanlon. It will never be a match for the People's Navy, although it was the first Armed Alversian Force that Trezan created" Cavourna explained as he was sitting at the cockpit.

Nigripes took out her own scanner and started to run over the bulkheads
"I have already proven that a spy can be brought aboard your ship and a device would not be difficult to conceal if one knew how"

Palace

"Indeed!" Mallon started to grow excited, "If I could be excused old friend, I need to help organise the Fleet we will be dispatching to your space. Hopefully a few Alumina ships will join us"
Rebel Base...
"I follow your line of thinking, but what would stop them from betraying us for an larger sum from the Allies?" said Vila. She rather liked the idea, but it had it's flaws.
Star Snake...
"Humph," Skyler snorted. "Remanents and tired old ships. Pathetic."
Kartosh rolled his eyes. "Check all you want. If you find something, fine. But I oversaw the construction of this ship personally. I know every bit of it, every secret compartment and crevice. If there was something here, I'd know it."
Palace...
"Yes? This Rebellion threatens you as much as us, surely you need your ships to protect your boarders?" The Emperor looked at Mallon curiously.

Rebel Base

"Then you will have to ensure you do not offer less than the government will offer them." He smiled.

Star Snake

Nigripes ignored him and continued to scan the vessel for any sign of a device. The first scan came back negative.
Unsatisfied, she modified the scanner and came back to the same result. She continued to do this for some time before...

"Captain Kartosh"

Nigripes returned to the cockpit with the small silver device in one hand

"I give you your imbreechable ship"

Palace

Mallon smiled
"True, but we couldn't have you fight alone could we? We fight as one"

Rebel Base

"Then you will have to ensure you do not offer less than the government will offer them." He smiled.

Star Snake

Nigripes ignored him and continued to scan the vessel for any sign of a device. The first scan came back negative.
Unsatisfied, she modified the scanner and came back to the same result. She continued to do this for some time before...

"Captain Kartosh"

Nigripes returned to the cockpit with the small silver device in one hand

"I give you your imbreechable ship"

Palace

Mallon smiled
"True, but we couldn't have you fight alone could we? We fight as one"
Rebel Base...
"And I assume, then, that you have a untracable way of contacting them? A trusted agent, perhaps?"
Star Snake...
Kartosh stared at the thing. "What is it?"
Palace...
"Very true. A man far wiser than I once said "Allies have reached perfection only when they stop referring to each other as "us" and "them" and begin referring to each other as "we." And our combined militaries are a force to be reckoned with," he nodded, "as the Korr, Calaverans, and SASM saw."

Rebel Base

"I have my contacts" Adrian agreed, "But we would need to move quickly, already the Allies mobilise their forces. We have to hit fast and hard if we are to avoid a war of attrition"

Star Snake

Cavourna frowned as he stared at the device
"This is an EMP Decoder, isn't it?" He asked the Alumina

She nodded
"This device is designed to take out all electrical or AI based systems within a radius of sixty miles. Everything, Weapons, Warships, traffic signals, all of it is rendered useless by this device"

"If they'd fired it with the Rio Casa perimeter" Cavourna shuddered at the thought, "All hell would have broken loose"

"It took quite a lot of effort to secure this device. It appears that Spy me is more cunning than normal me" Nigripes observed dryly.

Palace

"They are indeed, Old Friend, but they will be formidable in lower numbers. We have not the troops to spare for a massive fleet so expect less than a dozen ships" He shrugged helplessly, "It's all we can spare"

Rebel Base

"I have my contacts" Adrian agreed, "But we would need to move quickly, already the Allies mobilise their forces. We have to hit fast and hard if we are to avoid a war of attrition"

Star Snake

Cavourna frowned as he stared at the device
"This is an EMP Decoder, isn't it?" He asked the Alumina

She nodded
"This device is designed to take out all electrical or AI based systems within a radius of sixty miles. Everything, Weapons, Warships, traffic signals, all of it is rendered useless by this device"

"If they'd fired it with the Rio Casa perimeter" Cavourna shuddered at the thought, "All hell would have broken loose"

"It took quite a lot of effort to secure this device. It appears that Spy me is more cunning than normal me" Nigripes observed dryly.

Palace

"They are indeed, Old Friend, but they will be formidable in lower numbers. We have not the troops to spare for a massive fleet so expect less than a dozen ships" He shrugged helplessly, "It's all we can spare"
Rebel Base...
"Then go, and pray that this plan turns out better than the last one."
Star Snake...
"A terrorist attack, then," said Kartosh. "And we'd be the unsuspecting deliverers. Godsdamnit, how did I not see that? Where was it hidden?" he demanded.

Behind him, Silvertooth nodded grimly to Nightshade. "I suggest you not move, Captain," He had a blaster pistol in his hands and it was pointing directly at Kartosh. His left hand held a pistol pointing to Skyler. Nightshade appeared behind Cavourna and lifted his weapons off him swiftly, knocking him to the floor and pointing a pistol at Nigripes. "Remove your weapons. All of them." said Silvertooth. Nightshade repeated this to Nigripes. No one had been expecting it. Kartosh leaned back casually.

"Come now, surely we can-" "Captain, if you lean back any farther I will be forced to shoot you. I have already disabled the autodefensive turrets." Kartosh looked striken. Skyler swiftly rose, her sword half way out of her sheath, and was met by a foot which pinned her hand to her sword and put a pistol in her face. "Drop it." Skyler dropped her sword and removed her pistol from it's holster. Kartosh did the same, and they were added to Cavourna's weapons on the floor. Nightshade covered Cavourna and Nigripes while Silvertooth covered Kartosh and Skyler.

"We didn't survive to be here today by trusting others," Silvertooth began, "we could very well be put to death the moment we land. Your suspicions about our alligence proved that we could be in a lot of danger," he nodded to Nigripes. "You are correct in that we have no love for the Rebellion. But how do we know we will not be killed by the government once they know of our existance? Our parents are not celebrated creatures. Better to vanish, free at last, then take our chances. You, Captain Kartosh, will cloak this ship and take us into Tenfour. You and Skyler will be with us at all time. You will secure us a ship and give us the appropriate amount of credits. You, Flag Captain Cavourna and Nigripes, will be free to leave. But until we are out of the system, Captain Kartosh and Pilot Skyler will be with us, and if you send anyone after us or try and stop us, they will die. Once we are in the ship we will eject the mercenaries in an escape pod and jump. Am I understood?" He looked around.
Palace...
"I understand. Speaking of such things, before you go, when is the Star Snake due in?" asked the Emperor.

Rebel Base

"They are Mercenaries" Adrian pointed out, "They are the most unreliable source in the universe but also the most useful. Our spy did find out one interesting piece of information though" He looked straight at Vila as he spoke
"It seems that two Xiscapians are also onboard as passengers. They claim to be your children"

Star Snake

Nigripes had no choice but to throw her weapons to the ground and help Cavourna up. Once everyone was secure. Nigripes spoke
"No ship, even cloaked will be able to descend to a dock and remain there for any time. The manouvering thrusters will generate heat and this will be detected by security sensors. This is if the Maintainance Personel don't notice the presence of a ship docking the first place. Your plan is illogical and unworkable"

Cavourna nodded in agreement
"If You can't go to Xiscapia, then how about getting a vessel up to meet us? Here. In open space"

Palace

Mallon frowned
"I'm not sure. Last I heard was that two Alumina battlecruisers on the frontier had picked up signals that they were enroute. That was a few hours ago."

Rebel Base

"They are Mercenaries" Adrian pointed out, "They are the most unreliable source in the universe but also the most useful. Our spy did find out one interesting piece of information though" He looked straight at Vila as he spoke
"It seems that two Xiscapians are also onboard as passengers. They claim to be your children"

Star Snake

Nigripes had no choice but to throw her weapons to the ground and help Cavourna up. Once everyone was secure. Nigripes spoke
"No ship, even cloaked will be able to descend to a dock and remain there for any time. The manouvering thrusters will generate heat and this will be detected by security sensors. This is if the Maintainance Personel don't notice the presence of a ship docking the first place. Your plan is illogical and unworkable"

Cavourna nodded in agreement
"If You can't go to Xiscapia, then how about getting a vessel up to meet us? Here. In open space"

Palace

Mallon frowned
"I'm not sure. Last I heard was that two Alumina battlecruisers on the frontier had picked up signals that they were enroute. That was a few hours ago."
Rebel Base...
"Bah!" Vila laughed. "Impossible! My children were killed a long tim ago."
Star Snake...
"And be met by shock troops the moment we open the door? I think not. If you are so confident in Xiscapia's sensor and scanning defenses, then we will have to find another world to land on, one less inhabited and protected. Take us to a colony, somewhere on the outer reachs of allied space. But the mechanics of the plan remain the same. One wrong move, and they die." said Silvertooth. He admired how everyone was taking this calmly and rationally. Not a detection of panic anywhere.
Palace...
"Good, good. They should be here anytime, then."

Rebel Base

"Silvertooth and Nightshade" Connolly read from a datapad in his hand, "Handed over to the Calaverans several years ago, taken by the SASM during the destruction of HOME, disappeared for several weeks then emerged in the chambers of a Hutt gangster. Sound familiar?"

Star Snake

Cavourna had been trained for situations like this, so he remained calm. Nigripes would have been calm even if the gun was pointing at her head.
"I would prefer to accompany the Mercenaries if I may?" Nigripes stated as calmly as ever, "The nearest areas are patrolled by Alumina Warships and you will need my clearance codes to bypass them. They won't care about the hostages, I can assure you"

Palace

"The one thing I have always found with Mercenaries," Mallon observed, "Is that nothing ever works out the way it's meant to"

Rebel Base

"Silvertooth and Nightshade" Connolly read from a datapad in his hand, "Handed over to the Calaverans several years ago, taken by the SASM during the destruction of HOME, disappeared for several weeks then emerged in the chambers of a Hutt gangster. Sound familiar?"

Star Snake

Cavourna had been trained for situations like this, so he remained calm. Nigripes would have been calm even if the gun was pointing at her head.
"I would prefer to accompany the Mercenaries if I may?" Nigripes stated as calmly as ever, "The nearest areas are patrolled by Alumina Warships and you will need my clearance codes to bypass them. They won't care about the hostages, I can assure you"

Palace

"The one thing I have always found with Mercenaries," Mallon observed, "Is that nothing ever works out the way it's meant to"
Rebel Base...
"Hmmm..." Vila gazed into space and steepled her fingers as she thought. "Disturbingly so. So they've come out of it alive, have they? I may have a job for you in the future, regarding them." Vila did not seem to perceive the two as a threat, rather a mere annoyance.
Star Snake...
"Tell me the codes and we won't need to bother with your pathetic attempt to sabotage our operation." said Silvertooth calmly.
Palace...
The Emperor laughed. "As I understand it, Trezan Baxtor, hero and forerunner of the Republic, was a mercenary himself! I understand, though, that though his military compaign to free Alversia was successful, those in power grew curropt, so I guess you are correct in your statment."

Rebel Base

"This wouldn't be another assassination mission would it?" He asked lightly, "I'm an Admiral, not a Sniper"

Star Snake

"There is no attempt at sabotage here" Nigripes replied, "You have clearly been through much trauma in your short lives and desire peace and a place to feel safe. However, the Alumina warships will not care about these hostages or even your ship. If I gave them the order, they would destroy your vessel without hesitation. You will need a more valuable Prisoner to get through our lines of defence. Me" She said this part in a gentle, reassuring tone.

Palace

"That he was," Mallon smiled at the realisation, "Our great people were founded by a Mercenary! How profound. It seems they do have some nobility in them after all"

Rebel Base

"This wouldn't be another assassination mission would it?" He asked lightly, "I'm an Admiral, not a Sniper"

Star Snake

"There is no attempt at sabotage here" Nigripes replied, "You have clearly been through much trauma in your short lives and desire peace and a place to feel safe. However, the Alumina warships will not care about these hostages or even your ship. If I gave them the order, they would destroy your vessel without hesitation. You will need a more valuable Prisoner to get through our lines of defence. Me" She said this part in a gentle, reassuring tone.

Palace

"That he was," Mallon smiled at the realisation, "Our great people were founded by a Mercenary! How profound. It seems they do have some nobility in them after all"
Rebel Base...
"I realize that, but until such a time where your skills as a commander can be put to use, your abilities as an assassin are most useful."
Star Snake...
Silvertooth considered. "You are a very dangerious being...am I wrong to still suspect trickery? No. You have no say in the matter. You are here, with us, until such a time that we may buy a ship and escape. There is no where you can go, except out the airlock. You will tell your defenses the I.D. codes, and should they come against use I will not hesitat to use this ship's considerable firepower to bull my way though." Nightshade waved Kartosh out of the pilot's seat and sat down, readjusting the course. Their travel would take past the Alumina checkpoint and directly to the colony in less than a minutes time.
Palace...
"It really depends on the mercenary in question I think," The Emperor smiled. "Good bye, for now. I have many matters to attend to, and, as you said, so do you. Farewell." He bowed deeply and strode out of the Imperial Confrence Room.

Rebel Base

"Then what did you have in mind for them?" He asked

Star Snake

"I will not give you the codes unless I have a garuntee that I will accompany you and that the Mercenaries will not be harmed." Nigripes demanded, she shrugged, "Anyway, the codes are to complex for a non-Alumina to enter"

"Tell me about it" Cavourna groaned at the memory of his own attempts to learn the Security codes.

Palace

"Indeed, if you will excuse me, your excellancy" With that Mallon departed from the palace and headed back to his own quarters for the duration of his stay on Xiscapia.

Rebel Base

"Then what did you have in mind for them?" He asked

Star Snake

"I will not give you the codes unless I have a garuntee that I will accompany you and that the Mercenaries will not be harmed." Nigripes demanded, she shrugged, "Anyway, the codes are to complex for a non-Alumina to enter"

"Tell me about it" Cavourna groaned at the memory of his own attempts to learn the Security codes.

Palace

"Indeed, if you will excuse me, your excellancy" With that Mallon departed from the palace and headed back to his own quarters for the duration of his stay on Xiscapia.
Rebel Base...
"Death, of course. They are a blot to I and my mate's genetic coding. We were going to raise up to heirs, but instead, we got that." she spat bitterly.
Star Snake...
"Perhaps I have not made myself clear: Everyone will be accompnying us pas the Alumina checkpoint. Only when we land will anyone go anywhere. And I cannot promise the mercenaries won't be harmed. I wish them no ill will, but I will remove them should they be in the way, so to speak."

Rebel Base

"What was wrong with them?" Adrian asked curiously

Star Snake

"The Alumina checkpoints go beyond this area, they extend for seven sectors in all directions" Nigripes explained, "You are in the heart of the DMZ, most of the Alumina Defence Forces are in this area."

She looked at Cavourna

"As for the Flag Captain, he has done nothing and there is no advantage for him being here. If you do not want to be intercepted by an Alversian customs or Naval Fleet, I suggest you release him. He is not needed for this mission"

Rebel Base

"What was wrong with them?" Adrian asked curiously

Star Snake

"The Alumina checkpoints go beyond this area, they extend for seven sectors in all directions" Nigripes explained, "You are in the heart of the DMZ, most of the Alumina Defence Forces are in this area."

She looked at Cavourna

"As for the Flag Captain, he has done nothing and there is no advantage for him being here. If you do not want to be intercepted by an Alversian customs or Naval Fleet, I suggest you release him. He is not needed for this mission"
Rebel Base...
Vila laughed. "What's wrong? What's wrong? Have you seen them? Freaks of nature. Covered in fur, absolutly covered. A sign of being blessed by Qonn. We serve Chaos, we want nothing to do with the old Xiscapian god. He is weak, and will succumb to the power of our new masters."
Star Snake...
"And where, would you suggest, I release him? If it has escaped your notice, we are in hyperspace. I could have the ship come back to subspace and lauch the Flag Captain out an escape pod, but out here that would spell certain, slow, agonizing death. Besides, if he was released prematurely, what is stopping him from calling down a fleet upon us? I said I'd kill the mercenaries if anything went wrong, but it's still possible, and even this ship can't outfight and entire fleet."

Rebel Base

"They are servants of your old god?" Adrian repeated in disbelief, "Did it ever occer to you that someone that close to your god would have been in a perfect position to destroy them from the inside?"

Star Snake

Nigripes glanced at one of the screens behind Silvertooth
"There is an Alversian Mining ship just one lightyear from here" She pointed out, "Release him in an escape pod and allow him to escape, there is no need for him to be here" She was as calm as ever while she spoke, "And He will assure you that no fleet will intercept you"

"I gave you my word" Cavourna confirmed, "But one ship will have to follow you to pick up the Mercenaries when you reach the edge of space"

Rebel Base

"They are servants of your old god?" Adrian repeated in disbelief, "Did it ever occer to you that someone that close to your god would have been in a perfect position to destroy them from the inside?"

Star Snake

Nigripes glanced at one of the screens behind Silvertooth
"There is an Alversian Mining ship just one lightyear from here" She pointed out, "Release him in an escape pod and allow him to escape, there is no need for him to be here" She was as calm as ever while she spoke, "And He will assure you that no fleet will intercept you"

"I gave you my word" Cavourna confirmed, "But one ship will have to follow you to pick up the Mercenaries when you reach the edge of space"
Rebel Base...
"They are abominations. They should not even exist. They are servant's of Qonn, intristically good. They could not be turned."
Star Snake...
"Fine. I do not trust any of you, but it seems we must take our chances. Get into the escape pod. I will eject you." He nodded to Cavourna. Once the Flag Captain was in the pod and sealed, Silvertooth exited into realspace and hit the button on the frame. The pod blasted away into the depths of cold, dark space. He hit another switch on the panel and typed, opening a patch to the pod. "Send the ship. Nothing larger than a frigate size. Our coordinates for release are 593038. Remember, their lives are in your hands." The Star Snake jumped away.

Rebel Base

"That was your decision" Adrian backed away from the argument with that statement, "Who would you like me to send to kill them?"

Star Snake

"Confirmed, A Customs Frigate will arrive shortly" This was Cavourna's last transmission to the Star Snake. After that, Nigripes, Kartosh and Skyler were on their own.

Nigripes went to sit in the co-pilot's seat
"If you want to plot a course around as many Warships as possible, you will me at the co-pilot position and Captain Kartosh to pilot this vessel. He is the only one who can pilot this ship to it's full potential and I am the only one who can get you around the ADF."

Rebel Base

"That was your decision" Adrian backed away from the argument with that statement, "Who would you like me to send to kill them?"

Star Snake

"Confirmed, A Customs Frigate will arrive shortly" This was Cavourna's last transmission to the Star Snake. After that, Nigripes, Kartosh and Skyler were on their own.

Nigripes went to sit in the co-pilot's seat
"If you want to plot a course around as many Warships as possible, you will me at the co-pilot position and Captain Kartosh to pilot this vessel. He is the only one who can pilot this ship to it's full potential and I am the only one who can get you around the ADF."
Rebel Base...
"Whoever you think would be most fit to carry out the operation. The choice is yours."
Star Snake...
Silvertooth sighed. He seemed quite unhappy with his current position. "Very well. But any funny business and you all die. If we care captured, I will make sure I kill all three of you before I am dragged away to be executed." He had ment to say this coldly, but his heart wasn't in it. The male bekko stood and got back to allow Nigripes and Kartosh to resume their seating. Nightshade sat on a bunk with Skyler next to her. It would be an overstatement to say the atomsphere was more relaxed, but there was slightly less tension.

Rebel Base

"I'll send Joanna" Connolly thought out loud, "She's quiet and smart. She should have no difficulty in dispatching the pair"

Star Snake

"Very well, Captain Kartosh, there are a pair of Alumina warships up ahead. One is a Battleship, the other is a cruiser. If you plot this course, you will avoid them" Nigripes directed calmly, typing commands in the panel in front of her.

Rebel Base

"I'll send Joanna" Connolly thought out loud, "She's quiet and smart. She should have no difficulty in dispatching the pair"

Star Snake

"Very well, Captain Kartosh, there are a pair of Alumina warships up ahead. One is a Battleship, the other is a cruiser. If you plot this course, you will avoid them" Nigripes directed calmly, typing commands in the panel in front of her.
Rebel Base...
"Then equip her, brief her and send her on her way. I want this matter removed from my attention as fast as possible. I have, as some say, bigger fish to fry."
Star Snake...
"Right." Kartosh had stayed silent thoughout, not daring to speak in fear of aggrivating the already tense situation. The ship "manuvered" (as much as you can move in the void of hyperspace) and dropped into subspace. Following Nigripe's directions, Kartosh snuck past the two Alumina vessals.
Behind the pair Silvertooth thought to himself. I never thought we'd be so lucky. Finally free from the clutchs of those who seek to destroy us. Or almost, anyway. Once out of the system...where? Perhaps I will go to the Coreworlds, although I have heard they've gotten into a bit of trouble lately. Londim...no, ahha! The Imperia? Maybe. It's close to the Allies, though. There's a chance we'd be found, and then, of course, there's our questionable origins. I don't want anything to do with the Empire or the Republic or the Rebellion and the SASM, not ever again. Nightshade and I know we've had a lifetime of pain and suffering for no reason. Blessed by Qonn... The bekko snorted aloud. More like cursed.

Rebel Base

"I will not send an assassin in blind" Connolly retorted, "If you want something done, do it right. She will remain here until we have a definite location for your kids"

Star Snake

"Curious" Nigripes muttered from her panel, "You have obviously been planning this move for some time. Yet, you have yet to decide on a course"
The Alumina had been able to scan the thoughts of the Bekko, although only his thoughts, not the memories or the emotions those thoughts would provoke. It was like listening to a radio.
"If you are planning on escaping, there would have been more logical options. For example, Captain Kartosh, there are three vessels ahead, One Alumina cruiser and two Alversian destroyers. You will have to plot a route around them"

Rebel Base

"I will not send an assassin in blind" Connolly retorted, "If you want something done, do it right. She will remain here until we have a definite location for your kids"

Star Snake

"Curious" Nigripes muttered from her panel, "You have obviously been planning this move for some time. Yet, you have yet to decide on a course"
The Alumina had been able to scan the thoughts of the Bekko, although only his thoughts, not the memories or the emotions those thoughts would provoke. It was like listening to a radio.
"If you are planning on escaping, there would have been more logical options. For example, Captain Kartosh, there are three vessels ahead, One Alumina cruiser and two Alversian destroyers. You will have to plot a route around them"
Rebel Base...
"We know they are headed for Xiscapia, though I have not actually received word that they have landed. You will need to act quickly. Once they land, very little time will elapse between then and their enterence to the Imperial Palace. Once there, it will be impossible to get at them. Our attempted assassination of the Allied leaders would only work once."
Star Snake...
Kartosh smoothly entered a path taking him far below the ships. Starship crews and captains, even the best, still tend to think in two dimensions when regarding space, as though one can only move forward, back, left, or right, when in reality they can also move up and down without limit. Silvertooth was silent for some time. Finally he spoke. "You can read my thoughts."

Rebel Base

"Xiscapia's a big planet, and Rio Casa's a big city. There are millions in there, what makes you think she will be able to find two people? But I will send her to standby in Rio Casa. When we have a more affirmitive link, then we can make some real waves"

Star Snake

Nigripes did not answer immediately. Instead, she typed in a few more commands,
"Captain Kartosh, the Alversian Superdreadnought Electra is on an intercept course with us. If you want to avoid them, then drop by 20,000 kilometers. That should take us around their patrol path"

Only after she was satisifed that there was no danger in the way did she address in idle conversation,
"Yes. I can read your thoughts, Your sister's thoughts, I can read the thoughts of everyone in this ship."

Rebel Base

"Xiscapia's a big planet, and Rio Casa's a big city. There are millions in there, what makes you think she will be able to find two people? But I will send her to standby in Rio Casa. When we have a more affirmitive link, then we can make some real waves"

Star Snake

Nigripes did not answer immediately. Instead, she typed in a few more commands,
"Captain Kartosh, the Alversian Superdreadnought Electra is on an intercept course with us. If you want to avoid them, then drop by 20,000 kilometers. That should take us around their patrol path"

Only after she was satisifed that there was no danger in the way did she address in idle conversation,
"Yes. I can read your thoughts, Your sister's thoughts, I can read the thoughts of everyone in this ship."
Rebel Base...
"See to it." Vila pressed a button on her desk and a computer panel opened up. She linked directly to it with neural nodes, the dead gangster's credits had enabled some very expensive toys to be bought. It was Connolly's unspoken dismissal.
Star Snake...
This was news to Kartosh and Skyler. "Really?" said Kartosh, trying very hard not to think of anything important. Silvertooth sighed. Great. A telepath. Just what I need.

Rebel Base

Connolly recognised a dismissal when he saw one. He saluted, turned on his heel and left the office, already running through the details of the plan in his head. Weapons needed, false documents and an alibi. He was thinking of a complicated mission. Of course, most of it would have to be done on the ground by Joanna, he had no idea where this assassination would take place.

Star Snake

Nigripes raised her eyebrows slightly in surprise
"Flag Captain Cavourna never told you? There is a Battleship on our port side, Captain Kartosh. You will need to cross her 'T' to avoid detection"
Nigripes turned to Silvertooth once the adjustment was made
"This area was where the Danaversians attempted to break though during their last war. It is still very heavily guarded. There were more logical options for you to pick"
A small alarm went off on her console and she wheeled around to deal with it
"It's a message for Captain Kartosh" She stated calmly

TO: Xiscapian starship Star Snake

This is the Alversian Customs ship, APCS Y-102, providing escort
and passenger pick-up on the orders of Flag Captain Cavourna

Captain O'Neill

Rebel Base

Connolly recognised a dismissal when he saw one. He saluted, turned on his heel and left the office, already running through the details of the plan in his head. Weapons needed, false documents and an alibi. He was thinking of a complicated mission. Of course, most of it would have to be done on the ground by Joanna, he had no idea where this assassination would take place.

Star Snake

Nigripes raised her eyebrows slightly in surprise
"Flag Captain Cavourna never told you? There is a Battleship on our port side, Captain Kartosh. You will need to cross her 'T' to avoid detection"
Nigripes turned to Silvertooth once the adjustment was made
"This area was where the Danaversians attempted to break though during their last war. It is still very heavily guarded. There were more logical options for you to pick"
A small alarm went off on her console and she wheeled around to deal with it
"It's a message for Captain Kartosh" She stated calmly

TO: Xiscapian starship Star Snake

This is the Alversian Customs ship, APCS Y-102, providing escort
and passenger pick-up on the orders of Flag Captain Cavourna

Captain O'Neill

Silvertooth shrugged. "I don't know of this war you speak of." Silvertooth and Nightshade had had very little formal education, and were largly ignorant of local and galactic history. To them, Danaversians were just another species they might have been passed to for tourture and potential death. Kartosh looked at Silvertooth. "Response?" Silvertooth nodded and dictated.
TO: Alversian Customs ship APCS Y-102

Follow our trail until we reach coordinates 593038. There will be the release of an escape pod. Pick up the escape pod. Do not follow this ship.

Nigripes could obviously not be bothered explaining the whole history of bloodshed between her people and the Danaversian Empire. Instead she returned to her station and worked silently away, the mission could just have been another voyage for all she was concerned. She didn't really seem bothered about the reality of death.

"Captain Kartosh, there are three Alversian Battlecruisers 22 degrees starboard."

Then she turned to Silvertooth

"The Alversian Frigate has dropped behind and is following in our wake." She turned back to the console, "So where do you plan to go once you have completed your escape here?" She asked again.

Nigripes could obviously not be bothered explaining the whole history of bloodshed between her people and the Danaversian Empire. Instead she returned to her station and worked silently away, the mission could just have been another voyage for all she was concerned. She didn't really seem bothered about the reality of death.

"Captain Kartosh, there are three Alversian Battlecruisers 22 degrees starboard."

Then she turned to Silvertooth

"The Alversian Frigate has dropped behind and is following in our wake." She turned back to the console, "So where do you plan to go once you have completed your escape here?" She asked again.
"Why should I tell you? You do not care, and whatever I say may only provide you with clues to hunt me. I will stay silent. You must understand, I don't want to have to kill anyone. But I will. I, and my sister, we've been though too much. Too much pain, suffering. It's not right, and we'll do anything to escape the deadly cycle our life has been following."
Kartosh manuvered and the ship slipped away from the Battlecruisers. "Sounds like Skyler and I. Except for the whole suffering part..." The mercenary trailed off. He realized he wasn't helping anything and concentrated on piloting.

"If anyone is to be killed here, it will be me" Nigripes stated firmly from her seat, "My death would certainly stop anyone from following you. As for your suffering, I can only imagine, but killing is not the way out of this. I know the Alversians, you would be welcomed by them"
She sat and stared straight ahead calmly, typing occasional commands into the panel in front of her before staring back mindlessly into space.
"Two Cruisers to starboard Captain Kartosh" She said absent mindedly
"Yes, welcomed into chains. There is no way out, except away from here. The Xiscapians would never allow us to live. We have been...tainted. The sins of the father are passed down."
Kartosh muttered a curse. "Thought I lost them." The Star Snake sped ahead and moved upward.

"If anyone is to be killed here, it will be me" Nigripes stated firmly from her seat, "My death would certainly stop anyone from following you. As for your suffering, I can only imagine, but killing is not the way out of this. I know the Alversians, you would be welcomed by them"
She sat and stared straight ahead calmly, typing occasional commands into the panel in front of her before staring back mindlessly into space.
"Two Cruisers to starboard Captain Kartosh" She said absent mindedly

"Yes, welcomed into chains. There is no way out, except away from here. The Xiscapians would never allow us to live. We have been...tainted. The sins of the father are passed down."
Kartosh muttered a curse. "Thought I lost them." The Star Snake sped ahead and moved upward.

"The Alversians are more welcoming than you will give them credit for. They would accept you as Refugee's if nothing else." She shook her head,
"The logical course would be to attempt and make contact with the Alversian people, instead you will try and flee the system to a future in which you cannoy tell if you will be safe or not. A curious reaction"

She leaned forward then, frowning
"We have caught the cruisers on their counter-point. You will have to demonstrate your pilot skills, Captain Kartosh"

Outside, the two Cruisers started a long,banked turn back towards the Star Snake. They hadn't seen them, they were just turning to head back the way they had come.

"The Alversians are more welcoming than you will give them credit for. They would accept you as Refugee's if nothing else." She shook her head,
"The logical course would be to attempt and make contact with the Alversian people, instead you will try and flee the system to a future in which you cannoy tell if you will be safe or not. A curious reaction"

She leaned forward then, frowning
"We have caught the cruisers on their counter-point. You will have to demonstrate your pilot skills, Captain Kartosh"

Outside, the two Cruisers started a long,banked turn back towards the Star Snake. They hadn't seen them, they were just turning to head back the way they had come.
"I doubt this. At any rate, we're still targets for Rebellion assassins, if we stay in Allied space. It is far safer to vanish away from here, where no one knows us. We can handle whatever the rest of the galaxy has to offer. We always have."
Kartosh shook his head at Nigripes comment. "It's simple enough: bank downwards and hover. There is a star in the "downwards" direction which is relatively close and radiates enough background radiation to make us invisible to sensors. I doubt they will bother scanning this tiny patch of space below them anyway. If all else fails, cloaking works, as they are too far away to detect gravity wells or engine afterburn."

"If that is what you wish then so be it, I will not stand in your way"

Nigripes frowned at the console again,

"Three...four...six contacts approaching from directly astern," She was silent for another few seconds as she analysed the formation and the data coming through from the sensors

"2 Dreadnoughts, 2 Battlecruisers and Four destroyers are closing fast" She said this in a calm way, looking at the two Bekko,
"What do you do now?"
"Try hailing them." said Silvertooth.
TO: Alversian vessals
We are the Star Snake. We are on a mission from the Xiscapian Emperor, Foxfire Rose, of urgent importance. Please allow us swift passage through. (Packet of data confirming contract with Xiscapia sent).

"If that is what you wish then so be it, I will not stand in your way"

Nigripes frowned at the console again,

"Three...four...six contacts approaching from directly astern," She was silent for another few seconds as she analysed the formation and the data coming through from the sensors

"2 Dreadnoughts, 2 Battlecruisers and Four destroyers are closing fast" She said this in a calm way, looking at the two Bekko,
"What do you do now?"

"The Alversian vessels are ignoring our hails" Nigripes reported from the Co-pilot's chair. She was still frowning
"They have raised weapons and shields. Curious," She dutifully reported, "They have adopted a battle formation. They are still closing, within weapons range"
"This is a fight we cannot win. Jump immediatly." said Silvertooth. The Star Snake jumped away, surely setting off alarms all over the place. They would not be able to carry out their plan now. Silvertooth turned to Nigripes, his furry face black with rage. "Cavourna!" he hissed. "He has betrayed us. I knew it!"

"Try hailing them." said Silvertooth.

"The Alversian vessels are ignoring our hails" Nigripes reported from the Co-pilot's chair. She was still frowning
"They have raised weapons and shields. Curious," She dutifully reported, "They have adopted a battle formation. They are still closing, within weapons range"

"This is a fight we cannot win. Jump immediatly." said Silvertooth. The Star Snake jumped away, surely setting off alarms all over the place. They would not be able to carry out their plan now. Silvertooth turned to Nigripes, his furry face black with rage. "Cavourna!" he hissed. "He has betrayed us. I knew it!"

Nigripes rose to her full height so she was looking down on Silvertooth, the fur on her back was raised slightly
"Do not dare insult Flag Captain Cavourna in that manner, he is not the type of man to go back on his word, especially if hostages are involved. You get ahead of yourself and your paranoia is taking control," She stopped and closed her eyes for a moment,
"The thoughts running through your head. The torture. You are thinking about killing me now"
She opened her eyes and they bore straight into Silvertooth's
"I will not stop you, fufil your parents legacy. Kill me if you wish"

Nigripes rose to her full height so she was looking down on Silvertooth, the fur on her back was raised slightly
"Do not dare insult Flag Captain Cavourna in that manner, he is not the type of man to go back on his word, especially if hostages are involved. You get ahead of yourself and your paranoia is taking control," She stopped and closed her eyes for a moment,
"The thoughts running through your head. The torture. You are thinking about killing me now"
She opened her eyes and they bore straight into Silvertooth's
"I will not stop you, fufil your parents legacy. Kill me if you wish"
Her last comment infuriated Silvertooth. "I am not my father!" he snarled, and raised a hand to strike her. It came back and...stopped. Nightshade stood behind him, holding the hand in place. "No." was all she said. Silvertooth stared at Nigripes and the fire in his eyes died abruptly. "If not him then who? Why did they not respond to our hail?"

"I do not know why they did not respond to our hails. If you will give me a few moments, then I will try to find out" She snapped before returning to her station and typed a few commands into the panel. After several minutes, she returned to the Bekko with a conclusion
"The vessels were responding to a breach in the perimeter grid. They feared it may be a Danaversian raid. They were maintaining transmittor silence to avoid being seen until the oppurtune moment. You have revealed yourself for nothing, the warships would passed over us without even slowing down. Now you have broken your end of the agreement by jumping without leaving us to the Customs Frigate. The Alversians will not like that, especially the Flag-Captain."

Nigripes could already see Cavourna's furious expression when the report from the Y-102 stated that the ship had jumped without leaving them off safely, she knew his fury would not be easily contained, neither would APNHQ's when they found out.

"I do not know why they did not respond to our hails. If you will give me a few moments, then I will try to find out" She snapped before returning to her station and typed a few commands into the panel. After several minutes, she returned to the Bekko with a conclusion
"The vessels were responding to a breach in the perimeter grid. They feared it may be a Danaversian raid. They were maintaining transmittor silence to avoid being seen until the oppurtune moment. You have revealed yourself for nothing, the warships would passed over us without even slowing down. Now you have broken your end of the agreement by jumping without leaving us to the Customs Frigate. The Alversians will not like that, especially the Flag-Captain."

Nigripes could already see Cavourna's furious expression when the report from the Y-102 stated that the ship had jumped without leaving them off safely, she knew his fury would not be easily contained, neither would APNHQ's when they found out.
"If you'd think for a moment, instead of reacting," snapped Silvertooth back, "you would realize that that is irrevalent. We could not possibly reach our pre-appointed destination saftly. Now we will have to find a new one before contacting your Flag Captain again. If they blame us for not coming to where we said we'd be, they are fools."

"How do you plan on contacting the Flag Captain now?" She snapped back fiercely, "Thanks to your jump, the nearest Allied warship is 160 lightyears away. You have, in your infinite genius, sent us straight through the DMZ and back into Danaversian space. And the border is eight hours in that direction" She pointed violently with her finger, "Do you want to greet the Danaversians again or will I? My fate will be no different to that of yours."

"How do you plan on contacting the Flag Captain now?" She snapped back fiercely, "Thanks to your jump, the nearest Allied warship is 160 lightyears away. You have, in your infinite genius, sent us straight through the DMZ and back into Danaversian space. And the border is eight hours in that direction" She pointed violently with her finger, "Do you want to greet the Danaversians again or will I? My fate will be no different to that of yours."
"We can easily stop and send a message! This ship is fast enough to outrun anything that comes after us while we-"
There was a great rumble and the Star Snake was, once again, torn from hyperspace into subspace. Kartosh stared forward out the bow windows. "What the hell?" The area of space which they now occupied was a dead void, full of stars but nothing else. No planets, no moons, no asteroids. Nothing. Suddenly the sensors on the ship went crazy, and a stubby ship with areodynamic curves was below them. Kartosh recognized it. "That's an Xiscapian Cruiser. What the hell is it doing all the way out here in Danaversian space?" Two other ships appeared: A Battleship, and a Destroyer. Both Xiscapian as well. There was no contact of any kind. An ion blast slammed against the Star Snake and a tractor beam took hold of them, drawing the mercenary ship into the belly of the Battleship. Silvertooth gazed in horror at the ominious ship as they were irisistalby pulled. "We're dead," He turned to Nigripes, his eyes sad. "I never intended to kill anyone. I still won't. I guess I'll just have to-" The airlock blew inward and stun blasts filled the ship as SBAU poured though. One of the blasts hit Silvertooth and he was flung across the ship to hit the bunkhead behind him.

Nigripes turned to the SBAU in fury
"That was completely unnecessary! You have breached the Alvo-Xiscapian pact by storming a vessel without due warning! Who is your commander!?!"

DEFIANT

Kash and his men exited in escape pods, there destination was to anyones guess.

Nigripes turned to the SBAU in fury
"That was completely unnecessary! You have breached the Alvo-Xiscapian pact by storming a vessel without due warning! Who is your commander!?!"
A stun blast hit the Alumina square in the chest. Kartosh and Skyler were not fired upon, but Nightshade rose with anger, pistol in hand. She was struck down by Stunners before she could even get off a shot. The three of them lay unconcious on the deck, SBAU grouped around the airlock door. Now they fanned out, covering the prone bodies and the mercenaries. "What is the meaning of this?" asked Kartosh. "I am a Xiscapian citizen, I have my rights!" The SBAU ignored him. They stood around for a while longer, scanning the ship for hidden threats that may not have shown up on the external scans. Finally one approached the Xiscapians and turned his outside comm link on. "I apologise, but it was a necessary precaution. You left with three people. You came back with five, and Flag Captain Cavourna's Alversian I.D. tag was missing from those scanned. We figured the worst, and laid a trap on the Alversian side of the DMZ, but when you turned we followed. We didn't know you had...guests," He gestured to Nigripes, Silvertooth and Nightshade. "We'll have it all sorted out, we have direct orders from the Emperor himself to return once we've secured this ship." Kartosh nodded grimly. "I demand to speak with the Captain." The SBAU trooper nodded. "You are." Kartosh hesitated. "I would like to accompany them to the Palace, please." The SBAU Captain shrugged. "I'll see what I can do."
Kash and his men exited in escape pods, there destination was to anyones guess.
"The ship is under our control. Escape pods launching."
"Retreive the pods immediatly. Bring the prisoners to me. I want to speak with them," Vist smiled. "Personally."
The ten or so pods were surronded by patrol ships, who used their tractor beams to take the pods and hold them there until the Revenge could come by to pick them up.

Kash, Blackwater and his officers were in the escape pod.

Blackwater sighed " You think we will get away?, were in these shity pods". Kash sweated " I know."

A stun blast hit the Alumina square in the chest. Kartosh and Skyler were not fired upon, but Nightshade rose with anger, pistol in hand. She was struck down by Stunners before she could even get off a shot. The three of them lay unconcious on the deck, SBAU grouped around the airlock door. Now they fanned out, covering the prone bodies and the mercenaries. "What is the meaning of this?" asked Kartosh. "I am a Xiscapian citizen, I have my rights!" The SBAU ignored him. They stood around for a while longer, scanning the ship for hidden threats that may not have shown up on the external scans. Finally one approached the Xiscapians and turned his outside comm link on. "I apologise, but it was a necessary precaution. You left with three people. You came back with five, and Flag Captain Cavourna's Alversian I.D. tag was missing from those scanned. We figured the worst, and laid a trap on the Alversian side of the DMZ, but when you turned we followed. We didn't know you had...guests," He gestured to Nigripes, Silvertooth and Nightshade. "We'll have it all sorted out, we have direct orders from the Emperor himself to return once we've secured this ship." Kartosh nodded grimly. "I demand to speak with the Captain." The SBAU trooper nodded. "You are." Kartosh hesitated. "I would like to accompany them to the Palace, please." The SBAU Captain shrugged. "I'll see what I can do."

"The ship is under our control. Escape pods launching."
"Retreive the pods immediatly. Bring the prisoners to me. I want to speak with them," Vist smiled. "Personally."
The ten or so pods were surronded by patrol ships, who used their tractor beams to take the pods and hold them there until the Revenge could come by to pick them up.

Blackwater and his men exited the pods as they were docked onto the ship, Kash let out a groan " Oh shit....."

Kash, Blackwater and his officers were in the escape pod.

Blackwater sighed " You think we will get away?, were in these shity pods". Kash sweated " I know."
The pod was drawn into the hanger bay, where it was put with ten other pods holding one to three people each, and surronded by about a hundred armed soldiers and droids. A soldier shouted though a loudspeaker. "You are now Xiscapian Prisoners of War. Step out of the pods with your hands behind your heads. Any attempt to resist will be met with deadly force. This is your only warning."

The pod was drawn into the hanger bay, where it was put with ten other pods holding one to three people each, and surronded by about a hundred armed soldiers and droids. A soldier shouted though a loudspeaker. "You are now Xiscapian Prisoners of War. Step out of the pods with your hands behind your heads. Any attempt to resist will be met with deadly force. This is your only warning."

Blackwater and the soldiers and officers exited, out of the darkness Kash walked out with no emotion.

Nigripes took the shot square to the chest and was thrown back by the force of the projectile. She landed hard against the wall of the Star Snake and slumped to the ground.

At that point, APCS Y-102 appeared in system, she tailed the faster ship the entire way through her trip and now she had finally caught up with them

TO: Xiscapian Fleet

This is Flag Captain Cavourna wanting to know what in God's name
is going on here? And I had better get a good response or heads will roll.

Flag Captain Cavourna
APCS Y-102

Nigripes took the shot square to the chest and was thrown back by the force of the projectile. She landed hard against the wall of the Star Snake and slumped to the ground.

At that point, APCS Y-102 appeared in system, she tailed the faster ship the entire way through her trip and now she had finally caught up with them

TO: Xiscapian Fleet

This is Flag Captain Cavourna wanting to know what in God's name
is going on here? And I had better get a good response or heads will roll.

Flag Captain Cavourna
APCS Y-102
As the ships prepared to make the jump to hyperspace, they received the message.
TO: Xiscapian Fleet

This is Flag Captain Cavourna wanting to know what in God's name
is going on here? And I had better get a good response or heads will roll.

Flag Captain Cavourna
APCS Y-102
A message was sent back:
TO: Flag Captain Cavourna
Return to Xiscapia, Rio Casa. All will be explained there. There is no time now.
Battleship Sky
The fleet was ready to jump. No one wanted to stay long in Danaversian space.
Blackwater and the soldiers and officers exited, out of the darkness Kash walked out with no emotion.
"Dear gods, it's him!"
"I thought he was dead!"
Kash instantly was targeted by at least a half dozen Marines. Very carefully one approached him and fired a Stun blast, throwing the Calaveran to the floor, knocking him out. He was then bound in plasma cuffs on his wrists and ankles and taken by shuttle down to the planet, along with Blackwater. The other prisoners, about thirty of them, were taken to the brig. The Captain noticed in satisfaction that he had all the Calaverans and all the others on the ship were just thugs and mercenaries. Once the Defiant had been cleared out it would be modified and incorperated into the sixth fleet.

A message was sent back to the Star Snake#

Reroute via these co-ordinates, it will bring you through their space
quickest

The Y-102 fell in behind the bigger vessels and prepared to jump with them.

Aboard the Star Snake, Nigripes groaned slightly, the shot had stunned her, but she was coming to, only slightly though.

A message was sent back to the Star Snake#

Reroute via these co-ordinates, it will bring you through their space
quickest

The Y-102 fell in behind the bigger vessels and prepared to jump with them.

Aboard the Star Snake, Nigripes groaned slightly, the shot had stunned her, but she was coming to, only slightly though.
Nigripes had been placed on the bottom bunk, while the two bekko were on the top one. There hadn't been much to do, just make them comfortable and wait for them to revive. Kartosh regreted the incident and knew that the bekko and the Alumina would be furious once they woke. The Xiscapian actions hadn't been without base, but it was a little extreme to storm their ship, and now the airlock had more scuff marks about the floor...
Outside the fleet jumped with the sent coordinates with as much power as possible to take them home.

Nigripes groaned again as she sat up slowly and glanced around her. She knew instantly that she had bruised at least one rib from her collision with the bulkhead when she was stunned.
She looked at Kartosh in a slightly disorientated manner
"Captain Kartosh? What happened?"

Outside, once they had reached the appointed area, the Customs Frigate broke off and it's place was taken by no fewer than eight warships, three Dreadnoughts and five Alumina Battleships. Their shields were raised and their weapons fully charged

A message was sent to the Battleship

Now Captain, you are going to tell me why you thought it
prudent to fire on an Alumina national without provocation

Star Snake...
Kartosh shook his head. "SBAU stormed the ship and you were Stunned. The explination given to me was that scans of the ship indicated that, while myself, Skyler, and Cavourna left, five life signs were returning, and Cavourna's APN I.D. tag was missing from the ship. They assumed the worst when they saw us running from Alversian vessals and laid a trap for us. The SBAU recognized us on sight, but no one knew of yours or their," he nodded to the bekko, "presence. So you were all shot. Once everything came back under control it became clear a blunder was made. We're currently headed back to Xiscapia."
Now Captain, you are going to tell me why you thought it
prudent to fire on an Alumina national without provocation
The message which was sent back was tinged with irritation:
That is Admiral to you. When the Star Snake left port on it's mission, it carried three people aboard: Captain Kartosh, Pilot Skyler and Flag Captain Cavourna. Once it entered the DMZ the sensor bases and drones we have set up along the area detected the Star Snake once again. However, the ship was late coming back to Xiscapia, and now it turns up all the way across Allied space in the DMZ. The scanners read five lifeforms aboard the vessal, and Flag Captain Cavourna's APN I.D. tag was missing. The last peice of evidence was the Star Snake running away from APN vessals. Naturally we assumed the worst, that the Star Snake had been taken by hostiles or highjacked, and laid a trap on orders from the Emperor himself. Upon entering the Star Snake my troops see three people who were not there when the Star Snake left, and two of them armed. Using Stunners, because we wanted the highjackers alive and risked damage to the Star Snake if we used beams, my SBAU stormed the ship and successfully 'liberated' it. However, Captain Kartosh was kind enough to explain the situation to me. We had no way of knowing the current events, as no one outside of the Star Snake knew of them, and acted according to orders and procedure. If you have a problem with this, we suggest you take it up with XNHQ.

Kash awoke, Blackwater was already yawning. Kash had a look of boring as he stared at his cuffs " Dejavu?" he stood up and paced around, Blackwater just watching him.

Kash awoke, Blackwater was already yawning. Kash had a look of boring as he stared at his cuffs " Dejavu?" he stood up and paced around, Blackwater just watching him.
The shuttle landed inside a troop transporter, which took off from the planet and flew to 4L, a moon of ice and rock orbiting an even colder world. 4L is a military base, with a small 'city' where those stationed on it have their homes. The city had no name, it was just 'The city.' There were no other cities on the moon, and the base was dependent on it's underground greenhouses as a source of food. The whole area was domed by a shirmering force field to keep out the cold and icy winds. Unprotected, most life forms could not last any more than an hour on the surface due to the extremely low temperatures. The carrier bypassed the city and landed many miles away on the surface. The cold surface was barren and just like everything else on the world, with no signs of habitation. Then a chunk of ice slid away to reveal a black doorway in the ice ground. Kash and Blackwater were quickly pushed inside and the door closed, cutting off what faint light there had been from the carrier's lights and the distant sun.

The two Marines escorting them had no trouble in the dark with their nocturnal vision. They were led down what seemed to be a long tunnel into a more open area. Crystals on the walls dimly flickered into light and the area was revealed. It looked to have been an old hanger, or motor pool, and it seemed to be from the days of the Korr Wars. Inside it was clean but bare, just a wide, tall empty room. At the top of the walls of the hanger was a catwalk which went all the way around, leading to a door immediatly opposite from the tunnel but some twenty feet in the air. It was dead silent aside from the breathing of the Calaverans and their footsteps as they were led forward, the boots of the Marines masking their footfalls and their helmets blocking out the breathing noises. They boarded an elevator with a wall about waist high all around which took them up to the door. The door opened by itself and inside was a room. Like the hanger, the room was nearly bare. A metal table stood in the middle, with two wooden chairs with straps on them for binding their occupents. Behind the table was three screens: A visual monitor, now turned off, a biological scanner screen and a data readout screen. All were old and outdated by todays standereds, but they would do. The two Calaverans were pushed inside, strapped down to the chairs, and left there, the two Marines exiting though the door again without a word.

The shuttle landed inside a troop transporter, which took off from the planet and flew to 4L, a moon of ice and rock orbiting an even colder world. 4L is a military base, with a small 'city' where those stationed on it have their homes. The city had no name, it was just 'The city.' There were no other cities on the moon, and the base was dependent on it's underground greenhouses as a source of food. The whole area was domed by a shirmering force field to keep out the cold and icy winds. Unprotected, most life forms could not last any more than an hour on the surface due to the extremely low temperatures. The carrier bypassed the city and landed many miles away on the surface. The cold surface was barren and just like everything else on the world, with no signs of habitation. Then a chunk of ice slid away to reveal a black doorway in the ice ground. Kash and Blackwater were quickly pushed inside and the door closed, cutting off what faint light there had been from the carrier's lights and the distant sun.

The two Marines escorting them had no trouble in the dark with their nocturnal vision. They were led down what seemed to be a long tunnel into a more open area. Crystals on the walls dimly flickered into light and the area was revealed. It looked to have been an old hanger, or motor pool, and it seemed to be from the days of the Korr Wars. Inside it was clean but bare, just a wide, tall empty room. At the top of the walls of the hanger was a catwalk which went all the way around, leading to a door immediatly opposite from the tunnel but some twenty feet in the air. It was dead silent aside from the breathing of the Calaverans and their footsteps as they were led forward, the boots of the Marines masking their footfalls and their helmets blocking out the breathing noises. They boarded an elevator with a wall about waist high all around which took them up to the door. The door opened by itself and inside was a room. Like the hanger, the room was nearly bare. A metal table stood in the middle, with two wooden chairs with straps on them for binding their occupents. Behind the table was three screens: A visual monitor, now turned off, a biological scanner screen and a data readout screen. All were old and outdated by todays standereds, but they would do. The two Calaverans were pushed inside, strapped down to the chairs, and left there, the two Marines exiting though the door again without a word.


Kash turned to Blackwater " We need to get out of here, well give them whatever they want." Blackwater nodded " The rebellion dosnt seem to like us anyways, especially you." " Yes, I just feel the love" he smiled as he tryed struggling to get out " Nothing" he replyed..."Damn its cold..'

Kash turned to Blackwater " We need to get out of here, well give them whatever they want." Blackwater nodded " The rebellion dosnt seem to like us anyways, especially you." " Yes, I just feel the love" he smiled as he tryed struggling to get out " Nothing" he replyed..."Damn its cold..'
A second later the door hissed open. The two Calaverans were facing away from the door, and could not see the person who just entered the room. They heard only footsteps as the person paced behind them, slow and ominious. "So," the voice was definitly female, light and high, but muffled. Perhaps she was wearing a mask? "The Calaverans once again fall into our hands. Pathetic. You aide the Rebellion, do you not?" The voice was mocking, as though the owner was speaking to a particularly dim-whitted Danaversian child.

A second later the door hissed open. The two Calaverans were facing away from the door, and could not see the person who just entered the room. They heard only footsteps as the person paced behind them, slow and ominious. "So," the voice was definitly female, light and high, but muffled. Perhaps she was wearing a mask? "The Calaverans once again fall into our hands. Pathetic. You aide the Rebellion, do you not?" The voice was mocking, as though the owner was speaking to a particularly dim-whitted Danaversian child.

Blackwater and Kash tried to turn but were unable to do so. Kash spoke right before Blackwater did " Save me time animal, what do you want?" Blackwater snickerd a little, he always loved Kash's charecter.

Blackwater and Kash tried to turn but were unable to do so. Kash spoke right before Blackwater did " Save me time animal, what do you want?" Blackwater snickerd a little, he always loved Kash's charecter.
"What do I want? What do you want, Calaveran? Your people are dead. Your home destroyed. You are all but extinct from the galaxy. From here, where? You are doomed, and throwing your lot in with the losing side isn't going to help things any. Hmmm? Do you have an answer, or will you continue to sink yourself into unjustified xenophobia?"

"What do I want? What do you want, Calaveran? Your people are dead. Your home destroyed. You are all but extinct from the galaxy. From here, where? You are doomed, and throwing your lot in with the losing side isn't going to help things any. Hmmm? Do you have an answer, or will you continue to sink yourself into unjustified xenophobia?"

Kash nodded " I guess you could say we were helping the rebellion, although we "were" on your side, seeing as you were supposed to defend Home, although that didnt work out quite so well now did it?" he took a breath " I want continued existance....and revenge against my enemys"

Kash nodded " I guess you could say we were helping the rebellion, although we "were" on your side, seeing as you were supposed to defend Home, although that didnt work out quite so well now did it?" he took a breath " I want continued existance....and revenge against my enemys"
"And who would these enemies be? Us, the Allies, who made war against you? The Imitators, who destroyed and assimulated your homeworld? The SASM, who destroyed HOME and forced the survivors of your people to flee? You have so very many enemies, Calaveran. Whom do you choose to strike back at?" The voice seemed amused now, taking pleasure in mocking Kash and twisting about his answers. Now the figure stepped in front of them. It was a female Xiscapian (http://photobucket.com/mediadetail/?media=http%3A%2F%2Fi198.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa94%2FKillafem%2FSHIEK.jpg&searchTerm=shiek&pageOffset=5). Her body was covered by a strange, black catsuit which looked almost like liquid. The only flesh exposed was a small strip of her face and her hands. She was tall and moved with feline grace, that of a hunter. And now she had her prey.

"And who would these enemies be? Us, the Allies, who made war against you? The Imitators, who destroyed and assimulated your homeworld? The SASM, who destroyed HOME and forced the survivors of your people to flee? You have so very many enemies, Calaveran. Whom do you choose to strike back at?" The voice seemed amused now, taking pleasure in mocking Kash and twisting about his answers. Now the figure stepped in front of them. It was a female Xiscapian (http://photobucket.com/mediadetail/?media=http%3A%2F%2Fi198.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa94%2FKillafem%2FSHIEK.jpg&searchTerm=shiek&pageOffset=5). Her body was covered by a strange, black catsuit which looked almost like liquid. The only flesh exposed was a small strip of her face and her hands. She was tall and moved with feline grace, that of a hunter. And now she had her prey.

Kash shook his head " The enemy is everything in this galaxy, but seeing as I can not take the head of your shoulders animal, I will have to negotiate." Blackwater jumped in " Do you know of a Xscipian named Sasha?"

Kash shook his head " The enemy is everything in this galaxy, but seeing as I can not take the head of your shoulders animal, I will have to negotiate." Blackwater jumped in " Do you know of a Xscipian named Sasha?"
To Kash the female laughed aloud. "You could never destroy everything in the galaxy, Calaveran. Not even the mightiest of powers, Jedi and Chaos and Biodroids could. And should it come to a fight, I think we both know who would win." To Blackwater she looked directly at him. "Who dosen't?"

To Kash the female laughed aloud. "You could never destroy everything in the galaxy, Calaveran. Not even the mightiest of powers, Jedi and Chaos and Biodroids could. And should it come to a fight, I think we both know who would win." To Blackwater she looked directly at him. "Who dosen't?"

Kash fell silent and his head looked down. Blackwater continued " Sasha is my lover, is there anyway I may see her again?"

Kash fell silent and his head looked down. Blackwater continued " Sasha is my lover, is there anyway I may see her again?"
"Probably not. First Officer Sasha of the APN is currently on a mission, although I believe she is returning home from it now. She is a celebrated commander of the APN, responsible in part for the defeat of the SASM. You are a dirty Calaveran, a Prisoner of War. I do not beleive she has any interest in you any longer, Calaveran. I know of what happened before, and it is quite obvious that you were used." One could not see her face, but it seemed as though she was smiling underneath her bandages.

"Probably not. First Officer Sasha of the APN is currently on a mission, although I believe she is returning home from it now. She is a celebrated commander of the APN, responsible in part for the defeat of the SASM. You are a dirty Calaveran, a Prisoner of War. I do not beleive she has any interest in you any longer, Calaveran. I know of what happened before, and it is quite obvious that you were used." One could not see her face, but it seemed as though she was smiling underneath her bandages.

Blackwater didnt think so " I doubt it, she would use me for sex and war? She needs to see me, I must leave at once" Kash smiled as he looked up " Dont you see Kane, animals show no compassion."

Blackwater didnt think so " I doubt it, she would use me for sex and war? She needs to see me, I must leave at once" Kash smiled as he looked up " Dont you see Kane, animals show no compassion."
"She does not need to see you, nor will she. You are not going anywhere, Kane Blackwater. Your personal troubles do not concern me. And compassion? Calaverans, talking about compassion? Especially Kash the Butcher? You foolish hypocrite. I should kill you on the spot."

"She does not need to see you, nor will she. You are not going anywhere, Kane Blackwater. Your personal troubles do not concern me. And compassion? Calaverans, talking about compassion? Especially Kash the Butcher? You foolish hypocrite. I should kill you on the spot."

" But here i remain alive and well, tell me, what do you have planned, an exacution?" Kash smiled, licking his canine. Blackwater struggled " So are we just gonna rot down here?"

" But here i remain alive and well, tell me, what do you have planned, an exacution?" Kash smiled, licking his canine. Blackwater struggled " So are we just gonna rot down here?"
"You won't have time to rot," said the female darkly. "It is very simple: I want the location of the Rebel Base. If you don't tell me, I will start chopping off limbs." To empathize she drew her sword and held the sweeping blade away from her, waiting for an answer.

"You won't have time to rot," said the female darkly. "It is very simple: I want the location of the Rebel Base. If you don't tell me, I will start chopping off limbs." To empathize she drew her sword and held the sweeping blade away from her, waiting for an answer.

OCC: I don know where it is,so we will skip the name of it and such.

Kash explained the rebel bases existance in rivid detail, its troops, and fleets. " Good luck, I have just as much hate for that rebellion as you do." Blackwater replied " That's all we know."

OCC: I don know where it is,so we will skip the name of it and such.

Kash explained the rebel bases existance in rivid detail, its troops, and fleets. " Good luck, I have just as much hate for that rebellion as you do." Blackwater replied " That's all we know."
Vist mentally filed away the information. "Yet you do not know where it is physically located, in space. How disappointing. You have told us nothing that we do not already know, except for percise numbers which coorilate with our estimates. Kash Wilson and Kane Blackwater, you have been convicted of actions against the Allies, associtation with rebellious factions and execution of POWs. For this you are both sentenced to die by the blade. Direct orders from Xiscapia. Enjoy your last minutes of life." She grinned and left.
OOC: Gotta go.

Star Snake...
Kartosh shook his head. "SBAU stormed the ship and you were Stunned. The explination given to me was that scans of the ship indicated that, while myself, Skyler, and Cavourna left, five life signs were returning, and Cavourna's APN I.D. tag was missing from the ship. They assumed the worst when they saw us running from Alversian vessals and laid a trap for us. The SBAU recognized us on sight, but no one knew of yours or their," he nodded to the bekko, "presence. So you were all shot. Once everything came back under control it became clear a blunder was made. We're currently headed back to Xiscapia."

The message which was sent back was tinged with irritation:

"There must be tactful ways to storm a ship" She groaned as she sat up, feeling muscle rub against bruised ribs
"Am I permitted to give myself medical treatment or will I be stunned again?" She asked sarcastically.

Aboard the Dreadnought a message was sent back

This is a FLEET Admiral stating that she will indeed take it up with XNHQ
As they did not recieve the message broadcast on all frequencies stating
that the vessel was to be left alone at all costs

"Am I permitted to give myself medical treatment or will I be stunned again?"

Kartosh turned around and pressed a button on the control panel of the ship. Roughly half a minute later a medic (http://high-octane.deviantart.com/art/Fortress-Forever-Medic-18903927), complete with medicine and a worried expression, entered. "Sir?" he asked. Kartosh shook his head and pointed to Nigripes. "Probably a bruised rib." The medic turned towards Nigripes. "Ma'am?" the kitsune asked respectfully. "If I may?"

This is a FLEET Admiral stating that she will indeed take it up with XNHQ
As they did not recieve the message broadcast on all frequencies stating
that the vessel was to be left alone at all costs
No such message was ever received by any of our ships. There has been a complete breakdown of communication among the Allies.

"You may not" Nigripes replied coldly, snatching one of the instruments, "I can treat myself. There is no further need for contribution from you" She stated coldly again.

A message was sent to the Xiscapian Battleship as the Customs Ship arrived back on the scene and the other warships pulled out.

There will be a small amount of diplomacy that will need to be carried out
to pacify the Danaversian Empire. I trust the Emperor will be willing to explain
the misunderstanding as to why his Warships were in Danaversian Space?

"As madam wishes." The medics bowed and left their medicine and tools to her. "Oh, and wake them up, will ya?" said Kartosh, pointing to the bekko. The first medic frowned and saw the bekko for the first time. His eyes widened and he dropped to his knees, hand clasped in front of him. "The Chosen!" he whispered. "Get up, man, what are you doing?!" demanded Skyler. The medic practically tripped over himself getting up, then selected a needle from the tray and inserted it into each bekko. "The Revered ones," he swallowed, "will be waking soon." With a hurried bow he fled the ship.
There will be a small amount of diplomacy that will need to be carried out
to pacify the Danaversian Empire. I trust the Emperor will be willing to explain
the misunderstanding as to why his Warships were in Danaversian Space?
And perhaps the Danaversians would care to explain why they are on our side of the DMZ concearning Jorga the Hutt? He will indeed, rest assured of that, Fleet Admiral.

As they approached Xiscapia, Nigripes looked at the two Bekko
"Where you injured?" She demanded looking at the two of them, giving them a thorough medical examination with her trained eye, "I must say" She uttered to Kartosh as she looked them over, "I hope the rest of your people are more hospitable. Although they already appear to admire your other passengers here."

At the same time, the Customs Frigate descended to land on the surface and sent one last message to the Xiscapians

Good luck.
You'll need it

Silvertooth frowned. "Aside from the ringing in my ears and the mild headache, I'm fine," He looked around. "Wait, I'm still here? What happened?" "We were attacked," said Nightshade flatly. "We were mistaken for hostiles and Stunned. At least, that's all I remember."
The fleet moved downward though the atmosphere to land at Rio Casa. Burn colored the ships a bright yellow and red as the atmospheric flames touched around them. The ships landed at their respective docks, and the huge ramps lowered with a hiss of noise.

Silvertooth frowned. "Aside from the ringing in my ears and the mild headache, I'm fine," He looked around. "Wait, I'm still here? What happened?" "We were attacked," said Nightshade flatly. "We were mistaken for hostiles and Stunned. At least, that's all I remember."
The fleet moved downward though the atmosphere to land at Rio Casa. Burn colored the ships a bright yellow and red as the atmospheric flames touched around them. The ships landed at their respective docks, and the huge ramps lowered with a hiss of noise.

Nigripes gave Silvertooth a syrum to ease his headache then went to work on her own wound. It was not serious and the bruise had vanished within a few minutes of her working. As the ramp to the Star Snake was lowered, Cavourna was standing to greet them with five Alversian Marines
"Not quite how we expected to return, eh?" He said sadly.

"Agreed." said Kartosh as the five of them walked down the ramp. Outside, somewhat behind Cavourna and the Marines, stood an Xiscapian Officer. We wore the robes which indicated a Palace Guard. Approaching, he spoke. "Captain Kartosh, Pilot Skyler, Mr. Silvertooth, Mrs. Nightshade and Flag Captain Cavourna," he adressed them. "Your presence is requested at the Palace by the Emperor. I understand he is most anxious to hear about the mission and sort out all the muddled details." He finished stiffly.

"My presence is not required" Nigripes confirmed and turned to head towards where she had noticed some Alumina warships docked. However, Cavourna called after her
"We may need your expertise for this meeting! It would not hurt if you tagged along"

"If I am not needed then I have no need to attend" She replied stiffly, suggesting the matter was settled.

Still Cavourna would not let it rest
"You will come to this meeting Pantheria-Commander. That's an order!" He stated calmly. Nigripes stopped dead and, reluctantly turned back to walk with Cavourna and the others

"I will say nothing at this meeting" She stated, firmly once she was beside Cavourna

"I thought you wouldn't" He smiled.

The lot were hurried to a speeder, which took off down the street, escorted by police cars and decoys. In no time at all they were at the Palace gates, being usured though, into the Imperial enterence hall. There they stopped. The Officer turned around to them and nodded to Silvertooth and Nightshade. "You will not be coming in until after the meeting. We suspect that it will be quite a...shock for the Emperor to find out he has a neice and nephew, so we would like the meeting to adjorn before you meet him." He nodded to Cavourna, Kartosh, Skyler and Nigripes. "Enter." Inside the Conference room the Emperor waited.

Once inside the conference room, Cavourna gave the Emperor a respectful bow
"It's an honor to met you again Your Majesty"

Cavourna glanced sideways and saw that Nigripes, far from looking honored, was looking as though she had seen better rooms back on the Hutt planet

"May I introduce Pantheria-Commander Nigripes of the Alumina Defence Forces" he said hastily when he saw she wasn't going to introduce herself, "She helped us get into the palace and also helped us escape"

Nigripes nodded her head slightly to confirm Cavourna's words but she said nothing.

"Flag Captain, it warms my heart to see you alive and well," The Emperor smiled and bowed. "Pantheria-Commander Nigripes, I must thank you for your assistance in this matter. From what I have heard, you have been a great help," His eyes studied her for a moment, then passed on to Kartosh and Skyler. "And the two mercenaries. Kartosh and Skyler, with a few more bruises and memories, hmm?"
"I should say so," Kartosh looked bored. "Sir, about our payment...?"
"It is already in your account, Captain."
Kartosh looked releived. "May we go?" he indicated himself and Skyler.
"I would like for you to stay and assist the Flag Captain and Pantheria-Commander in relating the events." said the Emperor.
"Well...alright. Fine." Kartosh took a seat, propped the chair up against the wall, and put his feet on the table. Skyler merely sat in a respectful sort of silence. As a general rule, Kartosh did all her speaking for her. The joy of being a telepath.
"So," The Emperor leaned forward. "tell me. What exactly happened during the course of your mission?"

Nigripes looked at the Emperor with interest "You have met my people before" She stated.

"Well," Cavourna cut in, "It all started with..."

He was interrupted as a message came through his earpiece. He sighed,

"A message from the Dreadnought Caldamia. She's patching through a message from one of the Danaversian Admirals on the DMZ"

A screen came up showing a Danaversian in red uniform and three other's behind him.

"Which of you is the leader of this people?" He demanded with his grating voice.

Kash and Blackwater hung there heads low. " Well this is it sir" Kane said in a quite voice. " I will not die...I will not die...I will not....die.." Kash repeated softly.

The Emperor smiled politely. "That would be me." he stated.
Room...
A few moments later there was the tromp of boots and five Marines entered, plus Vist, the female Xiscapian they had spoken with earlier. Two Marines stood on either side of the chairs. "Remove the first one," said Vist. The Marines, cold and in-human in their armor, unstrapped Blackwater. "Remove his armor," The Marines detatched Blackwater's breastplate to expose the bodyglove underneth. The fifth Marine drew his sword from it's sheath. "Any last words?" asked Vist quietly to Blackwater.

The Emperor smiled politely. "That would be me." he stated.
Room...
A few moments later there was the tromp of boots and five Marines entered, plus Vist, the female Xiscapian they had spoken with earlier. Two Marines stood on either side of the chairs. "Remove the first one," said Vist. The Marines, cold and in-human in their armor, unstrapped Blackwater. "Remove his armor," The Marines detatched Blackwater's breastplate to expose the bodyglove underneth. The fifth Marine drew his sword from it's sheath. "Any last words?" asked Vist quietly to Blackwater.

Kash jumped in " May we at least have this done on Xscipia." Blackwater frowned " At least let me see Sasha one last time."

The Danaversian Admiral did not mix his words
"Why did your ships penetrate our borders today!?!" He demanded again looking at the Emperor with his black, soulless eyes. His razor like teeth were protruding from his mouth even as he had it wedged firmly tight. The three behind him said nothing.

Likewise, in the conference room, Cavourna sidled out view so as not to provoke the Danaversian. One whiff of an Alversian and this meeting would be terminated. Period.

Kash jumped in " May we at least have this done on Xscipia." Blackwater frowned " At least let me see Sasha one last time."
"No, I think not. Do it." The Marine lifted the sword high and plunged it straight into Blackwater's chest, blood splattering, his heart sliced into two halves. The Calaveran gasped, mouth working silently, then slumped, his eyes rolled back in his head, dead. Vist smiled and waved the Marine away, who sat back to clean his blade. Vist drew her own sword as the Marines unstrapped his chest armor. "You," she said to Kash, "I will execute myself."
Imperial Conference Room...
"I could ask you the same thing," said the Emperor pleasantly. "There was a Barracuda in orbit over the Hutt world of Dun. What is the meaning of this, pray tell?"

The Danaversian Admiral ignored him,
"You have breached the perameters set down by the Treaty of Alumina. We are outraged that our borders would be violated in so easily a manner by such an insignificant power. If appropriate compensation is not sent, we will respond to your invasion with a planetary bombardment. State your reply" he demanded.

OCC: This is gonna be fun, and yes i can explain what is about to happen.

Kash began to laugh in his chair, all of a sudden his mouth split into that of an Imitator and he screamed a laugh through his mandibles. As he telepathically talked to her " How do you think Celestis fell?" A blue light appeared around Kash as he was beamed out of the building, along with blackwater's corpse, they were transported to a Insurgent that had been cloaked in Orbit, which was already getting ready to burst out of the system through hyperspace.

bump-

The Danaversian Admiral ignored him,
"You have breached the perameters set down by the Treaty of Alumina. We are outraged that our borders would be violated in so easily a manner by such an insignificant power. If appropriate compensation is not sent, we will respond to your invasion with a planetary bombardment. State your reply" he demanded.
"We are not bound by the terms of this treaty you speak of. However, for the sake of the peace, let us assume we are. What did we invade, hmm? An empty area of space. According to reports, our ships were there for less than a minute. Shortest invasion in history. What is this "compensation" you speak of?"
Kash began to laugh in his chair, all of a sudden his mouth split into that of an Imitator and he screamed a laugh through his mandibles. As he telepathically talked to her " How do you think Celestis fell?" A blue light appeared around Kash as he was beamed out of the building, along with blackwater's corpse, they were transported to a Insurgent that had been cloaked in Orbit, which was already getting ready to burst out of the system through hyperspace.
Vist stabbed forward but her sword hit only the chair, knocking it over. "GET HIM!" she screamed in fury. Unfortunatly for the Insurgent, the inhibitator field was still up over the system, and it would not be able to jump out. At words of the Marines starships, patrols and corvettes all, were pouring into the area, and the system was put on high alert. Any unknown vessals were to be disabled and boarded on sight.

"We are not bound by the terms of this treaty you speak of. However, for the sake of the peace, let us assume we are. What did we invade, hmm? An empty area of space. According to reports, our ships were there for less than a minute. Shortest invasion in history. What is this "compensation" you speak of?"

Vist stabbed forward but her sword hit only the chair, knocking it over. "GET HIM!" she screamed in fury. Unfortunatly for the Insurgent, the inhibitator field was still up over the system, and it would not be able to jump out. At words of the Marines starships, patrols and corvettes all, were pouring into the area, and the system was put on high alert. Any unknown vessals were to be disabled and boarded on sight.

The Insurgent relizing it wouldnt be able to jump, hit its sub-light engines at max, it just needed to get out of the system to hit hyperspace. Power was diverted from all non-essential systems and put into the engines, giving an extra boost of power as they hauled there way out of the system. Kash sat on the bridge of the ship " Interesting" he told himself " The poison was only half-succesful, and these annoying voices seem to continue to disrupt me."

"You breached our space" He repeated, almost like a loop, "You will provide a lot of compensation or else we will attack. Somewhere in the region of 12 million of your currency would be enough" He gloated.

Cavourna, out of view shook his head in disbelief. Nigripes, still in frame but unnoticed, did not react. However, Cavourna realized that the Danaversians could see her in the background and made rapid hand gestures to try and signal to her. She ignored him.

"I would prefer as little conflict as possible, but I am afraid I am not able to comply with your demand. You see, if we had twelve million credits every time a ship of unknown origin breached our space, we would be considerably more wealthy than we are now. I would most strongly advise you to not make war on us, Admiral. The Alversians may have been hurt in the last war, but thay are not so badly beaten so it may stop them from sending ship and troops to assist us. And as I understand it, your losses in the last war were brutal." The Emperor gave a predatory smile. Of course he was bluffing, he knew that in any event the Alversians would not be able to spare many ships at all, the Prime Minister himself had promised only a dozen. But the Danaversian in front on him did not know that.
Cholk system...
As the ship's engines powered up a ring was formed around it: Corvettes and patrols to the port, starboard, and stern, and mines and combat drones to the front. Below lay the moon and it's defenses, and going up would make the ship an easy target for the small craft pursuing it.

"I would prefer as little conflict as possible, but I am afraid I am not able to comply with your demand. You see, if we had twelve million credits every time a ship of unknown origin breached our space, we would be considerably more wealthy than we are now. I would most strongly advise you to not make war on us, Admiral. The Alversians may have been hurt in the last war, but thay are not so badly beaten so it may stop them from sending ship and troops to assist us. And as I understand it, your losses in the last war were brutal." The Emperor gave a predatory smile. Of course he was bluffing, he knew that in any event the Alversians would not be able to spare many ships at all, the Prime Minister himself had promised only a dozen. But the Danaversian in front on him did not know that.
Cholk system...
As the ship's engines powered up a ring was formed around it: Corvettes and patrols to the port, starboard, and stern, and mines and combat drones to the front. Below lay the moon and it's defenses, and going up would make the ship an easy target for the small craft pursuing it.

OCC: mind if a Alliance attack fleet clears the way for a escape?

The Inusrgent slowed to a stop and hailed the enemy vessles as it replyed its horrific notarius message from Kash's robot looking face. " We are the Alliance, lower your shields and prepare to be brought into unity, life as you and your companions know it will be adapted to serve us...defiance will be met with violence."

The Admiral growled
"I could have 500 Barracudas inside your space in a matter of hours, Fox-monkey. I do not think the Alversians will be able to send you any aid. Judging from their shuffling of forces on the DMZ, they barely have enough ships to man their own space, let alone fight your war for you"
He stopped for a moment
"But I am reasonable and in light mood, so I will lower the amount demanded to 6 million. That is my final offer."

OCC: mind if a Alliance attack fleet clears the way for a escape?

The Inusrgent slowed to a stop and hailed the enemy vessles as it replyed its horrific notarius message from Kash's robot looking face. " We are the Alliance, lower your shields and prepare to be brought into unity, life as you and your companions know it will be adapted to serve us...defiance will be met with violence."
OOC: Sure, but your casualties will be heavy. This is a very well-guarded system.
IC:
The thing was answered by blasts of fire from the ships and drones, lasers streaking out to meet the little ship.
Imperial Conference Room...
"Admiral, I will not pay the Empire any amount of credits. This is not a negotiable thing. I will not heed your threats of invasion. I beleive this meeting is over." The Emperor smiled but it did not reach his eyes, which had turned as cold as the depths of space.

"Mmm," The Emperor continued to stare at the screen. "Yes. As I was saying, what exactly happened during the course of your mission? Details are slightly...muddled, and I am interested to hear a first-hand account."
If the kitsune was even the slightest bothered by the coversation he just had he did not show it. He resumed his more casual posture and waited for someone to speak up.

"You have made a powerful enemy this day, Fox-Mo..." The Admiral's drifted up and now he finally noticed the Alumina standing behind the Emperor
"Cat!" He snarled, exploding with fury, spit flew across the screen as his eyes went a sort of bloodshot red,
"You harbor these slags of feline fur!?! I will see you in the gates of hell, you flea bitten pussy cat!"

"And I will see you in the gates of hell from the bridge of my warship" Nigripes replied coldly as the transmission was cut.

"That could have gone better" Cavourna stated mildly as he returned to his original position, "Very diplomatic of you," He said this to Nigripes, "Well handled"

She growled, "The Danaversians do not deserve diplomacy. They deserve anniliation"

"And so begins the age old argument that has dogged scholars for centuries. Who will wipe the other out first?" Cavourna stated in a light tone, "You do say the most abnormal things somethings"

"We are an abnormal race" Nigripes conceded

"Believe me, we've noticed"

"You were asking us of the matter of our escape?" Nigripes turned back to the Emperor.

OOC: Sure, but your casualties will be heavy. This is a very well-guarded system.
IC:
The thing was answered by blasts of fire from the ships and drones, lasers streaking out to meet the little ship.
Imperial Conference Room...
"Admiral, I will not pay the Empire any amount of credits. This is not a negotiable thing. I will not heed your threats of invasion. I beleive this meeting is over." The Emperor smiled but it did not reach his eyes, which had turned as cold as the depths of space.

The Insurgent swooped trying to dodge the incoming fire, but was struck by lasers and some drones, brining its shields down to 75%. Behind the corrvets, a Alliance rescue fleet exited hyperspace, this fleet consisted of 10 Shredder frigates, 3 Nova class warships and 1 Scavenger battleship, they immediatly engaged the enemy with a volly of plasma torpedoes to start, then Plasma-ray fire. The Insurgent harboring Kash was now headed towards the rescue fleet, it abandoned its cloak and used the extra energy for shields.

"Mmm," The Emperor continued to stare at the screen. "Yes. As I was saying, what exactly happened during the course of your mission? Details are slightly...muddled, and I am interested to hear a first-hand account."
If the kitsune was even the slightest bothered by the coversation he just had he did not show it. He resumed his more casual posture and waited for someone to speak up.

"Well, we landed on the planet easily enough and, Nigripes here was able to sneak us into the palace. There we were discovered and captured by Jorga the Hutt and took on these two delightful characters. One of them killed Jorga while I was having my head stitched back to gather by our resident doctor here. When chaos descended on the palace, we managed to sneak out past a frigate battle in space and end up on a variety of missions, none of which had anything to do with our original one. Correct?" Cavourna turned to Kartosh and Skyler for backup.

The Insurgent swooped trying to dodge the incoming fire, but was struck by lasers and some drones, brining its shields down to 75%. Behind the corrvets, a Alliance rescue fleet exited hyperspace, this fleet consisted of 10 Shredder frigates, 3 Nova class warships and 1 Scavenger battleship, they immediatly engaged the enemy with a volly of plasma torpedoes to start, then Plasma-ray fire. The Insurgent harboring Kash was now headed towards the rescue fleet, it abandoned its cloak and used the extra energy for shields.
OOC: Okay, what part of INHIBITATOR FIELD do you not understand? No one jumps, gates, teleports or warps while the field is up because of it's canceling abilities.
Imperial Conference Room...
"That about sums it up," Kartosh nodded. "Although somehow I don't think it's all going to end with "Happily ever after." Skyler grimaced. "There was Danaversian involvment, as has been reported. Fortunatly we were able to escape without casualties." The Emperor seemed distant. "Okay. I beleive you mentioned something of taking on-board two others? From Jorga's stronghold, were they?" Unnoticed by anyone at the time the Palace officer had appeared at the door, waiting for the right moment.

OOC: Okay, what part of INHIBITATOR FIELD do you not understand? No one jumps, gates, teleports or warps while the field is up because of it's canceling abilities.
Imperial Conference Room...
"That about sums it up," Kartosh nodded. "Although somehow I don't think it's all going to end with "Happily ever after." Skyler grimaced. "There was Danaversian involvment, as has been reported. Fortunatly we were able to escape without casualties." The Emperor seemed distant. "Okay. I beleive you mentioned something of taking on-board two others? From Jorga's stronghold, were they?" Unnoticed by anyone at the time the Palace officer had appeared at the door, waiting for the right moment.

OCC: oh very well, we will say there jumped just barely outside the system? sorry xscipia.

"Correct, we picked up these two who were being held in Jorga's cells...sorry. What are you doing here?" Cavourna directed this last statement at the Doctor who had just entered the room. He was followed by a Xiscapian Orderly. After giving a low bow to the Emperor he turned back to the others and started to examine Silvertooth and Nightshade,
"I have been sent for in order to see that you are all up to standard after your adventure. Hold still, please" He said as he started to scan Silvertooth.

"Correct, we picked up these two who were being held in Jorga's cells...sorry. What are you doing here?" Cavourna directed this last statement at the Doctor who had just entered the room. He was followed by a Xiscapian Orderly. After giving a low bow to the Emperor he turned back to the others and started to examine Silvertooth and Nightshade,
"I have been sent for in order to see that you are all up to standard after your adventure. Hold still, please" He said as he started to scan Silvertooth.
IC:
The look on the Emperor's face was almost comical. His mouth dropped and he gazed, unbeleiving, at the two bekko standing in front of him. Silvertooth shifted uncomfortably, from both the Doctor's scan and the Emperor's eyes studying him. "Hello uncle." he said softly. The two bekko were quite a sight. Their Danaversian armor was scratched and dented, bandages showed on their heads with blood matted beneath, their dark red hair was matted and dirty and they both looked as though they were dead on their feet. Tourture, fighting, anxiety, fear and rage had all happened in varying degrees in the past twenty-four hours. For a moment there was complete silence in the Imperial Conference Room.
OOC@NC: They could, but they'd still be detected and in a likelyhood Vist would assume it was a Rebellion attack and forces would be summoned from Xiscapia.

The silence was finally punctured by a low whistle from the Doctor,
"In all the names of..."
"...what?! Have you found something!?" Cavourna asked, concerned
"Yes, look at this work" He held up Silvertooth's arm, "This is a masterpiece of surgery. I'm stunned. You couldn't find this sort of care in an Illesian Hospital never mind some pit at the end of the sector. Who did this work? You?"
He asked, wheeling around to Skyler

The silence was finally punctured by a low whistle from the Doctor,
"In all the names of..."
"...what?! Have you found something!?" Cavourna asked, concerned
"Yes, look at this work" He held up Silvertooth's arm, "This is a masterpiece of surgery. I'm stunned. You couldn't find this sort of care in an Illesian Hospital never mind some pit at the end of the sector. Who did this work? You?"
He asked, wheeling around to Skyler
OOC: You just enjoy making me say it.
IC:
Skyler shook her head. "What you've found is of Captain Nigripe's hand, not mine. I only assisted minorly in the repairing. The two were in very bad condition when we found them. If it wasn't for Nigripe's work and their willpower, they probably wouldn't have made it." the mercenary finished solumnly.

OOC: I know I do :D

IC:

"Well, I think a congradulations is in order. Without your assistance, Commander, these two would certainly have died" He clapped her on the back.

Cavourna sniggered as he saw the Alumina's shocked reaction and the resisting urge to deck the Doctor in the face. She still did not liked to be touched,
"I am glad that you appreciate my efforts, Doctor. That will be all" She said rather touchily. The Doctor nodded happily and bowed again to the Emperor
"All have a clean bill of heath, your Highness. I wouldn't recommend throwing any of them into combat anytime soon. Ecspecially..." he turned to Kartosh and frowned in the way all Doctors do when a Patient ignores then
"Have you been taking your medication, Captain Kartosh?"

"Ah, ah-hem, yeah. There hasn't been much time as of late, but I've been consistant. It tends to draw your attention when you suddenly go deaf for no apparent reason." The Server's attack didn't hurt physically anymore, but it still smarted mentally. The Emperor seemed to regain at this moment the powers of speech. "Well, this is all...very sudden," His attention switched from Silvertooth to Nightshade, and back again. "I think," he said slowly, "that we have some catching up to do." The two near-youth eyed him sullenly. Silvertooth was sure they wouldn't be executed, but he still didn't trust them. Skyler looked around. "It may be most tactful if we made a quick exit." she murmered.

"Indeed," Cavourna rose from the table, "If we may be excused, your Highness, we will leave you three to catch up" He gave a respectful bow, this time he managed to persuade Nigripes to lower her head slightly.

The Doctor tutted and started to scan Kartosh again
"Your inner ear is starting to degrade again. We will need to get you to a hospital to investigate the full extent of the damage"

"Bloody hell," said Kartosh. "What do you people do all day? The doctor assured me of the benifits of the medication!" he complained as he and Skyler ushered themselves out along with Nigripes and Cavourna, leaving the Emperor and the two bekko alone. There was a moment of ackward silence. Then Silvertooth spoke. "So...father's getting along well these days, hmm?" The Emperor nodded. "Unfortunatly. Before we go any further, I want to hear your history, please."
So they did.

At the hospital, The Doctor started to scan Kartosh more extensively using more sophisticated equipment in order to see the true extent of the damage. When he was done, he came through to the two Xiscapians and sighed heavily
"I'm afraid the news is not good. It would seem that the inner ear is degrading a rate more rapid than we could predict. The weapon used against you was unique. We have never experienced anything like it and, I'm afraid, there's nothing we can do" He sighed, "You will be totally deaf within two decades"

Streets, Rio Casa

Amongst the crowds of people, struggling to get a look at the new arrivals to the Palace was one, small girl. She was wearing a full length cloak and, although she did not approach the gates, it was obvious she was in the crowds waiting for something.

Rio Casa, APNHQ Branch

"Are you sure you don't wanna come in? Come on! You'll be welcomed with open arms" Cavourna argued vainly although he knew the figure in front would not be persuaded by the words of Trezan Baxtor himself.

Nigripes shook her head
"No. I will return to the Alumina vessels docked in port and I will await further instructions from there"

"Suit yourself. See you again soon. I'm off back to my wife and kid" He smiled and closed the door behind him. Nigripes gave a loose sigh, turned and headed for docks.

After a few hundred meters, she was sure she was being followed. Her instinct told her that something was wrong. But when she turned to look down the street there was only Kitsune. She was getting a few strange stares admittedly, but then the Alumina had yet to walk the streets of Rio Casa as inhabitants or Allies. What could she expect.

She turned and headed down one of the darker Allies that led to the Port. Although she had never been here, Cavourna had given her a map of the city and she had learnt most of it in a matter of hours. Now she knew she was being followed and she ducked into another side alleyway.

She watched, silently as two figures crept up the alleyway where she had been. They were whispering to each other as they moved past her hiding spot. Quickly, with the reflexes of a cat, she leapt from her hiding place and grabbed one of her trailers by the back of the neck. She flung him into a nearby wall and turned to face her next attacker. He had pulled a pistol from his pocket and attempted to fire it. Nigripes kicked it from his hand and kicked again, connecting with his right temple. The man went down like a stack of bricks and Nigripes turned to see if the Alleyway was clear. Satisfied that it was, she bent down to pick up the pistol.

Then the sound of a pistol sounded. Nigripes made a small cry of surprise and slumped into the ground, the pistol she had picked up clattered along the floor.

Then shadowy figure approached her and looked at the unconscious Alumina, his two comrades picked themselves up and limped over to inspect her as well

"Well done, Admiral"

"Aye, you really fooled her"

"And she really fooled you," The voice snapped, "She made the pair of you look like Idiots. Make sure it does not happen again"

"No Admiral"

"Of course not, Admiral"

"Then get her back to the ship, We need to get away from this rock before we're recognised"

"Yes, admiral"

Palace, Rio Casa

A message came through for Emperor Foxfire, the Alversians manning the Dreadnought Cumberland's comm system were slightly baffled that the message was being routed through them instead of directly to the Xiscapians. Nevertheless, they felt obliged to patch it through.

A Danaversian Admiral appeared on screen, This one was different than the first although he looked no less menacing
"I am Admiral Chordata and I speak for the Danaversian Empire. You owe us 12 million in compensation" He said, to the point

IC:The look on the Emperor's face was almost comical. His mouth dropped and he gazed, unbeleiving, at the two bekko standing in front of him. Silvertooth shifted uncomfortably, from both the Doctor's scan and the Emperor's eyes studying him. "Hello uncle." he said softly. The two bekko were quite a sight. Their Danaversian armor was scratched and dented, bandages showed on their heads with blood matted beneath, their dark red hair was matted and dirty and they both looked as though they were dead on their feet. Tourture, fighting, anxiety, fear and rage had all happened in varying degrees in the past twenty-four hours. For a moment there was complete silence in the Imperial Conference Room.OOC@NC: They could, but they'd still be detected and in a likelyhood Vist would assume it was a Rebellion attack and forces would be summoned from Xiscapia.OCC: That's fine with me, we are gonna be gone as soon as possible, but well be back.

"What! What do you mean? This is impossible, the doctor didn't say anything like this! I'm still a young man, I need my hearing. Isn't there anything you could do, doc?" he asked desperetly.
Imperial Conference Room...
"The Calaverans, the SASM, and then the Hutts? Terrible tradgedy," the Emperor shook his head. Silvertooth nodded grimly. He had just related his and Nightshade's life story, from birth until this point. Nightshade had tears in her eyes. The Emperor rose and, in a most un-Xiscapian gesture, hugged them both. Silvertooth was taken aback, but his throat constricted and he found he couldn't speak for the pain growing inside him. If either could have seen the Emperor's face, they would have seen the silent tears running down it. He mourned for his brother, once his brother but twisted by evil. He mourned for all those Alversians and Xiscapians who had died in this conflict, soldiers and civilians alike. He mourned for the pain and sorrow that he plauged his neice and nephews lives, and that he could not be there to help them, had no idea of their existance. Then the holo screen flickered to life and the Emperor was suddenly back in his seat, no trace of tears showing on his face, looking calm and composed as Nightshade and Silvertooth scuttled out of the picture. He found himself facing another ugly Danaversian face.
"I am Admiral Chordata and I speak for the Danaversian Empire. You owe us 12 million in compensation"
"I beleive we have already been over this. I will not pay your fee, nor bow to the Empire. Take your complaints elsewhere."
Streets...
The Palace servant blinked and looked around. He had been tailing Nigripes on orders from the Palace Guard, and he had just lost her. In the alley? He crept forward and peeked around the corner.

"You will pay the amount we demand because we have something that you will not want damaged"
He took a small step to the side and revealed Adrian Connolly, smiling evilly at the Emperor
"Ol' Foxfire Rose! Gettin' on rightly? Good. I have someone here that tricked me once before but will not again. Not unless you are willing to pay me a price"
He laughed loudly
"Well? When am I getting me cheque?"

"Adrian Connolly," said the Emperor softly. "I doubt very much that you have anything there which will inspire me to pay you twelve million credits." His gaze was of ice and fire, cold and furious. The murderer had been slated for execution, and then escaped. If the Emperor had his way the Alversian criminal would be dead very soon.
OOC: Did you see the other two parts of that post? They couldn't have Nigripes off the planet yet, they've only just captured her.

OOC: Who said she was off the planet?

Adrian gave a loud laugh
"I think I do, Rosey mate! And I will now prove it to you" He reached out and switched off the screen. Although it was blank, the sound still worked perfectly,
"Give me your name" Adrian's voice stated, "And your rank and your service"
There was silence, then a quiet, reluctant voice replied to his question. It was Nigripes voice
"Pantheria-Commander Nigripes, Alumina Defense Forces, Internal Security Division"
"Very good, see, that wasn't difficult, now what are you going to tell the good Emperor?"
"Nothing you piece of villianious scu..."
The sound of a blaster being taken off safety could be heard, and the sound of a woman whimpering was heard. Nigripes voice sighed heavily
"I am requesting that the Emperor of Xiscapia pay full compensation to the Danaversian Empire in return for my life and the life of one who is being held captive with me"
"Good, good! Glad to see that the Alumina can co-operate after all"
The video link was re-established and Connolly was again standing alone, "So Rosey-boy, what's it to be?"

Two Shredder frigates were blown apart by enemy energy weapons. Kash's bridge shook as they were singely targeted, atmosphere was leaking in parts of the ship and every second power was divereted from more and more important systems to shields and engines, they already took away coms and life support for over a quarter of the Insurgent.

"So Rosey-boy, what's it to be?"
What is it?
Link established my Lord. Tracers indicate that the previous message came from somewhere on this planet.
Find them, and do so quickly. Kill the scum responsible.
Yes my Lord.
Aloud,
"And who," said Foxfire Rose calmly, "do I make the check out to? Twelve million credits don't go to just anyone."
Streets...
Police units were crawling over every inch of the city, and the Black Guard were descreetly searching buildings everywhere. They couldn't have gotten far.
Two Shredder frigates were blown apart by enemy energy weapons. Kash's bridge shook as they were singely targeted, atmosphere was leaking in parts of the ship and every second power was divereted from more and more important systems to shields and engines, they already took away coms and life support for over a quarter of the Insurgent.
The patrols and corvettes focused on the frigates while a Destroyer came out of no where from the other side of the planet. It focused it's MAC cannons, Heavy Ion Cannons and lasers on the warships, leaving the battleship for later. Drone fighters swooped in to destroy Kash's ship, firing their duel lasers.

"My dear Emperor, Your police are as subtle as a Danaversian on new year's eve. If they do not withdraw immediately, what am I going to do, Commander?"
"What do I care? Shoot me if you wa..."
"I was referring to her. Will I shoot her? I'm warning you Emperor, I so much as hear a siren in the nest few hours or hear a policeman farting, I will put a blaster bolt through this woman's pretty little head. The money can go to the Danaversian Empire. Ask the Alversians. They'll know who to send the money to"

The screen went dead. The line had been cut.

The Emperor curled his lip at the dead screen. "So be it." There was more than one way to trace a location. The Emperor sat down and reached out though the Force. It would not be hard, really. Nigripes had a very distinctive aura about her. If one could only see though the Force, she would light up like a neon sign. Shifting though the city of over six million people, the Emperor let himself drift into the more seedy areas of the city, probing here and there. The police were already backing off to their normal patrols, but the Black Guard weren't. And they, like their Alversian conterparts, the Democratic Guard, were consierably harder to spot. They were plainclothes, not armor, and seemingly innocent kitsune as they went about their business.
OOC: Are you going to RP the doctor or has that bee ignored?

Nigripes sitting in a dank flat somewhere in the backstreets of Rio Casa could feel the Emperor reaching out to her. She couldn't move her arms at all. They had been bound tightly behind and so she was only able to move her head slightly
"Call off the Black Guards" She begged through the force, "Adrian Connelly knows they're here. It is a trap. As soon as he sees one, he is going to execute both of us" She was referring to the weeping woman in the opposite corner of the room.

Hospital

The Doctor shook his head
"I'm afraid that it's impossible to repair the damage fully. The medication was only ever meant to delay the inevitable, hopefully until you were well into your old age. However, it seems that the process is faster than we thought. Those Bioroids are crafty bastards" He conceded as he went back to his scans, trying to see any way through the data.

Kash was then beamed to the Scavenger " Burden" as the Insurgent was destroyed, it lit up space spraying silver metal everywhere as the self-destruct had done. The Burden continued its mission, as the fleet now turned to cover the "Burden" , in this proccess three more frigates were lost to enemy fire, as they engaged the enemy. The Xscipan destroyer tore open one Nova class and destroyed another. The fleet had begun to retreat and blocked the enemy fleet from the "Burden" as it made its way out of the system.

"Call off the Black Guards, Adrian Connelly knows they're here. It is a trap. As soon as he sees one, he is going to execute both of us."
Do you know where you are? Are you still in the city?
The Black Guards reluctently fell back to the Palace. It was obvious that they would have to find another way in. As soon as Nigripe's location was determined, they could have soldiers in there.
Hospital...
"So nothing can be done. I'll be deaf in twenty years time, is that it? And no cloned replacements or bionic substitutes can be made?" Kartosh's shoulders sagged and he seemed to resign himself to defeat.
Cholk System...
The patrols and corvettes continued to pursue the frigates, firing beams and missiles at their retreating engines. The Destroyer found that it could not target the last Scavenger and opened fire on the battleship instead. It all seemed too easy, the fleet was obviously only interested in running. The fleet stopped and the patrols and corvettes weaved in and out among the frigates while the Destroyer beared down on the back on the battleship. The destroyer opened fire on the exposed flank once again, MAC rounds, laser beams and ion cannons slicing towards the ship. The Scavenger was headed out alone, the rest of the fleet blocking the Xiscapian fleet. Between the Scavenger and escape lay several dozen defense drones, which turned to target the warship with their guns. The little spherical balls of metal came in an arc, targeting the warship with their weak lasers.

"I do not know where I am. Somewhere in the old quarter of Rio Casa"

Palace

Mallon entered Foxfire's room, followed closely by Cavourna and other man whom had yet to introduce himself,
"What is this news I have heard from Intelligence Section?" He asked, Cavourna was white and worried looking.

Hospital

"I'm afraid no replacements can be made. However, there is an Operation that can be administered. It is highly risky, but it would delay the condition for another few years."

The Emperor held up his hand, palm out, silencing him. The Palace officer stepped forward. "It appears that Captain Nigripes was ambushed and taken prisoner when she was returning to port, along with a female of unknown species. They are somewhere in the city, and are being used as leverage to force the Emperor to authorize a payment to the Danaversian Empire of some twelve million credits. Adrian Connolly is somehow involved. All police and Black Guard units have been taken off patol when Connolly threatened to kill the hostages. The Emperor is communicating telepathically with Captain Nigripes in an attempt to discern her location. He has just told me that they are somewhere in the older section of the city. The Emperor will continue to question her until he feels he knows where she and the other hostage are located. Then we will strike."
"I do not know where I am. Somewhere in the old quarter of Rio Casa"
Are you underground? Is there a smell around the area? What is the condition of the room you are in at the moment?
Hospital...
"Delays, I've had enough of delays!" Kartosh stormed. "You people are practically magic! Is the damage so great that it exends all the way to my brain, lodging itself in some obscure node where it cannot be reached?"

Mallon just nodded while Cavourna was much more vocal
"I should have gone with her to the port! I should have forced her into HQ! Why did I go with her!? I should have seen this was gonna happen!"
Mallon turned to face him,
"Calm yourself, Alex. There was no way we could have known that she was in any danger on Rio Casa. That Adrian Connolly is one dangerous character, we must capture him as soon as possible"
The third man, taller than either Alversian and towering over the Xiscapians, was dressed in all black and did not speak, but there was a sense of menace from him, a sense of great malice. When he looked at you, there was a great fear that he already knew all your secrets, all your thoughts. Like he was purging your very soul.

Are you underground? Is there a smell around the area? What is the condition of the room you are in at the moment?
"There is no smell in the area. However..."
Nigripes was cut from the force by a brutal haymaker of a punch from Connolly straight in the jaw. The force of the strike knocked her her out and she hung limply from her bonds while the other captive wept in fear.

Hospital

The Doctor gave a sad smile
"Funny you should say that. The section of your brain that deals with sound is the part that is so badly damaged that we could not normally repair it without risking severe damage to other parts of the brain. However, an Alumina Doctor has created a new procedure that may increase the time of your hearing by 100% However," He hesitated as he mentioned the risks, "You would be the first live patient to test the procedure. Although the simulations have been very promising."

The Emperor opened his eyes as his communication with Nigripes was abruptly cut off. He sensed that she had not been killed, but stunned, or perhaps knocked out. He rose from his position. "Prime Minister, Flag Captain," he bowed to Cavourna and Mallon, then noticed the other figure, whose eyes the Palace Officer had despretly been trying to avoid. "And who is this?" he asked politely.
Hospital...
"How lucky for me," said Kartosh dryly. "What exactly are the risks of such an operation?"

Palace

The man's black eyes bore straight into the Emperor, looking at him with what seemed to be a cold fury. But only his eyes would have revealed this, his expression was entirely neutral.
Mallon turned to his left to introduce the man
"Emperor Foxfire, this is..."

"...What about the Commander?" Cavourna cut in desperately, deciding his question was more important than the Emperor's, "Where is she? Is she safe?"

"Flag Captain! You forget your place" Mallon reprimanded before turning back
"This is Guards Commandant 'X'. His real name is a closely guarded secret within the Guards Intelligence Section. Not even I know who he really is. Do I X?"

"So, Sir, you do not" He replied while staring at Foxfire continuously.

"No, Flag Captain Cavourna is most correct to be asking this. As stated by my officer, her current location is unknown, except that she is on-planet, and she is held hostage by unknown, perhaps Rebel, forces. We are doing our best to obtain her location." He turned his attention to Guards Commandant 'X', meeting his gaze with the calm of a scientist studying a particularly interesting insect. "Pleased to meet you," the Emperor bowed. "What is your purpose in this matter?"
OOC: I have to go eat dinner, I'll be back on it thirty minutes at most.

Palace

"I am in charge of Alversian Intelligence Operations on Xiscapia" He replied with the sort of smile that meant he already knew more about Foxfire than he knew about himself, He also bowed respectfully, never taking his eyes of Foxfire,
"and I am very interested about the location of Adrian John Connolly"

Cavourna still looked like he was about to break down
"What about the Police? The Black Guards? Why don't you try and find her?" He demanded, thumping his hand on the table

"Flag Captain! Control yourself, please" Mallon hissed from the corner of his mouth.

Hospital

"Well," The Doctor thought sitting down, "The operation will involve splicing into the part of your brain that controls sound. From there, the Surgeon would need to stimilute each individual link and repair the damage from within. The most obvious risk is even the smallest slip could result in brain death or normal death. That is the most obvious risk. There are many, many more."

"What about the Police? The Black Guards? Why don't you try and find her?"
"I was threatened with the death of both hostages unless the police and Guards backed off, and, because I do not have their location, I was forced to do so." He again turned his gaze to the man called "X." "He was with the Danaversians, where ever they were. It appeared to be on the bridge of a ship, probably a Barracuda battleship. Whatever could be said, he is out of our hands. I assure you, if he ever comes back into our hands again, he will face execution without trial."
Hospital...
"Risky...very risky. However, I will put my faith in the hands of the Alumina doctors. As quickly as possible, I need the operation before my situation degrades further. A deaf mercenary isn't of much use to anyone."

X smiled at Foxfire's words,
"I can assure you, Emperor, that any trial he does have with us will be mercifully short. As will his death. I might let him fall into your hands, it would rob him of the death he thinks he deserves."

Mallon cut in at this point
"The bridge of a Barracuda? In that case he is already beyond our reach. Mister X, you are about to amaze me with some information that I didn't think was possible to get. Aren't you?"

"I am, Sir. To date, 103 Danaversian vessels have crossed their entire frontier. Of that number, 22 were Barracudas. None have entered this region of space for several weeks"

"See?" Mallon turned to Foxfire in wonder, "Our scanner's can't penetrate further than a few lightyears into their part of the DMZ and yet this man knows already how many sides have left along their entire frontier! The whole Danaversian Empire! Still, not much use to us then, is it?"

"It is, Sir. Whatever Barracuda the Pantheria-Commander is being held on, it has not been dispatched from Danaversia itself"

Hospital

"You will need to come to the People's Institute of Medicine in Illesia, for the operation to be performed. A number of our own Surgeons have been perfecting the theory and should be able to help you out. How soon will you be able to travel?" The Doctor asked.

The Emperor ignored the crack "let him fall into your hands." He also suspected that this man "X" had command of Force or magic abilities, or perhaps an as of yet unreleased to even the military kind of scanner or other device that let him see into Danaversian space. He coughed quietly. "Ah, Prime Minister, I beleive I stated she is somewhere on-planet, in this very city. However, until I or another Force user can accuratly pinpoint her location, we are paralyzed to do anything. If anyone approachs the point which the hostages and their captors are occupying, they will undoubtably kill them."
Hospital...
Kartosh got up and made for the door. "Tell them to be ready. We'll be there in a matter of hours." He and Skyler ran out the door and were gone.

OOC: Uh...
He was with the Danaversians, where ever they were. It appeared to be on the bridge of a ship, probably a Barracuda battleship.

Palace

"So we sit here and do nothing, is that what you're telling me?" Cavourna looked straight into Mallon's eyes then Foxfire's, "Don't you understand?! She's with Danaversians!? If Connolly let's them off the leash, it won't matter if she's dies or not"

Hospital

"Illesia with it's population of 210 million and you expect to find it like that?" The Doctor spoke to himself with a sarcastic conversation, "Good luck to you, I'll inform then anyway. Thank you Doctor, you've been so kind," He was imitating a woman's voice now, "Just doing my job ma'am" He said in an over the top macho voice before turning to his console and typing in a few instructions"

"No, Flag Captain Cavourna is most correct to be asking this. As stated by my officer, her current location is unknown, except that she is on-planet, and she is held hostage by unknown, perhaps Rebel, forces.
OOC: ...
IC:
Palace...
"Flag Captain," said the Emperor gently, "there's nothing we can do. Anything we try would compromise her situation and lead to her death. All we can do is wait."
Streets...
Kartosh and Skyler sat inside their hovercraft, taking turns recklessly and speeding down streets. "You know where this thing is?" Skyler asked, holding on for dear life. "Same hospital we went to last time, remember?" said Kartosh as he dodged a slow-moving speeder truck and shot away towards the port.

OOC: You've contradicted yourself a bit, Adrian and Nigripes are in the same place.

Palace

Another call came through for Foxfire, this time it came directly to him via a reserve engineered system, there was no way to track
"Well Foxey?" It was Adrian again, "Had a chance to think over what your willing to do? A lot rides on your shoulders mate, I suggest you think quickly. These Danaversians want their catfood and I won't be able to delay them much longer" He chuckled,
"Well?"

Cavourna, out of screen, clenched his knuckles until they were white while X and Mallon remained quiet to allow Foxfire to handle the situation.

OOC": Actually, it's not the same hospital he was treated before. That was on an Alversian colony not the homeworld.

Foxfire wanted nothing more than to find the man and kill him gruesomly. It was what Foxfire the soldier would have done. Foxfire the Emperor and diplomat had to tread carefully before ordering other people to find Adrian and kill him gruesomly.
"How do I know that you will not simply kill Nigripes and the other once you have the credits? A mutual exchange must be set up."
OOC: Dang, forgot about that...
IC:
The Star Snake lifted off from port and shot away into the sky, on course for Alversia. It would take some time to get there, and all Kartosh could do was worry and hope that the surgeons were highly skilled and with steady hands.
OOC2: I have to go, see ya tommorow.

"Call off the Black Guards, Adrian Connelly knows they're here. It is a trap. As soon as he sees one, he is going to execute both of us."
Do you know where you are? Are you still in the city?
The Black Guards reluctently fell back to the Palace. It was obvious that they would have to find another way in. As soon as Nigripe's location was determined, they could have soldiers in there.
Hospital...
"So nothing can be done. I'll be deaf in twenty years time, is that it? And no cloned replacements or bionic substitutes can be made?" Kartosh's shoulders sagged and he seemed to resign himself to defeat.
Cholk System...
The patrols and corvettes continued to pursue the frigates, firing beams and missiles at their retreating engines. The Destroyer found that it could not target the last Scavenger and opened fire on the battleship instead. It all seemed too easy, the fleet was obviously only interested in running. The fleet stopped and the patrols and corvettes weaved in and out among the frigates while the Destroyer beared down on the back on the battleship. The destroyer opened fire on the exposed flank once again, MAC rounds, laser beams and ion cannons slicing towards the ship. The Scavenger was headed out alone, the rest of the fleet blocking the Xiscapian fleet. Between the Scavenger and escape lay several dozen defense drones, which turned to target the warship with their guns. The little spherical balls of metal came in an arc, targeting the warship with their weak lasers.

Three shreeders imploded from fire, the vacume of space killing off the insiders. This was follwed by the destruction of the two warships " Enterprise" and "Servant"., the whole fleet was in full retreat now out of the system, as the "Burden" was left to escape, it had hit hyperspace, the heavily damaged fleet would jump to an opposite side of the galaxy.

Foxfire wanted nothing more than to find the man and kill him gruesomly. It was what Foxfire the soldier would have done. Foxfire the Emperor and diplomat had to tread carefully before ordering other people to find Adrian and kill him gruesomly.
"How do I know that you will not simply kill Nigripes and the other once you have the credits? A mutual exchange must be set up."
OOC: Dang, forgot about that...
IC:
The Star Snake lifted off from port and shot away into the sky, on course for Alversia. It would take some time to get there, and all Kartosh could do was worry and hope that the surgeons were highly skilled and with steady hands.
OOC2: I have to go, see ya tommorow.

Adrian smiled,
"Simple, I'm a man of my word, Rose-petal, had as it is to believe. I tell you now that when the credits arrive, the two will not be touched. I can't say the same for them now though. If you want them untouched, I suggest you get a bit quicker in your decision making"
'Emperor?'
Nigripes voice filled Foxfire's head,
'If you can hear me, then please answer'

Alversia, Alversian System

Unlike the usually chaotic Xiscapia, Alversia was calm. There were no massive warships looming overhead and there were no enemy threats to worry about either. The merchant and civilian ships were free to come and go as they pleased, it was only when they approached the frontier that they would be given an escort and grouped into convoys for the risky jump beyond Alversia's borders, the green and blue planet was partly concealed from view by pale white, swirling clouds.

As the Star Snake dropped out of hyperspace, the first thing it would be confronted by was the Sparrowhawk or Hawk One unofficially. The only Nano-Dreadnought ever built, she was an experiment that never really paid off. Having made only one jump and never firing her guns in anger, she was demoted to the role of planetary defense. The ship was so vast that it blocked the entire view of Illesia until one got into the atmosphere above which the Sparrowhawk was forced to sit. After her combined engines and bulk had first tried to enter the atmosphere, she had caused, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and other phenomena because of her gravity well. Even from the ground she was still as big as a man's forearm. However, these days, she kept only a skeleton crew of 19,000 crew. The vessel was lined by phaser banks, missile launchers, CD turrets and AA guns. She was fortress of death to repel any attack stupid enough to invade Alversia.

And as the Star Snake approached, a message was broadcast

To: Xiscapian Vessel

This the APS Sparrowhawk, requesting name of your vessel
and crew as well as general states and purpose of visit to Alversia.
If you have any weapons aboard please deactivate them now.
Shields may be maintained at 80% only. Thank you for co-operating
with these security precautions.

Three shreeders imploded from fire, the vacume of space killing off the insiders. This was follwed by the destruction of the two warships " Enterprise" and "Servant"., the whole fleet was in full retreat now out of the system, as the "Burden" was left to escape, it had hit hyperspace, the heavily damaged fleet would jump to an opposite side of the galaxy.
The fleet was nearly destroyed, only the battleship and a frigate remained, but Kash had escaped. Furious, the Destroyer, Cruiser, patrols and corvette pounded the two remaining vessals, seeking to utterly destroy them.
"Simple, I'm a man of my word, Rose-petal, had as it is to believe. I tell you now that when the credits arrive, the two will not be touched. I can't say the same for them now though. If you want them untouched, I suggest you get a bit quicker in your decision making"
The Emperor didn't beleive the bastard for a second, but he had no other choice. Without looking away from the screen he asked Mallon. "Where do I send the credits?"
Alversia, Space...
APS Sparrowhawk, this is the Star Snake. Crew of two, en route to Alversia for medical purposes.
All the weapons were powered down and the shields were decreased to eighty percent.

Connolly smiled again
"You can send the credits to this location I'm sending you"
A small datapack arrived a few seconds later,
"I'll be there to exchange the Credits for the Captives but I want you to come personally. I don't trust any of your aides or comrades and I sure as hell don't trust the Alversians. Come personally or the next you see of the Commander, she'll be floating past an airlock!"

'Emperor! Do not listen to him. It is a trap!'

Space, Alversia

Very good, Star Snake, proceed on a course of 225
mark 201 and you will be guided in by Space Traffic Control once
you reach the surface. Your passcode is Trezan1101C
Enjoy your stay

The sprawling mass of grey, green and silver that was Illesia spread out once one was past the vast Nano-Dreadnought. It spread in all directions and was punctured only occasionally by thin winding streams of crystal blue water. There was a small hive of space craft taking off and leaving from the surface. A cocktail of vessels from a variety of worlds. Merchant ships, Naval vessels, Customs Patrols, the occasional formation of fighters or even some pleasure yachts.

Then another message came through for the Star Snake

This is Illesia City Space Traffic Control. State your
passcode please

Come personally or the next you see of the Commander, she'll be floating past an airlock!"
"As you wish," said the Emperor, ignoring Nigripes. "I will come unarmed, alone. I will give you ther credits there, on location, and in return you will give me the hostages."
This is Illesia City Space Traffic Control. State your
passcode please
Passcode: Trezan1101C

Adrian seemed to think for a second
"If I get so much as a hint of a Naval or Customs vessel within a million lightyears of that system, you will all be dead" But he nodded, "Very well, you bring the money and I will give you the hostages. All the best Rosey"

The link went dead,
Mallon stepped forward into the silence
"Well? What are you going to do?"

Alversia

To: Xiscapian Vessel Star Snake
Your code is confirmed and you have clearance to land in Marshall Docks
Bay 13 Section 1, South Passage. Welcome to Alversia


The ship would head towards the South Passage (http://world.std.com/~jwpowell/content/zoetrope-plaza.jpg) of Alversia's biggest city, Illesia was home to most of the biggest names in Alversian History and was also the HQ for most of her Armed Forces.
Many Scientists already lived there and it was to one of these that Kartosh would be headed for. However, for the meantime, he had to land at the docks (http://cache.gizmodo.com/gadgets/images/spaceport.jpg).

"I am going there alone and unarmed to deal with the situation. Prime Minister, if you were in my position, what would you do? If Captain Nigripes dies then it is more than likely the Alumina would lose all faith in us and withdraw their support. We can easily cope with the loss of a dozen million credits, but doing so would be the same as bowing to the Danaversian Empire, and that is something I despretly do not want to do."
Alversia, Marshall Docks, Bay 13, Section 1...
The Star Snake landed lightly in the hanger bay and touched down. The vessal powered down and Kartosh strode off with Skyler in tow as the ship automatically locked itself. The last time Kartosh had visited Alversia had been some time ago, weeks, when he had been dropping off and picking up secret technology being exchanged between the Republic and the Empire. It seemed like centurys ago, now. Even though he and Skyler were famous for the destruction of the Server, Kartosh still felt uneasy out in the open. He usually landed without anyone knowing either to smuggle goods onto the planet or to pick up a new job.

Mallon nodded
"I understand" Was all he said, Cavourna leapt forward,
"Let me come with you," He begged, "Adrian Connolly would not execute them over me, I think he will actually be glad to see me. We share a history"

Alversia

The Port was filled with hundreds of people, each was on various missions for themselves or for the Republic. Kartosh and Skyler would hear snatches of conversation from the passing civilians

"...Three Sedar this cost me! Bargain of the century..."
"...I'm telling you the Hawks are gonna waltz through this season..."
"...Mummy! I needa go potty..."
"...Where the hell is Bay four?..."
"...The new XZ-1 is the fastest car on the pla..."
"...Is it my fault I've grown a beard since my last photo?..."

Then they would join a queue to a large desk being manned by a custom's Officer. On Alversia, the Customs Branch was like a part of the military except independent, they had their own Police Force and everything. He looked up at the two new arrivals,

"Can I see proof of ID please?" He asked politely.

The Emperor looked sharply at Cavourna. "What kind of history?"
Port...
Kartosh grunted and produced his ship licence for the Star Snake. Skyler took out her I.D. card registering her as an Xiscapian citizen and handed it over. Both seemed worried and preoccupied.

"I..." He looked uncertainly at Mallon who sighed heavily and nodded, "...Me and him were shipmates, Your Highness, on the Infidel. I was a Lieutenant and he was an Ensign."

"Adrian Connolly was once a member of the APN," Mallon added

Alversia

The man took the passes and scanned them both. They both came up as genuine and, as an Alversian Citizen was required to provide nothing more than his name and Birth Number, he did not even bother to scan more extensively. There were dozens of these desks stretching along the hall, each had an extensive queue and each was dealing with a new arrival,

"Do you have any fruits, foodstuffs or animals that you wish to declare?" He asked, typing into his console. Beside him, one of the Security Guards was staring suspiciously at the two Mercenaries. They looked like they were up to no good and it was his job to watch them.

"I knew about Adrian's past, but I didn't know you two were shipmates. I said I'd come alone. Are you so sure of your relationship that you are willing to gamble Captain Nigripe's life?" He looked hard at Cavourna.
Port...
Ignoring the Security Guard, Kartosh and Skyler looked at each other. "Well..." Kartosh placed his blaster pistol on the table, as well as his katana, four shuriken, two daggers, a tiny holdout pistol, a small case of poisoned darts and several yards of coiled razer wire. Skyler put on both her blaster pistols, four shuriken, a holdout pistol, two daggers and her katana. They both looked sheepishly at the man behind the desk who was partially concealed by the pile of weapons. "Weapons to declare...?" ventured Skyler.

"I know the man. I know he has wanted to see me again. I will go to him. Ask him if you want but I know he will want me there" He said in a confident voice that didn't quite match his feelings.

"I want to be there for her. She won't show it, but she will be scared, she'll need to see a familiar face" He urged.

Alversia

The man raised his eyebrows and pushed the large pile out of the way, one by one he started to scan them one by one. The people behind the Xiscapians tutted and sighed as they prepared for the long wait that was to come.

"By law you are permitted to keep your Katanas," He handed them back, "As for the rest, It will have ot be stored in an Armed Locker until your return. You may keep one other minor weapon in accordance with Article 42 of the Customs and Trade act 200192. Understand?" The man stated in a bored voice. The Security Guard was staring at the pile in disbelief.

The Emperor nodded. "Alright. You may accompany me." He listened for a moment. "My personal ship has been prepared. Come, there is no time to waste." He bowed to Mallon and X. "Prime Minister, Guards Commandant, if you'll excuse me."
Port...
"Aye." Kartosh and Skyler both took their pistols from the pile and holstered them. They picked up the assorted pile and rented a locker to store it all in, praying a fire wouldn't break out in that area. "So where to now?" asked Skyler as they walked back out into the main area. Kartosh shrugged. "Now I dial." He activated his personal communicator and spoke a few numbers.
"Operator."
"Yes, could you direct me to the nearest audio medical facility? I am in Marshall Docks."

Cavourna nodded and followed the Emperor, to his personal ship. He had never felt nerves like this.
'Hold on Nigripes, I'm coming'

Alversia

"Uh...Mister Kartosh?" There was a tall Alversian standing behind him, "Would you like to accompany me to the Illesia Institute? My Name is Tony Martins and Dr Phillips called ahead for you. Would you like to take my car or do you have another way to the Institute?" He shouted over the bustle and calls of the Spaceport.

The Emperor's ship was the Firebird. It looked vaugly crab-shaped, black and menacing, hunched like a shadow. The ship was about the size of a patrol craft, and only needed a single pilot and had enough storage area to last a month and enough weapons to destroy a corvette. The weapons had been disabled by removing their power sources or firing mechanisms. The Emperor strode up the ramp and sat in the single chair behind the controls. He spread his hand to the plush, black and gray and purple living quarters of the ship. "Make yourself comfortable."
Alversia...
Kartosh snapped the communicator shut, cutting off the operator's words. "Sure thing Mr. Martins. We don't have ground transport at the moment, and your help is greatly apprechiated." Kartosh didn't look like he meant a word of it, but he supposed he should try to be nice to the people who would be cutting open his brain in a few hours.

The ship certainly looked as though it could hold two people in comfort but he was not in the mood to admire it's splendor. He could not allow himself to be distracted, He was about to come face to face with his former Ensign and he knew he would need all his wits to face the now infamous Adrian Connolly.

Alversia

"If you please, Sir" Martins led them out into the bright and gleaming sunshine of Illesia. They were now at the Spaceport Entrance (http://www.bibalex.org/english/conferences/images/b-plaza-green.jpg). People were rushing about outside the dock, getting onto buses or getting out of the line of taxis that rolled up every few seconds. There were people saying goodbye to their loved ones or kissing lovers farewell. But then there were those who were hugging their children in greeting or holding their partners like they would never let go.

When the Alumina had first come to Alversia, the first thing they had complimented them about was the beauty of their cities. Now, there could be seen several dozen Alumina amongst the crowd while other races from across the Alversian sector mixed and mingled with the group.

Martins, feeling the heat of midday after spending a few hours in the refreshing cool of the Spaceport, indicated to his car (http://cputer.com/EVO/audi_future_1.jpg).
"Please" He said as the doors slowly opened automatically, "The Institute is only a few minutes away by car. We can take the road by the beach, see some of the sites of Illesia on your way."

The Firebird lifted off the floor and blasted upward out the open hanger roof into the sky. It was an extremely fast little ship, breaking free of the planet in seconds and leaping into hyperspace. It would be mere minutes until the Emperor's personal ship reached it's destination.
Palace...
Silvertooth and Nightshade discreetly stepped back into the room, observing the Prime Minister of Alversia and this man called "X."
Alversia...
"I'd rather get there quickly," muttered Kartosh under his breath, but he allow himself to get into the backseat with Skyler. He had no eyes for the sights of Alversia, and concentrated inward, sick with worry and fear. Skyler placed her right hand on his knee and he covered it with one of his, squeezing tight.

Ship

They were there quickly and, almost instantly a message was sent to the Fire Snake. It was Adrian Connolly again,
"Very good, Rosey-man, you came, and alone too, who'da thought it? The Danaversians thought you hadn't the guts but I knew otherwise. The only problem is that our scans are detecting another life form with you. Care to identift him before I slit the Alumina's throat?"

Palace

Mallon sat down in one the nearby chairs and sighed. He looked up at the two Xiscapians and gave a small smile
"You would be the Emperor's Nephew and Niece, am I right?" He asked in a polite way.

Alversia

"Of course, Sir" Martins turned and instead focused on dodging the traffic that seemed to permanently loop around Illesia. However, he was true to his words and, within minutes, they were outside the Illesia Institute of Medicine or (IIM for short) (http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/Artist%20rendition%20shows%20the%20future%20skyscraper%20'Phare',%20or%20Lighthouse,%20due%20to%20be %20completed%20in%202012%20in%20Paris.jpg). Martins showed his past to the Soldier who was lazily standing guard out front and drove his car into the underground garage. Once everything was locked and the two Xiscapians were out. They were led by Martins to one of the Turbo-lifts.
"You'll be wanting to meet Professor Black. He's the one who will guide you through the operation, so to speak," He turned to a speaker in the wall of the lift, "Floor 98, please" The Lift began it's ascent to the top floors of the building.
While it offered a supreme view of Illesia, there were also offices crammed into each side. Martins led them down the rows, greeting a friend or collegue every now and then before stopping at a white office with a glass door. Standing waiting, was a rather aged man. He smiled and shook hands with both Kartosh and Skyler as Martins shut the door behind them,
"Mister Kartosh, I presume? I am Professor Carl Black and I will be here to advise and guide you through what will be a rather complicated procedure. I'm sure Doctor Phillips explained everything to you on Xiscapia?"

"I have with me one Alversian Flag Captain. Perhaps you would like to speak with him yourself?" The Emperor moved out of the way to allow Cavourna to sit in front of the screen.
Palace...
"Yes," said Silvertooth warily. He stalked to the end of the table and sat in the seat the Emperor had been occupying. Nightshade continued to stand by the viewscreen, staring at the Prime Minister. Both knew they were in the presence of a very powerful man. "Is it true," asked Silvertooth, "that on Alversia everyone is equal and no one fears because of race, species, color or gender?"
IIM...
Kartosh shrugged. "Sort of. He explained the benfits and the risks, and a little about the actual problem. All I need to know. When do we get started?"

Cavourna wandered into screen and instantly Adrian's eyes narrowed
"Beam both of them aboard," He spat on the ground. A flash later and two were on a different ship, surrounded by armed Danaversian troops,
"Welcome to the White Flame," Adrian stated darkly, "You came along for the ride as well Lieutenant? I am surprised"
"In the same way I am surprised to see you here Ensign. What happened?"
"You know what happened. You were there"
"Of course, but I picked myself up from that, I moved on. Why didn't you?"
"All my Friends and Mentors were on that Bridge, Lieutenant, all of them. They died and yet you survived. Why? You got medals and awards and promotions. All Captain Nemo got was a state funeral."
"I don't know why that happened but you musn't let it run you"
"Too late for counseling, Lieutenant, I'm WAY past that stage. Now have you the money?"

Palace

Mallon nodded,
"On Alversia, everyone is given a chance because everyone deserves one. People are not disrespected because of their race, their gender or their colour. On Alversia, we are all equals." Mallon smiled at that thought then looked at the two Bekko, smiling,
"You were afraid you would be shunned by Alversia? Am I right?" He asked gently.

IIM, Alversia

"We can start in ten minutes if you like," Professor Black stood up and stared out of his window at the glorious day and beautiful city, "Doctor Medomal does not like to wait around but he insisted that I spoke to you before the Procedure. It seems that this will not delay the loss of your hearing but may save it altogather"

White Flame...
"I do," said the Emperor, holding a tiny flash drive in between his fore and index fingers. "But first, the hostages. I want to see them."
Palace...
"What were we to expect? The son and daughter of the leader of the Rebellion? Indirectly associated with those who seek to bring down the governments? Alversia was not kind to Halfbreeds, not when they first came to be about. Why should be expect any different?"
IIM...
"So the doctor said. Who is this Doctor Medomal? Is he going to be the one operating on me?" Skyler bit her lip as Kartosh spoke. "Will it hurt?" she blurted out, surprised at her own candidness.

White Flame

Adrian nodded and took a small step back to reveal a female Alversian and Nigripes. They were both bound tightly to chairs, although that was where the similarities ended. The Female was fine apart from her eyes raw from crying. Nigripes looked as though she had been attacked with a bat repeatedly. A small drip of blood fell from her mouth every so often and she was having trouble keeping her eyes open.

Cavourna looked as though he was about to kill someone
"You! You said they wouldn't be harmed!" He burst out furiously,
"She isn't," Adrian countered, pointing at the Female, "she's as fresh as they day she came into this world. I'm afraid that I couldn't garuntee the Alumina's safety. You knew that. All I guaranteed was that she wouldn't be killed"

"You monster" Cavourna spat,

"Not a nice to address your Ensign, eh, Lieutenant?"

Palace

"A mistake," Mallon admitted, "We were afraid of them, what they would think of us more than what we thought of them. They were a new Species and we weren't sure how to handle them. However, now we do know and Half-Breeds are welcomed as Brothers to our land. But as for your Family connection," Mallon shook his head, "It is not the Parents who make the Child, it is the child himself. You may be children of the Rebellion but it is up to you whether or not you choose to live up to that or not. If you don't, then Alversia will always be a haven for you"

IIM, Alversia

Doctor Medomal is an Alumina and he is one of the smartest creatures I have ever met. He will be the one operating on you as he is the one that developed the procedure." He turned to Skyler and said with remarkable tenderness,
"Don't worry Ma'am, Kartosh will be sedated throughout the operation, he will just go to sleep when it starts and wake up when it ends."

White Flame...
The Emperor grimaced at Nigripe's apperance. "Unbind them and have them over here. Once that is done, you will transport all of us back to my ship. When I am saftly back on my ship, I will release the flash drive out the airlock in a container for you to pick up. Then we will jump. If at any point you try to pull a fast one, Mr. Connolly, I will personally make sure that you a very, very sorry."
Palace...
"Wise words, Mr. Prime Minister. But I am thinking we have been left out of Xiscapian society for nineteen years. We need to bring ourselves up to date on current affairs and whatnot if we hope to be of and assistance in destroying the Rebellion."
IIM...
"Glad to know I'm in good hands," Kartosh muttered. Skyler looked at the doctor sadly but nodded. "I am sure the operation will be a success." There was no doubt in Skyler's mind. Kartosh, however, was not so easily persuaded. "Is my will in order?" he asked Skyler. She nodded. "We made it just before the SASM battle, remember?"

White Flame

"Yeah, that's a real good idea. But I've just had a better one! How about you give me that disk and I'll give you the Prisoners? I want to check that there is something on that and it's not just a blank copy" He stated calmly while the Danaversians leveled their blasters, "How about it?"

Palace

"I am not the one to inform you on Xiscapian Current affairs. All I can tell you is that the Alversian and Xiscapian People will need your help to defeat this rebellion. We no longer have the strength after the SASM War" Mallon felt depressed just saying it, "If you ever desire to visit Alversia, once you have settled in here of course, then I can safely say you will be welcomed with open arms. To most Alversians all you are are relations of the Emperor, no more no less" He gave a friendly smile.

IIM, Alversia

"You are not in good hands, Mister Kartosh, you are in the best. I can assure you that Doctor Medomal will do everything in his power and several outside of it to get you through this. I hope and prey that a Will will not be needed," He looked at the clock on the wall of his officer,
"Would you like to proceed now? I can check if Doctor Medomal is ready"

White Flame...
The Emperor knew that once Adrian had the drive nothing would stop him from shooting them all. But he tossed it to him, anyway. "Catch, Mr. Connolly." Everything was in order, and there was exactly twelve million credits, liquid, on that drive, in an account accessable from anywhere with a computer.
Palace...
"That's an interesting perspective," said Silvertooth thoughtfully. "I mean, technically, we are royalty now. Hmmm." Silvertooth's first thought was that royalty tends to have plenty of assassination attempts. Their had been an attempt on the Emperor's life once already, and no shortage of death threats.
IMM...
"Yes," said Kartosh, "I'd like to get this over and done with as soon as possible. For better or for worse." He grumbled.

Adrian caught the disk cleanly, one handed and took it to a nearby console. After a few moments, he muttered something to one of the Danaversians nearby. Two more went over to Nigripes and the Alversian and cut the bonds holding them to the chairs. Once free of the bonds, the Women jumped up as though afraid she about to get a bolt in the back of the heat. Nigripes simply fell limply forward.
Cavourna was beside her in an instant and heaved her up, using all of his considerable strength to support the Alumina.
"Pleasure doing Business with you, Rosey Fire" Adrian smiled, "And you Lieutenant," Adrian gave a crisp but mocking salute, "See you on the battlefield"

Palace

"From what I have seen and what I have been told," Mallon smiled, "The Black Guard is more than enough to ensure your safety in this city. The same way the Democratic Guards would protect you in Illesia"

IIM, Alversia

Black picked up the phone that was beside his desk and pressed a single button on it before putting it to his ear
"Professor? I have Mister Kartosh here are you ready for the Procedure? Yeah? Very good. We'll be there shortly" He put the phone down and looked at the two Xiscapians
"He is ready. Would you like to follow me?" He indicated to the lift where he was already heading.

The Emperor nodded. "If you would be so kind as to beam us back...?" he had debated largly with himself over the disk. He could have planeted a virus, a tracking device, a microbomb. Nothing had been said in the little contract about the disk itself. However, he knew if any attempt to violate the deal was made it would cost him the hostage's lives. Therefore he did nothing. He still didn't know what Nigripes had meant when she said it was a trap. All went, unfortunatly, according to plan.
Palace...
"Well it has been nice meeting you, Mr. Prime Minister. I hope when we see each other again it will be under less...distressful circumstances." Silvertooth bowed low.
IIM...
Kartosh and Skyler mutely followed the Alversian to the lift and up it. Both had noticed a strange lack of other Xiscapians around the port, but figured that many had been called away to fight or serve. Illesia, while beautiful, was noisy and not really to many kitsune's likings. Rio Casa couldn't exactly be called peaceful, but at least it was relatively quiet. This was not to say that there were no Xiscapians living and working in Illesia (they made up a significant portion of the population, as did the Alversians in Rio Casa), but rather that they preferred other cities that were not such a hub.

"It was good to see you again, Lieutenant, beam them aboard" He ordered one of the Danaversians. A few seconds later and they were back aboard the Fire Snake.
"That went well" Cavourna stated as he lowered Nigripes into one of the comfortable chairs. She still couldn't open her eyes and she looked as though she was in pain just sitting there,
"We need to get her to a Medical Bay. The Nearest Alversian Warship is just thirteen light years from here" He stated looking at a monitor.

Palace

"As do I," Mallon stood up, "I must say, you are a credit to your Uncle, you should be safe here" He said then left the room, along with X who had stood against the backwall without saying a word.

IIM, Illesia

While they descended in the lift, Black thought about Illesia. It was a stunning city, of that there could be no doubt, although the Xiscapians preferred the areas were it was quiet. They mostly lived in the outer suburbs than the city centre flats. Nevertheless, there were at least 12,500 people in this building now and of that number at least a quarter were Xiscapians. In fact one came to take over from Professor Black now, as soon as they had left the lift.
"Mister Kartosh, Miss Skyler, May I introduce Doctor Alexis? She will be assisting during the operation." The Xiscapian, quite tall with blue eyes, green hair and orange fur gave a low bow.
"It is an honor to meet you" She stated as she led them towards the Operating Theatre.

The Emperor typed for a few moments and the ship jumped, on course for the Alversian ship. Now alone, the Emperor sagged visibly, slumping down in his chair. He didn't say anything, but it was obvious there were many conflicting thoughts churning about behind those yellow eyes.
IIM...
Kartosh nodded. "Doctor." was all he said. Outwardly he showed no emotion, but inwardly he was quiet nervous and Skyler, having known him for years, recognized the signs. She slipped her hand into his as they approached the operation theatre.
OOC: Just letting you know, having blue, green or brown eyes in quite rare in Xiscapians. Most have varying shades of orange or yellow.

OOC: My Mistake, 2 outta 3's not too bad

The Alversian vessel loomed into view. It was an Alversian Vessel Philospher Class and instantly, it's two twin turrets, each sporting two turbo-lasers turned quickly to face the Fire Snake. A message was sent at the same time

TO: Unidentified Vessel

We have no Cargo of interest. If you do not break off your current
course, we will be forced to open fire

IIM, Alversia

Inside the pale, white Operating Theatre were various clusters of complicated machinery and a small team of people moving around in white lab coats and disinfectant masks covering their noses and mouths. They were checking the different tools and instruments as well as looking at a page of data behind the main wall. In the centre of all this stood a lone table.
"Please, Professor Medomal would prefer not to see you until you are sedated," Alexis stepped in, "He prefers to work when he doesn't know his patient. He says it allows him to focus solely on the task in hand"
She indicated to the table
"When you're ready, Sir" She said.

OOC: I thought the Philospher Class was merchant ships?
IC:
TO: Unidentified Vessel

We have no Cargo of interest. If you do not break off your current
course, we will be forced to open fire
Alversian vessal, this is the Xiscapian vessal Firebird. We have a wounded Alumina on board who is urgently in need of medical assistance. Do we have permission to dock?
IIM...
Kartosh looked down at himself. Normally he thought the patient would need to change first, but if not, all the better. He liked wearing his own clothes anyway. The Xiscapian mercenary gave his sword and pistol and Skyler and laid flat on his back on the table. Skyler held the weapons tightly as she watched the area being prepared.

OOC: It is a Merchant ship

The two Turrets, designed purely for self-defense but packing a lot of punch as well, rotated back to their original positions as another message was sent

To: Xiscapian Vessel, Firebird

Confirmed, you may land in our dock. Deactivate all weapons and shields
prior to entry. Both internal defenses and external defenses as well as
your ship's AI. We will have a Medical Team standing by.

Captain Valencias
APMS Aristotle


"Come on Nigripes" Cavourna stated from his seat beside the wounded Alumina, the other girl was sitting with her as well.
"Is she going to be okay?" She asked
"Of course, come on Girl" He replied.

IIM, Alversia

As Kartosh lay down, one of the Doctors approached and attached a small pad to the back of his head. One swift flick of the wrist later and Kartosh would be dead to the world until some saw fit to wake him again.

It was only then that the Alumina entered. Even as he stood there, well over seven feet in height and his own surgical equipment on, he seemed to be surrounded in an aura of wisdom and confidence. He approached Kartosh as Alexis turned to Skyler, "Would you like to wait in the Ready Room, Ma'am?"
She pointed to a room connected to the Threatre with a massive pane glass window.
So the operation began.

OCC: DAMMIT!!!, sorry ive been gone, could you summerize what has happend?

OOC: Several pages back I decimated your fleet, but Kash escaped. I am now in the process of destroying the slower survivors.
IC:
"What is your name?" asked the Emperor to the Alversian women as the Firebird settled into the hanger. All the weapons were already offline, and the shields went down as a neccesity when entering the hanger bay. The Firebird had considerable internal weapons, and turrets, gas spewers, droids and other automated weaponry ceased function, as did the non-sentiant A.I. The ramp lowered out into the APMS Aristotle.
IIM...
Skyler nodded silently and entered the Ready Room, sitting down and watching the operation unblinking the whole time.

"My name's Meryl, I work at APNHQ in Rio Casa" She said nervously as all of them stepped down to the floor of the hangar. As soon as they had hit the ground, three Medics approached and took Nigripes from Cavourna. They carried her away quickly with Cavourna in hot pursuit.

Then another man, evidently the Captain stepped down and approached the Emperor. He gave a low bow
"My Name is Fernando Valencias and I am Captain of this humble vessel" He stated with great respect. He looked up from his bow,
"Forgive me if this seems rude but why is the Emperor of the Xiscapian Empire out here with nothing more than an Alversian Naval Officer and an Alumina? Has your convoy been ambushed?" He asked concernedly.
As he did so, an Ion Field came up around the Firebird
"Please forgive the precautions" He indicated to the Ion Field, "The AI of another vessel went haywire when it was inside the Socrates. Destroyed the ship from the inside out. Not nice" He grimaced.

IIM, Alversia
Many hours later

Professor Black entered the ready room. He was with Alexis although Professor Medomal seemed to have vanished.
"Ma'am?" He asked gently, stirring Skyler from where she slept on the chair, "The Operation is complete. We have moved Mister Kartosh to one of the rooms upstairs. Would you like to see him?"

OOC: Several pages back I decimated your fleet, but Kash escaped. I am now in the process of destroying the slower survivors.
IC:
"What is your name?" asked the Emperor to the Alversian women as the Firebird settled into the hanger. All the weapons were already offline, and the shields went down as a neccesity when entering the hanger bay. The Firebird had considerable internal weapons, and turrets, gas spewers, droids and other automated weaponry ceased function, as did the non-sentiant A.I. The ramp lowered out into the APMS Aristotle.
IIM...
Skyler nodded silently and entered the Ready Room, sitting down and watching the operation unblinking the whole time.
OCC: i alreay know the fleet would be killed.

The wreckage of the Alliance fleet gliterred and shined in space. But there death's were not in vain, they had rescued a man of unimagible power and horror, and he would be the one to unleash a war upon this galaxy and its inhabitants, but things can change as he wanted to establish ties first, that would begin with Xscipia, he needed to change there mind of war against him for it seemed no matter how much the imitators wanted relations they were replyed by a knife to the gut, or a Katana. The scavenger "Burden" had made it out, and with her crew, they advaced towards Xscipia.

"There was a certain matter which had to be resolved out here, Captain. Nothing that you need to be concerned about, all I'm interested in at the moment is Captain Nigripes's health and returning to Xiscapia," said the Emperor, looking around the hanger bay of the ship. "Captain, a thousand thanks for allowing us aboard. We were very lucky there was an Alversian vessal so close to our position."
IIM...
Skyler lept up from where she had been sleeping in the chair, upsetting the katana and pistol on her lap to the floor. "Yes! Oh, I'm sorry." she scrambled to pick up the sword and gun. "Was the operation a success, then?" She asked, the weapons strapped onto her person as they proceeded to the door.
Cholk System...
"The fleet has been destroyed Admiral, but Kash Wilson escaped."
"Who were they? The Rebels?"
"No, govenor. Scans of the bodies indicate they are mostly human, but they have been infected with Imitator cells."
"And that is common to all the bodies?"
"Yes Govenor."
"You have alerted Xiscapia?"
"Yes I have Govenor, as soon as we engaged."
"Good. Keep me informed, I want all the scrap from the battle destroyed."

"There was a certain matter which had to be resolved out here, Captain. Nothing that you need to be concerned about, all I'm interested in at the moment is Captain Nigripes's health and returning to Xiscapia," said the Emperor, looking around the hanger bay of the ship. "Captain, a thousand thanks for allowing us aboard. We were very lucky there was an Alversian vessal so close to our position."
IIM...
Skyler lept up from where she had been sleeping in the chair, upsetting the katana and pistol on her lap to the floor. "Yes! Oh, I'm sorry." she scrambled to pick up the sword and gun. "Was the operation a success, then?" She asked, the weapons strapped onto her person as they proceeded to the door.
Cholk System...
"The fleet has been destroyed Admiral, but Kash Wilson escaped."
"Who were they? The Rebels?"
"No, govenor. Scans of the bodies indicate they are mostly human, but they have been infected with Imitator cells."
"And that is common to all the bodies?"
"Yes Govenor."
"You have alerted Xiscapia?"
"Yes I have Govenor, as soon as we engaged."
"Good. Keep me informed, I want all the scrap from the battle destroyed."

The " Burden " was on her own as she was the only Alliance vessle from far around, but this mission was rather important he needed an attempt at bashing some peace into Xscipia, but the mission was rather dangerous, would he be fired upon on arrival? perhaps they would see the Alliance as a potential ally? They would find out soon enough, as they continued there approach.

"Yeah, we were transporting Ores to a planet nearby," Captain Valencias stated as he turned to leave the Hangar, "Sorry, but you'll have to give all your weapons to me. I can't allow weapons out of the armory unless we're under attack. You'll forgive the precaution, I hope. Although" He stopped and turned to Foxfire, "If there is a dangerous vessel out there, I think I deserve to know do you not?"

IIM

Kartosh was lying in a bed just a few floors up from the Operating Theatre. The room had a lone bed in it, he was alone for the moment. The fierce orange sunlight of an Illesian sunset penetrated the window and filled the room with a surrealistic light. It threw the Xiscapian, still unconscious and attached to a variety of machines into sharp perspective. Professor Black refrained from answering Skyler until they had reached the room.
"We don't know if it has worked or not," Black admitted "Although, Professor Medomal is very optimistic that the Operation has been a complete success. Only he will be able to tell us. Would you like me to wake him?" Black asked gently.

"I'm afraid I cannot comply, Captain. I will keep my sword, you understand. We have no other weapons. There could be a dangerious vessal out there Captain, I cannot say anything more. Keep your eyes and ears open." The Emperor looked at Valencias seriously.
IIM...
Skyler looked at Kartosh's sleeping face. The orange light drove the room into a twilight, coloring the room and contrasting shadows. Kartoh was perfectly still, disturbed only by the rise and fall of his chest. "Please..." Skyler whispered, hopeful yet terrified.
Xiscapia...
Unidentified ship, you have breached Xiscapian space. Please state your origins and intentions. Failure to do so will result in our defenses acting accordingly.

APMS Aristotle

Captain Valencias nodded in understanding as he turned back to head for his bridge,
"Emperor, I must insist. I want to know my enemy if he does attack us." Valencias now looked stern, "You may command an entire people, Emperor but on my ship. Here, I'm the boss!" He looked rather annoyed at this stage.

IIM, Alversia

Black approached Kartosh's bed and gave him a small injection. At first, nothing happened. Then, Kartosh bolted up in bed,
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Mister Kartosh, how's your hearing?" Black took a small scanner and started to run a small scanner over the top and back of his head.

The Emperor reached inside his robes and pulled out a datapad. He pulled up and image and handed the pad to the Captain. Hovering in the air, holographic, was a holograph of the Star Snake. "The ship, should it appear, will look like that. Beware of Danaversian vessals as well, Captain. These are dangerious times."
IIM...
Kartosh's mouth tasted like someone had stuffed it with cotton. He was sweating, and he felt weak, as if he had just run several miles with a load on his back. He saw the doctor's mouth move but no sound came out. Kartosh's mouth opened as he saw tears brim in Skyler's eye. The effect on Kartosh was similiar to being hit by a brick. He fell back onto the bed, breathing heavy, staring at the ceiling, alive, awake, and he could hear. The Xiscapian was vaugly aware of Skyler hugging him close and begging him to say something, anything. Kartosh's lips moved, but he could not hear. Skyler and the doctor heard, though:
"Babe, there's nothing so sweet as the sound of your voice. I'm sorry..."
The words were unformed and slurred with effort, and he knew her tears overwhelmed her and she sobbed into his chest.

Valencias paled as he saw the picture
"We're no match for that ship! We can't outrun it and we can't out gun it! I'm turning around and heading for the Secula Colony! Radio ahead to the Marston Mines, tell them that we've been cut off by Pirate vessels. Turn us around."
He turned to one of the other Crew
"How is the Alumina?" He asked
"She's recovering, but the Doctor's having troubles with the Alumina's biology. It's quite different to what he's used to"

IIM, Alversia

After a few more scans, Professor Black pulled back and smiled at his readings, "Yep, the Operation has been a complete success. Your hearing has been fully restored. With any luck. It will stay that way" He looked out the window, "Would you like to meet the Doctor who saved your hearing?" He asked politely.

"A wise course of action," murmered the Emperor serenely. "If they wished to destroy this ship they could do so in a heartbeat. I suggest all speed back to the colony." he suggested mildly.
IIM...
The two kitsune didn't seem to hear him, then finally Skyler broke away enough for Kartosh to look at the Doctor. "Even if it's only to thank him for this," said Kartosh. He was actually feeling really irritated at the moment. Sonnavabitch machine makes me take those goddamn pills and then I come all the way here for who knows how much the whole operation costs. At this rate we'll be as rich as we were a month ago: Not very...

The ship turned around and flew back in the direction they came. The ship was now making full speed. Valencias was now on his bridge with the two crew need to keep a Philosopher-Class Ship straight and steady. "Well?" He asked, drumming his fingers on the seat.

"The Marston Mines are not happy but they accept the risk is too great for us. They look forward to their ore"
Valencias laughed, then looked at a scanner. He frowned,
"One of your warships is laying directly ahead. I have no idea where it came from. No life signs" He said a loud to Foxfire.

IIM, Alversia

It was only now that Professor Medomal entered the room. He was as tall as most Alumina, with short white fur and kindly, warm eyes.
"How is my new Guinea Pig?" He asked, smiling.

The Emperor leaned forward to look at the screen. "Blast," he murmered. "There shouldn't be any of our ships all the way out here. They've all been recalled. I can't the type or class from this scan. No life signs? All our ships have been accounted for." He looked at the Captain. "Not good. I suggest we hasten to avoid it."
IIM...
"Doing well," said Kartosh happily. "A little sore and whatnot, but it's all good. I no longer need to take my medication, correct?"

"I'm liking your thinking there" Valencias stated as he typed a few commands into the console that was built into his chair. The Merchant vessel turned swiftly away. However, the Xiscapian vessel turned and started to the follow them. It was faster and already it was gaining on them. Valencias shook his head,
"We're not fast enough. I'll try hailing them" He tried a few times before, finally, a list of specifications came up.
"It's the Xiscapian Battleship A.I.10. Phew, I thought we were in trouble there for a moment. Crewman, all stop," He turned to Foxfire, "You can transfer to them and they will bring you home" He stated happily.

IIM, Alversia

"That is my extreme hope, yes, that I have reconstructed enough neurological pathways to ensure your hearing will no longer be impaired. I'm afraid your hearing will never be what it was but," He gave a small sigh and stared out at the sunset, "at least you won't go deaf"

"No! Wait, it's a-" He was cut off by a flash of light as gray armored SBAU appeared on the bridge and all around the ship. Leveling their blasters the leader of the seven who had beamed onto the bridge spoke. "Surrender and your lives will be spared."
Meanwhile the Battleship engaged a military-grade jammer and cloaking field around the merchant ship, hiding it from veiw and preventing any communications from coming in or going out.
IIM...
"A deaf mercenary is not of much use to anyone, Doctor. Thanks for your work in there. So," he looked suddenly suspicious, "how much is this all going to cost?"

Valencias at first looked helpless, then he turned and pointed his own blaster at Foxfire,
"Your katana, if you please" He sniggered. His other two crewmen had also turned and were pointing their weapons at the Emperor.
In the Medical Bay, the Doctor continued to work on Nigripes while Cavourna and Meryl stood with their hands in the air against one wall.

IIM, Alversia

"If you were an Alversian Citizen? It would be free, but you are not Alversian Citizens and you are not a part of the Alvo-Xiscapian Medical Act, I trust?" He looked from one to the other, an amused expression on his face.

Foxfire kept perfectly in control, tossing his katana to the floor to slid across the deck to Valencias's feet. "As you wish."
Medical Bay...
"You!" A SBAU gestured with his shotgun to Cavourna and Meryl towards the door. "Come on, let's go, move." Three other SBAU stood at the ready, weapons aimed at the two Alversians.
IIM...
Kartosh and Skyler looked at each other sheepishly. "Ah...no." said Kartosh. "We're not."

Valencias looked as though he was enjoying himself. He snatched the sword from the ground and slipped in between his chair and the wall. Once he was done, he tapped the comm badge on his torso,
"Admiral? We have them as planned"
"Excellent," it was Connolly's voice, "I'll be there in about ten minutes. Do not let the Emperor speak and DO NOT let that Alumina die"
"Aye, Admiral"

Medical Bay

"I am a Member of the Alversian Armed Forces," Cavourna stated to the Xiscapians, "And she is a member of the Alumina Defense Forces. Under the Guidelines laid down by the GDA you have to treat us as POWs..."
"Shut it!" The Doctor snarled, "This is difficult enough as it is," He went back to work, "Damn Alumina! Why can't they have the same layout as everyone else?"

IIM, Alversia

"Pity," Medomal was still gazing wistfully out of the window, "It would have entitled you to pay only 33% of the bill and your Government would have paid the rest. Ah well," He stood up,
"Excuse me but it has been a tiring day and I desire to return to my Mate and Kitten. Professor Black will discuss prices with you" With that, he slipped out

Professor Black watched him go,
"Genius, absolute genius, that creature has saved the lives of hundreds with this operation. He looked exhausted as well but still focused on the job. "This is the price," He wrote in on a datapad and handed it to Kartosh, needless to say, it was a BIG number.

"So what do you have planned for me, hmmm? Tourture and execution? Humiliation? Are you going to force to to watch as you kill innocents? Or will you force innocents to watch as you kill me?"
Medical Bay...
"Flag Captain," the SBAU sneered, "we are not a part of that weak, stupid treaty called the Galactic Defense Alliance. They have no bearing on us. Therefore," he smashed the stock of his gun against Cavourna's shoulder, "we can treat you anyway we please!"
IIM...
Kartosh and Skyler stared at the figure. Look at all those zeros... "WHAT!" shouted Kartosh. "This is outragious! I risked my life and hearing for this first-time operation! The doctor said it had never been done before! Aren't I entitled to a "Guinea Pig" discount, or something?"

"Quiet!" Valencias snarled as a dozen bayonets were directed at the Emperor, "If you want to have a hope of surviving this, I suggest you belt up, promptly"

Medical Bay

Cavourna gasped as he felt his shoulder break from the impact. He dropped to one knee as his arm feel limp. Meryl beside him screamed,
"For the love of all that's holy, KEEP THEM QUIET!" The Doctor roared, "Unless you want to tell the Admiral that you cost the Alumina her life!"

IIM

"You are," Black had been expecting this reaction, "The Operation cost at least twice that. The Government has agreed to pay the rest but as you are neither an Alversian Citizen or a member of any Medical Doctrines, I can only regret that it will have to be paid out of your own pocket" He explained sadly.

The Emperor said nothing. He just smiled eerily, and one got the sense looking at him that he knew something you didn't. It was that annoying smile of wise sages to their students across the universe.
Medical Bay...
The same SBAU shot a Stunner at Meryl, knocking her out. He kicked Cavourna's legs out from under him, making him fall to the deck. The Xiscapian nodded and the other SBAU hauled the two humans up and carried them out, dumping them into the ship's brig, where they were under guard by four more SBAU.
IIM...
Kartosh just sighed and Skyler handed him a datapad. He typed into it for a few seconds, then handed it to Black. "There's all of it."
Gods, he thought, that's a considerable amount of our savings. So much for the beachfront property in Dia...
OOC: Bye.

OOC: All the best

Bridge

A small buzzing later and Adrian Connolly appeared. He returned the salutes of the men on the bridge then looked at the Emperor in mock surprise,
"Emperor Rosey! Who knew we would meet again so soon?" He laughed, then stopped abruptly and turned to Valencias,
"Where are the other three?" He demanded
"Sir, the Alumina is still being treated and the other two are in the brig."
"How is Lieutenant Cavourna?" He asked lightly.
"Broken shoulder, Sir. One of the SBAU's hit him with a rifle butt."
"I thought I give specific orders that the Prisoners were not to be harmed."
"But..."
"...bring that Xiscapian to me. And find a replacement for his duty shift. He will not be amongst us much longer" There was a menace in his voice that sent shivers down the spine of every man in the room.

IIM.

"Thank you very much" Black took the pad and handed it to Alexis, who left immediately. "Now, the Professor would like that you stay in Illesia for a few days until he can be certain that the operation was a success. Nothing too major, just an hour a day and you'll have the rest of the time free. Think of it as a paid vacation" He smiled, "We'll pay for all expenses."

"Hello, Mr. Connolly," Foxfire continued to smile. "I hope you've had a pleasant journey?"
The door opened and the SBAU in charge of the squad which had detained Cavourna and Meryl strode in, snapping off a quick salute to Adrian. "Admiral Sir! Reporting for duty sir!"
IIM...
OOC: TG.
IC:
"Glad to hear it. We don't have all that much to expend after the operation," Kartosh muttered. "Do you know where we can find a place in the city?"

"Very fine thank you" He stated politely, he then turned to the SBAU and gave him a cold hard stare,
"If I recall correctly trooper, my last words to you were, 'the Prisoners are not to be harmed' Why then, is Lieutenant Cavourna lying in the Brig with a broken shoulder? Who gave him that?" His voice was low, threatening, as if one little mistake would result in a total eruption.

IIM

"We were going to put you in one of our beachfront Villas," Black smiled, "But We were informed that Xiscapians prefer peace and quiet to the bustle of the beach front. Luckily Flag Captain Alexander Cavourna of the APN sent a message ahead stating that if you needed to stay in the South Passage, you were more than welcome to stay with his Family. I have the address," He handed him a slip of paper, "and your luggage has already been sent ahead."

The SBAU seemed to shrink before their eyes. "I...I did, A-admiral. He was being uppy, see, I felt I needed to put him in his place..." he was practically begging, his voice sounded pleading even though his helmet comm. It was well-known thoughout the Rebellion what happened when Adrian Connolly got angry.
IIM...
Kartosh chuckled at the thought of their "luggage." "How polite of the Flag Captain to open his home to us. Just like an Xiscapian." Kartosh climbed out of bed and pulled on his boots. "Thank you very much, doctor, and I will be reporting in when you call."

"I see, you you decided to put a rifle butt into his shoulder?" Connolly added mildly. He turned and took a few steps away from the SBAU. For a few moments, it looked as though he was gonna forgive him for what had happened. Then, with a lightening speed unknown to either Alversian Xiscapian, he grabbed the Emperor's katana and lunged forward, digging the blade deep into the Xiscapian's armour,
"You do NOT disobey my orders, understand?" He asked menacingly as he twisted the blade in the Kitsune's flesh.

IIM,

"I shall arrange for a taxi to take you to his home. It's only a mile or so from here but I thought that it would be easier for you to have a guide for the first time. After this, it is only a matter of walking to the Facility and either myself or Doctor Alexis will check you for signs of regression"
He smiled once he had explained it,
"Be here tomorrow at 0900 hours. I will tell you the time of our next appointment after that. Good day" He smiled as he left the room.

"Gaahaharrgghhh!" The blade cut though the armor and then flesh, sticking like a spear though his left shoulder. The kitsune almost crumpled, being held up only by the cortosis blade in his flesh. "Y-e-e-essss..." The Xiscapian hissed though blood-flecked lips, the crimsion fluid welling up and flowing over his gray armor. The Emperor visibly winced at seeing his sword being used to carelessly.
IIM...
"Yeah, sure. See ya tommorow." Kartosh nodded and he and Skyler left the room. Outside the building they got into the taxi cab. Kartosh rattled off the address to the driver. "So what's it like, here in Illesia?"

Connolly whipped the blade out easily and inspected the blood-coated edge with a great interest
"Fine weapon, Rosey, I think I'll keep it for the meantime. Or maybe your brother would like it? We shall see" He turned back to the Offending Xiscapian, "The rest of you will bring Cavourna to the Medical Bay. If this thug can survive until we reach base then he can be treated. If not, let it be a lesson to all of you" He called to the other troops.
He turned back to Foxfire,
"You are going to the Brig" he stated rather calmly.

Illesia City, Alversia

"What, Illesia?" The Driver asked as he formed up behind a line of traffic heading out to the suburbs after another day of keeping the People's Republic running, "It's a Utopia, Mate, no poverty, no fighting and almost no rain. We do get a few in the winter months but as it's the height of summer you're pretty safe for the moment mate"
He smiled as he glanced into the hovercar beside his own, inside was a rather giggly Xiscapian and an Alversian driver.
"I'm not saying there's not her fair share of going's on of course but by and large, you could walk around the streets with a money hat and no one would notice"
He turned into one of the quiet suburbs and pulled up at one of the many, rich looking houses,
"This is it, that'll be 20 Sedar please" The Taxi Driver stated, twisting in his seat.

"I'm afraid I cannot comply, Captain. I will keep my sword, you understand. We have no other weapons. There could be a dangerious vessal out there Captain, I cannot say anything more. Keep your eyes and ears open." The Emperor looked at Valencias seriously.
IIM...
Skyler looked at Kartosh's sleeping face. The orange light drove the room into a twilight, coloring the room and contrasting shadows. Kartoh was perfectly still, disturbed only by the rise and fall of his chest. "Please..." Skyler whispered, hopeful yet terrified.
Xiscapia...

"This is Kash Wilson of the Alliance vessel "Burden", do not be alarmed i come in peace, I have something for you, may we beam it aboard your nearest vessle, its destination is on it, it would be appreaciated if it were sent to the person being said on it."

The Emperor nodded and four SBAU formed up with him in a box formation. The SBAU who had been stabbed was losing blood, and no soldier wanted to be seen helping him out, so he was forced to stagger to his feet himself and move on. The Empero reached out with the Force...he could feel the minds of everyone on the ship. Further, and he felt it, and knew. Ah...
Illesia...
Kartosh handed over twenty credits plus a tip of seven and nodded to the driver. Xiscapia, likewise, had no actual "poverty" as it were. There were people with enough to eat and there were people who had so much food they didn't know what to do with it. Money was the same. Xiscapia, however, seemed to the hub of excitment and events concerning the Alliance, while Alversia was far quieter and more peaceful. Getting out of the cab, they approached the house, in awe of the splendor. They had been to the Emperor's Palace, and the house actually compared. Hesitantly, Skyler rang the doorbell.
Xiscapian Space...
There was silence for some time. Then the comm crackled.

The "Burden" slowly approached and docked, hissing as it attached. Kash stepped out, still in Calaverian armor, he was accompyned by 2 Calaverians, 4 swarmites as guards. Kash stared at the Xscipians inside, seeing there hate and fear towards him.

They were soon in the brig, where they found a sleeping Meryl and a rather uncomfortable Cavourna,
"Your Highness, are you alright?" He grimaced as his shoulder moved slightly against the wall.

Cavourna Household, Illesia

The door hissed open and they were greeted by a large and powerful looking Android (http://www.alexandria.nu/ai/blog/attachments/00000005_Andrew.jpg), It stared at them for a few seconds then moved slightly in what was a still bow,
"Greetings, I am ASM2343 or 'Andrew'. Welcome to the Cavourna Family Home, Kitsune Kartosh and Skyler."
It stood aside and opened the doorway for them,
"Please Enter"

The Emperor nodded and four SBAU formed up with him in a box formation. The SBAU who had been stabbed was losing blood, and no soldier wanted to be seen helping him out, so he was forced to stagger to his feet himself and move on. The Empero reached out with the Force...he could feel the minds of everyone on the ship. Further, and he felt it, and knew. Ah...
Illesia...
Kartosh handed over twenty credits plus a tip of seven and nodded to the driver. Xiscapia, likewise, had no actual "poverty" as it were. There were people with enough to eat and there were people who had so much food they didn't know what to do with it. Money was the same. Xiscapia, however, seemed to the hub of excitment and events concerning the Alliance, while Alversia was far quieter and more peaceful. Getting out of the cab, they approached the house, in awe of the splendor. They had been to the Emperor's Palace, and the house actually compared. Hesitantly, Skyler rang the doorbell.
Xiscapian Space...
There was silence for some time. Then the comm crackled.
"Alliance vessal Burden, please dock at Space Station Protector. Deck four, Bay Seven, dock three."

"Yes Flag Captain, I am fine. However, you need medical attention." Foxfire placed his hands on Cavourna's shoulder and closed his eyes. There was no visible effect, but inside the Alversian's body his bones knitted.
Cavourna home...
"Uh, yeah, thanks."
Kartosh and Skyler stepped inside to the cooler air. Their ears twitched as they looked around at the luxerious interior. A far cry from their dingy apartment back home, filled with trash, the place always gray. Even the air was gray. Here everything was crisp and clear, like a dream.
Protector...
Unknown to Kash, he had just walked into the arms of the only Xiscapian who could match Vist's coldness. Durc was the Commander of the Protector, and he had been waiting to get his hands on the Calaveran for years. Inside the dock three things happened in this order: Durc entered the docking bay in a Biohazard suit, the holographic crew vanished and were replaced by Biohazard soldiers, and the Burden exploded behind them, destroyed by a bomb. Inhibitator and anti-beaming fields were placed around the station. Kash and his guard were surronded by enemies, unable to escape in any way, helpless. Durc came forward, a huge man with a heavy blaster rifle. "Tell your guard," he hissed out his helmet, "to remove all their weapons and get on the floor, hands behind their heads."

Cavourna relaxed as he felt the damage heal itself. It was still painful but he knew he would be able to hold on for the length of this problem,
"How did we end up in this?" He asked, rhetorically, smiling.

Cavourna's Home, Illesia

There was no one at home for the moment. The only activity came from a small droid in what was the lounge of the house. It was beeping and driving in organised rows up and down the mohogany floor, leaving a polished gleam in it's wake.
Andrew closed the door behind the two Kitsune and moved behind them into the lounge. With his vast bulk, he was barely able to fit through the wide, open archway,
"May I introduce, ACM203959 or 'Kira'. She is the maid of the household" He stated unemotionally. Kira just gave a series of beeps and whistles to say hello,
"I am afraid that the Lady of the House is currantly not available. She is collecting her son from school. May I provide any assistance until they return?" He asked politely.

"Quite frankly, Flag Captain," murmered the Emperor, "I have no idea." But help is on the way. He spoke silently in Cavourna's head, so as not to tip off the four SBAU boredly patrolling in front of the cell.
Cavourna's Home, Illesia
Skyler gave a friendly wave to the little machine. "Hello to you too." Kartosh was still looking around. "Ah, yeah, I've got two questions," he looked to Andrew, "firstly, where's our luggage and secondly, can you show us where we'll be staying?"

Cavourna looked surprised for a moment, then relaxed again. Although his shoulder had been mended, it still hurt like a bugger and that was annoying him, then Meryl leapt up from where she had been sleeping,
"What?! Where am I? Who are..." She was about to ask, then her eyes widened in horror, "...My god, Emperor Rose...Captain Cavourna," She gave a clumsy bow, not helped by the fact she was going red, "forgive my questioning, your excellency, I meant no offense"

Cavourna Household

Kira gave another few whistles and returned to her work. Andrew nodded to Kartosh's questions,
"Certainly, Master. You will both be staying in the guest room. It is in the back of the house, next to the swimming pool. Your luggage is already waiting. I will escort you" He politely indicated that they should follow them.

"Of course not," said the Emperor soothingly, "chances are I would have done the same myself if I were in your position."
Cavourna Household...
"Hey," said Kartosh as they followed the droid, "don't call me "master" alright?" Skyler kept looking around and looking around. "The Cavourna's have got a really nice place here," she said, nodding, "the APN must pay him well."

"Of course, your excellency, I mean, yes, your excellency. Who are these people?" She asked nervously, as the door opened and Adrian Connolly entered the room,
"I need you," He pointed to Foxfire, "To come with me. Now"

Cavourna Household

"Of course, Sir. I meant no offense" Andrew opened one of the doors and revealed the guest room. It had pale white walls with a solid black mahogany floor and three walls were pure glass. They offered a view out to the impressive pool and an ornate garden filled with trees and flowerbeds as well as a patio. Their own room was big enough to fit a vast wardrobe, a double bed and a holoscreen in comfort,
"To answer your query, Sir, Mister Cavourna has been on a Captain's salary for many years. This house was bought with those proceedings. Most of the houses in the suburbs are not dissimilar to this one" He explained.

The Emperor shared only a quick glance with Cavourna before standing and walking out of the cell. "What is it?" he asked Connolly politely.
Cavourna Household...
"By Qonn," said Kartosh, staring around the room, "you people really do live in the lap of luxery." With what could have almost been a giggle Skyler flopped down on the bed, suddenly estatic. She looked longingly outside, but not at the pool. Kitsune in general don't do so well in water. Unlike the gloom which frequented Rio Casa at this time in the Death Season, Illesia was warm and sunny. Given, it was summer, but the taxi driver had said it only rains a few months out of the year here. Kartosh looked around and spotted their lugagge, several duffel bags and suitcases, leaning against the wall next to the holoscreen. He stowed those away in the closet, not wishing for Mrs. Cavourna or Cavourna's son (he still didn't know what the kid's name was) to come poking around and find a bunch of weapons. Not only would it be dangerious, it would be downright inpolite.