NationStates Jolt Archive

Kartosh laughed out loud. "A hundred thousand credits? Big fucking deal. The Compass is easily worth more, and it's not like I trust this "Director Roman" person. No," he said, speaking into the communications to the other ships. "We go straight after the Compass, though the Imperials if we have to."
"Star Snake, this is John Bradley. Let me guess: were all after the Compass. How about we cut a deal? Let me take it to Drakor, get back Erica, then you can raid his ship for whatever you want. Sound good to you?"
Kartosh considered. He'd vaugly heard of this guy and his crew, and, of course, had stolen the starcharts from him. Erica sounded like a close friend, or even a lover, of his. Of course, she could be a complete fabrification. Kartosh debated, then decided.
Mr. Bradley, let me make one thing very clear: I don't trust you. More likely then not you'll run for it once you have the Compass, you I'm not about to try to go though the Imperials just for the Compass. So here's what I say: we work together to get the Compass, and we will all take it, noty just you, everyone together, to free whoever the hell you're talking about. After she's freed, we take the Compass. Sound good?
The Moldy Crow and Streamlined broke though the atmosphere of the planet, screaming downward towards their destination and, if all went well, the Compass.

"Shut up and sit down!" John shouted to the Second. Then, he sat back after hearing the message. "Damn."
"They're going for the planet," said Kate. "We following?"
"Yes." He reached for the helm controls. "If Drakor doesn't get that Compass, I'll never see Erica again."
"Don't talk like that!" Kate scolded. "Of course you will!"
"Thanks." The Falcon dove towards the planet, following the other ship. "You're right, I will."
"I'm always right!" Kate said. "Haven't you figured that out by know?"

"Star Snake, this is Bradley. You win. We're following you down to the planet, and will help. All I want is Erica back. After that, the Compass is yours. Out."

----------

Roman folded his hands together on his lap. "No response?"
"Nothing," reported the COMM officer. "Just inter-system traffic."
"It seams that they called your bluff," said the exec officer.
"Yes, it would." He thought for a minute. "Alright. It is time to increase my wager..."

"This is Roman. It appears that my offer was not enough motivation for you to respond. I now offer 5 million credits per ship. Work together if you like, for every ship will recieve 5 million, for a total of 25 million if you all take part, assuming that my count is correct. What say you now?"

Cul

"Prepare to jump the ship," Ramuel ordered.

"Master, we're too close to the star's gravity well," Second answered.

"Yes, I know," Ramuel replied, "Helm, course 045-180 flank speed!" he roared

The dreadnought responded, peeking out from the far side of the star, still blocked by the rule of line-of-sight. Within a few seconds, the ship was well outside the gravitational field.

"Jump to these coordinates!" Ramuel ordered as he punched in the spatial coordinates.

The Cul slipped out of normal space, only to reappear over the planet in moments. As soon as the electrical charges dissipated, the bays opened, disgorging squadrons of fighters. At the same time, the Caluchasu and Celsclan moved into position, preparing to set up a cordon around the planet.

"All forces," Ramuel broadcast, "Your only objective is the securing of the Compass. All other priorities are rescinded."

Fighting Falcon

"Master, Ramuel's doing what?!" Second asked incredulously from his seat. "I understand." He turned to Bradley. "I know I was supposed to be quiet, but there's something you should know-" he began.

From above, a dark shadow blocked the incoming sunlight. Second knew it was the Cul, grazing the atmosphere dangerously. A dark shape appeared on their portside, followed by another on the starboard and several around the ship. They were Scimitar fighters.

"We have escorts now," Second explained.

"Star Snake, this is Bradley. You win. We're following you down to the planet, and will help. All I want is Erica back. After that, the Compass is yours. Out."
"Excellent," Kartosh muttered, then immediatly thought the opposite.
"This is Roman. It appears that my offer was not enough motivation for you to respond. I now offer 5 million credits per ship. Work together if you like, for every ship will recieve 5 million, for a total of 25 million if you all take part, assuming that my count is correct. What say you now?"
Kartosh considered. This actually sounded quite profitable. Maybe he could deal with this guy. Keying in the communications stream, Kartosh sent a message, encrypted:
Director Roman, this is Captain Kartosh of the Star Snake. If you allow us time to transport the Compass to a different sector of the galaxy into Imperial hands, but then retrieve it and hand it off to you, would your offer still stand?
His eyes flicked to the scanners, which showed a Dreadnought appear near the star, flicker out of existance, then reappear above the planet. Two more Dreadnoughts appeared from hiding places in the shadows of moons and planets, heading for the primary planet. Far too late to cut off the Streamlined or the Moldy Crow, but they would pose a problem to the Star Snake, Fighting Falcon, Elixir of Life and the Iliria. Kartosh was confident the Star Snake could make it though, and he was quite sure of Nathan's abilities, but he knew nothing of the piloting skills of John Bradley or Nataku, nor how quickly their ships could travel or how much fire they could take from Dreadnought-class guns. On top, he didn't know if the other two could outrun or outfight fighers. Still, he had no time for practice runs, so...
"Guys," he said over the communications, "get ready to run the gauntlet."
Planetside...
The Moldy Crow unloaded, covered by a grass screen laid with dirt to screen the ship from prying eyes, a dozen mercenaries standing in the jungle. The Streamlined flew cover, the little, nearly fighter-sized ship hovering above them. The mercenaries would locate the Compass and be the first to enter inside where ever it was being held, followed by at least Kartosh, Skyler, Nekko, Nathan Chloe, and Downson, and possibly Raven, Nataku, and the crew of the Fighting Falcon. If things got bad, they might be tracked by Imperial soldiers. For now, the mercenaries scanned the area to locate the certain shape and special resounding echo the Compass would give off on scanners. The Streamlined would defend the ground parties against fighter attacks, as well as strafing any Imperial troops who might land.

"Oh, how I have waited for those words!" Nathan laughed then looked over at Chloe,
"Are our shields raised?"
"Yes"
"Weapons?"
"Yup"
"Engines?"
"Yup"
"Auxiliary systems?"
"I have done this before, Nathan"

"Right, right" Nathan turned back to the Dreadnought that was now looming in front of them,

"I'm good to go, Star Snake. Although we'll follow you in. Sound good?" Nathan gave a small laugh over the intercom, cracked his knuckles and prepared for the worst.

"Time?"
"20 minutes, sir!"
Roman sat back in his chair. "It appears that I have there interest," he said.
"Those battleships could be a problem," said the exec officer.
"True. But we can take care of them. At least long enough to get what I desire."
"Of course."

"Captain Kartosh. I am afraid that will not do. You see, I have already set in motion events that cannot be postponed. I need the Compass, and now offer 7 million per ship. Bring it to me at once. If it leaves this system, this offer is void. Let us avoid any conflict, and settle this like businessmen."

----------

The Falcon practically crashed on the surface, at the edge of the 'landing field'. Kate picked herself off the NAV station. "Not one of your better landings," she said.
"Had to rush," John replied. "Demon!"
"I'm gone!" Demon vanished from the bridge. He was out of the ship before the ramp had even touched the ground. Pausing for only a moment to get his bearings, he took of for the mercenaries at top speed. Meanwhile, the eight SPARTANs that were still onboard the Falcon began to move out and take defensive positions around the ship, phaser rifiles drawn.

On the bridge, Kate watched out the viewport. "Do you think he can get there in time?"
"I hope," said John. "Demon is fast. He will catch up with them..."

(OOC: Demon (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/Demon.jpg) is just as fast as Sonic, but much more stealthier...)

"Captain Kartosh. I am afraid that will not do. You see, I have already set in motion events that cannot be postponed. I need the Compass, and now offer 7 million per ship. Bring it to me at once. If it leaves this system, this offer is void. Let us avoid any conflict, and settle this like businessmen."
As the Star Snake approached the Dreadnought, Kartosh sent back:
Director, I'm going up against three Imperial Dreadnoughts here. You're not. We do this on MY terms, or not at all. I can accept your offer only if you sent some kind of forces to distract the Imperials. Otherwise, nothing doing.
Ground...
The rear guard of the mercenary force, a human, turned as he heard a whine usually associated with a very fast moving car. What he saw chilled him. A tiny, two-legged beast tearing up the dirt towards him at impossible speeds. He yelled and everyone turned, weapons leveled. The Streamlined trained it's guns on Demon and a loudspeaker boomed:
"You, running thing, halt immediatly or we will open fire!"
OOC: Better wait for FUS to respond, guys.

"Kartosh, if you can hold out for 15 minutes, I will take care of the dreadnaughts."

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

(OOC: I believed I mentioned more stealthy, but oh well. I'll take care of that...)

Deciding to sacrafice stealth for speed, Demon now faced the mercenary force. I need them to find the Compass for me, he thought. In an instant, he slid to a stop, hunched down with one hand on the ground. "I come to assist you," he said. "We all need to find the Compass, for our own different reasons. Lead the way. I will follow."

ooc: thanks for the consideration, Xis. Working every night sucks

ic:

Fighting Falcon

Second recovered quickly and drew a blaster from a holster behind his back. He watched in amazement as Demon took off. It wouldn't do to join up with him, as it seemed meeting the mercenaries would only agrivate the situation, so Second took off in pursuit with the intent of trailing the Hermian vagabond. He moved slightly, his visage blinking from sight. In the next instant he appeared several hundred feet away, getting on Demon's trail before disappearing again. *

Caluchasu

Camuel watched as the ship charged ahead and greeted them eagerly. On the surface of the great ship, the casemates opened to reveal their arsenal of gun turrets and missile racks.

"Prepare **anti-beam depth charges," Camuel ordered. "Have the 2nd Fighter Wing redeployed as CAP. Send the 3rd and 1st to attack the other mercenary forces."

Ground

Along with Scimitar squadrons that were now skimming the surface, several dropships had also followed the mercenaries down. They opened to reveal the elite of the Imperial Forces, the ***Poor Knights of the Temple Mount. Each squad fell in and began tracking their way to the mercenaries, weapons leveled-the red cross of their order prominitly displayed on their shoulder guard.

Celsclan

Princess Uni looked to her right to where Uruel sat in his command chair. He was directing his forces into the battle, heading off the intruding cruiser and trying to seal off escpae routes at the same time. His eyes had an intensity she had never seen before; it overwhelmed her and surprised her. For all his calm and good-natured attitude, he was a warrior after all. Uni felt her cheeks grow warm, and looked away with an unescapable yelp.

"Milady," Uruel paused in his ferocity, "Are you all right." Without an answer he continued, "I know the battle must be upsetting, but it cannot be helped. My apologies."

She nodded in response, feeling the sincerity of his words in her heart. Uni was also quiet as she remembered that last message from her sister. Would it really come to that?" she pondered.

*see around 1:48. the technique is called 'flash step.' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDf5O1bLfrc&feature=related

**a missile that, when detonated, releases a cloud of special particles that absorb and reflect beam weapons fire. http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/background/glossary_technology.html#antibeamdepthcharge

*** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_templar

The Star Snake shot forward, blazing a path to just under the Dreadnought. The entire point was to bypass the Imperials and land on the surface, not actually fighting them.
"Fighters incoming," Skyler muttered.
Not, that is, anymore than they needed.
The automated turrets on the top and bottom swiveled, and Nekko targeted what she could find with the rear guns. As the fighters sped towards them, they were met by a storm of green and red lasers.
Planetside...
The fighters and drop ships did not go unnoticed, and the mercenary party doubled their time, the Streamlined turning above them. Dodger targeted the nearest drop ship, locking on, then fired, two missiles streaking out, one to meet the drop ship, the other to hit the squad of soldiers below. He sweated in the cockpit. Where are you guys? I need backup!

Ground

The dropship's PDL system activated, firing away at the missile with pinpoint flashes of laser blasts. It hit the missile square on, but the blast rocked the ship back, tilting it as it lost attitude and landed hard on the surface; it's hull riddled with shrapnel.

As for the Knights, their own defense was in the form of their shoulder-launched missile system. The squad member holding the Agrama fired towards the missile with a chaff-deploying rocket. It burst in mid-air, effectively defeating the projectile and allowing the squad to move forward.

From above, a flight of four Scimitars screamed overhead, purposely hitting supersonic speeds above the canopy. Another group roared in behind them, dropping munitions as they passed. *The bombs exploded in the path in front of the mercenaries, engulfing the surrounding areas in flames.

Caluchasu

Camuel smiled, it was the first time in a long while that he had fought such a formidable foe. He watched as two Scimitars were cut down by the directed fire of the ship. Truly they were not to be underestimated, he quipped. But he couldn't stand idle as his men died at their hands, either.

"Fire depth charges!" he ordered.

The missiles tore from their racks, exploding in a screen between the Star Snake and the next squadron. Inside their cockpits, the pilots of the Scimitars were undaunted; they had learned how to fight without visual contact for this very reason. Their weapons were also unaffected, as they main cannon consisted of a rapid-fire linear accelerator that fired depleted transuranic slugs.

* not on the mercs themselves, just in their path, ie. far in front of them. looks like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfMxkBzRsRA

The Elixir stayed on the Star Snakes tail all the way, using her own four turrets to blast away at the fighters as well as her two aft torpedo launchers. The Elixir had some serious firepower for a ship her size.

Nathan was whistling as he ducked and darted through the tracer on the Star Snake's tail. He was gonna get to the surface. He had to. He'd just given up a fortune to do so. Why? Nathan would have guessed he enjoyed his money more when he had earned it.

"Time?"
"10 minutes, sir."
Roman watched the TAC display on the monitor in front of his chair. "Bridge to Engineering. I need more speed."
"We can't push the engines much more," came the response. "These systems are still new and untried."
"Just get me more speed,"
"I'll try. No promises." The COMM went dead. Moments later, the ship seamed to lurch forward.
"Now at Warp 9.8," reported the Helm officer.
"Time?"
"2 minutes."
Roman swiveled around in his chair to face the tactical officer. "When we drop out of warp, fire a salvo from the main cannons. But aim to miss. I only want to get the attention of the three battleships, not hit them. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Good." He turned back around. "Helm, when we drop out of warp, take us over the battleships, then past them. I want to lead them away from the planet."
"Understood."
"Good." He relaxed back in his chair. "Prepare for arrival..."

Just over a minute later, and with a flash of light, the Challenger (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/Challenger-classDreadnaught.jpg) dropped from warp and entered the system. She fired her four main plasma cannons, sending bolts of energy towards the three Republic Battleships. All shots missed, but were close enough to be noticed. Then, showing excellent agility for its size, the ship pulled a cork-screw manuver that turned it upside-down while taking a course that curved over the three battleships...

Iliria

Nataku ducked and dodged the fire, following the Star Snake into the atmosphere.

"Shouldn't we return fire?" Raven asked warily.

"Why?" he answered snidely. "They're doing okay drawing fire away from us."

"That's kinda cold," she replied.

"Well, y'know how I feel about killing Imperials," Nataku said; one of the few truths he'd said lately.

Celsclan

"Princess, strap yourself in," Uruel said before returning to his duties, "Plot intercept! Lock main cannon and fire!"

Following the plan, Uruel went in pursuit of the cruiser while his brothers maintained the cordon of the planet. The Celsclan opened up with its weapons, phased-array energy weapons, linear cannon and heavy Gauss guns. Ports opened and fired a spread of torpedoes.

"Prepare depth charges," Uruel ordered, remembering those first warning shots. Ahead of the cruiser, a flight of fighters prepared to sandwich the intruder with themselves and the Ceslclan.

"Only one ship is following," reported the sensor officer.
"Hmmm. It seams that I underestimated them," commented Roman. The ship shook as the weapons impacts struck against the shields. "We will need to neutralize them one at a time."
"Shall I return fire?" asked the exec officer.
"Please. We need to lure their companions away from the planet."
"Yes sir. Helm, bring us about! Tactical, ready a full spread of torpedoes! Standby cannons!" Challenger rotated in place to face the Celsclan.
"Locked on target!"
"FIRE!" Eight torpedoes launched from the bow of the ship, followed by a second group of eight torpedoes.
"Fire cannons!" The four plasma cannons then opened up, and this time they did not intend to miss...

"Mr, Kartosh. I have the battleship's attention. Please retrieve the Compass with all haste."

Celsclan

"Fire depth charges!" Uruel roared. "Activate CIWS!"

The charges exploded within the distance between the two ships, the plasma beams dissipated by the cloud of dispersing material. That still left the torpedoes to deal with.

"Tracking incoming!" the TAC officer shouted. "Vampire, Vampire, 16 inbound!"

Still within the effective cloud of the depth charges, the CIWS lasers were silent, a silence that was answered by their linear counterparts. The rounds shredded through space, tracking and hitting five targets at once.

"Launch decoys, fire energy shroud!" Uruel announced.

The PDLs finally responded, firing in a concentrated 'shroud' to protect the Celsclan. Four more torpedoes were downed, but that left seven still on their way. Two more were hit as they tracked along the port bow, but two hit directly on the starboard, causing the ship to list from the release of energy. One more was detonated, but the remaining pair struck the Celsclan on her dorsal surface.

"Commander," the TAC officer reported, "Laminated armor is holding. Reports of injuries and damage to the secondary hull coming in! Main forward sensor array is down, secondary systems are coming online."

"Charge the Cherry Blossom," Uruel ordered, knowing it would still be a while until it could be used.

Roman studied the sensor readout on the screen in front of his chair. The monitor was bolted to the floor, with the screen tilted up to face him. "It appears that we have caused some minor damage," he said. "Have the main cannons target their engines. Let's leave them dead in space. Follow up with another torpedo salvo."
"Yes sir. Tactical, ready cannons! Target the enemy's engines, and fire at will! Give me another round of torpedo's!" Challenger shook while her massive cannons began to bombard the Celsclan, while another flight of 8 torpedoes flew from her bow...

Roman studied the sensor readout on the screen in front of his chair. The monitor was bolted to the floor, with the screen tilted up to face him. "It appears that we have caused some minor damage," he said. "Have the main cannons target their engines. Let's leave them dead in space. Follow up with another torpedo salvo."
"Yes sir. Tactical, ready cannons! Target the enemy's engines, and fire at will! Give me another round of torpedo's!" Challenger shook while her massive cannons began to bombard the Celsclan, while another flight of 8 torpedoes flew from her bow...

"They've begun firing on our STL engines," the Ops officer reported. "They can't take much more!"

"Damn!" Uruel cursed, evoking a yelp of surprise from the Princess. "Fire depth charges! Set new course, 045-330. Pitch bow negative 45!"

The Celsclan responded, covering itself in another barrage of anti-beam crystals-making the main cannon once again ineffective.

"Commander, torpedoes still inbound," the TAC officer reported.

"Helm, belay that last command! Charge FTL drive," Uruel answered.

"Sir, helm responding," the beleagured helmsman replied.

The electrical static coated the ship as it blinked out of normal space, the torpedoes screaming through the spatial distortions it left behind. In another instant it reemerged, this time on the opposite side of the Challenger.

"Fire Cherry Blossom!" Uruel roared.

note: the cherry blossom (in my former incarnations) fires @ 10.5 x 10^12 joules. but that's my 'destroyer' design. my dreadnought ver. is 15.5 x10^15 joules.

"Clever bastard," muttered Roman. "Full power to aft shields, NOW"! moments later, the beam strick the ship, impacting on the lower-aft shield. The entire vessel shook from the impact, while the bridge lights flickered, but remained on. "Report!"
"Minor hull damage, aft-ventral sections!"
"Shields down to 49 percent! Begining recharge!"
"Main power grid is down! Going to backup grid!"
"Aft sensors offline! Repair crews deployed!"
"Drop the bow," ordered Roman. "Target fore and aft ventral phasers. Fire at will. Aft torpedoes, full spread!" Challenger began to rotate, with her bow now pointing down. The two phaser emitters, on under the bow, and one under the stern, locked onto the Celsclan and open fire. Twin beams of red energy lashed out at the enemy ship, while the four torpedo launchers under the stern released four fresh torpedoes that flew towards the enemy...

"Clever bastard," muttered Roman. "Full power to aft shields, NOW"! moments later, the beam strick the ship, impacting on the lower-aft shield. The entire vessel shook from the impact, while the bridge lights flickered, but remained on. "Report!"
"Minor hull damage, aft-ventral sections!"
"Shields down to 49 percent! Begining recharge!"
"Main power grid is down! Going to backup grid!"
"Aft sensors offline! Repair crews deployed!"
"Drop the bow," ordered Roman. "Target fore and aft ventral phasers. Fire at will. Aft torpedoes, full spread!" Challenger began to rotate, with her bow now pointing down. The two phaser emitters, on under the bow, and one under the stern, locked onto the Celsclan and open fire. Twin beams of red energy lashed out at the enemy ship, while the four torpedo launchers under the stern released four fresh torpedoes that flew towards the enemy...

"Fire depth charges and ready the drive!" Uruel ordered.

"But sir they're bound to have already figured out that hat trick," the TAC officer protested, launching a fresh spread of depth charges in the process. He activated the CIWS again and went after the torpedoes. Two snuck through and impacted, dealing damage to the laminated armor of the port stern and causing several injuries.

"No need," Uruel said coldly, "Contact the Chaluchasu!"

Chaluchasu

"Commander," Second interjected, "A message from the Celsclan."

"On screen," Camuel replied.

"Brother, no time for formalities, but look what just fell into your gunsights!"

Camuel read the nav display and chuckled. "Weapons, charge Cherry Blossom, lock on and fire!"

A blast from the Chaluchasu lashed out, aimed directly at the Challenger.

The bridge shook, causing some officers to fall to the floor. Roman straighened himself in his chair. "Status?"
"Backup power coming online!"
"Shields down to 51 percent! Begining recharge!"
"Warp drive offline! Rebooting the system!"
"Damage to the dorsal hull! Minor breaches have been contained!"
"Cannon Three is offline! Fracture in the focusing crystal!"
"Give me full power to shields!" ordered the exec officer. "Divert power from the warp engines! Get the shields back online!" He turned to Roman, "Return fire?"
"Please."
"Target the second ship! Torpedoes, double salvo! Fire main cannons! Rear torpedoes on the first target!"
Two eight-round torpedo salvo's flew from the bow of the ship, while the remaining three cannons unleashed their powerfull blasts. The rear launchers fired two four-round salvos of torpedoes at the Celsclan. Roman watched the TAC screen. "So, the game's afoot, eh?" he muttered,,,

Both ships launched depth charges, and the Chaluchasu changed its attitude, firing its weapons at the incoming torpedoes. Meanwhile, Uruel was quick to activate the CIWS again, firing his main cannons (non-energy) towards the Challenger. The slugs tore through space, their armor-piercing nature making explosives redundant. A slew of missiles and four torpedoes were fired off, screaming towards the damaged ship.

Most of the mercenaries hit the ground as the bombs detonated in front of them, thinking they were being targeted directly. In truth, if they had been targeted directly, there would be very little left of the Griffin's Squad. They didn't realize the implications of this as they rose and broke into a dead run, following their maps, but Dodger did. They were leading the goddamn Imperials straight to the Compass! Without the other mercenaries assistance, the Compass could be easily stolen from the Griffin's Squad. So Dodger formulated a new plan.

Transmitting to the leader of the Squad, he gave quick, percise orders, then broke off to target the afterburn of the fighters, locking-on and blasting out four more missiles after them. Even as he did so, the Streamlined turned a three guns focused: Two chainguns mounted to the ship's wings, and a laser cannon just under the cockpit. The cannon fired at the remaining drop ships while the chainguns independently sprayed thousands of deep penetration slugs at the soldiers.

Meanwhile the mercenaries turned off from their fixed route to the Compass, heading into the jungle and down a dry streambed to wait the fighting out.
Space...
Kartosh grinned as the field came up before him, easily recongnizable for what it was. This will be a slight annoyance.

The main armament of the Star Snake was beam guns, but it had it's own weapons that were unaffected by the field. Not being able to target the fighters, Kartosh manually fired a cluster of eight concussion missiles, streaking outward towards individual fighters. At the same time he spun the Star Snake so it turned on it's axis, stern facing the planet, cutting off power from the engines and letting momentum take the ship, causing the bow to face the oncoming fighters. From the front cannons railguns spat thousands of rounds at the Scimitars.

Even as Kartosh did so and Skyler manipulated the systems to do what they wanted, Nekko watched the other ships. The Elixir of Life and Iliria were faithfully following in the Star Snakes wake, the Elixir occasionally taking potshots at the Imperials while the Iliria's weapons stayed consiciously silent. Nekko made a note of this, and turned to watch the main battle between the Cruiser and Dreadnoughts. Both the Cruiser and the first Dreadnought seemed to have been moderatly to heavily damaged, but the Cruiser had impressivly stood up to what would be considered two Superlaser blasts. It had drawn the two Dreadnoughts away, and the third and final Imperial ship was too far away to prevent the little mercenary squadron from entering the atmosphere. All they had to worry about now was fighters.

Ground

The first few squads were descimated by the barrage-even their abaltive armor couldn't withstand such attacks-but more were coming. The fighters that had left circled around to provide cover, unleashing a torrent of *micro-missiles from dorsal and ventral compartments. The ones that had been fired on released flare and chaff defense systems, cutting their engines and trying to outmaneuver the weapons. Some were successful, but others were not.

Space

Camuel watched as the remaining mercenaries entered the atmosphere. He quickly returned to the battle, telling himself that they still had to leave the planet. Two torpedo hits made the Chaluchasu shudder, but Camuel cooly directed fire as he ordered damage control teams to affected areas. The cloud of dispersing vapors cleared and he ordered another attack from the Cherry Blossom before enveloping the ship in another protective barrier of dispersing crystals.

Meanwhile, Uruel was directing fire from the Celsclans linear cannons and Gauss guns, ordering torpedo and missile barrages. A shudder from a missed incoming torpedo caused Uni to loser her seat. She blinked as Uruel held her, inches from the floor. He'd been so quick, even faster than either Vanth of Vecuvia, who were casting jealous glances at him. They quickly took charge and gathered the Princess in their care, and Uruel simply turned back to the battle being fought around him.

* 00:57 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xqNRb5BH8I&feature=related

The Streamlined was buffeted by a fury of micro-missiles, tossing the ship end over end as Dodger struggled to regain control, smashing though several trees and decreasing shield strength significantly before he managed to lift back up. Even as the fighters shot towards him laser fire and missiles came from above, smashing into the Imperial fightercraft as the Star Snake, Elixir of Life and the Iliria streaked out the sky. Dodger yelled over the communicator to the Griffin's Squad. "Okay, go, go, go!"

The Elixir continued to duck and weave, firing missiles and laser fire at anything that came into range. They worked as a team, Nathan manouvered the small ship while Chloe worked the turrets and missile launchers. Nathan was working hard to keep up with the Star Snake and keep her flanks covered.

ooc: will post later. off to work now.

(OOC: just wondering, if Demon follows the mercs to the compass, who should I post him following? He will not take it, just trying to help them out...)

"Report!"
"engineering has tied the warp engines into the shield grid. With the engines online, but unable to make warp speed, they are recharging the shields, which are holding steady at 61 percent," reported the exec officer. "Minor damage to the outer hull. Those slug rounds bore right through, but the breaches are contained and the hull is holding."
"Weapons?"
"Phasers are offline. All torpedo launchers and the three remaining cannons are green. Number Three cannon will need repairs in spacedock."
"So, we can continue on," said Roman. He studied the TAC screen. "Helm: set course 257. Tactical: ready a triple salvo from the forward launchers. Target the slower ship (OOC: the Celsclan I believe. Will correct if wrong). Open up with both cannons and launchers. I want that ship either cripled or destroyed."
"Yes sir!"
"Yes sir!"
The Challenger began to chase after her prey, unleashing all of her might against the damaged ship...

Celsclan

"Their cannons are coming to bear," the TAC officer reported

"Fire depth charges," Uruel answered, "TArget cannons on their torpedo launchers. PRepare missiles for intercept and stand by CIWS."

"Sir, CIWS system is down to 61%."

"New bearing, 045-240," Uruel responded.

Chaluchasu

"Sir, the Celsclan is showing moderate damage to her systems," the Ops officer announced.

"Bring us to bear and fire the Cherry Blossom," Camuel replied, watching as his brothers ship was hit by salvo after salvo.

"Commander, we are passing our cordon zone," the helmsman informed him.

"Just ten more seconds..."

ooc: the celsclan can be crippled, not killed. Uni and Uruel still have major roles to play. well, off to work again TT_TT

OOC@AH: He should follow the Griffin's Squad.
IC:
Griffin's Squad broke cover and ran though the jungle, leaping over roots and around bushes before finally coming to three rocks. Two were standing upright and the third slab was placed across the top, making a door. Beyond said door there was only blackness. Incredibly, blantatly obviously a trap. But in they went.
Further back...
The Star Snake flew in for landing, Kartosh and Nekko jumping out as Skyler took the controls and lifted up again, ready to blast incoming fighters or soldiers attempting to gain eterence to the door. The Star Snake's cannons covered the other ships as they came in for landing as well. The Streamlined would concentrate on fighter attacks, the Star Snake would fire on approaching Imperial ground forces.

Iliria

Nataku followed the Snake in for its own landing, PDLs covering its companions and Scimitars continued their assaults on the mercenaries. Their attack had subsided somewhat, concentrating on protecting the Knights of the Temple rather than slugging it out with the mercenary ships. With a nod of his head, Nataku turned over control to Raven, who brought the ship low to the ground as he headed for the starboard hatch. He opened it and jumped out, landing lightly on the ground; heading off in pursuit of Kartosh and Nekko, pistol drawn.

Meanwhile...

With another flash step, Second found himself near the landing sites of the other ships, which had returned to their battle with the fighter squadrons. From one ship came a strangely familiar form. He knew in an instant who the man leaping from the moving craft was; so, all the players were assembling for the climax, Second mused.

ooc: Xis, TGed you.

The Elixir dropped down easily behind the Star Snake, Nathan leapt out and drew his weapon, the auto-shotgun. Chloe was not far behind him, she had drawn her own blaster rifle. They followed Kartosh and Skyler

Ground

Nataku sprinted ahead, noticing that Nathan and Chloe were behind him before leaving them in the dust. He was soon catching up to Kartosh and Sklyer, and decided to hang back rather than overtake them. There was a reason they had let the others run on ahead, and Nataku always had survival in mind.

Space

Alarms and emergency klaxons resounded throughout the Celsclan as the weapons systems finally put an end to the duel. The Chaluchasu had done considerable damage to the enemy, and Uruel himself had put up a formidable fight, but it had been to no avail. Screens were smashed and dark on the bridge, and power conduits hung from the ceiling as circuitry blew. Sparks illuminated the darkness, and Uruel walked his way to the Princess, grimacing from a wound over his left eye that spilled blood across that side of his face. His crimson hair blended into the remaining light that was available, the emergency alert lights.

"Milady, are you all right?" Uruel asked to where she lay on the ground.

"Empress preserve us!" she shouted, rushing to his side and pressing a torn off piece of her gown to his scalp. "You're injured!"

"It's nothing," he assured her, wincing as she pressed the cloth tighter-to stop the bleeding. "Thank you." he amended. "But, are you all right?"

"Yes," Uni answered solemnly, looking over at Vecuvia and Vanth, "They threw themselves over me in case..."

"We're fine," Vanth answered, though Uruel had had no plan of asking about their welfare.

"What'll we do now?" the Princess asked, looking up at him with her wide blue eyes.

"Our engines are out, so we've deployed solar sails to bring us out of the battle," he explained. "Once my brothers inform me of the outcome of the battle, we'll fold to the nearest drydock for repairs." He lifted his hand to his head and placed it over her hand that was still bandaging his wound. "I think the bleeding has stopped."

Both stood there for an insurmountable length of time as their eyes met. Uruel had meant the last part to let her know she didn't need to keep her hand there, but in an act of boldness, she kept it in place. Empress forgive me, he thought, leaning his head down closer to her. Uni let out a small whimper, but remained still as he moved closer.

"Commander," the TAC officer interjected, "Secondary power has been restored and engines should be online within an hour...sir?"

"Good," Uruel said, standing up and distancing himself from the Princess. "Inform Ramuel of our status and ready my Scythe," he ordered. He turned his attention to Uni's guards. "Take the Princess back to he quarters. She'll be safer there."

ooc: AH, i put the celsclan out of the battle, but seeing as how the challenger went up against two dreadnoughts, i can't see it being in very good shape, either.

unknown passenger ship

"it can't be her,but thats the mark she has close to"
"i know where the birth mark is Jenny and thats her and i at four years old in that photo"said Duke stopping her mid way
"but Erica was born and rise on Delta 1."said Jenny still looking at the photo in her hand as she sits at a table
"that what she been brainwash into thinking"said Duke
"but why would someone do that"asked Jenny looking up at Duke
"i don't know why Jenny,but i know when she looks at me deep down she still knows she know me from somewhere you can see it on her face when she looks at me"

"it's just too much to get one's head around"said Jenny as she place the photo down on the table and gets up out of the chair she was in
"i know Jen"said Duke as he turn to look out a porthole
"it's late time for bed or me and you need to as well you been up working from four yesterday"said Jenny as she walk over to Duke and takes his hand
"an this time you are going to share the bed with me and not sleep on the floor like you have been" Jenny said softly to him as she lead him to the small bed that was in the small cabin that Duke was paying for

"but" Duke was stop by Jenny with finger to his lips
"you need better rest then what you been getting on the cold floor, and i know we not going to have sex as we haven't had that from the last time when it was Erica ,you and i" Jenny said before standing on her toes to kiss Duke on the cheek

"but i wish you would fuck me, i have needs you know and i don't think Erica would mind if you did have it with me with out her" Jenny said to Duke once she finish the kiss
"errr" said Duke who was caught off guard

[blink] what? O_o

[blink] what? O_o
ooc

AH knows what going as it on going from another thread where Duke, his dog and hunter join his ship

OOC: Paddy, AH, it's Kartosh and Nekko you're following. Skyler's flying the Star Snake.
IC:
Downson, Kartosh, Nekko, and then Nathan, Chloe and Nataku soon caught up with the Griffin's Squad, bringing the total force to eighteen, sixteen men and two women, plus Demon and Skyler and Dodger in the sky. In the cave it was pitch black, but glowlights and natural night vision from some made seeing easy, and they proceeded down a sloping hill into the dank interior.

OOC: My Bad

Nathan and Chloe went into the cave, Nathan strained to see while Chloe had no problems with picking out every detail in the dark. She had her rifle over her shoulder and her hand on her katana while Nathan was still holding his shotgun, ready for anything. Both were still way behind the Griffin Squad naturally.

Ground

Nataku followed quietly, his eyes darting around as he scanned the dark interior. His thoughts were keenly tied to the mission at hand, but he had a moment lapse where he was in another place and another time...

Imperial Planet...Several weeks ago

Samael walked the long distance to the raised throne. The path was known as the Thousand Paces, because that was the length from the entrance to the throne. It was also called that because the guards strictly enforced the rule that no one could take less than that number to reach the throne. The Administrator who had been speaking with the Empress fled as she ordered him away, and Samael dismissed his presence immediately.

"Approach," she ordered as he kneeled at the steps. He walked up, stopping several steps down.

"Your Holiness," Samael greeted, bowing again, "You summoned me?"

"Yes, I did," she answered, standing and stepping down from the throne. He hurried to catch up as she exited out a side room into an interior courtyard. "There is a mission I have for you," she said finally, kneeling to look at a rosebud. "It is the most important mission I have ever set you upon," the Empress continued, touching the bud. It blossomed almost immediately. “You’ll leave for the planet Geophon immediately. The details of your mission will be delivered once you’re there.”

“It’s that important, Your Grace?” Samael asked.

“Yes, it is,” she said after a short pause. “Remember this; the path may be dark and deep, and a great treasure is within its keep. Watch the steps upon you take, or a terrible choice you may make. Step lightly and watch your head, the treasure is no good to those who are dead.”

“Highness…?”

“Just remember that,” she said before retreating to the Cloister.

Ground...Present Time

As Nataku stalked along, he remembered that rhyme. Now it made sense, but there was no way to let the others know of the dangers without revealing that he knew than he claimed. There were already a few who had their suspicions. He just had to stay alert; if he could give a warning right before, they might decide it was just careful attention.

Ooc: AH, I figured a place like this is boobytrapped, if it isn’t, than ignore this post or whatnot. Its building up my plan I TGed you about.

Demon followed Griffin's Squad into the cave. His senses were on high alert. "Perhaps I should take point," he suggested to the squad leader. "My quicker reflexes and skills will allow me to get through any potentiial traps with ease. I can warn you of any trouble."

----------

Roman picked himself off the floor, "Report!"
"Main power offline! Secondary grid is up and holding!"
"Launchers 1, 4, 7, and 8 are down! Phasers still offline!"
"Shields holding at 35 percent! Begining recharge..."
"Helm control is slugish. Rerouting control through backup circuits!"
Returning to his command chair, Roman looked around his bridge. He was impressed. This was Challenger's first engagement, and she was performing well. True, there was major damage. However, the ship had held up remarkable well. He made a mental note to reward his crew upon returning to the Auburn Hills. Then, he pulled up a damage report on his TAC monitor. Most of the hull damage was exterior, except where the slug rounds bored through the hull, but those areas had been isolated. he still had four bow launchers and three cannons left. Still a winning combination.
"Activate hull polorization system," he ordered. "Prepare to re-engage-"
"Sir! Target is leaving the battle zone!"
"On my screen." The TAC monitor changed from a damage report to a TAC display. He noticed the Celsclan moving away. "One down," he muttered. Then, to the exec officer, "Have engineering make the shields priority. Lock onto the second battleship. Target their engines and weapons. We still have a job to do."
"Yes sir." He turned to the crew and started barking orders. Roman smilled. Having a strong ship was one thing, but having a strong executive officer was another. And the fact that the officer was a Klingon didn't hurt the situation.

The damaged, yet still powerfull, dreadnaught refrained form attacking its weakened target. She instead came arround and opened up on the Chaluchasu with her remaining weapons...

(OOC: Roman is trying to distract the Battleships so the mercs can make an escape. Oh, and while Challenger is heavily damaged, she is still battleworthy. Her hull is built with a crosswork of interior bracing for strengh, and features a polarization system for better defense without shields. The extreme measures taken during construction seperate the hull into hundreds of campartments, all of which can be sealed off, isolating any hull breach. Key systems are spread out and backed up, keeping the ship flying with half the systems out.)

Demon followed Griffin's Squad into the cave. His senses were on high alert. "Perhaps I should take point," he suggested to the squad leader. "My quicker reflexes and skills will allow me to get through any potentiial traps with ease. I can warn you of any trouble."

----------

Roman picked himself off the floor, "Report!"
"Main power offline! Secondary grid is up and holding!"
"Launchers 1, 4, 7, and 8 are down! Phasers still offline!"
"Shields holding at 35 percent! Begining recharge..."
"Helm control is slugish. Rerouting control through backup circuits!"
Returning to his command chair, Roman looked around his bridge. He was impressed. This was Challenger's first engagement, and she was performing well. True, there was major damage. However, the ship had held up remarkable well. He made a mental note to reward his crew upon returning to the Auburn Hills. Then, he pulled up a damage report on his TAC monitor. Most of the hull damage was exterior, except where the slug rounds bored through the hull, but those areas had been isolated. he still had four bow launchers and three cannons left. Still a winning combination.
"Activate hull polorization system," he ordered. "Prepare to re-engage-"
"Sir! Target is leaving the battle zone!"
"On my screen." The TAC monitor changed from a damage report to a TAC display. He noticed the Celsclan moving away. "One down," he muttered. Then, to the exec officer, "Have engineering make the shields priority. Lock onto the second battleship. Target their engines and weapons. We still have a job to do."
"Yes sir." He turned to the crew and started barking orders. Roman smilled. Having a strong ship was one thing, but having a strong executive officer was another. And the fact that the officer was a Klingon didn't hurt the situation.

The damaged, yet still powerfull, dreadnaught refrained form attacking its weakened target. She instead came arround and opened up on the Chaluchasu with her remaining weapons...

(OOC: Roman is trying to distract the Battleships so the mercs can make an escape. Oh, and while Challenger is heavily damaged, she is still battleworthy. Her hull is built with a crosswork of interior bracing for strengh, and features a polarization system for better defense without shields. The extreme measures taken during construction seperate the hull into hundreds of campartments, all of which can be sealed off, isolating any hull breach. Key systems are spread out and backed up, keeping the ship flying with half the systems out.)

ooc: did u get my TG?

ic:

Chaluchasu

Camuel stared down his opponent, ordering the firing of the main cannon again before another spread of depth charges protected them from the plasma cannons of the enemy ship. He looked on the radar as the Celsclan's fighter squadrons pressed themselves into the fight, dodging both forces fire as they made hit-and-run strikes along the Challenger's hull. The CIWS system defeated the salvo of torpedoes, and Camuel answered with his own, along with a full barrage of the main and secondary cannons.

Celsclan

The launch systems were still active, and inside the hangar bay, Uruel donned a flightsuit and headed for his Scythe. Two squadrons of Scimitar pilots-each a Temple Knight- were waiting for him. With the rest of the fighter wings departing, they were among the last. Uruel's plan was simple; if the ship could no longer fight, it still didn't mean that he couldn't.

"Uruel!" Uni's tiny voice called from a companionway. She ran over to him, Vanth and Vecuvia rushing to catch up.

"Princess?!" he said incredulously. "It's not safe here," Uruel added as she caught up with him.

"But neither is it out there," she responded.

"Don't worry," he assured her, "The Empress watches over me."

"But..." she began. What Uni wanted to say was, I want to watch over you. "Then, let me give you this," she said, reaching up and kissing him. Uruel seemed frozen in place before she broke the embrace. "For luck," she blushed before running off.

Uruel gave a questioning look to Vanth and Vecuvia, who were just as dumbfounded as he.

"Commander?" one of the squadron leaders called out.

"Let's roll," Uruel shouted to them, turning from that troubling moment and getting into the roll of a competent and cocky flight lead.

ooc: sorry for the sappiness. it will make sense, i promise.

btw, this is what my cannon looks like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIE3MOAy5N0 watch @ 00:50

(OOC: try sending it again)

Watching his TAC screen, Roman's smile had long faded. The enemy ship was defeating his own attacks. With half of his launchers down, Challenger's power had been greatly affected. He hit the COMM control on the arm of his chair. "Roman to engineering."
"Yes sir?"
"Focus on the forward launchers. I need firepower."
"Understood. Out"
"Commander?"
The exec officer turned to face him. "Yes?"
"Get us behind them, and stay there. Take out their engines."
"At once." The big Klingon stood up, "Helm! Move us behind the enemy ship! Tactical! Focus on their engines! I want that ship dead in space!"
"Yes sir!"
"Yes sir!"
Roman returned his attention to the TAC screen. Multiple fighters had been swarming the ship, but only causing superficial damage. The real danger was the remaining enemy battleships. He watched as his ship tried to get behind the enemy, then open fire with her main cannons, making a mental note to add some anti-fighter weapons in the future...

Chaluchasu

"Their forward systems seem to be affected the most," the TAC officer reported. "They're maneuvering to get their aft weapons to bear."

"Keep us along a 30 degree cone of fire from their bow," Camuel ordered the helmsman.

"Aye, firing up engines, bringing us to 300 kph lateral thrust," answered Helm.

"Order the fighters to concentrate on disabling their rear weapons and engines," Camuel added.

1st Air Wing, 213th Tactical Fighter Squadron

"Confirmed," Uruel answered in his switchbladed Scythe as he led his squadron in for another attack. Having taken command of Camuel's air forces as well, Uruel coordinated with the flight leads, assigning them different areas to attack. It was easier that way, with one squadron only having to deal with a single target. Uruel stayed on attacking the weapons systems, unleashing a torrent of micro-missiles that impacted along the hull.

ooc: basically, i said that nataku would double-cross the mercs and take the compass. whether or not bradley and co. are in on it is up to you. well, i mean, if you accept the idea that is.

(OOC: bradley does not know of that. man, this is one great battle, lol)

Roman's face turned into a frown. This is not going as I planned, he thought. The TAC monitor showed the enemy fighters swarming alond his stern, taking shots at the engines. If only the rear phasers-
"Sir! Phaser power has been restored!"
Perfect!
"Switch the aft phaser to rapid-fire mode!" ordered the exec officer. "Target the fighters! Keep them off the engines! Helm, new course, two zero seven! Tactical, keep the cannons firing!" Challenger spun around, attemping to bring her main cannons to bear on the Chaluchasu. Meanwhile, the aft phaser, mounted on the bottom of the stern, began rapid-fire pulses at the fighters, trying to knock them out or discourage attacking the stern of the ship...

ooc: so, does that mean my plot arch is approved? and yes, the battle is great ^_^

ic:

"FOR HER HOLINESS!" a damaged fighter's pilot cried out as he piloted his craft into the starboard *nacelle.

The rapid fire pulses had decimated the fighter squadrons, but the Temple Knights were fanatics, sworn only to the cause of the Empress. They gladly gave their lives in Her name.

"Remaining fighters," Uruel ordered, "Target that infernal **weapon!"

Without hesitation, the remnants attacked head-on, the damaged one blasting wildly with their remaining weapons and going full throttle-preparing to make kamikaze attacks if they were damaged further.

*you seem to use trek stuff, so i assumed starboard and port nacelles.

**my ppl don't have phasers, so we don't really know what to call it.

(OOC: Challenger (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/Challenger-classDreadnaught.jpg) is my own design. It started years ago with LEGO's, then I made a 3-D image. Let's assume that your pilot called the starboard pod a 'nacelle', but he was mistaken. The warp drive is confined to the large dish on the stern, another of my own creations. Also, for reference, here are the ship's weapons:
- 4 Pulse plasma cannons (1 damaged)
- 8 torpedo launchers on bow (4 damaged)
- 4 torpedo launchers on bottom-stern
- 3 phasers, bow-dorsal, bow-ventral, and stern-ventral

Those are the only weapons at this time)

"Number four engine offline! Repairs comencing!"
"Aft phaser is down! Re-targeting lower-bow phaser!"
"Dip the bow!" ordered the exec officer. "Get those fighters off our stern! Get me a firing solution on the main target!"
"Bringing main cannons to bear," replied the helm officer. The big ship came arround, and finally had a shot at the enemy ship.
"FIRE!"
The three remaining cannons opened up with maximum power, trying to take out the enemies engines...

ooc: lol, lego's (um, didn't mean that as an insult. i just never thought of using them for my ship designs...)

ic:

"Aft launchers-anti-beam depth charges, launch!" Camuel ordered. "Keep us on their stern, fire all cannons, full barrage! Load torpedo tubes, fire once they're brought to bear."

tech specs: Dreadnought-class

1x Cherry Blossom Particle cannon
20 x (10 fore and 10 aft) Mjollnir linear cannons
15x Gottfried dual-turret particle cannons (1/8 strength of Cherry Blossoms)
10x Gauss guns
8x missile launchers
8x torpedo launchers (4 fore and 4 aft)
PDL(Point-Defense Laser) and 20mm Vulcan cannon for CIWS
note: i tend to use a lot of near-future tech. the only real exception is the Cherry Blossom and Gottfrieds. the rest fire armor-piercing slugs.

"My quicker reflexes and skills will allow me to get through any potentiial traps with ease. I can warn you of any trouble."
While slightly resentful of the tiny being's bravery, the squad leader had no wish to be skewered on a spear, crushed by a boulder, eaten by bugs, plunged into pools of acid, or any other manner of traps left to catch the unwary. He grunted and let Demon take point, the Griffin's Squad following behind, followed by Kartosh, Nekko, Downson, Nathan, Chloe and Nataku.
OOC: I assume I am RPing traps?
IC:
They came out of the darkness into a gloomy cavern, across which a maze of stone bridges snaked and twisted. In the middle, illuminated by a sunbeam from the roof, was the Compass. It shown in the light, beckoning with a soft glint. Normally, one with a jet pack would easily be able to bypass the stone and land on the central pedestal. However, Kartosh had noticed a number of glittering eyes from the ceiling. Kraven Whistlers. Vicious, bat-like beasts with hundreds of teeth that could tear apart even a well-armored soldier. A jet pack would disturb them and cause them to attack it, killing the user and sending his or her broken, half-eaten corpse spiraling into the dark depths. So they had to make their way across the old-fashioned way, and quietly.

Everyone stood at the edge of the first stone bridge. Waiting for someone, anyone to go first, most shifting nervously.

ooc: woot, 300!

ic:

Ground

Nataku stepped forward towards the edge, sending a brave Braid over to test the first few feet of the bridge. Step lightly, eh? he asked himself, feeling around for pressure sensitive areas. He took a tetative step and was surprised when he didn't die. Feeling around ahead of himself, Nataku found one. He pressed it lightly, and felt a brush of air as something passed quickly in the area he would have been standing. Probably an arrow or something, Nataku mused, and he took out a marker of flourescent ink and marked the area on the ground, moving forward as he avoided the trap.

(OOC: I built that ship as a kid, and always liked it. Have been looking for a chance to use it for a while now...)

"Enemy fire on the stern!" reported the sensor officer.
"Damage to Number 2 engine! Impulse power is down 65 percent!"
"Full rotation!" ordered the exec officer. "180 degrees about! Bring our bow to bear! Fire all weapons!" The ship rotated while moving, trying to bring her main guns to bear on the enemy. She fired torpedoes even before finishing the turn...

----------

Demon studied the bridges. "Wait here," he told the squad. "I will cross, grab the Compass, and bring it to you." Without waiting for a reply, he turned, croutched, and dashed. There was no other way to describe it. He seemed to vanish and reappear on part of the bridge, pausing only for a moment, then moving on. The speed and stealth he posessed were impressive. After several minutes of dodging arrows and broken stone, he arrived at the edge of the platform that held the Compass. An eching of a sparrow, along with a jolly roger, were carved into the stone to either side of the Compass. He new better than to reach for it, instead tossing a small stone. The instant it passed through the light, a pair of arrows, glinting with what had to be poison, struck the stone. And I thought this would be hard, he thought to himself. Taking a stance, he vanished, reappearing a moment later on the other side of the platform, with a pair of arrows passing by behind him. To the others watching, it would have appeared as if he simply teleported from one side to the other, never touching the Compass. Sure enough, though, it was gone from the platform. Then, using his point-to-point dashing, he began to return to the cavern entrance, where the squad still waited, appearing in front of the leader. He reached into his small belt pack. "Here," he said, pulling out the crystal sphere, "the Compass. Make sure you get to Roman." Then he vanished, leaving no trace but a light cloud of dust leading to the exit...

The leader was delighted, but his pleasure abruptly vanished when Kartosh reached out and yanked the crystal away from him, almost angerily. "Fucking waste of time," he muttered, keeping the crystal in his grasp rather then in a pocket. As they turned to the door Demon had exited they found they were staring at a blank stone wall. The door they had entered though was no longer there. Kartosh felt a blaster being pressed into the small of his back.

"Give it to me," hissed the leader of the Griffin's Squad. The rest of the Squad had fanned out, and were pointing weapons at Kartosh, Nekko, Downson, Nathan, Chloe and Nataku. Kartosh regarded them silently. Six to twelve, outnumbered two-to-one. The blaster jammed into his back again, harder, insistent. Kartosh stretched out his hand to the leader, who reached the grab the crystal. The next second Kartosh's elbow slammed him in the face. He seemed surprised, a look of shock passing over his face as he flew backwards, over the edge of the stone bridge, blaster rifle spiraling away. He seemed to hang in the air momentarily before dropping away into the blackness. Then everything exploded into violence.

Nathan twisted on his heel, bearing the shotgun, the Griffin Squad barely had time to scream before he pulled the trigger. A four second burst and four of the Griffin Squad had vanished in a cloud of red mist and fragmented body parts.

Meanwhile. Chloe, standing close to two of the advancing Griffin Squad, drew her katana and, in one swift stroke, had cut both down without so much as a gurgle. Then she waited for the next member to dare advance on her. She was smiling.

Demon moved as fast as possible, not bothering with stealth. This had better work, he thought. After a few minutes, he arrived at the Falcon. "Get onboard!" he ordered the SPARTANs before dashing up the ramp. Moments later, he was in the bridge. John Bradley put down his cards, "Well?"
"Mission acomplished."
"Finally!" Cards flying everywhere, he and Kate took their positions at the controls. "Sargent! Ready to go?"
"We are onboard," came the reply over the COMM. "Hatch is secured."
"Lifting off, now!" With a loud whine, the Falcon lifted off, leaving a clowd of dust, and began to accelerate towards the sky. Minutes later, it was clearing the atmosphere and heading into space. That's when the saw the battle.
"Oh my god," muttered John. "What is Roman doing here!?" He and Kate exchanged stunned looks, then both turned to face Demon, who shrugged.
"Don't look at me. I am as surprised as you are."
Kate was frantic. "If he gets ahold of us-"
"He won't," said John. "Plot me a course, NOW! I'm prepping the warp drive."
"Oh, right," Kate gathered herself and worked the NAV controls. "Got a course, bearing 322."
"Laid in," replied John. "Stand by for warp!" After making a few course corrections, the Falcon jumped to warp, making her escape...

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

"Keep up torpedoes! Get damage control teams to-"
"Sir! Priority detection!"
Roman jumped from his chair. "Identify!"
"Contact Priority 3!" replied the crewman, "the Fighting Falcon!"
"Location?"
"Leaving the planet. Heading out of the system." The crewman checked his screens. "Contact has just jumped to warp!"
"Helm! Pursuit course! Maximum warp!"
The exec officer stepped forward. "Sir, what of the battle?"
"Priorities, Commander," Roman replied. "Get warp power transferred back to the main engines. Disengage from the battle and take us after the Falcon."
"Yes sir," the Klingon said. It was clear he wasn't happy about leaving a battle unfinished, but he followed orders. "Helm, disengage from battle! Plot course after the Falcon! Tactical, cease fire on the target! Route power from weapons to the shields!" The Challenger broke off her attack and tried to get clear, moving to follow after Bradley's ship.
"Roman to engineering. I need warp power now."
"Five minutes, sir." came the reply. "We need to reroute the power back from the shi-"
"You will give me warp drive or you will fuel the warp drive. Understood?"
"Ye- yes sir. One moment."
Indeed, after 45 seconds the helm oficer said, "Warp drive online! Plotting course..."
"Engage when ready!" ordered the exec officer. The ship corrected her course, then jumped to warp speed. "Holding at warp 4," said the Helm officer. "Engineering reports we need repairs in dock before increasing speed."
"Very well. Maintain course." Roman returned to his chair. I wonder what spooked Bradley to leave so soon, he thought. Perhaps...

ooc: so, who has the compass? Kartosh? i'll reply that way just in case...will reply later, gtg right now

Ground

This is getting better by the minute, Nataku said as he leapt over a Griffin, Braid slitting the man's throat with a blade as he passed overhead. He blasted another as he landed nimbly on his feet. Spinning around, he took out another that was advancing behind Chloe. Nataku was about to turn as he felt a presence behind him, but was startled and rooted in his place by the voice over his shoulder.

"Shouldn't you wrap this up?" Uruel's Second asked coldly.

"A Second?" Nataku said incredulously. "How did you...?"

"I followed that fast, strange-looking one," he answered. "My Master is probably impatient, as are we all."

"See that one," Nataku nodded to Kartosh, "He has it."

"I see it," the Second answered. "I'll be right back."

With that and a flash-step later, Second appeared at Kartosh's side, nimbly taking the Compass from his hand. He disappeared as Kartosh looked around in confusion, *his eyes finally resting on Nataku and his new accomplice. Nataku abandoned his true form and became Samael once again, drawing his sword and brandishing his blaster. He dropped a grenade on the ground that exploded into a thick cloud of concealing vapor. Even before it had cleared, it was apparent that they had vanished.

Back outside, a dropship landed in a clearing, surrounded by the remaining Scimitars in a protective pattern. It lifted off, heading for its destination of the Cul. Ramuel had already been informed and passed the message to his Brothers. As the dropship landed in the hangar, Ramuel gave the order and the ships jumped, leaving behind explosive motes of non-space in their wake.

*sorry for jacking your char. a bit. also, i think AH approved the idea, fyi.

OOC: leave me out of that one.. oh, and I should mention, for the sake of the story, that Demon switched the real compass for a fake, whick he gave to kartosh. It will still give a course bearing, just not a real one. This was nessesary to ensure that Roman gets the compass, as he needs it to reach his true goal, which will be the next part of this story. Yeah, this is just the beginning...

p.s., Imperial isa, see TeleGram

ooc: well, i had been asking for permission, and i figured since its your rp...so, ok. um, need to think some things through now, so i'll post later

Kartosh just watched as the Second and their betrayer vanished, not even trying to stop them. A smile crossed his face as a lone mercenary tried to blast him, but he whirled and stabbed the man in between the eyes, throwing him to the ground to twitch and gasp before dying. Nekko had met an enemy head-on, leaping with her knees locked around his neck, landing him on his back before shooting him in the face. Two heavily armed mercenaries attacked Downson, but he picked both up by their shirts and smashed them together until both were bloody pulp, dropping the corpses to the ground. The Griffin's Squad had been decimated, the Compass stolen, but Kartosh knew what was really going on. He knew Demon had exchanged the real Compass for a fake, but the little shit had been gone before he could do anything, and then the Griffin's Squad had attacked. But now the Imperials had the fake Compass, which was fine by him. Director Roman, however, would not be pleased. Ah well, Kartosh had never actually signed off on that deal anyway.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he annonced, turning to the rest, "we have been betrayed. Bradley and his crew have the Compass, and I doubt they intend on giving it back. So we need to hunt them down and get it back, before the Imperials can lock it safely away and before the Director decides he dosen't like us as much without his treasure. So," he smiled, "who's up for a chase?"
If Kartosh had his way, the crew of the Fighting Falcon would pay for this.
With their lives.

Planet Karros

The triad had docked on one of the Empire's outpost systems and the Celsclan had already gone in for repairs. Ramuel stood in his private quarters, facing the angry and disappointed visage of the Empress.

"In all fairness, Holiness," Ramuel said calmly, "Samael was the one who wrested it away from the mercenaries."

"And you did not bother to check first, did you?!" she seethed like a petulant child. "There are only three cycles left, and if the Compass has not led us to the Place of Birth by then-!"

"Then what?!" Ramuel demanded. She sat back from the screen, her face somewhat heartbroken.

"Then you will know my plan for us all," the Empress answered. "I forgive you, my son."

"Blessed are You, enthroned above us," he replied.

"I shouldn't be too harsh," she continued. "The tracking system still works. Simply follow them again. For now, the Celsclan must be left behind, but I have dispatched a task force to you. Uruel may take the seat of the command ship Cruek."

On the drydock orbital platform, Uruel stood looking through a viewport at the Celsclan as the repair crews went over it. The scars seemed painful, and his eyes wandered to the raised bridge portion, moving down the hull to the hangar bay. He thought back to the 'incident' as he was calling it, and wondered what to do. Uruel was and always would be in the service of the Empress-there was no woman for him but Her.

(OOC: hmm, interesting...)

The Falcon dropped out of warp. It was not in any system, but rather just empty space. John released his hands from the controls. "Now, how do we find Drakor?"
Kate turned her chair. "Why not use that thing?" she asked, pointing to Demon, who sat at the Tactical station. He reached into his pack and withdrew the Compass, then tossed it to John.
"No," said John. "We don't know if it has any kind of energy that could be traced. We need to contact Drakor somehow-"
"Don't look now," Kate interupted, "but we're not alone." She was watching the viewport, and John turned-
-to see the Challenger bearing down on them.
"Crap." The dreadnaught was covered in holes and damaged hull plates, yet it managed to easily manuver up to the smaller freighter. The COMM came alive,
"John Bradley. Would you please join me?" Before he could reply, the glow of a transporter surrounded John. Moments later, he reappeared in a small office. Roman sat behind a steel desk. "Welcome aboard," he said. "I trust that you have the original Compass?"
John looked at his hand, which did indeed hold it. "Like I'm giving it to you," he replied. "I need this to get Erica back from Drakor."
"What a coincidence." He snapped his fingers, and a door opened behind him. Drakor stepped forward, dragging another figure behind him.
Erica.
"Now then," Roman continued. "Drakor. 532,850 credits have been added to your account, as agreed. Release her."
"Pleasure doing business with ya," the pirate said with a grin. He dropped Erica's arm, and she slumped onto the metal floor. He looked at John. "Till out next meeting," then hit a control on his belt and vanished in a transported beam.
John stepped towards Erica, but Roman blocked his path. "Not so fast. You and I have business to take care of."
"What do you want? This damn thing?" John tossed Roman the Compass. "Here! Now let her go!" Roman stepped aside, as John cradled Erica in his arms. "Send me back to my ship."
"Whatever you say," Roman hit a control on his desk, and the couple vanished. His eyes came afire, and a wicked grin appeared on his face. "Now, it is time..."

----------

John and Erica appeared on the bridge of the Falcon. Kate jumped out of her chair. "Captain! What's going-"
"No time to explain. Just get her below." He drapped Erica over Kate's shoulder.
"Don't worry boss. I'll take care of her." Kate took Erica off the bridge. John turned and sat at the helm, just in time to watch the Challenger jump to warp. "Something tells me this isn't over yet," he muttered...

Several hours ago

As soon as the task force arrived-a small one with the Cruek in command of a pair of cruisers and destroyers-Ramuel ordered an immediate fold operation. The ships were in hot pursuit of the Falcon. As the ship traveled, Samael pondered if he had done the right thing. Of course, the mercenaries now knew his identity, but the crew of the Falcon...

"You're friend is getting bothersome," Ramuel sneered as Samael entered the bridge.

"My friend?"

"She was in that garbage scow of yours," Ramuel explained. "Uruel was kind enough to have it brought aboard the ship before we folded."

"Raven...is here?" Samael hesitated.

"Yes, and she seems under the impression we've done something to you," Ramuel answered. "She's raising all sorts of commotion in the brig."

Samael nodded and took off, heading to the brig. He didn't know what he would do. Of course, he had to play it cool, had to keep his identity a secret. Raven would never forgive him if she found out. As he left the dropshaft to the holding cells, a string of torrents and curses met him. So, it really is her, Samael mused. Walking into the brig, the guards nodded and let him pass. He stopped in front of Raven, protected from her wrath by a forcefield.

"And who the hell are you?" she spat.

"I am Samael," he answered, "An operative for the Empress."

"Yeah, well you can take your Empress and shove her up your-"

Samael deactivated the field and stepped forward, making her pause mid-sentence.

"We have no cause to harm you," he said. "Our mission simply cause our paths to diverge. I believe they brought you here because they felt you to be an innocent bystander in the crossfire."

"And what about Nataku?" Raven asked. "Did you bring him here too?"

"No," Samael swallowed. "You are our only guest."

"Liar," she seethed, drawing back to punch him. Samael caught her fist and held it there before releasing it. "This how you treat your guests?"

"No, it isn't," he replied. Turning to the guard he said, "I will vouch for her release. Have them set up guest quarters for her."

Present time

Sparks of space erupted into flourescent orbs and miniature suns. Electric currents darted inbetween the motes, solidifying into geometric shapes that soon became the enforced Imperial battle group. They moved swiflty through the system, and it wasn't long until they had overtaken the Falcon.

"Crew of the Fighting Falcon," Ramuel announced, "We have come for the true compass. Turn it over at once."

"Cautions breed cautions," muttered John. The old saying seemed to apply very well here. Then the COMM came alive again:

"Crew of the Fighting Falcon. We have come for the true compass. Turn it over at once."

"Perfect." He reached for the helm controls, planning to try and run. "Ah, what's the use?" Instead, he hit the COMM...

"This is Captain John Bradley. Sorry, I don't have it. As I told you before, all I wanted is to get Erica back. I traded the Compass for her life. You want it, then go find Roman. Out."

He switched off the COMM so no one could interupt. Then, locking out the controls, he headed aft to check on his passenger...

----------

"New heading, 174 mark 2!"
"Aye, sir!"
Roman remained calm. It was the third time that they had to change course. It seamed that the Compass was not exactly perfect, as it sat on the edge of his chair.
"Sir, should we not repair the ship first?" asked the exec officer.
"No," Roman replied, "there is no time. The engineers can repair the ship for now. I know we need the spacedock, but time is a luxury we cannot afford."
"Understood."
"Relax," Roman pointed to the TAC screen. "Soon enough you will be in battle again. Patience, Korg, patience..."

Nathan gave a grim nod and placed his shotgun on the holster on his back. Chloe wiped the blood from her katana and placed it back into her sheath. She gave a nod,
"It's time to go hunting," She said sadly.

"Bring them in," Ramuel glowered.

"Master?" his Second inquired.

"That's an order. Full security cordon," he continued. "And find the energy signature of the enemy ship. Send the order throughout the fleet to prepare for combat. Maximum readiness."

"I hear and obey."

"And find Samael," Ramuel added, "His dramatis personae may prove useful."

The Cul stalked ahead, its forward bay opening like a predator's mouth as a tractor beam drew the Falcon into the hold. As the bay doors closed, the ship's slipped back into hyperspace, leaving behind lights of distruction in their absence.

As the main landing ramp lowered to the deck, John stepped out, followed by Demon and flanked by a pair of SPARTANs. "It's good to be back," he muttered. "What do they want this time..."

----------

Seventeen lightyears away, Challenger finally came to a rest. Roman held the Compass, watching as it pointed right through the viewscreen towards a barren world. "Perfect. Scan the planet for structures."
"Yes sir," replied the exec offiver, Korg. "Scan for structures! Lifesigns! Power readings! I want to know everything about that planet, NOW!" As the crew busied themselves at their stations, Roman studied the planet. It had no name, no records, not even a sun. A rogue planet, covered in darkness, devoid of all life, drifting quietly through empty space.
A perfect hiding place.
"Sir! I have something!"
"Report!" ordered Korg.
"A large pyramid structure on the south landmass. No power sign-"
"Ignore it," said Roman. "Scan the area on the direct oposite side of the planet from the pyramid."
"Ye-yes sir," the crewman turned back to his station. "I'm reading another pyramid. Identical to the first one."
"Make that five pyramids," said a second crewman. "They are scattered accross the planet."
"All oposite from each other?"
"Yes sir. Each pyramid has a twin on the oposite side of the planet."
"Find the one without," Roman ordered. "How many pyramids are there?"
In the end, they found many more.
"Three hundred and fourty-five," Korg said. He and Roman were watching the survey's status on Roman's TAC screen. "How can we search them all?"
"We don't have too," Roman replied. "Just wait a few moments-"
"Got it sir!" said an excited crewman. "Scanning oposite Pyramid 249. Nothing unusual. Just empty land, a few hills-"
"That's it. Ready my shuttle."
"Sir!" Korg stepped forward. "It is too dangerous! I insist that you allow me to-"
"Silence!" Roman's red eyes flashed. "I understand you concern, my friend. But I have been waiting too long for this. Also, I alone hold the key. You will remain here and take command of the ship. Try to avoid a battle if possible, as I still have a use for this ship."
"Yes sir!"
"Good. Send a servey team to one of the pyramids. And keep the ship in orbit above it. It will serve as a distraction while I secure the prize. Wait for my signal to depart." He turned and left the bridge. Ten minutes later, as Challenger moved to begin orbiting above the pyramid, a lone, black shuttle flew out of its bay. Moments later, it vanished...

ooc: actually, last time was the celsclan, now its the cul.

ic:

Cul

Second waited for them as the ship was tractored in, passing the plasma window that kept the atmosphere in the hangar. As it landed, he saw two of the thieves, followed by those other...whatevers, descend the ramp.

"Welcome to the Cul," Second said. "My Master wishes an audience with you concerning this Roman fellow."

ooc: ok, off to work...

OOC: Skipping all the blah blah blah...
IC:
They had left the Moldy Crow and her dead operators on the surface, perhaps to be found by the next person who came along looking for the vanished Compass. Nataku's, aka Samuel, ship, the Iliria, was gone, but that was expected. Now the Streamlined, Star Snake and Elixir of Life were in orbit over the planet.

Dodger managed to look apologetic over the hologram communicator. "Sorry guys, but the ship's taken damage and there's no profit. I'm not about to go up against that Director guy, so I'm out. Best of luck to ya."
With that the Streamlined turned and was gone.

Nathan just nodded,
"I understand Dodger, good luck" He said to the hologram as it cut out. He couldn't blame the Mercenary for abandoning the chase. He lived for money and there was no money to be had in pursuit.

He turned to Chloe,
"Wherever the Snake goes, follow her" When she nodded, he leant back and relaxed.

"So we've got three coordinate trails to trace..."
"Five, actually. Three Imperial ships, the Coperation ship, and the Fighting Falcon."
"Seems the Imperials were following the Falcon."
"All the better for us. Much easier to track."
"Then we'll head for their location and hope they don't already have their claws on the Compass."
The Star Snake turned and jumped.

The Elixir jumped with them, heading on the same speed and in the same trail

ooc: um, my ships don't really travel in a linear path in FTL. but i guess there's residuals you could follow. idk, i don't know tech stuff.

ic:

"I'm sorry about this, my Master can be rather difficult," Second apologized.

Demon and John were with him in what Second had set up as their guest quarters. As Second had been leading them to the bridge, Ramuel had suddenly ordered them to be diverted elsewhere. With no real idea of what to do, Second had taken the initiative with the arrangements of the rooms. He stood against the wall, uncomfortable at having to stay so long in their presence. He had been the one who had tried to cheat them out of the Compass, after all. Second was startled at a knock on the hatch. It slid open a moment later and Uruel walked in.

"Geez, I thought I'd never lose her-" he began, stopping in midsentence as he walked forward.

"Milord Uruel...?" Second asked.

*Ramuel's Second: http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z200/skuld-3/Anime%20general/Reki/reki2.png

(OOC: assume that they followed the Falcon's warp trail. Oh, and what Roman's after would be worth much to those interested in such things...)


Bradley was angry. "What do you want with us!" he demanded. "I told you. We don't have the Compass! Go find Roman! He went that way," John pointed towards the buldhead.

----------

"Almost there," he said, while piloting the shuttle. The planet, lacking a sun, was covered in darkness, causing him to rely on the sensors to navigate. It was a long, quiet ride, but that did not concern him. He had waited several years for this, and a few more minutes would not hurt. Soon, he had landed. Gathering a wrist lamp and a long, silver case, he lowered the ramp and headed into the darkness...

"I myself don't know," Second answered, turning his attention away from Uruel. "Master did not inform me; he simply gave the order."

"Oh, Ramuel's probably making their lives difficult as some sort of retroactive retribution," Uruel mused, taking a seat on one of the many plush chairs available. "He's such a child."

"Pardon my saying this," Second cleared his throat, "But aren't you hiding from someone?"

"I don't have to explain myself to a Second," Uruel answered, avoiding the question.

"May I at least ask why you are not aboard the Cruek?"

"It's such a military ship," Uruel complained, "And it's not as powerful as the dreadnoughts. I-we, can't assure the Princesses safety."

Ther Star Snake appeared in the same system as the Fighting Falcon and the Cul had been in. Kartosh grinned as he spotted another trail, although these were older and therefore weaker than the others. The Director's ship. Seeing as the Imperials and the Falcon were already together, either the Imps had releived them of it...or they hadn't, and were folllowing the same trail.

The Imperials weren't the types to just hang around after they got what they wanted, so they must be intterogating the Falcon's crew in-transit. Turning, the Star Snake jumped after the Challenger. They would be well late to the party, but if they could take the Compass it would make up for all the hassle.

The Cul stalked ahead, its forward bay opening like a predator's mouth as a tractor beam drew the Falcon into the hold. As the bay doors closed, the ship's slipped back into hyperspace, leaving behind lights of distruction in their absence.

ooc: the task force already left the system following Roman. my ships don't leave a trail to follow because of the way a fold system works. Some of the parts in my previous posts are 'flashback' or cut-scenes. sorry for not mentioning that.

(Let's assume that they followed the Challenger's warp trail, and move on...)

John listened for a moment, then decided to interupt. "Listen. I don't know what's going on, but I have my own problems to deal with. I told you where the Compass is. What else do you want from me?"

----------

The light from his wrist lamp revieled nothing but barren rocks. He moved forward, watching for any kind of sign of an entrance.
There!
He moved his lamp back a few feet, and saw it. A single gem, about an inch accross, imbedded into the ground. He reached out and touched it-
-and jumped back as the ground beneath him gave way. He waited for the dust to clear, and aimed the light on the hole. What was solid rock was now a tunnel, leading down into the bowels of the planet. Smilling, he heafted the case and entered the abis...

(OOC: whomever follows, the tunnels are full of traps. After a while, you will find a large room full of pillars and shadows, with a vault at one end. There is no way to open the vault without the object in Roman's case. I will wait for others to arrive in the main chamber before continuing with Roman...)

Bridge

"Neural dispersion detection," the Ops officer announced. "Analysis complete. Confirmed target at coordinates Z-23-FG-429."

"Prepare for defold procedure," Ramuel ordered. He opened the comm circuit and paged Second. "Where are you?"

"Master, I took the liberty of giving our guests quarters until your summons," Second answered.

"Forget being nice," Ramuel responded. "It doesn't matter anymore..." he added dejectedly. "Once we've defolded...they're free to go."

"May I inquire...?"

"We have two and a half cycles left," Ramuel cut him off, "So you may not."

Guest Quarters

"I'm sorry," Second turned back to John as he closed the viewpad. "I will take you back to the ship."

"Y'know," Uruel chimed in, "It might have something to do with that woman, Raven. Perhaps he was trying to dump her on them..."

"But that's so odd," Second replied. "After all, isn't Samael aboard?"

The Elixir as always, was directly behind the Star Snake, they too, picked up the trail and reached the same conclusion as the Star Snake, they turned and headed with their Mercenary comrades.

The task force exited, pinpointed coordinates making their approach barely a wimper among the universal stage. Once all ships had answered the alert, they moved forward in battle formation, the cruisers up front, flanking the command ships with the destroyers inbetween the capital vessels. Now the dreadnoughts wouldn't have to deal with close-in attacks and could concentrate their full efforts on the enemy at hand.

"Sir! Enemy ships are in the system!"
Korg jumped from the center chair. "Raise shields! Ready main weapons!" He paused for a moment. "Wait! keep weaopns offline!" It pained him to speak those words. "Divert the power into the shields. Remain in orbit." He returned to the command chair. "We shall let them make the first move...)

"Commander, we've been detected," the Ops officer informed him.

"Keep us in battle formation, lock weapons onto the ship, but keep systems on stand-by," Ramuel answered.

"Aye, sir," Tactical answered.

"Helm, keep us out of their line of sight," Ramuel added.

"Turning new course, fleet answering," the Helmsman replied.

"Enemy ship," Ramuel broadcast, "I am Ramuel, commander of the Imperial Task Force. Our systems are on standby in the hopes of keeping this a diplomatic encounter. We ask only for the Compass. Once it is in our possession, we will be on your way and leave you unharmed."

This is Korg, commanding the dreadnaught Challenger. We are here on our own business, and have no compass of yours. Be gone!

Korg closed the COMM. "That will get through to them," he said. "Status!"
"Survey teams reporting nothing unusual about the other pyramids," reported an officer. "Should they continue?"
"Yes, and maintais battle status." Korg sat in the command chair. "Now, we wait..."

----------

Bradley and Demon wandered through the corridors, finally returning to the docking bay and the Falcon.
"Now what?" asked Demon.
"Now, we check on Erica," John replied, as he walked up the ramp...

The Star Snake erupted into the system, cloaked, the eleven lightyear jump had been timed in minutes. Seeing the two ships not fighting, Kartosh was worried. What if they came to-gods forbid-diplomatic negotiations over the Compass? Kartosh's plan counted on them duking it out, allowing the mercenaries to slip past and grab the Compass out from under them. If they somehow were able to work out their differences, or one was quickly defeated by the other, the mercenaries didn't stand a chance.

OOC: if someone were able to track Roman's shuttle to the surface, they might find the compass inside, but would also spot the cave entrance. basically, i need someone to wander through the caves and find the vault, so Roman can step out of the shadows and reviel what this is all about...

OOC: Can I do that?

Cul

"Defiant bastards," Ramuel muttered. "Open channel."

Brave words, Korg of the Challenger. But we seem to outnumber you quite a bit more than last time. You may have damaged my Brother's ship and given our great Chaluchasu a brave battle, but you are no match for our combined power.

"Commander," Ramuel's Second spoke up as he had returned to the bridge. He had been standing near the Ops station, and now approached his Master.

"Yes, Second?"

"There is a residual energy signature approaching the planet," Second interjected, "Possibly indicitive of a small craft."

Ramuel sat and digested this information...what to do?

Hangar

Having been relatively free to roam about the ship (except for the Engineering deck, which she'd been expressly forbade from entering by Samael and that one that was simply called 'Second') Raven found her way to the hangar deck. Dozens of pilots were heading there, so she ducked into a service corridor and found a side entrance, where the larger vessels were docked. She passed by unused troop transports and various other mecha before finding the Iliria still in the spot where it had been forced to land. And next to the ship, with two figures walking up the ramp, was the Falcon. Maybe with their help, she thought as she approached them.

(OOC: Xiscapia, i thought you and Alversia would fill that role nicely...)

"How is she?"
Kate looked up from the monitor. She had been sitting in a chair next to Erica's bed, keeping an eye on the medical scanner. "Better now," she replied. "She's asleep. I'd let her get some rest before trying to talk to her."
"Right." John leaned against the door frame. "Why don't you get something to eat. I'll watch her."
"Got it." Kate got up and left the room, as John took her place in the bedside chair. He leaned in close to Erica's ear. "I promised I'd come back for you..."

----------

Demon sat at the top of the landing ramp, watching the activity of the bay. Now that Roman has the Compass, I should return to him, he thought. The approach of another person then broke his concentration. He was on his feet in a nanosecond.
"Who are you?"

OOC: FUS, you wouldn't have even detected an energy signiture. My ship is not moving at the moment, so the engines aren't operating, and everything else is masked by the cloak, so there's nothing to detect. Point is, we're not approaching the planet. We jumped in, and stopped, hovering well outside the orbit.
IC:
"All right," Kartosh muttered, "time to go." He decloaked (there was no point in the cloak once the enemy could see his engine energy signitures) and the Star Snake banked sharply, heading directly for the area the shuttle it had detected landed in. None of the ships here could move quickly enough to intercept him, but that said nothing for their fighters or weapons. He would have to hope his piloting skills, speed and the surprise at another ship appearing would hold them long enough to get to the surface. Skyler calmly manipulated the systems for maximum velocity and shield power, thinking that the Imperials were probably sick of the sight of the Star Snake.

Dream

"what you looking at Duke"asked a young female voice
a young a sixteen year old Duke turn to look at a young girl the same age as him

" just looking at a plan of a battle droid i hope to have the money to get made Erica"said Duke as he walks to her and kissed her on the lips

"one day you may "said Erica as she puts her arm around him
"we marry in four weeks of our brithday" she added as Duke picks her up in his arms

"that we do my love" Duke said ro her as carrys her to a chair that was next to a warm fire

"look who sleeping next to the chair looking cute"said Erica as she spots Duke dog who was a puppy when they were sixteen

"our puppy Q"Duke as he sits down in the chair placing on his lap

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

"Duke, Duke wake up"

Duke who was sleeping on the again, wakes up looking right into Jenny face who was leaning over the side of the bed to wake him up

"what is it"he asked her

"you woke me up as you talked in your sleep"said Jenny as she sat up in the bed

"sorry Jenny"said Duke

"is Hunter the battle droid you hope to have the money to get made that you told Erica, an is your dog the young puppy Q ,an what was it that you said that we do my love"Jenny asked Duke

"yes Hunter is and my dog is Q Jenny"said Duke as he got up from the floor and walks over to the porthole to look out into space

"we were marrying in four weeks after we turned seventeen, but it never happen as she was taking three days after the day i was dreaming of"said Duke as he turn to face Jenny

ooc: i was referring to Roman, who, by AHs posts, has taken a shuttle down to the planet. So if you want, you can restart and still be cloaked.

ic:

"Samael," Ramuel requested, and the tall, dark Operative stepped forward. "Take your Scythe and a small contingent of Knights down to the surface. Find out what they're up to. This Korg is not the master of the ship. So the question begs; where is he?"

"All right," Samael answered. It was all he could do. The failure of the last encounter had been his own. "About Raven-"

"Your first duty is to the Empress, do you agree?" Ramuel demanded.

"Yes."

"Then fulfill your duty. We'll deal with other matters later."

Hangar

"I'm Raven... Can I ask...? Are you part of the group that was looking for the Compass?" Raven asked. "Were you on the surface?"

She stayed at the bottom of the landing ramp, not wanting to provoke anyone. Though, as she had just stalked her way from the shadows, it might be enough to cause a little provocation.

(OOC: FUS, crews from Challenger are making a big seen of surveying a few of the pyramids, hoping that that will distract anyone looking for Roman. Xiscapia, go ahead and have your people enter the caves and find their way to the main chamber with the vault [see discription above]. I will have Roman enter then...)

Demon looked Raven over, and decided that she possed little threat. "The surface of what?" he asked. "We were picked up in open space. No idea where we are now."

----------

...the sunlight lit up the room... a boy waiting by the window... a man handing her a strange sword... "you are the chosen one" he says... "one with the purest of hearts.."

Erica opens her eyes. The sunlit room is gone, replaced by metal walls. But a man was still sitting by her bedside.
"Duke?" she wispers.
"Huh?" he looks up. "Erica! You're awake!" He rests his hand on her forehead. "Feeling better?"
"I guess," she replied while sitting up. "Where are we?"
"In the Falcon, sitting in the hanger of some Imperial ship. They nabbed us after I got you back from Drakor and Roman."
"Roman..." She leans forward, holding her head as images flood her mind.

"You will never be a threat to me." The machine lowers to her head. "You will not remember..."

"Hey, you ok?"
"Oh sorry. I guess I just had a bad dream."
"Well, let me get you something to eat." John gets up and heads out of the room. "Back in a sec!"
"Ok." She moves over to a mirror, and stares at herself. "What happened to me?" she askes. "What is going on?"

OOC:
So if you want, you can restart and still be cloaked.
Nah, it's fine, he's decloaked anyway. :P
IC:
Not meeting any opposition, the Star Snake blazed down on the shuttle's trail towards the surface. Landing, the mercenaries noticed that there was no one else there, no guards, no fighters, not even a single droid. Feeling uneasy, Kartosh gazed out the cockpit window at the ground, utterly dark, the void only penetrated by the landing lights of the ship.
Rouge planets like this were not common, and certainly not ones with structures of any kind of them.

Taking arms, he and Skyler proceeded onto the ground, locking the ship behind them. Normally kitsune could see in the dark, but the utter blackness defied any attempt at natural nocturnal vision and the two were forced to rely on the flashlights attatched to the barrels of their guns. With the additional light they could see a little bit more than a human, but it still wasn't much. The hole was soon found and the partners decended into the tunnel that gaped like a black hole, waiting to devour the unweary, never to return.

The Elixir landed directly behind the Star Snake. Nathan came out with Chloe and walked to Kartosh's position. Nathan didn't like it. It was too quiet, too dark. His instincts were telling him that something was going to happen but he didn't know what.
He was wearing an infrared helmet that allowed him to see in the dark while Chloe, being a Xiscapian, could see perfectly well,
"Nice day" Nathan said lightly looking around.

As Samael piloted his Scythe, followed by the five escort Knights in their Scimitars, he wondered which of the ground structures he should go after. It was obvious that one of these contained the man with the compass, but which one? He noticed the Star Snake approaching the planet, and he led the squadron forward, maneuvering on thrusters to remain undetected. He kept the craft in Gray-mode as long as possible before powering up for the entry into the atmosphere.

Hangar

"Just like me, huh?" Raven asked. "But I thought I saw your ship on the surface where they found the Compass." she continued. Rustling in her pocket, she produced a holographic image of Nataku, "Have you seen this man?"

"Oh, that planet," said Demon. "We left there hours ago." He studied the hologram. "Yeah, he was there when I grabbed the Compass. Haven't seen him since."

----------

John re-entered the room with a tray and a bowl of soup. "Here," he said, setting the tray down on the table next to the bed, "try some of this."
"Thanks," said Erica. She started in on the soup, slowly at first. John looked up to the ceiling.
"It sounds like Sparks' has started his engine tests," he said. "Listen. Can you feel it?"

A man stands in front of her, hands outstreached. "Can you feel it?" she raises her right hand. Suddenly, a glow of energy surrounds her arm, and the strange sword appears in her hand. The man looks in her eyes, and smiles.
"Excellent..."

When she opens her eyes, she finds herself on the bed in the Falcon's cabin. "What..."
"You ok?" asked John. "You dropped the soup and blanked out." He was holding her hand, the same that had held the sword...
"I, I'm not sure," she admitted. "I keep having these strange flashbacks. But I don't know what they mean."
"Are they from before the accident?" asked John. "Remember? A few years ago, when that shuttle crashed. You told me that you lost your memory."
"Yes, I did." She held her head, trying to figure it out. "But these memories don't fit."
"What do you mean?"
"Roman always told me that my parents were killed in that crash, that I lived all my life on that asteroid. But these memories, they're from someplace else. Someplace different." suddenly, the image of the boy at the window came to mind. "Duke..."
"Huh?" John was surprised. "Duke? That thug we picked up? What about him?"
"He was there," she replied. "I can't explain it. But he was there."
"Maybe you've just had a rough time," John said. "Try and get some sleep. We'll talk to Roman when we get back."
"Roman," her vision blurred...

...the machine lifted back up... she blinked, and starred at the man in front of her... "Who are you?"... "The question is," he replied, "who are you?"... "I, I'm not sure"... his red eyes flashed... "perfect"...

"Roman," she said with anger. "He did something."
"What are you talking about?" John asked.
Erica shook her head. "I don't know. But whatever happened to me, he had a part in it, I know it!"
"Well, let's go find him!" John helped her get up. "Comm on, to the bridge." The left the room and headed for the bridge. Kate was already there.
"Hey boss! Ready to go?"
"Yes," John replied, as he helped Erica into the chair at the COMM. "Bradley to Demon: we're lifting off!"

----------

"Got it." Demon placed his COMM back in his belt. "Well, it's time to leave." He turned and headed into the ship...

"Nice day"
"You guys coming," came Kartosh's voice out of the hole, "or are we just going to-" There was a bump, the sound of metal on metal, a muffled scream and a thud. If the two walked over to the hole they would find some kind of thing armed with a sword had leaped out of the darkness at Kartosh, who had unsheathed his sword, deflected the killing blow, and gutted the thing. Even as they watched the corpse vanished in a pool of black liquid, too quickly for any features to be made out. Purple blood was dripping from Kartosh's katana, and Skyler was behind him, looking around wildly for more traps or enemies.

-------------------
...
ENERGY SIGNITURES DETECTED
IDENTIFIED AS HOSTILE FIGHTERS
ENGAGING ANTI-AIR COUNTERMEASURES
TURRETS DEPLOYED

Two laser turrets popped out of the top of the Star Snake, swiviled, and opened fire, red bolts streaking with deadly accuracy at the incoming fighters. Normally they would be classed as "anti-personnel" "anti-air" or "anti-vehicular" but the short manuel that had come with the stolen guns modified to fit the Star Snake had read "anti-everything."

"Uh,"
Nathan glanced at the purple blood, the deep hole and the potential traps,
"How about you search that hole there? And we'll check the surface?" He gave a cheeky grin into the hole.

--

On the surface, in response to the fighter attack, the Elixir unleashed her eight rear mounted torpedo tubes as well as her top turrets. They fired 24 torpedos per minute.

"How about you search that hole there? And we'll check the surface?"
Kartosh gave a long-suffering sigh. "Fine, weasel out of it. But I expect you to be our rear-guard to anything that comes from orbit!" he called as they moved in deeper, jerking his head to avoid a spear flying out of the wall. Over the next few minutes both dodged such traps as floors crumbling away to yawning dark pits, axes coming out of the ceiling to slice a interloper in half, spears, poison darts, trip-wires that triggered spikes to rise from the ground, and many other old-fashioned and potentially lethal but actually almost laughable snares.

"Right then! No problems!" Nathan called down as he hoisted his shotgun into his back and began to stroll around the surface,
"Where are you going?" Chloe ran to catch up to him.
"To check this flat and empty patch of land, obviously" Nathan tutted and sighed, "Trust me, the less likely we are to die, the more likely we are to collect our money"
"So I see"

OOC: well, I'm kinda stuck for the moment, lol. waiting for everyone to catch up...

ooc: al, 8 rated @ 24 a minute. how many torpedoes do u have? that's 192 a minute. ok, stopping the tech stuff, :P

ic:

Alert sirens went off even before the laser bolts had begun firing.

"Activate PS armor!" Samael ordered.

The dull jet-black skin of the Scythe suddenly turned, changing into a pattern of red and black across the fuselage and wings. A scream over the TAC-net informed him that one of the Knights had not been successful. A few blows hit the Scythe, but Samael came out unscathed, nosing the fighter into a ballistic dive that brought them away from the line of fire.

As they brought themselves towards the surface, another wave of weapons came at them. The squadron broke formation, loosing countermeasures in a full spread. Samael brought his own Scythe into a nap of the surface*, skimming the ground at less than fifty feet.



*PS armor is only available on Scythes and Knight-Scimitars: http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/background/glossary_technology.html#psarmor

**nap-of-the-earth. ie. low level flight.

Dark shadows filled the room. Cobwebs hung from the pillars that lines the walls. No living creature had set foot in the main chamber in over a millenia. That is, until now. As is sensing the presence of the intruders, torches mounted on the pillars suddenly came aflame. The room was bathed in light, casting deep shadows between the pillars, and revieling the large keyhole in the center of the far wall...

----------

(OOC: is raven planning on joining Bradley's crew? If not, then I'm having them take off...)

ooc: she'll follow in the Iliria

ic:

Noticing that the ship was taking off, Raven vaulted down and scrambled for the Iliria. It felt wrong taking it, but Nataku had given her ownership in the event of his absence, and she was determined to find out what had happened to him. She powered up the engines and the tactical systems, preparing to fight tooth-and-nail if she had to.

Kartosh and Skyler entered, slightly more worn for wear then they had been. Glacing around, Kartosh flicked the setting on his Repeater to turn the flashlight off, noting the torches. "Somebody isn't looking for buyers on the market..." he muttered, feeling along one heavily dusted wall. Skyler examined the keyhole. Nothing they had, but they would blow a hole though it if they had to.
Surface...
Nekko and Downson came out of the ships and joined Nathan and Chloe, providing additional firepower. "De 'perials approach," rumbled Downson, pointing a red scaled finger to where the fighters had been incoming, all watching noticing a bright flare as one of the fighters was too slow and detonated against the fire.

OOC: I meant it fire's 8 a time but 24 per minute that's 1 every 4 seconds.

OOC: I meant it fire's 8 a time but 24 per minute that's 1 every 4 seconds.

ooc: that still sounds hella lot. but i'm following ST conventions, so maybe not.

ic:

Having landed mostly unscathed, Samael regrouped the Knights and led them along the ground, tracking towards the position the mercenaries had landed. Though the Knights carried variable-projectile carbines, Samael opted soley for his blaster and saber, which was slung over his shoulder. He morphed his eyes, allowing him to utilize night-vision without the need of headmounts like the Knights had. He wondered how they'd greet him.

OOC: Yeah but it's not one launcher, there's eight mounted to the rear and four forward.

"Nothing you have can open the Vault." The voice came from the shadows, causing them to turn. Roman stepped into the light, holding a very unusual weapon (http://images.wikia.com/kingdomhearts/images/0/03/Oblivion.png).
"The Vault is sealed with very powerful," he paused, "magic, I guess you would say. There is no key that can open it," he held up the weapon, "except for this. The Oblivion Keyblade!" Roman stepped into the center of the room, and pointed the keyblade at the lock. The tip began to glow, and a beam of light shot out towards the lock. It too started glowing, until it was so bright that everyone had to shield their eyes. When the light faded, there was now a small opening in the wall, where a small, golden, item was suspended in the air. It was a ring. Just a simple band of gold.
"Yesss," Roman said, as he stepped forward. Reaching in, he slipped his left index finger through the ring, and pulled it out.
"Yes! After all this time, all this searching! The Ring is mine!"

ooc: lol, i h8 KH.

ic:

Samael knew they were getting closer and he signaled the Knights to switch ammo from the standard sabot rounds to electric stun flechettes. He wanted to minimize their encounter as much as possible, and the Empress' orders still stood.

OOC: How many Knights are there?
IC:
Surface...
Nekko had vanished into the darkness, stalking the Knights, while Downson continued to stand by Nathan and Chloe, leveling his alien gun. (http://guidesmedia.ign.com/guides/662142/images/weapons_1.JPG) All could clearly see the Imperial approach, headlights glaring though the darkness, highlighting targets for them. Downson calmly waited for them to get close enough for his shots to be most effective.
Vault...
"Yeah, buddy, that's great and all," said Kartosh dryly, his Repeater leveled at the man, "but we're just going to have to ask you where the Compass is. If you don't want to tell us, that's fine. We'll just kill you and take that pretty Ring instead." Skyler had her pistol out, pointed at the Director's head, less than three feet away from his current position.

ooc:um, what headlights? we don't have any light-producing equipment...except maybe metal that can reflect sunlight...?

ic:

Samael called a halt, noticing the trap laying in wait for them. The four Knights spread out in a combat spread, leveling their weapons. Picking up his own carbine, Samael pivoted around, preparing for the hunt.

ooc: ok, did u think headmounts meant lights? i meant something like this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0002HBOQK/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=502394&s=photo)

Chloe had seen the Imperial Approach and now she and Nathan were well hidden from view with Downson. Nathan sighed and looked up again,
"Just my luck. How many do you think?"

"More than three anyway"

"Ah well, best watch and see what they do for the moment"

" can feel
This setting sun
Chill my veins,
The blood has gone,
I can feel the spirit
Tearing my heart out,
This is real,
The damage done
Never heals
This skeleton,
Still I feel her ripping,
Tearing my heart out…

So much for love's intensity,
It runs so hot,
But cuts so deep,
It makes us blind,
Afraid to speak,
You've seen me sweat,
Now watch me bleed…

I can feel
This setting sun
Chill my veins,
The blood has gone,
I can feel the spirit
Tearing my heart out,
This is real,
The damage done
Never heals
This skeleton,
Still I feel her ripping,
Tearing my heart out…

Tearing my heart out…

Clawing me undone…"


Jenny just sits on the bed and listen to the song Duke was singing as he look out the porthole after waking up from the nightmare of Erica being taken from the ship they were traveling on

Samael had good eyes, but they weren't that good. He borrowed an extra headset and activated them, switching through the various visual spectrums. His scan of the path in front caused him to pause; a pair he hadn't been able to see in NOD was vaguely isible in thermo-optics. He ordered the Knights to take cover as he brought up a 3D map of the area on his visual HUD. If they could stay out of sight, he pondered, there was a ridge they could use to conceal their approach. But if the mercenaries had already thought of that, they'd be walking into a trap. He motioned the Knight commander over, and quietly, they hashed out a plan.

OOC@FUS: Yeah, I thought like helmets with lights attached. My bad.
IC:
Downson located the Knight who seemed to be conferring with his leader. Standing still, looking at the man talking to him, attention not on what was out in the dark. Downson squeezed off a shot from his cover of a knife-shaped rock, a bolt which appeared to be pure energy but was actually a armor-piercing round covered by a beam sheath. Upon contact the sheath would "shatter" dissipating into the victim to neutralize any shielding, while the round itself burrowed though most kinds of metal and ripped though soft flesh.

Nekko was crouching on the ridge the Knights were thinking about going up, viroblade in one hand, a stubby, powerful pistol in the other. With luck the fire from Downson would be added to by Nathan and Chloe, forcing the Knights to either take cover or withdraw up the ridge. If they took the ridge path, Nekko could easily jump them. If they elected to take cover they would be pinned down by fire, from which Nekko could simply outflank them and destroy the Knights from range.

Captain Goro grunted as the bolt tore through his shoulder armor, grasping his hand at the wound. He leveled his carbine and prepared to fire.

"Aren't you hurt?" Samael hissed.

"A flesh wound," muttered the Knight.

Samael nodded. He knew about the special conditioning that went on within the special squads. No doubt, it would take a much larger wound to make him even consider getting treatment. Goro squeezed off two canister rounds into the air. It burst into a blinding flash within the air. IT held another surprise, vicious flechettes that tore into the surrounding area below. The Knights followed suit, charging ahead as they activated their thermo-optic camoflauge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_camouflage). Samael gave them cover, his optics locking onto the signatures he'd detected. He was firing a multi-barrel energy-variant rotating gun (think Blaine's gun except its an energy weapon) using its volume of fire to cover the squad's advance.

Roman* laughed. "Fools! You have no idea what you are dealing with!" He raised his left fist. The ring started to glow. Suddenly, a sphere of energy surrounded him. "This is REAL power!" With the Oblivion blade pointed towards the ceiling, a flash of light filled the chamber. When it cleared, he was gone...

(* This guy (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/Roman.jpg), but with black hair. also, Roman's shuttle (http://www.iftcommand.com/chapters/html/graphics/sc-type9.jpg) is sitting on the surface, unguarded. He may have left 'something' behind...)

Using the Knights as a distraction, Samael sprinted forward, utilizing the flash-step he had learned from the Imperial Orders and bypassed the mercanary lines. He went on ahead to the craft that had been detected on the surface. It was a small shuttle of an elliptical design, and he entered it through an open back hatch. Sitting near a console was the Compass. Samael picked it up and took reaings from a scanning device; it was genuine. Tucking it into the folds of his pockets, he called his Scythe. Remote-piloting it was tricky, but it came to him unscathed and he was soon in the cockpit, setting a course for the Cul.

ooc: ok, so who gets it? i'm willing to delete my post, i guess.

Chloe peered through the scope of her rifle at the Knights and calmly pulled the trigger as the Knight's heads came into her view. Nathan was still useless as his shotgun was only accurate at a distance of about 2 feet.

OOC: I was under the impression that "left something behind" meant he left something in the chamber.

OOC AH when you want Duke and Jenny to join the others again let me know

OOC: I was under the impression that "left something behind" meant he left something in the chamber.

ooc: but in an earlier post, AH said the compass was in the shuttle.

(OOC: I intended the Compass to be found in the shuttle, but you two work it out. Imp Isa, see TeleGram.)

Korg was doing what he loved best, barking orders. The crew of the Challenger was working overtime trying to repair their damaged vessel. He was standing in the middle of the bridge.
"Get that shield generator back online! I want a status report on the warp system! Where is the-"
He was interrupted by a flash of light that filled the bridge. Everyone turned to look, as the light cleared and Director Roman stood in front of the main view screen.
"Commander," he said. "What is our status?"
"Repairs are underway," Korg replied. "I assume you were successful. Shall I recall the survey teams?"
"Yes. And inform engineering that repairs are no longer required."
"Sir?"
Roman closed his eyes and raised his head. Then, holding the Oblivion Blade with both hand, he raised it above his head, and brought the tip down hard upon the deck, sending out a wave of energy spreading through the ship. Crewmen all over jumped back in surprise as the pulse traveled through all the bulkheads, supports, hull plates, etc. From the exterior, as the pulse passed over hull plates, it erased any damage. After a few minutes, the pulse faded, leaving a perfect ship floating above the planet.
"In the name of Kahless," muttered Korg, as Roman opened his eyes and settled into his command chair.
"Set course for Altair 3," the Director ordered. "I feel that it is time to pay Elector Fargon a visit."
"Yes sir. Helm! Make course for Altair 3! Maximum warp!"

Challenger moved out of orbit and headed past the Imperial ships, completely ignoring them. Moments later, she jumped to warp speed...

Having made it to the surface, Kartosh and Skyler arrived just in time to see the fighter lift away from the still parked shuttle. Ripping a control pad out from his gear, Kartosh manuvered, cursing non-stop to himself. The Star Snake lifted off unmanned from the ground, blasting over the heads of the Knights, and fired a spread of eight torpedos at the running fighter. Slaved to Kartosh's control signal device, the Star Snake wasn't nearly as well piloted in his hands, but PS armor be damned, if any of the ionized missiles connected they would bring the fighter down in a second, hopefully without destroying what was inside.

Downson continued his fire on the Knights, while Nekko, from her ridge perch, began picking them off with her sniper rifle. The whole time she kept an eye on their parked fighter, ensuring that if any of them tried to follow their leader into space they would be shot in the back.

The threat alarms went off like mad, and Samael fired another slew of countermeasures-his last- at the approaching missiles. He jinked the fighter, pushing the throttle as he reached dangerous velocities. The small craft shook at the G-forces being attended to it, and no matter how hard he tried, Samael knew he oculdn't go faster- the fold system could not be engaged in a magnetic field.

"Cul," he radioed, "I'm in a bit of a spot here!"

"Samael, change course, 120 in three seconds," Ramuel's calm voice returned to him.

"Confirmed," Samael answered, wondering what Ramuel had in mind.

From above, twin streaks of pinkish light stabbed into the atmosphere, momentarily igniting the air. Samael stared in disbelief.

"Go, now!" Ramuel urged, indicating the path the beams had provided.

Samael acknowledged, throttling the fighter as it passed through the air, the unique qualities of the positron cannons (http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/background/glossary_technology.html#positronicinterference) enveloping the Scythe in a cloak of antimatter and allwoing it to accelarate without wind resistance. Samael escaped into space, jumping into a fold at the moment he left the magnetic field of the planet. The Imperial ships followed suit, jumping in a large explosion of subspace.

OOC: You do realize that that is complete and utter BS?
IC:
Kartosh could only watch as the orbiting ship apparently fired on it's own fighter, which did not explode but seemed to go faster, vanishing up into the atmosphere. A moment later the scanners indicated that the Imperials had jumped, saftly away with Kartosh's prize.
"MOTHERFUCKER!" he screamed in anger, kicking a nearby rock, which only hurt him and brought tears to his eyes. There was a *crack* from Nekko's sniper rifle and the last Knight flew backwards in a spray of gore, decapitated by the shot as he tried to make for his fighter. Not that it mattered, now. The Compass was in Imperial possession, the Corperation had whatever the hell it was after, and only the mercenaries were left without their goal.

ooc: actually, the promise of ft weapons like a positron cannon make such things probable, if not impossible. since it fires positrons (duh) it annihilates the particles of matter within the atmosphere. theoretically, this could create a cloud of antimatter within the atmosphere. since wind resistance is determinate by the reaction of matter with other matter, it would not be affected by antimatter (in theory).

skipping that, u can decide another way for me to escape if you think its necessary. i'll edit my post even.

btw, the shot didn't hit the Scythe, it just fired in an area the fighter could go to.

ic:

Planet Karros

The refit had taken longer than expected, but Commander Moira Starling was quite pleased with how the Celslcan had come along. Standing on the bridge, she ordered start up, and after a few minutes, the ship was under its own power and moving from the planet's magnetic field. Word had already reached them of the Trinity's success, and Commander Starling ordered an immediate fold to the Imperial Planet. She sat in the adjacent seat, unable to bring herself to take the seat of Uruel. As a *Third, it wasn't her place.

Imperial Planet

Taking a stroll through the Inner Citadel, the Empress was busy tending the flowers, a task she often enjoyed-much to the chagrin to the gardeners. But today wasn't one of those days. She kept glancing at the Wheel of Eternity atop its pedestal that towered over the palace complex. Two cycles...what would happen if, within that time they didn't make it. The Empress glanced over as a messanger-a girl no more than twelve-ran up to her, message pad in hand. The Empress took it as the girl stood uncomfortably, hands held together behind her back. At once, Her Highness was pleased and she returned an encouraging smile to the messanger. They had done it, she told herself, just as she had seen in her dreams. Now the tribulation would begin...now would be the birth of the Dark Times or the New Golden Age.

ooc: AH, TGed you.

*The servants of the Empress are sorta organized like the angelic choirs. the brothers are archangels, the seconds are seraphs...etc. The 'Thirds' are the commanders of the various command ships, planet garrisons etc.

ooc: where'd everybody go? did i chase them away?

ic:

Cul

As Samael walked onto the bridge, the Knights who stood guard thumped their chests in salute, while the crew applauded and cheered the Operative. From his own command seat, Ramuel politely clapped his hand, a stoic and stern expression solidly placed upon his face. He stood and walked towards Samael, followed closely by Second, who was carrying a large, armor-laden box. Samael stopped in the center of the bridge as Ramuel walkedthe rest of the way.

"The Empire salutes your Triumph," Ramuel said officially, begrudgenly giving Samael his proper respect. "Come forth and claim your victory."

"I present this," Samael replied, holding the Compass aloft, "As a tribute to the Empress."

"I accept this, as her Holiness' Emissary," Ramuel concluded the small ceremony, taking the Compass from his outstretched hand. As the bridge returned to the normal operations of the ship, the two walked back to the command area. "Truly you've done well," Ramuel muttered. "You've proven me wrong."

Samael stayed silent and took the seat beside the Brother. It seemed like a brave new world was definitely possible.

Imperial Planet

"They should arrive soon, Your Grace," one of Her handmaids assured Her. "You must be patient."

"I know," the Empress whined, kicking her feet from her seat on the Throne. "But I can't help it. You Children are my only concern now," she said to the thirty-something woman. "Have a messenger sent to prepare the Ma'at (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma%27at) for departure."

ooc: ok, until AH returns, lets keep this alive w/ the 'merc' side-story

ic:

Surface

Piloting the Iliria down to the surface, Raven tracked her way to the area where the mercenaries had landed. They had been the last to see Nataku, so indoubtably they knew what had happened. Showing not hint of subversiveness, she walked straight over to the man she had met on the station.

"Ok," Raven said coldly, "I'm not here for anything except what's mine. Now, where's Nataku?"

Kartosh looked at Raven, his head slowly turning to face her. Nekko and Downson were over with Nathan and Chloe, and all seemed to be standing around, waiting for someone. Probably him. Skyler was looting the bodies of the four dead Knights for anything of value. It was quite evident no one was going to come back looking for them.

Nataku? That's the guy! The traitor! And she still thinks... Kartosh could feel the grin spreading over his face. Normally he wouldn't do this, but he had just be cheated out of his prize for the second time, and he was pissed.
"Nataku, huh? And he is yours? Lemme tell ya something about Mr. Nataku. He's not a thief, not in the way you think. He's an Imperial, a spy of quite high prestige I believe. You thought you had something with him? Guess what, sister? You don't. He was just using you, this whole time. Just like he used us."

Kartosh looked at Raven, his head slowly turning to face her. Nekko and Downson were over with Nathan and Chloe, and all seemed to be standing around, waiting for someone. Probably him. Skyler was looting the bodies of the four dead Knights for anything of value. It was quite evident no one was going to come back looking for them.

Nataku? That's the guy! The traitor! And she still thinks... Kartosh could feel the grin spreading over his face. Normally he wouldn't do this, but he had just be cheated out of his prize for the second time, and he was pissed.
"Nataku, huh? And he is yours? Lemme tell ya something about Mr. Nataku. He's not a thief, not in the way you think. He's an Imperial, a spy of quite high prestige I believe. You thought you had something with him? Guess what, sister? You don't. He was just using you, this whole time. Just like he used us."

"Liar!" Raven seethed. Her mind raced at what she'd just been told. "I know Nataku better than anyone alive! We escaped from that Imperial hell-hole of Stygion! There's no way he'd ever work for them!" What'd he know? Raven asked herself. And who was he, anyway? Nothing but a merc. "Why should I believe you?!" she demanded.

ooc: i was thinking of a holo-recording or something to show her...but i didn't wanna steal any chars to do it.

"Why should I believe you?!"
"Oh? Not willing to see the truth?" Kartosh gave another sick smile and yanked a tiny silver disk from his pocket. The segmented top opened to reveal a tiny screen, which showed the mercenaries in the cave at the Compass world.
The mercenaries were surronded by the Griffin's Squad, who were all pointing their blasters at them. The words "Give it to me." we heard from off-screen, then a thud and the sound of shouts, screams and blaster fire. The screen, which had been displaying blackness, zoomed in on Nataku, showing him leaping over a mercenary while his braid cut the man's throat. Landing, another man appeared beside him. "Shouldn't you wrap this up?" he asked Nataku in a tone that suggested he wasn't amused.
"A Second?" Nataku said incredulously. "How did you...?"

"I followed that fast, strange-looking one," he answered. "My Master is probably impatient, as are we all."

"See that one," Nataku nodded to Kartosh, "He has it."

"I see it," the Second answered. "I'll be right back."
The man vanished, the camera was jiggled a bit and cut off into static, the last scene showing Nataku and the Second running together for the exit, dropping a smoke grenade. Even as he ran Nataku turned his head slightly, and it was quite obvious he was no longer the same person, a dignified, arrogant-looking man in an Imperial uniform, rather than a somewhat grimy, down-to-earth thief.

"N-no," Raven whispered, unable to comprehend the truth. "That's the uniform of the Inner Sanctum," her hoarse voice continued. "And a Second?" Raven tried to comprehend what had happened. She raced through memories of growing up with Nataku, of learning to fight and steal from him...of that glorious day when they had escaped and their fateful separation. And then he was working for the Empire, the ones who had condemned them to a life of Hell on Stygion. Her pain-filled sobs turned to a growl of rage, and she punched the nearest thing she could.

"Look," Raven seethed, "There's only one place they would go; the Imperial Planet; Vaikunta. You want your Compass, I want answers and revenge. *I'll show you the way."

Imperial Planet

The flotilla exited outside the orbit of the planet's natural satellites, unable to exit closer due to the unique gravitational qualities of the planet. The ships formed up around the Cul, which held the Compass. From the command ships, the four Scythes launched, heading for the planet-side spacedock.

Palace

Walking down the Thousand Steps, the Brothers and Samael were solemn. Of course, the Trinity was glad to have served their Holy Mother again, but as Samael walked-somewhat off to the side- he couldn't help the regret that was held in his heart. They stopped before the throne and knelt.

"Revered One," Ramuel spoke, "We have heard and obeyed; we bring you the fruits of our labor that you may be pleased."

"I am greatly pleased, my Son," the Empress cooed, rising from her throne to approach them. She placed a hand on Ramuel's head, letting him know to look up. She kissed his cheeks and smiled, walking over to his brothers and repeating her acceptance.

"And how has my Blessed Servant been?" she asked as she kissed Samael's cheek.

"I am fine, Holiness," he lied.

"Oh, don't forget I can see through to your soul, Son," she replied. "I can see the pain in your heart...the conflict within you." Her hand caressed his cheek. "You'll have a chance to ask her forgiveness. And in the end, I believe she will understand."

With that, the Empress excused them and informed them to return to their ships. They would depart along with the Ma'at.

*For story purposes, I've made the Imperial Planet a highly inaccesible route through space (kinda like Tarn-Vedra in Andromeda).

"There's only one place they would go; the Imperial Planet; Vaikunta. You want your Compass, I want answers and revenge. I'll show you the way."
"Then let's get moving," said Kartosh calmly, before turning and cupping his hands around his mouth. "Oy! You lot!" he shouted to the group standing by the hole, "time to leave this godsforsaken rock!" Skyler came trotting up as the other mercenaries dispersed to either the Star Snake or the Elixir of Life, holding an armful of Imperial technology and weapons. A silent look passed between them.
She has offered us the location in exchange for transport there?
Yes, but it's a heavily guarded, heavily fortified Imperial world.
The Empress herself?
Indeed. The Compass will undoubtably be in her possession. If we are lucky, Nataku will still be inside the Palace, or at least we can convince Raven that he is. If she can get us inside we can probably find the Compass.

"I'm right behind ya!" Nathan called heaving his smoking gun onto his back, "It's time to do some real damage I reckon" He sighed as he stepped into the Elixir. Chloe, however, remained behind, listening to the other two's conversation,
"So Ramuel is a traitor?" She asked them both, "Does that not make her as dangerous as him?"

"So Samuel is a traitor? Does that not make her as dangerous as him?"
Quite possibly, but she's nothing we can't handle. We're her only chance of getting revenge on Samuel, and she won't betray us until she thinks it's safe to do so. By that point, if we're skilled enough and lucky enough, we'll have the Compass and it won't matter what she does. Thought Kartosh to Chloe.

Chloe continued to work as if she was keeping her thoughts to herself.
"I see, good point, that is what we need to do then. Shall we inform the others of what has happened with this conversation?" She was thinking of Nathan with this statement in mind.

I see, good point, that is what we need to do then. Shall we inform the others of what has happened with this conversation?
Kartosh made no outward sign of communicating with anyone. You can tell Nathan, but I'd rather we kept this from Nekko and Downson. They've got enough complications as it is without needing to worry about Raven.

"I understand"
Chloe walked to the entrance to the Elixir and called up,
"Hey Nathan! I need to talk to you"
"What? Come on up"
So Chloe went up to tell him in as a simple way she could.

Five more ships had joined the flotilla, upgrading it to an armada as the ships prepared to move out. The Ma'at was decidedly absent, even though the Empress had left the surface long ago. For his own solace, Samael was staring out of one of the Cul's viewports at one of the planet's four moons. It caught the sunlight in a cobalt and silver glow, and he watched it halfheartedly, his mind still lingering on old wounds. Samael turned as the Second walked over to convey a message.

"My Master wishes you to know we will be underway shortly."

"But where's the Ma'at? We can't leave until the Empress arrives," he said.

"It is almost here," the Second answered, nodding towards the moon.

"You mean, it was docked on that moon?"

"That's no moon," Second said calmly.

Samael turned, not sure what the Second meant when the moon suddenly began to split along its equator. The crease grew in size until it revealed a vast internal network. An entire planet seemed to dwell along the interior 'shell,' with the center a tall column in which several ships were docked. From this spacedock came a ship Samae never knew had existed. Right away he knew this was the Ma'at.

Over twice the size of the Trimurti, the Ma'at was perfectly named and suited as the Empress' personal dreadnought.

"Impressed?" Second asked to Samael's silence. "It boasts six Cherry Blossoms on 30-degree mounted turrets, laminated armor plus ablative shielding, enough firepower to reduce a planet to cinders, including Tsar Bomba missiles. The Ma'at doesn't end wars, it doesn't start them-it ends everything."

ooc: i plan on the party getting there was the ships depart.

Note: The moon is a variant of a Dyson Shell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyson_sphere#Dyson_shell).

Downson, Chloe and Nathan went in the Elixir of Life, while Raven, Kartosh, Skyler and Nekko went in the Star Snake. Heading off the planet, Kartosh took Raven's instructions carefully and, after plotting a course, jumped for Vaikunta.

The Elixir followed behind, completely wise to the situation after Chloe's discreet update. One thing, Nathan did not like was traitors.

ooc: just sorta heads up, but no one outside the empire knows what the empress looks like(it is against the law to make images in her form).

ic:

Ma'at

"Empress, the armada has entered formation and we have broken orbit of the planet," the Commander, Goro Thursa informed her.

"I will give you coordinates shortly," the Empress answered, lifting the Compass into Her hand.

"Empress?" the imposing 7'1" frame of Thursa approached her tentatively. She made no response. "Holiness?"

Her silence permeated the ship, and the crew turned to stare at their Goddess as She sat, intransigent on Her throne. Silently, She looked up from the Compass and walked forward to the helmsman. He scooted his seat back as she reached for the console, seemingly unaware of his presence. Her small hands flashed across the keypads, entering coordinates of exact spatial location.

"Transmit these coordinates to the fleet and fold when ready," She ordered, returning to her seat.

Celsclan

"We're ready to fold," Uruel turned to the Princess as she sat by him on the bridge. Goddess, he asked, why must she come along?

"Oh," Uni responded as if startled, "I understand."

"Is something wrong?" Vanth whispered to her, kneeling before her protectorate.

"I'm fine really," Uni answered. "I'm glad that Sister is fulfilling her wish."

"The Empress has given the order to fold," the Comm officer interrupted.

"Initiate space-fold," Uruel ordered, trying vainly to shake the thoughts that haunted his own mind.

OOC: Yeah, but it's not like if they see the Empress they're going to be like 'LOL, who's the chick wearing royal finery surrounded by ridiculously huge armed guards?' The mercenaries won't shoot at the Empress even if they did, by some freak chance, somehow manage to get close enough to her. She's not what they're after.
IC:
A short time later the Star Snake and Elixir of Life appeared in the system. Kartosh nodded to the fleet of ships before them as the three females crowded around the cockpit to get a look. "See that great huge ugly one? I'll bet my last credit that the Compass is on it."

Ma'at

Time remaining: 2.25 Cycles

The Empress was playing with her kitten again as Thursa gave the order to fold. Looking up, She turned as if hearing something in the distance. A playful smile crossed Her face, adding to the illusion of youth.

"Tag, you're it," she said in a sing-song tone.

The ships folded into trans-space at that moment, and the Empress once more turned her attention to the kitten.

Kartosh's face twisted in a grimace of anger as he saw the armada vanish. He rounded on Raven. "Quick, where would they be going? What are they doing with the Compass?" Skyler took over for him in case they had to dodge any attacks from system defenses while he moved to the co-pilot's chair to confront Raven. Nekko silently took to the rear guns, just in case.
OOC: Alversia, whatever happened to Manda and the rest?

OOC: Dunno, lost interest in him :p I'll bring him in later

Nathan watched grimly as the fleet vanished and watched the Star Snake for a sign. As it had their navigator onboard, he would have to wait until they moved before he could do anything himself. He sighed and watched for some sign, any sign.

"Follow me!" Raven called from the Iliria. "IF we're fast enough, we can go through their fold-scar!"

The Iliria throttled up and zoomed into the wash of electrical discharge left behind by the ships. There was a small gravitational eddy, and Raven piloted the ship straight into it.

OOC: Oh, whoa, forgot about the Iliria.
IC:
"Fast enough?" Kartosh chuckled and sent the Star Snake spinning though the fold gap. "You ain't seen fast."

Place of Origin (Hiranyagarbha)

Time Remaining: 1.8 Cycles

The fleet emerged, forming itself protectively around the Ma'at. From Her throne, the Empress stepped down lightly, followed closely by a half dozen acolytes. The white-robed girls walked solemnly behind her, carrying objects of differing signifigance. With a simple gesture, She called a messenger to her-the same young girl who had delivered her the news of the Trinity's success.

"Have a message relayed to the Celsclan that I require Uruel and Uni to accompany me to the surface," She instructed.

"I hear and obey, Holiness," the girl's young voice answered.

Celsclan

Uruel walked closely with Uni, their steps shadowed by Vanth and Vecuvia. His Second stood waiting for them by the hatchway to the hangar. Still conflicted with recent events, Uruel wondered when the Empress would explain what was going on.

"Milord, the transport and support fighters are awaiting your arrival for launch," Second informed him.

"Good work," Uruel answered, removing his command cloak and handing it to his subordinate. "You are in command until my return."

"Yes, Milord."

Hœnir

The cruiser was a far cry from the Celsclan, but Miora Starling was still grateful for the command she had been given. Hers was one of four cruisers assigned specifically for the protection of the Ma'at; their use as an offensive platform had been barred. She brought up a display screen and watched as the transports launched from their ships. All four command ships sent different craft: Ramuel and Camuel launching in their Scythes, Uruel and Uni using a transport flanked by fighters, and the Empress in her own Launch; an entire air wing surrounding the small vessel.

ooc: ok, i kinda can't continue until i get AHs go-ahead, unless i just sorta assume i got his consent.

ooc: i'll guess i can do some char development to keep this alive...

ic:

Uruel shuffled uncomfortably in his seat beside the Princess. Her guardians shot him questioning glances now and then, and he counted off the minutes until they were on the surface. For her own part, Uni kept her gaze firmly fixed on her lap, and her hands absentmindedly played with a stray lock of her blue hair. He was about to dismiss himself an escape to the cockpit when Uni stopped him, grabbing his wrist in her hand.

"Milady," he said shakily.

"Please," Uni began, "My sister will need you now; more than you realize."

"I understand," Uruel answered.

"No, not completely," she continued. "You know why she needed the compass, don't you? Because this is the Place of Origin."

"The place described in Scripture as the Empress' birthplace?" Uruel asked incredulously.

"Yes," Uni explained. "Where I was born as well."

Uruel remembered the passage; all the Trinity knew it by heart:

When the spirits of Creation had passed to their multitude of planets,
The Great Essence bore Her ninth Perfection.
She brought from her bosom a female child, saying,
"A child shall lead them through the tribulations,
For a hundred millenia will Her guidance bring them to My celestial temple.


"And how many Cycles do you think its been since dear Sister evangelized the galaxy?"

"Close to..." Uruel began. His voice trailed off, was it really that long? he demanded.

"Remember in the Book of Changes..."

"Yes," Uruel whispered.

That which was created in my bosom cannot be undone by the hands of men,
Only the forge of the True Blade may smelt its steel,
Only the Mother may welcome the Daughter into Her presence.
That which was made shall be undone, that which was shall be once more.

OOC: hey, sorry for the delay! I've been kinds overwelmed these past few days. Work and all. I hope that we can continue, as I have other planes for this story. Again, sorry to keep you waiting for so long...


IC:

As the guard fell to the ground, Roman stood and serveyed the area. The courtyard was filled with a dozen bodies of guardsmen, all felled by the Oblivion. Very calmly, he walked accross to the state building. Two SPARTANS were trying to unjam the heavy steel doors. "Sir!" they saluted as he approached.
"Stand down," he ordered. Then, he raised the blade and sliced the steel apart in one strike. The SPARTANS grabbed onto the now exposed metal and pulled it back. Roman entered the building.
"Elector Fargon! I bring you greetings," he called.
At the far end of the room, sitting behind a large desk, was a round, bald man in an expensive looking suit. "Greetings?" he asked. "What kind of greeting involves slaughtering my guards?"
"They refused to grant me entrance. Therefor, I removed them."
"And now what? Are you going to kill me? Take over the planet?"
"Hardly," Roman replied. "You will deposit 50 percent of your world's treasury into my account."
"WHAT?!" Fargon pulled himself to his feet. "That's outragous!" He regretted his words, as a moment later Roman's blade was at his throat.
"You were saying?"
"I mean," Fargon gulped, "s-sure. That can be arranged. W-w-were do you want it?"
Roman stepped back. "Transfer the funds onto this card," he said, while tossing an isolinear chip onto Fargon's desk.
"Sure, sure," the Elector replied. Minutes later, he handed the card back to Roman. "There. Now, if I may ask. What do you intend to do with me?"
"Nothing," Roman replied. "Nothing at all." He reached down and pressed a control on his belt, summoning a transported beam to claim him and his SPARTANS....

Hiranyagarbha

The Empress walked the long ruins of the Original City, birthplace of civilization and the city where she had been born. Her memories were a far cry from the crumbling mortar and rotting eddifices. As She passed a decrepit fountain, the Empress stumbled, clutching Her chest. One of Her acolytes rushed to Her side and held Her steady.

"Holiness...!"

"I'm fine," the Empress assured the young girl. Her eyes turned towards the sky, "So, it's been found..."

ooc: i would suggest TGing the others, AH.