NationStates Jolt Archive

Cetanu paced through the curvaceous gold-brown archways that constituted his clan ship, the Ripping Claw. He wasn't nervous, as such a disposition was not afforded to his species or their way of life, but he was... apprehensive. Yautja everywhere prided themselves on ignoring intergalactic politics, choosing to place the thrill of the hunt ahead of any political machinations as such were dishonourable. But times were changing; the yautja no longer had a technological advantage in this ever-changing world, and something needed to be done to preserve their traditions, their code of honour, their very way of life. And Cetanu, as leader of the most powerful clan of all, had the dubious distinction of continuing the lineage of their entire species. Dubious was the key word in deed.

As he paced through the ship, unblooded yautja fought against each other. For six Earth hours a day, they fought, non-stop, under the tutelage of their masters. The trials of becoming a full member of their society were daunting and difficult, and many of the sucklings who fought here today would not survive to adulthood. But as Cetanu knew, these were simple tribulations compared to what awaited them once they were ascended to full blooded warriors; intergalactic politics were more treacherous than the most dangerous prey, capable of bringing the most powerful hunter to his knees with its complexity and intrigue. Simply flying around in space was no longer an easy task, as borders were established and zealously defended by races they once hunted unchallenged in secrecy. To actually cross one of these borders and hunt was a veritable mountain which they and other clans were forced to scale regularly.

Thus the ancient race was forced to engage in the very machinations which they despised; politics and diplomacy. Cetanu had, controversially though nevertheless at the behest of the Council of Ancients, sent a broadband call for the leaders of all civilisations within the limits of their communications equipment - which were considerable - to congregate in this dead, unclaimed star system. It had no planets of worth, no lifeforms to call it home, and rotated around a dying sun which would soon engulf the few worthless planets it had captured. The Ripping Claw was one of the largest and most daunting clan ships in yautja society, and would be home to this political atrocity, though at present it lay in wait of a response, cloaked and undetectable.

"You are ready, clan leader?" came a viscous voice, which was like victory to Cetanu's ears after imagining the voices of alien prey.

"I am ready, Tuchendi," Cetanu growled, flaring his mandibles in disappointment. Thousands of years ago, when their species had been unmatched in technology and tenacity, this would have been unnecessary, but he now had the privilege of presiding over the first 'conference' ever hosted by his species. Deep down he felt that he might slaughter every single alien who turned up just to spite them and their dishonoured ways, but he knew that such would not be wise.

"Our speaker is on now, great leader," Tuchendi growled.

Hear.

Yautja clan ship Ripping Claw to hold conference. All interested diplomats of worth to visit us here. You will be safe. You will discuss with us proposal and diplomacy. Send your vessels to following coordinates. We will appear once many are ready.

End.

Yautja grasp of common languages was not the best in the universe, as they preferred to hunt rather than talk, but Cetanu hoped it would put across their message well enough.

A Greywatch spacial outpost picked up the message, relaying it to Greywatch Prime. The message was looked over very carefully by the council before a decision was made. Greywatch would bite, but they were going to go with defense. The Kiixori council member recognized a fellow warmonger's speech and warned the others. It was agreed upon that a Star Shadow would carry the diplomat. Other escorts may follow, but that had not yet been determined. Drones were certainly going to act as bodyguards for whoever they sent as their diplomat. After an hour of discusion a message was relayed back to the send:

Greywatch will be attending.

That was all that had to be said, now it was time to wait. Two ships were sent to the coordinates given, both of the them Star Shadows. Cloaking technology was a good thing to bring as a defensive measure. They exitted PSR, sending the ever familliar gravity disturbance throughout the immediate area. Now it was time to wait.

The last days of Emperor Debeusec of the Abh Empire were at hand. Not because his age brought him closer to death or because he had become incompetent, certainly not either. Abriel Nei Dobrusk Debeusec of the Clyuve royal family was at a healthy age of 175 and going strong. The reason for his close retirement was simply because his term on the Jade Throne was reaching its end. He could look back on his career with satisfaction that the Empire had continue to grow and it was well secured under his care.

Now it was coming down to the hands he would be leaving the throne to. It was already assumed that Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton would succeed once he had passed the Ex-Emperors' Council's scrutiny. The Abriel was a solid military strategist but somewhat shaky when it came to intergalactic relations. In the time sense Gaf'ton had one the title of Imperial Admiral, Emperor Debeusec had been seeking to strengthen alliances as well as securing new ones.

So it was much the same when a relatively new nation on the stage sent a message far and wide about a diplomatic conference. The Emperor in turn promptly dispatched a former Prime Minister of the Empire. Teal Clint was sent to discuss politics with these clan members along with the Emperor's own grandson. Abriel Nei Dobrusk Doron was sent as a guard of sorts being one of only three Force users in the entire Empire.

It wasn't long before three ships pulled out of a dimensional vortex that lead into the depths of hyperspace. Two Whitestars and an Abh liner drifted lazily to the coordinants that had been sent along with the message.

From the Abh liner, a message was sent out to announce their presence and who was attending.

This is the liner Gorosh of the Abh Empire. We bear with us ambassador Teal Clint from the Emperor's own bidding, along with Force User Doron, who wish to take part in your conference. We are standing by for further instructions.

It was late on fourth shift for the TIER-EGCV Wanderfar ( Tanaran Interstellar Empire Registry - Explorers Guild Contract Vessel ) and the bridge was mostly deserted save for the minimally staffed mandatory stations.

That was normal as they really weren't going anywhere specific at the moment, just allowing the converted VPC to go with the local star-streaming, while they compiled and reviewed the latest batch of data on the potentially useful but entirely unexciting star system they had just surveyed. It was a rather disappointing survey, the system being uninhabited. And further it contained no planets that were more than marginally inhabitable. This was far more common than not, so it hadn't been unexpected, but still.

"Here we are as far from nowhere as has been explored and I'm bored" Tash, the Astrometrics apprentice, currently acting Helm, yawned and stretched.

"Want to play a game of Rumple?" Lashima (http://www.atddm.com/thecrew.jpg), the senior officer on the Bridge for the shift, and the head of the Communications department, asked in her soft, lightly accented voice. The face paced card game was a favorite of hers.

'Naw, actually its going into endgame down in Hells Half Acre and it looks like Loki's about to trigger that ambush he's spent most of the time setting up." Tash demurred. Besides, 'Shima is just too damn good at any card game, I'd lose my shirt...again. I haven't had dessert in three weeks cause she's won them all. It wasn't as if deserts or treats were rationed, but it was a point of honor, if you were using them as betting goods, to forego dialing them up.And I have lost that spare pound I was carrying, so it's not all bad, but she doesn't even try to make it look hard Tash grumped internally.

Lashima, or 'Shima, as her friends called her, looked at way with a hidden grin as she read the thoughts showing clearly on Tash's face. Tash was terrible at any betting game, she hadn't yet learned to develop a 'poker face'. "Oh okay, maybe next week." She replied as she clicked up a gods eye view for herself of what was going on down in the gaming suite.

Some thirty odd of the crew was engaged in an elaborate scenario of Lazer Tag. The bright flashes of their old fashioned laser pistols- dialed down to no more than 'paint' setting - showed up well in the very low light conditions of the holosuite.

And indeed ..."Oh nasty" 'Shima winced as Loki used his trap to score kills on fully half of the others in one fell swoop. The ex Cadre officer, now the Wanderfar's senior Tactical Officer, was still in fighting prime obviously.

"Hey!" Tash grinned "Loki even got Papa Jango." That was the use name of the head of Exploration. Papa Jango was an Elder Yautja, an Arbitrator, and usually he was the victor. No one other than another Yautja, or a C.S's avatar, could produce his real name but he was content being called Papa Jango. He also ran the Cannibal Armory, being the 'in house' creator of unusual and definitely lethal weapons.

Lashima was about to reply when the display on her main monitor chirped and changed. The Rihansu's face went serious as she read the incoming communications that had just arrived and been decrypted by the starcraft's (http://www.atddm.com/wanderfar.jpg) C.S. Then she mashed the All Call buttons, her voice firm "Sound General Quarters. Captain to the bridge”

As she finished doing that Loki sprinted out of the lift shaft and was at the Tactical station as fast as his feel could carry him. If he could have teleported he would have but then he was retired Cadre and they seemed to live at lightspeed. But just heart beats later the Captain entered from her dedicated lift, her eyebrow quirking as she replayed the communication that had been forwarded to her implanted communications net.

"New contact" the small Xas advised the rapidly filling bridge, as other department heads sped to their bridge stations, or reported in from other such duty stations.

“Fen, these coordinated please” The captain fed Heshan, the Wanderfars senior helmsman the coordinates. New orders from home. Contact with unknown Yautja clans” She informed the crew, turning her command chair to face the console that the Wanderfar’s resident expert with such had settled at.

Papa Jango just nodded. As was customary, in their dealings with the race some called ‘Predators’, he’d take the lead. There were many clans of the often hostile beings and some had ...attitude problems. “We go in careful, but openly, hiding is what prey does. We are not Hunting but we are not prey either”

The distance was not great - no distance is great when one uses a DeSitter Translation Drive - A DST made millions of LY disappear behind one in the near blink of an eye.

Then they were ejected from DeSitter space like a seed from the puckered lips of a whorld champions watermelon seed spitter... with perfect accuracy, and only a cascade of over tormented photons to mark their entrance. The Wanderfar's sheilds were up but she was uncloaked, not boasting but certainly not demure either.

One the Wanderfar had done a scan, Papa Jango nodded to Lashima, and she sent forth the broadcast he had recorded for just such occassions - meeting a clan that he was not known too and that he had not heard of. It was in the Yautja language.

"Greeting Brothers in the Hunt. I am Zazin Guan, Elder and Arbitrator. I bid thee welcome. Have you Hunted well?"

Message to: the The Yautja Homeworld
From: The United Terran Federation and , President Mike Logan.

On behalf of the Terran Federation, I wish to extend our heartfelt request to join this conference, it is refreshing to see a nation willing to talk to others rather than isolate themselves. We expect an answer soon, thank you and good day

Hear.

Yautja clan ship Ripping Claw to hold conference. All interested diplomats of worth to visit us here. You will be safe. You will discuss with us proposal and diplomacy. Send your vessels to following coordinates. We will appear once many are ready.

End.

The Tolidedago a cruiser piked up the message.

The Tolidedago was on a fairly routine border patrol. A patrol that now has a lot more ships on it. A recent outbreak of a very determined virus caused the colonists to go on a bloody rampage and steal a ship equipped with the latest stealth equipment, the ship was only small, slow and had very few weapons but the threat of it somehow sneaking onto any of the central worlds was to grate to ignore.

The Tolidedago was almost about to jump to it’s next destination after it surveyed the local area when the message came in. The captain forwarded the message to the senate representative aboard the ship, Kiro Ruuyk

“hmm, interesting. I’ve never heard of Yautja before” Kiro got up from his bed, in his quarters elaborately decorated with various tapestries of heroes past, and the banners of all 7 Union worlds. Evo Alangelis, Bar Gorogaria, Hia Kurovaria, Rio Hyspa Duo Regares, Mer Luvaria, Ter Solaria. He moved towards a computer terminal next to the tapestries of Mer Luvaria and Ter Solaria

“Yautja!” he spoke into the consol “search encyclopaedia!” He waited for a response

A mechanical voice, slightly feminie, but to most ears it would sound androgenous, spoke back

“your search, Yautja, tern no results. Try these suggestions “youge---“”

Kiro interrupted “no, no that’s fine” he then pressed a few buttons on the screen. A loud buzzing came from the consol followed by a snaping sound followed by a hum. The Consol spoke “Connection established” Kiro spoke “Senator Gurar, we have received transmission form a new species asking for diplomatic relations” A live feed of the senators face came up on the screen. Kiro waited a few seconds for his response.

Subspace messages could go faster then ships, a lot faster, but this far out on the border there was a delay of about 2 seconds.

“ahh Ambassador Ruuyk!,” The senator put his hand on his chin “Hmm we still haven’t found the drone yet we need every ship we can get… Okay you can go. But I don’t want any problems got it”

“Yes senator.”

“Good ill put the order through to the captain and the coordinates…Hey those are the coordinated of a volatile sun… Hmm well good luck Ambasidor , oh and also forward this message in response”

This is The Union of Humnity we have heard you message and would like to meet we are sending Ambassador Kiro Ruuyk as out representative

The ship began to pick up speed in the blackness of space, it got faster and faster, until it suddenly shrunk down into subspace out of normal site, the ship was now over 50 Times smaller then a atom deep in subspace on a voyage to the abandoned system

The two Greywatch ships sat quietly as others began to arrive. Both of them had shields up but were not in cloak.

Bridge of lead ship:

"Captain, new contacts." Said a tactical officer to his captain. "A few of them, orders?" The captain nodded his head, "Keep an eye on them and keep shields raised. They're likely here for the same reason we are so there's no need to do anything right now. We'll meet them all when the talks start." The officer looked back to his console, "Aye, sir. Maintaining shields."

As if from nowhere, a large mass suddenly registered in the star system as a series of blue energy sparks appeared against the black backdrop of the Big Deep. The lightning sparks intensified in frequency and brightness until a large ship slowly faded into view, becoming opaque after a few moments, at which point the energy discharges ceased. The enormous bulk of the Ripping Claw had become fully-visible, its gold-brown, asymmetrical hull gleaming in the bright light of the dying sun nearby. Though enormous, housing an entire clan of over 50,000 yautja including males, females and sucklings, it was remarkably streamlined and looked perfectly capable of making planetary landings. Much of its design appeared to be ceremonial rather than practical, however, as the elegant arches, protruding spires and sweeping lines would seem to attest. Unusually there were very few windows anywhere on its hull, aside from a few small portholes near its upper levels which were obscured by moveable armour plates at the moment.

After a short while of being visible several of the Ripping Claw's gaping oval hangar bay doors swept open as wide as they were able, beckoning for people to enter their maws. Each one looked capable of holding small destroyer-class ships, and one of them clearly contained a couple of their sleek hunting vessels - the rest were presumably on a hunt somewhere, or destroyed. No transmission was sent from the ship however, either locally or broadband, and it simply remained at a relativistic halt while holding its hangar doors open. None of its multitude of weapons were charged, however, and its shield grid carried no energy.

"Energy surge detected, it's big sir. A ship, probably the one that called us all here." Said the tactical officer. The captain looked at the holoscreen, "Interesting, a war ship, how unnexpected. Firepower?" The tactical officer shook his head, "We can see weapons but they're not activated. Looks like this thing could go up against a Worldslayer..." The captain nodded, "Perhaps, but if we're lucky it won't have to come to that. Now I notice the docking bays are open, perhaps this is their way of inviting us in?" The tactical officer raised an eyebrow, "Only one way to find out sir. Shall I set a course?" The captain nodded, "Tell the other Star Shadow to sit tight out here until further notcie. We're going in. Set a course." The tactical officer nodded and the captain then looked to comms, "Put a message to them, let them know we're moving." The comms officer nodded, "Aye sir."

Greywatch Star Shadow, moving to dock now.

With that, the 2 km cruisar set the course and began moving to one of the hanger bays. Meanwhile the second Star Shadow maintained position and waited for further orders.

(ooc: looks like I'm going to have to make an entrance here, I hope you don't mind I don't know if this is open or not but since I see people jumping in.. )



The UTS Gearing SDDG-109 was on routine patrol several light years from the events transpiring, it guided through the darkness of space , the small 355 meter vessel actively scanning the area, Commander Jeremiah Kelvin Fury stood on the medium sized command center in the center of the ship, his uniform well pressed, his boy slender yet toned , his shoes polished and his hands gloved with black uniform gloves. He looked over various monitors streaming information constantly from various sensor arrays through Terran space and various sensor readings from his ships.

The TCCAV Stood in front of him , her holographic form shimmering gently as she looked around the Command Center and started to speak in a soft reverberating voice.

“Commander We are Detecting multiple contacts several light years away, and energy readings to boot, SSC indicates the government of the Terran Federation has sent them a message several hours ago, and no response was given.”

The commander looked over he raised an eyebrow crossing his arms around him he started to speak again his voice commanding and stiff as his blue eyes peered over to the avatar.

“Hmm no response eh.. I think we should investigate, are there any other Terran ships in the area?”

The avatar paused for a nano second standing on the busy and some what loud command center. She started to speak again.

“Yes sir, I have called up the UTS-Franks a fletcher class destroyer registry number SDD- 554 and the UTS Charleston a similar Arleigh Burke-class block III destroyer Registry number SDDG-101,Both commanders have been notified by their avatars and are awaiting your communique”

Fury stood on the bridge, his gloved hand over to his middle aged clean shaved ashen face he looked over to the avatar and spoke with a loud voice.

“Patch both commanders through”

The avatar nodded pausing for a split second again, suddenly the main screen on the bridge popped, two middle aged well shaved men one darker skinned than the other, the lighter skinned man began to speak.

“Jeremiah, its good to see you again, we picked up the exact same energy spikes you did just a couple of moments ago, and we know the UTF sent a message over that way with no response, and all we're seeing are various amounts of ships in that area, we don't know what to make of it”

The darker skinned Terran added to that quickly with his own deeper voice.

“I suggest we go in shields activated, we don't know what it could be...”

Fury nodded in agreement saying as he raised his gloved hand to his chin once more.

“Alright I agree lets go in shields hot, meet us on the other side!”

The Gearing maneuvered towards a sudden rift that opened, a crackling energetic portal with arcing streams of blue and white lighting like energy, the destroyer popped in to the portal at high speeds its form twisting slightly as it moved towards the center...

Several moments later, three portals burst open space and time, the darkness of space lit up by arcing chaotic bolts of energy out of twisting, three ships came out, two 355 meter Destroyers and a smaller 250 meter destroyer, gently rumbling towards the groups of ships the portals closing behind them, as their shields activated. The commander looked over the ships in the area slightly , as information flooded through, he knew some of the races in the area, how ever some were unknown he looked up to the avatar and said in a commanding voice.

“Send a message of greeting to all ships and ask them what is going on here”

With that the female avatar began speaking with a soft voice through the comn system on all frequencies.

“This is the UTS Gearing, from the United Terran Federation, we have detected your group from multiple light years away, and no response to a message we sent earlier was tendered we send our most heartfelt greetings and wish to know what is happening here.”

It was time to wait now as the message was sent out....


(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/USFU/ArleighBurkeclassSDDG-91BlockII.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/USFU/FletcherclassSDD-1.jpg)

A response came from the second Star Shadow:

This is a diplomatic meeting for all we know. We did not hear your earlier message, I imagine it was directed at the host of this meeting. That aside, our host has just recently appeared and has not communicated to any of us. The hanger bays are open, however, and it seems as if our host is inviting us to simply 'walk in' if you will.

“This is the UTS Gearing, from the United Terran Federation, we have detected your group from multiple light years away, and no response to a message we sent earlier was tendered we send our most heartfelt greetings and wish to know what is happening here.”

This is a diplomatic meeting for all we know. We did not hear your earlier message, I imagine it was directed at the host of this meeting. That aside, our host has just recently appeared and has not communicated to any of us. The hanger bays are open, however, and it seems as if our host is inviting us to simply 'walk in' if you will.

"Greetings and salutations UTS Gearing, we are the TIER-EGCV Wanderfar, Captain Cym' Myrria commanding," Came the swift reply, broadcast wide spectrum - going to all the sips in the area - from the Tanaran explorer vessel. The ships C.S. stiffled the desire to reply that the previous United Terran Federation message hadn't been addressed to them so they had, as was only polite, no responded to it. Of course they had over heard it, but...

The Wanderfar's capatin's hologram appeared. The Xa' Cz'inni was was only of middling hieght, standing maybe five and a half foot tall, her golden fur shimmering gently against bold ebon banding, her eyes a bright jade green.

"I am Captain Cym'myrria, and I am fortuante to have among my officers an Yautja Arbitor, though he states that this clan of his people is unknown to him. He broadcast in the frequencies normally used by the Yautja, and in their language, but as yet has recieved no reply. I will be sending over a representative team headed by him in one of our shuttles. "

The Tanarans didn't tend to use their transporter technology around those who didn't have it. It was a good ace in the whole to have.

A blue light flashed throughout the interior of the Abh liner as the Yautjan vessel made its appearance. The pilot alerted the crew members to the presence and informed all that they were making preparations for docking procedures. It wasn't much of a problem for the small Abh vessel to navigate its way into one of the empty docking bays.

The pilot's voice came over the comm link as it addressed the ambassador. "There are several transmissions from a number of the vessels in the area. Do you wish to acknowledge? We have a reading on some of them and their points of origin."

Teal looked over the list as it scrolled over his glass screen next to his seat. "No thank you. Ignore it for now. Any talks can wait until we are inside and ready for the conference. Please continue."

"Acknowledged." The pilot plotted his docking course and moved the ship in position. In the mean time, the two other Whitestars remained outside still powered up and ready to move.

As the first ship docked, they were greeted by a large, empty hangar bay. Despite their being no forcefield around the hangar doors, somehow the cavernous bays remained pressurised as though somebody were holding a bucket in some water upside down. For a while, the hangar bay seemed to be empty aside from the various dormant ships in storage off to the sizes, including a couple of large Hunter-class gunships. The walls were brown, with various orange patterns dimly glowing from within providing the only source of light in the room, while the floor was covered with a thin mist of fog. The fog was presumably caused by the humidity, which was high, as was the ambient temperature which approached at least thirty-five or forty degrees celcius if not more. As if the warm, humid air were not enough, it smelled musky and stale, littered with the strong scents of yautja pheromones. Worse still for some of the visitors, the atmosphere contained noticeably less oxygen than usual, and noticeably more nitrogen. It was breathable, though not for more than a few days and probably not comfortably.

After a few moments of inactivity, the first arrivals found themselves targeted by bright red laser sights, consisting of three dots in triangular formations and emanating apparently from thin air. Another set of tri-dot laser sights appeared, and another, until almost a dozen of the red beams shined at them from seemingly nowhere. As if that were not an indication that they weren't alone, something nearby made a distinctive clicking sound, as though eager to do something with its laser sights.

At that moment, the door on the far end of the hangar whirred open and an enormous female yautja paced through it, flanked by a pair of males in full awu'asa. She wore thin clothing, draped loosely over her frame, and no mask obscured her face. The males behind her were at least a foot and a half shorter than her, and were clearly no match for her in the weight stakes either. Quite quickly the female noticed the aliens in her hangar bay, and the numerous lasers being aimed at them, and she flared her mandibles in a bellowing roar.

"Yautja! Stow your burners!" she yelled in English, surprisingly. "Disengage your shift suits!"

At that, suddenly all of the laser sights disengaged at once, and the air all around seemed to shimmer and spark with energy as eleven yautja hunters decloaked. Each of them wore distinctive metal masks and each had a shoulder cannon trained on the interlopers, which were retracted behind them once they were visible. The boisterous female shoved one of them out of the way as she walked towards the alien visitors, clicking furiously at the hunters who now bowed their heads towards her respectfully.

"You will forgive these hunters," the female spoke in her deep, rasping voice, which sounded like speaking in English was very forced and uncomfortable for her. "For thousands of years, soft meat has been prey. It is hard to break this habit for them."

She noticed a yautja male amongst the alien visitors, one whom she didn't recognise and whom bore no familiar clan marking. Clicking curiously, she pretended to ignore him for the time being and continued with her address.

"I am Dahdtoudi, Alpha Female of Clan Cetanu," she resumed her speech, though she noticeably hesitated in parts - whether that was because she did not like what she was saying, or it was simply because her grasp of English was not perfect, was unclear. "We are... pleased you heeded our call. You will be safe here, for the Council of Ancients has decreed it a grave dishonour to hunt any of you. No hunter will risk this aspersion."

By now, the various hunters who threatened them had either dispersed or left the room entirely. The few who remained had taken off their mask, occasionally flaring their mandibles in quiet disdain.

"You must follow," Dahdtoudi said, gesturing towards the door she had just passed through. "We do not make politics often. There is a room on this deck we have made ready for your arrival. Come."

..
The avatar looked at the commander and started to speak again to Fury.

“Sir no response from that large ship to any of our messages, how ever we do have a response from two vessels, shall I patch it through?”

Fury looked over to the avatar and gave a slight nod, his short black hair crew cut as he sat on the leather like chair floating in the middle of the command center. The avatar patched both messages through one after the other, fury wasn't convinced this was really friendly, though he wasn't totally convinced it was totally malicious either..

He stood up with a sigh, his well pressed uniform outlining his slender body, he responded in a commanding yet diplomatic voice through the open comns with the other ships.

“Forgive me for not trusting this site one bit, it seems they have or will not respond to our messages, and you seem to be walking in to a trap, at least thats what we perceive, Im going to be so bold as if to order a recon Seal team to beam over with one of our diplomatic Avatars inorder to scope out the situation”

He sent that message in a tight beam QE transmission to both the Tanaran and Greywatchian ships. He then looked over to the avatar who was now floating above him slightly dealing with the mundane tasks of scanning and running ships systems.. he spoke out, his lips parting as noise came out.

“Tell seal team they are green for operation Candle light... tell the diplomatic avatar to prep for beam out”

Several decks down, a team of five people stood at attention, two females and three males , with bodies ranging from slender and fit, to burly and muscular.. the tactical avatar stood in front of the formation, her form shimmering gently as she paced back and forth, she began to speak in a harsh commanding voice to the team that was looking strait ahead each Terran looking like a stone rendition of him self .

“All right guys, heres the plan, you are to suit up, arm yourselves, and preform an alpha bravo recon security mission, no one shoots until they are shot at, maintain optical, sensory cloak and infrared. stealth at all times unless its necessary to brake it, and I repeat, repeat! Do not go gunghoe and shoot every thing that moves, your there for security and recon only, but unofficially we don't trust this situation so if any thing goes wrong please complete your mission as authorized. Your mission is to facilitate the safety of all non military personnel on that barge, be them Terran or non Terran. Good luck, and good hunting guys, Hoooa!”


“HOOOOA!” Echoed through the armory as the Seal team spoke back enthusiastically. Lt commander Nicolas J Ajax was in command of this mission, he fell out of formation followed by the rest of his crew, he looked around as he walked up to his locker, Elizabeth Fury, the commanders daughter was on his team, she was second in command, she looked over to Ajax, standing next to him, as they both gathered their gear, and suits.

“What the hell is all this really about?”

Ajax responded to the soft yet tough tone she had. “Its what hey say, nothing more, nothing less they don't trust whats going on there. So their sending us in..”

Another Seal member, a man by the name of Trent Fire started Jenkins looked over, and shook his head.

“its ashamed we have to be so paranoid, but hell if you need some thing blown up here, I'm your man, if they want to fuck with the UTF , let them fuck with a couple of micro nuclear charges of Cobalt five charges up their asses”


the team laughed almost in unison different tones, fire started got his name, because he was a wild one, like most people in SEAL team he was crazy go nuts, an action junkie, yet a protector at heart.

Liz shook her head and sighed gently as she took her Sentinel semi powered stealth armor out , along with her visor and AEMR-18 , this process was repeated by every member they put them down on their respective benches , the rifle next to their suit's then they continued to take out some other equipment, what seemed like a few clips, pistols grenades, Cobalt Five spatial charges, and small beaming beacons.

They started to get dressed each zipping up their under shirts, then placing the advanced armor over themselves, first the vest and shoulder pads, then the arm pieces, and leg pieces. They each took their long black and polished rifles and slung them over their shoulders, securing the clip each one clicking in unison, they then proceeded to mount a 40 mm grenade launcher on the bottom of the barrel securing it with another clock in unison.

The lockers automatically closed with a shimmer turning the open space to access all the materials to in to solid metal doors.


Each one began marching out of the door carrying their rifles in hand, their feet making little to no noise, as gravity repulsion compositors were installed to keep them from making to much noise , they each looked at each other, their helmet and visors secured , the opaque glass prevented any one from seeing their ashen faces as they made their way through the deck over to the transporter chamber.

The rest of the crew who were going about their duties stopped to stare every so often as the Seal team disappeared in to chamber.

The avatar stood in the center of the transporter room, as the seal team made their way around it, each pressing the optical cloaking and infrared stealth opinions on a holographic pop up console on their wrist, each shimmered in to non existence suddenly (Think Ghost in the shell).

Commander fury looked through the holo monitor on the bridge, and said to the tactical avatar.

“Beam them in”

Mean while Were the other delegates had landed a shimmer of bright light could be seen, they actually combined all six corridors in to a giant beam, and then dispersed , with five of the shimmering lights falling off and dissipating like it was normal. The male avatar stood alone it seemed in the shuttle bay , his well pressed suit blond hair and brown eyes and brown skin unique, but extremely Terran.

The Seals communicated to each other via QE Telepathy nodding to each other, as they fanned out.



Ajax barked out orders “Fire starter, Fury ,Metal claw, you guys make up the first echelon, me and Kiki will take the aft echelon fan out...”!


“Yes sir” they all said in unison as they maneuvered in to positions.

The Tolidadago arrived at the empty system it’s 5 km long body growing out of subspace while moving at a huge speed not so fast as to be unbelievable but fast none the less. It came to a halt so quickly it almost looked like it hit something hard. But it remained undamaged.

Ooc: here is a rough approximation http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k432/Dogora_2008/Cruiser.jpg

Kiro Ruuyk looked out the window at a mammoth ship already in the system, he had never quite seen a ship that large and ornate. He moved over to his bed and started preparing his stuff.

“captain. Others have arrived before us.” Spoke a ensign behind the captains chair

“yes, by the looks of things, I think we have to dock in one of those ports” The captain exclaimed, He muttered something else “jeez that thing is amazing”

“all right move into dock!” he continued “and send this message”

This is The Tolidadago of the Union of Humanity we arrive with out Diplomat Kiro Ruuyk we are moving into dock.

“Ensign be ready on weapons, just to be sure. I don’t like that they are using such a mammoth ship for a diplomatic conference”

The Tolidadago moved into position.

Hanger:
Due to the fact the inside of the bay was not specifically for Greywatch Star Shadows, which was quite understandable, the diplomat and bodyguards had to be blinked out of the ship onto a walkway. They had scanned the inside of bay as was normal for most to do when stepping into an alien ship. As such, the diplomat made sure to wear a filter/gas mask and goggles due to the atmosphere. The two bodyguards with him were an Elder Drone, some provided for this mission specifically, and a Leanorian priestess, something found on all Greywatch ships. The Drone was nothing new, it looked like any other Drone; black hair, lips, nails, eyes, and teeth, as well as black clothing. It had no reason to breathe though and wore no armor or filter of any kind. The Leanorian, who's golden fur sihmmered in the low light, looked around. She wore an oxygen mask and had a small oxygen tank strapped on her lower back. Her tail flicked from side to side slowly as she examined the surrounding.
When the red targeters began focusing on them, the Drone immediately took a defensive stance. Drones, especially Elder Drones, did not take crap from anyone. The Drone and the Leanorian were immediately focused in on any source of sound. It was obvious that they were outnumbered, this was already seeming like a bad idea. The diplomat was at the mercy of whoever had targeted them and the strength of his bodyguards.
When the female alien appeared, the Drone immediately faced her as if it was trying to make an attack plan. It was then that it, and the rest of the group, heard her english words and saw the aggresors stand down. As she explained the situation the diplomat walked forward, "I see." Came the filtered voice from behind the mask, "You'll have to forgive my teams appearance, this seemed like the more comfortable option." As she went on the group as a whole nodded, "Right then," said the diplomat, "We'll follow your lead."
-------------
Lead Star Shadow:
Back on the Greywatch docked ship the situation had been carefully monitored. The captain sighed with relief as the situation was resolved peacefully, "They're like the damn Kiixori. These guys had better be careful."
-------------
Space:
Outside, the second Star Shadow picked up the message and responded:

We're not comfotable either but we've taken the necissary precautions. We too feel this is a bit suspicious but we've come to believe this may simply be a race of warriors, which would explain a lot.
-------------
Hanger:
Back in the hanger, the Greywatch deligates turned to see the bright flash and another deligate appear, "Interesting." Said the diplomat.

No one in the Wanderfar outreach team had flinched when they'd been targeted, it had been expected. Loki was at the Adjucators left, and no Cadre was ever really stood down, the Cadre just let them vacation from time to time. Captain Cym'myrria was to his right and she was Xa' Cz'inni. They were very good at taking care of themselves. Dr. Brianna Carson looked about with interested eyes and the sangfroid any great doctor possessed. Nimure, as was usual for the Grendel, never got excite about much. But then again Grendels didn't have to.

Papa Jango might not have been able to make all, not even most, of the crew full Hunters - but he was working on it and their natural instincts - the ones that led them to this life of exploration into the dark unknown gave them a useful base for his efforts, and he had at the very least inoculated a strong respect and understanding of the Yautja. They weren't Yautja, but had some worth, and some among them had true Honor.

Their nano packs helped them deal with the different atmosphere, but it took them a minute or two to fully adapt.

The Greywatcher group got a respectful nod of the head from the Tanaran team. They'd introduce themselves in a bit...

"We do not make politics often. There is a room on this deck we have made ready for your arrival. Come."

"I am Cym'myrria C'tanah'tah mahedra' Noh Varrr’in, Alpha Female of the ship clan Wanderfar." The Xas's flexible throats and non human inner mouths could approximate most of the basics of Yautja language. And she was very careful to speak distinctly and slowly.

One ear twitched as the report came from the Wanderfar that the UTS Gearing had sent them a cautionary message, and then sensors showed the energy spikes that indicated transporter use. Multiple beam in's. The Xas looked over her shoulder at the lone, visible UTS'er -his well pressed suit blond hair, brown eyes and brown skin extremely Terran.

She flicked a look at Loki and he gave the minutest flick of handsign. He couldn't pick them up- his embedded sensors weren't strong enough to over ride their 'powered stealth' but he sensed them, felt their arrival. They both wondered how the Yautja would react to the clandestine, and basically hostile, mini invasion. But then again they'd heard nothing good about the UTS, too aggressive, too stupid.

Hear.

Yautja clan ship Ripping Claw to hold conference. All interested diplomats of worth to visit us here. You will be safe. You will discuss with us proposal and diplomacy. Send your vessels to following coordinates. We will appear once many are ready.

End.

The transmission crackled to an end, filling the bridge of the Alliance capital ship Virtue of Might with the sound of static. Virgil raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the strange message. The holographic images of the Founder and his Council were silent. His bridge crew continued about their business as if all were as normal, but he could tell the message had thrown them off a bit. A few technicians exchanged nervous glances, first at the Virgil, then double-taking back at each other.

Virgil Castro was the grandson of the Commonwealth's Founder and current High Chancellor, and thus an heir to the Chancellorship and entitled to a position of command within the Commonwealth's military. The Virtue of Might was one of twelve sister ships, each one commanded by one of his fellow heirs, each one a capital ship in a fleet of twelve Atlas Class Destroyers, two Achilles Class missile frigates, and a Poseidon Class carrier. These capital ships were half the size of the massive frigates but were nearly twice the speed of an Atlas, and as heavily armed as any ship in the fleet. These keyships were unparalleled in their power, and in many battles proved the turning point in such conflicts. However, Virgil's fleet was on a mission of colonization, not destruction, with their primary objectives being to protect their numerous science and colony ships in their custody, and keep watch while they began the early stages of terraforming until they could establish a defensive garrison of their own. He was looking forward to the long and monotonous assignment as a makeshift vacation from his duties as an heir... what a surprise that something like this would happen.

The Founder's hologram stood up and turned to Virgil. Despite pushing two hundred and fifty, his bionics kept up the appearance of a forty five year old man. The only hint of his age lay in the dignified streaks of silver in his sideburns. His his deep blue hardsuit and the long, intricately patterned cloak flowing behind it made him look like a medieval king more then a modern chancellor. "Loyal Virgil, you are the nearest in position to this supposed rendezvous point. The duty falls on you, my heir, to establish diplomatic communications with these... Yautja, was it?... and any other force or species you encounter at this diplomatic meeting... you are aware of what is at stake."

"Yes, Grandfather. But, what of the colonists? Without us, who shall keep vigil over their terraforming efforts?"

One of the other holograms, a towering figure in a black and orange hardsuit turned towards Virgil. His armor was riddled with bullet marks and shrouded in black tabards. His burning red hair was tied back in a ponytail and a large, red scar ran down the right side of his sun burnt face. The general of the Juggernaut Legion's voice resounded through the room as clear as a bell, "They shall be fine, as this will be a diplomatic mission. Leave the majority of your fleet with the colonists; take only two Atlases with you to escort the Virtue of Might. The remaining ships should be more then adequate enough until you return... if they require assistance, you can always return to them, and if things should be so bad, my fleet can provide assistance..."

"Yes, General Rascada. Thank you for your assistance." Virgil nodded towards the Chancellor and forced a smile, "Don't worry, Grandfather, I shall do you proud."

"I know you will, my heir. I know you will." The Chancellor smiled and nodded to the other holograms, and one by one, the images dissipated, leaving Virgil alone on his command precipice. One of his crewman, Ensign Merrus, swiveled his chair at the helm to face Virgil.

"So, boss-man, what's your orders?" The other crewmen looked up to Virgil on his platform with uncertainty. Even the hardsuit-armored Azure Guard, the most elite of fighting men and women in the Alliance assigned with the singular duty of defending The Chancellor, his AI compatriot Chaos, and the Chancellor's many heirs, renowned for their stoicism in the face of danger, seemed to shuffle nervously at their posts on the bridge.

Virgil sighed, "Well, you heard the old man. Ensign Merrus, begin cycling the drives: get this ship ready to space fold. Ensign Diana, relay the Chancellor's orders to the remainder of the fleet and contact Atlas Destroyers Intrepid and Valiant to pull into escort formation with the Virtue. Also, slave their drive units to our navigation systems so that we jump simultaneously. Oh, and prepare my AVATAR for departure on arrival. I'd rather not chance them misinterpreting a docking attempt from this ship as an act of aggression on our part."

Within minutes, the fleet enacted Virgil's orders, and the Virtue of Might, flanked by the Intrepid and Valiant activated their drives. With a shockwave that rippled through the fabric of reality, space bent and warped, hurling the three ships within ten miles of the monstrous Yautja ship, where upon they reappeared with another space-shaking concussive wave. The Virtue of Might and it's flank guards popped into existence, the silver and blue hull of the Virtue silhouetted against the stars like a brilliant predatory bird. Virgil surveyed the scene. Other starships were docking with the massive amber hulk. Virgil allowed himself a strained smile.

"Looks like we're late for the party... Ensign Diana! Open a non-encrypted channel, broadcast to all ships..."


All attending craft, this is the cruiser Virtue of Might, bearing the diplomat on behalf The Commonwealth of the Second Alliance. We apologize for not showing up sooner, but we were held up. I am Virgil Castro, twenty-third heir ascendant of the Commonwealth, and commander of this fleet. My ships will stay at our current positions unless you would have otherwise. My personal bodyguard and I shall be over swiftly to partake in your diplomatic discussions.

Virgil turned to the two gaurds at the entrance to the bridge. "Gentlemen, let's go over and knock shall we?" The three marched out of the room and headed towards the Virtue's forward launch bay.

"Time to play nice and greet the natives." Teal adjusted his suit and headed down the walkway. His polished shoes hit the hard floor and the difference in oxygen levels hit the older gentlemen. Teal took in a deep breath and steadied himself.

Doron pulled the hood of his cloak back and walked down beside the ambassador. For an Abh, the difference in oxygen levels mattered little at all. Breed for space, they could survive in almost any oxygen based environment. "You want me to handle this and you can wait in the ship?"

Teal shot the younger Abriel a glare. "For a son of Jinto, you sure took on more of your mother's side. Just see if you can locate a way out or find someone that is supposed to be here to greet us."

The young Abh shrugged his shoulders and gave a snort. "It is an odd ship, though it's not organic. There isn't anyone around but I can still sense the ship's inhabitants. Perhaps they are hiding."

"Or studying us."

Doron shrugged. Since they were in a different hangar from the rest of the new arrivals, the Abh had the particular hangar bay to themselves for a time. The peace was broken though when a number of lasers trained themselves on the two ambassadors.

Teal raised his hands in a non-threatening manner while Doron moved the folds of his cloak aside to reveal his two lightsabers at his side then raised his hands. "I suppose this is the part where you say we come in peace?"

"Oh shut up. Why your grandfather wanted you to come along, I'll never know."