NationStates Jolt Archive

"Status?"
"Locked on target," reported the tactical officer. "Range in 60 seconds."
The Acclaim-class (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Acclaim-classMediumCruisers.jpg) medium cruiser closed in on the freighter. Its twin MAC guns charged and ready.
"Firing range!"
"Fire!"
Two large depleted-uranium shells shot from the ship and headed straight at the freighter, striking its main engines. With a flash, they cut out, leaving the freighter stranded.
"Target dead, sir."
"Send out retrieval teams. I want all cargo brought aboard ASAP."
"Yes sir!"
Moments later, a pair of shuttles left the cruiser and manuvered to dock with the damaged freighter...

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

"Here are the latest customs reports, my lord." said a steward. He placed a data card on the steel desk and backed away.
"Thank you. You may go," said a dark, cool voice. With a bow, the servent turned and left the thrown room.
The large leather chair behind the desk rotated, and a gloved hand reached out, picked up the card, and inserted it into a data slot. A holo-screen appeared above the desk, displaying the contents. "Excellent," he said. "With these resources, we can move fleet production ahead of schedule."
"Again?" asked a female voice. He turned his chair, to stare at a young girl. Her red-gold hair was tied back, while the dim light reflected off her gloss-black jumpsuit. "You just pushed the shipyards ahead. Why push again?"
"Simple," he replied, "We need a fleet strong enough to push out beyond our borders. Only then can we begin to 'enlarge' the Imperium."
"I know," she sighed. "I just wish I could take part in the field work. I hate being cooped up here all the time."
"Patience, sister," he said. "All in good time. For now, we must continue to build our resources."
"Very well," she turned and headed out the door.
"Hmmm," he thought, "Perhaps she could use a little, vacation..."

(OOC: just my intro. feel free to join as the freighter who was attacked, robbed of cargo, and left to drift. I'll post more later)

TAG for possible participation

Here we go again, thought Captain Ramus. One of these days, I have to retire from all this. He watched the viewscreen as his ship, the Raven Claw (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Acclaim-classMediumCruisers.jpg), moved in on a helpless freighter.
"Target main engines," he ordered.
"Aye, sir!"
Ramus sat back in his chair, waiting to get closer before opening fire.
"What are you waiting for?" asked a voice from behind. He turned in his chair, to see a young girl in a black jumpsuit standing just inside the door to the bridge. "Aren't you going to fire?"
He sighed, remembering the other 'condition' on this mission. "Princess, please recall the range of our main guns. I am waiting to get closer for a better shot."
"Whatever." She crossed her arms in front of her chest, staring quietly at him.
"Very well." Ramus turned his chair around to face the viewscreen once again. "Fire when ready."
Twin MAC guns opened fire, throwing a pair of rounds at the freighter...

--The younglings play, my Lady--the helmsman gleefully informed--May we at least bolster this attack?--
--Silence--the Shipmother growled--This war may-or may not-have ought to do with us, so open a hail:
"Attention, attacking vessel-you are disrupting travel frequencies-may we ask the reasons for such behavior?"

"What!? Where did that come from?" asked Ramus.
"Unknown vessel sir," the crewman reported. "Orders?"
"Open a channel. All bands."
"Ready."

"This is Captain Ramus, of the Deltan Imperium. We are involved in, 'customs' operations, and have no dispute with you."

"That's it?" asked the girl. "You should attack them as well."
"Princess," Ramus growled, "I will not risk engaging an unknown ship without first knowing what I am going up against. They could vastly outgun us."
"Or be just as weak and pathetic as the Kazon," she replied. "The act tough, but they can be broken as well."
"Perhaps. However, this is hardly the time to discover that."
She turned to stare at the viewscreen. "We shall see..."

"It is none of our concern, save we move hither and dither, between the 'tick' and the 'tock', as you might best explain it.
"Why do you constrain our trade so?"

"Enough of this," said the girl. "Destroy them now."
"I think not," said Ramus. "At least until some backup arrives."
She nodded, and left the bridge. Ramus signaled his crew to reactivate the COMM.

"Your trade? The freighter will be allowed to leave once we have, 'quarentined' the cargo. If the crew does not resist, this will not take long. In the meantime, you appear to have me at a disadvantage. May I ask whom I am addressing?"

----------

As the door closed behind her, she pulled out a small device and activated it. Her quarters slowly vanished, replaced by strange swirling clouds of shifting colors. Flashes of energy could be seen in the background.
"Brother," she said, "An alien ship has arrived."

"Excellent," came a voice from afar, "This is just what we needed. You know what you need to do."

"Is it too soon? Are we ready for the next stage?"

"I believe so. This will speed up our plans a bit, but the situation is still workable. Go, Daria. Let us begin."

"I understand."

Then, just as quickly as they appeared, the clouds vanished and the room returned to normal. "Very well brother," she said, "I hope you know what you're doing." Then, pocketing the device, she headed back to the bridge...

bump

OOC: Michael Toth, a little explanation on how you got aboard the ship would be nice. Before I post an IC response, can you please explain how one man is about to take over a ship with a crew of 150 military personel? I need a little more info before I can create a proper IC response. Thank you.

OOC: just to clarify, if you see the symbol 'OOC:' in front of something, it means 'Out Of Character'. My questions were not asked by my characters, but by me. As for your actions, how do you know that my ship even has a chief of security? It could be equiped with a security computer, A.I., droids, etc. Therefore, due to your disregard of simple facts, and unskilled post, I am forced to ask you to leave this thread or delete and repost your actions to make them more acceptable. Any other questions, please feel free to send me a TeleGram. Thank you.

OOC:

It is considered polite to make an intro post before you do anything like that, especially with you somehow gaining access to his ship without sensors detecting your presence and bypassing all his security.

Send him a TG to discuss how things can happen, that would be the best thing for now.

A ship appears on your starboard side. A image appears on your screen. "Hello I am Grand-General Mirog and I demand that you turn over your ship or be vaporized. I will await your response." Message cuts off.

(OOC: Much better...)


Ramus watched his monitor. "So, another has come."
"Orders, sir?" asked a crewman.
"Open a channel," replied Ramus. "This is getting interesting..."

"This is Captain Ramus of the Deltan Imperium. By what authority do you demand my ship? This is interstellar space, unclaimed by anyone. As we are near the Imperium's border, I sugest that you refrain from hostilities, as I can have reinforcements here in a short time."

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

on the homeworld...


"Do you understand your orders, Admiral?"
"Yes, my lord. I will not fail you."
"See that you don't. I have not come his far just to watch fools ruin my plans. Out."
The image of the Admiral vanished, and Emperor Roman relaxed in his chair. He watched the starmap, as the indicators for the fleet of ships vanished as they jumped to warp speed. "Ramus better not foul up before their arrival," he thought outloud. "I cannot afford any setbacks..."

"Captain I have received notice that your emperor has launched a fleet this way. Please request that they turn back when they arrive. I have no problem blowing your boat out of the air. Grand-General Mirog out"

(OOC: interesting.....)

"I say again: By what authority do you presume to give me orders? If your government has a legitimate claim on this area of space, I will be happy to comply and withdraw. As for a fleet, I have had no contact with my command base. No transmissions have been sent from this vessel. If there is a fleet coming, I presume that they are in response to the first unknown vessel's presence, not yours. I have taken no hostile action toward your ship, and wish to know why you are choosing to do so against mine."

(OOC: FYI, the communication between the Princess and her brother was not made by conventional means. No transmissions were sent from my ship. I will explain in detail IC.)

"Neither I nor any of my compatriots have an country. We are mercenaries and damn good ones. However if you or your bosses who are on their way to this location wish to hire us, i will happily come abord your ship and talk.;

"Mercs. Just what I need," muttered Ramus.
"What are you going to do now?" asked the princess as she reentered the bridge.
"Simply. Discover their capabilities."

"Mercenaries eh? Perhaps we might have a use for you. If you could provide the weapons capabilities of your ship, I can forward it onto my commanders."

" Ah, Ah, we don't give that to anyone. We prefer to keep that to our selves. The first and only person who asked us that and got an answer, tried to kill us. We will wait until your fleet arrives, since you seem to have no authority.;

"Son of a bitch!"
Tanj glanced over at his First Mate, frowning mildly. "There's no cause for that sort of language, Mister Jackson, however much the present circumstances may endeavor to contradict me."
The seven-foot tall, heavily muscled human in power armor looked down at the Captain of the merchant vessel, the Errant Venture (http://theorangeguy.deviantart.com/art/Sleipnir-Armed-Freighter-102495676), inclining his head in apology, shaking the datapad he held by way of explanation. "Sorry Sir, but our sensors read another ship incoming."
Tanj sniffed delicately, tail flicking in agitation. "Readings...?"
Jackson shook his head. "None, Captain, that last shot screwed up our scanners pretty bad."

Tanj sighed in irritation. It was bad enough that they'd gotten this rush job, with the hold full of lead, raw copper, shaped iron and silver, to Scrinthia, but now they'd been attacked (by pirates, of all things) who now appeared to have reinforcements. "How are the boarding preparations proceeding?" He inquired. Jackson grinned widely at this, he had been given command of the able-bodied crew with the array of weapons they had at their disposal to repel the boarders, and the forty or so various beings that made up the 'ready and willing to fight' portion of the seventy-crewed ship were a force to be reckoned with on their home ground, as it were. "When the they get here, we'll give 'em a new definition to the phase 'boarding party'," he chuckled. Jackson A. Smith was a former Alversian People's Navy Marine, having given up military give in exchange for the quieter, considerably more profitable one of security on board this merchantman. Usually his duties consisted of making sure none of the crew messed with the cargo, stopping any fights that broke out and making sure everyone got back to the ship from leave on time, but now he found himself challenged for the first time in years.

Tanj nodded. "Carry on then," he said, and Jackson left the bridge, off to get the crew in shape for the enemy who was sure to come. Tanj looked about the empty, softly-humming, automated bridge silently, ears flicking. Tanj was a kitsune, an Xiscapian to be precise, and a member of the race Vulpes Vulpes, what would have been known as a bekko among his people, before bekko became so unexpectedly common. He looked not unlike a humanoid fox, standing easily on two legs like any human, but with a full white muzzle, slitted orange eyes, fur covering his entire body, fox ears and a bushy, silky smooth tail. Clad in a black, red and gold uniform that detonated his rank as Captain, the Xiscapian wondered what would happen to his ship and crew. He had every confidence in Jackson and the crew, but pirates were not known to be forgiving to those who fought back, and even if they did manage to repel the enemy, Tanj knew that, if they had no more boarders to send, the pirate Captain might order his ship destroyed, and all of his crew with it. If they managed to enter the ship, his cargo would be taken and his crew probably killed or sold in slavery on some Qonn-forsaken world, and he would almost certainly be murdered, probably in a gruesome fashion.
Captain Tanj was determined to stop these uncouth raiders from stealing his cargo and killing his crew, but he feared determination alone might not be enough.
OOC: I know, attacked, robbed of cargo, left to drift, but I'm not content to lose it all without a fight. ;)

"As a sign of good faith I will take care of that little problem for you." Turns to person off screen. "Get me a line with the freighter." switches over, with line for Ramus still open. "Hello Freighter, this is Grand-General Mirog power down your weapons or I will blow you out of the sky. Unless of course you want to pay me to eliminate him." Jerks finger at Ramus's ship.

While Tanj pondered his troubling thoughts there was a soft chime as one of the terminals lit up on the bridge. "Nội dung các," said the computer in a soft, feminine voice, alerting him that there was a message incoming from the ship so recently arrived. "Trên màn hình," the Xiscapian replied in his native tongue, turning to look at the front screen on the bridge. The person would see the kitsune standing, katana sheathed in a deep red scabbard, with his hands clasped behind his back, head held high, every inch the imperious spacer he made himself out to be.

Tanj listened without saying anything, without blinking or even appearing to breath. He seemed to be considering the offer. Finally he spoke:
"We have no weapons of any kind; we pose no threat to you or those of your ilk. May I inquire as to who you are, and why have you and the other have come to prey on an innocent merchant such as myself? Last I checked this was interstellar space, outside of the control of any."
Pirates were also not known for being particularly harmonious creatures, especially with one another: The Captain could tell by the inconspicuous offer of help in exchange for currency that the two ships accosting him were no exception. However, they were also rather untrustworthy, and he wondered if this wasn't all a ploy of some kind, to get pirates aboard the Venture without a fight. Being an "innocent merchant", Tanj had naturally developed a highly suspicious mind, but he was also patient, and willing to see what, if any, fruits this encounter could bear.

While Tanj pondered his troubling thoughts there was a soft chime as one of the terminals lit up on the bridge. "Nội dung các," said the computer in a soft, feminine voice, alerting him that there was a message incoming from the ship so recently arrived. "Trên màn hình," the Xiscapian replied in his native tongue, turning to look at the front screen on the bridge. The person would see the kitsune standing, katana sheathed in a deep red scabbard, with his hands clasped behind his back, head held high, every inch the imperious spacer he made himself out to be.

Tanj listened without saying anything, without blinking or even appearing to breath. He seemed to be considering the offer. Finally he spoke:
"We have no weapons of any kind; we pose no threat to you or those of your ilk. May I inquire as to who you are, and why have you and the other have come to prey on an innocent merchant such as myself? Last I checked this was interstellar space, outside of the control of any."
Pirates were also not known for being particularly harmonious creatures, especially with one another: The Captain could tell by the inconspicuous offer of help in exchange for currency that the two ships accosting him were no exception. However, they were also rather untrustworthy, and he wondered if this wasn't all a ploy of some kind, to get pirates aboard the Venture without a fight. Being an "innocent merchant", Tanj had naturally developed a highly suspicious mind, but he was also patient, and willing to see what, if any, fruits this encounter could bear.
Draws self up to full 6 foot 8 inches minus heavy armor. "I am a Mercenary commander, I do not work for that other person yet. I have made them a offer for my services as I have you. You are no innocent merchant, the piece of metal standing next to you, and that fancy blade on your hip is a indicator of that." Looks past Tanj. "You, behemoth, I would love to meet you, and get you into some real armor." Turns back to Tanj. "I will happily come aboard your ship, if you wish to discuss hiring me and my compatriots."

OOC: Tanj is the only one on the bridge, Jackson is not on it...
IC:
"I see," said Tanj carefully. "Appearances can be deceiving, Grand-General, but I am sure we can discuss the nature of human condition another time. If you don't mind, I would much rather negotiate though this medium until I can be sure of your loyalty, surely you understand my concerns. What would it cost me, in galactic standard credits, to hire the services of you and your men, exclusively, to neutralize these marauders who plague me?"
Tanj was still suspicious of this Mirog person, if he was who and what he claimed to be he could simply be offering to destroy the competition, so he could take the Venture's cargo all for himself. Then again, Tanj did not have a lot of options, especially if the Grand-General was hired out to the other ship first. His crew might be able to fight off the boarders of one vessel, but surely not two.

The frigate drifted through the aether as it navigated through T-Space. The violent arcs of raw energy flashed from nebula to nebula using the shields of the ebon craft as a conduit. If anything had been in their path most likely it would have been disintegrated immediately. T-Space was not a friendly place but then again most places outside the Space-Time Continuum were not. T-Space, or the 7th dimension was a place of persistent storms of raw dimensional energies that could obliterate entire planets if they were to somehow find themselves in such an unlikely and foreign locale.

The Ta’Nar Infernal Frigate (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/beldragos/kythonfrigate.jpg)scanned through the Dimensional Barrier into Real Space as it traveled. Aboard the ship, an officer spoke to his captain.

Captain, I am picking up disturbances three light years off port.

What is your assessment?

It appears to be a standoff involving a freighter and at least three warships. They all appear to be from different nations and none are allied with each other.

This might be useful, change course to intercede with their location. Remain Uplifted after we arrive and get complete scans of their ships.

Yes Sir.

The Ebon Blade arrived within two minutes and remained unseen in their dimensional space, scanning the interactions between the vessels.

Sir, we have completed the initial scans and it appears none of the vessels would pose a threat to The Ebon Blade, not even if they all worked together.

I understand.

The captain carefully watched the ships using the sensor feeds for what seemed an eternity before making a decision.

Take us to Real Space. Do not initiate Space Minus Powertaps. Continue scanning the vessels and report all actions to me.

Yes Sir.

Moments later, a small 60 meter ship faded into reality as it Emerged from T-Space into Real Space. The ship was definitely living up to its name; it was black as pitch and difficult to see in the equally black emptiness of space without it silhouetting a background object. Sensors immediately painted the location of the vessel; even primitive sensors would have detected the vessel as soon as it entered Real Space. The data registered a mass signature of a small star and power readings that could make a technician wish to take the sensors offline to run a diagnostic. Nothing registered these levels, nothing…

The ship faded into Real Space and remained motionless. There was no communications and the only thing the ship was emitting other than the aforementioned readings were powerful scans which caused unshielded metal to warm slightly, even at this distance.

OOC: Tanj is the only one on the bridge, Jackson is not on it...
IC:
"I see," said Tanj carefully. "Appearances can be deceiving, Grand-General, but I am sure we can discuss the nature of human condition another time. If you don't mind, I would much rather negotiate though this medium until I can be sure of your loyalty, surely you understand my concerns. What would it cost me, in galactic standard credits, to hire the services of you and your men, exclusively, to neutralize these marauders who plague me?"
Tanj was still suspicious of this Mirog person, if he was who and what he claimed to be he could simply be offering to destroy the competition, so he could take the Venture's cargo all for himself. Then again, Tanj did not have a lot of options, especially if the Grand-General was hired out to the other ship first. His crew might be able to fight off the boarders of one vessel, but surely not two.

"Very well. We have no set price, you just have to offer us the most cash. Our services are highly coveted, by those few who know of us. However once we work for you, we stay until our contract is terminated by you. And since I know what is probably going through your mind, I do not want your cargo. If I did I would have already blasted the other ship to bits and we would be talking face to uh.. face.:

(OOC: Potential tag for Entry, pending observation and opportune entry time)

There was no continuum, no common sense, no essentially primary plane of existence one could claim. There was only Chaos. It has been a long way... an expedition towards a new perspective of future, to which there was only one place to travel, to reach beyond the limitations and laws which control an universe where Einstein's grave is too shallow for him to roll over in his grave. It was traveling, if it could be spoken in such way of what happens when the realm of Chaos is transversed. Demons and unspeakable entities, built of the very malice of the nature of human and Xenos, attempted to break through, to conquer and subdue at their whim whoever was inside the safety of the spacecraft. The Immaterium in its very contradiction as material objects passed through it, lied as a long infamous hub to essentially anywhere, and randomly anywhere. There was no way to be sure anything would arrive at its intended place.

There was no vacuum either, only blood... a space as an ocean of blood with floating skulls, combusted by a flaming torch of hydrogen, boiling and sticking to layers after layers of the thickest ice. A long way down, and no way back. Unfortunately, or perhaps, paradoxically, he who was supposed to secure it was completely oblivious, too engaged somewhere else, in another of many realities.

"Die you fucking Nazi!" shouted a man as he bursted his Sten gun. It has been an arduous war, from the battles against the fascists of Nationalist Spain, to the defense of the Pyrenees against the Germans. His family now was a distant, but still missed memory, his boost to not waver or let himself get killed from the way things were getting. The fields of Aquitaine were ridden in battles, as a resurgent Republican Spain fought against both internal and external enemies bent on its destruction. Many lives have already been lost in this world war, but there was much yet to be done.

As he walked through a hilltop, the man suddenly felt a shiver, a primal fear out of nowhere, sufficiently authentic to let him realize that he was not a soldier fighting in the second world war, and that such was not the reality he was born into. A cackling laughter, of entities which, in their ambition and might, sought to control the vessel. Suddenly his peripheral view was tormented by shadows and disgusting sights of few seconds, as he could hear the frightening laughters.

"Down five nine Up Left!" the man then shouted, as everything faded away, like if he was inside a movie in its ending. The darkness however, even more terrifying when combined with the whispers of demons, suddenly passed, as he saw something else: a three dimensional overview of a vessel, his vessel. Something had to be done an soon, however, for the barriers were waning, and horrible things could occur to him should he allow for them to come.

He was lucky however. Soon he began to sense the proximity of another overlay between the reality of space, and the reality of chaos. It was getting closer, but equally, his barriers were quickly degrading. Using thrust now could lead to a result completely off the expected one, like a forward acceleration moving the spacecraft backwards, as there was no law other than those envisioned by minds, or by a singular mind.

Come on. We are almost there

The laughters, whispers and taunts became intenser, like if legions prepared to assault him should he not reach safety out of the place in time. The beacon seemed to run away, shifting its position, like a mockery of those which haunted the place, and yet, he would not give up, always leading ahead at its regular thrust through the sea of blood, expecting that eventually an exit would be reached.

The barriers were almost gone, as the man began to wail, for horrible, alien thoughts began to permeate his mind, superficially, like if he was being probed by beings of unspeakable nature, seeking to destroy his freedom, to take him as a servant of their questionable goals.

Come on!

He felt like there were only ten seconds, as he began to wave his hopes. Now it was the decisive moment, where a single second could make the entire difference. The clock ticked backwards with reversed pointers, making its sound whenever a second passed. The time was getting over.

Three, two and one were the last seconds, a fraction of time deciding his fate. He has been lucky, and at last, the realm of Chaos was left as it returned to space. Icy, covered in frozen water like if a preserved fossil, and yet majestic, the medium sized spacecraft (http://th06.deviantart.com/fs18/300W/i/2007/136/d/7/EON__Singularity_Slider_by_maciejfrolow.jpg) took its inertia, and moved in a vector that would reach some interesting findings, one astronomical unit and half away from it. Some of the chaos escaped, as shifting colors and a short, brief feeling of insanity came to soon disappear. Like an unlimited eye, it stared upon the distant, beyond visual range targets which seemed to be conducting some operations of questionable effectiveness in combat. The passive astrogation deck instruments registered everything, from beneath lenses and layers of ice, watching directly, zooming a zillion of times as he could see the reflected sunlight over the hulls of the combatants.

This is none of my businesses, unless one or all of them are Xenu scum.

His thought crossed his mind. There was not a very precise way to determine which of there were human and which weren't without a direct contact. Neutrality was a good option, and thus it simply stood there, waiting, and with no visible armaments, millions of kilometers away from the action.

The spacecraft just waited and observed from such massive distance, for now. The owner of the Malatesta would not take any chances. However, he had to find somewhere with resources, perhaps a planet. From now on, his vessel would be among the statistics of convoys claimed to have been forever lost in the Warp.

Waits for reply from either ship. "You there, bring me my pipe."

Sir, did you catch their last transmission?

No, I was reviewing the scans of the additional ships that arrived. Play it back for me.

Yes Sir.

"Very well. We have no set price, you just have to offer us the most cash. Our services are highly coveted, by those few who know of us. However once we work for you, we stay until our contract is terminated by you. And since I know what is probably going through your mind, I do not want your cargo. If I did I would have already blasted the other ship to bits and we would be talking face to uh.. face.:

The captain could not fathom the utter lack of negotiation skills of the supposed Grand Mercenary. It does not do to threaten the ones you want to establish a contract with, it falls under Duress and not only voids the legality of any contract threats are used to force entry into but also makes it so the forced party doesn’t have to pay a single credit for any services rendered.

Since they are using an open channel, proof of their underhanded negotiation skills was expanding at the speed of light in every direction for anyone to detect and use against the deceitful mercenary forces in all their future negotiations with anyone else in the galaxy. The record of the transmission was already automatically uploaded through the instantaneous Space Minus Transmitter and the Kython links but also entered into record using the ESUS Battlenet as was standard protocol when encountering groups of vessels from new civilizations.

I cannot believe the meatbag is so inept at negotiation skills.

What do you want us to do?

Nothing for now. We will base our reaction upon what unfolds here. Continuing to scan all vessels and send the info back home as per protocol.

Yes Sir.



OOC:

A copy of all alien transmissions can be located on the ESUS Battlenet for fellow ESUS members if they wish.

"Well, this is interesting." Captain Horus laughed to himself as the crew monitored the transmissions and signals of the mercenary ship through a near by Comm Buoy. "That man must be a top-level diplomat."
"Should we intervene?"
"It appears that a merchant craft was attacked by pirates. It would be unhonorable to leave them unaided."
"Steal their cargo afterwards?"
"Depends. Scan them when we get there."
"Will do, sir. Warping in now."
"Leave weapons powered off, shields up to full. We don't want to give the right impression."

The IPV dropped out of warp through a green-tinged portal, then immediately issued a breach communication.
"This is the VTN Vendetta (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z107/Kain1235/CrescentMoon-classGunboat.jpg). We detected weapons fire and have come to investigate. All craft will stand down, or at least give us a valid reason for not standing down, or be fired upon."

When the VTN Vendetta arrived they could not miss the gravity well or the power levels possessed by the miniscule 60 meter vessel a few light minutes away from the action zone. The Ebon Blade continued to scan all the other vessels.

Sir, another ship has arrived. It appears to be a Cylon Raider in design but the transponder codes do not match those of our allies.

So, it appears to be an enlarged copy of their fighter?

Apparently Sir. Their maneuverability class has to have suffered once the mass was added to the design to make the ship larger.

Scan the vessel along with the others.

Sir, they are transmitting a message.

Let’s hear it.

"This is the VTN Vendetta. We detected weapons fire and have come to investigate. All craft will stand down, or at least give us a valid reason for not standing down, or be fired upon."

Orders Sir?

Stand by and let them take the first actions. When we obliterate them it will then be justified.

Snipped[/COLOR]

"Sir, there is some sort of gravitic anomoly. It suggests a Anti-Hyperdrive Gravity Well. There are also large energy readings coming from that area."
"So, theres somebody playing hide and seek here, eh? Launch a probe, give me make and origin of whatever is doing it."
"Yessir. Probe launching now."

Another green flash, this one much lighter and coming from inside the vessel, marked the probe's one shot engine starting. The tiny drone (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z107/Kain1235/UAID.jpg) shot forward, leaving the same bright green trail behind it, scanners aimed solely at the area of the grav well. It broadcast no code, but the Vendetta sent a localized hail to the sector the anomoly was in and awaited a response.

"Sir, there is some sort of gravitic anomoly. It suggests a Anti-Hyperdrive Gravity Well. There are also large energy readings coming from that area."
"So, theres somebody playing hide and seek here, eh? Launch a probe, give me make and origin of whatever is doing it."
"Yessir. Probe launching now."

Another green flash, this one much lighter and coming from inside the vessel, marked the probe's one shot engine starting. The tiny drone (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z107/Kain1235/UAID.jpg) shot forward, leaving the same bright green trail behind it, scanners aimed solely at the area of the grav well. It broadcast no code, but the Vendetta sent a localized hail to the sector the anomoly was in and awaited a response.

Sees new ship and scans pick up anomaly. "All ships uncloak." seven more ships appear. "This is Grand-General Mirog, Your ships have been targeted and weapons are locked. Power down all non-essential systems and order all support vessels into normal space. Failure to comply with this, will result in your being retired, permanently."

Sees new ship and scans pick up anomaly. "All ships uncloak." seven more ships appear. "This is Grand-General Mirog, Your ships have been targeted and weapons are locked. Power down all non-essential systems and order all support vessels into normal space. Failure to comply with this, will result in your being retired, permanently."

The captain sent a return hail. He appeared with a extremely straight, serious face.
"My good sir. Hahahahaha!" He sighed. "Seriously though, how do you think threatening us will help you in this situation? It'll end up with us calling in something bigger than our little frigate. Stop trying to act all big in front of your men and power down your weapons." He went to turn off the hail, but paused and smiled. "Remember that you are a mercenary commander. The word, Mercenary is very important there. How truly loyal are your men?" The hail cut off.

Sends back hail. "They are very loyal. See I am a Grand-General and I trust the men under my command, largely because I pay them, and they like our home. You threats of calling in something bigger do not scare me and I will ask once more. Power down your weapons. Goes to switch off and remembers something. "You might want to try some Laxative, you look kind of constipated.' Laughs as he switches off.

OOC:

VT and TDI, please check TGs

OOC: Non-acronym version please.

OOC: Non-acronym version please.

It is quite simple.

OOC:

VT and TDI, please check TGs

I asked the players Void Templar (VT) and The Deltan Imperium (TDI) to check their Telegrams (TGs) meaning I sent them both a message and I wanted them to check before posting another reply in case it might have changed their In Character (IC) response. I made the whole thing and Out Of Character (OOC) request so it was obvious it was not part of the role play and could not be acted upon by anyone's characters

Okay the TG threw me off.

Millions of kilometers were the distance between the ACS Malatesta and the bunch of crafts of questionable design and superfluous features that suddenly popped out of nowhere, making the roll at least twenty-five renown scientists over in their graves unless they were in another plane of existence before. Nonetheless, the transmissions, seemingly open, were pretty much inviting for him, as he watched the seven pathetic heaps, likely manned by thugs and scum, taunting and inviting others for war. It was a message that he had to reply somehow:

"This is Grand-General Mirog, Your ships have been targeted and weapons are locked. Power down all non-essential systems and order all support vessels into normal space. Failure to comply with this, will result in your being retired, permanently."

Another jackass for the day... well lets see, there was no light-speed lag and the transceiver got it rather than the old conventional signal one, so this means only one thing

The ACS Malatesta had a peculiar placement. Its quantum communications transceiver was buried inside the hull rather than outside, as the barriers would not interfere with its operations. There was something aligned to it, a wide lens of boson-einstein condensate, connected to a power system and accelerator, as part of one of its laser weapon systems, and aiming right inside the very Malatesta, in a placement that seemed totally insane, for if such laser was fired, it would destroy the very vessel.

It was however, far from being a stupid or idiotic design choice. Any light, as energy, could be entangled in quantum states, and it was a good time to answer back the scum, through his quantum communications system. Just like a message could be transmitted in such way, the destructive power of focused light could also hit straight against the hull of an enemy ship, sent through its comm receivers. There was no better message. Likely, they would all shut down their comms once it happened, to avoid being massacred by a vessel astronomical units away from them, in an engagement distance they were likely not expecting. Then other things would do the show. Rather than the flagship however, which would mean a too easy cleaning, he has chosen to target one of the recently arrived vessels. With a direct line of sight with it, it was relatively simple to calculate the coordinates and lock with its quantum receiver, all without giving any hint of what was happening, as no active detection system had to be activated. Now all he had to do was to order for the battle to start.

Well, but why should I be the aggressor? Plus, they could be targeting non-human scum... well, but scum is scum, and they sent a direct threat. Time for a direct answer

At first glance, nothing seemed to be coming from the lens. It was indeed, completely invisible to the naked eye. In truth, an ultraviolet laser beam, of a spectrum much less prone to blooming than red, was being continually entangled, to reach somewhere else. Its end route, one of the six new thug spacecrafts that arrived, millions of kilometers away. Its chances were slim, for a pulsed beam with a lens which diameter was the equivalent of a small cylindric swimming pool could vaporize much on its way, and although it was neither noisy nor visible, it was sufficiently powerful in its destructive capability, as an invisible beam of destruction sent as an answer, legit answer to an arrogant threat, and to the arrogant manner some thugs needing to be put in their place behaved. Maybe they would have some luck and nothing critical would stand at their path, but even them, a hole in the hull was no joke, and losing the atmosphere would be a threat. If their Comms were placed right ahead of their engines or reactors, then such unfortunate vessel would be already dead. If they did not shut down their FTL comms however, then they would stand little chance.

No wait however came, and at the same moment the "reply" was given, right from that distance that for many seemed to be impossible for combat, ice shattered in its silence of vacuum close to the hull of the Malatesta, as small hatches seamlessly opened from parts of the hull of the seemingly unarmed vessel, and at speeds of tens of thousands of meters per second, waves of missiles began to fly. Each of them began to shift slightly their vectors, thrusting in all three dimensions, randomly shifting themselves as they headed for the long journey towards their targets... all the seven vessels have been locked on simultaneously by advanced stellar ballistic missiles, which like their grandsons known as ICBMs, had nothing lacking in their punch. Unfortunately however, at the distances involved, it would take them days to reach their targets.

Maybe his decision was precipitated, but for a Solarian, capitalist scumbags like these should have no mercy. The Malatesta began to thrust its massive torch drive, with its trailing exhaust of plasma shifting direction as vectored thrust was applied, to face the enemy direction in the sphere of space, while at the same time, lateral and "vertical" thrust was applied as it strafed up and right, left and down in high accelerations.

At such ranges, only spinal gauss cannons and ASBMs could be used effectively, but time for reactions was short, and perhaps something could be done before he could face the distant, but visible enemies.

(OOC: Seems like someone doesn't want to ever lose and left... too bad. Ignore this post then.)

A tech turned to Mirog. "Sir long range scanners report many odd-moving somethings coming in our direction." Mirog muttered under his breath. "Stupid pigs always thinking that we are just weak, stupid scum. Call The Night Fang on our secure frequency and tell them to get their ass out here. Stop broadcasting on a open frequency and power up shields. Increase power to shields and weapons by turning off projectors." As the projectors on all seven ships winked off, the seven former heaps became fully armed, top of the line battle cruisers. "Lets show them how much of a mistake they made by attacking us. BATTLE STATIONS." The crew hope to and are ready in several fast moments.

Okay the TG threw me off.

(OOC: Are you leaving this RP or not? You shouldn't make a claim and then change of opinion all of a sudden.)

OOC; oh no Solar, it has just gotten interesting. my hand is almost completely played. Now it is time to see what happens next.

OOC: Balroggia, TG.

IC: "Shit, sir, weapons being powered up!"
"Target them, aim for thier power gener-"
"Sir, incoming on long range scanners! Appear to be missiles, sir!"
"Target?"
"Can't tell at this range, sir!"
"Damn it. Reserve thrust, if they alter course to us, take 'em out. Full power to shields, activate the Paladin system." The ship moved backwards quickly.

Highly charged matter bolts begin to flicker in space and a large ship appears. Mirog opens a frequency. "Meet the Night Fang, she is my baby. Commissioned by our former government as one of four, she is the sole survivor of her kind. The other three were lost in a pointless three way civil war. She acts as a home for all of us survivors of the war, and is considered a beacon of hope for all who desire justice." The seven ships move back until they have formed a loose arch in front of her. "We are mercenaries, yes, but by necessity, not choice and we just want to find our ship a port to call home."

Gauss just rolled over in his grave! This is starting to look like those cartoons where the other character comes with a bigger and bigger gun until it scales up and up... and nobody wins the duel.

It has been unexpected, but even stranger was how the laser seemed to have not reached its destination... there were emergency measures, but it still did not seem like an emergency. The Malatesta continued its inertial flight, thrusting at every possible direction, with sufficient acceleration to avoid getting hit, for such was the best defense after offense, should their enemies have anything that could be used at such ranges. Fortunately, such bigger targets mean higher chances of hitting, for apparently, not everyone has developed the concept of space warfare to a point where passive defenses became obsolete, for no matter how many armor, or electromagnetic reactive armor a vessel had, space was not an ocean for ironclads to shoot each other at. At last, it was nearly facing the direction of the inertial estimated intercept point of their targets, thrusting delicatedly with precision of angstroms to ensure that whatever was shot and wasn't unguided would reach them. There was only one problem, even the spinal gauss cannons would take some time to arrive at their destination, yet some clever positioning of salvos could do much of a job, while that, at certain speeds, a lag would make it difficult to properly predict the movement of some objects.

A large block of ice was broken away and began to float into the vacuum, as a large hatch opened, where in a hollowed section in the middle of the vessel, a cannon stood, powered by many coils. At such moment, he could see very well the flagship of theirs, in a direct line of sight. It was then that he decided, considering the amount of stowed ammunitions, to give a try. The probabilistic mechanics algorithm was very, very clear when it indicated a fifteen percent chance of hitting the enemy, but this chance would happen for every projectile fired, and soon it would increase as the range decreased.

The first shot was given, with its reaction suddenly provoking a rapid counter-thrust against the vessel, an extremely strong one. A solid kinetic penetrator with thirty-five centimeters of diameter was accelerated, and combining with the inertial speed of the vessel in three dimensions, began its flight. At first glance, it seemed absurd how it was shot at a completely opposite direction to that of the enemy spaceships location, but it still was sufficiently fast. At eighty percent of the speed of light, only the destruction of common sense, logic and of every scientific law since the dawn of man could stop it, should it hit the enemy, but it still could be dodged, and likely would at such distance, for between the nearly certain one-shot and instant penetration of the projectile and the enemy flagship there were hundreds of millions of kilometers, and even at such massive speeds, the first projectile would take twelve minutes to reach its target, provided it was shot against them, for it seemed like it was shot quite away from their direction.

OOC: Deltan Imperium, Xiscapia, TG's for you to read from me.

"STOP firing. we have powered own our weapons." The seven ships move into bay of the Night Fang. and the Night fang powers down all weapons. Mirog opens a broad frequency. "What makes you any of you better than us. We fight and kill for money, yes. But what you do is just as bad, you open fire upon us, and treat us like scum. Hath not a Mercenary eyes? Hath not a Mercenary hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, heal'd by the same means, warm'd and cool'd by the same winter and summer as a Merchant or Warrior is? If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that. If a Mercenary wrong a Merchant or a Warrior, what is his humility? Revenge. If a Merchant or a Warrior wrong a Mercenary, what should his sufferance be by their example? Why, revenge. The villainy you teach me, I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction. we just want a home." sighs "My men are tired, as am I of rampaging across this galaxy to get a couple credits. We just want a real home again."

There was lots of time for a cease-fire to be adjusted at the involved ranges. He was threatened first, he had the right to just lay waste at the enemies if he wanted to. Yet, they seemed desperate... and human. Perhaps they were just afraid, perhaps just setting a trap. Nothing mattered, for like them, he was lost in a place where he did not belong. Unlike them however, he had some values.

The missiles suddenly pitched and turned their directions towards the Malatesta, and they began to counter-thrust. He decided to give them a chance. Perhaps it would not be a trap, and for safety, he would rather not approach them. Suddenly the silence was broken, and while he recalled the missiles, a new transmission would come through quantum encryption towards them:

"I need you to answer one question: which is your species?"

The ACS suddenly shifted its direction through thrust, and began to head in a vector opposite to the hostiles location in all dimensions. He had better to not approach them, but to stay away from them, for in all the likelihood, it could be just a desperate way to lure him into a trap. Yet he needed resources, and a place to call home until he could find, somehow, a way back to a world were none of such tricks that he have witnessed would work. A world ruled by the laws of special relativity, of inertia, of causality, where there was neither faster-than-light travel, nor any way to hide in the middle of space, or to disguise. An universe where everything was different.

Snipped (if you typed that yourself, BAAAAAAW. :'(

"Sir, the missiles are heading away from us." The crew breathed a collective sigh of relief, but Horus shook his head.
"With devotion's visage and pious action we do sugar o'er the devil himself."
"Sir?"
"I don't trust them. Prepare to power weapons immediately on my signal. They are mercs, and mercs have no honor. He's wrong - If you cut them, they bleed gold."

"Very well. We have no set price, you just have to offer us the most cash. Our services are highly coveted, by those few who know of us. However once we work for you, we stay until our contract is terminated by you. And since I know what is probably going through your mind, I do not want your cargo. If I did I would have already blasted the other ship to bits and we would be talking face to uh.. face."
Before Tanj could answer the man, however, the screen dissolved into static as the link was broken. The kitsune blinked once, elegantly, with a slight noise that might have been a chuckle. "Máy tính, kích hoạt holo bản đồ, hai AU bán kính." He said to the empty room, and the screen went black, lights dimming as the holo-projector in the middle of the bridge lit up. It showed every object within a two Astronomical Unit range of the Errant Venture, which now displayed five vessels and what appeared to be a number of missiles and shells in perfect detail, the powered projectiles moving back to the ship that had apparently fired them, the shells traversing their mindless trajectory with nothing on their way.

Tanj reflected that the mercenary ship he had been conversing with had vanished, but there was no debris to mark it's destruction: Therefore, it had docked with this larger craft that had taken it's place. It disturbed the starship Captain that he did not recognize any of the ships present: Impossible to tell by looking who they belonged to, but he saw no familiar designs, though that one ship had at least identified itself with the prefix 'VTN'. Whatever that meant. Ironically, the only piece of technology he had known that had been displayed thus far were the MAC shells that had smashed his engines apart, immobilizing him. To him it seemed that all were standing down, or at least were if they had been threatening at all. But that damn ship, the one that had attacked him originally, was still there, as were the shuttles it had dispatched. What in all the Forgotten Realms were those boarders waiting for? He would have almost preferred the sounds of battle to this neigh unbearable waiting.
For now the Xiscapian watched and waited, surely the situation would resolve itself.
One way or another.
OOC: Replied to TG.

There was lots of time for a cease-fire to be adjusted at the involved ranges. He was threatened first, he had the right to just lay waste at the enemies if he wanted to. Yet, they seemed desperate... and human. Perhaps they were just afraid, perhaps just setting a trap. Nothing mattered, for like them, he was lost in a place where he did not belong. Unlike them however, he had some values.

The missiles suddenly pitched and turned their directions towards the Malatesta, and they began to counter-thrust. He decided to give them a chance. Perhaps it would not be a trap, and for safety, he would rather not approach them. Suddenly the silence was broken, and while he recalled the missiles, a new transmission would come through quantum encryption towards them:

"I need you to answer one question: which is your species?"

The ACS suddenly shifted its direction through thrust, and began to head in a vector opposite to the hostiles location in all dimensions. He had better to not approach them, but to stay away from them, for in all the likelihood, it could be just a desperate way to lure him into a trap. Yet he needed resources, and a place to call home until he could find, somehow, a way back to a world were none of such tricks that he have witnessed would work. A world ruled by the laws of special relativity, of inertia, of causality, where there was neither faster-than-light travel, nor any way to hide in the middle of space, or to disguise. An universe where everything was different.

"We were called the Shin'Tac that was until, we were the last. Our home solar system was destroyed by a new weapon Warlord Grok had built. Unfortunately for him, it took him out with the other two Warlords. We took no action, in the war. For our refusal to fight for any Warlord, I was branded a traitor." Pulls up right sleeve to show forearm, with the words Poy Mut burned into the flesh. "Since the day we left our home planet for the last time, we have searched for a new place to call home. I guess over the years our morals degraded little by little. Three years ago desperate for money, we turned to the trade of the Mercenary. However I might suggest repairing your ships and arming your weapons. This area of space is prayed upon by the Wagnot a group of religious zealots and fanatics.

"Sir?"
"I don't like this... Ready a hail to the nearest available reinforcements."
That would be the, uh-" The communications officer conferred with the navigational officer. "VTN Raven's Rock."
"Wasn't that in Battlefleet Harmony?"
"Yessir. Apparently, they were sent out here on patrol for Orum."
"Right. Anyway, ready a hail. If anything untoward does happen, I want something big to be ready to fight."

OOC: Guys, we should slow up. It's been a bit since Deltan, the OP, posted. And we shouldn't get too far ahead without him.

OOC: He has a point.

OOC: sorry for the delay. My home PC cought the flu. looks like I missed the fun. Can anyone quickly sum up what's going on?

Admiral Garth, commander of the 2nd Fleet, was concerned. His force was heading out to intercept a group of alien ships, and he new nothing about them. While he had confidence in his crews, that was never a guarantee. Oh, well. He had his orders, and he would carry them out.
"Time?" he asked.
"Ten minutes to intercept," replied the navigator.
"Very well. All ships, sound Battlestations. Activate lasers, are missiles, and charge the MAC guns. We're going in..."

OOC: sorry for the delay. My home PC cought the flu. looks like I missed the fun. Can anyone quickly sum up what's going on?

OOC: Basically, Solar Communities came in with a cool ship, shot at the Mercs 7 new ships who then said they were the victim with a fairly long sob story, which my captain doesn't believe it and is quite likely to open fire. Thats basically it. Theres other details but I have to get off pretty quickly and thought I'd post this first.

Sends out new message "Wagots bad, rape, kill, and scalp evil. I suggest that we move out of this area." Shudders. "I have seen what they do to unbelievers and it is not pretty."

OOC: I sent youa TG by the way, Deltan. A message on your nationstates account, telegram thingy. About my possible entry.

Keep me informed of what is going on with the merc fleet. I am going to contact the other three ships.

Yes Sir

The captain closed the ESUS profile on Solar Communes and concentrated, sending his thoughts to the three vessels. He was attempting to form an avatar of himself on the bridge of each vessel. The difficult one was the Solar Communes vessel, being so far away but he was confident he could do all three at once without too much strain.

An image formed on the bridge. The image was that of a man wearing a black uniform with red accents. The form appeared to be of the race viewing the image, provided by the subconscious mind of the viewer itself. The image bowed in respect to each captain or commander of the ship.

“Please hold your weapons, this is merely a psychic projection and cannot be harmed by gunfire. You will only damage your own bridge if you fire. We have something that needs to be discussed.”

The form remained standing where it appeared to allow for each ship to relax a little.

“I am Captain Ka’Seen of the Ta’Nar frigate The Ebon Blade. The Ta’Nar have been monitoring the situation for a while and we have decided to act. I propose we act together. It is apparent each of us is be about to take action by the readings of our scans but without some sort of agreement we will each get in the other’s way. Not counting the freighter, it is currently seven Mercenary vessels against us four and even though we are outnumbered, if we act together like a well oiled machine we can easily dispatch those Nazi scum out there.” *(I placed that term because I ICly know Solar Communes hates Nazis. We are both ESUS and it is in their profile.)

“I am personally tired of hearing them threaten to vaporize ships here unless we surrender unconditionally followed by some sob story about them being victims. They are the one with a fleet full of armed weapons. They are the ones using cloaked ships like the dishonorable chatkas they are. It is time we acted to take them out.”

“The Ebon Blade could do it by herself but your ships might get in the way. I do not wish to make more enemies this day because of possible collateral damage. “

“I wish to send a Childer Envoy to each ship so we can communicate together without transmissions the enemy might pick up. I would ask your permission to do this before we attack. It would greatly increase our efficiency and allow us to act as one.”

“I await your answer.”

The psychic projection of the captain stood there waiting. The image was not frozen and made subtle movements as if there really was someone standing there shifting their weight.





OOC:

While we wait ICly for the Deltan ship or the merc fleet to take some sort of action I figured this would work to keep the Thread active. If my communication has bypassed some important defense and you take offense please let me know and I will adjust accordingly. I am only using it to contact you and will take no actions. Consider it a plot device to allow us to communicate for now.

"We welcome any help in keeping the peace here. Your envoy is welcomed, but no weapons will be allowed on board in such a volatile situation. We await your arrival in docking bay Three."

“Understood Void Templar. Prepare for our arrival.”

As those words were uttered, sensors detected a sphere of light about a meter in diameter shoot from the hull of The Ebon Blade. It approached at realistic speeds altering it’s path to not actually be on a collision course with the ship aiming slightly toward the landing bay. As it approached, the sphere swerved wide and shot into the open and awaiting landing bay. Upon entering, the sphere circled the bay once before settling down in the center. The orb of light coalesced into a man-like figure as arms, legs, and torso formed out of pure light. A face looked out of the humanoid form as color rapidly filled out the being before the astonished crew. The standard black and red uniform clad human now stood upon the deck looking at his reception committee with green eyes.

“Greetings, I am Adam. I have been sent here to facilitate communications between The Ebon Blade and the other ships in the eminent battle against the Mercenary fleet. I believe the next thing to do is to ask you to please take me to your commanding officer.”

OOC: Balrogga it is one Merc ship. The Night Fang is a large battleship, thqat carries the seven and four others like them.
IC:
"Get me the cocky one, who does not like Mercenaries" Signal is sent to VT. "Hello once again your greatness.' does mock bow. "Would you permit me to come on board, or are you too good to even talk with me? No weapons, just the two of us. Me at your mercy. Think about it, it is a good offer. "

“Greetings, I am Adam. I have been sent here to facilitate communications between The Ebon Blade and the other ships in the eminent battle against the Mercenary fleet. I believe the next thing to do is to ask you to please take me to your commanding officer.”
The Flight Deck Commander nodded in response, barked something in Templarian to a Marine, who said "Follow me. Captain Firmus is in the Odin's Eye." The two men walked through the ship, moving through the cramped maintenance decks to the disproportionatly large armories until they finally reached a plain blank wall. The marine put his hand on the pad, and 5 small spikes shot into his fingers for a moment, registering all genetic information was valid until a circular hole slid up in the wall, revealing a round, stark white table surrounded by stark white chairs in a stark white room, in which the grey Captain's clothes stuck out.
"Ah, the delegate from the Ebon Blade. Please have a seat."

Would you permit me to come on board, or are you too good to even talk with me? No weapons, just the two of us. Me at your mercy. Think about it, it is a good offer.

"Sure. No weapons. No guards. Docking bay Seven is at your disposal. Don't try anything funny." The hail cut out.

"This could take a moment" After five minutes heads down to launch bay. Gets into shuttle and leaves. lands in lanuch bay seven. "Okay i am here"

Adam followed his guide through the ship. It was easily apparent from the way he never bothered to dodge any of the obstacles in his way he didn’t care if he made contact with them. As a matter of fact, several crew and his guide witnessed some of them pass through the stranger as if he was not there without even a ripple. It was obvious their guest was immaterial, nothing more than a ghost.

When the guide opened the door to the meeting room, the figure of Adam entered, turned to thank the soldier, and then took a seat to wait upon his host.





OOC:


OOC: Balrogga it is one Merc ship. The Night Fang is a large battleship, thqat carries the seven and four others like them.



According to sensors, your additional ships docked inside your large ship. You made them sound like they were significantly sized vessels such as frigates or something other than fighters. This would lend to our thinking your large ship would be mistaken as some sort of battlecarrier. We all saw those seven ships so we know you still have them plus who knows how many others inside yet unseen ICly. This is why I am referring to it as your fleet, I am using IC knowledge based upon your sketchy descriptions of your ships. If you want us to know exactly what you are using you need to include a more descriptive representation of them and possibly a picture you find.

If you cannot locate a picture you like, I suggest you download the free version of Doga (you can find the link in my sig below under Doga-Resource). It is quite easy to create ships once you get the hang of it and really fun making your ideas form on your screen. Photobucket is a good picture host for your creations after you get a set of ships you like.

OOC: The seven and four others are battle crusiers. The Night Fang is a much larger ship. About 9 km long 7 wide and 11 tall.

Adam followed his guide through the ship. It was easily apparent from the way he never bothered to dodge any of the obstacles in his way he didn’t care if he made contact with them. As a matter of fact, several crew and his guide witnessed some of them pass through the stranger as if he was not there without even a ripple. It was obvious their guest was immaterial, nothing more than a ghost.

When the guide opened the door to the meeting room, the figure of Adam entered, turned to thank the soldier, and then took a seat to wait upon his host.

"We are just waiting on one more arrival so we can begin."
---
Again, the captain was escorted to the Odin's Eye, where Firmus nodded to the man.
"Hello, Commander. Please, take a seat."

Sits in shuttle. "Allo anyone? I am here and waiting for permission to disembark"

Sits in shuttle. "Allo anyone? I am here and waiting for permission to disembark"

OOC:
Again, the captain was escorted to the Odin's Eye, where Firmus nodded to the man.
"Hello, Commander. Please, take a seat."
That was adressed to you.

OOC: Oh
IC:
"I am not a commander. A commander would be one of the 14 men right below me. How ever let us begin. Who is this?"

OOC:

I would like to make a point here. Toth is obviously a new player and we should help him learn the accepted RP etiquette for NS. I am going to TG him my MSN so he can contact me and ask for assistance.

"I am Adam, the Ta’Nar Emissary."

Adam seemed to be looking right through the mercenary captain, or rather right into his very core being with those penetrating green eyes of his. It was almost as if he could see through the defenses protecting the innermost thoughts of Mirog but that was only the feelings he got from looking into those distracting eyes. Adam did not move from his seat, the Childer youth merely remained sitting where he first sat down.

"You are the Mercenary leader Mirog, if I am not mistaken."

The party already gathering around the incident involving the Xiscapian ship was about to get another member, as a large cut in space opened, and large volumes of energy spilled into real space. The Balroggans especially would see some early form of Dimensional tech at work here as the Corporation Heavy Cruiser, Black Sheep moved into real space. Captain Brian Carlyle stood on the bridge, holding a cup of coffee in one hand as they transitioned into normal space. Taking a sip, he enjoyed the feeling of the rejuvenating liquid running down his throat, filling his body with cozy warmth. Their patrols had taken some time, and his sleep time was seriously suffering. Now, he had received a distress call from a merchant frigate. Upon running the I.D. of the message through the archives, it become clear it was one of the frigates bound from Xiscapian space to Corporation trade markets. As part of his contract, he was bound to go investigate and do whatever was possible to ensure that the crew and its cargo made it to Corporation space.

Of course, it wasn't liked he needed that clause to get him to go. He, like any true Exchani, despised anyone whom would mess with their trade and wasn't the least bit hesitant in turning them into bits of metal and free-floating gas out in space. Glancing at his officers, he spoke. "Status report."

"All systems green, sir. Chaos Space to Real Space transition normal. Sensors are reading several ships in system, including one that's....." The officer spoke until he cut off, his eyes staring at the screen. Brian, raising an eyebrow, walked over to see what he was looking at. At first, he through he had too much caffeine that day and was losing his mind, but he was really gazing at a ship that was about nine kilometers long. Why in the name of God anyone would want to build a ship that big boggles the mind but it explained the distress call. Seeing the merchant ship in the middle of all the commotion, he decided on a gamble. He knew he could get reinforcements rather quickly; as his contract showed, the Corporation did not fuck around with their trade. Anyone whom even though to bump one of their trade routes was going down in flames.

"I see the situation has gotten very tense around here. Jump us close to the merchant frigate. And don't bitch at me about the risks, just do it. We only have so much time until the other ships in the area finally decide to try and slice us apart. While they don't all look to be the same group, I won't be so foolish as to think this isn't some kind of pirate gathering, however extreme that it is. Oh and prepare a channel to the Xiscapian ship, private and secure against intrusion, and another general band one."

The large ship, which had only been in system for two minutes, powered up its Chaos Space drive and opened another hole inside space, which it proceeded to disappear into, only for the rift to close and reopen near the frigate. It would be buffeted by waves of energy and its shields, if still active, would flare at the various energies sliding over it. The Black Sheep put itself between the other ships and the merchant frigate and proceeded to send two messages.

To Xiscapia:

"Sorry to see you've fallen into a bit of a jam, but don't worry, the Corporation ensures the safety of those whom trade with it. I am Captain Carlyle of the ECS Black Sheep. If you'd like, we can transfer your crew and cargo to my ship and get you out of here. I am proceeding to talk to the crazy bunch you have around you to see if we can't get out of here peacefully."

To everyone else:

"Hello there, this is Captain Carlyle of the Exchani Corporation. Now, I don't know what fuckwit decided to hit this frigate but it was bound for Corporation space, MY people's space, good ole human fucking space. So, I would like to say that I have every intention on taking this ship with us, if not that, then the crew and cargo. They were bound to our space with already paid goods, so its Corporation assets. Now, I am willing to talk and discuss all you'd like, I do not like conflict, seeing as repair jobs have gone up in cost in recent years. However, I am going to be adamant; the crew and cargo come with me, and I swear by the Virgin Mary, if one of you even THINKS to point a weapon at me, I will be playing connect the shards of shattered hulls. I hope I made myself clear."


OOC Edit: I contacted both Deltan and Xiscapia beforehand about my entry, so I am not trying to mess this thread up.

OOC: Oh
IC:
"I am not a commander. A commander would be one of the 14 men right below me. How ever let us begin. Who is this?"

"I meant no offense. Commander is the highest rank in my Navy. This is the- ah, yes, as he said, the Ta'Nar emissary. He has a certain interest in this matter as well, as I thought it only fair to ask him to attend. Now then, straight to buisness. What is with the sudden change of heart?"


"Hello there, this is Captain Carlyle of the Exchani Corporation. Now, I don't know what fuckwit decided to hit this frigate but it was bound for Corporation space, MY people's space, good ole human fucking space. So, I would like to say that I have every intention on taking this ship with us, if not that, then the crew and cargo. They were bound to our space with already paid goods, so its Corporation assets. Now, I am willing to talk and discuss all you'd like, I do not like conflict, seeing as repair jobs have gone up in cost in recent years. However, I am going to be adamant; the crew and cargo come with me, and I swear by the Virgin Mary, if one of you even THINKS to point a weapon at me, I will be playing connect the shards of shattered hulls. I hope I made myself clear."

"Perfectly clear, Captain. We will not disagree with you there- hell, we share a common cause. We are here to keep the peace, no more."

"I am Adam, the Ta’Nar Emissary."

Adam seemed to be looking right through the mercenary captain, or rather right into his very core being with those penetrating green eyes of his. It was almost as if he could see through the defenses protecting the innermost thoughts of Mirog but that was only the feelings he got from looking into those distracting eyes. Adam did not move from his seat, the Childer youth merely remained sitting where he first sat down.

"You are the Mercenary leader Mirog, if I am not mistaken."

"Shin'tac leader Mirog" Pager beeps, and Mirog draws it. "Mirog. What?" Looks at the other two. Hears VT and looks at him. "Are you sure. We could just give them the crew and then you two can split the loot." Looks at Adam. "You got a problem."

"Are you sure. We could just give them the crew and then you two can split the loot."

"We are not pirates, sir. We are police. We do not loot vessels. We protect them. It is our duty, and I intend to uphold it."

"We are not pirates, sir. We are police. We do not loot vessels. We protect them. It is our duty, and I intend to uphold it."

"Law of Salvage says that if the ship is empty, anyone can take what is on board. Also Pirates these days normally kill their victims and we are in International Space, thus planetary laws don't apply. I was a lawyer before I went to military school"

"Law of Salvage says that if the ship is empty, anyone can take what is on board. Also Pirates these days normally kill their victims and we are in International Space, thus planetary laws don't apply. I was a lawyer before I went to military school"

"Aye, this is international space. Which means that we would face no reprecussions other than those inflicted by the Fingermen after they find out. Which means no."

"I am on your ship and I find it to never be wise to anger a ship master:

Captain Carlyle smiled at the response he got. Finally, some good news. He really didn't want to fight, it was so intense, tiring, and wearying on his checks from the Corporation. They didn't like excessive damage on their ships, although in this case, he could have it waived due to protection of trade and whatnot. He opened his side of the channel and spoke.

"It's good to hear a solid mind out there. If you need any help, be it military, diplomatic, or with just plain old logic, give me a ring. I'm going to stay and ensure that what I said is fact."

[QUOTE=Scrinthia;14220928]Captain Carlyle smiled at the response he got. Finally, some good news. He really didn't want to fight, it was so intense, tiring, and wearying on his checks from the Corporation. They didn't like excessive damage on their ships, although in this case, he could have it waived due to protection of trade and whatnot. He opened his side of the channel and spoke.

"It's good to hear a solid mind out there. If you need any help, be it military, diplomatic, or with just plain old logic, give me a ring. I'm going to stay and ensure that what I said is fact."[/QUOT

Answers call. "This is Grand-General Mirog, don't even think of coing near my ship. Take what is your, but nothing else.;

The Captain rolled his eyes; more of these guys, whom sought to match his talk with tough guy talk. Sighing, he pressed the key again and proceeded to talk. "I don't care whom you are Grand-General Mirauggh, that ships cargo, every piece of it, belongs to ME, since I intend on bringing it to the company I WORK for. And since the people working the ship own that ship and are transporting that cargo, that's theirs. So in all, you have no claim in anything on this ship. And if you try to force it, I will not hesitate to make you into several elements from the that nice table we all learn of in science class."

The Captain rolled his eyes; more of these guys, whom sought to match his talk with tough guy talk. Sighing, he pressed the key again and proceeded to talk. "I don't care whom you are Grand-General Mirauggh, that ships cargo, every piece of it, belongs to ME, since I intend on bringing it to the company I WORK for. And since the people working the ship own that ship and are transporting that cargo, that's theirs. So in all, you have no claim in anything on this ship. And if you try to force it, I will not hesitate to make you into several elements from the that nice table we all learn of in science class."

"My ship's shields can withstand most conventional weapons,and I don't think you want to fire on your new friends. How ever I am letting your ship GO FREE so take it and be gone"

Like I suspected... these scums aren't human. If now they are doing this, if before one of them was a money-grubbing lawyer, I don't even want to imagine what they would do, if we allowed for their existence to last enough for them to achieve the technological level of the Mekantans. At least I won't have any moral issues in doing this, for the survival of humanity is at stake.

There was no further question, no further answer. Now he knew that another threat to mankind has revealed itself. Xenos and raiders, thugs with no honor, likely the result of an alien culture of greed, completely unable to understand equality, still in the primal, animal stage of killing each other, a barrier mankind at large has mostly surpassed, and worse of all, a Xenos, a lawyer and a thug all-in-one was surely a good motivation to just destroy them all. It was a favor for them, to do it before they annihilated themselves. It was the time for another of them, but he lacked any backup other than the fact they were considered hostiles by most forces in-system, which now fell upon their fast-talking. The transmission of the Ta'nar was of no consequence either for a decision he already made. He knew that if he openly stated the reason why he changed his idea, no matter how there were some uneasy "allies" around, things could get worse.

He just smiled, and suddenly the missiles, which had not even compensated the inertial speed with opposite thrust, still heading towards the expected position of the enemy vessel after twelve minutes, albeit at a slower speed because of the law of inertia, maneuvered a hundred and eighty degrees back, and began to thrust towards the estimated position of the massive vessel where the seven original targets have docked, with an ETA of about seven days to impact with it. They were not directly towards what he could see as the position of the enemies however, as due to the light-speed lag, he witnessed only what passed twelve minutes before rather than the present. On the other hand, the ACS Malatesta began to shift again towards the target estimated position, as a new hail of relativistic projectiles began to fly at the moment it finally was at the appropriate heading of its spinals gun to have a chance. Once it was openly admitted they were not humans, and that one of them was not only a mercenary, but also a lawyer, no matter how both careers were essentially interchangeable, there was no answer given besides the restart of the attack.

A hatred, a burst of flame, fruit of the past, of the massacre of the Silicoids that led millions of Solarians to die eons ago, which was never forgotten, fruit of their awareness, that there was a reason why humans were the only sentient beings in Earth, and of their realization that the only way the radical differences between mindsets of different evolutionary paths to be solved would be war. His hatred for aliens was absolute, for, unlike most, who only knew of the Silicoids through history, he was one of the few, frozen into millennia of cryonics, between life and death, that has witnessed his comrades, children, young men and women full of life and dreams, torn apart by the ruthless, emotionless slaughter of their people by the aliens they have accidentally awakened once. The ultimate proof, that it was either them or the aliens. All they had was to wait for the opportunities, to one by one, reduce the threats against mankind.

Welcome your Darwin Award, Xenu scum! At least be glad I am not a Mekantan. You'll have quick and painless deaths. For only animals, savages and inferior species delight into the suffering and pain of others, and from your reports, it seems I'll be doing a good task of ending eons of misery and suffering by putting all of you out of your misery.

The Malatesta was a simple frigate however, but it could be called a pocket battleship perhaps, for it was highly efficient in its internal layout, with no living quarters, with no life support system, everything sacrificed to allow for the necessary storages of ammunitions, of metallic hydrogen and of weapon systems inside in a vessel that would otherwise have to be much larger. He was not entirely corporeal, for only his mind was there, and the oxygen a single, semi-organic brain needed was quite small compared to the needs of an entire body. His mind was directly linked with his vessel, to the point that he could feel like the very spaceship he piloted was instead his body. Instead of walking, he thrusted, instead of sweating, he radiated heat through the torchship exhaust, and instead of punching, he shot, and aimed, or rather, ordered the pseudo AI to aim for him estimating where the shadow of twelve minutes ago would now be, with the seamless assist of all targeting systems.

Pilot and vessel were indeed merged. They were one, and no further crew existed. They were ready to fight to the end, for what they believed to be their cause. Hundreds of millions of kilometers still separated the Malatesta from the massive Night Fang, which size also increased the chances of hitting it, and perhaps the long wait, of twelve minutes for the hailing of new gauss cannon projectiles, and of half dozens of days in the case of the missiles which now were regaining the speed they have lost before by decelerating, were more debilitating to the enemy than the battle itself, like the tension of one who saw in the skies and news, the coming of nuclear fire to his nation, with minutes of anguish remaining before its realization. The Solarian perception of space warfare involved battles that could, under their terms, last for weeks, like the most brutal ground battles of humanity's history.

It was of no consequence that negotiations were already being conducted. With Xenos, the only word was the hail of a gauss cannon and the impact of a kinetic-kill missile. Neither it could be considered a declaration of war, for such was a personal vessel, unattached from any official military. It was a personal vendetta of him against aliens, and against lawyers, of who he was only aware through history that moved his acts.

Due to the very light speed lag, twelve minutes would pass before this new offensive could be detected, and before such time, most of them would remain completely oblivious to the attack. Using long distance slower-than-light weaponry also had its advantages. However, approaching to a distance of one light-second could be necessary to truly be able to destroy the threat.

The Captain raised an eyebrow. His shields could stand most conventional weaponry, as any shield could....for a time. He wasn't sure how the hell he was making it to be a big deal. Maybe they had only found shield technology recently. He pressed the key on the console to respond and began to speak.

"Let me get this straight. I am leaving of my own accord, not because you seem to think you have power here. I don't care how good you think your ship is, and I don't care for your attitude either. I was speaking to you about being fired upon since you seemed to act as if you had any claim on the freighter. You are not letting me go free, I am leaving of my own accord. Now stop the threats and get back to your meeting."

He turned to his officer, after silencing his part of the channel. "Have a message sent to the Xiscapian ship detailing the situation and telling them we'll have to tow them out."

The officer nodded. "Aye sir." The message was then sent, detailing how they could leave and that they would have to be tractored in order for the Black Sheep to get them out of there.

Thinks back to his younger days. His loving wife, who loved him for being a rehabilitation advocate. Opposed to the century long practice of public execution. The orders to serve the government and go to military school. His son who was born five months after he entered. How when he graduated he was made a Grand-General and put in command of Night Fang and how he was not allowed to take his family with him. The five years of defending the home world against nothing. And then the civil war. The four other Grand-Generals men he thought he could count on, naming them selves war lords. His refusal and his crew's refusal to participant in their politics. The public branding and casting out. How his wife was unable to come with him because her mother made her stay. Then the weapon. Supposed to bring peace fast, it wiped out the solar system, and his last ties to his humanity. The years of wondering and finally becoming mercenaries. How he had killed his last customer when he asked him to bombard a planet of farmers. Sits up right. "We have all become scum to achieve our own ends. I prepossess that we invite who ever fired those missiles at us to these negotiations since they seem to think we are all scum, mostly me. "

The Captain raised an eyebrow. His shields could stand most conventional weaponry, as any shield could....for a time. He wasn't sure how the hell he was making it to be a big deal. Maybe they had only found shield technology recently. He pressed the key on the console to respond and began to speak.

"Let me get this straight. I am leaving of my own accord, not because you seem to think you have power here. I don't care how good you think your ship is, and I don't care for your attitude either. I was speaking to you about being fired upon since you seemed to act as if you had any claim on the freighter. You are not letting me go free, I am leaving of my own accord. Now stop the threats and get back to your meeting."

He turned to his officer, after silencing his part of the channel. "Have a message sent to the Xiscapian ship detailing the situation and telling them we'll have to tow them out."

The officer nodded. "Aye sir." The message was then sent, detailing how they could leave and that they would have to be tractored in order for the Black Sheep to get them out of there.

laughs "me have a claim on a freighter that i did not fire on? Foolish. I simply meant that I am not firing on you and i would like us not to be reduced to petty blasting the shit out each other.

Aboard The Ebon Blade:


Captain, we are receiving dimensional spiking.

Huh? Where?

It appears to be located in T-Space but they also appear to be rather clumsy and unrefined.

How so?

The disturbance appears to be for passage only, not for actually remaining in T-Space. They have no fine controls available.

Well, it appears we have found the first nation to intrude upon T-Space after we mastered it. Upload the data to The Fist, the Warlord will want to know about them.

Right away Sir.

Also, prepare the DDD for use in case it is needed.




VTN Vendetta:


Adam looked at the mercenary leader, his distracting yet innocent child-like eyes boring deeply into his soul.

“Problem? What do you mean by that? We have no desire for anything from the freighter; we wish to devour your ships. We will give you the choice to leave but don’t take too long, we are hungry and it is almost my dinner time.”

Looks at Adam. "Night Fang broadcast out of system." Turns to Adam. "Looks like you only get me big boy"

OOC:

If your ships are doing anything you have to describe it in detail.

Nobody can react to your actions if you don't post them. It also clearifies what you are doing so everyone understands and can react insted of wondering.

OOC: Broadcasting, supercharging the atoms of space to create a rip, that will allow them to get far away, but come back almost immediately.

OOC:

Make a post describing what your ship is doin in detail such as what we are seeing and even what our sensors might detect. Tell a story.

Broadcasting was created by the Shin'tac 55 years ago, it supercharges the atoms of space, tearing it and allowing ships to travel great distances. How every it produces a lighting so bright that windows on shin'tac ships have to be tinted, other wise everyone would go blind. On a ship like the Night Fang you will find four broadcast engines which mean that it can make up to four broadcasts with out waiting, if all engines are charged. Recharging takes about 2-3 minutes on large ships but up to an hour on light shuttles.

OOC:

I meant describe what your ship is doing, not the background story or tech details. Those are immensly helpful but without the action of the story, there is nothing we can respond to.

OOC: It is leaving par my command largly due to your threat.

OOC:

You need to describe the ship leaving. You need descriptive text in addition to your dialogue in order to make a story. even movie scripts, which are designed to deliver dialogue to the actors, has descriptions of actions.

Notice in my descriptions of the actions and other things Adam has been doin since landing on the ship. So far he has only had 4-5 lines to speak but his actions speak louder than words. I described how he formed out of the ball of energy, how he walked through some objects, him sitting down, him looking at you and other actions both big and small.

To make a story interesting you have to fill in the little bits. Without them it becomes a list of uninteresting dialogue.

I TGed you my MSN ID. If you want to add me to your address book you can contact me and I will help you with your posts.

OOC Balrogga if I wanted the english class I would have stayed awake during Amerilit. But for you.
IC
Mirog tuned on his communication device and called the Night Fang. "You boys leave the system, but keep an eye on the situation." The ship slowly turned and stated to move forward as a large sphere of broadcast energy formed. The tendrils snaked out and all windows on the nearby ships either tinted or the crewmen looked a way. After several seconds the energy died away and Mirog looked at Adam. "Looks like you only get me. You freak" Mirog stood up and looked at Adam, and smiled a truly predatory smile.

OOC: Don't be snippy, Toth. He is only trying to help you. I'm afraid that the one to three line posts you've been making aren't really things people like here. I don't think you see how very difficult it is to write, and rp, with so little given. Your posts give us the picture of what is happening and allow us to respond accordingly to your posts. If it's just "Ship jumps out", we are like:

Okay...what to say now...I have almost nothing to say. Even talking about how our character feels and thinks won't work much. Try to expand on detail, tell us what it looks like, whats going on with it. Your characters thoughts; senses from sight to hearing to touch, all are important and good ways to give detail.

You can keep going the way you are going, sure, but not many people will rp with you.

Adam sighed.

“You have it wrong; we require something with flavor, something with taste. Your ships are the only thing I can see that you possess that might qualify. Besides”, Adam gestured to Firmus, “you are under his protection as his guest. Under those same rules, I am being truthful and honest to you by telling you what we wished. We do not desire the frigate, its cargo, or even its crew. Your technology needs to be investigated and the fastest way is to devour the ships whole. It is quicker than dragging them to some spaceport and disassembling them. We have no reason to do so when we can simply eat them to gain their inner workings.”

Adam paused a moment to allow Mirog to follow his line of reasoning before continuing.

“Now that you have sent them away, you are stranded here with only your shuttle to transport you. It is sad you never secured safe passage back to your ship in the event you failed in your attempts at negotiations. You put too much trust in your skills which we all already heard when you were trying to force the freighter to pay you protection money. No, we will wait for your ship to return to pick you up and then we shall dine.”

Adam turned to his host Firmus and addressed him directly.

“Sir, if I have done anything to offend you by speaking of our true intentions, please forgive me. I am only being forthright and honest. True negotiation can only begin once all sides have disclosed their intention and we don’t feel it worth angering our Host by being deceitful.”

Adam hesitated and cleared his throat before continuing.

“Oh, may I please have a glass of water? I am talking a lot and my throat is parched.”

A fist-full of lightyears away, Augustus York watched the situation unfold over exospace sensors, the survey vessel's drone-borne VLA picking up FTL comms with reasonable clarity, drones by now largely recalled from lightsecond shells as his work here wrapped up.

Displacer Drive still charging, hyperspace induction drive too slow, he watched the situation with mild interest, when a sudden thought occurred to him - those freighter crew hadn't openly acknowledged their recently arrived rescuer, atleast as far as he could tell, and it's not without precedent for particularly ballsy pirates to attempt similar.

If they were still around when the KCS Conspicuously Dangerous Plowshare was ready to jump, he'd see to the situation himself, but in the mean, he still had enough GRIDARe drones out to adhoc an FTL grav-comm pulse, and fire his concerns - and identity - off to the Balroggan vessel.

Adam sighed.

“You have it wrong; we require something with flavor, something with taste. Your ships are the only thing I can see that you possess that might qualify. Besides”, Adam gestured to Firmus, “you are under his protection as his guest. Under those same rules, I am being truthful and honest to you by telling you what we wished. We do not desire the frigate, its cargo, or even its crew. Your technology needs to be investigated and the fastest way is to devour the ships whole. It is quicker than dragging them to some spaceport and disassembling them. We have no reason to do so when we can simply eat them to gain their inner workings.”

Adam paused a moment to allow Mirog to follow his line of reasoning before continuing.

“Now that you have sent them away, you are stranded here with only your shuttle to transport you. It is sad you never secured safe passage back to your ship in the event you failed in your attempts at negotiations. You put too much trust in your skills which we all already heard when you were trying to force the freighter to pay you protection money. No, we will wait for your ship to return to pick you up and then we shall dine.”

Adam turned to his host Firmus and addressed him directly.

“Sir, if I have done anything to offend you by speaking of our true intentions, please forgive me. I am only being forthright and honest. True negotiation can only begin once all sides have disclosed their intention and we don’t feel it worth angering our Host by being deceitful.”

Adam hesitated and cleared his throat before continuing.

“Oh, may I please have a glass of water? I am talking a lot and my throat is parched.”

Mirog looks at Adam and laughs. "Protection money? No no. we simply offered them our services. We are not strong men." Scratches neck and looks back at Adam. "Flavor and taste? You really do think of your self highly don't you." Smiles at Adam and gives him a look that says don't be so sure.

"Admiral? We have arrived," said the navigator.
"All ships, drop to impulse," Admiral Garth ordered. "Raise shields, and move into a defensive shell." Sixteen ships dropped from warp at the edge of the area and moved into formation. The twelve Wrangler-class (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Amarillo-Class.jpg) destroyers formed a vertical outer ring, the three Acclaim-class (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Acclaim-classMediumCruisers.jpg) medium cruisers, joined by Ramus's ship, formed and inner ring, and the single Imperial-class (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Tannhuser-ClassHeavyCruisers.jpg) battlecruiser sat in the middle. Once formed, the fleet began to slowly move towards the group of alien ships...

"This is Admiral Garth, of the Imperium 2nd Fleet. By order of the Emperor, you will all stand down, as we claim this system. Disarm your weapons and prepare to recieve inspection teams."

(OOC: to be honest, I'm making this up as I go, as I kinda got off track from my original plan...)

"Admiral? We have arrived," said the navigator.
"All ships, drop to impulse," Admiral Garth ordered. "Raise shields, and move into a defensive shell." Sixteen ships dropped from warp at the edge of the area and moved into formation. The twelve Wrangler-class (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Amarillo-Class.jpg) destroyers formed a vertical outer ring, the three Acclaim-class (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Acclaim-classMediumCruisers.jpg) medium cruisers, joined by Ramus's ship, formed and inner ring, and the single Imperial-class (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Tannhuser-ClassHeavyCruisers.jpg) battlecruiser sat in the middle. Once formed, the fleet began to slowly move towards the group of alien ships...



(OOC: to be honest, I'm making this up as I go, as I kinda got off track from my original plan...)

Mirog looks up and turns to Adam. "You want to eat them? You wont get any trouble from me."

The Odin's Eye's flurescent light's turned from the neutral white to a pulsing red. A robotic voice drifted from the hidden comm system.
"Captain, a fleet has just dropped from warp. They are issuing a hail."
"This is Admiral Garth, of the Imperium 2nd Fleet. By order of the Emperor, you will all stand down, as we claim this system. Disarm your weapons and prepare to recieve inspection teams."
Firmus paused for a moment, before shaking his head.
"All this trouble over one little vessel. You'd think it was a damn Forerunner relic, not some little merchant tug. Send a return hail."
Admiral Garth, I am Captain Firmus, Templarian Navy 33rd Territorial Fleet. We have something to distpute with you. While we are not hostile, simply trying to keep the peace here and will not power our weapons without being first fired upon, we refuse to be boarded. You are free to do a scan of our vessel, but naval doctrine dictates that being boarded under threat is an act of war.

When the more ships came in, the alert rang out and everyone ran to their posts. Carlyle sighed to himself as he gazed at the blaring red lights now filling the bridge. Finishing off the last of his coffee, he set it into his cup hold in his chair. It had a gravity field to keep it in that holster, in case hell broke loose. He liked that cup and didn't want it broken. He walked over to the sensor officer and spoke. "Report."

The officer was rapidly reading the data coming in. "I am reading several ships inbound into this system, sixteen total. They read positive on the general design and power signatures of one of the ships already here. I am reading twelve destroyer-class ships, three cruiser class, and one that can only be battlecruiser or higher class." The Captain's eyes narrowed. This was not good. He turned to the communication's officer.

"Prep the message for reinforcements and have it on standby. If these guys insist on trying to push their luck, I will gladly show them that the Corporation is not one to be fucked with."

The officer nodded, but then hesitated. "Sir, incoming hail from the ships, sir."

Carlyle grimaced. This wasn't going to be good. "Show me."

"This is Admiral Garth, of the Imperium 2nd Fleet. By order of the Emperor, you will all stand down, as we claim this system. Disarm your weapons and prepare to recieve inspection teams."

He rubbed his temples and was about to yell at the top of his lungs. These people did not get things. "Open a channel, I need to say some words to this moron."

"Done, sir."

"This is Captain Carlyle of the ECS Heavy Cruiser Black Sheep. It appears I need to inform you of some things. One, this is international space, meaning no one nation can claim it nor can one nation enforce things. So your claim just fell into the toilet. Two, I will NOT agree to your boarding. I have done nothing wrong, and this is not your space. So any attempts will be shot down, so please, for the sake of your men, don't try it. And thirdly, just to tell you what I told everyone else. If you try to make a go for this freighter, I will gladly turn your ships into scrap heaps that will only by used for target practice after. The freighter carries goods bought and paid for by the Corporation, the nation I am from, so any attempts to steal Corporate assets will be seen as an act of war. And trust me, we don't treat war like other people. If you play nice, I'll gladly play nice, conflict is not something I like. But start something, and I damn well will finish it.

I hope I was clear enough."


OOC: Xiscapia needs a chance to post, we should wait a bit. I also replied to your TG, Deltan.

OOC: Tag.

Mirog leans against door. "If the inspection teams come on board, can I kill them?"

Mirog leans against door. "If the inspection teams come on board, can I kill them?"

"If they try to forcibly board, you won't need to. The Marines don't take kindly to it."

No sooner had the Corporation vessel appeared (much to Tanj's delight) than so did the back-up fleet...for the vessel that had originally assaulted them. Now they were surrounded by Qonn-knew-what, pirates and raiders and savages, with just one ship to protect the Errant Venture. Due to the heavy traffic in close proximity, the message from the Black Sheep was some time in coming. "Mã hóa các thông điệp." The computer chirped. "Mã hóa các thông điệp," ordered Tanj, listening as the words of the only friendly vessel in-system were broadcasted out of the speakers:
"Sorry to see you've fallen into a bit of a jam, but don't worry, the Corporation ensures the safety of those whom trade with it. I am Captain Carlyle of the ECS Black Sheep. If you'd like, we can transfer your crew and cargo to my ship and get you out of here. I am proceeding to talk to the crazy bunch you have around you to see if we can't get out of here peacefully."

The Xiscapian Captain glanced fervently at the sensor holoprojector, showing the assembly of enemy or otherwise unknown craft. A second message came, probably because Carlyle had noticed the Errant Venture was not able to move under her own power, something about towing the freighter out of the system...however, that no longer looked like an option. Tanj knew that if more hostilities were to occur, they would happen within the next five minutes, barring a miracle or curse. "Gửi cho họ một tin nhắn trong mã cao nhất của chúng tôi, tôi sẽ dictate."

A message was sent to the ECS Black Sheep:

While we are forever indebted to you for your timely assistance, I, Captain Tanj of the merchantman Errant Venture, will go with my ship, for good or ill. If someone starts shooting I give you full authorization to get the crew and cargo off the Venture, but I will stay to see if there's any way I can save my ship. This newest fleet appears to be of the same design of the ship that originally attacked me; as it is, two boarding shuttles are attached to the hull of the Venture, which could make extraction difficult. No boarders have come out yet, and we have prepared what defenses we have, but the threat is clear. The others are pirates or mercenaries of some kind, from what I can tell, our scanners have been badly damaged. I pray for speed and luck in the negotiations, but I will command my crew to prepare themselves and our cargo for transfer as quickly as possible.

Tanj's lapel communicator crackled. It was Jackson. "What's going on out there Cap't? Have the boarders left?"
The kitsune sighed. "I'm afraid Qonn does not smile upon us this day, Lieutenant. More ships have come, and we may be in the crossfire at best, but a number of mercenaries and pirates have gathered around us. A Corporation ship has come to our aid, but it will not be enough, unless these criminals are phenomenally stupid or amazingly weak. All the noncombatants have been moved to the hold, yes?"
"I oversaw it personally, Captain."
"Good. Station the majority of your men there as well: You may be transferred to the Corporation ship to be rescued, but keep up your guard: Those boarders could come out at any second."
"But Captain, what about-"
"I have my duty, Lieutenant," Tanj cut him off. "It would be dishonorable to abandon my ship merely because some barbarians expressed interest in it. And you have your job to do. Don't come after me."
"Captain!"
But Tanj cut the link. "Con dấu cây cầu, tổ chức và các khu vực xung quanh, Captain's giải phóng mặt bằng." He ordered the computer coldly.
"Làm xong."
The hold and quarters around it had been sealed. Tanj would not be responsible for death of any of his crew, no matter how they felt about him. If anyone was going to die by his hand today, he decided with grim determination, it would be the pirates.

Garth stood in the center of his bridge on the battlecruiser Galvatros. He watched the tactical display, pondering his next move. The Emperor's orders were clear. Yet, he felt some form of dispair. Good men would be lost today, and he, Garth, would be the one to order their deaths.
"Open a channel," he ordered. "Program Zeta-5."
"Yes, sir."

"This is Admiral Garth. I have decided that inspections are not required. Instead, my ships will hold position for the time being. Stand by." 4a6df4d4asf28

"Sir," said the COMM officer, "Program Zeta-5 caused a slight malfunction in the COMM system."
"Causing that random static?"
"Yes sir."
"Get engineering on it. Insure that there is no permament damage to the COMM." Garth remained standing, knowing full well the source of the 'malfunction'...

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

Onboard his own cruiser, Ramus too was waiting.
"Princess," he said
"Yes?"
"You may want to take your leave. This may get ugly."
"No matter. I have my mission, just as you."
"Very well. Then please make yourself confortable. And enjoy the show..."

No sooner had the Corporation vessel appeared (much to Tanj's delight) than so did the back-up fleet...for the vessel that had originally assaulted them. Now they were surrounded by Qonn-knew-what, pirates and raiders and savages, with just one ship to protect the Errant Venture. Due to the heavy traffic in close proximety, the message from the Black Sheep was some time in coming. "Mã hóa các thông điệp." The computer chirped. "Mã hóa các thông điệp," ordered Tanj, listening as the words of the only friendly vessel in-system were broadcasted out of the speakers:
"Sorry to see you've fallen into a bit of a jam, but don't worry, the Corporation ensures the safety of those whom trade with it. I am Captain Carlyle of the ECS Black Sheep. If you'd like, we can transfer your crew and cargo to my ship and get you out of here. I am proceeding to talk to the crazy bunch you have around you to see if we can't get out of here peacefully."

The Xiscapian Captain glanced fervently at the sensor holoprojector, showing the assembly of enemy or otherwise unknown craft. A second message came, probably because Carlyle had noticed the Errant Venture was not able to move under her own power, something about towing the freighter out of the system...however, that no longer looked like an option. Tanj knew that if more hostilities were to occur, they would happen within the next five minutes, barring a miracle or curse. "Gửi cho họ một tin nhắn trong mã cao nhất của chúng tôi, tôi sẽ dictate."

A message was sent to the ECS Black Sheep:



Tanj's lapel communicator crackled. It was Jackson. "What's going on out there Cap't? Have the boarders left?"
The kitsune sighed. "I'm afraid Qonn does not smile upon us this day, Lieutenant. More ships have come, and we may be in the crossfire at best, but a number of mercenaries and pirates have gathered around us. A Corporation ship has come to our aid, but it will not be enough, unless these criminals are phenominally stupid or amazingly weak. All the noncombatants have been moved to the hold, yes?"
"I oversaw it personally, Captain."
"Good. Station the majority of your men there as well: You may be transferred to the Corporation ship to be resecued, but keep up your guard: Those boarders could come out at any second."
"But Captain, what about-"
"I have my duty, Lieutenant," Tanj cut him off. "It would be dishonorable to abandon my ship merely because some barbarians expressed interest in it. And you have your job to do. Don't come after me."
"Captain!"
But Tanj cut the link. "Con dấu cây cầu, tổ chức và các khu vực xung quanh, Captain's giải phóng mặt bằng." He ordered the computer coldly.
"Làm xong."
The hold and quarters around it had been sealed. Tanj would not be responsible for death of any of his crew, no matter how they felt about him. If anyone was going to die by his hand today, he decided with grim determination, it would be the pirates.
Mirog hailed Tanj. "You are in trouble fancy pants, save yourself.You thought I was bad."

While we are forever indebted to you for your timely assistance, I, Captain Tanj of the merchantman Errant Venture, will go with my ship, for good or ill. If someone starts shooting I give you full authorization to get the crew and cargo off the Venture, but I will stay to see if there's any way I can save my ship. This newest fleet appears to be of the same design of the ship that originally attacked me; as it is, two boarding shuttles are attatched to the hull of the Venture, which could make extraction difficult. No boarders have come out yet, and we have prepared what defenses we have, but the threat is clear. The others are pirates or mercenaries of some kind, from what I can tell, our scanners have been badly damaged. I pray for speed and luck in the negotiations, but I will command my crew to prepare themselves and our cargo for transfer as quickly as possible.


Carlyle smiled; this Xiscapian was a good captain. He knew his stuff and didn't play around. And to be fair, he was in a really bad situation. A large fleet warping in that was the same guys whom had attacked them. He should be putting the hurt on their ships, but he wasn't in the best position to do that. He pressed the button and began to speak to the Xiscapians.

"Greetings, Captain Tanj. I understand your situation. I was thinking of that scenario, I would like to save your ship. I offered the transfer before because I thought all these ships had attacked you and I was going to jump in, get you, and jump out. Now, things are different. Do not worry about the new fleet, I do have reinforcements on standby to come aid us. We take our trade very seriously. Now, about the boarders, if you'd like, I can blow the boarding shuttles away, and then bring in my own soldiers to clear them out, if you'd like."


OOC: By the way, the channel Xis and I are speaking on is encrypted, secure, etc etc. So not taking info from it, thank you.

asf465a4ds6a49s

Commander Donnak of the destroyer Bradlyer shook his head. "What was that?"
"Unknown message, sir," reported the COMM officer. "It looks like it came from our ship!"
"What?" asked Donnak, "How?"
"I don't know," replied the officer. "I didn't send it!"
"Sir, the signal was automated!" said the man at the OPS station. "It was sent by the computer!"
"Someone tell me what's going on!" ordered Donnak. Suddenly, the ship surged forward. "Wha-" yelled Dommak as he was thrown to the deck.
"Commander! We're charging the alien ships!"
"Helm! Cut engines!"
"Systems not responding!" Called the helmsman. "I have no control!"
"Engine Room to Bridge! We've lost control over all systems! I can't stop the ship!"
"Sir! All weapons are online and targeting the alien ships!"
"COMM system is down! We can't call for help!"
Dommak pulled himself off the deck, confused and helpless. He watch the viewscreen as his ship headed straight for the group of aliens, lasers already firing. "My god...."

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

"Hold position! All ships, hold position!" ordered Admiral Garth, as he watched two destroyers and a cruiser begin to attack the alien ships. "All remaining ships, power down all weapons systems!"
"Orders recieved!" replied the COMM officer. "All other ships standing by."
"So, this is what he planned," muttered Garth under his breath, as he watched the three ships open up with their lasers....

Mirog looks around. "Who is firing on us?" Is thrown into a wall. "Light boy, snotty face want to get out safely?"

Carlyle was standing on the bridge, awaiting a response from Captain Tanj, when hell broke loose. Alarms began to sound and on the tactical map, three of the Imperium ships began to break off towards them. The Captain swerved to glance at the map and his eyes widened. Immediately, adrenaline burst through his body and he fell into battle mode. He turned to officers and roared.

"Report! What's going on?"

"Sir! Three of the new arrivals have broken off and are charging us! We are reading energy build-up in their weapons! Orders sir?"

Carlyle gritted his teeth. So, they wanted to play hardball. Well, so could he. "Charge up all weapons and shields, and start getting me a weapons lock on those ships. We'll only be able to launch missiles at them for now, but we will be able to do some damage. Have all interceptors, bombers, and drone fighters deploy. I wantComm, send that distress call immediately. I want reinforcements here yesterday. And someone get that Admiral Moron on the horn. I have some choice words to say to him."

The alarms continued to ring out and the crew ran to their posts. Soldiers armed up and prepared for combat, cremman manned stations for repair, sensors, and others, and pilots ran to their fighters. A small cloud of interceptors, bombers and drone fighters began to exit the hangar bays of the Black Sheep to fill the space around the Errant Venture and the heavy cruiser in a protective bubble. Weapons began to power up and the powerful dimensional shielding popped into view on sensors around the cruiser. The computers began to try and get target locks on the incoming ships as a message appeared on Dommak's screen.

"Admiral, this is Carlyle. If you do not pull your ships back, I swear, I will wipe them out and continue on to your fleet. I have not done anything provoke an attack but I will see my crew and the crew of the freighter out safely, if it means through your ships."

As all this was going on, the message was received by the rest of the battle group that had been on standby as per Carlyle's orders. Seeing it was in trouble, which meant a lot for a Heavy Cruiser, they powered up their weapons, shields and Chaos Drives, before heading into Chaos Space towards the battlefield. It would be some time before they could arrive but they would come in time, hopefully."

Twenty-one lightseconds from the freighter and assorted alien vessels, a small object appeared pulsing active scans, the expendable forerunner drone signature of the Kanuckistani vessel that followed a few seconds later, likewise manifesting a hundred thousand kilometers away with no flash or fanfare, displacer drive leaving only a half-moment of tweaked uncertainty in it's wake.

KCS Conspicuously Dangerous Plowshare was a sleek, flattened vessel, 1200 meter long armoured hull of gleaming silver that of a decommissioned battlecruiser turned to civilian use, but not completely disarmed. Angled flanks studded with rows of sensor masts and point-lasers, a single heavy particle turret sat amidst four empty wells, now housing drones and missiles behind armoured hatches, while the cowlings of four massive spinal lasers once gave teeth to her maw, their current status unknown.

Old, powerful barrier fields sprung to life, adding mundane defence to her supernatural-excluding ASPEW fields, as gyros spun her flank to face the assorted ships so far away, turret stowed center-line, a wary, defencive positioning.

Thickly wrought hatches pulling pack, she began rolling drones by the hundred, sensor, countermeasure, defence, dancing clouds forming into the first of her shells, while transponders announced her name, registry, and owner/Captain.

'Looks like I'm just in time for the fireworks,' Augustus York mused as he nursed a cold beverage, reclining on his beach house's porch half a galaxy away, 'Guess I'd better tell someone I'm not there to reinforce those suicidal yahoos.'



"Ahem. This is Captain York of the Kanuckistani civilian astrometrics survey vessel KCS Conspicuously Dangerous Plowshare." the audio broadcast began in accented English, "Just thought I'd let y'all know I'm not here to help those trigger-happies, given the coincidental timing of my arrival. N'fact, 'aving tuned into this little FUBAR ala sensors a bit befor jumping, I'm eyeing that ECS Black Sheep, as I noticed no-un o'yahs've made sure the cripple wants their 'elp, far as I ken tell, and they may 'nfact be of a particularly ballys breed o'pirate.

"Tho speakin' o' the bugger that shot'em up, seems a good idea t'ask'em who dun that. So we can kill 'em - the pirates, that is. I'll let y'all get back to cleaning up after the suicide brigade 'ere."


OOC:
Just finished modeling the KCS Conspicuously Dangerous Plowshare - all details are functional.

http://i38.tinypic.com/fnqxqw.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/11ag6zr.jpg

(OOC: fyi, dommak is the commander of one of the attacking destroyers, Garth is the Admiral in command of the fleet.)

"Can you get the COMM system online?" asked Commander Dommak.
"Negative!" replied the COMM officer. "Nothing works! We're completely locked out!"
"Sir! We're launching missiles!"

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

Admiral Garth stood quietly, while his crew remained in shock. They waited for orders to help their commrades, but none came. Commander Thatts, Garth's 1st officer, stepped forward.
"Sir, aren't we going to help them?" he asked.
"I have my orders from the Emperor himself," Garth replied. "We are to remain in our position, and not to interfer with the results of Program Zeta-5."
"But sir-"
"Enough," ordered Garth. "Send a signal to all ships. Move us slowly away from the engagement zone. Shields down, weapons offline."
"Yes Admiral."
The remaining ships in formation lowered their shields, powered down weapons, and slowly backed away from the aliens....

The Ebon Blade:


Sir, I am receiving a communication.

From whom?

It is encrypted using ESUS Battlecode X-473Y. It identifies as a Kanuckistan vessel named The Augustus York. They are notifying us to their location. They are also expressing some particular concerns as to our situation. Return their communication with a thanks and an invitation to step in if they feel they are needed.

Yes Sir




VTN Vendetta:


Mirog looks at Adam and laughs. "Protection money? No no. we simply offered them our services. We are not strong men." Scratches neck and looks back at Adam. "Flavor and taste? You really do think of your self highly don't you." Smiles at Adam and gives him a look that says don't be so sure.

Adam merely shook his head and sighed.

“Don’t tell me you have already forgotten your message you sent to the freighter? You offered to serve as their protection for a price. Any decent captain would have not asked for a single credit. You then went on to tell them how you could destroy the other ship and then take what you wanted. This constitutes a threat. It is exactly like the old earth mob protection racket where you would have to contract them to protect them or else something happens like an accident or they put you out of business. Exactly like it, only a few centuries later. It is easily apparent you are not strong men if you have to have eight ships, one over nine thousand meters to try to apply muscle to a disable freighter. Honestly, it smacks as cowardness if anyone would care to ask my personal opinion but I am sure our good host Captain Firmus there has already made up his mind about what type of person you are but he chooses to remain polite about it.”

Adam listened to Mirog’s comments with a look of mirth on his face.

“Taste? I am sure you are as tasteless as you appear. We are only interested in your vessels to determine their threat to us. Right now they are classified as pretty low but since you have not used anything other than your drives we cannot correctly ascertain their true rating.”

“And yes, I do think highly of myself, especially in the company of your likes. It makes me glad I chose to leave my frail human body behind centuries ago.”




The Ebon Blade:


Captain, I am receiving FTL signatures of several arriving ships. I count sixteen vessels arriving and taking position around the Deltan ship.

Oh great, things are getting crowded already.

Sir, I have an incoming message from them.

Show it to me.

"This is Admiral Garth, of the Imperium 2nd Fleet. By order of the Emperor, you will all stand down, as we claim this system. Disarm your weapons and prepare to recieve inspection teams."

Please open a channel to the Imperial fleet.

Yes Sir.

Attention Admiral Garth.

I wish to contest your orders due to the fact you are not within the bounds of your Empire. Your Emperor holds no jurisdiction in international space. Also, you have nothing to board as far as The Ebon Blade goes, unless you want to crawl down some torpedo tubes. Take proper scans of my ship and you will notice it is solid.

I wish to also point out the attempt of any such act, whether it is completed or not, against the ship of a sovereign nation is a declaration of war against said nation.

I request you rethink your decision. Thus far I have not activated weapons or even entered battle readiness and my power readings are greater than the sum of your fleet. If you make any threatening move towards my ship or any of my crew I will not hold back. Consider this your nations one and only warning.

Captain Ka’Seen out.




VTN Vendetta:


Mirog looks up and turns to Adam. "You want to eat them? You wont get any trouble from me."

Adam chuckled at Mirog’s attempt to appease him.

"Don’t worry; I will save room for your ships if they gather the courage to return. You will certainly be no trouble to the Ta’Nar. I am sure Captain Ka’Seen is taking care of their untimely appearance. My only concern is here until I have been recalled.”




The Ebon Blade:


Sir, the Imperial Fleet is sending a message. It appears to be in response to our message and a similar message sent by Captain’ Firmus.

Show me.

"This is Admiral Garth. I have decided that inspections are not required. Instead, my ships will hold position for the time being. Stand by." 4a6df4d4asf28

What is that static at the end?

Unknown, it was from the source and nothing on our end. It is meaningless.

I see, they have faulty equipment.

Sir! Three Imperial ships are breaking off and attacking.

Establish a Space Minus Power Tap.

Powertap established, Military replicators one through eighteen online and at peak efficiency, Ion cannons charging. The ship is ready for battle.

Sensors across the little space of void would now be focused momentarily on the little frigate as the already high power reading suddenly increased exponentially. Energy crackled along the exterior of the vessel as it literally began to glow with power. Eighteen holes appeared as the hull seemed to melt, revealing the mouths of the torpedo tubes of The Ebon Blade.

Sir, I have detected a hit upon the hull. The Dimensional Shields diluted the power so it did minimal damage against the reactive armor. Replicator systems are replacing the fragmented armor as we speak.

Open a Com channel to that blasted admiral.

Comm channel three open sir.

“What the blazes are you doing? Recall your ship or this will be an act of war. So far your lasers only fragmented a bit of replicable armor but any further action other than complete submission will result in my returning fire. I suggest you issue some orders, NOW.”

Sir, the Kanuckistani ship has arrived 21 LS away. It announces it is a civilian observer for now.

We both know how dangerous their civilians are. That ship could take on most of the ships here even with the weapons decommissioned. I am glad they are here in case it becomes one against many. Upload all information to the KCS Conspicuously Dangerous Plowshare we have collected so far.

Yes Sir.

After that prepare to eng…

Captain, I am detecting missile launches from the attackers.

That is it, go into Battlemode and engage the ship firing on us. After that configure attack plans against the rest of their fleet. They have ignored common sense and continued this, they will pay with their ships.

The Ebon Blade faded away into T-Space as missile streaked toward its last position. The Ta’Nar craft Emerged a short distance away from the battleship that fired at her and launched all eighteen of her torpedoes. It quickly jumped to another position a bit closer to the target to release a second volley but in a different direction. The first volley of torpedoes activated.

Green spheres of light formed in front of them and they began to move. They oriented on their target and the fusion reactors within the body went into overdrive sending power into the emitters located in the front of the housing. The emitters focused the energy into a single point of space and time creating energy based singularity about 5 meters in front of the housing. The green sphere changed colors becoming brighter until it collapsed into a fully fledged singularity with a three meter event horizon. The Grav Torp flew in a straight line toward the battleship taking no evasive actions, counting on the event horizon to draw in all incoming fire and devour it while protecting the body of the torpedo hidden safely behind. Sensors, once they were able to sort out the clutter caused my multiple immense gravity signatures appearing would tell the ship they were being placed so each volley would hit at the same time from every direction.



OOC:

Sorry for the length, I had a page of replies to filter through and chose what I could ICly respond to without missing anything.

The ship's light faded in and out as the rounds hit the small craft.
"Sir, shields rapidly depleteing!"
"An act of war if ever I saw one! Return fire on the craft that attacked us, send out a hail to Command for reinforcements! Power main cannon to half power and fire at their engines."
"Yessir."
"And you, sir-" He pointed at Mirog, "Are now a bargaining chip. I'd say the same for you, Adam, but from what I've seen of you, you don't seem to recognise the inability to walk through solid objects." The captain adusted his cap before calmly walking through the newly reappeared door, which closed behind him, to the bridge. Upon arrival, he sat down in the command chair and began shouting orders to the frantic deck crew. "Get me a line with the nearest craft!" A few seconds delay, then another man appeared on screen, this one wearing the black, green and gold uniform of the Admirality.
"Ah, Firmus. If you're talking to me, either somebody has screwed up big time or you're wasting my time."
"Save it please, Commander. We're under attack by a force of ships, all bigger than the Vendetta. We need immediate reinforcements."
"Very well. I am sending the Valiant and the Aspiration your way."
"Sir, with all due respect, will that be enough?"
"If they fail, I shall attend personally with the Sabbath. Is that enough?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you." The hail cut out, replaced by the 3 rapid bursts of light from the heavy ion cannon mounted on the front of the craft, targeting the Bradlyer.
"Send a hail."
That was a warning shot. More of our craft are on the way and we will open fire with heavier weapons if you do not cease your hostilites.

OOC:
Just finished modeling the KCS Conspicuously Dangerous Plowshare - all details are functional.
What program are you using? Looks much better than the stuff I've made in DOGA.

OOC:

Kanuc uses Maya and is quite good at it.

I would be interested in seeing some of your Doga stuff but obviously not here. Contact me over MSN if you get the chance.

OOC:

Kanuc uses Maya and is quite good at it.

I would be interested in seeing some of your Doga stuff but obviously not here. Contact me over MSN if you get the chance.

OOC: Most of my DOGA models were on my old computer which, unfortuantely, died a slow and painful death by Trojan. I'm now experimenting with Blender, and as the Plowshare looked quite good, I was wondering what program he used to make it.

"Warp drive is damaged!"
"Shields failing!"
"Laser turret 1 offline!"
Dommak strained to hear the damage reports. The ship was shaking violently with the damage, but it continued to attack the aliens. "Can anyone get control of anything!?" he asked. But no. None of the systems would respond to his crew's commands. They were helpless...

---------

After hearing the alien's responses to the attack, Admiral Garth decided that he needed to do something to protect his remaining forces. "Commander. Order the fleet to withdraw."
"Sir?!" Commander Thatts stood shocked. The other bridge officers turned to face the Admiral is disbelief.
"You heard me," Garth growled. "I have my orders. Now carry out your own."
"Sir, I respectfully sugest-" Thatts never got to finish his sentence. In a burst of light, he was gone.
Admiral Garth moved to stand behind the COMM officer, the disrupter pistol still warm in his hand. "Transmit: All ships, withdraw."
"Y-Y-Yes Sir!" replied the officer. "Signal sent. All ships replying 'Understood'."
Garth moved back to the center of the bridge, and sat in his command chair. "Engage."

All remaining ships in the Imperium Fleet rotated 180 degrees and began to head away from the area, while the three remaining ships continued their suicidal attack...

"Sir, the majority of the enemy fleet is jumping out."
"Ha! Cowards!"
"However, 3 craft are still attacking."
"Shit."
"Valiant reports a 2 minute ETA sir."
"Very well. Do we have any Stutters left?"
"No sir. All used from from training."
"Lazy restockers, scourge of the navy. Very well, keep up the fire. Concentrate on the enemy - Tell Valiant I want immediate fire as soon as they arrive. Mark those craft as hostile."
"Yessir. Sir, shields are almost down..."

A new burst of fire came from the Vendetta, ion replaced by full on killing laser shots. Although they were weak rounds, designed to take down corvettes, laser was laser, and the enemy had to be softened for the coming craft.

"Ahem. This is Captain York of the Kanuckistani civilian astrometrics survey vessel KCS Conspicuously Dangerous Plowshare." the audio broadcast began in accented English, "Just thought I'd let y'all know I'm not here to help those trigger-happies, given the coincidental timing of my arrival. N'fact, 'aving tuned into this little FUBAR ala sensors a bit befor jumping, I'm eyeing that ECS Black Sheep, as I noticed no-un o'yahs've made sure the cripple wants their 'elp, far as I ken tell, and they may 'nfact be of a particularly ballys breed o'pirate.

"Tho speakin' o' the bugger that shot'em up, seems a good idea t'ask'em who dun that. So we can kill 'em - the pirates, that is. I'll let y'all get back to cleaning up after the suicide brigade 'ere."


Carlyle's eye could literally been seen twitching as he saw this new arrival come in and accuse him of piracy. Struggling to keep himself under control, he proceeded to send a reply message. "While I thank you for not attacking us, I can assure you, I am not a pirate. You can even ask the damned frigate captain, I am NOT a pirate. I came here to protect cargo, not steal it. And I am rather peeved at such an accusation."

The lasers fired by the three out of control ships slammed into the Black Sheep's shields, causing them to flare for a brief moment and then fade away, no damage done. Carlyle watched as the ships continued towards them, even as the others galvanized themselves into action. He watched as the Balroggan ship vanished and reappeared, launching some kind of powerful wave of missiles. The intruders answered with their own, sending missiles at them all. The cloud of fighters and the heavy cruiser's own PD systems ensured they were all wiped out. The screen flashed to show they had a target lock and the Captain only had one command now: "Fire at will."

The cruiser was locked on by the Black Sheep's weapons and proceeded to unload upon it. The many batteries of pulse cannons sent blast after blast of burning plasma towards the cruiser, to be followed by many relativistic shells launched from the railguns. A hail of missiles, both nuclear and explosive, were launched towards the ship, ready to add upon the damage. And if this wasn't enough, a ten second pause was felt as power was shunted into the D-Cannons. Several beams of energy shot out towards the cruiser, which when it impacts, would cause a warping of space time as it hit the ship, causing even more damage to the ship.

"Sir, the rest of the enemy fleet is retreating."

He sighed in relief. Good, he wouldn't have to get any damage,. Between the forces in system, they could easily wipe out these three ships, especially as he watched the Templar ship damaging one of them. Now he could just focus on the destruction of these ships. After a few moments, the salvo began again, focusing on the cruiser. When it was down, he'd move on to the destroyers. Overwhelming firepower on a single target, the best strategy when dealing with ships.

"Main power is down!"
"Shields have failed!"
Dommak picked himself off the deck, wipped the blood off of his face, and climbed back to the helm. "Can we get anything?"
"Sir! The Warp reactor's going critical!" yelled an engineering officer. "We've gotta abandon ship!"
"All hands to escape po-" Dommak never finished his order. The explosion destroyed the ship, and sent debris in all directions. The remaining destroyer continued firing its lasers, while the cruiser opened up with its two MAC guns, firing rounds of depleted uranium shells at the aliens...

Tanj ignored the message from the mercenary: He had nothing to say to the man, who seemed only to want to annoy him. Meanwhile the message from the Black Sheep came though, but even as it did so the enemy fleet went on the attack! The Xiscapian watched passively as shots were traded between them and the others, who he was relatively certain most, if not all, were government or at least former government vessels. He knew the Errant Venture was away from the fighting, relatively, but he also knew that all it would take to breach the hull of his ship was a few missiles or large rounds. Tanj was beginning to feel that his ship and cargo were not a critical item to these people: Perhaps they never had been. Even now that fleet that had come in with that frigate that had attacked him was mysteriously withdrawing. Who knew what went on in the minds of aliens?
Whatever the case, anything that distracted them from him was a good thing.

A message was sent to the ECS Black Sheep, still under encryption:
I am pleased to hear the Errant Venture is a priority to you, and that more ships are coming. Once things have calmed down a bit, I would very much like for you to destroy these shuttles who have clamped themselves to my ship: They simply do not conform to the general style of the Venture's design. Soldiers of yours would also be welcome, if only to provide additional security for the crew and cargo.

He could see that they were all being fired upon, but even by a innocent freighter Captain's standards, the weapons striking the assembled craft were not particularly powerful or fearsome, never mind the ship that had just exploded under the assault before his eyes Tanj was confident that the three marauding ships would be destroyed; he even hoped that the Venture and he would get out of this with nothing more than busted engines and some ruffled fur.

The ship rocked as a MAC round scraped the hull of the wearing, tearing through a hallway and causing explosive decompression for a moment, sucking a number of servicemen out into space before the airlocks kicked in and slammed shut.
"Sir, we just lost the main corridor to the left wing. The left laser batteries are down. Unknown amount of casualties."
"Damn it, return fire!"
"Sir, the Vendetta does not have enough firepower to fight off a destroyer and cruiser, even with help."
"Thats the beauty of it. Think Beowulf had enough strength to kill a dragon?"
"No sir. He died if I remeber correctly."
"Exactly. He may have died trying but at least he got a damn tower for it. Keep up the fire."
One of the marines guarding the door pointed out of the viewscreen.
"You might not have to sir."

There were two flares of bright green light, followed quickly by two great silhoutted hulks of the Valiant and the Aspiration. The two Monarch-class cruisers (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z107/Kain1235/Monarch-classDestroyers.jpg) had no sooner pulled the entireity of the crafts through the warp portals before opening fire, flurrys of red flying from the turbolaser batteries lining the ship targeted at the Deltan craft, quickly followed 4 rounds from both ship's twin railguns.

Deep Space, Belkan Exploratory Vessel Nikola Tesla
http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/galileo_class_science_vessel.html


Captain Hassildor limped to the main bridge, a clumsy fall in the shower breaking one of his ribs. The blue alert status was enough to rouse him, along with all essential command personel and active gunnery crews, and send them to their appropriate stations. As the doors to the bridge opened with a hiss, the crew snapped to attention.
"At ease," he said, walking to his command post and sitting down with a groan. "Whats the situation?"
"Sir, an exchange of fire has been detected on the borders of our scanner range. An Xiscapian craft signature has also been detected," said the metallic voice of the ship's computer.
"Initiate standard defensive protocol and prep two additional mobile suits for immediate launch, and send the standard meet and greet message to the entire system," ordered the captain.

Turrets twitched to life and five mobile suits stepped into the void from their hangar as the Nikola Tesla changed heading and moved towards the conflict. A message was dispatched from the ship.

Attention all craft, this is the Belkan Exploratory Ship Nikola Tesla. We detect a firefight in the system, and would like to know if we can be of assistance.

The Ebon Blade continued in its assault against the flailing battleship. The frigate would jump to another position, launch volley, and then initiate their Mirage Drives to move to the next position. After the sixth volley placement, the sphere of incoming Grav Torps was complete and the Infernal Frigate made one last jump closer than ever. Forward shields strengthened and both Ion cannons fired.

The Ion Cannons were a weapon designed to specifically short out or weaken shields and then cause numerous electronic failures in the target ship. The result would be to open the vessel for the swarm of singularity tipped torpedoes that were timed to strike from each direction at once. The impact of six volleys of eighteen singularities would mean certain destruction within the maws of 108 singularities. Nothing should survive an assault like this. The Infernal Frigate was designed to take out Imperial Star Destroyers and a simple battleship would only be lunch to them.

After the battleship would have been rendered imploded scrap (assuming the attack plan went as designed),The Ebon Blade would withdraw to check on the condition of the last ship.




OOC:

This is empty interstellar space so there is not a system. The closest would be back on the other side of the nearby Deltan Imperium borders I believe.

The Ebon Blade:


Sir, I am receiving a communication.

From whom?

It is encrypted using ESUS Battlecode X-473Y. It identifies as a Kanuckistan vessel named The Augustus York. They are notifying us to their location. They are also expressing some particular concerns as to our situation. Return their communication with a thanks and an invitation to step in if they feel they are needed.

Yes Sir




VTN Vendetta:




Adam merely shook his head and sighed.

“Don’t tell me you have already forgotten your message you sent to the freighter? You offered to serve as their protection for a price. Any decent captain would have not asked for a single credit. You then went on to tell them how you could destroy the other ship and then take what you wanted. This constitutes a threat. It is exactly like the old earth mob protection racket where you would have to contract them to protect them or else something happens like an accident or they put you out of business. Exactly like it, only a few centuries later. It is easily apparent you are not strong men if you have to have eight ships, one over nine thousand meters to try to apply muscle to a disable freighter. Honestly, it smacks as cowardness if anyone would care to ask my personal opinion but I am sure our good host Captain Firmus there has already made up his mind about what type of person you are but he chooses to remain polite about it.”

Adam listened to Mirog’s comments with a look of mirth on his face.

“Taste? I am sure you are as tasteless as you appear. We are only interested in your vessels to determine their threat to us. Right now they are classified as pretty low but since you have not used anything other than your drives we cannot correctly ascertain their true rating.”

“And yes, I do think highly of myself, especially in the company of your likes. It makes me glad I chose to leave my frail human body behind centuries ago.”




The Ebon Blade:


Captain, I am receiving FTL signatures of several arriving ships. I count sixteen vessels arriving and taking position around the Deltan ship.

Oh great, things are getting crowded already.

Sir, I have an incoming message from them.

Show it to me.



Please open a channel to the Imperial fleet.

Yes Sir.






VTN Vendetta:




Adam chuckled at Mirog’s attempt to appease him.

"Don’t worry; I will save room for your ships if they gather the courage to return. You will certainly be no trouble to the Ta’Nar. I am sure Captain Ka’Seen is taking care of their untimely appearance. My only concern is here until I have been recalled.”




The Ebon Blade:


Sir, the Imperial Fleet is sending a message. It appears to be in response to our message and a similar message sent by Captain’ Firmus.

Show me.



What is that static at the end?

Unknown, it was from the source and nothing on our end. It is meaningless.

I see, they have faulty equipment.

Sir! Three Imperial ships are breaking off and attacking.

Establish a Space Minus Power Tap.

Powertap established, Military replicators one through eighteen online and at peak efficiency, Ion cannons charging. The ship is ready for battle.

Sensors across the little space of void would now be focused momentarily on the little frigate as the already high power reading suddenly increased exponentially. Energy crackled along the exterior of the vessel as it literally began to glow with power. Eighteen holes appeared as the hull seemed to melt, revealing the mouths of the torpedo tubes of The Ebon Blade.

Sir, I have detected a hit upon the hull. The Dimensional Shields diluted the power so it did minimal damage against the reactive armor. Replicator systems are replacing the fragmented armor as we speak.

Open a Com channel to that blasted admiral.

Comm channel three open sir.



Sir, the Kanuckistani ship has arrived 21 LS away. It announces it is a civilian observer for now.

We both know how dangerous their civilians are. That ship could take on most of the ships here even with the weapons decommissioned. I am glad they are here in case it becomes one against many. Upload all information to the KCS Conspicuously Dangerous Plowshare we have collected so far.

Yes Sir.

After that prepare to eng…

Captain, I am detecting missile launches from the attackers.

That is it, go into Battlemode and engage the ship firing on us. After that configure attack plans against the rest of their fleet. They have ignored common sense and continued this, they will pay with their ships.

The Ebon Blade faded away into T-Space as missile streaked toward its last position. The Ta’Nar craft Emerged a short distance away from the battleship that fired at her and launched all eighteen of her torpedoes. It quickly jumped to another position a bit closer to the target to release a second volley but in a different direction. The first volley of torpedoes activated.

Green spheres of light formed in front of them and they began to move. They oriented on their target and the fusion reactors within the body went into overdrive sending power into the emitters located in the front of the housing. The emitters focused the energy into a single point of space and time creating energy based singularity about 5 meters in front of the housing. The green sphere changed colors becoming brighter until it collapsed into a fully fledged singularity with a three meter event horizon. The Grav Torp flew in a straight line toward the battleship taking no evasive actions, counting on the event horizon to draw in all incoming fire and devour it while protecting the body of the torpedo hidden safely behind. Sensors, once they were able to sort out the clutter caused my multiple immense gravity signatures appearing would tell the ship they were being placed so each volley would hit at the same time from every direction.



OOC:

Sorry for the length, I had a page of replies to filter through and chose what I could ICly respond to without missing anything.

"We offered our services yes. But we did not threaten them will harm if they did not take our offer, thus it would not be protection money." Makes a fist. "Frankly, all i want is a home and a safe harbor for my men. It is scum like you that give us a bad name, because you have no stones of your own."

Suddenly, in a random unforeseen plot twist, the president of Kavila leaps across the scene in the nuddy.

Dun dun DUN.

OOC: Suddenly, in a random unforeseen plot twist, the nooby troll is struck down by the banhammer of the mods.

OOC: Suddenly, in a random unforeseen plot twist, the nooby troll is struck down by the banhammer of the mods.
Insta-sig.

"We offered our services yes. But we did not threaten them will harm if they did not take our offer, thus it would not be protection money." Makes a fist. "Frankly, all i want is a home and a safe harbor for my men. It is scum like you that give us a bad name, because you have no stones of your own."

Adam was sitting in the chair playing with a piece of string from his pocket. He reached into another and pulled out a small spherical object with a peg protruding from the top. He wrapped the string around the peg and pulled it causing the top to spin on the tabletob. The violent shaking of the ship seemed to not affect the child nor the toy he was using to amuse himself while the captain saw to his duty. He looked up at Mirog as he was throw against the wall by the evasive actions of the ship.

"This is not the time for your sob story, this ship is in the middle of a battle. Afterwards I am sure our good Captain will pay back the recordings of your transmission if you ask him nicely. I am only remaining here because he wished it and it still resides within my mission parameters."

A puzzled look spread across Adams face.

"How have I given you a bad name? I did not bumble hasty and forceful negotiations and I did not threated any other ships here. I have not broadcast a sob story to everyone within transmitter range and I did not place myself into your situation. You have done all these things yourself without any Ta'Nar or Childer assistance. Your reputation, no matter how soiled, is a product of your own actions, not that of anyone within light years. In the past, we have had dealings with other Mercenary factions and they have behaved quite honorably. They would serve as a good role model for you if you survive this encounter."

Adam looked up in the direction of the ceiling as the ship shook again and smiled.

"This ship is taking a good beating, the makers seem to be quite skilled in their construction tecniques. Admirable indeed. I wonder what their inclinations would be to a temperary alliance until things settle down in this area."

Adam was sitting in the chair playing with a piece of string from his pocket. He reached into another and pulled out a small spherical object with a peg protruding from the top. He wrapped the string around the peg and pulled it causing the top to spin on the tabletob. The violent shaking of the ship seemed to not affect the child nor the toy he was using to amuse himself while the captain saw to his duty. He looked up at Mirog as he was throw against the wall by the evasive actions of the ship.

"This is not the time for your sob story, this ship is in the middle of a battle. Afterwards I am sure our good Captain will pay back the recordings of your transmission if you ask him nicely. I am only remaining here because he wished it and it still resides within my mission parameters."

A puzzled look spread across Adams face.

"How have I given you a bad name? I did not bumble hasty and forceful negotiations and I did not threated any other ships here. I have not broadcast a sob story to everyone within transmitter range and I did not place myself into your situation. You have done all these things yourself without any Ta'Nar or Childer assistance. Your reputation, no matter how soiled, is a product of your own actions, not that of anyone within light years. In the past, we have had dealings with other Mercenary factions and they have behaved quite honorably. They would serve as a good role model for you if you survive this encounter."

Adam looked up in the direction of the ceiling as the ship shook again and smiled.

"This ship is taking a good beating, the makers seem to be quite skilled in their construction tecniques. Admirable indeed. I wonder what their inclinations would be to a temperary alliance until things settle down in this area."

Mirog suddenly took a look that Adam had not seen before. Almost complet animal. Mirog slapped Adam's toy. "Then they were not mercenaries. The first thing you need to learn is that they are out for themselves and are much more rude than me. I would hesitate to stab you in the back if I was working for you and got offered more to kill you. They would not. You sit their you child, like a king. I served a king and guess what, i don't like them"

Mirog suddenly took a look that Adam had not seen before. Almost complet animal. Mirog slapped Adam's toy. "Then they were not mercenaries. The first thing you need to learn is that they are out for themselves and are much more rude than me. I would hesitate to stab you in the back if I was working for you and got offered more to kill you. They would not. You sit their you child, like a king. I served a king and guess what, i don't like them"

Mirog's expression went unseen by Adam since he was looking at the ceiling but his growl and swipe at the spinning top certainly caught his attention. The spinning toy on contact with his hand stuck. The top remained spinning but attached to where his had contacted, wobbling as it spun. As he moved his hand, it spun to the top like a bubble.

“If you wanted to play, I would have shared. I am not greedy and I figured you had your communicator to play with.”

Adam only smiled and took a second top out of his pocket and set it spinning like the first on the tabletop. As before, the violent shaking from the defensive maneuvers taken by the ship had no effect upon the Childer or the top.

“As far as out past contacts, I will not disclose any information about them but the fact they were Honorable and kept not only their work but also their contracts. They had a reputation and their survival depended upon their reputation getting them jobs.”

Adam smiled as Mirog tried to shake the spinning top from his hand. His attempts to grab it only transferred it to the other hand. Adam knew the Captain would be watching on the closed circuit monitors the room undoubtedly had.

Augustus reclined in the warm sun, nursing a cold drink as the battle played out in his mind's eye, debating whether or not to add his weight of fire to the fray - it was well beyond effective energy weapons range, afterall, and while missiles easily had the range, he had honestly expected the suicide brigade to be dead by now, well befor such ordinance could reach.

Still, on the off chance their cruiser survived another minute, he queued up a dozen standard MIAV Ship-Killers - best to be seen taking part, afterall, even if their fleet's actions seemed totally irrational.


"While I thank you for not attacking us, I can assure you, I am not a pirate. You can even ask the damned frigate captain, I am NOT a pirate. I came here to protect cargo, not steal it. And I am rather peeved at such an accusation."



"An' I ken assure you I did nae mean ta be offendin' y'all, but 'm sure ye ken be understandin' yer position tis nae so clear from a third party perspective, eh?" the reply came as befor, openly broadcast, this time as a dozen meter long cylinders shot from the bulking drone shells, now themselves thousands strong, "If once this lil scuffle's over ye'd be so kind as ta back off an' power down yer weapons, so everyone 'ere ken be sure o'the freighter crews wishes without th' implicit duress of a battlewagon parked off their bow, I'd be 'appy to apologise with a bottle o' yer choice from m'wine cellar," armoured silver cases gleaming in the reflected fires of waring ships, the tiny missiles took up a loose formation, looping around the other ships for a clear run on the attacker's cruiser, dual-purpose Hawking reactors burning through neutronium fuel by the ton as they accelerated to attack speed, saving fuel for course corrections and terminal attack maneuvers, "In the mean, y'all ken consider m'original 'cast as an open invitation t' 'em ta verify yer story, but as ye've been passing encrypted commo, there ain't no way ta know if ye've threatened to hole 'em should they call fer 'elp, so 'til the immediate passes an' ye ken stand down, anythin' they say at yer behest tis suspect fer now," the missiles separated, a dozen Independent Attack Vehicles - mini-missiles - slipping from each 'bus' without visible engines, as too lacked the missiles, and the ship that launched them. A pair of countermeasure drones emerged,too, from each, two dozen all told, joining the now-swarm of ordinance as it began an evasive dance, dissolving into static as countermeasures drone-borne coordinated via entanglement with those of each bus, "'gain, I apologise, an' recognise yer almos' certainly who an' what ye claim, but I ken tell y'all stories 'bout cunnin' pirate-types o'er the centuries, an' I'm nae 'bout ta bet the lives o' that ship on the word o' someone I dun know zip 'bout. I hope ye ken understand." A haze of sensor distortion EM, gravitic, and more, 144 high-agility anti-capitalship conversion-bomb-pumped laser heads descended at high relativistic speeds, their beams' fifty thousand kilometer reach allowing a wide dispersal in their random-walk as they entered their terminal phase, 24 drones and 12 missile bus' set to strike a moment later, a hail of apocalyptic fire and kinetic kill aimed to sunder the enemy cruiser, any excess might carrying enough delta-v in the tanks to adjust course and make a run on it's surviving destroyer compatriot, a scant minute after initial launch.




OOC:
What program are you using? Looks much better than the stuff I've made in DOGA.

OOC:
Thankee. Tho the more I look at it the more I'm left unsatisfied with the mesh. Definatly needs work, but I suppose it'll suffice for now.

'an as said, tis Maya - alas, a legit copy'll run you some couple grand, new.

He could have just taken the convenient choice of establishing a permanent link with the Battlenet to compensate for the information lag that the long distance made. His vessel was so distant from the actual field of action that it seemed just an observer of events that have already happened rather than any exponential threat. The shots have stopped, as he realized again the limited chances of something actually being hit, and the involved risks of trying to predict the future, no matter if such future was the matter of twelve minutes ahead. The seven missiles, however allowed for part of the problem to be solved without third party's aid, and continued their long journey towards the mercenary vessel, although there were still six days, twenty-three hours and fifty-two minutes left, and in this time, he had all the choice of giving to all of them a new target, or new targets.

A new arrival came however, from Kanuckistan, a familiar name, of which much was still unknown. Equally, but not as distant as his own vessel from the action, in an entirely different vector, it was unlikely that intervention could come. However, observing the tense standstill of the vessels, specifically of where they were about twelve minutes ago, he suddenly became surprised, as a new message would arrive:

"This is Admiral Garth, of the Imperium 2nd Fleet. By order of the Emperor, you will all stand down, as we claim this system. Disarm your weapons and prepare to recieve inspection teams."

Unlike the message, he had no idea of how large such fleet was for now, due to a certain sense of independence and distrust, and to the very light-speed lag. Such informational absence was a major obstacle to any decision, but he was very assured on what to do. Alone, he would likely not survive against the engagement, unless truly exceptional circumstances related to ignorant cultural bias restricting the total potential of space warfare existed. It was nothing he was afraid of. He did not fear death, for fear was something he could no longer conceive. They had no idea that what they wanted to inspect was something he considered to be, now, his own body. And such displeasing demand had only one answer to be given, but first he had to identify how many they were, and where they were. Nonetheless, he was eager, and did not fear consequences of his immediate answer to the threat of this arrogant "Imperium":

"It's none of your businesses who I am, and I don't care about who you are. You can claim that your brain is bigger than a pea as well as you are claiming this system, I don't care. Even if I could, I would not disarm the weapon systems. You should inspect first your chances of getting out of here in a piece, and I don't care for your Emperor or his lunacy, for he is just another tinpot dictator for me to kill another day. Go back and kiss your Emperor's ring and butt, if you know what's good for you."

Sometimes it was said the contact with Chaos would influence Solarians in subtler manners than the usual mutations and visible insanity. Nonetheless, after Xenos, "Emperor", "Fuhrer" or alike goons were among the most hated beings by the Solarians.

Mirog's expression went unseen by Adam since he was looking at the ceiling but his growl and swipe at the spinning top certainly caught his attention. The spinning toy on contact with his hand stuck. The top remained spinning but attached to where his had contacted, wobbling as it spun. As he moved his hand, it spun to the top like a bubble.

“If you wanted to play, I would have shared. I am not greedy and I figured you had your communicator to play with.”

Adam only smiled and took a second top out of his pocket and set it spinning like the first on the tabletop. As before, the violent shaking from the defensive maneuvers taken by the ship had no effect upon the Childer or the top.

“As far as out past contacts, I will not disclose any information about them but the fact they were Honorable and kept not only their work but also their contracts. They had a reputation and their survival depended upon their reputation getting them jobs.”

Adam smiled as Mirog tried to shake the spinning top from his hand. His attempts to grab it only transferred it to the other hand. Adam knew the Captain would be watching on the closed circuit monitors the room undoubtedly had.

"Okay,Okay but take your top back you silly child."

Admiral Garth watched the viewscreen, as the cruiser (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Acclaim-classMediumCruisers.jpg) Jef Fafa finally succumbed to the other ships' fire and broke apart, the fusion core exploding moments later, throwing debris in all directions. The smaller destroyer (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Amarillo-Class.jpg) avoided the wreckage, but caught a energy blast on a warp nacelle. The blast tore off the nacelle, and left the ship drifting dead in space, leaking plasma out of the now ruptured hull...

Admiral Garth watched the viewscreen, as the cruiser (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Acclaim-classMediumCruisers.jpg) Jef Fafa finally succumbed to the other ships' fire and broke apart, the fusion core exploding moments later, throwing debris in all directions. The smaller destroyer (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Amarillo-Class.jpg) avoided the wreckage, but caught a energy blast on a warp nacelle. The blast tore off the nacelle, and left the ship drifting dead in space, leaking plasma out of the now ruptured hull...

"All craft, stand down. Scan those vessels for life signs, prepare a Marine boarding party. Anyone captured is to be restrained, brought back to the Sabbath and interrogated. Ask the others to cease their fire as well, if you would." As Firmus eased himself out of the chair, head aching from the craft being tossed around, the comm officer sent a polite hail to all the local vessels asking them if they would kindly stop blowing up the hulk as Marine's may be boarding shortly and it would not do for them to be killed in a stray laser blast. A few minutes later, the Odin's Eye's door opened and Firmus walked in, smiling broadly and hands clasped firmly behind his back. "Well, gentlemen. I apologise for keeping you under such short notice, but such are the fortunes of battle. You are, however, now free to return to your vessels of origin if you so wish."

OOC: It is up to you whether there is any life, of course.

(OOC: most of the crew are mercs, conscripts, hired hands, etc. nothing important. no one should have any special knowedge. Assume that some of the crew of 270 are dead, including the senior officers. Then you can interrigate all you want. As for the ship, I don't care. keep it, and I'll send you the specs, or destroy it etc.)


On the home planet...

Emperor Roman watched his holoscreen as he reviewed the data that was sent to him from the destroyer. No one would know, but the random static that was sent just before the attack was in reality a signal that his digi-com used to link to and control the three ships. He watched as the signal went dead, as the last of the three lost power.
"Well, a successful exercise," he said. "It appears that my new system works just as designed." He reached out and activated another control, and began to record new orders for his fleet that was leaving the engagement zone...

-----

Onboard his flagship, Admiral Garth reviewed the message, and prepared to record one of his own. Just before his fleet jumped to warp to head home, he launched a signal pod, that broadcast the following:

"This is Admiral Garth. I am sorry for the massive computer malfunction that seams to have caused three of my ships to regard you as enemy forces. This malfunction caused an automated Watchdog program to activate and attempt to defend itself. The crews were locked out and unable to stop their ships. If any of you require compensation, please meet with our representative on the moon orbiting the 4th planet in the nearby system (starmap attached)."

This is Admiral Garth. I am sorry for the massive computer malfunction that seams to have caused three of my ships to regard you as enemy forces. This malfunction caused an automated Watchdog program to activate and attempt to defend itself. The crews were locked out and unable to stop their ships. If any of you require compensation, please meet with our representative on the moon orbiting the 4th planet in the nearby system (starmap attached).

"Commander, we just recived a hail. Apparently, it was some kind of accident with their dri-"
"That's shit, Ensign, and you know it. Still, we should go and see what they want. Inform the Sabbath to prepare it's drives for an jump as soon as we request it. Inform the dear Admiral that I will jump to meet him, and inform the rest of our friendlies here that the hulks are free target practice. Oh, and wish the freighter a safe trip for the rest of the way. Kal knows it's got enough ballsed up here."
Admiral. We will jump to your co-ordinates to discuss the possible outcomes of the... predicament. While we have no other evidence to go on other than your word, I'm afraid we must of course be suspicious. However, be forewarned that any attempts at hostility again will declaring full scale war against the Empire and it's colonies. Regards. The ensign tapped the hail button, cutting the feed and sending the last of the message winging it's way across space.

Actually folks, never mind that last hail. As a result of the latest communique from the Good Admiral, we're jumping out to meet him. If you want to attend to most likely see the smirk taken off his face, you're more than welcome to. The ensign pressed the button once more, beaming the message over to the friendly (or at least neutral) craft in the area.

Captain, we must take our leave. We leave the situation in your assuredly capable hands. If anything... untoward should happen, you have our hail frequency, and we will aid you if nessacary. Try not to run into any more pirates on the way back, eh? The third and final hail was sent to Carlyle.

Carlyle rubbed his temples. He did not need this right now. He just wanted to get this cargo secured and go home. He'd had enough of problems and other people's stupidity. However, he did have to begrudgingly let the man have his point. His tactics rang of a protecting cruiser....or a pirate using cunning rather than force. He pressed the button to speak to the Kanuckistani captain.

"Very well, I'll concede the point. I will not budge until this area is completely safe. I will not risk the damaged freighter in a battle zone." He cut his part of the channel and resumed gazing at the tactical map. The firepower from all the ships was proceeding to wipe out the cruiser and with one destroyer down, the other began to try and get away from the explosion. However, it was damaged and began to drift in space. He held up a hand.

"Have all batteries cease fire and bring us to Yellow Alert. Keep the guns hot and shields running."

The officers nodded and sent out the orders, ending the pounding the heavy cruiser had been dishing out. An alarm rang out, signaling the arrival of more ships, and three Intrude-class frigates (http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k308/Nirokasa/detail__perspective_practice___by_M.jpg), and a single Silence-class cruiser (http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k308/Nirokasa/Garuda_class_Heavy_Cruiser_by_Jager.jpg)

A loud beep sounded and an officer turned towards Carlyle. "Sir, we're being hailed."

He nodded. "Let it through."

An image appeared of a woman in the uniform of a captain. She nodded at Carlyle, while glancing at the TAC-projection right next to her. "Hello there, Carlyle. We arrived as you asked, but I see nothing's going on here. Just a hurt ship and some fragments."

"We just finished the fight before you got here, Kelly. Sorry about that, they had more friends which I thought would join the fight."

She narrowed her eyes at the screen. "Yes, I see them. I just got a message about how the ships were automated and some ship, is that right?"

Carlyle looked over to see an officer handing him a pad with the message on it. He gave it a quick read and gave it back. "Yes. They had a watchdog program of some kind, which I can only assume is some kind of primitive artificial intelligence system, something like our escort ships. This was obviously a test or a screwup. I'm thinking the former. But for now, let's wait and see what happens. Stay where you are, the guys here don't trust me in protecting the frigate, thinking I'm some kind of pirate." He sighed as Kelly giggled.

"Now now, Brian, remember that Garris incident."

He rolled his eyes. "Ugh. Don't remind me." He glanced down to see another message coming through. He picked up the datapad again from his subordinate and read the message. He glanced at Kelly. "Sorry, I have to go take this call, just stay there until we need you."

"Understood, Brian. Luscious Pride, out."

He moved back to the command console and had the comm station open a channel with the Admiral.

"Admiral, this is Captain Carlyle. I do not require any compensation. While I trust the supposed 'error' on the part of your program as much as a man whom trusts a former thief, I will not blame you. I am sure it's someone whom installed it or your superiors whom did this. So, I will leave you with a warning. Do something like this again, and the Corporation will go to war."

Adam merely ignored the mercenary until he spoke. With a thought, he canceled the Photonic Illusion and the top which was stuck to his hand vanished with a small display of released photons. Adam continued to play with his top while he spoke to Mirog.

“Do you have any interesting games on your phone to play? What do you have?”



The Ebon Blade:


Now that the frigate had finished with jumping around placing the volleys of torpedoes, the ship had to hold in Real Space to keep the concentrated beam of Ion energy focused upon the battleship. The lasers and missiles began to find their mark instead of passing through the location where the ship had been when it was in the deployment phase. Lasers struck the ship followed soon by the missiles which easily homed in on the gravity signature of the frigate.

Sir, we are taking hits.

Damage reports.

The laser strikes were mostly dissipated by the Dimensional Sheilds and the energy that got through caused minor damage against the reactive armor. The missiles which struck were sufficient to cause major damages but the reactive armor and the hull regeneration is able to repair the damage quickly.

What is the status of the ion cannons?

They are holding. Sir, the ship just blew before our torps could arrive.

Send out the recall order. Bring them back in.

Yes Sir.

The ever closing sphere of singularities changed course and began to home in on The Ebon Blade. As they neared, the emitters began to execute their safe shutdown protocols to avoid the messy GRBs which would result from the energy release caused by the abrupt shutdown of the singularities. The colors dimmed until there was a dark green and then winked out as they got close to the frigate. Tractor beams collected the now inert weapons and they were pulled back into the ship until none remained.





OOC:


A Photonic Illusion is caused by psionically exciting the photons to emit light. It is essentially a hologram created by psionics that can be recorded since it is a physical anomaly and not a mental one.

My Dimensional Shields spread the energy from attacks across several dimensions bleeding it away from the ship. Essentially it acts as a damage reduction system allowing the remainder to be handled by the reactive armor and the hull.


GRB - Gamma Ray Blast. Nasty things which I usually try to avoid due to their power. Look it up on Google.

'Reinforcements,' Augustus mused as the Black Sheep's compatriots arrived, 'Now, are they arriving because of me, or that little scuffle?'

"Active hostilities have ceased, Black Sheep," the reply came as befor, openly broadcast for all to hear, "If yer not havin' any more worries, the sooner ye put a few million kilometers between yerselves and the vic, the sooner we ken get this bothersome matter sorted an' point ar' guns at the real pirates - lest ya havin' 'nother issue, then I'd appreciate ya givin' it voice."

"In the mean, if any y'all boardin' those hulks need 'elp extractin' informations," he continued, addressing now all present, "I be havin' some measure of expertise at loosin' the lips o' pirates which may be applicable. They dun even be needin' ta still 'ave lips, or a pulse - ol' Mind Ripper's happy with whatevah brain tissue y'all ken feed 'er, tho results be varyin' with damage an' degradation."

The Plowshare, meanwhile, hadn't moved, it's drones settling into three shells some ten thousand strong, weighted toward the assorted ships, the outermost a full lightsecond in radius.

It was, amongst other things, a sensor array of epic scale and resolution, the interplay of weak gravity waves and other active scans, of no great power, combining with passive extrapolation to allow an indepth look at every ship present - without some kind of countermeasure, it would be child's play to extrapolate every conversation spoken within a lighthour, for example.

And that is exactly what Augustus York did.


OOC:
Technical details brushed over; hearing what's going on onboard your ships would actually be a very simple trick you can do with little equipment and modern tech, but I figured I've deployed the Mother of All Sensors, so I might as well do something with it. :D

Adam merely ignored the mercenary until he spoke. With a thought, he canceled the Photonic Illusion and the top which was stuck to his hand vanished with a small display of released photons. Adam continued to play with his top while he spoke to Mirog.

“Do you have any interesting games on your phone to play? What do you have?”



The Ebon Blade:


Now that the frigate had finished with jumping around placing the volleys of torpedoes, the ship had to hold in Real Space to keep the concentrated beam of Ion energy focused upon the battleship. The lasers and missiles began to find their mark instead of passing through the location where the ship had been when it was in the deployment phase. Lasers struck the ship followed soon by the missiles which easily homed in on the gravity signature of the frigate.

Sir, we are taking hits.

Damage reports.

The laser strikes were mostly dissipated by the Dimensional Sheilds and the energy that got through caused minor damage against the reactive armor. The missiles which struck were sufficient to cause major damages but the reactive armor and the hull regeneration is able to repair the damage quickly.

What is the status of the ion cannons?

They are holding. Sir, the ship just blew before our torps could arrive.

Send out the recall order. Bring them back in.

Yes Sir.

The ever closing sphere of singularities changed course and began to home in on The Ebon Blade. As they neared, the emitters began to execute their safe shutdown protocols to avoid the messy GRBs which would result from the energy release caused by the abrupt shutdown of the singularities. The colors dimmed until there was a dark green and then winked out as they got close to the frigate. Tractor beams collected the now inert weapons and they were pulled back into the ship until none remained.





OOC:


A Photonic Illusion is caused by psionically exciting the photons to emit light. It is essentially a hologram created by psionics that can be recorded since it is a physical anomaly and not a mental one.

My Dimensional Shields spread the energy from attacks across several dimensions bleeding it away from the ship. Essentially it acts as a damage reduction system allowing the remainder to be handled by the reactive armor and the hull.


GRB - Gamma Ray Blast. Nasty things which I usually try to avoid due to their power. Look it up on Google.

"Not on my phone kid, but you might like this" Mirog reached into his uniform, coat and pulled out a sphere. "It was my sons favorite. You can have it, I need to stop carrying around reminders of my past life" Hands to Adam. "Just toss it"

Mirog leans back in chair and lights pipe.

Adam looks the object over suspiciously, especially since the alien had just tried to intimidate him. His actions were highly suspicious, or he needed to see a doctor about his abrupt mood shifts. They were a sign of serious psychological problems. Gingerly holding the sphere in one “hand”, merely a shell of Psionically manipulated photons wrapped around a telekinetic field, and studied the object for a few moments.

“I am sorry; I cannot accept a gift from a stranger. It was taught to me long ago that I should not. You can have this back.”

Adam tosses the suspicious sphere back to Mirog who was sitting in one of the other chairs smoking his pipe.

Mirog leans back in chair and lights pipe.

Firmus plucked the pipe from Mirog's mouth and tossed it across the room, turrets suddenly sliding from the roof and incinerating it in a blast of laser fire before sliding back into their hidden mounts.
"Sorry. No smoking in the Eye."

"Status?"
"Locked on target," reported the tactical officer. "Range in 60 seconds."
The Acclaim-class (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/nx9100/MOPaR/Acclaim-classMediumCruisers.jpg) medium cruiser closed in on the freighter. Its twin MAC guns charged and ready.
"Firing range!"
"Fire!"
Two large depleted-uranium shells shot from the ship and headed straight at the freighter, striking its main engines. With a flash, they cut out, leaving the freighter stranded.
"Target dead, sir."
"Send out retrieval teams. I want all cargo brought aboard ASAP."
"Yes sir!"
Moments later, a pair of shuttles left the cruiser and manuvered to dock with the damaged freighter...

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

"Here are the latest customs reports, my lord." said a steward. He placed a data card on the steel desk and backed away.
"Thank you. You may go," said a dark, cool voice. With a bow, the servent turned and left the thrown room.
The large leather chair behind the desk rotated, and a gloved hand reached out, picked up the card, and inserted it into a data slot. A holo-screen appeared above the desk, displaying the contents. "Excellent," he said. "With these resources, we can move fleet production ahead of schedule."
"Again?" asked a female voice. He turned his chair, to stare at a young girl. Her red-gold hair was tied back, while the dim light reflected off her gloss-black jumpsuit. "You just pushed the shipyards ahead. Why push again?"
"Simple," he replied, "We need a fleet strong enough to push out beyond our borders. Only then can we begin to 'enlarge' the Imperium."
"I know," she sighed. "I just wish I could take part in the field work. I hate being cooped up here all the time."
"Patience, sister," he said. "All in good time. For now, we must continue to build our resources."
"Very well," she turned and headed out the door.
"Hmmm," he thought, "Perhaps she could use a little, vacation..."

(OOC: just my intro. feel free to join as the freighter who was attacked, robbed of cargo, and left to drift. I'll post more later)



Patriarch Seth Eden of the Edenite transport ship Blessings looks at the unprovoked attack and shakes his head. "It looks like the servants of Yaldabaoth, damned be he, are attacking us. My Kindred, we must make a run for Eden and alert the Clans to this perfidy!" the Englineer of the Blessings shakes his head. 'Honored Patriarch, the evil servants of Yaldabaoth are planning to board!" Patriarch Seth Eden shakesw his head.
The Church of Eden is a religious sect that are for the most part pacifists, who wear no clothes and worship Buddyahllah. That is..mostly pacifists. "Hezekiah Eden, please send a radio message to Gan Eden and alert the Hosts that we are being attacked by servants of Yaldabaoth the Demiurge, and that we need the Host of Heaven to punish the evil doers in the name of the Blessed One, Buddyahllah. Hezekiah Eden nods his head and turns on the subspace radio.
"Mayday, Mayday, this is the Edenite cargo ship ! We are being borded by the servants of the evil one Yaldabaoth, cursed be He. We request that the squadrons of the Host of Heaven be scrambled to chastise the sinners in the Holy Name of Buddyahallah! We have turned on our transponder for you to get a fix on our position to punish the sinners!"
The Edenite cargo ship is carrying chemical compounds derived from plants from the rainforest moon of Gan Eden that , with 4 other moons, orbits the main Edenite planet Shamballah.
"Hezekiah" says Seth Eden" send a message to Omphalos, and alert the Federation to the evil doings of the sinners, so that our people can get help!" Hezekiah Eden nods his head and sends the message out. "Omphalos, we are under attack by the Imperium. We request that squadrons of the Steel Knights come assist us! We have requested aid from Gan Eden and we hope the Host of Heaven wuill be here to chastise Yaldabaoth's servants with the sword of Buddyahllah!"
On the subspace radio they get a faint message"..Blessings, this is Enoch Eden of the Host of Heaven..We..(crackle)..message and are vectoring there..(crackle)..the Sword of Buddyallah ...(crackle) additional ships of the Host of Heaven on their way..(crackle) Kill them all and let Buddyallah sort them out, Blessed be He, He will know his own!"

The Sword of Buddyallah turns on their sublight engines and soars towards the stricken Blessings. On board, aerospace fighters are being readied for launch, as well as lance of Crucifragrium Mechs to engage the sinners.
While the aerospace fighters are readied and the Mechs armanents, missles and such are loaded, Cheiftain Enoch Eden kneels with the rest of the ships staff asking the blessings of Buddyallah on the Blessings and the Host of Heaven.

(OOC, Buddyallah is pronounced Buddh-Yahllah, its a combination of Buddha, Yahweh and Allah)

On the baren, rocky moon orbiting the 4th planet, there was a large crater that opened into a massive cave below it. A forcefield kept the air in the bay, while letting ships enter and exit at will. At one side of the hanger, a round table sat with ten chairs spaced around it. A smaller table set up nearby held trays of food suspended over heaters. The offering featured spaghetti with meat sauce, salads, garlic breadsticks, and chocolate deserts. Another table had a varity of beverages and a bucket of ice.

Lining the walls of the bay were three dozen battle droids (http://www.robotoys.com/ThrowbotJet.jpg). They stood quietly watching, eyes glowing a bright red. Their plasma-projectors offline, for the moment.

Waiting next to the table was a young man. About 22 standard years old, he was dressed in a black suit of military cut, with a velvet cape that hung behind him. his black hair was trimmed to a buzz, and his chin had just a scratch of fur. A short cylinder hung from his belt, one that could be mistaken for a lightsaber handle. On the other side of his belt was a small device with a few buttons and a screen. He stood watching the entrance, waiting to see if anyone would except his offer....

OOC: Um, Libran...we already have someone being the attacked ship. You just skipped over ten pages of posts, that would have told you that we have someone doing that already.

Adam looks the object over suspiciously, especially since the alien had just tried to intimidate him. His actions were highly suspicious, or he needed to see a doctor about his abrupt mood shifts. They were a sign of serious psychological problems. Gingerly holding the sphere in one “hand”, merely a shell of Psionically manipulated photons wrapped around a telekinetic field, and studied the object for a few moments.

“I am sorry; I cannot accept a gift from a stranger. It was taught to me long ago that I should not. You can have this back.”

Adam tosses the suspicious sphere back to Mirog who was sitting in one of the other chairs smoking his pipe.

:Looks at ruined pipe. "You could have asked me to put it out." As the sphere begins to come back it stops and floats. "It is under your control kid. It will do what ever you want it to, except kill people or cause harm."

:Looks at ruined pipe. "You could have asked me to put it out." As the sphere begins to come back it stops and floats. "It is under your control kid. It will do what ever you want it to, except kill people or cause harm."

"How pretty. Unless you wish to get involved in what will most likely turn into a firefight, I'd suggest you clear off my ship. XO Rakkid, tell the Valiant to go on ahead. Just shift our guests off and we'll jump to meet them."

The Valiant and the Aspiration shifted positions to face the co-ordinates given, before each disappearing into warp portals. A few moments later they appeared again above the specified planet, shuttle shooting from it's hangar bay and descending into the hanger, where four marines and a captain (http://targworx.com/IMPERIAL%20OFFICER.jpg) descended the ramp.
"We are here for the meeting regarding reparations?"

The young man spread his arms wide.
"Welcome, friend! Please help yourself," he indicated the food and the table. "I have an offer to make you. But first, please make yourself confortable. Then we shall begin. Your guards may wait by your shuttle. I promise no harm to yourself."

(OOC: is anyone else taking my character up on his offer?)

OOC: Um, Libran...we already have someone being the attacked ship. You just skipped over ten pages of posts, that would have told you that we have someone doing that already.

OOC: ok then...

On the baren, rocky moon orbiting the 4th planet, there was a large crater that opened into a massive cave below it. A forcefield kept the air in the bay, while letting ships enter and exit at will. At one side of the hanger, a round table sat with ten chairs spaced around it. A smaller table set up nearby held trays of food suspended over heaters. The offering featured spaghetti with meat sauce, salads, garlic breadsticks, and chocolate deserts. Another table had a varity of beverages and a bucket of ice.

Lining the walls of the bay were three dozen battle droids (http://www.robotoys.com/ThrowbotJet.jpg). They stood quietly watching, eyes glowing a bright red. Their plasma-projectors offline, for the moment.

Waiting next to the table was a young man. About 22 standard years old, he was dressed in a black suit of military cut, with a velvet cape that hung behind him. his black hair was trimmed to a buzz, and his chin had just a scratch of fur. A short cylinder hung from his belt, one that could be mistaken for a lightsaber handle. On the other side of his belt was a small device with a few buttons and a screen. He stood watching the entrance, waiting to see if anyone would except his offer....

OOC: Please correct me if I am wrong here...


The Edenite patrol of The Host of Heaven is on a long range scan of the outlying systems outside their planets of Shambhallah and the forest moon of Gan Eden. Samuel Eden sits at the controls of the patrol ship Hallalujah. "Ah sir..were picking up life sings on that uninhabited moon on the outskirts of our area. What shall we do, Scout Matriarch?" Sarai Eden sits in her command chair naked as she always does, per the Edenite religion. "By Buddhjahllah, I hope we don't have squatters! This moon is to close to the Sacred Planets for my taste. Samuel, do a fly over and see what you get." Samuel Eden gives the cloised fist to the chest salute, and settles his naked body into the Navigation & Scanning chair.
Flying closer, he scans the crater and detects the forcefield and further lifesings. "Sir, I detect the energy signatures of a forcefield as well as MULTIPLE life signs! What should we do, Scout Matriarch?" Rubbing her chin, she finally comes to a decision.
"Hail them. Open a channel and let me know when you do." Samuel Eden opens the audio/video channel that transmits on radio and video signals. Rising from her command throne, she walks to the viewer screen. "Greetings, my name is Patrol Matriarch Sarai Eden, of the Edenite scout ship Hallalujah. We request that you allow us either to land or to meet us onboard the Hallalujah, as you are encroaching on Edenite space. The Church of Eden lays claim to this area, on which this moon sits at the outskirts. As such, you are tresspassing on Edenite space and must explain yourself. Further, we will consider any further crossing over into Edenite Space to be a form of blasphemy and will cause the Host of Heaven to descend on you and smite you with the sword of Buddhjahllah, Blessed be His Name! Identify yourself, and if you are of The True Faith, tell us what Clan and Tribe you belong to. "
Turning her naked body around, exposing her curvaceous buttocks, Scout Matriarch Sarai Eden signals for the equally naked Samuel Eden to cut off the audio/video feed. "Send a subspace signal to the Host of Heaven and alert them that we MAY have some unbelievers on the outskirts of the Holy Precint." Samuel Eden nods, and again gives her a closed fist to the chest salute. "At once, Scout Matriarch!". A subspace message is sent to a subspace transponder that sends the signal to the naval base on the dead moon of Sheol, which is one of the four moons orbiting Shambhallah.

"How pretty. Unless you wish to get involved in what will most likely turn into a firefight, I'd suggest you clear off my ship. XO Rakkid, tell the Valiant to go on ahead. Just shift our guests off and we'll jump to meet them."

The Valiant and the Aspiration shifted positions to face the co-ordinates given, before each disappearing into warp portals. A few moments later they appeared again above the specified planet, shuttle shooting from it's hangar bay and descending into the hanger, where four marines and a captain (http://targworx.com/IMPERIAL%20OFFICER.jpg) descended the ramp.
"We are here for the meeting regarding reparations?"

Firefights are my bag. I don't know about this captianing a ship crap, but firefights I know"

Adam looked at his host and addressed him.

“Captain, My own captain wishes me to ask if I may accompany you to the meeting. It would allow the Ta’Nar to maintain a presence here in case further pirates appear while still attending the meeting in an attempt to find out answers to why they attacked. We both know the story they gave was pure bullshit. We need to find out without allowing anything else to happen to their victim. I am sure understand.”

Adam paused, giving the captain a moment to think.

“If not, I will leave the ship as you have requested. I will wait to hear of your decision before taking any action.”

Adam looked at his host and addressed him.

“Captain, My own captain wishes me to ask if I may accompany you to the meeting. It would allow the Ta’Nar to maintain a presence here in case further pirates appear while still attending the meeting in an attempt to find out answers to why they attacked. We both know the story they gave was pure bullshit. We need to find out without allowing anything else to happen to their victim. I am sure understand.”

Adam paused, giving the captain a moment to think.

“If not, I will leave the ship as you have requested. I will wait to hear of your decision before taking any action.”

We are not pirates and those boys who attacked the freighter don't look like them neither." Thinks for a moment. "No they look like fancy-pants soldiers. We can take them."

Puts new pipe in mouth,but does not light up

Adam looked at his host and addressed him.

“Captain, My own captain wishes me to ask if I may accompany you to the meeting. It would allow the Ta’Nar to maintain a presence here in case further pirates appear while still attending the meeting in an attempt to find out answers to why they attacked. We both know the story they gave was pure bullshit. We need to find out without allowing anything else to happen to their victim. I am sure understand.”

Adam paused, giving the captain a moment to think.

“If not, I will leave the ship as you have requested. I will wait to hear of your decision before taking any action.”

Firefights are my bag. I don't know about this captianing a ship crap, but firefights I know"

OOC: First off, I apologise for the days worth of inactivity.
IC: Firmus smiled slightly, raising the side of his mouth a miniscule fraction before nodding.
"Very well. Inform your ships so they don't think we're kidnapping you, and then we'll jump to the party."


"Welcome, friend! Please help yourself," he indicated the food and the table. "I have an offer to make you. But first, please make yourself confortable. Then we shall begin. Your guards may wait by your shuttle. I promise no harm to yourself."
The captain hesitated at the foot of the ramp for a moment, before turning his head and muttering to the guards in Templarian. They spoke back, in a different language, a sort of breathy hissing/clicking version of Templarian before grudingly moving back into the shuttle. The captain sat at the table. The shuttle had been dark, and it was only when he sat down at the table his face was properly lit, showing him to be a Kytaf (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ec/Michael_(Stargate_S4).jpg).
"I thank you for the meal, but you will understand if I refrain from consuming it."

Mirog but pipe away and let military coat fall open. "Lets see what we have here. Knife, pistol, and sawed off laser shotgun" Smiles, my shuttle has the good toys.

Mirog but pipe away and let military coat fall open. "Lets see what we have here. Knife, pistol, and sawed off laser shotgun" Smiles, my shuttle has the good toys.

OOC:

It might not be a good idea to let the captain know you went to a peaceful meeting armed like that. Sawed off laser shotgun??? Huh?

OOC:

It might not be a good idea to let the captain know you went to a peaceful meeting armed like that. Sawed off laser shotgun??? Huh?

OOC
I am sure the good captain is armed, as are you. A sawed off laser shotgun, fires laser slug,scatter shot, and flechette rounds.

Mirog but pipe away and let military coat fall open. "Lets see what we have here. Knife, pistol, and sawed off laser shotgun" Smiles, my shuttle has the good toys.

"You know, you really should have handed those to security. If it were different circumstances, you would have been killed. Luckily, I have something bigger to deal with. So, we will jump now." He spoke into his lapel. "Ensign, we're ready. Jump to meet the Valiant."
"Yessir. Will do now."

A green portal opened in front of the craft and after a few seconds, it shot in, reappearing in orbit above the planet. Another shuttle landed in the hangar, this one carrying Firmus, Adam and Mirog.

"You know, you really should have handed those to security. If it were different circumstances, you would have been killed. Luckily, I have something bigger to deal with. So, we will jump now." He spoke into his lapel. "Ensign, we're ready. Jump to meet the Valiant."
"Yessir. Will do now."

A green portal opened in front of the craft and after a few seconds, it shot in, reappearing in orbit above the planet. Another shuttle landed in the hangar, this one carrying Adam and Mirog. Firmus chose to stay on monitor the situation from the Aspiration, as 2 diplomats was generally more than was needed, as far as he was concerned, and the best kind of diplomacy was one backed up by a cannon.

Mirog laughs. "Your security if you call it that would not have been able to harm me."

Mirog laughs. "Your security if you call it that would not have been able to harm me."

"A word of advice - don't say that to their face." Firmus imparted this advice onto Mirog as he walked down the ramp, the Kytaf marines onboard the shuttle glaring at him and growling quietly. "They have a sort of hairpin loyalty to the Empire. Snap rather easily."

With a mischievous grin on his face Adam leaned over and whispered to Mirog in a none too quiet whisper that could clearly be heard.

“Go ahead, it will make things interesting… and entertaining.”

With a mischievous grin on his face Adam leaned over and whispered to Mirog in a none too quiet whisper that could clearly be heard.

“Go ahead, it will make things interesting… and entertaining.”

Mirog leams back to Adam. "I would, but the captain got himself a real group of dumb dumbs and they must be hard to replace."

Adam glances at the Captain, who was only a meter away and easily within earshot of the comment and shook his head in disbelief. He steps away from Mirog in case the splatters might reach his now vacant position.

Adam glances at the Captain, who was only a meter away and easily within earshot of the comment and shook his head in disbelief. He steps away from Mirog in case the splatters might reach his now vacant position.

Mirog Smiles at Adam. "If you are worried about blood, it will only be theirs' that falls today."

He turned to greet the new arrivals. "Welcome friends! Please help yourselves," he indicates the smaller table set up nearby held trays of food suspended over heaters. The offering featured spaghetti with meat sauce, salads, garlic breadsticks, and chocolate deserts. Another table had a varity of beverages and a bucket of ice.
. "Once your are seated, I will begin my presentation."

Tosses toy to Adam "Keep it kid, you never know when you might need something like it"

Mirog leams back to Adam. "I would, but the captain got himself a real group of dumb dumbs and they must be hard to replace."

There was a shreik as one of the Marine's lept from his seat, charging towards Mirog with unhumanly fast speed, claws extending and tearing through his powersuit's gauntlets. He reached to swipe at Mirog, however a laser round found it's way from Firmus' side-arm to the temple of the Kytaf's forehead, sending it careering ontop of him in a quite undignified manner.
"I did warn you. Their claws and teeth can slice through fighter hulls, you don't want to see what they can do to flesh and bone, and if your going to insult them again I don't see why I should stop them. Very proud of their race, these freaks." The kytaf captain nodded amiably. He then bowed to the Deltan rep. "I am terribly sorry for interrupting the peace process. I am perfectly sure Captain Arrakis will be able to handle diplomatic talks on the Void's behalf, and I doubt you need two reps from the same race, so I shall be going back aboard the Aspiration." He dragged the twitching corpse of the Kytaf onto the shuttle, the ramp of which sealed up again with a hiss before the shuttle took off and left the hangar, heading for the Aspiration.

There was a shreik as one of the Marine's lept from his seat, charging towards Mirog with unhumanly fast speed, claws extending and tearing through his powersuit's gauntlets. He reached to swipe at Mirog, however a laser round found it's way from Firmus' side-arm to the temple of the Kytaf's forehead, sending it careering ontop of him in a quite undignified manner.
"I did warn you. Their claws and teeth can slice through fighter hulls, you don't want to see what they can do to flesh and bone, and if your going to insult them again I don't see why I should stop them. Very proud of their race, these freaks." The kytaf captain nodded amiably. He then bowed to the Deltan rep. "I am terribly sorry for interrupting the peace process. I am perfectly sure Captain Arrakis will be able to handle diplomatic talks on the Void's behalf, and I doubt you need two reps from the same race, so I shall be going back aboard the Aspiration." He dragged the twitching corpse of the Kytaf onto the shuttle, the ramp of which sealed up again with a hiss before the shuttle took off and left the hangar, heading for the Aspiration.

Mirog looks at the dead marine. "This is the best you have." Eyes glow with a inner animosity. "Don't bother killing the next one, I have heard of them and i have bested several Bounty hunters and Mercenaries of their race" Turns to Guards. "They Begged for their lives as I killed them."

(OOC: is anyone else taking my character up on his offer?)

OOC:
I can't do anything until I resolve the situation with Xiscapia, etc.

I come armed with Science!, however, so it's only a matter of time until I discover your involvment in the attack. And Kanuckistani frown upon piracy. Usually with missiles.

Mirog looks at the dead marine. "This is the best you have." Eyes glow with a inner animosity. "Don't bother killing the next one, I have heard of them and i have bested several Bounty hunters and Mercenaries of their race" Turns to Guards. "They Begged for their lives as I killed them."

OOC: The Kytaf are a completely subserivent race, a sub-species of humanity due to a parasite on their native world that rapidly evolved them to adapt to the dangerous gases they lived around. While it would be rare but possible for a clan to break away and form a mercenary group, they aren't in the habit of begging for their lives. If you've seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail, they are comparable to the Black Knight in said film. They'll fight until they haven't got any limbs, and then they'll headbutt you.

IC: Captain Arrakis sighed and turned to Mirog.
"You must have met a sloesal clan. They have no honor, and no skills. I thank you for killing them. However, if you insult my clan once more, I will be forced to challenge you."

OOC: The Kytaf are a completely subserivent race, a sub-species of humanity due to a parasite on their native world that rapidly evolved them to adapt to the dangerous gases they lived around. While it would be rare but possible for a clan to break away and form a mercenary group, they aren't in the habit of begging for their lives. If you've seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail, they are comparable to the Black Knight in said film. They'll fight until they haven't got any limbs, and then they'll headbutt you.

IC: Captain Arrakis sighed and turned to Mirog.
"You must have met a sloesal clan. They have no honor, and no skills. I thank you for killing them. However, if you insult my clan once more, I will be forced to challenge you."

Mirog looked at Arrakis. "Okay but one little deal about the fight, If I win your boys answer to me and wont try to back-shoot, stab or other wise kill me except by a proper challenge. However if i lose you may do with me as you wish."

Mirog looked at Arrakis. "Okay but one little deal about the fight, If I win your boys answer to me and wont try to back-shoot, stab or other wise kill me except by a proper challenge. However if i lose you may do with me as you wish."

Arrakis raised an eyebrow.
"You actually wish to fight me? You are aware it is to the death, no weapons in hand to claw combat, as it were. No rules other than no weapons and one to one fighting. And as for your terms, I have little to no control over my clan. They will choose their own actions."

Arrakis raised an eyebrow.
"You actually wish to fight me? You are aware it is to the death, no weapons in hand to claw combat, as it were. No rules other than no weapons and one to one fighting. And as for your terms, I have little to no control over my clan. They will choose their own actions."

Mirog looked at Arrakis. "I believe you mean claw to claw." Mirog grows claws just like Arrakis. "My people experimented with Gene absorption and mixing. I can imitate your kinds physical attributes. And you must be one hell of a Head of security if you are not even the Alpha Male."

Roman smilled as he watched the two combatants prepare to tear each other apart. Ah, well, such entertainment. Yesssss, he thought. But while they're distracted, I should attend to business. He stepped forward.
"Gentlemen, please. Perhaps you could wait until after my presentation before continuing. Not that I could use sume amusement." He waved a hand towards the food and chairs. "Please sit. Hear me out, then you may finish your contest of wills."

Mirog looked at Arrakis. "I believe you mean claw to claw." Mirog grows claws just like Arrakis. "My people experimented with Gene absorption and mixing. I can imitate your kinds physical attributes. And you must be one hell of a Head of security if you are not even the Alpha Male."

"I am Alpha Male, ozzwady." He spat this. "My people are governed by their instincts, not any petty notion of... of false importance of one soul over others."

Please sit. Hear me out, then you may finish your contest of wills.
"Very well. We are guests, after all. I will refrain from killing this inbred, half-breed race traitor until you have finished speaking." He bowed to Roman once more, then seated himself again, claws clacking quietly as he drummed them against the tabletop.

OOC: Ozzwady is the worst insult a kytaf can use. It involves the insulted's mother, unscruplous activities, fire, a female canine and a bovine land mammal. Just sayin'.

Mirog looks at the Alpha Male and then Banks a piece of Cheese off of Roman. "Then get started before I do just rip the guy apart out of boredom. I would smoke, but that seems to be a bad thing."

"Very well." Roman moves to one sode of the table and presses a control. A holo-screen appears above the table, showing a tactical map of the recent engagement.
"Gentlemen. You are all aware of what happened a short time ago. Three of my ships broke their formation and attacked you. This was a nessesary act." He paused, waiting for any reaction. "My crews were not aware of what was happening, but that is of no concern. It was, for lack of a better term, a demonstration."

Adam looked at Mirog and only shook his head. Since he did not attempt to catch the toy and allowed it to pass through himself, it continued to circle around it's thrower. The orbital path of the toy only made the Mercenary captain look that much sillier as he was posturing with the ship's captain.

Adam stifled a chuckle and walked away toward the table. He had no need of anything there so he quietly took a seat at the end of the table in an empty spot where he could sit by himself.

"Very well." Roman moves to one sode of the table and presses a control. A holo-screen appears above the table, showing a tactical map of the recent engagement.
"Gentlemen. You are all aware of what happened a short time ago. Three of my ships broke their formation and attacked you. This was a nessesary act." He paused, waiting for any reaction. "My crews were not aware of what was happening, but that is of no concern. It was, for lack of a better term, a demonstration."

The kytaf growled.
"I lost three brothers and a sister from my clan. And all for a demonstration on your part? This meeting is already going downhill."

Adam spoke up next, his child-like voice sounding as odd as his appearance in the chamber. He sat in the chair, his head barely above the top of the table. From the way he was moving, he was most likely swinging his feet under the table like all children do.

"I agree. This proposition of yours to compensate us for participating in your little demonstration against our wills had better not further insult us or you might lose more than a couple ships. You risk far more than ships here, we play with entire worlds and we play for keeps."

Adam looked over to where Mirog was with the toy still orbiting and chuckles loudly. His child laughter strangely contageous within the room found more than one person with a smile on their face at the silly display of the Mercenary.

"I apologize for your losses, but in my position, they were acceptable. I myself lost three ships and over 500 men. However, a successful test of my new remote control system, called digiPresence, was needed. As your own sensors can tell you, there were no signals coming from or going to the three ships during the egagement." He leaned onto the table, "That, is digiPresence. Real-time data connections over a distance of several light years. Accurate enough for me to control all three ships and guide them through combat manuvers with ease. Yet with no detectable signals to intercept or jam, because there are none."

"I apologize for your losses, but in my position, they were acceptable. I myself lost three ships and over 500 men. However, a successful test of my new remote control system, called digiPresence, was needed. As your own sensors can tell you, there were no signals coming from or going to the three ships during the egagement." He leaned onto the table, "That, is digiPresence. Real-time data connections over a distance of several light years. Accurate enough for me to control all three ships and guide them through combat manuvers with ease. Yet with no detectable signals to intercept or jam, because there are none."

"And it worked very well didn't it?" He shook his head. "And how does it work then?"

"A excellent question," said Roman. "While you may be aware of inter-dimentional space, such as hyperspace or subspace, there are other layers that have yet to be fully exploited. After extensive research, I have discovered a new 'layer', one made up of digital energy." He reached under the table, and pulled out a device that appeared like an old laptop computer, but one glance could tell this was state-of-the-art. He opened and activated it. A pair of small antennas popped out of the top. "This is a D-Terminal. It connects straight into the digital plane. Each of my three ships have a similar device connected to their main computers. Once connected to the digital plane, the devices can connect to each other instantly, with zero lag time. As they connect through the digital plane, there are no signals in 'normal' space to detect."

The kytaf growled.
"I lost three brothers and a sister from my clan. And all for a demonstration on your part? This meeting is already going downhill."

Mirog let the toy circle him and Looked at the Kytaf. "Calm. You know nothing of lose if that is all you lost"

Mirog let the toy circle him and Looked at the Kytaf. "Calm. You know nothing of lose if that is all you lost"
"A single dead clansmen is to be paid thousandfold in blood. Do not speak for cultures you do not understand, ozzwady."

"A excellent question," said Roman. "While you may be aware of inter-dimentional space, such as hyperspace or subspace, there are other layers that have yet to be fully exploited. After extensive research, I have discovered a new 'layer', one made up of digital energy." He reached under the table, and pulled out a device that appeared like an old laptop computer, but one glance could tell this was state-of-the-art. He opened and activated it. A pair of small antennas popped out of the top. "This is a D-Terminal. It connects straight into the digital plane. Each of my three ships have a similar device connected to their main computers. Once connected to the digital plane, the devices can connect to each other instantly, with zero lag time. As they connect through the digital plane, there are no signals in 'normal' space to detect."

"Interesting. You tell this to the people you tested this weapon on, why?"

"A single dead clansmen is to be paid thousandfold in blood. Do not speak for cultures you do not understand, ozzwady."



"Interesting. You tell this to the people you tested this weapon on, why?"

Mirog looks at the rude ass. "I lost my whole planet, you lost four clan members. I think that if anyone should be allowed to whine it should be me."

"Simple," replied Roman as he sat down, "I could have tested it on automated ships, but the results would not be the same. Only by preforming a full-scale test on unsuspecting ships could accurate results be generated. And I believe that the test was successful." Again, he brought up the tactical map. "I was able to maintain real-time control of all three ships, dispite the manuvers and damage. Granted you defeated them, but a victory was not my goal." He looked around the table, at each guest in turn. "Now, I would like your imput. You saw the ships in action. Were there any signs that they were being remotly piloted? Any sort of lag, stray signal, etc?"

"Simple," replied Roman as he sat down, "I could have tested it on automated ships, but the results would not be the same. Only by preforming a full-scale test on unsuspecting ships could accurate results be generated. And I believe that the test was successful." Again, he brought up the tactical map. "I was able to maintain real-time control of all three ships, dispite the manuvers and damage. Granted you defeated them, but a victory was not my goal." He looked around the table, at each guest in turn. "Now, I would like your imput. You saw the ships in action. Were there any signs that they were being remotly piloted? Any sort of lag, stray signal, etc?"

Mirog looks at Roman. "I am only here to hear if you have a job offer for me. Otherwise i am with the mutt."

Mirog looks at the rude ass. "I lost my whole planet, you lost four clan members. I think that if anyone should be allowed to whine it should be me."

"I wish your people were still alive so I could kill them myself, ozzwady. I do not whine, I seek rest for my compatriots."

"Now, I would like your imput. You saw the ships in action. Were there any signs that they were being remotly piloted? Any sort of lag, stray signal, etc?"
"I myself did not see much over the feed. They did not perhaps act to their maximum effieciency, and did not react as well as our scanners assumed they could in a combat situation as to managing an outnumbered fight."

"I wish your people were still alive so I could kill them myself, ozzwady. I do not whine, I seek rest for my compatriots."

Mirog's eyes glow. "Oh you are going to wish you had not said that mutt. The civilians died for a warlords want, and the soldiers died taking orders. They were brave until the last. "

"A jo, eh?" Roman said. "And thank you for your observations. I believe it is time I came to the point of all this. I intend to offer this new technology to you, under certain conditions. First, I find that I require raw materials for vessel production. Second, it would be difficult to continue my experiments if I am interupted by aggressors invading my territory. And third," he turns to Mirog, "I require someone to field-test this new system. To use it at their discretion and report success and failors..."

Outside the meeting, in the cold confines of space, a ripple of space was distorted and twisted, as if something were dropping out of Hyperspace, which was correct. The vessel appeared after a few moments and settled down into a more gentle course, heading through the remains of what looked like a battle.
The ship, known as the Elixir of Life, was infamous thoughout many parts of the Universe. It was a ship that could be bought with the money that Governments dreamed off. Equipped with every modern gadget available, she was able to outrun any large warship and outgun any small one. She was the perfect vessel for Mercenaries. For that was who owned her.
"Bloody hell," Came an explaination from the cockpit, "Have we interrupted something?" A male voice asked

"Seems so." The second voice, a female replied, "Seems like some sort of battle occurred here."

"Well, I wonder if we can be of assistance. For a price of course..."

"You're such a selfish pig! You'd flog your own mother if it meant getting another bottle of booze."

"Would not! I could never...ever...inflict my mother on another living being in this Universe"

The male was an Alversian. Like all Alversians he was tall and, despite being well built, he was also stronger and quicker than an average human. He had short black hair and he wore a harness brimmed with weapons of all kinds, all the latest types from all over the Universe. His name was Nathaniel T. Barnes and he was idiot.

His Partner on the other hand, was not. She was a Kitsune born of nobility but missing a chapter in her life between ending her assosiation with her family and becoming a Mercenary, small, slim, with chocolate brown hair and the sort of beauty that made men fall out of their seats. She shared the same characteristics as most of her species. She looked human, apart from the large fox-ears growing out of the top of her head and the large dark red foxtail that was currently wrapped around her torso. She was also had deep yellow, slitted eyes and sharp canine teeth. A canivore's teeth. Unlike Nathan, she preferred to go into battle with as few weapons as possible. The only two she insisted on where her sniper rifle/shotgun/machine gun combination rifle and her katana, to which her people where very strongly attached.

"Well?" Nathan asked, looking at Chloe, who had all the brains. She did the plans, he did the big bangs.

"I suggest we at least contact one of the races. If they do not want us here, then we can leave. But I don't recognise any of the ships so this could be lucrative if we stick around."

"But...home...booze..."

"You're alcoholism can wait," Chloe replied with a roll of her eyes, "We need money after the refits."

"What about the..."

"For the last time, no! That money is for our retirement. When it eventually comes..."

"Who plans ahead like that? Where's the fun if you know what's com..."

"...So we're agreed," Chloe talked over him and looked at one of the sensor readings, "There appears to be a mixture of people on that ship there. I suggest we try that."

"What ship?"

"That ship."

"Where?"

"There, you idiot," She tapped the cockpit window as Nathan's face suddenly dawned in realisation,
"Aaaah...that ship. Okay then, stand by. Katie? Can you hold the fort?"

A voice came through the cockpit, echoeing slightly,
"Of course Nathan, that's what you spent the money on after all."

"Good," Nathan pressed a button to connect to the ship and began to speak to the vessel.

"To...vessel of some kind

Yoohoo, We were passing in the area when we saw your delightful wreakage. and We wondered if we may come aboard for tea and crumpets? Actually no..forget the last bit...I hate crumpets. A can of beer would be nice, mind"

"A jo, eh?" Roman said. "And thank you for your observations. I believe it is time I came to the point of all this. I intend to offer this new technology to you, under certain conditions. First, I find that I require raw materials for vessel production. Second, it would be difficult to continue my experiments if I am interupted by aggressors invading my territory. And third," he turns to Mirog, "I require someone to field-test this new system. To use it at their discretion and report success and failors..."

Mirog thinks. "I will get my answer to you soon. I prefer combat on some kind of ground."

Mirog's eyes glow. "Oh you are going to wish you had not said that mutt. The civilians died for a warlords want, and the soldiers died taking orders. They were brave until the last. "
"I am clearly not a mutt, sir. I am not of canine origin, unlike your brain, or so it would seem. Your soldiers were fools and imbeciles, and your people a plauge upon your world." He settled contentedly into his chair.


"To...vessel of some kind

Yoohoo, We were passing in the area when we saw your delightful wreakage. and We wondered if we may come aboard for tea and crumpets? Actually no..forget the last bit...I hate crumpets. A can of beer would be nice, mind"
Sensors blared, the automated defense system activated and targeted before the message was received on the Aspiration which, under the now relatively bored eye of Firmus was listening in on all channels it could crack.
"Sir, seems like a bit of an idiot."
"Idiots are the most interesting people I find. When sense is out of the way, all kinds of things can be acheived. Just look at your marriage, Katarn." An 'oooooh' ran thorugh the bridge. The XO of the Aspiration shook his head.
"Aren't you divorced, sir?" Ooooooh.
"Aha, touche officer. Touche. Anyway, send them a hail."
To the new arrivals,
You'll need a drink if you stay here too long. Basically, there was some piracy going on from those fine fellows you see there going by the name of the Deltan Imperium, me and a couple of other races happened to pass by. Most of us broke it up, but some idiot merc came by and tried to extort them. He's somehow still alive, but your welcome to kill him if you happen to be in that sort of mood. Anyway, we're having some sort of armstice meeting down there. Try not to gatecrash won't you?

"A jo, eh?" Roman said. "And thank you for your observations. I believe it is time I came to the point of all this. I intend to offer this new technology to you, under certain conditions. First, I find that I require raw materials for vessel production. Second, it would be difficult to continue my experiments if I am interupted by aggressors invading my territory. And third," he turns to Mirog, "I require someone to field-test this new system. To use it at their discretion and report success and failors..."

The kytaf nodded in disgust.
"So, what you are propsing is that we pay for cowardice? No, sir, we will fight the enemy head on for continued life or a glorious death." There was a quiet message audible from his earpiece. Quiet to those around him, but Arrakis instinctivly leaned away from the earpiece and the shouting. "Aparently, my superiors are interested, even if I personally disagree. However, we object to that-" He jabbed his thumb in Mirog's direction, "having the prototype."

"I am clearly not a mutt, sir. I am not of canine origin, unlike your brain, or so it would seem. Your soldiers were fools and imbeciles, and your people a plauge upon your world." He settled contentedly into his chair.


Sensors blared, the automated defense system activated and targeted before the message was received on the Aspiration which, under the now relatively bored eye of Firmus was listening in on all channels it could crack.
"Sir, seems like a bit of an idiot."
"Idiots are the most interesting people I find. When sense is out of the way, all kinds of things can be acheived. Just look at your marriage, Katarn." An 'oooooh' ran thorugh the bridge. The XO of the Aspiration shook his head.
"Aren't you divorced, sir?" Ooooooh.
"Aha, touche officer. Touche. Anyway, send them a hail."
To the new arrivals,
You'll need a drink if you stay here too long. Basically, there was some piracy going on from those fine fellows you see there going by the name of the Deltan Imperium, me and a couple of other races happened to pass by. Most of us broke it up, but some idiot merc came by and tried to extort them. He's somehow still alive, but your welcome to kill him if you happen to be in that sort of mood. Anyway, we're having some sort of armstice meeting down there. Try not to gatecrash won't you?



The kytaf nodded in disgust.
"So, what you are propsing is that we pay for cowardice? No, sir, we will fight the enemy head on for continued life or a glorious death." There was a quiet message audible from his earpiece. Quiet to those around him, but Arrakis instinctivly leaned away from the earpiece and the shouting. "Aparently, my superiors are interested, even if I personally disagree. However, we object to that-" He jabbed his thumb in Mirog's direction, "having the prototype."

Mirog scratchs chest. "So says the half-breed who's kind have penetrable skulls."

Moon Base:


Adam raised his hand so those around the table could see him. Once he got his Host’s attention, he began to speak. The sudden outburst from the Mercenary leader interrupted him.

Adam was now crabby.

Adam sighed out loud and got the attention of Roman, a difficult thing to do with the commotion. “Please excuse me for what I am about to do. “

Adam climbed off his chair and walked around the table to where Mirog was sitting and kicked him vary hard in the shin. The man’s yelp was loud and startled since he was too busy glaring at the other alien across the table.

“You are to shut your mouth before I remove your worthless empty head. You are not only making a fool of yourself but also disturbing some pretty important talks. I don’t care why you think you should be the center of attention are but right now you are Mr. Roman’s guest and you are insulting everyone in this room with your uncouth actions. If you don’t shut that pie hole in your face I will personally drag your ass to the nearest airlock and space you. I am tired of your childish behavior. You are alone and outgunned so don’t even think of talking back or I will place a telekinetic bubble tightly around your head and squeeze until nothing but pulp drains out.”

Adam levitated to look Mirog straight in the eye.

“Have I made myself perfectly clear?”

“Good, now shut up and think about how you have acted ever since you arrived. Your manners are disgraceful.”

Adam settled gracefully upon the floor and returned to his seat. He looked Mirog again in the eye once he sat down again before turning back to Roman. The silence in the room allowed him to continue even though he could hear a stifled chuckle or two.

“I hope that was not too disturbing. As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, we have detected your transmission through the sub-dimension you used. We were aware of it and monitored it. There was a correlation between the amount of signals and the actions the ships took so it was plain the commands were given.”

“We were unsure of the signal so we decided to eliminate the immediate source of contention, the attacking ships, and then take care of it. We are currently investigating the logs of the signal and you confirmed our suspicions.”

“One thing I need to point out it is not nice to use unsuspecting nations in your experiments. That is a basis for war and you would not like it if we went there. I am sure I am not the only one in this room that feels this way. If you try to use this tech again we will jam every signal you send out. You will also not give it to that undeserving lowlife rubbing his shin under the table or we will eliminate all possible threats immediately and without prejudice. ”

Adam sat back, still crabby from before.




Interstellar Space:


Captain, Adam has confirmed our suspicions. The signal was apparently some sort of remote control and they were controlled by their Emperor.

For a leader to personally direct an attack against the vessel of another nation is a direct declaration of War. Contact the Warlord immediately.

Yes Sir.

The captain wondered to himself what kind of idiot would risk interstellar war just to test out remote control of ships. He had a feeling he would soon see new levels of idiocy in this sector if that Mirog and this Roman character were common.

Moon Base:


Adam raised his hand so those around the table could see him. Once he got his Host’s attention, he began to speak. The sudden outburst from the Mercenary leader interrupted him.

Adam was now crabby.

Adam sighed out loud and got the attention of Roman, a difficult thing to do with the commotion. “Please excuse me for what I am about to do. “

Adam climbed off his chair and walked around the table to where Mirog was sitting and kicked him vary hard in the shin. The man’s yelp was loud and startled since he was too busy glaring at the other alien across the table.

“You are to shut your mouth before I remove your worthless empty head. You are not only making a fool of yourself but also disturbing some pretty important talks. I don’t care why you think you should be the center of attention are but right now you are Mr. Roman’s guest and you are insulting everyone in this room with your uncouth actions. If you don’t shut that pie hole in your face I will personally drag your ass to the nearest airlock and space you. I am tired of your childish behavior. You are alone and outgunned so don’t even think of talking back or I will place a telekinetic bubble tightly around your head and squeeze until nothing but pulp drains out.”

Adam levitated to look Mirog straight in the eye.

“Have I made myself perfectly clear?”

“Good, now shut up and think about how you have acted ever since you arrived. Your manners are disgraceful.”

Adam settled gracefully upon the floor and returned to his seat. He looked Mirog again in the eye once he sat down again before turning back to Roman. The silence in the room allowed him to continue even though he could hear a stifled chuckle or two.

“I hope that was not too disturbing. As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, we have detected your transmission through the sub-dimension you used. We were aware of it and monitored it. There was a correlation between the amount of signals and the actions the ships took so it was plain the commands were given.”

“We were unsure of the signal so we decided to eliminate the immediate source of contention, the attacking ships, and then take care of it. We are currently investigating the logs of the signal and you confirmed our suspicions.”

“One thing I need to point out it is not nice to use unsuspecting nations in your experiments. That is a basis for war and you would not like it if we went there. I am sure I am not the only one in this room that feels this way. If you try to use this tech again we will jam every signal you send out. You will also not give it to that undeserving lowlife rubbing his shin under the table or we will eliminate all possible threats immediately and without prejudice. ”

Adam sat back, still crabby from before.




Interstellar Space:


Captain, Adam has confirmed our suspicions. The signal was apparently some sort of remote control and they were controlled by their Emperor.

For a leader to personally direct an attack against the vessel of another nation is a direct declaration of War. Contact the Warlord immediately.

Yes Sir.

The captain wondered to himself what kind of idiot would risk interstellar war just to test out remote control of ships. He had a feeling he would soon see new levels of idiocy in this sector if that Mirog and this Roman character were common.

OOC: Mirog wears shin guards.
IC: Mirog looked at Adam. "I have already copied all your abilities. Kid unless you are not made up of any kind of binary system, which we understand."
Mirog looked at Adam.

OOC:

Impossible, you have none of his DNA. He has no body thus no DNA. You cannot get DNA from a Ghost. Earlier you stated your mythical ability demands you acquire DNA to copy. I declair GODMOD in this case.

Edit your post or you shall be IGNORED as a Godmodder.

So far everyone in this Thread has put up with you pulling 9 KM ships out of nowhere, cloakships you never posted were there, abilities you made up on the spot, and disruptive RPing that is threatening to interfere with the Thread when you should have known to keep your mouth shut ICly. The other RPers have tried to tell you ICly and subtly OOCly but you just don't get the hint.

If I was the player that made this Thread I would have demanded you leave long ago.

OOC: Let him stay. I like a challenge....

Roman silently listened to Adam's speach. Interesting, he thought. This I can work to my advantage. But how were they able to detect the digiVerse? I must investigate this. Perhaps stray signals from the D-Terminals? Hmmm. When Adam finished, he stood.
"Gentlemen. Perhaps we can come to an understanding." He nodded at Mirog. "First, he would not have the prototype. That unit is sitting in my advanched research lab. His group would be givin production models for them to use as they see fit, and report the results to me here. Second," he turns to Arrakis, "I would be happy to explain the details to your scientists. The system does not need to replace real crews, but can also be used as an emergency system. Say a crew is all killed, or cannot control the ship. This system could assist is getting that ship back to a repair base. Third," he turned to Adam, "As I stated, an unknowing target was the only way to get an accurate response. If you mistook that for a declaration of war, that is your mistake. I will wage no war against you, nor did I intend to. Instead, I am willing to assist you in waging war against others. This remote system is but one example of what I offer. Weapons, ships, fighters, vehicals, etc. Whatever you require, I will provide on contract." He clasped his hands behind his back. "You must make the choice. As someone once said, 'never bite hte hand that feeds you'".

"To the new arrivals,
You'll need a drink if you stay here too long. Basically, there was some piracy going on from those fine fellows you see there going by the name of the Deltan Imperium, me and a couple of other races happened to pass by. Most of us broke it up, but some idiot merc came by and tried to extort them. He's somehow still alive, but your welcome to kill him if you happen to be in that sort of mood. Anyway, we're having some sort of armstice meeting down there. Try not to gatecrash won't you?"

A message was sent back,
"Us? Gatecrash? Whatever made you think we would do that?"

Of course, Nathan was already thinking about it. Chloe saw him and shook her head in warning,
"If it's some kind of meeting, then we don't want to interf..."

She was cut off though, as Nathan hit the button on his console and both Mercenaries ended up in the middle of the meeting.
Chloe was just finishing her saying as she completed the beaming sequence,
"...cking Idiot" Was all that came out. She looked up to see some sort of meeting going on and gave an embarressed bow,

"A thousand apologies for gatecrashing your Conference," She said respectfully, "Only my partner here wanted to come and have a look for himself, despite my pleading to the contrary"

"Yup," Nathan was rubbing a bruise on his arm, one that looked very, very fresh and he looked around at all the assembled beings,
"What's da craic then? Anything interesting?"

"Just discussing a possible business venture," Roman said. He waved a hand towards the tables with the food. "Please help yourselves. Take a seat, and we will continue."

OOC: you did read the earlier posts first? Example: what kind of food I said was available

Mirog banked another piece of cheese off of Roman's head. "Then continue"

"Ooh! food!" With that, Nathan was gone, squeling around the food like a sports car on a track, scooping up rather generous quantities of all that was available and stuffing it onto one plate.
Chloe on the other hand, took a reserved seat and looked from one to the other, viewing Mirog with a particular dislike for his rudeness,
"What kind of business venture would this be?" She asked quietly, her ears perked in the direction of Roman to pick up on every detail. Chloe was always the one who looked out for the business.

Roman looked at Mirog. "Please stop that." Then he turned to Chloe. "I hope your comrade enjoys the pasta sauce. It is an old family recipe. Now then. I was in the process of offering my services as a supplier of sorts for these gentlemen. Also, to have them test a new kind of remote system. However, I fail to see any benefit to your inclusion in these talks."

"Suppliers?" Chloe asked, eyebrows raising slightly, "What would you be suppliying? And as for our involvement in this meeting, you said you needed someone to test something? Well, for the right price, we are the perfect Guinea pigs"

"Mmm-eah," Nathan agreed through a mouthfull of food as he sat down next to Chloe.

"Suppliers?" Chloe asked, eyebrows raising slightly, "What would you be suppliying? And as for our involvement in this meeting, you said you needed someone to test something? Well, for the right price, we are the perfect Guinea pigs"

"Mmm-eah," Nathan agreed through a mouthfull of food as he sat down next to Chloe.

"What is this, a ice-cream social or a meeting? I am sorry if I seem rude, but I still need to find a home for my people and if you have work for us, I see no reason to prance around the issue."

"A home?" Roman asked. "Perhaps we can help each other. There are a few planets in our territory where we have only small colonies, and have plenty of room. Perhaps they can be made available to you." Turning to Chloe, "And to answer your question. I am offering my other guests a supply line of needed materials for their military forces."

"well then cut me a deal at your nearest convenience."

"Well, then," Chloe was still eyeing Mirog with disapproval at both his impatience and his rudeness. Her race, the Xiscapians, placed manners very highly in their society and she, as an Aristocrat's daughter, placed them even higher. Rudeness was never acceptable. In any circumstances.

Then again, that was a finer point of ettiquite that her partner had missed.

"You need someone to test something you said?" She asked as well, "May I enquire as to what this item may be?"

Nathan said nothing, preferring to consume the small mountain of food on his plate as he listened.

"Well, then," Chloe was still eyeing Mirog with disapproval at both his impatience and his rudeness. Her race, the Xiscapians, placed manners very highly in their society and she, as an Aristocrat's daughter, placed them even higher. Rudeness was never acceptable. In any circumstances.

Then again, that was a finer point of ettiquite that her partner had missed.

"You need someone to test something you said?" She asked as well, "May I enquire as to what this item may be?"

Nathan said nothing, preferring to consume the small mountain of food on his plate as he listened.

Mirog tapped Nathan on the shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt your eating. But why do you stick with her?" Points at Chloe. 'You seem perfectly competent on your own and frankly she seems colder than a Vit-vac iceberg."

"I have a better idea," Roman said to Chloe. "Would you prefer a seperate contract? I find I am in need of certain, items, for another project. Perhaps you would be willing to 'aquire' them for me?"

"I have a better idea," Roman said to Chloe. "Would you prefer a seperate contract? I find I am in need of certain, items, for another project. Perhaps you would be willing to 'aquire' them for me?"

"What do you need? If I have it, you get it as a sign of good faith. "

Chloe cocked her head,
"Again, it depends on what they are, who they're being stolen from and how much we'll be paid for doing it." She stated in a calm and reasonable voice, eyes never leaving Roman for an instant, though her ears were back in their normal position and her tail curled around her legs.

Nathan swallowed his mouthful of food and looked at Mirog,
"Where it not for Chloe, then I would have died a long time ago," He stated simply before considering his second statement. After a moment, he shrugged,
"She's cold because she has to be. The Universe is a cold, hard place and sometimes the only way to make any progress is to be as cold and as hard back."
'And it's been particularly cruel to her' Nathan thought to himself as he looked to Chloe's back, where she was listening to Roman.

"Chloe handles the money, the contracts and the planning. I'm just here to shoot stuff, get drunk and get stuffed," He grinned as he rammed another load of food into his expectant mouth.

Chloe cocked her head,
"Again, it depends on what they are, who they're being stolen from and how much we'll be paid for doing it." She stated in a calm and reasonable voice, eyes never leaving Roman for an instant, though her ears were back in their normal position and her tail curled around her legs.

Nathan swallowed his mouthful of food and looked at Mirog,
"Where it not for Chloe, then I would have died a long time ago," He stated simply before considering his second statement. After a moment, he shrugged,
"She's cold because she has to be. The Universe is a cold, hard place and sometimes the only way to make any progress is to be as cold and as hard back."
'And it's been particularly cruel to her' Nathan thought to himself as he looked to Chloe's back, where she was listening to Roman.

"Chloe handles the money, the contracts and the planning. I'm just here to shoot stuff, get drunk and get stuffed," He grinned as he rammed another load of food into his expectant mouth.

Mirog looks at Nathan. "And I am sure you are good at all three. However I have an offer for you." Looks at Chloe. "She is cold and hard, and rude. As am I, but I will handle what she handles but you will get a much larger cut than she could ever give you.

"Oh yes?" Nathan put the food down and looked at Mirog, his jovial stare was gone now as was any sign of warmth in his voice. He had undergone a total transformation, his voice was steely and his eyes hard as diamond,
"And tell me, Sir, what credentials do you have? What experience?"

"What I need are advanced cloning and genetic engineering equipment. At least ten growth tanks, monitoring computers, gene resequencers, protein sinthisizers, etc. I can provide a complete list for you. Oh, and one more thing." He leans forward. "I need a stable Omega molecule."

Mirog showed Nathan no fear nor pity. "I led and commanded over 200 successful combat missions before my planet and solar system was lost. I am one of only four to ever be given the Rank of Grand-General. Lastly the Nightfang and all who remain on her have been with me for at least 15 years. My time after the fall of the solar system has been spent largely as a debt and tax collector, and holding force." Stops and thinks. "I was ordered to gas a planet but refused. How bout you?"

"What I need are advanced cloning and genetic engineering equipment. At least ten growth tanks, monitoring computers, gene resequencers, protein sinthisizers, etc. I can provide a complete list for you. Oh, and one more thing." He leans forward. "I need a stable Omega molecule."

Most of those things we have, but what in the name of traq is a Omega Molecule?

Chloe's eyes widened,
"All of the rest are easily aquired," She stated simply, "But a stable Omega Molecule...they're rare enough as it is. Anyone who goes after one has a desire for death as large as a gas moon...it's almost impossible to safetly contain."

Nathan looked Mirog,
"Well, I fought in two wars for my own People's Navy, then I became a Mercenary and I've been all over the place, taking a few million here and there for the big jobs, working for Governments and Billionaires. I've seen a lot as a Mercenary. And all of it with Chloe at my side." He stated firmly.

Chloe's eyes widened,
"All of the rest are easily aquired," She stated simply, "But a stable Omega Molecule...they're rare enough as it is. Anyone who goes after one has a desire for death as large as a gas moon...it's almost impossible to safetly contain."

Nathan looked Mirog,
"Well, I fought in two wars for my own People's Navy, then I became a Mercenary and I've been all over the place, taking a few million here and there for the big jobs, working for Governments and Billionaires. I've seen a lot as a Mercenary. And all of it with Chloe at my side." He stated firmly.

Mirog mutters to himself. "So really I just have to eliminate the foundational piece?"

"You say something?" Nathan asked quietly, not looking at Chloe, careful to keep his voice down, so that his Kitsune partner could not hear him.

"Omega is a molecule, one that contains extreme power. If a single molecule of Omega is destroyed, the resulting explosion would decimate subspace, making faster-then-light travel impossible. My special project requires a small sample of Omega for use as a power source. If Omega can be made stable, it can be harnessed as a long-term source of power."

"If is a big word," Chloe stated simply, "Entire peoples have been trying for Millenia to harness such a thing and it has never happened. Not that we know of anyway." She shrugged.

"Well, I fought in two wars for my own People's Navy, then I became a Mercenary and I've been all over the place, taking a few million here and there for the big jobs, working for Governments and Billionaires. I've seen a lot as a Mercenary. And all of it with Chloe at my side." He stated firmly.
"Mercenaries who is not aren't idiots. How refreshing. What kind of big jobs?"

Mirog showed Nathan no fear nor pity. "I led and commanded over 200 successful combat missions before my planet and solar system was lost. I am one of only four to ever be given the Rank of Grand-General. Lastly the Nightfang and all who remain on her have been with me for at least 15 years. My time after the fall of the solar system has been spent largely as a debt and tax collector, and holding force." Stops and thinks. "I was ordered to gas a planet but refused. How bout you?"
"Morality is a human construct, a thing of whim and fancy, holding no place in the line of combat and especially none above Duty. Death before Dishonor chapter of the Naval Primer. I've killed-" He counted on his fingers. "-3 whole planets so far. Relatively uninhabited, but the native wildlife had to go. In particular, one pre-spaceflight nation was particularly uncooperative when we discovered both Prothean and Forerunner relics on their planet. Planet is now a husk." He sighed wistfully. "That was back in the Torquearmardan era. The new navy is far more wishy-washy."

"What I need are advanced cloning and genetic engineering equipment. At least ten growth tanks, monitoring computers, gene resequencers, protein sinthisizers, etc. I can provide a complete list for you. Oh, and one more thing." He leans forward. "I need a stable Omega molecule."

He frowned.
"An extremely dangerous thing to have. I'm fairly sure the empire could proffer one from somewhere, but it would require a great deal of supervision on our part. On all of our parts. Possible exception of ozzwady here. If we can even mine such a thing without bringing the universe's jump drives to it's knees."

"I'm sure someone with your resources can locate a single stable partical," Roman replied to Chloe. "If you can, you will be rewarded. Weapons, equipment, perhaps a new ship. Oh, and 2.5 million credits. Is that acceptable?" He paused. "Dangerous? Of course it is. However, with all science comes risk. I give my word, that the Omega would only be used as a power source. My experiment requires such power to stand a chance of success."

"Mercenaries who is not aren't idiots. How refreshing. What kind of big jobs?"


"Morality is a human construct, a thing of whim and fancy, holding no place in the line of combat and especially none above Duty. Death before Dishonor chapter of the Naval Primer. I've killed-" He counted on his fingers. "-3 whole planets so far. Relatively uninhabited, but the native wildlife had to go. In particular, one pre-spaceflight nation was particularly uncooperative when we discovered both Prothean and Forerunner relics on their planet. Planet is now a husk." He sighed wistfully. "That was back in the Torquearmardan era. The new navy is far more wishy-washy."



He frowned.
"An extremely dangerous thing to have. I'm fairly sure the empire could proffer one from somewhere, but it would require a great deal of supervision on our part. On all of our parts. Possible exception of ozzwady here. If we can even mine such a thing without bringing the universe's jump drives to it's knees."

Mirog looked at Nathan. "Eliminate the foundation piece. That which makes you whole.""Just a thought."
Mirog turned to Adam and in a soft voice replied. "The only fool I see is you. You will kill for relics. No military potential, just relics. Planet killing is the Navies job, I commanded ground units mostly. We just burned villages. As for the planet i did not gas, let's just say I did not leave empty-handed by a long shot."

"I'm sure someone with your resources can locate a single stable partical," Roman replied to Chloe. "If you can, you will be rewarded. Weapons, equipment, perhaps a new ship. Oh, and 2.5 million credits. Is that acceptable?" He paused. "Dangerous? Of course it is. However, with all science comes risk. I give my word, that the Omega would only be used as a power source. My experiment requires such power to stand a chance of success."
"Reasonable I suppose. Although words mean so little anymore. My superiors ask that scientists from my nation are allowed to work on the project. Can never be to careful in this day and age."

Mirog looked at Nathan. "Eliminate the foundation piece. That which makes you whole.""Just a thought."
Mirog turned to Adam and in a soft voice replied. "The only fool I see is you. You will kill for relics. No military potential, just relics. Planet killing is the Navies job, I commanded ground units mostly. We just burned villages. As for the planet i did not gas, let's just say I did not leave empty-handed by a long shot."

OOC: I assume you mean Arrakis.
IC: The captain laughed.
"You think these relics were ancient tea cups, idiot? We do not kill an entire planet just to learn the Elder's cookie recipies. Thats how we got our jump gate technology and Phazon weaponry, among other things your tiny little mind cannot comprehend."

"Reasonable I suppose. Although words mean so little anymore. My superiors ask that scientists from my nation are allowed to work on the project. Can never be to careful in this day and age."



OOC: I assume you mean Arrakis.
IC: The captain laughed.
"You think these relics were ancient tea cups, idiot? We do not kill an entire planet just to learn the Elder's cookie recipies. Thats how we got our jump gate technology and Phazon weaponry, among other things your tiny little mind cannot comprehend."

"Oh I think you as the others discount me too soon. Your Jump Gate Tech if that is what you call your faster-than light travel is outdated, and I have to assume that your weapons are too."

"I will allow a scientist," Roman replied. "Preferably one who has knowledge of advanced genetic engineering. Such a person would be a benefit."

"I will allow a scientist," Roman replied. "Preferably one who has knowledge of advanced genetic engineering. Such a person would be a benefit."

"I might have one. Not sure. Last one who I met got his throat ripped out by a piece of scum."

"Oh I think you as the others discount me too soon. Your Jump Gate Tech if that is what you call your faster-than light travel is outdated, and I have to assume that your weapons are too."
Arrakis muttered something similiar to 'god give me strength' and held his face in his palm.
"The Aegis jump gates allow everything from sub-light speed snub fighters to superheavy dreadnoughts to cross huge swathes of space, without the need for the stop and start of the jump drives and the comparitively slow FTL drives. As for the weapons, I assure you it will be a long time before they are outdated."

"I will allow a scientist," Roman replied. "Preferably one who has knowledge of advanced genetic engineering. Such a person would be a benefit."

"Very well. Funnily enough, I should suffice. Most officers of the Demon Corps have training in using FEVs (Forced Evolutionary Viruses) as well as more standard genetic modding and engineering."

Arrakis muttered something similiar to 'god give me strength' and held his face in his palm.
"The Aegis jump gates allow everything from sub-light speed snub fighters to superheavy dreadnoughts to cross huge swathes of space, without the need for the stop and start of the jump drives and the comparitively slow FTL drives. As for the weapons, I assure you it will be a long time before they are outdated."



"Very well. Funnily enough, I should surfice. Most officers of the Demon Corps have training in using FEVs (Forced Evolutionary Viruses) as well as more standard genetic modding and engineering."

"How bout your armor systems?"

"How bout your armor systems?"

"It's as thick as you are, Grand General." He spat his last two words with disdain. "Even the frigates are capable of taking a beating without losing power."

"Excellent!" Roman proclaimed. "At the conclusion of this meeting, we can discuss my new project."

"Excellent!" Roman proclaimed. "At the conclusion of this meeting, we can discuss my new project."

"Very well. I look foreward to it, or so I'm told."

"We shall consider it," Chloe announced, then watched the arguement between Mirog and the others. She sighed, so immature.
She nodded though, at the second statement,
"New project? What might this be?" She asked, while Nathan joined her side again, food vanished into the depths of the Alversian's stomach. He said nothing, only watched, burping slightly as he did so.

"It's as thick as you are, Grand General." He spat his last two words with disdain. "Even the frigates are capable of taking a beating without losing power."

Mirog pulls something so fast that it is one blur. "Meant personal" Shoves laser shotgun into the ribs of the rude mutt.

*OOCly pokes Scrinthia and Xiscapia*

Don't make me roll in new assets - I spent hours modeling the current ship just for this thread.

Adam laughed at Mirog’s claim. His abilities depended upon him gaining DNA of the target and Adam has not had any DNA for a couple centuries. It was a little too late for that poser to try his tricks on the Childer. Adam turned his attention back to his host. When he heard where the conversation was going, he made a statement to Roman.

“I have been asked to inform you to remember, you are responsible for any misuse of your technology. If you give it to those who cannot respect it then we will take the case directly to you. Your misuse of the Ta’Nar ship in your test has not been forgiven and currently rests with The Warlord.”
“I cannot guarantee what his decision will be, that is something you will have to take up with him.”





OOC:


My frigate is still at the damages freighter site, actively guarding it from any further predation so any there can contact me if they wish.

Mirog pulls something so fast that it is one blur. "Meant personal" Shoves laser shotgun into the ribs of the rude mutt.

The kytaf sighed, then suddenly grabbed Mirog's arm, twisting it sharply then grabbing and tossing the his shotgun across the room with his other hand, sweeping his legs at the same time and then slashing once across the man's face, leaving a faint trail of blood across the man's eyelids and cheek.
"I said no weapons, coward."