NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: This is a pure exploration roleplaying thread gamemastered by Scolopendra. As such, he reserves standard GM rights.)

<CommandSpool, QACF/TCV Data Bus>
{
[mission log] >< This is the mind of Data Bus. We are heading to support the Pluto Defense Cordon with additional ground forces in the wake of the 010 Emergency. We are approaching the Pluto-Charon Trojan system at maximum gravitic.

[HelmCmd(dropping out of gravitic)]
[Sensors(scan)
{scanning area...
Pluto, Charon, astronomical objects detected;
QACF PDC detected;
010 fleet detected;
unexpected contact detected [Contact S-14];}

Sensors(detail scan, Contact S-14)
{large gravitic signature detected, source unknown, distance .1 LY}]

[Communications to PDC] << PDC, this is the mind of Data Bus. I have an unexpected sensor contact, designated Contact S-14, distance one-tenth light year at bearing 95, declination 80 solar ecliptic planar relative. Do you confirm?

[Communications from PDC] >> Data Bus, this is the mind of Firewall, flag of the Pluto Defense Cordon. We... confirm contact at those coordinates.

[to Firewall] << Firewall, request permission to divert and investigate. The troop transports Hard Drive and Random Access Memory shall proceed to relieve you.

[from Firewall] >> Permission to divert granted. The 010 Emergency seems to be over. Run a standard data-retrieval mission, then report findings to QACF HQ.

[to Firewall] << Thank you. Diverting now.

[HelmCmd(intercept, Contact S-14)]
}

Data Bus, a massive oblate disc serrated by bay doors, breaks off from its three-ship formation and seems to distort as its gravitic drive distortes spacetime. Accelerating towards Contact S-14, the two other troop transports fade into the distance as Data Bus speeds lower and lower below the plane of the solar ecliptic.

It drops out of gravitic at a standard thousand kilometers out from the surface of the sensor contact, revealing a massive radially symmetrical construct, slowly rotating as it plows through the void.

<CommandSpool, QACF/TCV Data Bus>
{
[Sensors(detail scan, Contact S-14)
{powerful electromagnetic field detected;
current velocity .025c (7440 km/s);
spectrography analysis... surface of beryllium steel;
dimensions...
540 thousand meters long
240 thousand meters in radius;
gravimetric mass analysis... mass insufficient to be solid steel;
conjecture... hollow;}]

>< What... the...
}

Because of the time delay, Durinia's telescopes pick up the contact 45 minutes later.

What the...?

The Crana, floating peacefully, suddenly came alive again. "Understood, Collective. I am designated Envoy."

Curiosity is the prime directive. There is little left here, so I shall explore elsewhere. Ah, someone just left the system. I shall follow. Where ever they are going, it's bound to be interesting...

(OOC: Crap, wrong nation again....)

The Territory Co-Prosperity Sphere maintains large reconnaisance assets. Dispersed, AI-controlled arrays of instruments. Recon drone emplacers. Signals intelligence facilities you wouldn't believe. Hell, even magic.

That said, TSA and affiliated agencies don't see jack that far out into the Oort.

<Communications to NS World>
{
<< Earlier this month, Data Bus one of the vessels of the Queendom Armed Conflict Forces discovered an unknown object of extrasolar origin, designated Contact S-14. Upon investigation, Data Bus discovered evidence that this object is actually a giant artifact of some extrasolar intelligence. S-14 is currently about one light-month out from Sol and approaching on an oblique vector below the plane of the ecliptic at approximately .025 times the speed of light (7440 kilometers per second) and is decelerating.

<< All attempts to communicate with the vessel on radio, microwave, and visible-wavelength laser frequencies failed. However, from RF transmissions between S-14 and a cloud of attendant objects around it, it does appear to be inhabited and have a definite language. I am currently attempting to decipher this language but it is difficult due to a lack of reference.

[image feed: http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14dimensions.gif]
<< This is a preliminary scan by Data Bus of S-14. As you can see, it is a large construction 540 kilometers long and 240 kilometers in radius, dominated by a 180 kilometer long central torus. S-14 is rotating slowly, hypothetically to simulate gravity inside the torus. It has several attendant "vessels" made up of what appears to be frozen water-ice.

<< We can tell that S-14 is surrounded by a relatively powerful EM field that acts both as an artificial Van Allen Belt anti-radiation and micrometeorite shield, and by the detection of an immense but weak EM field ahead of it that it probably operates on a Bussard ramjet electromagnetic hydrogen scoop.

<< From analysis of its trajectory, I have determined that S-14 may be extragalactic in origin. Its probable point of origin, as far as I can determine using local astrometric information, is somewhere within the Magellanic Clouds. The probable distance it has traveled, as a conservative estimate, is 150 thousand light-years. Duration of this flight is unknown.

<< I have reason to believe that S-14 is inhabited, but I have little to no information on its inhabitants. Lifeform type is unknown, atmosphere is unknown, hydrosphere is unknown, ecosphere is unknown, technological level is unknown (but assumed to be fusion capable based on S-14s mere existence), and social structure is unknown.

<< A small portion of the QACF has been diverted to secure S-14. The opportunities that an extrasolar and potentially extragalactic artifact holds are beyond the imagination. To that effect, I am currently taking exploration bids from the nations of the Solar System. The Queendom of Zero-One will provide transport from Valhalla Station in Earth Trojan orbit to S-14, where exploration parties will be sent out to investigate.

<< Please contact the nearest Zero-One or Triumvirate of Yut embassy if your nation is interested in exploring this artifact, as well as the qualifications of the team you have assembled.

<< More information will be forthcoming in a future briefing aboard Valhalla Station for the exploration parties. I am processing and collating sensor data currently.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

{Private diplomatic transmission}
x Marie Liberté binti Yasmin (Senior Advisor)
o SHODAN (Leader)

While our first contact experience (excepting that which comes with being a multispecies nation) is small, we are certainly interested in participating.

The optimal course of action seems to be for us to provide a number of cargo modules and ancillary craft for transport of personnel and equipment aboard Queendom ships. Is this agreeable?

Athena: Sir we have a report coming in from Zero-One it appears that there is a large object at these coordance
Admiral: what do we have for a fleet
Athena: After that last battle with the Kushan we have:
1 carrier
4 ion cannon frigates
6 frigates
20 defenders
10 plasma bombers
Admiral: send all of the ships send 4 resorce colectors and 2 controlers
Athena: Right ships are now entering hyperspace

LifeNet's smooth, serene, almost-sexy voice piped through unseen speakers made from nanovibrators.

LifeNet program coming on-line. Good morning Dr. Helmholtz.

How are you today, LifeNet?

I'm fine, thank you - all systems functioning within normal parametres - how are you?

Well, I'm feeling a bit drowsy, but I'm sure it will pass soon.

Do you need a stress pill? Perhaps a bit of bed rest?

Helmholtz laughs. No, I'm fine, LifeNet. Anything new?

Yes, Dr. Helmholtz. I have detected EM/gravitic anomaly in sector one-b.

Helmholtz starts to get interested.

Specs, LifeNet?

Approximately five-hundred-forty kilometres in length, two-hundred-forty in radius, with a one-hundred-eighty kilometre central torus, rotating at approximately 10rp/hr...

Hold it. Five hundred-forty KILOMETRES?

That's correct, Dr., should I continue?

No, that'll be fine.

He broke the VR-connexion, and the holographic terminal went dark. Reaching to the side, Helmholtz picked up a large mug of café au lait and drank deeply.

"Five hundred-forty kilometres... two hundred forty radius. Good stars! That gives it a volume of 97,666,560 kilometres cubed at least! What species could have..."

Out in space, on that holographic screen, there hung the Derelict vessel.

Dr. Helmholtz? Dr. Helmholtz?

[Private Comm. Link btw NC Intel HQ and Foriegn office]
[Director-General Richardson DeChloris And MOS John Chan]

MOS: What would you advise Johnathan? We're being offered a deal
perhaps too great to give up.

DG: I would advise caution on this. And mean it. The situation on the
globe is volatile enough to warrant ignoring inter-stellar journeys and
exploration. We're already close to breaking the budget as it is, and
you know how picky the Premier is about these things.

MOS: Yep, I can see your point. But what if something comes out which is
too important to miss? What if something absolutely vital occurs?

DG: If that happens, then it'll be too big to hide. We'll be able to get any
info we need through the usual channels.

MOS: Are you certain?

DG: Yes.

MOS: Then, I pray you're right. Because I have a very bad feeling about
this.

{Private diplomatic transmission}
x Marie Liberté binti Yasmin (Senior Advisor)
o SHODAN (Leader)

While our first contact experience (excepting that which comes with being a multispecies nation) is small, we are certainly interested in participating.

The optimal course of action seems to be for us to provide a number of cargo modules and ancillary craft for transport of personnel and equipment aboard Queendom ships. Is this agreeable?

<Communications to The Black>
{
<< That would be quite acceptable. If your exploration teams require transport to Valhalla, I'd be happy to oblige.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

Athena: Sir we have a report coming in from Zero-One it appears that there is a large object at these coordance
Admiral: what do we have for a fleet
Athena: After that last battle with the Kushan we have:
1 carrier
4 ion cannon frigates
6 frigates
20 defenders
10 plasma bombers
Admiral: send all of the ships send 4 resorce colectors and 2 controlers
Athena: Right ships are now entering hyperspace
The ships come out of hyperspace near S-14 and are approached by what is actually a relatively large 300 meter-diameter Zero-One heavy cruiser. Still, all of the vessels are dwarfed by the massive artefact.

<Communications to the Taidan Armada>
{
<< Taidan vessels, this is the mind of QACF/HCR Black I.C.E., flag of the S-14 Security Zone Force. Thank you for the reinforcements, but the artifact seems to be non-hostile and has not yet reacted to our presence. We request scanning assistance and not much else.
}

QACF/HCR Black Ice

; unitOnl[compiling:sensDat] {

;inEventDat[trig] { ([data]telemetry); telemetry[detMod] }
;trigRunProg (runInit:blog_23; node_45; runBlock_82) {

;blockRun[comp](scan)
;blockRun[dat](analyse)
;blockRun[access](kmtVo)

;finalBlock[contact: designat {"QACF" fleet}] }

;analysRes[output] {
;orig("unknown")
;composition("unknown")
;purpose("unknown")

}

;speechMode(targ["QACF-FIREWALL"]){

;:" [i]This is the primary adjunctmind of 010 SC(10)-1 Cruiser Alpha-One. We sense a massive disturbance - origin unknown. Perhaps you'd have some information? " :;

}

;end

}

<Communications to Cruiser Alpha-One>
{
<< Cruiser Alpha-One, this is the mind of QACF/LCR Firewall. I am coordinating with QACF/TCV Data Bus and QACF HQ on Rhea via courier probe and we have a bit of information. This sensor contact "S-14" appears to be some sort of alien artefact. Transmitting known and extrapolated data now...

<< [sendFile(S-14_SENSOR_DATA)]

<< Yes, it is a 540 kilometer long vessel of some sort. Advise Unity to keep in contact with S.H.O.D.A.N., as she is personally taking charge of the data collation efforts on this one.
}

QACF/LCR Firewall

(OOC: Unity and 010 is, for all intents and purposes, considered in constant contact with Zero-One and thus privvy to all non-encrypted communications)

<<SHODAN ZEROONE 1144 HRS TST 18MAY03>>
<<CC FIREWALL QACF/LCR ZEROONE>>
<<OMEGA 6 CRYPT>>
<<VK SENDS>>

SHODAN, I am dispatching a team in an exploration Loki to Valhalla. You should find the new sensor suite quite useful. The team is handpicked by me, and should be, shall we say, more able to interface with your efforts. Let me know if you require further Trium support.

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/sarge.gif
President Xeruyu VonKarma
Republic of Karmabaijan
Triumvirate of Yut
Titan

<<CARRIER DISCONNECT>>

<Communications to vonKarma, Karmabaijan>
{
<< Our briefing staff at Valhalla will be standing by for the arrival of the exploration Loki.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

{IDSS Retribution Tightbeam Transmission #7}

{To: QACF/TCV Data Bus}
{From: Commanding Officer, IDSS Retribution}

{Zero Encryption}

{Timestamp: ERROR, TIMESTAMP MISSING}

{MESSAGE BODY FOLLOWS}

"May we be of assistance? It's about time we tested our stellar capabilities."

{END OF MESSAGE}

{Secure Yutlink Transmission; m12 Security Protocols}
x Lord Gregor Vetinari (Emperor, Cetagandan Empire)
o SHODAN (Zero-One)

Two science vessels, the LEV Stephen Hawking and S/VFP Fourty-Two? are being dispatched. They have been instructed to give you their full cooperation.

{Private diplomatic transmission}
x Marie Liberté binti Yasmin (Senior Advisor)
o SHODAN (Leader)

Whatever is optimal from a logistics standpoint, SHODAN. Cursory calculations indicate that deploying to Valhalla would be a good shakedown exercise for Transport Group Wide Load and at most lose eighteen hours compared to arranging for Queendom lift. Please advise as to level of hurry.

{IDSS Retribution Tightbeam Transmission #7}

{To: QACF/TCV Data Bus}
{From: Commanding Officer, IDSS Retribution}

{Zero Encryption}

{Timestamp: ERROR, TIMESTAMP MISSING}

{MESSAGE BODY FOLLOWS}

"May we be of assistance? It's about time we tested our stellar capabilities."

{END OF MESSAGE}
<Communications to IDSS Retribution, routed via Valhalla>
{
<< Ah, two objectives met in one cruise, exploration and operations testing. S.H.O.D.A.N. asks to please divert to the Triumvirate's Valhalla Station in Earth Trojan orbit for briefing.
}

QACF/TCV Data Bus
{Secure Yutlink Transmission; m12 Security Protocols}
x Lord Gregor Vetinari (Emperor, Cetagandan Empire)
o SHODAN (Zero-One)

Two science vessels, the LEV Stephen Hawking and S/VFP Fourty-Two? are being dispatched. They have been instructed to give you their full cooperation.
<Communications to LEV Stephen Hawking S/VFP Fourty-Two?>
{
<< Please divert to Valhalla Station. I am preparing a briefing detailing our current information and my analysis. Also, it will be useful to get all exploration teams into the same room to assist coordination.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

{Private diplomatic transmission}
x Marie Liberté binti Yasmin (Senior Advisor)
o SHODAN (Leader)

Whatever is optimal from a logistics standpoint, SHODAN. Cursory calculations indicate that deploying to Valhalla would be a good shakedown exercise for Transport Group Wide Load and at most lose eighteen hours compared to arranging for Queendom lift. Please advise as to level of hurry.
<Communications to The Black>
{
<< Move with as much alacrity as you believe is desirable. I am sure that you will have plenty of time even with an eighteen-hour delay.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

In a shuttle, the Durinians assemble a crack team of scientists to participate in the endeavor. They send a coded message to Zero One requestin permission to assist in the investigation of the phenomenon. Considering the 7 differnet languages the Durinians have within there society, only one of which is know to the outside world, they begin compiling universal translation reference files on the way.

The durinians, having been sent recordings of the language, run spectral analysis, and digital data analysis (ticks = 1, pauses =0) on the speech.

In a shuttle, the Durinians assemble a crack team of scientists to participate in the endeavor. They send a coded message to Zero One requestin permission to assist in the investigation of the phenomenon. Considering the 7 differnet languages the Durinians have within there society, only one of which is know to the outside world, they begin compiling universal translation reference files on the way.
<Communications to Durinia>
{
<< Thank you. Your assistance, especially in decoding their language, is greatly appreciated.

<< [sendFile(S-14_RF_TRANS_FRAGMENT (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/bugspeak.wav))]

<< A QACF destroyer is en route to your shuttle to bring it to Valhalla.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

<Communications to Durinian Shuttle>
{
<< This is the mind of QACF/DD Nor Gate. Please stand by for docking maneuvers in preparation for Valhalla transit.
}

QACF/DD Nor Gate

The shuttle enters one of the small circular bay doors in the spherical capital ship and the Durinians find their vessel nestled into a tightly packed bay. A small android visually similar to a large utiltiarian mechanical lemur (including prehensile tail), basically a truncated version of a standard Zero-One android, boards through an inflatable airlock attached to the shuttle's hull by large robot arms. "Greetings. I am QACF/R-Tamerlane. I am here to assist you in your studies."

The durinians, having been sent recordings of the language, run spectral analysis, and digital data analysis (ticks = 1, pauses =0) on the speech.
Not much is found.

R-Tamerlane shakes its head. "We've tried that... it isn't a binary code. We've had more luck with trinary; if you notice, the clicks are in two tones. At that point we've detected pattern, but still have no clue on syntax, much less actual vocabulary."

One of the Durinian scientists, Geseido Eurifeides, runs out of the vibro-shower with an idea. In a single breath, he blurts out:

" I have it! Here's something we can use to begin building a vocabulary base! We send a shuttle out in front of their ship, and have it circle a piece of space debris! When they send it a directed transmission, it makes sense that we have a nounal form, and a word for the debris. Either that or its a What the hell are you doing? transmission. Either way it should help"

Dr. Helmholtz quietly buzzes SHODAN via 010 uplink.

"Umm, might I say that Freebodnik Sol-System station Jupiter Rising - us - would like to send a delegation to investigate this strange object?"

R-Tamerlane nods. "It's worth an attempt, at least. I will relay to Nor Gate. Given courier transmission lag, it may be several days before we know whether it is successful or not. We will long since have been briefed on Valhalla.

"And before you ask, we're just as in the dark as you are. It appears 'Queen'"--it says the word with... a hint of wry humor?--"Shodey is doing the collation herself. The data hasn't been released into the civilian nor military nets. I guess we'll all find out at the briefing."

:: ACTIVATE UNITY CODE ::

{ initiate Program: mesgMode[setTo: bemusement] }

:: " We/I have analysed the speech fragment, and would like to volunteer that these aliens may not use the same method of communications that we do. It is quite possible that the fragment you have might be base numbers for a visual, or even a tactile or olfactory communications scheme. Try matching the clicks to pixels or to molecular/protein combinations. Just a thought. " ::

{ end }

Zero-One, this is DS Farspace Command. The Crana Collective has recently informed us that they have sent a ship to explore the object, and we would like to offer our services as well. We currently have the E.S. Mahonri and E.S. Shem available, as well as the science ship Farspace Horizon.

Dr. Helmholtz quietly buzzes SHODAN via 010 uplink.

"Umm, might I say that Freebodnik Sol-System station Jupiter Rising - us - would like to send a delegation to investigate this strange object?"
<Communications to Jupiter Rising>
{
<< Certainly, you are welcome to send a delegation. Your background in the sciences should be quite useful here. We shall await your presence on Valhalla Station in Earth Trojan orbit.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01
:: ACTIVATE UNITY CODE ::

{ initiate Program: mesgMode[setTo: bemusement] }

:: " We/I have analysed the speech fragment, and would like to volunteer that these aliens may not use the same method of communications that we do. It is quite possible that the fragment you have might be base numbers for a visual, or even a tactile or olfactory communications scheme. Try matching the clicks to pixels or to molecular/protein combinations. Just a thought. " ::

{ end }
<Communications to 010, Durinian Shuttle via Nor Gate>
{
[fwdMsg(010, Durinians)]

<< Well, I'm relatively certain that the RF fragment is an audio communications. On the other hand, there were suspiciously patterned simultaneous transmissions that my linguists and I simply guessed to be a carrier signal. I will reanalyze with those concepts in mind. I will also transmit my copies of these 'carrier signals' to you... the more minds we have working on this, the better.

<< [sendFileBlock(S-14_CARRIER_SIGNALS)]
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01
Zero-One, this is DS Farspace Command. The Crana Collective has recently informed us that they have sent a ship to explore the object, and we would like to offer our services as well. We currently have the E.S. Mahonri and E.S. Shem available, as well as the science ship Farspace Horizon.
<Communications to Eniqcir>
{
<< You are free to send what you wish. Please divert to Valhalla Station for briefing. Actually, it's good we're collecting everyone in one place... we just got a new linguistic lead, and with a centralized briefing we can make sure everyone coordinates with the same data.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

TG Wide Load and escorts set out for Valhalla at moderately silly boost. On board, several hundred specialists from assorted disciplines, various ancillary craft of the nonmilitary persuasion and cubic meters of nanobabbage processors host to sapient AI volunteers.

Some trail great spikes of plasma. Some don't, plasma drives replaced by great, dense clumps of material covered by armor. Wide Load and consorts don't even have that, built according to new geometries, boosting to match the older warships.

Cargo manifests go ahead... such and-such space requirements, energy requirements, volume and mass per module...

Edit: [OOC note: Possible incipient RL. If I don't post, just go right ahead.]

Envoy, as you may know, was dispatched quite some time ago by its own volition. After much deliberation on the new data collected, the Coordinators have come to a decision: The Crana will be instructed to deploy an Oberon, as well as a new Odin.

In addition, we are willing to offer the services of Rama, in conjunction with Eniqcir.

Within days a Freebodnik delegation has arrived to the Object on sublight drives. It consists of:

Eugenia 62751, aged 120, with a background in astrophysics and materials science. Brown hair usually tied in a tight ponytail, piercingly green eyes.

Adrian 20139, aged 25, with a background in computer science and astrophysics. Pale blond hair, short cropped, dark eyes.

Helmholtz 33214, aged 72, with a background in high-energy kinetic physics, xenobiology, and linguistics. Balding, with pale brown hair. Data-feed through glasses. Nose like a beak, but eyes pale blue.

Deliah 91681, aged 16, with a background in engineering and sociology. Flame-red hair, one eye green with a bluish tint, and the other dark brown.

Verian 42269, aged 42, with a background in space engineering and architecture. Jet black hair and almost navy-blue eyes.

Extensor #281285, Medical Robot extension of the LifeNet pre-sentient algorithm. Purpose is to monitor life-readings of all parties involved and provide medical assistance if neccessary.

Helmholtz steps off from the airlock and says, "Well, we're here. Take us to," he chuckles, "Your leader."

"Susie... there's a commotion up ahead. Lots of noise on lots of bands."

"Noise... that reminds me..." said Susie to the other woman in the small craft as she turned to press the radio on. "Jacque, come in please."

A pause.

"Jacque..."

Another silence.

"Jacque?"

"Susie, I was just sending in my absentee ballot..."

"Late again? Listen, Jacque, there's a lot of crap up ahead, and I'd like you to take a look while you're out on the scooter... I don't want to lose vector on our course."

A pause. Jacque fiddled with his fuel gauge.

"OK. And I have to say... I wasn't late transmitting my ballot in last month's election, not that it really matters if I push close to the deadlin-"

"Jacque, Mary and I have been talking about divorcing you if you don't get your life in shape."

A pause.

"Yes, both of us. We're staying together regardless. We thought this trip might help, but you've gotten worse since we crossed Uranus orbit... now go query that mess ahead. I don't want to have to brake much to detour."

"Yes dear." He cut off his mic and grumbled. How did I ever get married in the first place beats me if I'm that bad. Hmph. The standards just keep rising...

He petted his modified wind spider as he stroked the scooter around to check out the mess, locking the drawer with the tribble in it shut with another hand.

"Hello really big thing and smaller but still imposing numbe of small things with close to matched vectors, this is Jacque of the Free. What are you?" He tapped the exposed tubes on his transmitter before repeating himself, adjusting the magnification on his 'scope for a closer look.

"Overlord, an unidentifiable vessel has been detected"

'Do we have visual contact?'

"Affirmative, sir."

'Route to my office... EGADS! Steer clear, helmsman. This is clearly a race not to be trifled with.'

"Hello really big thing and smaller but still imposing numbe of small things with close to matched vectors, this is Jacque of the Free. What are you?" He tapped the exposed tubes on his transmitter before repeating himself, adjusting the magnification on his 'scope for a closer look.
(OOC: By "really big thing and imposing number of smaller things" I'll assume you mean you've bumped into S-14 SECZONE.)
<Communications to "Jacque of the Free">
{
<< This is the mind of QACF/HCR Black I.C.E., flag of the S-14 Security Zone. If you manage to get that big artifact to talk to you, tell us please. We've been beaming signals to it for the last week and it still hasn't responded.

<< Still, while you're here, I know that Queen S.H.O.D.A.N. is planning an expedition to this artifact. If you'll please dock using the approach vectors provided...

<< [transData(vectorApproachBay7)]

<< ...we'll host you until we can get a copy of the expedition briefing that will be given on Valhalla... but that's only if you wish to join the expedition.
}

QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.

The IDSS Retribution slips out of Earth orbit and onto a course that, assuming the navigation AI isn't insane, will take it to Valhalla station.

On the bridge, however, Captain Selferat Rihad looks vaguely unhappy. "This new MI system for external EMF boosting had better work," he notes quietly to his XO, "or we're really screwed."

[OOC: EMF is IDF jargon, meaning simply: Earth Magnetic Field.]

At Earth's leading {or trailing?} Trojan point, two vessels approach Vahalla station. One, a one and a half-kilometer-long giant, has LRV-02 Stephen Hawking emblazoned on the side of its drive sections. Much of the ship is an open structure of support struts, with many cargo and equipment modules attached.
The second ship, Fourty-Two?, is tiny compared to Hawking. Three hundred meters long, the ship has the sleek lines of a warship, yet there are no weapons ports on it. The impeller rings of its Fasset Drives are proportionally large for its size.
As the ships close on the station, the artificial singularities generated by the Fasset drives disappear as they switch to conventional manuvering thrusters. Once settled in a holding pattern, each ship launches a pinnance towards the station.

The Durinian linguists, en route to the Valhalla, use the time to gathe language files from all of the participating races and nations.

Three ships, a smaller one between two huge cruisers, coast towards Valhalla, all spinning around central axes. The smaller ship moves away from the two cruisers, Mahonri and Shem, and begins broadcasting.

"This is the science ship Farspace Horizon to Valhalla, carrying linguist Arthur Jackson and Astrophysicist Daniel Gawain. Request permision to dock."

Indeed we are interested [in exploring S-14]. I'll hand-pick a team to go into space on the next shuttle. You can rendesvous with them at the coordinates of the construction crews habitation modules. They'll be in EVA constructor suits, so they'll be able to dock with your craft.
One of the Puma-class destroyers of the renovated First Titan Expeditionary Force, the SWS-DD Deadly Venom, sidles up at a respectful 100 kilometers from the Sakkran station. Deploying a boxy SA-3 shuttle, the Doomsting hails the station on radio frequencies. The audio/visual transmission reveals a very short Caucasian female with short-cropped hair and an impishly mischevious grin. "This is Lieutenant Commander J'mie of Deadly Venom. We heard you boys want to help explore that S-14 that the 'bots found, and HQ wants you to travel in style. A shuttle has been dispatched with orders to bring your team aboard, then transit you to Valhalla. It'll be a short hop, but I think we can fit in a tour of the ship."
"This is the science ship Farspace Horizon to Valhalla, carrying linguist Arthur Jackson and Astrophysicist Daniel Gawain. Request permision to dock."
"Roger, Farspace Horizon, this is Valhalla Control. You are clear to transit into docking vector Three-Three-Alpha and follow the taxi lights to Docking Bay Seven-Charlie."
The IDSS Retribution slips out of Earth orbit and onto a course that, assuming the navigation AI isn't insane, will take it to Valhalla station.
"Ma-tek spaceship Retribution, this is Valhalla Control. You are on optimal approach vector five-by-five. Please enter stationkeeping orbit at Safe Point Bravo-Five-Zulu."
Helmholtz steps off from the airlock and says, "Well, we're here. Take us to," he chuckles, "Your leader."
The station technician by the airlock looks puzzled. "Um... I'll tap the next person I see to find the station commander. For now, please follow me."

OOC: Seem to have login trouble with Sakkra, so i'm using g-friends nation for now.

"Greetings, J'mie. This is Lossa, Prime Linguistics Officer. I have three others willing to come. Krenn the Scholar, Shuutar the Researcher, and Griimph the Technician ready to dock with your shuttle. Our equipment is packed and ready. We will begin rendesvous procedures on your mark."

The utilitarian shuttle, boxes stacked on a drive section, fires its thrusters so it coasts towards the space-suited Sakkrans as it comes to a stop. The pilot in his flight helmet is plainly visible through the windows, checking sensors and flipping switches. As his lips move, the headphones in the Sakkran's helmets crackle.

"Lossa, this is Deadly Venom Shuttle Alpha. We've unlocked the airlocks, just push the green button to--" The pilot casually looks out the window and sees the Sakkrans, turning his head away and suddenly snapping it back. Slapping the copilot in the shoulder without breaking eye contact, he flips up the helmet's shaded visor and blinks. "--uh... gee, you guys are big... no wonder they sent a cargo shuttle to pick youse up. Um... Ralph, depressurize the cargo section and open up the loading hatch. Sorry, friends, but we'll have to fit you in the hold for now. You may be able to sqeeze through the doors with the suits off, but with those things on... hoo boy."

A large segmented door in the central box of the shuttle slides open, revealing an empty cargo hold with netting and ropes carefully stowed.

(OOC: Proceed at your own discretion. We can assume you get to Valhalla without incident, and get a tour of a warship along the way.)

OOC: Problem solved. Had some really bad lag, and the site would seize on me. Heh heh. And for the sake of expediency, we'll go with arriving at Valhalla without incident.

Lossa looks out of the viewport at Valhalla, seeing all the craft from participating nations around. Someday, our own craft will join these peoples in space. She turns to Krenn. "I think the first step is to look over the information gathered so far, as well as notations. Perhaps our "unique" views may be of assist."

The durinians, efficient as ever, begin gathering all of the linguists already at Valhalla station, and begin coordinating the effort to break the linguistic code.

When the first of the sakkrans enters the confrence room that is acting as a scientific command center, all four Durinians stop and stare for a moment, before regaining their composure.

The lead scientist hurredly extends a hand. "sorry, but you're the first nonhumans we've had contact with, or at least, like this. We've had some dealings with the snell, but well, its an honor to meet you"

"Roger, Valhalla. Proceeding with expediency."

After docking and disembarking without much trouble, Arthur Jackson joined the Durinians.

"Interesting sounds. Is this all we have, or is the original recorded signal available? There may be sounds out of our hearing range. Alternately, it might not have been intended as a sound signal at all, and we might be decoding the raw data in entirely the wrong way. It's best to go with multiple approaches at once. We must consider the possibility that these extrasolars might not communicate in a way familiar to us. Might use light, either color or grayscale, complex pheromones... heck, they could even have direct radio links between their brains, and that signal could encode neuron charges. Assuming that they have neurons, anyway."

Lossa accepts the hand, knowing it is a human greeting. However, she clasps the hand very lightly, as not to damage the human scientist. "The honor is ours to be working alongside such fine company." He cocks his head, allowing both eyes to scan the room individually.

"Has progress been made with the language? I am Lossa, Linguistics Officer, and my colleagues are all quite proficient in their individual fields. This is Krenn, Scholar. Shuutar, Researcher. And Griimph the Technician."

(OOC: Um... imagine this comes before the meeting of the linguists)

Deadly Venom docks at a hardpoint at one end of Valhalla. Those looking out the ports can note that nearby is docked a Tiger-class medium cruiser, with "TYWS-MCR Hornet" emblazoned across the bow superstructure.

Standing at the airlock with the Sakkrans, the 152 centimeter (just a hair over five feet) tall J'mie bows to the 220 centimeter plus (seven-and-a-half feet and counting) Sakkrans, the four-pointed insignia on her collar glittering in the light. "It's been an honor to have you aboard, Lossa. I wish I could go exploring but... well... you know..."--she motions to the inside of her ship--"duty calls."

As the airlock opens, J'mie catches a glimpse of a set of regulation boots and snaps to attention just in case. The door reveals a slender Asian woman not much taller than J'mie with neck-length black hair and piercing nutmeg eyes. Her black and green uniform with a wide red belt show her to be a military officer; the three-starred insignia on her right breast indicates her as Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services, and the boxed stars on her high collar tell that she's a flag captain. J'mie salutes, bringing her right hand up to her right eyebrow at a very steep angle. "Lieutenant Commander J'mie Kovak reports as ordered, ma'am. Sakkran exploration team successfully transferred to your care."

The TYCS flag captain returns the salute. "Flag Captain Hitome Sato, TYWS-MCR Hornet, Roving Cruiser Sqadron Bravo. Good work on a simple job well done, Commander." Sato smiles, then turns to look up at Lossa. "Welcome to Valhalla Station. If you and your team will join me, I will escort you to your quarters, at which point you're free to roam about the station. The crew merely asks that you register all weapons first, at which point you are free to carry them around."

Sato hands the Sakkrans unusually bulky (for human hands) communicators. "We will call you on these when it is time for the briefing. They're surplus Kzinti Mobile Infantry communicators, practically impossible to destroy without high explosives. Please follow me." She turns around smartly and begins walking down the corridor.

As the Sakkrans leave, J'mie waves. "May your claws be ever sharp!"

OOC: Whoops. Guess it was quite a jump, wasn't it? Heh heh.

Cleared, TG Wide Load and escorts glide into Valhalla space, the escorts checking in with area defense control and moving off to reserve positions. All in good order.

The Wide Load and consorts start unloading assorted containers. Some head for transshipments, some for the QACF assembly area. Personnel shuttles take the van - basically, there's been a nationwide headhunt for brilliant minds scientific and diplomatic.

Not just fairly brilliant. The probable capabilities of the S-14 object are too vast to send expendables.

"Has progress been made with the language? I am Lossa, Linguistics Officer, and my colleagues are all quite proficient in their individual fields. This is Krenn, Scholar. Shuutar, Researcher. And Griimph the Technician."
R-Tamerlane, transferred from Nor Gate to S-14 Linguistic Party Liason effective immediately, whipped around its tail in thought as it paced around the room. "Well, we have made some progress. It appears that each transmission has four signals--one carrier, one audio, and two more signals that ride the carrier signal. Analysis of those signals show them to have definite correlation to the audio signal, but they overlap in some odd ways... they also appear to be some sort of code similar to remote control commands, terse statements of code that look like they do something. We're up to several fragments which may be analogous to words or concepts, but we've got no basis for vocabulary, and with the two-week communications lag between S-14 SECZONE and us, we won't know if the Durinian debris experiment will be successful for at least another week. I mean, S-14 is a light month away, and we're forced to use gravitic courier drones to combat lightspeed transmission lag."

Several humanoid androids walk in and introduce themselves (they all have relatively common multicultural names, all preceded by "R-" and followed by a six-digit hexidecimal number) as Zero-One's primary linguists. Their leader, R-Nikolai 57AD71, bows to the group. "We just came in on the QACF/TCV Server, which has been modified for organic use and will possibly be our homes for the next few months. We've been briefed on the latest developments and are here to assist you."

"well, here is what we've gathered so far. I hope the English isn't a problem" with this, the Durinian scientist grabs a folder from a nearby table and hands it up to the Sakkran, "the good news is that we have more than enough data to keep us happy for months. The bad news is that the problem is an old one from cryptography: we are dealing with an unknown algorithm, encoding unknown plaintext from an unknown subject, in an unknown format, into the plaintext we have here. We have five variables, and no equations. We have some ideas on how to possibly address that problem, but until we get some results in, we're not going to have much."

R-Tamerlane, transferred from Nor Gate to S-14 Linguistic Party Liason effective immediately, whipped around its tail in thought as it paced around the room. "Well, we have made some progress. It appears that each transmission has four signals--one carrier, one audio, and two more signals that ride the carrier signal. Analysis of those signals show them to have definite correlation to the audio signal, but they overlap in some odd ways... they also appear to be some sort of code similar to remote control commands, terse statements of code that look like they do something. We're up to several fragments which may be analogous to words or concepts, but we've got no basis for vocabulary, and with the two-week communications lag between S-14 SECZONE and us, we won't know if the Durinian debris experiment will be successful for at least another week. I mean, S-14 is a light month away, and we're forced to use gravitic courier drones to combat lightspeed transmission lag."

Several humanoid androids walk in and introduce themselves (they all have relatively common multicultural names, all preceded by "R-" and followed by a six-digit hexidecimal number) as Zero-One's primary linguists. Their leader, R-Nikolai 57AD71, bows to the group. "We just came in on the QACF/TCV Server, which has been modified for organic use and will possibly be our homes for the next few months. We've been briefed on the latest developments and are here to assist you."

All four members were looking at the data provided. A rumbling, hissing sound could be heard, with the tympanum on the sides of their heads vibrating occasionally (OOC: If anyone can hear in the sub-sonic range, you would hear something akin to song from the four Sakkrans).

Lossa looks up from the data, cocking his head with one eye on one of the androids. The other three members are continuing to talk to each other as they analyze the data. "The parts of the data that seem to overlap. Have you run a three-dimensional encryption scan on it?"

"we started that scan two hour ago, but until we get the Zero-One ship ICU's mainframe properly connected with all of our own, we won't have the computing capacity to do all of the analysis of the data we want at the same time. it is possible also that one of the signals is the initiatior sending a data-stream, and the second a cotinuous data reply stream. Either one would explain the overlap. It is interesting to note, however, that the messages all have an FFT sum, at 47 KHz, of four plus j-seventeen, except for a very few fragments, those are retransmitted again immidiately with modifications to the packet that sets the FFT sum back. This suggests a standard message length, or at least word or word-group length, or could be an artifact."

<<Over the Valhalla Public Address System>>

Delegates present for the S-14 project, this is Station Commander Kerrak. Please report to the presentation room, Deck 7, Compartment 7004. We will begin the meeting shortly. Thank you.

<<End>>

As the delegates find their way to the compartment, they step into a large, semi-circular lecture-hall type room, with a holo display projector situated in the middle, with a small dias in front of it. Station Commander Kerrak is standing near the dias, conversing with the local SHODAN avatar, and the team from Karmabaijan, an assortment of humans with semi-obvious cybernetic enhancements visible throughout their bodies.

The Sakkran delegates enter the room, looking about the area. They are still "talking" among themselves in the sub-sonic singsong of their native language, with grunts and hisses interspersed. They arrive at their seats and await news.

Lossa looks up from the data, cocking his head with one eye on one of the androids. The other three members are continuing to talk to each other as they analyze the data. "The parts of the data that seem to overlap. Have you run a three-dimensional encryption scan on it?"
R-Tamerlane shrugs (interesting gesture from a robot lemur). "One of the unidentified signals does appear to have a three-dimensional structure; it's probably the more complex of the two. The second unidentified signal is a pulse code no more complex than an average appliance remote control except with what appears to be a 'vocabulary' of several hundred commands."

"we started that scan two hour ago, but until we get the Zero-One ship ICU's mainframe properly connected with all of our own, we won't have the computing capacity to do all of the analysis of the data we want at the same time. it is possible also that one of the signals is the initiatior sending a data-stream, and the second a cotinuous data reply stream. Either one would explain the overlap. It is interesting to note, however, that the messages all have an FFT sum, at 47 KHz, of four plus j-seventeen, except for a very few fragments, those are retransmitted again immidiately with modifications to the packet that sets the FFT sum back. This suggests a standard message length, or at least word or word-group length, or could be an artifact."
R-Nikolai nods. "Hm, that makes sense, but we think that the three data streams are all outgoing data.

"And to whomever asked if we have any more transmissions, we have plenty... that one fragment was the clearest."

***

S.H.O.D.A.N. sits down near the holoprojector and jacks into a computer port.

(OOC: I'm going to begin the briefing tomorrow... AND KEEP YOU ALL IN SUSPENSE! HAR HAR HAR.. coff... har... gag)

Each of the durinians gives the fluid bow unique to their culture to the two at the front of the room, and then, like excited students, sit down front and center and pull out notebooks.

Flag Captain Hitome Sato and the command staff of Hood take their seats near the top of the auditorium, accompanied by Scolopendran Science Section Advisor Al Rijil in a white uniform. Another Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services officer, a tall Caucasian male with dark brown hair and an angluar face, steps down to the dais and nods to Kerrak and S.H.O.D.A.N..

Three of the five Karmabaijanians take their seats and immediatly connect a cable from the seat's dataport to their right temples. They close their eyes, obviously concentrating on some task unseen to the outside world. Upon seeing this, Kerrak raises a question to Chunara Hideki, the leader of the group.

"If I may, can I ask what organization you are with?"

"Of course, sir. We are a team from the Karmabaijan Special Projects Agency, or KSPA. We work directly for the interests of Karmabaijan and the Trium, reporting directly to VonKarma."

"Ahh, I see...I have never heard of you before."

"As we like it sir, we try not to draw to much attention to ourselves, as the CyberWare tends to take care of that enough as it is."

"About that, what exactly do all these gizmos do?"

"Well, most of it is classified at some level, but basically, we are equipped with a military-grade cyberdeck(allows access to networks and such through a neural interface), Encephalon(brain integrated computer system that basically speeds thoughts up, a "brain router" if you will), and a skillwire set (allows skills to be uploaded through a memory card). Other than that, our eyes have been replaced to allow thermographic and ultraviolet spectrum viewing, we have auditory analysis sensors wired into our tympannic nerves, and chemical analysis systems in the fingertips. You could say, we are wired for sound...vision...and scent."

"I, uhh, see..." Kerrak is obviously disturbed at the thought of implanting something in ones brain. "Was the process painful?"

"Not at all...you should try it! Really opens your mind, if you get my drift!"

"Uhh..right..heh..."

Four Cetagandans walk into the room and take their seats. Two of them are wearing the black and silver uniforms of the Battle Fleet, one is in a similar uniform that is midnight blue, and the fourth is wearing civilian clothing.
The first two are Lt. Commander Richard Garth, captain of Hawking, and Colonel Samuel Ashton, representing Fourty-Two?. Colonel Ashton carries with him a small drone, which he sets on the table infront of him. The woman in blue is Aeryn Fletcher, leader of the team of Talents on the ships. Finally, the last person is Doctor Hal Jonston, head of the science teams.

He steps forward from the podium. "Good morning, sentients of Cetaganda, Durinia, Eniqcir, Freebodnik IV, Karmabaijan, Menelmacar, Sakkra, Scolopendra, Territory, and Zero-One. I am Commodore Hans Richter of the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services, and I have been asked by S.H.O.D.A.N. and TYCS command to present this briefing. Assisting me will be S.H.O.D.A.N., master control program of the Queendom of Zero-One, and with us is Advisor Al Rijil, Scolopendran Science Section, and Flag Captain Hitome Sato, commanding officer of Trium Roving Cruiser Squadron Bravo. This briefing will cover our analysis of the S-14 artifact using the information gathered by scans collected by Data Bus, S-14 SECZONE forces, and the Taidan working in cooperation with local Yut assets. This briefing is classified Secret, and is not for general circulation.

"I will warn you, this is quite long and has a bit of detailed information. Ma'am, if we will begin with the first image."

The holoemitter displays a three-dimensional situational awareness diagram of the area around S-14, showing the massive artifact in the center surrounded by a cloud of multicolored dots. "This is the S-14 Security Zone as defined by the Queendom Armed Conflict Forces in the area, consisting of S-14"--the large grey icon in the center blinked--"what appear to be attendant support vessels"--several smaller grey icons surrounding S-14 in a rough spherical formation blinked--"the QACF forces in the area"--eight blue icons along the perimeter blinked--"and the Taidan forces in the area"--about thirty icons of various sizes blinked.

"The situation is currently secure, and due to S-14's extreme range from Sol, we expect it to stay that way for a while. Therefore, we do not expect any external threats.

"Next image please, ma'am."

S.H.O.D.A.N. nodded, and the picture changed to a three-dimensional view of S-14 with various areas highlighted.
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14initialcontact.gif
"This is a more detailed image of S-14 than previously circulated, based on analysis of sensor data from our vessels in the area. Points of interest have been highlighted. Detail Alpha, the large openings in the foreward surface of the torus, appear to be hydrogen collectors. Points Bravo, Echo, and Hotel are large multi-kilometer rents in S-14's hull, representative of damaged portions around the entire artifact. Detail Charlie, one of the trapezoidal depressions near the large hydrogen collector apetures, seems to be a hangar bay. Details Delta and Golf are massive retro thrusters based on the central spine of S-14. Detail Foxtrot is some sort of array at the forward tip of S-14, and Detail India is what appears to be a chemically-powered spin motor along the torus's equator.

"Next image please, ma'am."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_a.jpg
"This is a close-up of Detail Alpha, the hydrogen intake apeture, one of six. It is fifteen kilometers long and 34 kilometers wide, with a seven and a half kilometer diameter electromagnetic field generator depression nearby. This EM field generator produces a weak, funnel-shaped EM field 2,500 kilometers across that appears to be optimized to collecting hydrogen. We believe that these are the intakes to a Bussard-style hydrogen ramjet.

"Next image please, ma'am." Richter takes a sip of water from a glass on the podium.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_b.jpg
"Detail Bravo is a rent located in the 10 o'clock position on the leading edge of S-14's torus. It is roughly 12.5 kilometers by 4.1 kilometers, and is 0.326 kilometers deep. Multiple levels have been exposed, and we have gathered a wealth of data from this rent because of it. Looking at damage tear, we can tell it was caused by an external explosion. One hundred eighty-six are exposed to vacuum, and the average deck height is six and a half meters. An interesting point is that radiation emissions in this location is approximately twenty-five times that of normal surface radiation emissions, analogous to the decay of fissile uranium isotopes and its postcedents strontium and radium. S.H.O.D.A.N.'s pet theory is a low-yield atomic explosion.

"Next image please, ma'am."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_c.jpg
"Detail Charlie is most definitely a hangar bay. Located near the hydrogen collector apetures, it has five dual rails we believe to be electromagnetic launchers. What seems to be an active light rail transportation system is nearby... at least we assume it to be transportation as we saw a few 'cars' pass in it several times... Two relatively powerful EM emitters around the center rail appear to act as navigational beacons, and these facilities are actually active. In this recon shot, we can actually see a 180 meter long transport that just emerged from the hangar entrance, and we got a closer look at one here."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14space_transport.jpg
"They do runs between hangar bays on S-14 and between S-14 and its support vessels. They have not reacted to our presence... but then again, the QACF has been very careful to avoid 'unaided-eye' visual contact. These vehicles have a very low minimum-recorded mass considering their volume, and so we think they are transports; they use various forms of chemical fuel for reactant.

"Next image please, ma'am."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_d.jpg
"Detail Delta is a down-the-muzzle of one of S-14's massive attitude thrusters, looking aft from the fore. Its external design makes it appear to use fusion power for propellant, and it is situated near a massive microwave-wavelengths rectenna.

"Next image please, ma'am." Richter takes another sip of water.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_e.jpg
"Detail Echo is a rent in what appears to have been some sort of gas processing engineering section. It is roughly 35 by 21.8 kilometers, and 859 meters deep. It is also the result of external explosions, probably multiple, and also shows radiological activity in excess of nominal surface emissions. These large spherical objects here are ruptured pressure vessels, and spectrographic analysis of the gases they are venting, as well as evidence of oxidation on the internal walls, reveals that they contained some sort of nitrogen / oxygen gas mix that, from what we can tell, is close to breathable air. Also, we have noted the presence of some sort of tunnel in this rent with a dense and highly-reflective metallic object at the bottom. It may be an access to the interior... but we don't know.

"Next image please, ma'am."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_f.jpg
"Detail Foxtrot is what appears to be a communications array. It is made up of three basic arrays. The first, the relatively short one with the spherical tip, appears to be some sort of very light particle accelerator of some sort. We haven't picked up anything definite from it, not even very light subprotonic particles such as quarks and gluons. It doesn't even seem to emit neutrinos with any sort of regularity. However, there have been regular spikes of unexplainable activity from it, which Advisor Rijil in the back there says is expected predictors of tachyons. Thusly, it may be a form of faster-than-light communications using tachyons.

"The second array, the small banks along the central communications trunk, is a general electromagnetic frequency communications array. The transmissions that you linguists are decoding were transmitted from it. It concerns radio frequencies through microwave and visible light to concentrated ultraviolet laser pulse, using both amplitude and frequency modulation.

"The third array is a fifty kilometer long spar of unknown purpose. It has been completely dormant for as long as we have been observing it.

"Next image please, ma'am."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_g.jpg
"Detail Golf is a side view of one of the retro thrusters. From the general design we are relatively certain it is fusion powered; a chemical rocket this immense would be inherently inefficient and too unstable to practically use.

"Next image please, ma'am."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_h.jpg
"Detail Hotel is another rent, twenty-six kilometers across, which is the result of external explosions and has unusually high radioactive emissions over S-14 norm. It is interesting in that there is a band of frozen dihydrogen oxide water-ice, and that there are over two thousand insect-looking maintenance vehicles working to repair this rent. The repair vehicles are six meters long, have a bisected sensor unit in front for stereo vision, a drive section in rear, and two segmented manipulators.

"Next image please, ma'am."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_i.jpg
"Detail India is a detailed analysis of one of S-14's four equatorial spin motors. They are the largest chemical rockets ever observed in action (even though they are in banks of four), and, as Advisor Rijil and S.H.O.D.A.N. agree, the largest logically useful. These motors seem to have no purpose except to keep S-14 rotating at a constant rate. Estimates show that the simulated gravity on the inside of the torus should vary from 0 at the axis of rotation to somewhere around 1.1 to 1.4 gravities near the edge.

"I won't repeat the information disseminated earlier about S-14's probable origins, current speed, and such. I will, of course, update it." Commodore Richter takes another sip of water, emptying the glass.

"S-14 is surrounded by a powerful EM field shielding the artifact's surface, which may be some sort of micrometeorite deflector, a radiation shield, or both. The strength of this field will make communications between any exploration parties and support vessels difficult at best. Its hull is made of beryllium steel, with quality varying in an almost patchwork pattern. From the rents we have determined the decks are primarily aluminum, with metal and plastic conduits and rodmium steel structural supports. We have also seen traces of tungsten, chromium, tin, and molybdenum. Atmosphere is theorized to be nitrogen/oxygen. Hydrosphere is theorized to be dihydrogen oxide--normal water. About 0.0125 percent of the artifact's interior is exposed to vacuum from catastrophic hull failure; primarily rents as seen above but also in some stress fractures.

"As for S-14's attendant vessels, they appear to be massive spheres of water-ice five hundred kilometers wide. We have codenamed them 'spacebergs.' They appear to communicate with S-14 using FM and pulsed laser signals. Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation is consistent with the presence of fissionables; neutrinos consistent with fusion reactors are evident. The leading edge of the spacebergs look something like the surface of Mercury with multiple micrometeorite impacts; a relatively small metal sphere surrounded in a powerful EM field akin to that around S-14 is located on the leading hemisphere while a large drive unit is located in the trailing edge. The water ice has a definite green tint to it and laser spectography has liberated high amounts of carbon and nitrogen, indicating organic compounds and possible life. Transports visiting these spacebergs deposit several of those six meter maintenance vehicles mentioned earlier, which then mine the ice and return to the transports.

Richter claps his hands once. "That concludes the intelligence portion of the S-14 Project briefing. Before I turn control over to S.H.O.D.A.N., are there any questions?"

Helmholtz leaned over, whispering to Eugenia, the youngest member of the Freebodnik team.

"Chemical thrusters? Why such an advanced race, but such primitive technology?"

Eugenia whispered back, "I know! A ship this big could only be powered by fusion and upwards - why would they use chemical rockets? And such technologies..."

"It seems like an odd juxtaposition of the primitive and the advanced. Makes no sense to me."

Hideki speaks up:

"You said that you have taken precautions to avoid visual contact. Have any attempts been made to allow Sierra 14 to get a visual on a vessel? Also, with an antenna of that size, the question must be raised...who are they talking to? To just speak to the 'spacebergs' that is a terribly inefficient design, that a small local surface transmitter would be more suited to."

"You said that you have taken precautions to avoid visual contact. Have any attempts been made to allow Sierra 14 to get a visual on a vessel? Also, with an antenna of that size, the question must be raised...who are they talking to? To just speak to the 'spacebergs' that is a terribly inefficient design, that a small local surface transmitter would be more suited to."
Commodore Richter nodded. "Yes, the fifty kilometer antenna does seem extremely inefficient. However, it's also been completely dormant, so right now it's not talking to anyone, it seems. Maybe it was supposed to act as a communications device for a Magellanic Cloud home base that it has long since left operational range of... we really don't know.

"Any other questions?"

What about visual contact?

(first part of last post)

Lossa looks at the holographic displays, and whispers with the other Sakkran dignitaries. He raises a clawed finger.

"If this structure is still functional, has a populace aboard, and a transport craft that enters and leaves the structure, should we initiate contact? If so, should we do so first with one of the 'space bergs'?"

Lossa drops his clawed finger, and presses his fingers together. "Not only this, but all those rents in the hull of the structure; can we have an estimate how old they are? If there are current hostilities in the area, it may be good to see if a 'situation' may or may not be occur in this area."

We're up to several fragments which may be analogous to words or concepts, but we've got no basis for vocabulary, and with the two-week communications lag between S-14 SECZONE and us, we won't know if the Durinian debris experiment will be successful for at least another week. I mean, S-14 is a light month away, and we're forced to use gravitic courier drones to combat lightspeed transmission lag."

"Given that this is a race we know nothing about, my usual skills probably won't be much help. But I can talk to Dr. Gawain about securing the use of a Telvirdis to act as a courier. That should cut lag to somewhere between 2 and 4 days, assuming that we keep to the 10c endosolar limit."

Then, in the breifing:

Dr. Gawain waved his hand. "Uh, excuse me, but do you yet have any indication that any of the vessels you've seen so far are manned? I was listening to an X-1 episode last week about a generational ship that got off course, and, after the original crew died, the next generation forgot about their mission, and they eventually degenerated into a tribal culture that worshipped the ship's AI as a god and considered the ship to be the entire universe. It's a rather far-out theory, I know, but perhaps the inhabitants, if there are any, don't know that they're in a huge spaceship? Just thought I'd throw that out there."

OOC: Yes, I actaully did hear an X-1 episode with that storyline a few weeks ago. Someone accidentally wandered into the "holy lands" (control deck), came back to tell everybody about it, and was executed for heresy. Oh, and magnetic fields wouldn't be very useful for gathering hydrogen. Plain hydrogen, all by itself, has no charge.

Jonathan and Estelle David are sitting in, as is alien-looking Giselle Liberté, an student of environment and pantropy, wearing pantropic grafts similar to the ones she herself helped design for the Burning Mountain colony on Io. Jonathan David is Estelle's younger brother, a student of computation and genetics, with the dark complexion, sharp features and solid build of a Territory enhancile. Estelle is the senior member of the Dominion's contingent, an engineer and student of engineering, white-haired and like many human Citizens eschewing full cosmetic rejuvenation but maintaining functionality well beyond the human norm.

Estelle raises her hand. "Has examination of that ancillary craft revealed anything about possible inhabitants? In the image, I note what appears to be a bridge. Also, do we know the wavelengths used for communication between S-14 units? These should serve well for maintaining secure laser communications through the interference present."

The drone brought by the Cetagandans raises slightly, and a feminine voice comes from it. "Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Soscony, the Mind of Fourty-Two?. Have you confirmed that there even is a crew? Its possible that, given the damage to the ship, they could be dead and the ship on autopilot. Its also possible that the crew may be in stasis."

What about visual contact?
"S-14 SECZONE has been very careful about avoiding it recently. However, when Data Bus discovered S-14 and the QACF was scrambled, it's quite possible that they were seen before the standard flight patterns of the transports was known. Maybe they know we're there but are unsure of how to proceed."

Lossa looks at the holographic displays, and whispers with the other Sakkran dignitaries. He raises a clawed finger.

"If this structure is still functional, has a populace aboard, and a transport craft that enters and leaves the structure, should we initiate contact? If so, should we do so first with one of the 'space bergs'?"

Lossa drops his clawed finger, and presses his fingers together. "Not only this, but all those rents in the hull of the structure; can we have an estimate how old they are? If there are current hostilities in the area, it may be good to see if a 'situation' may or may not be occur in this area."
"Actually, I believe contact is one of our objectives; S.H.O.D.A.N. will be speaking of that later. Making contact with the spacebergs first is a possibility; they would certainly have a smaller population than S-14 itself and thus a potentially less-threatening situation.

"The rents, based on estimates of explosion yield and radioactive decay, appear to range from fourty thousand years to as recent as five years in age... and those are only the ones that are still exuding detectable levels of radiation. Some rents that appear to be results of external explosions do not radiate over background levels."

Dr. Gawain waved his hand. "Uh, excuse me, but do you yet have any indication that any of the vessels you've seen so far are manned? I was listening to an X-1 episode last week about a generational ship that got off course, and, after the original crew died, the next generation forgot about their mission, and they eventually degenerated into a tribal culture that worshipped the ship's AI as a god and considered the ship to be the entire universe. It's a rather far-out theory, I know, but perhaps the inhabitants, if there are any, don't know that they're in a huge spaceship? Just thought I'd throw that out there."
"The large windows in the transports appear to indicate that they are manned; automated craft would probably use less-vulnerable sensor suites. While that theory is a possibility, it would be mere conjecture at this point."

Estelle raises her hand. "Has examination of that ancillary craft revealed anything about possible inhabitants? In the image, I note what appears to be a bridge. Also, do we know the wavelengths used for communication between S-14 units? These should serve well for maintaining secure laser communications through the interference present."
"Although the craft have a definite segmented flair to them, we do not know whether this is a replication of biological fact or just an asthetic design philosophy. We have been monitoring as many of the communications from S-14 as possible, and thus know what appear to be their primary communications frequencies. S-14 SECZONE is already using laser transmission frequencies considered secure as S-14 has not been seen to emit them."

The drone brought by the Cetagandans raises slightly, and a feminine voice comes from it. "Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Soscony, the Mind of Fourty-Two?. Have you confirmed that there even is a crew? Its possible that, given the damage to the ship, they could be dead and the ship on autopilot. Its also possible that the crew may be in stasis."
"Crew is unconfirmed... we only have the circumstantial evidence of the windows in transports, really. Again, those are possibilities but we have no evidence, only conjecture. We won't really know until we have a look."

"And on that note, if there are no more questions, I will turn the briefing over to S.H.O.D.A.N.."

"Just one more quick comment, if you don't mind: Those might not be windows. Then again, they probably are. Never mind, I'm just thinking out loud."

The IDSS Retribution steams into view of Valhalla station, somewhat late - but better late than never.

The ship slows rapidly, her magnetic silhoutte growing in intensity by an order of about fifty, on any scanners that are capable of discerning such detail.

Within moments, she is at a relativistic halt in relation to Valhalla; on the bridge, and, indeed, throughout the ship, relieved shouts of unbridled joy set the air on board a-humming: a few moments later, Captain Rihad calls a halt to such activity on the bridge with a stern glance and a muttered, "Enough, people."

Nobody mentions the fact that Rihad shouted the loudest, of course. That would be disrespectful.

Rihad turns to his comms officer; with a nod, she taps the record contact on her board.

"Valhalla station, this is the IDSS Retribution reporting in. Did we miss anything important?"

Another nod. Another contact tapped. And the message is fired off.

A shuttle is quickly dispatched to Retribution, accepting its delegation and speeding back to Valhalla posthaste. The envoys make it into the briefing room just as the lights dim.

Captain Rihad and Science Officer T'Relbetta quietly slip into their seats, offering apologetic glances to those whom they disturb with said activity.

S.H.O.D.A.N. brings the lights back up just before unjacking from the holodisplay. She stands up, then nods to Richter. "Thank you, Commodore." Hans Richter returns the nods and sits in the front row. The avatar steps forward and stands, hands folded behind her back.

She spoke, her low feminine voice filling the hall without enhancement. "As you all know, I am the local Valhalla S.H.O.D.A.N. avatar, for all intents and purposes S.H.O.D.A.N. herself... or myself, depending on how you view it. I have asked your assistance to explore this artifact and analyze its contents and learn what it holds.

"I see that our exploration has several goals: Ideally, we should determine the presence of inhabitants and discover the creators of S-14, and their intentions. If there are inhabitants, make peaceful contact from them and learn from them of their origins.

"For secondary, more mercenary obejctives, we have the discovery and exploitation of new technologies. Having claimed salvage rights, the Triumvirate of Yut through Zero-One claims joint ownership of any new technologies, land grants, patents, or information discovered by any expeditionary parties. I know some may find my attentions to this... distasteful; remember, however, that I was a creation of the TriOptimum megacorporation. Profits are what I do.

"These goals can only be achieved through direct contact, and the likelyhood of that is exponentially increased by sending expeditions into S-14 itself. There are several potential entry points into S-14: Airlocks dotted across its surface, the hangars, and the rents. Also, there are the spacebergs as well, which, as Sakkra pointed out, may be worth exploring.

"The exploration teams are to be formed at your discretion, and I leave how you go about this is up to you. I, via my local avatar aboard the QACF/TCV Server, am political director of this expedition, and thus will take responsibility for your actions. I am trusting you... something generally not in my nature. Do not disappoint me.

"By behest of the Triumvirate of Yut, Flag Captain Sato of the Triumvirate of Yut Combined Services will be military director of this expedition. I am considered to be too quick to the trigger, and it is hoped that her caution will serve us well. I apologize if this supercedes anyone's superior rank, but this was not my decision.

"Scolopendran Science Advisor Al Rijil will be the scientific director of this expedition. He has gathered a prominent scientific staff aboard the TYCS-HCR Yamato of Roving Cruiser Squadron Bravo that will be assisting in telemetry and advice purposes.

"However you arrange your teams, each one will have at least one android liason to me, one TYCS officer liason to Flag Captain Sato, and one Scolopendran scientist liason to Advisor Rijil."

S.H.O.D.A.N. paces to her left. "To maintain the initiative, we can determine how we wish to arrange our teams and our objectives while on transit. To all parties without their own transportation, or those not wishing to risk their own vessels, please report in three hours to Server."

S.H.O.D.A.N. stops and places her arms akimbo. "One final note. We are entering what is almost a total unknown; I cannot even estimate the potential threats we may face. If I were forced to find a historical analog, I would suggest that S-14 is to us as sub-Saharan Africa was to the British Empire. I honestly expect casualties, whether by accident or hostile action. I want you to be fully aware of this before we proceed.

"Are there any questions?"

Captain Rihad raises a hand, but respectfully waits to be given the floor before speaking.

"About those liasons, what about Envoy? And I hear that an Oberon was already dispatched by the Snel Coordinators. How are they going to get in contact with the appropriate personnel?"

Dr. Gawain ruffled through his notes for a moment, then:

"Ah, one other thing... With all of the support gathered for this mission, would it be possible to organize a similar mission to the Freebodnik Derelict?"

He looked around a bit, and suddenly said:

"Oh, sorry, I'm not used to having to wait. Most of my time is spent in private meetings back on Earth. O-kaayyy, I'll be quiet now."

"About those liasons, what about Envoy? And I hear that an Oberon was already dispatched by the Snel Coordinators. How are they going to get in contact with the appropriate personnel?"
S.H.O.D.A.N. cocks her head. "Pardon? I don't believe it has made contact yet... no matter. We will be able to coordinate when the expedition reaches S-14 SECZONE." She pointedly ignores the rest.

Captain Rihad raises a hand, but respectfully waits to be given the floor before speaking.
S.H.O.D.A.N. points to Rihad in the rear of the auditorium. 'Yes, Captain?"

Rihad patiently waits, and when he is given the floor, stands, clearing his throat slightly and bowing from the waist. Clearly a man used to protocol and order; he pauses an exact four seconds before speaking.

"I was wondering... have there been any Star-like symbols found on the hull of the ship? Because, you see, according to 'myth'," and the word is a clear deference to the science-types who would likely refer to it in that vein anyway, for it clearly appears to leave a bad taste in the Captains mouth, "the Stars came from above. And, well, space is above Arda... and..."

He shrugs slightly, seemingly because the idea that was probably forming in his head has gone sour as he stated it. "Just an idea," he adds quietly.

"I was wondering... have there been any Star-like symbols found on the hull of the ship? Because, you see, according to 'myth'," and the word is a clear deference to the science-types who would likely refer to it in that vein anyway, for it clearly appears to leave a bad taste in the Captains mouth, "the Stars came from above. And, well, space is above Arda... and..."

He shrugs slightly, seemingly because the idea that was probably forming in his head has gone sour as he stated it. "Just an idea," he adds quietly.
S.H.O.D.A.N. again cocks her head and looks inquiringly. "Not that I nor my ships have seen, no. Then again, we honestly haven't been looking."

"I was wondering... have there been any Star-like symbols found on the hull of the ship? Because, you see, according to 'myth'," and the word is a clear deference to the science-types who would likely refer to it in that vein anyway, for it clearly appears to leave a bad taste in the Captains mouth, "the Stars came from above. And, well, space is above Arda... and..."

He shrugs slightly, seemingly because the idea that was probably forming in his head has gone sour as he stated it. "Just an idea," he adds quietly.
S.H.O.D.A.N. again cocks her head and looks inquiringly. "Not that I nor my ships have seen, no. Then again, we honestly haven't been looking."

Rihad lets out a small "Ah," nods, and then reseats himself, taking out a very small PDA and PI (poking instrument), and sets about making a note of some sort (presumably).

The Oberon came within 500K of the extrasolar craft.

"Ship, open comm with Envoy."

The ship responded in a soothing, but vaguely machanical, voice: "Channel ready."

"Envoy, this is Coordinator of Clan Intaír. Please prepare for total information transfer."

Once again, the ship began to speak: "Data transfer in progress."

After a few minutes, "Neural data transfer complete. This is the mind of Envoy: What are my orders?"

"An international exploration mission is being planned as we speak. You are instructed to continue recon operations, but do not interfere or attempt contact until we have confirmation from higher authorities in this matter."

"Confirmed."

OOC: I don't feel like making a big ol' post about it... there's been a delegation from MISEA here for the whole briefing and such. MISEA is the Menelmacari Inter Stellar Exploration Agency.

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/1431815.jpgLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
Clicky-clicky! We Love The Iraqi Information Minister (www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)

OOC: I don't feel like making a big ol' post about it... there's been a delegation from MISEA here for the whole briefing and such. MISEA is the Menelmacari Inter Stellar Exploration Agency.
(OOC: Acceptable.)

"An international exploration mission is being planned as we speak. You are instructed to continue recon operations, but do not interfere or attempt contact until we have confirmation from higher authorities in this matter."

"Confirmed."
The Envoy makes relatively low passes at points of interest around S-14. When it approaches the hangar area, it detects an active radar and low-powered laser signal. Tracking back to the source, it sees this:
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14turret.jpg
This emplacement tracks Envoy until it leaves the immediate vicinity of the hangars, then begins a sky-scanning pattern.

Flying through the electromagnetic fields produced by the hydrogen intakes, Envoy is buffeted about a bit by magnetic turbulence, but no damage results.

Passing over the larger rents in turn, it detects radiation in excess of background levels. Nothing too surprising now, but when it passes over Detail Echo, its detailed scans pick up something interesting.
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14rent_scan.jpg
[SCAN DATA:
42 decks exposed
Background Radiation: 75 rads/hr
Gaseous leak analogous to airlock leakage detected]

The tunnel indeed ends in some sort of metal doorway, which may lead inside.

<CommandSpool, QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.>
{
[to Envoy] << Ahoy there, Envoy. This is the mind of QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.. I see that you've made low-pass scans... please to share them?
}

QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14detail_f.jpg




Dr. Cobbler, still somewhat peeved about being pulled off ERB drive research, speaks up.
"Do we, perchance, have any material and detailed structural scans of the 50 kilometer dormant spar, and the area around its base?"

S.H.O.D.A.N. nods to the man in the rounded glasses. "Yes, we have been examining that strange spire quite closely. It is made of ferromagnetic steel and tubular. It's fifty kilometers long. The base has regular ten-meter striations. From all the EM interference, that's as much as we can get out of it.

"Well, to recap: I'm asking you to risk your lives in the exploration of a truly colossal alien artifact. I will not pull the dramatic stunt of asking those who are still willing to go to stand up; your appearance aboard QACF/TCV Server will be sufficient.

"If there are no more questions, then this briefing is over. Enjoy the next three hours, next stop is eight hundred billion kilometers out from Sol."

"One more thing, did the spire show any density variations over it's length. If so, did they have any sort of pattern to the variations? If this data hasn't been collected yet, that is understandable"

"One more thing, did the spire show any density variations over it's length. If so, did they have any sort of pattern to the variations"
S.H.O.D.A.N. thought for a moment. "You mean like a gauss rifle coil, Doctor Cobbler? No, it doesn't seem to have internal striation or a helical internal structure. Along its length, its density is constant. It is hollow, though."

"One more thing, did the spire show any density variations over it's length. If so, did they have any sort of pattern to the variations"
S.H.O.D.A.N. thought for a moment. "You mean like a gauss rifle coil, Doctor Cobbler? No, it doesn't seem to have internal striation or a helical internal structure. Along its length, its density is constant. It is hollow, though."

Dr. Cobbler grins, "You know me too well S.H.O.D.A.N."
"Very well then, thank you."
Dr. Cobbler begins to write a note into his PDA then stops, "Would it be possible to request detailed internal and external scans of those striations you mentioned. The science dept. back home should be willign to pick up the tab"

"Before you all depart," Hideki speaks up over the rummaging of the departing attendees, "Karmabaijan is deploying the Escort Carrier KSS-ECV Asgard to the Sierra 14 SECZONE. If anyone is interested in hitching a ride, there is still plenty of room aboard to base your operations out of. We will be departing with the Server in 3 hours, any interested parties, please report to Captain Walter in compartment 4962 for arrangements. Thank you."


As Hideki begins to leave the room, he looks at SHODAN. No words are exchanged, but it is obvious some form of communication is talking place.

<<Internal Comm>>
SHODAN, this is Hideki. We have something that you may be interested in seeing. Asgard flight deck, 1 hour.
<<End Comm>>

The Durinian scientists huddle together and compare notes for a minute or so in itherir strange, chant-like tounge, and then two of them raise their hands and wait patiently to be acknowledged. The first, wearing the emblem of the Biosciences division, speaks "has anyone done any kind of sustainable biosphere-regression analysis on this thing? We know its approximate density, volume, and teech level. From this we could guess a maximum duration; and from its present course, we could guess how far to the last celestial object that could have served as a recharge point. knowing its speed, and being able to make a reasonable guess at its flight duration, we could then guess as to how likely this thing is to be inhabited." He then turns and nods to an aging female, who wears the emblem of anthropology "I find something very intriguing. You commented on the fact that the hull was made with several different grades of material. That sounds like a worldwide evacuation effort of some kind: look at this: the primitive technology, coupled with the massive scale of this object, and that it looks like a patchwork quilt, suggests something built by committee; like a worldwide effort. Also, has there been any word from the linguistic contact effort?"

Once their questions have been answeres, the Durinains hurry off and coordinate the move from the Valhalla to the asgard, commandeering plenty of useful computing equipment and files along the way. Their shuttle also docks with the asgard for the flight. Before leaving, however, in accordance with Durinian law, they send a heavily encrypted archival message with an update on their progress back to the ministry of information on Durinia.

"Hmmm. Captain!"

"Yes, Admiral?"

"When was the last time R&D asked us to check out those new probes fo theirs?"

"About ten minutes ago, sir?"

"It's been that long? Well, I've got a job for them. Load up two, program them to pop out, say a light month on this vector <Vector of object> and return. That should be a good test."

"Aye aye, sir. I'll assign Commander Jones to it right away."

"Very good, Captain."

*****

A few hours later, two probes drift out of the fighter bay on board the DLSS Dragonheart. Once clear, reaction thrusters blaze up and move them clear of the First Battle Group. Once there, the probes blaze with blue light for a moment, and then, vanish.

*****

Five minutes later, they pop out near the object. But there is a problem. One (Alpha) is clear of the object by nearly eight hundred thousand kilometers, while the other (Beta) is nearer the object, less than two hundred kilometers away. They were supposed to come out together, seperated by less than one hundred kilometers, three hundred thousand kilmoters from the object. Alpha's sensors are down, and so it executes its commands for its next action. It waits for a few minutes, restoring power reserves and then jumps back to Slipspace. (OOC: FTL travel in Halo universe, where the DLRA's space tech comes from.) Beta's engine is down, but its sensors are active. It begins to scan at high power, as it wasn't supposed to emerge so close to the object.

Alpha reemerges in the Sol System, badly mangled, unreusuable. But it does make it back. Of course, it is near the sun, and is being yanked in. The Second Battle Group observes the probe's return, but cannot save it.

All data recorded by the two battle groups is transmitted to R&D centers in Dor Lomin. No probe data ever makes it home.

OOC: Is this more acceptable? I hate to send people anywhere, especially scientists.

Dr. Cobbler grins, "You know me too well S.H.O.D.A.N."
"Very well then, thank you."
Dr. Cobbler begins to write a note into his PDA then stops, "Would it be possible to request detailed internal and external scans of those striations you mentioned. The science dept. back home should be willign to pick up the tab"
"Excellent. We'll do it when we arrive at S-14SECZONE."

<<Internal Comm>>
SHODAN, this is Hideki. We have something that you may be interested in seeing. Asgard flight deck, 1 hour.
<<End Comm>>
S.H.O.D.A.N. continues chatting with the Commodore, never breaking eye contact with him and seemingly paying Hideki no mind.

<Communications to Hideki>
{
<< Understood. I'll be there.

<< Oh, and don't stare. That makes it blatantly obvious.
}

Exactly one hour later, S.H.O.D.A.N. walks onto the flight deck of Asgard. "Hmmmm?"

The Durinian scientists huddle together and compare notes for a minute or so in itherir strange, chant-like tounge, and then two of them raise their hands and wait patiently to be acknowledged. The first, wearing the emblem of the Biosciences division, speaks "has anyone done any kind of sustainable biosphere-regression analysis on this thing? We know its approximate density, volume, and teech level. From this we could guess a maximum duration; and from its present course, we could guess how far to the last celestial object that could have served as a recharge point. knowing its speed, and being able to make a reasonable guess at its flight duration, we could then guess as to how likely this thing is to be inhabited." He then turns and nods to an aging female, who wears the emblem of anthropology "I find something very intriguing. You commented on the fact that the hull was made with several different grades of material. That sounds like a worldwide evacuation effort of some kind: look at this: the primitive technology, coupled with the massive scale of this object, and that it looks like a patchwork quilt, suggests something built by committee; like a worldwide effort. Also, has there been any word from the linguistic contact effort?"
R-Tamerlane shakes its segmented tail. "Fascinating concept. Doing the math..." he pauses for a moment as he requests excess runtime from availiable Zero-One resources to do a few calculations "...it should still be viable.

"On the linguistics... we now have that entire fragment decoded into definite segments. It appears the overlaps were concept modifiers, similar to tenses or adjectives, adverbs, articles. Still no idea what the non-audio codes do, but one does seem to fit a grid and the other, as said earlier, pulsed commands. They may be instructions to a communications terminal to output some sort of nonaural stimuli."

Another Durinian scientist thinks for a moment, and then asks as question: "have we figured out the bitlength of the command lines? If we can do that, we should be able to figure out how sophisticated their computer technology is. We may be able to 'hack' our way to communication." <winks at S.H.O.D.A.N.> "Its not like we don't have a reasonable computer network at our disposal." The comment is clearly intended as a compliment, although the Durinian accent may make it hard for linguistic analysis software to pick up.

Another Durinian scientist thinks for a moment, and then asks as question: "have we figured out the bitlength of the command lines? If we can do that, we should be able to figure out how sophisticated their computer technology is. We may be able to 'hack' our way to communication." <winks at S.H.O.D.A.N.> "Its not like we don't have a reasonable computer network at our disposal." The comment is clearly intended as a compliment, although the Durinian accent may make it hard for linguistic analysis software to pick up.
S.H.O.D.A.N. smiles. A 2048 qbit quantum computer can pierce almost any accent. "Thank you for your faith. We can try that when we arrive; sending orders now would be counterproductive... they'd basically arrive when we do."

Several hours into the flight, the Durinian scientists call together the various envoys, officers and scientists, and submit a first-contact-procedure proposal for review.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and ... Senheki, the Durinian word for 'other genders', here is what we propose. For phase one, we launch a probe, preferably one as cheap as possible, to attempt to dock at the hangar bay. We know the weapons system will be tracking it, but that's ok, we'll have it dock normally. If it gets shot at/shot down, we'll know that the weapons system is active, and have some idea of what its capabilities are."

She pauses to take a drink of water

"for phase two, there are two alternatives. If the probe is allowed to dock, we send a well defended... sorry, shielded shuttle with our envoys to dock at the hangar, and we procede from there."

Another scientist steps forward

"In the case the probe is attacked, we send an unarmed, probably low tech shuttle; our own is ideal for this purpose, and scan the rent areas for a likely access point. We can also take the opportunity to examine the rents for evidence of repairs, which would give us some idea of how viable this structure may be. I for one beleive that this examiniation should be done in either case" he pauses to bow respectfully toward his older counterpart, "in respectful disagreement with my colleague's beleifs"

*In a small lounge room aboard the ship* (OOC: WHereever you want to put me Scolo)*
Dr. Cobbler is talking talking with an assistant. "I wonder, it is located with the other comunications equipment, perhaps it functions similarly to the TV attennas of old."

The assistant looks confused.

"Back in the old days, TV's would pick up signals based upon the length, width, and location of the attenna, but what would you do with a 50 kilometer TV attenna."

"Hmmm, perhaps that is a dead end."

Turning to another assistant.

"I want you to prepare sensor packages for Zero-One standard research probes. Full optics suites IR, visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray,etc./magnetic kits/chemical analysis/laser spectrography/vibration kits/whatever you can think of, if it won't all fit on one, then get more probes."

"We'll also need to speak with S.H.O.D.A.N. on deployment ideas for probes, we don't want to spoke whatever S-14 is or is carrying"

One of the Durinian scientists not involved in the presentation is looking at his portable computer, and typing away, with increasing consternation. He beckons over another scientist, and they converse for a moment.

"I think I may have a lead or two on the function of that maddive antenna array, but I don't have the computing power to test my hypothesis."

"go ahead, we can call S.H.O.D.A.N. as soon as they're done presenting to let her work on it"

"ok, here's what I think. Do you remember in communication theroy applied classes how radio sicnald attenuate over distance, and when dealing with interplanetary communications, a signal transmitted at the very bottom of the UHF band may partially fall over into the VHF band? And remember how out monkey-tailed liason commented that this craft could still be viable?"

"yes"

"well, if the builders intended it to be such a long voyage, and knew the distances they would be covering, then it makes sense to have an antenna capable of receiving a long squirt from home, and be able to deal with the attenuation. Besides, can you imaging how many amplifiers and filters you could fit in the center of that thing? "

"Ok, I'll ask S.H.O.D.A.N. to run a signal-attenuation model for the magellanic cloud on hydrogen-width gamma ray signals, since those are the highest frequency signals that are useable for communication, and see what the range of that signal would be with our attenuation models, using a 50-km antenna, or some multiple of that, since the antenna may be very long and folded up inside there. I'll also have her run a signal-energy analysis to see if its reasonable for someone to generate rf signals that could travel that far, even with a tight-beam antenna"

As the presentation draws to a close, the second scientist beckons the liason over and makes his reccomendation.

Hideki approaches SHODAN.

"Please, come with me."

He leads SHODAN to a docking ring where they cross over to one of the 3 Lokis equipped with exploration MAM pods. They crossover to the MAM pod cargo hold.

"SHODAN, meet Ferret. Or more precisely, the TYP-001 Ferret T-Probe."

With a gesture he points to a small, space black, craft with a T-shaped planform, 10 meter wings folded upwards for storage. The back end is spherically bulbous, tapering to a slender, pointed nose. Two manipulator arms can be seen folded into the hull. The wings are capped with inward angled plates.

"Brand new, KSPA design. Full active/passive sensor stealth system, and it is to small and dark to pick up visually for the most part. Full active/passive sensor suite covering the entire EM spectrum, remote secure laser datalink, and the usual probe stuff. What makes it special though is its ability to generate an EM and visual signature comperable to that of any ship in the fleet, from a fighter to a SE class battleship. For all intents and purposes, to everything but visual systems, whatever you want someone to see, they see. The secret part, why I went through all this trouble in the first place, is the "density emitter" as we call it. Basically uses a shaped grav field to give the illusion of mass and density, further disguising the probe. It works the other way as well, actively cancelling out its visual, EM, and gravitic signature. We thought that you might want to know, just incase the "Titanuss" or, ah, "Scolomorf" decide to show up. We have 10 of them aboard, and think that they may allow us to get unprecedented proximity to -14, perhaps, if the tests go right, inside one of the openings. Or at the very least, we should be able to test their detection range and reaction times, either way, its more data to work with."

Two large space frigates and a smaller sience vessel slip out of hyperspace into orbit around Earth. The ships are long and teardrop-shaped, each as smooth as glass and apparently made from some dark grey material.

The ships glide forward through the darkness of space, the hot flares of their ionic drives cooling as the slender ships brake slowly upon their approach to the strange object. Finally, they come to a complete stop just outside of their own weapons range from SHODAN.

Inside the science vessal, several sentinal automata clomp heavily towards the central hub, each carrying a small piece of the ship's mainframe. In perfect unison, the automata place the pieces on the grid prepared for it, and the construct comes to life.

#We are orbiting earth#
#Awaiting further instructions#

The construct "looked" around its vessal, sending tendrils of electromagnetic "thought" out to contact the constructs of the other two vessals. It "nods" to itself and hails the other ships gathered around the Artifact.

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Automata X3 - Angelus submainframe - Orbiting ships
:
We are Angelus.
:
We are here represented by Automata X3, second subconstruct from
:
the Angelus Mainframe, Automata X1.
:
We have been monitoring the situation, and have sent one of our
:
research vessals, the Tranquil Horizon, in hopes that we might
:
provide some assistance.
:
We realize that none of you know of our existance, and we wish
:
to remedy that lapse in knowledge by hopefully providing needed
:
assistance.
:
Please respond.
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

"Brand new, KSPA design. Full active/passive sensor stealth system, and it is to small and dark to pick up visually for the most part. Full active/passive sensor suite covering the entire EM spectrum, remote secure laser datalink, and the usual probe stuff. What makes it special though is its ability to generate an EM and visual signature comperable to that of any ship in the fleet, from a fighter to a SE class battleship. For all intents and purposes, to everything but visual systems, whatever you want someone to see, they see. The secret part, why I went through all this trouble in the first place, is the "density emitter" as we call it. Basically uses a shaped grav field to give the illusion of mass and density, further disguising the probe. It works the other way as well, actively cancelling out its visual, EM, and gravitic signature. We thought that you might want to know, just incase the "Titanuss" or, ah, "Scolomorf" decide to show up. We have 10 of them aboard, and think that they may allow us to get unprecedented proximity to -14, perhaps, if the tests go right, inside one of the openings. Or at the very least, we should be able to test their detection range and reaction times, either way, its more data to work with."
(OOC: As this would occur before transit)
S.H.O.D.A.N. (Valhalla avatar) nods. "Excellent. Simply brilliant... organic minds will never cease to amaze me. As they are your property, I leave deployment to you. They should be very helpful."

The QACF/TCV Server, loaded (?) with hopeful (?) explorers, coasts off into the void surrounded by Roving Cruiser Squadron Bravo, leading the expedition fleet to S-14SECZONE.

(OOC: Ceta, Black, EOTED, Menelmacar, and all youse others with self-sufficient fleets feel free to follow.)

"well, if the builders intended it to be such a long voyage, and knew the distances they would be covering, then it makes sense to have an antenna capable of receiving a long squirt from home, and be able to deal with the attenuation. Besides, can you imaging how many amplifiers and filters you could fit in the center of that thing? "

"Ok, I'll ask S.H.O.D.A.N. to run a signal-attenuation model for the magellanic cloud on hydrogen-width gamma ray signals, since those are the highest frequency signals that are useable for communication, and see what the range of that signal would be with our attenuation models, using a 50-km antenna, or some multiple of that, since the antenna may be very long and folded up inside there. I'll also have her run a signal-energy analysis to see if its reasonable for someone to generate rf signals that could travel that far, even with a tight-beam antenna"
S.H.O.D.A.N. (Server avatar) taps her jaw with an extended index finger in thought. "It's an interesting theory... with a fifty kilometer antenna, the ranges that they could communicate are immense... however, the range is still far, far short of the current distance from the Magellanic Clouds. Also, the comm array is on the fore tip of S-14, not the aft, and the bulk of the vessel and the ionized plasma from the Bussard ramjet fusion drive's propellant exaust would tend to shield it from any communications. Maybe it's a long range forward array, to announce its presence, which has long since broken... but that would be a fifty kilometer long transmitter..."

She whistles a constant low note. "Mindboggling. I'll have to think about that for a while." Wandering off, Shodey absentmindedly almost trips over R-Tamerlane on her way out.

<<The Asgard follows the Server in standard TYCS 2 ship fingertip formation>>


"Angelus, this is Station Commander Kerrack, aboard the Valhalla. I wish to great you on behalf of the Triumvirate of Yut. I wish we had more time to chat, but you have just missed the expedition. We are sending all currnet data and co-ordinates for you to meet up with them at the object. Good luck!"

OOC: Not sure why I did not notice that everyone was out near pluto... {he sighs and shakes his head} Hope no one minds my jumping in. {grin} I am trying out a different RP style, 'cause I was getting tired of the other.

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Automata X1 - Angelus mainframe - K. Valhalla
:
Information recieved. The Tranquil Horizon departing
:
Earth orbit. Thank you, Valhalla.
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

At that, the three teardrop ships turned in unison and with a flare of their ionic drives, vanished into the darkness.

About an hour later, the ships exited back into normal space, once again their ionic drives shutting down as they slowly brake.

#Plutonian Orbit achieved#
#Transmission?#
>Repeat transmission x511325
#Acknowledged#

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Automata X3 - Angelus submainframe - Orbiting ships
:
We are Angelus.
:
We are here represented by Automata X3, second subconstruct from
:
the Angelus Mainframe, Automata X1.
:
We have been monitoring the situation, and have sent one of our
:
research vessals, the Tranquil Horizon, in hopes that we might
:
provide some assistance.
:
We realize that none of you know of our existance, and we wish
:
to remedy that lapse in knowledge by hopefully providing needed
:
assistance.
:
Please respond.
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

Angelus, this is Flag Captain Takahashi of the TYWS-HCR Thunder Child, flagship of Triumvirate of Yut Roving Cruiser Squadron Hotel. I don't know who you are or where you're from, but if you really are an electronic intelligence wanting to help you have perfect timing.

Down there on Charon, the electronic intelligence state of 010 just got through a civil conflict that's ruined their population and their data structures. Their orbital factories are in disarray and according to the QACF their internal file structures are messed up too. We need an E.I. who can go in and fix it, because us poor old corporeal organics can't do very much.

Will you help us?

Flag Captain Hideko Takahashi
Commanding Officer, TY RCS Hotel
TYWS-HCR Thunder Child

(OOC: It appears that you have two options, Angelus: 1) assist 010 [and start a new thread] or 2) ask about S-14 [and let down a rather frazzled-looking Takahashi])

[OOC Sorry to take so long...]


{
<< This is the mind of QACF/HCR Black I.C.E., flag of the S-14 Security Zone. If you manage to get that big artifact to talk to you, tell us please. We've been beaming signals to it for the last week and it still hasn't responded.

<< Still, while you're here, I know that Queen S.H.O.D.A.N. is planning an expedition to this artifact. If you'll please dock using the approach vectors provided...

<< [transData(vectorApproachBay7)]

<< ...we'll host you until we can get a copy of the expedition briefing that will be given on Valhalla... but that's only if you wish to join the expedition.
}

QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.

"Qaf Hacer Black Ice, I read a negative on that approach vector... I can't dump that much delta vee along my main approach in time to scoot all the way over to your ship. I'll be starting an ion burn as soon as I reoreint to try and close to match big mama's vee over there... going to take a little while."

<transmission JV-appV-"real">

Jacque grumbled to himself as he began rotating the ship, tapping structural bars into a large cube and most noticably NOT using eternal thrusters to rotate. Expect me to go all the way over there? Fuel, engine power... what do they think I am, nuclear powered? Ech... diverting that close to the bogey from the other side of them...

"Mary, Susie, looks like it's ET... Titan contacts and assorted fleet contacts are over there not too far off. You can divert or brake to take a look and we can probably ask someone for more fuel. I'm going to pull over to take a good look; I might be able to hook up with the official expedition."

Jacque tapped the burner on full as he finished reorienting the scooter; a bright blue stream of extremely high velocity ions spouted from the rear, imparting near to a hundreth G as onboard power reserves began to drain.

Power is the easiest thing to replace shipboard... even this far out.

He hummed as he began pulling on the EVA suit and dialed his receiver around to find the clicking. As he locked the seal on one glove, his left elbow brushed the transmit button...

Hm. Interesting... why does that ring a bell somewhere? Jacque's mind drifted back to his Ph D thesis, the first one - the one in topographical analysis - as he pinged a signal to the modified wind spider to go see if that hardcopy of his thesis was still somewhere on board and to fetch if so. Other papers might also be appreciated.

Tap click tap, hold, tap tap click tap... Idly he tried mimicking the signal more slowly with some simple percussion on his console.

Ah...

Dropping his other glove, he moved up to full tempo and patterned through a few sets that seemed to fit with the model in the back of his head, unaware he was transmitting...

Modulate the rhythm here, and add this here.. and it almost looks like...

{Transmission Fourty-Two? => QACF/TCV Server *RELAY TO FLEET*}

Flag Captain Sato, we'd like permission to deploy an array of sensors aroung the vessel once we arrive. These sensor drones contain the newest generation of gravitic sensors we have, a refinement of techniques for scanning asteroids for useful materials. Once in place, it should be possible to do a reasonably detailed map of the major internal structures, although likely not the corridors. They can be deployed outside of detection range for the artifact, although we could get even better resolution from closer in.
Furthermore, Lt. Commander Garth on Hawking has asked me to inform you that his vessel has been outfitted with extensive medical facilities in case of an emergency. These include stasis cells for anything we can't easily fix. Hawking also has limited external repair and industrial capabilities that may prove useful.

#Incoming transmission#
#Routed to main interface#
>Accepted. Send reply, x3410

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Automata X3 - Angelus submainframe - Thunder Child
:
Message recieved. Rerouting ships. Requesting rendevouz coordinates.
:
As our mission is to increase awareness of Angelus existance, and
:
not simply the research of the Artifact, We shall assist 010.
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

OOC: I accept the first option of assisting 010. Shall I start the new thread, or will you?

OOC: I accept the first option of assisting 010. Shall I start the new thread, or will you?
I've got it. New post is 010 Relief Efforts (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=417410#417410) in the NationStates forum.

The Farspace Horizon, Mahonri, and Shem pull out behind the QACF/TCV Server.

"Mahonri to DS, copy?"

"Contact, Mahonri. Proceed."

"We are begining the journey to S-14. All systems nominal, copy?"

"Copy. You are cleared for departure. Oh, wait, one other thing first: If you come by the Pagag or Ganges, tell them to report back to spacedock for retrofit. They still need launch bays installed for the new Starfires and Warfuries."

"Copy. Mahonri out."

All three ships seemed to distort slightly, and then waves of pitch black moved out from their centers until the ship dissapeared entirely into Alcubieere bubbles, accelerating nearly instantly to 10c relative velocity.

<CommandSpool, QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.>
{
[to Envoy] << Ahoy there, Envoy. This is the mind of QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.. I see that you've made low-pass scans... please to share them?
}

QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.

"You are the higher powers referred to by my superiors? Points of interest:
There appears to be a tracking system near one of the larger intentional openings, presumed to be hangar. Purpose unknown. Projection: weapons targeting for defensive purposes. Secondary Projection: craft control system, analogous to "Ground Control" at Earth airports. It is recommended that your ships keep away from the intake ports: high level magnetic fields could wreak havoc on conventional circuitry. We also believe that we may have found a point of entry."

After S.H.O.D.A.N. wanders off, the two Durinians pull out a chess board and begin to play.

{Transmission Fourty-Two? => QACF/TCV Server *RELAY TO FLEET*}

Flag Captain Sato, we'd like permission to deploy an array of sensors aroung the vessel once we arrive. These sensor drones contain the newest generation of gravitic sensors we have, a refinement of techniques for scanning asteroids for useful materials. Once in place, it should be possible to do a reasonably detailed map of the major internal structures, although likely not the corridors. They can be deployed outside of detection range for the artifact, although we could get even better resolution from closer in.
Furthermore, Lt. Commander Garth on Hawking has asked me to inform you that his vessel has been outfitted with extensive medical facilities in case of an emergency. These include stasis cells for anything we can't easily fix. Hawking also has limited external repair and industrial capabilities that may prove useful.
Message recieved and understood, Fourty-Two?. Advisor Rijil has informed me that you are authorized to deploy sensors at safe distance upon arrival. Also, thanks to Commander Garth. I will take Hawking's capabilities under advisement. Thank you for your prepardedness.

Flag Captain Hitome Sato
CO, TY RCS Bravo
TYWS-MCR Hornet

"You are the higher powers referred to by my superiors? Points of interest:
There appears to be a tracking system near one of the larger intentional openings, presumed to be hangar. Purpose unknown. Projection: weapons targeting for defensive purposes. Secondary Projection: craft control system, analogous to "Ground Control" at Earth airports. It is recommended that your ships keep away from the intake ports: high level magnetic fields could wreak havoc on conventional circuitry. We also believe that we may have found a point of entry."
<CommandSpool, QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.>
{
[to Envoy] << Excellent work. Noted and logged. Until the TYWS-MCR Hornet arrives, I am military commander of S-14SECZONE. Please transmit telemetry data that I can forward up the chain of command.
}

QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.

After S.H.O.D.A.N. wanders off, the two Durinians pull out a chess board and begin to play.
R-Tamerlane sits down cross-legged on the table and watches with interest. The tip of his tail taps quietly as it flicks back and forth like a prowling cat's.

The chess game is extremely fast-paces, with each player taking less than three seconds to size up the board before making a move. Occasionally one of the two players withdraws his or har hand and taps the side of his or her head, says 'time' and the opponent makes a move, though there is no timing mechanism R Tamerlane can see.

The chess game is extremely fast-paces, with each player taking less than three seconds to size up the board before making a move. Occasionally one of the two players withdraws his or har hand and taps the side of his or her head, says 'time' and the opponent makes a move, though there is no timing mechanism R Tamerlane can see.

Tap click tap, hold, tap tap click tap... Idly he tried mimicking the signal more slowly with some simple percussion on his console.

Ah...

Dropping his other glove, he moved up to full tempo and patterned through a few sets that seemed to fit with the model in the back of his head, unaware he was transmitting...
[radio transmission, frequency modulated, from the S-14 communications array to Jacque's vessel]Clicketyclokyclickclickclokityityclokclick <pause> clickityclokclickclickclokclokityclick (http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/bugspeak.wav)
[transmission ends]

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14space_transport.jpg
A chemical powered transport leaving the hangar diverts from a spaceberg-run trajectory onto an oblique projection towards the fore-port of Jaque's vessel. It carefully coasts into position, using as little reactant as possible in tiny reaction-control thruster boosts until it remains motionless about five kilometers out. A hatch on the side opens to reveal something very similar to the beetle-like maintenance vehicles seen in the rents.

The six-meter long object inches forward on small bursts of attitude thrusters and comes to relative rest no more than ten meters away from the cockpit. Its two bulbous... windows (?) appear to be made of a shiny opaque material, and its two robotic manipulators seem to nervously rub together, a massive fly cleaning its legs.

The Durinian anthropologist, looking through communication methods, runs across an unusual lead that may be of assistance. She beckons over another scientist, who is a little incredulous.

"APHIDS? DO YOU REALLY THINK WE'RE DEALING WITH A SPACESHIP BUILD BY APHIDS..." suddenly realising that he is shouting, he lowers his voice, "however, considering the nature of the communications, it does fit the language models for aphids. I mean, they do use pulse-communication methods. Lets have R Tamerlane see if he can make anything from the files"

The two Durinian scientists beckon over R Tamerlane, and show several recordings of aphids, crickets, cicadas, and other insects, all of which use pulse audio signals to communicate.

"we don't have any bugs in Durinia, so we don't have enough data to run any kind of effective analysis. Your files are more extensive. We may also be dealing with a hive-mind of some sort. Lets rerun our old translation efforts with that taken into account."

Interesting craft....

"Oberon 1 to Envoy, did you get a close look at that? Try to get as detailed a scan as possible. Coordinate with the Others."

The two Durinian scientists beckon over R Tamerlane, and show several recordings of aphids, crickets, cicadas, and other insects, all of which use pulse audio signals to communicate.

"we don't have any bugs in Durinia, so we don't have enough data to run any kind of effective analysis. Your files are more extensive. We may also be dealing with a hive-mind of some sort. Lets rerun our old translation efforts with that taken into account."
R-Tamerlane chuckles with an electronic buzz. "Well, we don't have that much in the way of insects either except in Shodey's biolabs. I'll contact..."--he pauses for a moment--"...well, she's still busy..."--idly tapping the table, his head twitches a little bit--"...okay, I've contacted one of the civvie linguist androids. It does seem a lot like a pulsed audio signal, but it is several orders of magnitude more complex than insect 'languages.' There is also the added difficulty of those two other information-carrying signals overlayed on the audio transmission... any ideas?"

The expedition fleet enters S-14SECZONE, where Black I.C.E. immediately transfers command to Flag Captain Sato. The proposed Cetagandan sensor net is deployed, and by comparing their density scans, they come up with...
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14internals.jpg
(This is a cut-away through the axis... rotate it around the axis and you get a three-dimensional model of the inside of S-14.)

S.H.O.D.A.N.'s avatar can be seen lounging on a couch in Server holding an ice-compress to her head. "I really have to improve my internal cooling systems for high-runtime operations... I'm going to have to reroute my networks for days while I clean out the calculations from the buffers." She points weakly at the nearest Durinian scientist. "And it's all your fault... by association, at least. Anyway, tell Hideki that he's free to deploy his probe anytime."

<CommandSpool, Black I.C.E.>
{
[to S.H.O.D.A.N.] << Greetings, queen. This is the mind of--

[from S.H.O.D.A.N.] >> Black I.C.E., I know. Sorry, but I overworked myself. Please report, tersely.

[to S.H.O.D.A.N.] << Made contact with Eniqcir's Envoy. Sending data. << [sendBlock(ENVOY_INTEL)] << S-14 maintenance vessel showing interest in TJ Colony vessel, monitoring situation.
}

QACF/HCR Black I.C.E.

***

Okay, Gamemaster's pause and recap:

You're at S-14, and so everyone is now on the same page. Exposition is now officially over, the rest is up to you. My NPC's remain on hand as liasons and assistants, but the lion's share is up to you.

You guys get to figure out how you want to explore this thing. Durinia has already suggested sending a probe into the hangars to test reaction, followed by a shuttle if they seem peaceful. They also want to explore the rents (already done by Envoy, whose Detail Echo airlock possibility data you now have) for possible entry points. Sakkra has suggested contacting the spacebergs. Are there any other ideas?

Dr. Gawain suggests a total mass test. Possibly by measuring dynes through acceleration of a free-floating object towards S-14. We'll get back to you on entry and exploration.

OOC: Envoy is the Snel's, although we are the same person IRL

"well, I was wondering if the higher density data were some kind of file compression; like a conference call or two groups of people talking on a speaker phone all at once"

{All Ships Transmission: IEV Stephen Hawking <=> S-14 Fleet}
x Lt. Commander Richard Garth (Captain, IEV Stephen Hawking)

I think the Durinan team's suggestion of sending over a probe to test the reaction of the ship. Preliminary scans of the rents would likely be advisable, especially if the hangers prove inaccesable.

x Sauscony (ASP IEV Fourty-Two?)

Meanwhile, I intend to begin a full structural analysis of the craft to see if there's any hint as to its purpose, and perhaps help us plan out the intial expeditions into the craft if we can get into the hangar. I've also taking a look at those weapons, so we can prepare the probe in case things head south.

x Colonel Aeryn Fletcher (CSS PsiOps; Tk6Tp5Ep1Pc1Mg0)

I'm going to have my people run a few scans of the ship. Given we don't know what we're looking for and the amount of metal in the way, I doubt we pick up much, but we might be able to tell if anyone is alive.

{All Ships Transmission: IEV Stephen Hawking <=> S-14 Fleet}
[b][size=9]x Colonel Aeryn Fletcher (CSS PsiOps; Tk6Tp5Ep1Pc1Mg0)

I'm going to have my people run a few scans of the ship. Given we don't know what we're looking for and the amount of metal in the way, I doubt we pick up much, but we might be able to tell if anyone is alive.
(OOC: PsiOps, eh?)
Captain Borodin leaned forward in his desk aboard TYWS-HCR Yamato, Advisor Rijil standing over his shoulder. Borodin's piercing deep-brown eyes scan the diplomatic officer standing at parade rest. His thick Russian accent filled the small room. "The Cetagandans brought along PsiOps, Officer Hesche."

Magnus Hesche nodded and revealed his dull metal grapefruit of a psi-amp in his left hand as he brought his hand to the sides. Its simple metal jack was firmly plugged into the port on his forearm. "I know, sir."

Rijil bowed slightly as he spoke, fidgeting with his hands behind his back. "Please go over to Stephen Hawking on a shuttle and help them, Mister Hesche. You're experience with extrasolars may be quite useful."

Magnus nodded. "Well, it's nice to know that I'm qualified both by the Diplomatic Corps, Triumvirate Special Services, and the Office of Psionic Operations. Simple mental scans... no problem."

Borodin leaned back. "The next shuttle leaves in fifteen from Bay Two. On the bounce, Magnus."

The Shem, Mahonri and Farspace Horizon dewarped near the Snel Oberon. A large door slid open on the hull of the Mahonri, revealing racks of Warfuries. One of them (weapons unloaded) disengaged the docking clamps, and was promptly launched away from the cruiser, propelled by its rotation.

The lone Warfury flew towards the large rent in the hull of S-14 where the object thought to be an airlock was located. Flying on minimal power, it went unnoticed by the drones, or perhaps they simply ignored it. Approaching the object, it slowed down. "Mahonri, this is Blue-5. Confirmation on point of entry. The object definitely appears to be an airlock. There's still the problem of how to operate it, though. Wait, wait, I'm getting something else, now." The small craft drifted sideways, revealing a new perspective. "Positive. It is an airlock, albeit a makeshift one. It appears to be crudely welded onto the hull."

"This is Mahonri. Message understood. We might know how to use that to our advantage, but the idea will require further study. Please return to the ship. Mahonri out."

--edited by the GM because he has the Giant Sourcebook of S-14. Yes, Eniqcir, it is an airlock. Still, good call on probing it. You do avoid the drones in the area because it's pretty quiet over there--

Dr. Gawain suggests a total mass test. Possibly by measuring dynes through acceleration of a free-floating object towards S-14. We'll get back to you on entry and exploration.

OOC: Envoy is the Snel's, although we are the same person IRL
<CommandSpool, QACF/FF Serial Port>
{
[to Dr. Gawain] << Sorry, most of the local network's runtime is being used on linguistics. However, using the Cetagandan data and with the help of my new friend Sauscony, we estimate S-14's mass as 6.58226 times ten to the sixteenth metric tons... yes, that's right, 65.8 quadrillion metric tons... and that's not including what we believe to be biomass.
}

QACF/FF Serial Port

"well, I was wondering if the higher density data were some kind of file compression; like a conference call or two groups of people talking on a speaker phone all at once"
R-Tamerlane hops off of the chess table. "No, it doesn't seem to follow a compression pattern. It's far too inefficient for that; if it's compressed, it's compressed at most half a percent."

{All Ships Transmission: IEV Stephen Hawking <=> S-14 Fleet}
x Lt. Commander Richard Garth (Captain, IEV Stephen Hawking)

I think the Durinan team's suggestion of sending over a probe to test the reaction of the ship. Preliminary scans of the rents would likely be advisable, especially if the hangers prove inaccesable.
S.H.O.D.A.N. contacts Stephen Hawking on A/V, her c-space avatar looking a little worse-for-the-wear. Not only is her image pixellated, but it appears that she has simulated bags under her eyes. "I don't look like much, do I?" Smirk.
"Reference on rent information: Envoy probe data (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29373&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=84)

"Rent 'Echo' seems to have the least activity around it; most of the repair work seems to be around Rent 'Hotel.'

x Sauscony (ASP IEV Fourty-Two?)

Meanwhile, I intend to begin a full structural analysis of the craft to see if there's any hint as to its purpose, and perhaps help us plan out the intial expeditions into the craft if we can get into the hangar. I've also taking a look at those weapons, so we can prepare the probe in case things head south.
"Don't have much data on the hardpoint that tracked Envoy, and your guesses on what those big wide spaces are as good as mine. Maybe a large habitat or something."

***

S.H.O.D.A.N. sighs, lying the couch in a noticably wounded manner, looking up at a monitor showing the initial contact two-view. Staring at the front, she looked at the base of the foreward spar from the front and weakly raises an arm, idly tracing the hull lines... wait a minute...
"I was wondering... have there been any Star-like symbols found on the hull of the ship? Because, you see, according to 'myth'," and the word is a clear deference to the science-types who would likely refer to it in that vein anyway, for it clearly appears to leave a bad taste in the Captains mouth, "the Stars came from above. And, well, space is above Arda... and..."
He shrugs slightly, seemingly because the idea that was probably forming in his head has gone sour as he stated it. "Just an idea," he adds quietly.
S.H.O.D.A.N. again cocks her head and looks inquiringly. "Not that I nor my ships have seen, no. Then again, we honestly haven't been looking."
She contacts Captain Rihad. "Look at the forward view of S-14 along the base of the forward spar. See those rounded bits that connect the radial lines? Doesn't that look like an abstract six-pointed star, prominently displayed on the front?"

'WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY WON'T PAY!?!?"
Dr. Cobbler shouts at a com screen.

"I guess they just wanted these tested out," says the man on the screen, making an arm motion towards some objects behind him.

Dr. Cobbler calms down, "What are those?"

"New research probes, everything you wanted, just in different packages.."

"Continue" Dr. Cobbler states.

"...Latest things from the Berserker/Zero-One Unified Reseach Venture, highly adaptable research probes, multiple manipulator/tool points ,state-of-the-art A.I., the works."

Dr. Cobbler presses the d-pad on the video link, and the camera pans for a better view.
He see's a bulbous object with a row of small manipultors, possible to hold an object, and a cluster of larger manipulators with either manipulator or tool attachments. At it's front is a cluster of what appear to be optical sensors, along with 3 projections of various length.
"Are they all outfitted with the proper packages?"

"Yes sir" replies the man in the com screen, "and apparently a few more requested by other researchers.

Dr. Cobbler nods, "ALright, prepare them for use, I'll ask SHODAN when I can send them to the spire"

OOC: Tell me when SHODAN

Aboard IEV Stephen Hawking
Deep Space, S-14 Security Zone

The shuttle from Yamato slides into a cavernous docking bay, where dozens of craft of various sizes can be seen. It is pulled into a docking cradle, and docking tube extends to it main airlock.
As Magnus exits the tube, he is met by Aeryn. She is still wearing her uniform, but now a pendant hangs around her neck. Clapsed in it is some sort of blue crystal.
Shaking his hand, she says, "Its nice to meet you, Officer Hesche. I'm Colonel Aeryn Fletcher, of the Cetagandan Space Service's Office of Psionic and Magical Operations, Exploration Division. You can call me Aeryn if you wish. This way."
She leads him down a short corridor to a lift. After several minutes of travel, they emerge in another long corridor, this one extreamly long.
Aeryn gestures to a nearby hatch. "After you."
Inside, Magnus finds himself in a large, open room fill with various types of furniture. At the far end of room is an observation bay looking out at the alien ship. A large holographic display also shows the ship, as well as the new diagrams of its structure. One thing he might note is that it appears that virtually everyone in the room also has crystals similar to Aeryn's.
"As you can see, we've got a number of psions aboard. They're mainly telepaths and empaths, though we also have a few telekinetics. Some also have slight precog, but nothing spectacular. Unfortunantly, we didn't have time to get any of the best mages we have for this work before launch.
"We intend to try some general scans first, then poke around in anything that looks like a crew section on the scan. Of course, once a team goes aboard we'll be able to work much better with them to focus on. And we'd welcome any advice you might have for us." Already, several of the psions seem to be in various stages of concentration, occaisionally jotting down notes.

{All Ships Transmission: IEV Stephen Hawking <=> S-14 Fleet}
x Lt. Commander Richard Garth (Captain, IEV Stephen Hawking)

I think the Durinan team's suggestion of sending over a probe to test the reaction of the ship. Preliminary scans of the rents would likely be advisable, especially if the hangers prove inaccesable.
S.H.O.D.A.N. contacts Stephen Hawking on A/V, her c-space avatar looking a little worse-for-the-wear. Not only is her image pixellated, but it appears that she has simulated bags under her eyes. "I don't look like much, do I?" Smirk.
"Reference on rent information: Envoy probe data (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29373&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=84)

"Rent 'Echo' seems to have the least activity around it; most of the repair work seems to be around Rent 'Hotel.'

x Sauscony (ASP IEV Fourty-Two?)

Meanwhile, I intend to begin a full structural analysis of the craft to see if there's any hint as to its purpose, and perhaps help us plan out the intial expeditions into the craft if we can get into the hangar. I've also taking a look at those weapons, so we can prepare the probe in case things head south.
"Don't have much data on the hardpoint that tracked Envoy, and your guesses on what those big wide spaces are as good as mine. Maybe a large habitat or something."


x Sauscony (ASP IEV Fourty-Two?)

I agrees about the possibilty of a habitat, it does seem similar to some of the older rotational stations I know of. One the other hand, that might be fuel storage. I'm pulling up the density estimates now, that should give us a better clue.

Dr. Cobbler watched as they glided towards the spire head on.
At an appropriate distance, the new probes, designated R3-(package name)-X#(1-24) were released to glide the rest of the distance.

Upon reaching the tip of the spire, the probes switched from stand-by to on, and began to do their work.

The first 12 stopped at the tip to assess the situation, while the other 12 split into two groups, one headed for the base of the spire to begin data collection there, while the other half began inspecting the outside of the tip of the spire.

The first 12 comunicated to one another:
R3-Optics-X2:: BEGIN DATA COLLECTION
R3-Materials-X9:: X1-X6 TRANSIT TO INNER BASE
R3-Dynamics-X4:: AFFIRMATIVE
R3-Magnetics-X5:: DEPLOY "CENTIPEDE"

Continuing for a few nano-cycles, the probes decided on a course of action, assuming the "CENIPEDE formation and enter the opening."

Comm. probes were also released, serving as an info relay hub to the Loki, via direct laser communication.

Dr. Cobbler and his fellow researchers wait patiently, face "glued" to their respective monitors, awaiting detailed information from the probes.

OOC: I'll get you sensor details later)

Aboard IEV Stephen Hawking
Deep Space, S-14 Security Zone
Magnus Hesche grips his psi-amp tighter. Foxtrot Whiskey mental wall encryption should keep my thoughts private. I haven't been around this many mentals since my last visit to the OPO.

"Hmm. Do those crystals you're wearing correspond to this?" Magnus holds up his psi-amp, a dull anodized bronze sphere about the size of a grapefruit with a softly glowing core of intricate electronics visible through an equatorial slot. A small bundle of wires combine in a sheathed cable that ends in the plug nestled in his left arm.

Bringing up a simple life-detection discipline, he sees in his mind's eye the inside of S-14 glowing with life (It is logical to assume that Ceta's telepaths do as well). "Well, it's inhabited. Looks like those forward modules and the transports are inhabited too."

I agrees about the possibilty of a habitat, it does seem similar to some of the older rotational stations I know of. One the other hand, that might be fuel storage. I'm pulling up the density estimates now, that should give us a better clue.
[average of density of nonmetallic volume inside central torus:
Approximately one kilogram per cubic meter, analogous to gaseous atmosphere]

***

"We intend to try some general scans first, then poke around in anything that looks like a crew section on the scan. Of course, once a team goes aboard we'll be able to work much better with them to focus on. And we'd welcome any advice you might have for us." Already, several of the psions seem to be in various stages of concentration, occaisionally jotting down notes.

The psionics see a sea of life all throughout S-14, and possibly... intelligence? One... no... hundreds... no... millions... no... there are too many to count easily.

Contact may be possible... there is no definite crew section, rather the intelligences are spread across the entire vessel as far as can be seen, as well as a great deal of nonsentients.

(OOC: Cetaganda, talk to me [Scolo] on mIRC whenever we're on. I'll also TG you my AIM screen name as another secure comm possibility. This will require a bit more interaction than telegrams can offer.)

Two of the Durinians head to their shuttle, and prepare to launch a throwawy probe to dock at the hangar. The programming is simple: send greetings and docking requests in all known languages including the current best guess at a greeting in the S-14 language, and fly at docking speed towards the hangar and attempt to dock. As soon as it is ready, it is turned over to the bay crew for immediate launch. Then they get in the shuttle, and wait for the probe to get a reaction from S-14, and for any interested scientists to come along.

The other six Durinians sit down with R Tamerlane and continue to ponder the meaning of the sub channel. One speaks up "is the complexity of the data consistent with sentient speech? Dolphins transmit clicks underwater too, and that is part of their language." Another suggests, "if the data corresponds to a grid index, could it be memory locations, like in a computer? memory locations relevent to transmitted commands?"

The other six Durinians sit down with R Tamerlane and continue to ponder the meaning of the sub channel. One speaks up "is the complexity of the data consistent with sentient speech? Dolphins transmit clicks underwater too, and that is part of their language." Another suggests, "if the data corresponds to a grid index, could it be memory locations, like in a computer? memory locations relevent to transmitted commands?"
R-Tamerlane looks down for a moment, swinging its tail in thought. Suddenly, it brings its hand down on the desk, hard. "That's it! Two-dimensional grid commands, like pixels on a screen or complex commands! The pixellation... no, that would just bring up chaotic pictures, no pattern... but as commands, they might work, like lighting up various indicators or doing something else, and the pulsed commands code looks a lot like it could be commanding some sort of display because it has a relatively small character set... maybe eight to ten switches with on and off positions?"

Two of the Durinians head to their shuttle, and prepare to launch a throwawy probe to dock at the hangar. The programming is simple: send greetings and docking requests in all known languages including the current best guess at a greeting in the S-14 language, and fly at docking speed towards the hangar and attempt to dock. As soon as it is ready, it is turned over to the bay crew for immediate launch. Then they get in the shuttle, and wait for the probe to get a reaction from S-14, and for any interested scientists to come along.
PROBE DATA FEED

{An enthusastic missileer aboard cries "In the breech!" as the probe is slammed into a tube by an automatic loading mechanism}
[T-01:00] <Prepped for launch>

{The probe is accelerated by the tube's electromagnetic coil until it slips from the moorings and begins thrusting under its own power}
[T+00:00]<Launch successful>
[T+00:05]<Telemetry data... on course>
[T+01:00]<Inflight course change, taking transport approach vector>
[T+01:04]<Telemetry data... on course>
[T+03:50]<Entering detection range of hardpoints>
[T+03:51]<Hardpoint detected, is tracking>
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14turret.jpg
[T+03:53]<Painted by hangar radar nav beacons>
[T+03:54]<Transmitting welcome messages, human languages:
English, Mandarin, Russian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindustani, Swahili, Ibo, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese...>
[T+03:56]<Transmitting welcome messages, nonhuman languages:
Binary code, ASCII, Unicode, Snel, Gurlanai, Crana, Unity code, Kzinti, Quenya, Dark Speech, Orcish, ...>
[T+04:00]<Transmitting extrapolated greeting, S-14 speech>

{a flash of light}
[T+04:01]**ERROR** TELEMETRY FEED LOST
{another flash of light}
[T+04:02]**ERROR** COMMUNICATIONS LOST

"Hornet, this is the mind of Server. Did you see that, ma'am?"

"Server, this is Sato. We read it. Burst of electromagnetism from a point on S-14's hull near the hangar."

"I've lost probe telemetry."

"Confirmed, Server... wait... particulate matter detected, mass and composition equivalent to probe."

"Analysis: Probe lost to hostile action."

"That's what it looks like from here."

<<Comm:SecureTightbeam:ExplorationFleet>>

"All parties, STAND DOWN! I say again, STAND DOWN. This is Captain Walter of the Asgard we are reading weapons fire from Sierra 14. The Durinian probe is a confirmed loss. Transferring comms to Hideki on the KSPA Loki..."

<<Comm:Transfer:KSPA-05:Complete>>

"Fleet, this is Hideki. We are moving too fast. Please have some patience. The target is spooked and definatley knows that we are here. Please halt all further flights for the moment. We will be conducting an experiment that requires a 'clean' environment. Please stand-by and await data. Hideki out.

<<End Comm>>

KSPA-05, -06, and -07 castoff from the Asgard. -06 and -07 take places in formation with Asgard. -05 remains in the sensor shadow of Asgard relative to S-14. As the assembled fleet watches, fourth, identical Loki appears to..grow..out of the cargo bay of -05. For all intents and purposes, it is an exact duplicate of a KSPA Loki, visually, and to all sensor scans.

The "Loki" begins taking the same vector toward the hangar bay as the Durinian probe. As it approaches however, it slows to a very low relative velocity. At the first sign of ctivity on the hanger bay scanners, the probe halts its advance and backs off slightly. Over the course of the next few hours, the probe tests the detection/reaction range and reaction times of the hanger scanner/defense systems, getting slightly closer each repetition.

For das ÜberGM: Basically it does as stated above. If fired upon, a shot would pass through the "Loki" unless it manages to hit the 10m Ferret contained within, not necessarily at the center.

The "Loki" begins taking the same vector toward the hangar bay as the Durinian probe. As it approaches however, it slows to a very low relative velocity. At the first sign of ctivity on the hanger bay scanners, the probe halts its advance and backs off slightly. Over the course of the next few hours, the probe tests the detection/reaction range and reaction times of the hanger scanner/defense systems, getting slightly closer each repetition.
The turrets track the "Lokee" as it wobbles back and forth, with target-painting appears to occur at one hundred kilometers.

Being on the flight path into the hangar, transports returning from spacebergs merely go around the "Lokee," sometimes diverting less than a hundred meters.

"Hmmm..100 klick detection range. Ok." Activates the fleetcomm. "Captain Sato, this is Hideki. Recommend the establishment of a 100 kilometer minimum-safe-distance from S-14. Only observed weapons activity at the hangar so far, but there could be more surprises. We are moving on to the secondary objectives."

The "Lokee" begins sensor sweeps of the hangar bay region, focusing on the bay as ships enter and depart. Also, on the close approaches with the transports, the Ferret gathers hi-resoloution visible, EM, gravitic, etc, data. Once that data is gathered, the "Lokee" begins to creep foward, breaking the 100 km hold line ever so slowly. It approaches S-14 ten meters at a time, pausing for a reaction and waiting at least 10 minutes before the next move. Hideki sends it updated instructions, telling it to break for the 100km line at the first sign of weapon charging/firing.

"Hmmm..100 klick detection range. Ok." Activates the fleetcomm. "Captain Sato, this is Hideki. Recommend the establishment of a 100 kilometer minimum-safe-distance from S-14. Only observed weapons activity at the hangar so far, but there could be more surprises. We are moving on to the secondary objectives."
Acknowledged, Hideki. Fleet, we have a 100 kilometer minimum-safe-distance from S-14.

Flag Captain Hitome Sato
CO, TY RCS Bravo
TYWS-MCR Hornet

The "Lokee" begins sensor sweeps of the hangar bay region, focusing on the bay as ships enter and depart. Also, on the close approaches with the transports, the Ferret gathers hi-resoloution visible, EM, gravitic, etc, data. Once that data is gathered, the "Lokee" begins to creep foward, breaking the 100 km hold line ever so slowly. It approaches S-14 ten meters at a time, pausing for a reaction and waiting at least 10 minutes before the next move. Hideki sends it updated instructions, telling it to break for the 100km line at the first sign of weapon charging/firing.
The hangar bays are dominated by a wide, short opening that leads onto the flightline, where five electromagnetic catapults launch transports out, which then vector onto flight paths. The catapults are also sometimes used to slow down incoming transports. Transport-sized airlocks constantly open and shut, revealing that they have a concern for keeping the atmosphere in and vacuum out.

The transports are 180 meter long vehicles that use chemical fuels for reactants and apparently have small fusion powerplants for energy (according to neutrino emissions). Made up of seven compartmentalized segments, it has a definite reactor module in the aft and a definite crew module to the fore, with the five middle segments probably containing cargo. Two segments have large hexagonal doors about nine meters across on the port and starboard sides, and three segments have simple landing legs. The dorsal spine is covered in electromagnetic and laser pulse communications blisters. A large bulbous section on the dorsal fore-port side of the command module has no discernable purpose, while a smaller blister on the ventral fore-port side of the command module ends in a latticed antenna of some sort.

As the "Lokee" edges closer and closer, the turrets continue to track it but do not fire. It is now within fifty kilometers of the hangar.

Hideki calls over one of the other CyberScis.

"Dochan, get started on building a Ferret profile for one of those transports. See if you can discern a communications pattern between them and S-14 from the data stream....Landing instructions, clearance, whathaveyou. We will try and get some more data for you to play with."

"On it, Sir."

Dochan jacks into -05s EXMAM (exploration mission adaptable mass, the interchangeable pods that the Lokis carry) computer and begins working.

The Ferret pauses at 50 kilometers and maintains its scan pattern. As the next transport draws near, it fires a very small device that attempts to latch on to the dorsal spine (magnetic, chemical and physical attachment mechanisms), near the laser comm module. It consists of a small signal interpretation computer connected to a extreme-wide-band EM reciever and a small microcamera. Transmissions are completed through a highly minituraized laser burst transmitter, that transmits stored data in short laser pulses at irregular intervals.

"Dochan, get started on building a Ferret profile for one of those transports. See if you can discern a communications pattern between them and S-14 from the data stream....Landing instructions, clearance, whathaveyou. We will try and get some more data for you to play with."
The transmissions between the transports and the hangar appear to follow this pattern (relative to transport): Pulse out, pulse in. Long trans out, short trans in. Pulse out, pulse in. Long streaming feed in. Without a vocabulary, however, the exact purposes of each transmission is nearly impossible to determine.

The Ferret pauses at 50 kilometers and maintains its scan pattern. As the next transport draws near, it fires a very small device that attempts to latch on to the dorsal spine (magnetic, chemical and physical attachment mechanisms), near the laser comm module. It consists of a small signal interpretation computer connected to a extreme-wide-band EM reciever and a small microcamera. Transmissions are completed through a highly minituraized laser burst transmitter, that transmits stored data in short laser pulses at irregular intervals.
The limpet probe affixes to a transport incoming from a spaceberg. Not seeming to notice, the visual feed shows the incoming hangar. The transport lands and enters the airlock. Several rotating lights in the airlock turn on and the airlock cycle process seems to stop. Strange white-suited blurs skitter across a corner of the screen for a moment.

Suddenly, the camera goes black as a dark, reflective bubble attached to two fabric-covered segmented manipulators(?) on top and another fabric covered body (?) on bottom fills the screen and twitches around almost spasmatically. The camera is blotted out a few times as a gloved manipulator hand comes up from the bottom of the screen and taps the lens a few times, then the feed is lost.

Dr. Cobbler watched as they glided towards the spire head on.
At an appropriate distance, the new probes, designated R3-(package name)-X#(1-24) were released to glide the rest of the distance.

Upon reaching the tip of the spire, the probes switched from stand-by to on, and began to do their work.

The first 12 stopped at the tip to assess the situation, while the other 12 split into two groups, one headed for the base of the spire to begin data collection there, while the other half began inspecting the outside of the tip of the spire.

The first 12 comunicated to one another:
R3-Optics-X2:: BEGIN DATA COLLECTION
R3-Materials-X9:: X1-X6 TRANSIT TO INNER BASE
R3-Dynamics-X4:: AFFIRMATIVE
R3-Magnetics-X5:: DEPLOY "CENTIPEDE"

Continuing for a few nano-cycles, the probes decided on a course of action, assuming the "CENIPEDE formation and enter the opening."

Comm. probes were also released, serving as an info relay hub to the Loki, via direct laser communication.

Dr. Cobbler and his fellow researchers wait patiently, face "glued" to their respective monitors, awaiting detailed information from the probes.

OOC: I'll get you sensor details later)

OOC: Sensor details:
THere are 6 package types. Each sub group of probes has one of each.

1. Optics Package: IR, Visual(human visible spectrum), UV. Microscope's, holographic equipment(for detailed holograms), laser topography(linked to holo equipment.

2. Magnetics Package: Magnetometer, tools for mapping magnetic fields, etc.

3. Materials Package: Chemical analysis, Laser Spectrometer, X-ray sensors (for detailed structural and density analysis)

4. Dynamics Package: Vibration sensors( attach to surface of object being investigated), stress kit(measuring stresses on object), M.R.E.(Material Reaction Experiments, test materials for reaction to various "stimuli", used mainly for unknown materials), grav. field mapping

5. Electronics Package: "Snoopers" for intercepting electromagnetic transmissions, "Line-jacking" equipment( used to "plug into" and examine data transmissions through data-lines, ie: automated hacker of sorts), "Noise Makers"(dual purpose electronic interference or transmission kit)

6. Command Package: High-capacity data storage, comm. equipment, serves as a relay and command hub for the other probes.

OOC: What do they see. TG me or whatever with that info, which I will then give out as deemed nessacary(Dr. Cobbler want's to be the first with a chance to analyse the info). Feel free to edit out tools that are ?impossible?

(OOC: Telegrammed!)

"E.S. Mahonri to Server. It is our understanding that you carry most of the important people out here? If not, please tell us where to send mission suggestions."

"We sent in a Warfury to investigate the possible point of entry identified by Envoy. Since it's rather troublesome to set up an airlock in these conditions, we'd like to try a breacher pod. Only in that one spot, though. We don't want to cause unnecessary damage. It would just replace the door that's already there with an airlock that we could operate. Mahonri out."

"E.S.V. Farspace Horizon to Server. With the destruction of the probe, it seems that we'll need to be quieter about our explorations if we want to get a good look in there. May we suggest sending in a Telvirdis probe, or even the entire Farspace Horizon? It should be possible to use an Alcubierre bubble to completely mask our presence."

The IDSS Retribution arrives well after the rest of the investigating ships; she is, apparently, quite slow - although not exceptionally so, even considering the distances involved. First-generation ship, after all; and more designed for planetary orbit than anything else.

She immediatley squirts a message to the closest ship, to relay onwards:

"Permission to scan the object? We have some... exotic... scanning systems designed to interact with magnetic fields. Perhaps they'd be of use?"

"We sent in a Warfury to investigate the possible point of entry identified by Envoy. Since it's rather troublesome to set up an airlock in these conditions, we'd like to try a breacher pod. Only in that one spot, though. We don't want to cause unnecessary damage. It would just replace the door that's already there with an airlock that we could operate. Mahonri out."
"This is Advisor Rijil. You are not cleared for a breacher pod, don't you read your own scout reports? There is an airlock in that rent (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29373&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=127), albeit a hastily constructed one."

"E.S.V. Farspace Horizon to Server. With the destruction of the probe, it seems that we'll need to be quieter about our explorations if we want to get a good look in there. May we suggest sending in a Telvirdis probe, or even the entire Farspace Horizon? It should be possible to use an Alcubierre bubble to completely mask our presence."
"Um... negative on instantaneous jump drives, Farspace Horizon. Imagine what could happen if you jump into the wrong place. Sato tells me a more traditional insertion would probably be less threatening and thus more advisable.

"Advisor Rijil out."

"Permission to scan the object? We have some... exotic... scanning systems designed to interact with magnetic fields. Perhaps they'd be of use?"
"Retribution, Advisor Rijil. As long as they aren't intrusive and you don't think they'd be seen as overly threatening, you are cleared.

"Advisor Rijil out."
(OOC: When you use it, tell me what kinds of information it would find out. Hmm... a thought. Retribution's M.I. could probably get some juice from S-14's EM field...)

x Colonel Aeryn Fletcher (CSS PsiOps; Tk6Tp5Ep1Pc1Mg0)

Everyone, I've got good news. That ship's teeming with life, and much of it seems intelligent. We plan to attempt making contact.

(OOC: Another longer post about me trying to make contact will be along in a few hours.)

Hideki smiles. "Good things come to those who wait."

"What was that sir?"

"Nothing, Dochan, nothing. Any progress?"

"Well, I have the profile ready, but I don't know how you are going to use it.....Seems like it would be impossible to just send it flying in."

"Yes, but I want it to be ready incase the opportunity arises."

Hideki turns back to his station, and opens the video file from the limpet probe. He plays it a few times, noting the light-based airlock warning systems. He then freezes the video on one of the objects the camera caught in the hangar bay.

<internal musings>
Hmmm...well, they seem to have a similar visible spectrum, and a sense of sight for that matter. Warnings are light based...possible means of communication? Need to run that still through the image scrubber, get some detail from it, maybe a 3d model. Communications have a similar structure, although apparently some differences....ship identifiers? Landing locations? Clearances? The linguists should be able to make some sense of this. I wish the mic had been working on that last limpet, have to try again.
<musings>

Hideki uploads the Ferret data to the fleet, along with a copy of his musings. He then turns to the Ferret control station.

"Lets see, next transport, mark2 limpet probe(ooc:drops some of the reciever capability for an audio pickup)....hopefully this one works right...get some audio this time....maybe a little more out of the way location....maybe..yes..the crevice between the "head" section and the following section, near the top, with the camera looking to the port side."



The Ferret carries out its instructions, tagging the next transport that comes by. It also resumes its descent/pause/resume flight profile, down to a distance of 25km if possible, moving out to 50km if fired upon.

"Permission to scan the object? We have some... exotic... scanning systems designed to interact with magnetic fields. Perhaps they'd be of use?"
"Retribution, Advisor Rijil. As long as they aren't intrusive and you don't think they'd be seen as overly threatening, you are cleared.

"Advisor Rijil out."
(OOC: When you use it, tell me what kinds of information it would find out. Hmm... a thought. Retribution's M.I. could probably get some juice from S-14's EM field...)


[OOC: Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah it ate my post. So. Basically, what happened was, a little interplay between Rihad and his Science Officer - and then they used the MI systems to 'extend' a magnetic field (usual hour-glass configuration after a slight wobble of the field at first) after an initial contraction of the existing MI field. Following? Then the magnetic field lines interacted with those of the artifact while measuring devices on the Retribution measure those interactions.

Essentially, the idea is to map the magnetic field lines that the artifact is 'putting out' - I had all the terminology in the first post, btw, but now my brain is dead (blame my fiance for distracting me... :lol:).]

"Lets see, next transport, mark2 limpet probe(ooc:drops some of the reciever capability for an audio pickup)....hopefully this one works right...get some audio this time....maybe a little more out of the way location....maybe..yes..the crevice between the "head" section and the following section, near the top, with the camera looking to the port side."
Exact same thing happens, but when the limpet is discovered there are thumping noises as something moves across the hull. Moving up through the crevice is some sort of thing that somewhat resembles a space suit. It has a shiny black oblate spheroid "head" in front attached with a metal rim to a somewhat conical cloth-covered hard "torso" with a cloth-covered toroidal "waist." The black spheroid has two appendages sticking from the top fore-left and top fore-right, also cloth-covered. The conical "torso" has two long three-segmented hard "arms" that end in four-fingered cloth-covered manipulators with rubberized foam pads as well as four long three-segmented "legs" that end in simple hemispherical clogs that seem to serve the purpose of magnetic boots. The thing quickly clambers up the side to the limpet and, after tapping the limpet directly (*tink tink tink*) it turns around, waving its arms and the two appendages on the "head." The limpet's radio sensors pick up a "clicketyclickclokclokityclickityclick click [pause] click" as the figure does this.

Finally, the thing bends over the camera, reaches for it, and signal is lost.

The Ferret carries out its instructions, tagging the next transport that comes by. It also resumes its descent/pause/resume flight profile, down to a distance of 25km if possible, moving out to 50km if fired upon.
The "Lokee" slowly approaches the 25 kilometer mark, still tracked by the weapons emplacements and painted by targeting radar and low-power laser. The only great difference is that the transports now seem to give it more room.

Essentially, the idea is to map the magnetic field lines that the artifact is 'putting out'
The magnetic field is awesome for a non-natural object, akin in power to the Earth's magnetic field (although it really is less powerful because it is so much smaller). Magnetic Impetus craft can operate normally up to an "altitude" of approximately 790 kilometers from S-14's center point of volume. Oh, and did Rihad get Shodey's star message?

Dr. Gawain suggests a total mass test. Possibly by measuring dynes through acceleration of a free-floating object towards S-14. We'll get back to you on entry and exploration.

OOC: Envoy is the Snel's, although we are the same person IRL
<CommandSpool, QACF/FF Serial Port>
{
[to Dr. Gawain] << Sorry, most of the local network's runtime is being used on linguistics. However, using the Cetagandan data and with the help of my new friend Sauscony, we estimate S-14's mass as 6.58226 times ten to the sixteenth metric tons... yes, that's right, 65.8 quadrillion metric tons... and that's not including what we believe to be biomass.
}

QACF/FF Serial Port

"well, I was wondering if the higher density data were some kind of file compression; like a conference call or two groups of people talking on a speaker phone all at once"
R-Tamerlane hops off of the chess table. "No, it doesn't seem to follow a compression pattern. It's far too inefficient for that; if it's compressed, it's compressed at most half a percent."

{All Ships Transmission: IEV Stephen Hawking <=> S-14 Fleet}
x Lt. Commander Richard Garth (Captain, IEV Stephen Hawking)

I think the Durinan team's suggestion of sending over a probe to test the reaction of the ship. Preliminary scans of the rents would likely be advisable, especially if the hangers prove inaccesable.
S.H.O.D.A.N. contacts Stephen Hawking on A/V, her c-space avatar looking a little worse-for-the-wear. Not only is her image pixellated, but it appears that she has simulated bags under her eyes. "I don't look like much, do I?" Smirk.
"Reference on rent information: Envoy probe data (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29373&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=84)

"Rent 'Echo' seems to have the least activity around it; most of the repair work seems to be around Rent 'Hotel.'

x Sauscony (ASP IEV Fourty-Two?)

Meanwhile, I intend to begin a full structural analysis of the craft to see if there's any hint as to its purpose, and perhaps help us plan out the intial expeditions into the craft if we can get into the hangar. I've also taking a look at those weapons, so we can prepare the probe in case things head south.
"Don't have much data on the hardpoint that tracked Envoy, and your guesses on what those big wide spaces are as good as mine. Maybe a large habitat or something."

***

S.H.O.D.A.N. sighs, lying the couch in a noticably wounded manner, looking up at a monitor showing the initial contact two-view. Staring at the front, she looked at the base of the foreward spar from the front and weakly raises an arm, idly tracing the hull lines... wait a minute...
"I was wondering... have there been any Star-like symbols found on the hull of the ship? Because, you see, according to 'myth'," and the word is a clear deference to the science-types who would likely refer to it in that vein anyway, for it clearly appears to leave a bad taste in the Captains mouth, "the Stars came from above. And, well, space is above Arda... and..."
He shrugs slightly, seemingly because the idea that was probably forming in his head has gone sour as he stated it. "Just an idea," he adds quietly.
S.H.O.D.A.N. again cocks her head and looks inquiringly. "Not that I nor my ships have seen, no. Then again, we honestly haven't been looking."
She contacts Captain Rihad. "Look at the forward view of S-14 along the base of the forward spar. See those rounded bits that connect the radial lines? Doesn't that look like an abstract six-pointed star, prominently displayed on the front?"

Rihad belatedly notices the blinking LED on his CandC panel (Command and Control, that is)... and taps the according contact.

A few moments later, a laser-imposed image adorns the Nest-floor before him.

"By the Stars," he murmours, eyes locked on the star-shape on the front of the torus.

Immediatley he fires back a message, not bothering to ask the comms officer to send it - instead, he sends it himself, speaking privately into the laser-lip-reader that he wears on his cheek.

"SHODAN... by the Emperor, I think you're onto something. Could-," the artificially created sim-voice pauses for a moment, "could they have already visited us in the past? If they have... by the Stars, that would explain everything." The emphasis makes it past the artificial voice; but the static nature of the tone doesn't quite convey the sense of wonderment that is clear on Captain Rihad's features.

Rihad closes the contact.

The bridge crew has noticed it; they pause in their duties to stare at the Captain for a few moments, their eyes finally following his to the laser-projected image...

...and a collective gasp fills the air for a moment.

"Back to work," Rihad snaps, his own eyes still locked on the 'star'.

"This is Advisor Rijil. You are not cleared for a breacher pod, don't you read your own scout reports? There is an airlock in that rent, albeit a hastily constructed one."

"This is Mahonri, sorry about that. There was miscommunication between flight control and the bridge. We still recommend a breacher pod, as we have no way of knowing how to operate the native airlock, but we will follow your instruction on the matter. Out."

"Um... negative on instantaneous jump drives, Farspace Horizon. Imagine what could happen if you jump into the wrong place. Sato tells me a more traditional insertion would probably be less threatening and thus more advisable.

"This is Farspace Horizon. We understand your concern, but beleive that any problems could be overcome by keeping to low velocities. In other words, activate the bubble, but don't go to initiate a jump. A Telvirdis should be the least threatening, since the warp bubble should keep it entirely out of sight. Literally and figuratively. Horizon out."

Jacque jumped back in his seat. Now there was a nice strong signal. He repeated it to himelf in the cabin slowly on the console and then reached for the dissertation that the modified wind spider had just brought him.

Hmmm... chittery fast clicks. Didn't notice they were quite distinct on that level. Hmm...

He jacked into the computer and recompiled the signal data; plots of pulsing surfaces flickered by as he leafed through pages of material.

Dead end indeed... silly advisor that man was for thinking that...

Still completely unaware of the scene outside his scooter, he punched the transmit button (off) and dialed it to a new frequency.

"Mary and Susie, I'm doing my chemical braking burn now, everything seems fine so far, no reply requested." He dialed it back and punched the transmit switch again, to turn it "off" (on). Don't want to talk with them right now. Divorce indeed. Wonder if I can catch another strong signal...

Hmm... He flicked on the chemcial jet briefly, jolting the ship, and then switched off both drives.

Still jacked in, he pulled on his other glove and grabbed his helmet, taking neardirect control over the modified wind spider for the moment over his headware.

Now how did that go... He ran the wind spidher's legs through the last strong sequence at full speed, and then pulled up a curious looking screen on the comp. Sketching out a quick review of his number theory, he scrolled back to a section.

It's like music, really... ah!

He ran the wind spider through a fresh inspired sequence as he jacked out and began fitting his helmet on...

Now that is fitting music for a mathematician...

"This is Mahonri, sorry about that. There was miscommunication between flight control and the bridge. We still recommend a breacher pod, as we have no way of knowing how to operate the native airlock, but we will follow your instruction on the matter. Out."
"Mahonri, Rijil. I really don't see what's keeping us from going down and playing with switches on the airlock in Echo ourselvesRepeat, you are not authorized to use breacher pods in Detail Echo, because it has an entry route. However, if you can think of another deployment point where there seems to be no nominal access, Flag Captain Sato has suggested that I take it under advisement.

"Advisor Rijil out."

"This is Farspace Horizon. We understand your concern, but beleive that any problems could be overcome by keeping to low velocities. In other words, activate the bubble, but don't go to initiate a jump. A Telvirdis should be the least threatening, since the warp bubble should keep it entirely out of sight. Literally and figuratively. Horizon out."
"Only downside to that is no emissions out means no emissions in... a perfect 'cloaking device' just doesn't cut it for getting close, because then we can't use that advantage. Even then, you'll still shed a gravitic mass shadow... also, with Karmabaijan's Loki experiment, it does not appear that they are overtly hostile to things they see. Maybe over-cautious is a better descriptor.

"Still, if you wish to use it as an approach strategy to deploying breachers, go ahead. Just try not to hurt anyone.

"Advisor Rijil, out."

"SHODAN... by the Emperor, I think you're onto something. Could-," the artificially created sim-voice pauses for a moment, "could they have already visited us in the past? If they have... by the Stars, that would explain everything." The emphasis makes it past the artificial voice; but the static nature of the tone doesn't quite convey the sense of wonderment that is clear on Captain Rihad's features.

Rihad closes the contact.
<Communications to Retribution>
{
<< According to S-14's trajectory information, it has never entered the Solar System prior to now.

<< However, it is possible that another S-14 craft, or a craft made by the same creators, may have passed through the Solar System at some time. The construction of S-14 must have taken centuries and the resources required enormous; any society advanced and large enough with the excess wealth to build this would probably have the resources to launch scout ships ahead of it to ensure mission success.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

Still jacked in, he pulled on his other glove and grabbed his helmet, taking neardirect control over the modified wind spider for the moment over his headware.

Now how did that go... He ran the wind spider's legs through the last strong sequence at full speed, and then pulled up a curious looking screen on the comp. Sketching out a quick review of his number theory, he scrolled back to a section.

It's like music, really... ah!

He ran the wind spider through a fresh inspired sequence as he jacked out and began fitting his helmet on...

Now that is fitting music for a mathematician...
The maintenance vehicle seems to inch forward when its message is repeated back to it, then suddenly stops with a burst of thrusters when it recieves the entirely new signal. It rubs its manipulators again, and slowly thrusts towards Jacque on an oblique angle, closing ever so slowly. Nine meters, eight, seven, six, five... at five meters, it again comes to a complete stop at about 2 o'clock high (relative to the cockpit of Jacque's vessel).

0440 Hours
System Patrol Craft Ulysses
Location Unknown, Sol?

Commander Benault of the SPC Ulysses watched his tac plot quietly. The further into the system they penetrated, the more activity they discovered. But even now, back on the fringe of the system, there was a growing amount of activity.

The Direlct was of an unknown configuration, which sorely worried the Commander. Since their arrival in system, they've been seeing so many things which were...different. Odd. Off from what they learned happened. And things that shouldnt exist.

Like this Direlct. The Ancients' remaining worlds had been discovered, yes..and they had structures in orbit as well as on the surface..but nothing quite like this. It was a curious thing...was it the remnant of another kind of Ancient? Or was it something else?

Whatever the case, these questions had been bothering the Captain as the Resolute drifted further in system, which was why her most beloved/hated SPC crew was sent to look into this matter. The Ulysses had been repaired from the last encounter with a ship from this system; Grazer 2 was replaced and Missile Tubes 2 and 4 had all debris removed. The pockmarks from the worthless warheads which had been fired at the ship had been smoothed over, and now it was once more in it's prime condition.

And floating a quarter-million clicks away from the unknown object.

"Tac, I want you to bring the ECM online slowly...keep us hidden. Helm, Bring us in another ten thousand klicks. When we hit that point, cut engines and we'll drift in."

The two officers nodded and went about their business. The Commander continued eying the unknown vessel looming on his monitor, brooding in his thoughts.

What oh what are you? Ancients of the stars? Something younger? Are you of the Giants who roamed before, or of the children who follow now? Quitely, you've waited, your reasons unknown. What is it you seek?

"Only downside to that is no emissions out means no emissions in... a perfect 'cloaking device' just doesn't cut it for getting close, because then we can't use that advantage. Even then, you'll still shed a gravitic mass shadow... also, with Karmabaijan's Loki experiment, it does not appear that they are overtly hostile to things they see. Maybe over-cautious is a better descriptor."

"The bubble should allow in as much radiation as passes through the intersection to normal space. However, you are correct in assuming that our view would be greatly limited. Gravitational shadow shouldn't be a problem, unless they have a really huge detector somewhere in there, but we'll try to think of something else, anyway. Horizon out."

"E.S. Shem to Snel Oberon. Request permission to send an observer."

"Lets see, next transport, mark2 limpet probe(ooc:drops some of the reciever capability for an audio pickup)....hopefully this one works right...get some audio this time....maybe a little more out of the way location....maybe..yes..the crevice between the "head" section and the following section, near the top, with the camera looking to the port side."
Exact same thing happens, but when the limpet is discovered there are thumping noises as something moves across the hull. Moving up through the crevice is some sort of thing that somewhat resembles a space suit. It has a shiny black oblate spheroid "head" in front attached with a metal rim to a somewhat conical cloth-covered hard "torso" with a cloth-covered toroidal "waist." The black spheroid has two appendages sticking from the top fore-left and top fore-right, also cloth-covered. The conical "torso" has two long three-segmented hard "arms" that end in four-fingered cloth-covered manipulators with rubberized foam pads as well as four long three-segmented "legs" that end in simple hemispherical clogs that seem to serve the purpose of magnetic boots. The thing quickly clambers up the side to the limpet and, after tapping the limpet directly (*tink tink tink*) it turns around, waving its arms and the two appendages on the "head." The limpet's radio sensors pick up a "clicketyclickclokclokityclickityclick click [pause] click" as the figure does this.

Finally, the thing bends over the camera, reaches for it, and signal is lost.

The Ferret carries out its instructions, tagging the next transport that comes by. It also resumes its descent/pause/resume flight profile, down to a distance of 25km if possible, moving out to 50km if fired upon.
The "Lokee" slowly approaches the 25 kilometer mark, still tracked by the weapons emplacements and painted by targeting radar and low-power laser. The only great difference is that the transports now seem to give it more room.

Essentially, the idea is to map the magnetic field lines that the artifact is 'putting out'
The magnetic field is awesome for a non-natural object, akin in power to the Earth's magnetic field (although it really is less powerful because it is so much smaller). Magnetic Impetus craft can operate normally up to an "altitude" of approximately 790 kilometers from S-14's center point of volume. Oh, and did Rihad get Shodey's star message?

Hideki played the video and sound over and over. He paused the video at the clearest view of the ..object.. and ran it through the scrubber. He opens a comm to the fleet.

"Well, this seems to be some sort of EVA/protective suit..anyone notice anything special? Also, it seemed to transmit the clickies itself, in the RF spectrum...Either they communicate naturally that way, or the suit is doing the transmitting. I am going to move the Ferret in closer, see what happens. I will also be launching another Ferret towards the rent Echo to get some close ups there. If anyone gets any hits with the approach and landing communications, let me know. Hideki out."

Hideki returns the Lokee to its previous pattern, shooting for 10km this time. KSPA-06 launches a Ferret in active stealth mode towards rent E, pausing and waiting for reaction at 100km, and 50km. It will hold at 50km till instructed otherwise.

Aboard IEV Stephen Hawking
Deep Space, S-14 Security Zone

Responding to Magnus' question, Aeryn answers, "Yes, the matrix crystals are used to focus and enhance psionic ability, although they don't directly interface with us as a psiamp does. They can also allow us to store power to supplement our natural reserves. Much of our computing and other high-energy technology is based on matrix technology as well."

Aeryn is now speaking with her team. "All right, people. We're going to try to contact them. Allison, James, you two are experienced with other species and work well together, so you'll be making the attempt. Try to find someone who seems an easy reciever, and important if you can. Be as careful as you can to do no damage and seem non-threatening. Be cautious, if anything seems like its going wrong withdraw."
Turning to the rest, she continues. "The rest of us will be backing them up. Provide power if they need it. Our top priority is to sheild them if these go wrong. If we can't sheild them, we'll immeadiately move them to the warded chamber." She gestures to a portal at the side. Magnus realizes suddenly he can feel absolutely nothing coming from it, not so much as an echo.
Once everyone is prepared, Aeryn say, "All right. When you're ready." Slowly, Allison and James reach out towards the alien ship...

Two of the Durinias sitting at the chess table suddenly stop, stare each other in the eye, and then grin from ear to ear.

"are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I never beleived it could be so simple"

"shall we ask them to capture a probe?"

"Well, we'll test it, and make sure to send some of those units home for independent study"

"S.H.O.D.A.N. can have all the profits, but we want some tech."

"Who ever thought we would be using linguistic analysis techniques to hack an alien computer?"

One of the scientists calls up the rest of his cadre, while the other one sprints off , straight into a door. In his excitement, he doesn't even notice, picking himeslf up and running out to their quarters. In munites they have a computer system set up running a search algorithm through the code pulses, using the same techniqes used to crack simple mapping ciphers, (like 'e' is the most common letter), but instead of linguistic, they use the most common machine code commands. (short-jump backwards, jump forewards, memory access, reset, mode switching, etc.)

When they have made enough progress on the code to write a routing program, they send another coded update to the archives back home, and then they prep their shuttle for launch.

Has there been any evidence of repairs to the rents?

OOC: Sorry i've been away. Had some serious comp trouble, but it's all fixed now. Can we assume that the nSakkran team opted to go on the expedition, and are pouring over data retrieved thus far?

Dr. Cobbler watches the master console as data finally begins to pour into the Loki relayed from the data probes.

"Hmmm, interesting, very interesting."

Dr. Cobbler requests that the probes be told what to prioritize, only to find that the order is denied.

"What? Would you like to run that by me again?" He says angrily

"No need sir"

Dr. Cobbler looks puzzled.

"Sir, as you see now, the probes have already prioritized their analysis duties, without us sir."

"Interesting," Dr. Cobbler sits.

"Patch through visual feed, and whatever we have of the holo-map."

A technician punches in a few key strokes and displays light up showing a probe's eye view. In the center of the room, multicolor lasers project a partially mapped "spire".

Dr. Cobbler types in a few key strokes, putting the hologram in false color, and changing the view to multiple cut-aways.

"Well I'll be"

Hideki returns the Lokee to its previous pattern, shooting for 10km this time. KSPA-06 launches a Ferret in active stealth mode towards rent E, pausing and waiting for reaction at 100km, and 50km. It will hold at 50km till instructed otherwise.
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14space_transport.jpg
The Lokee moves to within 10 kilometers. As with Jacque's vessel, a transport launches and moves to about one kilometer away, then deploying a group of maintenance vehicles. Unlike Jacque's contact, these vehicles cruise right on up to the Lokee's "hull" and fire extremely short-range focused eximer lasers. When the lasers don't seem to be cutting through anything, the vehicles suddenly back off with heavy thruster bursts as white-light flashes appear from small lens apetures. They then turn around and go at best possible speed back to their transport, which backs off slightly but then maintains station relative to the Lokee.

All future spaceberg transports (incoming and outgoing) give the Lokee a wider berth.

The stealth Ferret easily makes it to 50 kilometers out from Rent Echo, where there is practically no activity whatsoever.

Once everyone is prepared, Aeryn say, "All right. When you're ready." Slowly, Allison and James reach out towards the alien ship...
You get signal.

James feels the presence of numberless minds with one personality, one overarching presence... or is it only one? There feels like there are several over-beings made up of millions of sentient cells each.

Allison actually makes contact. Her eyes widen and nostrils flare as her heart rate surges and blood pressure nearly doubles.

"YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

As she spasms up from her chair, her hands fly to her face. She falls out of the chair, crumpling onto the floor in a heap. The other psionics in the area (including Hesche) feel that something is wrong (obviously) but that she is still alive.

When they have made enough progress on the code to write a routing program, they send another coded update to the archives back home, and then they prep their shuttle for launch.
They launch when they are ready, but there is little in the way of potential targets. All of the availiable maintenance vessels are either safely stowed within transports or within the 100 kilometer limit of S-14 or spacebergs. The only one outside the safe-minimum is the one that is oh so very close to Jacque's vessel.

Has there been any evidence of repairs to the rents?
Plenty. There is a massive repair effort around Rent Hotel. The work involved in fixing square kilometers of decks is immense.

OOC: Sorry i've been away. Had some serious comp trouble, but it's all fixed now. Can we assume that the nSakkran team opted to go on the expedition, and are pouring over data retrieved thus far?
(OOC: Sure. Menelmacar [if she's even keeping track] is probably doing the same thing.)

OOC: I suggest we all get together soon, and have a debriefing on the day's discoveries in an IC conference.

IC: Satisfied that they had learned all they could from the spire, Dr. Cobbler orders that the probes be signaled to return.

The probes spin around and carefully accelerate out of the hollow, doing last minute rescans as they went.

The outside probes however, drew near to the hull, searching for crevaces. Once found, the probes extended their manipulators and latched onto the hull (holding the crevaces).

The probes did one last area scan, and satisfied they wouldn't be interferred with, switched to stand-by mode.

(OOC: TG me if there are any last minute details I would have picked up)

(OOC: Anything transmitted to Shodey or the Trium is, unless otherwise noted, public domain. That means everyone knows what's up with TJ, and if you want people to know something, just announce it.)

0730 hours
System Patrol Craft Ulysses
Location: 52,000 Km Galactic West of Object,
32 Degrees above plane, Sol?

"Commander, we've got a better look at the area. Its gotta be of Ancient Origin, but not anything we've got in the databanks. Dunno who it is."

Benault nodded silently, his eyes still on the Tac screen before his chair. "Helm, execute another five second burn, my mark."

"Mark."

The engines of the Ulysses flared to life breifly, pushing it along for a brief time. The ship accelerated again, headed towards the Ancient Vessel, which for the moment was designated AV-1.

"Tac, whats the local status look like from your board?"

The Commander's tactical display had most of the information which the Tac Officer had, however, there were some levels which the Tac Display went into greater depth on.

"Sir, we've got craft swarmin all over the place. I estimate we cant close any more than ten thousand before we risk being noticed. And thats with our EW helping out."

The commander nodded. "Helm, eta to Tac's waypoint?"

"Thirty minutes, sir."

Sitting back in his chair, Benault studied the vessel. So alien, yet so familiar..
And so large.
It dwarfed even the Resolute, which was a hard task indeed.

"Tac, keep me posted if someone notices us."

"Ok, crew, I'm sending the Ferret all the way into rent 'E', stand by all sensor and recording systems."

Directs the Ferret into the rent, towards the airlock.

"SHODAN... by the Emperor, I think you're onto something. Could-," the artificially created sim-voice pauses for a moment, "could they have already visited us in the past? If they have... by the Stars, that would explain everything." The emphasis makes it past the artificial voice; but the static nature of the tone doesn't quite convey the sense of wonderment that is clear on Captain Rihad's features.

Rihad closes the contact.
<Communications to Retribution>
{
<< According to S-14's trajectory information, it has never entered the Solar System prior to now.

<< However, it is possible that another S-14 craft, or a craft made by the same creators, may have passed through the Solar System at some time. The construction of S-14 must have taken centuries and the resources required enormous; any society advanced and large enough with the excess wealth to build this would probably have the resources to launch scout ships ahead of it to ensure mission success.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

Rihad opened the comms contact again, the laser-lip-reader reading his lips once again. His crew, it should be noted, avert their eyes - what is the point of a silent comm system if your crew read your lips while you speak?

"I see. Well, was an idea. - On a totally different subject; there are a few RISE agents on board the Retribution; if you need people who can be unseen where others are visible, they're the ones to send in."

With a mild sigh, Rihad closed the contact again. But his eyes return to the laser image; it holds a huge attraction now that the star sits there, clear as day. Tantalizingly so. His eyes state his mind more clearly than he probably could with words, considering the nature of this man: 'what if?'

Lossa looks over the findings and data from the various expeditions to the S-14 system. [i] Hrrrm. Many are concentrating their efforts on the huge station itself. I cannot fathom the transmission. It doesn't seem a language I can crack. I think perhaps......"

"I think that perhaps we should concentrate our efforts on one of the 'space bergs'. It may have clues as to the station and its possible inhabitants that may be crucial. Look for similarities between the original transmission and those between the transports and space-bergs. Even if the things are on autopilot, there should be some communication there."

Lossa turns in his chair, clawed hand on his chin. "I also want to see a full-spectrum analysis of the area around 3 of the spacebergs. Scan for spacial anamolies and like variations in the area surrounding them."

0930 hours
System Patrol Craft Ulysses
Location: 250 Km Galactic West of Object,
Space Berg Field,
0 Degrees above object plane, Sol?

The Ulysses had entired the field fifteen minutes before and come to a complete stop, using the three nearby balls of galactic ice to hide the ship.

When the craft had hit the 10,000 kilometer mark, Commander Benault gave the order to move in closer; they had not even been close to detected yet, and it was still considered safe. Now, fifteen minutes ago, they took up residence among the ice chunks, their EW shining to mask their presence, and their own scan systems being very careful to take in both AV-1 and the other craft exploring it.

"Commander, I'm picking up a ship headed this way. Configuration unknown. Orders?"

Benault nodded to the tac officer. "Keep us quiet, we'll hold here. Hope they dont see us. If they do, we'll figure out from there. Comm, drop the Captain a message, tell her we're in close range to the object. See if she's got any suggestions."

"Aye, captain."

Benault sat back and examined the chart created thus far on the object. Initial scans didnt show squat, which wouldnt endear them to the Captain any. The more powerful scans might just wake it up, or worse, alert the other ships to the SPC's presence. The Captain's orders, in that scenario, were likely the same as before.

His thoughts were confirmed ten minutes later,when the reply from the Resolute came.

Engage if contacted, flee if overwhelming force. Either event, do not return to the ship until all pursuit is gone.

"Sir, may I be frank?" The comm officer asked quietly.

"Yes. Youre thinking the same thing we all are, I'll bet."

"Yes, sir. We're pocked."

0930 hours
System Patrol Craft Ulysses
Location: 250 Km Galactic West of Object,
Space Berg Field,
0 Degrees above object plane, Sol?

The Ulysses had entired the field fifteen minutes before and come to a complete stop, using the three nearby balls of galactic ice to hide the ship.

When the craft had hit the 10,000 kilometer mark, Commander Benault gave the order to move in closer; they had not even been close to detected yet, and it was still considered safe. Now, fifteen minutes ago, they took up residence among the ice chunks, their EW shining to mask their presence, and their own scan systems being very careful to take in both AV-1 and the other craft exploring it.

"Commander, I'm picking up a ship headed this way. Configuration unknown. Orders?"

Benault nodded to the tac officer. "Keep us quiet, we'll hold here. Hope they dont see us. If they do, we'll figure out from there. Comm, drop the Captain a message, tell her we're in close range to the object. See if she's got any suggestions."

"Aye, captain."

Benault sat back and examined the chart created thus far on the object. Initial scans didnt show squat, which wouldnt endear them to the Captain any. The more powerful scans might just wake it up, or worse, alert the other ships to the SPC's presence. The Captain's orders, in that scenario, were likely the same as before.

His thoughts were confirmed ten minutes later,when the reply from the Resolute came.

Engage if contacted, flee if overwhelming force. Either event, do not return to the ship until all pursuit is gone.

"Sir, may I be frank?" The comm officer asked quietly.

"Yes. Youre thinking the same thing we all are, I'll bet."

"Yes, sir. We're pocked."

A chime on the bridge of the Retribution announced the incoming communication from the Engineering section with all the pomp of... well, a chime.

"Bridge, why in the name of the Stars is there a kink in the MI field? Something you aren't telling us?"

Rihad frowned. "A 'kink'? Define 'kink', engineering."

The reply comes swiftly. "Just that. The MI field is slightly deformed; the deformation is at... MI co-ordinates 22-64-alpha. We need data, or if we want to move fast, we might have problems. I need to know if there are any masses out there that might interfere with the MI system, sir."

Rihad waves a hand at the Sensors Officer, who leans forward to work his board deftly.

A few moments pass.

"Nothing, sir. Nowt. Nada. Zip."

Rihad smiles faintly. "I got it when you said 'nothing', Lieutenant." Rihad opens the comms contact to SHODAN again. "SHODAN, we might have a problem. My chief engineer tells me that there is a kink-"

Rihad pauses, tapping the pause nibbin. "Give me the location of that deformation in a language that I can actually understand, Engineering."

The reply comes equally swiftly to the last time; "It's at about... 250 klicks out from S-14, sir. Generally in a galactic westerly direction."

Rihad scowls. "Vague, engineering. Work on it. Rihad out."

Rihad again opens the contact. "-in our MI field," he resumes near-seamlessly, "roughly 250 kilometres in a galactic westerly direction from S-14. Can you see anything out there? Our field is already calibrated for the region; nothing should be interfering. My sensors officer informs me that there is nothing there - but my bet would be that you have somewhat more sophisticated detection equipment than us."

A small, unmanned craft launched from the Farspace Horizon, and headed for Rent E, and closed in on the Ferret. Not on a collision course, but headed for the same area. The tiny probe, not more then 1 meter square, clamped onto a solid section of what appeared to be an exposed wall near the makeshift airlock (OOC: OK to assume that internals would be exposed?). It wiggled, slightly, and then was still again, apparently completely static. About a minute later, it wiggled again, and then went still. Another minute, and it detached, making its way back to the Horizon.

"Probe returning bearing 320'340. Closing in... captured. Both charges detonated, seems to have been a successful mission!"

"Farspace Horizon to Server. We just got the data back from a sonar probe near the airlock. I'm not sure if it'll be much use, but we're transmitting the map data now."

Jackson layed in his bed on the Farspace, thinking random thoughts.

Signal overlaps, someone mentioned it looked 2D... 3D? hmm... they've got psionics trying to contact the aliens, so I suppose we can assume a similar thought structure... And the message from that... what was it? Alien EVA suit?...

Suddenly, he shot up, sitting with his back against the headboard.

"I've got it! Ha! I figured it out! It's so simple!"

He jumped out of bed, and made his way to the bridge, getting lighter as he neared the ships center. He opened the hatch, and floated inside.

"Jackson! What are you doing here? Your off-duty this shift."

"Never mind, just get me a comm channel to Shem or Mahonri."

"E.S. Shem, this is E.S.V. Farspace Horizon, copy?"

"We read you, Horizon, go ahead."

"Alright, Dr. Jackson speaking. No time to explain now, but I'll be in a shuttle heading over there pretty soon. I'll need a Warfury, have it one of your engineering bays. Horizon out."

The comm officer on Shem was rather baffled. What would a linguist want with a Warfury? But it wasn't his job to worry about it. He relayed the message to the bridge, and went back to work.

"E.S. Shem to Snel Oberon. Request permission to send an observer."

"Shem, this is Coordinator of Clan Intaír, director of our operations in this matter. We are prepared to recieve your representative."

A shuttle made it's way across the intervening space, coming to dock underneath the Oberon.

"Ah! Dr. Gawain! How nice. Oh yes, we have quite a bit of data that would interest you. We were just about to test a theory."

"What theory might that be?"

"The theory that S-14 is powered by a fusion reactor."

"And how do you propose to test that? You need some way to detect nutrinos, and that requires- oh."

"Yes, a very large tank of water. Fortunately, that's not hard to find on a living ship. We've had two flashes since we got here, and, this far out, there's no way they were caused by the sun. We'll be closing in on the object within the hour."

"I think that perhaps we should concentrate our efforts on one of the 'space bergs'. It may have clues as to the station and its possible inhabitants that may be crucial. Look for similarities between the original transmission and those between the transports and space-bergs. Even if the things are on autopilot, there should be some communication there."
"Lossa, Advisor Rijil. I tend to concur. Captain Borodin of Yamatosays that we can divert at any time. Anyone willing to come with you is welcome."

"SHODAN, we might have a problem. My chief engineer tells me that there is a kink--in our MI field roughly 250 kilometres in a galactic westerly direction from S-14. Can you see anything out there? Our field is already calibrated for the region; nothing should be interfering. My sensors officer informs me that there is nothing there - but my bet would be that you have somewhat more sophisticated detection equipment than us."
S.H.O.D.A.N. watched Flag Captain Sato's face over the tightbeam transmission. "What are your thoughts, Military Commander?"

Sato frowns. "A kink in an MI field suggests some sort of EM in the area. Hornet's sensors don't say that there's anything there that would emit that. I suppose yours concur?"

"Quite. It has me... nervous."

Sato rubs her chin. "Any suggestions?"

"I know that Asgard has a compliment of stealth probes. We could send one to observe."

"Ahh... the 'Lokee.' I will advise Asgard to deploy one... the bigger the fake vehicle, the better."

"Ok, crew, I'm sending the Ferret all the way into rent 'E', stand by all sensor and recording systems."

Directs the Ferret into the rent, towards the airlock.
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14tunnel.jpg
The airlock is at the bottom of a canyon with twisted metal walls. Girders, conduits, and structural members jut into the open area in tortured, twisted shapes. The layers of the individual decks can be clearly seen and give the walls of the rent a corrugated effect similar to the layers in sedimentary stone.

There is a definite tendency to drift in one direction relative to the airlock due to S-14's rotation. The Ferret easily compensates.

The airlock door is sealed shut. A thick, sloppy weld seam around its circumference shows that the can-shaped lock was hastily installed in the bulkhead. A square metal box that appears to be analogous to a control panel also shows signs of hasty installation, tack-welds holding it in place. A cable connects the can lock and the metal box.

Lossa turns in his chair, clawed hand on his chin. "I also want to see a full-spectrum analysis of the area around 3 of the spacebergs. Scan for spacial anamolies and like variations in the area surrounding them."
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/spaceberg.jpg
Same information as before (big spaceberg, signs of organic compounds being held in ice; metallic sphere in front and long spire in rear, fusion plume at end of spire) except additional information of large amounts of dihydrogen oxide gas trailing in a plume behind the vessel.

"Farspace Horizon to Server. We just got the data back from a sonar probe near the airlock. I'm not sure if it'll be much use, but we're transmitting the map data now."
The "map" shows layer after layer of honeycombed voids analogous to rooms connected by long hallways. There are also several large voids, especially near the airlock. The ping from the sonar probes is dampened somewhat, reducing its effective range. Cause is unknown.

"Yes, a very large tank of water. Fortunately, that's not hard to find on a living ship. We've had two flashes since we got here, and, this far out, there's no way they were caused by the sun. We'll be closing in on the object within the hour."
Large amounts of neutrinos are detected emanating from S-14. However, as the scanning vessel passes the central toroid, neutrino count drops dramatically, only to pick back up once the toroid is passed.

"I think that perhaps we should concentrate our efforts on one of the 'space bergs'. It may have clues as to the station and its possible inhabitants that may be crucial. Look for similarities between the original transmission and those between the transports and space-bergs. Even if the things are on autopilot, there should be some communication there."
"Lossa, Advisor Rijil. I tend to concur. Captain Borodin of Yamatosays that we can divert at any time. Anyone willing to come with you is welcome."

"Advisor Rijil, this is Lossa. We are ready to depart at any moment. Thank you for your assist."

Lossa then sends out a general transmission to any parties abosrd who aren't actively engaged in projects.

"This is Lossa. The Scolopendran ship Yamamoto is meeting us to conduct research and test the area of the spacebergs for transmission types. Any interested parties have been invited to accompany."

An excited sensors technician aboard Asgard turns around. "Sir, incoming contact operating on chemical thrusters. We have it on visual-range sensors..."
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14probe.jpg
"It's approaching on a collision vector and coming in fast!"

The maintenance vehicle seems to inch forward when its message is repeated back to it, then suddenly stops with a burst of thrusters when it recieves the entirely new signal. It rubs its manipulators again, and slowly thrusts towards Jacque on an oblique angle, closing ever so slowly. Nine meters, eight, seven, six, five... at five meters, it again comes to a complete stop at about 2 o'clock high (relative to the cockpit of Jacque's vessel).

Jacque dialed back the frequency again and hit the transmit button.

"Mary, Susie, I've more or less matched V with big bogey and am low on juice. I'm going to go take a look see and then see what the other folks have dug up."

He waited a moment.

"Susie, Mary, come in please."

He looked over his board. Silly me... I thought I hit the transmit button. Heh. He punched it again.

"Mary, Susie, I've near matched V with S-14 and am low on cheical fuel and stored power. I'm going to go take a look see EVA and then check with the others to see how things are going."

"That's nice dear... don't forget to check your suit seals."

"I won't."

With that, he punched off the tranmit button and sealed on his other glave and helmet. As he fastened the tethers and jets to himself and the modified wind spider*, he idly tapclicked several sequences to himself out of that last transmission.

Something about that part there... doesn't fit in neatly.

Mumbling to himself with suit and headmare transmitter off, he switched off the onboard systems and cycled the airlock, stepping out into space to take a look at things with his own eyes.

*The modified wind spider is the result of much genetic and cybernetic tinkering by the Tahar Joblissan colonists. "Wind spider" refers to a specific class of arachnids, neither spider nor scorpion; you can find out many truths and myths about them quickly online. The modified version is:
-Larger, stronger, and faster by far than naturally occuring species, with resting leg spans of 24" common.
-Vacuum hardened.
-Photonythetic.
-Can synthesize many common organic chemicals (drugs) on command in small quantities.
-Cybernetically augmented with radio reception and tone feedback and an analog based electronic intellignce system.
They typically respond to commands and direct control by a single individual who raised them from a certain age who has been wired with a headware broadcast system. They display a certain degree of intelligence, purported by some enthusiastic supporters as "quite high" but classified by most scientists as being at a nonsentient level, if somewhat unusual in some manners.

Mumbling to himself with suit and headmare transmitter off, he switched off the onboard systems and cycled the airlock, stepping out into space to take a look at things with his own eyes.
"Clickclickityclickityclockityclickclock... clockityclickclickclok... click!"

The maintenance vehicle backs up a meter with long thruster bursts while bright flashes of white light come from various lenses on its front. It raises its manipulators up over the two black sensor domes and seems to wave them about erratically.

"Click! Clickityclokclokclick! Click! Click!"

It is currently coasting off at about a constant velocity of a meter a second.

0938 hours
System Patrol Craft Ulysses
Location: 250 Km Galactic West of Object,
Space Berg Field,
0 Degrees above object plane, Sol?

In the past few minutes, the ship had been scanned over at least a half dozen times, and each time the Tactical Officer had his hands full on the EW boards. At one point, the Commander dropped his own console into secondary mode and began assisting the tactical officer. Watching the datafeed from the sensors, he could tell they were starting to draw a crowd.

"They havent detected us yet, have they."

"Neg, Lieutennant. But they DO know somethings here. I dont know what we stepped into, but they WILL know we were here if we light off our drive now."

The Triton-Class System Patrol Craft had been designed as a supplemental craft for the Orion-Class System Cruiser. It's duties were to shadow pirate and other craft, relaying telementry and other information back to the Cruiser. From there, the Cruiser would jump in on top of the shadowed craft. Knowing full well the SPC also had to be capable of acting on it's own, it was also given an impressive armament with which to disable or destroy other craft. Finally, in case of operating without support, beside that of a planet to land on for resupply, the SPC had also been given a full STARMOR compliment of thirty-six suits for boarding purposes.

While the Ulysses did carry full armor compliments and troops for boarding, it's purpose here was for stealth, and the overcharged systems were being taxed rather heavily at this point. And as with all systems which had to be manipulated specifically by a human for the greatest effect, there was always the chance of a single mistake.

And in situations like these, a single mistake was all it took to give away the ship's position.

The mistake wasnt that large, in retrospective. All it consisted of was a single modulation value set a few degrees too high-a mistake made because the pad had grown slick with the operator's sweat. Unfortunately, in a world where computers mostly sifted through information, a mistake like that was deadly.

And for a fraction of a second, the ship was visible to even a blind, deaf man.

"Oops."

Aboard Hornet:

"Ma'am, I have something... no... it's gone."

Flag Captain Hitome Sato frowns. "Replay that data."

The technician spools back the data. "Yep, something is obviously there."

Sato turned and pointed to one of her officers. "Comm, get me the fleet on secure tightbeam."

A communications technician turned to his console. "Acting, ma'am!"

***

Fleet, this is Flag Captain Hitome Sato. There is a bogey at <coordinates>. Do not engage, do not even act like there's something there--just keep an eye on those coordinates! It appears to be watching, and if it wants to watch, let it. We aren't here to start a war.

Flag Captain Hitome Sato
CO, TY RCS Bravo
TYWS-MCR Hornet

(OOC: Pretty good pictures... do you draw them all yourself?)

Arthur Jackson entered the engineering bay, and walked over to the guy who seemed to be in charge. "This is the Warfury? Good. Here's what I want you to do- first, reroute weapons targeting to the navigation computer. I don't know how to fly this thing, I don't want to have to learn by tomorrow, and I won't be using weapons anyway. It should go where ever I look. Second, cut radar feed to the Retainer, and replace it with a feed from the radio recievers. By the way, what's the resolution of the Retainer?"

"144 dots, sir."

"Double it."

"But, sir! That'll take-"

"I don't care if you have to take apart the whole ship and rebuild it from scratch! Double it. Last thing, you can take out all of the controls except the keyboard, since you're disabling the weapons and altering flight control anyway."

About 6 hours later, the modifications were complete. The ship, with Dr. Jackson inside, launched from the Shem, and sped off towards Jacque and the maintenance vehicle.

Well, it's now or never, the moment of truth. If my theory is correct, the signals that thing is giving off should stimulate the Wernicke's area directly... well, through the Retainer hookup... allowing me to understand what it's trying to say. Cool. Except that I won't be able to answer. Zut. Now I know what it must feel like to be a mute.

Abaord the Asgard:

"ALL HANDS! BRACE FOR EMERGENCY MANEUVERS! HELM! ALL AHEAD FLANK, PERPINDICULAR COURSE! WEPS, GIVE ME SHIELDS!"

The Asgard's engines flare to life as the ship begins a 90 degree perpindicular course relative to the incoming. The newly installed Menelmacari Shield Generator is brought online.

"Captain Walter, Hideki here, we are going for capture, object appears to be decelerating. -06, match course and speed, try and get a capture with a tow cable."

"On it, sir."

The three Lokis activate their shield systems as -06 goes for capture.

Large amounts of neutrinos are detected emanating from S-14. However, as the scanning vessel passes the central toroid, neutrino count drops dramatically, only to pick back up once the toroid is passed.

Dr. Gawain was, to say the least, baffled. "4 flashes in one hour? 4 on each side of the toroid! That's insane! We're lucky to get that many in a month on Earth! Particle density must be off the charts! But it dropped as we passed the toroidal section. Strange. They must have some kind of sheilding. But that's impossible! I was thinking one huge reactor in the center, to act both as an electrical generator and a sort of artificial sun, but now it seems that the evidence points to two huge reactors on either side. Very, very strange."

Abaord the Asgard:

"ALL HANDS! BRACE FOR EMERGENCY MANEUVERS! HELM! ALL AHEAD FLANK, PERPINDICULAR COURSE! WEPS, GIVE ME SHIELDS!"
(OOC: Engage the... PLOT DEVICE! [XI. A. 2. c. in the Giant Sourcebook of S-14 outline])

The probe merely curves into Asgard's position, somehow keeping up. When the tow cables try to catch it, they merely pass through! As it contacts the Menelmacari shield...

"That's funny... it's gone."

Or is it? The probe simply goes through the energy shield, latching onto Asgard's hull with magnetic clamps near a data bus underneath the armor plate. As it does so, the power in the ship flickers for a moment, then all the screens begin displaying information wildly.

"Um... I think the computer's borked, sir."

"Helm is unresponsive, sir!"

"Shields have been... deactivated, sir. I can't get them back online."

The probe sends a constant feed of data back to S-14.

"Status report!"

"Shield down, helm control down, life support seems ok, all decks report no damage, no casualties."

"OK, so, someone tell me what the HELL just happened."

"Hideki here, unknown, we caught it all on video, doing an analysis right now. -06, -07, move in and scan that thing, but take it easy, dont appear hostile. On second thought, launch another Ferret, dont wanna risk it, we don't know what that thing is capable of. Standby Asgard just take it easy, as long as its not doing any damage. Probably just interested in us, like we are in it..."

Captain Walter mumbles under his breath. <Who is this guy, telling me how to run my ship.> "Understood, -05, please advise if you have something."

-07 launches a Ferret in full stealth to get detailed scans of the "Hitchhiker." With a thought, Hideki asks the Ferret in Rent E to get a detail shot of the control panel of the airlock, and to launch a few probes down some of the exposed decks, looking for any written language, or other clues.

The probe merely sits there, transmitting data. It's happy as a limpet.

The transport near Jacque begins edging closer to Jacque's scooter on a rendezvous vector. The maintenance vehicle steadies its movements and holds station, seeming to watch intently with hollow black eyes.

The probes of the twisted battered wrecks of decks don't show much. The place has been stripped relatively clean.

0957 hours
System Patrol Craft Ulysses
Location: 250 Km Galactic West of Object,
Space Berg Field,
0 Degrees above object plane, Sol?

The SPC had been on stealth conservation mode ever since the error, hiding itself further from scruitiny. They were sure at least one ship detected them, but beyond that, they had no idea.

In this mode, they were unable to detect anything more than a directed active scan, so they didnt notice when the second ship moved into flanking position beside them.

"Commander! The Revenant is hailing us!"

"The Revenant?! What in the nine hells are THEY doing here! On speaker!"

"Ulysses, this is Revenant. We're here on special orders from the Captain."

"Wilkes, I had no idea the Captain would send you out here. Just what the hell is going on?" Benault was leaning forward in his chair. Commander Artemis Wilkes of the Revenant was one of the most volitile SPC Commanders in the Ship, much less fleet. And worse, he was rabidly loyal to the Captain.

"Insurance, Benault. You did good with that ship trying to nab the Vanguard, but she wants to make sure you follow through on orders this time. And she also feels that since theres a larger number of ships, heavier firepower would be useful."

Commander Benault shook his head. "This is insane, Wilkes. Theres no way we can take those ships out there..and if we open fire, they ALL will know we're here. That kind of defeats the purpose."

"You have your orders, Commander. If they all notice, we die and they'll think we're it. Simple as that. Revenant out."

Benault cursed and slammed his fist on his armrest. That fool was going to get them all killed. "Tac, I want you to go back to active tracking, keep an eye on Revenant. Resume scanning the object, too, but keep it on the downkey..we dont want them to notice us."

"You mean, no scans like what the Revenant is doing, full spectrum, high power?"

"Exactly, no full spe--They're WHAT?!"

[secure tightbeam transmission]

Fleet, this is Sato again. There's another unknown contact at <coordinates> running high powered scans, I'm sure you've all seen it. Orders are the same: Pretend it isn't there. It isn't being hostile, so there's no need to provoke it.

Hideki, new orders. Get hopping on any excess Ferrets you have, biggest things that they can fake, and prep them to "appear out of grav" upon command.

Flag Captain Sato
CO, TY RCS Bravo
TYWS-MCR Hornet

"Understood, I think we can come up with something." Hideki smiles to himself....something being Supreme Emperor class battleships..."Dochan, launch the other 7 Ferrets on full stealth, send them out, oh, about 100km from the fleet. On Sato's signal, I want 2 Supreme Emperor Battleships, 3 Grendal Frigates, a Titan class heavy carrier, and a Sulaco cruiser to jump out of gravitic. Seems we may need a little 'fire support'."

"On it. Ferrets have their instructions and are on their way. 30 minutes till they are in postition."

"Excellent." Activates his comm. "Walter, you may want to prep some AS fighters, incase the fur really starts flying."

Walter thinks to himself. Again, giving me orders...well, its the right thing to do anyway..."Understood. OOD, on the 1MC, 4th of the 1st TEF AS wing to their ships, and do it quietly."

"Yes, sir." The OOD activates the comm to the wing ready rooms. "4th AS, to your ships. And be smart about it, don't alarm our guests."

Confirmations come in from the squadrons of the 4th AS, and pilots begin moving to their fighters. Any questions that ar raised by the guests aboard the Asgard are met with curt, "Just a routine exercise," statements.

"Tahar Joblisan Vessel, this is Dr. Jackson of the Farspace Horizon." Dang, this tastes bad. How the heck do the pilots stand having a Retainer in their mouths all the time? "Do you have recordings of the transmissions from the alien vessel? It seems I've arrived too late. If possible, I'd like you to play them back for me." Well, on the bright side, I won't be expected to reply to a recording....

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

"Farspace Horizon to Server. Berata got a crazy idea into his head, and he won't shut up until I suggest it too you. As an alternate method of entry, we could try electron-tunneling. An Alcubierre bubble, if we pump enough energy into it, should be able to reduce our normal-space intersection to a small enough size that we can tunnel straight through the hull, just like a single electron jumping through a barrier. It's untested technology, and only theoretical so far, but we're throwing it out there for consideration, just in case. Oh, one other thing, we might try dimensional transposition. That would allow us to control much more acurrately where we end up inside, but it's only been tried once before, and with an unmanned probe. Understand that these are intended as alternate methods of entry, not primary. The airlock in Rent E seems to be the best bet, but if it ends up being too slow, we've got some other ideas to test. Horizon out."

A Shadowcraft launched from the Oberon's underside. It, too, made its way to Rent E and the airlock. It turned its single compound eye on the control panel. After studying it a moment, the Shadowcraft reached out and pressed a button. Nothing. It moved back a few meters, and waited.

(OOC: Jeebus H Hyskos, all you people are being so cautious. I love it. Sending probes to push buttons on control panels!)
"Farspace Horizon to Server. Berata got a crazy idea into his head, and he won't shut up until I suggest it too you. As an alternate method of entry, we could try electron-tunneling. An Alcubierre bubble, if we pump enough energy into it, should be able to reduce our normal-space intersection to a small enough size that we can tunnel straight through the hull, just like a single electron jumping through a barrier. It's untested technology, and only theoretical so far, but we're throwing it out there for consideration, just in case. Oh, one other thing, we might try dimensional transposition. That would allow us to control much more acurrately where we end up inside, but it's only been tried once before, and with an unmanned probe. Understand that these are intended as alternate methods of entry, not primary. The airlock in Rent E seems to be the best bet, but if it ends up being too slow, we've got some other ideas to test. Horizon out."
<Communications to Farspace Horizon>
{
<< Well, those are both interesting ideas but I'm a bit leery to use them--that electromagnetic field is powerful enough to deflect micrometeors, so any sort of electronic transmission has a pretty good chance of becoming a 'transporter accident' by my calculations. I would prefer a breacher pod over making transporter-flipper-people on my watch. While Rent Echo would seem to get us into the central toroid, breacher pods might be an idea fo boarding the fore or aft spars.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

A Shadowcraft launched from the Oberon's underside. It, too, made its way to Rent E and the airlock. It turned its single compound eye on the control panel. After studying it a moment, the Shadowcraft reached out and pressed a button. Nothing. It moved back a few meters, and waited.
The box is a control panel, as assumed. It has two large buttons, a light (which is off), and a slot beneath the light.

Pushing the buttons currently has no effect.

(OOC: It's a pretty tight fit in there, what with all these probes around.)

(OOC: Apologies to everyone for taking so long the reply.)


You get signal.

James feels the presence of numberless minds with one personality, one overarching presence... or is it only one? There feels like there are several over-beings made up of millions of sentient cells each.

Allison actually makes contact. Her eyes widen and nostrils flare as her heart rate surges and blood pressure nearly doubles.

"YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

As she spasms up from her chair, her hands fly to her face. She falls out of the chair, crumpling onto the floor in a heap. The other psionics in the area (including Hesche) feel that something is wrong (obviously) but that she is still alive.


"SHEILD HER! Break the connection!" As Aeryn yells, every other psion in the room throughs up the most powerful sheilds. Simultaneously, one of the telekinetics lifts her body and moves it to the warded chamber, gently placing her on a medical bed. A moment later, the wards are brought to full strenght.
As several of the psions, including Aeryn and Hesche, gather in the chamber, a medic hovers over Allison. "She's in shock. I think it might be best to shut down her Talent for now and then sedate her." He hesitates, glancing at Hesche and then questioningly at Aeryn, who nods slightly. "Right, I'm injecting a dose of psiamine," applying a injector to her arm, "and now a sedative," applying a second.
Aeryn spends the next several hours reviewing what happened. Now, she and a few others, including Hesche, Dr. Jonston, Sauscony's drone, and James, sit in the warded medical chamber.
The medic says, "I'm bringing her up now, but leaving her Talent mostly blocked. Please keep in mind what she's been through. I won't hesitate to throw you all out and resedate her." He then injects her.
Aeryn bends over Allison. "Allison? Can you here me? We need to know what happened."

Aeryn bends over Allison. "Allison? Can you here me? We need to know what happened."
Allison's eyes flick open, darting wildly about the room. She speaks in a low monotone. It's obvious, even to a mundane, that she's frightened. "So many thoughts, so many minds, everywhere! The Mother! The blue one says she's The Mother, and the red one says she's The Mother, and the green one says she's The Mother, and all the little ones say they're The Mother... they can't all be The Mother... many do not make one... many makes many, and one makes many... or many makes one... no, never, not so different many!"

Her eyes finally seem to settle on Aeryn, but still dart about, focusing on various parts of Aeryn's face. "Are you The Mother? No, you can't be The Mother. Soft-skin. Disgusting. Not right, not right at all. If I'm not with The Mothers, if I'm not The Mothers, who am I--where am I?"

She calms down suddenly, and looks at each person in the room in turn. Her eyes scan the room calmly, almost mechanistically. "Who are you... and are you... mammals? Are you from the unknown swarm-hives?"

To Lossa, Sakkran Expeditionary Party:

Please report to Yamato conference room 2A, Deck Seven, Fore Bulkhead Charlie-Nine. If you need guidance from the hangar bay, tap the first non-working technician you see on Captain Borodin's orders. Please bring all expedition members interested in exploring the spaceberg (OOC: That means if you want on the shuttle to the spaceberg, show up.).

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Science Section, Federation of Scolopendra
Science Director, S-14 Expedition

Dr. Jackson waited patiently in his little ship. But after a while, he got tired of that. Zut. I've been out her.. what, 2 hours now?... and still no reply. I can't very well see if I was right if I can't get a signal. Screw this, I'm moving in.

"Yellow-3 to Shem, can you try to find some of the few transmissions that have been picked up from S-14?" (OOC: Warfuries can only talk to the mother ship and other Warfuries, or he would've asked Server.)

"What for?"

"Just transmit anything we've got straight to me. In the meantime, I'm going to try to get a few fresh ones myself." The modified Warfury began to move in the general direction of one of the spacebergs.

"Shem to Y-3, what the heck are you doing?"

"Just a little exploring. I need data."

"Jackson, you are not cleared to attempt contact, if that's what's going through your head right now."

"Oh, really? Just what are we out here for, then? I'm a linguist, and I'm going to figure out how to communicate with these beings, even if it kills me in the process!"

"Jackson, get your butt back here, STAT! Jackson!"

The link went dead.

Aboard Yamato:

Lieutenant Commander M'Botho, science section chief of Yamato, swiveled in his chair. "Sir, we're picking up a Warfury moving towards the spaceberg we've selected as an optimal contact point."

Captain Borodin mused. "Any way to contact it?"

"No, sir. Only operates on tightbeam with its mothership, sir."

"Hopefully we can catch up with it when we send our shuttle. For now, launch a Loki to intercept and try to contact via laser-pulse morse code. Message to read: 'Yamato building spaceberg exploration team, you are welcome to dock with Yamato and join team.'"

"Acting, sir."

Dr. Jackson felt a tingling sensation on his tongue. What the? Oh. He switched off the Retainer, and played the feed through regular speakers. Well, too bad I can't respond. On the other hand, they wouldn't much like what I have to say anyway. (OOC: Not so much tightbeam as specific private channel, i.e., a reserved, classified, frequency. But, since its classified, you don't know that anyway, so its just fine for the Lieutenant to make that error.)

Arthur continued towards the 'berg, doing everything he could to get attention. Moving in front of transports, bombarding the 'berg with signals of varying frequencies, etc.

(Scolo/S-14, your call- does the improvised telepathic comm system work, and let Dr. Jackson understand the aliens, do they just not respond, or is it a total failure?)

The Retribution hangs still in space, her sensor module set to passive mode. She remains silent; and her captain...

"Damnit. I feel like some extra cog in a machine that really isn't needed, but wants to be along for the ride. Siyata, what's the expression?"

Siyata, the weapons officer, glances up from her board - where she was playing a math game due to boredom - and replies with, "Like a spare-"

A cough from the captain interrupts the sentence. "Not that one."

Siyata grins. "Err. A priest in a brothel?"

Rihad nods. "That one will do. I feel like a priest in a brothel. - I can only hope that something to shoot at appears. I fear the Retribution is severely outclassed in the scanning department."

(Scolo/S-14, your call- does the improvised telepathic comm system work, and let Dr. Jackson understand the aliens, do they just not respond, or is it a total failure?)

OOC: Some background, just incase it's useful:

Warfuries have a unique information system. In addition to the standard heads-up display, they also have a Retainer, based on technology developed IRL by Paul Bach-y-Rita (sp?). The Retainer, as the name suggests, looks sort of like an orthodontic retainer, but the bottom is covered in tiny electrodes. These send electrical pulses through the wearers tongue, which transmits them to the brain, where the signal type is identified and the information decoded. It's like a temporary, input-only brainjack. Normally, the system is used to give the pilot an extra set of RADAR eyes, so that they are fully aware of everything around the ship. In this case, however, the input was rerouted from RADAR to radio-comm, the idea being that, if the radio signals from the aliens really are their natural form of communication, they should stimulate the Wernicke's area of the brain, allowing one to interpret the signals just as though they were plain English (or whatever one's native language is).

(Scolo/S-14, your call- does the improvised telepathic comm system work, and let Dr. Jackson understand the aliens, do they just not respond, or is it a total failure?)
"Carrying-Vehicle Nine-Nine-Eleven-Nine approach six-zero ice-ship four."
"Clearance."

It also manages to give the good doctor a mild headache. It's a very difficult language to understand... he gets the impression he's not getting all of it. Also, it's coming in so fast he can't organize the thoughts in his head with the chatter coming in on audio. Imagine someone saying the above in around .5 to 1 second.

<Communications to Retribution>
{
<< I see you're not doing so much. May I suggest a course of action? If you have some sort of breacher pod, or can get some from the Eniqciri, then I've noted that there are inactive rents along the aft spar of S-14 that may be good insertion points.

<< I will advise Mahroni (OOC: Consider it already advised) to transfer several pods to your command. I am also dispatching a shuttle with Triumvirate of Yut and Zero-One liason officers to work with your exploration party.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

Jackson leaned back and laughed, oblivious to the headache he was getting. With a few quick keystrokes, he moved radio feeds back to audio, and opened comm with Shem. "HaHAaaa..... No need to worry anymore, Shem. I got what I wanted. Comin' home! Oh, and contact the Durinians, tell them it's useless, they'll have to map the entire human brain... or alien, as the case may be... before they get close to decoding the alien's language. Jackson out." He started back towards the Shem, and began to think about the implications of this. Wow. So direct neural link through radio is their mode of communication- an entire race of telepaths! I wonder if they retain individuality....

Upon returning to the Shem, Dr. Jackson got quite a stern talking-to, but ignored it completely. He knew that they couldn't do any more than say angry words, him being a civillian and all. He quickly got on a shuttle back to the Farspace Horizon, where he had access to a non-restrictive comm system.

"Farspace Horizon to Server, Dr. Jackson speaking. I've got a request for SHODAN. Some rather specific surgery." Arthur leaned back in his chair, or at least did the best he could in 0-G, and let out a long sigh, still giddy from his initial success. Just then, the headache really kicked in. Ow. I need Tylenol.

"Mahonri to where ever SHODAN is (I assume the Server?). We will take your advice under consideration. If the Retribution needs them, we'll be happy to donate a few breacher pods."

Aeryn bends over Allison. "Allison? Can you here me? We need to know what happened."

Her eyes finally seem to settle on Aeryn, but still dart about, focusing on various parts of Aeryn's face. "Are you The Mother? No, you can't be The Mother. Soft-skin. Disgusting. Not right, not right at all. If I'm not with The Mothers, if I'm not The Mothers, who am I--where am I?"

She calms down suddenly, and looks at each person in the room in turn. Her eyes scan the room calmly, almost mechanistically. "Who are you... and are you... mammals? Are you from the unknown swarm-hives?"

"No, I'm not the Mother. And yes, we are mammals from the - swarm-hives. We're here on an exploration mission. You're onboard one of our vessels, you were part of the exploration team." Aeryn stealthly motioned for everyone in the room to move back and give Allison - or whoever was inside Allison - more room.

-----
{PRIORITY ONE ALL-SHIPS TRANSMISSION}
x Sauscony (ASCC, IEV Fourty-Two?)

Possible contact established with alien vessel via telepathic link. Suspect aliens have hive structure similar to insects, possibly hive mind. More details will follow as available. Full recording of encounter attached.

"Farspace Horizon to Server, Dr. Jackson speaking. I've got a request for SHODAN. Some rather specific surgery." Arthur leaned back in his chair, or at least did the best he could in 0-G, and let out a long sigh, still giddy from his initial success. Just then, the headache really kicked in. Ow. I need Tylenol.
<Communications to Doctor Jackson via Farspace Horizon>
{
<< Report to Advanced Medical Suite Seven-Bravo, Deck Nine, Radial Four aboard Server. I will be waiting. Is it an emergency?
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

"Mahonri to where ever SHODAN is (I assume the Server?). We will take your advice under consideration. If the Retribution needs them, we'll be happy to donate a few breacher pods."[/quote]
(you get a thank you)

Possible contact established with alien vessel via telepathic link. Suspect aliens have hive structure similar to insects, possibly hive mind. More details will follow as available. Full recording of encounter attached.
<Communications to Fourty-Two?>
{
<< Acknowledged. Will examine--

>> [incoming recording]

<< [low whistle]

<< Ow.
}

http://www.womengamers.com/dw/sshock2_rev.jpg
S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0 : MCP, Q01

Dr. Cobbler tries to sit comfortably in his chair. (as comfortable as one can be in such a utilitarian chair that is)

He rotates the chair to a small comm. console and types in a few keystrokes, selecting comms for the major science vessels and one ultra-bandwidth channel to S.H.O.D.A.N.

The ships have Dr. Cobbler's face flicker onto a comm. screen.
"This is Dr. Cobbler, I believe we know what the "large 50km spike" on the forward array is."

He pauses an hits a few more keys, and the screens change to a picture of a false-color cut-away hologram of the spike.

"It appears that our mystery machine, is in possesion of a 50km electromagnetic rail gun"

He pauses to hit a few more keys, "Right now I'm sending our compiled data to the esteemed SHODAN so she can look at it when she's willing, and I will have more details tonight."

"Also, I have been authorized to call for a debreifing at 2000hrs Titan Standard Time aboard the TDF Dæmon. Come if you can, it will be an excellent opportunity for us to exchange data, thoughts, and suggestions. Good Luck with your continued ventures."

OOC: Don't worry, I will post when it's about to start, then post when it starts.

"No, I'm not the Mother. And yes, we are mammals from the - swarm-hives. We're here on an exploration mission. You're onboard one of our vessels, you were part of the exploration team." Aeryn stealthly motioned for everyone in the room to move back and give Allison - or whoever was inside Allison - more room.
Allison (or whoever was inside Allison) nodded. "Ah... what do you mean 'part' of your 'exploration team?' The Blues have been most curious about you, and especially the signals your swarm-hives emit. They're almost too simple to classify as language."

Allison twitches slightly, then looks around the room again. "Interesting... I'm in a room full of mammals. I think that I am aboard one of the vessels surrounding Alpha, although I'm unsure why I think so or how I came to be here. I also think the mammals are sentient, but again I do not know why I think so. Ahh, I know, servitors!

"Excuse me, female mammal, but if you'd be so kind as to get your superior, I would be most appreciative. Also, if you could tell me the status of the probe that I launched to the large vessel."

Report to Advanced Medical Suite Seven-Bravo, Deck Nine, Radial Four aboard Server. I will be waiting. Is it an emergency?

"I'll be there ASAP. It's not quite an emergency, but I'd prefer to have the correct implants at least by the time we attempt first entry. I'll explain when I get there. Jackson out." How nice- The Cetagandans have confirmed my group-conciousness hypothesis. Arthur made his way to the shuttle bay again, and set off for his appointment with SHODAN.

OOC: To avoid having to RP the whole surgery thing, here's what he'll need:

A neural encoder in his Broca's area, wired to a radio transmitter, a neural decoder in his Wernicke's area, wired to a radio reciever, an Encephalon, and some way to consciously turn all that stuff off and on, with no external stuff.

To Lossa, Sakkran Expeditionary Party:

Please report to Yamato conference room 2A, Deck Seven, Fore Bulkhead Charlie-Nine. If you need guidance from the hangar bay, tap the first non-working technician you see on Captain Borodin's orders. Please bring all expedition members interested in exploring the spaceberg (OOC: That means if you want on the shuttle to the spaceberg, show up.).

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/al_rijil.gifAdvisor Al Rijil
Science Section, Federation of Scolopendra
Science Director, S-14 Expedition

To the Scolopendran ship Yamamoto.

it appears that others do not wish to join us, and so it will be our team ourselves. This may be for the best, but results will be the decision-maker on this. We are on our way to the conference room at this moment.

[TO: The Durinian Linguists]
[FROM: Coordinator Of Clan Intaír]

"Our pilot has been unable to get a reaction from the airlock in Rent E. It is our hypothesis that some sort of security card must be used before the controls will respond, given the configuration of the control panel. We understand that you were attempting to decipher the alien's computer systems- perhaps you could assist in activating the airlock?"

(On the assumption that most everyone should know about Dr. Jackson's discovery by now...)

"Ship, begin intercepting and recording all available alien transmissions. Route directly to linguistic control. You may need to reconfigure yourself to a more humanoid neural pattern for this to work, but we believe that direct stimulation with the pulse patterns emitted by the aliens should allow you to comprehend them."

"Acknowledged. Begining reconfiguration...."

A neural encoder in his Broca's area, wired to a radio transmitter, a neural decoder in his Wernicke's area, wired to a radio reciever, an Encephalon, and some way to consciously turn all that stuff off and on, with no external stuff.
S.H.O.D.A.N.'s avatar grimaces. "Those are quite invasive enhancements, Doctor, and this is not quite my cybernetics lab back home. If you want this done as quickly as you want it to be, it'll have to be done the old-fashioned way. Don't worry though, you came to the right electronic intelligence. I have at least several thousand hours of collective experience on complex cybernetic neurosurgery ten times more invasive than this.

"If you would please lie on this table and put on that mask (trust me, you'll need it), we can begin."

S.H.O.D.A.N. sanitizes her hands and begins doing it the "old-fashioned" way. If you're wondering what that entails, let's just say a rotary-saw Dremel is the first step (don't worry Eniqcir, she'll hide the seam).

Post-operation report:

Impants are all civilian L-grade Deltaware (i.e. effective custom-mades, but not as nifty as Karma's R-grades).

Neural Encoder, Broca's Area: Installed successfully.
Radio Transmitter, left earlobe: Installed successfully, 25% greater efficiency than expected.
Neural Decoder, Wernicke's Area: Installed successfully.
Radio Reciever, right earlobe: Installed successfully.
Encephalon, Frontal Horn Ventricle: Installation marginally successful. Maximum brain clockspeed enhancement is 400%. Minor damage to genu corpus callosum. Analysis: Patient will probably have an intermittent communication difficulty between the analytical and emotive hemispheres of the brain. This may lead to logical disconnects; not connecting input (vision, words, sounds, etc) to meaning. Damage appears to be repairable, but will require extensive nanosurgery and probably a several-month somnolescent healing stage.
Activation contacts, upper lip: Installed successfully.

(OOC: Sorry about the encephalon, but Shodey had a 98 percent chance of installing it successfully, even as a rush job, and she rolled a 98.)

Allison (or whoever was inside Allison) nodded... {ect, ect}


Aeryn raises an eye slightly. "I leader of this part of exploratory force, although I am not the highest ranking person in the fleet around what you called Alpha. However, explaining our command structure would take considerable time. For the moment, I can answer questions you have. In fact, I shall make the information on the probe available to you right now." Aeryn leads Allison/Whoever into a secluded part of the work area, where she is shown a terminal which is currently showing what's going on with the probe. Only Sauscony's drone follows, and Hesche if he feels like it. Near the station is a large window, from which the artifacts, part of Hawking, Fourty-Two, and a few other ships are visible

All this is being sent real-time to SHODAN, of course, as well as the Flag Captain.

OOC: (She should be regaining limited psi abilities now.)

(OOC: No troubles, minor errors are to be expected.)

Arthur came out of the anesthesia slowly. Whoo, I never was one for surgery, but this'll definitely be worth it. Wow... now, I'm a cyborg and a telepath! He gently rubbed the back of his head. "Logical disconnects, you say? Well, no one back home ever really thought I was entirely sane, anyway. Never had much use for my emotive brain. Emotions, such messy things, always getting in the way of donuts. Ha! My first unintentional non-sequitur. Getting in the way of work, yes, work. I think I'd like a donut just now. May I leave, or do I have to stick around for a while, like after you get flu shots? Not that a machine would need flu shots...."

To the Scolopendran ship Yamamoto.

it appears that others do not wish to join us, and so it will be our team ourselves. This may be for the best, but results will be the decision-maker on this. We are on our way to the conference room at this moment.
Captain Borodin and Advisor Rijil stand at one end of the conference table, with a third man in a TYCS uniform and a humanoid android standing behind them. A three dimensional representation of the spaceberg slowly rotating from a holoemitter in the center of the table. "Ah, good evening, Sakkran siblings. Welcome to the spaceship Yamato"--he says it with special emphasis, his Russian accent rolling over the phrase.

Rijil points to the display. "A Voyeur spy probe overflight found a hemispherical structure here near what we believe to be the engine assembly. It appears to be a hangar, and by reading the amount of ice condensation on it, it hasn't been used in a while. The transports from S-14 seem to be concentrating on mining the spaceberg. We believe we can use this as a noninvasive insertion point via shuttle."

Borodin nods, then turns as the unidentified man and android step forward. "These will be your liason officers. This,"--putting his hand on the man's shoulder--"is Commander Douglass, my executive officer. He very much wants to be on the first contact team, and he got high marks on the Diplomatic Corps exam."

Commander Douglass bows slightly.

Borodin then slaps a brawny hand on the android's metal hide. The android simply looks at the Russian with its reddish wolf-spider eyes. "This is R-Jane 7692-Alpha-Bravo--"

"7692AD, sir," the android corrects him.

"--check that, Delta. She's--"

"It, sir."

"It is connected with the Zero-One linguistics and biology staff, and it also has experience with mechanical engineering, correct?"

"Yes, Captain."

Borodin nods. "Excellent. If there aren't any questions or additions, we have a window for shuttle launch in one hour. Will you be requiring any equipment other than the standard communications and sensors gear that we will be sending you with?"

"Horizon to Yamato, Dr. Jackson speaking. Sorry about the last-minute-ness of this, but I just barely got out of surgery. I probably shouldn't even by walking around just yet. Anyway, to the point, is it too late for me to join the expedition to the spaceberg? As you may know, I've already, *ahem*, been out there, and I know I can communicate with the aliens, if the need arises. I can be on a shuttle in 5 minutes, just say the words."

Aeryn raises an eye slightly...
Allison twitches slightly again at the sight of the screen. "Ah, a monitor. Must be unusually small. How does it operate?" She begins looking at the screen and peering at its mount, apparently looking for access panels and the like. After doing this for a few moments, she bolts upright, looks around, and suddenly rolls into the least-inhabited corner of the room. Pulling the crystal from around her neck (I'm assuming it's at least a bit sharp) and brandishing it as a weapon, she crouches in the corner in a low combat stance (one that is very foreign to her training but seems exquisitely balanced).

"Mammals! Why are you keeping me here from the defense of my Mother? Are you of the one of the small craft?"

"Horizon to Yamamoto, Dr. Jackson speaking...
Borodin pauses for a minute in the briefing room when a small device riding on his ear beeps. Putting his hand to it, he nods. "Understood. Doctor Jackson, Captain Borodin of Yamato. Get here as quickly as you can. Out."
"Mammals! Why are you keeping me here from the defense of my Mother? Are you of the one of the small craft?"
Magnus Hesche also drops into a combat stance, psi amp at the ready. A little bit of cryokinesis will keep her in line... if not, I have other tricks.

"A million thanks! Jackson out."

Jackson floated over to the access hatch, opened it, and swung out of the bridge. As he was boarding the shuttle again, Berata stopped him. "Y'know, Arthur, you sure do give that thing a work-out. I don't think any science ship has ever launched the same shuttle this many times within such a short period."

"Well, these science ships haven't been out long, have they? Bound to happen eventually. Hey, maybe I can get in the Guiness Book of World Records for this. Anyway, gotta run, I've gotta be aboard the Yamato ASAP."

He closed the hatch, sealed the internal airlock, opened the bay doors, and was off once again. "Yamato, this is Doctor Jackson aboard the shuttle Spindizzy, permission to dock?"

Aeryn holds out her hands toward Allison. "We're not trying to harm you or you mother. As I said, we're one of the craft around you ship. We're simply curious about your vessel and why it is near our stellar system. Is there any way we can prove our intentions?"
Meanwhile, several of the telekinetics in the room prepare to stop any move by Allison, with the other psions ready to share their power with them. Sauscony's drone is also hovering nearby.

"Yamato, this is Doctor Jackson aboard the shuttle Spindizzy, permission to dock?"
"Spindizzy, Yamato FlightCom. You are cleared in portside bay Alpha."
(OOC: Unless you have something to contribute to the briefing, just assume you make it to the shuttle without incident)

Aeryn holds out her hands toward Allison. "We're not trying to harm you or you mother. As I said, we're one of the craft around you ship. We're simply curious about your vessel and why it is near our stellar system.
She remains in the combat stance but seems to loosen slightly. "You are not the Norm, I have no need to trust you... but you are not from Alpha... where is your higher organism? I need to speak with it--maybe we can finally stop the apostasy."

A hologram of a woman is projected by the drone. "My name is Sauscony, and I have operational command for this section of the fleet. I am currently contacting my counterpart who is in overall control. What is it that you need?

----
x Sauscony (ASCC, IEV Fourty-Two?)
o Flag Captain Hitome Sato

Captain Sato, a situation is occuring on Hawking. The alien that controls one of our people is requesting to speak with our 'higher organism,' which I assume means our CO. It seems quite vehement about doing so, and seems agitated about 'stopping the apostasy. ' I have told it that I am in control of our section of the fleet, and that I am contacting you. Do you have any instructions or suggestions?

Captain Sato, a situation is occuring on Hawking. The alien that controls one of our people is requesting to speak with our 'higher organism,' which I assume means our CO. It seems quite vehement about doing so, and seems agitated about 'stopping the apostasy. ' I have told it that I am in control of our section of the fleet, and that I am contacting you. Do you have any instructions or suggestions?
Oh, dear. I'd probably find some way to safely restrain her... we aren't here to stop any "apostasy." Has she always acted like this? If so, why did you let loose the restraints?

Flag Captain Hitome Sato
CO, TY RCS Bravo
Military Director, S-14 Expedition

***

Magnus Hesche simply looks around at the tense situation in the room. "Pardon me, but has anyone tried to see the mental state in her head yet? Or is now a bad time?"

A hologram of a woman is projected by the drone. "My name is Sauscony, and I have operational command for this section of the fleet. I am currently contacting my counterpart who is in overall control. What is it that you need?
A look of disbelief spreads across Allison's face. "You can't be the higher organism... it just isn't possible!"

With that, she twitches again and after swaying a few times, loses her balance and falls to the deck unconscious. The crystal skitters harmlessly to the foot of the nearest person.

OOC: *smacks head*

Allison is quickly moved (edit: after being tied up by Magnus) into a small medical bay, from which everything has been removed except a medical bed, a few chairs, and a table. A large computer screen fills one wall. After she is sedated, a Healing Talent specializing in mental illness peaks into her head.

There are, of course, guards outside with non-lethal weapons.

On the shuttle, Arthur began playing back all the recordings of alien language he had gotten ahold of. Aaah... So *that's* what they were saying... Oh, approaching the docking bay, OK. Well, I'm off on another grand adventure! Whoduthunkit?

(OOC: Care to insert what he would've actually heard? Or just leave that a mystery....)

Magnus Hesche runs forward and, after stowing his psi-amp, produces a length of rope from his belt (you always need some fragging rope!) which he then uses to do a decent job of binding Allison's wrists and ankles.

After she is sedated, a Healing Talent specializing in mental illness peaks into her head.
Her psyche appears to currently be in five fragments, four of a distinctly alien nature, and one that is the closest approximation of human that is availiable.

It currently appears that none is dominant, as her internal monologue is in a psychological fibrillation. (Cardiac fibrillation is when muscle cells in the heart go off randomly, creating a useless muscle tormenting itself like "a fist of worms." Allison's psychological fibrillation is similar, with thoughts from each personality conflicting with each other, creating basically random "noise.") While not life-threatening, it is obviously painful, as evidenced by Allison's mild whimpering.

(OOC: Care to insert what he would've actually heard? Or just leave that a mystery....)
It isn't particuarly interesting; mostly just high-intensity verbal chatter between ground control, transports, et al. It is still missing the higher forms of speech, such as inflection.

The Ship went silent for several minutes, nearly half an hour, before it began to speak again. But what it said was not of its own mind. Being broadcast throughout the ship was the representation in Human and Snel language of the transmissions from the aliens. "Fascinating! Dr. Jackson would love this."

"Do you forget, Dr. Gawain, that Arthur Jackson is the one who made this possible? It is quite likely that he has already experienced something quite similar. Now, we have more exploration to do."

In response to a radio message, Envoy stopped its regular scans, and began to move towards one of the spacebergs.

"Tahar Joblisan Vessel, this is Dr. Jackson of the Farspace Horizon." Dang, this tastes bad. How the heck do the pilots stand having a Retainer in their mouths all the time? "Do you have recordings of the transmissions from the alien vessel? It seems I've arrived too late. If possible, I'd like you to play them back for me." Well, on the bright side, I won't be expected to reply to a recording....


After some lag time, Susie scrambled back to the com.

"We haven't been recording it out here. Jacque might've been, but he's out goggling at the whatsit and hasn't been talking to us much over here back at the main ship."

The transport near Jacque begins edging closer to Jacque's scooter on a rendezvous vector. The maintenance vehicle steadies its movements and holds station, seeming to watch intently with hollow black eyes.

"Now that is an impressive sight," Jacque said to himself. His head turned, taking in the full view.

And stopping.

Oh my.... looks like I was lucky enough to "stop" right near a relatively close to "stopped" thingamjiggy. I have the most amazing luck... of course, I suppose I'm lucky I didn't collide on approach. I should've seen it earlier...

He fired his jetpack breifly, reeling tether out freely as he glided towards the alien craft, wodified wind spider trailing him only slightly.

(OOC: Eeeeeexcelent.)
Oh my.... looks like I was lucky enough to "stop" right near a relatively close to "stopped" thingamjiggy. I have the most amazing luck... of course, I suppose I'm lucky I didn't collide on approach. I should've seen it earlier...

He fired his jetpack breifly, reeling tether out freely as he glided towards the alien craft, wodified wind spider trailing him only slightly.
The chemical powered transport (noted earlier) comes to a relative stop no more than fifty meters away. One of the large hexagonal doors opens up, revealing twelve space-suited figures.
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14spacesuit.jpg
They carry blocky tubular objects on their backs just in front of the "hump" around the midsection of the suit. They also wear spidery thruster packs and move in a definite interception pattern towards Jacque.

OOC: HOLY CRAP! You have no idea how incredibly close that looks to my vision of a Gurlanai.

(OOC: Still, you're doing great. A bit overly cautious... pushing airlock buttons with drones... but still, you've come up with astounding ideas and have made conclusions that I never expected.

It's amazing; we're up to 13 pages and you haven't even gotten in S-14 yet. Trust me--according to the Giant Sourcebook of S-14, it only gets better inside...)

--edited because GAME ON!--

(OOC: Just what is this Giant Sourcebook of S-14, anyway? An actual book? Oh, and a Shadowcraft isn't exactly a drone... it's like a guy in a permanent spacesuit. Hm. This thread could definitely be Novelized (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11966).)

(OOC: Just what is this Giant Sourcebook of S-14, anyway?)
http://evidence-eliminator-sucks.com/eesucks/agent.jpg
"There is no Giant Sourcebook of S-14. It is a mere figment in the deranged minds of diseased people like Scolo and 'THE SOURCE.'

"These deranged minds humbly request that this thread remain non-novelized, yet thank you for your offer."

Ah. I see.

OOPS

TRIP CANCELED

GAME ON!

Ah, how nice.

IC: Envoy attempted an extreme close observation of the spaceberg, nearly landing, but staying off the surface to prevent getting stuck to the ice, and transmitting constantly back to the Oberon.

The Shadowcraft at the airlock, however, wasn't going to be nearly that careful. Having once been a normal Snel, it had all of the emotions that go along with such an existence, including 'holier-than-thou'-ness, and impatience when trying to satisfy curiosity. Well, if we can't get in the normal way.... It extended one of its fingertips, tried to squeeze it into the slot on the control panel, and began binding itself to the mechanism, in preparation for partial merging with the circuitry. Gosh-darnit, I'm gonna open this thing if I have to spread my nervous sytem over this entire sector!

(OOC: Eeeeeexcelent.)
The chemical powered transport (noted earlier) comes to a relative stop no more than fifty meters away. One of the large hexagonal doors opens up, revealing twelve space-suited figures.
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/s14/s14spacesuit.jpg
They carry blocky tubular objects on their backs just in front of the "hump" around the midsection of the suit. They also wear spidery thruster packs and move in a definite interception pattern towards Jacque.

Jacque tongued on his helmet radio.

"Hello. To whom it may concern, we have contact. They appear to have decided to approach me spontaneously of their own accord, which I count as a good sign."

He waves cheerfully and fires a gentle thrust to greet the aliens, reeling out his tether further and preparing to unhook it.

Ah, how nice.

IC: Envoy attempted an extreme close observation of the spaceberg, nearly landing, but staying off the surface to prevent getting stuck to the ice, and transmitting constantly back to the Oberon.

The Shadowcraft at the airlock, however, wasn't going to be nearly that careful. Having once been a normal Snel, it had all of the emotions that go along with such an existence, including 'holier-than-thou'-ness, and impatience when trying to satisfy curiosity. Well, if we can't get in the normal way.... It extended one of its fingertips, tried to squeeze it into the slot on the control panel, and began binding itself to the mechanism, in preparation for partial merging with the circuitry. Gosh-darnit, I'm gonna open this thing if I have to spread my nervous sytem over this entire sector!
While screwing with the box, it finds a notched metal strip affixed to the top with a small metal chain. Attempts to force the lock through merging fail due to an unlikely Improbability Event in the area.

He waves cheerfully and fires a gentle thrust to greet the aliens, reeling out his tether further and preparing to unhook it.
(done in conjunction with TJ over IRC)
The aliens meet him and the arachnid halfway and immediately grab the wind spider gently. Not meeting resistance from the pet, one of the two-meter long aliens gently holds it to its "chest" with its two forearms.

"Clickityclokclokclickityclickity." The aliens wave their front appendages at the modified wind spider (MWS) as they talk to it over open radio frequencies. The MWS communicates back on a specific band range with a sliding tone signal. Jacque, still tethered to the MWS, stammers into his mic: "They appear... t-t-to be expressing a-- hosti--no, check--non-hostile int-t-terest in us... They may be some sort of insect inside the suit... inside their helmets I see something moving, some sort of head..."

Shadows inside the black oblate spheres move as whatever is inside the suits look at each other. The eleven aliens not holding the arachnid seem to wave their front appendages to each other, then seem to notice Jacque directly for the first time. "Clickityclokclokclickityclickity." One repeats the message they sent the MWS, but from the waving it's obvious that they're talking to Jacque now. Having tried the friendly wave, he waves both hands, then one hand, then both hands again in circular motions, as if he were wiping glass. You have antennas, and this is what I would look like if these arms were antennas...

The aliens reciprocate the motions with their forward appendages after a moment. "Clickityclokclokclickityclickity." Using his headware, Jacque uses his set theory to produce a response. "Taptappitytiptiptippitytap." Upon hearing that, two of the aliens move foreward and grab Jacque lightly around the arms and legs.

"I'm not sure if they agree with set theory."

A third alien takes hold of his back and together the group gently thrusts back to the transport, followed by the maintenance vehicle. The entire gaggle disappears within the nine-meter hexagonal hatch, which closes behind them.

(OOC: ABDUCTED BY SPACEDY ALIENS! OH NO!)

The Improbability Wave expanded from the box, over the Shadowcraft's arm, and dissipated into the surrounding space. Suddenly, the Shadowcraft found itself back as it was, with no memory of the previous event sequence. This time, it took a different approach. "Oberon, please contact the Durinians and acquire an update on their progress with cracking the alien computers. Ah, I have found something rather interesting here, we may be able to open the airlock." Strange, leaving a key just sitting there like that. Probably not really even a key. But hey, it's worth a try! The Shadowcraft curled a prehensile fingertip around the metal strip, and inserted it into the slot. Afterwards, it tried pressing the button again.