NationStates Jolt Archive

S-14, In Deep... Ditch, Low-Grav Terrace, Ma-tek Party
Sefrin grunts, waves of pain sweeping through him. His lips move, but no sound comes out; thanks to the LSR, however, the words still ring through.

"I... can manage... I.. think."

Millet lays sprawled, gasping air into her lungs in an effort to bring her many conflicting emotions under control; images rise unbidden in her mind, images of blood, images of pain and death...

...she sees the revolution, the birth of the Empire, through eyes that few saw through. She sees the pain of the falling regime; the assasinations, the murders... Stars, so many dead...

...she doesn't manage to answer. In fact, it's not even clear whether she heard the question. Yet her clenched fists, perhaps, pay testiment to her effort to regain control.
The Shadow has said more in the last ten minutes than he has in the last three months; cursing in binary, he tosses Karena's medkit to Sefrin. Pointing to the grunting human female, he says "Help her fix herself." Ignoring Millet, the Shadow brings Karena's maser rifle to the ready and peeks over the brim. "They're spreading. Keep quiet."

Karena mouths silently into the lipreader as she puts one hand on her shin above the compound fracture and the other on Sefrin's handless shoulder. "First thing's first--put the bone back in place." She then points to items in the kit. "Then take that thick metal device with the cone, put it onto the break in the bone, then push the button. Take the aeroinjector with the blue label and spray it over the wound, then take the long centipede-looking plastic thing, break it to the proper length, and close the wound with it." She gasps for air, then continues. "Then spray the wound again with the blue and follow it up with some foam from the foam projector bottle."

Panting from the effort, she looks over to Millet. "Now she's in a bad way."


Millet goes still. In fact, she has withdrawn deep within herself; her years-of-training-inbred-control asserting itself as she falls into what might be considered a meditative state; her eyes do not close, however: and she does not blink.

Deep within her mind, she battles unseen foes; foes of her own fear and self-loathing: the blood on her hands runs thick. Regrets surface. Thousands of thousands of regrets; each one a candle flickering to darkness in the wind of change. The revolution against the Commonwealth and the Kingdom (Ma-tek and Ax-turath) that gave birth to the Empire was in part her doing; she had a great hand in those days. Indeed, she had been S-3; but had humbled herself after the 'war', and taken a lesser role. That, as she was now discovering, had nothing to do with humbleness... and everything to do with fear. Fear that she would be forced into such a position again. Fear that she would kill thousands, indirectly or not, again. Her breathing comes in short, ragged gasps.

Sefrin, for his part, appears - for the first time - to be the stronger of the pair of RISE agents. He gazes at his 'bad arm' - what's left of it - shivering in pain as he is, and sighs silently. "I'll need a new one of these, eh," he remarks in a surprisingly calm tone that gives away his fear and pain only in a tiny tremble over the word 'new'; and the tear that rolls unheeded upon his right cheek. Nontheless, he does as he is told.

S-14, In Deep... Ditch, Low-Grav Terrace, Ma-tek Party
Millet goes still. In fact, she has withdrawn deep within herself; her years-of-training-inbred-control asserting itself as she falls into what might be considered a meditative state; her eyes do not close, however: and she does not blink.

Deep within her mind, she battles unseen foes; foes of her own fear and self-loathing: the blood on her hands runs thick. Regrets surface. Thousands of thousands of regrets; each one a candle flickering to darkness in the wind of change. The revolution against the Commonwealth and the Kingdom (Ma-tek and Ax-turath) that gave birth to the Empire was in part her doing; she had a great hand in those days. Indeed, she had been S-3; but had humbled herself after the 'war', and taken a lesser role. That, as she was now discovering, had nothing to do with humbleness... and everything to do with fear. Fear that she would be forced into such a position again. Fear that she would kill thousands, indirectly or not, again.

Sefrin, for his part, appears - for the first time - to be the stronger of the pair of RISE agents. He gazes at his 'bad arm' - what's left of it - shivering in pain as he is, and sighs silently. "I'll need a new one of these, eh," he remarks in a surprisingly calm tone that gives away his fear and pain only in a tiny tremble over the word 'new'; and the tear that rolls unheeded upon his right cheek. Nontheless, he does as he is told.
Karena grits her teeth, sucking air inbetween them as Sefrin forces the bone back in place and knits it with the conical device, but she makes no noise otherwise. After the pain of bone relalignment and forcing muscle tissue out of the way, the sting of antibiotics and foam-bandages is unnoticable. "We'll take care of your arm for you..." she pants as she slaps a blue stimderm onto the back of her hand. Taking another one of the blue stickypads and putting it against Sefrin's neck, she smiles weakly. "You look like you could use one too."

The Shadow throws out a few more screamer grenades. "They are getting close; get down and be quiet." Rolling back down into the ditch, he unwraps a sort of large dark grey lightweight cape and casts it over everyone.

S-14, In Deep... Ditch, Low-Grav Terrace, Ma-tek Party
Millet goes still. In fact, she has withdrawn deep within herself; her years-of-training-inbred-control asserting itself as she falls into what might be considered a meditative state; her eyes do not close, however: and she does not blink.

Deep within her mind, she battles unseen foes; foes of her own fear and self-loathing: the blood on her hands runs thick. Regrets surface. Thousands of thousands of regrets; each one a candle flickering to darkness in the wind of change. The revolution against the Commonwealth and the Kingdom (Ma-tek and Ax-turath) that gave birth to the Empire was in part her doing; she had a great hand in those days. Indeed, she had been S-3; but had humbled herself after the 'war', and taken a lesser role. That, as she was now discovering, had nothing to do with humbleness... and everything to do with fear. Fear that she would be forced into such a position again. Fear that she would kill thousands, indirectly or not, again.

Sefrin, for his part, appears - for the first time - to be the stronger of the pair of RISE agents. He gazes at his 'bad arm' - what's left of it - shivering in pain as he is, and sighs silently. "I'll need a new one of these, eh," he remarks in a surprisingly calm tone that gives away his fear and pain only in a tiny tremble over the word 'new'; and the tear that rolls unheeded upon his right cheek. Nontheless, he does as he is told.
Karena grits her teeth, sucking air inbetween them as Sefrin forces the bone back in place and knits it with the conical device, but she makes no noise otherwise. After the pain of bone relalignment and forcing muscle tissue out of the way, the sting of antibiotics and foam-bandages is unnoticable. "We'll take care of your arm for you..." she pants as she slaps a blue stimderm onto the back of her hand. Taking another one of the blue stickypads and putting it against Sefrin's neck, she smiles weakly. "You look like you could use one too."

The Shadow throws out a few more screamer grenades. "They are getting close; get down and be quiet." Rolling back down into the ditch, he unwraps a sort of large dark grey lightweight cape and casts it over everyone.

Sefrin smiles weakly at Karena, mouthing a simple, "Thanks."

Millet, for her part, remains still; she is hardly in a condition to be aware that she should be quiet, but she remains so anyway - call it instinct, or call it training, either way, at some basic level she knows that she must be silent.

And besides her gasping breathing, she is.

S-14, In Deep... Ditch, Low-Grav Terrace, Ma-tek Party
Sefrin smiles weakly at Karena, mouthing a simple, "Thanks."

Millet, for her part, remains still; she is hardly in a condition to be aware that she should be quiet, but she remains so anyway - call it instinct, or call it training, either way, at some basic level she knows that she must be silent.

And besides her gasping breathing, she is.
There is a sporadic thumping as Reds hop and run over the small ditch. Silently counting to itself, the Shadow pulls back the cape. "Now what can we do?"

S-14, Shrine of the Ancients, Forward Spar, Big Party

The other disks are more technical reports and what not. They all show the odd multicolored insect as the Norm, making no mention of Reds, Blues, Greens, or Minis.
"We must get this information out to all of them, they must be shown the truth." Cobbler says excitedly.
R-Diana looks at him, "What truth?"

"There is no norm. Or rather, none of them are the norm. I believe this may be able to stop they're genocide."

He turns and looks at the rest of the group, "We need Alpha, only Alpha can deseminate the information quickly enough."

S-14, Shrine of the Ancients, Forward Spar, Big Party

"We must get this information out to all of them, they must be shown the truth." Cobbler says excitedly.
R-Diana looks at him, "What truth?"

"There is no norm. Or rather, none of them are the norm. I believe this may be able to stop they're genocide."

He turns and looks at the rest of the group, "We need Alpha, only Alpha can deseminate the information quickly enough."

"I'll ask Sauscony to attempt to contact Alpha. Does anyone see a computer terminal or port around here?"

S-14 Security Zone

Using the reactivated comms array, Sauscony attempts to contact Alpha.
"Alpha? We've made an important discovery in the Shrine of the Ancients. None of the races are the norm. We've got recordings from the Shrine that state so. We need your help to get this information out. If this mode of communication isn't convient, try reaching our people at the Shrine. This is a radio frequency that will work it you have no local terminals."

S-14 Security Zone
Using the reactivated comms array, Sauscony attempts to contact Alpha.
"Alpha? We've made an important discovery in the Shrine of the Ancients. None of the races are the norm. We've got recordings from the Shrine that state so. We need your help to get this information out. If this mode of communication isn't convient, try reaching our people at the Shrine. This is a radio frequency that will work it you have no local terminals."
I thought the Shrine might have the answers... it has information that I lost in an accident a very long time ago. Transmit the data to me and I will relay.

S-14 Security Zone

I thought the Shrine might have the answers... it has information that I lost in an accident a very long time ago. Transmit the data to me and I will relay.

"Transmitting now."

S-14
"Transmitting now."
The computer systems across S-14 returned to life as Alpha deactivated its own defenses and returned to its standard operational status. Screens, holoprojectors, communications gear, on all frequencies out of all speakers Alpha announces its return.

"Peoples of Alpha," the very ship rumbles with chattering echoes as translation matrices try to keep up, "I come from the Shrine of the Ancients. The Blues have been lying for <time period>. There is no longer any Norm. The Norm is long dead. You are all apostate. You are all abominations according to your flawed form of the Prime Edict." She then plays the recordings from the Shrine.

Across S-14, weapons, tools, everything is dropped as the inhabitants suddenly lose the will to fight. The displays on the screens, the recordings, all proof that they have been fighting and dying for nothing for millions of years.

S-14, Blue Coordinator's Quarters
After the message, the Blue Coordinator only sits down and holds her head in her hands. "Forget it."

Rama
The Red Coordinator pauses for a moment and shakes her head. "No... it's not important anymore." The Reds lean on each other, as if they were fatigued.

S-14, Low-Gravity Terraces
The parties hear a lot of clicking.

S-14, Airfield, Ring Plain
Arthur can understand the message. All life on the airbase screeches to a halt, with Reds running into buildings or staring blankly at public address systems.

S-14SECZONE
<Transmission, Alpha to Sauscony>
Thank you. Now... we must decide what happens from here. I can assemble a neutral meeting place. Do you have any ideas?

"The Shrine might be good, if we can clean up." Jeff motions to the two poor guards.

"The Shrine might be good, if we can clean up." Jeff motions to the two poor guards.
(relayed through the Cetagandan comms)

While an excellent choice generally, I do not have a remote connection there. Also, as I gather the Mothers' reactions to this new data, please think of what terms we are to enter this system--whether we are to be allowed to colonize, under what terms, et cetera.

"The Shrine might be good, if we can clean up." Jeff motions to the two poor guards.
(relayed through the Cetagandan comms)

While an excellent choice generally, I do not have a remote connection there. Also, as I gather the Mothers' reactions to this new data, please think of what terms we are to enter this system--whether we are to be allowed to colonize, under what terms, et cetera.
Jeff looks at the commanders in the room, "Someone should get on the horn to our superiors."

Someone else in the background pipes up, "Maybe we could hold it out in the plains area, have a big ole' conference."

S-14, In Deep... Ditch, Low-Grav Terrace, Ma-tek Party
Sefrin smiles weakly at Karena, mouthing a simple, "Thanks."

Millet, for her part, remains still; she is hardly in a condition to be aware that she should be quiet, but she remains so anyway - call it instinct, or call it training, either way, at some basic level she knows that she must be silent.

And besides her gasping breathing, she is.
There is a sporadic thumping as Reds hop and run over the small ditch. Silently counting to itself, the Shadow pulls back the cape. "Now what can we do?"

Sefrin eyes Millet - with mild distaste, it ought to be noted, but not without sympathy - and mouths, "I think we have to lie low for a little bit. She'll be... better... soon, I'm sure."

If he had spoken out loud, then the hopefulness in his tone would have come through. As it is, it is only apparent in his eyes.

S-14, Laying Low, Low-Gravity Terrace, Ma-tek Party
There is a sporadic thumping as Reds hop and run over the small ditch. Silently counting to itself, the Shadow pulls back the cape. "Now what can we do?"

Sefrin eyes Millet - with mild distaste, it ought to be noted, but not without sympathy - and mouths, "I think we have to lie low for a little bit. She'll be... better... soon, I'm sure."

If he had spoken out loud, then the hopefulness in his tone would have come through. As it is, it is only apparent in his eyes.[/quote]
Karena opens up her rucksack and passes out rations. "I wonder what all that clicking was," she mouths as she plugs her communicator into her headset. "We need to figure out some way out of this mess, though... first contingency being that she"--she indicates Millet using a block of pure nutrition--"doesn't come out of that trance."

S-14, Forward Spar, Shrine of the Ancients, You Know Who

Sauscony, relaying through the suit speakers, says, "I agree, on the Ring plain seems like it would be neutral. Alpha, is there any spot on the plain that would be considered neutral? If there is no satisfactory on this ship, then perhaps it would be best to meet aboard Server, the fleet's flagship."

S-14, Forward Spar, Shrine of the Ancients, You Know Who
Sauscony, relaying through the suit speakers, says, "I agree, on the Ring plain seems like it would be neutral. Alpha, is there any spot on the plain that would be considered neutral? If there is no satisfactory on this ship, then perhaps it would be best to meet aboard Server, the fleet's flagship."
I can pick a convenient location on the Ring Plain. It will take a short time to assemble and the Mothers are now very prone to suggestion; is there anything else you need done?

S-14, Forward Spar, Shrine of the Ancients, You Know Who
Sauscony, relaying through the suit speakers, says, "I agree, on the Ring plain seems like it would be neutral. Alpha, is there any spot on the plain that would be considered neutral? If there is no satisfactory on this ship, then perhaps it would be best to meet aboard Server, the fleet's flagship."
I can pick a convenient location on the Ring Plain. It will take a short time to assemble and the Mothers are now very prone to suggestion; is there anything else you need done?
Crichton speaks up, "Make sure none of the explorers from outside S-14 are harmed, please."

S-14, Forward Spar, Shrine of the Ancients, You Know Who
Sauscony, relaying through the suit speakers, says, "I agree, on the Ring plain seems like it would be neutral. Alpha, is there any spot on the plain that would be considered neutral? If there is no satisfactory on this ship, then perhaps it would be best to meet aboard Server, the fleet's flagship."
I can pick a convenient location on the Ring Plain. It will take a short time to assemble and the Mothers are now very prone to suggestion; is there anything else you need done?
Crichton speaks up, "Make sure none of the explorers from outside S-14 are harmed, please."

"Would it be possible to dispatch some transportation to pick up our seperated exploration parties?"

"Would it be possible to dispatch some transportation to pick up our seperated exploration parties?"
We will. If you can give me some way to home in them, I will ensure their safety.

"We will ask them all to start transmitting on a radio frequency of 121.5 mhz. You should be able to track them that way."

<<Trans>Sato>>
Sato, Hideki. Ask all parties not at this location to begin transmitting on 121.5. Alpha is going to use it to round up our people.
<<over>>

S-14SECZONE
<<Trans>Hideki>>
"Hideki, Sato. Acting as broadcast. Out."
<<Out>>

<<Trans>All Parties>>
"Exploration parties, Sato. Transmit constantly on 121.5 megahertz. The indigenous S-14 situation has been resolved; please sumbit to indigenous requests. They're coming to extract you. Out."
<<Out>>

Ma-tek Party
Karena twiddles a knob on the communicator and sets it aside.

Karma and Ma-tek Parties
Within half an hour of reconfiguring their sets, blue-painted helicopters arrive at their positions, landing nearby. Blues walk out completely unarmed and begin speaking through translators in English: "We're here from Alpha. We're to get you back to your people."

"Well, gentlemen, I think we should be heading for the ring plain," says Major Timberton. "If you'll all pack up your equipment, I believe that there is a transport car this way. David, can you walk, or will someone have to carry you?"

S-14, Laying Low, Low-Gravity Terrace, Ma-tek Party
There is a sporadic thumping as Reds hop and run over the small ditch. Silently counting to itself, the Shadow pulls back the cape. "Now what can we do?"

Sefrin eyes Millet - with mild distaste, it ought to be noted, but not without sympathy - and mouths, "I think we have to lie low for a little bit. She'll be... better... soon, I'm sure."

If he had spoken out loud, then the hopefulness in his tone would have come through. As it is, it is only apparent in his eyes.
Karena opens up her rucksack and passes out rations. "I wonder what all that clicking was," she mouths as she plugs her communicator into her headset. "We need to figure out some way out of this mess, though... first contingency being that she"--she indicates Millet using a block of pure nutrition--"doesn't come out of that trance."[/quote]

Sefrin's reply is slow in coming.


Karma and Ma-tek Parties
Within half an hour of reconfiguring their sets, blue-painted helicopters arrive at their positions, landing nearby. Blues walk out completely unarmed and begin speaking through translators in English: "We're here from Alpha. We're to get you back to your people."


In fact, it never is heard; the drone of the approaching helicopters drowns it out. Sefrin sets his lips angrily at the sight of the Blues; he clearly does not trust them further than he can throw them. We'll ignore the fact that in this gravity, that's probably quite a ways...

...at any rate, he simply points to Millet and remarks, "She needs medical attention. Psychological, that is." Coldly.

*cough*excession*cough*

OOC: I fail to see what this thread has to do with Excession. Considering I've been RPing in it for 50-some pages now, I think I would have noticed. Please crawl back under whatever rock you came from and stop interrupting.

(OOC: The Giant Sourcebook of S-14 was written in 1986. I think it has Excession beat.)

Ma-tek Party

In fact, it never is heard; the drone of the approaching helicopters drowns it out. Sefrin sets his lips angrily at the sight of the Blues; he clearly does not trust them further than he can throw them. We'll ignore the fact that in this gravity, that's probably quite a ways...

...at any rate, he simply points to Millet and remarks, "She needs medical attention. Psychological, that is." Coldly.
"I'd agree," Karena yells over the sound of the helos, "but right now we need to get home. Besides, we've got the arsenal." She takes her maser rifle back from the Shadow, who parts with it less-than-gladly. "If they give us any trouble, we vape 'em and steal the chopper. Deal?"

The guard, seeing the vehicle swerve back towards the guarded headquarters building, returns to her post; line-of-sight to the gate is soon blocked by the hangars and attendant airfield buildings along the way. When approaching the HQ, the party notes a street that runs in front of it; going left would lead towards the cargo ramp while going right would head towards the flight line. Going straight would lead to what Shuuta assumes to be the HQ.

After the PA announcement, the group witnesses the Reds reaction.

"Hrrrrmmm. Let's get to the hangar where the craft is. I think down the cargo ramp is the best bet. We have some samples of biology and the insulation from the access-way on Golf." Shuuta turns the transport left, looking for any signs of resistance,

(ooc: Speaking of The Source, where did you get it?
Unless anyone has any objections, I'm going to assume we're heading for wherever we're going.)

Leading the way towards the transport car (and having someone carry David if need be), Major Timberton asks Alpha, "Can you direct the car to our destination?"

Sakkran Party (Yay, he's back!)
After the PA announcement, the group witnesses the Reds reaction.

"Hrrrrmmm. Let's get to the hangar where the craft is. I think down the cargo ramp is the best bet. We have some samples of biology and the insulation from the access-way on Golf." Shuuta turns the transport left, looking for any signs of resistance,
Which are dropping from Red hands as we speak. They seem to have nothing left to fight for. In fact, as Shuuta drives off, the Mini tanks stop in the middle of the Red base and pop their hatches, Mini tankers poking out to hear better.

The cargo ramp leads to the cargo elevator, which transitions the vehicle back to the cargo access tunnels. Life at the motor pool has seemed to ceased; gaggles of Reds are clustered around public-address boxes and portable monitors.

Big Party
Leading the way towards the transport car (and having someone carry David if need be), Major Timberton asks Alpha, "Can you direct the car to our destination?"
Of course. I shall take you there directly.

S-14SECZONE
<Communications>
This is Alpha. I am in the process of moving your explorers to the meeting place I have established. If you wish to send diplomats instead of explorers, please send them to Hangar three at <coordinates>. I shall have them escorted from there.
<Over>

(OOC: The Giant Sourcebook of S-14 was written by THE SOURCE in 1986. There is but one hardcopy...)

Ma-tek Party

In fact, it never is heard; the drone of the approaching helicopters drowns it out. Sefrin sets his lips angrily at the sight of the Blues; he clearly does not trust them further than he can throw them. We'll ignore the fact that in this gravity, that's probably quite a ways...

...at any rate, he simply points to Millet and remarks, "She needs medical attention. Psychological, that is." Coldly.
"I'd agree," Karena yells over the sound of the helos, "but right now we need to get home. Besides, we've got the arsenal." She takes her maser rifle back from the Shadow, who parts with it less-than-gladly. "If they give us any trouble, we vape 'em and steal the chopper. Deal?"

Sefrin continues to eye the Blues with great distrust. "Sounds... excellent. Deal."

He pauses, then adds diplomatically to the Blues: "No offense intended."

Yeah. Right. And Millet is a giraffe.

Ma-tek Party
Sefrin continues to eye the Blues with great distrust. "Sounds... excellent. Deal."

He pauses, then adds diplomatically to the Blues: "No offense intended."

Yeah. Right. And Millet is a giraffe.
The Blues can only gape (or at least perform the insect analog to gape) at Sefrin's charred ex-arm. "Your arm is wounded; we shall return you to your people." Two Blues appear with a stretcher; they gently lay Millet on it and carry her back to the helicopter. "Your female friend seems unhurt physically--what is wrong with her?"

When everyone boards the helicopter, they realize that the Blues are completely unarmed. Even the helo's side guns are stowed and locked-down. Karena leans back into her crash webbing and gingerly massages her wounded leg. "So, how are we going to get back to our people?"

The Blue in charge responds over the rotors. "We will take you to a hangar, put you on a transport, and ferry you to whatever ship you ask."

"Hmm... we'd better call ahead then." Karena hands the communicator to Sefrin. "I think you should contact your ship and give them the low-down."

Ma-tek Party
Sefrin continues to eye the Blues with great distrust. "Sounds... excellent. Deal."

He pauses, then adds diplomatically to the Blues: "No offense intended."

Yeah. Right. And Millet is a giraffe.
The Blues can only gape (or at least perform the insect analog to gape) at Sefrin's charred ex-arm. "Your arm is wounded; we shall return you to your people." Two Blues appear with a stretcher; they gently lay Millet on it and carry her back to the helicopter. "Your female friend seems unhurt physically--what is wrong with her?"

Sefrin stares at the Blue. "She has suffered a mind-hurt. I'm no psychologist. Shock, probably. Or she's having some sort of flashback-"

Millet groans for emphasis, drawing a concerned glance from Sefrin-

"-but we'll take care of her back on the Retribution."

Under his breath, he adds, "I hope."

When everyone boards the helicopter, they realize that the Blues are completely unarmed. Even the helo's side guns are stowed and locked-down. Karena leans back into her crash webbing and gingerly massages her wounded leg. "So, how are we going to get back to our people?"

The Blue in charge responds over the rotors. "We will take you to a hangar, put you on a transport, and ferry you to whatever ship you ask."

"Hmm... we'd better call ahead then." Karena hands the communicator to Sefrin. "I think you should contact your ship and give them the low-down."

Sefrin still looks suspicious. And angry. Indeed, it is partly his anger that dulls the little pain he still feels. But he casts a kindly glance at Karena, muttering, "Thanks." He switches off his LSR.

He activates the comm unit. "This is RISE unit 4-21-12. Zero response required. IDSS Retribution, we're coming home... but not in our," he clears his throat, "dropship. The... natives... of S-14 will be bringing us in."

Quieter, "If there is so much as an energy spike from the transport, blow it to shreds, Retribution," and then louder, "over."

* * *

Captain Rihad jumped - half nearly out of his skin - when Sefrin's voice came over the comm. He swivelled in the Nest to cast a glare at the comms officer: "Damnit, couldn't you have warned me?"

She grinned. "Nosir. No fun that way, sir."

His expression softened as he saw the grin; as he realized the sheer relief in her voice that their people were okay - and realized at that same moment that his own anger was just that: relief.

"Well, damn, Lieutenant... if you can't have fun on a stellar battleship, where can you have fun, eh?"

He smiled.

And flicked the switch on his console yet again, mouthing into his LSR. "SHODAN, I just got a heads-up from my people - they're coming home. Not in a dropship, worse luck... but you can't have everything, eh? And Rlh25million is a snip to a man who was beginning to wonder if his people were dead and buried, eh?"

Ma-tek Party
Sefrin still looks suspicious. And angry. Indeed, it is partly his anger that dulls the little pain he still feels. But he casts a kindly glance at Karena, muttering, "Thanks." He switches off his LSR.

He activates the comm unit. "This is RISE unit 4-21-12. Zero response required. IDSS Retribution, we're coming home... but not in our," he clears his throat, "dropship. The... natives... of S-14 will be bringing us in."

Quieter, "If there is so much as an energy spike from the transport, blow it to shreds, Retribution," and then louder, "over."
The helicopter on a ledge on the side of the habitiat torus where everyone is transferred to a transport car. The car goes coreward for a few minutes, apparent gravity decreasing again, until it stops on a hangar bay floor. The hangar is a cavernous enclosed room filled with those hundred-plus meter long insectoid vessels. The Blues gently escort the party into one.

The space transport taxis through an airlock to an EM launch ramp thanks to a small tow vehicle. The Blues ensure that everyone is snugly in their grav-couches before taking their own seats. "The acceleration is a bit... extreme. We apologize."

Ten seconds of five-gravity acceleration later, the space transport is well on its way to Retribution.

And flicked the switch on his console yet again, mouthing into his LSR. "SHODAN, I just got a heads-up from my people - they're coming home. Not in a dropship, worse luck... but you can't have everything, eh? And Rlh25million is a snip to a man who was beginning to wonder if his people were dead and buried, eh?"
"Oh," S.H.O.D.A.N.'s femininely deep voice comes over Rihad's headset, "I'm sure we can recover your dropship. I've notified Sato and the rest of S-14SECZONE to watch out for the transport just launched.

"As for your people... hopefully they are not only alive but well."

***

<<Transmission from S-14 Transport Vessel -> Retribution>>
"Alien cruiser, this is Transport 568. We are carrying four of your people back. One has lost his arm but is stable, one has apparently suffered psychological damage but is unharmed physically, one is wounded but recovering, and one--the cybernetic one--is fully operational. Please advise for docking procedures."
<<Over>>

"Well, gentlemen, I think we should be heading for the ring plain," says Major Timberton. "If you'll all pack up your equipment, I believe that there is a transport car this way. David, can you walk, or will someone have to carry you?"

"I think I'll be OK. I'm still hurtin' but it looks a lot worse than it is by now. Weird how these things work out. I'm actually glad I broke my leg earlier on. I'd appreciate some help carrying my stuff, though." David did, however, make sure to keep what was left of Finn for himself.

Once aboard the transport car, he said "Alpha, do you think you could give me a bit of assistance in semi-corporeal matters?"

S-14, Airfield, Ring Plain
Arthur can understand the message. All life on the airbase screeches to a halt, with Reds running into buildings or staring blankly at public address systems.

"Hrrrrmmm. Let's get to the hangar where the craft is. I think down the cargo ramp is the best bet. We have some samples of biology and the insulation from the access-way on Golf." Shuuta turns the transport left, looking for any signs of resistance,

He relays it to the others. "That is freaky. Perhaps... we should determine a new course of action. Then again, quick departure may be prudent at this point, perhaps to return later. Let us proceed."

"Alpha, my executive officer, Colonel Ashton, is aboard a pinnance now docking in Hangar Three. He will be the primary Cetagandan representive."

Large Party, Eniqcir Focus
"I think I'll be OK. I'm still hurtin' but it looks a lot worse than it is by now. Weird how these things work out. I'm actually glad I broke my leg earlier on. I'd appreciate some help carrying my stuff, though." David did, however, make sure to keep what was left of Finn for himself.

Once aboard the transport car, he said "Alpha, do you think you could give me a bit of assistance in semi-corporeal matters?"
"I do not understand. Explain."

(OOC: I'm just going to push this along so we can keep it flowing... now that we've kept S-14 from blowing up the planet, now we have to figure out what to do with it. Feel free to use ambassadors/the like at your discretion; assume they have already been transitioned to the meeting location. That means that the Big Party is there, and so is anyone else who really wants to be.

This still means we can complete individual plots if you wish; this is just to draw it to a close.)

THE MEETING

The assembly hall is a moderately-sized wedge-shaped auditorium dominated in the center of the stage by a semicircular table, resembling some sort of seminar or lecture hall. Walls and ceiling of simple acoustic tiling, floor of the odd Velcro-stuff, a half-circle of flourescent lights on the ceiling set over the table. The oblong backless couches of the auditorium take up most of the room, stairstepping up in orderly angled rows. There are four sections to the auditorium seating, and each is filled with a different type of S-14 insectoid--Blues, Reds, Greens, and Minis. There are about twenty of each (maybe a hundred Minis in twenty simple legged vehicles) and all are equipped with translators.

Each group has a single well-painted member, obviously the highest ranking there. Each group eyes everyone else warily but with the sluggish motion only found in the disheartened.

The leaders of the aliens (those, of course, being you) all sit at the long black-marble semicircular table. Along the sides of the front of the room are benches for the rest who wish to observe. Standing at the center of the table is S.H.O.D.A.N.'s humanoid avatar; to her left stands Flag Captain Sato; to her right stands Advisor Al Rijil. Calling the meeting to order, S.H.O.D.A.N. bids everyone sit down but remains standing.

"We have determined that there is no Norm," S.H.O.D.A.N. begins, "and thus have freed you, the inhabitants of Alpha, from the struggle that has divided you for so long. Now," she leans to sit down, "the question is..." Sitting down, she settles herself comfortably in the ovoid pod-like chair. "...what are we to do with you? Or, what are you to do with yourselves?"

The lead Blue stands up and steps forward. "I believe I speak for us all when I say this was... unexpected in the extreme. No, Our Mother did not intentionally hide the truth; she only followed a directive generations old. She now thinks that one of our Mothers discovered the genetic disparity and concealed the data in the Shrine of the Ancients to protect her and her children... and, over time, the data remained sealed so her children could be sure of their right to rule." She hangs her head for a moment, then sits back down.

The Red leader stands up. "At this rate, I have no reason to disbelieve. It all becomes clear--by hiding the Prime Edict, it was forced to become memory. Memory distorted it over the generations, and as we lost the technology to maintain our genome in the first race wars... The Norm died... leaving only us... non-Norm" Her translator imparts a tone of desperate realization to the last part as she sits down.

The Green leader stands up with some difficulty in the gravity even with the assistance of a spindly powered exoskeleton. "We had always expected to live on once the others killed themselves... and now, we have no more right to live than they do. We are at a loss; our mission lost, our guiding principle lost.

"We do not know what to do and where to go. Can you help us? Guide us?"

Colonel Ashton says, "Obviously, you can not go on to another system. Your vessel is depleted, and I doubt you could survive the attempt. However, allowing you to land on Earth would also be unwise. Earth is already crowded, and there are many there who would not hesitate to destroy your kind...or enslave them." He pauses a moment, then continues. "However, there is a solution. Around the system's seventh planet, there is a ring habitat with a great deal of space. I am sure the Triumvirate of Yut, which owns the Ring, would gladly grant you space. The question is whether you decide to split the allotted space into different sections, with each color having its own, or to attempt to coexist. History has shown that segregation does not always work, but it could."

David: "I've got a bit of a cybernetics project. A working brain with skill memory intact, and a datacrystal with memories, but no body, and no way to get the memories back into the brain."

In the meeting, expect David and Arthur to be there, along with captain Kaldíz of the Mahonri.

"We do not know what to do and where to go. Can you help us? Guide us?"
Thomas Cobbler stands, "Excuse me my friends, but you need not feel so disheartened. While none of you may be exactly like your ancestors, there is a way for your race, and your culture to be like your ancestors'."
He pauses, "Simply work together and coexist, that way, while individually you may be of different colors, together, your culture will be blue, red, green, and mini, just like your ancestors' culture."

"We do not know what to do and where to go. Can you help us? Guide us?"

The Supreme Coordinator was present, as well as a large... thing. It is the amalgamation of several Crana larvae, and acts as a proxy for the Collective.

"Some suggestions have already been made. Let us present a few more: In addition to the Saturnian ring, there is also our own Worldring, and the Arkship Rama. If you do wish to find another world, we have ships that can take you there, although perhaps not in large groups. Finally, there are the second and fourth planets of this sytem available for colonization. Both are undergoing terraform procedures."

David talking to Alpha on the Transport Car
David: "I've got a bit of a cybernetics project. A working brain with skill memory intact, and a datacrystal with memories, but no body, and no way to get the memories back into the brain."
"No. I cannot help with that."

THE MEETING

"However, there is a solution. Around the system's seventh planet, there is a ring habitat with a great deal of space. I am sure the Triumvirate of Yut, which owns the Ring, would gladly grant you space. The question is whether you decide to split the allotted space into different sections, with each color having its own, or to attempt to coexist. History has shown that segregation does not always work, but it could."
The Blue leader steps forward. "We have tried to segregate our own ship, as it were, and it has not helped. We will keep your offer in mind, but a ring habitat lacks the raw resources we need. It may provide sustinence, but not growth."

Thomas Cobbler stands, "Excuse me my friends, but you need not feel so disheartened. While none of you may be exactly like your ancestors, there is a way for your race, and your culture to be like your ancestors'."
He pauses, "Simply work together and coexist, that way, while individually you may be of different colors, together, your culture will be blue, red, green, and mini, just like your ancestors' culture."
The chief Red stands up. "Our Ancestors' culture, the culture of the Norm, is lost to us forever. It was only 'blue, red, green, and Mini' genetically; each of our own cultures combined would not re-form it. We can never be the Norm." The simulated voice from the translator is softly bitter, someone trying to hold back tears.

"Some suggestions have already been made. Let us present a few more: In addition to the Saturnian ring, there is also our own Worldring, and the Arkship Rama. If you do wish to find another world, we have ships that can take you there, although perhaps not in large groups. Finally, there are the second and fourth planets of this sytem available for colonization. Both are undergoing terraform procedures."
"We must apologize," the Green leader begins, still seated and averting its compound eyes, "but we find your form too disgu... unlike our own. We understand that you are peaceful, but there are some prejudices we cannot let go.

"Also, for the reasons the Blue mentioned of the ring habitat around the seventh planet, space colonies are not desired.

"Terraforming... the fourth planet can be made marginally habitable quickly, but we Greens do not have the technology to survive until it can be made marginally habitable."

David talking to Alpha on the Transport Car
David: "I've got a bit of a cybernetics project. A working brain with skill memory intact, and a datacrystal with memories, but no body, and no way to get the memories back into the brain."
"No. I cannot help with that."

"That's too bad. I guess I'll have to wait until I get back home, then. Thought you might be able to help with the memory transfer, but I guess Finn won't mind, being unconscious and all."

"Terraforming... the fourth planet can be made marginally habitable quickly, but we Greens do not have the technology to survive until it can be made marginally habitable."

"That is not a problem. We can assist."

The chief Red stands up. "Our Ancestors' culture, the culture of the Norm, is lost to us forever. It was only 'blue, red, green, and Mini' genetically; each of our own cultures combined would not re-form it. We can never be the Norm." The simulated voice from the translator is softly bitter, someone trying to hold back tears.

"Is that not what genetic engineering is for? If we have samples and a model, we can most likely create a passable replica of the original Norm."


"We must apologize," the Green leader begins, still seated and averting its compound eyes, "but we find your form too disgu... unlike our own. We understand that you are peaceful, but there are some prejudices we cannot let go.

"Unfortunately, we understand you all too well. Psychological restructuring could remedy the problem, but the prejudice itself precludes mass application of the required procedures. However, even if cohabitation is not feasible, the offer of assistance still stands."

Which are dropping from Red hands as we speak. They seem to have nothing left to fight for. In fact, as Shuuta drives off, the Mini tanks stop in the middle of the Red base and pop their hatches, Mini tankers poking out to hear better.

The cargo ramp leads to the cargo elevator, which transitions the vehicle back to the cargo access tunnels. Life at the motor pool has seemed to ceased; gaggles of Reds are clustered around public-address boxes and portable monitors.

"When we get outside, we must send a communique to our Emperor about all that has happened here. Thank Jouuha that he provided these suits of his with recorders. The message will include our offer to the Minis on his behalf. I'm sure the Emperor will be pleased, and the Black Swamp has plenty of room for beings their size." They continue down the cargo access tunnel.

THE MEETING
"That is not a problem. We can assist."
"Unfortunately, we understand you all too well. Psychological restructuring could remedy the problem, but the prejudice itself precludes mass application of the required procedures. However, even if cohabitation is not feasible, the offer of assistance still stands."
"No thank you. We still have some pride. We have crossed the intergalactic void to this world ourselves; we shall fix it ourselves." The Green taps its antennae together. "Even if it leads to our demise."

"Is that not what genetic engineering is for? If we have samples and a model, we can most likely create a passable replica of the original Norm."
"Do you not understand?" The Red sputters. "The Norm are our only form that deserves to exist! Recreating it makes our lives null and void, meaning nothing, worth nothing."

Sakkran Party
"When we get outside, we must send a communique to our Emperor about all that has happened here. Thank Jouuha that he provided these suits of his with recorders. The message will include our offer to the Minis on his behalf. I'm sure the Emperor will be pleased, and the Black Swamp has plenty of room for beings their size." They continue down the cargo access tunnel.
The party easily makes it back to the shuttle through the cargo loading room and into the cargo airlock. The shuttle crew gets up from sitting around a stewpot cooking on a hot-plate and wave. "Hey there! What's in those canisters and... where's Commander Doug?"

"Terraforming a planet would seem to be an excellent solution. I do not believe there are any inhabitants of the second planet, and I doubt those few on the fourth would object to your coming, especially if you assisted in terraforming the planet." Ashton turns towards the Green. "Of course, terraforming either planet will take time. Perhaps a solution would be temporarily inhabiting an area of the Ring while the process is underway."

THE MEETING
"Terraforming a planet would seem to be an excellent solution. I do not believe there are any inhabitants of the second planet, and I doubt those few on the fourth would object to your coming, especially if you assisted in terraforming the planet." Ashton turns towards the Green. "Of course, terraforming either planet will take time. Perhaps a solution would be temporarily inhabiting an area of the Ring while the process is underway."
The Green taps its antennae together. "We Greens... do not have the grasp of technology needed to commute from planet to planet. We are gardeners, what do we know of trajectories and engines?"

The Blue leader also stands up. "It will take centuries for Alpha to complete its orbital insertion trajectory into this star system, no matter how it is done. Alpha itself would be our best temporary habitat... although we are the only ones who know the computers and their math... we would be helpless on a planetary surface; we do not know how to generate power nor, arguably more importantly, grow food."

Ma-tek Party
Sefrin still looks suspicious. And angry. Indeed, it is partly his anger that dulls the little pain he still feels. But he casts a kindly glance at Karena, muttering, "Thanks." He switches off his LSR.

He activates the comm unit. "This is RISE unit 4-21-12. Zero response required. IDSS Retribution, we're coming home... but not in our," he clears his throat, "dropship. The... natives... of S-14 will be bringing us in."

Quieter, "If there is so much as an energy spike from the transport, blow it to shreds, Retribution," and then louder, "over."
The helicopter on a ledge on the side of the habitiat torus where everyone is transferred to a transport car. The car goes coreward for a few minutes, apparent gravity decreasing again, until it stops on a hangar bay floor. The hangar is a cavernous enclosed room filled with those hundred-plus meter long insectoid vessels. The Blues gently escort the party into one.

The space transport taxis through an airlock to an EM launch ramp thanks to a small tow vehicle. The Blues ensure that everyone is snugly in their grav-couches before taking their own seats. "The acceleration is a bit... extreme. We apologize."

Ten seconds of five-gravity acceleration later, the space transport is well on its way to Retribution.


Millet barely notices at a conscious level - although her muscles most certainly do. Sefrin, for his part, grunts, but looks mighty pleased to be on his way home. He seems to do that alot, actually. Ah, normal gravity... I can't wait to be back in your grip, he muses silently.

And flicked the switch on his console yet again, mouthing into his LSR. "SHODAN, I just got a heads-up from my people - they're coming home. Not in a dropship, worse luck... but you can't have everything, eh? And Rlh25million is a snip to a man who was beginning to wonder if his people were dead and buried, eh?"
"Oh," S.H.O.D.A.N.'s femininely deep voice comes over Rihad's headset, "I'm sure we can recover your dropship. I've notified Sato and the rest of S-14SECZONE to watch out for the transport just launched.

"As for your people... hopefully they are not only alive but well."

"It would certainly be more... pleasing... to my superiors were we to come back with our dropship, SHODAN," replies Rihad.

Business first, 'pleasure' second, as always. He switches off his LSR, and speaks aloud, and with it comes all the tonal qualities that a voice usually carries - rather than the somewhat bland texture that the LSRs manage. He definitley sounds pleased. "I'm sure my people managed well. They're among the very best we have," he states proudly... and hopes he doesn't live to regret that statement. "I'll get off your commline now, SHODAN. Rihad out."



<<Transmission from S-14 Transport Vessel -> Retribution>>
"Alien cruiser, this is Transport 568. We are carrying four of your people back. One has lost his arm but is stable, one has apparently suffered psychological damage but is unharmed physically, one is wounded but recovering, and one--the cybernetic one--is fully operational. Please advise for docking procedures."
<<Over>>

"Transport 568, we read you loud and clear. Docking Bay One is open and prepped for your arrival."

The comms officer considers a moment, trying to think of a point of reference. "That'd be the big shiny bright whole on our side, 568."

She switches the transmit switch to 'off'.

"Captain?"

Rihad glances up. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Sir, our people and friends are on their way home. All of them have injuries except the Shadow, sir. Sefrin has lost an arm, one of the women - I don't know if it's Millet or the other, sir - is apparently suffering from psychological damage of some kind, and the other woman is injured but recovering." She wears a tired, tired expression; a good cover for the worry she is feeling, after all.

"Ah," replies Rihad, something at a loss for words. A lost arm...

"Noted and logged... and... try not to blow the ship up, no matter what Mr. Sefrin told us," he adds, "I somehow doubt that we'll have any trouble."

He leans his head on his now-steepled hands a moment. "And order a med team to Bay One, Comms."

The comms officer - whom covers both internal and external communications - simply nods, adding a "Sir," for good measure.

The party easily makes it back to the shuttle through the cargo loading room and into the cargo airlock. The shuttle crew gets up from sitting around a stewpot cooking on a hot-plate and wave. "Hey there! What's in those canisters and... where's Commander Doug?"

Lossa looks at the flight crew. "Commander Doug is in one of the containers. He has been mortally wounded, and we felt cryogenic stasis would be the only way to save him. His was a most honorable end, if all goes wrong. The other containers contain the bulk of a civilization needing asylum in our lands, and we have agreed to this."

Krenn begins unloading the containers from the transport, and pauses. "We should reccomend the Emperor send a diplomat here to talk with the other denizens of this place, yes? It appears that many of them will require some assist to grow accustomed to this region's politics and views."

S-14SECZONE
"It would certainly be more... pleasing... to my superiors were we to come back with our dropship, SHODAN," replies Rihad.

Business first, 'pleasure' second, as always. He switches off his LSR, and speaks aloud, and with it comes all the tonal qualities that a voice usually carries - rather than the somewhat bland texture that the LSRs manage. He definitley sounds pleased. "I'm sure my people managed well. They're among the very best we have," he states proudly... and hopes he doesn't live to regret that statement. "I'll get off your commline now, SHODAN. Rihad out."
One of the destroyers of the QACF squadron in the area carefully edges towards the EOTED dropship and, extending a few snakelike metal tentacles from its spherical hull, gently removes it with the help of a few utility ships launched by one of the carrier-frigates.

<CommandSpool, QACF/DD COM Port>
{
[Retribution] >> EOTED vessel Retribution, this is the mind of Queendom destroyer COM Port. I've got your dropship, where would you like me to put it?
}

QACF/DD COM Port

Retribution
"Transport 568, we read you loud and clear. Docking Bay One is open and prepped for your arrival."

The comms officer considers a moment, trying to think of a point of reference. "That'd be the big shiny bright whole on our side, 568."
"Understood, alien vessel. Estimated time to arrival is ten minutes."

About nine minutes and fifty seconds later, the transport fires its retros to come to a relative stop with Retribution and carefully edges into the cargo bay any way she'll fit. Clamping down with magnetic landing legs, it remains completely lifeless for a few moments except for a gangplank slowly extending.

Inside, Blues help everyone out of their grav-couches and escort them out through one of the smaller hexagonal airlocks. Walking down the gangplank with the party are three Blues; two with no markings and one with three simple yellow star-like insignia painted on it.

Sakkran Party
Lossa looks at the flight crew. "Commander Doug is in one of the containers. He has been mortally wounded, and we felt cryogenic stasis would be the only way to save him. His was a most honorable end, if all goes wrong. The other containers contain the bulk of a civilization needing asylum in our lands, and we have agreed to this."

Krenn begins unloading the containers from the transport, and pauses. "We should reccomend the Emperor send a diplomat here to talk with the other denizens of this place, yes? It appears that many of them will require some assist to grow accustomed to this region's politics and views."
"Oh..." The pilot scratches the back of his head as the copilot looks down at his feet. "Took one for the team, I guess. Well, I'll help you guys load up the shuttle." Slapping the copilot on the arm: "Go get on the horn with Yamato and give 'em a sitrep. Forward any messages our friends here want you to." The copilot blinks, nods, and walks up to the shuttle's cockpit with his hands jammed into the pockets of his flight suit.

Turning off the hot-plate, the pilot looks up to Lossa. "We've got some stew if your people want it... I'm suddenly not so hungry." Sighing softly, he sets into a grim face and starts helping to unload the transport.

When everyone is done with loading and relaying messages, the shuttle crew depressurizes the airlock, opens the door, and flies back to Yamato. They don't say a single word more than is absolutely necessary.

Terraforming a planet would seem to be an excellent solution. I do not believe there are any inhabitants of the second planet

"There are a few of our people, and a few Menelmacari as well, but not many. Virtually the entire planet is free for the taking, and the beginnings of terraformation are already underway."

"Is that not what genetic engineering is for? If we have samples and a model, we can most likely create a passable replica of the original Norm."
"Do you not understand?" The Red sputters. "The Norm are our only form that deserves to exist! Recreating it makes our lives null and void, meaning nothing, worth nothing."

"I see now your problem. It is great. But, if the Norm is no longer, why do you not have just as much right to exist as it did? Who is to say that each of you cannot define a new species, and a new Norm?"

"I see now your problem. It is great. But, if the Norm is no longer, why do you not have just as much right to exist as it did? Who is to say that each of you cannot define a new species, and a new Norm?"
"We do not have the same right because the Prime Edict classifies us as abominations. We do not have the same right because the Mission, to bring the Norm to New Home, has failed.

"Why are we abominations? Each of us cannot define a new Norm and live. Us Reds do not know science nor food, we know machines. One cannot eat machines. We are an unsuccessful subspecies that threatens the whole with extinction. We cannot be the Norm."

The Blue delegate steps forward. "We know science, but not machines nor food. We cannot eat science, and we lack the knowledge to build machines to help us with food. We are also an unsuccesful non-Norm subspecies."

The Green delegate stands up. "We know food, and can eat that. But we need machines to live where we are to live and science to drive the machines. If we leave Alpha, we will die. We will be unsuccessful."

The elected head of the Mini leaders speak. "A great many of us are deciding to live with the Sakkrans, and will get our food, science, and machines from them. We only know components. Without the machines of the Reds and the science of the Blues, we are useless. Without the food of the Greens, those who do not join the Sakkrans will starve."

S-14SECZONE
"It would certainly be more... pleasing... to my superiors were we to come back with our dropship, SHODAN," replies Rihad.

Business first, 'pleasure' second, as always. He switches off his LSR, and speaks aloud, and with it comes all the tonal qualities that a voice usually carries - rather than the somewhat bland texture that the LSRs manage. He definitley sounds pleased. "I'm sure my people managed well. They're among the very best we have," he states proudly... and hopes he doesn't live to regret that statement. "I'll get off your commline now, SHODAN. Rihad out."
One of the destroyers of the QACF squadron in the area carefully edges towards the EOTED dropship and, extending a few snakelike metal tentacles from its spherical hull, gently removes it with the help of a few utility ships launched by one of the carrier-frigates.

<CommandSpool, QACF/DD COM Port>
{
[Retribution] >> EOTED vessel Retribution, this is the mind of Queendom destroyer COM Port. I've got your dropship, where would you like me to put it?
}

QACF/DD COM Port


The feminine tones of the comms officer respond after a small amount of lag. "Just leave it within thirty metres of us, and we'll send out some MI drones - worker bees, I think they're called in some circles - to drag it in. Cut it's momentum if you can, please. We don't want a hole in the side of us if we can help it, eh, COM Port?"


Retribution
"Transport 568, we read you loud and clear. Docking Bay One is open and prepped for your arrival."

The comms officer considers a moment, trying to think of a point of reference. "That'd be the big shiny bright whole on our side, 568."
"Understood, alien vessel. Estimated time to arrival is ten minutes."

About nine minutes and fifty seconds later, the transport fires its retros to come to a relative stop with Retribution and carefully edges into the cargo bay any way she'll fit. Clamping down with magnetic landing legs, it remains completely lifeless for a few moments except for a gangplank slowly extending.

Inside, Blues help everyone out of their grav-couches and escort them out through one of the smaller hexagonal airlocks. Walking down the gangplank with the party are three Blues; two with no markings and one with three simple yellow star-like insignia painted on it.


Captain Rihad, as might be expected, is there with a security team and a medical team to greet the arrivals. The medics - as usual - don't wait for orders and rush to take care of those who need it, the lead one asking, "Who needs what?"

Sefrin waves his good arm at Millet. "Take care of her first, she needs it more than I do. I'm fine, really. Just... a bit..."

He gazes at his burnt 'arm' - or what's left of it. "Well, you can see," he murmours.

"No need for that," the medic replies, slipping an arm under Sefrin's good shoulder and helping him out of the cargo bay - whether he needs it or not. And Sefrin can be heard protesting as the doors shut. Millet is piled onto an MI-crane, and carried out of the doors likewise.

Rihad watches the pair go, not without a little concern. His attention finally turns to the Blues, however. He blinks rapidly in surprise at the three stars sitting on the insignia of one of them... and addresses that one, presuming it is a mark of rank. And wondering at the similarity to the white-stars on blue-background of the Three Star Sigil.

"Ah." He pauses. "Honoured guests, I am Captain Rihad of the IDSS Retribution of the Empire of The Eternal Dawn. Welcome aboard." He tries not to comment on the three stars. Really, he does.

"I see you wear... three stars... on you." He motions to the Three Star Sigil blazing upon his right shoulder. "So do I, in a different manner. Uh." He struggles for the right words.

"Would this just be... a coincidence?"

"Oh..." The pilot scratches the back of his head as the copilot looks down at his feet. "Took one for the team, I guess. Well, I'll help you guys load up the shuttle." Slapping the copilot on the arm: "Go get on the horn with Yamato and give 'em a sitrep. Forward any messages our friends here want you to." The copilot blinks, nods, and walks up to the shuttle's cockpit with his hands jammed into the pockets of his flight suit.

Turning off the hot-plate, the pilot looks up to Lossa. "We've got some stew if your people want it... I'm suddenly not so hungry." Sighing softly, he sets into a grim face and starts helping to unload the transport.

When everyone is done with loading and relaying messages, the shuttle crew depressurizes the airlock, opens the door, and flies back to Yamato. They don't say a single word more than is absolutely necessary.

The communique is forwarded, and the team decide to return to the Orbital Yard for a much needed vacation in the Hydroponic Swamp there. The Diplomatic Craft Maakaa has already left the berths of the Shipyard carrying Advisor Bosska, who finds this all very exciting as he goes over the briefs sent by the Sakkran team in advance..

http://home.earthlink.net/~peterpank/diplomat.JPG

"We do not have the same right because the Prime Edict classifies us as abominations. We do not have the same right because the Mission, to bring the Norm to New Home, has failed.

"Why are we abominations? Each of us cannot define a new Norm and live. Us Reds do not know science nor food, we know machines. One cannot eat machines. We are an unsuccessful subspecies that threatens the whole with extinction. We cannot be the Norm."

The Blue delegate steps forward. "We know science, but not machines nor food. We cannot eat science, and we lack the knowledge to build machines to help us with food. We are also an unsuccesful non-Norm subspecies."

The Green delegate stands up. "We know food, and can eat that. But we need machines to live where we are to live and science to drive the machines. If we leave Alpha, we will die. We will be unsuccessful."

The elected head of the Mini leaders speak. "A great many of us are deciding to live with the Sakkrans, and will get our food, science, and machines from them. We only know components. Without the machines of the Reds and the science of the Blues, we are useless. Without the food of the Greens, those who do not join the Sakkrans will starve."

"But together, you could survive with ease," Ashton says softly. "When the original Norm still existed, was any one member capable of everything? Of course not. Why should it be any different now? You are all descendents of the Norm. You're simply more specialized than before. Perhaps over time, each race can learn the skill of the other, and in doing so, bring your species back closer to the Norm."

[Ugh...note to self, staying up until 4:40 = bad.]

The Blue delegate steps forward. "We know science, but not machines nor food. We cannot eat science, and we lack the knowledge to build machines to help us with food. We are also an unsuccesful non-Norm subspecies."

The Green delegate stands up. "We know food, and can eat that. But we need machines to live where we are to live and science to drive the machines. If we leave Alpha, we will die. We will be unsuccessful."

The elected head of the Mini leaders speak. "A great many of us are deciding to live with the Sakkrans, and will get our food, science, and machines from them. We only know components. Without the machines of the Reds and the science of the Blues, we are useless. Without the food of the Greens, those who do not join the Sakkrans will starve."

"Such arguments are unlikely to work on the Snel. The Masters of Knowledge are unlikely to understand why you cannot simply learn more. I don't understand it too well myself, but even if that is a problem, why not simply continue living in symbiosis, as you have for so long now?"

S-14SECZONE
The feminine tones of the comms officer respond after a small amount of lag. "Just leave it within thirty metres of us, and we'll send out some MI drones - worker bees, I think they're called in some circles - to drag it in. Cut it's momentum if you can, please. We don't want a hole in the side of us if we can help it, eh, COM Port?"
<CommandSpool, QACF/DD COM Port>
{
[Retribution] << Understood, Retribution. We will bring the vessel to relative rest thirty meters out at bearing twenty-nine inclination sixty self-relative.
}

QACF/DD COM Port

The hundred-meter spherical destroyer, looking something like a cross between a jellyfish and a steel basketball, carefully edges near Retribution, ensuring its weapons hardpoints are tracked away from the friendly vessel. Reaching its stated goal, it gently lets loose the dropship and backs away, retracting its grapples and tentacles.

The communique is forwarded, and the team decide to return to the Orbital Yard for a much needed vacation in the Hydroponic Swamp there. The Diplomatic Craft Maakaa has already left the berths of the Shipyard carrying Advisor Bosska, who finds this all very exciting as he goes over the briefs sent by the Sakkran team in advance.
<<Comm : Hornet > Maakaa>>
"Maakaa, this is Flag Captain Hitome Sato of Roving Cruiser Squadron Bravo. We have been informed of your coming and you are cleared for entry into the S-14 Security Zone.

"What are your intentions?"
<<Over>>

Retribution
Captain Rihad, as might be expected, is there with a security team and a medical team to greet the arrivals. The medics - as usual - don't wait for orders and rush to take care of those who need it, the lead one asking, "Who needs what?"

Sefrin waves his good arm at Millet. "Take care of her first, she needs it more than I do. I'm fine, really. Just... a bit..."

He gazes at his burnt 'arm' - or what's left of it. "Well, you can see," he murmours.

"No need for that," the medic replies, slipping an arm under Sefrin's good shoulder and helping him out of the cargo bay - whether he needs it or not. And Sefrin can be heard protesting as the doors shut. Millet is piled onto an MI-crane, and carried out of the doors likewise.

Rihad watches the pair go, not without a little concern. His attention finally turns to the Blues, however. He blinks rapidly in surprise at the three stars sitting on the insignia of one of them... and addresses that one, presuming it is a mark of rank. And wondering at the similarity to the white-stars on blue-background of the Three Star Sigil.

"Ah." He pauses. "Honoured guests, I am Captain Rihad of the IDSS Retribution of the Empire of The Eternal Dawn. Welcome aboard." He tries not to comment on the three stars. Really, he does.

"I see you wear... three stars... on you." He motions to the Three Star Sigil blazing upon his right shoulder. "So do I, in a different manner. Uh." He struggles for the right words.

"Would this just be... a coincidence?"
"If it is, it is a most fascinating one, sir-Captain Rihad. I assume you to be commander of this vessel; I am commander of that vessel." The emblazoned Blue points back at the transport. "For us, it is a rank indicator; the three stars are my rank and the circle indicates me as a vessel commander. What does it mean to you?"

The Shadow stands at some form of parade-rest, legs apart, staring off into the distance. Karena leans agains her maser rifle, gingerly keeping off her wounded leg.

THE MEETING
"But together, you could survive with ease," Ashton says softly. "When the original Norm still existed, was any one member capable of everything? Of course not. Why should it be any different now? You are all descendents of the Norm. You're simply more specialized than before. Perhaps over time, each race can learn the skill of the other, and in doing so, bring your species back closer to the Norm."
"So you are saying... we should coexist?"

S-14SECZONE
The feminine tones of the comms officer respond after a small amount of lag. "Just leave it within thirty metres of us, and we'll send out some MI drones - worker bees, I think they're called in some circles - to drag it in. Cut it's momentum if you can, please. We don't want a hole in the side of us if we can help it, eh, COM Port?"
<CommandSpool, QACF/DD COM Port>
{
[Retribution] << Understood, Retribution. We will bring the vessel to relative rest thirty meters out at bearing twenty-nine inclination sixty self-relative.
}


"Our thanks, COM Port."

Almost immediatley, a few tiny ports open on the side of the Retribution and tiny MI drones - tiny in proportion to the Retribution, at any rate - dart out and clamp onto the dropship. Slowly, they drag the dropship towards an eventual rendezvous with the cargo bay.


Retribution
Captain Rihad, as might be expected, is there with a security team and a medical team to greet the arrivals. The medics - as usual - don't wait for orders and rush to take care of those who need it, the lead one asking, "Who needs what?"

Sefrin waves his good arm at Millet. "Take care of her first, she needs it more than I do. I'm fine, really. Just... a bit..."

He gazes at his burnt 'arm' - or what's left of it. "Well, you can see," he murmours.

"No need for that," the medic replies, slipping an arm under Sefrin's good shoulder and helping him out of the cargo bay - whether he needs it or not. And Sefrin can be heard protesting as the doors shut. Millet is piled onto an MI-crane, and carried out of the doors likewise.

Rihad watches the pair go, not without a little concern. His attention finally turns to the Blues, however. He blinks rapidly in surprise at the three stars sitting on the insignia of one of them... and addresses that one, presuming it is a mark of rank. And wondering at the similarity to the white-stars on blue-background of the Three Star Sigil.

"Ah." He pauses. "Honoured guests, I am Captain Rihad of the IDSS Retribution of the Empire of The Eternal Dawn. Welcome aboard." He tries not to comment on the three stars. Really, he does.

"I see you wear... three stars... on you." He motions to the Three Star Sigil blazing upon his right shoulder. "So do I, in a different manner. Uh." He struggles for the right words.

"Would this just be... a coincidence?"
"If it is, it is a most fascinating one, sir-Captain Rihad. I assume you to be commander of this vessel; I am commander of that vessel." The emblazoned Blue points back at the transport. "For us, it is a rank indicator; the three stars are my rank and the circle indicates me as a vessel commander. What does it mean to you?"

The Shadow stands at some form of parade-rest, legs apart, staring off into the distance. Karena leans agains her maser rifle, gingerly keeping off her wounded leg.


Rihad nods, "Ah, I had guessed that it was a rank patch. - For us, the Three Stars represent the Three Stars that watch over us, eternally. They are the centre of our spirituality, you might say. For the less spiritual, they represent Honour, Victory, and the Path... although not necessarily in that order."

<<Comm : Hornet > Maakaa>>
"Maakaa, this is Flag Captain Hitome Sato of Roving Cruiser Squadron Bravo. We have been informed of your coming and you are cleared for entry into the S-14 Security Zone.

"What are your intentions?"
<<Over>>

<<Transmission>>

"Greetings Flag Captain Hitome. This is Captain Pouuga of the ISS Diplomatic Vessel Maakaa. We are conveying Advisor Bosska to meet with the separate factions of S-14, and come to a solution that will benefit all. Advise as to best landing area? The Advisor is getting quite excited."

"So you are saying... we should coexist?"

"Why not? It is the logical conclusion."

Rihad nods, "Ah, I had guessed that it was a rank patch. - For us, the Three Stars represent the Three Stars that watch over us, eternally. They are the centre of our spirituality, you might say. For the less spiritual, they represent Honour, Victory, and the Path... although not necessarily in that order."
"Quite interesting... we are unsure why we use this designation ourselves; its original meaning has been lost. Maybe we can learn from you a potential solution. What are these 'Three Stars?'"

<<Transmission>>

"Greetings Flag Captain Hitome. This is Captain Pouuga of the ISS Diplomatic Vessel Maakaa. We are conveying Advisor Bosska to meet with the separate factions of S-14, and come to a solution that will benefit all. Advise as to best landing area? The Advisor is getting quite excited."
<<Trans : Sato > Pouuga>>
"Understandably so, Captain. We are transmitting transitional co-ords now, you are just in time.

(consider Advisor Bosska to be at the meeting)

"Oh, yes, the diplo training. May your... uh... fuel never run dry. Sato, out."
<<Out>>

THE MEETING
"Why not? It is the logical conclusion."
The Red taps its antennae together. "Asking four peoples who have been trying to annihilate each other for <very, very long time period> to suddenly coexist is hardly a logical conclusion."

The Red taps its antennae together. "Asking four peoples who have been trying to annihilate each other for <very, very long time period> to suddenly coexist is hardly a logical conclusion."
Another Jeffery speaks softly, "As you see, we are varied, many different species, working together, that's how we got here today. But it hasn't always been that way. There was a time when some of our species didn't get along, infact, in my own species, we used to segregate and fight amongst ourselves simply because of skin color, even though we were no different beyond that."
He pauses, "Yet we stand before you today, united, working together, and while we don't always get along, and some of us still fight because of these difference, the majority of us work cooperatively, and it is because of this that we have succeeded."
"I am not saying that this path is perfect, just workable."
"It may take sometime, but it can work if you try."

The Red taps its antennae together. "Asking four peoples who have been trying to annihilate each other for <very, very long time period> to suddenly coexist is hardly a logical conclusion."

"You've been doing it so far. Otherwise, by your own admission, you all would've died by now, no matter whether you were fighting or not. It may not have been peaceful coexistance, but it was coexistance, nonetheless, and it seems to have worked well enough."

"As you've pointed out, it will be centuries before Alpha will finish decelerating. You have all the time you need to learn to peacefully coexist. You've already made the first step in doing so simply by coming here for a discussion. And while you yourselves may find the idea of working together difficult to like, what of the next generation? Raise them to accept coexistance, and I think you'll find that soon the problems will begin to go away. Slowly, yes, but it will happen."

"As you've pointed out, it will be centuries before Alpha will finish decelerating. You have all the time you need to learn to peacefully coexist. You've already made the first step in doing so simply by coming here for a discussion. And while you yourselves may find the idea of working together difficult to like, what of the next generation? Raise them to accept coexistance, and I think you'll find that soon the problems will begin to go away. Slowly, yes, but it will happen."

Advisor Bosska leans forward in his seat, clawed fingers clasped together. "One problem I can see happening is the chaos that comes with change. From what we have learned from the Mini's, who are being granted residency in our Black Swamp region, is that your people are specialists. Each branch has its specific function, and no one group would survive without the cooperation of the other groups. A symbiotic relationship has been forged. Now that symbiosis is threatened. The problem with being a specialized group is an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. So the question is, how to adapt?"

THE MEETING
"You've been doing it so far. Otherwise, by your own admission, you all would've died by now, no matter whether you were fighting or not. It may not have been peaceful coexistance, but it was coexistance, nonetheless, and it seems to have worked well enough."
"So, we must live together to survive...

"As you've pointed out, it will be centuries before Alpha will finish decelerating. You have all the time you need to learn to peacefully coexist. You've already made the first step in doing so simply by coming here for a discussion. And while you yourselves may find the idea of working together difficult to like, what of the next generation? Raise them to accept coexistance, and I think you'll find that soon the problems will begin to go away. Slowly, yes, but it will happen."
"...give it time...

Another Jeffery speaks softly, "As you see, we are varied, many different species, working together, that's how we got here today. But it hasn't always been that way. There was a time when some of our species didn't get along, infact, in my own species, we used to segregate and fight amongst ourselves simply because of skin color, even though we were no different beyond that."
He pauses, "Yet we stand before you today, united, working together, and while we don't always get along, and some of us still fight because of these difference, the majority of us work cooperatively, and it is because of this that we have succeeded."
"I am not saying that this path is perfect, just workable."
"It may take sometime, but it can work if you try."
"...and there is hope for us yet."

Advisor Bosska leans forward in his seat, clawed fingers clasped together. "One problem I can see happening is the chaos that comes with change. From what we have learned from the Mini's, who are being granted residency in our Black Swamp region, is that your people are specialists. Each branch has its specific function, and no one group would survive without the cooperation of the other groups. A symbiotic relationship has been forged. Now that symbiosis is threatened. The problem with being a specialized group is an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. So the question is, how to adapt?"
"We will have to adapt gradually, we suppose... we should not start permanent colonies on your fourth and second planets yet because they might fragment, become additional subpopulations... maybe if we constantly rotate from here to those colonies as they are being assembled?"

"Also, we should probably use the second-planet for colonization... there seems to be less interest in it."

Bosska licks his chops as his nictitating membranes close; a sign of seriously deep thinking.

"Perhaps, but that could cause a bit too much upheaval, the constant shifting of your populations from one place to another. Your people could prepare for being situated on a planet by gaining all pertinent information about it, looking at the options, and deciding the best course."

"In that time, i'm certain that other nations would be willing to terraform those planets to fit your needs. That way the 'ball would get rolling', so to speak, while you take a little time to make your decision."

Rihad nods, "Ah, I had guessed that it was a rank patch. - For us, the Three Stars represent the Three Stars that watch over us, eternally. They are the centre of our spirituality, you might say. For the less spiritual, they represent Honour, Victory, and the Path... although not necessarily in that order."
"Quite interesting... we are unsure why we use this designation ourselves; its original meaning has been lost. Maybe we can learn from you a potential solution. What are these 'Three Stars?'"


Rihad smiles faintly, and almost - almost - chuckles at that. Instead, however, he replies in a slightly humour-affected voice, "Well. That's a rather difficult question to answer, you understand. - By my understanding - and I'm no expert - the Three Stars are three spiritual beings of light. Or energy. They... watch over the Empire. Protect us from our own mistakes. It was once believed that they resided in the Emperor... but according to - uh, history or myth, whichever you prefer, as the pair are quite interchangable in this instance - according to history, they have not done so for many years. Not since the last Empire fell. - There have been two Empires of Nenyan - that's my species, you understand - extraction. The First; the Nenyan Empire. Also known as the Empire of The Eternal Flame. And the Second: the Empire of The Eternal Dawn. The First fell some hundred years ago. And the Three Stars were widely believed to have stopped working within the Emeperor - or the Empress - long before. Some three hundred years, if myth is to be believed."

He smiles a little more openly. "So, as you see; the question is a difficult one. - Some other people believe the Three Stars are merely representative of the three greatest tenets of Nenyan culture and society; Victory, Honour, and the Path. Victory: the ceaseless victory of the Nenyan People over those who oppose us. Honour: that which prevents us from fighting when we should talk, and talking when we should fight. The Path: the pebbles beneath our feet that lead us to Honour and Victory."

Deep.

THE MEETING
Bosska licks his chops as his nictitating membranes close; a sign of seriously deep thinking.

"Perhaps, but that could cause a bit too much upheaval, the constant shofting of your populations from one place to another. Your people could prepare for being situated on a planet by gaining all pertinent information about it, loooking at the options, and deciding the best course."

"In that time, i'm certain that other nations would be willing to terraform those planets to fit your needs. That way the 'ball would get rolling', so to speak, while you take a little time to make your decision."
"We are nomads by nature," the Red begins, "most of our habitats are on the Ring Plain and we commute to the lower-gravity sections where we work. This is simply a larger commute..."

Alpha's voice projects quietly into the room. "From my analyses of Asgard's computer banks, there is historical precedent for colonization in shifts."

The Blues nod. "While we do wish for and need the help of others, we must contribute to the effort. It is a matter of efficiency and pride, you understand. We cannot avoid upheaval, but we can try to stop segmentation and additional factionalization."

Retribution
Deep.
"What do you think is the origin of these energy beings?"

Retribution
Deep.
"What do you think is the origin of these energy beings?"

"The Book of The Stars merely states that they, 'Descended from above'. I do not claim to know the Book inside-and-out, but I do believe that that is the only reference to where they came from."

The Blues nod. "While we do wish for and need the help of others, we must contribute to the effort. It is a matter of efficiency and pride, you understand. We cannot avoid upheaval, but we can try to stop segmentation and additional factionalization."


"Ah, that is good to hear. We could use quite a bit of help on the second planet. Extremely large amounts of Carbon Dioxide must be removed or converted."

THE MEETING
"It's settled then. We will colonize the second planet in shifts as Alpha brakes into an appropriate intercept orbit.

"We thank you all for allowing us to come to a new home."

CONGRATULATIONS

Barring any dissent, you have successfully resolved the S-14 Incident. Great job! Thanks for slogging through to the bitter end. Now everyone gets whatever technologies they want from S-14, filtered through Zero-One of course (so it isn't quite free) and the big ship is still around to explore if anyone's interested.

I'll occasionally IC post as S-14 in other threads as seems appropriate.

That and THE SOURCE is proud of you guys.

--Scolo

The story behind S-14

S-14 was originally written as an adventure (for the old Star Trek roleplaying game system produced by FASA) by THE SOURCE (aka my father) in 1986. It comes to about 200+ pages in plot notes, attachments, outline, floorplans, etc.

Just in case you wanted to know.

Pleasure working with you all. Now, I'm off to build myself some new spacedy bug-drive missiles.

Well... I'm going to have some difficulty finding technology that I want... seems like most everything on S-14 I already had...

We will use the insulating material found on Spaceberg Golf and test it for resistance to cosmic radiation, extreme cold and heat, EMP's, and more. It is already slated to be manufactured and used in our stellar craft. Wheeee!

Alrighty, here's what I want from S-14:

Insulation
Spacedy Weapons
Engine Specs / Blueprints
Internal Transport System Specs / Blueprints
Power Distribution Grid Specs / Blueprints
A big hunka ice from one of the Spacebergs complete with all of the Spacedy Microbes.

Alrighty, here's what I want from S-14:

Insulation
Spacedy Weapons
Engine Specs / Blueprints
Internal Transport System Specs / Blueprints
Power Distribution Grid Specs / Blueprints
A big hunka ice from one of the Spacebergs complete with all of the Spacedy Microbes.
"Umm, I'll have what he's having."

THE MEETING
"It's settled then. We will colonize the second planet in shifts as Alpha brakes into an appropriate intercept orbit.

"We thank you all for allowing us to come to a new home."

CONGRATULATIONS

Barring any dissent, you have successfully resolved the S-14 Incident. Great job! Thanks for slogging through to the bitter end. Now everyone gets whatever technologies they want from S-14, filtered through Zero-One of course (so it isn't quite free) and the big ship is still around to explore if anyone's interested.

I'll occasionally IC post as S-14 in other threads as seems appropriate.

That and THE SOURCE is proud of you guys.

--Scolo

The story behind S-14

S-14 was originally written as an adventure (for the old Star Trek roleplaying game system produced by FASA) by THE SOURCE (aka my father) in 1986. It comes to about 200+ pages in plot notes, attachments, outline, floorplans, etc.

Just in case you wanted to know.

[OOC: Woo. And so on, and so forth..

Great job at implementing this, Scolo. :D]

OOC: I hope you realize, Scolo, that this has just lead us to expect even more of you. We're all going to be waiting for our next fix of good RPing.]

The IDSS Retribution pin-wheels away with a maneuvering ability that few would suspect it had, and flashes brightly - in a manner somewhat reminiscent of a supernova - and promptly vanishes, streaming bright white light behind it for a fraction of a second. Bright enough to leave retinal aftershadows for quite a while, too.

The MI field trailing it indicates, however, that it has not exploded, but rather has made a very hasty exit. Anyone with the ability to measure it's speed would note that it is accelerating rapidly towards the upwards threshold of MI-core velocity of 0.1c, and is headed on a direct route back towards Arda (Earth, not the region).

A sparse message wings it's way back:

"Orbital Battlegroup reported destroyed. Retribution required inside Arda-space."

[OOC: What distance would S-14 be from Earth at this time, out of curiousity and also out of neccesity - I need to know when I'll have the Retribution back in Earth-space and ready to kick some serious IF-arse.]

*Historical Bump*

OOC: Holy ancient thread ressurection Batman!

Heh. I needed to find it so I could refresh my memory of a few names, and figured I might as well bump it while I'm here.

<bump for ref>

http://www.nodo50.org/csca/iraq/imagenes_iraq/c-17.jpg
*punts with the Combat Boots of Justice onto the C-17 Globemaster III of Righteousness*

Moved by the request of the Dread Lady, Karma, and a bunchacruncha other people.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolo_mod.gifScolopendra der Game Mod