[b]The Fastness Empyreal[/b][@duck55223]

Within the confines of the fortress station personnel moved with haste as the envoys of the EU appeared. In the command center, calibrations of weaponry and defensive countermeasures took place, ensuring they would operate at full capacity if needed. Although the information as to the ships was distorted from traveling through the communication bore, a one meter wide hole in the shielding of most ships that allowed information to travel through, codifiers restructured incoming data to a legible state. A massive gear-chain, aided by gravitational fields, began to lift door plating on one of the larger hanger bays, revealing the inside. To anyone outside the station, only a fuzzy, warped light would be apparent, the gravitational shielding scattering the waves.

After several minutes, a ten kilometer square opening appeared in the Fell Barriers closest to the EU ships, although such would not be apparent if one did not look specifically for gravitational fluctuations. From the station departed a Navigation Lighter, a small ship designed to lead larger ones through the confines of a Fell Barrier. Accelerating quickly, it would escape the zone of the shields before halting. A message beamed out to the EU ships: "This is Navigation Lighter Gjashte. If you would follow us in your vessel or with a small shuttle, we will escort you to the Fastness Empyreal."

[hr]

On the station, Lhim had just reached the opened hanger bay. A field ions swept across the opening, containing the atmosphere of the station. Although partially damaging to electronics in certain cases, most K'hlath vessels were hardened against the effects. Behind him in the command tower stood Gregor, still hesitant as to his role in the dealings. Lhim clasped his primary hands behind his back while the secondary arms worked on a small blacksmith's puzzle, turning the pieces in an attempt to untangle the metal bars.

"Mister Miran," the Duke started. "Your purpose in this encounter is to stand in this room. That is all. You will watch from the viewing panes and will have a listening device. What I want, however, is for you to feel. Not in a tactile manner, but simply focus on the surroundings. I will question you afterwards. Men, make sure he doesn't leave this room. Do not threaten him." With that, he strode from the room, heading down to the hanger where he would meet the envoys.