[@jorcool] The three encroaching cylindrical objects held position near their points of appearance and became utterly still. Captain Soun attempts to deliver a message to the alien structures via various general frequencies, naturally uncertain if any of these frequencies are actually those used by estranged alien technological establishments. One way or another, there was but a short wait of silent anticipation before a response was received on each of the various frequencies used. Each response was the same: “Unknown Vessel. We are the Lanist Khaganate, and we come in peace,” Meanwhile, the electromagnetic-wave scans uncover what might be seen as disturbing. They manage to confirm the shape and size of the many hundreds of objects in the solar system, the structural parameters of which may show up on the Captain’s telemetry. But, for the instant after the electromagnetic-wave made contact with each of the alien objects, they vanished. For what was merely a few seconds every alien object in the solar system seemed to… cease to exist. What was even more curious, is that for the minuscule instant before they vanished, many more objects were detected by the electromagnetic scan. It would seem that there were other unseen objects occupying this solar system as well. If the Khaganate captured an image of what was seen in that minuscule moment, they would see a vast network of tens of thousands of objects of various size and dimensions throughout the solar system, most of which were not visible outside of that instant. Upon the reappearance of the objects that were already visible prior to the event, The Khaganate fleet find themselves systematically scanned by electromagnetic waves, apparently no different to their own. Like the message sent out on various frequencies, the scans appear to be relayed back to them, that, or maybe their technology was being mimicked down to the finest detail. It would be impossible to tell which. The absorption spectrum on the other hand, had no perceivable effect. Whatever substance these alien structures were made of, did not allow such absorption technology to penetrate. Despite these three efforts providing no firm information of just what the Khaganate were dealing with, a few minutes transpired before the first of the cylindrical objects to appear dispersed a violet flash of light. The short flash of light enveloped the whole Khaganate fleet like a cocoon for an instant in time, though no effect would have otherwise been felt. Soon, however, there was an effect to be felt by Khaganate. Each vessel in the fleet would have felt it simultaneously. Just seconds after the flash of violet light, the fleet was shaken. The instance, that lasted no more than a second or two, could be comparable to the sudden turbulence felt by in an airplane. Yet, whatever caused this effect on the fleet wouldn’t be determined; it was accompanied by no known energy reading at all. Immediately following the impact, several hundred random Khaganate, both civilian and personnel alike throughout the fleet, would have felt lightheaded. An unlucky few of those people would have felt dizzy enough to collapse, though every individual effected would recover within a minute or two, undamaged. Close to fifteen minutes then pass before every functional speaker device in every ship and in any room or on any person equipped with a functional audio communication or media device of any kind, receives an offensively loud screech, similar to that of an audio feedback squeal. The tremendous screech resonates through every vessel for near seven seconds before sharply cutting out. The three massive cylindrical structures hold their positions, unchanging. Now, the center structure, though keeping its position, releases a spherical object. Its exterior however does not open up to release the sphere, the sphere simply appears to form from the cylinders curved exterior like a bubble rising from a surface before detaching. The sphere has a 50.555meter diameter, its surface apparently comprised of the same substance the cylinders are. It moved directly, though slowly, towards the Khaganate flagship, but stops at 100.555meters from the foremost point of the flagships bow. No propulsion systems are detected. No energy. Like the cylindrical structures, it gives off no readings at all. It looks like nothing more than a massive stone ball. [hr] In the hangar of the Atlas, just a second or two after the fleet was shaken by the unknown force, Vice-Admiral Jens vanishes. From the admiral’s point of view, he feels nothing. One moment he is in the Hanger, the next thing he knows he is on board the civilian vessel KKS Yurt, seated at a table in the canteen with Fanny May seated across from him. On the table are two trays of food and a bottle of beer, one of each for him, one of each for her. From the perspective of any personnel monitoring surveillance footage, the admiral will simply appear at the table with Fanny. There will be no power flux or energy surges accompanying his transition from the Atlas to the Yurk. [indent][indent][indent][indent][indent]Fanny didn’t arrive at the same time as the Admiral, though. She'd been spotted strolling through various random places throughout the many ships of the Khaganate fleet, yet she was doing little more than just strolling about like a tourists checking out the sights. She doesn’t interact with ships systems and interacts very little with personnel or civilians. Her specific locations seem random also - Civilian, military etc; no apparent discrimination made for her choice of destinations, which would likely make very little sense to any personnel attempting to keep track of her whereabouts at any given time. She simply appears in one place, walks around for a moment, disappears and reappears in another place on another vessel, and at times appearing in more than one place at once. But she eventually winds up in the canteen on board the Yurk just a few minutes before Jens arrives. When she arrives, there are no other instances of her appearing anywhere else among the fleet. The canteen is occupied by roughly eighty Khaganate civilians, some eating and conversing at the many tables decked out in the room, others dishing out food from the buffet style food counters. Dressed as she was previously, and although her specific fashion may not meet the general dress code of the Khaganate civilians, nobody really pays her much attention. She casually walks to the buffet counter and grazes casually down the line taking up one each item on the menu then takes the tray back to an empty table positioned next to one wall of the room. She places the tray on the table. When she does so, and exact duplicate of the tray and its content appears beside it, along with two bottles of beer. She then takes a seat. That is the moment that Vice-Admiral Jens materializes at the table with her[/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent] While the Admiral is likely trying to come to terms with what just happened to him, Fanny takes that moment to casually rattle of some words that may not need be responded to. Perhaps a way to help him settle in faster. Or not. “You know what?’ She says with a congenial smile, “You remind me a lot of my dad – Just kidding though!” She slaps the Admiral’s hand playfully and laughs lightly. “But don’t you just adore places like this? I really prefer the more humble surrounds, don’t you? All that posturing and broomsticks up butts is enough to give me a headache. And believe me, I’m not the person to be around when I have a headache. So eat up!” She gestures to the food in front of him. “It’s probably not what your prestigious taste is used to, but it’ll give you what you need. And oh, I hope you don’t mind, I provided my own drinks. Enjoy!” At this point, Jens will probably have some general idea of where he is and what’s going on, but he isn’t given a chance to respond, yet. A loud piercing screech erupts throughout the room from the intercoms and various other media and communication devises that be present in the room. Fanny cringes, screwing up her face until the noise cuts of sharply. “Oof,” She tells him, as her face returns to its normal casual demeanour; “They make such a horrible noise, don’t they? Anyway, so I thought I might have some lunch with you, Admiral. So just relax. Maybe you can answer a few more questions I have.” If the admiral attempts to reply at that point, Fanny will reach out and place a finger on his mouth to hush him, like a mother would with her child. Kindly with a smile. “First of all, I’d really like to know the Khaganate’s ambitions, generally. I’d just really like to hear it in your own words, you know what I mean? Secondly, picture yourself on some planet somewhere, Admiral. Let’s call it home. While you’re there, you’re walking down the street of a city and come across two strangers, one a business man, the other a street bum. Who do you smile for?” Now willing to let the admiral speak, she picks up a bread stick and rips off a bite, chewing contently while she listens to what he has to say. [hr] [@Doc Doctor] The internet, or as the Quatis used to call it, QIR (Quatis Inter-media Relations) was abolished some years ago. The Quatis felt that free information for all was more of a hazard to the Quatis infrastructure and security than anything else. Since then, information access is based on an individual’s rank or status in society. For Donny at the moment, been given class Z civilian status, he can access all he wants to know about the civilian infrastructure throughout the fleet, the ships functions, maps, almost anything aside from military sectors, political sectors, and ranking government and military personnel sheets. As for technological information of ships and other fleet functions, Donny will need to tap into the appropriate terminals that are position at their coordinating station throughout the Vessel. [b][i]Donny is transported to the 18th floor, section C, subsection A, the Flight Simulator Range. Now that Donny is out of Pycin’s office, he can use his new device to traverse through the different ships of the fleet, limited to civilian occupation. He has his own Quarters on level 5 of the flagship, civilians canteen rooms, sports centers, entertainment and theater halls, libraries etc.[/i][/b] [hr] The Flight Simulation Range is basically a long corridor with designated cubicles, each cubicle having its own bridge simulator. The cubicles can be sealed off by the user. Once that is done, the user takes a seat at the helm, at which point the entire cubicle transforms into an interactive realm. For Donny, it would seem like he is on the bridge of a smaller Quatis vessel complete with view screens and all the equipment, including the simulated view of space outside. The experience will feel real. Even crashing the ship is possible, to the point of the simulation resetting to start again. That said, the Cubicles interactive vocal subroutines kick in when Donny takes a seat. It’s computerized female voice, stating: “Welcome, Donny. You can call me El. Please state your preference. Safety protocols On or Off? At this point I must warn you, with safety protocols off any simulated accident will result in realistic consequential injuries to your person. Having the safety protocols on will restrict any injures to your person. Please state your preference.” Once Donny answers, the interactive vocal subroutine will instantaneously set the specifications to Donny’s choosing. He can verbally request it changed at any time from this point on. He’s now free to start his training... [hider=list of helm systems of standard Quatis vessel] [b][Note: these are not stats on the operations of a Fleet ships, only smaller standard vessels][/b] The controls are fairly straight forward for anyone with a reasonable degree of intelligence. They are divided into four main boards/terminals, all four within reach of the person at the helm: Communications. Science. Propulsion. Defence and combat. Besides manual controls for everything, many of the systems can also be interacted with via voice command when more than one function needs to be applied at once. [u][b]Communications terminal[/b][/u] All known methods of intergalactic communication is contained here. Audio, Text, wave lengths, frequencies etc. Too many to list. Standard communications are listed on the primary panel. All communication systems are equipped with a universal translator that deciphers alien dialect in the most efficient fashion possible. For complex languages, there may be a wait before the translated message is released. [u][b]Science[/b][/u] [b]Scanning array:[/b] Can scan all known elements, matter and energy and biological signatures for up to a lightyear radius. Data input is huge and distributed to various areas of the science databanks. All unknown data is distributed to sections of science analyses system for further study and computerized hypothesis. [b]Detection scanning array:[/b] Can scan in search of up to four elements at once within a radius 5 lightyears. [b]Biological Scanner:[/b] Can read and organize life signs on a planet and categorize and index of up to 200 trillion individual life sources. [b]Weapons array scanner:[/b] Detects, deciphers function and organizes external weapons (those of alien vessels) into data. [u][b]Propulsion terminal[/b][/u] [b]Coordinates Interface:[/b] Is a scanning device that can be used in coordination with any of the propulsion systems. Scanning range of coordinates is effective up to 10 lightyears. If coordinates are chosen for any propulsion system, a speed must be chosen, and the vessel will enter autopilot until arriving at its destination. Coordinates Interface must always be used with TJS and LSF propulsion systems, as manual steering will not work. [b]Steering:[/b] All propulsion systems, besides TSJ and LSF, are synchronized with an Omni-directional steering stick. While at Impulse, a slight move up, down, right, left etc. will change the vessels direction correspondingly and instantly. While at Secondary Impulse, speeds must be reduced to below 2,000miles/sec for the steering to be effective. [WARNING: Attempting to steer at higher velocities will shut down all ships propulsion systems instantaneously]. Holding down the button on the top of the steering stick while changing direction will keep the vessel facing the same direction even though its direction of flight has changed. [b]Impulse:[/b] standard Omni-directional flight. Velocity .005 to 1,000miles/sec. Functional with instant velocity (can increase speed gradually or start instantly at the specified speed. Impulse is the only propulsion system that can be used while within a planet’s atmosphere. It can also be used in space.) [b]Secondary Impulse:[/b] Secondary Omni-Directional flight. Can only be used in space. Velocity 1,000 to 80,000miles/sec. [b]Light Speet Flux[LSF]:[/b] Single directional light speed (uses subspace as a slipstream to achieve light speed). [b] Trans Stellar Jump [TSJ]: [/b] Hyperspace jump. Near instantaneous travel to the desired coordinates. Works by folding space. Effective up to 10 lightyears only, as compatible to the Coordinates Interface scanners of standard vessels. [b][u]Defense and Combat terminal[/u][/b] [b]Disruptors:[/b] An energy ray designed to penetrate and disrupt/destabilize all electrical and other energy power at its target. effective diameter is adjustable from 1 to 100 meters from point of impact. Range: 30, 000, 000 miles. [b]Quantum Cannons:[/b] Designed to remove all matter from a set containment parameter. Is effective to all elements and material known to the Quatis, besides what their own vessels are made of. Rate of fire: 2 per second. Speed of projectile: Half Light speed, depending on the gravitation pull or other influences of the surroundings. Destructive radius adjustable from levels 1-10. 1=5meters. 10=50meters. Range: 30, 000, 000 miles. [b]Sonic Pulse:[/b] Ineffective in space or outside an atmosphere able to support sonic waves. Is a vibrational Disrupter. Destabilization of matter within a setting of containment. See Quantum Cannons for destructive radius parameters. Range: 30, 000, 000 miles. [b]Photonic Charge:[/b] Narrow laser capsules of compressed, stimulated photons. Speed: Light. 1-5000 rounds per second. Will instantly melt a hole in most materials, alloys and metal upon impact. Destructive radius 5cm to 10 meters. Range: 30, 000, 000 miles. [b]Triobsidium Gun:[/b] Single shot or automatic. Level 10 Fully Auto=5000 rounds per second. Fires Triobsidium heavy armor piercing bullets (lead and most other metals and alloys), though ammunition is limited. Otherwise fires highly stimulated protons contained in a bullet-size self-magnetizing field, and can fire Nitrogen-field condensed air bullets within atmospheres that contain Nitrogen (all three bullet types have the same destructive capacity). Effective range: 50 miles. [b]Shielding[/b] [b]Graviton Shield:[/b] Invisible force field. A reverse gravitational/magnetic field to prevent objects from entering but allows objects to exit. Can be used while firing weapons. Cannot be used during TSJ and LSF propulsion are active. [b]Transphasic Shield:[/b] Will show up as a transparent red cocoon that envelops the vessel. Prevents all matter and forms of radiation from entering or exiting. Cannot be used while firing weapons. Cannot be used while any form of propulsion is active. Can withstand a blast with the yield of a supernova. Can remain effectively active for up to 15 minutes. [NOTE: Donny will also read through the information displayed on the weapons panel of the defense and combat terminal, that Quatis vessels are impervious to their own combat technology. Saves any loose cannon Quatis trying to destroy their own kind.] There are four view screens, all of which can be selected to display whatever data or visual information the flyer wants. Usually, at least one of these view screens are allocated to show a view of space from all six directional perspectives in split-screen style. [/hider] [hr] [@Metatrooper] Rufus doesn’t seem to mind the escort, in fact he looks pretty fascinated by the proceedings. It’s all so wonderful to him. When he enters the cell the force field reactivates and the Instigator enters for added security. “See ya later, my main man!” Rufus gives a small wave to the ASP as it exits the cell block. He then nods with righteous sentiments at the instigator. “Another marvel of the modern age, ay?” Rufus gets bored pretty easy though. He starts rubbing his stomach while his face winces uncomfortably. After a short while he regards the Instigator again. “I have the munchies, my dude.” He then reaches out towards the force field of the cell, just out of curiosity, but seems a little confused when nothing happens. He reaches a little farther thinking that maybe he hadn’t reached far enough, before he realizes the force field wasn’t working. Well, at least, it wasn't working on him. Rufus grins, looking pretty mischievous at that moment while his stomach continued to grumble. “I’m so sorry, my righteous machine.” He said as he steps out from his cell unhindered. He steps gingerly though, cautious as to how the Instigator might respond. “Please don’t shoot me. I won’t hurt anyone. I just need to find me some food, right?” Now standing in the cell block outside of his cell, Rufus looks around for an appropriate exit. “Which way’s the kitchen? Maybe I should speak with your captain dude if he’s back? I feel like I should explain Rufus’s situation.” [hr] The Quatis Engineers are merely under orders from their commanding officer. They say very little and comply with Meta’s instructions. They do seem a little curious, maybe a little apprehensive when Niner shows up, but systematically follow the droid to their respective areas. They get to work immediately. [hr] [@CmdrAlfieq][@Quote5] It’s only a matter of minutes before Hany’s Ribbon decimates Rodia, the MASGC space station, and the planet Iceolia. Ernest readies his Hyperdrive in case he needs to use it, Siren and others on Rodia hope to God that there is in fact a God to save them, and The MASGC start charging their propulsion systems to prepare to go to warp. Alas… the 12 lights of the nearby formation grows brighter, and the gravitational pull of the void within the lights grows stronger. Now, The Ernest has waited too little too long, even if he initiates Hyperdrive he will not be able to escape the gravity of the void. In the same way, MASGC headquarters will find their station is unable to enter Warp, because the gravitational pull of the void is creating too much subspace interference. Whether they like it or not, The MASGC are being pulled in. As for those on board the Rodia, well, maybe their prayers have been answered. Or have they? They too are inevitably being pulled into the void. The good news is, if you can call it good news at this point, is that the void will swallow them before Hany’s Ribbon arrives. MASGC Headquarters is the first to enter the void. A few seconds later Rodia and the satellite that MASGC launched get sucked in as well. Last of all, Ernest enters the Void. Did Hany’s Ribbon destroy Iceolia along with those poor soul left behind? Or did Hany’s Ribbon re-enter subspace and vanish just moments before impact? Maybe none of the abducted will ever know what happened to Iceolia…. [hr] [@CmdrAlfieq] When The MASGC Headquarters exit, the spatial anomaly closes behind them. They have arrived in another galaxy far, far away, in a solar system supported by a yellow dwarf star with ten major planetary bodies in orbit. The solar system is occupied by a space veering civilization that occupy 5 of these planets and a great number of artificial space colonies, satellites and stations of various kinds. Upon their arrival, The MASGC are almost instantly approached by 10 space craft. Seven of these craft are about the length of an earth’s luxury ocean liner with elongated bodies and broad bird-like wings, brown in color, and no exterior lighting. The other craft are almost ten times that size with a similar shape and coloring, but they do have markings of striped yellow light on the lower bow and frontal regions of their wings. The ten alien vessels quickly encompass the Commanders station. MASGC Headquarters quickly receive an abrupt, less than warm reception in the form of an automated message: “We are the Kradam Supreme. This is the Kradam Domain. You have violated our space. You are of a foreign origin. You will not react with hostility. You will state your intentions. You will do it now.” Despite the hostile approach of the Kradam, if the commander was to conduct scans of the region, he would find many of the planets rich in commodities. [@Quote5] 3.5 lightyears away from where MASGC Headquarters ended up, The Ernest arrives on the outskirts of a Nebula. The Nebula is made of various gasses of different colors, and at the heart of the nebula is a pink binary star system. The binary system also has 22 planets in orbit. Many of these planets seem to be supporting life, and other space dwelling structures can be detected within the system and throughout the nebula. These other structures seem to be comprised of biological material. The whole thing is a beautiful thing to see. Soon after arriving at the Nebula, Ernest receives a hail from somewhere within the Nebula. It’s an odd transmission composed of a series of high-pitched clicking sounds, maybe a form of language. The message lasts for several seconds before fading out like an echo in his systems. A few minutes later, a pulse of blue light is dispersed from an unknown location within the Nebula as well. The pulse of light doesn’t damage Ernest. But soon afterwards, Ernest receives a second transmission. This time in words he can understand: “Otomigus. Otomigus. State-state-state. Otom.” Pause. “Us. Otomigus. Otom. Otomigus Expanse.” Pause. “State who you are.” [hr] [@Quote5] Rodia, [i]may[/i] have had their hopes in a God fulfilled. They emerge from the anomaly in a completely different part of the universe as well, but nowhere near the MASGC or Ernest. Instead they are spewed out in what is now a solar system supported by a dead, neutron Star. The outer limits of the solar system is encompassed by a dull, grey nebula, kinda like the solar system is cloaked in a thick layer of space dust that completely blocks out the view of the outside universe. The inner planets that may have once existed in this system have long since been done away with by the star’s aging process, and the three planets that remained in the outer perimeters of the system seem like lifeless, dark orbs continuing their slow, ancient rout around the distant glow of their sun. There is another structure though. At first glance it might look like a planet, and a large one at that. It’s keeping a closer orbit of the sun than the other three, but on closer inspection Rodia scans will find that it’s an artificial planet 72,555miles (116,766km) in diameter and made of various unfamiliar metal types. Scanning beneath the surface of the massive planet might prove a difficult task. Maybe Rodia should take a closer look, which shouldn’t be a problem, because soon after arriving they find themselves being pulled towards it by an unknown and invisible energy beam. The pull isn’t fast, and it may take an hour or so to reach the planet, but they are definitely being pulled towards it. [hr] [@CmdrAlfieq] Last of all, the small satellite MASGC launched before being swallowed by the void, comes out in yet another location in the universe. As it drifts of into the endless expanse of space, it is intercepted by a large vessel, 30 miles in length. This elegant looking vessel looks and moves a lot like a silver colored snake through space. After a close inspection of the satellite, the mouth of the snake-like vessel opens up and swallows the Sputnik. [hr] [@Quote5] “Don’t panic little dude!” Rufus said, as he continued his pursuit of the tree, “We’ll get our dooby back!” The chase lasts until they arrive at the clearing with the vessel that Ramrod had arrived in with Hank. There the thieving orange tree stops abruptly, but not because it saw the vessel, but because the heat from the joint had caused its leaves to catch light. Within seconds one of its branches were engulfed in flames as it threw the joint away and started squealing in pain and jumping around the area in a an attempt to shake off the fire. Unfortunately, all that jumping around only made the flames spread further. The surrounding grass soon caught alight as well, each blade of the grass that caught alight also started to scream in agony, while several of the nearby trees uprooted themselves and started running away. Rufus was the one to panic now, saying; “I should have never stepped into that portal!” He then swung his arm fast, throwing Ramrod in through the crack of the vessel to keep him safe from the fire. “Stay in there little dude, Rufus has got this!” When Ramrod lands inside the vessel, he heard a low groaning sound. He soon realizes that the groaning is coming from Hank who is still broken on the floor in the corner. But he isn’t alone, three small shrubs have since entered the vessel. They were using their branches to poke and prod at Hank. One of the shrubs were trying to pull parts off of him. This was causing Hank a lot of distress. He was helpless and needed saving. Meanwhile, Rufus realized he didn’t have control of the situation at all. The fire was spreading wildly. The orange tree had already reduced to ash, his dying screams cause Rufus to feel sick with pity. In the distance, maybe 30 meters away, he could see a pond. Water! But how the hell was he going to get the water from way over there to put out the fast growing fire over her? “Little plush dude!’ He yelled out. “I think I might need your help after all!” [hr] [@Dartbored Fairy][@Prima Luce] Dino grins at Pirila when she bats away his arm. Apparently he kinda likes a sassy woman. "That’s fine, you attractive dame, I wouldn’t expect you to understand. Being cute will get you by.” With his hands now placed smartly on his hips, he regards the barrier of stone, then gives a nonchalant look at Cas, Pirila and Hida, before saying smoothly. “A plan I have.” Pausing for a moment, he adds, and aiming the explanation at Pirila more than the others; “You see, young wench. Mili’s abductor is right there with her. We just can’t see him. This means he has some abilities we didn’t count on. It was an obvious trap. As a rule I tend to be wary of traps.” He gives her a smoldering look. “Call me crazy, right? But don’t worry your pretty head. Think of it this way: That monster obviously wants that girl alive for now, and I think its best we keep it that way. Let’s play along with his game for the time being.” He looks at Cas: “You remember your spot attack and salvage training, Nerd?” “Yes I do.” Cas gives Dino a confident nod. “Ready when you are, Admiral.” “Then wait for my command and make sure you keep these dames safe in the process.” Dino says, then turns his attention to the girls; “Stand back, ladies, this might get messy….” He thinks for a moment and suggests. “If by chance either of you too have abilities I’m unaware of that might help along the way, and assuming you arrive at a point that you understand what’s going on at the time, feel free to lend your support to the situation.” With that said, Dino quickly reconfigured the scanners on his wrist device, then sets in carefully laid coordinates before pressing the Teleport button. “See you all on the other side.” He says, as he then vanishes in a flurry of light. Once he’s gone, Cas takes a position on one knee in front of the fallen barrier of rock. He activates an open communication channel to Dino, then readies his rifle, aiming at the rocks. In the passage on the other side of the rock barrier, Dino reappears facing towards the rocks and the position that Mili was last seen, also where her bio signature is still located along with her abductors. He is just a few meters from her. He’s also down on one knee and read for anything….