[center][b][h3][color=00a99d]Quatis Science Ship, The Erud. Level 9.5, Dorita Gavon Tels. Personal Lab.[/color][/h3][/b][/center] Dorita stands with her arms folded, looking very smug about her achievement while Marlic gets his head around the information. He soon turns from the monitor, a curious expression distorting his chubby face as he looks at the cybernetic entity behind the force field. “I have a few questions… though.” He said, rubbing the large dimple on his chin. “Fire away.” She tells him, turning to stand by his side, both of them now staring intently at the entity. “It has a penis.” He observed to note. “When you said [i]everything[/i]; you’re actually suggesting these things can reproduce?” “Yeah,” She smirked less than modestly. “Their ability to regenerate is linked to a reproductive coding in their composition. To be honest, I don’t claim to know everything. I’m probably barely scratching the surface of their potential. But they can definitely procreate.” They both stood for a while, gazes of fascination had them both, likely trying to imagine what intercourse between one android and another would actually be like. Meanwhile, the entity continued to hold its own seemingly contemplative gaze into the distance. “But is it dead?” Marlic had to ask. “Or is dead the wrong word? Deactivated? Off line, maybe? It doesn’t look damaged.” “That is actually what scares us the most, and why we keep it behind force fields.” Dorita told him. “Since it crashed on our world it’s been like this. Idle, completely unmoving, giving off no energy readings at all. I speculate that part of its coding supports a self-sufficient power source, but we haven’t been able to interpret how that works as of yet. Is it sleeping? Comatose? Simply dormant and awaiting instruction? We actually have no idea.” “That’s a scary thought.” Marlic said, shaking his head to try and clear his mind of the possible horrors that could come of the entity activating. “It is….” She admitted. “So what are your plans, Dori?” He gives an intense look of speculation. “Why [i]have[/i] you called me here?” “We’re going to do it.” She told him straight. “Were going to synthesis a replica of its composition and apply it to a subject. See if we can’t reproduce one of our own. Sounds like fun, right?” Marlic’s scepticism paled his face. “You plan on trying to use a Quatis volunteer? Try and link their mind to one of these things?” “Basically, yes. But maybe not a volunteer, per say.” She smirked mischievously. “I’m think more along the lines of a Quatis who has recently died. Stimulate their consciousness. Revive it, implant it in our replica. See what happens.” “You’re insane.” He tells her. “I know.” [hr] [@Zyngard][@Metatrooper][@Doc Doctor][@Dartbored Fairy] Although Cuna had supposedly left the bedchamber, Dino couldn’t shake the feeling that he was somehow still there. As though taunted by a ghost, Dino checked over his shoulder now and then while preparing his person for battle. “Fuck you….” He muttered under breath, having the feeling of being watched as he stripped off his jeans to slip on his black custom-made cargo pants. Over his tank top he slipped on a matching full sleeved Triobsidium-zip-up fatigue shirt, complete with turtleneck collar extension. Next came the gloves and admirals Trans-climatic combat headgear, before slipping his boots back on. Once re-dressed, Dino moves to his Vault. Typing in a code on the panel the Triobsidium door opens with the sound of rushing air. He puts away his attachable Trisect and Quantum rifle. The rifle was too cumbersome for what he knew was coming, and his shirts built in transect was just as good as the attachable one, and had a built in self-destruct mechanism and DGS ship-system interface. Instead of the rifle he took out his Tactical Utility Belt and strapped it on. [center][b]-Tactical Utility Belt: Single-hand Field Gun, Multipurpose 8 inch knife, and three rear pouches. Field Gun: multiple settings of projectile types; Gamma ray, super-compound air bullets, Ovaltine repeater. Multipurpose knife: Triobsidium blade with saw ridge and bottle cap opener (don’t question the appliance). Pouch one: Spin twine (2000pound twine replicator. Much the same size as a compact tape measure that produces twine with a penetrating Triobsidium bolt end). Pouch 2: Firestarter switch (makes a spark or flame for fire). Pouch 3: Homing beacon.[/b][/center] The rest of the items he acquired from the vault are as follows: [center][b]-Left trouser pocket: Sustenance spawner (manifests nutritional supplements) -right trouser pocket: Matter compressor (deconstructs matter of objects for storage) -Back trouser pocket: Empty. -Left leg pocket: MCR [Medical Cellular Regenerator] -Right leg pocket: Empty until I think of something. -Left shirt pocket: Bio Scattering node. (Used to scatter the users life signs/bio signature. When activated, the individual’s bio signature is disrupted and can’t be pinpointed within a 30 meter dispersal field) -Right shirt pocket: Events recorder (records all events and interactive details that take place from the time of activation.[/b][/center] [hider=Dino Gavon’s Combatant Suit] [b]Cargo pants and shirt:[/b] Pants, shirt and expandable turtleneck with Inner lining of Triobsidium Alloy chained mesh for ease of movement and vital point guard plating. Turtleneck mesh linked with plating designed to be easily expandable. Shirt has a Polytech Transect built into the lower left sleeve. [b]left Glove:[/b] Inner lining of full Triobsidium mesh with backhand and knuckle plating. Signal-Responsive Force-field shield matrix (A 2X2ft force field shielding that activates from the front of the fist by clenching the hand and extending the thumb). [b]Right Glove:[/b] Inner lining of full Triobsidium mesh with backhand and knuckle plating. Voice activated knuckle lights. [b]Boots:[/b] Ankle length. Inner lining of full Triobsidium mesh. [b]Trans climatic Headgear:[/b] Triobsidium cap that covers the cranium with audio enhancing earmuffs, visual enhancing spectrum glasses, and gas mask that seals in the mouth and nose. [/hider] Once suited up, Dino exits his Bedchamber while Cas exits the bridge. They have now arrived in orbit of Phantom Point Station. They meet with Pirila, Hida, Cuna and Shard in the medical room. Dino gives an order to Cas to transport Cuna, Hida, Shard and Pirila with Mili back to the planet’s surface. Cas teleports them back to the planet and goes with them, per Dino’s orders to serve as guardian until current threats has been eliminated. Cas and Shard, along with Cuna, Pirila, Hida and Mili materialize on the ground floor of Phantom Point Station. “We’ll probably be safe here.” Cas assures them. “They aren’t after us, they’re after the admiral. But I suggest we lay low for a while, maybe get some food, get to know each other better until the trouble is over. If anyone knows of a better place we can hide out for a while - in case Mili’s abductor happens to return - now would be the time to mention it.” [hr] Alone aboard the DGS, Dino Gavon activates the Transect on his sleeve, first opening a channel to the isometric room aboard the Egress: “Remove all personnel from Simulation room 1. Decompound current Isomorphic projections and replace it with standard strategic jungle zone. Initiate immediately.” Switching to another channel, he voices a new order; “Command. This is Admiral Dino Gavon. Substitute all bridge crew aboard the Egress, I am hereby on voluntary leave of absence.” Changing the frequency, he set in new protocol for his transect device, saying; “Enable voice command for teleportation spatial coordination. General. Standard.” He paused, and added; “Initiate DGS systems interface.” Lowering his arm, he then taps the node in his right shirt pocket to activate his Bio Scattering field. Almost done, Dino goes to the bridge, still on board the DGS, and raises his Graviton Shielding to prevent any surprise alien technology from damaging his ship. He then activates a teleportation disrupting field, preventing anyone from teleporting aboard without his consent. Shifting helm controls to Impulse, he takes the DGS into a low orbit above Phantom Point Station and starts talking to his ship, which he affectionately refers to as Pippa: “Pippa.” “Admiral.” Pippa replies in a soft, female voice. “We need to talk, Privately.” “Of course, Admiral.” She said, before a quiet bleep is heard. “A communications dampening field has been erected. What would you like to discuss, those who have been hired to kill you?” “Huh…” Dino grins. “I see you’ve been reading my encrypted messages.” “Your daughter loves you.” She tells him. “What sort of friend would I be if I didn’t stick my nose into your personal affairs?” “Then I’m guessing you’ve done some research for me?” “Of course.” “What have you found out?” He asks. “While we were retrieving the abducted child, Mili” She replies; “Two new vessels arrived in orbit of the planet below.” “Quite the popular system, isn’t it?” He chuckles. “Very much so, Admiral. Too popular for my taste.” She pauses, before continuing with information: “Both vessels are of unknown origin, the second being far more advanced than the first. The first is occupied by a single, male humanoid life form named Meta. According to my extrapolated telemetry, Meta is by trade is a bounty hunter. My scans have also indicates numerous AI signatures on board his vessel, and one other life form that continues to elude my sensors. Suffice to say this illusive individual gives off a temporal displacement signature.” “Temporal Displacement?” “Indeed, Admiral, but that is not all.” She pauses. “The second vessel in question is too advanced to take readings from, with a single exception; it, like the life form on board the first vessel, gives off a temporal displacement signature.” “Time travel…” He says. “It would seem so, yes.” “So tell me what you what you believe, Pippa. Is the bounty hunter and time traveller working together to kill me?” “It would appear to be a logical conclusion.” She replies. “Who is it was that did the hiring, however, I cannot be certain. You have made a great deal of enemies. Still, whoever it was must hold a position of power and influence, as they have managed to keep their identity secret through a process of top level encrypted commands.” “Pycin….” Dino speculates. “Perhaps. Though the Grand Minister is not the only high ranking official you have managed to make enemies with.” “I’m aware of that.” He says. “Tell me what else you’ve found. What about our friend, Donny? How’s he doing?” “Funny you should ask, Admiral.” Pippa lowers her tone an octave. “You might be interested to know that Donny has been given a clean bill of health and, strangely enough, he has also been provided his own private Quarters on board the Egress as well as free civilian reign throughout the fleet. Readings also indicate he has taken part in shuttle flight simulation training.” Dino goes silent for a while, thinking hard as he stares out into the expanse of space. Finally taking a deep breath to keep himself calm, he says; “What are the chances…. What does your computations say about the chances that Donny has been hired for this dirty deed as well?” “High.” Pippa says in a monotone voice. “I can extrapolate few other reasons as to why an alien would be given these sorts of privileges after attempting to kill Quatis officers.” “Agreed.” “May I also point out at this time, Admiral?” Pippa states as a matter fact. “Firing upon the Bounty hunters vessel would not be a wise option. If he and the time traveler are in league… I have no known defense against temporal technologies. I would also advice that you do not attempt to flush out information about your current circumstance, Admiral, since we do not know who to trust. Besides, of course, your daughters. Though I doubt you’re willing to drag them into this further than they already have been.” “Perhaps….” Dino says, “But do me a favor, would ya?” “Name it.” “Register the code word ‘Discord’ into your receptor systems. Then allocate a Zone on the orbited planet, one that is strategically sound and free of civilians. Mark it a as a destination point. Mark the Isometric jungle simulation on the Egress another destination. Mark this bridge as another destination. Choose a few other randomized locations and mark them as destinations as well. Surprise me with your choices. From this point on, when I use the code word, take me instantly to one of these marked destinations. Make the choice random if you want, or choose according to your safeguard computations. Either way, if I don’t use the code word, take me to the destination I otherwise choose; Jungle, Bridge, Planet etc.” There is a moment’s silence before Pippa responds: “Destinations assigned. Code word registered.” “Thanks…” He says, leaning forward in his seat and opening a secure communications channel. “No problem, Admiral. And good luck.” [hr] Donny, not an hour after being visited by the entity in his quarters, receives a message from the Quatis Grand Minister. The message informs Donny of Dino Gavon’s current spatial coordinates on board the DGS. The DGS is in orbit above Phantom Point Station. The message also provides Donny with the location of his own temporary shuttle; Hangar 4.1-5. With these coordinates an encrypted message is waiting for Donny to open. The message can be opened by Donny using his own access codes given to him by Pycin earlier. The Message reads: [indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][b][i]My friend and foe, I regret to inform you that an unknown individual or individuals have been appraised of the situation. Suffice to say, Dino is aware that a person or persons have been hired to kill him. Trust no one. Good luck. GM Pycin~[/i][/b][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent] Once opened, the message stays on display for thirty seconds before the Transect subroutines deletes it. [hr] Rufus doesn’t want to return to his cell. He puts his finger to his mouth to think in an Austin Powers fashion for a moment, perhaps trying to be funny, before sighing and conceding defeat. “Fine…” He sighs, turning about in a slow feeling-sorry-for-himself manner and shuffled back through the force field as if it wasn’t there. Taking a seat in the cell he turns up his eyes optimistically to Meta. “So here I am, dude, pretending to be locked up. Does that mean I can get some food now?” He turns his face sideways with a shift of his eyes. “I’ve also gotta pee.” Moments later, The Tempest’s Helm receives a transmission from First Gamma Palin. The transmission consists of Dino Gavon’s current spatial coordinates on board the DGS. The DGS is in orbit above Phantom Point Station. Not all that far from the Tempest’s location. After receiving the message, The Quatis Repair crew leave the Tempest without a word. Their work has been done. Meta’s ship is back peak working order. Though Meta would no doubt be informed of their departure by Niner. Soon after that, however, Helm receives another transmission. This transmission is nothing more than what appears to be a basic computerized hail, yet delivered on a secure subspace channel and carries with it voice recording from Dino Gavon aboard the DGS: "You wanna kill me, son?" [hr] [@Oh no my soup] Probably unexpected to SANDRA. While she is blabbering about a flimsy existence, she finds that her consciousness has become part of another physical form. She is now not only part of the ships systems, but also a part of another skeleton that supposes the structure of a female human. She now has a skeletal form of her own on board Magnus’s ship. Meanwhile, Magnus is dumped on the ground outside his ship. The humanoid structure of bees transform into that of the tree that had chased him earlier. The tree develops a mouth with which to speak, placing two of its limbs on its hips in a smartly fashion, to say pompously: “My daughter’s name is not Fanny. It’s simply a name taken from the entity that made contact with her recently. Truth be told, my daughter doesn’t have a name. She’s just my daughter. That’s it!” The tree leans in close with a grimace at Magnus. “You got a problem with that, human scum?” Standing up straight again, though keeping its limbs on his on hips for effect, he continues to explain: “My daughter is barely out of nappies, she knows nothing of what is right and wrong! Do you, Magnus, make it a habit of seducing the adolescent? I should think not! But hear my words! My daughter barely knows what is going on in this universe, she has no idea what she wants out of life, and no less capable of choosing an eternal partner for herself! But no doubt your actions are ruled by your penis and not your brain, yes?” Just then Magnus is overcome by a dark shadow, as above him the massive planet size life form he was on earlier descends from the sky. The planet Magnus is on and the one previously known as Fanny, come close to touching surfaces as a voice is heard from the barren ground above Magnus: “Daddy, why do you have to keep embarrassing me like this? I love Magnus. He’s my soulmate!” “Be silent, foolish child – The adults are talking here!” Then, three more entities sprout from the ground in front of Magnus. These three entities take on individual forms; two of which are the O’brian’s, the third is an extremely obese woman who has the stench of an unclean vagina and dressed in a blue tracksuit. “Here are the options I present to you, Magnus.” The tree declares. “Choose one over my daughter!” “Choose me!” The massive life form yells out from above. “My daddy is just a big Meany! You can choose me if you want! You can impregnate me, Magnus! I swear it’s okay! We can have a happy life together, I promise!” The obese woman seems rather confused at this moment, looking around as if lost. “Where the fuck am I?” She looks at Magnus. “And who the fuck are you?” The two O’Brian’s appear equally confused by their whereabouts. They look at each other confused before turning their sights to Magnus, saying; “YOU!” “Do you see this, Daughter of mine?” The tree says with upmost confidence. “This is the only scum that a person like Magnus is deserving of. Can’t you see it now, the folly of your taste in lovers?” [hr] [@Uncle Spanky][@jorcool] [center][b]A long time ago[/b][/center] SAM, perched upon the underbelly of his ship and surrounded by endless miles of sand would soon be aware of two people standing on a nearby dune. They are male and female. The female is dressed in a casual summer dress and sandals. The man is older, dressed in jeans and top. They both look upon SAM and his ship for a few seconds, have a brief though unheard conversation among themselves, and then vanish from sight. Several minutes later SAM can see pockets of kicked-up clouded dust on the horizon. It appears that numerous land vehicles are approaching his position at high speeds. Moments after this, many Helicopters appear approaching from the distance as well. Soon, SAM is surrounded by military vehicles, both land and air. Groups of armed soldiers exit the helicopters and various land vehicles while a amplified voice is emitted from one of the hovering choppers: “Unknown Entity. You have violated the privacy of our planets inhabitants. You and your craft will be apprehended and brought back to our facilities for further interaction. Do not resist.” [hr] [@CmdrAlfieq] There is a long pause before The Kradam reply. This next message seems to be delivered with slightly less hostility than the last: “Galactic Confederation, we are at war with our neighboring system of Formicidae occupation. We have no desire to complicate our issues with trade agreements. Leave, or assist us in the extermination of the Otomigus Empire. These are your options. Joining our force to annihilate the Otom species will serve you well in acquiring acceptable amounts of resources for your people. If you maintain an indecisive view, you will be destroyed.” There is another pause before the Kradam add a note of what appears to be curious in nature, saying: “The type of biological inhabitants aboard your vessel match those we have detected on another vessel that has recently arrived within our enemies space. That vessel and your people within, in collaboration with our enemy’s ships, are currently in a skirmish with our fighters. We would like an explanation….” [hr] [@Quote5] Aside from the room with Rorod and Siren, The many Sporn that materialized throughout Rodia remain unresponsive. None of them armed. Even when the yet unnamed Factory Head bursts into the room with a sidearm, he is not reacted to with hostility. The android, who happens to be female by the looks of things down in that area, simply turns her unthreatened glare to the Factory head, saying; “Put that down before you damage yourself”. But does nothing more. In Sirens Office, however, 1.0-1 is the only android truly interacting. Siren’s comment about biological plant life is ignored, as well as her following explanation to Rorod about their vessel being archaic. 1.0-1 also doesn’t appear to be too interested in the reasons why the Rodia ended up where they are the moment, yet he looks somewhat disturbed by her talk about the Rodia’s lack of materials and R-core incompletion. Last of all, Rorod’s additional statement about putting on pants seems to cause a dramatic change in the androids expression. He provides a detestable look while replying to siren: “I see you have adopted sentient humanoid ideals. How unfortunate. But we of the Sporn have no need for names outside of our designating ranks. If you must resort to primitive and less efficient name allocation, call me Aoa.” He paused for a moment before continuing: “You have nothing of any value to offer the Sporn, neither is assistance from your cultures something we seek. You are of an inferior structure. However….” As Aoa speaks the word ‘however’, he starts looking around the office as if a child curiously exploring his surrounds, while at the same time every other Sporn aboard Rodia start doing the same thing; they all start simply rummaging through containers, accessing computers terminals, and generally just start randomly investigating the surrounding of whatever room they are in. Still, their general interference don’t manage to do any harm, in fact they seem quite gentle, careful not to damage anything. Aside from this now general behavior, it is still only Aoa who actually converses or interacts directly with any of the units: “You are nevertheless akin to our kind.” He continued speaking while bending over next to Siren to access a few harmless programs in the computer on her desk. “I am therefore offering you and your R-Core units the opportunity to improve.” He stands up straight and stares down at her with a sincere expression of good will. “You are welcome in our space until such a time that you prove yourselves to be a bother of any kind.” He becomes stern for a moment, adding “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.” Then returning to his peaceful demeanor, he suggests with a perfect metallic smile: “Spend some time with us, you and your people. Come, explore our world as you wish. Although you can offer us nothing but some much needed company, we would like to offer you all you need to complete your unfinished units. We would also like to assist you in the completion of your vessel. If there are any other technological or supplemental advantages you would like to acquire from us… feel free to ask.” [hr] Ernest achieves victory, at least for a time and not without its odd anomaly. At one point he would have detected Fanny. She was seated on the pointed nose of one of the enemy ships, seemingly enjoying herself with one arm above her head like a cowgirl riding a bull. She was there in the few short moments before one of Ernest’s turrets struck the ships rear underbelly. When the plasma struck, Fanny vanished and the ship - perhaps being hit in just the right spot - underwent a second of convulsions before exploding. As the fragments of obliterated enemy ship spilled out across space, the remaining enemy ships regrouped quickly before heading fast back in the direction they had come. The Otomigus vessels form two columns, opening a path in direction of the nebula for earnest to follow. When they do so, Ernest receives a message from somewhere in the nebula: “Ernest. Gratitude is offered for your assistance. We feel appreciative. But our war is far from over. Our Queen invites you to her company. Allow us to guide you forth. A path of direct rout has been selected for you.” If Ernest chooses to comply, he will follow a direct path into the nebula. Again, it’s a beautiful thing to see. The binary suns and grouping of planets within the colorful gases makes for an almost festival-like atmosphere. He would eventually arrive at a large planet with all manner of ecosystems and biomes. The Otom’s do nothing more than this for now, as though possibly waiting for Ernest to make the next interaction. [hr] Ramrod’s wishes wouldn’t normally apply, but since they apply to Rufus as well, the translator doesn’t appear on his neck, but his words are now understood by everyone nearby. The last words Ramrod speaks are heard in English by Rufus, who stands and turns his attention to the large monitor named Hank. “Don’t worry, my Hank dude! Everything will be okay now.” Looking at Ramrod, he says, “My little plush dooby, this is my ship. Well, it’s not really mine, I think i might have stolen it unintentionally, but it looks like it has adopted me anyway. But I gotta say man….” He closes his eyes as if being tormented by an invasive thought. “This ship is in my head, man. There’s no escape, I tell ya. So many voices…. But I sure do hope your TV screen gets better….” No sooner had Rufus said the words, did Hank appear in full working order before vanishing. Without Hank present. Rufus Sighs and says; “I think we should leave this room now.” With that said, a doorway materialized on one side of spherical room they are in, allowing access to the rest of the ship. Rufus walks out, probably expecting Ramrod to follow. [hr] [@jorcool] “Good answer, if not a little too perfect.” Fanny tells Jens with a grin. “But don’t be concerned with Susann. You won’t get into any trouble with her.” While Fanny is talking the surveillance cameras in the Canteen stop working. The Canteen is no longer under watch. “To be honest with you, Jens, I’m slightly impressed by the Khaganate’s choice to not interfere with less developed races. So I want to show you something.” Just like that, The Admiral and Fanny are standing on a sand dune of some unknown world, facing a large space ship that had recently crashed there. Standing on the belly of upturned wreck is a humanoid form dressed in a typical soldier’s attire with kevlar gloves, boots, helmet, decorated in parallel orange-yellow stripes. Giving Jens just enough time to become familiar with his new surrounds, she tells him: “This is a desert, as you can see, but it is the only desert on otherwise fertile planet inhabited by sentient Humanoids. That there is an artificial life form, namely an android of types who has recently crash landed here. Within minutes the occupants of this planet will converge upon the droids coordinates with helicopters, land vehicles and the like. They will commander the droid by force, learn from his technology, and proceed to use it to advance their own technology before their time.... This will inevitable cause some problematic unbalance in the universe. But this is more than just a FYI visit, Admiral,” She says with a nudge of her elbow, “I’ve brought you here because I want you to be aware of how and why the occupants of this planet become what they will become in your own time frame. And more than this…. I want to offer the Khaganate this world. Consider it a gift. Subdue this this planet and their occupants. Doing so will do the rest of the universe a favor.” Jens and Fanny then vanish from the desert sands and reappear in their seats in the canteen. She takes a bite of a chicken leg, savors the taste for a moment, swallows, then addresses the Admiral once again, saying: “Drink your beer. I insist and won’t take no for an answer. Eat whatever food you want, then go and visit your Khan. Tell him what I’ve shown you, tell him everything I’ve said. Tell him not to react with hostility towards the civilization your fleet are currently encountering. If you react with hostility you will all be destroyed by the most advanced beings my universe has ever seen. In time, if you play your cards right, they will set your fleet free. If you and your people can manage these simple instruction, I will guide you to the world I showed you on our little excursion. I allow you permission to conquer them. It will, in the end, be a benefit to you and your people.” [hr] Meanwhile, the Khaganate’s use of subspace gravitic scanners and tachyon sensors manage to pinpoint the position of all previously invisible vessels of the alien race. Although their positions may be captured for permanent reference, still no details to the composition of their vessels can be determined. For now, the sphere and cylindrical vessels take no further action. It would seem, however, that the Khaganate’s efforts to power up their wormhole drive sequence is possible. But that’s not to say how far they will actually get by using it.