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Falul 'Taham - Briefing Room





While it was perhaps an uneasy accord, Falul did seem to have an understanding with Erthos. So as long as the Supreme Commander did not attempt to force Falul unnecessarily into his war, they could cooperate. Falul could recognize the limits of himself and his crew, and he did not think it likely that he would be able to get back to his home universe alone. With any luck, at least most of the other factions would come to the same realization that cooperation served their mutual advantage. Falul, of course, did not fully trust any of them, but he did, by this point, believe that most of them did not particularly trust one another either. If nothing else, that fact lessened the likelihood of conspiracy.

Since Falul had attended the meeting personally, he did not have to deal with the inconvenience of conferring with a superior, like some of these other envoys. For the Immaculate Aegis, the decision was made, and Falul was free to take his next steps. He had taken notice of the one who called herself a bounty hunter. Though not as familiar with that term, she did make it obvious that she was a mercenary. Several of the other military commanders present seemed to scoff at the idea, but Falul was perfectly accustomed to dealing with them. Every Kig-Yar on his ship was a mercenary. As long as it was a worthwhile trade, he could pay for a warrior's service. After Erthos started to leave, Falul stood up and looked down at the armored Human. Or at least, she looked like she was likely Human. "Not all trust purchased loyalty, but I am used to dealing with your kind, mercenary. If you can actually prove yourself worth hiring, you may yet have your...employer." He commented to her.

However, before they could have a chance to leave, Falul made sure to turn his attention to another of the groups of Humans: those who represented the vessel Daedalus. Given all this meeting had taught him, he had reason to speak with them. "And you, Humans." Falul announced loudly enough to be sure his words were not missed as he approached them, now even more obviously focused on McKay than before. Especially considering that he was still sitting, Falul completely towered over him. "I would speak with you."
This is just a copy/paste of the character I intend to use. I'll doubtless need to edit some things.

Meesei had not anticipated being greeted so quickly, though she supposed it did make some sense. Hircine would have had control over where the portal arrived, and any lycan souls he wished to dedicate to the invasion would have needed to be in approximately the right location. Though, she wondered if it had just been chance that Jerrick had been in just the right place, or if he had earned the privilege of being among the first to meet them?

When summoned from another plane, souls on Tamriel appeared ethereal, and were not always entirely corporeal. However, being in a plane of Oblivion was another matter entirely. Jerrick's body, and those of any of the other lycan souls around them, were just as "real" as those of Meesei's pack. There was much that Meesei, Ahnasha, and likely some of the others would have like to say, but in this instance, Jerrick and Vera deserved their moment together.

Among the other lycans present, they too were allowing Jerrick his chance to reunite with his wife, though the majority of their focus was upon Meesei. Several stepped closer, though not in a manner that seemed threatening, but rather more curious. A werevulture flew down from one of the trees and landed nearby, quickly shifting into the form of a Bosmer. It seemed like a physical transformation, but was almost effortless, even moreso than Meesei's transformations with the Ring of Hircine. That did not necessarily imply perfect control over the mind of the beast, but rather that transformations themselves were fundamentally different for a lycan spirit. For now, Jerrick was still Meesei's focus, though she did also notice the approach of another lycan she did not recognize. She was a Khajiit woman with mostly black fur. She did not seem to be a different form of Khajiit than Ahnasha, but she had teeth and claws far more ferocious than any Khajiit Meesei had seen before. She still wore furs and hides, but they were well-kept and almost regal in appearance. Most notable was the fact that, as soon as they noticed her, other lycans moved from her path and seemed to bow slightly before her.
Falul 'Taham





While it might become his problem soon, the squabbling between any of the others was not Falul's concern at the moment. The Supreme Commander had given the navigational data, so Falul brought it up on the device that had been given to him, then placed it on the table while he again activated the display on his own holographic device. His ship's readings on the start positions around them had been transferred to his device ahead of the meeting, so he was able to compare the star positions that his people had observed with the charts that Erthos has presented them. Falul's eyes did not have the precision of a computer, but even he could see that the two maps lined up perfectly for their immediate area. And, of course, Erthos' navigational data was far more complete for the rest of the galaxy.

Based on what Falul had seen so far, this was the final piece of evidence that he needed to have his answer. Again, he spoke loudly, and with a voice that demanded attention. "This navigational data appears to be accurate. While it does not prove your word against the Empire, it is sufficient to be evidence that I cannot ignore. I can now believe that this is your universe of origin, which means you have information of direct value to myself, and any of the others here. Your claims about this Galactic Empire...may carry some weight after all."

With only a brief pause, Falul's gaze started to shift between the others in the room. "My only goal is to return to my homeworld, and unless here is someone here hiding secrets, none of us know how. But...there are those here with understanding of this strange occurrence who may be able to find that answer. None among my crew would be able to find this answer alone, but I can provide protection to those who can. If the Supreme Commander's word is true, then the Galactic Empire he so fears will attack us, regardless of our disinterest in their affairs."

With the quick interruption of a low, rumbling growl, Falul's tone grew yet louder, and with no hint of doubt in his conviction. "Any foe that intends to challenge me shall be faced with the wrath of ten thousand of my warriors. Any ship of this 'Empire' that challenges the Immaculate Aegis shall be cleansed by the fires of its fury. And if there are any here so foolish as to deny my protection, then you may leave without harm, while the rest of us get to work." Falul's eyes, after a moment, again focused solely on Erthos. "But know this, Supreme Commander: while it serves our mutual advantage, I will fight the Galactic Empire in the defense of any who agree to cooperate with us, but I am still not here to fight your war."
As they were stepping out of the portal, the first group was already fanning out to check the immediate area. Though, in contrast to some of the others, Meesei was calm, even smiling to a slight degree. The air felt much fresher than the cavern, and as Janius had alluded to, the whole area had a peaceful feeling to it. Meesei did take a moment to simply enjoy it all, though she still did give her input to the conversation. "It is the perfect home for a hunter. Endless forests, meadows, marshlands. Though, you should not mistake its beauty for safety. The Hunting Grounds are filled with both swift and sporting prey, and dangerous predators against which skilled hunters can test themselves. But, for all of us entering his realm here, Hircine has extended his protection. None of the creatures of his realm will harm us, so as long as we do not stray too far from the portal."

Sabine's attempt at detection might have bore results, had she used a spell to detect the dead. However, those that were awaiting their arrival did not delay long before revealing themselves. Stepping out into plain view from the forest were several beings, both man and beast alike. Some were werewolves, others in the forms of men and mer. All of them looked just as physical and "real" as any member of Meesei's pack, but they also all possessed a distinct magical aura around them that could be plainly seen with just the naked eye. They were lycan spirits. Meesei wondered briefly why they, specifically, might be the ones to greet them, but those thoughts were all pushed away when she saw one man that stood out to her above the rest. "Vera, you...may wish to come over here." Meesei announced. The man was a Redguard, wearing furs and other trophies presumably from his kills, and with a face that all of them would recognize. It was the first alpha to the Bruma clan: Jerrick.

Meesei had known this was possible. All of her pack would have known, even if they did not put much thought to it. The Hunting Grounds were the home for the souls of lycan dead, and not all those they had lost over the years had been claimed by the soul-tearing gas. They could well meet anyone they had once known. "Jerrick, I..." Meesei began, though as much as she wanted to smile in her greeting, she could not help but to lower her head and show a hint of shame. "I am sorry. I failed to protect you."
Once again, Falul carefully took in the answers he was given and the dissenting opinions around the room. The recordings that Erthos showed them, even if Falul had any reason to believe them, did nothing to persuade him of any need to intervene in their war. The squabbling of this universe's factions were not his concern. However, if the behavior of this Galactic Empire was accurate to how Erthos described it, then Falul may reluctantly have to admit the problem it could present to his crew. If the Empire did hunger for technology, then the Immaculate Aegis would be a tempting target. Speaking practically, the assistance of "Supreme Commander" Jason Erthos could be of benefit to Falul and his people. If it was true that the Resurgence and its crew were from the same universe in a future time, then they would have information that Falul could not obtain through other means. He could not simply dismiss that advantage casually.

There were other concerns as well. These Terrans, which looked to be Humans as well, seemed to be familiar with the Zerg, and his description of them caught Falul's immediate attention. Memories of the parasite came to the forefront of his mind, and these Zerg did not sound dissimilar to them. If they were indeed a devouring swarm, then not only could they not be trusted, but they were abominations that deserved destruction. However, that did rely upon trusting the word of the Terran, which Falul, at this point, had no reason to do. And even if the Zerg were the monstrosities they appeared to be, it was not as if they were a threat to his universe. All that mattered to him was returning home.

Falul's gaze noticeably shifted towards McKay as he continued to collect his thoughts. It was clear these were not the Humans he was familiar with, but he wondered how different they actually were. Could they still be as capable as the species that had earned his Arbiter's respect? This Human had not been ignorant of their situation, as Falul and most of the others had been. Perhaps these Humans still had the same sort of cleverness to them? In any case, he knew that none of his crew would have the knowledge to understand this situation. Perhaps the scientist they had taken aboard, but Falul would not wager the fate of his ship and its crew on that dim hope. Now was not a time to discard options.

There was just one final question on which many of Falul's thoughts hinged. Another of the armored, humanoid warriors argued with the Terrans, but that was not Falul's concern. His decision, everything he intended to do, hinged upon Supreme Commander Erthos' word. His decision was based upon the Galactic Empire being a threat his vessel could not avoid, but Falul was yet to be shown any proof beyond a recording with no proven context. If Falul could be shown the proof he required, then he knew his decision. "Supreme Commander Jason Erthos." Falul announced, his loud, deep voice carrying its weight throughout the room. "You make the claim that the Galactic Empire is an enemy worth fighting, and one that we will have to risk our ships to face. But all of this is on your word, but we have not even seen proof that this is even your universe of origin. You claim to detect Imperial signatures, but again, that is your word to us. We have seen no proof of a Galactic Empire ourselves. Even if you are being honest, your sensors could be malfunctioning. I have heard enough to know my answer, but before I give it, I demand the proof you claim to have: the navigational data. Give us the star charts; if they are accurate, then I will finally have reason to believe your word."
Falul 'Taham - Briefing Room





Again, Falul had to temper his reaction and avoid letting on to his true thoughts. If these Humans were not of the Earth he knew, then they were not bound by the alliance their Arbiter had forged. They could be dangerous, though he supposed it was a situation that was not without advantage. He could not yet be sure, but it did not seem like any of those present knew anything about his people, so he would be able to control what they would be allowed to learn, for as long as they needed to associate with them. Falul was interested in the navigational data they were speaking of, as it would at least give him the ability to plan some next step. After that, he would need to re-evaluate if the advantage of contact with them outweighed the risks.

"The names you speak mean nothing to me in any history I am familiar with." Falul replied plainly. "But you are still correct..." He continued, shifting his gaze towards Erthos. "...this Empire is not at war with my people."
Falul 'Taham - Briefing Room





Confusion and suspicion were what dominated the air of the briefing room as the man, who Falul assumed to be this "Supreme Commander". Falul's guards stayed back closer to one of the walls while Falul himself approached the table. He elected to remain standing, since the chairs were wholly inadequate for him. Given the circumstances, Falul would be most suspicious of anyone who seemed too comfortable in their surroundings. He still did not know if any of these others present had been somehow responsible for pulling his ship from slipspace.

On Falul's part, he was patient, intending to be deliberate with his words. Save for the Humans, the other creatures in the room were entirely unfamiliar to him, including the first to speak up after their host introduced himself. The words and attitude of the strange tentacled being were almost enough to detract his attention from the Broodmother. The situation it described sounded asinine, yet it spoke confidently about it. Alternate universes were not a concept Falul was familiar with, and it immediately sent his mind to thoughts of trickery and deceit. Even if it were somehow possible, if the universe they found themselves in was no longer the one he was familiar with, he was suspicious of how quickly the being presented that solution. How could he be sure it was not a lie this Yilthren wanted the rest of them to believe, or that it was not them that was responsible for it?

Falul only started giving more consideration to the notion as the conversation went on, perhaps due to his own unconscious biases towards Humans. The idea of being in another universe would provide convenient explanations to all he had seen so far. The similar circumstances of the other vessels, their spirit's inability to discern their location. Falul was reluctant to trust any of the others, in particular this "Zerg", as it identified itself. But, Falul was perhaps less stubborn than some other Sangheili commanders. He could recognize when he was acting outside of his own experience. Trust, he would not give freely, but he could temper his pride for the benefit of his crew.

One of the groups of Humans had by their own account, sent information about their people's history to the others in the briefing room. Falul produced a handheld device which projected a red, semi-circular holographic display. It was programmed to be able to interpret data files sent from Human devices, yet, curiously, it could not make sense of anything it had received. The data was in an unknown format, which would take some time to interpret. It was strange enough to, finally, give Falul reason to ask the question that had formed in his mind.

"This notion you speak of, alternate universes. I am unfamiliar with it. The universe is the whole of existence, yet you claim there is something beyond the infinite. Perhaps this Human is correct; perhaps we come from different places in space, not an...alternate space?" Falul began, though after a moment, he gave a quick, low growl. "Grah! This is talk for an artisan-engineer or...scientist. I am a shipmaster, a warrior. My concern is to know if any before me are threats I will have to face. But, if I am to...entertain this idea you present, then perhaps I have a question to test it? My people, the Swords of Sanghelios, are allied with the Humans of Earth by the word of our Arbiter. Do any of the Humans here owe their allegiance to Earth? To the...UNSC? Are there any among you I can consider allies to the Sangheili?"
EliteCommander and Zarkun



Kol'Zife had just settled into his seat on the bridge, watching the crew prepare for the arrival of the various delegates from the other ships when the newest arrival came through. The size of it alone...well, Kol could think of a few good uses for a ship that size. Another hail came through and, in classic fashion, the XO answered. “This is Executive Officer Kol’Zife of Ryloth aboard the Venator Resurgence. Any one with questions has been invited aboard in order to get the answers that we can give by Supreme Commander Jason, my immediate superior.”

It had not taken long for the Aegis to begin receiving signals. One had been a message, but upon noticing the active, open channel, the communications officer redirected it to the Shipmaster’s personal display. Though, as far as the ship’s computers could interpret, the channel was audio-only. “You speak of ranks I have never heard, places I am unfamiliar with, and from a ship with a pattern I have never seen. You could well be inviting me into a trap, Executive Officer Kol'Zife of Ryloth. Does your vessel belong to the Humans of Earth? To whom do you owe allegiance?"

Kol sighs as he sits back. “Again with this Earth place. Look, wherever you think you are, you aren’t. I owe allegiance to the Galactic Republic Remnant and its leader, whom I’ve already named. If it’s going to help, I can transfer you directly to him.” The Twi’lek pauses a moment. “And yes, he is human.”

“Again, you speak of something unfamiliar. Something unknown to me.” Falul began, pausing a moment in thought as he leaned to the side in his chair. “Your ship, it is armed. If only by its appearance, I can see it is a military vessel. You invite envoys from our ship, and presumably these other vessels, with no knowledge of who you are or whether you can be trusted. And yet, if you are Human, then you share the species of our allies, and I am bound to treat with you...diplomatically. Unless otherwise provoked. I do not require the word of your shipmaster; yours is sufficient. I shall attend this meeting, but know this: if your intent is betrayal, hostages would not prevent the destruction of your vessel.”

“Buddy, if we were gonna shoot people, then we wouldn’t be holding a diplomatic summit. In any case, your choice of dropship is cleared for landing. Be aware, we are providing everyone with an escort once you’re on board, both to guide you to the meeting room and, well, as you said, we don’t know you people.”

Falul gave a brief, somewhat audible grunt. "Indeed." He replied, which was the last word before he terminated the transmission. He lowered his chair closer to the floor, then stood before turning back to his communications officer. "Have you detected other signals?"

"Yes, shipmaster." He answered, prompting Falul to approach the console and listen to each message they had intercepted. They were all different, but most had a similar theme. These ships, all remarkably different in design, had all arrived in this one section of space unexpectedly, and with no identified cause. Another Sangheili, wearing the armor of a commander in the crimson colors of the Swords of Sanghelios, approached beside Falul. His name was Uril 'Laras, and he was the second-in-command to Falul. "Strange forces are at work here, Shipmaster. This is not like anything we have encountered before, but...it still could be a trap."

"Yes, it could be." Falul remarked, turning back around from the console. "So I shall go myself, along with my guard. My orders are this: if this meeting turns to betrayal, then you are to retreat from this region of space, then focus your efforts on discovering our location and finding a way to return to Sanghelios. After destroying my captors."

Uril clenched his fist over his chest and bowed his head slightly. "Yes, Shipmaster."




Given the uncertain situation they were in, Falul's personal guard were already prepared by the time he reached the hanger bay. Their armor did not bear any distinguishing markings to differentiate them from other major-ranked Sangheili, but their combat harnesses were equipped with shielding as befitting their role. The four of them were armed primarily with carbines or concussion rifles, plasma rifles, and, of course, they all carried energy swords. Falul himself was more lightly armed, with a plasma rifle and energy sword on either side of him at his hip. They all boarded a phantom, plated in the distinctive red color of their faction, then made the relatively quick flight to the Resurgence.

Falul did not have much to say to the troopers that greeted them in the Venator's hanger bay, aside from brief utterances of acknowledgement once they offered to take him and his guards to the briefing room. This was a potentially hostile vessel, and Falul would treat it and its crew with appropriate caution. Observing the troopers, they were the size and shape of Humans, though all that he personally saw on the way to the briefing room were in full armor. He was also unfamiliar with their weapons and was not sure of what they could do. Indeed, there was little about this vessel or its technology that Falul could call familiar. If nothing else, it was a fact that affirmed that his caution was wise.

Once they were brought into the briefing room itself, there was much that Falul could have noticed, but all eyes from both himself and his guards inevitably went to the Broodmother. The sight of the creature was enough to cause alarm in his guards, but Falul was quick to motion them to stand down. There were aspects of the being that did bear some resemblance to the parasite, but Falul could see that it was different. That did not necessarily mean it was any better but Falul was not going to be the one to initiate hostilities. Looking around the room, he could see that there were indeed Humans among this meeting. Although, he could not say what that meant for the situation they were in.
It will probably end up being the Venator that helps her. Its captain is the one that graciously volunteered to take aboard all of the potentially dangerous alien lifeforms.
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