Voyages in Andromeda (FT Char RP|IC, Open)

[Arengin Union]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Bridge, the Defiance.

---

After Vodrich and Rabaech confirmed that the ship could take the jump Thanica set up the coordinates on the console. Carter could only try and look somewhat sure of what she was doing all the while eyeing what she did with no idea of how it worked at all. If there was something both him and Krystyn had to do was learn how to handle these ships, if they wanted to head home someday it best they did.

Then the ship suddenly entered a blue bubble which began to turn bigger as the ship began to move through an endless green tunnel.

Carter led out a short chuckle as he observed the tunnel beyond the bridge window and said “So this is how it works…”

Thanica then spoke directly to the amused Carter.

"Okay so I'm going to say lets head for Pleasure Haven and this Konkara fellow. He doesn't sound the sharpest tool in the shed and I have a plan which, hopefully, might work."

"The important bit is Yp goes into the casino section or whatever first and scouts the place out along with a whole lot of others from our group. Basically blend in with the locals, drink, fight, lay a wager, whatever you want, but don't look like you're connected to each other." she began outlining her idea, "I'll then make my appearance with a couple of crew members acting as muscle, adds to the pirate look and means, hopefully, he won't just try to grab me. I introduce myself as Commander Vari of the Defiance and demand to speak to Konkara. I'll be totally honest about what the amount of money I want, say I'd prefer a loan, he'll laugh at me, and then offer to bet myself, converting whatever he values me at into chips. I'll indicate that I'm going to win big or go bust - nothing in between."

Carter nodded in agreement, by all means they didn't have much to lose so he couldn't see an issue in this. Besides all things Thanica was the expert in how to approach this, at least compared to Carter.

"At this point." she continued, "If he has accepted, he'll probably want to go to a private room or something. I'll demure, stating that I'd trust him more if we did it within sight of onlookers. Which is where Yp comes in... Yp has eyes pointing in every direction and can communicate telepathically. I would like Yp to park up somewhere where he can see Konkara's cards from the back of his head while it looks like he's doing something else. He can then give me info telepathically. If it all goes wrong for whatever reason, that's what the others are for. We'll open fire on the guards and try to take Konkara hostage, both for the money and for the fact that I doubt we'd get off the station alive otherwise."

"Any thoughts or improvements?" she asked

Carter took in the plan, he began to consider the possible outcomes, success, failure, and of that happened a possible shoot out. They'd need a fail safe, at the very least something to distract the scummy players for enough time.

“I'm good with all of it. But we'll need a fail safe plan, something to distract them with in case things go awry.”

[Foxfound]

Olorisa, still stored in the intercom terminal for the time being, was in a sort of sleep mode. Had she been 'awake', she probably would have objected to the idea of selling Thanica, even if it was planned for her to escape. These people weren't her crew, but she still felt an obligation to protect human life, or in this case life that acted human enough.

Though nobody had directly spoken to her about it - no one had talked to her much at all, really - she knew that they were going to attempt to reprogram her to fit the new ship, and while she was supposed to regard any unauthorized attempt to reprogram her as sabotage, she was glad for this. She was tired of half her processing power being devoted to trying to reconnect with the Destiny.

Suddenly she left low-power mode and was confronted with a message. She had received many like this before; they had been added by her chief designer, and were set to be 'delivered' to her at different points in her journey.

Hey there, Olorisa! In about 12 hours the Destiny should be making that close pass with an asteroid group you were so excited about. Take some readings and pictures for us!

Though they weren't signed in any way, Olorisa knew who they were from because nobody else on the team ever used her chosen name. They would just refer to her as OAR.

It was clear to her that she'd never be seeing this asteroid formation, but instead of going back into sleep mode, she decided to wait until it was time for work to be done on her and listen to the commotion on the bridge. Interfacing with the translation software was difficult and kept her behind in the conversation, but from what she could gather they needed resources for repairs and were discussing how to obtain them. The crew seemed to be talking in terms of money, which didn't make logical sense to Olorisa, who hadn't quite picked up on the fact that there was civilization beyond Earth. Where would you get money in space, and how would that help you achieve anything?

So instead of how to gain credits, Olorisa was thinking in terms of how to obtain the required parts directly. After some time, she came up with a plausible, if risky, solution. As the crew's discussion made it clear that there was indeed a place nearby where money could be useful, she spent some time pondering a plan that took this route.

"Query. You have described hostile ships of similar origin to current vessel, yes? Would it be possible to find ship of identical or lesser threat to current vessel and..."

She paused as she looked for the correct word. Her designers hadn't thought to give her much vocabulary related to theft and piracy.

"... requisition required parts by force? Possible alternative solution: exchange current ship for more functional one, which hostile ships will not know to pursue."

If the first plan was even possible at all, it was incredibly risky, but it did get around their current money problem. The second solution, on the other hand, made a certain amount of sense, but there was the problem that few people would be likely to buy a ship wanted by the Navy, and that a new ship would be one unfamiliar not just to Olorisa, but to the entire crew.

In any case, the ship had begun entering FTL around the time she started speaking, so it was probably too late for any major change in plans.

[Dyelli Beybi]

"I prefer the firefight option, I will gain more from it"

He looked directly at her, he knew he was practically one of few options they would ensure their win

"What will I gain from the less violent approach"

Thanica gave Yp an inscrutable look, followed by a wry half-smile. Apparently Yp wasn't one to play the long game, "Okay... so you like violence? The reason the option of just going straight in and attacking our mark is a last resort is because if we do that, we run the very real risk of him getting away, us getting pinned down by a whole lot of goons and our ship getting turned into a pile of slag. Even if we did get escape in one piece, the Defiance currently has no guns and no ability to enter hyperspace, rendering the ship easy prey for law enforcement or pirates, both of whom I assume would be after us pretty much straight away."

"So that would mean either us getting butchered by a bunch of angry pirates, probably from the safe distance of another vessel, or getting handed back over to Kiellar Command. Of the two options I'd take the pirates personally; Command are very creative when it comes to executing traitors and escaped slaves." she continued, "Now don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting that your credentials as a homicidal killing machine; I am simply pointing out that we go into this potential confrontation at a severe disadvantage. If we start shooting too early, we're all going to die."

"That was for Yp." she informed the rest of the crew, leaning back against the console with a slight grin, "I'm not going crazy and talking to myself... yet."

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter

Carter took in the plan, he began to consider the possible outcomes, success, failure, and of that happened a possible shoot out. They'd need a fail safe, at the very least something to distract the scummy players for enough time.

“I'm good with all of it. But we'll need a fail safe plan, something to distract them with in case things go awry.”

"My idea was to go for a hostage taking if we get caught - grab the boss man and demand a ransom payment before we let him go. Its the only way that I can think of to stop the guards trying to massacre us and stop the ship from getting attacked while the engineers fit the new hardware." Thanica pointed out, "I'm open to better ideas though?"

[Endem]

"I prefer the firefight option, I will gain more from it"

He looked directly at her, he knew he was practically one of few options they would ensure their win

"What will I gain from the less violent approach"

Thanica gave Yp an inscrutable look, followed by a wry half-smile. Apparently Yp wasn't one to play the long game, "Okay... so you like violence? The reason the option of just going straight in and attacking our mark is the last resort is because if we do that, we run the very real risk of him getting away, us getting pinned down by a whole lot of goons and our ship getting turned into a pile of slag. Even if we did get escape in one piece, the Defiance currently has no guns and no ability to enter hyperspace, rendering the ship easy prey for law enforcement or pirates, both of whom I assume would be after us pretty much straight away."

"So that would mean either us getting butchered by a bunch of angry pirates, probably from the safe distance of another vessel, or getting handed back over to Kiellar Command. Of the two options I'd take the pirates personally; Command are very creative when it comes to executing traitors and escaped slaves." she continued, "Now don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting that your credentials as a homicidal killing machine; I am simply pointing out that we go into this potential confrontation at a severe disadvantage. If we start shooting too early, we're all going to die."

"That was for Yp." she informed the rest of the crew, leaning back against the console with a slight grin, "I'm not going crazy and talking to myself... yet."

Yp'Trak Nird'Hoe

Well, he wouldn't like to die, not yet, not know, not in this way. He once again spoke to Thanica

seems good enough for me

Homicidal killing machine, it was an insult at best

don't insult me, I'm not a homicidal killer, I'm a Gy Tyrek Ypin ( God-Warrior Candidate )

[Korhal IVV]

The Jokari standing nearby only nodded in approval to Thanica's plan. His face was clearly riddled with disgust and dislike at the mention of the name of Azar Konkara, as Kaleso's memory of him isn't very fond; Konkara was, after all, exiled from the Undying Light for a good reason. For one, Azar's personal frigate, the Deathgripper, was usually filled with a number of captured people when it participated in a raid against lesser races. The Jokarun Templar Corps would soon take notice of Azar's aberrant behaviour, and discovered the disgusting things he did with captives aboard the Deathgripper. He cavorted in immorality and madness, and his bridge was a glorified brothel. His crew of twenty had little love for their commander, and cited that the noises that came from the captain's quarters every night were uncomfortable to hear. The Jokarun Council decided to revoke his command, exiling him aboard a small shuttle to wherever he wished. While he was a fool for Jokari standards, he was still a skilled entrepeneur, and combined with his… passions in life, he had his own version of paradise orbiting Akaron after a few short years. However, there was one thing he couldn't wait to get: Dasath. The tales about their sweet taste makes him savour and salivate every time, and it was certain that he would not be able to resist the opportunity. Kiel, Archeliai, and others simply couldn't measure up to the nectarine sensation of a Dasath.

Thus, as Thanica's asked if there could be any other improvements, Kaleso was the one who spoke. “A word of caution, you all.”, he said as Yare-Lokem looked up towards him. “Azar's guards are either Kalisi mercenaries or robotic warbots. There are always two of each around him. The Kalisi are some of the best mercenaries around and as far as I know, the Kiellar Command even makes use of them as elite auxiliaries, judging from my combat experiences. So do your best not to be impaled by a Kalisi energy spear. His robots are of Jokari handwork, and I suspect he built each one himself. Those things are sturdy and can take quite a lot of punishment, and each is armed with a lance cannon… assuming he abided with normal Jokari construction techniques.. But… all I can say is that you better not die when faced by them.”

Later, in Kaleso's room

If one would pass by the room, they would see the Sarufi and Jokari sitting, facing each other as they spoke in slower whispers and tales.

“So,”, Yare began. “What do you remember about Konkara?”

“Absolutely and overly friendly when we were still… friends.”, Kaleso replied with an air of reminiscement. “He always gave me a free meal when we were but children, and my sister said we were like brothers too. That was 240 years ago, though. It has been so long since I last saw him the way I liked him best. He often… embraced me as I was a great deal taller than me. But of course… only I and his parents knew that he was defective.”

“Defective?”

“His genes had a few problems. He was not as intelligent as one could usually expect for a Jokar… though he was mightily intelligent compared to the likes of other racesi, and had stunted growth. It was the only known case in our block. I'll be honest, Yare.”, Kaleso looked away. “He was like a frail little brother to me… one that I would love greatly. That is, until he changed.

Turns out, his mind was warped and utterly traumatized by the Ragon invasion. He watched as his mother and father were bodily grabbed by the Ragon warriors. He saw it with his two eyes, and by a slice of fate, he was successfully beamed into a nearby freighter as he stood so still. It had a profound effect on his frail little mind. It would manifest in full over a century later as the frigate under his command reportedly became a haven of hedonism. His ship stayed away too long even for raiders, and one of his crew reported strange noises from the captain's quarters. You know what's in there…”

“Well, this is a case of permanent psychological scarring.”, Yare said. “He copes with their deaths with hedonism. Of that, there is no mistake.”

“He is beyond redemption, I am afraid.”, Kaleso said. “Now, I am utterly disgusted, but I also feel pity. I sincerely do not know how to deal with him if we meet. Sure, my sister tricked him as he was a fool in detecting things that are wrong, but he definitely remembers me. I do not wish to set foot on that station.”

“Take a mask, if that suffices.”, Yare said. “Or, just use your helmet. I know you trust no one here, but we just don't have a choice. You have to cooperate with the rest of us.”

“In the presence of one whose kind ate my whole Republic? Perhaps not.”, Kaleso said with a hint of resentment. “Why should I?”

“So that we survive. Both of us.”

“Errmm....”, the Jokari hesitated; he was conflicted between the reality of the need of cooperation and his own prejudices.

“Alright… just this once… as for next time… I'll think about it… all for your sake, though.”

“Heh.”, Yare said as she looked at him eye to eye. “You are so soft in the inside, after all. Who knows what'll happen…”

“Wait… don't you dare do that...” Kaleso said witha chuckle a he knew what Yare will do. “Are you seriously shipping me with the Dasath? Our genes won't even mix!”

“Oh, no, not in that sense.”, Yare said with a laugh. “You can just speculate here…”

“Damn it, you six limbed witch.”

“I am very much honored, heh. We'll just wait till we get there."

[Dyelli Beybi]

(Commander) Thanica Vari

Yp'Trak Nird'Hoe

...

seems good enough for me

Homicidal killing machine, it was an insult at best

don't insult me, I'm not a homicidal killer, I'm a Gy Tyrek Ypin ( God-Warrior Candidate )

"Okay!" Thanica announced, "When I'm replying to Yp I'm going to look at him significantly and start with 'well Yp...'" she was making a bit of a joke about it, but it was a fairly sensible thing to do considering the potential confusion caused by her answering a voice nobody else could hear...

She gave Yp a significant glance, "Well Yp... I wasn't trying to be offensive, just pointing out that you do have a predilection for violence that in any other culture might be interpreted a certain way. No insult intended!" She'd be an idiot to deliberately insult the not-a-homicidal-maniac Kel'Reshian, but Thanica would be the first to admit she had a bad tendency to keep on talking when it really a good idea to stop.

As the hyperspace window opened, Thanica guided the ship into it and within moments all external view ports would just show the same green glow as they shot, faster than light, towards the moon of Akaron, "Alright, thanks everyone for your attention, feel free to amuse yourselves in a harmless manner for the next few hours... or you know, arm up and get ready for action. Whatever works for you. Captain, can I talk to you in private for a moment?" she asked Carter, "Your human buddy can stay if he likes."

She waited for the room to clear of the others, idly watching the display on the console, before she finally turned her attention back to him, "I promised I'd answer your questions when we had some privacy. And now, I can do that. So ask anything you like! But first, since you've probably picked up a few of the more unfortunate features of Dhasath physiology, when you're around me you don't find yourself unexpectedly salivating or thinking of sauces? I just want to check."

---

Vrondich and Rabaech - Engineering

"Well I don't think we're about to explode at the moment." Vrondich commented as he watched the outer casing of the Skrim drive slowly rotate. The blue light at the heart of the drive was particularly intense - it was burning to hot due to the lack of a functioning cooling system, which meant the super-heated drive fluid was needing to be vented as it passed through to prevent the whole thing from exploding. Of course, if it stopped before they got to Akaron that would be even worse. They would be marooned out in space with little hope of rescue and a dwindling supply of food.

"I can't get this AI to work." Rabaech complained, "The code is... well... alien. It is relatively advanced, but it was never meant to work with our systems."

"Just do what you can." Vrondich waved a hand dismissively, not turning from the hypnotic vision of the drive in motion.

"It can learn to a certain degree on it's own, I think it just needs a helping hand." the console rattled as the junior engineer hammered in a few minor alterations to the code, "Though I don't really know what I'm doing, it's all too alien. I think this technology might be illegal in the Command."

"Mmmhm." Vrondich ignored him.

Rabaech adjusted his glasses, continued to work on integrating the AI, continuing to prattle on as he did, "I thought Thanica was going to stab you for a moment."

Vrondich was still smarting over her having been elected Captain. Her? She hadn't led the mutiny, he had... from behind the scenes. And worse, this meant that the ship had two xenos running it now, with no stable Kiellar hand to guide them through... "That little Dhasath tralk!" he growled, finally turning to Rabaech, "She seems to have the whole crew wrapped around her little finger. Even the Ragon is listening to her. This will end badly, mark my word."

"She is very nice, and quite attractive. Didn't you say that you..."

"Alright, alright!" Vrondich snapped, cutting Rabaech off, "Where are you getting on that AI?"

"I think we are just about done." Rabaech replied, matter-of-fact, "Then we can see what this thing can do."

[Khasinkonia]

Dr. Āihēemlái "Amlai" Āigàm Ǒonhētváihěeāivǎakàe, M.D.

I listened patiently as criminal after criminal espoused their own increasingly dangerous plans to acquire enough money to repair the ship. By all accounts, it seemed like the endeavour of a fool to try and pull dirty tricks with crime lords, but the lot of the crew seemed perfectly willing to gamble. Myself, I was strongly considering my options, as I did not find the risks associated with the current plan appealing. Of course, I did have something important to do for the time being. Medical records needed evaluation. Couldn’t have these idiots going out and fighting if they weren’t in prime condition, after all.

“A quick addendum, before you all leave:” I announced as everyone began to head out, “If you desire a quick checkup, some pain meds, or anything else, stop by the medbay before we head out, and I’ll get you ready.”

With that, I headed back to the medbay, awaiting anyone ready to take me up on my offer.

[Arengin Union]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Bridge, the Defiance.

---

After some further deliberations involving the faceless alien Yp talking telepathically with Thanica, the avian Kaleso giving some very enlightening info on Konkara’s security detail, and the residential doctor Amlai offering some consultations the meeting was pretty much over. Everyone began to disperse as they headed to whatever they were doing, for his part Carter thought about getting familiar with the gear he had acquired from the Kiellar marines but that became an afterthought when Thanica asked for him and her to talk privately for a moment.

"Alright, thanks everyone for your attention, feel free to amuse yourselves in a harmless manner for the next few hours... or you know, arm up and get ready for action. Whatever works for you. Captain, can I talk to you in private for a moment?" she asked Carter, "Your human buddy can stay if he likes."

Carter simply nodded as he then looked at Krystyn, “If you want some rest you can head over to the sleeping quarters Krys, or you can stay here, whatever you prefer bud.”

After Krys made his decision and everyone cleared the room Thanica looked at the consoles for a while until finally addressing Carter who simply stood rather awkwardly as he kept eyeing the consoles and controls of the ship, all intricate and complex but also sparking his interest. Still the human tried to keep attention on Thanica.

She waited for the room to clear of the others, idly watching the display on the console, before she finally turned her attention back to him, "I promised I'd answer your questions when we had some privacy. And now, I can do that. So ask anything you like! But first, since you've probably picked up a few of the more unfortunate features of Dhasath physiology, when you're around me you don't find yourself unexpectedly salivating or thinking of sauces? I just want to check."

Carter had an obvious face of confusion as he took in what Thanica had said, his eyes wide opened as his mouth at the lack of knowing what to really say. If there was one thing that he had gathered so far was that she was valuable, he kind were valuable but he was not exactly sure why but he kind of sort of had an idea why. However her question only made him even more at loss than he already was for a few seconds.

Carter then shook his head in denial, “No, if you mean that I’d cut you into pieces and have you as morning lunch… no, not in particular…” he chuckled a bit, kind of a dodgy chuckle at that. He tried his best to keep a cool temperament but this just had been too much of a weird day.

“But I can see you are kind of a prized delicacy if I’ve gathered it correctly” Carter added, “Has that always been the case for everyone of our kin-,” He stuttered as he remembered she was not Human, at least not the same as he, “I mean your kind!”

[Theyra]

Novo Vohru Andai

"So we are going to with Thanica's plan", Novo thought as he left the group and walked down the hallway. He had been staying near the back and was quietly listening to the different ideas for how to get the funds to repair the ship. It may not be the best plan but, times are tough and they do not have a lot of options. Hopefully, the plan will work, though since it seems he will not be involved with the plan. Still, he finds it hard to believe Carter is a human and not a Dhasath. He looks just like a Dhasath but, if he is not a Dhasath then where is he from? He has not heard of a human before, he could always ask Carter later when he is not busy. During which Novo was thinking about what to do in the meantime. He thought of some things like exploring the ship and other stuff then an idea hit him. He is an engineer that had worked on ships, perhaps he could help the ship's engineers with the repairs. That would give him something to do and be helpful.

So he walked to Engineering and found the two engineers. Novo approached the pair, "Hey, just thought since I am an engineer and have worked on ships that I could help with some of the repairs on the ship that can be fixed. That be okay with you guys?

[Dyelli Beybi]

Thanica Vari - the Bridge

Olorisa, still stored in the intercom terminal for the time being, was in a sort of sleep mode. Had she been 'awake', she probably would have objected to the idea of selling Thanica, even if it was planned for her to escape. These people weren't her crew, but she still felt an obligation to protect human life, or in this case life that acted human enough.

Though nobody had directly spoken to her about it - no one had talked to her much at all, really - she knew that they were going to attempt to reprogram her to fit the new ship, and while she was supposed to regard any unauthorized attempt to reprogram her as sabotage, she was glad for this. She was tired of half her processing power being devoted to trying to reconnect with the Destiny.

Suddenly she left low-power mode and was confronted with a message. She had received many like this before; they had been added by her chief designer, and were set to be 'delivered' to her at different points in her journey.

Hey there, Olorisa! In about 12 hours the Destiny should be making that close pass with an asteroid group you were so excited about. Take some readings and pictures for us!

Though they weren't signed in any way, Olorisa knew who they were from because nobody else on the team ever used her chosen name. They would just refer to her as OAR.

It was clear to her that she'd never be seeing this asteroid formation, but instead of going back into sleep mode, she decided to wait until it was time for work to be done on her and listen to the commotion on the bridge. Interfacing with the translation software was difficult and kept her behind in the conversation, but from what she could gather they needed resources for repairs and were discussing how to obtain them. The crew seemed to be talking in terms of money, which didn't make logical sense to Olorisa, who hadn't quite picked up on the fact that there was civilization beyond Earth. Where would you get money in space, and how would that help you achieve anything?

So instead of how to gain credits, Olorisa was thinking in terms of how to obtain the required parts directly. After some time, she came up with a plausible, if risky, solution. As the crew's discussion made it clear that there was indeed a place nearby where money could be useful, she spent some time pondering a plan that took this route.

"Query. You have described hostile ships of similar origin to current vessel, yes? Would it be possible to find ship of identical or lesser threat to current vessel and..."

She paused as she looked for the correct word. Her designers hadn't thought to give her much vocabulary related to theft and piracy.

"... requisition required parts by force? Possible alternative solution: exchange current ship for more functional one, which hostile ships will not know to pursue."

If the first plan was even possible at all, it was incredibly risky, but it did get around their current money problem. The second solution, on the other hand, made a certain amount of sense, but there was the problem that few people would be likely to buy a ship wanted by the Navy, and that a new ship would be one unfamiliar not just to Olorisa, but to the entire crew.

In any case, the ship had begun entering FTL around the time she started speaking, so it was probably too late for any major change in plans.

So the AI was talking now? It seemed to do that every now and then, though this was the first time it had attempted a helpful answer. Maybe something in engineering was going right.

Thanica decided to oblige by giving her opinion on the matter, though she hadn't considered that the machine didn't have the benefit of translator microbes and there was a very strong chance it had no idea what she was saying... "Nomiso oti eimas peritoso chamila apeila oso erchonti. Opoadipote prospatha epivivasis se allo ploitha itan hyperwolika epikindeena, se megalo vathomo epeidia den echouma gia no apominosoume tis aspide kai echoume monoma prosatha pro eimaste charagmeni. Nomiso oti afto to simerino skedio einai to asfalestero.*" she told the AI, confidently.

---

* I think we're about as low threat as they come. Any attempt at boarding another ship would be exceedingly risky, in large part because we don't have any weapons to strip the shields and we only have one attempt before we're marooned. I think this current plan is the safest.

---

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Mess Hall, the Defiance.

Carter had an obvious face of confusion as he took in what Thanica had said, his eyes wide opened as his mouth at the lack of knowing what to really say. If there was one thing that he had gathered so far was that she was valuable, he kind were valuable but he was not exactly sure why but he kind of sort of had an idea why. However her question only made him even more at loss than he already was for a few seconds.

Carter then shook his head in denial, “No, if you mean that I’d cut you into pieces and have you as morning lunch… no, not in particular…” he chuckled a bit, kind of a dodgy chuckle at that. He tried his best to keep a cool temperament but this just had been too much of a weird day.

“But I can see you are kind of a prized delicacy if I’ve gathered it correctly” Carter added, “Has that always been the case for everyone of our kin-,” He stuttered as he remembered she was not Human, at least not the same as he, “I mean your kind!”

"You'll be fine, don't worry! As we figured out earlier, you don't smell right to the predators so I doubt you'd have the same intoxicating effect on them. Some days it seems about half the galaxy wants to either eat me or sell me for someone else to eat, if they don't want to use my organs as a recreational drug." she didn't seem particularly worried about this if her flippant tone was anything to go by. It was something a Dhasath living amongst other species got used to very quickly; the ones who survived learned to sleep with one eye open and keep a blaster under the pillow, "There was once a Dhasath League in this sector, but it was destroyed long before my time. We are pretty rare now. The rarer we get, the more valuable we become and the more voraciously the slavers and poachers pursue us. I'm not sure what our average life expectancy is, but I'm guessing I'm already past it."

She shrugged, there wasn't much more to say on the topic, "Anyway... I just wanted you to know that the stakes for me are pretty high if I start using myself as collateral in a gambling game." she extended her index finger, prodding Carter in the chest, "So if I screw up, I'm relying on you and all the others to pull me out of there before something really awful happens to me."

"Hmm..." she seemed to have suddenly thought of something, "I should probably get some advice from the people who know about this Konkara guy before I go and stick my head in the lion's mouth." she pursed her lips thoughtfully, "But I did promise to answer your questions first. So Carter, what can I tell you about this new world you are in?"

---

Vrondich and Rabaech - Engineering

Novo Vohru Andai

...

So he walked to Engineering and found the two engineers. Novo approached the pair, "Hey, just thought since I am an engineer and have worked on ships that I could help with some of the repairs on the ship that can be fixed. That be okay with you guys?

The two Kiellar engineers had just stopped working when Novo showed up. They shared a glance, then the small one with glasses spoke up, "We are just finished, but we could almost certainly do with your help as this journey progresses."

"Vrondich." the taller, darker one introduced himself, "My friend here is Rabaech."

Vrondich motioned at Rabaech who added, "Hello."

"Like he said." Vrondich nodded in the direction of the drive which to any engineers eyes was clearly burning too hot, "We've done all we can to fix the situation. If the others can get the parts we need we can get this old rust bucket back to being operational and we will definitely need everyone who knows how to use a spanner down here then. I fear our glorious leader's cunning plan might mean us needing to install a new coolant system while the ship is under fire. For now though, care for a some food? Rabaech was just going to the mess hall to get some."

[Arengin Union]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Bridge, the Defiance.

---

"You'll be fine, don't worry! As we figured out earlier, you don't smell right to the predators so I doubt you'd have the same intoxicating effect on them. Some days it seems about half the galaxy wants to either eat me or sell me for someone else to eat, if they don't want to use my organs as a recreational drug." she didn't seem particularly worried about this if her flippant tone was anything to go by. It was something a Dhasath living amongst other species got used to very quickly; the ones who survived learned to sleep with one eye open and keep a blaster under the pillow, "There was once a Dhasath League in this sector, but it was destroyed long before my time. We are pretty rare now. The rarer we get, the more valuable we become and the more voraciously the slavers and poachers pursue us. I'm not sure what our average life expectancy is, but I'm guessing I'm already past it."

Thanica’s words disturbed Carter, his face didn’t say it but within himself he could only think of how Thanica’s species was on the verge of extinction. How they were being sold as livestock and by all standards Thanica was one of the few Dhasath who’d live beyond the age of 25. This galaxy was all too different, different species, different norms, weapons, and also different humans, he knew the Dhasath were not human (even though part of him wanted to believe they were), but he couldn’t help but feel bad about them, about Thanica’s situation. To live in fear of constant death was something he knew well, and all those years of humanity fighting and killing each other while another species similar to them were being hunted down to the brink of extinction only made him feel shame at the pettiness of his on race.

She shrugged, there wasn't much more to say on the topic, "Anyway... I just wanted you to know that the stakes for me are pretty high if I start using myself as collateral in a gambling game." she extended her index finger, prodding Carter in the chest, "So if I screw up, I'm relying on you and all the others to pull me out of there before something really awful happens to me."

Standing firm and looking right at Thanica, Carter then said “I give you my word that I will do everything I can so that nothing like that happens” It was all he could really say, even though within himself he was not even sure he could do anything at all if shit hit the fan, he and Krystyn knew nothing about this galaxy, but still he had to show strength in these times of peril for all of them, human and alien alike.

“And I’ll try to help your people however I can…” He felt sympathy and sorrow for these people, even if they were not his own, although at the same time he knew he couldn’t really do much it was still something he felt he needed to add.

"Hmm..." she seemed to have suddenly thought of something, "I should probably get some advice from the people who know about this Konkara guy before I go and stick my head in the lion's mouth." she pursed her lips thoughtfully, "But I did promise to answer your questions first. So Carter, what can I tell you about this new world you are in?"

“So many questions… I don’t know where to start…” Carter uttered to himself.

The human scratched his head as questions flooded his mind, he remained silent for a few seconds until finally letting out several, if not a lot of questions.

“How did you achieve long distance space travel?”

“How powerful are the Ragon’s and the Kiellar? Why do they fight each other?”

“Do you know where they took the rest of my crew?”

“Do you guys terraform, like convert planets to habitable systems?”

“How do these ships work?”

After giving more questions, Carter finally stopped himself and saw Thanica being rather overwhelmed, he remembered she was just a person of this galaxy and not a walking encyclopedia. He gave a nervous smile, “Sorry, this is all just… so massive to take in. Let’s start from early, what can you tell me about your people? How did you achieve space travel?”

The two talked for a while, Carter asking questions and Thanica answering them as best as they could, some laughs would be share and also some seriousness depending on the topic. The two had much to learn about their drastically different worlds.

[Dyelli Beybi]

Thanica Vari - the Bridge

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Mess Hall, the Defiance.

Standing firm and looking right at Thanica, Carter then said “I give you my word that I will do everything I can so that nothing like that happens” It was all he could really say, even though within himself he was not even sure he could do anything at all if shit hit the fan, he and Krystyn knew nothing about this galaxy, but still he had to show strength in these times of peril for all of them, human and alien alike.

“And I’ll try to help your people however I can…” He felt sympathy and sorrow for these people, even if they were not his own, although at the same time he knew he couldn’t really do much it was still something he felt he needed to add.

"Just like that?" Thanica asked with a slight smile. She knew Carter couldn't really do much, but it was a different reaction to the plight of the Dhasath than she was used to. In the worlds under Kiellar Command, the Kiellar themselves, as often as not, regarded the Dhasath as a traditional enemy, while the other subject races tended to be more concerned with their own plight.

"I'm not expecting you to save us, but the sentiment..." she didn't really have adequate words, so instead she stepped forward and hugged him, pressing her head against his chest. It was a very human gesture, something which carried the same meaning across species.

She stepped back after a moment, looking a little uncertain about herself, "Although." she declared loudly, her voice going back to its usual flippant tone, "While I might not be expecting you to save my people, I am imagining I'm going to get a deep sense of personal satisfaction from cheating someone who profits from our misery. Not quite as much satisfaction as putting a blaster to his head, but we take what we can get. On the station, you should wear one of the Kiellar suits of body armour with the helmet on, that way there isn't likely to be any confusion. It would totally derail the plan if we need to rescue you or your buddy due to a case of mistaken species."

“So many questions… I don’t know where to start…” Carter uttered to himself.

The human scratched his head as questions flooded his mind, he remained silent for a few seconds until finally letting out several, if not a lot of questions.

“How did you achieve long distance space travel?”

“How powerful are the Ragon’s and the Kiellar? Why do they fight each other?”

“Do you know where they took the rest of my crew?”

“Do you guys terraform, like convert planets to habitable systems?”

“How do these ships work?”

After giving more questions, Carter finally stopped himself and saw Thanica being rather overwhelmed, he remembered she was just a person of this galaxy and not a walking encyclopedia. He gave a nervous smile, “Sorry, this is all just… so massive to take in. Let’s start from early, what can you tell me about your people? How did you achieve space travel?”

The two talked for a while, Carter asking questions and Thanica answering them as best as they could, some laughs would be share and also some seriousness depending on the topic. The two had much to learn about their drastically different worlds.

Thanica laughed as Carter rattled off a list of questions, "That is quite the list, and bear in mind I am just a pilot."

She explained about Skrim drives, that they have been independently invented in different locations at different times, though she was fuzzy on exactly how they worked. Terraforming was possible, though not done all that often. She didn't say it outright, but it was implied that that had a lot to do with the way the big powers, the Ragon and Kiellar, tended to see other species. It was easier for them to take someone else's planet than try to mould one of their own. She also explained the Ragon and Kiellar situation as best she could. They were the big players and, at the moment, they weren't fighting, both realising they lacked an advantage over the other and believing that it wasn't a war they could afford to lose, "The Ragon are bigger, stronger and have better ships and equipment." Thanica concluded, "But they lack the Kiellar numbers. The Kiellar are numerically superior, but they are constantly having to put out the fires of rebellion on their subjugated planets which taxes their troops and resources and keeps them from going on the offensive. Sooner or later they will come to blows. Personally, and obviously don't repeat this to any Ragon or Kiellar crew member, but I hope they destroy each other in the process. Though if they did, who would replace them and would the new powers be any better? Personally, I doubt it."

"As for your crew... I don't know." she winced apologetically, "Some might be stuck in the stasis pods but I really couldn't say for sure and since the system seems to have malfunctioned, there is no way of knowing without releasing a horde of homicidal criminals into the corridors. Which would be bad... I think I have a rapport with this group, and I don't want to have to start that from scratch again. Like I said before, I'm just the pilot."

[Arengin Union]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Bridge, the Defiance.

---

"Just like that?" Thanica asked with a slight smile. She knew Carter couldn't really do much, but it was a different reaction to the plight of the Dhasath than she was used to. In the worlds under Kiellar Command, the Kiellar themselves, as often as not, regarded the Dhasath as a traditional enemy, while the other subject races tended to be more concerned with their own plight.

"I'm not expecting you to save us, but the sentiment..." she didn't really have adequate words, so instead she stepped forward and hugged him, pressing her head against his chest. It was a very human gesture, something which carried the same meaning across species.

Though it took him by surprise Carter didn’t mind the hug, not in the slightest. It reminded him of Earth, the very familiar expression which felt all too little before now seemed like a gift of the heavens. But something within him made him feel a bit of discomfort, not with the hug or Thanica, but with himself. Not even a week in this galaxy and he had already succumbed to one of his species very own flaws, impotence, or a lack of any real will to help.

Carter found Thanica’s response to his apparent selflessness and altruism to be comforting at first, but it was hard for him not to feel the human shame all the same. In the end the two of them stepped back from the other and it was clear that Thanica had had a change in mood but she tried her best to hide it as did Carter.

She stepped back after a moment, looking a little uncertain about herself, "Although." she declared loudly, her voice going back to its usual flippant tone, "While I might not be expecting you to save my people, I am imagining I'm going to get a deep sense of personal satisfaction from cheating someone who profits from our misery. Not quite as much satisfaction as putting a blaster to his head, but we take what we can get. On the station, you should wear one of the Kiellar suits of body armour with the helmet on, that way there isn't likely to be any confusion. It would totally derail the plan if we need to rescue you or your buddy due to a case of mistaken species."

Looking at his own self as Thanica made the comment Carter couldn’t do much but nod in agreemen. Considering they were in a Kiellari command ship it was for the best he’d wear their gear to blend in as best he could, at least to some degree. He had one of the Marine’s armor stocked in the bridge, he’d try it on later.

Thanica laughed as Carter rattled off a list of questions, "That is quite the list, and bear in mind I am just a pilot."

She explained about Skrim drives, that they have been independently invented in different locations at different times, though she was fuzzy on exactly how they worked. Terraforming was possible, though not done all that often. She didn't say it outright, but it was implied that that had a lot to do with the way the big powers, the Ragon and Kiellar, tended to see other species. It was easier for them to take someone else's planet than try to mould one of their own. She also explained the Ragon and Kiellar situation as best she could. They were the big players and, at the moment, they weren't fighting, both realising they lacked an advantage over the other and believing that it wasn't a war they could afford to lose, "The Ragon are bigger, stronger and have better ships and equipment." Thanica concluded, "But they lack the Kiellar numbers. The Kiellar are numerically superior, but they are constantly having to put out the fires of rebellion on their subjugated planets which taxes their troops and resources and keeps them from going on the offensive. Sooner or later they will come to blows. Personally, and obviously don't repeat this to any Ragon or Kiellar crew member, but I hope they destroy each other in the process. Though if they did, who would replace them and would the new powers be any better? Personally, I doubt it."

"As for your crew... I don't know." she winced apologetically, "Some might be stuck in the stasis pods but I really couldn't say for sure and since the system seems to have malfunctioned, there is no way of knowing without releasing a horde of homicidal criminals into the corridors. Which would be bad... I think I have a rapport with this group, and I don't want to have to start that from scratch again. Like I said before, I'm just the pilot."

Truly it was all too fascinating, even if Thanica wasn’t the expert in all things regarding the galaxy, she was still very helpful in letting Carter better understand his new surroundings. He now understood how they could be moving as fast as the speed of light in such an effective way and it was all too eye opening to him, how humanity as a whole had much to learn. If there was one thing he couldn’t wait for was to eventually get to pilot one these ships, they seemed so complex, but also well built and unlike anything humanity had. Terraforming was something he personally was glad to hear was a possibility, something humanity could learn, unfortunately he also detected that it was not something all species could do, as it was mostly a Ragon and Kiellar exclusive thing.

The history of the two species was also riddled with war and conflict which had embroiled everyone in the galaxy as well. And despite their efforts the Dhasath had tragically come out losing and now lived under the fist and the teeth of both sides. Now the galaxy could only wait for the inevitable as both factions were edging to get at each other’s throats and would likely take as much of the galaxy with them in their destructive war. He couldn’t really blame Thanica for wishing the two foes just finished off each other and leave the Galaxy once and for all, but she made a good point about trading one evil for an even greater one. Despite this galaxy being an alien one to him, Carter saw too many glaring similarities with Earth’s history and the Andromeda’s, though he didn’t mention any of them outright.

In terms of his crew, those were bad news. She didn’t know in what pods they were imprisoned in and it was likely some of them were not in the ship at all, although Thanica would try to get the report on their whereabouts it was still something that made Carter feel frustrated. Still the human showed gratitude by means of thanking Thanica for her help no matter what.

He noticed how she seemed sorry about it, almost apologetic, “Thanks Thanica… for everything.” He said with a friendly smile to let her know he didn't blame her or hedl her accountable for anything, it was his crew after all. He had failed them, not her, and he'd find a way to amend it, for him and Krystyn.

With Krystyn back in mind, Carter realized he had to talk with him, try and calm him down and let him know they would get out of this predicament. After a short while of talking about the plan, their respective people and a few menial things Carter then told Thanica.

“Hey, I would love to continue talking but… I gotta check on Krys. The poor guy doesn't know much about this whole thing and is likely a lot more freak out than me!” He chuckled while shaking his head in jest, he then looked back at his fellow Captain or Commander as she had opted to call herself, “this is gonna work, we'll lead this band of merry men together!” with confidence in face Carter extended his hand and gave his hand to Thanica, she shook it like before.

With that, Carter began walking out of the bridge in search if Krystyn, not before looking back to Thanica and giving a bright smile similar to the one she had given to him when they first met in that improvised cell.

He then walked out of room off to look for his fellow human, he hoped he hadn't gotten into any trouble.

[Endem]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Mess Hall, the Defiance.

---

...

“Hey, I would love to continue talking but… I gotta check on Krys. The poor guy doesn't know much about this whole thing and is likely a lot more freak out than me!” He chuckled while shaking his head in jest, he then looked back at his fellow Captain or Commander as she had opted to call herself, “this is gonna work, we'll lead this band of merry men together!” with confidence in face Carter extended his hand and gave his hand to Thanica, she shook it like before.

With that, Carter began walking out of the bridge in search if Krystyn, not before looking back to Thanica and giving a bright smile similar to the one she had given to him when they first met in that improvised cell.

He then walked out of room off to look for his fellow human, he hoped he hadn't gotten into any trouble.

Krystn Warecki

Those things just spiraled away from his comprehension, telepathy, hyperspace! Those things weren't possible at the current technology level, but he wasn't near Earth, but he couldn't travel to another galaxy just because human ship couldn't exit the Solar system, so it couldn't be real. It all, it couldn't be real, everything he was ever thought said, this couldn't be real! Yet he saw those creatures, those freakish creatures, was he mad, did he die, maybe this is Hell and he is tormented by some kind of sin, yet no demons, maybe he just had a wrong understanding what a demon is! Then he saw his Captain, he rushed towards him and nearly lost balance before him

"Captain, this can't be real, our ships are not able to exit the Solar system, what to speak of our Galaxy, this can't be real. Right? Maybe we just all went mad due to isolation... o-or d-died a-and we, we are in H-Hell"

This last part he spoke with tears in eyes, he definitely sounded like a madman, but, it definitely was that he was mad, because, those things couldn't be real, THEY COULDN'T!

[Theyra]

The two Kiellar engineers had just stopped working when Novo showed up. They shared a glance, then the small one with glasses spoke up, "We are just finished, but we could almost certainly do with your help as this journey progresses."

"Vrondich." the taller, darker one introduced himself, "My friend here is Rabaech."

Vrondich motioned at Rabaech who added, "Hello."

"Like he said." Vrondich nodded in the direction of the drive which to any engineers eyes was clearly burning too hot, "We've done all we can to fix the situation. If the others can get the parts we need we can get this old rust bucket back to being operational and we will definitely need everyone who knows how to use a spanner down here then. I fear our glorious leader's cunning plan might mean us needing to install a new coolant system while the ship is under fire. For now though, care for a some food? Rabaech was just going to the mess hall to get some."

"That sounds good, I am kinda hungry. I am Novo by the way and nice to meet you two", he said in a friendly tone. His two cybernetic eyes focused on the pair. So the engineers for the ship are two Kiellar, makes sense since this was a Kiellar Command vessel. He wondered what role they played in the mutiny but, that question does not need an answer right now. Though he could see that the drive was burning hot, too hot. "We really do need that coolant", he thought as he shifted his vision back to the Kiellar. "Well, let's get food and we can talk more at the mess hall". With that with one last worried glance at the drive and with one last thought. This plan that Thanica better work and they would not have to work under fire like Vrondich said. Working under pressure he can do but, he would not like to do so if possible. He left the room and went to the mess hall with the Kiellar.

[Arengin Union]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Corridor outside the Bridge, the Defiance.

---

After exiting the bridge Carter couldn’t bear but rub his eyes and his head in frustration and exhaustion. It had been a very weird couple of days, weird was putting lightly, it was all still making him sweat, his heart pumping fast every time he wanted to close his eyes, only to suddenly remember where he was. At times he even forgot how to breathe, even if he showed the stature of calm and level headedness, it was all too much to take in still, was it even real, it sure felt like it but he wanted it not to be.

At least he had gotten some time to take it all in, but it was obvious someone else wasn’t as Carter began walking through the corridor he found himself intercepted by Krystyn coming out of nowhere and rushing to him, holding him by his shirt and nearly falling over, Carter had no time to react at all due to his own inner thoughts.

"Captain, this can't be real, our ships are not able to exit the Solar system, what to speak of our Galaxy, this can't be real. Right? Maybe we just all went mad due to isolation... o-or d-died a-and we, we are in H-Hell"

Krystyn seemed very sweaty, his eyes wide opened, breathing heavily and veins showing on his hands and his head as well. Carter tried his best to make no sudden movements as he tried his best to remain steady, in situations like these it was best to keep the erratic person assured that you didn’t mean any harm, but this situation honestly didn’t make Krystyn’s behavior erractic but all too justified.

“K-krys, I need you to just calm down a bit and breathe, just breathe okay?” He grabbed the pilots hard pressed hands to try and have him release him from his grip.

“I honestly have no idea what happened, whatever happened we were likely transported here by means beyond our own understanding,’ He gulped, still trying to keep a cool approach to the situation, “We’re not in hell Krys, or dead, believe me I’ve pinched and slapped myself all too many times already. And if this is Hell then we’ve had it way too good so far…”

Carter finally managed to press on Krystyn’s hands so he’d let him go, “I know you’re scared, trust me I am too… But I need you to snap out of it! Do you understand me Pilot!?” Carter’s voice shifted to a much more commanding one, almost aggressive as he now held Krystyn’s hands, shaking him so he would come back to reality.

[Endem]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Corridor outside the Bridge, the Defiance.

---

...


“K-krys, I need you to just calm down a bit and breathe, just breathe okay?” He grabbed the pilots hard pressed hands to try and have him release him from his grip.

“I honestly have no idea what happened, whatever happened we were likely transported here by means beyond our own understanding,’ He gulped, still trying to keep a cool approach to the situation, “We’re not in hell Krys, or dead, believe me I’ve pinched and slapped myself all too many times already. And if this is Hell then we’ve had it way too good so far…”

Carter finally managed to press on Krystyn’s hands so he’d let him go, “I know you’re scared, trust me I am too… But I need you to snap out of it! Do you understand me Pilot!?” Carter’s voice shifted to a much more commanding one, almost aggressive as he now held Krystyn’s hands, shaking him so he would come back to reality.

Krystyn Warecki

He breathed heavily, for a minute, two, some more. He finally calmed down a bit and leaned on a nearby wall, shakily he spoke to his Captain.

"But, Captain, everything I was ever thought says this all is impossible. I was taught there should not exist any means of intergalactic travel"

Unfortunately, if any of the two had education in psychology they would recognize what Krystyn was going through. Stage 2 Denial.

[Kylantha]

The land of dreams was one Sho'chavuk liked to frequent. There he was free to do as he liked, and no one could contradict him. He was frolicking--charging, rather--through a field of strange looking flowers just then, and ahead of him was a plump, hog-like creature. It looked delicious. That must have been why he was after it. But then suddenly, everything began to take upon a fuzzy form. The flowers were torn from their roots and swallowed up by a terrible gust of wind. Sho persisted. He was determined to have his catch. But even the creature began to fade, and Sho forced himself to move faster.

Meanwhile in the world of the mundane, Sho'chavuk was locked up in a stasis pod. His hands were locked together with a device that looked like a capsule, encasing both of his hands. The same went for his head which was caged up, leaving only his eyes unobscured. He was a ferocious creature, but in that state he seemed so serene. Docile, even. But ah, that was about to end quite abruptly. As it stood, his pod had deactivated, and the Tz'ath was to rouse from his slumber quite directly. A set of lights above his pod began to flash red, and the thick dome disengaged from its lock with a quiet hiss.

In his dream, Sho'chavuk began to lose his footing. The ground beneath him crumbled, and the trees not far ahead struggled to stand tall amidst the chaos. But there was still solid ground there. The way things looked, the prey was going to make it while Sho would fall. So he ran even faster, kicking his legs. He could still feel the ground underneath his paws with each kick.

Meanwhile in the stasis pod, Sho looked like he was itching to get out. He swayed his head slowly, brows furrowed, deep growls emanating from his throat as his legs collided brutally with the glass dome. But it wasn't budging just yet. After all, its disengaging sequence was hardly complete... Too bad that didn't really matter to a Tz'ath in this situation.

Sho was so very close. His quarry had made it to the treeline. And as if it knew that he wouldn't catch up, it stopped and turned to look at him with pride. Suddenly filled with great irritation, Sho'chavuk jumped on the last chunk of rock before the earth swallowed it.

That final kick forced the pod door open, allowing a mist to seep out onto the cargo hold's floor. It made quite the sound, and finally woke Sho'chavuk up. Thank goodness it was just before he fell. But boy, was he startled. He opened his eyes and lifted his head up, only for it to meet with thick glass. THOK, it went, and Sho recoiled, trying to swear. Unfortunately he could hardly move his mouth. Suddenly, frustration and anger washed over him. Why was this thing over his head? Why couldn't he move his arms? Where was he? What was he inside of?.. And most importantly... Where was his prey?

With all these questions flooding his mind, he began to growl deeply, his whole body shaking with rage. He was trying hard to remember, yet all that came to him was the smug face of that hog-thing looking down at him with disdain as he fell, and the feeling of drowsiness slowly overcoming his mind.

Fury started to rise within the little creature. But Sho knew better than to sate that rage, and quickly calmed himself down. Craning his neck as far as he could, he began to assess his situation. What was before him that moment? It seemed there was glass. But it was difficult to see through what with the condensation. Perhaps he could get out of this thing? Yes, yes. Sho turned his head downwards, to his feet, which were fortunately unbound. Then he lifted his body slightly off the frame that held him and struck the glass dome with both feet. With a creak of satisfaction, it finally opened all the way, allowing Sho'chavuk a better look at where he was. Now having seen all the other pods, he began to remember. He was placed in one of these.

But why? The question hung in his mind, unanswered. But no matter. He needed these bindings off of him. They made him itch and feel vulnerable. Perhaps there was something he could knock them against. But first, he needed to see in this darkness, and so black membranes stretched over his eyes allowing him to see much better. It wasn't soon after that he found a bit of solid metal to help pry his bindings off. Several tries yielded no results however, causing Sho to once again feel some frustration. He promised himself that he'd calm down, but only after he started banging the muzzle against the metal in his exasperation.

In doing this, he only succeeded in denting the metal surface and the head cage, but still he continued. He half hoped someone would come and help him out of it, and half hoped the pestilential thing would just give way and come off. Either way, he was making quite the ruckus. And if the bridge wasn't alerted by the opening of his pod, it might be alerted by the almost rhythmic clanging of headcage against metallic-pipe-casing.

[Dyelli Beybi]

Vrondich and Rabaech

The two Kiellar engineers had just stopped working when Novo showed up. They shared a glance, then the small one with glasses spoke up, "We are just finished, but we could almost certainly do with your help as this journey progresses."

"Vrondich." the taller, darker one introduced himself, "My friend here is Rabaech."

Vrondich motioned at Rabaech who added, "Hello."

"Like he said." Vrondich nodded in the direction of the drive which to any engineers eyes was clearly burning too hot, "We've done all we can to fix the situation. If the others can get the parts we need we can get this old rust bucket back to being operational and we will definitely need everyone who knows how to use a spanner down here then. I fear our glorious leader's cunning plan might mean us needing to install a new coolant system while the ship is under fire. For now though, care for a some food? Rabaech was just going to the mess hall to get some."

"That sounds good, I am kinda hungry. I am Novo by the way and nice to meet you two", he said in a friendly tone. His two cybernetic eyes focused on the pair. So the engineers for the ship are two Kiellar, makes sense since this was a Kiellar Command vessel. He wondered what role they played in the mutiny but, that question does not need an answer right now. Though he could see that the drive was burning hot, too hot. "We really do need that coolant", he thought as he shifted his vision back to the Kiellar. "Well, let's get food and we can talk more at the mess hall". With that with one last worried glance at the drive and with one last thought. This plan that Thanica better work and they would not have to work under fire like Vrondich said. Working under pressure he can do but, he would not like to do so if possible. He left the room and went to the mess hall with the Kiellar.

...

But why? The question hung in his mind, unanswered. But no matter. He needed these bindings off of him. They made him itch and feel vulnerable. Perhaps there was something he could knock them against. But first, he needed to see in this darkness, and so black membranes stretched over his eyes allowing him to see much better. It wasn't soon after that he found a bit of solid metal to help pry his bindings off. Several tries yielded no results however, causing Sho to once again feel some frustration. He promised himself that he'd calm down, but only after he started banging the muzzle against the metal in his exasperation.

In doing this, he only succeeded in denting the metal surface and the head cage, but still he continued. He half hoped someone would come and help him out of it, and half hoped the pestilential thing would just give way and come off. Either way, he was making quite the ruckus. And if the bridge wasn't alerted by the opening of his pod, it might be alerted by the almost rhythmic clanging of headcage against metallic-pipe-casing.

They were only about half way there when a device in Rabaech's pocket started to bleep furiously, "Oh... it looks like we have another one." he remarked, sounding slightly gloomy about the prospect.

"Oh... great. First stop armoury, Novo, follow me." Vrondich replied, immediately taking charge of the situation, though he left it until they were busily hurrying in the direction of the gun lockers to explain exactly what was happening, "There's a stasis pod opening and we have literally no idea who or what is going to come out of it. So pays to have a weapon on you."

They were relatively close to the armoury. Since the mutiny the doors had been left unlocked. Vrondich entered first, grabbing a full sized blaster which he handed to Novo before distributing a pair of pistols and holsters, one to himself and one to Rabaech. Once the pair had them fastened around their waists they hurried down the flight of stairs to the bowels of the ship. It was dark, but neither of them thought to turn the lights on (Kiellar had excellent night vision) though even if Novo didn't turn them back on, it wouldn't be hard to locate the source of the noise. Whomever had woken up was banging clattering around like a drunk drannit.

"Coming, coming!" Vrondich called testily, motioning for Rabaech to unholster his weapon as he approached the small creature, which was seemed to have been restrained, mouth and hands, "Whoa... easy there. I'm going to let you out, we're on the same side. But first, don't try anything funny okay? I don't particularly want to get into a scuffle with you and were the only ones keeping this rust bucket from exploding so you probably don't want to fight us either."

Vrondich and Rabaech were both Kiellar, but they were not wearing the uniforms of Command (not anymore). They looked more like pirates.

---

Kaleso, Thanica and Yare-Lokem (Co-written by Korhal IVV and Dyelli Beybi)

After Carter left her on the bridge, Thanica made a few final checks to make sure the ship was running correctly, then went in search of the Kaleso and Yare; there would be a warning if something went wrong or they were about to exit hyperspace. The conversation she had had with Kaleso and Yare on the bridge earlier had given her the impression that one, or both of them, had a history with Konkara. While Thanica was happy to go into this more-or-less blind, the more information she had, the more likely she was to get out of it again afterwards. She took a stroll in the direction of the mess hall and gym, assuming she would find them there, though as she passed Kaleso's room she noticed the pair in there. She mentally made a note of that - definitely an alliance that pre-dated the munity on the Defiance.

She knocked on the side of the wall, alerting them to her presence, "Sorry to disturb." she started, with an apologetic smile, "but what you said on the bridge before got me thinking. You seem to know quite a bit about Konkara and I was hoping that, if you don't mind, I could ask one or two questions to help me get a better picture of what I'm walking into?"

“Gladly.”, the Sarufi said as she crawled towards Thanica. “Kaleso,”, she said as she turned towards the Jokari. “Care to answer some?”

“Fair enough.”, Kaleso said as he shifted his position on his bed. “What can this humble servant answer?”

Thanica stepped into the room and, since Kaleso was seated, dropped down, sitting back on her haunches, "This might be a question that goes a little bit beyond the scope of your expertise on him, but is there anything you can think of that I can do to make sure I have his full, undivided attention? If we have other people scattered about the gambling room floor, I don't want him getting bored and having a look around. If someone in our group is a bit indiscrete and obviously watching, it might tip him off. I know the guards are an issue as well, but we can at least try to control the one variable."

“Well...”, the Jokari looked to the ceiling as he obviously wasn’t very comfortable with what he was going to say. “It was mentioned that Konkara is a hedonistic prick that runs a brothel, right?”, Kaleso said as he traced his index finger on the air. “He also salivates in the mere prospect of a Dasath, so you, as a Dasath, might as well stand in a place where he’ll always see you. Most likely right beside the one who will play the game itself with him. He will keep one eye straight at you, and the other at the game. Or were you the one going to play? If so, he will keep his attention straight at you as he will deeply desire you. It would be the first time he’ll be seeing a Dasath, so... he won’t waste a minute with an eye away from you.”

"I would feel more comfortable gambling with myself; nobody to blame but me if it goes wrong... so that should keep his attention. The guards will be a bit more complicated, but as long as there are a couple of dangerous looking people with me that should help to keep their attention." Thanica pursed her lips thoughtfully, "I might have been being a bit stupid before, but I was imagining he might see me as something he could sell on to the next available Ragon. You're saying he'd have a personal interest in me?" That would probably be useful for what they were trying to pull off, but it also made Thanica aprehensive.

So long as Yp did his job properly, they'd be fine. If he didn't or if something got in the way things could go very badly for her.

“He is running a brothel, Commander.”, Yare-Lokem said. “The most probable thing he would do with you is make you into his personal bond slave while licking you now and then and then... you know what it is. He is that disgustingly hedonistic. I imagine that he will keep you around at least until he gains access to a male Dasath, after which he would try to breed a harem of Dasath for his... pleasure. And probably take a few or so and then sell them to the nearest Ragon, though his past experiences with the Ragon would probably make him refrain from doing so much as interact with them.”

“His parents were eaten by Ragon right in front of him.”, Stralbane followed up. “We were friends once... at least until he was exiled for his annoying activities that I would rather not talk about right now.”
“His home is called Pleasure Haven for a reason.”, the Sarufi moaned. “The top floors are disgusting to behold.”

"As for the guards, as long as there are suspicious individuals standing near you, they will keep their eyes on them.", Kaleso said as he pointed on his own eyes. "Jokari warbots are programmed to guard their creators, and will focus on those that they perceive as most potentially threatening to their masters. As long as Yp doesn't stab anyone or what, they won't move an inch. Kalisi mercenaries are more complicated though, as they often look around. Better be discrete at watching in their case. I would recommend Yp to park on a balcony overlooking our playing grounds."

"Oh..." Thanica looked surprised, then, probably rather unexpectedly, gave a relieved smile, "I thought you were going to say he was a bit like the other one who has a taste for my kind. I'd take someone who lusts after me over someone who wants to kill me. Honestly, I'm quite surprised that a Jokari would be even remotely interested in mammalian." She paused for a moment, considering what she'd just been told, "Right, okay... I feel a lot better about this whole affair. If something does go wrong it gives everyone a bit of time to figure out how to get me out of there. Thank you!"

“The only person you’ll really have to worry about is Kralmon-Lokar.”, said Yare-Lokem. “He is shockingly aggressive and I don’t know how he’ll treat a Dasath that he has taken. Most probably he’ll chop your the limbs, regenerate them with stem cells, and repeat until you die from shock.”

"That..." Thanica sounded appalled, but not to the extent that you would have expected from a non-Dhasath. Years of abuse at the hands of others had left them somewhat numb to it, "... sounds like something I'd rather not have happen to me. Glad I didn't suggest him... or the one who likes to skin people. Anyway, thank you both for your time, I should probably go and keep an eye on the flight controls."

“No problem, Commander.”, the Sarufi said. “We are all in this together.”

[Kylantha]

---

Sho'chavuk

---

Despite there being no apparent effect on the headcage, Sho'chavuk stubbornly proceeded with the banging of his head against the metal, which was now heavily damaged. Surprisingly though, the crumple of metal around the Tz'ath's head remained fairly intact. Realizing this only made Sho more irate. "Tsk." he clenches his teeth and tries to chew his way out, but really isn't able to do much.

With everything going terribly wrong, Sho was ready to do something very drastic. So it was fortuitous indeed that Vrondich, Rabaech, and Novo arrived. Sho turned his head towards them, easily able to make out their features in the dark. Two Kiel and a creature he could not recognize. It smelled odd, he thought. But before making any further judgments of them, he felt a great relief and allowed the rest of his body to follow his head.

If anything was for sure, Sho'chavuk was not of a mind to trust these people. Though they didn't seem to be affiliated with the Kiellar, he had no reason to believe they weren't. Though for the time being, it seemed they were genuinely going to assist him. Nevertheless, he was prepared to attack them should they show any signs of having ulterior motives against him.

One of the Kiel approaches slowly, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible. By then Sho is sat on his haunches, tail flat on the cold metal floor. He looks a bit like an obedient dog. The elf talks him down, his tone reassuring. Quite ready to be free, Sho'chavuk raises his bound arms up to say he wants them freed first. But he was growing rather impatient. He felt as though these people were moving to slow. So he rushes a step forward, raps the cuff against the floor and raises them up to the Kiels' faces. "MMPHRMM! FFRMPHARGHARRGHAGH!" he tries his best to speak, but can only open his mouth so much.

[Arengin Union]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Corridor outside the Bridge, the Defiance.

---

Krystyn calmed down a bit, he finally backed away from Carter and leaned onto a wall, still sweaty and visible disturbed. Carter himself was just like that, very tired and very much anxious about this whole thing, but he had tried his best to take it as calmly as possible even though within himself it was another story.

"But, Captain, everything I was ever taught says this all is impossible. I was taught there should not exist any means of intergalactic travel"

With little to say Carter simply wobbled his head as he tried his best to think of something, anything that made some logical sense. Krystyn was a devout Christian, he knew that, and he himself was also a Christian although not in a very practical way, regardless he too felt as if none of this made any sense, everything changed the minute they were captured and move onto this very ship. But what could he tell him? Should he just remain silent and say nothing? What could he say to a man in denial when he too had traces of denial still in him.

“Everything we ever believed about space has changed Krys, I had my own doubts before… life beyond our very own… but never to this level,” He paused, rubbing his eyes and letting out a gasp of air, “We’ll find a way Krys, we’ll find a way to get our crew and get back to Earth, get back home… someway.” He doubted those very words but he still had hope that it was possible.

[Endem]

Captain Nathan Taylor Carter
Corridor outside the Bridge, the Defiance.

---

...

“Everything we ever believed about space has changed Krys, I had my own doubts before… life beyond our very own… but never to this level,” He paused, rubbing his eyes and letting out a gasp of air, “We’ll find a way Krys, we’ll find a way to get our crew and get back to Earth, get back home… someway.” He doubted those very words but he still had hope that it was possible.

Krystyn Warecki

This couldn't be happening...

"Captain, I need to do something alone for a while"

He then left Captain there in that corridor and found a secluded place with a window on space. If Carter chooses to follow Krystyn he would find him reciting prayers in Polish and sometimes something that sounded less like a prayer but an angry statement to God...

[Theyra]

Novo Vohru Andai

Novo did not have a problem navigating the dark bowels of the ship. He closed his eyes as he entered the room and let his echolocation hone in on the sound of the rhythmic clanking. Creating a map of the room for Novo and he quickly found the source of the sound. "Found you", Novo said quietly and made his way to the source of the sound with his eyes still closed. He opened his eyes once he arrived at the pod and at then Vrondich was already trying to get the prisoner free. Novo had his pistol drawn just in case the prisoner was violent. Which the fact that the prisoner was restrained, it's head month and hands were locked up tight in metal. He could not tell what species the prisoner was and wondered what did this person do to warrant being restrained. Probably something very bad and hopefully they would not cause any trouble for the crew.

Novo backed up a bit when the prisoner raised his cuffs to Rabaech and tried to say something. "Vrondich, this guy seems very eager to leave his blindings". How fast can you get this guy out of the pod?

[Dyelli Beybi]

Vrondich and Rabaech

---

Sho'chavuk

---

One of the Kiel approaches slowly, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible. By then Sho is sat on his haunches, tail flat on the cold metal floor. He looks a bit like an obedient dog. The elf talks him down, his tone reassuring. Quite ready to be free, Sho'chavuk raises his bound arms up to say he wants them freed first. But he was growing rather impatient. He felt as though these people were moving to slow. So he rushes a step forward, raps the cuff against the floor and raises them up to the Kiels' faces. "MMPHRMM! FFRMPHARGHARRGHAGH!" he tries his best to speak, but can only open his mouth so much.[/align]

Novo Vohru Andai

Novo backed up a bit when the prisoner raised his cuffs to Rabaech and tried to say something. "Vrondich, this guy seems very eager to leave his blindings". How fast can you get this guy out of the pod?

"He does..." Vrondich replied thoughtfully, and with a slight degree of apprehension, "Although I can't tell if he's trying to say 'I'll rip out your liver' or if he's asking me to take them off politely."

"Listen..." Vrondich turned back to the strange little creature. He had a dim feeling that he knew what it was and it was something he ought to be careful of... though that might have been a reaction to the fact that someone had taken the precaution of restraining it before throwing it into a stasis pod. That was unheard of, "I'm going to let you out. If you have a problem, take it up with the Commander, okay? She's on the top deck, right at the front of the ship."

He removed the restraints around the creature's head first, putting the twisted piece of metal on the ground carefully, before reaching to remove the arm restraints, taking care the whole time to make sure that he didn't get between Novo and Rabaech. Those two had their guns drawn, which should, he hoped, discourage the creature from doing anything stupid, "I'm Vrondich." he introduced himself, "The chief of engineering on the Defiance. There has been a mutiny on the ship, which I put together. That makes you free, though for now we're having to work together to try to get this rusty old ship back into working condition."

[Bingellia]

The Defiance-Cargo Hold
Co-written by Bingellia and Harbertia

Mihal understood that this jump would take a while, and the debate about supplies sparked an urge to take inventory. He understood that this ship had a hold full of personal belongings. They may not necessarily be from the prisoner’s aboard, but the people aboard would likely be happier with some form of private entertainment and a set of clothes that weren’t prisoner jumpsuits. This urge, however, was partially out of some selfish desire, Mihal’s clothes weren’t exactly cheap and he had a ring on his possessions when he had been captured by the Command. Besides, the crew would need someone with dressier clothes for the plan to scam crime lords and criminals out of money and ship parts.

Quietly, with a data register in his hand, he stood up from his bed and made his way down by stairs to the third deck. Somewhere past the stasis pods would be the hold which would hopefully have amenities which could be distributed and Mihal’s possessions. After walking through rows of pods, Mihal knew he had struck his mark when the pods were replaced with waist-high storage units with each drawer organized by serial number. Immediately, he looked at the register, which listed prisoner numbers with their corresponding numbers on the crates. Thankfully, he found his very quickly and, since the Command never expected a mutiny, found the drawer unlocked. He opened it excitedly. “Yes!” He yelled, perhaps a little too loudly, as he saw his suit and, laying in a baggie on top of the clothes, his ring.



A grown came from the threshold of the hold. Mihal's yell echoing amid the stasis pods beyond, growing fainter as it traveled further along. The grown too soon followed in a similar way. There was the Ragon, one hand on the door frame, the other by it's side, a grey jumpsuit on, eyes closed and slowly opening. It stuck out it's tongue for a moment before uttering softly; "That was, loud."

Mihal snapped around out of fear. He clearly wasn't expecting to have been followed and an assumption that he was stealing certainly wouldn't sit well with several of the former prisoners. Noticing that it was the Ragon, the horror stories he was told took over and he took a step back, almost falling backwards on the table that was now behind. Standing straight up again, Mihal tried to stop shaking while reminding himself that this particular Ragon hadn't yet shown violent impulses. "This," he cleared his throat, "This is not what it looks like!"

The Ragon, turned it's head , eyeing the Kiellar- sterner now. It's slow mind had not considered the prospect of wrong doing which it now had to process. It then looked at the crates and nodded. "Just, barrowing then?" it asked with a hint of doubt. The Kiellar had a fearful look, and thus the Ragon stayed in the threshhold- just in case it decided to attempt fleeing.

"Nonono." He waved the tablet to at the ragon in front of him. "I found what seems to be an cargo register laying around. I just want my clothes and to find something so have things to do besides sitting around until we touch down " If the ragon didn't believe him, he was utterly screwed. The reptilian was larger than kiellar were, and Mihal didn't fancy his chances unarmed. He cautiously walked over to the ragon with the tablet held out. "Here. Look through this."

The ragon took hold of the tablet with it's free hand, and moving it's tail to obscure passage through the door, though it's size surely did so already. "This is good." it said with a chuckle, "I came for similiar reasons. I have little you could have taken, and see no reason not to use what is here. With this list we can avoid taking from those presently awake." The ragon smiled at Mihal, "You are very smart- caution is a good trait to have in the wild. I desire something for the cunning ploy." she handed the tablet back- her hands where too large to effectively use it, "I must look like a pirate where I presently, in this," she said pulling a bit on the suit, "I do not and I'd like something looser fitting."

Mihal smiled back as best he could as the last of the adrenaline wore off. Taking the tablet back, he shrugged, "It was dumb chance, mostly. It was left on a table, so I'm guessing some crewman had it during the mutiny. " He walked back the drawer of his things, and eagerly put the ring on his pinky finger. It was silver, slightly tarnished from sheer age, with small bust of a Kiellar women raised on it's face. Mihal chucked faintly as he looked relieved at the ring, "Well, I have a suit folded up here, but I doubt it's going to fit you." He turned back to the ragon, "What's your name or number, I can check the drawers for you. It might not help with the plan, but it's better than that jumpsuit."

The ragon stepped into the hold past the threshold, "Sshalah. Sshalah Krilin Ruul. I do not remember a number." She seemed excited, though she knew she had little. Only what was on her when she was taken into custody. It wasn't going to be much and unfortunately for her was not going to be much different from what she was presently wearing.

The number would have been quicker, but, considering she was likely the only Ragon, it didn't take Mihal long to find her number and match it to a crate. It opened as easily as the first. He turned his head back to the ragon after digging through it briefly, "It's just a grey jumpsuit with some kind of gold logo I've never seen before. Did you have anything else?" Well, he mentally sighed, this was likely useless for what they need and it seemed pretty similar to the jumpsuit she was put in.

Sshalah shook her head, "The arrival was unexpected, and I did not have- cleaner clothes to wear. I have nothing else." she said with disappointment at her own situation. No funds, and a suit not much better from that issued to her by the Kiellar.

Mihal's eyebrow raised slightly as he looked over the ragon again, but he was in the same boat after all.. "Well, that will change when we touch down. The insectoid gave me 5,000 credits, so we'll probably be buying clothes for this plan. I have a set, although I doubt I'll be involved unless we need someone who looks like a decently well off kiel slaver. Captain Thanica will likely need a nicer set as well, and the muscle needs stuff that doesn't look ripped of Kiellar marines." Looking down at the table, he skimmed through the listings. "There's a box listed here as Xeno ship. That probably deserves a look, don't you think? And it can't belong to anyone specific in the pods."

"It can't hurt to look inside." she said, closer for a better view- towering over Mihal. Her mind a still a bit chill from passing the stasis pods and not putting elements she's aware of together with the finding, "It may hold something we can use." she said, not elaborating further.

"Oh Sshalah, by the way, I'm Mihal." He finally said as he stood back up. He walked down the row to the mystery crate and waited for the Ragon to catch up with him to watch out of curiosity. "Ready?" He asked as he grabbed the handle and slowly opened the draw. Quite frankly, he was surprised by the content as he it looked over. Several small electronics, a few printed photos featuring what looked to be Dhasath, and a small silver cross attached to some beads. "Well," he looked up at the ragon hovering above him, "what do you think?" Out of instinct, he grabbed a photo and inspected it. It featured a women in a blue uniform of some sort holding a young child and being kissed by a man in a dark hooded top. He noticed a name tag on the uniform, but couldn't make it out.

Sshalah flicked her tongue to get a taste of any smell in the air, and that jogged a memory and brought it together as she leaned down to get a better look to further confirm; "It's Huemann. More varried then I expected," she though outloud, "the Carter is one." She tilted her head a little, "This must be a mated pair, while I've only seen males of the species I assume this one," she said hovering her finger over the one in blue, "must be female, if the Dasath simularities apply to both sexes or if indeed they have two sexes. I cant' tell if the child is male or female- maybe they are born sexless and metamorphosis latter in life?" She asked seeking to hear what Mihal was thinking as he had asked her opinion.

"Perhaps they are born sexless." Mihal nodded, "The universe is a very strange place." He dug around behind the devices, and felt a stem. Pulling it, he found a pair of orange tinted glasses. "These seem primitive." He put them on and looked around. The fit was a little off given the length of Kiellar ears. "They only seem to darken the room." He folded the stems and placed them back into the drawer.

"Perhaps they are used in conjunction with a light based weapon. A photon grenade perhaps?" said Sshalah as Mihal put the glasses into the drawer.

"Maybe," Mihal chuckled, "but these are physical photos. How advanced can these people be?" He grabbed two more photos of interest from the drawer. One seemed to show a picture ships of sorts, only he knew it couldn't be as the uniform of pilot wasn't space worthy. He held it up for Sshalah and pointed to the strange craft. "This reminds me of a starfighter from a holovid from a show when I was younger, but doesn't seem spaceworthy. The pilot has a mask on, but it only covers his lower face. The set of glasses seem match the ones here as well. " Looking at the back while Sshalah looked, he noticed some script. "Look, there's some some strange lettering on the back in black ink. "

"If we stare at it long enough, it should be made clear." She narrowed her gaze to focus upon it. It was, taking a good while it seemed. She was use to words just being understood but these slowly took form; Mess with the Best, Die like the Rest. Sshalah 'hmsed' at this. "The Hueman-" she looked down at Mihal, "We should expect has not shown us the length of thier capacities or has not yet known the Ragon." she said looking aback at the image. "The tech is, certainly lesser then our own." she said speaking of her people.

"It's the same with the Command. I'm no military mind, but that looks incredibly obsolete." He looked at the other photo. "This is a group of them, lined up in white uniforms with a bowl-like helmets. They all seem to be smiling." He paused and focused on the center figure. "That's probably the... what did you call them? Hiumann? That's the Hiumann aboard." Mihal fought the urge to scoff as the cliche image of a strict, stoic Kiel came to mind. "He doesn't seem much like a Captain."

"I do not know him well enough to comment; the Huemanns could be reckless or hyperemotional though that seems a mammalian trend- however I shall value your observation." She said with a soft smile before she reached into the drawer and in a clawed finger and thumb held beads from which dangled the silver cross, "This could be a key, possibly magnetic," she dangled it near some metal to no effect, "or electrical in nature. Perhaps to their starship." she looked back into the box as she lowered the cross down, "What do you suppose those- electrical items are for?"

"We'll see what he is like in time then." Looking at the cross, Mihal raised his pinky finger to show off his ring. "It's likely just a piece of jewelry, though I can't say how valuable it may be beyond it being to one of the hiumann's personal tastes ." He looked down at the devices and grabbed one, "Now, these are the exciting part." Much to his dismay however, the device did nothing when he pressed the button on the center device. He fiddled with the other buttons and, again, the screen remained black. He shrunk slightly before laughing, "I guess that makes sense. Nothing holds a charge forever."

"Disappointing," Sshalah said with a sigh, "Before we close this dwarer, I'd like to see another photo- perhaps a few more. I'm sure the Huemann can tell more, but I am finding this enjoyable. If you'd like to wait I'm willing to. I can take my," she groaned a bit, "only other jumpsuit and- go somewhere. I will not find anything of use here to me."

"Go ahead," He answered placed a few on the top of the unit of drawers next to him". I'm going to stay and go through some more of the nearby crates. We may find some modern electronics." Mihal replied as he stood again and stretched his legs. "But first," he pulled the drawer as far as he could and rattled it gently, "I'm going to lift this out of it's tracks so we can take it to the hiumann when we leave." With the drawer extended fully, Mihal lifted from underneath and freed the drawer from it's unit, placing it on top of the mass of drawers. "I figure that will be easier then bringing them down here."

Sshalah nodded, "I shall carry that for you." She was after all 4.3 meters tall, with more muscle in her tail alone then two of Mihal's arms. "Guide me from here, to a place we can set this down or to the Huemann directly."

Mihal nodded at the towering reptile. As far as first impressions when, Mihal thought this had went pretty well, at least by Kiellar-Ragon relationships. “I think it would be better to take it to them now. I can always come back and look again later.” Before the pair left the hold area back through the pods, Mihal returning to his drawer and grabbed his set of clothes. “I’ll quickly change on the way if we pass an empty room.” With a simple nod from the Ragon, the pair were on their way.

Thankfully, although more out of intent then incident, the pair did pass a spare room. The Kiel slipped inside, took of his jumpsuit, and replaced it with his black undershirt, a high collared white shirt, his grey jacket, and a pair of black pants. He returned to the ragon patiently waiting as he buttoned his jacket closed. Seeing the Kiel return, Sshalah smiled with a slight chuckle, "I don't suppose you're a prince?" she asked with some amusement. Seeing him, or anyone from the mutiny and revolt, so well dressed wasn't what she was expecting.

Mihal smiled at the ragon and shook his head, “A governor, maybe, but a prince?” He chuckled as the pair started walking, “Never. Anyway, let get that drawer to the bridge.”