Secrets of the Ancients [FT/Closed]

[United Stellar Confederation]

USCS Argemenon
MF40D Class Utility Frigate
SDF Captain Kaimen Jalico
Parcyon System

The void of space was split by a bright blue light, as the small frigate exited its hyperspace jump from the Centari system, from which it had departed. The Argemenons grey, somewhat ugly hull glinted in the light of the star, reflecting the distant light of the burning ball of gas. Lights were dotted across her hull, and several bulges rose out of the side of the ship, weapons batteries armed with the best in plasma weaponry available to the Confederation. Despite her unsightly appearance, she was in excellent shape, her hull clean with a fresh coat of paint.

Inside the Captains quarters Kaimen Jalico sat in his rotating chair at his office desk, reading on a recent event that had occured on mars. The doors bell beeped, signalling that there was someone at the door, waiting for his permission to enter the room. He spoke, his voice, while not very deep, commanded authority and respect, but also held a sense of manners and politeness to it as well. "Come in" he said, and the door slid open, and in walked his First Officer, Porwan Oranky, dressed in his well kept and clean uniform, which bore his rank, naval insignia and the name of his ship. Porwan stood at attention and said "Captain, we have arrived in the Parcyon system, we are ready to begin our surveying operation of the planet in this system"
Kaimen nodded and said "Thank you Porwan, have the crew prepare to perform a basic sensor survey, and would you please inform the hanger that i need a shuttle prepared for a landing?"
Porwan smiled and said "Of course sir, is there anything else that you need?"
"no thank you Porwan, that will be all, i will be on the bridge shortly"
"yes sir" Porwan saluted and left his quarters, headed off to execute the orders given to him.

Soon after Kaimen was out on the bridge, sitting in his captains chair, a seat he had held for almost six years now, and a command that he deeply enjoyed. While not the most glorious or action filled commands, many captains loved the MF40Ds for their reliability, toughness and versatility. It also helped that they were very distinguished and proven ships, having been in use with the Stellar Defense Force as well as various private companies for almost a decade now. Despite their age their ease of upgrade kept them very much modern and formidable ships which could hold their own against most other terran frigates, though they did fall short of the newer patrol cruisers which were being pushed into sevice. However the versatility of the MF40Ds would likely keep them in service for a few years longer. He studied the planet displayed through the ships windows, made of a tough transparent composite. By most regards it was relatively unremarkable, while inhabitable, it was not ideal, with a harsh enviornment, and some areas that were filled with extremely rough terrain or volcanic vents. However it was also possibly a very mineral rich world, which was why it interested the Confederation. He asked Porwan "Status?"
"Im picking up large deposits of iron, irridium, copper, silver and titanium, but there is something else, im picking up a artificial structure, not human but the material does register on the database." Porwan paused and then said with a bit of confusion in his voice "I think its an Ancient construct sir"
Kaimen frowned, he had not expected such a find, he asked "How big is it?"
"No bigger than a stadium sir, it resembles what could be a temple"
Kaimen nodded, and after pondering the information, said "Give me a good scan, look for anything unusual"
Porwan then said "its giving off a faint signal, but i cant quite figure out what it is, the translator is having a hard time sorting it out"
Kaimen nodded and said "Lets maintain position for now, report our findings to the admiralty, maybe they will know what to do"
Porwan nodded and said "yes sir"

Kaimen was concerned, nothing had picked up the signal untill now, though that didnt make any sense. The Confederation had been pinging the system with long range sensors for months, surely they would have picked it up. This left only one conclusion, either their arrival or their scanning the construct had caused it to begin transmitting. If this were the case, what was it sending? and who was it sending it to?

[Astoria]

ANS Byles, Sentinel-class Light Cruiser
Unnamed System Designated Besh-14
Edge of Astorian Space

With a sigh of finality, Commander Ardic Jenko slid the final datacard into the receptor on the desk in his quarters and activated the archiver, compressing his report on the most recent leg of his cruise through the uninhabited sectors of space on the frontier of Astorian space. The cruise was part shakedown, part routine patrol, part exploration mission: his ship had recently taken on new crew, replacements for those transferred off ship or waylaid by illness or disability, and this region was safe enough to get the new arrivals integrated into the oldtimers on the crew, and these patrols were key to maintaining Astoria’s claims on this area of space. If there was anything of interest or concern lurking around, the Byles or another Sentinel on patrol would stumble on it.

His comm chimed with an alert that Lieutenant Commander Rona was calling him from the bridge, where she was holding down the con to allow him the chance to handle the datawork that had piled up. The commander pressed the button that allowed the call through, and the small holo-image of Rona seated in the captain’s chair burst into blue life in miniature before him.

“Commander,” Rona said matter-of-factly, “We have an incoming shuttle with a Jedi transponder, just dropped out of hyperspace. Jedi Knight Atropos is requesting permission to dock and board, says he has an important matter to discuss with you.”

“Very well, assemble a small detail at the airlock, I’ll be down shortly.” Ardic returned the rather informal salute that Rona flashed before ending the call, and then began to prepare himself for whatever Jedi business his ship was about to be subordinated to. The mystics were an ancient and undeniably valuable part of Astorian society but sometimes they could become afflicted with tunnel-vision when it came to cooperating with the less magical elements of the PeaceForce.

Jedi Knight Atropos turned out to have an apprentice (padawan, they called them, if Ardic remembered correctly) named Eleos along with him. Both were human, Atropos a middle-aged but very clearly fit man and Eleos a younger woman, younger than Ardic himself. They exchanged short bows at the airlock as Lieutenant Commander Rona and a few of the ship’s complement of troopers stood at attention.

“Commander, I understand your next destination is a nearby system that the cartagrophers have designated Cresh-9, correct?”

Ardic nodded. “That’s correct, Master Jedi.”

“A signal of unknown origin and type has been detected from a world in that system. Something there is…calling to me. The Force pushes me towards that system.” Ardic nodded thoughtfully, the mysticism of the Jedi something he had never spent much time researching or attempting to understand. “My padawan and I wish to accompany you to that system, to investigate.”

Ardic nodded again. “Certainly, Master Jedi.” Having two of the warrior-monks along could prove useful if the man was right about there being some sort of signal. Such anomalies tended to attract all sorts of interested parties, not all of whom were friendly or willing to share space with others. Once the shuttle had been secured in the docking port and the four of them—the two Jedi, Jenko, and Rona—had returned to the bridge, the Byles jumped into hyperspace.

ANS Byles, Sentinel-class Light Cruiser
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

The proximity alarm was warbling from the moment the ship had completed its transition from hyperspace back into normalcy, indicating another starship close enough to warrant immediate attention. Jenko had the Byles at ready stations and ready to battle stations in only a few minutes, which he took as a good sign that the new crew members had fit themselves into the ship nicely.

“Ship is armed, but no active scanning or targeting locks,” Lieutenant Rona reported from her position overlooking the right-side data pit. Other technicians fed a stream of information to Jenko and to the ship’s sensor and weapons systems, giving the captain everything he needed to begin firing if necessary. But hopefully that wouldn’t be necessary.

“Get me a comm line to that ship,” Ardic ordered. “Standard hailing, across all frequencies.”

Off to one side, the Jedi Knight and his padawan were standing near one of the secondary sensor technicians, conversing quietly. From the way the tech was pointing to a display of the planet, Jenko suspected they were inquiring about the mystery signal on the planet. That was a problem that he would worry about after he dealt with the mystery ship in orbit.

[United Stellar Confederation]

USCS Argemenon
MF40D Class Utility Frigate
SDF Captain Kaimen Jalico
Parcyon System

Kaimen was watching the shuttle being prepared, a small craft designed by the Venetian Shipyards. They were a very versatile and useful shuttle, and most pilots loved them. However the alarms of the Argemenon started blaring, and he said "what's going on?"
"We have a Unkown vessel which has just exited hyperspace, its not a design the database recognizes. "
Kaimen nodded and said "anything of note?"
"They are hailing us"
Kaimen nodded and said "put it on the viewer please"
"Yes sir"

Kaimen then stood and said "greetings, I am Captan Kaimen Jalico, commanding officer of the USCS Argemenon. This vessel is a ship of the Stellar Defense Fleet, we are here on a survey mission, we are in fact preparing an expedition down to the planet as we speak"

He nodded and it was switched to one way audio, he could hear the other ship, but they couldn't hear him
"Is the shuttle ready?"
"Just a few more moments to load the sensor equipment"
He nodded and said "alert me when they are ready"
"Aye sir"

[Eclius]

Tag for future posts

[Astoria]

"greetings, I am Captan Kaimen Jalico, commanding officer of the USCS Argemenon. This vessel is a ship of the Stellar Defense Fleet, we are here on a survey mission, we are in fact preparing an expedition down to the planet as we speak"

ANS Byles, Sentinel-class Light Cruiser
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

"Lieutenant Commander, log the pertinent information for the report to the Senate." Commander Ardic Jenko turned back to the two-dimensional display being broadcast by the bridge holo-communicator.

"Greetings Captain Jalico, I am Commander Ardic Jenko, captain of the Astorian PeaceForce vessel ANS Byles on routine patrol and mapping mission. I am carrying two...specialists who have been tasked with the investigation of a mysterious signal emanating from the planet we currently orbit." Ardic decided attempting to explain Jedi would be far too time-consuming for initial contact, and he trusted the two mystics to handle themselves diplomatically on the ground. "Seeing as this system is, to our knowledge, in unclaimed space, I suggest that our respective expeditions make contact on the surface to establish some parameters, to avoid any unnecessary conflict."

Ardic turned to Lieutenant Varin Tansk, stepping out of the broadcast area of the holo-communicator to allow him to speak without being heard by the other ship. "Assemble a small team to accompany the Jedi to the surface. Yourself, one or two techs, and a fire-team of troopers for security. You should all be able to fit in the Jedi shuttle." Tansk saluted and quick-marched off the bridge to begin assembling that team. Ardic noted that the Jedi had left while he had been speaking with the other ship.

[United Stellar Confederation]

"greetings, I am Captan Kaimen Jalico, commanding officer of the USCS Argemenon. This vessel is a ship of the Stellar Defense Fleet, we are here on a survey mission, we are in fact preparing an expedition down to the planet as we speak"

ANS Byles, Sentinel-class Light Cruiser
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

"Lieutenant Commander, log the pertinent information for the report to the Senate." Commander Ardic Jenko turned back to the two-dimensional display being broadcast by the bridge holo-communicator.

"Greetings Captain Jalico, I am Commander Ardic Jenko, captain of the Astorian PeaceForce vessel ANS Byles on routine patrol and mapping mission. I am carrying two...specialists who have been tasked with the investigation of a mysterious signal emanating from the planet we currently orbit." Ardic decided attempting to explain Jedi would be far too time-consuming for initial contact, and he trusted the two mystics to handle themselves diplomatically on the ground. "Seeing as this system is, to our knowledge, in unclaimed space, I suggest that our respective expeditions make contact on the surface to establish some parameters, to avoid any unnecessary conflict."

Ardic turned to Lieutenant Varin Tansk, stepping out of the broadcast area of the holo-communicator to allow him to speak without being heard by the other ship. "Assemble a small team to accompany the Jedi to the surface. Yourself, one or two techs, and a fire-team of troopers for security. You should all be able to fit in the Jedi shuttle." Tansk saluted and quick-marched off the bridge to begin assembling that team. Ardic noted that the Jedi had left while he had been speaking with the other ship.

USCS Argemenon
SDF Captain Kaimen Calico
Parcyon System

Kaimen nodded and said "I think that would be reasonable, I will be personally heading the expedition, I look forward to the meeting on the planet, if you'll excuse me, I have get ready myself"

He nodded and the communication link was closed, and he said "keep me posted, let me know if anything changed, Porwan you have the bridge"
"Yes sir"
"don't crash her while I'm gone"
"I'll try sir"

Kaimen walked out the automatic door of the bridge and made his way down to the hanger, where the shuttle was ready to depart. A SDA soldier said "Captain we are ready for departure, all the equipment and some supplies are loaded and all personal are ready"
He said "good, let's get under way shall we?"
Kaimen donned a suit of SDA armor, while a fight wasn't expected the armor also contained its own air filter and air supply, which was great for going down to a new planet.

He carried his helmet under his arm and walked up the ramp of the shuttle and sat in one of the seats. He put the helmet on his head, which locked in place, creating a airtight seal.
He heard the squad leader of the security team briefing his men.

He thought over what was going to happen as the shuttle lifted up of the plating of the hanger, and its wings folding down into flight position as it exited the hanger, entering the void of space and moving towards the surface.

[Roania]

The stars parted as a hole opened in reality itself, revealing the foundations beneath. One moment, the ship was not there, the next moment it was. It was an older vessel than its peers, perhaps many centuries older. It had been carved, for that was the only appropriate word, into a form approximating an ancient monster, some strange combination of spiked turtle shell and dragon's claws and fangs. Each fist gripped a glowing blue orb, and the jaws of the dragon were tight around a red one.

"We have left crystal space. Restoring regular power." The emergency lights in the bridge faded, to be replaced with the more aesthetically appealing white glow of the heart's metal. "Commencing drive closure." The floating diamond that was the crystal drive returned to its resting spot on its podium, that then sank into the floor. "Resuming standard external scans." Floating panels appeared around the room. After a minute, they began to show the system around the dragon-turtle. There were a series of chimes as the door opened. "Captain on deck!" Every person on the bridge rose to his feet, pressed fist to palm, and bowed their heads forward as the Captain resumed his seat. All save two, the Commander (who was at the helm) and the only female on board, the Seer, who was not part of the military and so was not expected to rise. "You have command, sir."

"Thank you, Commander. A fine job, men. And a fine transfer, Honorable Seer. You may return to your quarters and rest." The young woman tilted her blindfolded head in his direction, then nodded and disappeared to her hidden chamber. "Scanners, are we still picking that signal up?"

"Yes, Captain. Louder than ever. We regret we could not make use of the seer at such range, but perhaps when she has recovered she will be able to tell us more. The frequency..." Another panel appeared, a green line chasing a red wave in strange patterns. "It is not any known form of communication. I have a theory, however."

"I'm sure we're all ears, Lieutenant." The Captain brushed a strand of hair back over one of those sharply pointed ears.

"The first principle is that it is not a communication. It is an alarm. Someone or something has done something that caused damage to the emitting device, and it is notifying its owners. We use similar principles for our forward observation posts, though their range is not anywhere near as broad as this. Nor are they as 'loud', so to speak."

"Mmm... quite so. I've never heard of one of ours interfering with communications across so wide a space. But the frequency seems all wrong."

"And that is the brilliant part. Now, our communication frequencies are on wavelengths well above those of most barbarian states. This is because of the resonance of our devices, and the effect is to minimize both intervention and observation by the barbarians. However, it is not a perpetual scale. The sages believe that we may consider the range of frequencies to be more of a sphere than a line or even a circle. Now, my theory is that what is causing interference in our communications is an overlap from below, one that breaks into our transmissions and breaks them up."

"All very pretty, and no doubt the Academy will be delighted to learn you're reading their literature, but it doesn't leave us many options. Our orders, which come from the Dragon Throne itself..."

"Ten Thousand Years!" Came the immediate and required cheer.

"Ten Thousand Years, yes. Our orders are to determine what is causing this interference and, if possible, put a stop to it. Therefore, these are my orders. First, we must prepare for any eventuality. If it's a message, someone may come to answer it. If it's an alarm, then we may be facing some incoming guards. Shipboard crew are, then, ordered to alert stance. Lieutenant, I want you and Science Officer Padihari at work on a solution we can bring the admiralty. Rope in Dali-Yan and the Academy. If you can propagate something along the crystal network, that may be ideal. Commander, I want you and a picked fire team of marines suited up and ready for surface travel in ten minutes. I want eyes on whatever's making that noise, and I want those eyes to be connected to hands holding weapons."

"Sir! What about the barbarians?" The scanners had, finally, picked up the orbiting Astorian and Confederate ships and resolved them into a frame of reference. Information and estimates on weaponry and crew began making their way down the side, along with a cross-reference through known space-capable powers. "We're picking up what appear to be teams bound for the surface."

"Ignore them." The Captain thought better of this, though, after a minute. His orders did not include hostility to barbarians. "Belay that. First, transmit their information back to Admiral Hozei. Wake the seer up and get her hooked in if need be. We're beyond immediate reinforcement, but if anything happens I want them to know why and who. Second... I can't be bothered speaking to them. Let's just send them a note."

Code: Select all

In the Name of the Dragon Throne, I bid you greetings, honorable foreigners.

I am Captain Zao of the ship '直走向辉煌的团结', or in your tongue, 'ever marching towards glorious unity'. At present I am under orders to investigate a signal that has been interfering with our communications. You may have the same goal. Or you may not. It is academic. In pursuance of my mission, I am sending a detachment of marines under Commander Yat. They have no orders to engage with any surface team you may be dispatching. It is my hope that we may conclude our missions peacefully and without getting in each other's way.

[Vogega]

Tagged

[Astoria]

Kaimen nodded and said "I think that would be reasonable, I will be personally heading the expedition, I look forward to the meeting on the planet, if you'll excuse me, I have get ready myself"

Code: Select all

In the Name of the Dragon Throne, I bid you greetings, honorable foreigners.

I am Captain Zao of the ship '直走向辉煌的团结', or in your tongue, 'ever marching towards glorious unity'. At present I am under orders to investigate a signal that has been interfering with our communications. You may have the same goal. Or you may not. It is academic. In pursuance of my mission, I am sending a detachment of marines under Commander Yat. They have no orders to engage with any surface team you may be dispatching. It is my hope that we may conclude our missions peacefully and without getting in each other's way.

ANS Byles, Sentinel-class Light Cruiser
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

"Another ship coming out of faster-than-light Commander," a bridge technician reported from one of the sunken datapits on the bridge. "They're not using a hyperdrive, Cronau radiation and wake rotation readings are all wrong."

"Sure is getting crowded around here," Commander Ardic Jenko commented as he listened to the message from the new arrival in the system. "They seem a bit anti-social. Adjust targeting computations to factor them in, but no active scanning. Let's not start a war by trying to hard to prepare for one." Jenko tapped a button on the armrest of the captain's chair. "Shuttle, how are you doing?"

"We just cleared the ship, Commander," came the audio response from the Jedi shuttle. The voice of the pilot, the Jedi padawan named Eleos, was slightly distorted through the connection. "We are tracking the other small craft as well and intend to land near their location, once we get closer to the surface and that can be determined."

"Stay alert," Jenko cautioned, probably unnecessarily. The Jedi had their Force powers, and a keen intuition that often warned of trouble in advance. If anyone was going to know when things were about to turn into a brawl, it would be them.

"Shoot a burst communication back to Rampart Station," Jenko ordered his communications officer. "Highest encryption, just in case our friends are listening in. Include full tactical records of the situation and inform him of our little joint expedition. See if Admiral Clovis can put something with a bit more firepower a jump or two within range, just in case."

Shuttle 493, Mystic-class Shuttle
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

The away team from the Byles consisted of the two Jedi, who were in the pilot and copilot seats up in the bubble cockpit of the shuttle, and the group assembled and led by Lieutenant Varin Transk, who were all seated in the passenger section in the main body of the shuttle. Transk, one of the techs from the communications section (Transk had debated what sort of expert to bring, but with the primary issue being an unknown signal a comm tech seemed like the most useful partner), and four Navy Troopers in battle armor and carrying standard blaster rifles.

"When we reach the surface," Transk was saying to the party, "Fireteam Aurek will exit first and determine the habitability of the world. The two Jedi will follow, and then myself and Ensign Noren. We do not initiate any hostile or provocative action - in fact, you do absolutely nothing outside the immediate realm of non-violent self-preservation without my express order. Understood?"

The five Astorians all chorused an affirmative.

[United Stellar Confederation]

Parcyon Beta
Parcyon System
Captain Kaimen Jalico

Kaimen felt the shuttle shake as it encountered turbulence from the planets atmosphere, which subsided as the shuttle decreased altitude. He heard the whirring of machinery as the wings folded up into landing position, and the landing gear touched the ground, the shuttle having landed a short walking distance from the structure. Kaimen stood and was the first one to step onto the surface when the ramp lowered down, and heard the pilot say
were going to keep the ramp closed while you are in the structure, let us know when your on your way back
"Affirmative"

Kaimen and his team unloaded the equipment, while the security team kept watch over the perimeter around the shuttle, their plasma rifles set to a stun setting. Kaimen looked around at the forest, taking in the sounds of the wildlife, but keeping his helmet on as per protocol, for all he knew their could be all sorts of toxins or diseases floating around, things the helmet could easily keep out. His HUD highlighted several small creatures, similar to lizards, crawling in the trees, too small and not aggressive, he wrote them off as a threat.

[Astoria]

Kaimen and his team unloaded the equipment, while the security team kept watch over the perimeter around the shuttle, their plasma rifles set to a stun setting. Kaimen looked around at the forest, taking in the sounds of the wildlife, but keeping his helmet on as per protocol, for all he knew their could be all sorts of toxins or diseases floating around, things the helmet could easily keep out. His HUD highlighted several small creatures, similar to lizards, crawling in the trees, too small and not aggressive, he wrote them off as a threat.

Shuttle 493, Mystic-class Shuttle
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

Eleos brought the shuttle down close enough to the Confederation ship that they could easily see them approach and land, but far enough away that they wouldn't worry about the landing turning into a strafing run. The shuttle slowly dropped vertically down onto the surface of the planet, its wings folding up and thin landing struts emerging from the hull. A small ramp extended from the rear of the shuttle, and the four Navy Troopers emerged, weapons pointed at the ground but heads on a swivel. After a moment, they informed the rest of the shuttle occupants that the planet appeared safe. They emerged from the shuttle, rebreather masks on their belts just in case.

The party of Astorians made their way on foot from their landing site to the Confederation landing site. Lieutenant Transk took point, the two Jedi behind her, their plain brown and beige robes looking out of place among the military uniforms and armor, and the soldiers in the rear. Walking confidently but slowly, Transk led the group out of the forest towards the Confederation shuttle and called out a greeting to the group gathered around the ship.

[Eodor]

IASS Defender
Dagger Class Attack Cruiser
Unidentified System
Alliance 24th Galactic Scouting Expedition

"Another boring system sir. Three barren rocky planets with little mineral value and two gas giants with enough hydrogen for maybe three days of fuel for a cruiser. The star is a red dwarf, no value to us whatsoever. We could maybe use it as a slingshot for close range FTL jumps. Apart from that, we have just expended fuel and gained nothing."

The Clone captain in command sighed and lent his head against his chair. Another useless star system discovered by another useless expedition. This fleet should be out fighting the insurrectionists, the captain thought, not searching for species that don't exist.

"Alright then," the Captain sighed again, "prepare for rift jump to next system."

The Clone Lieutenant at the helm nodded his affirmative, before tapping some buttons on his console and sending the ship and it's three Dagger class comrades through rift portals.

IASS Defender
Dagger Class Attack Cruiser
Unidentified (Parcyon) System
Alliance 24th Galactic Scouting Expedition

The rift gate opened up on the edge of the system. The four ships creating a wedge formation as they passed the furthest planet in the system.

"Contacts, numerous vessels ahead. Possibly insurrectionist."

"Roger that Lieutenant, ready turbolasers and raise shields but do not fire." The captain began rubbing his hands together, finally some action.

As the Cruisers came about, the captain ordered a message to be relayed to the fleets in the system:

Attention unidentified ships

This is the Irenton Alliance Star Ship Defender. Are you friend or foe?

[United Stellar Confederation]

USCS Argemenon
First Officer Porwan
Parcyon System

Porwan was watching a feed of the planet below coming from one of the helmets of the expeditionary team, listening and watching for anything out of the ordinary. That was when the ships alarms blared again, causing Porwan to frown and ask "Whats going on?"
"We just had vessels enter the system, three ships of unknown class and make, possibly hostile, im reading weapon and shield signatures"
Porwan frowned and said "Bring weapons and shields online, open a communication link"
"yes sir"

Porwan said as the link was opened "Unkown vessels this is the USCS Argemenon, we ask that you stand down and power down your weapons, there is no need for unnecessary violence."
he nodded and said "Get the captain on the line"
"Yes sir"

Captain Kaimen Jalico
Planets Surface

Kaimen said "greetings, it is a pleasure to meet..."
he was cut off by the beep of his communicator, and he pressed a button on the wristguard of his armor and said "Captain here"
Sir this is Porwn, we have a group of ships that just arrived, they have weapons and shields active and are possibly hostile
Kaimen frowned and said "do not engage unless absolutely neccessary, we do not need to start an interstellar war over a possible misunderstanding"
Yes sir, do you want me to contact the admiralty?
"Yes, but do not request reinforcements, the Argemenons hyperdrive should be good enough if things get frisky"
Affirmative, ill get right to it
"anything else?"
No Sir
he heard the comm
comunicator beep, signaling the communication link being deactivated, he sighed and said "Well this is getting rather crowded now"

[Astoria]

Attention unidentified ships

This is the Irenton Alliance Star Ship Defender. Are you friend or foe?

ANS Byles, Sentinel-class Light Cruiser
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

"Sir! Another ship - no, four ships - exiting from FTL! Different system than the other unknown contact...weapons powering up, shields are active!"

"Go to full alert!" Commander Ardic Jenko snapped as the alert klaxon began to wail throughout the ship. His light cruiser was clearly outgunned, not to mention outnumbered, but he wasn't about to abandon his away team on the surface. The Byles moved slightly, pointing its own triangle-shaped hull towards the four cruisers and warming up its out weapons systems and shields.

"This is the Astorian warship Byles, we are here on a patrol and exploration mission. We have no hostile intentions."

Kaimen said "greetings, it is a pleasure to meet..."
he was cut off by the beep of his communicator, and he pressed a button on the wristguard of his armor and said "Captain here"
Sir this is Porwn, we have a group of ships that just arrived, they have weapons and shields active and are possibly hostile
Kaimen frowned and said "do not engage unless absolutely neccessary, we do not need to start an interstellar war over a possible misunderstanding"
Yes sir, do you want me to contact the admiralty?
"Yes, but do not request reinforcements, the Argemenons hyperdrive should be good enough if things get frisky"
Affirmative, ill get right to it
"anything else?"
No Sir
he heard the comm
comunicator beep, signaling the communication link being deactivated, he sighed and said "Well this is getting rather crowded now"

Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

"Indeed it is," Lieuteant Varin Transk replied. "Hopefully they can sort everything out up there without getting into a competition over who has the bigger guns."

[United Stellar Confederation]

Attention unidentified ships

This is the Irenton Alliance Star Ship Defender. Are you friend or foe?

ANS Byles, Sentinel-class Light Cruiser
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

"Sir! Another ship - no, four ships - exiting from FTL! Different system than the other unknown contact...weapons powering up, shields are active!"

"Go to full alert!" Commander Ardic Jenko snapped as the alert klaxon began to wail throughout the ship. His light cruiser was clearly outgunned, not to mention outnumbered, but he wasn't about to abandon his away team on the surface. The Byles moved slightly, pointing its own triangle-shaped hull towards the four cruisers and warming up its out weapons systems and shields.

"This is the Astorian warship Byles, we are here on a patrol and exploration mission. We have no hostile intentions."

Kaimen said "greetings, it is a pleasure to meet..."
he was cut off by the beep of his communicator, and he pressed a button on the wristguard of his armor and said "Captain here"
Sir this is Porwn, we have a group of ships that just arrived, they have weapons and shields active and are possibly hostile
Kaimen frowned and said "do not engage unless absolutely neccessary, we do not need to start an interstellar war over a possible misunderstanding"
Yes sir, do you want me to contact the admiralty?
"Yes, but do not request reinforcements, the Argemenons hyperdrive should be good enough if things get frisky"
Affirmative, ill get right to it
"anything else?"
No Sir
he heard the comm
comunicator beep, signaling the communication link being deactivated, he sighed and said "Well this is getting rather crowded now"

Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

"Indeed it is," Lieuteant Varin Transk replied. "Hopefully they can sort everything out up there without getting into a competition over who has the bigger guns."[/quote]

Parcyon System
Captain Kaimen Jalico

Kaimen nodded and said "indeed, the last thing we need is for a battle to break out over our heads" he then looked around and at the construct, it matched the database, it was indeed the right architectural style. He said "it is quite something, a bit larger than the last construct we discovered, perhaps it has a different purpose, though what that could be is still up for anyone's guess"

He thought for a moment then said "how rude of me, allow me to introduce myself, I am Captain Kaimen Jalico, i command the MF40D Class Utility Frigate Argemenon, dont let her ugliness fool you, she is one hell of a ship, there is hardly a job she cannot do"
His voice was somewhat muffled by the built in filter in his helmet, and his armor had changed from its normal white color to a pattern and color scheme which matched his surroundings, revealing the armors passive camoflauge.

[Astoria]

Parcyon System
Captain Kaimen Jalico

Kaimen nodded and said "indeed, the last thing we need is for a battle to break out over our heads" he then looked around and at the construct, it matched the database, it was indeed the right architectural style. He said "it is quite something, a bit larger than the last construct we discovered, perhaps it has a different purpose, though what that could be is still up for anyone's guess"

He thought for a moment then said "how rude of me, allow me to introduce myself, I am Captain Kaimen Jalico, i command the MF40D Class Utility Frigate Argemenon, dont let her ugliness fool you, she is one hell of a ship, there is hardly a job she cannot do"
His voice was somewhat muffled by the built in filter in his helmet, and his armor had changed from its normal white color to a pattern and color scheme which matched his surroundings, revealing the armors passive camoflauge.

Surface of Unknown World
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

"Lieutenant Varin Transk," the Astorian replied, nodding her head in greeting. "These are the two experts Commander Jenko spoke of, Jedi Knight Atropos and his padawan apprentice Eleos, and this is Ensign Jai Noren." The two Jedi gave short bows and Noren nodded his head. "Master Atropos will be taking the lead on our end of the investigation, as it was he who was sent to investigate the signal and structure."

"Your people seem to have some familiarity with structures of this sort, Captain," Atropos said in a voice gruff with experience but still diplomatic. "I will defer to your lead as to how we approach the construct."

[Eodor]

IASS Defender
Parcyon System
Bridge

"Captain. Unidentified vessels have just reported to us. They say they have no hostile intentions. They don't seem to be Insurrectionists."

The captain nodded his affirmative and slumped back in his chair. Boredom shall ensue again.

"Sir. Detecting life forms on the planet nearby."

The Captain sat up again. He was the most excited he had been in weeks, finally some action.

"Order Commander Kistis to gather his men in hanger bay three. He will take Dropships to the planet and discover the unidentified lifeform's intentions."

An officer stood out of his seat, saluted and marched off the bridge, taking a turbolift down to the hangar.

Commander Kistis
888th Attack Battalion
Hangar Bay 3
IASS Defender

Kistis' men loaded themselves relatively quietly into the dropships. They all took off in perfect synchronization, the large doors in the top centre of the ship parting as the 888th's ship's flew out. Heading towards the planet nearby.

The dropship's broke the planet's atmosphere without a hitch and eventually landed on the surface of the planet. They could see a structure in the distance, and with the scanners saying that was where 'The party is at' they decided to mount up the four Panther class patrol cars they had brought with them.

Arriving near the unidentified construct, a team of troopers dismounted their car and took up overwatch positions on a ridge line. The rest of the cars then continued on, much slower this time, Kistis and his men had had their fair share of combat and loss after charging into a situation with too much haste.

Kistis' car's loudspeaker then blared out, "attention unidentified life forms. This is Commander Kistis of the Irenton Alliance 888th Clone Attack Battalion. We do not wish to start a fight but will defend ourselves if you try anything funny..."

[Roania]

Code: Select all

Attention, ships of the Irenton Alliance . This is Captain Zhao, of the Glorious Unity. It is my honor to serve the sovereign of sovereigns, the first law and last law, the Lord of Ten Thousand Years. To wage war on us is to wage war on fate itself.

It may be your custom to arrive and demand friend from foe, but such is not the behavior of civilized peoples. It is ungentlemanly.  And it is poor strategy.

I know not of your people or their wars. I am here on my own orders. They do not include aggressive action. I wish the same as the rest of you. To finish my mission peacefully and quickly. Zhao out.

=====


Imperial space suits were more properly space armor. As only the marines of the fleet were trained and prepared for operations without oxygen, they were the only users whose needs were considered.

Each suit was made from carefully crafted metal and ceramics, bonded to be far stronger than steel. Set into the collar on each were shining blue gems. Every move the marine made sent a river of energy through the veins of the suit. The shield provided would not defend from a concerted assault, but it would hold up long enough for the marine to return as good as he got, even standing in the open.

The shuttle returned as silently as it arrived, disappearing from the visible spectrum once it rose above the tree line.

The commander raised a fist, then a series of fingers. As silent as death, the marines fanned out, leapfrogging from tree to tree. Their tactical readouts showed the position of the other squad members, and each was aware of everything the squad saw.

They had chosen their landing site carefully, along a low ridge at an oblique angle from the earlier arrivals. Their firebows lacked the sheer range of plasma or laser weapons, but had a greater penetrative power and a wider blast radius. If they could be bought close enough.

And these picked marines were jungle men, from the warring kingdoms of Pathaar. Uneven ground could be crossed quickly. The commander, a Rudanese paddy boy, was less agile and he set the pace of course. Nevertheless, it was much faster than it could have been for the marine fire team to reach the target position.

"Source in sight. Multiple barbarian targets converging."

"Confirmed. Looks to be two different kingdoms. Seems peaceful for the moment."

"Orders, Commander?"

"Radio silence, marines. We don't know their capabilities."

The commander raised his hand again, and gave a series of gestures. Four of the six marines stepped back and shifted into cover, where they appeared to vanish.

The remaining three, their primary weapons holstered at their back, walked carefully down to the clearing. As they approached the barbarian soldiers, Yat and his companions raised their hands. At a safe, non-threatening distance, they stopped. "Greetings to you." The radio didn't quite clear the heavy accent from the words.

Of course, his efforts at polite caution were immediately ruined by the arrival of the Irenton Alliance 888th clone attack battalion, to whom subterfuge and manners both seemed alien. The marines stepped back and went to a kneeling position, their boxy weapons now in their hands. Not in firing position yet, but not far from it.

The other marines began their own maneuvers, now advancing to guard position.

The commander, though, crossed his arms and remained standing, watching the Astorian and Confederate officers. "Some people's children."

[United Stellar Confederation]

Parcyon System
Captain Kaimen Jalico

Kaimen frowned, thankful that his face was hidden by his helmet, and he said "this is not the greatest first contact situation. You don't bring a whole Battalion if you have peaceful intentions"

One of the security personnel of his team "what are your orders sir?"
"Get the team inside and begin analysis of the constructs computer systems, and make sure you get the constructs security up and running, if it resembles the ones we have found before, it should have a similar lockdown sequence."
"Yes sir"

The rest of the expedition team started moving into the construct, closing the tough doors behind them, a construct on Terra had survived a massive nuclear war, in fact it had been revealed by it. He then said to the new arrivals "greetings, I do not believe your civilization registers to either ours or recovered ancient databases"

A soldier had stayed outside with him, having roughy his plasma rifle to a port arms stance, not a threatening position, but it sent the message that he could have it up and firing very quickly.

[Astoria]

The rest of the expedition team started moving into the construct, closing the tough doors behind them, a construct on Terra had survived a massive nuclear war, in fact it had been revealed by it.

The remaining three, their primary weapons holstered at their back, walked carefully down to the clearing. As they approached the barbarian soldiers, Yat and his companions raised their hands. At a safe, non-threatening distance, they stopped. "Greetings to you." The radio didn't quite clear the heavy accent from the words.

"Some people's children."

Kistis' car's loudspeaker then blared out, "attention unidentified life forms. This is Commander Kistis of the Irenton Alliance 888th Clone Attack Battalion. We do not wish to start a fight but will defend ourselves if you try anything funny..."

Surface of Unknown World
Unnamed System Designated Cresh-9
Beyond Astorian Space

The two Jedi were quick to accompany the expedition team into the construct, not wanting to miss their opportunity to gain access to the strange structure. Atropos could feel the Force calling him deeper into the interior of the building, and he trusted Lieutenant Transk to either extricate herself and her squad from any mess.

Outside, Lieutenant Transk was holding her ground, as were the Navy Troopers of the fireteam. They had weapons in hand, muzzles pointed to the ground but safeties off. The "clone attack battalion" that had arrived seemed eager to either find a fight or start one themselves.

Transk said nothing to the Irentons, but she did nod in greeting to the Roanian officer who had arrived moments earlier. In situations like this it was usually wise to let someone else make the first move.