Having Ridden The Lighting. (FT, Intro, Open)

[The Akilae Tribe]

Another time, Another galaxy, A seperate Universe.

The Planet was overrun, Beasts of all sizes trampled over the broken lines of warriors, The Insectoid creatures chittering or screaming on the ground or in the sky and the Strength and power of thousands of years was not enough to stop them. If it was another enemy, it would be safe to have said that the world, burned. But thanks to the nature of the Zerg, It was consumed. the fleet had left, a few scattered survivours had not been able to. somewhere in the distance there was a bright flash and pillar light and a strong feeling of loss. Auir was lost.

But the people left behind could be saved. High Templar Tarrun Stood Floating above the last pocket of resistance in the area. a few thousand strong, Probes, obsevers and Protoss of all caste's. Even a few tired Dark templar.

"Brothers!, sisters!" He called, His telepathic shout turning the attention of the surrounding protoss to him "Our time of death comes upon us. We must re-join with the rest of our race or perish. For them to realise that our links have not been severed," there was a quick glance at the few Dark Templar "We must resound our energy as one. they will be sure to hear us and return."

Starting out from him the cry went, energy of both the Protoss of Auir and the Void of the Dark Templar, channeled together in hopes of a rescue. but something else happened instead. In one moment tarrun was lostto call out to the others wa impossibleand he was lost in an infinity of other worlds, time's and places. In his haste to get it right he made one crucial mistake and chose the wrong path. The Remnents where safe, Just not with the other protoss.

Another time, Another Galaxy, Another Universe.

Three hundred years had passed since the mistake. Three hundred years of rebuilding and rediscovery. the world they had found themselves on was Named Exu's And they had prospered once more. As they had expanded re-building a fleet and the caste system. they thought that perhaps others would be encountered. Having ridden the Lightning out to this new world, The Protoss of Exu's Began their empire anew, heedless of what lay beyond their lone star.

[The Akilae Tribe]

Bump.

[Terra Reborn]

H.M.S Excalibur
Excalibur Class Command Carrier

Excalibur completed it's jump into the unknown system that long-range sensors had indicated was home to a higher-technology stellar power, and given it's relative closeness to the Empire's borders, it had been deemed prudent by both Archduke Kerron and the Excalibur's CO to take the ship into the system and make contact. If they were friendly then that was all well and good, and if they weren't, well it would be a perfect chance to gather intelligence and if deemed neccisery to launch a preventative strike against hostile military units. No one on the Excalibur wanted that to happen, the Excalibur's weapons had yet to be fired in anger against a target that wasn't a Hegemony warship.

"Sir, we've entered the System, designation Theta-Two-Zero" Senior Lieutenant Evelyn Tayor reported as the starfield returned to normal.

"Good, commence scanning and display all contacts on the Tactical hologram" Captain Daserian Cain ordered.

The powerful 1,800 meter long warship cruised fowards, as a Warship she bristled with weapons, but if scanned it would become clear that they weren't powered up, the only defensive measure that the Excalibur was taking was to activate her heavy-duty shielding grid. The ships crew was maintaing a high state of alert never the less, just in case the people in this system didn't like the presence of an Imperial Warship, at which point it would be up to Cain to decide exactly what action the Imperial Navy would be taking. And with Excalibur there were a lot of options.

Excalibur, the most heavily armed Starship fielded by the Imperial Navy. She survived the Fall of the Empire with Typhon's fleet and remained at the Fall back position for nearly three hundred years, waiting until someone found her and could use her to restore the Empire, along with the rest of the fleet. She didn't look it, and only scans would show, but Excalibur was over three hundred and fifty years old, and still thriving.

[The Akilae Tribe]

Several thousand Kilometers from the Excaliburs Portside.

The Protoss of Exu's had been quick in reistablishing, But since their numbers was only a meagre few thousand of them, they had fallen back upon their robotic skills to boost the numbers of the Khalai caste and Templar caste. Thus it was one of the Many cloaked Obsevers that detected the Excalibur and used its Frightenly complicated and Extensive sensor array to Gather the information That would be recived by the Protoss on the inhabited world.

Exu's Toridas. Exu's surface.

Exu's toridas, the first City build by the Protoss on their arrival was a grand place, Pillars and spirals smooth sided buildings, Pylons and Crystals arcing Psionic energies from one another and providing the energy for the structures around them. Exu's Toridas, Which to the Protoss who called it home meant "May We find Sanctuary in our Exodus.". Again here, the robotic servents numbered about as much as the Protoss amoung them. Several thousand in a galaxy of millions. Refugee's from another world time and galaxy startign afresh. Of course, Order must be kept. The Dark templar had been Given their own Place away from the son's of Auir, Creating a conclave on the worlds solitary moon. But still the Caste system had been kept, and innovations mixing with old ideas had been embraced simply to allow the remnents to survive.

A Low ranking member of the Templar, Bounded through the streets as the crowd immediately parted for him. Blue skined, glowing eye's and about three meters in heigh The zelot sped on. His digitigrade legs and Powered plated armour increasing his speed well above anything any mere human could acheive. The young Templar came to a halt outside the Templar shrine. A grand building even by the standards of the Protoss. Two Immortal Warrior's Stood silent vigil either side of the door. Huge four legged Exoskeletons with twin duel Phase disrupters. Through the telepathic bond each Protoss shared The young templar spoke.

"Honoured warriors," he Spoke "I bade that i may speak to the high Templar. The obsever's report a Human ship has entered the System!" For a moment the Two Immortal's remained silent. The Two immortal pilots had once been dragoon's, but with so few protoss left and very little idea on how to recreate such exoskeletons again, they had been upgraded and given new status. Over time, The technology had been developed from scratch anew, Leaving these Honoured Templar and those like them as a new rank and power within the Templar of Exu's. One such spoke, His Presencse echoing with the weight of ages into the young Zelots mind
"Proceed Young one" he intoned.

Inside the curved hall the Young Zelot made his way. Passing members of his Caste as they trained in mind, body and spirit, passing a Dragoon, as he was repaired. all the way up to the chamber of the high Templar. The young Zelot hesitated breifly before entering. Psionic power throbbed through the room as he saw the meditating form of Tarrun. Raw power surrounded him as the Ranking offical turned his gaze upon him

"Entaro Auir young one." spoke Tarrun "you wish to report something to me?". If the young zelot could have gulped he would have "Yes Honoured one, The obsevers have spotted a human ship, a battlecruiser of age, Named Excalibur. It has raised it's primative sheilding and seems to be waiting."
The High Templar was silent. Meditating on a solution. "Send Two Pheonix's to investigae. and tell the carrier's that they must also mobilize. Should such a ship prove hostile then we must halt it here. We will not have any Terran infinge upon our sanctuary. Go now young one while i ready communication." the young Templar nodded before powering out of the Room.
Several screens appeared around Tarrun as he began to relay his own orders through out the settlement, including one to his opposite number high above.

"Dark Prleate, We have Intruders....Ready your followers, if they prove hostile then they shall be destroyed."

Two Pheonix fighters Soon left the planets atmosphere at terrific speed Darting quickly towards the Excalibur. While the Obsver could have told them everythign right down to the headcold of a engineering officer, sometimes visual presence of something was needed. As such both pehonix's continued on their course, Their swiftness unmatched, but even the void of space meant that however quickly they may go, Instantaniously was not going to be their speed.

[Terra Reborn]

H.M.S Excalibur
Excalibur Class Command Carrier

Throughout the ship klaxons began to sound as the lights switched from full intensity to a lower blue. Crew members scrambled to assume their battle stations. The process didn't take long, courtesy both to the already heightened state of alert, and the training that the ships crew underwent regually to ensure they remained at full readiness. Daserian had left the bridge a few minutes previous, to report back to the Archduke when the General Quarters Klaxons began to sound. Striding back onto the bridge he headed straight from the CIC section until he reached the main Bridge.

"Report" He asked crisply as he settled into the command chair.

"Two Fighter-Contacts detected, CBDR" Evelyn reported

Constant Bearing, Decreasing Range Daserian thought to himself An intercept course

"Warm up the Point Defense guns and get Wing Commander Tassel in the air" Daserian ordered.

He nodded with satisfaction as his staff quickly got about their duties. The Imperial Navy wasn't seeking war with anyone, save for the Hegemony right now, but that didn't mean that everyone on board was willing, and trained, to defend themselves with deadly force if neccisery. Daserian watcehd as the two F-150's emerged from under the form of the Excaliburs forward hull and darted away towards the edge of Excaliburs controlled airspace.

"Spectres away sir"

Wing Commander Daniel Tassel
F-150 'Spectre'
Outbound from HMS Excalibur

Tassel held onto his controls as the Fighter shot from the Excaliburs hanger bay, his wingman beside him. Banking hard the two advanced fighters darted away from the ship and towards the contact in question. In truth he saw little point in launching, Excaliburs Point Defense guns would cut the alien fighters to shreads, and it was not like a pair of fighters could damage the Excalibur in any way, shape or form. That said he was relishing the prospect of engaging in combat, the adreniline and the challenge if it took place.

"Spectre Lead, Excalibur, Contacts still closing, intercept and challenge"

"Roger that Excalibur, Spectre Lead copies all"

The two F-150's continued zipping towards their position, moving towards the edge of Excaliburs controlled airspace as fast as their engines were capable of, which was substantial, easily matching their opponants. There was after all a reason that the F-150 was considered the best Starfighter ever desigend by the Terrans. The F-150; an advanced Tactical fighter, carried by Imperial Warships. Designed for launching and landing on the Flight deck of an Imperial Vessel, the F-150 is a highly versitle craft. Following the Imperial Doctrine of Quality over Quantity, the F-150 is designed to be able to go up against more than one enemy craft. Soon enough the alien pair were about to the Excaliburs controlled airspace. Tassel pressed a few touch-sensative displays and opened a general hailing channel.

"Unknown Fighter Craft, this is F-150 flight of Two Off your Nose, you are approaching controlled Airspace around an Imperial Warship, you will reverse course immediatly or you will be fired upon"

[Greywatch]

With a bright flash of light a Xarnii prototype vessel slid out of FTL into the unexplored system. It was an unusual ship to see for something made by the Xarnii. Not only had the ship only been approved a few days earlier but it was also a new design. Unlike most Xarnii vessels, this one had been made to sustain a biological crew, albeit only a small one, and as such much of the space that would have gone to holding more armor, weapons, and computation systems had to be giving to things like life support and crew quarters. For the Synthetic Intelligence that governed many of the ship’s actions, the vessel felt odd. There were many things on the ship that many Xarnii would call unnecessary but the Greywatchers had pushed to have the ship built anyway as a bit of an experiment, something that the Xarnii found to be a worthwhile venture.

Looking from the outside the ship was about 400 meters in length with a somewhat blocky design, its black hull covered in long, spiky protrusions. Weapons were withdrawn into the dense hull while the vessel was not in combat and thusly it would be nearly impossible to tell the ship even had any without some very precise scans. There were no windows or lights on the vessel allowing to visually blend quite well into the darkness of space. The ship wasn’t meant to stand out or be very noticeable, and had been constructed with that in mind.

The bridge only held two individuals. One of them was the holographic avatar of the ship’s Synthetic Intelligence. It took an indistinct yet humanoid appearance to keep its interactions with the other individual simple. The other said individual was a Dragonni; a slender reptilian with dark brown and green scales covering her back and bright red scales down her belly. She was dressed in a environmental suit of orange and gray, an indication that she was in the Xarnii Technology Division. It was appropriate; the ship’s Synthetic Intelligence filled the purpose of a captain and a bridge crew making it more sensible to have a tech expert on the bridge to monitor systems like the SI. In her hands she held a datapad which she used to do just that, making sure there were no dangerous anomalies in the ship’s systems.

Without looking up from her pad she spoke, “Status?”

<FTL generators powering down, D-field disengaged.> Said the SI to the reptilian on the bridge, <I’ve cut our main engines. We’re drifting.>

“Alright, maintain drift until we know what’s here.” The Dragonni said with a calmly, it tone suggesting some curiosity as to what lay ahead. “Scans?”

The display panels in front of the reptilian flickered to life, bringing up several images and bringing some more light to the dimly lit bridge. As the Dragonni looked up to study what was being presented, the SI’s avatar turned to face its partner, <I’m detecting signs of advanced life coming from one of the planets… as well as three vessels. One of them seems to be a large warship and the other two being fighters. The information I’m receiving suggests that the warship is not of this system.>

The reptilian nodded to show her satisfaction. “Is the RT link engaged?” The reptilian said with a sideways glance to the SI’s avatar.

<Of course.>

“Good, make sure our superiors are getting all of this. We’ll go through appropriate first contact measures, ok?” She moved to take a seat in the command throne.

<Understood.>

“Firstly, bring up our Arc-defense system just in case this starts getting ugly. Keep on low power though, don’t need to spook anyone. I’m betting the inhabitants already know we’re here. If they need to approach and scan us, let them. Also, keep us in drift until we’ve been contacting, I don’t want anyone to think we’re intruding.”

<Understood. Activating our defenses, keeping them on 12% power. Bringing up shields to 50%. Maintaining drift but keeping engines on standby in case we need to leave.>

“Excellent.”

[The Akilae Tribe]

Observer 541.

Again the Observer's detected an anomaly, Several "eye's" turned to the squat blocky shape in space, picking up the tiny energy signatures it emitted, the sensor arrays scanned the craft from multiple angle's, After a few moments the observer's returned to their silent vigil, They had furfilled their purpose and set back to watching the endless void.

Planetside, Exu's Toridas, Templar Hall.

"A new ship has entered the system." One of the Templar, responseable for watching the data screens reported to Tarrun through the Screens he watched "It does not seem hostile, our best assumption is that it is here to watch." the high Templar nodded "Thank you, Please keep an eye on it for future interaction"

turning his eye's on the other screens Tarrun glared. the message given was perhaps one of the most arrogant message he'd seen from a Terran for three hundred years. Thoughts swirled in his mind. He had no idea how large or numerous this Terran's nation was, while he knew to well that every Loss the community felt was a dear one. Caution overrode his anger. He could ill afford to order his Templar into reckless battle. resolving to wait he eye'd the Predicted "Airspace" around the Excalibur.

"Templar Raziel, Templar Selandar, Do not enter the Terran's proximity. Skirt the edge. I will contact the humans myself."

Templar Raziel's Phoenix
Approaching H.M.S Excalibur

"Acknowledged High Templar." Templar Raziel eye'd the approaching Human craft, Almost as Agile as the Pheonix he piloted, approach him with it's threats. Coaxing the Nippy fighter into a banking turn He watched as his wingman also split from him in the exact opposite direction with another twitch he pointed the Phoenix's nose towards the excalibur and let the laws of physics propel his craft sideways Mere centimeters away from the Excaliburs "Airspace" Permimiter. As a precaution he checked that the fighters sheild was up to full and that the Ion Cannons where powered, should the opposing terrans turn hostile.

Exu's, Templar Hall.

Drawning himself up to full High Templar Tarrun broadcasted a video Hail towards the Excalibur. As soon as whoever answered appeared on screen Tarrun Focused on them and spoke. It would feel like a buzz in their mind. the language of the Protoss sounded like mindless sound to any who heard it, Luckily, The terrans had transmitted a message that could be used as a basis for the conversation.

"Greetings Human, I am High Templar Tarrun Of The Protoss Exu's, you have entered our space and threatened our investigators. what purpose do you have of being here?" As it stood, No emotional transferrance was detectable, Tarruns echoy voice merely deadpan in its "sound". behind that however The high templar hid anger at the threat, and perhaps a little curiosity as to who he was conversing with.

[Terra Reborn]

H.M.S Excalibur
Excalibur Class Command Carrier

Daserian watched on the tactical hologram as the two incoming fighters broke off from their approach, the Pair of F-150's maintained their position and kept a careful watch on their counterparts. Daserian nodded and the hologram shrunk back to it's normal, non-invasive size on the port side of the Tactical console. With his examination of the relative tactical situation, Daserian nodded thoughtfully and returned to the command chair, turning and facing towards the expanse of viewports that looked out into space. At first glance they looked like ancient glass, but Daserian knew that they were as tough as the rest of the ships hull.

"Sir, sensors indicate another ship has entered the system" Commander Laszeen reported.

"What's it doing?" Daserian asked with interest as he looked up at the viewport, upon which a long-range image of the craft in question was being projected, blocking out the starfield.

"It's just sitting there" Laszeen replied.

"Very well, keep an eye on it" Daserian replied as he heard a beeping suddenly emit from a nearby station "Report"

"We're being hailed"

"Put it up"

Daserian turned back to the screen once again, the ship had been replaced by the video feed that they were receiving. In return the Excalibur was sending back a narrow focus, targeted directly at the Captains chair, from which Daserian addressed the aliens.

"High Templar, I am Captain Daserian Cain of the Imperial Warship; HMS Excalibur, I do not apologise for my actions as I act to ensure the safety of my ship and crew" Daserian said firmly "As for my reasons for being here, Imperial assessts only recently detected your civilization, and given your relative proximtry to an Imperial System, I was dispatched to investigate"

[The Akilae Tribe]

Phoenix Flight.

The Two Sepereate Phoenix fighters continued on their path's, surgically orbiting the Excalibur like two lunar bodies, Crossing over one another as they continued to do so. Continiously only a few centimeters from wingtip to Airspace. Circling as though waiting for something.

Other craft began appearing, either rising from the atmosphere of Exu's or circling out from behind the Planets solitairy moon.
both of these craft appeared quite different from the two fightercraft aswell as each other. One set was large and bulky but also smooth and angled, they had no visable guns but scans revealed heavy sheilding and armour. They approached, but stopped far enough out to remind the Excalibur that they where there, but not close enough to appear threatening. Perhaps five of these craft sat there.

the other set numberd eight or so, Much smaller than the Five large craft, but still larger than the Pheonix fighters. One large crystal sat revolving on it's side slowly at the forefront of these darker craft. Again they sat at a similar distance, And while sheilded and armoured, not as much as the five large capitals.

Templar Hall.

"Carrier's and Void Ray's in position High templar." the Commanders of each set reported in, Unheard by the Captain as they telepathically spoke to their superiour. Tarrun turned his eye's to their screens "hold position, do not engauge the terran's just yet perhaps they will listen to reason and retract their threats."

Turning back to the Veiw screen showing Captain Cain, Tarrun spoke again "Captain Cain, I act to Ensure the safety of my People. Your nation's people may number in the millions. We number in mere thousands. For three hundred years after our Exodus we have numbered so, Three hundred years from now we will perhaps number a few hundred more. I am Templar, And Templar ensure the safety of the Protoss above all. Threats to us are taken very seriously. you have investigated captain cain, and now you threaten war on Exu's. consider your next move carefully." It was nigh impossible to gather information from a protoss's facial expression, Lack of mouth and nose revealed nothing, but the narrowing of eyebrows and silent glare of the glowing blue eye's revealed that The Protoss when they played, Played hardball.

[Terra Reborn]

H.M.S Excalibur
Excalibur Class Command Carrier

"Interesting" Laszeen commented "Their concept of War appears to be different from ours"

Daserian sighed, silently agreeing with this particular assessment. Out numbered, such as they were, even a ship like the Excalibur would be forced to retreat under the threat of Five Capital ships and numerous smaller ones, unless of course they used their Zero Point Bore, which would only be used under the most serious of circumstances. That said, if these people opened fire, then their push had to be stopped here, and if the Excalibur could hold the line sufficiently to destroy as many of the enemy ships as possible, that was less that the Empire would have to face in the future.

"Get on the horn to Archduke Kerron, ask him if he can spare the Montreal and the Intrepid, If so I want them a Jump away at combat status" Daserian ordered, it payed to be prepared after all "Transmit the data we have collected back to the Empire"

Daserian sighed, if any one was being provocational here it was these aliens, after all their fighters were inches away from crossing over into Controlled airspace, at which point he would be forced to order his fighters to engage the enemy out of simple principle. You don't violate the Airspace around an Imperial warship and get away scot-free, it was as simple as that.

"Open a channel" Daserian ordered.

"Open"

"High Templar, I was unaware that I had made any threats of War" Daserian said, allowing a touch of irritiation to seep into his voice "Your fighters have been duely warned of the consequences of violating Restricted Air Space, now lets get one thing straight here, I will not fire first, but if you fire upon me, or your fighters enter Excalibur's airspace, you can count on me shooting right back"

[The Akilae Tribe]

Templar Hall.

"No Captain Daserian Cain," transferred Tarrun, Some of his rage spilling into the transferrance " My warrior's have been Duely warned of entering their Own space around your intruding ship, with threats to fire upon them for entering their own territory. You have made the first threat's not I. They circle well within their own territory out of respect and yet you still drift unallowed through our residence. This was our's three centuries before you arrived. Now you claim airspace as though it was your's that whole time. Imagine Captain Daserian Cain, If we had entered your core world with a Ancient Mothership and threatend any of your investigaters that drew near, would you not take the same course of action? It violates your space and threatens you like an animal for approaching it in your own home. such a creature would be immediatly put down. How long would your pacience last Captain Daserian Cain."

The last statement sounded like a question, Although no emotional transferrance passed for it and the rage subsided leaving the voice still tonal with Tarruns "voice" but still monotoned and barely readable. The Aging High Templar watched The terran captain with some degree of scrutiny. To another screen he issued orders, It paid to be prepared. "Gather the templar, Should the Terrans continue with aggression then we shall crush them. Ready what remains of the great fleet. We shall dispatch them when the time is correct."

[Terra Reborn]

H.M.S Excalibur
Excalibur Class Command Carrier

"Ah, High Templar, but if you had a Ship in Imperial space and we launched fighters in your direction, you would want to keep them away as well, the restricted airspace is A) Tempoary and B) for your safety as much as ours, we wouldn't want to start a war over a misunderstanding would we?" Daserian pointed out, actually enjoying the debate to some extent "The concept of restricting airspace around a vessel is not a new one, and had been widely accepted for centuries, I am not claiming to 'Own' your territory, I am merely saying that Excalibur's Air traffic control restricts the access of aircraft to within ten thousand kilometers of this vessel, If i was you I would institute a similar protocal"

Laszeen smirked as she closed the communication channel once again to await their counterparts reply. She could see that her captain was having fun with this particular alien species, the Excalibur's Jump Drive was fully charged up and could jump out of the system on a moments notice. Confirmation arrived a few moments later that the two Typhoon Class Cruisers were holding position at their assigned location. Never the less, he felt that he had to say something.

"Are you sure it is wise to provoke these people?"

"I want to see exactly how long their patience is, it could be crutial in any future entanglements we have with these people" Daserian replied glancing round with a smile.

[Greywatch]

<It would seem things are escalating.> The SI said with a tone suggesting displeasure, <I am detecting over a dozen new craft from the side of the system owners. I do not detect weapons activation but it seems the situation may be taking a turn for the worse.>

Data from scans poured over the display panels, giving the reptilian any information she could want about the current situation. The neutral expression she carried turned to one of slight interest. “Cancel drift and get our engines back online, bring us closer to the planet and keep some range between us and that standoff. Make it slow and steady, and stop if requested. Maintain Arc-defense power levels, raise shields to 70%.”

<Very well. Reactivating engines and adjusting our heading, we will be within the main planet’s orbit within 20 standard minutes.>

“Keep us out of orbit until we get explicit permission to enter. The Dragonni keyed in something on her datapad before looking to the SI’s avatar, “Open a channel with the planet and send a message explaining our presence.”

<Establishing. What are you attempting?> Asked the SI, its avatar giving the reptilian a look of curiosity.

“Attempting to make contact with an alien species, of course,” she replied with a smile. “Might as well try it while we’re here; determine what to label this system as on Xarnii star-charts.”

<Very well, I have the channel open now. Is there anything specific you’d like me to say?>

“The basics, no needless details; we are here on behalf of our employers within the Cryptic Coalition and are requesting permission to establish diplomatic contact and open future friendly relations between our two peoples.”

<Composing. Message sent. I’m receiving a message from the Fleet over RT. They wish to know if they should send a diplomat now.>

“Not yet, we don’t know if the owners are going to accept our offer.” She leaned back in her seat, eyes watching the screen and every so often checking something on her datapad. “Now we simply wait.”

[The Akilae Tribe]

Templar Hall

High Templar Tarrun Was silent for a moment before responding. "No, Recklessly Throwing away my warriors is something i cannot afford to do." began Tarrun, seemingly somewhat mellowed out, "I cannot afford to send my Templar to die over something trivial. You will come no closer to Exu's unless allowed. Consider this Our Airspace until i have decided what is to be done."

Closing the window Tarrun mentally frowned. He was sure he had bought himself some time to respond appropriately to the terran ship. Five carriers and eight Void ray's should be enough to guard them while the Phoenix's patrolled around them. Conflicted as he was between destroying them and allowing them to pass he couldent help feeling an enjoyment at the back and forth debating from the Excaliburs captain "Truly, a Leader of Caliber.." he spoke aloud.

Outside The Templar Hall

It paid to be prepared. So while Executor Tarrun talked with the humans high Templar Janzir Watched the arrayed Templar caste. Executor she thought. Why he refuses to acknowladge his true position amoung us for his perceived failure i shall not fathom. He Misses Auir...we all do, but i fear it bears upon him the most.

The arrayed Templar numberd around one thousand strong. A significant portion of the population. Ranks and ranks of Zealot's stood before her, the younger ones and higher stationd one's standing in their respective lines. off to one side stood several rows of Dragoon's, The Quadraped walkers severly outnumbered by the smaller counterparts. Lined behind these, Where the immortals, numbered fewer still. a large group of Sentry Drones bobbed up and down in rank and file aswell, Augmentting the Protoss force. Somewhere else of course the carriers and phoenix pilots waited, ready should they be needed. Janzir was one of only a handful of female's in the arrayed caste. and the highest ranked amoung them.

if she could she would have smiled, The templar before her allowed her to think that they might prosper once more.

Turning her back on the arrayed forces she walked into the templar hall and brought up a screen. She had been informed of the drifting craft, now transmitting to them, requesting an audience. with no judicator caste left after the civil war, it now fell to the templar to act on behalf of their peers.
Turnign to another screen Janzir issued orders. "Send Two more Phoenix to escort the Xarnii ship into our orbit." through the screen two plots bent in something resembling getting down on one knee "As you wish high templar." turning to the hailing screen Janzir waited before "speaking" to it's occupant "Entaro Auir, Traveller's. my name is High Templar Janzir of the Exu's Protoss. I have sent Two phoenix to escort you into orbit, It is Plausible that we may continue further diplomatic contact in the very near future. "

[Terra Reborn]

H.M.S Excalibur
Excalibur Class Command Carrier

With no responce forthcoming, Cain had retreated into his stateroom, just off the Bridge Ante-chamber.

And now he was reading through the Excalibur's extensive logs dating back several centuries during it's first service tour through to the Fall of the Empire. Although he had started making his own log entries, he still hadn't got anywhere near reading them all. Like his predecessor he had taken to writing his reports with the fine Fountain pen that was already on the desk. With the technology around him it seemed slightly ironic, never the less he liked it.

[The Akilae Tribe]

Templar Hall

Executor Tarrun. eyed the Records, three hundred years worth. he knew he would not find what he was looking for, there had been no contact outside of Exu's in that time. He needed to consult the Khala.

Standing in the appropriate position Tarrun began to meditate, Soon he found himself swimming in a sea of emotions, Anger, Hatred, but also joy and happiness. Sadness and calm neutrality. Only a few hundred protoss had died since they had arrived, he consulted them, listend to their opinions and advice, Listend to the desire's of the living, and his own. to destroy? or to allow? historically the Protoss had stopped interfereing in the affairs of less advanced race's. after the Intercession that had caused the deaths of hundreds, an act that had shamed the Protoss as a whole such things had been left alone. but in this universe, such things where not so. The Son's of auir where few and the others many. adapt to survive. Old rules had to be changed to allow the Protoss to survive unless they found others of their kind in this strange area.

rising out of the Meditive state He stared at the wall. Smooth and flawless as it was, It reminded him of home. one he was not likely to see again. He turned back to the screen he used to contact the Excalibur and hailed the ship. waiting for a response. Once it had been done he spoke again. "I have pondered hard on the subject Captain Daserian Cain. You are neither freind nor foe to us. Yet. and therefore must make your impression. Observe is you wish. and come closer to Exu's you may. but be warned. I will not take lightly to Any aggression. Do not waste your chance Captain Daserian Cain. You only get one."

[Terra Reborn]

H.M.S Excalibur
Excalibur Class Command Carrier

Daserian returned to the Bridge as the new message was recieved from the alien species. Settling back into the command chair he took in the message and decided what best to do. The ships Jump Engines were still powered up and moving into the system wouldn't prevent them from jumping out if the need arose, so there was no danger of not being able to escape, although they were putting themselves under the guns of the alien ships, and Daserian didn't want to test even Excalibur in those circumstances.

"Take us in, one-third"

The Excalibur cruised forwards, the two F-150's assuming a position on either side of the Bridge structure. Moving much slower than she was capable, the warship advanced.

[Alversia]

Alversian People’s Starship Ezra

“Captain on the bridge!”

Captain Toni Paterson felt the familiar surge of power she always got when the steel, double doors hissed gently open before her to reveal the command bridge that was her castle. Sitting the central chair that was her throne, Paterson could rule over her kingdom with confidence and ease, trusting her subordinates to carry out of her orders effectively and efficiently. In fact, sometimes the Alversian reckoned that she was not really necessary on the bridge such was the training and discipline of her crew. They knew their roles in battle and on patrol. They knew instinctively what to do in almost any circumstances, to the point where she was often a spare part while the battle was fought around her.

Her ship, the Ezra, was only a science vessel, a Exodus-Class vessel built with pride in the Alversian Republic and now out here, charting systems and worlds that were unknown to the Alversian people. Paterson and her crew were pioneers, the first of their kind to set foot here and the first to mark it on Alversian charts. That brought a warm feeling on its own that almost countered the disappointment at not getting a proper combat command. The raven-haired woman glanced at the viewscreen before her chair, barely noticing the rainbow of colour that was a vessel in transwarp. It might have been beautiful for the first few times but it got old fast when one stared at it multiple times a day.

An alarm sounded off to her left, bringing the Alversian’s attention to it, she shot around, her chair spinning as she regarded the console and the Officer behind it carefully. She did not rush the young Lieutenant, allowing him to collect the necessary information before she raised an eyebrow.

“Report.” Her voice was crisp, clear and confident.

“Ma’am, we’re detecting several vessels in the immediate vicinity. One of them is Terran, the carrier Excalibur, the others are of unknown origin.”

“Can you tell their status?”

“Shields raised Captain but minimal weapons.”

A nod. “Thank you Lieutenant. Drop us out of transwarp.” The second command was to the helmsman who nodded and pressed a sequence of buttons before him that saw the ship drop easily and smoothly out of transwarp. The silvery vessel, sleek and well shaped like the head of an arrow, moved towards the system on impulse power alone.

Satisfied, Paterson looked to her chief operations officer,
“Open a channel to the planet.”

“Ma’am.”

So Paterson took a breath and, upon the signal from the Lieutenant Commander, sent her message.

To: Unknown planet.

This is the Alversian People’s Starship Ezra. We have been charting nearby sectors and would be very interested in initiating first contact. Would this be possible?

[Vetega]

VFIN Thore
Norso Class battlecruiser

The ship had been in deepspace for nearly a year. They were nearly half a galaxy from their homeworld of Vetega Prime and they were a bit tense. The captain had indeed beleived that this system was uninhabited, but evidently the sensor array had been damaged in their most recent escape from pirates. When they arrived in the system they detected several other ships, as well as life forms throughout the system. He would have ordered them to turn around, but they were in need of repair, and they needed a break form all the fighting and running. So, they continued at sublight speed towards the unknown ships.

[The Akilae Tribe]

Templar Hall

High Templar Janzir turned her attention to yet another Hail. this time from a different craft now asking about diplomatic conduct.
She thought silently for a second before responding "Entaro Auir, Starship Ezra. I am High Templar Janzir of the Exu's Protoss. You may approach. I will send Two Scout's to Escort you into our our Orbit, I must consult my Immediate superiour upon what is to be done about Immediate diplomatic contact." again Janzir turned to the Screen linked to the Templar Fleet Hanger.

"Fleet Officer, another ship has entered the System and requests Diplomatic contact. Please dispatch two scouts to Escort it into orbit."

The response was not long in coming "Of course High Templar." Janzir gave a short nod and began to walk towards the Executors Hall. Passing under it's archway she approached Tarrun. "Executor, Another craft approaches to begin freindly relations.". Tarrun looked up "Then it shall. find a sutible area to begin the meetings and issue orders to withdraw the majority of the forces from the Excalibur. War is not the Intention so far. Keep the Escort's posted and Disperse all but a few of the Arrayed Templar back to their post's." Janzir turned and began to move away responding "Of course Executor."

Outside orders where passed down and the majority of the Legion of Protoss dispersed, everyone returnign to their Pre alert post's. Two immortals guarding the entrance to the Templar hall again, But some Zealot's and Dragoon's had been held back. To Escort the arriving parties to the meet.

Out in space the Void Ray's withdrew from their holding postion back to the Dark Templar conclave, the Four carriers likewise leaving each of the three ships a escort of two fighters each. around The Excalibur two Phoenix fighters, keeping well without the Designated airspace. Around the Xarnii the same but flying smoothly beside it as it orbited the planet. As for the Ezra, two Scout's, A fighter craft designed for scouting and light combat duty but never the less a potent combatant against those less technologically advanced than the Protoss, Broke from the planets atmosphere and headed towards the Alversian Science craft. It's pilots under instructions to Escort the science vessel to orbit until told to leave it alone.

[Greywatch]

“We’ve been approved, begin moving forward,” said the reptilian as she rose from her seat, “Bring us in steady and me mindful of our escorts.”

<Understood, adjusting speed and heading. Please be aware I’ve detected two additional ships arriving in system.> The display panels changed once more to show the two vessels as they appeared on scans. <What should we do regarding them?>

“Nothing as of yet, just keep an eye on them and keep me updated. As for the Fleet’s desire to send a diplomat, tell them we’ll handle it. At least until we have a better idea of what we’re dealing with. You have the bridge.” With that the Dragonni exited, allowing the SI to handle any additional affairs.

She proceeded through the ship’s corridors which were spacious enough but dimly lit and slightly crowded by droids who were monitoring or tweaking other systems aboard the vessel. Panels had been removed from sections of wall, floor, and ceiling allowing the various innards of the ship to be seen. Avoiding all of this, the Dragonni quickly proceeded through the halls to what was referred to as the ‘crew quarters.’ In fact, it was really just a Sleeper Bay, where members of the crew not needed at the moment could rest in suspended animation until their presence was required. It was here that the Dragonni found who she was looking for… a Descendant, a Greywatcher.

Typing something into her datapad, the Sleeper Pod lit up and began going through the awakening procedures. Within a minute, the dark-skinned Greywatcher was groggily stepping out of the pod. The woman shuddered as she stepped onto the cold floor, rubbing her eyes to clear them. Her white and cyan clothing designated her as a member of the Diplomatic Division. For a moment there was silence and then the Greywatcher spoke, “Time to get to work?”

The reptilian nodded, “Time to get to work. We’re coming into orbit now and have been approved for diplomatic contact. A Seraphim is ready to take you to the surface. I’ll give you what details I can on the way there.”

While the Dragonni escorted the diplomat to the Seraphim, the SI sent another message to the planet below, this time to inform the Templar that they were preparing to send a diplomat to the surface. The message was short and to the point, in the typical style of a Synthetic Intelligence.

[The Akilae Tribe]

Exu's Toridas.

Standing Outside the City Janzir Looked skyward's, Knowing of the Several ships in Orbit guarded by loyal Templar. Around her stood a small body guard. six zealot's and Two Dragoon's. The Communicator on her Light Powered Suit lit up.
"High Templar, Sensor's indicate a crippled ship entering, It appears as though it is in dire need of repair's. scans reveal heavily damaged superstructure and hull breaches."
Janzir eye'd the arrayed Templar around her, Her suit much more ornate than their's. Still the dirty yellow that the Protoss where fond of and much lighter with less protection. distinguishing her higher ranking than them. "Inform the Fleet Master to send two more Scout's to investigate. And send the Xarnii our coordinate's. their diplomat will arrive here."

"Of Course High Templar."

Again Janzir looked skyward and spotted what she was looking for, Gaining in size the Xarnii Seraphim entered the atmosphere, starting from a small speck and getting larger as it descended. "You two, Stand beside me, you will be the Escort's of this Diplomat." she pointed at two of the zealot's who nodded and stood either side of her as the Xarnii ship came in to land.

Once more, two fighter craft of Protoss make exited the atmosphere and overall gravity of Exu's to speed towards the damaged Vetegan battlecruiser. the two scout Pilot's ready to escort the heavily damaged ship into orbit. One of the pilots opened a hail.
"Unidentified craft, you are entering Protoss Space, We will escort you to our orbit so you may make your repair's."

Overall it was turning out to be a very busy day. Infact the busiest for three century's

[Vetega]

"Make sure you follow all of their instructions. Begin repairs to the sensor array and all other essential systems. And try your best to clean up the messes on all decks. No doubt they may want to have a first contact meeting."
After he said all of this he began to make his waydown to man engineering. He had to wind his way through several damaged sections of the ship before he got there. As he entered he was showered in sparks.
"Commander what's wrong with the drive systems?" he asked.
"We won't be able to leave for a bit sir. The drive is offline, and several of our engines have been damaged. Even if we were to attempt to leave via hyperspace the ship would suffer massive amounts of damage. There are several components of the engines that are missing. No doubt they were taken during the last raid." Jason replied.
"Very well, continue with your work." he said.

[Terra Reborn]

H.M.S Excalibur
Excalibur Class Command Carrier
Exu System (Imperial Assumption)
July 22nd 2844 (Imperial Reckoning)

Daserian watched with interest as two new ships entered the system, certainly making the situation much more interesting, and to his mind certainly much more fun. As the Excalibur turned it's advanced sensors on the two new arrivals, most notable of the two was the Alversian Starship, a nation with which the Empire was friendly since their first meeting at a diplomatic conferance. The second was unknown to the Empire and was as a result, subjected to a more detailed scan to get a better idea of both what the ships purpose was, and what degree of threat that the ship could potentially pose to the Excalibur.

"Can you identify the Alversian Warship?" Daserian asked with interest.

"Registry has it down as the Ezra" Senior Lieutenant Evelyn Tayor replied.

"Interesting"

Daserian glanced up at the two new Holographic images of the two new ships, detailing their image and the various factors that the sensors could pick up, as well as indicating weapons power and range, as much as the sensors could pick up.

"Open a channel"

"Aye"

TO: Alversian People’s Starship Ezra
Greetings, friends, it is good to see your people again. May I, with all due respect, ask what brought you to this system. We are here investigating the signs of Higher-Activtiy from this system, given it's relative closeness to Imperial-Held territory.
Captain Daserian Cain

[Alversia]

APS Ezra

“Ma’am, we are picking up a return signal.” There was a pause between the sharp announcement from the Operations Officer and his next statement. Paterson again did not rush the Lieutenant, sitting in her command chair and waiting patiently for his full report.

“They’ve agreed to a diplomatic meeting. They’re sending escorts to bring us closer to the planet.”

“Very good Lieutenant, continue to monitor the situation.” Paterson could feel the relief in her own voice as she gave out the command. The Captain felt that now the first stage had gone as planned that the rest would be relatively straightforward.

She had been worried, as most Captains on a first contact mission were that it was going to be a disaster. She had heard rumours of first contacts were things had gone very badly indeed, where one nation proceeded to fire on another and the only outcome was war. She shuddered to think how many thousands could have died all because of one foolish mistake by her here. That was not something the woman wanted hanging over her for the rest of her life.

Those grim thoughts could be dispelled however, as it seemed like her fears had been unfounded the people on the surface were more than willing to grant her an audience and begin talks with the Alversian Republic. She, as captain and representative of the Republic onboard this vessel, would be leading the initial talks of course. That thought saw the return of the butterflies in her stomach. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her nerves,
”Oh god, I hope I don’t screw this up…”

“Ma’am?” The Operations Officer asked in a more hesitant tone. Paterson’s eyes snapped open. She realised she had been daydreaming on the bridge and that the Alversian had been trying to get her attention for a few minutes. Annoyed and embarrassed at herself, the young woman stood from her chair, tucked down her uniform and stared at the viewscreen, patently aware of the crew’s gazes burning into her back.

“Go on Lieutenant.” She said.

“Ma’am, there are two fighters coming from the planet. They appear to be outdated in design. We are also receiving a message from the Excalibur.”

“Keep shields at 50% and follow the fighters, make no hostile movements but be ready in case this is a trap. Put the Excalibur’s message onscreen.”

“Aye Ma’am”

Once she had heard the message, Paterson smiled to herself. It seemed the Terran carrier got about the universe. Taking a breath she composed her own in reply.

To: Terran Carrier Excalibur

We were in the area on a survey mission when we picked up life signs from this planet. Our mandate requires that we make contact with these new species if we feel we may be able to offer one another mutual assistance.