The Point of the Sword (FT, CLOSED, ATTN: You know)

[Dante Peak]

Combat Information Centre
Battlestar Excalibur,
Caprica

The newly-refitted Battlestar hung in orbit of Caprica, the capital city of the colonies. The light from the systems star shone down on the Battlestars hull. Excalibur, the first of the new Galactica Class Battlestars to roll of the production lines. With the advances in technology, particularly the development of shielding, the old Galactica Class ships had been put through extensive refits to bring them back up to fleet specifications, indeed eleven further Battlestars of the class had been constructed from scratch, one for every Colony. Once more the venerable Battlestars were back in service with the Colonial fleet.

Battlestar Excalibur had been assigned to a new mission. With the supposed retreat of Cylon forces after their second invasion attempt against the Colonies, the President of the Colonies had instructed the fleet to start to send Battlestars out into the Galaxy, with the Cylon threat becoming much less imminent, the President wanted to check any threats that may be present in local space. The newly refitted Battlestars were the perfect choice for such a mission. Whilst not as big or packing quite as much of a punch as the newer Battlestars, they were more than capable of taking on the majority of ships they were likely to encounter. Like any other Colonial Battlestar, they were extremely self-sufficient, allowing them to operate alone for some time. Although in reality, not alone as like any other Battlestar she would be operating with the rest of her Battlestar group, which at this point consisted of two Sentinel Class Gunstars; The Patriot and the Blackhawk.

In the CIC, the ships commanding Officer; Commander Andrew Daslin looked around the busy room as his staff got about preparing the Battlestar for launch. Personally Daslin was elated to have been given command of one of the Refit Galactica’s. The class of Battlestar had a long and prestigious history of service in the Colonial fleet, and almost everyone from Admiral Leyton down to the lowest ranks were looking forward to seeing what exploits they got upto once more. Daslin was also looking forward to getting on with this mission; they were bound to meet some interesting people on their voyage into the stars.

“Commander” Colonel Samuel Evens, the Excalibur XO, said as he walked over to the Command and Control table “All stations report green for departure”

“Very good Colonel” Daslin said as he took down the microphone from the DRADIS console and connected it to all decks “Attention crew of the Excalibur, secure all stations for departure, Commander Evens”

“Helm officer set a course 000 Carom 000” Evens ordered “All ahead full”

The Excalibur leapt forward from Caprica Orbit, her two gunstar escorts falling into formation on either side.

“Commander, reading one Colonial Battlestar bearing 001 caroms 000” Lieutenant Taga at Tactical reported “Battlestar Prometheus, Admiral Leyton’s flagship”

“Helm, stand-by to perform 45 degree starboard roll as we pass the Prometheus” Daslin ordered. The Starboard dip was a common sign of respect within the Colonial Fleet, and the Commander In Chief of the fleet deserved such. As the smaller ship passed close to the much larger Prometheus, she executed the roll, which was met by the Battlestar equivalent of ‘waggling’ ones wings. With that completed the Excalibur prepared for a Hyper light jump. Unlike most other space faring civilizations, during interstellar transit, Colonial vessels do not actually go faster than the speed of light; rather they fold space with a wormhole, allowing instantaneous transit across vast distances. Upon clearing Prometheus vicinity, the three colonial ships disappeared in a flash of light, and re-appeared a long way outside Colonial space, most likely in someone’s star system. Now all the crews of the three Colonial ships could do was wait to see if the owners were friendly.

[Fflenq]

The system was, indeed, friendly, in fact more so, it was inviting. Of the three planets in the "Goldy Locks Zone" all three were green and lush...and totally unoccupied. The three Mars sized planets spun around the white dwarf in beautifully slow orbits. This system was ripe for the picking.

Though, there was something unbeknown to any who entered the system: it was occupied, but not by hostile races most would come to expect in such a region of space. No, hidden in the recesses of a white moon orbiting an enormous blue gas giant lived a peaceful race known only as the "Lench" though the actual spelling was strangely difficult. These beings, the ones that managed to exist comfortably on this moon, lived in a world of immense seasonal tides that scraped around the tide-pool planet every month or so, leaving one half of the moon dry and barren - save for small pockets of water that survive - and the other completely submerged.

Furthermore, the moon was bombarded with intense amounts of radiation from the gas giant. Much, much more than was received by the sun. But it was here that the Fflenq thrived, an amphibious, humanoid-plant species who grew their homes from the surrounding flora and protected their more alien friendly buildings with technology which simply appears beyond their capability as a simple race.

Here was a race of healers. Here was a race accepting of all that comes. And, here, in the emptiest portions of the galaxy, they offered a boon to all willing to land. On a high-frequency band was sent a message to all: "Come, and be healed."

---

Hi! Figured that I might give you a place to go. I'll see what I can do about drawing a pic of that the Fflenq look like...they're kind of interesting. Also, I'm usually logged in as Aiath. So, pleasure to meet you.

[-Raysia-]

The RMF Valiance sped toward the source of the transmission, the one a probe had picked out on STL bands, nearly masked by all the radiation of the nearby radioactive planet, but still clearly there.

The Commander of the rather large Raysian Militia FoldShip paced around in front of his chair... there was something he just didn't like about that chair.

"Commander Case, we are approaching the source of the signal;" a tactical officer spoke.

"Thank you, Tac. Drop us out of Cascade just outside the system, then single-jump us into orbit of the planet."

"Moon."

"What?"

"Moon, Case. It's a moon, orbiting a gas giant." said the science officer without any reservation.

Commander Case nodded, "Moon.. yes. Bring us into orbit of the moon."

The Valiance dropped out of 'FTL' just outside the system, then spent a moment to charge its fold capacitors to full.

A plasma shell erected around the ship, glowign brighter and brighter over a few seconds until the ship disappeared, reappearing in an unstable orbitover the moon. Anoher similar buildup occured, and the ship near-instantaneously removed itself from reality, then reinserted itself back into the same location, but now holding the correct velocity for a perfect orbit.

"Hail them."

"Channel open."

"This is Commander Case, RMF Valiance. We've received your transmission, and would like to establish contact."

[Dante Peak]

Commander Andrew Daslin
Combat Information Centre
Battlestar Excalibur, Galactica Refit Class
System Designation Alpha Sixteen, 395 Days ACA

The Excalibur had jumped into the outer edges of the system, as was standard protocal. After all one was less likely to be suprised by a Heavily armed ship appearing in the outer reaches of their system, then smack-bang in the middle of it. As they could be in someone elses space, the Excalibur's Viper compliment hadn't launched, but a flight was waiting in the tubes in case they were required. As the Excalibur slowly cruised forwards deeper into the system, Daslin watched on the newly installed 3-D holographic display that dominated the centre of the CIC. Displaying the DRADIS feeds, it maintained some features of the previous displays. It kept sweeping as another DRADIS scan was performed one after the other, each contact was marked with a marker identfying it, the Excalibur for example had one next to her saying Battlestar Excalibur. Crutially however, it allowed a Battlestar Commander much more situational awareness, and even the ability to zoom in on other contacts and get a good proper look at their designs.

"Sir, we are receiving a transmission from a moon orbiting a Gas Giant" Lieutenat Satei reported "It says, Come and be healed"

"I've heard stranger" Colonel Evens grinned.

"We'd better invesitgate then" Daslin agreed.

The Battlestar pushed forward, heading for the source of the transmission, her powerful engines pushing her along at a brisk clip before slowing at they approached.

"DRADIS Contact!"

Daslin glanced at the display and watched as the form of the Foldship appeared, along with an Unidentified Marker. THis made things more interesting as they approached.

"Send this..."

This is the Colonial Battlestar Excalibur to unknown Moon and Unidentified Vessel, we received a message from this location and are responding and would like to initiate contact.

[Fflenq]

A simple message came back to both ships spoken with a thick, rich accent which sounded as though it were spoken through a small mouth with a rather large mouth piece. "Welcome to Triilennahk (Tree-en-ah). How may we be of assistance?"

[-Raysia-]

"Commander, we're receiving 2 transmissions, one from the moon, saying welcome to 'Tree'enah', and another from someone claiming to be a colonial... battlestar. Excalibur is its name. They're looking to make contact with the people on the moon as well.. guess they heard the same transmission."

Commander Case stood up in front of his chair, and waived for them to hail the battlestar first.

"Hello," he started... with a rather noticeable look of drama in his countenance.. as if he were totally new at anything having to do with 'command', "This is Case, of the RMF Valiance... hailing the Battle...star.. Excalibur! We are here on a first contact effort as well... we'd be pleased if you would accompany us down to the planet. It does not appear that there are any defenses here... so you're probably clear to jump over and share the orbit with us. We look forward to meeting you, and we're currently forming a contact team to send down to the surface. Case, out."

"Now... the planet, if you would."

The tactical officer nodded.

"This is Case... we are not in need of assistance, but simply wish to make contact. Do you have a meeting location preference? We are currently preparing an away team... and also, it appears there is another ship on approach with the same intent. This could be quite an opportunity. Case, out."

[Dante Peak]

Commander Andrew Daslin
Combat Information Centre
Battlestar Excalibur, Galactica Refit Class
System Designation Alpha Sixteen, 395 Days ACA

It was quickly decided that it would be both faster, and more economical to simply cruise into orbit on sublight engines, as the FTL drives would take twenty minutes to spool up for a jump. As a result the large vessel cruised slowly into orbit of the moon, keeping a respectful distance from the other vessel that they were sharing the orbit with. The Battlestar remained relativly quiet, her shields were not raised, nor where her weapons manned, although the gun crews remained close by. The same was true of the Vipers, they weren't launched but were never the less kept very close to the launch tubes, in case they were needed.

Daslin listened to both communications and figured that there was no need to contact the other vessel again, as they would be met on the planet. Instead he indicated for the planet to be communicated.

"Send this..." Daslin ordered.

We are not in need of any help, but we would like to make contact. With your permission I, along with my Executive Officer and a small security detail will travel down to the planet via Raptor so we can meet face to face

[Fflenq]

Both craft received the same message, again from the person with the funky accent. "Understood, we are very pleased to meet your acquaintance. Our capitol city is currently submerged on the far side of Triilennahk. There is an assembly hall there which we would be pleased to greet you in. I must warn you, however," he spoke slowly and deliberately, "that the radiation levels here are quite substantial. But, do not worry, our shelter is well protected. Welcome, and join us."

[Dante Peak]

Commander Andrew Daslin
Port Flight Pod
Battlestar Excalibur, Galactica Refit Class
System Designation Alpha Sixteen, 395 Days ACA

It was unusual for both the CO and XO of a Battlestar to both go to the same place off the Battlestar. However, as both the aliens present appeared friendly, it was deemed to be worth the risk. Daslin stood on the Hanger Deck as the shiny-new Mk V Raptor was prepared for take off. Slightly larger than her predecessor, faster and shielded to boot the Mk V was an excellent craft for various tasks that could be given to it. Soon enough he had climbed aboard and the Raptor was darting from the ship and out into space. Two Mk VII Vipers assumed positions on either side to escort the Raptor down to the moon's surface, and then back to the Battlestar at a later date.

The two officers were joined by two armed Marines who would be providing security. Everyone involved had taken anti-radiation meds prior to departing to ensure that nothing went wrong Planet-side. Daslin looked out the front of the Raptor as they banked down towards the planet and the Aliens below.

"Ok boys" Daslin said to the Marines "Keep your eyes and ears open, but no aggressive moves, understood.

"Yes sir!" The two marines replied in unison.

Daslin smiled and turned back to looking out the viewport.

[-Raysia-]

Only a moment after the raptor left the Excalibur, Commander Case' Kumen-class Gunship maneuvered itself out of the Valiance's starboard hangar, and onto the kicker catapult just in front of the hangar doors.

"This is gunship Beta 03, we're ready for velocity shift;" said the gunner of the vessel.

A shell of plasma shot up from the deckplates of the Valiance's kicker, and the small vessel fired like a bullet straight out of the ship, currently oriented backward... at a speed now that would practically drop the fighter straight down on the submerged city.

Looking out the viewscreens, the passengers and pilot would watch as the Valiance seemed to speed off without them, and their local gravity turned into a total freefall, straight down. The gunship fell, and made its way down through the atmosphere with minimal re-entry heat. As the resistance to atmosphere finally came into full effect, the ship began to feel a fraction of gravity.

It continued to fall, orienting itself nose-down for the best geometry, and tucking in its wings into the shape of a tight ballistic projectile... 50km, 49, 48... the altitude ticking away with a streamlined terminal velocity. As they approached the water, the ship pulled up, spreading its wings to maximum drag... In its final kilometer the vertical thrusters kicked into full, and the otherwise-silent shuttle generated what equaled a small hurricane of engine force below its wings.

It landed in the water directly above the submerged city, pausing for a moment.

The commander looked out the window; "I've never seen one of these things go underwater before... this should be fun!" he said with a bright smile, uncharacteristic of a military commander. Lucky for him, he wasn't in the military, only a militia.

The atmospheric thrusters reversed themselves, sucking in the ocean water into the ship's ducts, and began to pull the ship underwater. It dropped in depth rather quickly, and the submersed city came into view.

"Check this place out!" the female marine shouted as she looked out at the intricate cityscape.. fully sustained underwater. (going to want a good description ^_^)

They made their way to the landing bay, passing through a rather intriguing waterlock force field, and almost nose-diving with the sudden change in fluid. The pilot came over the PA, "sorry guys, bump ahead."

The plane drifted in, spilling water in and sputtering badly as it scooted in. After a split second, the main intake started to suck in air, and the rest of the ship pulled itself into the landing bay's atmosphere, coming in for an otherwise normal landing.

Still dripping wet, the ship's passenger bay opened, and the 2 passengers stepped out onto the deck... which happened to be lined with a porous concrete flooring that suced away the water instantly.

Commander Case was a man that stood just short of a full 2 meters tall, with broad shoulders, combed blonde-and-green hair, and a tailor-fitted leather Jacket, over a clean white shirt and black slacks.

The female marine, Colonel Kallen, who happened to be the XO of the vessel and leader of the Valiance's expeditionary marine force, wore a short tactical vest tight against her chest, with a black shirt underneath, and similar black slacks. Her own blonde-and-green hair tied back in a short ponytail.

Both were Raysian, which meant they were otherwise human, beside the green facial markings and odd streaks of color in the hair of certain bloodlines.

The pilot and gunner were the only others in the ship, but they decided to remain behind to maintain communications with the Valiance... first contacts always require precaution.

Kallen looked behind her to watch as the Excalibur's raptor came in through the bay's waterlock.

[Dante Peak]

Commander Andrew Daslin
Alien Moon
System Designation Alpha Sixteen, 395 Days ACA

As the Raptor took down, Daslin noted that if this hadn't been a strictly diplomatic mission, with doubtful chance of hostile action, his Marines would be fully armed. This time however they were only armed with their Sidearms and their extensive hand-to-hand training. Hopefully that would be enough if there was some sort of problem. The Raptor's hatchway opened and Daslin stpped down.

[Fflenq]

The crew of both crafts were left waiting for a short amount of time before they were greeted by a strange voice, similar to the first they had heard over the comm. "Forgive the inconvenience, there were preparations which needed to be made before I could escort you to the meeting hall."

A tall human-like creature walked toward them gracefully from the far side of the hall. She - for it was evident that it was a she - had skin in beautiful shades of rich green, with ribbons of red tracing her extremities and laced white veins. No hair adorned her head, not even the likeness of it. Her slightly bulbous head was accented by large luminous eyes which could easily be described as watery, a small mouth near her chin with no lips to speak of and only slits where the nose should be. Her dress also was most alien. She wore strange gloves which made her already spindly hands seem longer and more delicate. Behind her head spread a wide fan in shades of blue and black, which was part of a simple and flowing gown which came to her awkward knees. An extra flap of cloth covered her back, hanging loose from the rest of her garment.

As she approached the two teams of people, she walked as fluidly, more as though wading through water than through air. Stopping before them, she folded her hands together in a bizarre symbol and bowed gracefully. "My name is Qwensrii," (kwen-stree) she said in her strange accent.

[-Raysia-]

Case and Kallen looked at the aliens in wonder for a moment, this being the first time that either had seen, let alone met, an alien species.

Case cleared his throat, "of course it is of no matter, we are grateful to be... Accepted... Into your presence today. I am Commander Case, of the RMF Valiance. Are you the representative with whom we are to meet today?"

Kallen just stared all over, taking everything in rather calmly, but certainly with an eye of wonder. "They're... Plant based," she said hushedly; "fascinating!"