If At First You Dont Succeed.. (FT, re-intro, Open)

[Nelgarak]

OOC: I technically did a short intro a while back, but the meeting never really finished, so bare with me whilst I try it again. Link to my factbook is in my sig. If there's something I can improve, or any idea you have, let me know. Am new to NS rp. =D

Planetside, Nelgarak
The Home Caves

The Essok knew they were not alone, now.

Months ago, the exploration Cruiser Stormbreak had left the star system, and reported encountering another people among the void. A tense meeting, a hurried rush back home, and everything that had transpired was the subject of much shouting and roaring amongst the members of the Council of Alphas.

But the word of the Matriarch was absolute, as was the way of things, and they could not argue with her truth. If there was one, then there were others. Nelgarak would be found, no matter how deeply the Essok may wish to burrow, and to wait in terrified silence may mean they were unprepared for that contact.

The ships would venture again.

Above Nelgarak
SCC (Starclad Command Carrier) Burning Dawn

But not, this time, Mused the Ship's Alpha on the brdige, as a tiny and unprepared cruiser...

Hanging like a fat tuning fork with one side longer then the other, the Burning Dawn was one of the prized Carrier vessels in the Essok fleet. Bristling with 8 magnetic cannons, 16 torpedo tubes, and numerous gun turrets that blistered its smooth surface, the Burning Dawn was newly completed, freshly crewed, and recently outfitted with the same experimental drive system that the smaller Stormbreak had recently tested.

Like its smaller cousin had done, the Dawn turned its nose towards the distant points of light that were alien stars. The systems whirred to life and began their cycles. The other ships of the Essok fleet transmitted thier farewells and wishes for luck.

New arrivals on the stage of space travel and exploration, the Essok aboard the Carrier took with them all the hopes and fears that still echoed within the caverns of the Council. With a final nod from the Alpha to her crewmen, the Dawn made its fateful leap into lightspeed; hurtling towards the unknown and the bright star in the distance.

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Combat Information Centre
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

The Colonial Battlestar Sentinel slipped slowly through space, running a routine patrol of the outer edge of the Arcadia Star-System. The Mercury class Battlestar is the mainstay of the Colonial Fleet. These powerful vessels are intended to be frontline vessels, but can be utilized as fleet command ships in a pinch. They are fitted with heavy armament including bow mounted cannons and multiple heavy turrets spread throughout the hull and flightpods. The Mercury class is highly automated and features networked computer systems to allow rapid calculations and response time. They can also manufacture all the replacement parts needed for Raptors and Vipers, as well the frame and outer skin of these ships. This makes them completely self-sufficient in regards to fighter repair and production. They also have advanced food and water reclamation and food growth facilities making them able to be self sufficient for five years before having to change out their supply.

The Battlestars various Raptors were spread across the system, keeping a watchful eye out for any smugglers or other 'Undersirables'. Closer to home however, only four Vipers were launched as the CAP, with the rest of the Air wing on the hanger deck, ready in case there was need to launch. The CAP was made up of: Lieutenant Karen 'Underdog' Dallona, Lieutenant Nick 'Ranger' Cook, Kara 'Interceptor' Brooks, and Lieutenant Tom 'Flanker' Richardson. For the most part, the situation was quiet, the Raptor had chased down a handful of small ships, as had the Vipers. The Sentinel itself had run down a Pirate Frigate that was attempting to side-step Colonial Defences. All this changed, rather suddenly, when the DRADIS on-board the Battlestar picked up an incoming vessel

"DRADIS Contact!"

"Can you Identify it?" Mayi asked as she returned to the centre of the CIC.

"Negative, matches nothing in the warbook"

"Sound Actions Stations, go to condition one"

The Battlestar bustled with activity as it was prepared for a potential combat situation. THe ships massive NAC-10 guns were manned, the shields were raised and the ship turned to face the unknown, presenting the eight bow mounted Cannons.

"Send Standard Challenge"

Unidentified Vessel, this is the Colonial Battlestar Sentinel, Squack ID and state your intentions

[Nelgarak]

Edge of the Arcadia System
SCC Burning Dawn
Ship's Alpha Veeshan

The Carrier was pulled out of lightspeed by the signal of a small beacon that had been launched in this direction in preparation for the journey. For a moment, it hangs suspended in the black; a large, organic shape of dark grey metal.

"Systems have faired much better then the Stormbreak, Alpha. Minimal instrument disruption. The Engineers report no sign of structural strain.

"Alpha, there is contact here."

"Already?" Ship's Alpha Veeshan slapped her tails against the deck.

"One approaches. Smaller then the Dawn, larger then a cruiser. It has fightercraft, weaponry."

"Launch Wing Alpha Looris' Pack. Crewmen to thier stations. We are no simple Cruiser, this time..."

The bridge crewmen - many of them including the Alpha having been there for that first contact - hummed in grim ascent; remembering well how they were forced to cower before a larger alien vessel; their repeated calls ignored.

The Dawn rights itself in a smooth roll, and the massive engines at its aft point it towards the Sentinel. White flecks of light from the center "bend" in the fork-shaped craft are the launch of 10 boomerang-shaped fighters that swirl like birds across the skin of the carrier; taking up a foreward shield.

For ship's shields, the Dawn had only basic. But there appared to be no viewports, no bridge windows, not even a peephole. Scans for structural status would return nothing, as if the Sentinel had just attempted to scan the ultrathick crust of an asteroid. Its magnetic cannons were 8 dark ports facing foreward, but its turrets could swivel. As always, a Carrier's strength is its fighters, and there was not only the orrifice at the center, but one along the spine that suggested it was capable of disgorging many more craft then what it had launched as a cautious screen.

"It speaks, Alpha."

Unidentified Vessel, this is the Colonial Battlestar Sentinel, Squack ID and state your intentions

"We know this speach?" The transmission came broken, with odd grammar, but the Carrier's systems began to pick it apart and translate it into rough Essok tongues.

"It is similar to the Strangers of before." The aliens, then, had used some sort of translator program to allow the Essok to understand and be understood. In the months after the contact, they had learned the human voice well. ((If you're not human, I'll edit.))

"Then send our response."

<Starclad Carrier Burning Dawn sends.> The language is butchered, but understandable, <Purpose exploration. Contact.>

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Combat Information Centre
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

"Sir, they are launching Fighters" Tactical Lieutenant Kino reported.

"Launch a further flight of Vipers to match" Mayi ordered "Weapons fold"

Six further Vipers launched from the Battlestar and fell into formation alongside the original four Vipers that were already in space. They held position above the Battlestar, out of any potential firing solution that the Battlestar might formulate if the alien vessel proved to be hostile. Hopefully their launcing of fighters was only a reaction to the Vipers already launched, the number was troubleing however. The Vipers assumed a staggered skirmish line to best provide them with space to manovour if it became neccisery.

At the same time Mayi considered the best way to de-escalate the situation. It was given that she needed them to recall their fighters, they were after all in Colonial Space. But a simple order with threats of force if they refused didn't seem to be the right solution this time. She tapped the C&C table a few times with her fingers before glancing over at Lieutenant Dalan at Comms. She then pulled down a headset from the DRADIS screen, which supported the holographic DRADIS display that dominated the C&C table in the centre of the CIC. The Alien contact was marked with a standard DRADIS marker, which showed it's name, and simply Neutral next to it, untill it could be classified.

Then she spoke to the alien vessel, her soft almost sikly voice oozed good intentions.

Burning Dawn, this is Sentine-Actual, be advised you are in Colonial Space, as such I would request that you withdraw your Fighterscreen for the duration of your stay. If you wish to make formal contact with the Twelve Colonies, I can meet a represenative from your vessel aboard this Vessel, I can also escort you to Caprica to meet with a member of the Civilian Government once our bussiness here is concluded.

[Nelgarak]

Edge of the Arcadia System
SCC Burning Dawn
Ship's Alpha Veeshan

The words filtered down from the translation systems, and Veeshan allowed her hoof-like claws to grate slowly across the deck of the command rise.

A low whir of concern from the comm crewman stirred her from her contemplation, and her jaws clicked resolutely.

"Ship's Second will take command. Hunter Alpha Shorin shall accompany. Contact was our purpose, and contact we have." She would not shirk her duty by sending a lesser creature in an Alpha's place. "Send the word."

On the command, the Alpha turned from her place on the raised dias to find another Essok - the Second - moving to take her place with a similar noise of reserved caution. Veeshan gaped her jaws in a confident motion of authority, slipping away towards the hangar bays.

Burning Dawn finds this acceptable.

Silently, in a single fluid motion, the 10 fighters wheel on thier wingtips and skim back over the curved surface of the carrier. They disappear, one by one, into the shadows of the bay from whence they launched but for one. This one breaks away to rise to the bay on the topside of the carrier, where another fighter has launched.

The two, with the orriginal fighter lagging behind and to the right, begin an approach towards the Sentinel

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Combat Information Centre
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

"They are complying" Kino reported.

"Good" Mayi replied "Stand-down from Condition one, take us to Condition Two and withdraw all but the CAP"

As the Battlestar relaxed it's posture slightly, the Six Vipers that had launched to support the CAP turned sharply and began to land on the Starboard flight pod, leaving the orignal four-craft CAP to continue it's duties. The alien shuttle on the other hand would be directed towards the Port Flight Pod where it would be provided with the instructions on how to land and where to set down. Setting down on one of the aircraft elevetors it would be taken down into the Hanger Deck where it was pressured and thus safe to exit the craft. By the time the Alein craft had landed, the Hanger of the Port Flight Pod would be bustling with activity.

A squad of Colonial Marines set up a soft perimiter around the designated landing area, their weapons kept on their straps but the Marines were watching for any sign of trouble. The deck crew, includeing the Chief; Gavin Caryl watched from afar as their Commander strode confidently onto the deck and stood waiting to greet the aliens. She stood roughly in between the DLA for the alien craft and the main hatchway into the rest of the Battlestar. Her hands clasped smarly behind her back.

"Here we go" She muttered to herself.

[Nelgarak]

As the first fighter begins its final approach, the second - presumably just acting as an escort - wheels away and races back for the "neutral" space between the two ships to await further need.

The craft lands gently, relying on a bellyskid and the tips of its slightly curved wings to settle onto the deck of the elevator. Boomerang was an effective description; with a bulbous center that was, like the larger ship, windowless. The metal seemed to avoid sharp corners and edges; flowing in scaled shapes across the hull to create a smooth surface.

There is silence, for a time. Either to gather thier nerve or to verrify that the human atmosphere was non-toxic.

With the approach of Commander Mayi, there is a pop-hiss as a seal releases, and a slot where the wing joined the body slid open. Two dark shapes drop with liquid grace onto the deck, and approach. Factbook has a sketch, needless to say they look like something out of a nightmare.

The first is the larger; a dark green with splashes of purple on its face and tail. The rest of its multi-limbed body is cloaked in a dark grey jumpsuit of sorts, with a wrap of white cloth over its back and around one shoulder. Sash-like. The Essok are perhaps slightly larger then male lions, and far more heavily built.

The creature that trails the first is without cloth or armor. A deep brown with vivid blue markings. What can only be scars from some terrible wound cross its thick head and back, and as the first moves with proud confidence, so this one moves with a slight side-step in the manner of a predator. That head - with the 'tusk' on its left side broken short - swivels unerringly towards the Marines, and it remains fixated upon them. An unnerving experience, seeing as the Essok have no eyes.

Veeshan - the first - stops a distance away from the Commander, just as shocked as the humans might be. What a tiny thing! Two legs with no tail to balance.. a little orb of a head, but proportionately large arms and legs. Tree-dwellers, once, perhaps. And those sort were always clever and dangerous.

While the Hunter behind her stops and remains on his feet, Veeshan pushes from the deck and rises to "sit" back on her tail in as close as the Essok came to standing. This brings her huge head roughly level with the humans. Fortunately, the human language was shallow and sharp, and Veeshan mimics it with a deep, barking sort of tone.

"Ship's Alpha Veeshan speaks." Here's where she hopes she was a quick enough study of thier language, "For Essok people."

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Combat Information Centre
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

As a skilled commander Mayi was, for the most part, able to keep her expression at the appearence of these aliens more or less under control. Her face remained a serene picture of neutralness. She wore the standard officers uniform; double-breasted dark blue duty uniforms, informally called "blues", overlap to the right and are secured by a column of buttons. Darker blue patches are sewn to the shoulders and upper sleeves, with a round patch bearing the Colonial seal and the wearer's ship and battlestar group on the upper left shoulder. Rank insignia worn on both sides of the stand-up collar. Pilot qualification wings, of which Mayi sported Advanced Pilot Wings, also worn over the breast pocket on the left.

She watched as the alien approached, it was certainly a suprise. The other aliens they had met had been mostly human in their appearence, thus coining the new phrase of 'Humanoid', this was something different, and would no doubt have various sections of the Colonies busy for some time to come. She put a diplomatic smile on and spoke.

"Commander Sui Mayi, Commnader of the Battlestar Sentinel" Mayi said politely "I'm not a diplomat, but I can give you a general idea of my Government's stance on various matters that you may wish to discuss, anything in depth however would have to be discussed with a member of the Colonial Goverment or Diplomatic Corps"

[Nelgarak]

Both Veeshan and the Essok behind her seem to raise and lower thier frill of antennae as Mayi speaks; 'tuning in' if you will to her vocal patterns. It looks rather comical but for the mental image of what those big heads could do to a body.

The medals and varrying colors and textures of the Commander's uniform looked very different to the senses of the Essok. Almost confusingly crowded. When she smiles - showing teeth, however blunt - the Hunter emmits a nearly inaudible rumble. Some change in body language from Veeshan, and the noise stops, uneasy pleasantries restored.

"This is acceptable." Croons the Ship's Alpha, working her powerful throat to form the language, "We come to give knowledge of Essok in return. To make good contact with neighbors in the stars."

The big head tilts, and somehow the female gives the impression of a wry humor, "Space is more crowded then Essok first believe."

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Combat Information Centre
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

"It is at that" Mayi replied with a slight sigh, the Colonies had indeed discovered this particular truth

She quickly considered what the best thing to do know. Given the size of the aliens moving them through the corridors of the Battlestar probably wasn't the best idea in the world. Not to mention that keeping them as close to their ship was well was probably advantageous, she couldn't explain it but she had a really bad feeling, like something terrible was about to happen. Pushing this aside the remembered that the most recent refit had put a less-formal meeting room just down the corridor.

"If you'll follow me, we've got a room just down this corridor"

[Nelgarak]

Veeshan tips her head the other way before bringing her jaws together with a hollow thok! sound. It must be a sort of affirmation or gesture of agreement, because she drops down to her forelimbs again.

The Hunter slips to her side to follow, and she makes an almost submissive head-dip to acknowledge him. They switch to thier own language breifly; a deep thruming purr shot through with bird-like chirps and nasally grunts.

((<text> denotes non-english))

<Your thoughts, Alpha.> Questions Veeshan.

<Easy prey, but for thier weapons. They are better for sharp movements then swift running. Numbers is thier strength, if the size of this vessel's compartments is any indication.>

<They do not appear to be Predator.>

<Neither does the Duskworm. But I defer to you in Starclad matters, Ship's Alpha. Until and unless they attack. And then they are mine.>

He ends in a sharp tap of the deckplates with the spur-like claw on his wrists, and Veeshan takes his point with a swaying of the tails and a light cough for his distrustful opinion. Hunters were, by virtue of thier Caste, above a Starclad. But a Ship was the territory of a Ship's Alpha, and so he must accept his place behind her.

Conversation apparently done for now, they pace foreward to follow the Human Commander.

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Port Flight Pod Meeting Room
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

It was only a short walk along the corridor to the room in question, stepping inside Mayi looked around, she hadn't been in the room before and was suprised at how high-tech it was for a relativly minor room. A side-effect of beating the latest Cylon hacking most likely, although Computer defense would have to continue to develop to prevent the Cylons from simply hacking the ships systems as they had done so many times before, leaving the Cylons with only one option, that of direct ship-to-ship combat, at which the Cylons were inferior technology and tactics wise, perhaps there was hope of peace in the future.

For now however, Mayi turned her attention back to the matter at hand.

[Nelgarak]

The Essok follow her, clawed hooves clicking across the decks in staccato rythm. They dont take up much space, surprisingly, in the passageway; seeming to flatten themselves to the wall and move in tandem instinctively.

Upon arriving, they twist thier heads and their antennae sweep back and forth as they study the room and all its human-friendly features.

Once again, the one calling herself Veeshan rises to speak, letting her muscled forelimbs droop as her more nimble middle pair brush thier dexterous claws together and fold.

"Is strange to meet another People." She confesses, giving the impresison that she was once again studying Commander Mayi's odd physiology, "Have nothing like you on our world. Use this same language, though. Is your kind very common in the stars?"

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Port Flight Pod Meeting Room
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

"There are other Humans amongst the stars" Mayi replied "Although they do not stem from Kobol like my people"

In truth the Colonial Science Ministry had no idea how Humans were so numerous in the stars, surely not all of them had been the result of the thirteenth tribe? No matter, not today anyway.

[Nelgarak]

"Kobol is your World, then." More statement then question.

"Essok have only our world. For now. It is Home, we have little wish for another. Would wish to see others, though. To learn. Are your worlds dangerous?"

Veeshan here seems to look to Mayi again, as if wondering - were they indeed hostile worlds - how such a fragile little creature could survive to prosper on them.

"My people may wish later to trade more then knowledge, yes? It was gift from Visitors that gave Essok the stars. More good may come of Contact. We do not know what you find of value."

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Port Flight Pod Meeting Room
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

"Yes and No" Mayi replied with a slight smile "My people originally came from Kobol, where we lived in peace and harmony with the Gods, roughly two thousand years ago we exodused from Kobol and settled on twelve Worlds which now make up the twelve Colonies, our worlds are capable of comfortably sustaining life, at first it wasn't easy but we are a hardy people"

Mayi paused.

"Trade would be gratefully apprecitaed by the Twelve Colonies" Mayi added

[Nelgarak]

The big one clacks her jaws again.

"I will bring word of this to the Council. Perhaps we shall return."

The Hunter - who hasnt said a word in English yet - makes a sort of yip-hiss noise, and Veeshan responds with another closing of her mouth.

"Return, so shall I. The Dawn will be waiting for my word."

And so it was; the Burning Dawn had remained suspended where it was, with only the lone fighter escort waiting between them; hanging like some peice of grown coral more then a ship of war.

[Dante Peak]

Commander Sui Mayi, Port Flight Pod Meeting Room
Battlestar Sentinel, Mercury-Class Battlestar
Arcadia, 394 Days ACA

Maui took this sudden change in her stride as she began to lead the way back to the hanger deck where the alien shuttle was still waiting for them. This surely had to set a record for the shortest and strangest diplomatic encounter in history. Never the less, things had ended as well as could be expected; she didnt have to blow them out of space with the battlestars formidable armament, something that wouldn't look particually good on her record when it came to promotion further up the rank structure.

If she decided to go for flag rank, right now she was happy enough commanding Battlestars.

"It's been a pleasure having you" Mayi said diplomatically.

[Nelgarak]

Yes, well, the Dawn -was- just sitting there with no word as to wether or not thier Ship's Alpha and Hunter Alpha had been killed on sight. If there were to be further meetings, then they could be arranged without a warship nervously waiting in the wings.

They flow behind her, patiently adjusting to the slow two-legged pace, and at least it would seem that Mayi's 'bad feeling' had been misplaced.

"Yes." Chirps Veeshan, "Is good to know neighbors in the stars are not Predator. Council will be pleased to hear this."

the Hunter continues to stride fluidly beneath the wing of the ship. He stands, only to use his more delicate middle limbs to press some unseen fixture. The dark entrance into the cockpit slides open and he makes a 'whrr' sound towards Veeshan as he slips nimbly inside and disappears.

The big female returns the noise without looking away from Mayi, "Perhaps next Ship to be visiting will hold what Essok think to trade."