The Stars all Fell to Thee (Space Opera, Reboot) IC Thread

[Dragos Bee]

Stars Fell GM Post - Tiau System, New Prague City Space Port

"So, what's it like?" Eren asked his young bodyguard as the two walked through the spaceport lanes, avoiding the milling crowds as they went in the direction of the ship Eren had requisitioned, the Valen-Sky, right?

"Being your slave - I mean, indenture?" Ascot decided to be open with his feelings, regardless of whatever punishment Eren inflicted. "Well, it could be worse. Tell me, why did you buy me if you're disgusted by this entire business - I saw the faces you made back in Myriad HQ."

"I needed a loyal bodyguard," Eren said, "I don't trust the Captain I hired - His acceptance was too eager. Nor do I trust other potential crewmates." He pursed his lips and said, "I'll free you eventually, you know. Depending on how well you manage to protect me during the trip and if you have somewhere to go to once you're free. Heck, if you do particularly well, I might even give you a permanent, paid job in the Fritz household."

Ascot looked at him, disbelieving. Then he said, "You're lucky I can't read minds because I'd have probed you just to find out if you're lying." He then made direct eye contact and said, "You're not lying, right? And even if you're telling the truth, you can always change your mind at any time during the journey. And I'd like to add that it would be better to free me right away, than keep me on as a paid bodyguard. At the very least, you won't be personally responsible for my food, drink, and bodily needs..."

It was to the boy's surprise that Eren actually considered this and it was openly shown on his expression. After bringing up his omni-tool and reviewing the terms of the transfer of Ascot's 'indenture' to him (aka Ascot's sale), the older youth said, "Promise me you won't run away, or try and kill me once I remove your collar."

And to Ascot's shock, Eren suddenly stopped in his tracks, took out the remote controlling said collar, and for a brief moment, the boy feared that this was a big fake-out, that Eren would just hurt him for his impertinence... Then the shock collar he wore snapped open and fell off. Looking at his master - No, former master - as the reality of his freedom seeped into his mind, Ascot decided it was time for his own fake-out. Telekinetically lifting his pistol out of his holster and taking off the safety, he said to Eren, "You are a fool - Throwing away a valuable tool. And I haven't even promised my continued loyalty when you removed my collar."

There was no killing intent in Ascot's eyes, and Eren caught that fact. So the older youth said, "Look to your right - We've arrived at our destination."

And Ascot, his gun still telekinetically-lifted, looked to his right, to find the small light freighter which fit the visual records of the Valen-Sky which had been shown to him and his former master before. Same for a few crewmen and someone who was presumably the Captain, who witnessed the scene unfold. Embarrassed, the boy put down the gun and turned the safety back on, all the while still watchful for if Eren tried to rush him to clamp the collar on again or just murder him.

He didn't. Instead, the older youth just laughed and said, "You got me there for a moment." He walked on, leaving the collar behind and waving at the man he recognized as Kenju, whom he had personally messaged beforehand to come outside the ship for just this moment, "Greetings, Captain Takamado! It's me, Eren Fritz - The one who sponsored this expedition in the first place."

Then the young man flourished a hand, "And this is my bodyguard, the ex-indenture Ascot Rider. As you can see, he's psionic."

"You're not going to put my collar back on me once I sleep, are you?" Ascot was still paranoid that this was just a game the other youth was playing on him.

Eren shook his head, "No, no, far better not to sow the seed of hatred this early, even if it means that you leave. Making this public was just my insurance just in case you do try and kill me."

Ascot telekinetically pulled Eren to him... Then gave him a hug, whispering, "Thanks, I guess. Now let's go meet the Captain and his motley crew. Don't worry, I'll keep my mouth shut just in case he does plan to kill us both."

And then he flew - A sign of his developing powers - Towards where the captain was, saying, "Hello, there, I'm happy to meet you! My name is Ascot Rider, as Eren told you earlier, and I'm psionic! Not as good as an Allameri, though, sadly - But I'm still useful..."

Well that's a moral dilemma avoided, Eren said as he gingerly picked up the fallen collar and put it in his backpack anyway - It was still an expensive piece of technology, after all. And just in case we're going to need to restrain another Psion...

[Nagakawa]

Earlier in I.Y. 728 (Gen'ei XXIII • 源栄時代二十三年)
Wadō-tō
Empire of Wadō

"Congratulations on your promotion, Captain Takamado."

Kenju Takamado, now a full Captain of the Imperial Fleet of the Empire of Wado, was just a few days shy of his 29rd birthday when he received his rank in the biannual fleetwide promotion ceremony. Though many in the Fleet received their rank through connections of some sort, the taciturn Takamado made use of no such thing to obtain his rank.

The one accosting him at the post-ceremony reception was a large bearded man in his sixties, whose broad shoulders stretched his pristinely starched uniform and the polished bronze aiguillettes draped across the left side of his chest. His bearish and grizzled features, not unlike that of a masterless warrior, belied his true identity; Prince Kuniyuki Inazuma, the Prime Minister of the Empire of Wado.

"Thank you, Lord Prime Minister." Kenju's reply was terse, neither fully firm nor yielding in its tone. Still in his full dress uniform, the young man had taken refuge from the post-ceremony festivities in an anteroom of the conference hall, and stood above a small table, upon which was perched a chessboard that had been fully set up.

Prince Inazuma smiled wryly.

"What are you doing in here?" he asked Kenju. "Shouldn't you be enjoying the food and drink?"

"I dislike noise", Kenju replied. "And alcohol, for the matter."

"What a smart young man." The old man's greyish beard curled upwards along with his lopsided smile. "I see you're still wary of everything, after the death of your father."

"Oh, perhaps", said Kenju. "I've already had a bit to eat, you know. Besides..."

"Besides what?" Prince Inazuma's face darkened, but the smile remained. It was a smile that did not reach his eyes; one that, in a roundabout way, suggested some abyssal intention of sorts.

"Oh, nothing." Kenju looked down at the chessboard on the table and gingerly pulled the white glove off of his left hand, before twirling the black king where it stood on the chessboard, in an almost sensuous. "Care for a game of chess, my Lord? You can take White."

Prince Inazuma's smile faded. He looked down at the chessboard, eyeing the pieces and Kenju's left hand. For a moment, it seemed as if he had become lost in some distant thought, but it wasn't long before he then looked back at Kenju, gazing deep into the young man's eyes, and placing his thumb on the head of the white e-file pawn, pushing it forward to the e4 square.

"Pawn to c5", said Kenju. He removed his hand from the black king and turned his back on Prince Inazuma and the board.

"Ah, the Sicilian. Aggressive, are we?" Prince Inazuma's tone was almost patronising. "You always were a very bold player. Knight to f3."

"I realised long ago", said Kenju, taking the other glove off his right hand and folding them both into his pocket, "that when you've been dealt with a setback... the best choice is often to push onwards and stand firm. Pawn to d6."

"Pawn to d4."

"Pawn takes d4."

"Knight takes d4."

"Knight to f6."

"Will you not touch the pieces, Captain Takamado?" The Prime Minister folded his arms, the many lines upon his face betraying some level of bemusement. "Or are you so confident in your skill that you can afford to turn a blind eye to the battlefield? Knight to c3."

"Why should I?" Here, Kenju turned back to face the Prime Minister, standing at such an angle that the new rank upon his epaulette, the three golden bars embroidered upon a deep maroon velvet shoulder board, was brandished in his adversary's face. "It's all theory at this stage. Pawn to a6."

Prince Inazuma chuckled.

"Your father was right to praise your skill, Takamado. You really are an intelligent boy. Bishop to g5."

"Don't patronise me, my Lord." For the first time that evening, Kenju smiled, the faint whisper of a carefully calculated grin, his face tilted ever so slightly to face his adversary. "Pawn to e6."

"I am simply stating the facts, Captain Takamado. The truth is, you really are a gifted young man. There's no denying it. Pawn to f4."

"Queen to b6."

Prince Inazuma slowly began to circle the chessboard, which still sat at the opening position, him having been the only one to have made a move.

"But always remember... gifts sometimes come at a price. Your father, he was a great statesman too, but alas... he was poisoned by his own ambition. Queen to d2."

The smile faded from Kenju's face, and a shadow fell over his eyes.

"You know of what I speak, do you not?"

"My father was not killed by his ambition." Kenju's reply was more curt than usual, almost as if he was holding back a desire to say something to his adversary. "He was murdered by those who feared it."

"Really, now?"

"You would be naïve to think otherwise, my Lord." Kenju turned to face Prince Inazuma head on. "Or maybe you know more than you are letting on?"

"I am simply sharing my thoughts on the matter, Captain Takamado", the Prime Minister replied. "I do not expect for a moment that you have any obligation to be inclined to speak on so raw a matter as the untimely passing of your father, yet all the same, it must be said, sooner or later."

"Queen takes a2."

Prince Inazuma exhaled deeply, a strange whistling sound coming from deep in his windpipe. The muscles in his neck contorted strangely, revealing the end of a long scar protruding from his collars. He looked down at the chessboard, almost as if he was analysing a position that was not physically there, as a grin once again broke out across his face. Again, Kenju turned his back on his adversary.

"You really are just like your father, Kenju. Bold, ambitious... perhaps too much for your own good."

Kenju said nothing.

"Rook to b1."

"Queen to a3."

An aide came into the room, furtively whispering something to the Prime Minister, who frowned, before hastily making a retreat.

"It's uncharted waters from here on, Captain Takamado", he said. "We will soon be headed down a new path."

"Hm?" Kenju raised an eyebrow.

"The Emperor has had a fourth stroke", the Prime Minister continued. "His condition is quickly deteriorating. He will not survive the night."

"And the news of the succession... will it be embargoed?"

"Naturally. It will be at least a week before the people learn of his death, should it come. The Imperial Household Agency needs time to do their work.

"And the name of the new era?"

"It has not yet been decided. Another reason why news of the Emperor's impending death will not be revealed to all. Rook to b3."

"Queen to a5."

"Pawn to f5."

"Knight to c6."

Here, Prince Inazuma pulled his sleeve back and took a glance at his wristwatch, from which a quiet rhythmic ticking emanated. Kenju, clasping his hands behind his back, quietly paced around the chessboard, before coming to stand on the same side of the board as the taller and burlier Prince Inazuma.

"I'm afraid our time for today is up, Captain Takamado", said Prince Inazuma, turning to face Kenju and smiled a third time- this time, a warm, fatherly beam. "It appears we are evenly matched as of now. I have the succession to attend to, and you, your next appointment. The world will soon be shaken. I can smell it in the air."

Kenju nodded and smiled back silently.

"Let us continue our game on another occasion", said the Prime Minister, setting the e pawn of the physical chessboard back to its original position, before then slowly making his way to the door, leaving Kenju alone in the room. "Perhaps then... we may come to a more conclusive answer."

"Perhaps", Kenju replied.

...

BLACK: Kenju Takamado (高窓　健樹)

WHITE: Kuniyuki, Prince Inazuma (稲妻宮国幸王)

---

I.Y. 728 (Keiryū I • 契隆時代元年)
New Prague City Space Port
Tiau System

The captain's room on the Valen-Sky was located directly beside the bridge, and consisted of a large room with a mahogany working desk, a spartan single-layered bunk bed with a mattress, pillow, and blanket, and a small bathroom near the bed. It was a spartan arrangement, with the only personal effects Captain Kenju Takamado bringing in himself being his uniforms, the clearance documents and crew profile sheets he had been issued prior to his acceptance of the mission, and his ceremonial sword, which he lay across the desk in an authoritative fashion.

Those, and a chessboard, which he set out at the corner of the desk, arranging the pieces into a mid-game position.

Though his main clients were soon to arrive, Kenju had planned his schedule out in such a way as to allow for a brief respite before he had to go out and meet them. As he began to change out of his travelling garb into his uniform, he looked up at the ceiling of the captain's office and drew a deep breath.

"The Pequod."

The clatter of footsteps outside fluttered through the door, which he'd left slightly askew when setting up his room, as the crew directly under him went about their business on the bridge, preparing the vessel for its voyage. A large grandfather clock stood at the opposite end of the room from the bed, rhythmically ticking like a metronome.

"Damn me, if I'm not curious what it is."

Two letters lay on the desk, contained within blank envelopes, awaiting Kenju's eyes. One was sealed with the Seal of the Ministry of Defence of the Empire of Wado, now edited ever so slightly to signify the new Keiryū era that had begun upon the death of the Gen'ei Emperor and the succession of his son, earlier that year.

To the Captains (and above) of the Imperial Fleet,

Take note that we are detecting suspicious activity in Sectors 196A to 196F of the home system. Naval Intelligence requests standby. All commanders save for those currently on active assignment are to await further orders.

瀬越　修 将補
Rear Admiral OSAMU SEGOE
DIRECTOR, NAVAL INTELLIGENCE

The other envelope, interestingly enough, was sealed with the Seal of the Prime Minister's Office.

Kenju,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have fully recovered from my illness, and would thus like to carry on our game, which we began on the night of your promotion ceremony earlier this year.

Expect a call from me this evening.

Yours,

稲妻宮国幸王
KUNIYUKI, PRINCE INAZUMA
Prime Minister of the Empire of Wado

PS: I hear arrangements are being made for your father's styles to be officially bestowed upon you sometime in the near future. I suppose I shall soon have to get used to calling you Prince Takamado.

The clients were arriving soon. Captain Takamado tied his tie and adjusted his perfectly pressed uniform. He took his nail clipper from the desk drawer and clipped the fingernails he felt were becoming a tad too long, before making his way out to meet them. Briefly, his hand hovered over his sword, as if contemplating whether or not to bring it along. After a moment of quick deliberation, Kenju decided against taking his sword with him. It would come across as too pretentious.

...

"Kenju Takamado. Pleasure to meet you."

As he emerged from the hangar to meet Eren and Alex, the captain of the ship cut an unassuming yet dignified figure, clad in his formal service uniform that consisted of a dark blue suit with a red tie, the standard uniform of the Empire of Wado's Imperial Fleet. It would have been an otherwise nondescript outfit, were it not for the little insignias pinned to his lapels; three little silver bars signifying his rank on the left lapel, and on the right, a pair of parachutist wings and a winged trident.

"I understand that you have liaised with the Hegemony on the subject of the expedition already", said Kenju, quietly sizing up both Eren and Ascot as they clamoured among themselves, keeping his hands clasped behind his back. "Before we embark, I should like to remind you that as per §§16 - 18 of the contract, I am captaining this ship under the authority granted to me by the Hegemony and by the Emperor of Wado to perform my duty as stipulated in those clauses only. I will do only that is mandated by the terms of my contract, that is to say, to command the personnel of the ship in all matters not pertaining directly to the scope of the investigation.

"In other words, my job is to ensure that discipline is maintained among the crew, that the crew are well fed and taken care of, and that you get to the destination you need to. Anything beyond that is outside the scope of my duty."

His tone still disinterested and matter-of-fact, Kenju's eyes fell on Ascot.

So young...

"With that out of the way", he added, raising one hand and gesturing to the entrance to the Valen-Sky's hangar, "Please."

...

[The Twelve Isles]

1155, Era of Peoples
New Prague City Space Port
Tiau System

Rhisstrassina walked down a long corridor, feeling her long ceremonial robes flutter against her bare ankles, the cold metallic floor chilling the soles of her feet. She knew this place, it looked so familiar, but she couldn't place why or where it was from. The lights buzzed and flickered, casting the corridor in a dim light, and the many plants and flowers that hung from the walls and ceiling all seemed to be half wilted. She stopped, and studied them, reaching out one hand and running a finger along the petals of one and watching with a disheartened glance as they fell away from her touch. Behind them she could see the faint outline of a long mural, a young Aramelli cramped into the dusty walls of a small craft at the start. Rhisstrassina ran her eyes over the story it told, watching as the young daughter grew older, grew taller, gained knowledge and learned the patterns of the stars and how to navigate them. Finally, it ended, the daughter, now an adult, staring back at her with glowing white eyes, a rifle with a long and lethal blade held in her hands. Rhisstrassina stared for a long time, trying to figure out where she had seen that face before, the dark hair hanging limp around the figures jaw, the small scar on her left hand over her fingers, the simple yet distinct carvings on the rifle.

Sighing, she turned, and pulled her robes closer around herself, noting the beautiful colors and intricate patterns sewn into them, though they too looked faded and worn. Taking a step forward, she continued down the halls, where a soft warm light glowed through an open door and the sounds of many voices could be heard speaking. She didn't know why, but the closer she got, the more Rhisstrassina felt she would have to be quiet, not wanting to disturb those within as she slipped through the open doorway and into the light. It was an antechamber, rugs laid out over the floors, supplies hung from the ceiling and clothing strung between two walls to dry after being washed. In the center were five figures, dressed in fine clothes like Rhisstrassina's, though cleaner, newer, more elegant. They spoke in hushed tones, huddled around one another, and when Rhisstrassina approached and tried to ask them what was going on, one looked at her and waved her off.

"This is no place for you daughter," she said, before pulling the wrappings about her head tighter and leaning back into the circle to speak with the admirals and mothers present. Rhisstrassina understood, she was not ready for these things, she was too young and too inexperienced in the world to understand these things. So she stepped away, waiting for her turn, when suddenly all five figures looked up at her, and then, behind her. Rhisstrassina opened her mouth to speak, but the same Mother who had spoken to her earlier shook her head, before shifting her eyes back behind Rhisstrassina. Rhisstrassina closed her mouth, waiting for someone to speak, before turning herself to see who they were looking at.

No sooner had Rhisstrassina registered that there was another in the room with them than a hand shot out, grasping her around the neck and pushing her backwards to the wall, the gathering merely watching. Rhisstrassina gasped in surprise before her windpipe was cut off, catching a faint glimpse of a rifle slung over the one who had attacked hers shoulder, a long blade attached to it.

Her head slamming into the wall and knocking many of the withered flowers to the floor, Rhisstrassina tried to cry out in pain, but couldn't. Instead she made eye contact with her attacker, the same figure from the mural. Only this time, her features were twisted in a righteous anger, her brow heavily furrowed, her hair hanging over her eyes and her eyes glowing even brighter than Rhisstrassina could bare to stand, though she knew she had too. It was like looking into the depths of a star. "Do you even know what you have done!?" growled the figure, and Rhisstrassina shook her head in fear.

"You've ruined it all!"

-

Rhisstrassina woke with a start as the tram line lurched to a halt, and the withered old human woman next to her slumped against her shoulder, snoring. She stirred, and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, staring around the tram car groggily. A few stared back at her, quickly averting their gaze when she caught them looking at her. They were just as curious to her as she was to them, but she didn't say anything. This was not her world, this was not her people or her culture. No sense in making enemies here. Breathing a long sigh through her nose, Rhisstrassina stood and stretched, before turning and pulling two cases from under her seat and slinging a duffel over her shoulder. The doors slid open, and Rhisstrassina stepped out and out of the way, placing one of the metallic cases on the floor next to her and fishing in her pocket for a little sheet of paper. Unfolding it, she read the writing on it, the proper dock for the ship she would be flying on and its name, scribbled out and written again in her own language. Valen Sky. A surprisingly pretty name for non Aramelli, Rhisstrassina had always felt that the other races of the galaxy never seemed to care much for the simple beauty of names.

Reaching down again, she picked up her case and set off for a small kiosk near a gate where others had lined up and, when her turn came, placed her thumb on a little scanner. "Traveler recognized," droned an automated voice, before spewing out a little slip of plastic with a barcode printed on it. "Please proceed to gate three, small craft docks Miss Rhisstrassina'Adristen'pato'Deltri'pato'Siska'gennthike'Kella'pliona'Maravas'to'Chiirit."

Rhisstrassina rolled her eyes at the stilted and wholly unnecessary production of her full name, but took her card and proceeded on anyways. No one would have ever used a full name in the fleets, given and familial names were all that were required outside of legal documents. Stepping out of the way of the next person in line, Rhisstrassina looked at the several gates in front of her and realized she did not know which number was three. But, there were only so many to choose from, and so starting at one end she worked her way down until on the seventh gate the card finally worked and she was able to push her way through the turnstile, ignoring the dirty looks cast her way by the humans who's time she had wasted trying to find her way. Once through, she began to pick her way along, searching for the ship she had so far only seen in a picture sent to her by the financier for this mission.

It was near the end of the docks, painted black with a golden sun painted over its nose. Below there were three men speaking, exchanging pleasantries and introductions. Rhisstrassina approached, but didn't say anything at first, instead standing back and waiting for a break in the conversation. Finally, the man who had stepped out of the ship extended his hand into the cargo hold, gesturing for the others to follow him inside. Rhisstrassina took her chance and approached, placing her two metal cases gingerly on the ground to introduce herself. Placing on fist over her heart and the other behind her back, she bowed to the captain first, as was customary. "Captain," she said, looking up at him from her bowed position before straightening back up and turning to face the other two. She recognized one, the one who had hired her, though she did not recognize his companion.

"And you must be Eren Fritz." She did not place a fist over her heart for Eren, instead simply putting her hands by he sides and bowing to him as well, though not as deeply. As she did, she looked up at him as well from her bowed position, though not before flicking her eyes to Erens companion briefly. He seemed rather small when compared to the other two. "I am Rhisstrassina, though I assume my name proceeds me," she said, straightening back up. "There are not many of my people here in New Prague." She smiled then, looking between the three of them. "Its a pleasure to make your acquaintances."

[Brusia]

Dr. Theanor Jarak
Tiau System
New Prague City Spaceport

Theanor awoke with a start in the small room he was renting aboard the New Prague City Spaceport, propping forward in his bed in a cold sweat as he had the same nightmare that had plagued him ceaselessly since the end of the war; the look of disappointment on the faces of his family as he failed to save them, the sound of his wife's heart beating its last beat as he cradled her in his arms, and the the tidal wave of Urokrahn blood that followed. Pulling his wife's necklace up from under his shirt, he gripped it tightly in his hand and took controlled breaths to slow his fluttering heart and center himself back in the here and now. As he calmed down, he let out a heavy sigh and slid over to the edge of the bed, then brought the trinket in his hand up between his thumb and forefinger and gazed at it a moment before closing his eyes and thinking back to some of the happier times he shared with his beloved Tiadriel; their walks in the Valley of Chulath, their scholarly discussions and debates, their picnics on the shoreline of the Nurnex Sea, and the way her eyes shone with a brilliant argentine hue whenever the light struck them just right.

He smiled a little as he dwelled on those old times and opened his eyes, before lightly kissing the trinket and softly whispering: "Rhanne innas melo khia, diamn;" the promise of eternal love he had made to Tiadriel when he used that same necklace to propose to her. Tucking the necklace back under his shirt, he then set about cleaning himself up and preparing himself for the first day of his new job as ship's physician aboard the Valen Sky. Though his knowledge of humans still primarily revolved around their anatomy and physiology, most of the ones he had met thus far had seemed to be decent people, and if they were anywhere near as connected to their homeworld as his people were to Mol'Kiarda, he could only imagine the anguish they must feel at its loss. If the Valen Sky's expedition could help alleviate this anguish for the humans by helping them find their homeworld, then that seemed a noble endeavor to him (and if he was being entirely honest with himself, he did quite need the funds it promised at the moment).

Packing his things, he paid his bill and set off from his room through the winding station to the small craft docks where he was scheduled to rendezvous with the rest of the crew he'd be joining aboard their new ship. As the only one of his kind in this system, or indeed even in the surrounding systems, he received a few curious glances, most commonly from humans who seemed to be one of the few species to realize that human he was not. Still, none were so interested that they could be bothered to interrupt their daily routines, and so the good doctor proceeded towards his objective unaccosted. When he eventually found the Valen Sky however, it became clear that "new" was not the right word to describe this particular vessel. To say it had seen better days would be something of an understatement, and as the Quihansu looked it over he couldn't help but wonder why such a seemingly important expedition would be conducted aboard such an evidently battered ship; though then again, from what he'd seen of human installations so far, he wondered if perhaps their species simply put little value into maintenance. That, or he had accidently made his way to the wrong ship...

Figuring it was best to find out for certain, he soon made his way over to the boarding ramp, where it seemed a few of the crewmembers had begun gathering; including to his pleasant surprise an Allameri. He'd had yet to meet an Allameri in person, but their species' unique form of reproduction was a subject of considerable fascination among many researchers on Mol'Kiarda, who despite many years of studying it never really got any closer to understanding it. Whether this was the right ship or not, he hoped he'd have the opportunity to speak with her. Shifting his eyes over to the Captain before his curious glancing at the Allameri woman turned into an awkward stare, he waited for her to finish before approaching a few feet beside her and greeting the crew in the traditional Quihansu fashion: "Jolan'suila," he stated while politely bowing his head towards the group "I hope I'm not interrupting; I am Dr. Theanor Jarak, I believe I'm the physician you contracted for this voyage. Is this the Valen Sky?"

[Europa Undivided]

New Prague Spaceport
Tiau System
Sanzhar Chernenko

Sanzhar strode along the length of the titanic spaceport, his face hidden beneath his cerulean scarf and hood. A pair of dark glasses hid both of his eyes, though one of the lens had a pitch black appearance, while the one on the left had a scarlet hue, like the one could see with the dark light of a red dwarf star. Furthermore, Sanzhar wore a black coat over his grey shirt, complimenting it with a pair of black pants and brown shoes, which were probably magnetic in order to stick on a ship's surfaces. On his left hand was a black gloves, while his right had a grey one. On his wrist, though, was a mounted circular device, which if tampered with, would produce a shield of energy.

He often carried along this way; concealing his appearance, lurking in the edges and shadows, as he always had ever since he returned to his home, only to find it in absolute ruins. Sanzhar had this recurring fear that agents of the Myriad Corporation were watching him, waiting for the perfect opportunity to take him back to the operating table. That might not be true, or it might be. There was just no way to prove one way or another to anyone, except for it to actually happen. So far it hasn't. Maybe it won't. Or they could just be waiting. Either way, Sanzhar will be paranoid as ever...

Sanzhar, standing at a rather compact five feet and six inches tall, walked unto the docking area where the ship with the golden sun painted along its prow lay, its engines still silent. He had his belongings in tow, including the weapons, clothing, devices and the money. Especially the money. He spotted three men and a woman already there, talking to one another. One had the dignified pose of an officer in charge; he was probably the captain of the ship.

Sanzhar checked his watch. Right on schedule.

He then strode towards them, stopping a few feet from the Amerill... Amerillian? Amerian- whatever-she-was, and putting down his hood to reveal his silver hair and clean forehead. "Hm." He simply said, eyeing each and everyone with total scrutiny. There was a child here. Why did someone bring a kid here? That was dangerous... or he could have been malnourished and looks younger and smaller than his actual age would suggest. Either way, it didn't look like there was any cause for concern, at the moment at least.

Then the man himself, Eren Fritz. Fair skinned, brown hair, formal clothes. Still younger than Sanzhar himself, no doubt. But he really was into something here. Better not let it go.

Ah, yes, the captain. And the lady whose race Sanzhar was yet to remember the name of. They all looked well enough.

"Ehem." Sanzhar bowed a little bit at each of them. "I'm Sanzhar Androvich Chernenko. Pleased to make your acquaintance." He spoke with a peculiar accent, one that he had picked up from his own group of humans on Solvero. "Captain." He then turned to the one who exuded the most authority from his pose. "I look forward to working with and for you."

"And you must be Eren Fritz." Sanzhar studied his features from a distance, watching every move. "So we shall seek our mother once again, she in whose bosom our race once arose. Only for our foolish forefathers to turn our own worlds to dust by their own greed and hatred. Well, it will be an honor to seek her out, to make amends."

[Nagakawa]

Tiau System
New Prague City Spaceport

It was near the end of the docks, painted black with a golden sun painted over its nose. Below there were three men speaking, exchanging pleasantries and introductions. Rhisstrassina approached, but didn't say anything at first, instead standing back and waiting for a break in the conversation. Finally, the man who had stepped out of the ship extended his hand into the cargo hold, gesturing for the others to follow him inside. Rhisstrassina took her chance and approached, placing her two metal cases gingerly on the ground to introduce herself. Placing on fist over her heart and the other behind her back, she bowed to the captain first, as was customary. "Captain," she said, looking up at him from her bowed position before straightening back up and turning to face the other two. She recognized one, the one who had hired her, though she did not recognize his companion.

"Greetings. You must be Ms Rhisstrassina." The captain nodded and smiled faintly. "I am Captain Kenju Takamado. Pleasure to meet you."

He cleared his throat and glanced over briefly at Eren and Alex.

"I hope I have pronounced your name correctly", he added, turning back to face Rhisstrassina to comment a little further before speaking to the others who had already arrived. "I must apologise if I have not, for I am not yet fully acquainted with the naming customs of your people."

Figuring it was best to find out for certain, he soon made his way over to the boarding ramp, where it seemed a few of the crewmembers had begun gathering; including to his pleasant surprise an Allameri. He'd had yet to meet an Allameri in person, but their species' unique form of reproduction was a subject of considerable fascination among many researchers on Mol'Kiarda, who despite many years of studying it never really got any closer to understanding it. Whether this was the right ship or not, he hoped he'd have the opportunity to speak with her. Shifting his eyes over to the Captain before his curious glancing at the Allameri woman turned into an awkward stare, he waited for her to finish before approaching a few feet beside her and greeting the crew in the traditional Quihansu fashion: "Jolan'suila," he stated while politely bowing his head towards the group "I hope I'm not interrupting; I am Dr. Theanor Jarak, I believe I'm the physician you contracted for this voyage. Is this the Valen Sky?"

"Yes, this is the Valen-Sky. My name is Captain Kenju Takamado. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Dr. Jarak."

Captain Takamado made it a point to greet everybody the same way, to the greatest extent that he could. It wasn't always possible, but he tried, nonetheless, to get to know all his men well.

"Let's hope that you won't have to do too much work on this voyage", he joked in a deadpan tone, before turning to Sanzhar.

Ah, yes, the captain. And the lady whose race Sanzhar was yet to remember the name of. They all looked well enough.

"Ehem." Sanzhar bowed a little bit at each of them. "I'm Sanzhar Androvich Chernenko. Pleased to make your acquaintance." He spoke with a peculiar accent, one that he had picked up from his own group of humans on Solvero. "Captain." He then turned to the one who exuded the most authority from his pose. "I look forward to working with and for you."

"And you must be Eren Fritz." Sanzhar studied his features from a distance, watching every move. "So we shall seek our mother once again, she in whose bosom our race once arose. Only for our foolish forefathers to turn our own worlds to dust by their own greed and hatred. Well, it will be an honor to seek her out, to make amends."

"Pleasure to meet you", said Kenju, his sentence getting cut off as Sanzhar then turned to speak to Eren. He decided a proper introduction could be had later, when the whole crew had been gathered and accounted for.

Thus far, the crew seemed a decent bunch, better than some of the platoons and companies he'd commanded in the past. Still, he would nonetheless have them gathered upon embarkation, just to set the tone for the mission. Skill was one thing, but another was how well the crew could work together. Sometimes, a firm hand was needed, at least in the early days of a mission when barely anyone knew each other.

But that could wait.

In the back of his mind, Kenju could not help but ponder the game he'd left unfinished a few months ago. He pondered the position in his mind, attempting to extrapolate the next plays by his opponent. It was hard- the man was unpredictable, keeping his hand hidden. Even in a game of perfect information like chess, the Prime Minister kept his plans obscured behind a thick veil of secrecy, frustrating any effort to extrapolate his next course of action.

He'd have to wait till the meeting for an answer.

[Dragos Bee]

Stars Fell GM Post - Tiau System, New Prague City Space Port

"I am pleased to meet you both," Eren said, offering a handshake to Kenju and giving his own bow to Rhiss, considering the fact that she might take a handshake as an... unwelcome advance. "I am Eren Fritz and I am happy to meet you both." Then at Theanor's introduction, Eren said, "Yes, Mr. Jarak, this is the Valen-Sky - Sorry for the state of the ship, but we thought it might be best if it doesn't attract as much attention as possible." Then at Sanzhar's introduction, the young man continued, in a now exasperated tone, "Oh, come on! That should just be a guess! Don't tell me everyone and their mother now knows what the objective of this expedition is..."

Ascot, meanwhile, was alongside Eren, wondering at the apperance of the Allameri and the Quihansu and how his former master had gotten them to join the crew.

He then said to the assembled group as he literally floated up again and flew circles around each member, "So, it seems we have two Psions here, including me." He had recognized Shanzar from records - The Myriad Star Corporation had a bounty on the guy and told every psionic conscript that they'd get their indenture reduced by half if they captured the runaway - But decided to pretend that he didn't know. "By the way, my name is Ascot Rider - Eren here just freed me less than an hour ago. Now I'm his paid bodyguard."

The boy was strong, very strong, considering how he was able to use psionics for seemingly-fivrolous things. Anyone with the ability to sense psionic talent could see Ascot's power growing, as though taking off the teenager's shock/slave collar had removed the restraints on a deep well of power.

[Kelmet]

Tiau System
New Prague City Spaceport
Dr. Sebastian Monroe

Bass strolled down the walk way with his gear bag slung over his shoulder smiling ear to ear as his ear buds played music from and old earth band by the name of rolling stones. He had one more stop to make before heading to the Valen-Sky, an old friend who had accompanied him on many of his earliest expeditions years ago before getting married and setting up shop on New Prague. Entering the shop stall he saw his old friend up on a step ladder fixing a flickering light completely oblivious to his presence. Monroe knocked on the counter getting his old friends attention.

"Hey there James you old bastard how are you doing?"

"Bass?" he turned around "Bass!" jumping off the last step before giving Monroe a hug " Its to good to see you brother"

"Its great to see you too James, how's Samantha and the kids?"

" They are doing great, did you hear she's pregnant again?"

"Congratulations! Know if your having a boy or a girl yet?"

"Not yet, but I'm hoping for a son finally, help even out the numbers at the house" he finished with a laugh

Monroe joined his old friend laughing "Ah James I could catch up with you all day but I have a flight I need to catch. Do you have my package?"

"Yes sir" he reached under the counter and pulled over a medium sized refrigerated sealed container "42 peaches grown in the soil of Terra Nova herself, I know you prefer the taste"

"Thanks James" As Monroe grabbed it with his free hand "Your a life savor. Take care of yourself yeah?"

"You know it brother, you get back home safe to. We will grab a drink after."

"Sounds like a plan James" Monroe left the shop and headed for the Valen-Sky

As Monroe approached the docking port for the ship he was to board he saw who he assumed were to be his ship mates, So he took a moment to straighten out his clothing and re-adjust jacket so his United Terran Republic Emblem was visible on his jackets sleeve. After he was satisfied with his presentation he approached the ship introducing him self

" Good Morning everyone, Doctor Monroe at your service."

[Europa Undivided]

New Prague Spaceport
Tiau System
Sanzhar Androvich Chernenko

Then at Sanzhar's introduction, the young man continued, in a now exasperated tone, "Oh, come on! That should just be a guess! Don't tell me everyone and their mother now knows what the objective of this expedition is..."

"Bling is my thing." Sanzhar winked as he remembered his exploits in ancient tomb worlds and dessicated spacewrecks along with his former troupe of hunters. Other than the significance of getting to find the homeworld, there was this feeling that finding Old Earth will be a most profitable endeavour. Which is still second to getting into such a momentous occasion, but one knows the idea.

Sanzhar continued to ramble, an itty little bit of electricity crackling on his palm. "And so is speaking in unravelled tongues and cryptic riddles."

But then, the little one began to float.

He then said to the assembled group as he literally floated up again and flew circles around each member, "So, it seems we have two Psions here, including me."

"Two...?" Sanzhar frowned. Did he just get found out? He had been a runaway for five years, evading the corporation for so long through false identities and simply going out to the farthest reaches of explored reaches as a member of some of the dangerous archeological and profit seeking expeditions that were usually brought into fruition by private individuals labeled as insane. He had expected to be struck out of records as missing in action or deceased, but alas, the Myriad Corporation still looked for him. What's so special about him, anyway? He's a failed experiment that can't even shock anything from a distance. If anything they should say that such a failure is beneath their efforts... but here they all were, crazy to find him.

In either case, Sanzhar will have to have a word or two with that other Psion. If he's really freed and away from the grasp of the Myriads, maybe...

"Good Morning everyone, Doctor Monroe at your service."

"Oh, good, a doctor to ensure that we live." Sanzhar nodded as the doctor came in. "A very welcome addition to our merry crew, yes?"

[The Twelve Isles]

Tiau System
New Prague City Spaceport

"Greetings. You must be Ms Rhisstrassina." The captain nodded and smiled faintly. "I am Captain Kenju Takamado. Pleasure to meet you."

He cleared his throat and glanced over briefly at Eren and Alex.

"I hope I have pronounced your name correctly", he added, turning back to face Rhisstrassina to comment a little further before speaking to the others who had already arrived. "I must apologise if I have not, for I am not yet fully acquainted with the naming customs of your people."

"Well, there would be a little more emphasis on the first 'ee,' sound," Rhisstrassina said, giving the good captain a friendly grin, "and please, don't worry about a full name. Outside of formal occasions there is no point in using them."

Rhisstrassina looked over her shoulder to see as two other men arrived, greeting Eren and the captain in turn. One stuck out to her in particular, and though she saw him pointedly avoid staring, Rhisstrassina didn't care to do the same. Quihansu were a rare sight, hardly ever seen off of their homeworld of Mol'Kiarda. She had read about them, but even then, they were new among the Hegemony races, and she only had so much to go off of. She would have to speak with him in time. An opportunity like this, to learn and discover about a people as mysterious as this Doctor Jarak's, could not be wasted.

Stars Fell GM Post - Tiau System, New Prague City Space Port

"I am pleased to meet you both," Eren said, offering a handshake to Kenju and giving his own bow to Rhiss, considering the fact that she might take a handshake as an... unwelcome advance. "I am Eren Fritz and I am happy to meet you both."

Still, that would have to wait. She would do her best to catch up with him later, now was simply not the right time for it. Turning to face Eren again, she ignored the good doctor for now, though did feel both a sense of concern and curiosity as to why he would be needed. Was a simple archaeology mission supposed to be so dangerous? And why did so many of them need to be armed? What did their beneficiary expect to find out there, once they found this ship, the Pequod?

She did appreciate Erens bow though, so at least he was polite, even if he was possibly still trying to hide something. Though his bow was clearly not practiced. His companion however, the little one, continued to act in strange, and almost childish ways, leaping and floating into the air and confronting one of the newcomers, who had introduced himself as Sanzhar. He circled the other man, after doing some laps around everyone else present, making vague and mildly histrionic statements about his being psionic and being free. Rhisstrassina watched with a placid expression, not saying anything at first, though she did note the electricity that crackled out of Sanzhars palm. Three psionics it turned out.

"Whats your name?" she finally called out, interrupting the two of them and addressing the one who was floating. "You haven't introduced yourself yet."

[Rodez]

Tiau System
New Prague City Space Port
Joneid Lozere

There was only one customer in the corner of the cafe; a younger man with a square jaw and a buzz cut that pared back his grey-brown hair to the scalp. He fiddled absently with an empty bottle of New Prague Pilsner, peeling at the label with troubled eyes and a furrowed brow, somehow managing to look simultaneously anxious and bored. The only other inhabitants of the dingy, hole-in-the-wall place were a teenage couple making eager eyes at one another over bowls of pho, and the bartender, an older woman who had polished all the liquor bottles so thoroughly that she had now moved on to polishing her prosthetic metal hands with a wet rag as if they were countertops.

Joneid Lozere had been here before, he decided. Eight or nine years ago, shortly after he'd stolen a freighter and become a self-employed smuggler and pilot. He had not just been to New Prague, which he remembered well as a favored hiding-hole from legitimate authorities, but to this very cafe, which he had picked out from memory a few hours before as he navigated the neon streets of the endless spaceport. It had been more lively then, and Jo remembered meeting a pretty girl here and going home with her. Or had they gone back to his place? Probably not. Jo wasn't the kind of man to have a 'place,' even during his first visit. Especially not now.

That was just the kind of life an exile led. Expelled from the Kundell Sector, his home, for being on the losing side of a war. On the run from the Shvii drug lord who had been his next employer. Hopping from sector to sector, system to system, eeking out a living as a contract pilot and sometimes-smuggler employed by parties of dubious legality along the Hegemony's most dangerous and pirate-ridden trade routes.

Jo lifted the palm of his hand and gazed at the alien lines of the thing, all crisscrossed and and strange. It was true - they looked remarkably organic for having probably been printed on a computer in a Shvii lab somewhere, but Jo still wasn't used to the sight of his hands after twelve years in the new body. Everything else - his green eyes, roman nose, the sturdy build of his new frame, the ironical twist of his mouth when he flashed a rare smile - he had acclimated to. Ul'Toss, the Shvii gangster who had rescued him from that hellish wreckage on Keyres, had been curious to see if a new body would engender major personality changes in Jo's consciousness. He was, Ul'Toss had informed him in no uncertain terms, as much a science experiment as a smart investment. Let's hope it pays off, the crime boss had said, leaving the implications of failure left unsaid.

He should have known better, Jo thought bitterly. Ul'Toss had not dispensed with his brain, just about the only physical part of the old Jo that survived the crash.

He remembered everything. Bethany's golden smile when he told her he loved her, the joyful kicking of an unborn daughter as he pressed his ear to her swollen stomach. The wicked thrill of victory as he had strafed the bridge of the battleship Noble, and the heavy weight of war medals against his jacketed chest.

Those were the memories which, in the beginning, Jo had tried to keep close. But they had lost their luster when he had learned of their death, and the knowledge that, had they been alive, he would have had no means of proving his identity with this new face, this new body. The old Joneid Lozere was now some ashen corpse sitting in a cockpit on the barren moon of Keyres, his shoulder-length blonde hair burned away in seconds by the engine fire that had licked greedily up the length of his flight suit and consumed every inch of his flesh. Jo remembered his vocal chords so choked with toxic smoke that he had been unable to scream at the omnipotent, limitless pain. That was the memory which stuck closest to him now, like an umbilical chord of poison feeding an embryo that didn't want it. Suicide had been in the cards early on, but Jo discovered that he lacked the constitution for such a thing. Unable to end his new life and incapable of forgetting his old one, Jo had muddled on, one foot in both.

"Hey buddy, are you finished? That beer is all you've ordered in three hours, and I've got the dinner-time rush coming in like twenty minutes. Don't need you taking up a corner booth if you're just gonna mope." The bartender was leaning over the counter to meet his gaze, her metallic thumbs twiddling around each other in perfect robotic time.

"Yeah. Yeah, alright." Jo rose from the booth, slinging a duffel bag with his few possessions over his broad shoulder, and hurriedly cleared his tab with his wrist-chip. The seventy-something woman looked like she wanted him out of there, and the pilot obliged her. He realized with a start as stepped back onto the street that they were probably the same age, the bartender and him, though few would believe that an old man in his seventies was ensconced in the body of a thirty year-old. The fact continually disturbed him.

Jo wound his way through the narrow streets of the spaceport's seedy entertainment district, picking from memory the turns that would take him to the docks. Valen-Sky was the name of the vessel he had signed on with, and much as he tried to frame it in those terms, this was not just another job. To find Earth . . . The implications of such a thing made his head swim. The pay was good, true, and he could use the money, but he wasn't desperately hard-up for cash at the moment, and it was the mystery of the expedition, combined with the sheer distance involved, that attracted him. This wasn't smuggling arms or precious ores, or chauffeuring some aristocrat to her wedding. No - this struck him as, even he had to admit, fulfilling. Whether or not they actually stumbled upon mankind's lost homeworld was practically of secondary concern to the old pilot. The Valen-Sky's journey promised to be therapeutic in and of itself, and that had pushed Jo to submit his application. He needed to get away from things.

He did enjoy his walk down the length of the docks - his favorite part of any spaceport by far. The gathered ships of the small-vessel section occupied his mind as he analyzed their known capabilities, or made his best guess if he didn't recognize a type. Corvettes, deep-space miners, freighters of a dozen different extractions, pleasure yachts, asteroid flitters, even a couple heavily-armed frigates which caught his fancy. Jo took pleasure in looking over thrusters, comms arrays, armaments, and in his mind's eye stripped each ship of its plating and tried to imagine what the guts of the vessel looked like - where the various systems intersected, what their weak points might be.

Then Jo came to the end of the section, and found the Valen-Sky. He double-checked the gate number. Yep. This is the one. The pilot let out a small sigh.

The Valen-Sky was a pretty worn light freighter, that much was obvious. It was pockmarked through-and-through by the blast residue and asteroid streaks that told of many years of service out in the void, a fine patina that any captain or owner could only disguise so much. In this case, they hadn't gone to great lengths at all. Jo could appreciate that to some degree - all the good ships wore some scars as a mark of pride - but the Valen-Sky had enough scars to make him wonder. Morning Star Mk. II - class freighters were perfectly serviceable freighters. Jo had spent a few months flying one out in the Uslod Sector several years ago, and knew that they handled well for their size. But he had also spent enough time around newer ships to know that the Morning Stars were aging out of the market. There were faster, more agile freighters out there. Still, the Valen-Sky looked to have been tweaked with some, as it sported keel and aloft-mounted guns that immediately made it better-armed than most of her sisters. One could do better than her, Jo determined. One could also do far worse.

Only after his inspection of the ship was complete did Jo turn his attention to the small group clustered around the Sky's lowered ramp. Other than the mop of brown hair and young face that he recognized as belonging to Eren Fritz, the expedition's aristocratic benefactor, he didn't know any of them. That wasn't surprising, though. Fritz's name and face had been the only one listed in the application, and Jo figured that he was also the only common link any of them shared in the expedition.

Aside from Fritz, there was an even younger boy - who was floating - a young man with bright blonde hair, and a dark-haired fellow that stood possessively on the ramp, attired in full dress uniform. Jo guessed that this was probably the Sky's captain. There was also a pale-skinned Aramelli female, another young man who stood a bit shorter than the rest and . . . was that a Quihansu? That was a rare sight, indeed.

So we have a teenage psion and a couple aliens, Jo concluded. Interesting choice by Fritz to go and pick every galactic flavor out there.

Jo was a bit late to the party. He plodded up to the edge of the cluster in several big, long strides, giving each crewmember a brief and appraising glance.

He addressed their benefactor first, giving the young aristocrat a respectful nod but keeping his hands on the utility belt of his duster. "Mr. Fritz. Name's Joneid Lozere. Jo's fine. Pilot, mechanic. I can fly the Sky or do whatever needs doing if she's hurting."

Again sweeping his gaze from each of the crew to the next, Jo's hard eyes settled on the dark-haired man in full dress kit. The navy blue jacket and decorated lapels reminded him a little too much of the old uniforms that the officers of House Margedeon's now-defunct Navy had once sported. That he had once sported. A surge of anger coursed through him, and he had to swallow it down with visible effort. This man didn't have a thing to do with any of that, he had to remind himself. "Captain," he said finally, giving a curt nod. "Your ship has got some years, but I like the look of her."

[Nagakawa]

Tiau System
New Prague City Space Port

Again sweeping his gaze from each of the crew to the next, Jo's hard eyes settled on the dark-haired man in full dress kit. The navy blue jacket and decorated lapels reminded him a little too much of the old uniforms that the officers of House Margedeon's now-defunct Navy had once sported. That he had once sported. A surge of anger coursed through him, and he had to swallow it down with visible effort. This man didn't have a thing to do with any of that, he had to remind himself. "Captain," he said finally, giving a curt nod. "Your ship has got some years, but I like the look of her."

“It’s my pleasure to invite you aboard”, said the captain, nodding in an affirming manner and casting Jo the faintest glint of a smile. “My name is Takamado. I look forward to working with you.”

This latest member of the crew to show up had an air of melancholy that emanated from his eyes- that much Kenju was able to glean from his brief interaction with the man. No doubt, there would be much more time in the future for them to speak, and as such, he deemed it best not to probe too much. The man’s dossier, compiled by Naval Intelligence, as with the rest of the crew’s, offered little indication as to what that may have been.

Snappily, Kenju checked his watch, and then turned to Eren.

“I must seek your understanding”, he said, the faint smile on his lips now gone and his tone, its old military timbre. “I have not the time to continue engaging in the pleasantries. In an hour from now, I shall have the crew gathered so that you may brief them on the mission outline, and I, the administrative matters.”

By ‘administrative matters’, Kenju meant of course his usual lecture on the standards of discipline and professionalism he expected out of the crew. A hangup from his days as a platoon and company commander, perhaps. Still, setting the tone for a deployment was something he deemed important, and hell to anyone who would stop him from doing so.

[Dragos Bee]

Stars Fell GM Post - Tiau System, New Prague City Space Port

"Greetings," Eren gave a slight bow, before turning to Sanzhar, "No, Doctor Monroe isn't a medical doctor, he's an archaeologist. A very esteemed one, by the way. Mr. Jarak here," he gestured to Theanor, "Is the medical doctor, and I am assuming he has literal thousands of years of experience, considering what I've heard about his species."

In reaction to Rhiss' request, Ascot said, "My name is Ascot! Ascot Rider! Eren just freed me from an indenture just less than an hour ago! You're an Allameri, right? Natural Psions, long-lived, and known for cunning and guile and beauty, or so people say?"

Eren looked at Ascot and said, "Yeah... Buying that indenture contract was one of the worst decisions I ever made. Here's hoping I drew back from that decision fast enough." Then to the Captain, "Of course, good Captain. But to be honest, considering the fact that everyone else here knows the mission objective, I feel as though a briefing would be redundant. Nevertheless, if you'd do me the favor of preparing the ship for liftoff within an hour, I'll give the crew their briefing."

As for Joneld, Eren offerred a handshake and said, "Jo Lozere, reserve member. Perfect for if we have an emergency, then - Thank you for the offer."

He looked around for any other last minute arrivals - There should be a few more, right? He tried to remind himself of the mission parameters - Go to the nearest Gate, emerge from the other end, then use 'normal' FTL to make a few leaps towards the Peqod and the information it provided which might guide them to Earth. And of course, hope that they are not intercepted by gangsters, which he had to admit that they might because they were being warched - If the mission objectives were leaked so completely and so soon, it was natural to assume that forces hostile to said objectives were already stalking the group and the ship...

Speaking of which, they really should go inside the ship. So Eren said, "Captain Takamado, perhaps its time to escort us inside the Valen-Sky?"

[Nagakawa]

Tiau System, New Prague City Space Port

Speaking of which, they really should go inside the ship. So Eren said, "Captain Takamado, perhaps its time to escort us inside the Valen-Sky?"

"Yes, let's not tarry any longer than we have", said the Captain, as he peered at his watch and, brushing his fingers through his hair, sharply turned and went back into the ship, beckoning to the others to follow along with a nod. "Eren, I want the crew assembled at the bridge in an hour's time for the first administrative briefing. Earlier, if possible."

Then, wagging a finger half seriously, he added, "No latecomers."

...

"Captain Takamado."

In the confines of his office, the door shut behind him, the sound of a speaker crackling to life filled the room, and as Kenju quietly walked over to his desk, where his peak cap sat beside the chess board that he'd arranged to a mid-game position, a rather familiar voice came through.

"I believe it's my turn."

"How are you on the line?" Kenju asked in a stern voice. "I didn't approve you as a contact on the system."

"Did you not receive my letter?" The voice chuckled. "Whatever it is, I have my ways. And now that you're set to inherit your late father's title, I think it's important for us to get to know each other a little better. Knight takes c6."

"Pawn takes c6."

"Bishop to d3"

"Pawn to d5."

"Castle kingside."

With that last move, Kenju picked up his peak cap from the table, fixed it atop his head, and walked over to the mirror in the corner of the room, where he straightened out his uniform and wiped the badges on his lapels.

"It will not be long", said the voice on the other end of the line. "When your sojourn is over... you'll have your new responsibilities to face. And I just want you to know that I'll always be here for you."

BLACK: Kenju Takamado (高窓　健樹)

WHITE: Kuniyuki, Prince Inazuma (稲妻宮国幸王)

Black to move

...

Valen-Sky
The bridge

"Eren."

Now in the main command room of the ship, his cap perched immaculately atop his head, Captain Takamado quietly watched as the crew began filing in for the briefing, with ten minutes to go till the time he'd stipulated earlier. It was to be a standard administrative briefing; even the Captain himself was not a fan of such boring speeches, but it had to be done, nonetheless. Setting the tone, he believed, was crucial to any successful mission.

"I trust the whole crew will be here, soon enough", he said, checking his watch again. "I won't hold them too long. Once I'm done with the administrative matters, I'll hand them over to you, and you can explain the scope of the mission."

...

[Brusia]

Dr. Theanor Jarak
Valen-Sky
Bridge

After following the Captain and the rest of the crew aboard the Valen-Sky, Theanor used the hour until the briefing to explore the vessel abit, making note of the locations of important areas of the ship such as the Bridge, Engineering, and the Mess Hall before making his way to the Sickbay. Perusing the Sickbay, he noted to his pleasant surprise that the equipment seemed to be in considerably better shape than the ship it inhabited, and while not quite as sophisticated as the equipment he was accustomed to working with in the hospitals of Mol'Kiarda it should certainly be more than sufficient for their purposes. He then spent the next few minutes taking inventory of the various medical supplies aboard so he could inform the Captain if there were any necessary supplies they would need to acquire before departing New Prague City, but fortunately it appeared the ship was well-stocked and should have everything required for any run-of-the-mill medical emergencies or generic maladies that may arise on their voyage.

Satisfied with the state of things in the Sickbay, he then proceeded just across the hall to what looked to be the closest unclaimed room and set his belongings down on the bed to unofficially claim it; in the event any emergencies should happen during his off hours, he wanted to ensure he could make it to the Sickbay as quickly as possible. With a room now more or less claimed, he decided to head to briefing abit early, and upon arriving at the Bridge, gave polite nods to Eren and the Captain before taking a seat and awaiting the arrival of the rest of his fellow crewmembers...

[Kelmet]

Dr. Sebastian Monroe
Valen-Sky
Bridge

Joining his new crewmates aboard the Velen-Sky and being told that the briefing was to be in an hour he decided to use his time to get his quarters in order. Picking a unassigned room with enough floor space to set up a small archelogy laboratory along with his other necessities. With a satisfying boot up his refrigeration unit came online and he sad down on his bed gazing at what would be his home for the foreseeable future. Then stood up, made sure his door was locked and retrieved a small unmarked personal projection device from a hidden compartment in his personal luggage. Placing it down directly in front of him in the middle of the room before sitting back down on his bed the projector came to life as Monroe stated the phrase "May we meet again, on our final journey to the ground"

The device projected up in a clean blue light the re-creation of a Human face, that spoke in a soft casual tone.

"Ah Monroe, we expected your check in. Everything in order?"

"Yes sir Agent Davies, so far everything's ace's."

"We have know each other for years Bass, you can call me my name during operations."

"Old habits are hard to break I guess" fallowed by a light laugh. " Got about 10 minutes to kill before heading to the briefing, I'll know much more after."

"Understood, until then we can call this conversation in field bonding. It's important since we will be family some day."

"Oliver we already are family whether or not I marry your daughter. I haven't even seen her in 2 years, I've been in the field or at academy lectures. Your fascination with me might not be hers."

"Oh nonsense, she's had only eyes for you since you were on the debate time. She's always up my ass wondering how your doing. You'd do good to write her on this trip, if you have the down time. If my information is correct you are in for quite the adventure, speaking of check the peaches, don't worry there's still 42 I know better than to mess with your peaches. "

"Alright, if it keeps you off my back ill write her, ill time it with our check in's to consolidate. And you better not have, I'm going to count them." both men laugh then ease back into silence. "Your a mentor to me Oliver, but I have to ask I don't know why I haven't before why me? Why make me the deal that O.N.I will help me and my family in the U.T.R in exchange these chats on my expeditions. Your daughters affections isn't equal all the benefit my family ad I have made."[/i]

"I figure I can give you the compact version. We make assessments of all promising candidates among the best and brightest of Terran society, we insure that those best suited to the burdens of steering the ship of our civilization are indeed the ones at the helm. While we are on the subject your handgun certification came threw and your cleared to have a firearm in the field, may have to do with your little surprise."

"If that's all sir I should head to that briefing."

"And remember what I tell you every time, Know one can know."

Before Monroe could quip back the device went silent. So he decided to finish his thoughts aloud, " Yeah right, like I would have any reason to share my association, just saying it would make me sound crazy." Kneeling down to open his refrigeration unit containing his favorite he was quick to notice a hidden container built into the cooling body. Inside was A m6c-covert variant handgun, he took the test for self promotion, not with the mentality that he would ever need it in the field. Besides his companions looked able enough, no need to draw more attention to himself. Tho he would retrieve the pistol and hide it in his night stand by his bed he wouldn't dare carry it around the ship.

Making sure to swing by the ships galley to see what he would be working with when he started cooking Monroe continued towards the bridge before discovering he was the second to arrive.

"Hello Dr. Jarak"

[Europa Undivided]

Sanzhar Chernenko
The Valen-Sky

Later...

Sanzhar had placed his belongings in the room that had been assigned to him. It was mostly just basic amenities with a nice viewport to see the void of space, something that could be expected of this old school ship. This thing is, after, no state of the art of war cruiser, but a freighter.

There were other things to worry about, though. That... boy. That child. He knew what Sanzhar he was. The one named Ascot floated in circles around them like an onion rings from a fast food restaurant, and the mention of two psykers amongst them had led him to suspect that he had been found out.

Sanzhar had worked so hard just to attain the freedom he currently enjoys. Being turned into a psychic child warrior, a failure at that, was no memorable thing. In fact, if he could, he'd rather forget every little bit memory everything in between then and the day he started to be free.

Ugh.

---

After getting his things in order, Sanzhar proceeded towards the mess hall. He hadn't changed his clothes.

After getting a basic MRE, he sat down... and found himself sitting right beside the psychic child from earlier.

Taking a bite, he looked at Ascot. "You know, don't you?" Frowning, he bit again. He continued to speak, this time in a low hissing whisper. "I've worked very, very hard and long just to be get legal privilege of freedom. The corporation still wants me back, nonetheless... but you wouldn't do anything that will bring your fellow trauma victim into the clutches of those bastards, won't you?"

Sanzhar clicked his tongue. "I have no idea why they even want a failed experiment as myself to return. Make me a promise, will you? Don't tell... you know who and you know what. Or else... I'll be... uh... really mad."

[Dragos Bee]

Stars Fell GM Post - Tiau System, New Prague City Space Port

Once in the briefing room, Eren cleared his throat and said, "All right, before the briefing starts, I have to ask - How do so many of you know the exact goals of the ship's mission before I informed you? While said goals aren't exactly classified, I was hoping to keep it discreet, with potential crewmates not being sure that we're trying to find Humanity's homeworld until I confirmed it personally." He sighed, "Well, to be honest, maybe I was just being prideful and naive by assuming that - But fair warning, not everyone wants us to succeed in our mission, the fact that our goals are publicly known puts a target on our backs, and should we succeed in said mission, we will have to manage the astropolitical consequences. But that last part is a topic for another time - Right now, let's discuss how we will proceed in this mission."

The young man then said more confidently, bringing up a holographic projection using the briefing room's equipment, a holographic projector showing the path from the New Prague Spaceport to the 'Jordan Gate', the nearest interstellar portal, "We will fly using sublight to the Jordan Gate, sticking to a well-frequented shipping route to deter pirates and 'pirates' seeking to intercept us. Then once we get through the gate, we will head for the frointer station of New Georgetown to illegally change our registration, tracking number, and get a new paint job. Once we've gone through that, we shall take a set of random FTL jumps to the general direction of the Pequod to shake off any pursuers, dealing with any perils we find on the way with our wits and blasters. Then, once we find the Pequod, whatever that is, we shall try and find its connection to Earth - It is not a given that it has the coordinates, by the way."

Eren then sighed and followed up with, "And once we get to Earth, which I assume would still be a devestated hellhole, we will take some pictures, soil samples, and look for any relics of Old Humanity - If any survived the last eight hundred years, of course. Then we go back to Hegemony Space, using whatever contacts we have to make sure we are welcomed as heroes and not arrested or 'disappeared' on trumped-up charges. Any objections to how much this mission relies on luck and our own abilities?"

He took a few moments to let his words register in the crew's minds. "And finally, we need to plug whatever leaks we have, information-wise - Be suspicious of most people here. Assume that anyone with power and influence is at least thinking of betraying us. Leverage everything you have."

Then the young man's stomach rumbled, and he said, "And now we may have to eat - Hopefully Captain Takamado can launch the ship just before the actual lunch hour..."

Flashback - Ascot's Early Lunch

Ascot thought nothing of promising Sanzhar this, especially considering that he had covered for the guy. His next words were, "Sure. I already said there were two psykers, not three, and the second is the Allemeri lady." Then he smiled a biy wryly and continued, "What? You didn't know the Allemeri are Psykers?"

[Europa Undivided]

Sanzhar Chernenko
Earlier

Ascot thought nothing of promising Sanzhar this, especially considering that he had covered for the guy. His next words were, "Sure. I already said there were two psykers, not three, and the second is the Allemeri lady." Then he smiled a biy wryly and continued, "What? You didn't know the Allemeri are Psykers?"

"Oh..." Sanzhar hung his head in awkwardness as he had just badmouthed the person that had covered for him. Moreover, there was that significant hole in his knowledge about the Allameri being psykers... that was quite embarassing, especially for someone so well travelled as himself. Maybe it was the implants that had hampered with his memory retention? Maybe. It could be.

"Ugh. I'm sorry." Sanzhar backed away a little bit as he started on his meal. "I am... very paranoid. Sorry."

---

Now

Eren then sighed and followed up with, "And once we get to Earth, which I assume would still be a devestated hellhole, we will take some pictures, soil samples, and look for any relics of Old Humanity - If any survived the last eight hundred years, of course. Then we go back to Hegemony Space, using whatever contacts we have to make sure we are welcomed as heroes and not arrested or 'disappeared' on trumped-up charges. Any objections to how much this mission relies on luck and our own abilities?"

"Luck and own abilities..." Sanzhar quietly mused to himself. That was something that he had come to rely on when he had scoured ancient worlds for treasures, braving the dangers that those places bring into the table. These were included but not limited to automated guardians, ancient warrior orders, booby traps, dragons, other treasure seekers, and cave-in protocols. When going to a place as uncertain as a tomb world, one can only rely on luck and smarts.

Just like the good old times.

Then there was the bit about leaks and people in power doing people in power things. In essence, they expected betrayal and harassment from those that would wish to keep the secret of their ancient homeland secret.

So, just like every other thing in this galaxy. Filled with the certainty for intrigue and traitorous intent.

Bring it on, universe.