Chapter Two

[Quantum Rain]

First topic message reminder :

As the forum auto-splits topics every 50 pages, the next topics will be named further chapters accordingly. This is chapter two, guys, KEEP IT UP!

Post.
POST.
POST!

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Reeds just kept on whistling as guards and crew cleared out of his path. Eventually, he stopped at a door, the label addressing it as 'Science Lab 2A.' He smiled as he opened the door and Lae saw that the science lab was not small by any means. It was massive, in fact, taking up at least five rooms and two floors entirely on its own. It also seemed to host a massive range of equipment, some of which were entirely foreign to him. With all of the technology, equipment, and stores here, one could only wonder what Reeds' intention was with this lab.

He rolled the cart up next to two others and then proceeded to rummage around for a datapad. "Sit down, my fine lab rat." He said friendly still as he finally found his desired object, turning it own and turning toward Lae, a mischievous grin on his face.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Ackbar shakes himself, ruffling his feathers as he ponders the situation.* Ackbar: Destroying these ships was hard enough--capturing one intact is beyond even the combined strength of Aves and Hiigara. But if we were able to somehow get onboard it, and take some data...maybe that would suffice as proof. That seems slightly more feasible than trying to capture it.

[Quantum Rain]

"Perhaps, it depends on the others... Is there anything else you wish to discuss? This may be one of the few times we will be able to." Marion states, her mind already disseminating the report she called up earlier back into the recesses of her memory.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

Ackbar: Yes. For one, how do we find this ship? And for another, how extensive is your cyclical knowledge?

[Quantum Rain]

"I am uncertain as to how you may find this ship... It does not follow any set patterns. As well, my two cycles of knowledge don't provide the answers you seek... but I do remember most of everything, if you must know."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

Ackbar: Lucky. Your knowledge is much more complete than mine. Mine is very...fragmented. Seems that your--what did you call him? Golden God?--is picky about who knows what. But let's get back to the matter at hand. I don't have anything further to ask you; is there anything you wish to discuss, High Sovereign?

[Quantum Rain]

"I do not, Admiral." She said, standing up, never once really losing her elegant nature or speaking. "Perhaps we will meet later, without a conflict bloodying the scenery." She moves towards the door. "Megali' diar'keia, Admiral." She spoke in a purposefully foreign language.

[Roach]

The free Peoples fleet Hauls off it damaged warship they are replaced in the ranks by fresh ships. Pyotr the Great Goes back to Ramius for refit several of the newest classes of free peoples warships appear in the fleet as construction drones rebuild the destroyed defenses.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Ackbar responds in ancient Raptorian.* Ackbar: Sheesak creli Aves tanook'she nel fa, High Sovereign. (Avian Common) Guards! Escort the High Sovereign to the hangar. Hangar Command, have a gunship prepped to take her back to her ship. If you can hear this, High Sovereign, the chances of us meeting again without things exploding around us are slim at best. We both know it.

*Several guards arrive at his call and lead Marion back to the hangar, where one of the remaining gunships takes her back to her flagship.*

*The hawk stays in his cabin for some time, drinking, until a knock sounds at the door.* Come in.

*The door slides open, admitting Ironbeak.* Ironbeak: Hey, sir. Seems like things didn't go as planned down there.

Ackbar: No [censored]. *He offers the Harpy Eagle some of his drink.* Want some?

Ironbeak: I guess I can try it. Thanks, Admiral. *He pours a small amount into a cup and takes a sip.* So, if I may, what now?

Ackbar: I don't know. They all need proof to accept this threat--I can understand that. But this...the only lead I have is about some Primitus ship that's nearly impossible to find. And if we do find it, we'll have to subdue it, get onboard, and extract enough relevant data to prove that they're coming.

Ironbeak: That sounds...difficult.

Ackbar: It sure as hell is. *He takes a long drink from the glass.* But we have to try.

*Beat.*

Who's still out here?

Ironbeak: Just us and the Rachni. The turians left almost immediately after the summit ended, while the Hiigarans, Morrigi, and Federation went while you were talking with the High Sovereign. Then, once our gunship took her back to her people, they left too. The Hiigarans remembered to give us back our people they had on their ship, thankfully. And they all left us with ways to contact them.

Ackbar: Good. Let's go home. There's a lot of work to do...

*The two avians leave the cabin, and the Spirit of Aves soon departs from the planet. It leaves behind the wreckage of nearly a thousand ships from the varied races, and their crews who fought and died in the battle.* They fought and died...for what? Their deaths, and so many others, will all have been in vain unless I find some way to convince these addleheads of the threat that the Primitus pose. But how? ...how? By Aves, how?!

*The hawk runs through what he learned at the summit.* There have to be other ways to prepare in the meantime. Let's see...something has to be done about the war between the turians and the Rachni. I'll send Addrson to the Federation's capital Ramius and see if we can get the peace process started. But how do I get him there without leaving Aves and our colonies defenseless as well...?

*These musings and many others occupy his thoughts for the rest of the journey back to Aves.*

--Ramius, Several Days Later--

*The Federation receives a message from the GAU asking it to expect a Hiigaran vessel, carrying an avian delegation, to arrive at Ramius soon.*

*A few hours later, a Hiigaran Vanguard-class heavy destroyer comes out of FTL at the edge of Ramius orbit and requests a vector and berth.*

[Roach]

--Ramius--

The Ship is given a birth and the delegation is Directed to land and proceed to Castle Ramius.*

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Ramius--

*The "delegation" follows the instructions of Ramius Command and on arrival at the castle, turns out to be just two beings, an avian and a Hiigaran. They stand uncertainly in front of the place, unsure of what to do.*

Addrson: ...what do we do now?

Fosca Manaan: I'm not sure.

[Roach]

A dwarf Clad in mithril armor bearing the symbol of the silver swan approaches the castle to his back a enormous multilayer fortress of white stone the front gate wide enough for two tanks to travel down the winding road into the rolling grassland that lay stretched for miles in any given direction the only land mark beyond being the mighty don river and Moscow. The Dwarf bows in a short respectful fashion.

"Honored guests welcome to the private home and command center of High admiral roach I am Captain Argali of the Swan Knights if you would please follow me. And if you have any question about anything you see feel free to ask" The Dwarf turns and leads them through the gates into a large open courtyard the road leading to a second wall is lined on both sides by beautiful Mallorn trees their branches covered in vibrant flowers. They pass through the second gate here the swan nights practice and drill light sabers clash and men practice will all degrees of arms. Further back a motor pool of tanks and other vehicles are aligned some ready for battle others receiving maintenance. They pass through two more gate these two courtyards hold statues of great warriors and leaders of the free peoples until they finally reach the keep as they approach the massive wooden doors swing open allowing them entrance they enter a well lit hall tapestries and works of art line the walls and suits of armor keep silent vigil. Finally they are led up a winding stair case to the top of tower Argali leads them to a large open balcony with a stunning view of the countryside.

"Please wait here the Admiral will be with you shortly. If you require any thing pull this gold cord a member of the staff shall attend to you"

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*The visitors barely manage to contain their surprise at their escort's size, but nevertheless follow him politely.*

Addrson: What a long-winded one for being so small... *They continue following the little man, politely complimenting the impressive scenery and shows of force. On arriving at the guest room, they seat themselves and thank their guide. Fosca sits down in a chair, while Addrson plumps himself onto a cushion.*

Fosca: So, avian, what exactly are we here for again?

Addrson: To learn of the situation regarding the war between the turians and the Rachni. The Admiral dispatched me here to start the peace process, or assist in it if it's already started.

*Beat. Fosca looks out at the view of the countryside.*

Fosca: This world is very beautiful. Almost, but not quite, as beautiful as Hiigara.

Addrson (dismissive snort): Listen to your silliness. Aves in its prime was half again as wonderful as both these two planets combined!

Fosca (playfully): And how do you know that? Have you ever been to Hiigara or seen you world "in its prime", as you say it?

Addrson: ...no, I can't say I've done either of those things. *His eyes grow somber.*

*Fosca suddenly realizes what he said.* Fosca (horrified): Equatorial hells, I--please forgive me, avian, I didn't--I never meant to insult your world's state--

Addrson: Don't worry about it, Fosca. Aves was beautiful once, and someday, it will be again.

*Beat.*

Fosca: Not that I don't think peace is valuable, but why exactly should either of our races care about whether these other ones are at war? And how does being here help prospects for it?

Addrson: You're a diplomat, Fosca. Think about it--Ackbar sees both of them as valuable allies against the Primitus. And if they fight, then they're both weakened when the destroyers arrive. As to why we're here, the Federation pledged to help defend the Rachni and they're our best possible tool for leverage here.

*Fosca mulls this over.* Fosca: That makes sense.

Addrson: Addlehead. Weren't you briefed?

Fosca: I thought I could just make it up as I went along.

*They both chuckle and resume waiting.*

[Roach]

*In the distance they would see two shapes approaching flying over the sweeping grasslands as they approached one was the clear form of a dragon while the other was a massive eagle The eagle landed perched on the edge of the balcony and the dragon hovered for a moment and in a flash Roach returned to his normal state.

"Pardon my tardiness Gwaihir and I were out for a flight the lord of the wind has not yet seen Ramius and wished to explore." Roach sat down across from them he was clad in a dark green long coat made in a similar fashion to those the old Russian Admirals of the 18th century had worn. "So what have you come to discuss?" Roach said pouring himself some tea that had suddenly appeared on the table as he sat down.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

Addrson: I'm going to have to get used to [censored] like this...is that big one a Child of Aves? *He manages to recover from his surprise at their entrance quickly enough to answer Roach almost immediately.* To put it simply, Mr...Roach, yes? We have come to address the issue concerning the war with the turians between the Rachni. How do things stand as they are right now?

[Roach]

Addrson: I'm going to have to get used to [censored] like this...is that big one a Child of Aves? *He manages to recover from his surprise at their entrance quickly enough to answer Roach almost immediately.* To put it simply, Mr...Roach, yes? We have come to address the issue concerning the war with the turians between the Rachni. How do things stand as they are right now?

Gwaihir sits still perched standing nearly ten feet tall he tilts his head to the side looking at Addrison in a perplexed way though he says nothing just quietly observing.

"Please call me Admiral Or simply Roach other titles feel strange. The situation can be described as a shaky ceasefire. They dare not make another attack with the losses they took last time my navy stands poised to strike back and shield our ally if they do so all in the situation is not much different from what it was a few weeks ago when this war began."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

Addrson: Very well, Admiral Roach. Then let me formally introduce myself as well. I am Addrson Runflap, administrative assistance to Fore Admiral Ackbar and diplomat acting on behalf of the Galactic Avian Union.

Fosca: And I am Eldo Fosca Manaan of the Hiigaran Daiamid, here to observe and help if need be.

Addrson (once introductions are over): Now, back to the task at hand. It sounds like the shooting has stopped, but not for long. Are any attempts at peace being made?

[Roach]

"My son Lucas the head of our diplomatic core left for the Turain capital today with a diplomatic team although he does not expect to see much success he Believes it will take the Weight of the Immortal Council to and some bargaining chips to sway the Turian leaders. Or a chain of horrible defeats to channel the Turian populace away from war." Roach says shifting into a more comfortable position in his chair as he chews on some jerky.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

Fosca: What is the "Immortal Council"?

Addrson: And do you have any specific bargaining chips in mind?

[Roach]

"The Immortal council is myself Tsar Putin and Kane we are considered the three Most Powerful beings in our space We hold sway over the peoples hearts and minds for we have long led them and protected them from peril we also hold sway over many things that others do not perceive. As for bargaining chips The rachni have captured many Turian's that survived the battle of New Song, and hold them as is their right as prisoners of war, I hate to use the term but they may indeed be used as hostages."

[Quantum Rain]

--New Song--

When Marion arrives on her ship, the fleet prepares to leave with what little it has managed to scavenge.

"We were late in transmitting the jamming signal, unfortunately, ma'am." An officer stated, keeping pace with her. "Yes, but we did not come here solely for Primitus tech, officer." She replied, not turning to face him directly. "Yes, ma'am. Also, latest intelligence reports seem... disturbing, perhaps we should return home while we are ale to?" "Perhaps we shall, officer." She waved him off, entering her quarters. She walked toward the comm and ordered the captain to leave for Ultra Vires at once. The captain complies.

---

Shadow hovers in space, cloaking himself from total view as he watches the fleets disembark for their own worlds. A foreshadowing of things to come...

"... Everything continues as planned. Now it is time to prepare for your release, isn't it?" Shadow asks his empty question, already knowing the answer. He receives silence in return. "Heh. Still the silent type..." He laughs lightly to himself, remembering all that's happened to him, and then disappears in a nondescript manner.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*The pair digests this information.* Addrson: I see. Then allow me to present this formal request on behalf of the Galactic Avian Union: "Admiral Roach, I need you to do whatever you can to stop the war between the Rachni Hive and the Turian Hierarchy from resuming. The Primitus are coming and while my people search for proof to present at the next summit, we cannot be fighting amongst ourselves--now or ever. If you need help, I will provide it however I can. Yours, Fore Admiral Ackbar."

Fosca (impressed): Your Admiral has quite the way with words.

Addrson: He learned it the hard way.

[Roach]

"I wish for nothing more than peace and i will do all that i can to achieve it but it is difficult to reason with a people who have abandoned reason. Its rather like administering medicine to the dead. Also I understand you had to receive a ride here to Ramius from the Hiigarans Addrson?"

*Roach pulls out a datapad*

"As a diplomatic token of good will i can offer you several light cruisers for diplomatic purposes and cargo vessels for your merchants and the transportation of resources to your colonies. This would allow us to establish a healthy trade relationship and the better my people know yours the better their public opinion Is. Also Fosca I'd also like to draw up a trade agreement between Hiigara and The Federation we have many items several nations have found most useful."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

Addrson (to Roach's question): Unfortunately, Mr. Roach, yes. The Spirit of Aves is the only warship we currently have that is capable of defeating a Primitus ship and the Admiral didn't dare leave Aves undefended; not like the last time, when we almost lost the planet to a Primitus--how do you say it in Basic? "Blitzkrieg"? At any rate, we had to petition our good allies, the Hiigarans, to get me here.

*He listens carefully to Roach's offer and nods with a relieved smile.* That would be most generous of you, Mr. Roach. We'll have to refit the vessels to suit our biology, but that'll be much easier than building them up from scratch. The avians are honored to accept both your offers.

Fosca: Shrewd, Admiral. I''ll convey your request back to Hiigara when I return, but I'm quite certain the Kiithid Assembly will accept. Even if they don't, there's nothing to stop individual Kiithid like Manaan--my own--from trading with you. I doubt they will reject it, however.

Addrson: I'm glad we've gotten that squared away. Ackbar will be pleased. *Beat. Finally, Addrson's curiosity gets the better of him and he addresses Gwaihir in Avian Common.* I'm sorry, but I have to ask--who are you? You can't possibly be a Child of Aves...can you?

[Roach]

Despite being addressed in avian common Gwaihir understands the question he replies in basic.

"I am a child of Illuvitar and a being of Arda little one. I have never seen a bird out side of arda posses sentient intelligence before so you truly drew much curiosity from me."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Addrson is perplexed and switches back to Basic.* Addrson: "Birds"? My people are known as avians, or more formally, the Children of Aves. We have always possessed sentience and came by it naturally through evolution, though our forms have changed very little from the era before we became intelligent. *Beat.* We had tales, once, of enormous raptorae that roamed Aves, but if the legends are to be believed, they were driven extinct by the mammalians in the First War. *He then realizes something else.* Wait--what is this "Illuvitar" you speak of?

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