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!

---

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]

--Palaven--

Fedorian: Very well. I'll ask the city's governor where the best place to put your embassy would be. It shouldn't take long. Dismissed, Primarchs! (to Fields) Will you remain as ambassador to the Hierarchy?

--Alba--

Addrson: Not many--please forgive any perceived lack of genuine curiosity on my part, but your diplomat on Aves, Pav Xarov undul Karoja, already did a marvelous job of filling us in on your nation and your government. He left very little unanswered, to his credit. But your relation with the Hiigarans does have me wondering about something. They have records and even technology from another ancient race, the Progenitors, but very little about the Primitus beyond the fact that they and the Progenitors fought a war once. Does this--what's the expression, "ring a bell"?

--Coronatus--

Praetorius: I'm so glad you approve. Padrax, Titus, go investigate those imposters, but don't get caught. The rest, with me. Balmorra, there's only one world in the war faction in this constellation: Legnus in the Nazario system. We'll investigate it first...meet you there.

*Two vessels from the Blackwatch squadron break formation, head to the system's edge, and jump to FTL, headed towards Durana. The rest of the turian ships set their course for the Nazario system.*

[Quantum Rain]

--Palaven--
Fields shook his head. "I'm afraid I was given the task of speaking to every faction, every race, in this quadrant of the galaxy, Primarch. However, I was not given a time limit in which to do so, and the ships above are under my command. I can stay a short time longer. As well, we do have other matters to discuss in private still." He stated in a polite tone of voice.

[Roach]

--Coronatus--

The Balmorra plots its course and rockets into hyperspace roach sits on the command couch beside the captain reading a data pad seemingly oblivious to his surrondings.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

Fedorian: Alright, let's head back to my office. Follow me! *He leads Fields back toward on his office, talking on the way.* Before we discuss whatever it is you wish to discuss, can you give us directions to your capital--by Mass Relay if possible--and send a message to your government explaining that a Hierarchy representative will be arriving soon?

--Pheiros Constellation, Nazario System--

*The Balmorra and the Blackwatch ships arrive in the Nazario system at roughly the same time and launch their investigation of the only inhabited world, a moderately-developed colony named Hibernia. Despite its name, it is a desert-type planet. The task force's scans turn up nothing.* Praetorius: I wasn't expecting to find anything on our first try anyway. Balmorra, we need to fall back to Coronatus, vent our heat emissions, and discharge our drive-cores. Our next destination is Galatana, in the Alcirax system of the Iber Rift. We'll meet you there--try not to run into any trouble.

--Pheiros Constellation, Durana System--

*The two Blackwatch ships arrive in the system undetected and find the impostors sitting apparently idle. After waiting for a few minutes, a few new ships of unfamiliar design enter the system and the impostors hail them.*

Maliorax: Maliorax to Astrum Collective. The situation just got a lot more complicated.

[SGOS]

Osana. Year 1273- 'Regus' Era.


Mimir State Research and Development Labratory
A cylinder container a lime green gel/liquid large enough for a man sits in an industrious looking room. Two scientists populate said room: One tall and large, a beer belly and a smokers cough. The other short and frail, a man seemingly made of dry twigs but with a liver to repress more then the average alcoholics in-take of cheap liquor.

"He isn't perfect, but he's as close to the original as we could make him"

"Well its only been 3 days since the...uhhh-"

"Bearing?"

"Wouldn't call it that, but it's probably the nicest word to use..."

"Well the graphs will be done in about weeks time, so take it easy; were just observing after that till we give...uhhh-"

"It. Till we give it the reports and timeline of projected figures"

"Yeah..."

"Well, take it easy."

"Back at you."

The lights turn off. The hum of the generator and light ominous glow from the green gel define the room. The container is empty

[Quantum Rain]

--Palaven--

"I figured you would ask such a question, as I can now reveal to you the other reason why there are multiple ships in our envoy." Fields states, walking alongside Fedorian. "There are no Mass Relays in our sector of the galaxy, and our intel reveals that your ships are not that fast. Travel may take some time. I am prepared to have one of our ships escort a small number of yours to our world, utilizing its advanced FTL drive to get your ship there and back in far less time."

---

--Pheiros Constellation, Durana System--

Sphyros stood at the bridge and looked out at the Turian ships. They were considerably weaker than the ones his brethren were utilizing, but that was the least of his disgust towards them. They were vermin to him, freaks that worshiped a heathen religion. It was revolting that we had to deal with creatures like them, but the Collective was set on dealing with them all the same. The comm window opened without any verbal command, showing the face of that damned turian.

"And how complicated would that be now Maliorax?" Sphyros said, attempting to hide his contempt for the 'vermin' in front of him.

[Roach]

The Balmorra jumps to the next system.*

[SGOS]

Morning dawns upon the lab, but the auto guards wouldn't know the difference. They're robots.

A convoy of trucks, tanks, helicopters and other military vehicles storm the lab. an armored truck opens and a single package no larger than a beer keg is pushed on a hover platform with the utmost urgency.

The two scientists are watching over the process, one ever so slightly hungover, the other desperately fighting the urge to light a drag.

A the package is placed near the tank.

the convoy leaves all but two things behind. A figure, and a man.

"Hiltz, ease up; you're about to see the greatest asset to our history unveiled to me for the first time."

"Yes, Caruk"

the hulking nearly 8 foot man who weighs in at 431 pounds ever so slightly breathes deeper and more relaxed. The body armor he wears is made a special Kevlar and polymer mix that could stop most 50.caliber shots with minor bruising.

The figure is prim-and proper, but relaxed, it is the leader. It rules the largest and most powerful estate on Osana. The figure is known as "Caruk" It came and led the country of Isilda to many wars, all where more than 90% of the soldiers returned home.

The container is moved by two auto-guards. to a machine of some sorts that carefully lowers it into the larger container. It opens and within a redish liquid slowly falls a fetus, the containers top is connected to the ceiling via tubes and mechanical devices. from said devices mechanical arms attach to the fetus and a light on the control panel for the tank turns green.

"The transfer was a success your majesty" the small man says while adjusting various nobs.

"it should be a month at most" the larger man says while typing into his computer.

"How long till i can use him..."

"Unknown. if he has no brain-damage, maybe half a year" the short one

"and his effectiveness will still be unknown till the..."

"arrival" the short one says

"Very good you two...'
the figure turns and starts walking to the doors, and stops at them

"Just remember one thing: the previous trials only failed because their engineers weren't good enough...
The scientists continue work without words

"and you both know the price for wasting my time"

the scientists stop what their doing, and squint a little at their work

"...Yes im sure you do, I'll be back in a month to personally see the birth"
Caruk and hiltz leave the lab and enter a car which drove by to get them.


The scientist say nothing, and proceed with their work...

[Jediluigi]

Marzeron, Heim System, Imperial Core Worlds (Past the Galactic Rim): 12:00 Hours

There stood a man, dressed in fine clothes and medals, watching his troops march to war. There was no going back, he thought. No more questions, no more doubt, the only course of action was to march forward. They march forward to war, to death, to battle, on new worlds in new systems, on and on until nothing left to conquer. There would be so much fighting…

It must be done, he knew. So much time they’ve spent in the shadows, hiding, waiting, and building up their forces. An armada had been amassed, to crush their enemies beneath the heel of the Empire. The Last Empire, they were called. The Last Empire of Marzeron. So it had been written in the history books, the Anjia were so confident in their victory, they branded them the Last. But they persevered, and counter-attacked, and took the home world in the name of Emperor and Country.

Now look at us, the Emperor thought. Look at our mighty works and despair, for the Marzeron Empire rises! Today is the final day, and the first wave shall be launched. Out to claim the galaxy, to seize it as is our right. And yet…

Yet we must deal with others, first. The diplomatic vessels launched first, he knew. Out to the stars to find other civilizations, and secure new pacts. It left a sour taste in the man’s mouth, but he knew it was necessary. Otherwise, there would be trouble ahead of schedule. Ahead of the plan.

The plan that could not be deviated from. The Great Plan, that has, and will, propel the Empire to the stars and beyond. For the Emperor knew, as he looked upon his troops, there would be no failure. There would be loss, and not all of them would return home. Most, perhaps, but never all of them. Not alive.

He watched them board the transports for a little while, before turning away to go to the Reichstag. The meeting would begin soon. The meeting where he declared the new Imperial Initiative to be in effect. The wheel has turned so far, he mused. So it has been, and so it shall be, for all time...

[Sir Noret]

--Nar Shadda---

Slavik: Fine i will go to yaga minor under diplomatic circumstances as a cover and you can see what you can find.

When the group approaches the Yaga System it is pulled out by interdictors of the Imperial 2nd Fleet, and hailed by the Pellaeon-class Grace. "You have attempted to breach space placed under lock-down by order of the Moff Council. State your intent and prepare to be boarded."

Leon hooked the datapad to his utility belt and stood up. He double-checked to make sure everyone was doing well enough on their own, and then set off to follow the Lieutenant.

The team moves out toward the nearest concentration, albeit slowly to account for the wounded members of the team. Their is an eerie feeling of emptiness pervading the landscape.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

Fedorian: ...I see. Yes, on conventional FTL, our ships would take a very long time to reach your world indeed. Your assistance would be most appreciated. But we can work out those details later. *They reach his office, and he closes the door.* Please, have a seat. I'd offer you a drink, but dextro liquor tends to have...spectacular effects on levo's. *The Primarch sits down in a plain but comfortable-looking chair.* What was it you wished to discuss?

--Pheiros Constellation, Durana System--

*Maliorax bites back his irritation at the human's contemptuous undertone.* Maliorax: Shut up and listen to me, you pious moron. We destroyed every shred of evidence we could find, but we never picked up any signs of Blackwatch ships entering or leaving the system. They could have gotten there before us and simply lain in wait. Additionally, the Federation has gotten involved, but we managed to convince them that we were with Blackwatch and throw them off the trail.

*He pauses.* There's something else. *Another pause.* Primarch Aufidius has informed me that there is a representative from the Imperial Sovereignty on Palaven, named Alanis Fields. He met with the Primarch Assembly just today and they voted to open diplomatic relations. Sound familiar?

[Quantum Rain]

--Palaven--

"Yes, your war faction to be precise. It is the reason why I cannot allow my technology to be used for war, it would likely fall into their hands if I did. As well, there is a malice behind each member, and it's a rather odd one... not wholly toward the Rachni... some of it was to me." Fields stated, sitting comfortably. "They are acting, no, feeling suspicious. Their bodies radiate with it."

---

--Pheiros Constellation, Durana System--

"It is unlikely that you fooled them that easy, Maliorax. As well, I sensed a Turian aboard the vessel, while we observed your confrontation from afar. It is highly unlikely that that turian was fooled." Sphyros spoke, uncaring of the turian's anger at his contemptuous tone, but when Fields' name was spoken, his expression visibly changed to a mix of curiosity and concern, an expression rarely to be seen from him. "The empath... He must be eliminated immediately before he-"

He stops in mid-sentence as an echoing voice rang in his head. "... You were followed." He stated, agitated. Two of the five ships broke off and were now speeding toward the Blackwatch vessels, as the telepaths aboard had caught their presence.

---

--Unknown World--

Leon is, admittedly, on edge. This isn't normal still, and that feeling hasn't diminished at all... if anything, it's gotten worse. He was clutching the hilt of his gun, ready to take the rifle up and fire at a moment's notice. His eyes continuously scanned the landscape. Although his mind told him to relax, his body seemed to have a mind of its own as well, saying the opposite.

---

--Yaga System, Near Yaga Minor--

Siber remained cloaked in his vessel, utilizing an advanced system that, although it didn't prevent his being pulled out, it did prevent his being scanned or seen while such was happening. "Status." Siber asked calmly, attached to the bottom of the dreadnought, as planned. "The dreadnought was pulled out of FTL, as Slavik predicted." The AI stated, utilizing visual sensors rather than anything advanced and detectable, as well as linking in with the dreadnought's systems/AI (W/e is applicable) to be kept aware of the situation. "Well, let's hope he pulls through." Siber says, leaning back in the cockpit. At this point, the worst that could happen is that they get ordered to turn around.

(Little big of gm, but I figured it works.)

[SGOS]

1 week since transfer.
The fetus is now an infant. maybe a years old if it was human

"The EM brainwave readings are quite interesting, he's not only surpassed the original estimates by 12% but he's only 23% less than his..." the large man states

"Ancestor...and yes to match up muscular density levels are just as predicted, if not better than expected, its at least just as we predicted."the smaller man continues

"It's time to start increasing concentration..." the larger man suggets as he walks over to the fluid controls system

"couldn't agree more..." the smaller man complys and walks to the graph readers.

some of the green liquid is drained, and more of the red liquid replaces it. The child at first twitches, then moves a little, eventually till its flexing and resisting with all its body's might, then rapidly it gives in and relaxes.

"The strength is amazing!"

"And it learned quickly enough it cannot fight it too."

The scientists turn off the lights and exit the building. The greenish liquid now has the ever so slightly grayish tinge.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

Fedorian: On that, my friend, we are in agreement. It's a guaranteed certainty that the war faction is behind the missing Rachni ships, but without concrete proof we can't confront them about it. I've dispatched several Blackwatch squads to investigate the situation. They're a unit of exceptionally skilled Special Forces soldiers who I normally send on missions only where Palaven's safety is at stake, but these are extenuating circumstances--if we don't resolve this situation as quickly as possible, only the Spirits know what will happen. The Blackwatch has the highest success rate of any unit in our entire history, Ambassador. They'll get to the bottom of this--it's only a matter of when.

--Pheiros Constellation, Durana System--

Turian Ensign: Lieutenant Nihlus! The unknown vessels are closing on attack vectors!

Nihlus: [censored]!! How'd they find us?! Jump to the relay and get the hell out of here!

*The Blackwatch vessels launch a few "Wild Weasel" decoys to throw the AC ships off, and then blast into FTL, forcing them out of stealth. However, they reach the Mass Relay in seconds, and jump through it.*

Maliorax: [censored]. Don't try to follow them--their trajectory wasn't toward the Apien Crest. They're taking a roundabout way to throw us off. No way we'll can trace them now. *Pause.* I'm open to suggestions here, dammit.

--War Faction Territory--

*The Blackwatch links up with the Balmorra again and they proceed to sweep through the War Faction's territory. The task force scans planet after planet, and finds no trace of the jamming signal. Then, after the 12th fruitless search, Praetorius contacts the Federation ship again.*

Praetorius: Blackwatch to Balmorra. Something's not right...we've found nothing whatsoever and we've almost scanned all the War Faction's holdings. We should have come up with something, but...we haven't. What's your take?

[Quantum Rain]

--Pheiros Constellation, Durana System--

Sphyros watched calmly as the Blackwatch vessels flew off. He seemed confident, overly so, perhaps. "And what can they do when they still know not the location of the Rachni? We still have the cards, Maliorax. However, this does not change the fact that Fields must be eliminated before he learns of our participation. See to that first, and then you will have what was promised to you." He spoke, the faint hint of a smile. He enjoyed the sight of the Turian vessels fleeing before him. It reminded him of the successes they had in the war before. How glorious that was... and how glorious it will be for the ones that have yet to come.

---

--Palaven--

"I am an empath, Primarch. I know very well the emotions of people. As well, your Rachni guest informed me of the situation. Is there, perhaps, a detail you find out of place?" Fields asked, curious of what the Primarch thought, and more curious about his ability to analyze a situation.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

*Fedorian nods.* Fedorian: The fact that the greater Rachni populace have lost all contact with their missing ships greatly worries me. If they were dead, they would definitely know, but it's like they simply vanished. I don't know of any technology that can block such a telepathic connection, but if the War Faction has somehow developed or acquired such an ability, then the situation is very grave indeed. I also noticed that the War Faction's Primarchs were not paying much attention to the proceedings during our ceremony to welcome you as the Imperial Sovereignty's representative. Indeed, they seemed extremely preoccupied with something on their omni-tools, but I didn't reprimand them just to see what they did. Sadly, they didn't leave me much to work on in that regard.

*Pause.* That's just my take on the situation. To borrow a human phrase, "There's writing on the wall here", and it points to the War Faction, but it is most certainly not enough to accuse them with. Hopefully the Blackwatch will turn up something more concrete.

--Argos Rho Cluster, Hydra System--

*The two Blackwatch vessels emerge from the system's mass relay and take a moment to collect their bearings.*

Nihlus: Did we lose them?

Navigator: No signs of pursuit, sir.

Nihlus: Good. Set a course for Palaven--this is something the Primarch and that ambassador urgently need to hear.

Navigator: Yes, sir.

*The ships approach the system's edge and blast into FTL, arriving in the Gorgon system in a few hours and taking the relay to the Apien Crest.*

--Pheiros Constellation, Durana System--

*Maliorax scowls at Sphyros.* Maliorax: You're asking me to help arrange the death of a diplomatic guest of Palaven? Difficult on my best day. Who the hell do we pin it on, for starters?

[Quantum Rain]

--Pheiros Constellation, Durana System--

"Who do you think? The Rachni Queen is present on that world, in the same building. Now, unless you want me to do all of the thinking for you, and allow our fair cowards to get their message out, I suggest you start up those new FTL drives we gave you and get to work. We shall see to the security of the rachni prisoners. The one on the Federation ship is a telepath, and I don't want him involved." Sphyros said, annoyed that the turian was so dimwitted. He nodded and then the ships cloaked, engaging their FTL to exit the system.

[SGOS]

The lab is the same as it has been for four weeks; with one exception: the greenish liquid has become a dark silverish gray. to a point where one cannot actually see what is in the container

Caruk enters the building through the sliding doors the two scientists are more than sober, as their reports indicate that he is more than what they predicted. they expect they shall make it through their contract if the learning goes well, and if not, maybe they might get saved, for the previous trial died on the way to shipment.

"awaken him"

"Hiltz readies his hand on his blades handle."

The silver liquid is not drained, but absorbed by the man who is in the container.
the container disconnects from the ceiling,and the glass lowers till only the platform remains.
the scientist go and inject a small needle into his theigh and just as he was about to inject the man starts coughing. then he opens his eyes open. he gets up. and looks at the scientists.

"Caruk oh great leader, we have brought you the greatest...uhh"

"Asset to this nation has ever seen, we hope you are pleased"
the men say as auto guards wipe the man of the green liquid which was left behind, and cloth him in a silk

"The man is curious and surprised at the auto guards, but he cannot express that in words, for he cannot talk"

"His name is...Bavom" Caruk states
the figure turns to leave, and again stops at the door.

"You have a year, no more no less."
Caruk and Hiltz exits the lab

The scientists have hard stern faces, but a actually filled with glee, for they have impressed Caruk, a notably hard task to accomplish.

All the while Bavom blankly stares at the scientists. like a child might.

[Roach]

--Yaga Minor--

Slavik answers the hail.* "Last i looked it was in bad taste to threaten a diplomatic envoy. I was unaware of any lock down of the system we simply came on behalf of the federation to discuss potential trade agreements and the like."


-------Balmorra-------

Roach: there is only one likely explanation the war faction is not who is holding the rachni so they have contact with any out side groups that may be aiding them? I thought it unlikely they could have developed technology to jam rachni telepathy this seems to confirm my suspicions.


---Some were else---

An old Sentinel-class landing craft drops from the Courageous'' docking bay and head toward the Venator Cruiser.


--Palaven--

Jedi masters Noro Garthe and Klog arrive to meet with the Primarchs to ask their permission to look for force sensitives.*

[Sir Noret]

--Yaga Minor--

Slavik answers the hail.* "Last i looked it was in bad taste to threaten a diplomatic envoy. I was unaware of any lock down of the system we simply came on behalf of the federation to discuss potential trade agreements and the like."

/Yaga System\

"And last I heard it was bad form for an envoy to not look into such matters before leaving. Regardless, why are you here? Most envoys go through Bastion. We are skeptical of your purposes here, as we stated stand down and prepare to be boarded."

--Unknown World--

Leon is, admittedly, on edge. This isn't normal still, and that feeling hasn't diminished at all... if anything, it's gotten worse. He was clutching the hilt of his gun, ready to take the rifle up and fire at a moment's notice. His eyes continuously scanned the landscape. Although his mind told him to relax, his body seemed to have a mind of its own as well, saying the opposite.

/Unknown|Unknown System|Unknown Regions\(All of the unknowns!)

The team comes upon another small hill which the Lieutenant Engel ascends to acquire a better view. She stands their for a few moments before appearing to do a double take. It takes her a few more moments to regain her composure before waving up Leon.

---

/Bastion|Sartinaynian System|Braxant Sector\

The Moff Council slowly accumulated within the Council Chambers, each attempting to out do the others in being "fashionable late," Pellaeon, of course, was already present having found such things, and the entire Council for that matter, contemptible. Roughly ten minutes after the announced starting time of the meeting the entire council was finally present. Moff Salif, a tall man in his late 50s and the Moff over the Braxant Sector, was the first to speak "Gentlemen, I'm certain you've all heard the reports, further rioting has erupted in all major industrial centers and the Kuati Sector Defense Fleet has mutinied and joined the local rebels. They appear to have de facto control over most of the secto-"

"They are also attacking us, my personal fleet won't be able to retain control of the Humbarine Sector for long without military support," Moff Cander interjects.

"Considering there are reports that the rebels have begun production of ships at Kuat and Yaga Minor, I am inclined to agree, not that I haven't made that clear before," Moff Salif continues with glance of annoyance at Moff Cander for his interruption.

"It appears I have to say this again: The Fleet will not fire on Imperial Citizens merely because you don't want to pay them Moff Salif, we are not a slaving ring and this not Palpatine's Empire," Pellaeon comments.

"We'll cut your budget if we don't get the support we need!" Moff Salif responds, who's anger is visibly rising.

"You'll cut our budget? Have you forgotten who has the guns, Salif? Tax collectors respect guns a lot more then paperwork, if you try we'll cut YOUR budget," Pellaeon responds clearly unimpressed. The Moffs storm out of the room, leaving Pellaeon alone, "Well, that went splendily," he comments before leaving himself.

[Roach]

Slavik: Oh pardon me in the time it took me to travel here from another galaxy my information became a bit out dated, and we stopped here because in our long voyage our reactor is in need of some matinece and this was the nearest ship yard to our last position. Ensign lower the deflector shields I will go meet with our guests.

[Sir Noret]

/Yaga System\

"I see, still seems oddly convenient, but we shall see." The blockade fleet dispatches a small shuttle to the Dreadnought which attempts to dock.

[Jediluigi]

Marzeron, Heim System, Imperial Core Worlds (Past the Galactic Rim): 01:00 Hours

It began, then. The final day came and went, and the First Army of Exploration jumped to stars, ships loaded with troops and settlers and weapons, ready to seize new planets in the name of Empire. The first sector to fall to the might of the Imperial War Machine would be the Kathol Sector, followed swiftly by the Minos Cluster and Elrood Sectors. A scattering of other places would be taken as well, deep within the Core Worlds (Not the "True" Core), along with several other sectors.

After crushing or negotiating with any resistance they met, the First Army of Exploration began to explore the newly conquered lands. For most, this meant first grab at massive tracts of lands, a stake in existing companies and a great deal of profit to the growing Empire.

For others, however, it meant new information. After so long of hiding in the shadows, the sudden growth spurt allowed the Empire to detect other empires at the edge, some dangerously close to the borders of Imperial territory. What would be done? For now, nothing. The border would be kept sealed until scouts brought back further information.

And for a final few, it meant finding something dangerous...

Kathol Planetary Orbit, Kathol Sector, Outer Rim Territories: 18:00 Hours

"Commander." Lieutenant Rebekka spoke, and the man on the bridge came to at once, lost in daydreams of another time and place. "Ah, right, right. Lieutenant, status report?" He snapped back quickly now, fully aware of his surroundings.

Sometimes, the Lieutenant thought he seemed lost, unsure of where to go or who he was. But she had known him a long time, and she knew it was just one of his eccentric quirks. He could be counted on in the heat of battle, time and experience had shown her this. Commander Zanis of the MNS Striker, an Erforscher class Corvette, it wasn't a combat vessel, but it could hold it's own.

The Commander turned to her now, brows knit together in thought. She coughed a moment and read the report from the datapad. "The artifact is here, inactive at the moment. We've sent boarding parties over, and so far they've reported the artifact is intact. However, sir..." She paused a moment, rereading the datapad. "It appears our first guess was correct. It's organic, sir. And it's alive."

The Commander didn't say anything at that moment, instead taking the datapad himself and reading the information. "... Lieutenant, if this is to be believed, this artifact is not First One technology. Certainly on par, but not quite it..." The man rubbed his thick beard, as he always did.

"Well, Lieutenant, the lab boys also think it's a gate, isn't that correct?" He asks her, and for a moment she isn't sure if the question is rhetorical. "Well, Commander, they also think they can turn the damned thing on." She replies, waiting.

For once, the man smiles at her. "Oh, I'm sure they can. You know what this gate is, Lieutenant?" He asks her, and again she isn't sure if he's just talking to the air. Rebekka replies anyway, though. "I'm not sure, sir." He looks at her a moment, and gives a great big laugh. The laugh nearly scares half the command deck, and one of the technicians spills coffee on himself. "This gate is our meal ticket. Funding, Lieutenant! Damn near any kind of research we could want to do, right within our grasp! If we succeed here, we can do whatever we damn well please and they'll pay us to do it!"

The man laughs a bit longer, quite pleased with himself. Some of the crew join in, albeit nervously. When they do, he stops and gives them a glare. "Back to work, this is no time for jokes people. Come on, we have the future ahead! Clocks ticking, and I ain't getting any younger!" He shouts to them, and hurries off the bridge, past the scrambling aides.

The Lieutenant watches him go, then attends to her duties. And yet, she wondered, what kind of future lay ahead of them?

If only you knew.

[darthme]

--Alba--

Addrson: Not many--please forgive any perceived lack of genuine curiosity on my part, but your diplomat on Aves, Pav Xarov undul Karoja, already did a marvelous job of filling us in on your nation and your government. He left very little unanswered, to his credit. But your relation with the Hiigarans does have me wondering about something. They have records and even technology from another ancient race, the Progenitors, but very little about the Primitus beyond the fact that they and the Progenitors fought a war once. Does this--what's the expression, "ring a bell"?

Not especially. We only really have knowledge of the Primitus; although I'm sure that a combined effort with the Hiigarans would prove to be quite a discovery.

[Quantum Rain]

--Unknown World--

Leon is, admittedly, on edge. This isn't normal still, and that feeling hasn't diminished at all... if anything, it's gotten worse. He was clutching the hilt of his gun, ready to take the rifle up and fire at a moment's notice. His eyes continuously scanned the landscape. Although his mind told him to relax, his body seemed to have a mind of its own as well, saying the opposite.

/Unknown|Unknown System|Unknown Regions\(All of the unknowns!)

The team comes upon another small hill which the Lieutenant Engel ascends to acquire a better view. She stands their for a few moments before appearing to do a double take. It takes her a few more moments to regain her composure before waving up Leon.

Leon frowns underneath the cover of his helmet then runs up to see what it was that the Lieutenant seemed to be confused about. In his mind, that feeling persisted, but it was pushed aside in the name of curiosity... not likely for the better, either.

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