((Well, its good to get started with this. I recommend we all start by detailing what's going on in our civilizations, and we'll get going from there with the interactions between our civs.)

8:47 am Terrestrial Standard Time, January 14th, 2287 C.E...

A man stood atop a metal platform, starting intently through a window at a glimmering point of light in the night sky. He was a tall, middle aged man, with pale skin, short auburn hair, and a gaunt face. As the point of light moved across the sky, the man let out a deep sigh, and his breath fogged the air.

"Hey Flynn, You think they've seen us yet?" asked a voice behind him. The man called Flynn turned to see Patton, a colleague and good friend of his.

"Doubt it. If they did, we'd be swimming in radiation right about now." said Flynn.

Patton considered the point of light. "What? You don't think they'll ask for a surrender first?"

Flynn laughed dryly, shaking his head. "Patton, you and I two of the most notorious rebels in the galaxy. From what I hear, the closest thing we've got to sympathizers back on Earth is the people hoping we get brought in alive. Mainstream opinion is that the fleet 'ought to just nuke whatever planet we happen to be hiding on."

As Patton started to respond, Flynn's communicator, a small black transmitter on his wrist linked to a headset, beeped twice.

Flynn pressed his hand to his ear, activating the headset's microphone, and said "What have you got for me Lieutenant?"

The lieutenant on the other end of the line hesitated for a moment. "Sir, I think you're going to want to come down here. The ship's hailing us."

"Damnit. Looks like you were right Patton, they do think they can bring us in alive."

Several minutes later, Flynn and Patton were in at the door of the command center of Liberty's Song, a fortified concrete bunker buried deep beneath the ground on an asteroid in an uncharted system past the G003b jump gate which had served as the base of operations for the anti-government organization known as Filios Terrae, Latin for "Chidren of the Earth", for more than a year before that day. Flynn took a deep breath, and keyed open the electronic lock on the door.

Liberty's Song's command center was a long, bare-walled room lined with computer terminals, most of which were in use by various officers and mission coordinators in the Fillios Terrae. In the far end of the room, a large holographic display showed the asteroid, which the Children had chosen to name Hope, along with a blinking light representing the STR ship orbiting it. Flynn walked over to the projector, and turned to face his subordinates.

"Anything new to report Lieutenant Bonnet?" said Flynn, addressing a young, brown haired woman sitting at one of the terminals nearest to the projector.

"No sir, but we are ready to fire the orbital defense missiles on your command." said the lieutenant in a light French accent.

"Not yet Michèle. We have to time this just right, or we won't even scratch them. On my mark, open the comm channel. Keep the ship's position up on the projector." said Flynn.

"Yes Sir, opening the channel now." said Bonnet.

Flynn reached into his pocket and brought out the antique pocket watch his father had given him on his nineteenth birthday, staring at his reflection in the watch's glass face. If the captain of the enemy ship had explicit orders to capture him alive, and the Children did not reveal that their surface to orbit missile silo, the Captain would never risk his quarry's death by ordering an orbital strike, and would be forced to deploy ground forces if he refused to surrender...In theory at least.

((To be continued...))

A small frigate floated above the forested planet. It’s large thrusters were capable of removing it from the planet’s surface, and propelling it at great speeds. Yet in the vastness of space the thrusters were, virtually, useless. There was simply too much distance to cover for them to be effective. The name of the knife-like silver vessel shined in the sun’s light in bright white letters. The Startreader righted itself diagonally from the planet, and the large glass sails raised from it’s sides. An orange satellite in the planet below’s orbit pointed itself at the ship, and the lens at it’s end began to glow red. An energy beam shot forth from the satellite, striking the Startreader’s sails, and launching the ship forward at unbelievable speeds. The weapon-esque ship blazed across the solar system towards a mega structure located at it’s edge.

The old ring came into view. It shined new and brilliant, despite it’s age, the runes on it’s outside told a story that none of those aboard the Startreader knew. The symbols had proved indecipherable so far. It was a frustrating thing. History was something important. Those who knew of it could learn from it, but the runes on the rings eluded the beings that used them. They didn’t even know the proper name for the relics. The rings were simply referred to as Jumpgates.

As the Startreader neared the planet-sized Jumpgate the laser from the satellite cut off, but the ship kept going at the same velocity, it would take time to slow down. A blue orb of energy just large enough for the frigate alone appeared, and the ship entered it. The moment the Startreader’s nose touched the ball of energy it was pulled into a tunnel of the same blue energy. The traveling took varying amounts of time, depending on where you where headed, but not anywhere near as long as it would take any other way. As their target was close, only a few minutes passed before the crew of the Startreader came out on other side of the tunnel.

The ship bolted from the Jumpgate it had just come through, and past another one. This one was unlike the other. It looked it’s age, and would not seem operational to anyone who didn’t know better. The usual noble white of the Jumpgates had faded to an old dead gray on this ring, and chunks of it seemed to be missing all over. Not only this separated it from the rest of the Jumpgates, but it had different symbols than the ones that had been encountered by the people that made the Startreader. How they knew it still worked was simple. Whenever they would send out science teams to research it a portal large enough for all of their ships to pass through would open.

The small frigate finally slowed down just outside of a white mountainous planet’s atmosphere. This was close enough for the Startreader’s thrusters to do the rest of the work. The ship began to move towards the planet, and it’s sails settled down, to avoid being damaged upon entry.

The ship came in smoothly, and ran it’s thrusters at low power to have better control. It descended to a shining white metropolis located in a massive icy plain. The Startreader turned into a particularly fortified skyscraper that served as the city’s military research base. As it docked a bridge extended from the metal landing that now surrounded it, and attached to a large hatch. When the hatch opened large lupine creatures began to emerge, most covered in a black leather armor that had metal covering their spine. Though they possessed arms they walked on all-fours, due to their digitigrade hind legs. Their faces were all either brown, or a deep navy blue. These wolf-like creatures were the Lysk, and this was their capital city of Nibale.

One navy-faced Lysk stepped onto the dock, and stared around as it’s workers and his own subordinates went about their duties of making sure the Startreader was secure. The Captain sighed at the monotony. He knew the necessity, but he was nervous. Anyone would be considering his mission. He had delivered the new Battle-Skins for final testing. These were different, in that, instead of metal simply covering the spine it also covered the shoulders and hips of the individual wearing it. Not to mention the fingers of the Battle-Skins were now covered by metal claws. The armor modifications were added for obvious reasons, but not the claws. Though the metal was black it was not the same type of metal alloy that they made their swords from. Their swords were made of “Singing Steel.” The name was apt as the blades rang with every movement, and the electricity that sparked on the military-grade blades caused the swords’ “singing” to be a constant. The claws, though not as strong, were for quick and quiet attacks.

The skins were not the reason for his nervousness though. No. He was meeting with the Pherion himself to report the new Battle-Skins’ arrival. Despite his anxiety, the Captain kept his cool. Lysk never showed their fear. The first rule of life was not to fear. Fear was the mind killer, and showing it did not aid in eliminating it.

Turning from the ship, the Captain went inside to find his way to the Pherion. It would be best to do this quickly.

Year 2673 A.D.S Location Orus Home System Jump Gate

High Admiral Rekaroth Ivun III stood on his observation deck of the capital ship X173 overlooking the jump gate. After a few minutes everal monitors suddenly buzzed with life and the image of the three kings of the Orion Empire appeared. Warrior King Kron XXXIV the oldest with tubes running from parts of his armor into his throne spoke. "What is it now...." Kron began to cough and a attendant in background quickly adjusted settings on throne "ADMIRAL... if this is a waste of time like the last time I will have yo-!" Warrior King Vladimer XI the youngest of the current kings interrupted "Please just get on with it we don't have all day. Some of us have responsibilities to attend to such as governing the most populated planet in the Empire. Do you catch my drift Ivun?" Ivun reached clenched his fist " You wouldn't want it to end like the la-" The admiral suddenly took out his pistol and shot one of windows in observation room but didn't budge as his boots were clamped down magnetically but same couldn't be said for a worker who was sucked out into space before a metal patch extended over broken window.

The three kings of Orion Empire went quiet and High Admiral Rekaroth Ivun III put his hands behind his back after putting his pistol in it's holster "Recent scientific studying of the jump gate has brought a possibility we can activate it. As leader of the navy branch of the Orion Empire's fleet I have decided to take this ship and a sizable force of soldiers under General Bore to see where it takes us." Just then General Bore wearing full armor with shoulder armor molded to resemble skulls of the extinct Sorus walked in "Let's get this started!" He walked up close to a window to look at jump gate. The Admiral sighed "Excuse the General poor manners" and with that Ivun pressed a button on side of his helmet "Initiate procedure to activate jump gate" General Bore tilted his head to side "I hope there is something to kill on the other side. How do we know it will transport us anywhere?" High Admiral Rekaroth Ivun III stood still "We don't for all we know it could be a giant weapon but studies have leaned towards it being a transport." General Bore turned quickly towards the admiral "You ba-" Just then the jump gate activated and the capital ship vanished going backwards and transmissions were cut.

The High Admiral pulled himself back onto his feet as red lighting came on. Ivun pulled a shard of glass from his shoulder before noticing General Bore bashing his fists against glass panel of observation deck from the outside that had not broken. As Ivun drew his pistol and shot the glass the general pulled himself inside with seconds to spare from getting killed by the metal patch. Just then a message that full power would be restored momentarily and normal lighting came on. General Bore shook his fist at the admiral "What was that! You're lucky my suit is pressuri-" Ivun raised his hand then pressed button on helmet "Initiate scan of starts to determine our position." after a few minutes a voice replied that they are unable to "Activate full red alert! and get to making sure were alone out here once power is restored fully!" The Orus ship was quickly coming back online but not fast enough to activate anything to hide themselves from being detected.

The Captain walked into a small room with an equally small table. Behind it sat an intimidating muscular Lysk. The Lysk was grown larger than most, and this added to the feel of power and respect that radiated off of him. Yet the most striking feature about him was the golden fur that adorned his body. It shined brilliantly in the light, and was only darkened at the forehead, where a large black mark like sword showed prominently, and under his blue eyes, similiar blacks marks like fire emphasizing them. "Pherion Savier, sir!" The Captain saluted by standing on his hind-legs, and folding his arms over his chest, exposing his belly as a sign of submission.

"At ease, captain." The golden Lysk spoke in a rough strained voice that indicated he was older than he looked.

The Captain fell back to the floor on his hands. "I am pleased to report that the Battle-Skin V. 1.5 prototypes have been delivered safely."

Pherion Savier nodded in approval, "Very good. How have they preformed so far?"

The Captain replied, "I am uncertain myself, as I have not tested them personally, but the reports indicate that the new armoring does not restrict movement and they provide the minimum decrease in speed achievable. The claws, as well, appear to work up to expectations."

Pherion Savier tilted his head, and asked, "And what is your opinion Captain?"

The navy Lysk sighed in response, "As I stated, I can't say. I'm a soldier, not a scientist, and unless I see it in action, or use it myself, I can't form an opinion on it's usefulness. I have faith that the scientists are most likely correct though."

Pherion Savier smirked, "Then I shall as well. You are dismissed Captain. Feel free to take shore leave until you receive new orders."

"Thank you sir." The Captain replied, saluting once again before leaving the room.

"Donald Flynn, this is Captain Merinov of the MSV Perch. Our guns are trained on your position, and we shall not hesitate to use them. You are your forces are to disarm yourselves and prepare to make an unconditional surrender to the Solar Territories Republic, after which you and your men will be taken into custody pending the judgment of the Directory Board. If you do not comply, there shall be no quarter. You have two hours to come to a decision."

The hairs on the back of Donald's neck stood up on their ends. Alexei Merinov had been his Commanding Officer back in the years when he had served in the STR fleet. Merinov was a cold calculating, and brutal man, and Donald had no doubt in his mind that the Captain intended to carry out his threat.

"Bad news people, fighting them on the ground is no longer an option. Lieutenant Bonnet, prep the missiles. Everyone who doesn't need to be here for the launch get to the dry dock, we evacuate in half an hour." said Donald.

Michèle repeated Flynn's orders over the Liberty's Song's PA system, and there was a ground pounding of boots as troops all over the rebel base prepared for the evacuation. About half of the people seated in the command center stopped what they were doing and left the room. Donald himself moved towards the door, intending to fetch his personal belongs from his room on the other side of the base, only to be blocked by a worried Patton.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

For a second, it seemed as if Patton would not be able to find his word, but after a brief pause, he said "A-are we sure this going to work sir? The Ulysses wasn't designed to land, ever, and even though we're on an asteroid with virtually no gravity, it's been more than a month since the last time we flew it!"

"Patton, there's no time to run a systems check. If the ship doesn't fly, we're all dead, it's as simple as that." said Flynn, before rushing off to his quarters.

About half an hour later, all the non-essential personnel had been evacuated to the Ulysses, a former STR battlecruiser that Flynn had once been the legitimate commander of. Flynn and several of his officers were gathered around the projector in the command center, watching the holographic countdown for Merinov's deadline ticking down.
"Next time the Perch is above Liberty's Song, launch the missiles. Everyone get ready to make a run for the ship, if the ship survives the missiles, which it probably will, there won't be a minute to spare." said Donald, staring down at the face of his pocket watch.

"6 minutes till launch, Commander." said Bonnet. All the various discussions going on between the officers faded into nothingness. Over the following minutes, not a word was spoken, except for Bonnet's regular reports on the time remaining.

"When we hit 1 minute, open a channel to the Perch. I'll make sure Merinov is good and distracted." said Flynn.


Aboard the Perch, Captain Merinov was in a sour mood. Giving Donald Flynn and his rabble a chance to surrender was a pointless gesture. In his opinion, Donald Flynn had been a lost cause ever since Flynn had served under him on the Voronezh. Despite only holding the rank of Ensign, Flynn had constantly disputed Merinov's orders. He would have been court martial several times for insubordination had his father not been a Vice Admiral and a war hero. After Donald Flynn defected from the fleet and formed the Filios Terrae, his father, Matthew Flynn, insisted that his son be captured alive, threatening to resign his position if he was killed. Even though Vice Admiral Flynn was more than a year dead, his influence was still protecting his son; he had made a request on his deathbed of the Directorial Board Chairman Liang Hsüeh that his son not be harmed.

"Mr. Gilmore, what is the remaining time on our offer?" said Merinov, addressing a short man seated at the head of the bridge.

"2 minutes and counting sir." Gilmore replied. Merinov shook his head. "Navigator, bring us into low orbit, prepare for bombardment."

"Wait, Captain! The base has sent a communications request!" said Gilmore.

Merinov raised his eyebrows. "With less than a minute left? I doubt it. Open the channel, but maintain our present course."

"Well Alexei, looks like you've finally got me cornered. I give up." said a raspy voice dripping with sarcasm on the other end of the line. Merinov scowled.

"Mr. Flynn, you have taken your time in coming to this decision. I was just about give to order to open fire. I still will give that order if you and your men give me any reason." said Merinov.

Flynn did not reply. For a few seconds, there was silence, which suddenly broken by the blaring of a high pitched alarm.

"Sir, multiple missile launches detected!" said a panicked Ensign Gilmore.

"How is it that they-Navigator! Evasive maneuvers, now!" shouted Merinov

"Yes sir", said the Navigator, furious keying in commands to the terminal he was seated.
Merinov slammed his hand down on the button for the ship's PA system giving the order "All crewmen, brace for evasive maneuvers!" before strapping himself into the captains chair. Not two seconds later, the entire ship jolted to the side to evade the volley of missiles that had been launched from Liberty's Song. A tense minute passed in near silence, with the Navigator occasionally giving Merinov updates on the missiles position. Finally, more than four minutes after the missile launch, the Navigator looked up from his terminal.

"All clear." he said. Merinov repeated him over the PA system, and the crew of the Perch breathed a collective sigh of relief.

"All right then. Navigator, bring us back to the asteroid on a bombardment course." said Merinov. The Navigator did not reply. His attention was fixated on something he saw on his screen. Merinov narrowed his eyes.

"Mr. Malmsteen?" asked Merinov.

"Sir...Sensors are picking up an immense heat signature from the planet, I'm not su-Sir! Ther-There's a ship of some kind leaving the asteroid...My god, they must have been setting this up for months, they hollowed the whole thing out!" said Navigator Malmsteen.

"Are we in a position to engage them?" said Merinov. Malmsteen shook his head. "Sir, scans indicates the ship is approximately 700 meters long, that means a light carriers, probably the Ulysses...Our ship isn't properly equipped to take them on in a close range engagement."

"So be it. Mantain a pursuit course, if we loose them, we'll at least have an idea of where they're going."

"Yes sir." said Malmsteen.

The immediate vicinity of the Avalon Gate Labs was a hurried bustle of activity as last minute checks were made and all ships hurried to clear the launch zone. Several large red lights were located around the Avalon Gate informing the ships of the Fraelian Expeditionary Fleet to continue holding their position.

On board the bridge of the Illexia Grand Admiral Vera Shay drummed her small fingers impatiently on the edge of her armrest. The green control screen lit up in front of her as she herself ran last minute checks for her ship again.... The progress of the Avalon Gate Labs painfully slow and though she understood the labs necessity to make sure the gate was perfectly ready to transport the FEF, she really didn't see why they had to triple check the gate. She had watched them to the gate on countless times, even watched as they sent probes through it. But, alas, sending a fleet through it was a differnt matter to them.

"Come on Barry, I've seen you turn the thing on countless times to send your drones and satellites through, there is no difference here and we've been waiting here for seven hours. You've checked the damn thing three times now."

The image of a tall Tamerin scientist, Barry Holdever, flicked onto her screen. "Admiral Shay, There can be no room for mistake here, every system must be checked, rechecked, and then checked again before we can allow you and your fleet to pass through the Gate. Please have patience. As you can see we are almost finished. You will be given the all clear signal soon enough."

Sighing, Vera looked around at her bridge staff, half of which were sleeping after having completed their checks and jobs hours ago. "Damn scientists" she muttered as for a third time the reports of all her ships system checks came in for her inspection.

Finally the gates lights turned to orange and the Avalon gate powered up. There was a small flash of blue on the rim and then the whole gate seemed to fill with a blue liquid as the lights turned to green. A voice pierced through the brigs communication from the Avalon Gate Labs. "Grand Admiral Shay, The Illexia and the ships of the FEF have clearence to enter the Avalon Jump Gate. Good luck."

A cheer broke out among the tired crew of Illexia's bridge. "Alright, Captain Grenmal, bring her in slow."

"Aye aye maim" he said as the ships engines slowly fired into life. Vera pressed a button on her control panel to activate the ships com channels. "Crew of the Illexia, report to your stations. We have begun our approach for the Avalon Gate and we are not sure how bumpy the ride will need to be seated at your stations and strapped in. Upon arrival you may be free to go about your duties."

Vera smiled as her ship moved every closer towards that blue field in front of her. The first Frealian through the Avalon Gate, What an honor. As the ship touched the blue field it seemed to be sucked in though it was gaining no speed. However once it passed through there was a sudden flash and the next thing she saw was the empty expanse of space on the other side. "Captain, Clear away from the Gate, the other ships must pass through."

Year 2673 A.D.S Location Orus Home System Planet Orion

Crowds were gathered outside the castle of Kings built from stone since ancient times to be meeting place of Kings now used exclusively by Orion Empire. The crowd watched as Warrior King Vladimer XI and Warrior King Warthu III made their way inside. The crowds were kept back by elite guards under Kron. Vladimer and Warthu sat in a chair at a round table in a elaborate room with high ceiling and walls covered in murals of past major events. There were many empty chairs with elaborate carvings that were symbols of bloodlines long dead. Warrior King Kron XXXIV was wheeled in by several attendants in his throne like he was always.
Warthu stood up "We are here to discuss loss of a capital ship. But I have a ambitious plan for a replacement to our aging capital ships. And this brings up that opportunity for a brighter future." Warthu slides a card into a slot on the table then a circle in middle displays a hologram of a ship. Vladimer slams his fist "What are we looking at exactly!? Don't waste our time and resources on some ship! I have greater plans!" Warthu laughed "Just a ship? This is the future of our Empire! Don't forget your place Vladimer. I can still have you-" Kron spoke loudly using amplification device in helmet "Both of you stop your bickering for once! Now Warthu you speak! If you youngsters keep bickering your both dead!." Vladimer nodded and Warthu pressed a button on table showing specification for ship being displayed "I would like you to meet the Pillar class ship. It is 1,200ft long, 300ft tall and 600ft wide which is bigger than a capital ship. There is more, it would be armed with over twenty H-Bombs using a new design to yield same blast force of 50 megatons but smaller size. The fighter bay is in the front which can house four hundred fighters and two hundred bombers. The bombers are able to operate in a atmosphere so they can deliver their payload a 25 megaton nuke. There is also thirty troop transports designed to transport troops and ground vehicles to a battle. There is only a hundred and fifty drop pods though. It's crew fully stocked will number twelve thousand with three thousand soldiers for ground combat. Now you're asking what to power it and for that I have the ultimate power source. A reverse engineered fusion core!"

Vladimer stood up "Are you mad! Scientists in my domain have assured me the cost of trying to go back down that path of energy is not worth it!" Kron then just chuckled "For once I have to agree with young one. Unless you're saying your scientists cracked the puzzle that has eluded mine also with the own working fusion core to examine." Warthu would of smiled if he had no helmet on "They have, looking from a fresh angle can lead to beneficial results. Especially when your scientists are so easily bribed to give their research over. Imagine the future Orion fleet composed of this single ship class! Frigates, capital ships bah! They are a thing of the past. With the pillar class ships able to replace entire fleets. Now I just need consent of one of you and I'll spread the wealth of new core design to my fellow Kings." Vladimer slammed his fist down "Never in a thousand years will I ever agree with your plan! Give me and my scientist all of both your research and free reign and I can revitalize this Empire to its glory days! Imagine with combined knowledge of your scientist I... I mean we can achieve greatness." Kron looked from Warthu to Vladimer "I put my vote behind Warthu. Nothing against your leadership Vladimer but I've had to put down five other kings in my time from your bloodline mostly. If it wasn't for fact your son wasn't older you would be dead already! Now this meeting is dismissed!" Kron descended into a coughing fit and was wheeled out of room as Vladimer stormed out of the room. Warthu pressed a button his helmet once the other two had left "I have gained approval send the plans to the shipyard to begin construction. Tell the others to be patient soon the power will be mine..." One of Kron's attendants stood in shadows watching and listening.

A attendant walked up to Kron was being loaded into a transport "Sire... Warthu moves against the established order." Kron coughed then nodded "Kill him... then send information to his son that his father died in a accident." The attendant that was near Warthu got the message and drew a throwing star pressed a button then chucked it at Warthu. Warthu tried to reach back as he felt the object sink into his armor on his back "Dammit! You bastard Kron!" the disk started to beep and Warthu ran for the exit looking for a guard to rip it out. But it was too late as he ran out the door to a empty hallway the device exploded leaving bits of the dead king splattering walls. Only his feet were recognizable. Clean up crews quickly arrived to dispose any evidence and the attendant who did the deed.

The state of the Velidian government had settled into a rare moment of peace. There were no wars going on, no hidden rebellions, and no civil unrest. As such this was the perfect time for the further exploration of space. A series of small scouting ships were sent out loaded with fuel, snow from the polar region, and a few months worth of rations. This ships occasionally landed on colonies or the odd asteroid to restock those very important resources when possible. After a year of hard voyaging and some serious bad luck the one long distance jumpgate in the system had been found by almost complete accident. The Velidus had been searching for new habitable worlds but hadn't found much with scouts of late. The crew was running low on snow and simply didn't have enough to get back to any nearby world safely. By sheer chance the jumpgate had been found. In a last ditch effort to preserve their own lives the ship entered the gate as the swirling energies capable of bending the space time continuum itself engulfed their ship.

Miracle of miracles an ice planet was detected on the radar and it was within travel distance! As our small scouting ship came closer buildings were detected on radar. As this was a scout ship and therefore not armed to the teeth with explosives the crew decided that for once discretion was the better part of valor. They landed in a remote area far from any city hoping not to be noticed. They began digging up the snow they needed almost immediately but the Lysk who inhabited the world would more likely than not have detected the ship and noticed that it wasn't theirs. This would almost certainly warrant some form of investigation.

+++Secure Connection Established+++
+++Transferring Files+++

From: Lord Admiral Stern
To: DivCom1stFleet
Subject:Tarsis Ultra Jump Gate

Go day is 156001. Marshall the first fleet and prepare for departure.

+++Secure Connection Close+++
+++Destroying Message+++

The wide cavernous portal of the jump gate opened up before the amassed Confederacy fleet. The ships all hung, silently in space, the navigation lights flickering like stars. Hundreds of vessels awaited the gates activation, from gigantic colony vessels, bulbous and heavy with massive hydroponic pods and agricultural equipment, to the sleek knife shapes of the warships, electric charges flickering along the lateral lines of the railguns. On the planet below the huge circle of the gate, a massive dish covered what seemed like a whole island, projecting upwards into the atmosphere. Below the dish, a sprawling facility the size of a small city clustered around the massive pylons supporting the dish.

Projecting from the heart of this facility was a massive tower, extending up into the bowl of the dish. On the top floor of this tower a Tiresian scientist stared out at the huge curvature of the dish. He was dressed in a well tailored suit, that clung to his spindly frame, with a Confederacy emblem pinned to his collar. He paced around the control room, his loping gait carrying him from workstation to workstation, pausing to look over the shoulders of his underlings at the work they were continuing frantically.

He finally settled into a wide leather office chair, propping his spindly legs on the desk, flicking his eyes to the small monitor infront of him. With a loud chatter of noise, the slimline phone on his desk exploded into life. The scientist lurched forward, his tapering indigo fingers snatching the devise from its cradle. "Durrant here." He lowered his normally active and passionate voice to a mere whisper. "Yes, Giraud, I am ready. I await your command." The phone went silent, and Durrant replaced it into its cradle. Checking that no-one as looking, he opened the safe under his desk, and pulled out a compact machine pistol, and a trio of thick blocks of explosives. Straigtening to his full eight feet, he aimed the machine pistol and ripped off a burst.

One of the scientist took the burst full in the chest, and was hurled backwards against his workstation, high velocity spatter coating his colleagues. The other scientists screamed and turned to run, hoping to attract the attention of the assault rifle wielding troops outside the doors. As they reached the doors, the guards into the space cleared and squeezed the triggers, filling the room with the reports of automatic fire and plumes of undulating gunsmoke. Durrant stepped forward, dropping his aim to atomise the skull of a Haryn scientist that had survived the massacre. "Guard the door." He intonated emotionlessly to his two comrades.

Durrant moved quickly around the control room, dropping the bricks of plastic explosive onto the key workstations. He armed each charge and moved to the centre of the room, activating the security cameras that he had shut down not days before. He raised his arms to shoulder hight, clutching the pistol grip of the detonator in his right hand. He looked directly into the lens of the camera, as if he was staring down the operator. When he spoke, it was slow and clear, his voice betraying a waver of the excitement that was building in his body. "The will of the Voices does not wish this travesty to occur." The transmition from the cameras would head to a broadcast relay in the lower atmosphere, and then to every ship and transmitter on the planet and above it. He bowed his head and squeesed the detonator.

Plumes of distructive fire ripped across the underside of the dome, destroying the supporting pylons and control systems. The watchers in orbit looked on in awe as the edifice toppled, crushing the facility under it, causing massive explosions to rip across the small island and the planets surface. On his flagship, the Star of Tirese, Admiral Roburte Stern's jaw dropped. For the first time in over fifty years, he was shocked by the atrocity that had just occured. The Confederacy would not be leaving the system for a while yet.

Savier was looking over the new Battle-Skins as they were unloaded. As an old veteran he was able to pick up on the flaws in the sets of armor, and he could tell they were an agreeable upgrade. As he watched them be scanned, to be certain they were intact, a brown Lysk ran up to him. Skidding to a halt, the young soldier panted for a second before speaking, "Pherion, sir! We've detected something odd!"

Savier's eye twitched. He disliked the low-ranking Lysk's abandonment of procedure, but he put it aside, the young Lysk sounded panicked. "What is it?" He asked, keeping only a fraction of irritation in his old voice.

The young Lysk began rapidly, "Sir, we detected ships coming down into atmosphere over the Northern Mountain Chain. They didn't match any of our ship models, sir. They're not ours."

Pherion Savier's eyes widened. Not theirs? The Lysk were united under one Matriarch. Rebels were an unlikely, the current Matriarch was too popular. How would they have built their own unique ships anyway? No, this was most likely a first contact. Savier's mind kicked into gear, and he began giving instructions, "Contact the Ceredin Council and the Matriarch. Tell them that we've detected an alien vessel, and believe that it's likely another species entirely. I'll be heading to them momentarily. In the meantime, send a group of soldiers under the command Morose to the landing site. Make sure the pilot knows to land out of eyesight."

"Of course, sir." The young Lysk responded, hastily commiting his orders to memory.

"And give Morose one of the new Battle-Skins. Now's as good a time as any to test it out." Savier added as he walked away, heading to his private shuttle.

The young Lysk stared at his superior for a moment before rushing off to fulfill his orders.

Aboard the MSV Ulysses, a 700 meter long light Carrier...

"Damn...That was close Sir." said Patton. He and Flynn's inner circle of ex-naval officers were strapped into seats around a metal table in the ship's briefing room, a small room with bare metal walls and harsh white lights. It had been six hours since the evacuation of Liberty's Song. The Perch made an attempt to pursue them, but broke off less than an hour into the chase. To catch up with the Ulysses, the Perch would have to have burned enormous amounts of reaction mass, and would have risked not having enough fuel to return home.

"Patton, that's the fifth time you've said that in the five hours since we lost the Perch. But yes, it was close..." said Flynn, who looked down and shook his head.

"This is the third time the Fleet has been damn close to catching us, and its the second base of ours' they've blown...I think we should go deeper into UT04, through gate 62 maybe, that's completely uncharted." said Flynn.

"Sir!" said a startled Lieutenant Bonnet, before pausing for a moment to rethink her words. "Sir, no ship has ever gone beyond g0062...We have no idea where it leads to, in fact, we aren't even sure if its a minor gate or a major gate, for all we know, it could take us halfway across the galaxy." she continued, with barely restrained agitation in her voice.

"Unless the gate drops us straight into a black hole, we won't have a problem getting back through. Now the Ulysses' might not have the most up to date navigation software, but it can manage itself in uncharted space. In my opinion, getting the fleet off our backs until they get around to exploring past the gate is worth the risk, if there is any; remember, we can just send an interceptor through the gate first and wait to get a signal from it." Flynn replied. A wide grin formed on his face. The last time he'd been in uncharted space was back in 2274, just a few months before the formation of the Filios Terrae. Even after years in the Republic Fleet, the sight of a binary sunrise in the uncharted system he'd visited had brought a tear to his eyes.

Flynn was brought out of his reminiscence by an angry Patton. "And what happens the next time the fleet finds us? We go deeper into the cluster? We just keep running for the rest of our lives? In my opinion, we should have negotiated with Alexei, seen what sorts of terms we could have gotten."

"Now listen to me Pa-" started Flynn, before being cut off by Patton "How about you listen to me for once Donald? I have been a part of your 'revolution' since day one, and in those years, we've accomplished pretty much nothing. I am sick and tired of living in space, eating spirulina, and having to strap myself into my goddamn chair just to avoid floating away!" Fuming, Patton undid his buckles, and stormed out of the room.

"Will Mr. Hadley be a problem, Sir? Should i restrict his access to the ship's systems?" asked Lieutenant Bonnet.

Flynn shook his head. "No need Lt. If you know Patton Hadley as long as I have, you come to expect things like this. You joined up with us like, three four years ago right? Well it hasn't happened for a while, but about six years back, after the fleet destroyed our first planetside base, Patton actually threatened to defect back to the STR. Trust me, he'll get over it in a few days."

"Yes Sir." replied the Lieutenant.

Year 2673 A.D.S Location X731 Capital Ship in undocumented system

High Admiral Rekaroth Ivun III looked out one of few windows in observation deck as the ship turned and pressed button on helmet "Is that what I think it is?" a quick reply from bridge "Sir scans appear to identify it as a smaller jump gate. We are also picking up data on worlds in system. One Spears to be habitable with a thick atmosphere though but scans are also picking up no signs of life." Ivun paced back and forth for a moment "Lets head for the planet and send a group down." Ivun made his way to bridge as ship made it to planet. General Bore and three squads equipped with supplies to set up a small camp on surface were readied. Bore pressed button on helmet "What am I going to have to expect on surface?." Ivun pressed button helmet quickly "Thick atmosphere with oxygen levels that will require you to set helmets to setting to lower oxygen intake. There appears to be no life with initial surface scans it's a barren rock with mostly deserts. I'll be launching you into middle of one of deserts. Oh and don't die before we get back were gonna see if we can use this places gate to head home." The pods were launched down to surface of the new world. As Bore was walking out into desert heat he planted the flag of the Orion Empire on the planet's surface and the X731 made its way back towards the jump gate.

General Bore after a few hours was informed that communication was lost with the capital ship. Bore walked out from camp made from tents "So were truly alone now.. well at least were on a dead world." Just then bumps in sand by distance from a soldier with binocular attachment to helmet were spotted "Sir something's coming towards us!" Bore grabbed a gun from a crate "Everyone were going to have a long night!" Worm like creatures burst from ground with large teeth filled maws lunging at soldiers. Bore watched as one went straight through armor of a soldier and exploded out the back. "Dam it they can chew through armor!" The ground was getting covered in shells as the soldiers fought on against the creatures. General Bore looked up at sky as he hid behind a pod to reload "Damn navy bastard better come back soon..."

The Velidus could sense the heat of the ship heading in their direction from very far away. Considering the fact that this was a ship burning fuel on an ice planet... Yeah there was no chance of surprise. The Velidus knew however that they didn't have a snowballs chance in hell of surviving if the local inhabitants got hostile. Shoveling of snow into the tanks grew to a feverish pace as the ship neared ever closer. The captain of the ship stood aside hoping to be able to reason with the fast approaching he didn't know what. He held his blade and began drawing an image with it in the snow in the best quality he could. It was a simple clean drawing of the streamlined scouting ship they came on overheating and melting slowly. There were no windows on the ship of any sort. It was clearly built for speed and fuel efficiency and while it was by no meaning of the term heavily armed it did have light weaponry in the case of a skirmish.

Morose sat in the small shuttle calmly. He was a skilled warrior. One of the best. It was how he achieved the high rank of Shindo, despite being only twenty-three. There had been a lot of controversy and uproar in the noble quarters Nibale over him joining the military, after all it was supposed to be below him, but the arguements were gone now. He was talented as a soldier. Of course, he had never considered the duty below him. He viewed it as the best way to serve his Matriarch, and therefore it was his duty to join the military.
The new Battle-Skin fit like a glove, and he inwardly enjoyed it. His helmet remained off though, showing his naturally white covered in blue markings to represent his officer ranking. He stared about at the fully-armored soldiers around him. They were mostly brown-pelts, soldiers under an officer rank, but they were good soldiers all the same.

When the shuttle landed the soldiers were lead out by Morose. The cold winds of the planet buffeted his face, but he was kept warm by his thick fur. He skillfully climbed the rocky ledges with his Battle-Skin's claws, forcing himself to slow down for his troops' sake. As he came to the top he spotted the aliens, and aliens they definantly were. He crawled over the edge carefully and quietly. When he was close enough he jumped from cover, and grabbed the trigger to his shoulder-mounted rifle. "Why are you here?" He asked calmly, not thinking he might not be understood.

Na'alkrin

There are a list of things most civilizations do not wish to see or happen. While these lists very from civilization to civilization, somewhere on that list (whether they know it or not) is the Rha'krerin Federation Type-4 Class heavy cruiser. The Type-4 Class cruiser is, currently, the largest and most heavily armed ship cruising the Galaxy. As far as the Kraylk'Sut are concerned, anyway. Pre-space civilizations of varying technological status in systems adjacent to the Krillak System told tales of massive ships that floated above their sky, raining fire and dispensing waves of insect like abductors that looted, kidnapped, and pillaged anything or anyone of value. If there was ever a prime-suspect for a mysterious race blasting modern civilizations back to the stone age, it was the Rha'krerin Federation.

The Type-4 class heavy cruiser presently gliding along the fringes of Na'alkrin, Vhak, was not preparing to embark on another expedition. Instead, it maintained a steady course towards a direlect cargo ship for a training exercise. Training exercise was hardly the correct choice of words for the occasion, though. It was more of a weapons demonstration. If the Kraylk'Sut were suddenly to vanish, they wanted each and every one of their achivements documented in writing, pictures, and video. The achivement being recorded for video footage and potential portrayl in a documentary, was the primary weapon of the Type-4 class: The plasma cannon.

The gargantuan craft crept closer towards the abandoned frigate. The bridge, cleverly built in the center of the ship, was abuzz with activity. No pun intended. The Kraylk'Sut manning the vessle chittered back and forth in their near-incomprehensible language. Switches were thrown, buttons were pushed, levers were pulled as the crew brought the main cannon online.

Once all signs were green and the ship was in range, the whole front section of the ship seemed to open up; revealing a very large and scary gun. It was not a very practical design and left the cannon very vulnerable. However, if they managed to fire and hit the target, it wouldn't matter. No ships in the present could recover from a direct hit with the Rha'krerin Federation's favorite weapon.

"<Target locked.>"

The gun began to glow a faint blue as it powered up. It took only five seconds for it to begin glowing a bright cyan, the sight alone would send most fleets packing.

"<Main cannon charged to maximum capacity. Awaiting orders.>"
"<Fire.>"

A bright blue steam of pure plasma erupted from the gun, arcing through empty space before crashing into the frigate. It didn't stop there. Rather, it tore a massive crater straight through the middle. The stream of plasma continued for an agonizingly long three seconds before coming to a halt. When it was done, about 90% of the center of the frigate had been removed. It stood there for a moment before collapsing in on itself.

"<Target destroyed.>"
"<Drill complete. Plotting return course.>"

The Vhak began it's return course, leaving the tangled, mess of metal behind.

((All in parenthesis is speech translated to all the meaning it has for you at this point.))

The crew could now be seen up close. Simple humanoid forms bulged beneath arctic cold resistant clothing. Metal covered where you were pretty sure a face should go. There was also no visible head on any of these... things.

The weapon had been pointed at the captain known simply by nickname Rasha. He pushed a button on the side of his mask and it folded back to reveal his face. His response was incomprehensible but you could at least tell the thing was trying to communicate.

(Yor digma hoggen vlog. Oa hoto aletie. Ew babba labba squee.)

He walked over to his drawing and pointed at it with the blade of a strange weapon. A one sided blade of exquisite sheen at the end of a poll like structure made from the same metal. It came to an end on the other side with a very blunt sphere attached to the poll. It was easy to see that all through this four foot long weapon there was nothing but metal and it was all simply one piece.

The drawing was a simple image of the ship still clearly visible behind the crew of Velidus melting. The weapon then pointed wide at the area where water was being dumped onto the snow as snow shoveled into the ship in plain sight.

Edit: Sorry about the location. I'm not used to having to pick that before posting and now it won't let me edit that.

Morose's grip fell from his gun. The odd creatures didn't seem to be there too fight, but his subordinates kept their own grip, just in case. The alien's attempt at communication was confusing, but with enough concentration he was able to assume their ship was overheating. He squinted his yellow eyes in thought; Causing the five small blue dots under them to spread out, and the two blue lines on his forehead, the bottom one being larger than the upper, to scrunch up as he did so. He came to the conclusion that the aliens likely weren't a threat at the moment. "Gardeign." He said, moving his arms around to indicated the surroundings.

When he stopped he indicated them again, and pressed one of his hands to his chest, "Gardeign, ours."

"You," he pointed at the alien in front of him, "come," he moved his fingers in toward his palm, "with us," he gestured to himself again.

The captain understood the sign language to some small degree and he attempted to connect it to the sounds as he slowly followed.

Before the following began he gave the order to stop with the shoveling at least temporarily just in case it offended the locals.

His thoughts on the sign language: <Gardeign and waving arms all around... Could that refer to the planet? The mountain range perhaps? Is it their word for snow? Ours must be some reference to the person speaking but what does it imply? Maybe when combined with Gardeign it relates to... Home? Ownership? Eh who can say for certain...? He said you while pointing at me. That's not exactly hard to figure out. The finger movement afterwords is simple. That must be in equivalent meaning to come with us.>

His men meanwhile opened a door on the ship and placed the shovels inside. They weren't certain if the follow command applied to them or not so they more or less stayed in place never straying to far from the people watching them. Most of them sat or found other places to rest. After all they didn't look like they were paying attention during that little scene and the people watching them were making no similar gesture or even trying to herd them in a direction.

ooc: Early communication isn't easy but I hope I did that realistically.

Morose turned, and jerked his head in the direction he was heading toward, adding further explaination to his meaning. He didn't wait to see if the apparent leader of the aliens would follow. He knew if the creature was smart it would, after all it wasn't like it could run if that were it's intention. As he lead the way back down he took a longer, easier, path, unsure as to if the alien could climb down the ledges that Morose had come up. He reached the small shield like shuttle, and waited at it's open door for his men and the alien leader.

Lord Xian, Commanding officer
Ship of the Fleet Coldwin
1st Expeditionary Detachment

Current location:
Retch System, outer limit
Ring 003


Lord Xian stood at the command desk on the bridge of the Coldwin, arms folded over his chest, gazing out the broad forward viewing glass. The ring floated silently before them. The Dragon class ship was dwarfed by the ancient structure, the third of its kind that the Tel'tsu had come across. The commander was silent as he waited for word to arrive.

The 1st Expeditionary Fleet floated mere kilometers from the second great step out into the great darkness of space. Six ships in all, the Coldwin serving as their flagship. She wasn't the grandest ship in the fleet by far, but she was capable. Along with her where two Spear ships and three Swords. They where the smallest active detachment of the fleet, making the largest strides. Millions and billions of kilometers from their home, always willing to go further.

"Lord Xian, transmission incoming from High Lord Merik."

"On screen." Lord Xian replied calmly as he allowed his arms to fall to the rail in front of him. The forward glass seemed to shimmer and shift for a moment before the High Lords image finally came up against the back drop of stars. "High Lord, your honor. The first Expeditionary awaits your command." Xian bowed his head.

"At ease Lord Xian. Your orders have come through, make the jump."

"Yes, High Lord."

The image faded. Xian's posture didn't change for a long moment as he continued gazing out the glass. "Patch in to Detachment channel, all stations."

"Yes lord, patching you in Lord." The comm officer punched a few keys on his work station, "Transmitting sir."

"This is Lord Xian, we have received final orders. We are the first step of a great exploration, as we speak fleets of ships are preparing to follow our path into the great void of space. This is the beginning, we are the leaders. Here is the brink of the greatest exploration in the history of our people. We know not what awaits us beyond the darkness, toil and hardship, or peace and rest. No matter the welcome we get out their, we shall have glory and honor upon returning home. Do this well, do this as great as one can, and we will be known forever."

He straitened up slightly, "All ships, prepare for jump. We'll see you on the other side."

Luckily the tundra gear included gloves on both hands and feet made of rubber heated to room temperature. He sensed the cliffs directly between himself and the apparent leader of the furry people. He did something the lysk probably weren't expecting. He ran towards the cliff leading towards the Lysk leader and stopped at the edge for a brief moment before jumping off the side. Using his natural acrobatic skills and feet that gave new meaning to the term ambidextrous he literally swung through air grabbing handholds and footholds alike until he reach the bottom near the shuttle. At that point he started walking towards the Lysk ship in a relaxed fashion as if what he had just done was no big deal at all.

((Wildly unexpected but I thought it would both teach the Lysk a bit about the Velidus and spice up the interaction.))

Uncharted jump gate g0062a, 12:14 am TST, January 24th, 2287...

There was a heated argument going on in the bridge of the MSV Ulysses.


"Patton, didn't we discuss this yesterday, and the day before that? We're going through the gate, that's and order, and that's final." said Flynn.

For the past two days, Patton had taken every opportunity to argue against going through the g0062a jump gate. He was so persistent, that Flynn ultimately threatened to give the order for him to be confined to his quarters for the duration of the voyage, which initially seemed to have ended the argument.

"I don't like this." was all Patton had to say.

Satisfied, Flynn turned back to the holographic display in the center of the Ulysses' bridge. The bridge was a long room, not unlike the command center on Liberty's Song, with polished metal walls and rows of computer terminals. At the head of the bridge, the ship's navigator, Mary Decker, a short woman with bleached blond hair and brown eyes, was busy monitoring the ship's final course corrections en-route to the jump gate. Most of the operational staff were seated at the various terminals in the bridge. Contrary to twenty first century science fiction depictions of a ship's bridge, that of the Ulysses was tucked away in the heart of the ship, and, much like the rest of the warship, had no windows of any kind.

A few minutes later, the Ulysses was at a near stand still compared to the enormous jump gate before them.

"Interceptor 01 ready for launch. On your mark, Sir" said the Navigator.

Flynn took a deep breath, and gave the order. On the view-screen at the head of the bridge, a small vessels rocketed away from the Ulysses into the jump gate. Several seconds passed.

"We have the signal. No gravitational anomalies...Temperature at an ordinary 3 kelvin...Alright, looks like the gate is clear" reported one of the bridge staff.

Decker looked up at Flynn, who nodded. "All crew, prepare for interstellar transit." she said over the ship's PA system. The ships engines engaged, and the Ulysses lurched forward towards the jump gate. A subtle blue light formed in the heart of the ring, and the ship surged through, emerging dozens of light years away in the system adjacent to Lysk territory...

Morose nodded in interest at the sight of the alien climbing down the cliff. "If I had known you could do that I wouldn't've took the long way." He joked, knowing he wouldn't be understood.
He walked into the shuttle, and took a seat near the door to the pilots. Once everyone was inside he banged on the door ordering, "The alien leader's come willingly. Take us to the palace in Nibale."

"Yes sir." Came the reply from behind the door.

The entrance to the shuttle closed, and it soon lifted off. The window was clear from the inside, and the mountains giving way to the great icy plains formed from the oceans was shown clearly. It was a half an hour of watching the dull ice plains speed by, but they too would soon change. In the meantime, Morose took his hand, and pointed it at himself saying, "Lysk."

He pointed at each of his soldiers in turn, repeating the word to make his point understood. After finishing the one of the pilots' voices came over the intercome, "We're coming up on the city sir."

The change was abrupt and immediate, unlike the mountains' slow fall, but one second there ice. The next there were buildings of a noble white standing out, some small and many large. The metropolis was massive, but it soon changed once more.

Passing an inner wall, the streets became wide pathways, upon which white Lysk walked. On the sides of the road were mansions of gold and white. Behind them were fields of snow, and massive constructs ice, made to look like whatever the mansion owner's wished. Then came the most amazing sight. In the center of what was, obviously, the Nobles' quarter of the city was a massive palace. To one who did not know better the palace itself would appear to be made of ice; it was twisting, turning, and spiraling in columns spreading from the base, and weaving back together at certain points. Yet the gold adorning much of it's structure gave away the fact that it was not really ice.

The view faded, however, when the shuttle pulled into a dock in the palace. The doors opened once more, and Morose led his company outside, into the halls of the great structure.

Rasha was finally somewhat back in his element. He could in a way sense more about his surroundings than the Lysk. He could sense the servants clean, the cooks do their jobs, and even things happening on other floors as he followed the leader of these new Lysk. He kept his mouth shut and followed close behind trying not to draw to much unnecessary attention.

The other Velidus meanwhile began to enter the outer layer of the small ship but they didn't go so far as to be unseen by their Lysk guards. Why would they enter the ship and not do anything? The answer was quickly apparent as a warmth could be felt emanating from within.

((I had to do something for a moment there.))

The Lysk soon entered a grand hall with guards at the side. The guards' armor was different from the soldiers'. Their Battle-skins were white, and their helmets were iron masks that showed the their harsh eyes, instead of the reinforced glass that surrounded the upper-half of the soldiers'. At the end of hall was a large golden throne filled with crimson cushion, and on those cushions was what was unmistakably a white Lysk curled about something. It raised it's head at the entrance of the Lysk soldiers and their "guest," revealing serene golden eyes that red lines wrapped around, and it's forehead was a red circle with a spike at the top and the bottom. It nodded to one of it's guards, and the Lysk came over. As the red-marked Lysk stood it revealed itself to be a female. There was a small amount of whimpering as she stood, but it was hushed as the guard wrapped himself around what it was the female had been wrapped around.

As the red-marked Lysk walked a feeling a calmness, joy, and, more than anything else, power seemed to radiate from her, despite the fact she was very delicate for a Lysk. All the soldiers, except for Morose, rushed forward simultaneously declaring, "Matriarch," and began licking at her paws and hands as she walked, in a form of active submission. The Matriarch waved a hand to dismiss them, and they removed themselves from her side. She stopped in front of the alien, and turned to Morose, nuzzling him shortly, and asking, "And how are you doing Morose?"

"Well, Aunt Fayren." The young Lysk responded. "The alien leader came without arguement. The rest of his crew are being watched at their landing site."

The Matriarch gave a calming toothy smile as she turned face the alien. Surprisingly, she stood on her hind-legs, and offered a hand.