Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Greetings Guest, welcome to Mind'sgate: Path to Valhalla, the eternal staircase to worlds beyond our own. Haven of roleplayers from across the globe, and a sanctuary for writers of many forms.

New members must first pass through a filtration process before they will be approved to post. This is simply a security feature to insure the safety and happiness of our community. Currently Admin validation and email validation will be required, after that has been finished, look to the Players section for information about further application and classification. All members new and old have access to the c-box located at the bottom of every page.

We sincerely hope you enjoy your stay in our domain,

-Mind'sgate Staff

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
DOA?:Stellacide; To end all wars
Topic Started: Dec 15 2008, 11:11 AM (13,297 Views)
Mercinus3
Member Avatar
The English Kitty Ninja
As the Silencer got back into his ship and fired it up, a large signature bleeped out of the overhead console. Sitting down into the cockpit, Shadow-claw pressed through the buttons that he had customised so that his claws were able to press them without breaking. "Computer, what is the problem?" he ordered at the console, as he saw a large amount of a plasma-like cone appeared up on the digital display.

There has been heavy fire in the port from an unmarked ship. It had cloaked a few minutes after the attack, but I have just found the same signature that the ship's cloaking device had. Do you intend to attack the vessel, or do you want to head over to your contractor?" The Silencer saw the readings on the radar, and thought about it for a while. They had broken through the atmosphere as the computer asked the question. Pacing backwards and forwards in his mind, Shadow-claw squinted his eyes as he though of what to do.

A few minutes later, he reached for the ship's com and hailed the large battleship that was nearby. "This is Shadow-claw, commander of the Cosmic Hunter. Is there anyone on board that I can talk to?" he spoke, hoping that he would get a reply.
Posted Image
Efarilahn
 
Eat babies, don't punt kittens.
This is true. I will go ninja kitty on your asses if you do... *glowers and sharpens claws*
Posted ImagePosted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Attila
Member Avatar
Transylvanian Mad Scientist
A countdown timer was displayed on the screen that was following the movements of the alien craft. Emerson kept one eye on the countdown timer, peeking to the nearby screen tracing incoming signals while Nemesis was glaring at the countdown timer with an unmistakable glee behind her smile.
But Joshua was taken back by the turn of events which seemed sudden. Since, now a projection of a tattooed woman, wearing nothing but a black dress was standing before him, right in the middle of the room. As his eyes fixed on the apparition, he could see Nemesis' disgruntled face and hear her utter a faint 'dammit' in her disappointment to finally test her weapons. The AI heaved a distinct sigh, and her projection faded as she resumed her usual place, appearing on one of the screens, where she kept a close eye on the stranger.

"Captain Emerson, I presume?"
He arched an eyebrow, as he leaned forward slightly. The creature knew language, or it could have assimilated it by its contact with the denizens of the port. If that was the case, there could be no telling how many languages and dialects it could have learned during her time there.. Emerson found this trait interesting. Undoubtedly useful, once put into service.
"I am Lya D''vahl, of the Alterran Consortium, responding to your hail. While you're free to attempt blowing my ship out of Gendon Delta 7 space, you are not likely to succeed. I am here to trade, but I don't take kindly to threats." She continued on, while heading towards him. A smile slowly appearing on her face.
"I pose no threat to you. I am but a simple trader of weapons and other sundry items. Can I interest you in a planet buster, or perhaps multiphasic shielding?"

He raised his palm at her, a motion to stop as he raised an electro-plasma barrier with a radius of a few feet from him. "That's far enough." He said, and lowered his hand back unto the console and leaned back. "So, I take it you are a dealer in contraband?" He asked, keeping his voice sounding interested. If this woman was what she said she was, he would have no trouble understanding her, give his long-time experience with the Imperial underground.
"The Alterran Consortium, eh? From what you've offered me so far, I'm not to take your faction lightly. As a matter of fact, I am interested in a variety of your wares." He took his right hand off the console, and began to gesticulate as he spoke. "But what is my guarantee that the wares will be operable, or not wired to fail after we've made the transaction and you're long gone?"
He eyed her suspiciously. "If I am to buy anything, I would require the full schematics and workings of the respective ware for my AI to analyze for functionality. Once we have settled, the ware would be thoroughly scanned to match the schemata. I am willing to bargain with Imperial credits or hardware we have in surplus aboard the ship. Parts and weaponry, mostly."

With that finished, he took a deep breath.
"So. What say you?"
Posted Image

Posted Image Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Dark Jack
Member Avatar
The Phantom Poster
Hesitatingly taking the cup with the unidentified liquid from Harper, Melai thought about what she had just said. He really felt rather stressed, but then again, who would not given the circumstances he was living under at the moment, being constantly on the run from the Empire - plus a few loansharks, of course, but they were not really significant when he had an entire galaxy to outmaneveur them in. It would be a lot easier to just go back and convince the spaceport-office to convice them to hand him a new Starjump drive, and it was tempting to be offered the opportunity to fly instead of walking.

However, just as he was about to accept the offer, Talon arrived to share his point of view, and Melai had to admit to himself that he, too, was reluctant to return to the spaceport with the increasing amount of Imperial troops there. Just then, as to underline the point of the many Imperial soldiers, the speaker of a Beholder could be heard closing in and, soon enough, passing by the place where the Rey was crashed, its spotlights just barely missing the ship. That was too close.
"The spaceport is crawling with those Imperial dogs, and they are quite eager to have my head, for one thing..." he summerized in a low voice, "It'd be hard to get to the spaceport unseen, especially by air, since taking off has been prohibited. We have a permit, but still... it's risky. Maybe the alien is our best chance after all."

Raising the mug in a soundless toast, Melai took a drag from Harper's drink, greedily swallowing the liquid despite the fact that he would have sworn that it burned all the way down his throat. He kept drinking for almost ten seconds before he removed the mug from his mouth again and, after having taken a deep breath, burped loudly. He then handed back the mysterious drink to Harper, although he curiously noticed the continious ripples in the surface of the clear substance in the mug, caused by the disturbing effect alcohol had on his brain, which became visual through slight telekinetic waves in his surroundings. It would pass shortly, though... unless the drink kicked harder than he had estimated.

"We'll start the first repairs and replacements right away," Melai stated, turning back towards the Rey, "And if that alien merchant returns before we're done, we'll try to buy my own Starjump drive back. If she doesn't, we'll try to mount the drive from the Lady Be Good in the Rey and see if that works - if you allow it, of course, Harper. And if it doesn't... well, then we'll be screwed."
Posted Image
Posted ImagePosted ImagePosted Image

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Shienvien
Member Avatar
I want, I can, I do
"I don't think the Telkran does bother with replying to whatever signal sent to her ship before she has done with her attempt of trying to strike a deal with those on the imperial ship." Zet'kil told the one who had waved with a fancy-looking piece of plastic earlier,talking about buying the the Imperials or something along the lines. "But of course I can establish a link and hope she bothers with answering a little later, when there's not much to do here anymore... In case she doesn't show up on her own initiative meanwhile."

She then- as she had given up understanding the woman's speech earlier, turned to her control, to find out whether the ship could get a little better view over what Harper had to say.
"Yeah(a.-Yes), s (It has?) got a starjump drive, what of it? It's (a.-it is) a little small, mind, 'cos(ukn.-sug.-Because?) of how bitty(w? (-?)) the Lady is. But iff'n(ukn.-sug.-If?) (ukn.-sug.-If? ---+You?--- Sug If You Are In)you need t'go(a.-To Go) back to down(w? (town?)), I c'n(sug.-Can) unload 'er(sug.-Her) real quick an' getcha(sug.-and)(ukn. sug.-Get You?) back to town. Jes'(sug.-Yes ---yes-w.w.u.?---ukn. w. sug.-You Should. (?)) pull that same trick as before an' I'm(sug.-And.)(a.-I am) sure they'll(a.-They Will) pony(w? (-?)) up one, given that we get there in time. Yeh(sug.-Yeah. (a.- Yes) ---yes-w.w.u.?---ukn. w. sug.-You. (?)) look stressed, try a bit a(w? (Of?)) this, It'll(a.-It Will) relax ya(a.-You). Got a still built into th'(sug.-The) back by the impulse engines sos(w.? (-?)) it uses the heat from I'm,a. I am pretty clever iff'n(ukn. sug.-If?) I do say myself and not damn bad hooch either."
She literally stared at the awkward piece of writing (It is hard to stare at something when there is no moving pieces to your eyes and your range of view is also very wide.)
The thing seemed, besides finding the right words, also to put in as many odd things as it had found possible. Zet'kil poked the control, to make it rephrase the message.
"Yes, it has got a starjump drive, what of it? It is a little small, mind, because of how bitty the Lady is. But if you are need to go) back to town?, I can unload her real quick and get you back to town. You should pull that same trick as before and I am sure they will pony up one, given that we get there in time. You look stressed, try a bit of this, it will relax you. Got a still built into the back by the impulse engines so it uses the heat from (?.) I am pretty clever if(?) I do say myself and not damn bad hooch either."
"That is better. Don't show me any more messages like the lfirst one was, clear?"
The text disappeared and the word "Confirmed." flickered over the control for a second, before it went still again.
Zet'kil sighed and let her arm drop to the side.

"We'll start the first repairs and replacements right away, and if that alien merchant returns before we're done, we'll try to buy my own Starjump drive back. If she doesn't, we'll try to mount the drive from the Lady Be Good in the Rey and see if that works - if you allow it, of course, Harper. And if it doesn't... well, then we'll be screwed."

"Right... I'll unload the things from my ship and then I will look what I can do." The Xeian replied. "And what is it, by the way?" She asked, pointing her hand to the mug Melai was holding.
Edited by Shienvien, Jan 8 2009, 08:45 PM.
A thought can create a world, but only a word written down can ensure its existence.

-When I am physically capable of doing something it doesn't mean I can do it. When I can, it doesn't mean that I should. When I should, it doesn't mean that I must. When I must, it doesn't mean that I will.
-I might not always know where I currently am, but I am never lost. I know in which direction my destination lies.
-There is no faith in knowing. I prefer to know, as only in this way can I be certain in my decisions.
-The more people you ask a question the higher the chance that at least one of them is right.
-Make me walk on walls, don't force me to dance according to others' will.
-I agree that life can be depressing at times. I just choose to ignore it.
-I don't figure over possibilities. I want, I can, I do.


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Harpalyce
No Avatar

"I ain't to keen on choppin' up the Lady, she been real good to me," Harper said nervously. "Honest, she's pro'lly got enough to get us all where we're goin', but if there's someone out there sellin' a jump drive we c'n pro'lly get it." It took her a moment before she seemed to respond to the Xeian, though this time she looked a little weirded out by the ripples caused by Melai taking a gulp of the stiff drink.

After a second of looking Zet'kil over, she clapped the alien on the shoulder (or as best she could approximate), taking the mug from Melai. "This here is genuine, home brewed hooch. ...moonshine," she amended, before finally trying again: "Y'know, alcoholic beverage. 's onn'a my specialties, if I do say so myself! Packs a kick, gets y' nice an' relaxed, makes me shoot th' turret guns on th' Lady like a pro. ...also does a nice job of cleanin' chrome, but tha's incidental. Go on, try you a sip!" she said eagerly, pressing the mug to Zet'kil.

The 'droid wandered into the wreck of the ship, sitting there silently before a small piercing blue beam radiated out from a small nodule on the top of its head, scanning and cataloging the damage against the model of a similar ship it had pulled from memory. Information flashed on the holodisplay between its ears before it finally got up, having settled on a scrolling list that offered little tutorials of how to fix many things that it saw as broken.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Shienvien
Member Avatar
I want, I can, I do
"I am not too keen on chopping up the Lady, she has been real good to me. Honesty she has probably got enough to get us all where we are going, but if there is someone out there selling a jump drive we can probably get it."
So Zet'kil had been relatively right in her assumptions- Humans had the same attitude to their ships the Xeians generally did. Well... she personally couldn't even imagine living without a ship.

"...It is one of my specialties, if I do say so myself! Packs a kick, gets you nice and relaxed, makes me shoot the turret guns on the Lady like a pro. ...also does a nice job on cleaning chrome, but that is incidental. Go on, try a sip!"

Zet'kil took the mug offered and looked the liquid inside intently, curious, but did not give a try on actually tasting the drink.
"Thank you for the offer, but I would better not... You see, I am honestly not sure what effects it would have on me." Saying so she looked towards Melai for a second, to who it had caused some odd ones- Especially to his telekinetic abilities, it seemed.
She then proceeded with finding a small, cylinder thing which send out a some kind of green, laser-like rays and observing the mug's inner half with it, as if expecting the liquid to change color under the light.
"You know, I actually don't consist of the same things you humans do... Why would I know what happens to me, unless I let the computer to analyze it and its likely outcome?" Zet'kil offered the mug back to the woman, making a faint sound which almost resembled clicking laughter.
A thought can create a world, but only a word written down can ensure its existence.

-When I am physically capable of doing something it doesn't mean I can do it. When I can, it doesn't mean that I should. When I should, it doesn't mean that I must. When I must, it doesn't mean that I will.
-I might not always know where I currently am, but I am never lost. I know in which direction my destination lies.
-There is no faith in knowing. I prefer to know, as only in this way can I be certain in my decisions.
-The more people you ask a question the higher the chance that at least one of them is right.
-Make me walk on walls, don't force me to dance according to others' will.
-I agree that life can be depressing at times. I just choose to ignore it.
-I don't figure over possibilities. I want, I can, I do.


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Oracle
Member Avatar
Head of Diplomatic Affairs
"That's far enough." He said, and lowered his hand back unto the console and leaned back. "So, I take it you are a dealer in contraband?"
She stopped as his hand raised. He seemed cautious of her, and she allowed him the feeling of safety. But it did bring a slight chuckle when he raised the elctron-plasma shield. What he considered a protection was more of an appealing meal to her. She was glad she wasn't actually there to be tempted by the snack. "Be at ease, I am merely a holo-projection. It cannot harm you."

From the look in his eyes and body language, she could tell he was interested. The best policy was always honesty. She did her best to put him at ease. "If you consider weapons, ship enhancers and luxury items, contraband. Then Yes, I am. My people are peaceful and only attack in self defense. As you may have noticed, I did no harm to the planetary station, though they did shoot at me. I only wanted to save my cargo."

"From what you've offered me so far, I'm not to take your faction lightly. As a matter of fact, I am interested in a variety of your wares."

He went on to question her integrity, and she began to wonder just how these people managed to conduct business. Are they really that devious? and that reminded her of the others. She had said she would be back. "Um, can you give me a moment? Your hail interrupted another transaction. I left them stranded when you threatened to blast my ship. I really need to reply." She tried to leave the impression that he had been the aggressor here. It might lessen his wariness of her, and give her the opportunity to secure both deals. Without leaving the holo-pad, she leaned out of its beam. It left an odd looking half figure of her on his command deck, of her bent over hips and legs. But at least he knew she was still there. Diffusing her hands onto her control panel, she hailed the Xeian's ship.

"Xeian explorer, this is Lya D'vahl. I had to take immediate action with a battlecruiser, but I will be planet-side at my earliest opportunity with your Jump Drive. Hopefully we can work out an amiable transaction. Profiteer out." Looking at the main computer she spoke. " Ship relay that communication until you get a response, and don't zap me with the saline next time."

This might turn into a good day yet. Standing back up she re-entered the field. He was looking at her with suspicion. "Sorry for the inconvenience, but if I didn't keep my bargain with them, you would have no reason to trust I would keep it with you. I will remain on board until all equipment has been installed and tested. Full schematics is not a problem, I will help install the items personally. Your satisfaction will be required before payment is rendered. Telkrans are an honest people, looking for future relations and profit. It is bad business to cheat a customer. As for the payment..."

She was getting use to this new form, and as she pondered, she unconsciously began a sauntering panther esque pace. It felt almost sensual as she moved. The rotation of her hips, and her legs brushing each other, almost distracted her. It bore no resemblance to the jerky movements of many races, like the bugs. She didn't care for assuming that form, but sometimes it was necessary. She stopped and turned back to him, "I would have to examine any ship hardware to determine it's value. These Imperial credits, are they exchangeable for heavy metals and such. If not they would be of little value to me. Could you also tell me what factions you are fighting? What is in dispute? Slaves in good condition are a valuable commodity. If you have war prisoners, I could take them off your hands for a tidy profit or trade...If these terms are agreeable with you, it would be my pleasure to show you my goods. Do you have a suitable docking berth? As soon as I finish my prior transaction, I would be pleased to show you my trade goods. I should be finished with my business before darkness hits the station port. "

Her fathomless black eyes locked with his as she awaited his answer.

"Oww, damn it ship!" He was doing it again. "Ouch, just a second." She stepped off the pad again. "Ship this had better be good, or I swear I'll start sticking pins in the console!"

"The fleet that arrived earlier just sent a convoy of five ships to the surface. Pardon me for bothering you but it seemed worthy enough to mention."

"Just keep an eye on it. I'm almost finished."

Stepping back on the pad, she turned again to the Captain. "Do you know anything about an alien fleet, and the convoy that just descended to the planet?" Was it even safe for her to venture back to the surface?

I Role Play because the people in my head tell me to.


TUESDAY AFTERNOON

It is God who can transform the lowest into the highest, who humbles the proud,
and causes that which is in darkness to become light.~Horace

Posted Image

Posted ImagePosted ImagePosted Image
Posted Image Posted ImagePosted ImagePosted ImagePosted Imageclicky?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Dark Jack
Member Avatar
The Phantom Poster
"Well, a Starjump drive is easily removed and returned," Melai pointed out when Harper expressed unwillingness to part with the parts of her ship, "And it would only be a matter of installing it into the Rey for a short time so we could get to Terra Gamma, where I could probably get a new one for a third of the price they take for it here... it'd be contraband, sure enough, but what the heck, the very fact that I live without being an Imperial officer is breaking the law, so what do I care?" He shook his head, feeling slightly dizzy as the drink from before started to have effect, and he had to concentrate to keep stuff from levitating from the ground around him again. It was worse when he started to drink for real, though - then even large objects came flying through the air as if shot out of a cannon all the time. He did not know why alcohol had that effect on him, since it usually temporarily slowed down cerebral processes in 'normal' humans, but with him, it increased it to the insane, beyond his control. That was why he had quit drinking back in the day... that, and the fact that he had accidentially sent one of his old crewmembers into orbit of a planet while drunk - without a spaceship.

"I respect that you don't want to take apart the Lady Be Good, though - it's your ship, after all, even though it'll be riding in my cargo hold while we fly to Terra Gamma anyways," Melai told her, although his eyes carefully observed what the android was doing to his ship, "But we'll just have to wait and see. Either way, we've still got to hurry... it's only a matter of time before one of those Beholders come by and spot the Rey - it's not exactly so small that it is easily overlooked, even though it might not be in the best condition."
Posted Image
Posted ImagePosted ImagePosted Image

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Shienvien
Member Avatar
I want, I can, I do
"Message received from the Telkran spacecraft."
"Relay it." The Xeian gave the ship a quick order.
"Xeian explorer, this is Lya D'vahl. I had to take immediate action with a battlecruiser, but I will be planet-side at my earliest opportunity with your Jump Drive. Hopefully we can work out an amiable transaction. Profiteer out."
"-End of message."
Zet'kil knew that her ship had let the other know that the message has been received, but nothing more. Neither was the message containing any obvious question- It rather seemed to be just for letting them know that she will indeed return- at some point. No word of when it will happen, except for "the earliest possible". The good thing to it was, that they at least now knew that the won't have to take apart the other small vessel, or hope that there will be a chance to get to the spaceport.

The Xeian let out a faint click. "Right... I think I will reply to that, just in case.
---Zet'kil-EX-Sket'la'naq'kna'te replying- Clear. We are waiting for your return with the Jump Drive as soon as you find possible. -End.---
Message sent.

"But we'll just have to wait and see. Either way, we've still got to hurry... it's only a matter of time before one of those Beholders come by and spot the Rey - it's not exactly so small that it is easily overlooked, even though it might not be in the best condition."
"Seems that our Telkran finally showed at least as much respect to let us know that she'll be back as soon as she can, that means when she is finished with the battlecruiser over there."

"As for the point for the "Beholders" finding us... My ship is not exactly meant for hiding anything larger than it itself, so I don't think it would be a lot of use right now... Although it should be able to expand the device's range when the field generators are activated... But those eat energy like I do not know what... It would be gone in half an hour." Zet'kil shook her head lightly. "But maybe it is enough to prevent them noticing us, while the Beholders are dangerously near us."

Detected the five Grekk ships landing. Location known. Further following of the movements of the footed Grekk complicated. Clear placement impossible to detect via MT scanners in distances further than 1.26 km. Sensors disrupted by material in the way. Clear image of the current placement of the Grekk unavailable.
A thought can create a world, but only a word written down can ensure its existence.

-When I am physically capable of doing something it doesn't mean I can do it. When I can, it doesn't mean that I should. When I should, it doesn't mean that I must. When I must, it doesn't mean that I will.
-I might not always know where I currently am, but I am never lost. I know in which direction my destination lies.
-There is no faith in knowing. I prefer to know, as only in this way can I be certain in my decisions.
-The more people you ask a question the higher the chance that at least one of them is right.
-Make me walk on walls, don't force me to dance according to others' will.
-I agree that life can be depressing at times. I just choose to ignore it.
-I don't figure over possibilities. I want, I can, I do.


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Attila
Member Avatar
Transylvanian Mad Scientist
Emerson listened to the Telkran's words intently, then deactivated the shield around the chair. Somehow, he couldn't take his eyes off her when she walked around the bridge. He had never seen a hologram with this much entropy.. And to think she had used their systems to project herself. The Telkrans must have had sophisticated technology, indeed. He was doing his best to hide his excitement at meeting her personally. Slowly, he nodded.
"Very well, I'll open the second starboard side docking bay, and I'll have my AI provide you with the coordinates and heading. As a sign of good faith, I'll take my weapons lock off you. Meet you in the hangar. Emerson out." He then nodded at an increasingly grumpy Nemesis at the screen to his right, who then turned the comm channel off.

Once the Telkran's image faded away, he let out a sigh in an attempt to release some of the warmth that was creeping up his chest. Nemesis took the opportunity and spoke. "While you were discussing with the Telkran, I received a hail from Shadow-claw of the Cosmic Hunter. I've told you were not momentarily available and asked for his patience. He is on the line as w speak. Should I patch him through?"
"Yes. We shouldn't keep him waiting."
"Shadow-claw on screen one." She said, and the image of the mantis-like insectoid appeared on the screen at the middle of the room.
"Greetings. This is Captain Joshua Emerson of the battlecruiser 'Apollyon'. What can I do for you?"
Posted Image

Posted Image Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Temporal Suspension · Next Topic »
Add Reply

&m \

[ Copy this | Start New | Full Size ]
Auspice Zeta created by sakuragi-kun of the ZBTZ