Reach for the Galaxy

[The Creator Prime]

Reach for the Galaxy

​

Throughout the limitless extent of the universe there are clusters of all things known. Galaxies gather together, and within them, countless stars and planets. These galaxies hold endless possibilities. But unlike most galaxies, there floats one solitary disk in the sea of absence that is the vacuum of space. It swings across the sea of darkness in absolute silence, the fact that countless stellar civilizations struggled within it's confines would be the last of your expectations from Aureal.


But much alike it's kin, this galaxy holds countless life- and life's most basic need is conflict. Endless wars were waged, countless overarching stellar nations were founded and felled. This was the cycle of which the universe rules it's subjects through. Be it a machination or simple coincidence, it matters little what these answers may be, for you and your stellar nation fights not the nature of the universe itself, no. It fights those who question your will, whatever your chosen weapon may be.


Countless tales and derelicts float across both space and through cities. Great, powerful artifacts speak of unlimited power, but also of unquestionable history. The universe is a living entity, it's inhabitants even more so. It would continue on without you, but your stellar nation is still apart of it. To make a mark in history, or maybe even the galaxy- that may be your goal, or it may not.


But one thing is certain, no mortal does not seek for Aureal.

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TAG BOX

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@Lazarus @Halofreak117 @DerUbermensch @AlphaDraco @NecroKnight @Darkeva @Yonsisac @Freddybeard @Lmpwrkr @general ostruppen

 

[The Creator Prime]

The Era of the Phoenix

​

Darkness ensued, the last bastion of the Hakkai had been pierced, and soon their capital world of Otan would be next in line for ascension into the heaven that is the void. The invasion fleet, clouded in mysteries and the unknown, began it's planetary bombardment. The world nigh-on instantly fell into an eerie silence, save from a few ground-to-space installations firing their weapons in final desperation.


The world was dead, all it's hope for salvation had been shattered in the five seconds it had taken for the Invaders to blanket the Hakkai homeworld in blazing fire. The once crown-jewel of the galaxy had been reduced to specks floating in the vastness that is space. The Hakkai were now nothing but remnants, their memories littered space in the form of unknown artifacts and silent derelicts passing through the emptiness of space, no end in sight. The Invaders had begun consuming the destroyed planet, eating it's minerals, embracing every bit of the planet's riches.


Around their great warships littered carcasses of metal which once had united the galaxy, the entirety of it. The universe had been shaken upon this day, the very fabric of history would forever be forgotten. An empire so great had been reduced to rubble within an instant, it's great sprawling metropolises had been turned into asteroids and asteroid belts. History had been altered forever, and little could be said about it.


With their fall, however, others rise in their place. The Era of the Hakkai and their foolish lust for power had driven them to the edge of destruction, it's planets having been conquered so easily that the man once known throughout the entire galaxy as the Immortal King had decided to take his own life before his conquerors could. A legacy ends, but others may now begin. Former infant nations now kick into life, their reach goes outwards, their gazes even more so. In the wake of what the Hakkai had called the Invaders there was now new life, the Phoenix had died, and it's soul had now split into many and these nations whom were many have now come to life.


The era of the Phoenix has both ended and begun.

​

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TAG BOX

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@Lazarus @Halofreak117 @DerUbermensch @AlphaDraco @NecroKnight @Darkeva @Yonsisac @Freddybeard @Lmpwrkr @general ostruppen

 

[DerUbermensch]

"Not my problem." One of the Barast troopers curtly stated. "If we don't stay on watch, then it'll become our problem. Last thing we want is the filthy and out of context polluting our space." A diligent trooper already admonished the curt soldier. "Cut the chatter you two fools! You're both making this post look like a dysfunctional family!" An officer radioed the post to dissolve any arguments.


"Ah well. We'll continue during our break." The two Barasts readied their plasma weapons. The plasma weapons were tuned in a way to deal heavy damage. One was a sniper and the other acting as spotter and heavy weapons to destroy any cover a potential enemy can use. The post was rather secure, with support and assault personnel acting as backup. They were located in the fringes of Ulanka, making them expect giant monsters. One assault gently stroked his pet Gilinki. It was at the heat half the Barast's heigh and helped the troopers detect any enemy. When push comes to shove, the Gilinki was equipped with sharp teeth and an acidic bite. One support ate a jerky as a snack. "Good charkins."


"Snishki, what would I ever do without you?" The Barast said to his pet. The support gave a charkin snack to the assault and the Gilinki. "You'd need them more than I will." "Thanks." It was a routine day of the post, watching over scary monsters that could eat the citizens. The snack break was used well as a cooldown between the doting assault and the hungry support. Both patrolled around the post to check for anomalies. If there was any problems, they would let the others know as well as attacking with plasma weaponry.

 

[NecroKnight]

As their assignment couldn't get any more interesting or action-willed, a shooting star was coming from the sky. Or rather, upon closer inspection - shooting stars, didn't tail broken pieces of debris behind them.


Well, that wasn't a shooting star, more like a shooting ship - that was currently skitting the upper atmosphere, before it started to loose gravity and fall towards the planet; having had their FTL-drive go boom during mid-flight. Judging by the trail and damage and blaze of it - it would crash into the ground, at around ten seconds and five milliseconds.


And with its trajectory it would impact close-by to their location, around a kilometre radius.

 

[Grin]

PROLOGUE: "Fates Worse Than Death"

​

All Gozai younglings learn the tale of Ra'surrah, legendary third-millenia Ambassador. Any being who deems itself worthy of calling Gozai United a "foe" would be wise to learn it as well.

Of course, since he is of the Im-Kaihep, "Ra'surrah" is not is REAL name; it is simply the most common tongue-speak name he's been given. His true name, <<the sound of armies cheering their own demise>>, is not pronounceable by any race which cannot alter its physical form.


Four millenia ago, Emperor Edamund Goldshine of the Tarn Imperium sought to expand their territories in Gozai-controlled space, and they made no allusion to the inconvenience Gozai United's presence caused them. Their terms were simple and straightforward: Gozai United would have six months to vacate their worlds, or face utter annihilation.


The CEO of Gozai United at the time was K'tal, a Xothi who respected Emperor Goldshine's direct approach. Nonetheless, war is one of the few apocryphal taboos of Gozai culture, and K'tal was determined not to mar his legacy with such a stain. This is why, after interviewing several candidates, Ra'surrah was chosen to negotiate new terms.


Ra'surrah did everything a diligent and resourceful member of the Incentive Division could do. He studied countless Marketing Reports, conducted clandestine surveys of their populace, and scoured Gozai's latest and most advanced cultural offerings to find a bargaining chip worthy of Emperor Goldshine. With his all-comprehensive Grand Agenda Docket in hand, Ra'surrah gained audience with the Emperor.


There was little fanfare for Ra'surrah's arrival. The Tarn have little respect for ambassadors and negotiation; they are tolerated as necessary formalities, and only for the sake of Aureal's galactic community. Their intent, going in to the negotiation room, was to hear what Ra'surrah had to say, and then send whatever part of him counts as a head back to K'tal.


Ra'surrah, of course, knew this. The Marketing Division is, if nothing, a thorough study and a keen projector of possibilities. With his life on the line, Ra'surrah brought with him a gift that he hoped the Emperor would appreciate.


The Emperor sat in his ostentatious golden seat at one end of the table, surrounded by an entire platoon of soldiers - beings whose entire existence was devoted to ending the existence of other beings, at the snap of their Emperor's fingers. Ra'surrah was allowed only a single Page to assist him; the two sat at the other end, in small backless stools. Beside them, sits a small box with a sheet over it.


The Emperor opened the discussion: "Make it quick, Ambassador. I've supper in a half hour and your homeworld's terraforming to orchestrate after that."


Ra'surrah had taken the form of a Tarn male, knowing it would be perceived poorly; Tarn culture considers any attempt to gain empathy as an admission of weakness. He smiles, in the manner Tarn consider smiling, and waves his Tarn-shaped hand at the box. "I will waste very little of your valuable time, Your Highness," said Ra'surrah, "I only wish to offer you a gift. Just one small reminder of what Gozai United could offer the Tarn Empire. It is intended to help you consider the benefits of alliance."


The Emperor rolled his eyes. "Proceed," he said flatly.


Ra'surrah motioned to his Page, who lifted the sheet. Inside the three-foot-square box, can be seen what looks like two small figures. One of them, a small female figure, struggling against bonds as she is tied up beside a whirring machine. The machine reaches into the figure's abdomen every few seconds, yanks out an internal organ, and feeds it to the figure. The removed organs appear to grow back very quickly.


The other figure is a small man, hooked up to a harness which holds his eyes open and binds him into place. His head is directed towards the first figure. An endless stream of tears cascade from his tiny eyeballs.


The Emperor turned up his lip in disgust. "What a demented little trinket. I'd expect nothing less from Gozai devils, but tell me, simply, and to spare me having to contemplate such a foolish tchotchke... What possible reason could such a macabre artifact have for changing my mind about your accursed empire of monsters?"


Ra'surrah made a calm smile with his faux-mouth, and told the Emperor, "I wish to show you Gozai United's two greatest cultural contributions - our medical science, and our art. Let us start with the latter; this piece is called 'The Exalted Dictator Of Horumar And His Virgin Daughter', and the artist was inspired by events in Gozai's history - specifically, the time when we were, ah... at odds with the Horumari Regime."


The Emperor coughed, but remained annoyed. "Never heard of them," he replied.


"Naturally," said Ra'surrah, "And a lesson about them would be worthless, as their culture is now but whispers on the phlogiston. At one time though, the Horumari were a race of hundred-foot-tall warrior giants, whose thirst for the blood of others was dwarfed only by their lust for territory. They came to Gozai United seeking little more than the decimation of our peoples and interests, and offered no quarter. The artist has chosen here to represent their destructive ways through Gozai's most common artistic medium - our medical science."


The Emperor stirred slightly. "How exactly does 'medical science' explain this horrid contraption?"


"Glad you asked," said Ra'surrah, "As you may know from our pamphlets and press releases, Gozai United is the premier expert in Aureal medical science. Our medicine artists can do miracles with the flesh of others. In this case, the artist has done the miracle of shrinking both the Exalted Dictator of Horumar, and his virgin daughter, to the size you see before you, all while granting them the blessed gift of forever-life."


A few uncomfortable seconds of silence followed, as the Emperor considered this. "You mean to tell me... That thing... used to be..."


Ra'surrah then does something no self-preserving ambassador would ever do in the presence of royalty - he interrupts the Emperor. "Still is, actually. The artist was very selective about his medium, you see; only the finest materials would convey his vision. What you see before you, is the Exalted Dictator being forced to watch, as his youngling daughter is force-fed her own organs for eternity. If I may, I would like to draw your attention to my favorite part of the piece, here; you can see how his tears now fill nearly a quarter of the space in this containment vessel. I am actually a bit jealous of your grandchildren, who shall enjoy the delicious privilege of seeing the Exalted Dictator drown in his own tears."


Ra'surrah slid the gift across the table, gently and with great respect. "'Tis a gift, Your Highness, no strings attached. Please keep it regardless of how this meeting goes, with the blessings of CEO K'tal and Gozai United."


The Emperor choked twice before he could speak. "How, exactly, did you..." His voice trailed off.


Ra'surrah chuckles and taps the side of his nose. "Proprietary secret, I'm afraid," he said, "We share only the results of our arts and sciences, not their methods. Perhaps we could be... compelled... to ply our trade for you and your beloved people?"


After three more hours of tense negotiation, the Tarn agreed not only to end their plans for expansion, but to grant Gozai United an exclusive trade agreement in exchange for medical supplies. The Tarn Empire enjoyed four more generations of prosperity, until one too many deals resulted in Gozai United incorporating the Tarn's planets entirely into their holdings.


Here ends the lesson.

 

[DerUbermensch]

"WARNING! UNKNOWN ENTITY DETECTED! ASSUME HOSTILITY!" The officer blared over the radio. The sniper and spotter duo investigated from far distance. Using a variety of far-distance detection, they determined the body to be an alien ship, having the support and the assault at the ready to fire warning shots. "Let's keep our distance."


The sniper and the heavy contacted the support and the assault. "We got your backs, but be careful." The Gilinki growled and hissed when the ship was crashed near them. Plasma rifle and scattergun were readied with itchy trigger fingers. News would reach the Barast populace soon after.


The Barast has one new mentality: to prepare for war. Whatever aliens would come, they'd be ready as warfare was their main preperation when it came to protecting their isolationism. The Barasts were slightly spooked by the interruption, but they were taught to be fearless and not to give up in the face of adversity. This would test their mettle and resolve.

 

[NecroKnight]

The alien ship in question soon crashed into the forest of the vicinity. Scattering various debris and bits of their ship around the various location. Everything outside of the ship was, for a lack of a better term demolished - inside the ship, things were basically the same.


As one Icarusian was in the process of strangling another, in a humorous sense. "You damn, newborn. Flying. Through. A neutron star. Is not. A good idea!" replied Hana, currently smothering Jeene' head into the organic wall, know as the hull of their ship.

 

[general ostruppen]

Sector 3


Planet: Tiala


Status:Civil Unrest Level 2 (increasing)


Requesting Immediate Deployment of 132nd Imperium armored guard


(Granted)



​

"ATTENTION......ALL ARRIVING MILITARY PERSONNEL REPORT TO YOUR ASSIGNED CORP." Hundreds of Imperial gunships and several Destroyers are seen deploying their troops, vehicles, and supplies. The area they are in is Civilian spaceport that has been now converted to a base of operations and closed to all civilians alike. Thousands of soldiers march in their assigned regiments and prepare to shuttle off to several other citys on Tiala. Those who aren't assigned are garrisoned in the planets capital and do nothing but patrol and train like any other day.


A spuad of grunts who were lucky to be assigned to patrol are seen nearby a bar that was allowed for soldiers to visit and drink at their free time. "You know this isn't half bad, drinks half cost aaaaaand we don't have to deal with rebels....I call this a bonus my friends." The man was a new recruit fully trained and his named Tarken, he was assigned as squad leader, black short hair, brown eyes, and a optimistic man. The others were also human grunts except for one, on the other side of the group was their heavy machine gunner. His name was Utuik and was a Dynkloid, a seven foot tall furry white creature with four black eyes, claws, and proboscis which they made a high-pitched chrips and buzzes. "(Well actually I heard that our Regiment was going to be assigned to a mission tomorrow)", Tarken looked at Utuik with wide eyes and nearly choked on his drink. "What the hell... seriously?"

 

[DerUbermensch]

The Barast troopers trained the weapons on the spaceship, heavy and sniper included. With itchy trigger fingers about, they had no idea what would happen with a first contact. What doesn't help is that they are heavily militaristic and isolationist. War was brewing and iminent.


"There's life in it! They smell like our Gilinki!" The assault sensed their presence. Plant-like aliens not unlike their domesticated plants. Keeping distance is the top priority. Who knows what they would have in store? Could they be friendly or hostile?


"If you understand what we are saying, you have ten seconds to identify yourselves. Repair your ships, but do not get too close. Get too close and we will open fire! Are we clear?" The support trooper yelled out using amplification microbes, acting as a microphone. Barasts like their privacy and they would not tolerate anyone trying to breach or disrespect theirs.

 

[AlphaDraco]

Khalast: Prospective Colony World

​

"Look at the red giant. Its light perfectly balances that of the third moons blue glow, which causes the mountain's shadow to paint this valley in such a wonderful pattern. It is truly breathtaking." The fragile creature glowed with enthusiasm, swirling hues projecting off its body.


"Yeah, well, it doesn't really help us decide on how to settle this planet now does it?" The larger being never took his eyes off the thick blanket of moss that sprang up in the distance, his rifle always ready. He did not have time for such pleasantries as looking at the sunset, he had scouted too many worlds for that. Native life was never friendly to scouts. Never.


The Lorenganel eyed his Palorikan friend. His green tinted fur could not even be seen through the thick armored plating of his environment suit. Such a shame it was that this habit had been picked up by the Palorikan species as a whole. They rarely ventured to new colonies without hermetically sealed suits, and even then the established colonists still had such suits locked up safe and functional in their closets. Their pasts had defined their future in a way that hid their visage from the worlds they would come to inhabit, yet it was understandable. The Lorenganel never had to worry about being wiped out by rogue viruses or alien bacteria, their biology simply wouldn't allow it. Still, he wish he could see his friends face without the harsh lighting of the frigate.


"Yes, I understand Sytin," the Lorenganel replied as he read the swirling mess of multicolored holograms that could only ever make sense to a species whose entire purpose had been to create and sculpt the galaxy, "And it seems that this world is a perfect candidate for a new colony world. Atmosphere checks out, as does the UV levels and background radiation. Life is carbon based with a deoxyribonucleic acid genetic profile, so it is all compatible with your biology." The Lorenganel waved an arm through the holograms, causing the sensors and projector to flash a bright blue before being deconstructed back into a small carrying disk. The small, penny sized object flew back into the Lorenganel's grasp.


"Looks like we found the big three-O, huh?" Sytin laughed as he backed towards the shuttle. He was actually surprised by the lack of hostile animal life on this world, something he had always experienced when scouting. Perhaps thirty was their lucky number. "Let's go Warmth-of-Color, we got to report this back home."

 

[NecroKnight]

A green-colored alien, soon appeared-out; looking humanoid and female-like, then waved at the Barast' in the distance.


"Sorry! Me pilot! Accident!" spoke Jeena, before she got kicked-out by Hana. They in question, looked indeed humanoid - two arms, two legs, torso, head and hair; albeit all in a shade in green. Both also looked like humanoid females too.


"Your a newborn, who can't fly without hitting a Deda-bettle," said Hana to Jeena who was slowly rising up; covered in dirt.


"We had bad pilot! Fix ship! Leave then! Sorry for forest! Want to trade?!" asked Hana, hoping Jeena hadn't demolished some scared forest. The last two trips had been like that.

 

[Darkeva]

Deep Survey GateShip 30 "Hydrophilia" - GateWay 11

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​

At this distance the absolute darkness of the black hole hung large in the sky. Starlight bled at its edges lost forever to the gravity. Here though was where the Hegemony could stretch its reach. Traffic bounced around the dead star intent on building the network or searching the heavens.


Cruising at twenty percent light the tiny ship swept up toward the local transfer gate. One of a dozen such vessels currently operating out of GateWay 11.


"Alright ladies, T-90 to gateway. I'm showing green, any deviations?" Called Captain Gantith with long practiced ease. The rapid fire negatives steeled her nerves as the ship lined up to thread the needle once more. "Pilot, you have final go. The ship is yours."


Pilot Frens settled lower into the flight couch, computers may guide the ship at these speeds but they could only ever be as good as the operator running them. Seconds ticked by as the numbers flew across her consoles. "Flight holding green. T-30 to jump." Ahead a point of space rippled under the strain of a hundred gravity drives, warping local space into something far more useful. "Gate activation."


Tension rose to crescendo before washing away in the light of a new star. "Jump complete Captain. Standing down to standard operations."


Releasing a breath she hadn't realized she was holding Captain Gantith rubbed a tired eye before speaking. "Thank you Frens. Lets be about it people. Lay in a course for the prospective planet. I want deep scans ready for transfer by dinner time. Lets see if it was worth the trip."


Antenna and scanners emerged from the across the hull, relaying information straight to the survey bay. Scans begain to feed into the computers and almost immediately something registered. Yellow alert triggered across the ship sending crew scrabbling back to their couches.


Gantith snapped back to full alertness. "What is the problem?"


"Uh, Captain... It's a ship!"


@AlphaDraco

 

[AlphaDraco]

Khalast: Transport Shuttle of Frigate Discoverer's Grasp

​

"Good work Sytin and Warmth-of-Color, we are relaying the findings home as we speak." The orange-red furred Palorikan displayed on the screen ruffled his bright blue mane in approval. They had found yet another colony, one which did not seem to posses any terribly vicious predators, sulfur spewing volcanoes, or constant meteor showers. It even had a large red giant similar to home. It should be a quick and easy job to settle.


The pair on the grounded shuttle stood, and floated, in front of the ship-board screen, satisfied. The Lorenganel by the eventual colonization of the beautiful planet, and the Palorikan by the approval of his superior.


"That is good to hear Captain Amirt. Are we clear to rejoin the Discoverer's Grasp?" Sytin asked, relieved that he could finally get back to the ship for some shut eye. They had been on the planet for thirty-six hours straight, monitoring the atmosphere, biosphere, tectonic movements, and the 'artistic values' of the world.


"Of course Sytin. You and Warmth have earned a vacation, perhaps even to..." The Captain was silenced as a Lorenganel technician, Hue's Breadth, flew beside him. The Lorenganel was dull hued, the swirling patterns slowed to a near stop as he spoke urgently to the captain. The seemed to talk for a bit, neither Warmth-of-Color nor Sytin making out what was said.


Finally, Captain Amirt turned back to the screen, a somber look in his face. "It appears that an alien vessel has appeared in system has begun scanning the area."


Warmth-of-Color immediately ceased to give off his gorgeous display, instead displaying dull, ugly colors. He even trembled slightly, something that his species only did when faced with absolute terror. "Is, is it them? Please tell me it isn't them." Memories flashed throughout his swirling mind. Tales of the monsters who, without provocation, set out on a genocidal campaign against his peaceful species. However, now it wasn't just them. They had the Palorikan alongside them. Had his species doomed the Palorikan to extinction by trying to help? By trying to fulfill an ancient prophecy? He prayed to God not.


Captain Amirt shook his ears. "No. From the records we have on the attackers, this ship is much too small and different in design. It is apparently a different species. However, we must maintain vigilance, we have no idea what their intentions may be."


"What should we do?" Sytin asked, his steely gaze never once showing fear. Yet he knew of why his friend was scared, and he felt the same fear as well. However, fear in an of itself is nothing but raw emotion, something he would craft into determination and bravery.


"Wait down on the planet, if they are hostile, it'll be your job to send back any information on who they are and what weapons they used. Understand?"


Sytil stood up tall on his frontal foot, ears laid back and mane bristled up. "Sir yes sir. I understand."


"Good, we will be sending out the First Contact Drone now. May God watch over you."


"You too sir."


"Discoverer's Grasp out." And with that, the screen shut off, leaving the two beings to stew in their own thoughts and fears.

Khalast Orbit: Discoverer's Grasp

​

The drone flew out of it holding bay, moving slowly towards the alien craft. Everyone on board the sending frigate staring at viewports and screens. The entire crew held their collective breaths. This would determine whether these aliens would be friend or foe. Whether a war would start.


The bright white metal of the drone shined in the rays of the sun, its organic curves causing the light to bounce forth from the there drone and into space, giving any ship a clear visual of it as it slowly made its way to the new vessel. The one thought going through its preprogrammed mind was to initiate contact in a way an alien species could understand. When it reached visual range of the new ship, it stopped, unfolding brilliantly intricate and delicate looking prongs before casting off many rays of light.


It was a projector. The image it sowed was of a diagram of the two ship facing each other. Within the image of the Discoverer's Grasp, green and white dots appeared. Inside the picture of the alien ship, red dots appeared. The diagram zoomed out of the two ships, putting them on opposite sides of the planet Khalast. From each ship, a small shuttle carrying their respective color of dots left and landed on the planet, les than a kilometer apart. The dots then exited both the shuttles before meeting up in the center of a field. The projection repeated itself several more times before it folded up its limbs and flew back towards the frigate.


Everyone waited.


@Darkeva

 

[DerUbermensch]

The Barasts, in their typically curt manner, replied roughly. "No thank you! We'll let you fix. Then you leave!" It was evident that the Barasts didn't entertain much. They meant business.


Growling Gilinkis didn't help one bit. The Icarus aliens would notice how they were able to domesticate carnivorous plants. The plants were loyal to their Barast masters in a deep manner. The same difference between humans and dogs, Gilinkis were a Barast's best friend.


The Icarusians would not have to be worried about being eaten. Eating plants were taboo to the Barast people. None of them would even touch the Icarusians, let alone eat them. The Barasts just wanted to be left be. Live and let live. They will learn about the Barasts later on.

 

[Darkeva]

Khalast System


"It finally happened. Real aliens..." Captain Gantith paused before slapping a foot down to mute the alarm. "Priority channel to Survey Command, Code Alpha-Chalie-Two. Jantis, talk to me. What do we have?"


Jantis had been twitching her way though the data stream from the moment of the alarm. "Sensors pinged the artificial construct filter. Re-calibrating scanners from planetary


scanning... And here." The main screen filled with the slightly blurred visage of what was clearly a vessel of some kind.


"We have you Hydrophillia, live feed active." came the calm voice of Command. "You are online with Admiral Gibbens and Councillor Joana." Everyone straightened in their seats.


"Captain Gantith, as senior on site command remains with you. An encounter team is launching as we speak, eta is approximately fire hours to your position. We are here to act as your liaisons in the mean time. Your orders are to remain on station unless contact is made." the Admiral said calmly. "Softly as you can Captain."


"Order received Admiral."


"Good, continue relaying information."


"Sir." Gantith turned back to Jantis. "Talk me though what we have."


"300m long, solid construction. Orbit looks stable. Don't recognize some of these energy readings... I'm not seeing any reaction to us ye- NO. Launch! Single contact."


"Red alert! Guns, point defense systems now!"


"Captain! It's slowing down!" Jantis yelled. "Flight path changing to 0 speed intercept. I think it's a probe."


"Hold fire. Are you sure Jantis?"


"As I can be, Sir. Flight profile is the exact opposite of any missile I've ever seen."


"Keep the guns warm, but only fire if it fires on us."


As the probe came to a relative stop before beginning its light show.


*****


"Well, I'd call that contact Admiral."


"Yes, I don't think you should wait for the team. Too higher chance of misinterpretation. They clearly want to meet." The admiral sighed. "They utilize small craft for their ground to orbit operations and assume we do as well. I can understand the imperative to keep unknowns at a distance but we don't use anything smaller..."


Gantith shifted uncomfortably. "...Well that's not entirely true sir. We do have one thing smaller."


"What? Wait, you want to use an escape pod?"


"Want? No, but these guys seem peaceful. Positive relations may depend on this first contact. They want a remote meeting. I volunteer."


A smoky voice cut over the comms. "You have a go Captain. Assistance is on the way, but peaceful first contact is of critical importance. You're 20 minutes out from the planet. Take up the suggested orbit, then go to the meeting."


"As you command Councilor."


@AlphaDraco

 

[NecroKnight]

Hana didn't reply to that, understanding mostly of what they had said - fix now, and leave please. So, she whistled out the other members of her group, to starting fixing up the plating that Jeena had damaged, when flying through the gravity well of a neutron star.


All the while, Jeena was still playing around near to the Barast' forest edge around them. "Jeena! Stop being stupid and get away from there. We don't need you doing something stupid again!"


The Barast were soon treated to the sight of one Icarusian' dragging another to the ship - and by her looks, she had been eating some leaves by the forest. "And stop eating, everything you find! Have some decency. I swear, they put idiocy into your DNA."


However, that moment was soon shattered by some growling coming from inside the forest - likely the beasts, that the Barast' outpost was guarding the civilians against. And now, they were likely headed towards the alien' ship. "Oh great, what did you do now, Jeena?"

 

[AlphaDraco]

Khalast: Explorer's Grasp

​

A collective sigh of relief was heard throughout the bridge as the alien ship began to enter the given orbit. It seemed the aliens were willing to cooperate, at least for now anyway. Captain Amirt leaned back on his tail, realizing he had been holding his breath the entire time. Still, this was not a time to relax. He had to orchestrate a peaceful first contact meeting.


Standing back up straight, Amirt looked over to Hue's Breadth, now more colorful that he was before. "Do we have anyone that is properly trained to deal with a peaceful first contact scenario?"


The Lorenganel technician looked up from his holograms, his eyes quickly changing from red to green. "Well, no sir. The nearest personal who has been trained for first contact with a space-capable race is on the Primordial. It is on its way now and should be here within six hours. Less if warp-space is smooth today."


"You've gotta be kidding me." Amirt rubbed the center of his forehead, trying to figure something out. "We don't have three hours. Are you sure there is no one on board with any experience in this matter?"


"Well," Hue's Breadth rubbed an appendage in the crook between his head and his wings, "there is one person we have. Warmth-of-Color was at the original first contact meeting between our two species. He wasn't involved however, he was just present as a recorder to insure that the moment would be catalogued."


The captain sighed as he looked at the screen of the alien vessel. This would be his best option for the moment. "Sytin is not going to like this."

Khalast: First Contact Landing Perimeter

​

"I cannot believe this." Sytin huffed as he opened the door to the exterior of the planet. His environment suit was hanging on its hook, he only wearing his uniform.


"I know, I cannot believe this either!" Warmth-of-Color answered, his body positively glowing with brilliance and excitement. "We are going to make contact with a brand new species. One which does not want to wipe us out without reason!" His eyes glimmered a childlike blue.


Sytin just shook his ears and scoffed at the two-hundred year old creature's enthusiasm. He was much too excited about this for his age. He did not see the potential dangers that lay in his path. Then again, that is why they had allied themselves with the Palorikan, they needed protection from the dark forces of the universe that would use them for their own advantage. Still, he did have a faint glimmer of hope that this would not end in war. The Palorikan might be a race that glorifies combat and martial skill, but war is never wanted.


"Well of course your excited, you don't have to worry about infection." Sytin half-joked with his companion. He was still worried of catching a deadly alien disease, like the one the had nearly caused his species extinction.


Warmth-of-Color turned to look at his companion, seeing the hidden fear within him. "You do not need to worry my friend," Warmth spoke as he put an appendage on Sytin's shoulder. "Even if you do manage to catch a disease despite the stabilizers you have taken, we will just deconstruct whatever it is that ails you, monitor its uptake, and create a cure. You will be fine. Now let us make our way to the meeting spot."


And with that, the Palorikan and the Lorenganel began to walk to the rendezvous point.


@Darkeva

 

[Darkeva]

Khalast - High orbit

​

Escape pods are an after thought to most ships. The odds of being in range of another ship or planet when you need to use one are slim. Comfort was not a priority. Gantith squeezed her abdomen into the tight space, thankful she hadn't grown any larger. Legs folded tightly under her, gripping the shock webbing with practiced ease. Efficient hands double checked belts and locks. More packed equipment into the already tight space. Over it all Jantis continued to relay information.


"Captain, I've tied your computer directly to my board. It's rigged to transmit everything back to Command. From the sound of it they've dragged every linguist and xeno-what-have-you they can find into this mess. I'll try to run interference between you and the experts. We haven't even met the aliens yet and they've done little but yell in my ear." Jantis spoke over the legs of the techs strapping her in. Worry clearly etched itself on the junior officers face. "...Oxygen is a little low so make sure to keep the breather on hand."


"Jantis, calm down, your beginning to repeat yourself." Gantith said suppressing a grunt as a strap was pulled extra tight. "You will do fine, just keep them on point."


"I wish they'd let you take some amour."


-Sigh- "Me too, but it would be somewhat counter productive to turn up in power amour to a first contact. They might think we're metal or something."


"Heh."


"Better." The techs pulled back final checks complete. "I suppose its time to go then. Keep her warm for me Jantis."


"Yes Captain." Jantis saluted as the hatch slid shut.


********


Strapped in the metal coffin with only the steady reverberation of her own breathing for company Gantith never felt more claustrophobic. She flexed reflexively, straining at the shock web. Suddenly the screen ahead of her came to life rapidly counting down the ejection sequence.


G-forces slammed her back into the webbing. Capacitors emptied their change firing the pod out into space as fast as possible. Gantith blacked out.


********

Khalast - Ground

​

Gantith snapped awake to the thump of landing. The pod had worked as advertised. She thanked the hardworking techs making a note to up their rations.


She slapped the release to find herself in a grassy field. Better than basic training. That had been a swamp.


"-Captian Gantis respond!-"


"Here. I'm up."


"Oh Captain. You made it!"


"So it seems Jantis." Gantith popped half a dozen joints in a rolling crackle. "...So it seems. Status please."


"Right, OK. You're about a kick out from the meeting point. Updating your display now."


Gantith checked her wrist display to confirm. "Thankyou." She turned back to the pod to gather her bag of gear. "Shouldn't be much of a hike. Compliments to the tech team."


"I'll pass it on Captain."


With one last look over the pod Gantith swung her bag onto her back. "Right then, off we go."





@AlphaDraco

 

[Halofreak117]

Ali looked over to the control board. He hated being on probe watch. It was basically watching the probes which explored space every few minutes. There was never anything to look at, just endless amounts of space. He looked at probe #172 before turning off the console. He yelled to his partner, Jamie. "Dude, you got anything on the probes?.


"Nah mate, all just the black abyss and endless stars like normal."


I looked at him and sighed "You ever think we will find anything?"


"Probably not, we havent in the last few decades, i doubt theres anything hiding out there"


I nodded and walked towards the door with Jamie. It was the end of our shift and we always headed to the bar at the end of it. Just as i opened the door and nearly left the alarm started flashing.


"Ali what the hell is that???"


"I have no idea, lemme check" I looked into the controls and saw the alarm flashing. Under the alarm it said, 'Inorganic, moving soruce detected by probe #24. I turned on the console and saw something. A ship with a sign and name that looked like 'barast....' the rest was unreadble. I looked to Jamie and said "Get the supervisor, we actually found something."

 

[DerUbermensch]

The Barast ship was by the fringe of Barast Territory and near Ulanka. "What's this? Another people coming to visit? Do state your intentions." The ship opened up communications with the probe. The probe was encountered on a routine patrol.


On the surface of Ulanka, the Barasts troopers from the outpost were on the ready. "Get ready to take cover in your ship." Focusing on the ruffling noises, it was a larger Gilinki as a mount for the Barastian officer. The Barastian soldiers saluted immediately. "I have received a report on aliens that resemble our Gilinki. I have came to verify them. Hoaxes are not tolerated."


Barasts didn't entertain much. They were also dead serious and aloof to strangers. The precious isolationism may be interrupted. Hopefully, no wars or conflict would break out as Barasts do not take kindly to invasions.

 

[AlphaDraco]

Khalast: Rendezvous Point

​

The area was a large clearing in the field, where the tall grass died down for the more common moss that covered the planets surface. A small lake, its waters a sparkling blue threw of red rays from the star, was present nearby. A single, large tree was on its shore, holding massive flowers that seemed too large for its elegant silver branches to hold. It was the effect place for first contact.


Sytin and Warmth-of-Color had arrived just a few moments earlier, the pair's gaze having first followed the burn of what they assumed to be the alien's shuttle, and then the environment around them. Warmth was committing the scenery to memory, in the hopes that he could recreate the scenery on his hem colony for other Lorenganel to enjoy. Sytin, on the other hand, was standing at attention, his face without emotion. He let the sounds of the wild, the wind, the creatures, and the water rush through his mind, sharpening his attention and wit. He would need to be at peak efficiency to represent his entire race.


"Our guest should be here soon." Warmth-of-Color said as he looked across the tall meadow, his keen eyesight picking up the slight movements and bindings of the grass far away as something passed through it.


"And we will be ready." Sytin breathed in and out, steeling himself for what was to come, before turning back to his friend. "Just one thing, if they are friendly and we can learn toil communicate, do we tell them of the Null?"


Warmth, without looking, patted his friend with one of his appendages. "Only after the meeting, and only if it is on good terms. They will need to know that their is a greater danger in the galaxy, and prepare to face it if necessary. The more we have on our side the better."


With that, they let the sounds of the tranquil scenery fill in the silence as they waited for contact to occur.

 

[NecroKnight]

The sound of a scream soon confirmed the officer' suspicion. Although it had been one-part fear and one part squeal of excitement.


Looking over to the Icarusian' ship - they could see seven of them, sitting ontop of their ship. Circling around their ship was a very vicious and territorial klixen. And one of the aliens were, petting them!?


"Jeena! Stop making friends with every big monster you find!" yelled Hana.


"But he is so adorable!" replied Jeena, hugging the klixen-beast who would have eaten a Barast patrol by now. But seemed content of letting the alien plant girl, treat him like a pet.

 

[Darkeva]

Khalast - Meeting Point

​

Gantith had set her oxygen respirator slightly higher than strictly recommended, a trick she had picked up from another cadet long ago to maximize alertness. Wide awake she could begin to hear something beyond the steady swish of the grass.


Braking from the grass on to a mossy field she paused for a moment to take in the two aliens before her.


A study in opposites. One tall and fast looking, the other smaller and flying. Even the tall one couldn't have massed more than a young male soaking wet. The other looked more like prey than a sentient, maybe a pet?


With the shake of her head she thought better, no assumptions.


Staying low and slow she worked her way over the moss, being as nonthreatening as possible to these strange beings as she could. Stopping perhaps ten meters from the two she reared back slightly, spreading wide her arms.


"I come in peace for the Janda people in the name of the Ventrus Hegemony." she said formally.


'It would make a good holoshow line' she thought. 'Pity they probably didn't understand a word.' There world be much more pantomiming and insultingly slow pronunciation swapping than the holoshow version she was sure.


(The language of the Janda uses high pitched clicks, clucks, whistles, grunts, barks and growls in general.)





@AlphaDraco

 

[DerUbermensch]

"Ah yes. It's not eating you because it thinks you're harmless. We've developed understandings with all the beasts of the planet so far. But please keep your distance from our kind." The Barast officer congregated with the rest of the Barast group back to the outpost. "We have some important business to do."


"That was some first impression, don't you think?" The assault trooper said to the support with a sarcastic tone. "Hah. Yes it was. If it weren't for our ability to communicate with wildlife and plants, we'd be flying blind."


Back at the outpost, the heavy trooper and the sniper get some big news. "Another alien race on the same day?" The sniper was astonished. "Wow! Just wow!" The heavy had a feeling that the Barast people will have to prepare for war. Typically Barasts prepare for war. But if the beings behind the probe give a good first impression, a possibility of an alliance would form.

 

[general ostruppen]

Planet Tiala


Civil Unrest has turned to a rebellion


Commencing Operation "Emperors Hammer"



​

[After attempting to suppress the unrest in the past week, a violent rebellion had commenced. Orbital command has reported that over 883 military personals including security personal have been wounded or killed in the first couple of days in the Urban city of "Istoa", Rebellion has started to arise quickly all over the planet afterwards. Orbital command has declared the planet to be blocked and cleansed of any rebellion, until then no one will be allowed to leave the planet.]


Their was nothing but a dim red light that shined in the small compacted transport and the sound of battle outside, soldiers were strapped on both sides of the small room had their minds set on either the mission or something else. Tarken looked amongst the men around him, it was to tell what the troops were thinking or what their expressions were with their helmets on. His hands started to feel a bit twitchy, he was nervous of course and this was going to be his first day of combat with his platoon, no one knows how armed the rebels and thats what scares them. The worst kind of enemy is an enemy that hold surprises and knows their own turf, suddenly the red light flashed to green. The transport shook violently indicating that artillery shells were landing dangerously close, "Well looks like the rebs got artillery....Fuckin great." The captain unstrapped himself from his seat and started to shout for everyone to get up. Everyone got out of their seats and started to check their weapons, ammunition packs, and whatever prayers they got to give. "ALRIGHT MEN THIS IS IT! THE ENEMY OUT THEIR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE HEAVILY ARMED AND ARE HOLDING THE CITY OF ISTOA WITH EVERYTHING THEY GOT!! WE GRUNTS HAVE BEEN TASKED TO LOCATE AND DESTROY THE ENEMY ARTILLERY EMPLACEMENT WHICH IS LOCATED HALF A CLICK AWAY!" Just as the captain finished another Loud explosion erupts and violently shakes the transport, nearly causing the troops to lose their balance.


The captain grabs his hologram communicator and clicked one side, a small blue figure which Tarken assumed was the driver started to sound worried. "Captain the enemy just took out one of our Transport walkers and were getting in range of their first line, are your troops ready?" The captain scans the room and looks back, "WERE READY JUST LOWER THE WALKER!" The driver nods and disconnects from the hologram, suddenly the transport comes to a stop the troops turn towards the Exit, the Large metal hatch opens up and the sound of blaster fire and artillery can be clearly be heard. "MOVE IT!!!" Grunt troopers pile out of the Transport and run to whatever nearby cover they could find. Tarken looks around and finds Itua piling out with his other squad mates from one of the other transport walkers. Itua holding his heavy blaster cannon commenced to fire at the enemy line and slowly progresses forward. Turken and the rest of his platoon regroup and struggle to move from cover to cover, "Out of the frying pan and into the fire we go."