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Post by conmann35 on Oct 12, 2014 16:58:43 GMT -6
-- Corrundian prototype wakeship Telaya --
-- The Bridge -- (once more, written from the viewpoint of Tarus Emerius)
With all preliminary tests of the ship's systems completed, I pondered for a moment once more regarding what I was about to order the men to do. Our heading was locked in, the drive charged, and potential interference was minimal....
" Start up the wake engines. Let's do this..."
Helm and Engineering were more than quick enough to oblige. I honestly expected more turbulence as we started cracking into the abyss of hyperspace and on our way to another solar system. That being, of course, if the calculations by the number crunchers were accurate enough.
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Post by Chonicler on Oct 12, 2014 17:09:22 GMT -6
[IAR]
[On board the C-249 Discovery]
Ricardo and Arvad were still arguing, 80 minutes ago the alien vessel had sent out a radar blip and then just vanish from their sensors, then, 3 minutes ago, they had picked up another ping, this time from nearer the sun. "I still say we should follow them." Ricardo said, "Well I don't," Arvad snapped back, "if they wanted us to follow them, why not just tell us?" "Maybe they don't have the same kind of communication system that we have, maybe they couldn't." "Even if that's true," Arvad replied, "how do we know they aren't leading us into a trap?" "We don't, but that's a risk we have to take. Come on, Arvad! This is a chance to make history! A chance to meet an alien race! Besides, I'm the captain, and I say we go." Arvad fumed, but didn't argue further. The computer beeped again, another radar ping had been picked up, this time from above a certain spot on the ringworld, "Looks like they've given us coordinates." Ricardo said as he began inserting the coordinates and powering up the slipstream drive, the planet was near the star's break in the superluminal strings so they would be able to use the FTL drive. After a few seconds the Corvette entered FTL in a flash of light and came out near the location of the last radar ping above the ringworld after what seemed to be only a second or so in FTL to the crew.
[-Construction-]
Shipyard: 29/30 2x Shipyard: 25/30 4x C-482 Irtan-Class Frigate: 9/14 2x
[-Research-]
128 Bit Processing: 29/30 Improved Propellants: 6/10
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Post by Pierre Bezukhov on Oct 12, 2014 17:44:44 GMT -6
==Bashmeli's Hive== =Ringworld of Gilmar=
The Corvette would be detectable in the atmosphere, coming to a landing as it activates its vertical engines to lower itself into the Hive's docking bay.
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Post by RedDwarfIV on Oct 12, 2014 17:50:38 GMT -6
[RESEARCH] Beamed Power: Lasers [2/20] [CONSTRUCTION] [5/5 IN USE] 3x Guardian Frigate [2/14] 2x Hope Frigate [2/14]
In a nondescript, concrete high-rise tower in the Central Business District of Seel'Varasha, a female Tal'Ryth lay back in her chair and twiddled her ID tag. Suddenly, her earpiece began chirping urgently, and she sat up before tapping the earpiece with her left index finger. "Search For Foreign Life institute, Senior Executive Ta'Lan speaking."
"Na'Ryll, it's me, Ser'Za." Na'Ryll relaxed a little. Like her, Ser'Za was an honest worker in the frequently corrupt Fyrennese Civil Service. He was her Grade 7 superior, and the two had struck up a kind of friendship. "I thought you should get some advanced warning. I've just received a message that says you're one of a number of people in the directorate who've been selected as observers on a long-haul expedition to investigate some space telescope's findings." Na'Ryll considered this.
"Do I get to choose whether I go on this?" she asked. The hacking, coughing noises that made up the Tal'Ryth equivalent of laughter were emitted.
"You know the answer to that, Na'Ryll. Anyway, I'm about to forward the message to you. Do not share it with anyone." Na'Ryll unconsciously made a gesture of understanding. Of course, Ser'Za, I'm not an idiot, she thought, half amused and half deadly serious. The penalties for losing confidential information were severe. "All right then. Enjoy the rest of your day, right?"
"Right." Na'Ryll agreed, before hanging up. Oh well. At least it might get me out of the office for once. It might even be fun.
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Post by Chonicler on Oct 12, 2014 17:55:32 GMT -6
[IAR]
[On board the C-249 Discovery]
Ricardo used the Fusion drive to begin a burn that would bring the Corvette down towards the RingWorld and the Docking bay that the alien Corvette had just entered. Arvad was sending the information that had been obtained back to Tronjal and the things they had inferred from the behavior of the alien vessel. So far, the senate had ordered them to proceed with caution, and the scientists were using their equipment on board to gather as much data as they could. The C-249 descended into the docking bay as its thrusters slowed the descent until it touched down.
[-Construction-]
Shipyard: 30/30 2xCompleted Shipyard: 26/30 4x C-482 Irtan-Class Frigate: 10/14 2x
[-Research-]
128 Bit Processing: 30/30 Completed Improved Propellants: 7/10 Basic Artificial Intelligence: 1/40
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Post by RedDwarfIV on Oct 12, 2014 19:22:47 GMT -6
[RESEARCH] Beamed Power: Lasers [3/20] [CONSTRUCTION] [5/5 IN USE] 3x Guardian Frigate [3/14] 2x Hope Frigate [3/14]
Proceed to Site Bravo for briefing. Bring several changes of clothing, both civilian and uniform. Arrive by 0900 hours tomorrow. By order of General Erz'Seera. Sa'Ral held the printed-out electronic message over a better lit part of the room's computer table. Well, it's definitely Erz'Seera's signature on it. He sighed, and looked out the barracks library window. It was late at night in Ry'Entyall. Site Bravo was the LAN's primary base in the country, but Sa'Ral was currently stationed at a satellite base several hundred kilometres away. To get there for 0900, he'd need to take the maglev. He checked the time on the computer he was using. It's eleven forty hours at the moment. He brought up an Aircomm browser and searched for maglevs to Haree'nira, the closest city to the sprawling military base. Next one I'll be at the station in time to catch is at twelve-twenty hours, and it's an all-stops train. Estimated time of arrival at the Haree'nira terminus is oh-eight hundred hours. Should leave plenty of time, and I'll be able to get some sleep on board.
He yawned heavily, then set the computer to shut down. As he did so, he pulled his library card from a slot in the face of the desktop box and headed off. I'll need to go ASAP if I want to get that train... although... Sa'Ral left the barracks after making use of its water closet facilities.
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Post by Pierre Bezukhov on Oct 12, 2014 19:33:46 GMT -6
==Bashmeli's Hive== =Ringworld of Gilmar=
The bay would have little space left for the alien craft, dug out mostly to house the Corvette over the past decades. There would be several hundred workers standing on the surface with lights, almost beckoning the alien craft to land there.
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Post by Sliprunner on Oct 12, 2014 19:43:41 GMT -6
-Jamlar, Isrum Class- The communications officer gave a shout "SIGNAL INBOUND! UNKNOWN PATTERN!" the entire bridge crew turned towards the communications officer, waiting for any sort of continuation. The officer after a moment said "Can't identify yet, to far, weak, source is inbound object". The one sensor operator gave a shout "HA! TOLD YOU ITS A STARSHIP!" Ixram just shot him a glance before saying "this is no time to bring that up, it could be a probe still, regardless, its generating a radio signal, I want fighters scrambled encase its not friendly" With a sudden burst of motion, two wings, seven strikecraft each, launched from the hangers. One from the upper and one from the lower, moving to be in a screening position.
=Que= >Construction< 5x Isorma (9/14) 5x Shipyards (3/28) >Research< General Quantum Computation (16/30) Basic Artificial Intelligence (16/40)
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Post by Chonicler on Oct 12, 2014 21:49:51 GMT -6
[IAR]
[On board the C-249 Discovery]
Ricardo maneuvered the corvette to the location that the... aliens were indicating for them to land. After the corvette touched down Arvad said, "Now what?" Ricardo rolled his eyes, "We open the door." he replied, "I mean," Arvad snapped irritably, "how are we going to communicate to them? it's not like they can understand us or we can understand them." Ricardo hesitated, "I'll send them a binary message asking for their language files." he said at last, he began typing on the keyboard, moments later a binary message was sent our by radio requesting language files.
[On board the C-249 Infinity]
"I'm picking up several smaller objects leaving the alien ship." Rachil said, "Missiles?" asked, leaning forward, "No," Rachil said, "they're forming some sort of defense pattern in front of the ship, maybe a kind of fighter." Uthar leaned back, "Well we are aliens to them, and them to us, who knows what the one would do, maybe shoot first and ask questions later." he said, "Any luck with the radio hails?" Rachil shook her head, "Not yet, we might be too far out," she said, "I'll try boosting the signal as much as I can."
[-Construction-]
Shipyard: 27/30 4x C-482 Irtan-Class Frigate: 11/14 2x
[-Research-]
Improved Propellants: 8/10 Basic Artificial Intelligence: 2/40
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Post by conmann35 on Oct 12, 2014 22:46:05 GMT -6
-- Corrundian prototype wakeship Telaya -- ( From the viewpoint of Tarus Emerius)
The ship in transit, I took the liberty to leave the bridge and begin surveying the ship once more myself. My ultimate destination was Engineering, though I had other things to check beforehand... make sure everyone's stuff remained in order. If nothing else, it would occupy my rather pessimistic mind for the day. We made the initial leap but there was still the question of how intact we'd be by the end of our trip... and that of the return voyage to our homes.
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Post by RedDwarfIV on Oct 13, 2014 16:16:59 GMT -6
[RESEARCH] Beamed Power: Lasers [4/20] [CONSTRUCTION] [5/5 IN USE] 3x Guardian Frigate [4/14] 2x Hope Frigate [4/14]
The phone screamed for attention. Under the infra-red light of a warm heat lamp, a Space Commodore lay inside a sleeping bag attached to the wall by velcro. After grunting in irritation, and getting no reprieve from the incessant noise, Cai'Ral opened her eyes. The only light was the infra-red from the heat lamp, but that was fine. She reached out and pulled the phone from its receiver before putting it to her ear and reciting her phone number into it. The voice on the other end wasn't one she recognised. A lot of people worked for MOC SpaceForce's personnel department, so that wasn't surprising. What was surprising was the message.
"Space Commodore, we're assigning you the frigate Confidence. We believe you can do well in that position. Please report to Site Bravo by 0900 for briefing. Please make sure you have everything you want to bring for a several-month deployment. Also bring several changes of civilian clothing and uniforms. Any questions?" Cai'Ral considered asking what the Department of Personnel got out of calling people in the middle of the damn night, but refrained.
"Yeah... why such short notice?" she asked instead. The voice on the other end laughed as though remembering something funny.
"Some political thing. The Government doesn't want to give the Fyrries time to change their minds and demand more concessions out of us, so the mission is a go pretty much as soon as everyone's on board their spacecraft. So everyone needs to be on their spacecraft as soon as they can be. Anything else?" Cai'Ral thought about it for a few moments.
"Oh yeah... you said Site Bravo? I think you'll want to check your records. I can't go to Site Bravo." she replied. There was a few seconds of silence from the phone, during which Cai'Ral irritably thought about getting back to sleep. Then there was a rustling noise and the voice on the other end finally started talking again.
"I'm so sorry about that, Space Commodore... I'll try and see if we can prevent this happening again. Okay... could you report to the nearest spaceport at 0900, Central Ry'Entyall Time? And do you have anything more to ask?"
"I should be able to do that. And no, I've got no more questions. Thanks." she replied simply.
"Just my job... which I'll try to do better at in future." replied the voice. "Good night." The phone started playing a single tone to signify the call had ended, and Cai'Ral put it back on the receiver. I can go back to sleep now! she thought tiredly.
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Post by Pierre Bezukhov on Oct 13, 2014 19:39:10 GMT -6
==Bashmeli's Hive== =Ringworld of Gilmar=
The Hive Queen would detect their presence and each crew member would have their mind poured through, the knowledge of their language being absorbed into the collective knowledge of the Hive. A single Noble would step forth from the crowd once this information was disseminated, done so in less than a few minutes, and use his own telepathy to tell the crew of the vessel to open the doors so that they can establish contact.
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Post by Sliprunner on Oct 13, 2014 20:13:59 GMT -6
-Jamlar, Isrum Class- The communications officer finally gave shout "I've got signal now, not entirely sure what it is though, definitely a radio broadcast", Ixram looked to the radar as he stated "Alright, See if you can send any sort of a signal. Something to make it obvious that we've received broadcast" The officer just shifted a few controls, sending a quick 3 pulse radio signal, little more then 3 quick beeps. The flight deck officer made simply comment "We should probably prepare additional fighters, just encase something go's wrong" Ixram just looked to the officer before saying "That might be, don't need anymore craft out there. See to it though we've got another four wings ready though"
=Que= >Construction< 5x Isorma (10/14) 5x Shipyards (4/28) >Research< General Quantum Computation (17/30) Basic Artificial Intelligence (17/40)
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Post by RedDwarfIV on Oct 13, 2014 20:37:04 GMT -6
[RESEARCH] Beamed Power: Lasers [5/20] [CONSTRUCTION] [5/5 IN USE] 3x Guardian Frigate [5/14] 2x Hope Frigate [5/14]
Site Delta was a perpetually busy place, with planes and shuttles landing and taking off every 140 seconds. Na'Zao descended from the VIP gate, and walked across the pristine concrete to a waiting minibus. Pa'Kal-A was descending below the horizon, with Pa'Kal-B casting a large black spot over it, and it was starting to get dark. As the bus turned on, headlights came to life and provided pools of brightness over the gate's equipment and vehicles. The reflectors on a lorry's cargo container shone back. As he walked, the Space Marshal noted a SuperLiner sub-orbital transport activate its navigation lights and forward-facing spotlights in preparation foor taxi. Somewhere out of sight, a pair of atmospheric engines howled into life. A pair of cars with orange warning beacons on their roofs went racing off to accompany an in-flight-refueller that had just come in from Runway 5.
The bus doors opened as Na'Zao approached, and he climbed on board. Several other high-ranking officers were already on board, most wearing Space Patrol or Army Space Force uniforms like Na'Zao himself was. There were a pair of Fyrennese Space Defence Corps officers too. By their rank markings, one was a Space Vice Marshal, and the other a Space Commodore. Na'Zao made a gesture of greetings to all of them, and was a little surprised when the two Fyrennese returned the gesture with a friendly response. He didn't allow it to show though, merely nodding before taking a seat. Na'Zao yawned, prompting yawns from several other tired Ciranans. The Fyrennese looked entirely awake. They must still be on Fyrenne time. he thought. It should be about mid-day there, I think.
"That's everyone who's coming." remarked the bus driver, who then pulled down a transceiver and spoke into it. Loudspeakers in the bus relayed his voice; "We're now departing the gate and heading for your flight. It's currently sitting on a refueling apron, but its ready to go as soon as you're all on board. Hope you have a nice flight." He then put the transceiver back and focused his attention on driving. Na'Zao laid back in his seat, making sure his tail was fitting comfortably through the provided hole in the seat. After closing his eyes, he said aloud "Make sure to wake me when we get to the ferry. You heard what he said, 'as soon as you're all on board'." A few of the Ciranan officers gave snorts of amusement. The Fyrennese officers seemed to assume he wasn't talking to them, and so instinctively put him out of their minds.
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Post by Chonicler on Oct 13, 2014 20:59:27 GMT -6
[IAR]
[On board the C-249 Infinty
"I have a response," Rachil said excitedly, "the alien ship sent out 6 blips on their radio." Uthar let a breath out, "At least we can sort of communicate with them." he said, Rachil nodded, "I'm going to send a message in binary asking for their language files, if they have any spoken language." she said, "All right," Uthar replied, "but let'd keep our distance, we don't know if they'll attack yet or not." Rachil nodded in agreement, "I'll get close enough for a strong signal." she said. The Corvette send out a message in binary towards the alien ship, asking for language files.
[-Construction-]
Shipyard: 28/30 4x C-482 Irtan-Class Frigate: 12/14 2x
[-Research-]
Improved Propellants: 9/10 Basic Artificial Intelligence: 3/40
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Sunshine60
Edessian Ensign
Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.
Posts: 218
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Post by Sunshine60 on Oct 13, 2014 21:57:46 GMT -6
[Kingdom of Athos] [Bashmeli system, RNS Imperium]
The vessel dropped out of warp on the edge of the system, emitting a notable burst of energy as it did so. The Captain ordered a course towards the center of the system, and scans taken as constantly as was feasible.
{Construction: Shipyard x5 (13/30) {Research: Weapon-Grade Lasers (13/15)} {Research: Neutron Beam (7/40}
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Post by Chonicler on Oct 13, 2014 22:56:56 GMT -6
[IAR]
[On board the C-249 Discovery]
Ricardo shuddered, the feeling that had gone through him was so... alien, that he was still processing it, he had felt this vast mind engulf his and then he had thought he heard a voice in his head say to open the door. He glanced at Arvad, he had a similar expression on his face, as did the other scientists and the guard, "That was weird..." said Arvad, "At least we know how they communicate now," said one of the scientists, "they use telepathy." Ricardo shook his head to clear it and nodded to the guard, "Open the door," he said, "lets get this over with." The guard walked to the door and used his lower left hand to press the button that opened the door and it slid open.
[-Construction-]
Shipyard: 29/30 4x C-482 Irtan-Class Frigate: 13/14 2x
[-Research-]
Improved Propellants: 10/10 Completed Basic Artificial Intelligence: 4/40 Chemical Ballistics Mk II: 1/20
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Sunshine60
Edessian Ensign
Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.
Posts: 218
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Post by Sunshine60 on Oct 13, 2014 23:26:49 GMT -6
[Kingdom of Athos] [Bashmeli system, RNS Imperium]
"Captain, you might want to take a look at these readings," the Lieutenant manning the sensors said, inputting a keystroke to upload the latest readings to the Command terminal. Fyran glanced down at the readings, then did a double-take when he realized what he was looking at, "What the... Get me some in-depth readings on that thing ASAP. I want this double- and triple-checked."
{Construction: Shipyard x5 (14/30) {Research: Weapon-Grade Lasers (14/15)} {Research: Neutron Beam (8/40}
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Post by conmann35 on Oct 14, 2014 20:15:15 GMT -6
-- Corrundian prototype wakeship Telaya -- -- CO Quarters --
I hadn't been counting the hours that were passing during my in-FTL inspection of the ship's systems and I'm sure I entered another one of my daydream phases and only snapped out of it for sure when a somewhat hard rumble around the ship announced our exit from hyperspace. Finished boring myself with more paperwork I took a look outside the window and at the void and out into the foreign star system we had just entered. I was certain the sensor boys would be begging to get my attention -- so off to commanding people I go again.
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Post by RedDwarfIV on Oct 14, 2014 20:34:21 GMT -6
[RESEARCH] Beamed Power: Lasers [6/20] [CONSTRUCTION] [5/5 IN USE] 3x Guardian Frigate [6/14] 2x Hope Frigate [6/14]
Na'Ryll grunted in frustration, and tried pushing the work slate's touchscreen again. She did that several more times in rapid succession, before finally slamming it on the table. The screen went blank, and she swore loudly. Sitting back in her chair, she began trying to get her breathing under control. Calm down, calm down. Getting angrier isn't going to help. After a minute of so, she picked the slate back up and slid the back cover off, revealing a paper-thin motherboard, the device's battery, and a pair of fans that were still spinning. Na'Ryll winced as she noted part of the motherboard had cracked. One thing at a time. Need to check the links to the screen first...
A few minutes later, she had managed to get the slate's screen working again, but all it was showing was an orange background and the words 'FATAL SYSTEM ERROR' printed large on it. At least the files upload to the Institute's cloud server automatically. I won't have lost too much. she thought. Still going to have to buy a whole new tablet though. Damn. She turned to the monitor on her desk and waved her hand around the aetherphone, bringing the desktop computer to life. After entering her username and passcode, Na'Ryll gazed at her account screen. May as well take another look at the Star Survey Space Telescope images. She flicked a gesture at the aetherphone, and typed some words into her keyboard, bringing up an image viewing program. After another gesture and a little more typing, the screen displayed the images.
It was hard to make out, but Na'Ryll had been with the Search For Foreign Life institute for a while now, and the Senior Executive had stared at many such pictures. Other information was added alongside, with graphs and notes. Large circles of colour, still photographs of alien stars, sat in the centre. Every few seconds, the picture changed, bringing up either a new star, or...
Is that a dip in brightness? From a star whose planetary system we've had mapped out for decades, we're seeing new things blocking its light? And whatever it is, it's small. StarTel has some pretty good resolution. Whatever it is wasn't there until a few years ago, after which it appears regularly. And then we get these smaller dips appearing scattergun fashion. No wonder they want to check this out, that looks pretty close to how I'd imagine the silhouettes of a solar-orbital receiving a lot of visitors. A mining or industrial station maybe? She picked up a drinks pouch and squeezed it to take a drink. I should look at some more to compare.
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Post by Pierre Bezukhov on Oct 14, 2014 20:35:13 GMT -6
==Bashmeli's Hive== =Ringworld of Gilmar=
Bashmeli would grow tired of the time it was taking for her plan to come to fruition. She would hopefully get these aliens to be more... receptive to her noble's offers and requests. She would do this by giving a light suggestion to the effect of "They're harmless, they won't hurt us, they're a very peaceful species" phrasing it in a way to make them think that it started in their own minds instead of from an external source.
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Post by conmann35 on Oct 14, 2014 20:56:45 GMT -6
-- Corrundian prototype wakeship Telaya -- -- The Bridge -- (Still from Tarus's viewpoint) Returning to the bridge, I was greeted by two more than enthusiastic sensor officers trying to shove reports in my face. Kindly dismissing them, I took the papers and began taking a look at them. " So, we're actually here... in the middle of another star system.... Bring us in closer." Helm, as enthusiastically as the rest of the bridge, was more than willing to oblige. Myself, on the other hand, was still somewhat pessimistic.
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Post by Chonicler on Oct 14, 2014 21:49:52 GMT -6
(Max, they already opened the door.)
[IAR]
[On board the C-249 Infinity]
Uthar glanced at Rachil, "Rachil," he said, "if these aliens have another language, then how would a binary message help? What's to say they don't have a different way of translating binary as well." Rachil opened her mouth to respond, then closed it again with a curse. "Of course," she said, "it could mean anything to them, or nothing at all." she began typing hurriedly on the computer, "I'll send them our language files, then maybe we can work at getting theirs." she said. The Arthan's language files are sent over to the alien ship.
[-Construction-]
Shipyard: 30/30 4xCompleted C-482 Irtan-Class Frigate: 14/14 2xCompleted C-249 Viala-Class Corvette: 1/5 3x
[-Research-]
Basic Artificial Intelligence: 5/40 Chemical Ballistics Mk II: 2/20
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Post by Pierre Bezukhov on Oct 14, 2014 22:01:03 GMT -6
==Bashmeli's Hive== =Ringworld of Gilmar=
The noble would say to them, telepathically, "Hello. Welcome to our home. Do you have a space on your ship in order to conduct diplomacy?" in an attempt to get them to open their vessel up.
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Post by Chonicler on Oct 14, 2014 22:06:38 GMT -6
[IAR]
[On board the C-249 Discovery]
Ricardo glanced at Arvad before stepping out of the corvette and saying "It is truly an honor to meet a member of another intelligent species." He glanced around at the insect like aliens around the corvette, trying to figure out which one had spoken in his mind before continuing, "Unfortunately, our vessel currently has allot of technical and scientific equipment on board, it would not really do for diplomatic discussions." as he finished he hoped these aliens had the ability to hear, or at least tell what he was saying from his thoughts.
[-Construction-]
C-249 Viala-Class Corvette: 2/5 3x
[-Research-]
Basic Artificial Intelligence: 6/40 Chemical Ballistics Mk II: 3/20
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