Seal of Sedna(IC)

[angrydurf]

Phalanx observed the briefing with quiet focus listening carefully as he observed the displays trying to cement what he could of the layout into his mind. He looked up to the captain as the discussion drew to a close a question forming as he listened, "I wonder." He inquired, "Is the AI keeping us out or keeping something else in?" He looked curiously around the group, "I mean if there's no fluctuations, no signs of weapons outside the security." He shrugged slightly, "I'm no expert but have we ever seen a preserver prison?"

[Ari]

GM

The interface was incredibly easy to access, its universality of purpose meaning that its security was at a minimum, and thus there was hardly a single barrier to the suit's attempt at communion.

It was a simple contraption(by Lor computer science standards), and soon visibly and smoothly adapted to the circuitry of the probing, a ring of gray light appearing above it with neat rows of files containing what were labeled "Preserver alphabet" 1-34000. Apparently the ancient race had believed in complexity of language.

At Phalanx's question captain Mirta frowned thoughtfully "That's becoming the dominant hypothesis, that the complex is a prison for something, though it is utterly unlike other Preserver prisons we've found. For one thing, it lacks the utilitarian design the others possess, can support life in more than one area of the structure, and isn't marked with the hieroglyph for "do not enter" the others bear. On the other hand, there's something in there that wants us to keep clear of the center. It could be a lot of things: radiation leak that hasn't decayed fully, some kind of horrible monster they made, a symbol that drives you crazy, a portal to the terminus, all of those we've found at least traces of in the more recent Preserver relics, so we can't rule out any of them. Thankfully, all you'l need to do to clear up any doubt for is to get that force-field down. Without it, our sensors can easily detect the problem"

A single tone suddenly was heard, like a chime against stone. Startled, Verlee spoke something in Lor that translated into "Bring me" and shimmered out of sight in a waver of green bars.

[Supercape]

A single tone suddenly was heard, like a chime against stone. Startled, Verlee spoke something in Lor that translated into "Bring me" and shimmered out of sight in a waver of green bars.

"Eh?" said Supercape, spinning around from his observation of Neptune at the vanishing of their captain. His uncanny senses had detected the event whilst his eyes had been quite firmly fixed away.

He gathered himself (and his cape) up. "That sounds uncomfortably like an alarm bell, or siren of some sort..." he said, stating what was fairly obvious. "Something's up, and worse, we don't know what!" he added, frowning and smiling at the same time.

"We must be to far away from the prison to have any problems so far, surely - but they must have discovered something. I do hope they are being fully upfront with us...." he added, giving a sideways glance at his fellow explorers.

[Paragon]

I do not see any reason they would to not be honest with us. I cannot think of anything that I have to offer that the Lor would find all that valuable. I have to say I hate being out of the action, I wonder if there is a way for us to follow the captain? He never told us to stay here. If any of you have an idea I'm all ears. You can see Quintessence in a bit impatient with being left behind without any kind of explanation. With that Quintessence starts to take a look out the window to see if there is anything outside that may explain why the Captain left in such a hurry.

[angrydurf]

Phalanx stood as the Captain vanished, "hrm. that was rather abrupt." he acknowledged. He glanced around at the other heroes, "Well I don't know about any of you but I really would have difficulty finding that transporter room no less somewhere I've never been." He said with a sigh, "I Imagine they would let us know if our aid was needed?" he suggested hopefully he had had little to no direct interaction with the Lor.

He turned his gaze outward as well looking out the window before turning to gaze at the walls with an oddly unfocused look to his eyes as he looked beyond the walls of the conference room and tried to see if he could locate any cause for the alarm nearby in the ship.

[Ari]

GM

Phalanx's eyes pierced the hull of the Resplendent with ease, the ship's hull giving way in seeming waves of electrical circuits, plasma conduits and layers of armor plate, until at last his eyes beheld the untrammeled sea of light that was space. On his right, Phalanx could see the eight ships already gathered in orbit of the blue giant, moving in apparent aimlessness and unconcern, suddenly all begin a single focused journey towards something coming from further beyond the Sun. His eyes couldn't make out the details, but it was certain that five ships were approaching their position at great speed, and that the company their present transport was in were busily aligning themselves in a formation like a great "V", either in a battle or parade configuration.

Meanwhile, the table the heroes had been gathered to lit up, its blackness replaced with a perfect 3D schematic of the ship they were on, with a dotted line showing how to get to a conspicuously high-ceilinged room. A clear, accent-free feminine-sounding voice politely "Could the occupants of the Mission Hall please proceed to the Parade Ground at the fore of the ship? We have just been informed that the decorated Admiral Kalf is requesting to inspect our vessel and crew, guests included. If you are unfamiliar with the ship, are of a species that has limited expertise with three-dimensional travel, or have suffered recent memory loss, the ship's fully-integrated AI is programmed to be happy to assist you. This message will repeat at two-minute intervals until you have safely left this room"

While the message had been playing, a button near Ironclad on one of the few small sections of black still left began to flash yellow, the hieroglyphs(after a moment's experimentation)declaring 'Incoming Message. Caller: Cpt. Mirta'.

[Supercape]

"There's are answer, folks!" said Supercape, actually somewhat relieved (by both the message and the comments of Quintessence and Phalanx). Once again his cape and costume sparkled slightly - a little more brightly than before.

"We are on parade! I guess the admiral wants to see that we are up to the task. Best behaviour and all that. And as for being familiar with three dimensional travel, I suspect its not just me who flies around in a cape..."

He coughed, a faint hint of self-consciousness hitting him as the conflict between being a comfortable slow-paced university academic and a dynamic superhero hit him again.

"But for myself, I travel in more dimensions than three!" he said, a bright smile on his face. He stared at the visual display and started working out the complex nudges...

All it took was entangling two points. Or, to put it anotherway, contracting the universe to a one-dimensional point.

"And I can get us in there in a moment if you would like the ride...."

"..best answer that first, I guess!" he added, as Mirta's message came through.

[Raveled]

The connection went smoothly and soon Ironclad was speeding-reading the Preserver-English dictionary, screen flashing past too fast for anyone to follow -- unless, like her, they had a distinctly abnormal mind. Thirty-two words for stars, she noted with approval. Clearly connoisseurs. The conversation gloated past her, a small piece of her mind monitoring it for anything she needed to comment on. Like an order to muster for inspection, or a communique from the captain.

She blinked rapidly as her brain down-shifted to conversational levels. She punched the button to listen to the captain's message, and while it unspooled she began stowing her tools away and bundling wires back inside the shell of her armor. It wouldn't do to meet a foreign dignitary with half the guts of the suit hanging out, now would it?

[Paragon]

Quintessence was a bit nervous now. It was bad enough that he had met the captain of an amazing ship, but now he was supposed to meet an admiral in this space navy. Please do not make an embarrassment of yourself in front of someone this important. This might be the being who can actually answer some of the questions that I have about the Preservers. Quintessence stands up a little taller and says to his fellow Earthlings Lets go and make a good impression on the big brass.

[Ari]

GM

At Ironclad's touch, a holographic badge appeared bearing three stars attached to three vaguely reptilian birds in flight, and with a slight distortion of sound the captain's voice came through with utter clarity. "I apologize for not informing you of where I was going or why, but that sound is Admiral Kalf's..ringtone, I believe is the closest analogy I can make. Anyway, he wished to see me in order to obtain permission to inspect the ship, but we both know that he wants to inspect you all. Be warned: he has very little appreciation for humans, and sees your presence as almost an insult to our capability. Whatever you do, please don't give him a reason to dislike you personally. I can't return until the inspection is completed, Lor SpaceFleet policy originated to keep presumably treacherous captains from safety among their crew. Don't worry too much about what he thinks of you so long as it doesn't make him want to send you back home: don't make jokes, don't reference the Grue Invasion, and don't talk about Dark Star and I'm sure you'll keep on his better side. I'll see you when the inapection is done, Mirta out " with an audible 'click' the message ended, and the previously teal-shaded emblem wavered before vanishing.

The doors outside had already cycled back open, and two smartly-uniformed Lor stood at attention on either side "Guests from Earth," one of them with slightly scaled skin and visible gills said a littler nervously "we have been informed that the one styled 'Supercape' can fold space to transport solid matter. Despite this, we have been asked by the captain to escort you to the Parade Hall on foot, in order to answer any questions you might wish to ask about the Admiral to ensure the best possible interactions between you. If this is acceptable to you, please follow us, if not by all means proceed as you wish" the two marched over to the other side of the hallway, where they awaited the Earthling's reply.

[Supercape]

"I think this calls for diplomacy gentlemen" said Supercape "...of the utmost delicacy, from the sounds of it."

He gave a polite, modest bow to the escorts.

"Of course, we would be delighted to accompany you" he replied as graciously as possible. "And we would of course appreciate us if you could enlighten us as to the correct ettiquette for Admiral Kalf. I am afraid we are not familiar with the Lor, or indeed the military arm of your society. I am sure we would not want to make some horrible gaff!"

He started to follow the escort.

"For instance, how would one address his admiralness? a salute? a bow? a shaking of the hands? these kinds of things..."

[angrydurf]

Phalanx stood and followed Supercape nodding agreement, it really wouldn't do to cause trouble with an apparently touchy Admiral about matters of station. Especially as it seemed that the Lor had some odd ideas on esprit de corps already. It was his first instinct to just treat the admiral as he would any honored member of one of earths military's but at Supercapes words he noted that there may be some differences of course. He frowned slightly as something stuck out about the suggestions the captain had made, "Why wouldn't we discuss Dark Star I was under the impression he had friends amongst the Lor?" He was growing uncomfortable with this situation it seemed more and more likely that his admiral had some sort of personal issue with Earth and its residents.

[Ari]

"Indeed mister Phalanx" replied the other officer, considerably shorter and stockier with solidly black hair and eyes, "But you are no doubt aware that the powerful man takes the time to visit Earth every now and then, something the Admiral wishes wouldn't be even a consideration for such a powerful asset. He feels that Dark Star is weakening himself by returning to his home instead of making a new one out in the wider galaxy," stepping through a door into a sort of horizontal elevator, she leaned against the left hand wall and continued "it's the same with Daedalus, really. Admiral Kalf thinks people like that don't, ah.. " she looked deeply uncomfortable as she said it "..deserve to live on Earth. He thinks it's a backwater hellhole and can be extremely difficult to persuade otherwise on less important matters. In his opinion, the more people like you live on a single planet, the more of a target you'll be for things even you can't fight, not to mention the fact that you're beginning to be one for things we can't, like The Gorgon"

[Raveled]

It took a minute or so for Ironclad to clean herself and her workspace up, but in due time she stood, armor sealed and imposing again. "Dark Star is the only reason we were warned about the Gorgon's approach at all," she observed, apropos of nothing. "Without him, the first Earth would've know was when it passed the Oort Cloud." The helmet unfolded and formed around her head, hiding her face behind a smooth metal mask. "But because of Dark Star's warning, we were able to fight it off. So this backwater human is more than a little bit glad that he chooses to 'weaken' himself by having a life besides the stars."

[Paragon]

Quintessence listened to everything said very carefully while he followed their escorts down the hallway towards the admiral. I have to agree with Ironclad, if it were not for the warning Earth might be no more. I will listen to your advice and not mention it around the admiral, but if the subject comes up I will not hide my feelings on the subject. Your Admiral may feel that Earth is a backwater hell hole, but it is my home and I see where Dark Star is coming from not being able to leave his people to the mercy of the universe when he has the means to help them. I could do no less in his position. With that Quintessence falls silent and prepares for a meeting he cannot help get the feeling is with someone who already does not look favorably upon Earth and it's inhabitants.

[Ari]

GM

The thickset officer shrugged her clearly uncomfortable epauleted shoulders at the heroes' words "That is not my place to pass judgement, I'm merely telling you of the Admiral's own opinions. Though I would be careful how you tell him that. He loves an argument, and all that would happen would be endless wrangling that would resolve nothing and leave you both feeling entirely in the right and quite superior in your points and arguing ability"

Taking what was apparently a shortcut through a service transport system, she continued "Really, there's not much too it that the captain didn't tell you. So long as you don't let what he says get under your skin, and don't try to pick a fight, there won't be a problem" stepping out of the almost uncannily pristine circular transport pod(clashing oddly with the dull exposed sections of metal and presumed electronics being serviced)she added "Also, even if you don't feel that way, act as if you're relaxed. The Admiral can be a cold man, but even he likes it when people aren't stiff and formal around him all the time, sets him on edge if the rumors are true"

By this point the odd gang had gotten at least halfway to the Parade Hall, if the rushing squads of Lor officers in their ornate dress uniforms heavy with red cords were any indication. The hurried soldiers gave the visiting humans a wider berth than the two Lor accompanying them, glancing back on occasion with looks of both curiosity and slight condescension at their attire.

[Supercape]

Supercape nodded, listening attentively to the Lor escort.

"Basically, don't let him wind us up..." he concluded. For himself, that was unlikely to be a problem. He was older and wiser than the other heroes - well, at least he felt older and wiser. He probably looked older, in any case. Ironclad, well, as far he could make out, Ironclad seemed to avoid talking unless necessary, being too engrossed in technology with which she seemed to have a perfect relationship. As for Phalanx and Quintesscence, well, neither of them seemed to be complete hot heads. But with the right application of tounge to ear, he was not sure if they could swallow their pride and bite their lip.

"So swallow your ego's chaps, and think of England!" he said in an upbeat tone.

[Raveled]

As the heroes were herded along the corridors of the Lor spaceship, Ironclad's helmet was impassive. Normally it concealed a very different expression, but for once she was just as bored and unimpressed as the mask made her seem. Yes, the alien ship represented a wealth of technology, quite possibly decades ahead of anything comparable on Earth, but all she could see right now were gleaming, polished bulkheads. She didn't trust herself to be able to hack into the ship's computer without being detected, so she was pretty much stuck watching the Lor officers they were passing, but that didn't hold her interest either; after all, if brocade and medals mattered to her she'd take more interested in the day-to-day running of Dawes Tech. She nodded absently at Supercape's advice -- probably best to let him do most of the talking -- and trudged along.

[angrydurf]

Phalanx kept his own council on the Admirals apparent prejudices. He'd dealt with worse before and would again he was sure. In response to the guards explanations he merely inclined his head in a polite nod and murmured, "Thank you." for the advice. Perhaps Supercape was right and turning hte other cheek was in order. Then again there was something to be said for standing up to injustice before it became tragedy, time would tell if the Admirals sharp tongue would be more than he could bear in stoic silence.

He looked about the ship as they passed the gleaming bulkheads and equipment in various states of repair. It seemed odd that they would be taking what seemed like a circuitous rout but he didn't know the ship like these men. Perhaps there was some reason to it beyond his knowledge. None the less he kept alert, it wouldn't do to have an incident while they were guests of the Lor.

[Paragon]

Quibtessence decided after hearing what their escorts had to say that he would try and keep quiet during this meeting. If the Admiral was as predjudice as it sounded he would probably only make the situation worse. He would let Supercape do the talking. He seemed to be the most accomplished in diplomatic matters. He seemed to be a natural born conversationalist, while at best Quintessence was a blunt speaking truth teller and at worst just plain rude sometimes.

[Ari]

GM

The reason for the roundabout way of getting to the Parade Hall was soon revealed when the two officers escorted the Earth heroes through an apparently infrequently-used side door in the side of what looked for all the world like an enormous metal box dumped into the middle of the ship, crewmembers streaming through vast double doors set at regular intervals about fifteen meters apart that still were almost stuffed with crowding Lor. After passing through the narrow passage(the walls had too be moved to permit Phalanx entry), they exited next to an obviously floating pad evidently leading upwards to a deep brown curved balcony that had the unmistakable texture of polished wood. This sole representative of the natural world was rather overshadowed by the complete dominance of cool metals and ornately-colored plastics that made up the entire room.

It looked to be at least a half mile from each wall to another, roughly rectangular to allow the existence of a fountain formed in the fashion of a large reptile-like bird similar to that on the captain's insignia, but as high as an emu. The bird had suffered myriad wounds from which lifelike blood poured, and was rising to its full height in a last gathering of muscle for an attack. Around it was a truly beautiful hologram of presumably swamp plant life from whatever world the bird originated. The fountain served as the starting point for an artificial red stream that cut the room in two, and had a long bridge layed overtop that connected at seemingly random points with the two halves, with a round black door at the extreme left of the new arrivals and a square blue one at their right.

The room was colored in shades of red ranging from a soft pink at the floor level to a deep red that was almost black covering the ceiling. The assembled Lor(who it appeared had excellent skill for getting into formation)saluted towards the black door by holding their right arm out with the palm upwards, while their left hand was pressed to their sternums. With a deep note like a stone gong the black door opened, and two well-dressed Lor figures entered through it. By this point, the escorts had quickly arranged the heroes in a rough half-moon, with Quintessence and Phalanx on the ends, with Ironclad on the inner-left and Supercape on the inner-right. With whispers of "Good luck!" they hurried off to assume their own places that to a casual eye were totally indistinguishable from the close-packed ranks of officers.

[Supercape]

Supercape could not help himself but stand stiffly to attention and click his heels together.

Dammit, I never even joined the army! he berated himself. But there was something about the military efficiency and parades around him that creeped up his spine into his brain.

He noted carefully the salute - right arm out with the palm upwards, left hand to sternums - and debated whether he should follow suit upon the arrival of the admiral.

Best not he concluded to himself. Whilst it would quite possibly show solidarity with the Lor, it could equally, and perhaps more likely, be taken as an insult. After all, he was not Lor.

He stewed over the various options and eventually decided he would open with a small polite bow.

[Ari]

GM

The two figures, after a brief conference with one of the previously invisible guards next to the black door, began a rapid walk down the central bridge, from which soft chimes were heard with every stride they made. Passing the statue(which they payed no attention to in the slightest) by passing on the left, they stood back to back, and performed an identical salute to that given by the crew. A chill metallic voice coming from the darker-clothed of the duo declared "I am Admiral Louoy Kalf, come to see the ship of captain Verlee Mirta for an inspection of its crew and computer, contents and cargo, weapons and shields, architecture and infrastructure. I request a full disclosure of the movements and actions taken in the least 472 weeks since the departure from Sigio Telthis, as well as an aide to provide a full recounting of any unplanned or unrequested movements or actions taken with this ship during that period" an officer(their back was to the heroes, obscuring their face and preventing recognition) went quickly up to the Admiral to whisper in his ear. The Admiral seemed taken aback by whatever news he had been given, and with a large number of sibilants clearly evident from the working of his jaw the messenger hurried off, gray-furred and long-limbed, with hands like climbing claws.

The Admiral was now close enough to easily see in detail. He was short(around 5'2"), and similar in build to the stocky Lor who had escorted them to the Parade Hall. In stark contrast to the ornate dress of the officers packing the hall he wore a simple gray tunic ensigned with a golden representation of a ringed moon orbiting a gas giant. Around the cuffs and high collar of the tunic were thin green stripes, his boots looked to be armored with ribs of some kind, striped from sole to rim with purple. His fingers were tipped with broad claws, he had dull purple skin and teeth, and his hair was a dull gray.

Tapping his right bracer, the section of the bridge he was standing on lifted up into the air with a low hum, though what was lifting it and how was not immediately obvious to untrained or unaugmented eyes. Landing in front of the small group of heroes he frowned at them thoughtfully, an expression that judging by the lines on his face was as familiar to him as breathing. After a second he opened his mouth, from which the same cold tones emanated out to say "Are you the Earth witnesses? Usually for these sorts of investigations Daedalus or Pseudo are sent to keep an eye on us" he didn't seem at all dismissive when speaking of the immortal inventor, and only a slight twitch of his left eye showed he thought anything of the rogue Grue.

[Supercape]

GM

"Are you the Earth witnesses? Usually for these sorts of investigations Daedalus or Pseudo are sent to keep an eye on us"

"We are indeed your..." Supercape's mind spun around searching for the right honorific "...Admiralness" he concluded, hoping the neogilism would suffice.

"And Jolly nice it is to be here. Splendid ship. Nice uniforms. All marvellous stuff" he said remembering the guards words to be relaxed. "Please don't be to offended if Daedalus or Pseudo aren't here I think we are a pretty friendly bunch too" he said with a smile. "And it's hardly keeping an eye on you...we are all friends here, I'm sure"

Supercape did actually relax his posture at this point.

"In fact, we would be glad to offer what limited assistance we can" he added as helpfully as possible.

[Paragon]

Quintessence was a little supprised at how nerveous Supercape seemed. For someone who seemed so confident talking with the other Heroes he seemed very unsure of himself around this military leader. Quintessence looked the Admiral over as he stood there. He did not seem any different then other military leaders on Earth. He seemed like he did not care about pomp and ceramony. He compleatly ignored the decorations like the fountian, he has a very simple uniform compared to the other military personel around us. I will adress him and hope all goes well. Hello Admiril, My companions and I are the observers from Earth. Unfortunatly the other Earth represenatives you have worked with in the past are currently engaged in other opperations and were unavalible at this time. Since time seems to be a factor it was decided that we should be sent. We would also like to extend an offer of aid if there is anything you might need from us. We hope in the future you will add our names to the lise of people you would welcome working with.