The Line in the Stars (IC) [PG/14]

[ShadesFox]

Aaron couldn't help but think that Robert was wandering into dangerous territory.  Maybe he could just leave him here if he didn't feel grateful for being rescued?  The pirates would probably be grateful to get their hands on an officer after they just did around here.  That and he was the junior most officer here...
"How could I not know?  I'm a RESEARCHER not a rescue expeditionist.  When you got lost I was in a LABORATORY.  How the hell did you think that the rescue system worked?  That EVERYONE gets the message that you, and only you, were lost?  I'm thinking you may need more medbay time then I thought, as you are clearly are not thinking straight.  However, if you can keep yourself together and keep perspective on the bigger picture, we are looking for a Lt. Hunnydew and two Acadian kits, Ixiah and Loki.  They are probably in there with two Acadians, Xaos and Gaea.  And maps of Acadian ships are a bit silly, their interiors are based on what you expect."

[Prof B Hunnydew]

DDR in 3D
Music comes from the main hatch, Nova starts her dance, the red lights lit up the hallway to the computer room and Nova and Loki.  The Song sings out on more levels then just hearing.  Aaron will find.  

At first,  the dance between Loki and Nova is more a choreographic duel or ballet dance with swords.   Playing sword fight for Loki, who can jump and hang in the air.  Nova follows the dance with her anger and frustrations against Loki.  Yet, Loki is never in danger.  And Nova's anger drains from her by the time she reaches Orange.  

Red-  
Orange-
 Yellow-
  Green-
 Blue-
Purple-

Each color   Each movement, that Nova dances, she changes fur color, species and clothing,   Each new color, Nova become a new descendant of Starsong.  Her great- great mother or the magician, her many great- daughter in the future.    Loki finds that he himself is also changing that he is growing up and/ aging as he meets each new life.    

As her dance continues, but Nova moves get more like Loki's,  She must and does landed on spots on the walls and ceiling, as she chases after him or jumps away from him.  Mara, Fox-kitten dancing and spins in the center of the room and Matron's crystal mound grows higher with each new color.  

Aaron has always been having to shield against Nova's thoughts, but now her mental present is getting hard to see, even as he watches her dancing in front of him..  Aaron can sense that the ship around is coming alive.  

Purple        
Nova is now a Kat-vixen, Starsong, =she is Nova, but she is also Starsong.  She is a beautiful and very attractive vixen even with orange tabby strips.  Her body is only 30 years old, but her mind and soul seems stretch over a hundred lives over a million years
   
This dance is without sword and more ballet with more romance and passion.   By the end of the dance Loki and Nova are back to normal but hug each other.  Matron is complete white column to ceiling, but Mara is not there.  Xaos and Gaea are also there smiling at Nova.  

"Welcome, Kitten" says Gaea.


PBH

[Azlan]

Pirate Base, Conference Room


Jeanne slapped the patch on her arm, and sighed as the pain dulled a bit, just as she was pulled to the ground by Knight, "owww... I think you made it worse..."  

Drawing her sidearm, she did her best to aim for the door as well.

The pirates acted rather predictably, Bancroft dove for cover behind the center control console in the main room between conference rooms.  The commander sharply ordered the guards into the room, but she did not enter herself.  Instead she began calling for other guards while bolting for the other conference room with Marcus, gun in hand.

The guards themselves burst in, ready to begin firing at Ana, and not especially prepared for an attack by their own.  Prepared as the Special Forces were, they stood no chance and were cut down, destroying the glass of the wall and collapsing the door frame.  With nothing between the team and the outside area, Ben, Hacker and Jaice dashed to the opening and tossed a pair of grenades each out into the main area.  They tried to cover as much of the area as possible.

These actions took out a large amount of pirates, but also set off an annoying alarm.

Ben sighed, "looks like its going to be more fun getting out of here then I thought."

Ana was a little shocked by how quickly everything moved, but recovered quickly, she touched the video screen and disappeared.  Anyone looking at the unit would notice that the blue vixen was now in the other conference room blasting the pair of guards within.




Matron's Hall of Electronica


Aaron, Robert and the others in the team arrive, having dogged Nova's trail, just in time to see the end of the dance.  A lot of hugging seems to be exchanged, but currently only those present at the beginning of the dance notice anything different.  This includes Aaron, that despite his Acadian heritage, is still prevented from seeing the masters of the ship for the moment at least.  Saioko is noticeably frighted by this place, so much so that she shakes visibly.

Xaos spends a moment regarding the newcomers and turns to his lifelong companion, "should we reveal ourselves fully to these children and the neophyte?"

Gaea, still smiling at the now grown up Nova, ponders the thought, "young one, Nova dearest, shall we reveal ourselves to your companions?  We would need to borrow a bit of energy to do that."

Xaos smiles, "at least until we can spend some time with more than just us."

The deep golden-brown furred vixen blinked her violet eyes at Nova, as the deep purple furred male waited patiently for a decision.  A small light of mischief burned in his amber orbs.

Loki and Ixiah remained silent, slightly awed by their presence.

[Lushin]

Pirate Base, Conference Room
Romulus aimed his shots carefully, being a sniper does that to someone. Just as fast as he fired a round he moved to another target. He followed Ben into the main room. He looked around as the alarm sounded.
"Hacker turn the damn thing off would you"
Romulus scanned the area looking for the commander. Then he looked to Ben as he fired a round.
"Conversation was getting boring anyway"
Romulus moved to the door of the conference room. He slighty banged on the door with the butt of his rifle.
"Ana you should get your guy to the ship quickly. Things are about to kick off here.

[Prof B Hunnydew]

In the White Crystal Palace of Matron

"What Am I A living Battery?" is Nova's first thought, but she realizes that isn't really fair.  Gaea and Xaos were more then loving to her.  Right now, She is shielded and grounded, that she isn't broadcasting her emotions/energy out in all directions. For the first time in a long time, her thought are organized and she sense and feel more things clearly. Down Loki link, She can feel that twice as much energy than normal, but she doesn't feel anything differcult or any weakness. She knows Mara asleep in her crystal form again on Nova's neck, but the little kit wasn't taking any power from her, now.
 
"Why Of course,   Lady Gaea, You guys only need to ask.  I wouldn't deny my fairy godparents anything", says Nova, adoringly "But It is up to you guys, if you really want some people to see and hear you."

"Why Dear, She forgives us for sending her out. Like a message in a bottle, tossed into a galactic sea." says Xaos....

"Yes My love, But Doesn't scare you just a little that her luck--- her force of chaos has not only deliver her to every Acadians who can help us.  But to the every Acadian Rebel force members, who have a change of save all Acadians and the galaxy as well?", giggles Gaea.   "Why, she has even has a techmage, and a space battle fleet or two with her.... "

"AH Well" says Nova to seemingly thin air.

PBH

[SquirrelWizard]

Crashing the Party

"that you, and only you, were lost?"
The phrase lingered in Robert's mind, the man was sticking words in his mouth.

"However, if you can keep yourself together and keep perspective on the bigger picture, we are looking for a Lt. Hunnydew and two Acadian kits, Ixiah and Loki.  They are probably in there with two Acadians, Xaos and Gaea.  And maps of Acadian ships are a bit silly, their interiors are based on what you expect,"

Robert looked hard at Aaron before spitting out his reply, "Right... then lets move." He followed the rest into the ship, unholstering his pistol, but keeping the safety on and it aimed off to the side so as to not muzzle the other people.

"Idiots, the lot of them." his mind raced as he analyzed his current situation. "No mapping, no hard line to the outside, and we just charge on in." He sneered, "And to top it off, they just tell me the damn names of our people in there. Like I'm supposed to know who these people are, and Arcadians. Just what in the hell is an Arcadian?" he glanced at the others in the group, the Major and the vixen in the weird white uniform were calm, given the current situation, but the pantheress was losing it, probably first time jitters, "Hey... Pinky." he nudged her, "Panic is going to be the first thing that can get you killed down here. Focus on something, anything, your breathing if you have to, but try and calm down." He gave her a half hearted smile, "Don't worry, we probably wont run into anything hostile in here."

Not hostile doesn't mean it isn't dangerous, but she seemed too wound up to break that onto her....

The corridor opened up into a large room, where they found Lt. Hunnydew standing having just completed her dance. Robert switched the safety off of his pistol, still holding it off to the side though, and nodded in Lt. Hunnydew's direction, "Major, is that your lost researcher?"

[Lisky]

Pirate Conference Room

"Oh shi... I'm sorry, Jeanna..."  Was all Knight could get out before more shooting.  He let go of the fore-grip on the rifle, and reached into a back pocket, pulling out a small compress wrap.  "Think you can hold this on, on your own?"  The spotted feline asked as he moved to hand Jeanne the soft, clean cloth.

"you'll need to keep pressure on it until we get you back to the ship... if you need me to, i can carry you, but we gotta get moving.  You think you're well enough to get up?"

Knight used his free hand to check the combat harness, and get his pistol ready, the rifle wasn't going to be of much use if he had to hold onto Jeanne as well.

[ShadesFox]

Stamp on the ground, jump jump jumpen all around~

"Just so you know Robert, I am the sort of idiot that can read minds.  And Arcadians are an quadruped bunch from the planet Arcad, an unpleasant bunch that we won't speak of again.  Anyways, The cat is the lost researcher, and the two little guys with her are Acadians."

When Nova finished her dance and started hugging Marissa giggled, "Group hug time!"
Richard slunk back in with Aaron and friends, not saying much.
After Nova finishes talking to herself Aaron remarks, "And she seems to be talking with herself.  Maybe we could all use some medbay time.  Maybe naptime at the very least."

[SquirrelWizard]

Inside the Matron.


"Oh great, he's a fucking spook." the phrase rolled through Robert's mind with the same manner as an exasperated person rolling their eyes. He calmly turned the safety back on, and holstered his pistol. "Sir, with all due respect to your rank, my thoughts about your competence are not relevant to the situation at hand. This is looking like a salvage op, and the next thing we need to do is to take stock of our situation. Our entry, and whatever Lieutenant Hunnydew and these Acadians did before we could find them could have very well changed something here. Hopefully we just disturbed the dust here, but if it has caused anything else, I'd much prefer we find out now, than later when we're in a less than ideal position to deal with it."

[Prof B Hunnydew]

Hearing the Major and this new squirrel, Nova jumps on a chance to change the subject...She turns to the others at the door.

"Now, Matron has been waken, 'again', Major Brown, sir.  So, you find it very hard to take a self-ware ship, Squirrely." states Lt Hunnydew.  The cat girl waves her hands wide "Look around, This crystal is over twice the size, it was, when my grandma was last here and now, it is complete.  The ship, itself, is also fully operational and not the wreck it was."

"Also the owners are here, awaiting introductions,"smiles Nova, "Please Lady Gaea and Lord Xaos come and meet my 'friends'."  

PBH  

[Azlan]

Pirate Base


The pirate commander from earlier dove behind some rubble just in time to escape both explosion and return fire.  Romulus's shot zinged past her ear, forcing her to keep down.

Ana waves to Romulus, a short time later, she and a brown bat (flying fox) emerge from the other conference room, "I'm ready to go whenever you all are."  Ana tosses an energy blast over where the commander and a few pirates are hiding just for good measure.

Hacker heads for the main console, but a pirate sticks has gun up and fires blindly.  The shots mostly miss, one hits the wolf, but his armor protects him.  Still, the impact knocks him down.  Jaice moves to check out Hacker as Ben comes around from the opposite side.  The canine sergeant quickly stands up and with his right arm, leverages his weapon over the console edge, and unloads into the center space.

He drops back down and waits a second before popping back up, gun ready, shaking his head he puts his gun up and takes up a position guarding the entrance, "clear."

Jaice gives a thumbs up after checking Hacker, and moves to a position to keep fire on the other end of the room.

Dusting himself off, Hacker hooks up to the console and within moments silences the alarm, "their communications traffic shows that they don't know what's going on quite yet, but they know something is happening here."

Meanwhile, Jeanne takes the offered bandage with a nod and a slight blush, "it s'ok, better than getting shot in the fire fight.  Nothing compared to back in the tower, I'll be fine."  The tigress unbuttoned her jacket, pulled out her shirt, and redressed her injury with the compress bandage.  Maintain pressure on it, she stood and waived off his offered hand, "I can walk, its not bleed too badly.  Let's go."

She emerged into the open with Knight, joining Ana and her freed friend Marcus, "awww, don't tell me they shot you again Jean girl."

"No, same old injury.  Are we ready to go, I could really use a nap."

[ooc: feel free to move this forward with your own action and scenes, just don't reach the shuttle in one post.]



Matron


Both Gaea and Xaos embraced Nova lovingly and stepped back, facing the new comers.  Nova felt a bit... well, drained, but it was to be expected.

A golden brown furred vixen dressed in a forest green robe adorned with golden designs, somewhat baggy sleeves and a multitude of golden bracers bands and jewelry and wearing a golden tiara with a bright green gem appears before everyone assembled.  She smiles warmly with her arms spread wide, "welcome travelers to the starship Matron."

A fox with deep purple fur, almost black under the light conditions, and amber eyes also appears to the other's right.  He is dressed in a black coat, white dress shirt which is un-tucked and black slacks.  He possesses and wears a starburst necklace of platinum with a deep, impossibly black gem at the center of the 'burst'.  Additionally, he wears a simple silver ring with a small pink gem on his right hand, as well as a platinum bracer with a perfectly round blue gem set into it.  His smile seems a bit sinister and aloof, but that might just be the impression one expects from one dressed as he seems to be.  "Thank you friends, but I'm afraid your princess is in another castle... ooofff!"

It would appear that the jovial and still smiling vixen just stomped on the male's foot, but its hard to tell as it does not appear that she moved, "ha ha, yes very witty.  We are Gaea and Xaos, reputed as the first Alphas among the normals."

Recovering from having his foot stomped, Xaos adds to the statement, "for centuries mothers and fathers have told stories of what horrible monsters we are to their children.  So what brings you before us now, with our god daughter, and a ship full of wide eyed Acadians?"

Both Ixiah and Loki blush and sheepishly try to act casual.

A bright vibrant golden vixen clothed in the finest silks, very reminiscent of ancient Grecian and Roman finery, appears as well.  "Welcome, I am the Ship designated Matron."

[Lushin]

Pirate Base
"Aww and the party was just getting started" Romulus looked at the others. "Alright back to the ship everyone. Looks like we've over stayed our welcome"
Romulus started to move down towards the ship. "Ben lead them back to the ship I'll cover the rear" Romulus gestured for the others to get moving. Romulus took up the rear guard as they moved to the ship. He tried to watch for movement from every angle, his head was on a swivel as he moved.

[Prof B Hunnydew]

Feeling drained and the love, Nova falls and leans against Gaea for a bit.  After the ancient alpha appeared, she reluctently releases Gaea. and regains her balance.  She feels the drain easing after the ancient foxes appear and as she gets use to it.   Nova turn to Loki and Ixiah

"Xaos and Gaea, This is Loki, a lord of chaos, and Prince Ixiah, an Alpha of Acadian, " , Nova introducts the two younger foxes, and goes on to the door." and over there is  Major Brown of ISF, Richard, and Marissa.  And ah squirrel?, maybe you know him?", she asks Gaea.  

EDIT:    In Nova's mind , she sudden recalls that "the Major" was  Kyubi's son, and maybe, Ixiah wasn't as high as an Alpha.  Yet, she keeps quiet about her mistake for now. Matron was here.  Nova hugs her old Nanny, like she was six. 

PBH

[ShadesFox]

Any way the wind blows~

Aaron did have to wonder when Ixiah became an Alpha, last Aaron remembered Ixiah was the one who only just managed to restrain himself from killing Aaron for being an Alpha.  Speaking of being such, "I must confess, I never heard stories of either of you as a cub.  Then again, mom didn't stick around for nearly long enough.  Dad did tell stories.  With treasure hunters.  And dragons.  And treasure hunters that turn into dragons.  Those last ones were my favorites."

Aaron tried to recompose himself, and on the outside looked quite calm.  If only he could keep his mind in order too he may have actually impressed Xaos and Gaea, "As to why I am here, I'm on a quest for the Holy Grail."

Aaron was actually halfway hoping for a stomp on the foot too, it would add to the mood.  Alas, all he got was a funny look from Alexis.  "Err, on a more serious note, Nova here insisted we see you two once we found this location.  I got authorization from the ISF for this expedition and away we went.  Also, in a round about way, my mom told me to seek you two out... erm... you see..."

It was about at this point that Aaron noticed that Xaos was right next to him.  When did Xaos even move?  Or wait did Aaron move?  Perhaps the universe compressed?  Regardless, Aaron got the feeling he was being... inspected?
"Wait, what are you even doing?"
"Oh, nothing."
The grin on his face said Xaos was lying.  Why were all Acadians like this? "Because it is more fun like this."
sigh

[SquirrelWizard]

Matron

Robert walked over to a nearby wall, and eased himself down. Placing his head in his hands, he rubbed his eyes with the heels of his palms. The sudden surge of energy from him nearly being shot, coupled with the adrenaline from charging into the unknown had taken its toll. He was tired.

Most importantly, he was tired of the insanity, the craziness of the people around him. None of it made sense. They hadn't followed any of the salvage protocals; instead they opted to throw the switch and place everybody's lives on the line. "And, now the cat is out of the bag," the thought danced through Robert's head as he tried to clear it. The only thing he could do now is hope, and pray, that the Major and this Lt were right and the Acadians were friendly; because right now they could do anything to us, and there isn't much we could do to stop them.

[Lisky]

Pirate Base

Knight kept watch over Jeanne as Rom and company cleared the halls.  He carried the heavy rifle as Jeanne seemed to be somewhat alright.  He kept her close, and made sure she kept up, making sure that she was covered as they exited the office, making for a stair well.  Taking the elevator back down would be nigh suicidal.

"Romulus, Ana, is the pirate captain still alive?"  Knight asked over the gunfire.  He hoped to take her prisoner if possible, the collie might have some useful information, or perhaps could arrange a parley long enough for them to leave.

"IF she is, don't harm her.  I'd like to have a few words."

[Azlan]

Pirate Base


As the team gathered and prepared to move, Knight's question about the status of the collie pirate commander generated a shrug or two from the other SpecForc members.  However, back towards the collapsed end of the room opposite from where they were retreating from, a tan hand-paw quickly appeared from behind a rubble pile prominently displaying her middle finger in a rude gesture.  The hand quickly dropped back behind cover as a shot ricocheted off the wall.  Two pirates point guns around the sides of the wall and answer with automatic fire.  Blind firing, but enough to keep everyone behind cover.

Ana smirked, "I guess that means yes... and she has good hearing apparently."  More quietly, nearly above a whisper, Ana adds more seriously, "there is her and two other pirates.  Trying to get to her would get someone shot, better to just toss them a grenade... but I think there is a dampening field over there because of the emergency exit that collapsed."

The team carefully withdrew to the lobby and prepared to descend.  The lobby area held the elevators and the stairs.  The multiple elevators were at different levels and currently not moving.  The stairs were at the opposite end of the lobby and a pair of pirates observed from a hasty barricade near them.  They immediately opened fire as a response to seeing the team, the shots were rather reactionary and not too well aimed.



Matron


Ixiah looked rather surprised at Nova's introduction of them both, "I am not an Alpha... though at this rate, I guess the high command would probably toss me and Reiya in that group as we haven't reported in like... forever."

Loki also seems a bit embarrassed, "Nova?  A Lord of Chaos... me?  I'm a renegade and a bit of a loose cannon, but I'd not be a lord over Xaos... no.  I think the kitten is misunderstanding it a bit, or you two took too much from her.  Nova does look a bit pale."

Xaos scratches his chin a bit as he circles around Aaron, carefully examining him, "Kyubi's son... so you are Isis's boy!  Our great, great... grand daughter..."

Somewhere on an unknown world, a vixen of pure white fur pauses.  Her eyes glint evilly and to no one in particular she growls, "there needs to be a lot more greats... I am not that old!"  Above a small moon detonates.

A few sweatdrops appear on Xaos's forehead, "eheh... cold chill.  Well, I think I lost track of how many greats should be attached to that.  Anyways, you seem a very interesting person to end up here of all places.  Don't you know of the stories?  The evil we represent?"  A very over dramatic, evil grin played across the dark fox's muzzle.

The overly sinister Xaos was heavily countered by the overly bubbly and glomptastic Gaea, who was squealing with joy and hugging Loki, Ixiah and Nova in a flurry of affection.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Saioko edged away from Aaron and stood over by Robert, she kept quiet as Matron approached the squirrel, "so, young Robert, I repaired you and placed your body in stasis as you healed from grievous injuries and you are worried about salvage rights on me?  I should have a say in that don't you think?"  The vixen inquired as she examined Robert's tail for any signs of defects from the regeneration process.  "Cat... out of the bag?  Was Nova being kept in a sack?  That seems rather rude..."

[Prof B Hunnydew]

Nova feels a little weak, but fine.  She breaths deeply, recall the rainbow dance in mind and heart quietly, and renewed strength flow into her from Matron and Mara.

"Sorry, Xiah is not an Alpha." bows Nova to Xiah "he's a loyal servant of Lady Reiya And Loki is a Lord of Choas or He will be when he meets me." says a different sounding Nova.  The last Nova from the rainbow dance, Starsong, the cat-vixsn, stands inside Nova for a moment. Xiah knew this cat-vixen from Nova' soul castle.  Aaron can almost see this ancient Fox-cat inside Nova before she fades from the cat-girl.  

Nova hugs the green little fox, "Loki, Xiah is your friend, your chosen brother,  You would never lord over him and he will always remimd you not to get a swilled head.  And I am will always be your friend, too. You'll just have to remind me sometimes."  Nova sounds with loving but the knowing all-seeing ringing voice.

"Nova, child,  Don't scare the kits, you guys have enough to worry about in the here and now, then to drag the far future into this." says Gaea.  She also hugs both little foxes again.  "and Don't be scare of that old fox,  Xaos just like to tease young people  Matron, Nova is looking pale, and everyone could use some food....refreshment.  Come'n to galley"  Gaea starts to lead the group to the ship's kitchen

PBH

[Lisky]

Knight grinned viciously at the non-verbal reply.  He still had his heavy gauss rifle, and he wagered they expected pulse rifles and the usual small arms.  Stuff that was loaded with explosive shells, or that didn't have the penetration to punch through armor plating.  With Rom and team out front, Knight interposed himself between Jeanne and the three pirates in the rear.

"Rom, clear the stairs, but don't advance too far just yet, and just shut down the elevators, using them would be suicide." 

Flipping the safety off on the large gauss rifle, Knight added,  " I'll cover our rear." 

As shots were sent wildly about, Knight judged where the 2 pirates that weren't the captain, lined his sight up with where they ought to be crouching behind the debris.  Given how little force it took to bring down, ought to make it rather soft and loose, two adjectives that don't stop hyper-velocity projectiles.  Or so the feline's thought went.  He dropped 5 rounds in the rough area of where he thought each pirate was, then shouted, "Perhaps you'd like to discuss terms, now?"

While Rom and company seemed content with shooting their way out of the entire facility, Knight preferred a less messy solution, perhaps some agreement could be made before too much more blood was spilled.  Then again...  as his infantry combat, and emergency survival instructor had said "'Parley' is just a fancy word saying 'please come out and make yourself an easier target' "

[Lushin]

Pirate base
"These guys don't believe in save ammo do they" Romulus comment as he took cover. He started taking aimed shots at the two piratesin front of the stares. He watched Knight's display withe the gause rifle.
"That's my trick" Romulus said under his breathe as Knight shot at the pirates through the wall. He did shake his head at Knight wanting to bring the pirate commander with them. He then looked at the others.
"Did anyone remember to bring some flash bangs with them?"

[SquirrelWizard]

"So, young Robert, I repaired you and placed your body in stasis as you healed from grevious injuries and you are worried about salvage rights on me? I should have a say in that don't you think?" Robert gave Matron a tired look, "i've got to be the only person here who cant fucking read minds. Though to be honest most of the people here fail at mind reading comprehension." his his thoughts were strained, tired and bordering on rage, then Gaea suggested they retired to the Ship's messhall and something in Robert snapped.

"I appreciate you tending to my wounds, but salvage rights?" Robert chuckled, "Lady, whoever has be biggest guns has salvage rights... No, I'm talking about Salvage protocol." Robert struggled to his feet, "Standard E.S.M. procedure that everybody here is more than happy to ignore!" His tone was harsh and his voice was becoming raspy, "And for the uninitiated, E.S.M. stands for Enviromental, Structural, and Mechanical." he counted the words off on his fingers, "In short its the procedure to ensure that your ass stays alive while exploring an unknown site!" He angrilly glanced around, "I'm not going any further into this ship unless somebody answers my questions! We can start with why the hell your people are here," he jabbed his finger at Aaron, "and dont give me that bullshit involving that your purpose involves this ship! That's a given, I want to know specifics, like why you are letting her," he swept his arm over to point at Hunnydew, "just randomly throw buttons and flip switches. And more importantly why you think these Acadians can be trusted at face value!?" he glanced over at the foxes, "No offense, but I've seen some evil shit pulled off under the guise of benevolance and to be frank about it, your race is much more advanced than ours; meaning you've had more time to practice."

Robert's shoulders sagged as he leaned against the wall, his recent outburst straining his already low energy reserves. His rage having died down to a low simmer.

[ShadesFox]

Matron

Aaron can't help but think that there is a memo circulating around.  An entirely untrue memo at that.  A memo regarding how junior officers can impress senior officers with back talk and acts of insubordination.

Aaron glared at Robert, entirely unimpressed with his episode.  Perhaps Matron's stasis system left the poor fellow brain damaged.  Xaos, for some reason, seemed to have the exact same expression on his face as Aaron did.  He was unsure if Xaos was genuinely sympathetic or if Xaos was making fun of him.

Aaron turns to Xaos, "Apologies about Robert there.  He seems to still be stuck on thinking of this as a salvage mission with an extreme dose of paranoia to go with that."

Saioko, could you watch Robert?  I'm going to follow Nova, Gaea, and the kids.

Aaron walked off with Xaos towards the galley,
Hey Xaos, I wanted to know...
Isis is her real name.
Uhh...
You were thinking about that question since I called her that name.  Maria was the name she took when she married your dad.
Yes... well... what about...
That one is harder.  Think of it as an online handle.  She always liked the name Kyubi.  Said she was going to name a kid that.

The grin returned to Xaos's face as Aaron 'spoke' with Xaos.  It was so annoying how he knew what Aaron was going to say.

Well, Xaos, the only stories I heard of you came from those two up ahead asking about sugar treats already.  That you and Gaea were a great evil that unleashed the Ixilin, trying to use them to gain control.  Nova regularly points out that those two have grown up under the control of the Masters, distorting their stories.
And what do you think? The grin was gone from Xoas's face and his tone was far less flamboyant as he asks this.
Aaron shrugged, A great many things, like how food is delicious.  Oh, you mean about you specifically?  Optimistic.

[Prof B Hunnydew]

Nova is stopped by Robert and turn back to the squirrel.

"Salvage, Hap-hazardly!"  shouts Nova

"Robert   I don't know who are or where you come from.  BUT!  Know this, My family and I found this ship twenty years ago.   My grandmother recorded and studied it for months, and I was here when too.  If  anyone have salvage right it's me.  I have studied my grandma's data and I know the Acadian language enough to speak it as well as read/write it, one of a very few in ISF.  I am an engineering officer of ISF.  I have graduated degrees in quantum mechanics, warp drive engineering, and in alien technologies studies.  I have not touched any switches, but I have a ship key to this ship."

Nova moves slowly to the squirrel and looking at him under downcasted eyes..   "I am hungry, and tried, and I'm going to the 'MessHall' , that is 10 meters from the open main door.  So, If you think I haphazardly push buttons and the like, then stay here in the every engineering room, that I've waken.    You can stay here some 30 meters from said door, and keep the waken lady dragon company in her bedroom." she points to Matron with a smile  "Or you may come with us.  Get some tea, we will talk over what has happened, and what to do next.  Because Robert, the Acadians maybe older and more advanced than us, and can read minds, and so on, yet, they too are slaves to the Masters, an even older and evil race, who have and are playing  with the Acadians, the pirates, and ISF alike for a long time."  

"And Nanna Matron can be such a Dragon at times." Nova playfully says

PBH

[Azlan]

Pirate Base


The pirate commander was readying her pistol to add her firepower to her two subordinates, "if we can pin them down then our boys from below can move up and we can catch them in the middle.  No..."

The collie's words hung in mid syllable, as the frilled lizard to her left thrashed forward in a spray of gore as blood and chunks of flesh erupted from the large holes drilled through his upper and lower torso.  He gurgled for a moment before laying still in a rapidly expanding pool of blood.

She spun to the right to find a similar grizzly sight for the ocelot pirate.  She had moved back a bit from her original position and had her side facing the wall.  It was not enough as two of the shots had found marks.  One passing through her ribs and the other completely severing her neck from the shoulders.

Holly was shaken, but she was a seasoned officer.  She flattened herself on the ground and reviewed her options.  Knight's words reached her, but it caused her to bear her fangs and flatten her ears.

"You're in no position to negotiate, but let's hear it... what do you want?"


Meanwhile near the stairs, Jaice produces a number of flash bangs, "never leave home without them."

Ben nodded his approval, as he snapped off a few shots to keep the pirates busy, "I got a couple as well, and an Acadian grenade too... though Lexi said they were non-lethal."  He gave a slight smirk as he said the diminutive of Alexis's name.


Ana considered the position and determined that the pirate officer was laying on her stomach.  Using one of her technomagical tricks, the vixen accelerated a piece of metallic rubble from her hand, sending it off like a shot from the Gauss rifle.  The small shard punched a hole through the barricade and barely nicked the collie's ear.

Marcus watched over Jeanne who was looking a bit paler than normal, it was to be expected of course.



Matron


Saioko approached Robert, she was relieved to be away from the prying eyes and casual mental probes of the Acadian Alphas.  The feline did not know if they had managed to get past her defenses, but it was a bit of a problem no matter what.  If they did, they now knew, if not then they would be wondering how a mere feline could keep out master psychics.

Or perhaps we just respect your wish for privacy.  I'm sure you will speak up when you think you need to.

The whiskers nearly jumped off the pantheress's face as the voice filled her mind.  She composed herself and addressed the cranky squirrel.

"Hello, I am Captain Saioko Natsume, Field Science Officer assisting Major Aaron Brown."  Clearing her throat, the charcoal feline put on her best 'superior officer voice' she could muster, "now we all understand you are confused and fatigued, but regardless of our differing branches of service, it is still required to show a certain amount of respect to senior officers and representatives of foreign powers."

Raising an eyebrow she glanced over at Matron who merely smiled back in return.  Continuing to address Robert she softened her tone, "now Ensign, would you like to restate those questions and we will try and answer them."


The expression that Xaos held was unclear to Aaron and difficult to read, optimistic... that is rather open minded of you.  The stories are really mostly true.  Gaea and I, with Matron, did indeed breach the dimensions and open a portal to the Ixlin.  There was a surge within the psionic drive system, it tore open the fabric.  We attempted to reason with them, but failed.

Richard could not help but think he was missing out, after all Aaron and Xaos walked in silence, thought they gave every indication they were holding a conversation.


The galley was fancy and very different, but also it would appear to have never been used.  Despite this it did have some automated means to produce basic functions similar to magic.  Tea and scones were served upon arrival, and it was noticeably more inviting in Matron than Mother's .

Ixiah and Loki stuck near Gaea, who did not seem to mind, and listened to her tales.  Things seemed to be going better than could be expected.

[Lisky]

Pirate Base

Knight kept himself in relative cover, keeping his rifle sighted around where he last spotted the collie.  "We want to get out of here... you're behind us, that leaves you as a liability in a combat situation.  So... here's how it goes.  You come out, peacefully, and we discuss how me and my men get off this base without additional death.  You tell me what you want in return for that, and we work something out."

He kept his weapon sighted, "I mean, your only other option is to stay put, and wait for us to drop a frag on ya...  So, what's it gonna be, ma'am?"

He hoped adding the polite address wasn't too much.  The feline just wanted people to stop shooting, even if just for the few minutes it'd take to leave this rock.

[Lushin]

Pirate Base
"Ok toss a flash bang at those two will ya? We're move out once those flash bangs go off. Shoot them if you have to" Romulus then looked to Ben "We'll see what that one your girlfriend gave you later if we have to"
He then looked at Knight "Leave her we've got what we came for so let's get out. It's clear she's hurt and would hamper us. We have no reason to take her"

[Lisky]

Pirate Base

With a very chilly glare, Knight ducked behind cover for a moment and looked square at his second in command, "Rom... I'm going to assume you're talking about the collie..."  

He let the statement hang in the air to let Rom know just how serious he was, " She's A commander... possibly THE commander of -THIS- base... Injury or no, she's got intel, a command position, and is an all around valuable asset.  We take 2 minutes to discuss things, perhaps parley ourselves out of here without risking your entire squad running across a god damned open airfield... Don't shoot her unless she pulls a gun, and don't do anything foolish... You fuck this up, Rom, i WILL shoot you myself... do I Make MYSELF CLEAR, Soldier?!"

Peering back out, and readying his weapon, Knight shouted to the pirate commander, "You've got 10 seconds before we start tossing frags! What's it gonna be?!"

[SquirrelWizard]

"now Ensign, would you like to restate those questions and we will try and answer them."

Robert was too tired to glare properly; so he settled with crossing his arms while he carefully regarded Saioko, listing to one side. "Well, for starters, Captain, you can explain what the current situation is that the Major deems is so critical that he's ignoring E.S.M. protocol." His voice was still raspy, and his tail flicked about angrily, "More importantly, the Lieutenant said her Grandmother found this ship... what... twenty years ago? Why didn't the ISF do anything then? Why wait twenty years to dredge up an old relic? If there were circumstances contribuiting to the lapse in action are they still a factor, or has the Major taken, if any, action to resolve them. "

He sighed, "More importantly. In all of my years in working on xenotech I've never heard of the ISF having anything to do with a group that remotely sounded like the Acadians." he cast a wary glance at Matron, "If it was some state secret, fine. But, right now, any information on them would be helpful. What I've heard so far about this 'masters' business is disturbing. Has the Lieutenant's story regarding these 'masters' been verified by a reliable source? And, if so, has anybody developed a method as to ascertain whether or not they are under the 'masters' thrall. I mean, for all I know the 'masters' want us to activate this ship."

[Lushin]

Pirate Base
Romulus leveled his rifle directly at Knight's head. "Listen, you wanna be hero. You know NOTHING about dealing with these pirates. They don't care if you have their commander, least of all the second in command. These are pirates, PIRATES, they don't work the way you do. You seem to have it in you head they have rules. THEY DO NOT! I've dealt with pirates more times then you have so shut up and worry about getting out of here. I will knock you out and and drag you out of here myself if I have too"

[Lisky]

Rather than bothering to dealing with Rom and his insubordination any longer, Knight kept his sights on the pirate commander's location, and said in a very calm, icy tone, "Ben, relieve Sargent Romulus of his weapons until he learns to follow orders.  And before you ask, yes, -that- is an order."

Knight's thoughts were growing more angry as he restrained himself from directing that anger at his own team, Romulous is blowing the operation.  Questioning a commander's orders in the field is a rather common occurrence, but doing so in combat, it in the face of the enemy, is downright stupid.  Particularly the enemy commander, whom is in a position where we can easily capture her, and use her as a means to get out of here far more safely than if we were to just run and gun... which is what cretin seems so hell-bent on doing.  What the hell is that man thinking? is he thinking at all? or does he just listen to his gut reaction for everything?