Rhapsody

[Nelle Kozera]

(Right, this RP includes the players, Me, Cobalt, Bios, Samantha Arrow, Brome, and Arratra, with Marco playing many NPC’s)

Rhapsody, 2745

Rhapsody is home to the Galactic system alliances largest forge world, and its largest Ship Yard known as Nine Hells. This ship yard produces nearly forty percent of the vessels for the GSA along with being a wholly owned by Sky Dragon Innovations and Novaship inc. The world was originally colonized in an effort to take advantage of the systems massive mineral wealth, it later turned into the premier shipyard and industrial complex it is today.

---

From a distance flying towards the Nine Hells shipyard one would understand where its name had came from. The main industrial complex of the ship yard itself took up very large sections the orbit of Rhapsody around it sun. The shipyard itself was made up nine different levels each one with a different overall purpose, but it gave the ship yard an almost demonic look from the outside. Each layer was bathed in red light from the small star in which Rhapsody orbited, along with the lights that came from the station itself giving each level a distinct reddish hue. Along with the main industrial complex the system was littered cargo barges, ore processing ships. Everything needed to keep the massive industrial behemoth fed. On the highest level of the ship yard was the ship assembly dry dock. At the moment it was obvious that it was under round the clock production mode. This was caused by the current war between the Dark Core and the Galactic System Alliance. Many on both sides knew that war was coming for a very long time, and when it finally did both sides were ready...

Also near the shipyard, the world Rhapsody sat, it was gravitational anchor for the shipyard and the home for many of the workers that did not live on the shipyard itself. The main settlement of New Babylon could be seen flying high in the stratosphere above the white clouds below…

(Alright pick your places guys)

(note, for anyone playing under the Dark core banner. Best you come in GSA civilian vessel, not pretty otherwise. D: )

[Samantha Arrow]

The LU-Trimmar was at docked at the station, undergoing renovations.

The Trimmar was an older ship, created and fought in the Marlikain war. So while it had all the important Lightfirean innovations of that conflict, they were outdated. To make up for the older drive model, larger plasma focusing chambers had been put on the ship. After a short test run a defect in the installation was detected. Too avoid a catastrophe the Trimmar went to the the nearest space station to undergo corrections, rather than risk flying all the way back home with a faulty drive.

Surprisingly, nearly all the Lightfireans stayed inside the ship rather than visit the station. Only her cheif engineer and some engineering teams got off so they could show engineering teams on the station how to do the corrections.

Sam lazed about in her captain's chair, commenting absently to one of the crew members, "This ship's a piece of junk."

"I have to disagree, Mar. Not all of us had the chance of serving on Liberator. She is our flagship after all."

He was right of course, but Sam didn't want to be wrong "No. If this ship was so great it wouldn't be malfunctioning. All ships shouldn't malfunction, not just the flagship."

The officer sighed, he should have known it was no use to argue with her "Yes Mar."

She waited for news on the progress of the repairs.

[Arratra]

Another ship burst into reality inside the designated jump zone; it was a heavily modified, stripped down, former-military corvette. It had once been a Dark Core vessel, but the ship was registered Draconic Expanse; Arratra had been forced to catch a lift aboard it, as his ship was in for refit.
He stood on the bridge, looking out at the star field, and the orb of Rhapsody, on the main viewscreen.
"We're here," said the Captain, glancing at his passenger, "I told you the refitted hyperdrive was fast."
"Yes," was the response, "Thank you for conveying me here so quickly."
"Just lending a hand to a fellow dragon."

Arratra inclined his head to the other dragon, but continued to frown. His expression was sour, but everyone aboard the ship was fully aware that this was not focussed anywhere near them.
Rather, it was focussed solely on the Emperor.
Arratra was here solely because of a falling out between his SCIONs and the Emperor. He didn't exactly trust the GSA any more than he did the Emperor, but he owed Dresden for funding the repairs of his ship after a nasty incident with some pirates.
"Rhapsody Control," the COMS officer said, glancing at the helmsman, "This is MSV Argent Dawn. Requesting a vector to landing... We have a SCION aboard, and he has business with SDI... Repaying a debt owed."
"MSV Argent Dawn, verifying that there is a SCION IFF aboard... Confirmed. You will be boarded, and the SCION taken into custody until their motives can be confirmed. Move to these coordinates and hold position."
"Understood, Control," the COMS officer replied, glancing at the helmsman and his captain. The captain nodded, and the ship seemed to stagger sideways on its thrusters, before coming to a stable position in interplanetary space.

[Brome Teks]

Darien ssits in the command chair of the Decorah. It had been some years since he had stepped onto Caprica. Since his return to the Decorah, He had enacted some of his own modifications with what he had learned from the GSA. He kept this up until 3 years ago when captain Hugo retired and he was granted command of the Decorah. Since he was granted captaincy, he took some time to learn basic combat skills and had acquired a disruptor pistol to keep as a sidearm.

He scratches his thick otter tail with his semi-webbed hands. "Spool up the Step-through generator. Set coordinates to 1000 km off of Nine Hells shipyard." A person at another console typed in the coordinates.

"Coordinates locked in, sir. Step-through generator standing by."

"Initiate."

A hole in the fabric of space-time blossoms up in front of the ship. Darien regards it through his command console The ship boosts forwards and passes through the hole. Darien watches as the screen suddenly shows new stars and a massive shipyard right nearby. Behind the Decorah, the hole closes until it reached a point of no dimensions and fades from existence as the step-through generator shuts down.

"Helmsman, take us into dock. Inform me when we are cleared to disembark from the ship, I'm going to grab a quick snack first." The Helms man nods and begins taking the Decorah towards the station. Darien stands and heads down to the mess hall of the ship to grab a quick bite to eat. he gets some fish steak and sits down. "Mm, feeesh..." He chows down as the Decorah moves into dock.

Shortly after he finishes his quick meal, the helmsman calls him up on the intercom. "Sir, we are docked and cleared to disembark."

"Excellent. I'll be taking this one alone, helmsman." He stands and wipes his whiskers with a napkin, then proceeds to his quarters. He puts on his ashore uniform, an outfit consisting of shorts made of tough khaki material, a tight fitting teeshirt with his name and rank on the arm, fitted with biometric sensors linked to the ships computer, and a loose vest with plenty of pockets in them. He then dons sandal like shoes, meant to protect the bottom of his paws without deterring his swimming ability, then some personal additions of his own, knee pads and elbow pads, and an underarm holster beneath his vest, which kept his disrupter pistol within reach.

He activates his contact lens computer monitors, and looks over a bit of information regarding this place. "Right then..." He pops a fresh power supply into his disruptor and places it in his holster, then goes up to the ship airlock. "I am disembarking the Decorah, note the time and date please." He says to the ship's computer which logs the information in it's hard drives.

He steps into the airlock and waits as his airlock equalizes with the space station, his ears popping a bit. He twitches them and flicks his thick tail a bit as the pressure cycle finishes. "You are now clear to enter the station," The computer says as Darien pushes open the door and steps into the station docking arm and walks into the station.

[macrorufus]

[BT/SA]The top level of the Nine Hells Shipyard ran like clockwork. It was the chief quay master's pride and joy that all levels of this Shipyard functioned efficiently. Indeed, it was his duty! Though of course, events had taken a turn for the 'odd.' The Chief Quay Master didn't like odd, because odd frequently wanted to disrupt his finely crafted production tables. Sighing, his pushed himself up and looked at the reports. New ships came and left all the time, but the fact that one of them held a SCION IFF was not something to be taken lightly. There was a war going on! The Chief Quay Master forwarded an alarm status and orders to the shipyard garrison, before returning to the process of calculating if this could affect his production quota. Absently he forwarded berthing costs to both the Decorah and the LU-Trimmar. Having been informed by the station's AI's scan that the Trimmar had been damaged, he resent the berthing bill with a repair bill entailed, then directed a repair team to the Lu-Trimmar's berth.

[BT/AR]Alarms blared at Berth 17 as a small transport signalled its departure, four figures concealed by power armor and followed by a fifth pushed rudely past Darien as they thumped over to the transport, past the airlock that Darien had entered the station from. One arm on each of the armored soldiers ended with a gauss gun. They looked heavy enough to lead one to believe that the power armor was designed to assist the carrying of the weapons. The fifth man, wearing a station officer's uniform, stopped for only enough time to hurriedly pass an apology to Darien before running after his power-assisted charges. The group of them moved into the transport, that decoupled almost as soon as they'd got on. As soon as the transport left the berth's zone, it boosted rapidly towards the MSV Argent Dawn, a mere 'dot' on a horizon of stars.

[AR]A picket cruiser was manouvred out of the station's defense perimeter towards Arratra's ship. The picket cruiser 'KTN Dima' sent a burst transmission to the MSV Argent Dawn that the MSV was to obey the instructions of the approaching transport's specialists sent to detain the SCION. As KTN Dima thundered past the MSV, it swung itself round so that it was positioned behind the Argent Dawn and locked weapons on the MSV. It was clear the Nine Hells shipyard was taking no chances.

[SA]A motley team of mechanics and engineers assembled, a group of four on the berth that held the LU-Trimmar. Engineer Jillson faced the group that had assembled.
"So what's the call? I'm putting 10 on the environmentals."
"Ah, look! They'd all be out if environmentals was damaged! I'll put 15 on the electronics," piped Cooke as he pointed at the engineers of the LU-Trimmar waiting on the berth.
"Bah! I reckon engines! Put me 5 for that."
"Only 5? Not very sure are you Johnnie! I'll put 10 on the engines."
"Ah, screw you, Lars. I'll match then."
Betting over, the four of them headed over to the Chief Engineer of the LU-Trimmar who waited on the berth-space.

[AR]The transport approached having broadcast a message to prepare for boarding. After the umbilical was extended the armor clad soldiers flooded in, alien language filling the air as they pointed their weapons at shocked crew. The officer following them quickly shouted orders in that language, and as the armored troops relaxed he finally spoke.
"Lieutenant Moskvin, GSA. Surrender up the SCION if you would."

[BT]There was quiet on the decks as the alarms quieted in the station. A series of advisories began to circulate from the station's speaker systems.
"Station visitors are reminded that obstructing Station Security is a breach of berthing contract. Will the parents of a Caprican girl under the name 'Suzie' please pick her up from the Station Staff Centre on Deck 8. Station Visitors are reminded not to let children play near the airlocks."

[Arratra]

"I'm standing right here," Arratra said, tapping himself on the chest. The crew looked more than a little shocked to be treated like this.
"Like I said," Arratra continued, making no move to resist, "I'm here to repay a debt I owe to Dresden Cartwright. He funded the repair of my ship and provided the crews to do it. I'm here to repay him for the favour. Plus I'm not precisely happy with the Emperor at the moment."
He moved his hand absently, and a datachip ejected from his omnitool, and floated over to the officer.
"Make sure that finds its way to Dresden," he said, "I'm sure he'll be most interested in its contents."
He paused for a moment, then said, "There won't be any need for stuncuffs. I'm coming quietly."

[Samantha Arrow]

Sam's communication officer swirled in her chair to face Sam, "The station has sent the repair costs."

Sam was worried about that, "I see... Tell them to scan our cargo, and ask them if any of the materials interest them for payment."

Lightfireans didn't have currency, and so couldn't convert their virtual currency into galactic currency. They had to get by by trading and bartering, and thus they carried precious metals in their cargo holds.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sam's chief engineer was not a Lightfirean. He was an Artarian(a hyena-like race), the species was not even space capable when the Lightfire Union took them in. The Artarian brain turned out to learn quickly, and they proved to be better engineers than Lightfireans in some cases.

He and his team meet up with the stations team, "I'm lieutenant commander Rikkard, chief engineer of the Trimmar. I'm guessing not only have you not worked on a Lightfirean ship before, but haven't seen the technology that's failing before either."

He went on a long techno-babble conversation explaining the Dark Matter Drive and how the ship had new plasma focusing chambers installed to compensate for the old drive.

"They've been installed improperly. We know how to fix it, it's just requires a space station to pull off. We have to take the plasma chambers completely off and put them back on, correctly this time."

[Brome Teks]

"Not at all...' The otter captain says, flicking his tail irritably. He sighs. Some poor shmuck was probably about to get their fur tied up in knots, so to speak. He scratches behind his ear as he begins to make his way towards the main manufacturing level 1. While his ship was restocking, he wanted to appease the inner engineer in him. And this was his first chance to get a good look at the process of mass manufacturing ships.

He makes his way out of the docking zone and into a lift, his heading: The main hull assembly area. The mass assembly line was a well understood concept to his people, but the process of moving things up to a space station and assembling it there was dreadfully inefficient without the use of a space elevator. So Darien wanted to see how these people did it. .oO(Do they ship the raw materials straight to the station and manufacture everything here? Assemble the parts on the planet and transport them here? Ah, nothing like a good bout of curiosity...)

The 35 year old otter smiles, Glad to know that his youthful sense of wanting to know more still lies with him. He steps out of the lift when it arrives, pulling up any available files on his contact lens screens. he wanders idly about soaking it all in, staying out of the way of everyone he can.

[Cobalt3924]

Silently, a Single vessel appeared out of a wormhole near the jump zones. The ship looked like it had seen better days, but was still a powerfully armed vessel: A small Rakai made Frigate, which was surprising as No Rakai had left the ruins of their old empire in the last Decade. After a few minutes, the vessel contacted the Forge.

"This is Rakai Frigate RK-FrG-599-ID74 requesting permission to land."

On the main deck of the craft sat a single figure: looking at the Forge World. He looked suspiciously like Suru'Kai, but was not the same as Suru'Kai was still on Ra: Tending to the shattered remains of his empire.

"This better be good GSA..." The figure snarled under his breath to himself before standing and turning to his crew. "How long before we land?"

"Around 10 minutes sir." A Single crewmember replied: helping the Creature into a set of Armour.

"Good. Set course and land when clearance is granted." He growled and looked back at the shipyards: a little suspicious as to why the GSA requested he come in the first place. "Have they told us why they wanted us to come here?"

"No sir. Only that they requested a representative to come to Nine Hells Forge."

"Understood." He growled and sat down again: watching the ships coming to and from the forge world.

[Nelle Kozera]

"Rakai Frigate RK-FrG-599-ID74 you are cleared to land, though personnel from level four have asked that use the landing bays on that level. Not sure what they want, but they have been waiting for you, for a few days it seems." The line died after the operator on the other end had finished speaking though a telemetry data package had been uploaded to the Rakai vessel before hand. Once uncompressed the terrabit sized file would have included landing codes, and three Dimensional docking data along with a route to follow once a hard dock was established.

---
The upper levels of Nine Hells were mainly for the Assembly of vessels, several partially constructed hulls could be seen, their bare bones still exposed to the stellar vacuum. Others had only yet to receive their Bio-Skin armor packages that would be installed over the Grey Super structures of the large vessels before they where to be shipped off to the GSA navy. The Otters current position put him in the area where the Galactic Systems Alliance's Battlecruisers where under construction with a total of twenty vessels in various stages of completion. One the of the windows held some text that was in the standard GSA script. It Read, "Nine Hells Record for fastest completed Battlecruiser. 10 Days, 15 hours, 23 minutes, 57 seconds" (Note the GSA works under a 30 hour day) A notable thing about the vessels was the high level of modulation, all the systems on the ships came in their own module allowing it to be installed into the honeycombed superstructure of the vessels they where destined for with little effort on the end of the assembly crews, this also allowed for damaged and/or outdated systems swapped out on the fly. One vessel that seemed to be about fifty percent completed was having its hyperdrive systems installed. It seemed that each battlecrusier had a total of hyperdrive cores installed inside the heart of each of the three kilometer beasts....

---

The Stations Main Alpha level Intelligence pass along a data package to the Quay Master about the lack of funds from the LU-Trimmar before forwarding the station's standard protocol dealing with bartering to the LU-Trimmar The protocol merely stated that barters or trades of metals or materials would be an effective means of compensation, however metals and materials would only be taken at seventy percent market value meaning that such an trade would cost more than paying in expectable currency...

---
Another Engineer had been part of the group but had been quiet for the time, he was a German Sheppard standing about 5'7" he normally worked on the module fabrication on level 5 of the ship yard but he was pulling some needed overtime. "Well I a few really obvious questions." He said finally speaking up, "Who in their right mind designs an engine that can't be taken out to be serviced, secondly couldn't we fabricate a high density focusing chamber thus reducing the size of these things. But thats from my point of view. Even if you want to have them relined your going to need to have this ship tugged to a repair dry dock on level four, levels one through three can only accommodate internal repairs that don't require the use of stations construction arms, and this is probably going to hike the repair costs by twenty percent."

[Samantha Arrow]

Sam's communications officer turned to her again, "They say bartering only serves for 70% of a usual cost."

"70%! That outrageous! Haggle it to 80% at least. Tell them they won't get anything more valuable than silver unless they make it better." Sam thought for a little bit, "Use something like this: You're a manufacturing station, your need precious metals to build ships, freighters will charge you head-over-heels for just middleman fees - they can get it from us for what, half the price?"

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Rikkard answered the questions, "The drive requires so much power it has to be built into the actual structure of the entire ship, and is mounted to the power-plant. It can't be pulled out. It's not always the effiecientcy of a plasma-chamber that makes a difference - large ones make a larger warp field and thus increase speed. Plus it's cheaper, and since this is a 'used' old ship there's no reason to put expensive parts on it - especially since we do have an alternative here.'' Rikkard did some calculations, "Is the charge based on by-the-hour here? If so I think we can get this done in less than a day, it was a simple, stupid mistake - I'm not even sure why it happened."

[macrorufus]

OOC: Actions have consequences in relation to the situation. Dresden never summoned Arratra.

[AR]At Arratra's words the Armored figures laughed amongst themselves and shared a few words in that distinctly non-GSA speach. Even Moskvin's muzzle twitched in a semi smile.
"Do we look like we were even going to try to take prisoners if you acted dangerously? We'll honour your intent, provided you come with us quietly," he repeated.
Moskvin took the slate carefully and signalled the suited figures. Together they escorted Arratra aboard the transport. Weapons lock alarms cancelled onboard the MSV Argent Dawn as the KTN Dima swung round to escort the transport back to berth.
As the transport boosted back to its berth, the KTN Dima broke off to swing back into its picket position, apparently satisfied that there was no foul play. The officer decided to spend a moment of that journey's time to talk.
"War's on at the moment. While we trust you, you'll forgive us for going through such lengths. I'm sure you know the value of Nine Hells."
As the KTN Dima swung back into its picket position, it formally sent a burst transmission clearing the MSV Argent Dawn for 'regular' flight.
Lieutenant Moskvin shrugged and stood up, when the transport berthed.
"And to be honest, your desire to talk to a CEO during a war, on one of the most dedicated military shipyards in the GSA is suspicious. I've got to send this slate off to be verified, so I'll leave you with the security detail. Wait here please."
The Lieutenant paced off to interact with the station AI, scanned the slate. From Arratra's position he'd be able to see that the slate was scanned twice, while Moskvin's face took on a frowning expression.
Finally, a fairly furious Moskvin returned, his pistol drawn.
"I should have you spaced for this. Dresden Cartwright is not on this station, nor has he been for 70 years. AI has slated you for detainment pending trial."
Moskvin spat on the deck.
"Nothing more than a Dark Core spy."

[SA]The Chief Quay Master sighed as the Station AI sent him the information about the LU-Trimmar. Course, naturally the crew of the Trimmar refused to accept their costs, and wished to barter with the station. He had no time for that, the war had no time for that. He opened a comm line with the ship and glared, his haggard face filling the screen.
"You're on the Nine Hells. One of the most heavily guarded stations in GSA space. There's a war on in case you hadn't noticed. You'll either take 70% or we'll just requisition your ship and cargo. We'll take that fee in the gold you carry. Your other materials have no purpose. Repairs will be withheld until payment."
The quay master stabbed the comms button switching it off, then permitted himself a smile. That crew had balls, but hopefully they'd not be foolish enough to try to run, since it'd end badly for them. Well, adding the gold they'd obtain, that pushed some healthy reserve for the electronic bonding. The quay master felt some pity for the Trimmar's crew, but these were tought times. Least they weren't be arrested like that fellow on berth 17.
The quay master groaned as an alarm started. Another mass brawl on the swelter decks.

[SA]On the LU-Trimmar's assigned berth, Lars and Johnie grinned as they collected their winnings from the other two.
"Engine problems."
"That's right! Pay up lads."
There were assorted grumbles as the respective cash was forked over.
The engineers stopped as they recieved a message from the station AI. Lars was the first to talk.
"Sorry sir. We've been told that you haven't paid to use the berth or station services yet. Though, you probably ought to know you'll be charged in Nine Hell Day increments, which are 30-hour slots."

[BT]A voice called out to Darien.
"Can I see some ID?"
Striding towards Darien was a station officer, alone it seemed and looking the otter up and down.
"These decks are restricted. Military and station personel only."
The officer looked off to the side.
"No. He's just a lost civvy. Probably the lift malfunctions. You are not allowed to kill him."
The empty space /shifts/ as though a creature nodded. Darien may be able to recall the last time he'd come across them. The officer turned back to face Darien.
"And you, be careful, some of these decks are dangerous to be on. This deck is off-limits, and the swelter decks, the bottom level is just bad news."

[CO]At the assigned berth of the Rakai Frigate, a small group of senior officers waited. They'd been waiting for the Rakai delegation for quite a while. The GSA was supplying their long time allies with an improved fighter design. It was hoped that this would spread and boost military innovation in the Rakai territories, which would help keep the GSA sweet with the Rakai while they remained pre-occupied with the Dark Core.
Some officers wondered who would be recieving the new design. Though, it was undeniably a fusion of the two. While SDI did design it, they used almost entirely Rakai components. Though, it was proven to be more efficient, featuring a better interface and improved engine design. The GSA felt this to be a decision that would benefit them in the long term. Though the GSA was keen to impress upon the Rakai Representative that it was a 'gift.'

[Samantha Arrow]

The communications officer fed the information to Sam.

Sam growled quietly. "If I wasn't in a hurry I would go up there myself. I'm sure a few 'favors' from me they'd change their attitude." She waved her paw in a dismissive way, "Their funeral. Give them the gold from cargo bay three. Tell them the cargo boxes won't open till the job is done."

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Rikkard shrugged at what the person told him, "That's not my job to deal with, it's the captain's. I'm just here to get this job done... You know we can do this on our own, if your team was reduced to just a couple people to run your station's machinery - would that reduce cost? If so we should forward that to our superiors."

[Brome Teks]

"Ah, my apologies." He looks at the shimmer. .oO(Great, more stealth guards.) "Must've gotten turned around somewhere. Sorry to bother, but could I get directions to the nearest canteen or swimming pool, if there's one on board?"

[Arratra]

"Wait, what?!" Arratra said, his expression turning from politely neutral to genuinely bewildered, "A war? Oh f-... My crew! The other SCIONs!"
He paused, looking at the officer. His expression was worried.
"I need to know if-."

At that moment, another ship erupted into the edge of the system, the Shadow Dragon. However, it was not cloaked, and sparks were flying from a number of damaged sections.
"Shadow Dragon to Rhapsody control. This is Commander Shirranna, SCION 2... We're going to stay out at the edge of the system, for now... We don't have the power to make it insystem; our drives are heavily damaged... The SCIONs are breaking from the Dark Core... We've been betrayed."

[Cobalt3924]

The frigate landed with a bump as it docked to the landing bay and attached to the station. The creature on the main deck stood up and turned to its crew.

"You are to remain here unless notified otherwise. Understood?"

"Yes sir." they replied as the creature disembarked from the ship and stalked its way through the station corridors towards the officers waiting for it.

"I hope this is good." It snarled inclining its head barely an inch at the officers in acknowledgement. "All you've told us about this little invitation is some vague reference to something called "RK-74". Care to give me some more information?"

It was blatantly clear that this Rakai had a much shorter fuse than Suru'Kai ever had.

[Nelle Kozera]

“Well, seeing as it was only going to be us anyway. No…” He said pointing to the group around him, “Lars, it seems like the cap gave in, I’ll get on calling a tug up from level six.” The German Sheppard stared off into the distance for a moment before he manipulated an interface that only he could see, before nodding to no one. “Alright, Tug is on its way should be here in a few moments. In the mean time, we might as well get a look at this engine. I would recommend ringing the necks of the designers who made you drive core.” He said taking a step forward.
From the outside a few vessels, extremely large ore transport ships passed by, each one of these vessels carried over a trillion tons ore each, all destined for the ore processing facilities on level nine. Coming up through the small wave of vessels, a small tug vessel, no more than one hundred meters in length came up to meet with the LU-Trimmar is letters NH-Tug 840 it opened a radio band channel. “This is the Nine Hells Tug Vessel I am here to tow your vessel to level four, requesting permission to make a connection to one of your vessels hard points.”

----

“Yes well, we’ll let the guys from the Phantom works show you what they have came up with.” One of the officers said, “If you would follow us we will take you to the preproduction centers of the station.” Like most docking on other areas on the station, this bay had access to the station wide tram system that aloud for speedy transport from one area of the station to another without much trouble. Larger trams where used for the transportation of small module systems while the larger modules where transported by short range shuttles. The tram came to a stop a moment after it was called to the area.”Anything you would like to ask before we get to the preproduction bays?”

----
A squadron of long range Pathfinder fighters where on patrol on the edge of the system when a heavily damaged, apparently Dark Core vessel had jumped into the system near their location. For the moment the fighters had changed course to intercept when the message came over their com systems. "Shadow Dragon to Rhapsody control. This is Commander Shirranna, SCION 2... We're going to stay out at the edge of the system, for now... We don't have the power to make it insystem; our drives are heavily damaged... The SCIONs are breaking from the Dark Core... We've been betrayed." The lead Fighter opened a channel back to their Battlegroup that was hanging in orbit of one of the outer planets. "This is Black Raven to GSAS Frozen Rain...are you seeing this?" The female voiced asked over the radio....

(The Pathfinder)

[Arratra]

Arratra moved to a viewport on hearing the transmission, and pulled a set of electrobinocs from his belt.
"They're... here..." he mumbled, before jumping as his Omnitool projected a hologram of Muukhuz, his ship's AI.
"Captain," she said, sounding genuinely startled that he was surrounded by security personnel, "Captain... I... We've... We lost three of the SCIONs in the surprise attack," she murmured, "We were still in dock when every ship and defence on the shipyard turned on us... SCIONs 5, 13, and 22 were caught ashore... they were killed."
"No! Dammit!" Arratra snarled, slamming his fist onto the Dark Core insignia on his armour, "You... you... Imbecile! Damn you!"
He was clearly not talking about any of the security officers, and when he pulled his hand away from his armour, the insignia had been completely obliterated; nothing was left but a circle of silver where the pain hat been scraped off entirely.
"You... you..." Arratra tried to continue, but he seemed to have run out of words, and instead he roared; the roar was of anger and grief; anger at the Emperor, grief for his fellows, who were like siblings to him.
He then fell to his knees and clenched his fist.
"That datachip," he said quietly, "is a recording of my audience with the Emperor. Use it how you see fit... The SCIONs are no longer Dark Core personnel."

(BTW, the datachip is clean of viruses or worms of any sort; it's a simple audiovisual recording.)

[Samantha Arrow]

Once again the communications officer forwarded it to Sam.

"Tell them that's fine." She wasn't sure why they didn't want them to just move themselves, "Wait. Ask them if the tug is gonna cost extra - and if so if we can just just move ourselves."

[macrorufus]

[AR]Startled, the first two guards had raised their weapons at Arratra, before Lieutenant Moskvin barked words at the power armored guards and holstered his pistol. The power-armored guards lowered their weapons from the Arratra.
"You'll come with us to processing. You show an outburst like that again, and I'm sure you'll get shot for it."
They strode along towards the station's detainment cells. Arratra was given the customary wait, a boringly typical manouvre to raise the tension in the detainee. Moskvin was replaced by an Intel officer, who came in with a sheaf of papers.
"Arratra. SCION. Dark Core Affiliate, military service records, service number, assorted honours, medical payments, deployment schedules."
The Intel Officer stared at Arratra.
"We're on the ball here you'll find. Anyway, let's cut through the crap. You came onto a GSA station, asking for a man on a very different planet, with your known and clear affiliation with the Dark Core."
He paused to sheaf through his papers.
"The SCION ship that entered the system has reportedly claimed to have been betrayed by the Dark Core. Bearing convincing damage. You have a convincing recording of a betrayal from the Emperor."
The Intel officer sighed, shuffled the papers.
"Well, normally I'd never believe such a ludicrous tale, however, two things back you up. And those two things happen to be two intel sources high up in the Dark Core structure. Naturally though we're still suspicious, and while the GSA would be glad to have the SCIONS out of the war, we need to be sure."
He paused to look at Arratra.
"You understand that while you will be released, we want you and your SCIONS to remain on the station, under our gaze so to speak. Many of you will be taken to interrogations for intel purposes, though medical care will be given to those who need it. Given time, you may also be integrated forcibly into the GSA's military, for our own purposes."
The Intel officer checked his comms as it sent an alarm to his private communicator, he stood up quickly.
"And now, you'll be let loose on the station, though expect guards to follow you. I've got to stop a gungho Admiral."
The Intel Officer fairly sprinted out.

[SA/BT]The Quay master smiled as the ore ships came in. They'd been waiting on these, their own ore stocks had grown quite low. Flicking the screen away, he turned his attention back to the LU-Trimmar. Well, they knew how to deal certainly. He sent a quick confirmation that the gold would be taken by the tug's crew following their arrival on Deck 4's berth no. 6, activation codes to follow successful repairs.He looked over at the production charts. With this, they could keep running till the next scheduled shipment without worry. Green-lined supply lists beamed at him. Yes, the Trimmar's crew certainly knew their manouvres.
He forwarded a message stating that the tug was free service for berth manouvres as this was at the station's discretion. As he did so, he paused to muse at this, he'd noticed that the LU-Trimmar as well as that other ship the Decorah were surprisingly quiet. Indeed the two ships between them had hardly let any of their own aboard the station. Still, it kept his berths tidy, which was to his benefit. As he settled back, he swore at screen D-8-7 and jabbed at the intercom.
"Send a security detail to Deck 8, there's another fight starting there."
The screen showed a ring of figures, half blue, half red, surrounding a blue and red fighter who were duking it out quite heavily.

[BT]The officer grinned and whispered conspiratorily with Darien.
"There is a pool, but it's for the station staff. I appologise that I've had to turn you away, in peacetime you'd normally be able to tour the yards. There's a few canteens on each deck, but I'd personally recommend Mela on Deck 4. They make a good meal."
He pointed back at the closest lift system.
"You can use those lifts to get to Deck 4, and from that lift, it's about 100m down the right. I also heard rumour that there was an expected delegation on Deck 4 today, they say it's gonna be the Rakai, and not many folk have seen them at all!"
The officer waited to see Darien off into the lift system, before resuming his patrol, talking to the air.

[AR/RR]The comms officer on the command deck of the GSAS Frozen Rain, the flagship of the Battlegroup West Hass, ran over shouting to the Admiral.
"Dark Core Transmissions! Dark Core Transmissions! Registered Dark Core Vessel in the Nine Hell's Region! Confirmed by CAP!"
The Admiral turned swiftly and rushed to his console.
"Go to General Quarters! All ships ready weapons and close!"
Alarms began to blare through the ship, and the lighting switched to emergency red.
"Pilots to your fighters! Pilots to your fighters!"
The entire Battlegroup powered towards the crippled SCION vessel, while picket ships began to form up to guard against a possible Dark Core Emergence. Two KTN registered frigates from the picket unit initiated a jump from the Battlegroup, emerging with a deadly precision, 200 metres from the SCION vessel. Short range plasma cannons swivelled to target the Shadow Dragon.
Two red-furred captains looked eagerly at the target caught between them and were about to issue the order to fire, when an emergency burst transmission was recieved from the Nine Hells.
The burst transmission was very clear, and weapon systems were powered down, though the Battlegroup took up position near the Shadow Dragon's emergence, if they were chased, then they'd need to be ready. A burst transmission was directed at the Shadow Dragon.
"KTN Dahuo and KTN Tiandehuo will escort the Shadow Dragon into berth. Any deviations from escort will result in the KTN ships opening fire."

[Cobalt3924]

"Well strictly speaking: Number One on the list is what the hell it is you called us here for. Because forgive me for being Oh-so-subtle, but the last time we responded to a distress call from this sector: Our planet was nearly completly ripped apart." The Rakai responded: the sarcasm in its voice was almost scalding as it stood in the tram: Not taking a seat.

"So Humor me. Why did you call us to a Forge? We don't have any ships being built here."

[Samantha Arrow]

Again the comm forwarded the information to Sam.

"Let them do what they need to then." Sam commented, "But tell them I'm displeas-"

Suddenly her tactical officer, a Wolvend named Saval interrupted her, "Captain! I'm detecting a battle on sensors."

Sam spun her chair to face him, "Where at? How far?"

"It's at the edge of the system."

"Too far to go without low FTL speed..." Sam mumbled, she was tempted to join the fight and possibly earn the repair for free. "It's better anyway. We shouldn't get involved in their petty conflicts. All the same, load the torpedo launchers - I don't want to be cut off guard."

Sam turned back to her comm officer, "Explain the station we detected the battle are are loading the torpedoes simply for safety."

[Brome Teks]

Darien does a double take. .oO(The Rakai? Oh shit. Trouble always follows them...) "Ah, darn." He says calmly in response to hearing that the pool was off limits. "Oh well. I'll check out that canteen you recommended. Sorry for being a bother," He says politely to the person walking off. He calmly walks into the turbo lift and dials in Deck 4. Once the doors close, he calls his ship up. "Decorah, this is the captain. Please respond."

"This is the Decorah. What's up, sir?" A voice on the other end asked.

"Nothing yet, but keep the engines and shields hot, I have a hunch things are about to get really interesting."

"Care to explain, sir?"

"The Rakai are back. Trouble trails them like musk on a fox."

"I see sir. Very good sir, we'll spool up the engines."

"Right. Captain out." Darien says as he arrives and makes his way to the canteen. Pretty much anything had to be better than the preserved foodstuffs on the Decorah... Plus this place would give him a front row view when the trouble inevitably began.

[macrorufus]

OOC: No battle is currently occuring, though one may well unfold.

[Samantha Arrow]

OOC: well just pretend my post happens when the battle does start

[Nelle Kozera]

(OOC: Question is will one start?)

[Samantha Arrow]

[OOC: Judging by me thinking a battle already started upon first read, I detect a 99.999 repeating of course, chance of a battle]

[Arratra]

(OOC* One would have, if it hadn't been for a glitch I bumped into. I had a nice, long answer and it said I needed 10 more characters. And cost me the entire post. Right now I'm too mad to answer. Arratra will have agreed to the restrictions placed on him; he understands.)

[Nelle Kozera]

“God damn, even I don’t like getting that close to my enemies…” The Fighter Pilot said over the radio to her wingman. “Well that’s the Kitanians for you, jumping into the heart of things without thinking first, lets just hope the Huo tribe doesn't get themselves killed.” The formation of fighters had stationed themselves some five thousand kilometers off the Shadow Dragon when they started to pick up ultra high levels of tau neutrinos. Half a second later a small battle group of six ships existed hyperspace one thousand kilometers dorsal to the exiled Dark Core vessel. All the ships had their shielding systems raised and weapons powered, this was the party of vessels that where hunting the Shadow Dragon. It was apparent one had been a carrier as it began to vomit fighters from its launch tubes at an astounding rate. “You’re clear to engage aggressive Dark Core Vessels; I repeat you clear to engage.” This Wasn’t Violet’s first time in combat, she had been fighting with a 4th fleet in the Norma Arm of the galaxy on the GSA carrier Forgotten Summer before her transfer back to friendly space, or so she thought, for the moment the Core seemed to have followed one of their defectors. “Ravens break…Draco stay with me, its hunting season.” The Formation of fighters broke splitting into groups of two heading towards the enemy formation.

DC Battle Group.


---

“Of course you don’t have anything being built here, but we do.” The Officer said taking a seat, “The boys at the phantom works had been putting together a fighter for you. They used you own technology of course, though the layout of the cockpit screams GSA, from the pilots that test flew the prototype.” He leaned back taking it easy for the moment it was going to be a few moments before they reached their destination. “I think they called a Nightmare, not sure what the mean by it though.”

[Arratra]

"I'm raising the shields!" Muukhuz exclaimed, as the energy bubble wavered into place around the heavily damaged ship. The engines sputtered, and the ship slowly moved, its own launch bays cranking open.
"Shock Dragons launching!" she advised everyone, as the small, but incredibly fast fighters screamed out of her launch bays.

"Sabre two to Rhapsody Control," the lead pilot of the former Dark Core fighters said, "Shock Dragons in the black and preparing to defend the Shadow Dragon and all GSA vessels in the area."

"They must have followed the emergency beacon," Arratra said, hearing the report over his Omnitool, "Darn it! That'll have to be removed! I understand all of these demands," he said to the intelligence officer, "but I don't think conscripting us will be necessary. We're probably all going to enlist anyway. Just... be careful when transporting the ones in the medical bay. Even we aren't entirely sure what's happening to them."