Yangfan
Inactive Member
Yangfan
The Celia battle-group materialized in the outer fringes of the Essia system.
"Shina, start a scan of the system. Look for inhabited planets," ordered Henry. The SARA report on the system was displayed on the small monitor at his station.
Motoyama Kaori
Kaori's fingers went to work across his own console. His eyes darted from panel to panel swiftly. He sat in silence doing his job as prescribed to him by Taisho Chen. His eyes glanced up at the viewing area to see the system they had came into. He set the ship up in a defense ready sequence. In a moment notice the flagship upon which they were in would go to red alert and prepare to take anything anyone could throw at them. He always preferred to be prepared, peaceful system or not. He also prepped the weapons systems for ignition. One could never be sure what could occur immediately after dropping out into a system. Traps can be set, and pirates can be waiting....the secondary he always looked for. Revenge was something he wasn't ashamed to think about.
Drake Starblade
Drake woke up and asked the AI where he could bathe. After bathing he went back to his room.
"Celia, would you please tell me what time it is, if the Elysian next door is up, and where I could meet other crew members?"
Yangfan
"It is 8:25 AM Yamatai Time. Nitô Hei Eschve is still asleep. The cafeteria is a good place to meet people and grab breakfast," the Celia responded to Drake's questions.
Yangfan
ON> Essia
As Shina worked the controls, the Celia battlegroup's powerful sensors quickly located the two planets in the system. "There are two planets in the system. The outer planet has a carbon dioxide atmosphere,” reported Shina. “There are indications of trace amounts of water and microbes on the planet. As for the inner planet...”
“Well?” asked Henry.
“Atmosphere is 65% argon, 35% oxygen,” replied Shina. “Majority of the planet is ocean. The main continent wraps around the equator like a belt, reaching almost all the way around the planet. Planet-side conditions are estimated to be mostly tropical, with a few more temperate landmasses both to the north and south of the main continent... It’s definitely inhabited, sir.”
“Take us closer to that planet,” ordered Henry.
As the Celia got close to the planet the AI on the planet detected them upon the moment they reached a certain distance away from the planet. In a seeming warning, an ion stream shot out of the atmosphere without warning, and struck the outer hull of the Celia where the sensor array was. The stream itself didn't do any damage than scramble the data for a moment then a transmission came through the beam. "Name yourself, your nationality, and your reasons for being here and disturbing my children."
“We’re being hailed, sir, via a ion stream transmission,” said Kioko. “It appears that they speak English.” “That seems to be the trendy thing to do these days,” replied Henry with a raised eyebrow. “Send a message back to them...”
The Celia sent a quick response back down the ion stream: “This is the YSS Celia, of the Yamatai Star Empire. We’re on a peaceful mission of exploration and diplomacy.”
"I do not recognize you or your designation." The transmission came back. "If peace is your goal then prove it and have your group back off my planet, Celia, you may stay around. I do not trust the sheer numbers you have with you if you are here on peace."
“We will comply with your request,” was the response.
The Celia’s escorts, numbering four Yui-class destroyers and four Ketsueki-class frigates, moved away from the planet and headed back to their original positions on the outer fringes of the system. The Celia remained in very high orbit around the planet.
Another message was sent back down the ion stream. “We have identified ourselves and complied with your request. Please identify yourself.”
The transmission came back; apparently the person was monitoring them from wherever it was on the planet. "Thank you for your compliance." She said. The transmission came onto the bridge again as a holo-image of a golden blonde haired blue-eyed Nepleslian woman in a long gown. "I am Nagashun, the goddess of Essia."
Henry sat in his chair and stared at the woman. “I suppose I should identify myself personally. I am Fleet Admiral Henry Chen, of the Third Expeditionary Fleet.”
“I’m not detecting any industrial centers on the planet, sir,” said Shina.
"And you wouldn't because I don't allow their construction to pollute the utopian atmosphere for my children." The image said in a kind of vain tone before looking at Henry. "Greetings to you then Admiral Chen."
Henry nodded. “Please forgive me for being impertinent, goddess, but why do appear to us as one of my people? Is this your true appearance?”
"Of course not, but this is the best appearance for getting strangers I've found." She said seeming to brush her hair back in a gesture of vanity. "And I just wish to protect my children, so appearing as one of the visitors eases tensions."
“Of course,” replied Henry. “If I may ask, goddess, have you had contact with people of my species before? I can’t help but notice that you speak my people’s common language.”
"Yes I have, in fact your species crashed on my world a very long time ago." The AI turned woman said and seemed to look around at the bridge crew. "You said you were here to explore as well, what brings you to Essia? Hopefully not to crash again," she joked.
“Not if I can help it, no. I don’t plan on crashing my ship,” replied Henry with a smile. “We are here to gain trading partners and allies for the Empire and for humanity... Please tell me, goddess... Have any of my people visited your planet more recently?” The Nepleslian scout ships roaming about were still on the back of his mind.
"The last time your species came here was 12,000 of our years ago." She said pointedly. "You are the first in a very long time, and I might say, you men have gotten much more handsome." She purred to him.
Henry briefly considered asking the woman about the strange time metrics that she was using, but decided to leave the delicate subject for later. “I thank you for compliment, goddess... As I have stated earlier, I am here to make allies for my Empire. Could you possibly tell me more about your children?”
She looked at him for a moment as if considering something deep. "They are my children. What specifically do you want to know?" She asked, suddenly the image's outline became wavy and translucent for a moment before solidifying once again.
“Well, for starters, I assume they’re Nepleslian?” asked Henry.
"Nepleslian? You mean human. Well you're half right." She smiled, deciding to play with him a bit. "Quite literally half right."
“I detect life signs down there, sir,” said Shina, “but nothing specific from this altitude.”
“Oh?” asked Henry to Nagashun, his curiosity piqued. “Please tell me more, goddess.”
"Well since you seem to be honest about being peaceful in relations, I'll tell you." She said. "Do you like... snakes Mr. Chen?" Nagashun giggled. "As in do you find them repulsive?"
“I really can’t say, goddess, having never met one fact-to-face,” replied Henry. “I have a cousin who gets along with animals quite well, if that helps.”
"Then you are in for a surprise." she said and made a huge anaconda hologram appear around her shoulders and torso. "This is a snake, a reptilian life-form of absolute beauty, logic and grace."
PAUSED>
((OOC:
JP by:
Yangfan: (Henry, 3XF ships and crew)
Tyler: (Nagashun)
Drake Starblade
"Thank you Celia, I think ill go to the cafeteria and get some breakfast."
After double checking that he knew the general direction, Drake walked down the hall, flexing his wings the whole way. After getting to the cafeteria, Drake grabbed a bite to eat and sat down at a table by himself.
Motoyama Kaori
His initial thought was to prepare the red alert status as the ion beam hit the ship. He narrowed his eyes as the image appeared. He listened quietly, as his hands lay resting on the controls awaiting an order. His mind raced through the various possible strategies that would come up. He would wait for the figure to disappear before he spoke. Something wasn't right here, at least he didn't think so....
Yangfan
ON> Essia, High Orbit
Sakai stared at the anaconda and giggled under her breath.
"I see..." said Henry. "Are you saying, goddess, that your children are half-snake and half-men?"
She nodded a bit petting the snake some as it writhed slightly on her shoulders. "That's exactly what I'm saying." The blonde said. "I decided to guide their evolution after my first interaction with your human ancestors. So I combined their best features into one life-form." Nagashun said. (OOC note: Her name is actually "Naga'Shu'En" but she's shortening it.)
Henry took comfort in the fact that these snake-men were much less likely than full-blooded Nepleslians to go and join the Nepleslian Empire, though he did not show it. "I understand... Would it be possible to arrange a meeting with a few representatives from your children? Allow me to presume that you have the authority to authorize and enforce any diplomatic agreements that we may come to. Nevertheless, I would prefer it if some of your children were present to hear out our terms as well."
She considered for a few moments, still wary as always of newcomers to the planet. But her personal power only extended so far; in fact she could only affect Essia on a mass scale. "If you want to meet my children, you would have to provide your own transport to the surface and back as they do not have the capability to do that themselves." She said firmly as if she wouldn't sway on that. "But you are correct I have full authority to enforce diplomatic agreements. I do not make judgments for them or interdict unless it is absolutely necessary, I'm sure you understand; religious zealots are notoriously hard to calm at times." The image continued.
Henry considered her words carefully. "I understood that you intend to keep your planet free from pollution, goddess, but... I see... If I may ask, goddess, what level of technology do your children currently possess?"
"Hmm how do you say... it is liken to the extremely ancient Mayan civilization of ancient Earth." She said. "They deal mostly on a barter system economy with currency coming into popularity. Most things are built on manual labor, it is hard to put into words but it is nothing like the starship you are currently on." She said.
Henry raised an eyebrow. The woman must be fairly deluded to believe in that Earth-myth. Still, it would be best to humor her. "I see. I am concerned, goddess, about needlessly startling them, if my officers and I were to descend to the planet on a shuttle. Past experience tells us that low tech civilizations do not react well to that sort of events."
"I can understand your point but I would not worry about that, they'll know you're coming before you actually land." She said. "I, of course, would make it known to expect guests. But should you actually descend, I have to warn you to beware of entering caverns or large caves." She said. "Because you have shown a genuine desire for peaceful interactions I'll let you come down to the planet but please keep your party small." She said.
'I understand. Please be more specific about how small you would like my landing party to be," said Henry.
"Between 3 to 5 individuals, my children are fairly peaceful and you shouldn't expect to be randomly assaulted. But do not hurt any snakes on that planet for those are the progeny of my children." She warned firmly in a tone that carried the seriousness of her words.
PAUSED>
((OOC:
JP by:
Yangfan: (Henry, 3XF ships and crew)
Tyler: (Nagashun)
Motoyama Kaori
He narrowed his eyes a moment. This creature was supposedly a Goddess? He'd never really had any religious belief of any sort. He brushed it off a moment, not really caring as long as they weren't a threat to the Yamatai Star Empire, or to the Admiral. He stood from his chair and assumed a saluting position, insinuating he wanted to talk.
Drake Starblade
After Drake finished eating, he left the cafeteria and called up Celia once again. "Celia, Im sorry to take up so much of your time, but could you tell me what time it is, when I should report for duty, If there are any other Elysians awake onboard?"
Mokuren
So quiet, so peaceful. For once in a while, all seemed to be fine. Too fine, maybe.
That's why it was too good: excess of sleep has never been healthy, or helpful, except when needed and deserved, but even then...
"Oh, my," the sleepy Elysian looked around, getting up from his bed and stretching as if thought he was at home. "Good thing I didn't have duty to report to... Ah, what the heck, they kept me awake for quite long already, nobody must've noticed"
Later, in the cafeteria, another Elysian showed up, looking much cleaner and awake than the last scene we left him.
"Hope it is not too late to grab something to eat", the Elysian asked once there, "Hunger is killing me, and they say that's bad for a soldier."
Yangfan
Mazda could see that some breakfast foods on the buffet tables, including a few pastries and bagels, had been mercifully spared so far. Several self-service beverage dispensers flanked the buffet tables. A huge troll sat at one of the larger dining tables, and was munching on a huge bowl of cereal and milk. The mess hall was otherwise deserted.
Celia's voice drifted down from the ceiling above Drake's head. "I'm happy to help, Santô Hei Starblade. It is currently 9:10 AM Yamatai Time. I have you reserved for an away mission later today, starting at an indeterminate time, unless it gets called off. Shosa Roma is currently sleeping in her quarters. Nitô Hei Eschve is off duty in the cafeteria. Santô Hei Uuhai is on duty in the shuttle bay."
Meanwhile, on the bridge…
Henry noticed that Motoyama had stood up. "Something on your mind, Taii Kaori?" he asked.
Drake Starblade
"Thank You, Celia." After wondering aloud how he could have missed him, Drake turned around and walked back into the cafeteria and sat down at the same table as Mazda.
Tyler
The Essian "deity" noticed the shift in attention away from herself for the moment and followed the precedent and looked over at Kaori out of the corner of her eye. The image couldn't help but grin a bit half wondering what this human had on his mind but judging by the timing he called attention to himself and how stiffly he was presenting it; she could guess what he wanted. But being canny at dealing with other races, she kept her commentary to herself and quietly waited.
Motoyama Kaori
He nodded calmly. He looked over at the image a moment and then back to Chen. "Yes sir, Admiral. As soon as you're finished with this I wish to speak with you sir. However, it can wait until the current situation is finished." He referred to the presence of the so called Goddess upon the bridge.
Mokuren
Bagels, and pastries! Plus the breakfast! Must have been his lucky day.
As Mazda ate his breakfast (consisting in mostly many types of cereals but without milk), the corner of his eyes took note of somebody else that he should pay attention to, but at the moment it was the Elysian's stomach that drove the body, not the brain.
Once the control was settled back to the biological CPU, Mazda turned to face the other Elysian. Well, he had to be an Elysian... He had wings, plus his traits were rather familiar.
"Oh, hello there", he said, still more busy with his breakfast rather than anything else, "Didn't notice you yesterday, are you new aboard?"
Drake Starblade
Drake watched the other Elysian eat breakfast. "Yes, I just came aboard a couple of hours aboard, I have the room next to yours. My name is Drake Starblade."
Mokuren
A blink, then a smile on the Elysian's lips.
"Welcome indeed, Drake. I'm Mazda Eschve, I hope your trip was shorter and more pleasant than mine", he chuckled, then simply finished the breakfast.
"So, we should probably go get our assignments, unless you have one already; I'll probably regret saying that, but I didn't cross half the galaxy to slack off."
Drake Starblade
"I think I already have mine," but before Mazda could speak again, Drake replied, "but I'll be glad to come with you and keep you company. I think I have some tome before I have to report, so we may get to have some fun."
Mokuren
Mazda chuckled, giving an agreeing nod, "Well, thanks, I'm not sending you away, that's for sure".
This said, the still off-duty Elysian left the cafeteria, planning to report for duty, as if he was eager to put his skills to use, "So, where do you come from, Drake? And how did you end up in this far corner of the galaxy?"
Drake Starblade
"I come from the planet Elysia and I came here to make a name for myself," Drake said mostly to Mazda but some of it was spoken in a tone like he was talking to himself, " but mostly I just wanted to get off of that planet."
Mokuren
Mazda nodded; in the meanwhile, he was busy trying not to become lost, but having been in the ship for a half day made he feel confident enough that he could stride to wherever he decided to arrive without problem.
"I see, I guess the reasons for which you left Elysia are more or less the same for which you didn't join the Celestial Navy rather than the Star army?"
Yangfan
Henry nodded to Motoyama's words. "I believe we're about finished here. I will arrange for an away team immediately. Do you have any further instructions for me, goddess?"
Upon hearing Henry's words, Celia began mentally compiling a list of viable candidates for the away team.
Drake Starblade
"Yeah, eventually I would run into an old 'friend' from my hometown."
Tyler
The Essian goddess looked over at Henry again and considered her situation and what would be best. "Just do not strike out at smaller snakes. it is very important that they remain safe." She said. "Bring along a medical person because you are likely to be bitten by them as you explore."
Motoyama Kaori
He stood in silence awaiting the image of the said goddess to fade away. He wasn't very trusting, and the look in his eyes would say it all. It was his job to not trust, to doubt and disbelieve. He was the Tactical officer, the safety and protection of the ship and crew were #1 in his eyes. Always.
Tyler
The goddess looked at Kaori for a moment and shimmered out, deciding they'd been told everything they needed to know. With a wink to the guys, she vanished.
Yangfan
Henry looked uncomfortable. "I… I see…" He said as Nagashun disappeared from view.
Sensing Henry's hesitation, Celia sent a telepathic message his way. ~ You're not thinking about going down there yourself, are you? Taisho? ~
~ I believe I have to, ~ replied Henry, his mind straining with the effort. ~ I wouldn't be much of a leader if I don't go. ~
Celia sighed, and touched the monitor on Henry's console. A list of names immediately appeared:
RECOMMENDED AWAY TEAM
Taisho Henry Chen
Shosa Abriel Roma
Taii Motoyama Kaori
Nitô Hei Mazda Eschve
Santô Hei Drake Starblade
Henry tapped a few keys, erasing Abriel's name and replacing her with Shina.
~ You'll need a medic, sir, ~ asserted Celia.
~ Shina knows first aid well enough, ~ replied Henry mentally. "Now, Taii Kaori, what was it that you wanted to say?"
Motoyama Kaori
He stepped forward form his post at attention. His eyes were deep and serious. "Sir. To be quite honest, I don't trust these creatures. Is it not normal behavior for a snake to be deceptive and underhanded?" He sighed and thought about it a moment. "Allowing even these, small snakes to attack us, I don't like it. We don't know the level of toxins they carry, regardless of what she says. I just think we have to be very careful. I wish to lead, the away team, with your permission. I don't mean command, but be the first into each situation. To ensure your safety."
Yangfan
"I'll be leading the away team personally, Taii Kaori," replied Henry, standing up. He looked around at the crew present in the bridge. "You and Taii Tanaka will be on the away team as well. Celia, you have the bridge while I'm gone. Oh, and please inform the two tech sentries that they are to get themselves backed up, and then report to the shuttle bay."
"Aye, sir," replied Celia.
"Now, Taii Kaori, Taii Tanaka, please join me in the hallway," said Henry, walking out of the bridge.
Elsewhere on the ship…
In the midst of their conversation, Celia chimed in from the ceiling above Mazda and Drake. "Nitô Hei Eschve and Santô Hei Starblade, please report to the medical bay immediately and make use of the ST facilities, then report to the shuttle bay. You will be briefed on your mission when you arrive there."
Meanwhile, in the hallway outside the bridge…
The bridge door closed behind them as Motoyama and Shina followed Henry out of the bridge. In the relative privacy of the hallway, Henry turned to Motoyama. "I don't trust these creatures either, Taii Kaori," he said. "That trust will have to be earned, as with any other species that we encounter. However, I feel quite safe about going down to the planet, even though I might be walking into an ambush, because Nagashun had allowed me to bring several things with me: a swift shuttlecraft, two skilled and well-rested Elysian soldiers, a strategist eager to prove himself, and a Nekovalkyrja. And if the teeth of the snakes of Essia should prove sharper than my boots, Taii Tanaka is well versed in first aid. Now, please join me in the medical bay… just in case I'm wrong."
With those words, Henry started walking toward the medbay.
Motoyama Kaori
Kaori nodded calmly and stepped forward quietly. He followed after Henry slowly. His eyes looked forward in that militaristic sense. His hand reached down and pulled out the combat knife he kept on his back at all times. He ran his thumb over the blade carefully. "Hm. Could use some sharpening." he said quietly, and to himself for the most part, following Henry quietly.
Drake Starblade
"We'll get right on that." Drake said to Celia and without further talk he and Mazda set out for the med bay.
Mokuren
Mazda smiled, "Well, looks like we're about to get some action", he then silently followed Drake to the med bay. Wonder what they were going to do there?”
Yangfan
Walking behind Henry and Motoyama, Shina stared at Motoyama while he examined his combat knife, silently wishing that he wouldn't wave that thing around while walking so close to the Taisho.
Soon, they reached the medical bay. Chui Hanayo Kasumi was the only one on duty at the moment. She assisted Motoyama while Shina helped Henry as they backed up their brain patterns on the ST machines.
By the time Mazda and Drake walked into the medical bay, Shina was lying on one of the examination tables while Kasumi was operating the ST machine for her. A mechanical arm attached to the table was holding the scanner part of the machine over Shina's head. They could also see Taisho Henry Chen and Taii Motoyama Kaori standing nearby.
"I'll get to you guys soon," said Kasumi to the Elysians.
"At ease, men," said Henry, nodding to the two. Normally, red-shirts were not allowed to speak to officers unless they were spoken to, so Henry made sure to greet the two Elysians, in case they had anything to say to him before the mission.
Drake Starblade
During his salute to Henry, Drake said "Hello Sir", Drake could tell by his panels that he was and his air of control that this was probably Taisho Henry Chen.
Mokuren
As soon as he was greeted by the officer, Mazda promptly saluted, that soft salute of his.
He did not say anything, thought, the Elysian with odd wing colors simply nodded at the 'At ease' command, putting himself at ease, as much as the situation allowed. In the meanwhile, he took the chance to look around... That certain Abriel Roma was supposed to be a medic, if he remembered correctly, wonder how she looked like?
Motoyama Kaori
He calmly let the others do their work. He wasn't really so much at home here in the medical bay. He preferred to have his scars. They were a reminder of mistakes he'd made, or things he'd overcome. So he generally got treatment to the point of he wouldn't die, then let natural healing take it is course, unless it interfered with his duty. He stood in silence, the rigid posture he always carried. He waited patiently for orders, or to be spoken to.
Yangfan
After Kasumi had helped Shina, she turned her attention to the two Elysian soldiers.
"Taii Tanaka, ma'am, could you please help me in assisting these two soldiers?" she asked.
"Of course," replied Shina with a smile.
"Thank you," said Kasumi. "Nitô Hei, Santô Hei, could each of you lie down on one of the examination tables, please?"
Meanwhile, Henry appeared to be reading from his datapad, occasionally pausing to cast a shy glance at Shina.
Motoyama Kaori
He glanced from his stern position, leaning against the wall quietly. He waited for a few minutes. "Admiral Chen." he said quietly. He stood straight now, addressing a superior officer. "IS there, anything I should know about?" he said sternly. He stepped forward towards Chen. His towering form was huge yet graceful in it is movements. "So that I may prepare myself for the surface."
Mokuren
Mazda nodded, silently obeying and laying himself up the examination table. So, they're sending us to the surface of a planet... Wonder what we are expected to do there? I didn't even have the chance to get a grasp of where we are, exactly.
For a moment, the Elysian wondered if he should have questioned about the purpose of the treatment, or that of the mission but in the end he decided to remain silent. Whatever was happening, somebody would eventually have explained them.
Yangfan
It didn’t take long for Mazda to surmise that the machine being held over his head was scanning his brain pattern. It was his people who invented this technology in the first place, which was used to literally bring people back from the dead. If he were diligent in his study of Elysian history, he would also remember that Yamataian agents stole the soul-transfer technology from Elysia, triggering a chain of events that led to the First Heavenly War. (OOC: It was the first war fought between Elysia and Yamatai.)
While Kasumi and Shina operated the ST machines hovering over Mazda and Drake, Henry leaned against one of the walls, and looked at Motoyama.
“Well,” he said. “I was going to brief you guys when we reached the shuttle bay, but I suppose this is as good a time as any. As you probably know, Taii Kaori, this will be a first contact mission of sorts. It appears that the local population consists of Nepleslians who have somehow lost contact with the rest of human civilization. Their leader considers herself a goddess, and calls herself Nagashun. She is most likely delusional, and so we will have to be careful around her. As for mission parameters, each of you must stick close to me, and not wander off. Also, do not harm the local wildlife under any circumstances, especially snakes, and avoid conflicts with them if possible. Since this is a diplomatic mission, we will each carry our side-arms only. We were not able to get any reliable weather measurements of the planet, so we will also be equipped with environmental suits as well… Any questions?”
Motoyama Kaori
He nodded quietly and crossed his arms. He looked over at Chen. "Yeah, I can see her being delusional. it is amazing what a simple minded people will believe with a slight view of high technology." He shook his head at that and nodded to Chen. "Heh. Good luck getting me to leave your side Admiral." He smirked slightly and shrugged. "Eh. I'll let you guys do the talking, and just hover over you in a protective fashion, you know, what I do best."
Drake Starblade
"Sir, I have a question. Should we carry our regular side-arms, or should we carry fancier ones if we have them?"
Mokuren
That briefing made Mazda wonder about the mission they were taking, a delusional goddess? Escorting an admiral? Not harming the wildlife? Not quite what he expected, but he probably just wasn't supposed to expect every place they were going to explore to be empty.
Yet, still...
"It seems we already know something about these inhabitants, sir. What are we supposed to do or learn about them in this official first contact?"
Yangfan
"It depends on what you have in mind, Santô Hei," replied Henry in response to Drake's question. "We don't want to look like we were there to fight. On the other hand, you'd need to be able to defend yourself first if you're to protect me. What exactly are you thinking about bringing along?"
Henry then turned to Mazda. "I suppose there is no harm in telling you our purpose in this mission. The Empire is always looking for new worlds to bring into the fold. This planet seems to be a good candidate. If I cannot convince them to join the Empire, then I will at least get them to agree to not assist our enemies."
In the mean time, Shina and Kasumi were helping Mazda and Drake get off the examination tables. The ST backup procedures were complete.
Drake Starblade
"No, it is more of a dress up weapon, my Type 28A NSP Gold Edition. Should I bring it?"
Motoyama Kaori
He simply stood quietly. "Take your standard issue firearm Santo Hei." He said sternly. "We don't need to draw attention to our weapons. It may give them the impression we don’t want." He then proceeded to pull a small block from his pocket, it was wrapped in a napkin. He leaned against the wall silently, and drug the edge of his combat knife across it. The knife was an older issue, sharp edged, with the serrated back. He had used it many times in a quick situation. He looked over at Chen, and nodded to the old sharpening block "...For good luck" he said quietly, and wrapped it back in a napkin, tucking it into his pocket, and placing the knife in a sheath located on his back.
Mokuren
Getting new worlds into the fold, the words ran through Mazda's head several times while getting up from the table, "Sounds easy enough", he then stated, "And I don't have to do the talking, myself. Good".
The Elysian nodded quietly, straightening up, "okay. Ready to get off."
Drake Starblade
"I'm with Mazda, if there isn't anything else we need to know I think we should get down there as soon as possible so they don't think were stalling." Getting of the table, Drake thought to himself: Geeze, I've only been on this ship a couple of hours and my wings are stiff. I hope I can do my flight exercises down there to maintain the little flight I can achieve.
Yangfan
Henry nodded, sensing that his troops were getting restless. "Follow me to the shuttle bay then."
A few moments later, in the shuttle bay…
As the five away team members entered the shuttle bay, they saw Meemeel helping a Kohanian embark a Jilanth shuttle. The two crewmembers and the shuttle were at least 20 yards away from where the away team was standing.
"Stay here for a moment," ordered Henry, before heading over to the shuttle to greet Meemeel and the Kohanian.
Shina, Motoyama, Mazda, and Drake could hear the ensuing conversation fairly well, despite the distance:
"Is this Nei?" asked Henry.
"Yes sir. This is Santô Juni Nei. She's being transferred over to…"
"Yamatai, for convalescence. Yes, I've heard," said Henry, interrupting Meemeel with a smile.
"Taisho Chen? Nei cannot see very well," said Nei.
"Yes. it is me… Have a safe journey, and get well soon."
"Thank you, sir."
"No, no, no… Nei, thank you," replied Henry, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I've read your files. You're an inspiration to all of us… Come on, let's get you home."
Henry and Meemeel helped Nei inside the shuttle, where a pilot was already waiting for her, then exited the shuttle.
"Good luck on your mission, sir," whispered Meemeel, before hurrying out of the shuttle bay.
Henry walked back to his away team. "Let's get inside our shuttle," he said, pointing to an Aerokitty in the corner. "So Celia can depressurize the shuttle bay."
As the away team members entered the shuttle, they found several AMES suits lying around, as well as the shuttle's pilot waiting for them. The pilot, a red-haired Neko, was already in her AMES suit, although she had her helmet in the co-pilot's seat. The pilot was also wearing her Nitô Juni rank pin.
"Put these on," ordered Henry, grabbing one himself. "There should be enough for everyone." The shuttle's hatch closed behind them as the last away team member entered the shuttle.
Meanwhile, the air inside the Celia's shuttle bay was quickly pumped out.
A few moments later, a Jilanth and an Aerokitty could be seen flying out of the shuttle bay. The Jilanth flashed out of existence as it entered hyperspace, while the Aerokitty descended toward the planet.
The Celia battle-group materialized in the outer fringes of the Essia system.
"Shina, start a scan of the system. Look for inhabited planets," ordered Henry. The SARA report on the system was displayed on the small monitor at his station.
Motoyama Kaori
Kaori's fingers went to work across his own console. His eyes darted from panel to panel swiftly. He sat in silence doing his job as prescribed to him by Taisho Chen. His eyes glanced up at the viewing area to see the system they had came into. He set the ship up in a defense ready sequence. In a moment notice the flagship upon which they were in would go to red alert and prepare to take anything anyone could throw at them. He always preferred to be prepared, peaceful system or not. He also prepped the weapons systems for ignition. One could never be sure what could occur immediately after dropping out into a system. Traps can be set, and pirates can be waiting....the secondary he always looked for. Revenge was something he wasn't ashamed to think about.
Drake Starblade
Drake woke up and asked the AI where he could bathe. After bathing he went back to his room.
"Celia, would you please tell me what time it is, if the Elysian next door is up, and where I could meet other crew members?"
Yangfan
"It is 8:25 AM Yamatai Time. Nitô Hei Eschve is still asleep. The cafeteria is a good place to meet people and grab breakfast," the Celia responded to Drake's questions.
Yangfan
ON> Essia
As Shina worked the controls, the Celia battlegroup's powerful sensors quickly located the two planets in the system. "There are two planets in the system. The outer planet has a carbon dioxide atmosphere,” reported Shina. “There are indications of trace amounts of water and microbes on the planet. As for the inner planet...”
“Well?” asked Henry.
“Atmosphere is 65% argon, 35% oxygen,” replied Shina. “Majority of the planet is ocean. The main continent wraps around the equator like a belt, reaching almost all the way around the planet. Planet-side conditions are estimated to be mostly tropical, with a few more temperate landmasses both to the north and south of the main continent... It’s definitely inhabited, sir.”
“Take us closer to that planet,” ordered Henry.
As the Celia got close to the planet the AI on the planet detected them upon the moment they reached a certain distance away from the planet. In a seeming warning, an ion stream shot out of the atmosphere without warning, and struck the outer hull of the Celia where the sensor array was. The stream itself didn't do any damage than scramble the data for a moment then a transmission came through the beam. "Name yourself, your nationality, and your reasons for being here and disturbing my children."
“We’re being hailed, sir, via a ion stream transmission,” said Kioko. “It appears that they speak English.” “That seems to be the trendy thing to do these days,” replied Henry with a raised eyebrow. “Send a message back to them...”
The Celia sent a quick response back down the ion stream: “This is the YSS Celia, of the Yamatai Star Empire. We’re on a peaceful mission of exploration and diplomacy.”
"I do not recognize you or your designation." The transmission came back. "If peace is your goal then prove it and have your group back off my planet, Celia, you may stay around. I do not trust the sheer numbers you have with you if you are here on peace."
“We will comply with your request,” was the response.
The Celia’s escorts, numbering four Yui-class destroyers and four Ketsueki-class frigates, moved away from the planet and headed back to their original positions on the outer fringes of the system. The Celia remained in very high orbit around the planet.
Another message was sent back down the ion stream. “We have identified ourselves and complied with your request. Please identify yourself.”
The transmission came back; apparently the person was monitoring them from wherever it was on the planet. "Thank you for your compliance." She said. The transmission came onto the bridge again as a holo-image of a golden blonde haired blue-eyed Nepleslian woman in a long gown. "I am Nagashun, the goddess of Essia."
Henry sat in his chair and stared at the woman. “I suppose I should identify myself personally. I am Fleet Admiral Henry Chen, of the Third Expeditionary Fleet.”
“I’m not detecting any industrial centers on the planet, sir,” said Shina.
"And you wouldn't because I don't allow their construction to pollute the utopian atmosphere for my children." The image said in a kind of vain tone before looking at Henry. "Greetings to you then Admiral Chen."
Henry nodded. “Please forgive me for being impertinent, goddess, but why do appear to us as one of my people? Is this your true appearance?”
"Of course not, but this is the best appearance for getting strangers I've found." She said seeming to brush her hair back in a gesture of vanity. "And I just wish to protect my children, so appearing as one of the visitors eases tensions."
“Of course,” replied Henry. “If I may ask, goddess, have you had contact with people of my species before? I can’t help but notice that you speak my people’s common language.”
"Yes I have, in fact your species crashed on my world a very long time ago." The AI turned woman said and seemed to look around at the bridge crew. "You said you were here to explore as well, what brings you to Essia? Hopefully not to crash again," she joked.
“Not if I can help it, no. I don’t plan on crashing my ship,” replied Henry with a smile. “We are here to gain trading partners and allies for the Empire and for humanity... Please tell me, goddess... Have any of my people visited your planet more recently?” The Nepleslian scout ships roaming about were still on the back of his mind.
"The last time your species came here was 12,000 of our years ago." She said pointedly. "You are the first in a very long time, and I might say, you men have gotten much more handsome." She purred to him.
Henry briefly considered asking the woman about the strange time metrics that she was using, but decided to leave the delicate subject for later. “I thank you for compliment, goddess... As I have stated earlier, I am here to make allies for my Empire. Could you possibly tell me more about your children?”
She looked at him for a moment as if considering something deep. "They are my children. What specifically do you want to know?" She asked, suddenly the image's outline became wavy and translucent for a moment before solidifying once again.
“Well, for starters, I assume they’re Nepleslian?” asked Henry.
"Nepleslian? You mean human. Well you're half right." She smiled, deciding to play with him a bit. "Quite literally half right."
“I detect life signs down there, sir,” said Shina, “but nothing specific from this altitude.”
“Oh?” asked Henry to Nagashun, his curiosity piqued. “Please tell me more, goddess.”
"Well since you seem to be honest about being peaceful in relations, I'll tell you." She said. "Do you like... snakes Mr. Chen?" Nagashun giggled. "As in do you find them repulsive?"
“I really can’t say, goddess, having never met one fact-to-face,” replied Henry. “I have a cousin who gets along with animals quite well, if that helps.”
"Then you are in for a surprise." she said and made a huge anaconda hologram appear around her shoulders and torso. "This is a snake, a reptilian life-form of absolute beauty, logic and grace."
PAUSED>
((OOC:
JP by:
Yangfan: (Henry, 3XF ships and crew)
Tyler: (Nagashun)
Drake Starblade
"Thank you Celia, I think ill go to the cafeteria and get some breakfast."
After double checking that he knew the general direction, Drake walked down the hall, flexing his wings the whole way. After getting to the cafeteria, Drake grabbed a bite to eat and sat down at a table by himself.
Motoyama Kaori
His initial thought was to prepare the red alert status as the ion beam hit the ship. He narrowed his eyes as the image appeared. He listened quietly, as his hands lay resting on the controls awaiting an order. His mind raced through the various possible strategies that would come up. He would wait for the figure to disappear before he spoke. Something wasn't right here, at least he didn't think so....
Yangfan
ON> Essia, High Orbit
Sakai stared at the anaconda and giggled under her breath.
"I see..." said Henry. "Are you saying, goddess, that your children are half-snake and half-men?"
She nodded a bit petting the snake some as it writhed slightly on her shoulders. "That's exactly what I'm saying." The blonde said. "I decided to guide their evolution after my first interaction with your human ancestors. So I combined their best features into one life-form." Nagashun said. (OOC note: Her name is actually "Naga'Shu'En" but she's shortening it.)
Henry took comfort in the fact that these snake-men were much less likely than full-blooded Nepleslians to go and join the Nepleslian Empire, though he did not show it. "I understand... Would it be possible to arrange a meeting with a few representatives from your children? Allow me to presume that you have the authority to authorize and enforce any diplomatic agreements that we may come to. Nevertheless, I would prefer it if some of your children were present to hear out our terms as well."
She considered for a few moments, still wary as always of newcomers to the planet. But her personal power only extended so far; in fact she could only affect Essia on a mass scale. "If you want to meet my children, you would have to provide your own transport to the surface and back as they do not have the capability to do that themselves." She said firmly as if she wouldn't sway on that. "But you are correct I have full authority to enforce diplomatic agreements. I do not make judgments for them or interdict unless it is absolutely necessary, I'm sure you understand; religious zealots are notoriously hard to calm at times." The image continued.
Henry considered her words carefully. "I understood that you intend to keep your planet free from pollution, goddess, but... I see... If I may ask, goddess, what level of technology do your children currently possess?"
"Hmm how do you say... it is liken to the extremely ancient Mayan civilization of ancient Earth." She said. "They deal mostly on a barter system economy with currency coming into popularity. Most things are built on manual labor, it is hard to put into words but it is nothing like the starship you are currently on." She said.
Henry raised an eyebrow. The woman must be fairly deluded to believe in that Earth-myth. Still, it would be best to humor her. "I see. I am concerned, goddess, about needlessly startling them, if my officers and I were to descend to the planet on a shuttle. Past experience tells us that low tech civilizations do not react well to that sort of events."
"I can understand your point but I would not worry about that, they'll know you're coming before you actually land." She said. "I, of course, would make it known to expect guests. But should you actually descend, I have to warn you to beware of entering caverns or large caves." She said. "Because you have shown a genuine desire for peaceful interactions I'll let you come down to the planet but please keep your party small." She said.
'I understand. Please be more specific about how small you would like my landing party to be," said Henry.
"Between 3 to 5 individuals, my children are fairly peaceful and you shouldn't expect to be randomly assaulted. But do not hurt any snakes on that planet for those are the progeny of my children." She warned firmly in a tone that carried the seriousness of her words.
PAUSED>
((OOC:
JP by:
Yangfan: (Henry, 3XF ships and crew)
Tyler: (Nagashun)
Motoyama Kaori
He narrowed his eyes a moment. This creature was supposedly a Goddess? He'd never really had any religious belief of any sort. He brushed it off a moment, not really caring as long as they weren't a threat to the Yamatai Star Empire, or to the Admiral. He stood from his chair and assumed a saluting position, insinuating he wanted to talk.
Drake Starblade
After Drake finished eating, he left the cafeteria and called up Celia once again. "Celia, Im sorry to take up so much of your time, but could you tell me what time it is, when I should report for duty, If there are any other Elysians awake onboard?"
Mokuren
So quiet, so peaceful. For once in a while, all seemed to be fine. Too fine, maybe.
That's why it was too good: excess of sleep has never been healthy, or helpful, except when needed and deserved, but even then...
"Oh, my," the sleepy Elysian looked around, getting up from his bed and stretching as if thought he was at home. "Good thing I didn't have duty to report to... Ah, what the heck, they kept me awake for quite long already, nobody must've noticed"
Later, in the cafeteria, another Elysian showed up, looking much cleaner and awake than the last scene we left him.
"Hope it is not too late to grab something to eat", the Elysian asked once there, "Hunger is killing me, and they say that's bad for a soldier."
Yangfan
Mazda could see that some breakfast foods on the buffet tables, including a few pastries and bagels, had been mercifully spared so far. Several self-service beverage dispensers flanked the buffet tables. A huge troll sat at one of the larger dining tables, and was munching on a huge bowl of cereal and milk. The mess hall was otherwise deserted.
Celia's voice drifted down from the ceiling above Drake's head. "I'm happy to help, Santô Hei Starblade. It is currently 9:10 AM Yamatai Time. I have you reserved for an away mission later today, starting at an indeterminate time, unless it gets called off. Shosa Roma is currently sleeping in her quarters. Nitô Hei Eschve is off duty in the cafeteria. Santô Hei Uuhai is on duty in the shuttle bay."
Meanwhile, on the bridge…
Henry noticed that Motoyama had stood up. "Something on your mind, Taii Kaori?" he asked.
Drake Starblade
"Thank You, Celia." After wondering aloud how he could have missed him, Drake turned around and walked back into the cafeteria and sat down at the same table as Mazda.
Tyler
The Essian "deity" noticed the shift in attention away from herself for the moment and followed the precedent and looked over at Kaori out of the corner of her eye. The image couldn't help but grin a bit half wondering what this human had on his mind but judging by the timing he called attention to himself and how stiffly he was presenting it; she could guess what he wanted. But being canny at dealing with other races, she kept her commentary to herself and quietly waited.
Motoyama Kaori
He nodded calmly. He looked over at the image a moment and then back to Chen. "Yes sir, Admiral. As soon as you're finished with this I wish to speak with you sir. However, it can wait until the current situation is finished." He referred to the presence of the so called Goddess upon the bridge.
Mokuren
Bagels, and pastries! Plus the breakfast! Must have been his lucky day.
As Mazda ate his breakfast (consisting in mostly many types of cereals but without milk), the corner of his eyes took note of somebody else that he should pay attention to, but at the moment it was the Elysian's stomach that drove the body, not the brain.
Once the control was settled back to the biological CPU, Mazda turned to face the other Elysian. Well, he had to be an Elysian... He had wings, plus his traits were rather familiar.
"Oh, hello there", he said, still more busy with his breakfast rather than anything else, "Didn't notice you yesterday, are you new aboard?"
Drake Starblade
Drake watched the other Elysian eat breakfast. "Yes, I just came aboard a couple of hours aboard, I have the room next to yours. My name is Drake Starblade."
Mokuren
A blink, then a smile on the Elysian's lips.
"Welcome indeed, Drake. I'm Mazda Eschve, I hope your trip was shorter and more pleasant than mine", he chuckled, then simply finished the breakfast.
"So, we should probably go get our assignments, unless you have one already; I'll probably regret saying that, but I didn't cross half the galaxy to slack off."
Drake Starblade
"I think I already have mine," but before Mazda could speak again, Drake replied, "but I'll be glad to come with you and keep you company. I think I have some tome before I have to report, so we may get to have some fun."
Mokuren
Mazda chuckled, giving an agreeing nod, "Well, thanks, I'm not sending you away, that's for sure".
This said, the still off-duty Elysian left the cafeteria, planning to report for duty, as if he was eager to put his skills to use, "So, where do you come from, Drake? And how did you end up in this far corner of the galaxy?"
Drake Starblade
"I come from the planet Elysia and I came here to make a name for myself," Drake said mostly to Mazda but some of it was spoken in a tone like he was talking to himself, " but mostly I just wanted to get off of that planet."
Mokuren
Mazda nodded; in the meanwhile, he was busy trying not to become lost, but having been in the ship for a half day made he feel confident enough that he could stride to wherever he decided to arrive without problem.
"I see, I guess the reasons for which you left Elysia are more or less the same for which you didn't join the Celestial Navy rather than the Star army?"
Yangfan
Henry nodded to Motoyama's words. "I believe we're about finished here. I will arrange for an away team immediately. Do you have any further instructions for me, goddess?"
Upon hearing Henry's words, Celia began mentally compiling a list of viable candidates for the away team.
Drake Starblade
"Yeah, eventually I would run into an old 'friend' from my hometown."
Tyler
The Essian goddess looked over at Henry again and considered her situation and what would be best. "Just do not strike out at smaller snakes. it is very important that they remain safe." She said. "Bring along a medical person because you are likely to be bitten by them as you explore."
Motoyama Kaori
He stood in silence awaiting the image of the said goddess to fade away. He wasn't very trusting, and the look in his eyes would say it all. It was his job to not trust, to doubt and disbelieve. He was the Tactical officer, the safety and protection of the ship and crew were #1 in his eyes. Always.
Tyler
The goddess looked at Kaori for a moment and shimmered out, deciding they'd been told everything they needed to know. With a wink to the guys, she vanished.
Yangfan
Henry looked uncomfortable. "I… I see…" He said as Nagashun disappeared from view.
Sensing Henry's hesitation, Celia sent a telepathic message his way. ~ You're not thinking about going down there yourself, are you? Taisho? ~
~ I believe I have to, ~ replied Henry, his mind straining with the effort. ~ I wouldn't be much of a leader if I don't go. ~
Celia sighed, and touched the monitor on Henry's console. A list of names immediately appeared:
RECOMMENDED AWAY TEAM
Taisho Henry Chen
Shosa Abriel Roma
Taii Motoyama Kaori
Nitô Hei Mazda Eschve
Santô Hei Drake Starblade
Henry tapped a few keys, erasing Abriel's name and replacing her with Shina.
~ You'll need a medic, sir, ~ asserted Celia.
~ Shina knows first aid well enough, ~ replied Henry mentally. "Now, Taii Kaori, what was it that you wanted to say?"
Motoyama Kaori
He stepped forward form his post at attention. His eyes were deep and serious. "Sir. To be quite honest, I don't trust these creatures. Is it not normal behavior for a snake to be deceptive and underhanded?" He sighed and thought about it a moment. "Allowing even these, small snakes to attack us, I don't like it. We don't know the level of toxins they carry, regardless of what she says. I just think we have to be very careful. I wish to lead, the away team, with your permission. I don't mean command, but be the first into each situation. To ensure your safety."
Yangfan
"I'll be leading the away team personally, Taii Kaori," replied Henry, standing up. He looked around at the crew present in the bridge. "You and Taii Tanaka will be on the away team as well. Celia, you have the bridge while I'm gone. Oh, and please inform the two tech sentries that they are to get themselves backed up, and then report to the shuttle bay."
"Aye, sir," replied Celia.
"Now, Taii Kaori, Taii Tanaka, please join me in the hallway," said Henry, walking out of the bridge.
Elsewhere on the ship…
In the midst of their conversation, Celia chimed in from the ceiling above Mazda and Drake. "Nitô Hei Eschve and Santô Hei Starblade, please report to the medical bay immediately and make use of the ST facilities, then report to the shuttle bay. You will be briefed on your mission when you arrive there."
Meanwhile, in the hallway outside the bridge…
The bridge door closed behind them as Motoyama and Shina followed Henry out of the bridge. In the relative privacy of the hallway, Henry turned to Motoyama. "I don't trust these creatures either, Taii Kaori," he said. "That trust will have to be earned, as with any other species that we encounter. However, I feel quite safe about going down to the planet, even though I might be walking into an ambush, because Nagashun had allowed me to bring several things with me: a swift shuttlecraft, two skilled and well-rested Elysian soldiers, a strategist eager to prove himself, and a Nekovalkyrja. And if the teeth of the snakes of Essia should prove sharper than my boots, Taii Tanaka is well versed in first aid. Now, please join me in the medical bay… just in case I'm wrong."
With those words, Henry started walking toward the medbay.
Motoyama Kaori
Kaori nodded calmly and stepped forward quietly. He followed after Henry slowly. His eyes looked forward in that militaristic sense. His hand reached down and pulled out the combat knife he kept on his back at all times. He ran his thumb over the blade carefully. "Hm. Could use some sharpening." he said quietly, and to himself for the most part, following Henry quietly.
Drake Starblade
"We'll get right on that." Drake said to Celia and without further talk he and Mazda set out for the med bay.
Mokuren
Mazda smiled, "Well, looks like we're about to get some action", he then silently followed Drake to the med bay. Wonder what they were going to do there?”
Yangfan
Walking behind Henry and Motoyama, Shina stared at Motoyama while he examined his combat knife, silently wishing that he wouldn't wave that thing around while walking so close to the Taisho.
Soon, they reached the medical bay. Chui Hanayo Kasumi was the only one on duty at the moment. She assisted Motoyama while Shina helped Henry as they backed up their brain patterns on the ST machines.
By the time Mazda and Drake walked into the medical bay, Shina was lying on one of the examination tables while Kasumi was operating the ST machine for her. A mechanical arm attached to the table was holding the scanner part of the machine over Shina's head. They could also see Taisho Henry Chen and Taii Motoyama Kaori standing nearby.
"I'll get to you guys soon," said Kasumi to the Elysians.
"At ease, men," said Henry, nodding to the two. Normally, red-shirts were not allowed to speak to officers unless they were spoken to, so Henry made sure to greet the two Elysians, in case they had anything to say to him before the mission.
Drake Starblade
During his salute to Henry, Drake said "Hello Sir", Drake could tell by his panels that he was and his air of control that this was probably Taisho Henry Chen.
Mokuren
As soon as he was greeted by the officer, Mazda promptly saluted, that soft salute of his.
He did not say anything, thought, the Elysian with odd wing colors simply nodded at the 'At ease' command, putting himself at ease, as much as the situation allowed. In the meanwhile, he took the chance to look around... That certain Abriel Roma was supposed to be a medic, if he remembered correctly, wonder how she looked like?
Motoyama Kaori
He calmly let the others do their work. He wasn't really so much at home here in the medical bay. He preferred to have his scars. They were a reminder of mistakes he'd made, or things he'd overcome. So he generally got treatment to the point of he wouldn't die, then let natural healing take it is course, unless it interfered with his duty. He stood in silence, the rigid posture he always carried. He waited patiently for orders, or to be spoken to.
Yangfan
After Kasumi had helped Shina, she turned her attention to the two Elysian soldiers.
"Taii Tanaka, ma'am, could you please help me in assisting these two soldiers?" she asked.
"Of course," replied Shina with a smile.
"Thank you," said Kasumi. "Nitô Hei, Santô Hei, could each of you lie down on one of the examination tables, please?"
Meanwhile, Henry appeared to be reading from his datapad, occasionally pausing to cast a shy glance at Shina.
Motoyama Kaori
He glanced from his stern position, leaning against the wall quietly. He waited for a few minutes. "Admiral Chen." he said quietly. He stood straight now, addressing a superior officer. "IS there, anything I should know about?" he said sternly. He stepped forward towards Chen. His towering form was huge yet graceful in it is movements. "So that I may prepare myself for the surface."
Mokuren
Mazda nodded, silently obeying and laying himself up the examination table. So, they're sending us to the surface of a planet... Wonder what we are expected to do there? I didn't even have the chance to get a grasp of where we are, exactly.
For a moment, the Elysian wondered if he should have questioned about the purpose of the treatment, or that of the mission but in the end he decided to remain silent. Whatever was happening, somebody would eventually have explained them.
Yangfan
It didn’t take long for Mazda to surmise that the machine being held over his head was scanning his brain pattern. It was his people who invented this technology in the first place, which was used to literally bring people back from the dead. If he were diligent in his study of Elysian history, he would also remember that Yamataian agents stole the soul-transfer technology from Elysia, triggering a chain of events that led to the First Heavenly War. (OOC: It was the first war fought between Elysia and Yamatai.)
While Kasumi and Shina operated the ST machines hovering over Mazda and Drake, Henry leaned against one of the walls, and looked at Motoyama.
“Well,” he said. “I was going to brief you guys when we reached the shuttle bay, but I suppose this is as good a time as any. As you probably know, Taii Kaori, this will be a first contact mission of sorts. It appears that the local population consists of Nepleslians who have somehow lost contact with the rest of human civilization. Their leader considers herself a goddess, and calls herself Nagashun. She is most likely delusional, and so we will have to be careful around her. As for mission parameters, each of you must stick close to me, and not wander off. Also, do not harm the local wildlife under any circumstances, especially snakes, and avoid conflicts with them if possible. Since this is a diplomatic mission, we will each carry our side-arms only. We were not able to get any reliable weather measurements of the planet, so we will also be equipped with environmental suits as well… Any questions?”
Motoyama Kaori
He nodded quietly and crossed his arms. He looked over at Chen. "Yeah, I can see her being delusional. it is amazing what a simple minded people will believe with a slight view of high technology." He shook his head at that and nodded to Chen. "Heh. Good luck getting me to leave your side Admiral." He smirked slightly and shrugged. "Eh. I'll let you guys do the talking, and just hover over you in a protective fashion, you know, what I do best."
Drake Starblade
"Sir, I have a question. Should we carry our regular side-arms, or should we carry fancier ones if we have them?"
Mokuren
That briefing made Mazda wonder about the mission they were taking, a delusional goddess? Escorting an admiral? Not harming the wildlife? Not quite what he expected, but he probably just wasn't supposed to expect every place they were going to explore to be empty.
Yet, still...
"It seems we already know something about these inhabitants, sir. What are we supposed to do or learn about them in this official first contact?"
Yangfan
"It depends on what you have in mind, Santô Hei," replied Henry in response to Drake's question. "We don't want to look like we were there to fight. On the other hand, you'd need to be able to defend yourself first if you're to protect me. What exactly are you thinking about bringing along?"
Henry then turned to Mazda. "I suppose there is no harm in telling you our purpose in this mission. The Empire is always looking for new worlds to bring into the fold. This planet seems to be a good candidate. If I cannot convince them to join the Empire, then I will at least get them to agree to not assist our enemies."
In the mean time, Shina and Kasumi were helping Mazda and Drake get off the examination tables. The ST backup procedures were complete.
Drake Starblade
"No, it is more of a dress up weapon, my Type 28A NSP Gold Edition. Should I bring it?"
Motoyama Kaori
He simply stood quietly. "Take your standard issue firearm Santo Hei." He said sternly. "We don't need to draw attention to our weapons. It may give them the impression we don’t want." He then proceeded to pull a small block from his pocket, it was wrapped in a napkin. He leaned against the wall silently, and drug the edge of his combat knife across it. The knife was an older issue, sharp edged, with the serrated back. He had used it many times in a quick situation. He looked over at Chen, and nodded to the old sharpening block "...For good luck" he said quietly, and wrapped it back in a napkin, tucking it into his pocket, and placing the knife in a sheath located on his back.
Mokuren
Getting new worlds into the fold, the words ran through Mazda's head several times while getting up from the table, "Sounds easy enough", he then stated, "And I don't have to do the talking, myself. Good".
The Elysian nodded quietly, straightening up, "okay. Ready to get off."
Drake Starblade
"I'm with Mazda, if there isn't anything else we need to know I think we should get down there as soon as possible so they don't think were stalling." Getting of the table, Drake thought to himself: Geeze, I've only been on this ship a couple of hours and my wings are stiff. I hope I can do my flight exercises down there to maintain the little flight I can achieve.
Yangfan
Henry nodded, sensing that his troops were getting restless. "Follow me to the shuttle bay then."
A few moments later, in the shuttle bay…
As the five away team members entered the shuttle bay, they saw Meemeel helping a Kohanian embark a Jilanth shuttle. The two crewmembers and the shuttle were at least 20 yards away from where the away team was standing.
"Stay here for a moment," ordered Henry, before heading over to the shuttle to greet Meemeel and the Kohanian.
Shina, Motoyama, Mazda, and Drake could hear the ensuing conversation fairly well, despite the distance:
"Is this Nei?" asked Henry.
"Yes sir. This is Santô Juni Nei. She's being transferred over to…"
"Yamatai, for convalescence. Yes, I've heard," said Henry, interrupting Meemeel with a smile.
"Taisho Chen? Nei cannot see very well," said Nei.
"Yes. it is me… Have a safe journey, and get well soon."
"Thank you, sir."
"No, no, no… Nei, thank you," replied Henry, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I've read your files. You're an inspiration to all of us… Come on, let's get you home."
Henry and Meemeel helped Nei inside the shuttle, where a pilot was already waiting for her, then exited the shuttle.
"Good luck on your mission, sir," whispered Meemeel, before hurrying out of the shuttle bay.
Henry walked back to his away team. "Let's get inside our shuttle," he said, pointing to an Aerokitty in the corner. "So Celia can depressurize the shuttle bay."
As the away team members entered the shuttle, they found several AMES suits lying around, as well as the shuttle's pilot waiting for them. The pilot, a red-haired Neko, was already in her AMES suit, although she had her helmet in the co-pilot's seat. The pilot was also wearing her Nitô Juni rank pin.
"Put these on," ordered Henry, grabbing one himself. "There should be enough for everyone." The shuttle's hatch closed behind them as the last away team member entered the shuttle.
Meanwhile, the air inside the Celia's shuttle bay was quickly pumped out.
A few moments later, a Jilanth and an Aerokitty could be seen flying out of the shuttle bay. The Jilanth flashed out of existence as it entered hyperspace, while the Aerokitty descended toward the planet.
