The Galactic War: Rogue Element ~The Beginning

[Terenia]

Unsurprisingly, Varit's entrance into the Dome seems to be causing a bit of a stir. Chris notices an Andalite step near, and several of his fellow rebels look up in surprise. He does his best to appear nonchalant, glancing over his shoulder to give Varit a bland smile.

"We'll probably have to put Resseliss in stasis, at least until we figure out a protein source," Chris says apologetically. His train of thought is interrupted by Keshin, and Varit's rather strong reaction to the idea of being under attack.

Keslin steps into control again, giving Keshin a small shake of his head. "I don't know," he says, his eyes roving to the now-transparent Dome. "Yeerk craft," he says. "Imperial, no doubt. There are no other Yeerks left with enough fire power to attack an Andalite Dome Ship. Even the rebellion would have never dared."

He grimaces at the tell-tale signs of battle, but forces himself to remain focused. "Keshin, this is Varit, our newest rescue," he says. "He needs Kandrona. Can you show him where the pool is and take his host to a stasis chamber?"

<<You're leaving Varit with a turelek?>> Chris asks in surprise.

<<If Resseliss cannot control himself and attacks, I would prefer turelek blood shed to one of our true allies,>> Keslin responds.

<<Ouch. Ruthless, man.>>

Keslin ignores Chris, running a shaking hand through his hair. "I need to go see if I can be of any help on the bridge. Let me know if there are any problems, either of you, eh?"

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin glances around the displays as Claxter takes the ordered actions.  The maneuver at first seems to be pointless and perhaps unintelligent, until the Blade Ship's momentum carries it partally into the Tyrennian's firing arc.  Ossanlin discharges all three primaries, punching through the shields and melting a semi-circular hole all the way through one side of the "neck" of the Blade Ship behind its battle bridge.

<Z-Rad increasing exponentially, sir.>  Esarvit calls out.

<Yes.>  Ossanlin confirms.  <All fighters, flow behind the Tyrennian to avoid the wake.>

A few seconds later, the Blade Ship's emergency jump shields ignite and there's a bright flash as the Blade Ship escapes into Z-Space.  They wouldn't be able to go far with such a grievous injury...they'd have to stop somewhere for repairs, but tracking them would be difficult, especially for a single ship.  Besides which, they still have a freighter to deal with.

Ossanlin's combat displays slowly shrink down as he brings the Tyrennian's primary combat systems from active to standby.  <Claxter bring us within ten klicks of that freighter.>  Ossanlin glances around the bridge...Keslin had not yet returned from escorting the new arrival.  He opens a communication with Serid and Keslin.  <Serid, prepare a boarding party...Keslin...yo ur input would be appreciated if you would be willing to join me on the bridge.>



Eleric gets off a couple of shots before the order to flow behind the Tyrennian is given.  He furrows his brow and scoffs, but does as ordered...a properly-shielded jump wouldn't put out much of a wake...nothing like the freighter earlier, but that wasn't to say there wouldn't be some sort of failure that would cause one.  Really it just bothers him to let the thing go...a Blade Ship was a prestigious kill, something he one day knew he'd be able to say he'd downed.  He'd been hoping that day would be today.

Just like that, the Blade Ship vanishes.  <Lightning-strike, containment perimeter on that freighter.>  He hears Ossanlin's voice through the comm.  <Alright boys, back to guard-duty.>  Eleric turns his fighter lazily, making his way back to toward the freighter.

[Aluminator (Kit)]

Aetheas continues to watch Ossanlin's every move. The term textbook comes to mind-- as far as space battles go, this one is executed about as smoothly as can be expected. When Ossanlin directs the Tyrennian into what will be the battle-ending maneuver, it takes Aetheas a few seconds to recognize what the Captain intends... though he is proud of himself for spotting the finish of the maneuver before it's actually reached.

As soon as the Blade Ship has jumped, Aetheas steps back from the station. He's shaking, he realizes, and his hearts are pounding as the adrenaline clears his system. There's not much left to do now, except cleanup work. He doesn't expect whatever resistance remains on the salvage freighter to give them much trouble.

And damage to the Tyrennian has remained minimal. He pulls up his personal display of the ship, checking all systems one by one. A bit of superficial scorching, but the shields have absorbed nearly all of the punishment. One of the reactors seems to be running a bit hot, but aside from a few minor things here and there, the ship appears to be in great shape considering they've just fought against an Imperial Blade Ship.

Still, he questions the wisdom of having engaged these Yeerks without the support of the Andalite infrastructure behind them.


Varit bucks, almost horse-like, as Resseliss realizes what Keslin is saying. <<Stasis!>> shouts Resseliss. <<Not stasis! Let me eat first! Let me eat first! I'll starve!>>

Varit clamps down, both mentally and physically, pressing his body to the deck and refusing to move while he fights Resseliss for control. <<Calm down! Resseliss! You're better than this! Remember?>> he shouts at his host.

For a few moments, the pair sits, unmoving, pressed against the grass. <<You're right,>> Resseliss concedes. Soon Varit is able to lift himself up.

"Sorry," he says, "this whole situation is... difficult. Thank you, Keslin." His voice is sincere.

"Keshin..." he says, looking at the woman. "Have we... met? I'm sorry... I don't actually recognize your host. But then," he says quickly, covering his tracks, "I haven't spent that much time around the base with a host, and almost no time at all with a Taxxon, so things look different..."

[Chad32]

It seemed the Blade Ship got away. At least for now. Taking any Blade ship out of commission would have been a boon for anyone fighting the Empire. Claxter turned to approach the freighter, which was definitely a treasure for them at this point. Things might have been better, but they might have been worse. He stretched his tense muscles, and slowed his breathing to help calm himself. This had been a good first battle for him as pilot. He did keep a close eye on the prize, though, since until they had it firmly in hand the wasn't sure what surprised they might pull in retaliation.



Ferxal noticed outside the dome that the Blade Ship had fled, but they disabled a freighter. He would enjoy being a member of the boarding party, but he doubted they would let him. Still, maybe the Captain would command all able bodied Warriors to prepare for a boarding attempt, and he could volunteer then.

[Terenia]

Keslin is no more than a few feet out of the Dome when he hears Ossanlin's thought-speak. The sound makes him wince a little -- he isn't sure he will ever get used to the distinct cadence of an Andalite's thoughts, boring their way into his mind. He picks up his pace, skirting around the few Andalites that are not tending to the current drama. In truth, a part of him is glad for the distraction, and an excuse to leave the Taxxon-Controller in someone else's hands.

"What's the situation?" Keslin asks as soon as he steps onto the bridge, his eyes finding Ossanlin easily enough. Amazing how quickly he has become accustomed to distinguishing individual Andalites. Not so long ago they all looked very much the same to him. As he waits for a response, he automatically steps towards the computer console that he has unofficially claimed in the rebels' brief time aboard the Dome Ship.

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin watches as Keslin steps up to the currently-vacant Comm-Sec station.  He zooms the primary viewer in on the remaining freighter.  <A skirmish.  The Blade Ship fled, the frigate and second freighter were destroyed.>  Ossanlin gestures at the viewer with a hand.  <As you can see, this freighter is disabled.  I have Serid forming a first-contact boarding party to subdue the surviving crew.>  Ossanlin turns his main eyes on Keslin.  <It occurred to me, however, that the best person to lead such a party would not be one of my Warriors, but one of yours, or you yourself.  At any rate, I would appreciate your input upon the most-efficient manner of subduing or capturing the crew and stripping this thing to the frame.>

[Aluminator (Kit)]

Aetheas continues skimming his readouts of the Tyrennian's status for a few moments. He turns his attention to the freighter. New. Perhaps brand new, before they'd crippled it. And at a glance it seems to be up to nearly Andalite manufacturing standards. The Empire has always improved quickly. It has always been all the Andalites can do just to stay ahead technologically, and the Yeerks show no signs of slowing their technological advance.

Before he can investigate further, Ossanlin speaks of forming a boarding party.

<I am willing to join the boarding party,> he says to the two of them. A bit insubordinate, perhaps, but he's not really over having been denied the chance to assist in the Corvus raid. And there'd be no better way to investigate the Yeerk freighter than to be there.

[Shenmue654]

Keshin's eyes widen as the Taxxon introduced to him as Varit freaks out, presumably because he can't keep control of the Taxxon's ravenous hunger. Keshin's hand briefly and instinctively moves to his gun, and something tenses throughout Joanne's body. Keshin shakes his head as Varit maintains control of the Taxxon.

<What the hell was that?>

<Instinct. I wasn' goin' ta do nothin'.>

<You'd better not. We're in no condition to fight anyone with anything.>

"Yes, I can tell that your control is less than ideal," states Keshin, suddenly all business again. He begins to walk across the grass towards the Dome's exit, although they are very close to it. "How did you get landed with him if he's not your main host? What happened to bring you onboard the Tyrennian during or close to a firefight?"

[Terenia]

Keslin turns his full attention to the viewscreen, watching the visuals as Ossanlin fills him in.

<<Imperials. Just what we need,>> he murmurs quietly, watching the disabled ship float, dead in the water.

"Do you have a reading on how many lifeforms are still on the ship?" he asks, glancing at Ossanlin. "Odds are that those still on board are heavily armed, even if they are not warriors, strictly speaking, so I would be prepared."

He frowns a little, considering. "I can lead the mission, if you would like, or I can send either Dom or Nefitt. Dom is probably our best at negotiation, and Nefitt is has the medical background to treat any immediate wounds that may have been incured in the battle."

His eyes flicker back to the screen. "Are you looking to take hostages or to eliminate the threat entirely? If possible, we would prefer to save what host bodies we can."

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin nods curtly.  <Any survivors will be captured if possible, eliminated if not.  Prisoners will be starved out.  Perhaps the Taxxon will not have to be placed in stasis just yet.  There won't be negotiations...I think you already know that, Keslin.  Esarvit?>

<Sensors currently show ten remaining life-signs aboard.  Only seven have shown any mobility within the last five standard minutes.  One of the immobilized is extremely weak.>

<Seven hostiles then, Keslin.  They're a freighter crew, will they truly be so heavily-armed?>

Ossanlin turns a stalk eye on Aetheas.  <<You may accompany team beta once the hostiles have been dealt with.  Please understand, Aetheas, I do not discredit your fighting skills...you are simply too valuable to put at risk with this endeavor.>>

[Terenia]

Keslin swallows, keeping his expression neutral as Ossanlin speaks.

<<Ruthless,>> he comments internally, his mental tone somewhere between respect and discomfort.

<<Nothing we haven't done before,>> Chris responds, equally grim.

Nodding, Keslin forces a tight smile. "They will each have at least a standard Dracon beam. Givent he circumstances, I would not be surprised if the...the hostiles had managed to procure energy deflectors. They act as a weak force field around an individual in battle, and most ships are equipped with an emergency supply. Probably not enough for all seven, but a few."

He lets out a slow breath. "A Shredder or Dracon shot will be deflected off of these fields, at least initially. The last one I came in contact with took three or four direct shots before the field was weakened enough to break through and hit the target."

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin turns his main eyes on Keslin.  Personal energy deflectors...a novel idea.  That could be useful to procure, assuming Keslin and Myitt's people didn't know how to create them already.  <If we could procure those deflectors, it could indeed be useful.  We...the Electorate...>  Ossanlin corrects himself...it's still odd to think of himself outside of the Andalite government.  <The Electorate do not currently have any kind of personal energy-deflection technology.>  He doesn't add that Sector Seven likely does.  <There will certainly be useful supplies and components aboard.  We can't afford to pass up this opportunity.  The Blade Ship would've been a lovely catch, but ten times as hard to actually take.  This freighter reminds me of a fat ezbit lounging atop the pond home of a hungry kreklet.>

He taps a couple of buttons on his virtual console, watching it with a stalk eye, his main eyes still on Keslin.  <I have enough ASAR's to arm nearly everyone who's currently aboard the Tyrennian.  I also have several pulse-detonators.  How will these energy deflectors hold up against those?>  ASAR's were more-powerful than standard handhelds of course...each rapid pulse unleashed by its SI firing mode contained nearly the same amount of energy as a standard handheld shot.  Its standard shot is nearly five times as powerful as that unleashed by a standard handheld.  And the pulse-detonators, resembling spherical plastic balls the size of a hand, unleashed a strong pressure-wave when detonated.  The wave was not strong enough to be lethal, except in the case of Taxxons...their bodies usually burst from the pressure if near the device when it detonated.  The wave would knock a hork-bajir off of its feet and cause severe disorientation, but not death.  Humans fared worse, usually suffering from burst timpanic membranes which then proceeded to bleed from the ears...but still survived the pressure-wave.

[Aluminator (Kit)]

Varit turns towards the exit with Keshin. He lets out a screeching sound that may be a laugh. "Taxxons aren't the most pleasant hosts," he confides to Keshin. "Ressesliss and I were together in the Empire, but once I reached the Rebellion, I quickly tired of the Taxxon hunger. There's less to eat at the Rebellion, and the Taxxons always believe they're starving. I relegated myself to the pool. I had no host for a while. Then there was Jenny. Every few days, she'd come by, be my host, let me share her eyes and arms and legs." He smiles... sort of... "She's a good person. Splits her time between six or seven of us who don't have hosts of our own."

"When the base was attacked," he continues, "Jenny wasn't hosting me. I was in the pool, and Resseliss... he... he found me. He saved me." He allows his feeling of gratitude to flow through to his host, who practically beams with pride internally.

"As for the timing..." he 'laughs' again, "had I known there were Imperials around, you wouldn't have caught me withing a hundred parsecs of this place."

"So..." he says apologetically, "what'd you do on base?"


Aetheas listens with interest to the discussion of the defensive fields. That could be useful indeed... if Keslin expected the Imperials to have outfitted this freighter with a supply, that means the program is more advanced than Aetheas had suspected.

<<Yes, Captain,>> says Aetheas when the Captain orders him not to board the freighter until it's secure. He's unable to keep some level of resentment out of his voice. Ossanlin may say he considers Aetheas too valuable to risk, but as Aetheas notes, Ossanlin himself took part in the raid on Corvus less than two weeks prior.

He steps back to his station and continues going over displays, readouts of the Tyrennian's systems, the computer's recording of the battle, anything he can get his hands on. At the same time, he continues listening to the conversation between Keslin and Ossanlin.

[Shenmue654]

Keshin snickers, glancing at Varit as they exit the Dome and begin to head towards the Yeerk Pool. "I wasn't doing
anything on base, Varit. My host and I, Joanne, are technically a turelek known as Static Shock. Ridiculous name, but it wasn't my idea and it makes more sense in context. We got some early jobs because people wondered what kind of **** bounty hunter would give himself a superhero name."

Keshin continues wandering, awkwardly with the Taxxon following him. It's not like it was the first time he'd had a massive sentient worm pair trailing him, but it always put him on edge. Taxxon hunger was unpredictable, and they weren't even rebels. "You're lucky your host was kind enough to bring you along."

[Terenia]

Keslin frowns as he considers. "They would probably lessen the blow," he says, "but I doubt the deflectors would be able to completely block it. They would certainly give us an advantage, though I don't know how much they would damage the technology."

He steps away from the computer terminal, sighing and running a hand through his hair. "Myitt can fix just about anything, so I wouldn't worry about that too much." He hesitates. "Would you prefer for me to be present on this mission, or for me to assign one of our people to it?" He dislikes asking Ossanlin for his preferences, but it is as much of an olive branch as he is comfortable giving.