The Galactic War: Rogue Element ~The Beginning

[Chad32]

Claxter hears Dom complimenting the ship. <I'm glad you like it. I don't think we have a bar, at least not the kind you probably mean.> <<There are some edible product used for medical reasons that could probably be mixed to make something close to a drink, but I'm not sure if the Princes would encourage that kind of thing.>>

He walks over to Efaen. <Try to relax. I promise nothing bad will happen to you here. Would it make you feel better if I morphed too?>

[Estelore]

Enorryma gave Chris the most 'human' nod she knew how to give. <I have carried things much heavier than a human; Andalite legs look slender, but we are very strong for hoofed quadrupeds. If she is willing and you will assist her getting seated, I will not allow her to fall or be harmed.>  She crouched a bit so that her back would be a bit lower than a human center of gravity.

[KitsuneMarie]

Illim leans over to Myitt to murmur quietly enough he doesn't distract the others from the tour, "Not sure, honestly. I never knew him as anything but a nothlit." At Terenia's emotional outburst, he licks his lips and whispers to Myitt, leaning away from Terenia to do so, "I'm gonna request Terenia gets a room close to ours. She's gonna need us." He sighs, his hand coming up to join Myitt's on Terenia's back.


Serid finally pulls his distracted gaze from Illim and tracks the individuals as Claxter mentions them. <<I have my directives from the War-Prince as well,>> he says. <<But I thank you for your input, Claxter.>> He gives him a small nod.


Tess nods to Aya and Lanath with a grateful smile, but when Enorryma offers her back to carry her, she blinks in surprise, her dark eyes widening. "I... I'll be okay," she tells her partner, squeezing his hand. We don't want to be rude, she adds to herself, and I don't think I can keep standing anyway.

Then she nods to the Andalite. "I appreciate it. Sorry if I'm uncomfortably heavy at this point, but... I think I'll take you up on it," she huffs a smile. She lets go of Chris's hand and tentatively reaches for Enorryma, placing a hand on her flank. "If you're sure, that is."

[Estelore]

<I am sure. If you keep both your legs on the same side of my back, as you would sit in a chair, you can lean sideways against me and hold on that way with an arm around my torso. I will also hold you in place with the main length of my tail; the blade will not be near you at all, and you will be unable to slip off my back accidentally. It, too, will provide you a place to grab for stability. Just let me know when you are in position as comfortably as possible, and then I will raise up and continue walking with you.>

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin's eyes widen as Tess begins to climb onto Enorryma's back.  If he'd had a mouth, his chin would've been resting solidly on the grass.  He manages to wrest control of his face after the momentary lapse and merely blinks a couple of times before moving on with his commentary.

<Yes...well the Warriors' quarters, one deck down from the dome, would not be large enough to be shared by more than one individual.  We currently lack certain officers.  So those of you who wish to share will be temporarily living in some of the vacant officer quarters.  For those interested in knowing, I will discuss which officers I currently lack, but for now...Myitt and Illim, you should find the Flight Commander's quarters suitable.  And Keslin and Tess, I think the First Medical Officer's quarters would work for you.  Each unit contains only a single sleep module, but I assume that will not be an issue.  Those of you who are not sharing quarters will be housed one deck below, in a few of the vacant Warriors' quarters.>

[Shenmue654]

Keshin and Joanne follow Ossanlin close behind, trying not to bring too much attention to themselves when they enter the Tyrennian. It's clear that they have to make some allies aboard the ship, but for the longest time they have been unsure how to go about it. Nearly everyone here either hates them or is trying to pull themselves together. Their conversation with Lanath was...interesting, but not very revealing about whether the sarcastic Yeerk would be any help.

Keshin breathes in the warm air of the dome with pleasure, looking around the rich visual environment mimicking the Andalite home world with delight. "I've never seen this before." He taps his foot on the grass and turns his head in various directions, glancing in curiosity at the strangely colored trees. Joanne seems to internally be thrilled at being in a wide open space, but it's suddenly getting hard to breathe. Keshin coughs loudly, clutching Joanne's aching chest. He's not sure whether it's the Dome air, or merely the latest manifestation of their usual problem. He squirms in the group awkwardly, making a few more coughs and stumbling before attempting to move forward. Not good.

"Uhm...Ossanlin..." he states a bit breathlessly. "...we're going to need certain...things... to survive for long...or we're going to get sick." Keshin appears to get control of the coughing, maintaining his ground and brushing Joanne's jumpsuit off. "We never got the chance, however...to really thank you for saving us from the prison. We'd be willing to take up any job on the ship you could trust us with."

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin glances at Keshin.  He shows no discomfort outwardly, but remains supremely wary inside.  Keshin couldn't hope to gain anything by attacking anyone on the ship...not now, not without an escape route.  The most that should be feared of the bounty hunter is waking up one day minus a fighter or small craft.

<I have no idea where your loyalties lie, Keshin.  I have no way of knowing even if your gratitude is sincere.  I suppose everyone can change...but I clearly remember a time when you would've ended my life, or that of anyone else, for the right price, no matter the buyer.  And I have no reason to believe that that or any other part of you has changed.  Trust is earned, not gifted.>  He glances up at the rest of the gathered rebels.  <That goes for everyone.  The only one of you that I trust is Myitt.  I'm sorry if that sounds brash, but it's the truth, and I'll not lie nor play games with you.  Myitt can tell you how she earned my trust if she wishes...that particular situation will never happen again, but if one manages to earn my trust, she can also vouch for my loyalty.  It was that very loyalty that took me on this mission to remove you from that awful facility.  To forsake my own home and its corrupt government.  To me, you've all shown yourselves to be allies of the People.  To me, the People are not just Andalites, but every single person that resists what the Empire would do...the enslavement and subjugation of all the free species of the Galaxy.  But I will not trust until I know your motives to be Just.  I am truly sorry that your only current option is to trust me for the greater part, but soon I hope to reunite you with the rest of your survivors, and then I hope that other options will be open to you.>

<I don't expect true trust any more than I truly trust you.  I will endeavor to earn your trust as I hope you will all endeavor to earn mine.   Trust cannot be forced, and I would never attempt to do so.  For now, you will all have quarter, food, water, and other needful things.  Serid here is my First Active Security Officer.  He's in charge of maintaining ship security.  He and his squads will be busy over the next few days as we get you settled in.  He will be placing seasoned representatives near your quarters in case you should have any questions or unforeseen needs.>

The two Andalites that had been unloading the supplies from the Mirage phase slowly through the projected hologram and trot up to Ossanlin.  <Sir, where would you like these...supplies... offloaded?>

Ossanlin nods.  <Please put them in the Flight Commander's Quarters, Akseth.>

The two tail-salute and start pushing the hover-lift back and to the left.  Ossanlin glances at Myitt.  <I'll ask you to dole out the needed supplies if you would, Myitt.  You're much more familiar with the dietary requirements of both Yeerks and Humans.>

He directs his gaze to the group at large.  <Those of you who wish to join me on the bridge may do so.  You may also relax here in the dome, or retire to your assigned quarters.  Serid can direct any of those of you assigned to the Warriors' quarters to the appropriate location.  It's simple, merely return to the ramp-well and descend one level, then walk in this same direction.  We have a cluster of quarters prepared for you on deck one.  The toiletries units have been...adapted...to handle both liquid and solid waste.  We have also provided large, valved containers of water as it is my understanding that most of you would be uncomfortable with drinking from the stream.>  He gestures a short way to his left, indicating the clear, babbling brook of water.

He directs a private thought to Joanne and Keshin.  <<You are speaking of a drug, I assume.  You will need to supply me with information.>>

He speaks to the entire group again.  <Does anyone wish to retire to quarters at this time?>

[Shenmue654]

Keshin listens carefully to Ossanlin's speech about trust to the assembled rebels. Joanne's chest still hurts, and he can still feel the struggling pangs of her accelerated heartbeat. It's not like this hasn't happened before: they have countless small issues like this a week, and the number of issues is only increasing. Keshin shifts his weight carefully, trying not to look as weak as they both feel. It wouldn't be good to show weakness among this crowd---he doesn't like them any more than they like him. Ossanlin and Myitt are both too honorable to get rid of their "liability," but of Ossanlin's crew and the other rebels he knows nothing.

<Bah, yeah. But we can' jus' go about this like usual.>

<How in Kandrona are we supposed to go about it, then? They're clearly not willing to throw us a bone, even when we offer ourselves.>

<Can' blame 'em there, Kess. We tried to kill 'im.>

<He interfered with our job and nearly murdered us by proxy. There was little other choice.>

<Well, we have to get th' stuff somehow. We need to talk to Blue Boy in private.>

"We don't wish to retire," states Keshin, rubbing his chest but holding his own without too much difficulty. "....we will need to speak with you on the bridge regarding certain difficulties. I realize that we have a history and that you don't like us because of it, but this isn't something we can ignore."

[Terenia]

"Your Princes just have not met me yet," Dom says with a self-assured grin. "Likely they need an excuse to loosen up. I know I do." His expression darkens again as he thinks about just how much he would like to drink himself into a stupor to forget what has happened.

"I think I will take you up on the relaxation offer," he says to Ossanlin. "I do not know how much use I will be in finding the others, so perhaps it is best I stay out of the way."


Efaen jumps in surprise when Claxter approaches her; her eyes had been on the ground and she didn't hear his approach. Now she looks up, regarding him warily. "How can you promise something like that?" she asks. "The last time I was on this ship bad things happened. I was locked away and carted back to your Homeworld like a prisoner. Like cargo."

His offer to morph seems to perplex her. "Why would you morph? Aren't you more comfortable in that form?"


Keslin hovers close to Tess as she mounts the Andalite, his hands hovering protectively near her, lest she falls. Only after Ossanlin mentions the bridge does he begin to look conflicted. "Tess..." he murmurs, pretending that Enorryma is not there at all. "You should go to the quarters and rest. So long as you feel safe. I--" He sighs, lips turned down apologetically. "I should go to the bridge with the Andalite. Half the people here are pirates...they need to see me in charge."

<<So much for taking time off when the babies are born,>> Chris mutters dejectedly.

<<Chris...>> Keslin sighs. <<I am sorry, truly I am. If it becomes a problem, I...I can see if Dom or Niko or someone else who is unhosted will allow me to infest them temporarily. You have done more than your duty, these years.>>

<<**** that, man,>> Chris says with a soft, internal laugh. <<We're in this together, like we always have been. Just don't forget about Tess, alright? She needs you too.>>

<<Yes, I know,>> Keslin says, dropping his gaze down to his ever-trembling hands. <<I need her, as well. As much as I ever have.>>


Terenia continues sobbing, little tremors running through her body. She gives no indication of hearing or understanding Ossanlin. She only time she looks up her eyes lock briefly on Illim's. "Too much," she whispers, her words barely comprehensible through her tears. "I can't do this."

[Chad32]

Claxter thought maybe he was going to like Dom. Just as long as he didn't take things too far. Andalites and Humans may have different opinions of what is too far, though.

<We're not going back to the Homeworld, Efaen. We're all rebels now. Prince Ossanlin was just trying to get you away from the rebels, and due to your wipe you had forgotten that they weren't your friends. Perhaps some have been friendly, but Myitt surely isn't and she's one of the ones in charge. The Andalites that abandoned you are not the Andalites that are on this ship, and if anyone gives you a hard time, I'll find them something better to do. As for morphing, I wouldn't feel uncomfortable on the ship as a Human. If you would feel more comfortable with me as a Human, I'll morph. I just want you to feel more safe here.>

<Was your talk with the Electorate before or after you were sent home? Did Prince Ossanlin take you home after the Electorate decided they didn't want you back? In any case, did you think he was just going to leave you there? You attacked them, they wiped your memory and put a Yeerk in your head, and then what? Why would he just leave you to them, exactly?>

<You know, part of it was his fault. He wasn't the one who convinced you to go to the rebels, but he was the one who let you go. It was a bad idea.>

[Terenia]

Efaen stares at him, unsure how to begin answering his barrage of questions. "Um..." she starts, then falters. Licking her lips she tries again. "Ossanlin took me from the rebels because I...because of the murderous acts I committed. From what he and others have told me, they were not a part of my orders, and by killing the Yeerks in the pool I went against orders. He was relieving me from duty."

She sighs a little, looking out over the false homeworld. "He would have come for me whether they erased my memories or not. He probably would have taken me to the Electorate whether they erased my memories or not. They're the ones who pass judgment for war crimes. The Electorate decided from there that I was...that I wasn't fit for active military duty. That my memory wipe essentially made me a vecol." She practically spits the Andalite word, her melancholy expression briefly exchanged for anger. "Even if I hadn't had my memory wiped I may have been relieved from military duty for my actions. I certainly would have been dishonored, which for some unfathomable reason matters more to you people than winning."

[Chad32]

<As far as honor or winning goes, the way you get there is more important than getting to your destination. That's why honor is important. I'm sure we're not the only species who has valued honor. Now, I don't think Prince Ossanlin is going to give you further punishment just for what you did, so there isn't much reason to believe something horrible is going to happen just because you're on his ship again. We're all in the same boat. I'm sure at least most of us have done things we regret, and yours is certainly not the worst wrong that's been committed among the people on this ship. As long as we cooperate, we can get through this, and we're all on the same side here.>

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin nods to the congregated rebels.  <Serid, please remain with the group while I escort Tess to the First Medical Officer's quarters.  Once those two return from the Flight Commander's quarters, have Akseth stay here in order to assist those who wish to remain in the dome and keep Erril with you as you escort those who wish down to the Warrior's quarters.  Order him to remain there and provide any necessary assistance, then return to the bridge.>

<Those who wish to remain in the dome, please stand over here.>  Ossanlin points to his left.  <Those of you who wish to retire to quarters, please stand over here.>  He points to his right.  <And those who wish to accompany me to the bridge, please stand here.>  He points directly out in front of himself.  <I will return shortly.>  He moves his main eyes to regard his TO.  <Enorryma...Tess, please follow me.>

Ossanlin turns and begins to trot back and to the right, phasing through the hologram to reveal a set of widely-spaced doors and windows in the aft wall of the bottom of the dome.  He commands one of the doors to open, and it slides to the side to reveal a fairly spacious little apartment.  At the far end of the room is another sealed door.  To the left is a living area with a viewscreen, and then a sleeping suite.  A row of windows all along the wall look out into the Dome proper, but they are polarized one-way, so that the occupants of the room may see out, but no one else may see in.  A work-station sits just off from the other door, and along the back-side wall is an enclosed space with another door that contains the waste processor and cleaning suite.

He enters and turns around, waiting for Enorryma and Tess to enter before speaking.  <This is one of the smaller officers' quarters, but it should suit your needs.  The windows are polarized one way, so that you can see out, but those outside cannot see in.  During sleep, or any other time that you might desire, you may fully polarize the windows so that no light can filter through, or you can set them so that a reduced amount of light filters through.  The quarters are fully insulated, no sounds will be able to disturb you through the walls.>  He points to the left.  <I'm afraid we do not have any...chairs...for you yet.  They will need to be fabricated, though I thought it best to consult you all before creating any.  But there is a viewscreen here which can be used for whatever purposes you wish.  It's linked to the ship's communications systems.  The sleeping suite is sequestered in that corner...it uses force fields to suspend your body, much like the medical support system.  You can customize how firm the field's support is.  I do believe you can cause it to resemble the firmness of a human nest.>

He trots in a bit further and gestures to the toiletries area.  <The waste disposal system is back there...it, too, uses force fields to guide waste away from the body and properly dispose of it.  There is a shower with both sonic and hydrous capabilities.  The workstation contains a basic tool kit.  That's about it.  Feel free to relax.  If you have any questions or concerns, you may use the viewscreen to request assistance, either from the central computer's mainframe, or from me.>

Ossanlin falls silent, waiting to see if Tess has any questions or if Enorryma has anything she wishes to contribute to the explanations.

[Terenia]

Efaen's dark eyebrows rise. "No?" she asks quietly. "Who here has done worse than murder dozens of helpless creatures in cold blood when they could not protest or fight back?" She gives Claxter a small, flat smile. "I don't remember doing it, but it still weighs on my conscience. What weighs even heavier, though, is the fact that the person I was before the memory wipe likely would have viewed such an atrocity as a victory."


Keslin trails behind Ossanlin and Enorryma, his eyes on Tess the entire time. Whether he intends on going to the bridge or not, he is certainly not leaving Tess until he knows where she is, and that she is safe and comfortable.

"Tess," Keslin murmurs, "I still have my comm link, it was in my holster. If you need me...if anything happens. Just let me know, okay?" He steps forward, ignoring the Andalites, and plants a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I love you."

[Chad32]

<Let's see. There was a Human who abandoned her family because her father hit them sometimes when he was drunk. She found the Andalites, got morphing power, and eventually became a Yeerk nothlit. Later she kidnapped an Andalite to go serve a Visser to save her sister. Even when she found out her sister was a voluntary controller, and the Yeerk emperial treated her sister with more respect than she treated her slave, she still wanted to take her sister away to who knows where.>

<She did work for Visser Three for years, surely doing horrible things for self centered reasons while treating her host like property. Eventually she met an Andalite Prince, but like a hypocrite complained about unwanted help while she had been trying to give unwanted help to her sister. She eventually killed her sister, and convinced her slave to come to the rebels, though only because she wanted her slave to continue being her host. That Prince actually managed to get her back to her Human self, where they both went to the rebels together.>

<So yes, while killing a bunch of helpless Yeerks was wrong, and the Electorate was probably more angry that you disobeyed orders than about the dead Yeerks, worse things have been done for worse reasons. That is, of course, just one example, and there could be other stories I'm not aware of.>