The Disruption (IC)

"We have reached the border of Jorro'kil territory, Admiral."

Admiral Lirr nodded. For a long time, the Markovan Empire had stayed within their arm of the galaxy, the events taking place outside coming only as rumors. Recent growth and new conquests, however, was driving an increased interest in the universe beyond their usual travelings. Most of that area was owned by the Confederacy, the RWF, and the Covenant. However, it was the Jorro'kil had garnered the most interest from the Empire, since their philosophy and interests seemed so much alike. The most important reason for their interest came from the recent report of a certain Captain Rithslac ve Jirric of the 20th regiment of the 8th legion of Admiral Lirr's own division.

One year ago, Captain Rithslac had been sent on an excursion into the area near the Third Arm of the galaxy. His company had here come across a small squad of Jorro'kil besieged by a race known as the Karthla. Rithslac had attempted to lend aid to the Jorro'kil; however, he had lost his entire company in the attempt. Fortunately, the Jorro'kil had rescued him, and, with a fair amount of adventure along the way, had returned him. Rithslac gave a glowing report of his rescuers, describing them as an honorable race of brave warriors. Impressed by this, the Empire had begun looking into the Jorro'kil, as well as the events that had taken place ten years ago. Now, a year later, the first Markovan embassy, with Admiral Lirr picked as the main representative, was being sent to contact the Jorro'kil Free Absolute.

Admiral Lirr took a deep breath and let out a sigh of satisfaction. He had personally examined Captain Rithslac's report, and was one of the main parties pushing for contact. Now that dream would be realized.

"Open a communication channel, Captain, and let them know we're here."

The following message was promptly beamed out into space:

This is the embassy ship Herald wishing to make contact the Jorro'kil Free Absolute. We come in peace on behalf of the Markovan Empire, and ask for your permission to enter your territory. We wish to propose a mutual alliance between our two species.

Somewhere near the outer reaches of the Galaxy...

If she tried very hard, Ravage could remember that today, in Krylon time, was her birthday. However, she felt no reason to celebrate, and there was nobody to rejoice with. Celena, the white Summonagon, was a young lady, and had gotten married on her home planet. Likewise, Samir had chosen to go live on a mixed-race planet where nobody would consider him strange. Around her, the galaxy was changing as time passed, while Ravage remained the same. It had been eleven years ago that everything she had stood for had been stripped away. Even when there was nothing left, she had been unable to take her revenge on Kradus, the one who had masterminded the destruction of her home. Krylon was gone, Samir and Celena had moved on, and time passed. What was there for Ravage to celebrate? She was thirty years old, no longer young, and yet she did not even seem to feel the passage of time. Her body's healing factor seemed to bring aging to a halt, and so she assumed she had a longer lifespan as well.

What was the point of a long life when there was no purpose? She was alone in the galaxy, a rebel with no more cause. At the end of a war, there was supposed to be peace, but where could Ravage find it? All she felt now was the cold air of her ship, the lack of light and the pitch black void of space. She had tried to find a place, but even the Jorro'kil had failed to do this. Mutated by a mysterious serum, she felt like an experiment under the watchful eyes of a mad scientist. She did not belong anywhere, and she did not deserve friends, for the way she was. She was a freak, some unnatural remains of a fallen people, with mental scars too thick to ever be healed.

She was alone, and she was an abomination.

A large Nolwikkan spaceship drifted near a large star, almost ten times larger than their own star, Eren. The spaceship was outside the borders of the Greater Dominion, but not too far away. After all, the Archlord wanted to preserve the empire's neutrality.

The starship was large and well-known throughout the local empires. It was called the Battle Cry, and, as the name suggested, it was a warship. However, for the last forty years, it has been patrolling the borders, intercepting trespassers and enslaving them, until their empire came to take them back. It was rather effective, and less than 200 trespassers have been caught in the last ten years. However, what they were about to discover would be different.

Life on the Battle Cry was relatively uneventful, and trespassers were rare. This would explain the surprise everyone felt when a large thud was heard at the bottom of the ship, near the docks.

As soon as the thud was heard, the bridge began to fill with Nolwikkans. Among the group was a tall Nolwikkan, wearing a cap that clearly signaled that he was an important figure; the captain. "Status reports! What was that thud?" He shouted. "Explain, if you have an answer!"

One Nolwikkan spoke above the chatter of the others, "I believe that we have encountered a small asteroid, although the radar didn't pick it up. The only other suggestion I have is that it is a ship, although I don't know of technology so advanced that it can avoid the radars, sir!"

The captain, known as Hayk, paused for half a second before it was clear that he has made a decision. "Intercept the object. Asteroid or not, I need to know what it is!" The Nolwikkans all shouted, each at their own accord. "Yes sir!"

They all headed to their individual posts, and began to intercept the object.

Before any hostile action could be taken, the Stealth Strider materialized. Its sleek black hull seemed to fade in and out of visibility, depending on how light reflected from it it, and the bright blue crystal at the front of a comet-like shape, which surely was the cockpit, did not reveal anything about the alien inside. A single armed weapon was mounted on its front, and it swiveled slightly and pointed at the bridge, as a Com. Message came through to the Battle Cry. The message had the signature of the Chimerosu Empire, but in the past they had been much unknown, and it was already widely accepted by historians that the entire race was extinct. If anyone upon the Battle Cry recognized the signature as that of an extinct race that had been killed off by the Karthla hordes, it would cause an uproar.

A raspy voice came through the link shortly after, from the strange stealth ship, "Why must Spode send yet another ship to crash into my vessel? Have I not suffered enough? Who are you, strange race, I do not recognize you." Ravage didn't sound horribly broken, but her voice was a lot older than her physical appearance. "State who you are, and why you mean to behave in such a hostile way, or I will be forced to take defensive measures." It was a voice that was calm, yet it also seemed strained, as though there were agony in it.

Hayk slammed his tail on the ground, causing the Nolwikkans on the bridge to freeze. It was clear that he didn't want to intercept this ship yet. On a screen in front of him, he studied the signature on the signal. His dark grey eyes narrowed, as if he were thinking. Finally, he muttered something under his breath before replying to the alien.

"Well, I suppose that forty years of our isolation has done a number on the galaxy's memory. I am Captain Hayk of the Vil-Nolwikkan Greater Dominion. You are near our borders. State your buisness."

Captain Hayk was surprised, but not speechless. I suppose years of studying these signatures has paid off. If I were much more pessimistic, I would think that this signature would belong to something like a Jorro'kil, and that isn't very similar... But no, this is even stranger. It shares more of a resemblance to another empire... It was one of the empires that Kradus has destroyed during the Ruthless War.

...It seems likely; it's a big galaxy... Could it be a member of the Chimerosu Empire?

A planet flew through space, enclosed in a sphere of metal. Ships, all of which looked half destroyed and put back together wrong, orbited it protectively. In the center of the planet's largest city a man made his final, fateful decision. They needed parts. Badly. Without them their engines would soon break down, after all, one can't patchwork a starship together forever. So he gave the order. An SOS was sent out on all channels. The whole planet waited, fearing what may arrive.

This is the embassy ship Herald wishing to make contact the Jorro'kil Free Absolute. We come in peace on behalf of the Markovan Empire, and ask for your permission to enter your territory. We wish to propose a mutual alliance between our two species.



"Sir, Markovans.... Escort vectors?" Asked a COM officer attending the receptor which first received the message. The Executive, a D-9 official, like one sent to every COM station positioned in space, nodded, as the officer turned his head back to the receptor's console. He tapped out a signal, repeating various numbers, with exclusive codes in certain sections to define the exact type of signal that it was.

The Markovan species had been documented by the Jorro'kil after a Jorro'kil battle group encountered them in a conflict, and received what limited aid the Markovans could give them. The reports were studied, then what knowledge they had of the Markovans was passed to all stations in FleetCOM for any further encounters.

A mile from the Herald, Several Cruisers, Triumph, Gladly Bold, Decade (Got its name from being only a decade old) and Apprentice arrived in formation to overtake and escort the Markovan ship. Keeping the extent of their technology perhaps somewhat hidden, the Triumph replied to the Herald's message, instead of the COM station situated in an extremely very long length apart from the Markovan ship, despite the fact that it could easily reply from there.


"Markovans. You may enter under our escort. Do not deviate from the path set."

Ravage gave a quiet screech, before replying, "I have no directive, for my purpose was stripped away along with all that I stood for. I am a wanderer, and a drifter, what business could I possibly have?" She replied, her voice cold and hateful. "There is no place in the galaxy for me, so why should I behave as though there was?" It was a desolate response, filled with self-loathing.

Grand Admiral Barborin of the Ryun-Wreae Federation military sat in a large, climate controlled chamber, overlooking the planet of Muthara. The tropical environment was starkly different that the climate of the room - It was cooled, with specialized air ventilation to prevent microorganisms from infecting the environment. This heavy guarded room sat at the top of a tower of one of Muthara's cities. Primary shieldworld renovations had started on the planet, and thus it was very safe.

An elevator next to four guards at the opposite side of the room opened, and Sentinel Theranis Ra'agus on the Krathunian Covenant strode through. His dark, imposing armor with blue holographic lights shone in the sterile light of the room - It was a Krathunian custom for military figures to wear armor in public and to meetings. Barborin stood to meet him.

"Sentinel Theranis." Barborin clasped his hands over his uniformed, exoskeletal chest. This was a sign of respect in their culture.

the Sentinel knelt, resting his hand on the metal surface under him. The sound of the heavy steel touching the floor reverberated and echoed throughout the room, causing an eerie sound. "Grand Admiral Barborin. It is an honor. May the spirits of the gods grant you peace and victory on this fine day."

Barborin nodded, and the both of them sat. "I believe we are waiting on the Jorro'kil official, and then we can begin. There are rumors circulating that it is Emperor Xonoc himself, or someone else of great importance."

The helmsman studied his console, and then made his report: "Four vessels on an intercept course, Sir. They are sending a transmission." "Put it through," said the captain. The helmsman pressed several buttons, and a Jorro'kil voice came over the comms: "Markovans. You may enter under our escort. Do not deviate from the path set."

"This is it, gentleman," said Admiral Lirr "Send an acknowledgment."

The Herald sent out the following transmission: "Acknowledged. We await your direction."

The Captain couldn't help but give a slight chuckle to Ravage's words. "Why, of course, as you put it, you're alone in the galaxy," Hayk remarked. He could tell that he was getting odd looks from his colleagues, but he didn't care. He knew it was not normal for him to act like this, but since he knew that he was facing possibly the last member of an alien species, me might have to let the offense pass. Maybe.

He continued speaking, "Don't be a drama queen; it's a large galaxy. Tell me, was every single member of your empire stationed on your homeworld? Have you not heard the phrase, 'Keep your eggs in as many baskets as you can?' I pray for those who don't, Chimerosu. It makes sense. Try thinking about that."

Another Nolwikkan, known as Edacious, grunted. He called out, "Show some respect, captain! I know you're offensive already, but this is ridiculous!" Hayk grunted and looked at Edacious threateningly. Edacious just shrugged, mischievous smirk plastered on his face. Hayk thought, I'm not paid enough to deal with these fools.

The Triumph received the message from the Herald, and sent coordinates to the Markovan ship in a basic encryption, leading to an orbital station where aliens could come and speak with Jorro'kil diplomats, or glimpse Jorro'kil Culture without being placed directly in a colony world. The war with the UFIAI was definite cause for more security precautions.

_________________________________________________________________________

A shuttle landed on a Military-Controlled landing pad, the shuttle was of Jorro'kil design.
Elite soldiers in dark blue armor with golden highlights were the first to emerge, followed by a figure dressed in shining gold-and-purple armor, wearing a short robe with extended only a few feet past his shoulders. The soldiers surrounded the figure of obvious royalty, and the group walked towards the building in which the meeting between confederacy leaders was to be held. The blue and purple of the soldiers and the other Jorro'kil with them was a contrast to the sandy yellows and greens of the tropical location.

A message from military officers downstairs broadcasted a message to Grand Admiral Barborin. "Sir, Jorro'kil have arrived. They're coming upstairs now." Barborin smiled. "Excellent. Let their representative through."

Ravage's cold laugh drifted over the Com. Link, "Oh, no, sir, you haven't seen what the Dominion did to me, personally." She responded, "I don't have a species, and genetic testing, or perhaps just appearances alone, should tell you this. I am alone, but I am also unnatural, and therefore do not belong anywhere." This last part was stated as though it were fact. It was calculating and logical, "But since you think I clearly have something wrong with me, and since you think I am so over-dramatic, then you should probably see proof for yourself. Go and ask the Jorro'kil what happened with the Skorge Inccident, if they'll let you access a classified file. There are also at least two surviving Chimerosu documented as well. I tell you that it is not for my empire alone that I feel such bitterness." A sharp growl came over the message, "Now before you try to dismiss it, I have just given you information on a top-secret mission that was completed ten years ago, that nobody should know about. In addition, while intercepting my Stealth Strider is possible, taking me prisoner is not. I will readily kill anyone that enters my ship without permission, and it is not because I wish to harm them, either. It is my first instinct to do so to anyone who enters my domain without consent. I do not need the deaths of multiple soldiers on my conscience."

"We've received coordinates from the Jorro'kil, Sir," reported the helmsman. "Excellent," replied the Captain. "Let's get moving."

Before long, the Herald had reached its destination, and landed. Admiral Lirr rubbed his hands together. "Well, Gentleman," he said, "we have reached our destination. Let's go meet our hosts, shall we?"

Up through the building the guards and the official with them went, until they arrived in the chamber where the rest of the Confederacy races were. Krathun, RWF officials, and even a Dranzoot official.

The guards took up position infront of both sides of the door, one of them with a large shoulder pad and an insignia on his chest armor which the other guards lacked stood with the figure, who still had his head covered with a cloak-like garment. He took hold of the covering, and pulled it back so the rest of them could see his face.

It was Emperor Xonoc. He dipped his beak slightly.

"Greetings, confederates."

Admiral Lirr examined the the crew of the ship. All had been decked out in full armor for the occasion, each armed with whatever weapon was appropriate for his office. Admiral Lirr nodded in approval.

"Excellent," said Lirr. "When we go out, I want everyone marching straight and in formation. No slouching now, We mustn't go to meet them looking like a troop of common hoodlums. It is always best in these situations to give someone the best impression as possible so that the negotiations can get off to a good start. Am I understood?"

"Sir! Yes, Sir!" chorused the crew.

"Excellent!" said Lirr. "Now there's just one more thing. As I said, we'll give them the best impression we can. However, I warn you that it is highly possible that they will expect us to hand over our weapons. If this is the case, you will do so without question. There will be no arguing and no resistance. Am I understood?"

"Sir! Yes, Sir!"

"Why should we hand over our weapons? What right do they to take them from us?"

Lirr looked over to the one who had spoken, groaning inwardly. General Jessic min Davris. How in the universe had he gotten chosen to be on this mission. He was rebellious and disrespectful, often openly insubordinate. It was a miracle that he had managed to keep his rank, or even avoid being expelled from the military completely.

"There are several reasons," Lirr said. "First of all, this is their territory, not ours. Second, doing so is simply a security caution on their part, and a perfectly reasonable one. Finally, you shall do so because I said so. Is that clear?"

Jessic made no reply, but simply glared at Lirr with unconcealed malice. The two had never gotten along well.

"I said is that clear?" demanded Lirr.

"Yes. . . Sir!" said Jessic finally.

"Good!" said Lirr. "Now everyone, let's go." Taking position at the head, Admiral Lirr marched out with the rest following him in formation.

A large cruiser moved through space on routine patrol. It was large and heavily armored. Gun ports bristled from its sides, couple with the immense ion cannons mounted on the front. The ship was built for war and destruction. About fifteen years ago, the idea of such a monstrosity coming from the planet of Mondar would have seemed fantastic to anyone who new of the planet's existence, especially its own inhabitants. However, time had brought changes, and now such things had become commonplace.

The Captain of this particular ship was named Gemma Timbar. He was one of the first to be selected as a captain when the space program had first been started, the brain-child of Lord Jiiran. Since that day, terror and death had been brought to many a helpless planet.

A loud beeping sounded from the counsel. "Sir," said the helmsman. "We are picking up some sort of signal. It seems to be an SOS of some sort."

"Move to intercept," ordered Captain Gemma, "and see if you can pinpoint the source."

A moment later the helmsman gave his report. "It seems to be some sort of large sphere, with some other ships surrounding it. It appears to be just within our territory."

"Set a course for it," ordered Captain Gemma. "Send out a message to any ships in the area and call them in. Also, inform Mondar."

The instructions were quickly carried out. It had been in fear and desperation that the SOS had been sent out. However, the attention it had gained was the worst it could possibly have attracted.

After the landing of the Markovan ship in the port, several security officers were notified and made ready to approach the Herald. They wore red Power Armor, the color of their armor signifying the rank of Officer. Most of them carried Plasma-based pistols, but one had a BA Rifle slung over his shoulder, put away so the officer could carry a box with an EMP field inside it for containing weapons and energy ammunition. The party was led by a Trooper Njes Hras, serial number 1B-327078, outfitted in pale grey and blue Power Armor.

"Half will remain here, I and the other half will escort the Markovans to the appointed location where talks can begin. Understood?" Said the Trooper.

A unified "Yes Sir!" sounded.

They stood at attention, awaiting the Markovans.

A group of ships, huge and heavily armed, were spotted on the sensors of the Scave flagship. 'Um...sir, there are some ships approaching. Big ones from the looks of it. Heavily armed too.' The captain of the ship, one Captain Calbed, paced the bridge of his ship, deep in thought. 'Inform the High Council-and go to yellow alert. Send out a transmission. They obviously know we are here anyway, mine as well try to avoid any incidents.' 'What should we say sir?' 'Just say "We are the Scave Technocracy, and we are not your enemies. We would like to open diplomatic relations"' The transmission was sent out, but the comms officer was still concerned about what might happen. The captain sent a brief report to the High Council, but that was enough. He then waited for whatever response these new visitors would give.

The door of the Markovan ship opened with a hiss and a clang. Shortly, the crew marched smartly out. A loud call in Markovan from the lead Markovan brought the column to halt, where they stood to attention. The lead Markovan, wearing two swords sheathed on his horns, marched up to the Jorro'kil who seemed to be in charge.

"I am Admiral Lirr of the Markovan Empire," he said. In a swift movement he drew his swords and tossed them up slightly. Catching them by the blades, he then presented them to the Jorro'kil hilt first in the traditional Markovan gesture of peace. "Here are my swords and here is my hand in friendship," he said.

The Scave did not have long to wait. Before long, thirty ships had arrived and were approaching the sphere. The Scave soon received the following transmission: Attention, Scave Technocracy! You are trespassing in the domain of the Imperial Despot of Jiiran. This territory belongs to Jiiran. Prepare to be boarded and searched. Do not resist or you will be destroyed.

The captain shrugged. "Soldiers' lives are cheap, Chimerosu. Even if you kill all of my soldiers, I can fill it back up within a day."

Edacious' crests twitched. That was a major insult to his soldiers. "If I remember correctly, Hayk, we were the ones that had to save your tail in that boiler room incident last month. And the war with the Galgaron, and that space probe from an alien planet that crashed into the bridge. Not only that, but my support got you hired for this job, although I now regret it. I guess that because they have such low standards for captains nowadays, your life is cheap." Edacious laughed before adding, "Besides, who's to say that you wouldn't get killed by... her?"

Edacious' speech flew right over Hayk's head, but was able to be heard by Ravage in her ship. Hayk continued after Edacious became quiet, "Perhaps I should consult my superiors about your information. They could care less about you, but this information about the Jorro'kil is very interesting. We will take this information into account."

Both representatives stood up to greet Emperor Xonoc, walking a couple paces towards the positions of the guards.

Barborin spoke first. "Emperor Xonoc, welcome to the Ryun-Wreae Federation colony of Muthara. I am Grand Admiral Barborin of the Federation military." With that, he bowed his head, clasping his hands across his chest. "It is an honor."

The Sentinel then did his customary greeting of kneeling down and touching the floor with the palm of his hand. The Krathun's armor adjusting itself according to his posture, position, and the location of those around him to ensure maximum protection. "I am Sentinel Theranis Ra'agus of the Intragalactic Krathunian Covenant. May the spirits of the gods bless you, child of Irooscin and Sethega." This was now a common saying for Krathun to say to Jorro'kil. Calling one "Child of Sethega," was common in Krathun culture - However, due to the circumstances of the origins of the Jorro'kil, they added the other planet into the greeting when dealing with that species. Although the Jorro'kil had come from Irooscin, much of their biology was based off of Sethegan life and was created by a species of Sethega and thus it was only appropriate to say this.

Barborin nodded, then saying, "Emperor, if you would like to have a seat with us, we may begin our discussion."

Ravage laughed, it was a harsh sound, "Oh, my, proud and selfish, are we? Let your soldiers consult your superiors, you don't deserve to further your career; you've proven you don't care about those who are beneath you, when the mission of a Captain is to defend his people. It takes much more than mere ruthlessness and firepower to be a good soldier. It takes character, which you seem to lack. I pity your people, sir, that they do not choose men based on their hearts, because a good heart will never allow itself to become corrupted by power. But let me guess, you're going to try to say something to prove me wrong? Don't even bother, you pathetic coward, I'll call you that until you prove you have the same bravery as your men, and I'll tell you exactly how." Ravage's tone became serious and threatening, "Do you have courage to enter my ship, alone and unarmed? Maybe I'll kill you, maybe I will let you live, you have my invitation. A conversation, face to face, will prove to me if you are worth your rank. But you should know, entering my domain places you at my mercy. If you are so willing to send your own men to face me, then you surely are willing to do it yourself? If you think I can be so easily overlooked, don't be surprised if I come for you myself, I tire of negotiating, and so do your men. Also, it appears you have forgotten to ask me my name, so I never identified myself at all, and I don't intend to do so until I think you can be trusted." With this, the Com. Link suddenly cut off, and the Star Strider refused to communicate any further.

For the first time in ten years, Ravage felt a spark of motivation and purpose. She wasn't a Lieutenant anymore, but she had managed to achieve that rank, and in an empire where it was no small task to be promoted, it meant very much to her, even now. Could Lieutenant Scree still be a part of her, even after she had gone so long by the name of a rogue? Nobody had used her true name in years, and it had just gotten to the point that Ravage had decided she was nothing like the young soldier she had once been. However, her recent actions told her otherwise. She had just stood up for a group of soldiers that weren't her own, and called a powerful Captain a coward for insulting them. That wasn't like Ravage, that was like Scree, to defend the honor of a man, even if it was reckless. It gave her hope, for some odd reason, to think she still had a sense of duty to her people, although they were gone. Maybe she had purpose, after all; but if she did, then she had to start with teaching this Captain to humble himself around others.