Elysium: Blackwald

Odin: No it isn't. You two stand guilty of Consipiracy to kidnapping, attempting kidnapping of a child of the Aesir, tresspassing upon a world I protect, I can further add in charges of attempting to instigate a war between the Aesir and the Blades, and between the Aesir and the Olympians.

Given what you said during Gerd's departure, I have come to the conclusion that while your actions could very well have caused two wars which would have been very bloody it was not your intention and you acted as children without thinking about the consquences of you did. I should also add that Blade Nereli's actions on board Gladsheim Station helped me reach that conclusion. So I ask you Blade Gillian and you Orion why did you attempt to kidnapp Gerd. For curiosity sake I must ask what where your plans if you succeded...

---------------------------------------
Elysium: Blackwald, another part

Idona: Interesting...

*Idona reached up to a leaf and broke off the icicle that was hanging from it.*

You have just stepped from a space station to a world hundreds of lightyears away, into a the remains of a battlefield, and are about to embark upon a hunt. Yet not a single question. Not how did we get here, what happened here, what the prey is, or why we are hunting them. Why is that?

Elysium: Blackwald

Orion: I... have nothing to say. I want... No. You were going to use the girl as a tool. I was used as a tool once, and my daughter after me, who did not survive it. She died - no, was murdered - to fulfill a prophecy. At the very least she is out of your hands now. Kidnapping? Hardly. I would have saved her. Whether she knew it or not.

*Gilian looks at Odin, then takes out her white contacts. Her Blade mask shrinks away fully revealing her face.*

Gilian: You know, it seems to me that since I first met you Aesir your words rarely bear complete truth in them. Everything you tell us is designed to manipulate. This has held true from my first meeting with an Aesir to this present conversation. Calling our actions those of children is really only another way of saying that our actions were not those which would most convenience you. It is also plainly untrue as I thought long and hard on the consequences of my actions today. I had to take the knowledge that you are only concerned with that which will benefit your people most - even to the detriment of the entire galaxy - into account. You asked trust, yet you gave us no reason to trust you. You are not gods, that we should give you unearned faith.

That said, I did succeed here. I stopped the Hunter from claiming another victim. If this is fate, I played my part. I broke your laws, but I have broken many laws and your laws are not more important to me than any others. You charge me with attempting to start a war. I say any war is preferable to the destruction of the universe. I do regret that I could not save Cyrus Duncan. As for Gerd... I would have not chosen her loss. But it was not my choice to make.

Odin: Anelya, you have had a very few dealings with us, only three. Of those the first time you encounted us, you lied refusing to acknowledge that you were a Blade, and then pretending to be ignorant of who the Blades were. I will grant you that the first two times you dealt with us were not under the best circumstances.

I called your action that of Children, because you acted without understanding what would happen or even full knowledge of the blood scrolls. You also based your actions on assumptions that are false. This is the first you have met me, yet you assumed I do not care for this galaxy. A galaxy which I and my people have protected for ages. Perhaps through Orion's retelling of our meeting you assumed that because I valued Gerd's life over millions of others I was only interested in my own people. However, did you ever wonder why I value her life so?

Orion says Gerd is just a tool to me. Her past and lack of knowledge of who I am clouds her perspective on the importance of Gerd. Orion, you were going to use Gerd even if you don't want to admit it, she was going to be your way to become a mother again. However, I say this with truth she would have killed you in order to return to us. We are her family and she is very much a daughter to me.

Now, please answer. Why did you decide to try and kidnap Gerd? Orion you wanted her dead, just as much as Sejhan does. Also what did you hope to accomplish? These are not unreasonable questions to ask given the circumstances.

Elysium: Blackwald

"The method of travel is not so interesting to me as the destination," Riebe said quietly. "And certainly, I am curious of the prey. More simply, where are we? And what are we up against?"

Elysium: Blackwald

*Gilian waits for Orion to speak*

Orion: That she was a daughter to you means nothing. Many parents destroy their children. I never wanted Gerd dead. I was only willing to sacrifice her if it was absolutely necessary. Don't presume to compare me to Sejhan. I hoped to save her and my home. I failed... to do both, at least. I believe you assisted in that failure.

You speak as if you actually cared about her, or any of us. But I know better than to be fooled by powerful, self-styled seers. You have many pretty words, but the things you say are still ugly.

Gilian: Odin, I take offense at that, and I must respond. I have a nearly perfect memory and I recall exactly what transpired during my first encounter with anyone related to the Aesir. I told no lie. Your operatives attacked me and threatened me with no more than verbal provocation. I took no offense at this, but it certainly gave me warning. As I was not acting as a Blade at the time, I informed your operative that my allegiances lay with myself. She then accused me of lying. She then threatened me again, though she failed to act on her promise to kill me if I did not answer - a lie in itself. I told her I would not answer. As I wanted to know what she knew of the Blades before proceeding, and with the knowledge that in many places those who are fooled into identifying themselves as covert Blades are killed on sight, I asked her what a Blade was. Rather than answering, she told me that my actions had sentenced Ida and Termand Rwos to death. Also a lie, as they are not dead, and if it had not been a lie I am surprised you would cause a war yourself over something so incredibly petty. All this, simply for peacefully offering my help. You can perhaps see why I do not trust the Aesir. Now it may be foolish to form an opinion based on only one encounter but I have been told a great deal indeed by those who have dealt with Aesir more times than me. All of this information has confirmed my opinion. Even Termand Rwos has told me that the Aesir tend to have an eerie consistency in their actions and methods. I did not see any reasonable way to deal with you, so I did not.

I believe that you do care about this galaxy. I do not believe you care about mine. I also do not believe that you have the full comprehension of the future that you seem to believe any more than I do.

Elysium: Blackwald

Idona: We are on a world the galaxy proper doesn't know about, it is called Elysium and this is Blackwald Forest. Before I get to the prey, how dangerous would you say were the Sith you hunted?
--------------------------

Elysium: Blackwald, another part

Odin: Anelya, the attack on you took place after provoking the Valkyrie in charge of that mission. Even if just it was just verbal...the Valkyrie also did not lie, upon reporting in she did request a death sentence to be issued for Rwos and Ida. I am the only one that can approve such a sentence and after review of what happened I did not allow it. You wanted to know what she knew of the Blades, she wanted to know how you would react under a threat. As far as your lies, while you never said you were not a Blade or knew who they were, you did attempt to give that impression, at least that is how the Valkyrie viewed your actions. From my perspective that is lies of omission... It is unfortuneate that, that incident was your first encounter with us. As far what others have said, the only thing I will say in regards to that is that they do not know everything we do, nor the reasons behind our actions.

The main thing I care about is saving as many innocent lives when the final battle begins...Now will what did you intended to do with Gerd after you finished with Duncan? What did you think would be accomplished by having Orion take her?

Imperial Base

Man: Who? *a smile in his voice* I am Nobody. That is my name. I am the agent of the Empire. If anyone asks who confronted you, tell them Nobody did. And I will take the datacore.

----------

Elysium: Blackwald

Gilian: Firstly one who sees verbal provocation as grounds for physically deadly or damaging retaliation is not one whom I would trust as an ally, although it is one whom I would think to trust in the role of an enemy.

Secondly one who believes threats are the best way of responding to a potential ally or enemy is also not one whom I would trust as an ally, though it is one I would like as an enemy, for they will often have fewer allies.

Thirdly the Valkyrie lied by omission as well, as she did not tell me she would request the death sentence. She told me it was already done. Thus I do not see why you have a problem with my lies of omission.

Now if we are done with that, as for the circumstances being unfortunate, I do not agree. It is always good to see both the good and evil in any creature before making a judgement, if possible. A facade is always unfortunate, even when one is necessary.

As for Gerd? I intended to judge for myself what I ought to do with her. It would have been wrong to decide her fate one way or another without understanding her first. I intended to protect her life first, then to see whether she deserved that protection. I am perhaps better than most at discerning the evil in a being. What is unfortunate is that I never got the chance. Once the Shadows arrived the only viable choice was to allow Orion to take her. Perhaps you might say a better choice would have been to convince her to leave Gerd to you. But I had no way of knowing what your intentions are concerning the girl, for good or for evil, whether she was your daughter or your prisoner or both. I still do not know this, as I have only your word and the words of your underlings to confirm it. Were it within my power or knowledge to find Gerd, I would still need to make that judgement.

Are you satisfied?

Imperial Base

*Deac chuckles*

Deac: You must really think I'm an idiot if I'm going to fall for that one, "Nobody". Unless your parents were really sick in giving you a name.

*Deac shifts toward and attack stance and turns his head to the two techs in the room, nervously looking at each other*

Deac: Keep your weapons on the datacore. *He turns back to "Nobody"* Your move. You can try to defend yourself, or the core. Either way, the Empire is not getting this information.

((Oddly I forgot to post something that R15 can reply to. Sorry Louis))

Shadow Base, Tatooine

Worker: Absolutely. By the way, Aren has returned, as timely as I said, and will be with you shortly.

----------

Imperial Base

Nobody: I don't think you understood that I was not joking, Deac.

*He holds a ready stance*

Nobody: I can likely get this information elsewhere. You cannot. Will you really destroy it? I doubt it. This information is already the property of the Empire, and I conversely will not let the Republic to obtain it.

((thats ok i was busy anyway lol))

Kioet: Glad to hear it. *hands worker the glass* Make that a Bantha Bloodfizz, sir.

Deac: I'm a soldier. I follow orders. My orders are to retrieve or destroy this datacore and that doesn't allow for Sith taking it for themselves. Which means we have a bit of a problem. You want it, I want it, and we can't share it, so I guess one of us has to die.

*Deac charges in at with his lightsabers, throwing one before him and charging with the second held in both hands*

Elysium: Blackwald

Odin: As I say it is a matter of points of view...for now I am satisfied. It is clear that Gillian, that regardless of how misguided you were, your actions were to protect Gerd, and in doing so you were trying to look out for her interests. Orion, I believe that while you came to this planet not to harm Gerd you certainly were not looking out for what is best for her. Instead you sought to use her to regain motherhood. Maybe you convinced yourself it was for Gerd's benefit, but your actions were more for your own.

Under normal circumstances under this planet's laws the crimes you two are guilty of carry a sentence of death. When I take into consideration your reasons, and our recent dicussion I am not goign to carry out that sentece and have you two executed. However, you two are still guilty of crimes...

What do you two believe your punishment should be?

((*munches* Mmmm Taco. ^_^))

Imperial Base: Outside Datacore

*A cloaked figure finds himself on the floor. He pushes himself off the floor and looks around before he stands.

Various high-tech mechinery operated by droids, arcs of electricity blot their way from various jacob's-ladders strung about in this 'labratory'.

The figure thinks to himself 'Now this is a cozy spot to get lost in.'*

Figure "Interesting"

*He stands up and takes another pass at his surroundings, then he jerks his head in the direction of a bulkhead, on the other side he feels the presence of a Jedi, prepared and engaging himself.*

Figure "That presence.... Ah! Deac Starkiller! Facinating turn of events..."

*The figure walks towards the hatch that leads to the computer core.*

Elysium: Blackwald

Gilian: I believe that I owe no punishment. However if you are thinking of suggesting one yourself, understand this first: I fully plan to retrieve Gerd if I am able. If your punishment interferes with this, or with any other plans I have, I will not accept it. If it does not, then I will likely accept it assuming it does not require me to perform or assist in any act of evil. You will have to accept that or attempt to use force, which I warn you I am well capable of matching.

Orion: I will accept no punishment. You will just have to kill me.

----------

Imperial Base

*"Nobody" strikes away the lightsaber, using the Force to knock it out of the air and against a wall. Simultaneously he parries Deac's blow*

Nobody: If that's the way you want it.

*He strikes at Deac*

Elysium: Blackwald

Odin: If that is your choice Orion then I will put you to death, though given the circumstances I don't think it is warrented. Since Gillian you feel you have not indepted yourself to this planet by violating its laws and consquently have nothing to repay. I shall ask a friend of yours...

Blade Rwos, how do you feel these two should pay their debt? Saying that either one of them has no debt to pay is of no help. Their actions came at a price and now they must pay it, regardless of what they find agreeable or not.

Elysium: Blackwald

Rwos: Gilian wants to save Gerd if she can. So do we all, even Orion. If I were in your place, I would consider that we all work together to retrieve her, and consider that payment of their debts. After all, Gerd seems to be the one most victimized here, regardless of what prompted the situation. It only seems right that we hurry and finish this and try to save her if it's still possible.

Gilian: I agree with that.

Imperial Base, Datacore

*Deac force pulls the second saber back in time to parry the blow*

Deac: Didn't have much of a choice did I?

*He drops back and unleashes the dual-kata, causing both lightsabers to spin around him defensively as he drops down.*

Elysium: Blackwald

Riebe frowned thoughtfully. "Some were more of a challenge than others. 1500 years ago, we faced our greatest challenge. Her name was Tanith Vessa. She killed a Hunter and countless Jedi before she was killed. Then, somehow, she was brought back to life, killed many more Jedi and one more Hunter before we destroyed her with the aid of the Jedi who did it before."

She paused for a moment. "Over the years, the Sith weakened, but the Hunters grew arrogant. That is why we fell. I think those of us who are still alive have learned our lessons from that."

((Soory guys, I got into trouble on another forum, the DVD drive packed up and I had to fit a new one, it was too hot to use the comp, I'm soon to be inducted into a mod team and I was looking for my cheq book. I've been cyber-busy.))

Yesterday

Yaga Minor

*Agric stares out the viewport in horror, he expession shifting from shock and aguish at his brother's death to a cold Sith-like anger.*

Agric: WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!

Sensor operator: My Lord, I'm checking the logs, we do not appear to have picked up any energy readings, the Command Shio just exploded.

Agric: Check again!

Captain Vares!

*An elderly but errect man in the uniform of a Navy Captain approached and bowed.*

Vares: Yes, my Lord?

Agric: Contact my brother's fleet, transmit my authentication codes and assure them we did not do this and that I will address them shortly

Vares: Yes, my lord.

Agric: And when we arrive at Billbriggi have the head of my brother's intelligence service exicuted, slowly.

Vares: Yes, my lord.

*The Captrain bowes and turns smartly on his heel.*

Imperial research station: Datacore.

*While Deac has been fighting nobody ;) Kal has moved arounf behind the Imperial, now he activates his sabre, aimed directly at his master's opponent.

((Since Scar's Net connection is iffy, I'm going to avoid speaking to his character until he enters the room.))

Imperial Base, Datacore

*"Nobody" leaps backwards, over Kal's head, then kicks him towards Deac as the apprentice turns.

He stands directly in front of the hatch.*

Nobody: You can either destroy the datacore, or you can give it to me. You will not be leaving this place until either one happens.

Defiance II, Bridge

Air Boss: They're past the A-Wings, 6km out, crews report batteries are hot.

Interceptors just got off another salve.... 4 more bandits down.

X-Wings moving in, Red 1 reports torpedos away.

5km and closing fast.

Main batteries firing, 2 more bandits down.

X-Wings report 7 hits, no kills.

A-Wings have more missiles away.... 2 more kills.

4km, batteries report another kill.

They're coming up on the X-Wings, they're not engaging.

They're past Red group, 1 more kill.

Imperial Base, Datacore

Deac: So...now you'll let me destroy it. Giving up, are we?

*Deac's comm chimes in*

Tech: Sir, we've managed to open a portal back to Mon Calamari, we think. We know it's our universe though.

Deac: I'll be right there. *He turns to Nobody*. Well, plans have changed. I've got a way out of this now, so I'll be taking this datacore and leaving. If that means I have to go through you, then so be it. Now, something tells me you don't want to see this datacore destroyed, so I guess it's your move.

Imperial Base: Datacore

*The Hatch opens and the figure walks in.*

Figure "I thought I sensed a commotion."

*He looks over in 'Nobody's' direction and pulls out his lightsaber.*

Figure "Want help killing him?"

*Kioet begins tapping his nails on the table to the drumbeat cadence tune that was drilled into his head while training on Argonia, thoughts of battle filling his head*

((Scar, reread my last post.

*"Nobody" leaps backwards, over Kal's head, then kicks him towards Deac as the apprentice turns.

He stands directly in front of the hatch.*))

Imperial Base, Datacore

Nobody: I never said I'd 'let' you destroy it. It's not as if I can stop you, on the other hand. However, you'll not pass me.

*As the figure walks in, "Nobody" switches to a sideways stance*

Nobody: You, too?

*An explosion sounds nearby, but out of sight.

A spiderweb of portals tears through the datacore wall*

----------

Shadow Base, Tatooine

*Aren disembarks from her ship, flanked by Shadows. Farran follows*

Farran: What in seven hells just happened?

Aren: A draw, that's what.

Farran: What are you talking about? Who was that girl?

Aren: I don't know exactly. We have a great deal of theories.

Farran: What? What was that Blade doing there? And that gargoyle... was that K'Warra K'laar? Who were the others?

Aren: They were there for the same reason we were. Making their moves in the game.

*They reach the portal back to the base. Aren opens it and steps through. On the other side, she heads for Kioet*

Farran: I don't understand. Where did that girl and the gargoyle go?

Aren: That's the biggest problem we have right now. *to Kioet* You seem eager to get moving... might you happen to be ready for your next mission? You'd need to leave within the next two minutes.

[OK, final post for two weeks as I'm off to Vancouver. See you in August]

Imperial Base, Datacore

Comm: Sir! The reactor's collapsing and portals are opening everywhere. We've got one in your location...we have to go through!

Deac: Very well. *He throws his lightsabers at the top and bottom of the datacore, removing it from it's mounts and charges at it, grabbing it*

Deac: GET TO THE PORTAL!

*The two techs diver through, followed by Deac, carrying the datacore.*

Elysium: Blackwald

Strider nodded quietly in agreement with Riebe. "Even after I had departed from the rest of the Sith Hunters, whom before long many thought me to be dead, I had an encounter with a particularly strong Sith Lord. It was a hard fight, but after I took him down, I became the hunted, his followers began to stalk me wherever I went. They proved such a constant threat I had to fake my death to throw them off long enough to get to somewhere where I would have the advantage in a fight, and managed to take them out in small groups of five as they began to track me again," he explained.

He turned to Riebe, then back to Idona and said, "Those of us who did learn from their arrogance became much stronger as warriors. We realized that we were not immortal, that we were not infallable, and we have thus improved upon our weaknesses."

*Kioet, startled, jumps out of his chair, unslings his weapon and flips the safety off*

Kioet: That's plenty of time.

*Kioet puts his helmet and gloves back on*

Kioet: Tell me where I should begin.

Figure "Well, he seems intent on having that. 'fraid I dont got any other way of leaving here."

*The Figure walks over to the portal.*

((OOS: Scar, Deac's characters need 'alone time' at this point. ;)))

Imperial Base, Datacore

*The portals close shut as fast as they had opened. A new spiderweb of portals opens through the room after it, then closes for another line to open, like seams unraveling and being resewn.*

Nobody: *still in a guard stance* Oh? How did you get here?

----------

Cantina, Shadow Base

Aren: Follow me. You'll need to take one of our ships this time. *They walk back through the portal into the hangar, arriving next to a relatively small, unusually shaped ship the color of charcoal* We've installed what we call a W-capable engine drive on it, which will let you use a shortcut to arrive at your destination within minutes or less. The computer will need to control your flight plan until you get there. The situation you'll be going into may be extremely dangerous. If you want to opt out, now's the time.

*Kioet shrugs*

Kioet: Alright, I'll be back in under an hour then. Just open the hatch for me, will ya?

Elysium: Blackwald

Odin: That Rwos is fine for Gillian, what about Orion? Given her hostility towards us, I doubt she would agree to such a deal. Futhermore, how could we trust a person who hates us, believes we only want Gerd for a tool, and are evil?

--------------------------------
Elysium: Blackwald, another part

Idona: I really just wanted you to think about them and keep them in mind since our prey is far deadlier then they were. Later on you will recive a more detailed briefing, for the time being it will be sufficent for you to know that our prey was once allied to the ancient masters of what then could be called the Sith. In the wars that followed, Sith Lords and warriors were used as cannon fodder to allow our prey to penatrate the defending lines.

Now if you would please do a quick examination of the area, and come back with anything you find exceptionally odd.

((There should be plenty, just check the battle a page or two back)).

((Because I am a stickler for my magic, WJ, see PMs. :)))

Elysium: Blackwald

Rwos: Orion?

*Orion doesn't look at him*

Rwos: *to Odin* Excuse me a moment. *His words become intelligible. From the looks on several of the Blades' faces, they do not understand the language either. Nereli and Slythe are among those who seem to understand.

After a brief exchange, Rwos switches languages again*

Rwos: Then will you follow your pride, or will you help us?

*Orion looks at the expressions of those around her, realizing Rwos had said that for all to appear. Abruptly a look of shame crosses her face*

Orion: I will help you.

----------

Shadow Base, Tatooine

*The hatch of Kioet's ship opens.* [Assuming Kioet boards] *The ship lifts open, and a hangar bay door opens. Beyond the door is a bright blue expanse, threaded with electricity. Kioet's ship streaks forward into the blue.

In less than two minutes, the blue clears away to reveal space. A large group of asteroids is located nearby. The ship follows an automated course towards one of the largest asteroids. A base is set up on the rock. Kioet's ship flies into the docking bay, then releases the hatch.

Kioet's suit displays a path for him to follow, leading into the interior of the base*

Aren: *comm* Tell me, Kioet... what do you know about interdimensional travel? How about other universes?

((OOS: Scar probably won't read this, judging from his habits reading the RPG lately, but "Figure" should sense Kioet, a Sleeper, arriving...))

((Oh i have red, i have.

i try and read other peoples posts too :)))

Imperial Base: Core

*The figure stops dead in his tracks before he reaches the portal. He spins around in the direction of Kioet.*

Figure "Another...."

Elysium: Blackwald

Odin: Why should I believe you?

Elysium: Blackwald

Orion: Why should I believe that you know what's best for the child?

Rwos: *quickly* I will vouch for her.

((Thanks for the PM, Red... forwarded it to Flamehart too... so's he can catch some of the stuff too. And I've assumed that the area where they had the fight has become a fairly large clearing due to what happened there.))


Elysium: Blackwald


Riebe glanced at Strider, Godwyn, and Alyssa before nodding and heading out, checking to be sure her companions were following.

"I suggest spreading out slightly," Riebe said aloud. "Not so far as we can't see one another and immediately offer aid if we need it. Cover more area while still offering protection to one another."

Alyssa nodded and moved to her right. Riebe moved a little to the left and kept glancing to the right, always ensuring she could see her companions.

Four sets of footprints, Alyssa spoke to the hunters through the Force. Two have three toes and two seem to be wearing boots. They seem to have appeared out of nowhere.

Keep following them, Riebe instructed, catching a peculiar patch of trees ahead of her. Keep us posted.

"Frozen," she murmured, approaching the shattered trees. Carefully, she lifted a frozen piece of wood and stared at it for a moment. A few moments later, Alyssa reported that two sets of footprints, one three-toed and one booted vanished as untraceably as they'd appeared.

Then, all four hunters came out into a very unnatural clearing.

"I'd say this counts for... unusual," Riebe murmured.

*edit*


Kioet over comm to Aren: This is all new to me. Though I have heard fictational stories of interdimensional travel, I remember a holodrama that would play in the theatre in Keren, Naboo around the time the death star was destroyed, it was playing for about a season or two before the Imperial officials shut it down permanantly...something about it creating dissent by depicting an army from another universe joining the rebellion and overthrowing the Empire. I never gave much thought to it though.

((Again, sorry guys, been busy at www.totalwar.org) ))

Air Boss: Point guns are hot, the E-Wings are firing.

Thats 3 more boggies down, make that 5.

2 more targets down, 3km and closing.

Point guns live, report no kills

Report 2 kills.

A-Wings got off their last volley, fighters pealing off.

Enemy still on intercept course.

2km, and closing.

Report 2 more kills.

Countermeasures: Shields at full strength, all generatory on line.

Air Boss: Approaching minimum range.... No kills.

They're past the guns, we've got 5 boggies on dead run!

Impact in five!

Four!

Three!

Two!

One!

IMPACT!

*The sound of the ships striking the shields reverberates throughout the Battlecrusier and the lights dim momentarilly as the defensive systems draw power.*

Admiral Fargan: Damage report!

*Over speeker*

Sir, this is engineering, we've sustained no direct damage but the mid-port-upper shield overloaded and some of the relays are burned out, I'm getting reports of minor fires on several decks, nothing serious.

Drago: *To Air Boss* How long until you can have more fighters in the air?

Air Boss: They're launching now, General.

Drago: Good, as soon as they're in position recall Colonel Flax and tell him I'll see him in my office.

Drago's Office, Defiance II

Twenty minutes later

*Drago sits behind his desk, his uniform jacket open and a pot of Caf on the desk infront of him. Sellenna reclines on a sofa with her needlework. Drago sips his Caf and the door chimes.*

Drago: Enter!

*The door swishes open and Hal enters still in full flight gear.*

Hal: The duty officer said it was important.

Imperial Base

Aren: *comm* Most people in this galaxy have aware that other universes exist. The concept has existed in your fiction for some time. But the reality is that this universe has been visited by travelers from other universes for a long time.

*A display readout pops up on Kioet's viewscreen, showing the layout of the base. A blinking light appears on one portion of the map*

Aren: I'll finish explaining later. There's a being who just appeared at this location. He must be ...detained. Get to him as fast as possible.

Elysium Blackwald

*Idona walks behind the hunters quietly observing them*

Idona: Why do you say this is strange? More importantly what conclusions can you draw from this clearing?

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

*Odin looks at Rwos*

Odin: I need a little more then just that Rwos...what did you say to Orion to make her even for that short time say she would help us? And how do I know that will hold when it seems she so unwilling...

Elysium, Blackwald

Rwos: I reminded her why she came here in the first place, and I asked her if she had any way of helping Gerd on her own. I think we all know the answer.

Elysium: Blackwald

Odin: And if she goes rogue, goes off on her own again, what will you do considering you vouched for her? Even if you believe with all your being she will stay true to her word assume for a moment she didn't.

Elysium, Blackwald

Rwos: Then... I will do nothing to protect her. *He pauses, and looks at Nereli*

Nereli: *smiling slightly and stepping forward* Ward of the Blades Orion Rish'tal, you are now considered under custody of the Blade Society while you remain in this dimension. You are to remain in company of a Blade under my command at all times. Without my permission you are not to perform any action that assists, resists or pertains to any inhabitant of this dimension. Should you violate this mandate, you will be immediately removed from this dimension and placed under Council arrest, and depending on the severity of the violation subject to execution. Do you agree to these terms?

*Orion pauses. She looks at Rwos, then at Odin, then all around*

Elysium Blackwald

Odin: That was not what I meant Rwos, since you vouched for her, you may have to suffer the consquences of her actions if she breaks her word.

*Turning to Orion*

Rwos has place a lot of trust in you, I hope it is not misplaced...

Elysium, Blackwald

Rwos: We both can only do what we must do. There is no point looking back.

Orion: I agree to this.

*Nereli motions to Slythe. Slythe steps smoothly to Orion's side and clamps a metallic collar with a silvery weave around her neck.*

Nereli: As you have agreed, so you shall be held to it.

*A facial muscle in Orion's face twitches, but she doesn't say anything.*

Gilian: Then are we finished here?

Kioet to Aren: **Moving out**

*Kioet activates his cloak and walks down one of the hallways, laser rifle ready with safety off*

Imperial Base: Core

*The figure continues to attempt to use his senses to find the sleeper, but he couldn't find a presence in the force. He grits his teeth and then glances over to 'Nobody'. He walks over to him and looks at him. He then grabs 'Nobody's' hood and throws it off.*

Drago's Office

Drago: Yes come in, sit down. *He gestures to the chair infront of his desk.*

Sellenna: Would you like some Caf?

Hal: No, thankyou Aunt. *He sits.*

Drago: I want your opinion on the demeanor of the Aesir, given that my last meeting with them was less than spectacular. I've never known them to be a duplicitous race, nor an unfair one but there was nothing of value on either of the two disks you brought back.

Hal:...Two disks?

Drago: Yes, two disks, neither of which had much of worth on them, that made sense anyway.

Hal: Ah.....There were three disks.

Drago: I didn't get three disks.

Hal: Errr....*He reaches into his flightsuit and profers an Aesiren data disk.* I suppose I forgot about it, what with the attack on Coruscant and everything else.

Drago: Get out....Now, before I do something the medics can't fix, I'll come up with a suitable punishment later.

*Hal leaves, very shame faced.*

*Sellenna sits foward, her pretence of languid disinterest forgotten.*

Sellenna: It must be a key-disk of some kind, without all three you get nothing..

Drago: Nothing without a week at DCrypto anyway.

*He inserts all three disks into the desk's holoprojector.*

Elysium: Blackwald

Riebe held up the frozen piece of bark. "Wood does not freeze this solidly on its own," she said. "That tells me it had help... and not the help of some natural disaster. Somebody or something can create ice... or manipulate temperature to have the same effect." She gestured to the dead, frozen squirrel as further proof.

"And what is this..." Alyssa began, but her voice trailed off as she found herself at a loss for words to describe the center of the clearing.

"Looks like a landslide," Riebe observed quietly. "Only the land doesn't seem to have had a place to slide to..." She glanced curiously at Idona. "I'm going to assume by your lack of puzzlement and that you brought us to this place that you know what happened here... at least in part."