"This game has been rigged," Mathias commented to Tovach.  "I believe
that the ship's computer has tired of are arguments and programmed in
the Razgat ship to force us to cooperate.  But there is one way to win
for sure: Stop playing."

Tovach, keeping his mind still on the virtual playing field,
replied, "Perhaps...or perhaps not...but there is an old Dr'owe saying:
Eil arayach dos sin arayach liel sin abiel...'the enemy of my enemy is
my friend...at least until my enemy is destroyed...quit if you wish, I
shall continue."

With that, Tovach moved his remaining ships in a fan-shaped formation,
half surrounding the crown prince's vessels, using his as a screen to
move a corvette into position to release fighters against the new
Razgat opponent.

The Razgat ship's shell shattered in a massive, dirty orange fireball bleaching the entire state room white. Shielding their eyes the gathered audience applauded their guest joint sucess along with shouts of "Victory!" and "Well done!" 

Archaen Officers and Sisters clapped both the Dr'pwe and the Prince upon their shoulders. But it wasn't over. 

A dark shadow covered the room as two more pirate vessels appeared on the far side of the chamber. The two Razgat vessels hovered, as if unsure of their next move, especially after seeing one of their own surely defeated by the two forces. Regardless, their posture was clear. If Tovach and Mathias continued thier conflict they would attack.

But if the two united ...

"This game has been rigged," Mathias commented to Tovach.  "I believe that the ship's computer has tired of are arguments and programmed in the Razgat ship to force us to cooperate.  But there is one way to win for sure: Stop playing."

Due to the recent move of frank and myself. My e-mail had to change and
I am making sure that it is working properly. My last post made it
through before the move so that at least is a good thing. Sorry about
the change up.

Jennifer

Reina Webstrider, Matron of the Ninth House of The Spider Queen
Theocracy, Head of the Ministry of Diplomacy for the SQT was catching
up on her work.  She'd been swamped by countless memos, treaty
addendums and such.  The Spider Queen must be testing her patience.
How was she to make her bid to raise her House to the Eighth rank if
she couldn't get all this work done?  And now, to top it off, a new
government, the Elite Elaunian Empire, had made First Contact and
sent an Ambassador to the SQT.  Since the First Matron was busy with
the Archeans and Listhani, Reina would have to arrange a meeting with
the new ambassador herself.

The dr'owe matron composed and sent the following memo to the
Elaunian Ambassador's console.

My esteemed ambassador:

I am Matron Webstrider, head of the SQT Ministry of Diplomacy.  I
apologize in the Spider Queen's Name for not contacting you sooner.
I have been extremely busy.  I would like to arrange a meeting with
you at your earliest convenience.  Please contact me and we shall
arrange a time and place.  I hope Black Widow Station has given you a
pleasant stay.

Matron Reina sent the memo and sighed.  She'd soon have to get Erin
Webstrider, her daughter, back home.  Once Erin had returned, the
Ninth House would begin making plans to become the Eighth.

Tovach's expression didn't change.  He was a dr'owe and always had a
contingency plan, as well as contingencies for his contingency plan. He
took a gamble, making himself vulnerable by taking control of all of his
remaining ships and moving them behind the crown prince's forces,
effective placing Mathias' ships between his and the Razgat.  "Spearhead
formation, attack, I'll cover your flanks" he said to the crown prince
in the same tone he would use when commanding an actual fleet in an
actual battle.  "If it acts like a real Razgat, it'll attack you
straightforward, thinking that I am using you as a screen, when it does,
it'll be just like a fly in a web" Tovach stated in the voice of one who
used to giving commands and expects them to be followed.

"I defer to your superior knowledge of Razgat tactics," Mathias said
coldly as he pulled his ships into the suggested formation.  Mathias
remaining fighters formed the tip of the spearhead, with the left-over
capitals taking flank and tail positions.  The idea was that the
fighters would spot the 'kill zone' while the capital ships pummeled
it.  Whether that plan would survive the Razgat's firepower was
questionable.

With the Dr'owe, V'rek, aboard the Nightshade class ship, "Flutter" the
Elaunians were headed towards SQT space at their normal pace. Their mission to
scout other systems interrupted by the destruction of a SQT vessel.

New made Th'orn sat at his station doing his usual scans of the area. So far
nothing abnormal. An astroid here, space debris there, a comet in the area...
Now that was something different. The scan produced a bit of metallic anomalies.
"Sir? We have something on the scan."

The Ithiliad Commander looked to the new-made and waited. "It seems to have
metallic anomalies sir." This was interesting. As the rogue comet grew closer,
it was apparent that this was not a comet but a new vessel of some sort. Energy
readings alerted the crew to the ships weapons and shields coming on line. With
this knowledge the Commander called for battlestations as the Flutter's main
weapon was brought online and charging as fast as possible. Shields came up as
the Thi'keens take to their Spitters.

As the four fighters detached from the belly of the Flutter, the electricity
from the main weapon began its arc between the wings. The Nightshade took
evasive manuevers to avoid a collision with the attacking ship.

As the Razgat ship passed over the Flutter, the four Spitters went over the top.
At the same time the four spitters fired their negative energy turrets at the
ship, the Flutter aimed its psionic cannon at the underbelly of the Razgat ship.
The five ships made sure to keep out of range of those lethal tentacles.

"Welcome, Honor-Gen'iid," said High Sister Tann. "How may we serve you?"

The Listhani chose once again to actually modulate the air molecules of the
chamber to replicate a voice. He chose to speak in a gentle, moderately deep
tone.

"High Sister, the Continuum feels the honor extended to us in welcoming us
here."

Charlame observed as the Listhani's inner blues came to the surface in waves
until the entire aspect of Gen'iid had changed.

"Actually, you could explain to me the workings of the Stellar Cross relief
agency. We have agencies that accomplish similar goals in the Continuum, but as
most of my own experience has been in the merchant fleet, I have had little
interaction with them. If there is anything non-classified that you could share,
I would appreciate the education..."

"Of course," answered the Archaen. She was impressed by the Listhani merchant,
both in his gentlemanly manners and his sincere interest. How alike the Listhani
and the Parr were, and yet ... so different. As the High Sister Tann began to
describe the founding principles of the Stellar Cross she could sense he was
amazed by here culture. It was nice. Nice to be appreciated and listened to.

Since the end of the war she realized it was the first time she allowed her self
to fell joy from another.

"High Sister, could you explain your religious system to me? I have researched
the connection with Ishtar before this mission, but what does it mean to you,
and why did you enter the Stellar Cross?"

Charlame nearly blushed.

"I must admit ... it's been a while since anyone has ever asked me that
question."

Her eyes followed the wandering of a holo-comet above them.

"Ishtar is the Goddess of Love, War and Fertility, Honor-Gen'iid. Many believe
that she embodies those values on a purely literal level. To do so would be to
limit her as much as my words are limiting to a telepathic being ... "

As she answered, the conversation across the room continued to develop.

______________________


Duncan was pleased to see that the Sisters of the Stellar Cross had everything
under control. Walking about the room he barely noticed the appreciative looks
of respect and admiration he received both from the Istata Sisters and his
fellow Officers.

He wished he could feel the same. His sense of restlessness had returned - he
needed to ... to ...

*Prove myself," he admitted. Taking a glass of Brandywine from steward he took a
small sip.

"Sir ... this message came for you," said a young Deeka. Turning the Captain
received the small Datapad in his hand and thanked the young woman. The message
had a HIGH encryption heading. Moving off to a secluded corner he pressed his
thumb against a scanning panel and spoke his access code. The message played.

****[INCOMING TRANSMISSION: ENCRYPTION CODE: LEVEL X]****

DESTINATION HEADER:

To: Captain Duncan Colford, Commanding Officer HMS Skyhammer.

From: Master Assassin-Guardian Victor Drake
H.M.S Skyhammer
Selesthian Space


PROCESSING... PROCESSING... LOADING 25%... LOADING 50%... LOADING 75%

The image of a bearded rugged looking man faded up in a tight head and shoulder
shot.

[Greetings, Dunc. Sorry to interrupt your dinner, but ship sensors have picked
up another anomaly reading,
this one close to the Selsethian Quantum wall. I'm not taking any chances, so
it's my call. I've ordered the
ship to move closer and investigate. I'll keep you informed. Drake out.]

****[MESSAGE END... FILE SELF-TERMINATION ... INSTIGATING  --- ---- ---
COMPLETE]*****

Duncan lowered the datapad. Ordinarily any ship Captain would feel slighted to
have an outsider commandeer their vessel, but this was different. He had known
Victor Drake for years, and trusted him as a both a capable commander, and a
wile 'Sin-Guardian as well. But more, based on Archaen law, Imperial Master
Assassin Guardians had the ability to Commendeer nearly any ship in the Fleet if
they felt it was necessary to protect or aid their charge.

In this case it was.

Several light-years away, Victor Drake and much of Archaen Battle Group 6 were
looking for Emperor Shadrach Farfel Marcello V.

______________________


Sister Tann and Gen'iid were on the other side of the Banquet hall, looking out
of the chamber at the stars beyond. Of course, they both saw that vision in very
different wavelengths. Charlame saw the constellations and the pull they had on
the sentient soul. How they both inspired and beckoned countless races and
civilizations to seek and explore them across the Greater Galaxy. Did her
Listhani companion see them the same?

Gen'iid's expression, what a Listhani human would call a "smile", radiated out
into the psionic wavelengths.

"Commander Gen'iid, you are smiling at me?" Sister Tann said self-deprecatingly.
"Have I done something to amuse you?"

She watched as the Listhani switched communication modes, perhaps not wanting to
embarrass her.

*My apologies, Sister Tann. I was sensing your appreciation for the stars
outside. There is something amazing about that view no matter how many times it
is seen, or who is doing the looking*

"Each person does have their own unique point of view though, Commander. We have
always tried to appreciate that fact in our Order - and in our culture."

Considering his own view of the stars, he replied *As have we, High Sister.
However, with your permission, would it be possible to view the game to be
played on the simulator over there?*

"Of course it would, Commander."

She threaded a path for them both through the crowd that was slowly moving away
from the main table and dispersing through the Hall. They walked in as the game
was getting started.

______________________


"Care for a few practice runs?"

"A few questions first, Deeka Crafton. If the kill zones are only
visible to fighters, and only the corvette carries fighters, what is the
point of the frigates and destroyers?" Mathias asked. "Why not five
corvettes, or a carrier with dozens of fighter squadrons? Or is it
possible to eliminate your opponent's ships without hitting the kill zone?"

"Yes, you may. In the beginner levels, players find it easier to concentrate on
the single fighter craft, but
as one advances the merits of fleet tactics and formations become clearer. Even
if a single fighter
advances on a ship's kill zone, the enemy fleet may bear its combined fire power
on that ship,
destroying it in a full salvo of energy weapons and tor ... "

Before the Everton Crown Prince had donned his own headband, Tovach used a
coordinated attack of one fighter and one corvette and used the kill zones that
only a fighter could see to destroy two of the Crown Prince's ships.

"No one said I had to play fair."

As a surprised Mathias quickly donned his own controller and the game truly
began.

"His corvette and fighters are closer to your fleet and vulnerable to a
counter-attack, " whispered Lin to the crown Prince.

Not being familiar with the interface, Mathias chose to concentrate on one
destroyer and a fighter squadron. The two ships dove towards Tovach's corvette
and engaged it and the fighter craft escorting it.

Tovach smiled. His fighters left his corvette wide open for destruction. He
already had 2 kills scored in this game. Now he would get his third, and at the
loss of only one ship. Completely ignoring the crown prince's fighters, his own
fighters went in for the kill on the destroyer Mathias was using to anchor his
fighter attack, all of them aim for that destroyer's kill zone.

Before the Dr'owe's fighters could engage the Prince's Destroyer two of them
suddenly exploded from searing energy weapons all fired from another direction.
Almost simultaneously, one of Mathias' fighter's heading towards Tovach's
corvettes likewise disintegrated followed by the Dr'owe's corvette as well.

Moving perpendicular towards both men's fleets was a massive Razgat vessel. As
one both Tovach and Mathias turned to Lin with astonished looks.

The Deek merely shrugged.

"It appears that our Master-Synth has decided to add a twist to your game,"
replied the Istata Sister. "The game protocol is 'Open Galaxy'. It seems now
both your forces are threatened by a third. As it stands, each of you may
continue to fight as the Razgat picks off your own ships one by one, or ... "

Another ship exploded above them.

"... combine your forces to take on the greater threat."

______________________





_________________________________________________________________
You live life beyond your PC. So now Windows goes beyond your PC.
http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/115298556/direct/01/

I took it that the assassin was aware of Connor and Re'iela when they set foot
in the sewer, but did not count on her having full access to her spells and
magical abilities. When I wrote this I kept Re'iela's actions to a minimum
thinking that I would send them to you to revise. That's why I felt bad for
posting without doing that. Again, sorry about that.

The ward smybols on the canister are dark magic that will partially summon a
K'tan demon entity - Zu'xthu, the Soulless Wonderer of the Waste. Its appearance
alone may cause insanity - that of a great primordial looking fish that has been
crushed by great pressure. Misshapen, its black and rotted looking body is
covered with countless eyes. It moves by somehow 'swiming' through the air. Any
attempt to disable the gas canister will summon the demon, but since magic does
not work well in the Selesthian Q-dex the demon can only partially materialize,
meaning it is intangible, but still has access to it's powers. If any organic
life looks into its thousand eyes it will turn to stone. Its other ability is to
summon other aquatic creatures - in this case the Sewer worms.

I'm not sure it you noticed but I posted a SM - Quantum Baptism where Razgat
pirates attack Jen's ship.

Lowell


________________________________
> To: starshield-rpg@yahoogroups.com
> From: frank_vittoe@...
> Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2008 16:47:47 -0400
> Subject: RE: OOC: [Starshield] [SM]: Interrogations
>
>
> actually, I thought it well done...I hadn't really pinned down a personality
for our dr'owe priestess yet...but I think that she's probably a fantatic, which
would explain why she blundered into such an obvious (for a dr'owe) trap...as I
read this post, I saw that coming a mile away, and wondered why Re'illa
didn't...and then I realized...it's because her fanatical devotion to the Spider
Queen would blind her to the obvious in a situation such as this one...perhaps
whoever is behind this knew that...maybe it's someone she knows...or at least
someone she knows is involved in it...
>
> Frank
>
>> To: starshield-rpg@yahoogroups.com
>> From: archaen59@...
>> Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:46:55 +0000
>> Subject: OOC: [Starshield] [SM]: Interrogations
>>
>>
>> Frank,
>>
>> Sorry, I forgot to send this to you before posting. If there's anything in
here that you don't agree with I will repost.
>>
>> Lowell
>>
>> ________________________________
>>> To: starshield-rpg@yahoogroups.com
>>> From: archaen59@...
>>> Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:28:33 +0000
>>> Subject: [Starshield] [SM]: Interrogations
>>>
>>>
>>> Selesthian Ring Station
>>> Public sewers
>>>
>>> ___________________
>>>
>>> He froze.
>>>
>>> A two meter worm swam down the knee deep water in their direction. Keeping
his blade ready Connor watched as the creature paused by his leg. A sphincter
mouth opened revealing rows of serrated, triangular shaped teeth.
>>>
>>> Something tongue-like flicked inside.
>>>
>>> The mouth closed and the creature moved on.
>>>
>>> "O'Rourke," half-whispered Re'iela. I hear something ahead. He did too. He
head up his Sensor-glove, allowing his microphone pick-ups to zero in on the
sound.
>>>
>>> Moving ahead the two entered a wide intersection. Set in the middle was a
large unmarked barrel. On top of it was the rigid corpse of a hawk size spider
impaled with a dagger.
>>>
>>> "By the Queen!" roared the High Priestess marching forward.
>>>
>>> "Wait! Don't!" shouted Connor. Too late.
>>>
>>> Re'iela's foot pulled the tripwire under the murky waters. Instantly the
barrel crashed over spilling a foul smelling liquid into the sewer.
>>>
>>> The two warriors pressed up back to back.
>>>
>>> "My apologies," sneered Re'iela. "The assassin will pay dearly for killing
one of the Queen's children!"
>>>
>>> "Is that before or after we're ripped apart by sewer worms?" asked the
Archaen. He hooked his chin back to the barrel.
>>>
>>> "I think I now know what that resin is."
>>>
>>> "Some kind of pheromone," answered the Dark Elf.
>>>
>>> "Yeah. And right now it's shouting the chemical equivalent of ... dinner
time. DOWN!" screamed the Archaen.
>>>
>>> A shape, thick as a tr'oll's leg, leapt from the scuzzy surface, lamprey
jaws stretched to thrice their size, yawning for the
>>> Archaen's head.
>>>
>>> It stopped cold.
>>>
>>> Connor had gutted the creature with his Sabersaw, impaled from lower jaw to
brian pan. Still it thrashed and snapped
>>> for his head. With a surge of strength he hefted it over his shoulder and
threw it down the tunnel back the way they came.
>>>
>>> The sewer waters frothed red with blood as countless worms fed upon its
fallen brethren.
>>>
>>> "Right, time to leave," half-shouted the 'Sin-Guardian.
>>>
>>> Behind him Re'iela shot off bolt of light. Something large wiggle for them.
He hope she remembered the methane gas levels around them. Sprinting past the
overturned barrel of pheromone resin in the vaulted intersection the two turned
right and darted down another passage. Worms streaked past their legs in the
knee deep water, but they were small, hand size, and bent on joining the feeding
freenzy.
>>>
>>> Half a minute passed and Connor slowed, then stopped.
>>>
>>> "I sense it too," whispered the High Priestess.
>>>
>>> The waters will still. Where ever they were the sewer worms were avoiding
the place. He scanned the tunnel with his Sensor-glove.
>>>
>>> "It's colder here."
>>>
>>> He fell into an On Guard stance with his free hand ready to pull his
blaster."
>>>
>>> "Can you detect anything?" he asked over his shoulder. A heavy silence
followed broken by the Dr'owe's sharp words.
>>>
>>> "He's close ... "
>>>
>>> "Yeah? Where?" breathed out the Archaen.
>>>
>>> "... I - I don't understand. He should be right in front of you."
>>>
>>> "What?"
>>>
>>> Scanning the space in front of him the Assassin thought for a moment then
straightened a little.
>>>
>>> "Aw ... great." he lamented. His arm pulsed and his blaster was in his hand.
>>>
>>> "Stay close," he said.
>>>
>>> "Why?" asked Re'iela. Instead of answering the 'Sin-Guardian took two steps
forward and fell straight down into the water.
>>> Ten seconds later he plunged through into a lower chamber. Landing in waist
deep waters he spun around in a defensive pose.
>>>
>>> That's when something hit him square in the chest, knocking him off his
feet, and plowing him into the tunnel walls. The 'Sin-Guardian slide to the
floor as his assailant retracted his Ul'ek pike. It reformed itself a sleeve
completing its original form where it looked like shimmering water in the
template of a hooded robe.
>>>
>>> Connor's Sabersaw lowered from his chest. A small dimple was pressed into
the flat of the blade where the Ul'ek had stuck.
>>>
>>> "Ooooouch!" he mumbled. "That ... hurt."
>>>
>>> "Impressive," leveled a heavy voice. "You are only the second of your kind
to block my strike in such a manner."
>>>
>>> "Yeah? ... " heaved Connor as he aimed his blaster. "When I get up and shove
my fist down your throat ... then you'll really
>>> be impressed."
>>>
>>> "I think not," replied the attacker. Stepping aside he revealed a large
canister mounted into several O2 conduits. It was etched with arcane runes. One
of them suddenly shimmered and glowed the color of blood.
>>>
>>> "I'm afraid ... how do you human's say it? You have bigger -- "
>>>
>>> In a flash of light the assassin was smashed down the lower tunnel and into
the darkness. Moments later Re'iela lowered into the chamber from the hatchway
above.
>>>
>>> "Wish to fry," finished the Dark Elf.
>>>
>>> "Actually ... it's fish," corrected Connor. He climbed to his feet.
>>>
>>> "Really?" said the High Priestess looking over the canister. "Like mine
better."
>>>
>>> "Duly noted," called out the 'Sin-Guardian. "And thanks."
>>>
>>> He sprinted down the tunnel after the Assassin.
>>>
>>> "Hold. Wait for ... "
>>>
>>> "NO!" he called back. "Stay!"
>>>
>>> The High Priestess skidded toa stiop with a perpelxed look.
>>>
>>> "And why should I do that?" she demanded, unused to being ordered by a male.
>>>
>>> "Because i don't know how to deal with that. I'll handle the assassin."
>>>
>>> He pointed back before plunging into the tunnel's darkness. Re'iela passed
her attention back to the canister. A second rune glowed blood red. Eight more
remained.
>>>
>>> ___________________
>>>
>>> __________________________________________________________
>>> Stay organized with simple drag and drop from Windows Live Hotmail.
>>> http://windowslive.com/Explore/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_102008
>>>
>>>
>>
>> _________________________________________________________________
>> When your life is on the go—take your life with you.
>> http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/115298558/direct/01/
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>> Starshield Listserve, Copyright Various Authors 1998-2005.
>>
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>
>
> ________________________________
> See how Windows Mobile brings your life together—at home, work, or on the go.
See Now
>
>

_________________________________________________________________
You live life beyond your PC. So now Windows goes beyond your PC.
http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/115298556/direct/01/

Frank,

Sorry, I forgot to send this to you before posting. If there's anything in here
that you don't agree with I will repost.

Lowell

________________________________
> To: starshield-rpg@yahoogroups.com
> From: archaen59@...
> Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:28:33 +0000
> Subject: [Starshield] [SM]: Interrogations
>
>
> Selesthian Ring Station
> Public sewers
>
> ___________________
>
> He froze.
>
> A two meter worm swam down the knee deep water in their direction. Keeping his
blade ready Connor watched as the creature paused by his leg. A sphincter mouth
opened revealing rows of serrated, triangular shaped teeth.
>
> Something tongue-like flicked inside.
>
> The mouth closed and the creature moved on.
>
> "O'Rourke," half-whispered Re'iela. I hear something ahead. He did too. He
head up his Sensor-glove, allowing his microphone pick-ups to zero in on the
sound.
>
> Moving ahead the two entered a wide intersection. Set in the middle was a
large unmarked barrel. On top of it was the rigid corpse of a hawk size spider
impaled with a dagger.
>
> "By the Queen!" roared the High Priestess marching forward.
>
> "Wait! Don't!" shouted Connor. Too late.
>
> Re'iela's foot pulled the tripwire under the murky waters. Instantly the
barrel crashed over spilling a foul smelling liquid into the sewer.
>
> The two warriors pressed up back to back.
>
> "My apologies," sneered Re'iela. "The assassin will pay dearly for killing one
of the Queen's children!"
>
> "Is that before or after we're ripped apart by sewer worms?" asked the
Archaen. He hooked his chin back to the barrel.
>
> "I think I now know what that resin is."
>
> "Some kind of pheromone," answered the Dark Elf.
>
> "Yeah. And right now it's shouting the chemical equivalent of ... dinner time.
DOWN!" screamed the Archaen.
>
> A shape, thick as a tr'oll's leg, leapt from the scuzzy surface, lamprey jaws
stretched to thrice their size, yawning for the
> Archaen's head.
>
> It stopped cold.
>
> Connor had gutted the creature with his Sabersaw, impaled from lower jaw to
brian pan. Still it thrashed and snapped
> for his head. With a surge of strength he hefted it over his shoulder and
threw it down the tunnel back the way they came.
>
> The sewer waters frothed red with blood as countless worms fed upon its fallen
brethren.
>
> "Right, time to leave," half-shouted the 'Sin-Guardian.
>
> Behind him Re'iela shot off bolt of light. Something large wiggle for them. He
hope she remembered the methane gas levels around them. Sprinting past the
overturned barrel of pheromone resin in the vaulted intersection the two turned
right and darted down another passage. Worms streaked past their legs in the
knee deep water, but they were small, hand size, and bent on joining the feeding
freenzy.
>
> Half a minute passed and Connor slowed, then stopped.
>
> "I sense it too," whispered the High Priestess.
>
> The waters will still. Where ever they were the sewer worms were avoiding the
place. He scanned the tunnel with his Sensor-glove.
>
> "It's colder here."
>
> He fell into an On Guard stance with his free hand ready to pull his blaster."
>
> "Can you detect anything?" he asked over his shoulder. A heavy silence
followed broken by the Dr'owe's sharp words.
>
> "He's close ... "
>
> "Yeah? Where?" breathed out the Archaen.
>
> "... I - I don't understand. He should be right in front of you."
>
> "What?"
>
> Scanning the space in front of him the Assassin thought for a moment then
straightened a little.
>
> "Aw ... great." he lamented. His arm pulsed and his blaster was in his hand.
>
> "Stay close," he said.
>
> "Why?" asked Re'iela. Instead of answering the 'Sin-Guardian took two steps
forward and fell straight down into the water.
> Ten seconds later he plunged through into a lower chamber. Landing in waist
deep waters he spun around in a defensive pose.
>
> That's when something hit him square in the chest, knocking him off his feet,
and plowing him into the tunnel walls. The 'Sin-Guardian slide to the floor as
his assailant retracted his Ul'ek pike. It reformed itself a sleeve completing
its original form where it looked like shimmering water in the template of a
hooded robe.
>
> Connor's Sabersaw lowered from his chest. A small dimple was pressed into the
flat of the blade where the Ul'ek had stuck.
>
> "Ooooouch!" he mumbled. "That ... hurt."
>
> "Impressive," leveled a heavy voice. "You are only the second of your kind to
block my strike in such a manner."
>
> "Yeah? ... " heaved Connor as he aimed his blaster. "When I get up and shove
my fist down your throat ... then you'll really
> be impressed."
>
> "I think not," replied the attacker. Stepping aside he revealed a large
canister mounted into several O2 conduits. It was etched with arcane runes. One
of them suddenly shimmered and glowed the color of blood.
>
> "I'm afraid ... how do you human's say it? You have bigger -- "
>
> In a flash of light the assassin was smashed down the lower tunnel and into
the darkness. Moments later Re'iela lowered into the chamber from the hatchway
above.
>
> "Wish to fry," finished the Dark Elf.
>
> "Actually ... it's fish," corrected Connor. He climbed to his feet.
>
> "Really?" said the High Priestess looking over the canister. "Like mine
better."
>
> "Duly noted," called out the 'Sin-Guardian. "And thanks."
>
> He sprinted down the tunnel after the Assassin.
>
> "Hold. Wait for ... "
>
> "NO!" he called back. "Stay!"
>
> The High Priestess skidded toa stiop with a perpelxed look.
>
> "And why should I do that?" she demanded, unused to being ordered by a male.
>
> "Because i don't know how to deal with that. I'll handle the assassin."
>
> He pointed back before plunging into the tunnel's darkness. Re'iela passed her
attention back to the canister. A second rune glowed blood red. Eight more
remained.
>
> ___________________
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Stay organized with simple drag and drop from Windows Live Hotmail.
> http://windowslive.com/Explore/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_102008
>
>

_________________________________________________________________
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Selesthian Ring Station
Public sewers

___________________


He froze.

A two meter worm swam down the knee deep water in their direction. Keeping his
blade ready Connor watched as the creature paused by his leg. A sphincter mouth
opened revealing rows of serrated, triangular shaped teeth.

Something tongue-like flicked inside.

The mouth closed and the creature moved on.

"O'Rourke," half-whispered Re'iela. I hear something ahead. He did too. He head
up his Sensor-glove, allowing his microphone pick-ups to zero in on the sound.

Moving ahead the two entered a wide intersection. Set in the middle was a large
unmarked barrel. On top of it was the rigid corpse of a hawk size spider impaled
with a dagger.

"By the Queen!" roared the High Priestess marching forward.

"Wait! Don't!" shouted Connor. Too late.

Re'iela's foot pulled the tripwire under the murky waters. Instantly the barrel
crashed over spilling a foul smelling liquid into the sewer.

The two warriors pressed up back to back.

"My apologies," sneered Re'iela. "The assassin will pay dearly for killing one
of the Queen's children!"

"Is that before or after we're ripped apart by sewer worms?" asked the Archaen.
He hooked his chin back to the barrel.

"I think I now know what that resin is."

"Some kind of pheromone," answered the Dark Elf.

"Yeah. And right now it's shouting the chemical equivalent of ... dinner time.
DOWN!" screamed the Archaen.

A shape, thick as a tr'oll's leg, leapt from the scuzzy surface, lamprey jaws
stretched to thrice their size, yawning for the
Archaen's head.

It stopped cold.

Connor had gutted the creature with his Sabersaw, impaled from lower jaw to
brian pan. Still it thrashed and snapped
for his head. With a surge of strength he hefted it over his shoulder and threw
it down the tunnel back the way they came.

The sewer waters frothed red with blood as countless worms fed upon its fallen
brethren.

"Right, time to leave," half-shouted the 'Sin-Guardian.

Behind him Re'iela shot off bolt of light. Something large wiggle for them. He
hope she remembered the methane gas levels around them. Sprinting past the
overturned barrel of pheromone resin in the vaulted intersection the two turned
right and darted down another passage. Worms streaked past their legs in the
knee deep water, but they were small, hand size, and bent on joining the feeding
freenzy.

Half a minute passed and Connor slowed, then stopped.

"I sense it too," whispered the High Priestess.

The waters will still. Where ever they were the sewer worms were avoiding the
place. He scanned the tunnel with his Sensor-glove.

"It's colder here."

He fell into an On Guard stance with his free hand ready to pull his blaster."

"Can you detect anything?" he asked over his shoulder. A heavy silence followed
broken by the Dr'owe's sharp words.

"He's close ... "

"Yeah? Where?" breathed out the Archaen.

"... I - I don't understand. He should be right in front of you."

"What?"

Scanning the space in front of him the Assassin thought for a moment then
straightened a little.

"Aw ... great." he lamented. His arm pulsed and his blaster was in his hand.

"Stay close," he said.

"Why?" asked Re'iela. Instead of answering the 'Sin-Guardian took two steps
forward and fell straight down into the water.
Ten seconds later he plunged through into a lower chamber. Landing in waist deep
waters he spun around in a defensive pose.

That's when something hit him square in the chest, knocking him off his feet,
and plowing him into the tunnel walls. The 'Sin-Guardian slide to the floor as
his assailant retracted his Ul'ek pike. It reformed itself a sleeve completing
its original form where it looked like shimmering water in the template of a
hooded robe.

Connor's Sabersaw lowered from his chest. A small dimple was pressed into the
flat of the blade where the Ul'ek had stuck.

"Ooooouch!" he mumbled. "That ... hurt."

"Impressive," leveled a heavy voice. "You are only the second of your kind to
block my strike in such a manner."

"Yeah? ... " heaved Connor as he aimed his blaster. "When I get up and shove my
fist down your throat ... then you'll really
be impressed."

"I think not," replied the attacker. Stepping aside he revealed a large canister
mounted into several O2 conduits. It was etched with arcane runes. One of them
suddenly shimmered and glowed the color of blood.

"I'm afraid ... how do you human's say it? You have bigger -- "

In a flash of light the assassin was smashed down the lower tunnel and into the
darkness. Moments later Re'iela lowered into the chamber from the hatchway
above.

"Wish to fry," finished the Dark Elf.

"Actually ... it's fish," corrected Connor. He climbed to his feet.

"Really?" said the High Priestess looking over the canister. "Like mine better."

"Duly noted," called out the 'Sin-Guardian. "And thanks."

He sprinted down the tunnel after the Assassin.

"Hold. Wait for ... "

"NO!" he called back. "Stay!"

The High Priestess skidded toa stiop with a perpelxed look.

"And why should I do that?" she demanded, unused to being ordered by a male.

"Because i don't know how to deal with that. I'll handle the assassin."

He pointed back before plunging into the tunnel's darkness. Re'iela passed her
attention back to the canister. A second rune glowed blood red. Eight more
remained.

___________________



_________________________________________________________________
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Interstellar Space
Six light years from the E'Launian Q-dex

_________________________________


A corona of smoke covered its shell, obscuring its lines and profile. On most
long distant scans it would appear as a rogue comet. On medium, metallic
anomalies would be revealed.

Anything closer and it would be too late for any approaching ship.

Such had been the fate for the Omnet scout ship, and the three Hunn pirate ships
before that. Its crews had been subjugate, it's technology fused with theirs.

Now a new vessel was approaching the edge of its K'tan based sensors, one it had
never seen before. It had a bio-index similar to the living ships from the SQT,
but different. Perhaps that was why it was on a heading from the newly
introduced E'launian Space to the Spider Queen Theocracy.

Which ever the case ... it would never make it.

One by one shield generators came on line followed by a single bank of
Quantum-canons. Its Phase-cloak was no longer functional, and gone were its
compliment of devastating K'tan warheads.

No matter. It had more than enough weapons to catch its latest prey. The ship's
shape was flat - clamshell-like in appearance, with a jagged outer perimeters.
The top of the shell was twisted with butte-like protrusions, many haphazardly
mounted with weapons, shield generators, and thrusters. The ventral side crawled
with hundreds of tentacles, some as thick as Omnet shuttles, ending in milky
white talons meters in length.

"Take them!" cried a voice across multiple frequencies with a scalding
intensity. Accelerating past FTL speed the Razgat pirate ship shot like a
celestial javelin straight for the E'launian vessel.

_________________________________
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