Dr. Inoma waves off the issue of the ISPD.  "I know my Imperial Law.  They have no right to this information unless it directly effects the Empire.  Which it doesn't.  The ISPD likes to get their dark noses into everything!  Unlike Krellis, this distortion is stable, and our readings tell us that it is not expanding.  That is the curious part of it though.  Most natural phenomenon of this nature either expands or contracts depending on the source of its power.  This is completely stable, and that has us piqued.

The plan is to teleport just outside the range of the distortion, and make our way through to see if we can determine the cause of the effect.  Once we have this, we can descide if we should set up a research facility, or scrub the mission.  Either way, your company will be paid handsomely."  He spoke, looking over each of you.

Saxon was impressed. It was a bit rare for people to want to go out and cause a bit of trouble for the sake of discovery. This scientist seemed to be one such person. "I do rather enjoy the opportunity to run into a unknown celestial event for the sake of finding out why it works." He pulled out a small device and made a few adjustments. He then did a sweep of the room rotating around to be sure of the situation. He payed close attention to the blue light it emitted as he swiped over.

"For the few of us who have no idea what the event your researching is, please share."

[Private to GM: detect magic sweep of the room. Want to be sure he left nothing behind.]

Yeah I bet you know Imperial Law... but I wonder just how much the ISPD really cares about the exact "letter of the law"?  Seems to me the good ol' ISPD is willing to bend or break or hell even make up its own rules & regulations to get what it wants and MAYBE apologize later if they step on some toes doing it.

But I'm not hear to argue the finer points of Imperial Law... but I am going to have a word or two with the Boss about it, just in case the boys back in management aren't aware of these ISPD "complications".

Vorneyl glanced over at Saxon and nodded his head as he said, "Ok Saxon has the right of it... ISPD and Imperial Law aside right now... let's have a sit down, go over the tactical and logistical necessities of this assignment and chat about the possible risks & dangers we all might be facing.

As Saxon inquired about, we would like you to explain the nature of your research as much as you can... with the understanding that most of us don't have much in the way of a background in science.  Perhaps you can tell us what you have found, what you hope to find, what you might find... and more importantly how any of that might pose a treat to you or me, or your people or my people.

That sound Ok with you Dr. Inoma?"

Dr. Inoma opens up a holographic chart of the Dragon Star Empire, with precise movements of his hands, he narrows the view down to a glowing blue sphere.  "This is the Kanabula System.  About five years ago, I discovered a distortion in time and space...  Imagine a shield around a system, protecting it, yet altering its nature by not being in sync with our own time frame.  From my scrying attempts and a probe launched a year ago, I have determined that there is at least three planets in the system, one of which may be inhabited.  It is there that I assume the source of this distortion is located.  Unfortunately, my probe quit sending information mere moments it crossed the threshold of the distortion.  All of my attempts to scry on my probe have been mixed.  The only thing I can say for sure is that it still exists, in relatively the same condition in which it entered the distortion.  What I need from your company is protection, in case something is not what it seems within the distortion, and transportation.  We have the equipment and supplies ready to set up a research facility if I deem it necessary, and those will be part of the cargo I bring along, as well as a few of my students and fellow researchers."  He spoke.

[Private to Saxon: You don't detect any surveillance devices, except the recorder that is on Dr. Inoma's laptop computer.  Standard thing to do for a researcher in his position.]

Vorneyl looked at Aria for a moment before he said, "So Doctor... are you planning to actually go into this distortion like where you sent your probe?  Are you expecting us to cross over this threshold and enter the distortion with you?

What are your theories regarding why the probe hasn't been able to return from its mission and cross back over the distortion threshold again?  Are you even sure that it is in fact physically or magically possible to return from the distortion once one has crossed this threshold?

You say the distortion puts this location out of sync with our time frame... what sort of danger or effect might that have on a living being who crosses over the threshold to enter this distortion?  And what happens to us when we try to return to our time frame?

What about these planets, are you planning to try to reach them and, if so, are we expected to accompany you?  What do you know, if anything, about these three planets?  Any signs of activity?  What makes you think that one of the planets is inhabited?

What sort of risks or dangers or threats can you theorize that we might face?  What sort of technological or magical threat could we be looking at based on the level of technology or magic needed to create a distortion field like this... would it be something comparable to the Empire, less... greater?"

Vorneyl paused before adding, "I realize that's a lot of questions so feel free to take then one at a time."  Vorneyl glanced at his team and said, "And if any of you think of anything relevant to ask about this assignment, please feel free to speak up.  This is not really my area of expertise, so I could easily be missing or overlooking something."

"Interesting and more interesting," Aria thinks to herself. Unlike the others, the mercenary feels no reservations about ISPD involvement. If the ISPD is to be their adversary, that is an opponent that she understands. Watch out for infiltration and sabotage of their operations. And if conflict should occur, well, employers could often be held liable for the majority of consequences, if Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith writes a solid contract.

"An anamoly of this stability is itself, well... anamolous, is it not?" She asks, her voice projecting from the metallic feline she has piloted to the meeting. More and more it seemed natural for her to interact from her vehicle, as she was beginning to see her body as just another vehicle piloted by her consciousness. She wondered if Vorneyl had any of the same feelings upon his second life as a Soul Mech. "It seems a fair assumption that this is not a natural occurance, but a conscious design to either shield or quarantine the system.

"But by whom?"


This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Tue 05 July 2011.

Dr. Inoma looked pleased and smiles at Aria's statement.  "Exactly!  Who has the ability to do such a thing, which, by modern technological and magical standards a feat would would be, if not impossible, impractical.

The few readings we have, put the distortion of time within a few milliseconds of our own frame of time.  I am certain that will be able to enter and leave as we desire.  To be sure of my research, we are going to have to enter the system, and, if not land, at least take orbital scans.  This all points to a highly advanced civilization that could possibly be of use to the Empire, but I want the chance to learn as much as I can before I turn this information to the general public."  He spoke, looking wistfully around the office at your group.

Saxon was taking mental notes of the important bits. "The hard part is that you dont commonly give any information to someone not ready for it. I dont teach a fledgling mage how to use one of my clouds until they are ready. Just the same a race of people who know how to alter time are not likely to aid a empire who knows not the discipline needed to use temporal technology." He gave a smile "While it is fun and important to go take a look. I would advise caution. If they are a people who know how to control time, there is a very important reason they have not branched out into the universe. And we need to keep in mind that time works on a whole other level of understanding. While we understand our single dimension they may exist on more. I have had to deal with a great many points of view at the same time when controlling summons. They could do similar naturally."

"This seems more and more dangerous. But fun all the same."

"I believe it generous to assume that the inhabitants of the system are altruistically protecting us from ourselves." Aria says, although her smile is hidden deep inside the workings of her feline robot. "It's just as possible they are such horrible bastards that the gods themselves have quarentined them inside the anomaly to protect us from them. Or that they are themselves trapped inside the anamoly due to their own misguided tampering with time."

In any case, it's unscientific to make assumptions on the nature and demeanor of the inhabitants with no data to go on."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:38, Mon 11 July 2011.

Dr. Inoma nods his head in agreement.  "If nothing happens, well, that is why the Society collects Tithes from all of its members.  If we do discover something, it will be very useful for the Society to sell or make use of for itself.  So, do we have a mission?"  He asks.

Vorneyl shrugged as he said, "Well the truth is that there isn't really much of anything that anybody really seems to "know" about what's going on.  I suppose that's why we were called in though, after all if people knew the trouble ahead of time they wouldn't need to call us and we'd be out of work.

Understand Doctor that working blindly in the "unknown" is not my preferred method of operation.  I can only guess at what danger we may be heading into.

The fact is that my body may be highly technical in nature... but I am not.  I'm going to have to rely on you and your tech people to keep us updated on the possible "scientific threats" that we may encounter by crossing this threshold.  Meanwhile my team and I will try to stay on top of the more typical conventional threats that we've been trained to handle.

I have to admit... I dislike the fact that you lost contact with your probe so quickly.  It implies some kind of interference.  But if I understand you correctly, the probe is still believed to be functional... as in you don't believe it has been destroyed outright, correct?  That is a more hopeful sign.  An overly hostile group would probably blow the probe right out of the sky the moment they detected it.  That doesn't mean we're safe... they may be cunningly allowing the probe to remain intact as a means of luring us in to retrieve it before they pounce."

Vorneyl shrugged again as he added, "But in any case, you've contacted Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith and offered a contract.  The management, including our direct boss Lord Regannos, has chosen to accept the job and agree to the offered contract.  So barring any further word from the management or our supervisor, the mission is "On".

Now does anyone else have anything more to say or ask at this time?"

Without further questions, the meeting comes to a close.  In one weeks time, the researchers will arrive to be transported to the Silverwing, and from there, the mysterious Kanabula system.

Barring anything problematic with the journey, you await the researchers on top of the headquarters of Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith headquarters on Vespar.  Lord Regannos is there, waiting with Captain D'arville and Commander Karde with a transport shuttle waiting to take off.

Prior to the mission start date, and probably as soon as Vorneyl returned to HQ, Vorneyl reported to Regannos regarding the "altercation" (difference of opinion) between Dr. Inoma and the red 1/2 dragon who had been demanding immediate ISPD involvement/access to the Doctor's discovery.  Vorneyl would inquire whether Regannos or the Management felt that the ISPD could become a serious problem on this job.  He would also inquire as to what Regannos would want Vorneyl to do should the ISPD begin interfering/interceding.

Aria waits by the shuttle, her robot in feline form as tall as she while it sits on its haunches behind her. While she's outside her robotic 'shell', her helmet remains in place. With her eyes closed, its sensors feed directly into her mind. As she stands at ease, she reviews the latest counter-intelligence information she has been studying for the past week. That, and procuring any gear she could requisition from Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith that might help keep the ISPD from getting their noses into the wrong place.

Saxon himself spent the prior time ensuring that he had everything that he could eve3r need on the trip packed and sealed in their own containers then placed in a large trunk, he would have gone for a coffin just to be silly but that seemed a bit much. So as it goes he was traveling with the good guys.... Hope they didn't mind his "survival or bust" tactics.

Kalic arrived with little more than a single crate, marked with the words fragile.  He wore the same outfit as the previous meeting, pure white robes, but with a moments concentration, they dissolve into pristine elven battlesuit, complete with a helmet with all the goodies.  Twin blades still strapped to his back, and two pistols on his hips.  He lets the suit form back into his white robes once more.  "Ready when you are."  He said, looking for the final member of the group.

Jouhan had been on the ship, get familiar with it's surroundings and pick his quarters which suited for himself. He had little to no belongings himself, a years as wandering mercenary lead him not build too much attachment to property or vanity items.

When others arrived to the ship he silently with nod greeted them when they arrived. He has been meditating in his quarters to pass the time and leave worrying about details to those who were trained for it or had more experience.

As a message comes in, stating that Jouhan had been on the ship for some time, the pilot signals everyone to come aboard the shuttle.  As you take off, you leave the cloud city of Vespar behind, reaching quickly into the higher atmosphere.  Soon, the artificial gravity generators kick in as you leave behind the homeworld of the silver dragons, and race towards the largely retrofitted House Sarava destroyer known as Silverwing.  Even from a distance, you notice that many of the weapons platforms have been removed, and armored plating added to reinforce the hull.  As you come around the back, you notice  smallish docking bay, where the pilot lands.

Inside, a variety of people wait to greet you.  A young half-elf woman in white doctors robes waits with a medical scanner.  A small robotic looking figure with a couple of repair bots hanging around it.  Standing off from this small group is a team of military personnel.  An elf with the look of a sniper, two humans who appear to be equipped for heavy assault, and a half-orc armed with all sorts of wires and blocks of what looks like explosives.

Vorneyl surveyed the new people greeting his team aboard the ship.  He waited until everyone on his team was aboard before he said, "Looks like now is as good a time for introductions as any.  My name's Vorneyl Kenath, I'm currently the Team Leader under the supervision of Lord Regannos.  I see Jouhan Calader has already made himself known to y'all.  With me, rounding out the rest of my Team, are: Sister Aria, Kalic Vorniir, and Saxon.

I gather that some or all of you make up "The Wild Kardes" under the command of Commander Karde?  So that's a medic or doc, sniper, pair of heavy assault types, and a demolitions/EOD type... that about right?  Anybody missing?"

A mechanic voice speaks over the intercom.  "Although I am not physically present, your Adjutant is online.  Ship is functioning at optimal efficiencies.  Commander Karde and Captain D'arville are now on board.  The Silverwing is at your command."  The voice spoke.  The Wild Kardes salute sharply, while the doctor and mechanic nod their heads slightly.  As Commander Karde and Captain D'arville disembark from the shuttle, they introduce you to the crew.

"This is our chief medical officer, Doctor Aria Moonrift.  And our chief engineer, ARM-20.  There are few personnel on board, as between the ships A.I. and Mr. ARM, there is little need."  Captain D'arville spoke, letting Commander Karde continue.  "And these rogues are my men.  Korm and Gand, shock troopers.  Heian Brightstar, special ops.  And Korsk, our demolitions expert."  He introduced his company.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:32, Sat 06 Aug 2011.

Vorneyl nodded to those introduced and said, "Right, so the gang's all here... or so it seems.  Anybody have any pressing business that needs addressing at the moment?

If not, then I guess we ought to get moving.

Capt. D'arville are Dr. Inoma and his team aboard?  Also has Dr. Inoma informed you of our intended destination and the rather precarious nature of the surrounding space/time located there?"

Saxon had a mind to keep his hands to himself. A great many gadgets had been presented but when it came down to it he wanted to keep inspecting things and looking around. "Right, not good with introductions, I'm guessing we are right off and on the job? Are we pushing a long trip on the way or just going to use the drive to flash jump it?" He was rarely ship side so he was a kid in a candy store.

Jouhan had arrived greet the team from his quarters, listening introductions brief as they were. Waiting what Vorneyl would command them to do.

Dr. Inoma and his fellow researchers disembark after you, bring with them their scientific equipment.  "The mission details have been provided to the crew already, and we are prepared."  Captain D'arville spoke, dismissing the crew.  Commander Karde shrugs, leaving with his men to their quarters.  The researchers hang around in the bay for a moment, before Captain D'arville offers to show them to their quarters.  As he leaves, he speaks out loud to the ships A.I.  "Adjutant, prepare to break orbit.  Once we are out of the gravitational pull, calculate a teleportation to the specified location."  He spoke, before nodding to you all and departing with the researchers.

"Acknowledged."  The ships A.I. responded, and you feel the ship begin to move away from its stationary position.  The adventure is on its way, within a few short hours, you may be looking at the temporal distortion that Dr. Inoma was so eager to study.

Vorneyl shrugs as he says in an off-hand manner, "Well boys & girls... that sounds like our cue to get strapped in and prepped for Jump.  So much for idle chatter and small talk... right to business."

Having studied the blueprints and layouts for the ship (as well as reading the available dossiers on both the personnel and equipment assigned to this mission), Vorneyl head off to the available jump seats and readied himself for the Jump.  Vorneyl reflected that one advantage to his current condition as a Soulmech was that he no longer felt queasy during a teleportation.  It had often been a private shame for him when he was still organic that his body seemed to react adversely to the teleportation process for whatever reason, at least he didn't have to deal with the messy consequences now that he was a machine.

Be thankful for the positive, even the little stuff!