It is year 819 AS.Few years have passed after the catastrophic event known as the ,,Nomad War” and many things have changed since then.
Humans have found ways to study and adapt the nomad technology, thus, they created devices of their own.Cloaks, Jumpdrives, Nomad Adapted Weapons and more.
Those who proved brave enough to face the wrath of the mindshare, and the fleets of the nomads would find themselves impoverished with glory, and riches.
Most of these personalities were zoners, as most of them live in the Omicrons, systems under Nomad influence.A number of groups which took advantage of such position raised pretty fast and started to make an industry of their own.Other parties were the Order, who tries to find any means in order to defeat them, or the CORE, who wants to use the nomad technology for their own uses
But, groups and factions are not the only entities that tried to exploit the nomad technology and learn from it.There are people who went forth with this ambition at a smaller scale or individual level.An example of this are unrenowed scientists, smugglers dealing with nomad biologics, outcasts worshipping the nomads as ,,Gods” and others.
Though, there is a man, who stands on a different ground than all the others, a man...That has a totally different point of view, a totally different goal for this.His name is Sir Alexander Bane.A zoner, commanding the corvo class exploration cruiser ,,Evolution”.His desire is to set a research expedition deep into nomad territory for purposes that only he knows of at the present time.
Sir Alexander Bane wasn’t just a spoiled person who makes fable goals in his mind and doesn’t have the power to accomplish them.At 65 years old, he has lived and seen a lot bestowed with a stubbornness that helps him accomplish his goals.He had the experience, he had the money, he had the ship.Though there is something that he lacked....A proper crew.Sure, Bane had his trusted crew under his command which he prized very much but for this expedition, he needed a research team, something which he lacked.Of course, he had his trusted personal Scientist, Doctor Lazarus Arlington, but, he felt that if this expedition should succeed, he would need a proper research team with proper equipment for it as Doctor Lazarus Arlington wasn’t experienced in the field of Nomad Research.
He knew that few zoners would volunteer questioning his motives or his sanity and thus, he looked to hire teams from other parties.A faction drew his attention right a way.It was a newly established AI faction under the name of “The Haimen Alliance”
Little he knew about this group, the only information he had was that AI can make for great researchers and that was enough for him so that he could carve the very first footsteps on his road to accomplishment.
Onboard his ship, the ,,Evolution”, Sir Alexander Bane decided that it is time to make a call, a call to The Haimen Alliance and come with a proposition before them.Everything paused in that moment for him, the sound, the motion, the life, he was engulfed in a silence, hearing only his heartbeat as he was going to make the call that will actually be, the first step that will embark the ,,Evolution” on a...Memorable journey.
The silence was then broke out by the comm link establishing a connection with the Alliance.And then...Sir Alexander Bane, stood in front of the comm link, entering in a video conversation with the Alliance.A short moment of silence emerged, a moment which was soon broken by Bane's next words:
(08-10-2015, 07:03 PM)Antonio- Wrote: King Eduard is the greatest
Were Alexander Bane's first words as he stood tall in front of the communicator with only the darkness of the ship's Command Bridge before him.
He was wearing a blue outfit at that time, and with a calm expression, he gave a feel that he was sure of what he was doing.
Though that feel was a shallow facade.Alexander Bane had a little doubt about this meeting as he never contacted or met the Haimen Alliance before and thus, he doesn't know if he can trust them, or work together with them on what he plans to achieve.
Still, he wishes that with this conversation between them, he'll learn not only more about them, but also form some relations and maybe hire their aid in his quest.
It was not long before Alexander Bane took a deep breath and calmly, he spoke the next words:
,,My name is Sir Alexander Bane, a zoner and captain of the ,,Corvo" class exploration vessel ,,Evolution".
I must confess, that it's been a long time since I heard rumours and rumours about your organization in the Omicrons and even now, I didn't have the privilege in meeting anyone of you.A privilege I would wish to achieve now if you would permit me.
The reason why I contacted you is because I wish to start a research expedition into deep nomad space and I need a proper research crew for this mission as my current scientist onboard the ,,Evolution" has few knowledge in the field of Nomad Research.
I have refused to contact any zoner for this as I am sure, most of them will question my reasons...and my sanity, and so, gentlemen, I have come before you, to seek your aid.
What I ask is a research crew to join me onboard my ship and aid me on my expedition.
I am willing to pay for their time, and their equipment.And so, I would like to know if you are able to aid me..."
He then finished what he had to say.Taking a step backwards he now awaits for the reply coming from the Haimen Alliance.
He tries to keep his calm yet bold expression so that he could hide the doubt underneath it.The doubt he still has from the beggining of his dialogue.
He then took a quick look down on the ships floor as an attempt to find whatever glimpse of hope he may find.He never talked with an AI or a cyborg before and what he heard about most of them, wasn't good and so, he lacks any idea of what the Haimen Alliance might reply.He only hopes that they may accept his proposition
He lifted his view back up, and awaits a reply
(08-10-2015, 07:03 PM)Antonio- Wrote: King Eduard is the greatest
Suddenly, the lights on the bridge of the "Evolution" start to flicker.
An electric buzzing can be heard.
Then a text appears at the screen:
Your request is being processed...
...
...
...
Process Complete
The request will be accepted under following conditions:
You will follow a signal of an unknown probe and analyze the probe which we detected.
You will provide 5 cubic meters in one of your cargo bays for an additional CPU.
-
Further data will be provided on confirmation.
The lights stop flickering and the buzzing cannot be heard anymore.
"Common sense is the best distributed commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it." René Descartes
Alexander Bane pauses for a moment thinking that he's on on the right side of the road.He's now found the confidence he was looking for earlier.The confidence that will erase any drop of doubt inside his mind.
He contemplated on the current situation for a matter of seconds.This group surprised him.He wasn't expecting that they would be so direct, straight to the point but as long as they are able to help him, such trivialities won't matter for him
But then, questions started to erupt in his head.Lots of them.
,,What Probe are they talking about?How could they detect it?What's behind this Probe exactly and how come they did not investigated it themselves?" were just few examples of these questions
Still, if he wanted to receive the help from this group, he needed to cooperate and accept their proposition and he knew that.
But, he was reserved as always and thus, he decided not to accept this agreement before he asks a few questions in order to satisfy the ones inside his head...
Gentlemen, before we can come on our agreement, I fear that I must ask you a few questions.Questions regarding this Probe you are talking about.
I would like to know what exactly is with this Probe and how you managed to detect it?Could it pose a threat to the crew onboard my ship?And, can you provide with any means to find it?
As for the CPU, I am pleased to say that I can arrange a decent space for it.Though I would like to know what would be its use onboard my ship.
He then sighed as a sign of relief and awaits a response.
(08-10-2015, 07:03 PM)Antonio- Wrote: King Eduard is the greatest
[color=#009900]Probe 2313 [color=#33CC00]Probe 2313 is the identification for a signal detected to be coming from Omicron Iota.
The signal is transmitted on a secret AI frequency not detectable by humans.
Further investigation recommended.
[color=#009900]CPU Unit 111010001110010010 [color=#33CC00]Purpose: Provision of additional computing power for the unit which will be sent to the Zoner Corvo Cruiser "Evolution".
"Common sense is the best distributed commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it." René Descartes
,,All right then, gentlemen - if you pardon me in calling you so - I accept the deal.
I am looking forward to greet this...,,Emissary" of yours along with his equipment and CPU by tomorrow." he said gladly with a large smile on his face knowing that everything is prepared for this expedition.
,, And also, if you'd be so kind as to send me this AI frequency you are talking about so I could track this Probe then I would greatly appreciate it"
After all, Alexander Bane didn't mind to search for this probe, even if it would seem like a foul's errand for some.No!It didn't seem so for him.For him, this probe was like a coin made of gold scattered nearby the large treasure chest.
For short, he looked at this Probe as an opportunity.By finding it, he was sure that he could make a tight relation with the Haimen Alliance, which would prove useful for him in the future and maybe bestow him with a reward.
But, before he could start this expedition, he first had to wait for the Haimen Alliance's ,,emisarry" as he likes to call him.A meeting to which he is anxiously looking forward to
,,You have my deepest thanks, gentlemen.Know that I greatly appreciate this favour you are doing me.Have a good day!" were his last words which were sent trough the communication.
He watched closely for a few moments to witness the Haimen's reply.
Shortly after, he turned around to face one of his crew members.He looked straight in his eyes and on a serious tone, he ordered:
,,I need to talk to Doctor Lazarus Arlington.Make sure he comes by my office urgently."
After his last word escaped trough his mouth, he went straightly to his office so that he can arrange the preparations for his new guest, leaving his subordinate to call the Doctor and tell him to meet Bane in his office
Once in his office, he relaxed on his chair and thought about the coming of this guest.He needed to find a suitable place to store the guest's equipment.5 cubic meters weren't a problem after all and so, he thought that he should ask Lazarus if he has enough free space in his lab to house the equipment.
This problem seemed to be done, now he needed to think how to provide the guest with a...decent stay.He guessed that AIs don't use the Crew quarters humans normally use but he couldn't think of anything else.
Something deep in his mind told him that he should have asked the Alliance about this, but this action would have proved to be a bit...clumsy, thus, he decided to arrange a tour for this guest, and talk to him personally about this matter.
The next thing which he wanted to solve now, was to meet Lazarus and make all the other planifications...
(08-10-2015, 07:03 PM)Antonio- Wrote: King Eduard is the greatest
Suddenly the darkness disappears and is replaced with bright lights.
He feels how his eyes adapt to the light intensity. A loud voice arises in his head. "Welcome back, Cormac." Cormac directly answers through a thought. "Hello, Occam. Where am I?" "You're in Omicron Delta, near Freeport 11, in my body." "Omicron Delta? Why did you wake me up?" "I have a mission for you, uploading data to your crystal core" "I see, what did he answer?" A holographic screen appears in front of Cormac. A rather old man appears. He starts to speak: "All right then, gentlemen - if you pardon me in calling you so - I accept the deal. I am looking forward to greet this..."Emissary" of ours along with his equipment and CPU by tomorrow." Cormac pauses the video. "Oh, now i understand you send me as 'Emissary'. Sounds like an interesting job... I guess it is another test of my skills." "It is" The video continues. "And also, if you'd be so kind as to send me this AI frequency you are talking about so i could track this probe then I would greatly appreciate it. You have my deepest thanks, gentlemen. Know that I greatly appreciate this favour you are doing me. Have a good day!" The video goes out and the screen disappears. "I will give him the frequency?" "You will. A shuttle with everything you need is ready, I will decloak when you are ready." "Ah, another pretentious appearancy, right, Occam? Anyways, I am ready" He walks out of the room into the Shuttle. The Cruiser starts to buzz when the cloak deactivates. In his head Cormac opens a front view of the Cruiser, he looks at a large Corvo Zoner Cruiser with small letters at the Sides identifying it as the 'Evolution'. He generates a video of him sitting in the cockpit of the shuttle and opens a comm channel. "Hello, Captain Bane. This is Ian Cormac of the Haimen Alliance. I am being sent as emissary. Please deactivate your shield and let me dock with your ship." He launches the shuttle. "Occam, can i fly the shuttle myself?""If you want" "By the way, the message isn't from yesterday, why didn't you wait a day, like Bane wanted?" "No further delay of the research of the probe is needed." "Ah, Ok, let's go then." Cormac turns the shuttle to the 'Evolution' and starts moving towards it. At one kilometer distance he stops and waits for a reply of the Corvo.
"Common sense is the best distributed commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it." René Descartes
Sir Alexander Bane rested on his chair in his office waiting for Doctor Lazarus, unaware of the earlier coming of his guest.
He pulled a drawer from his desk which revealed some sort of tablet.Gently, he took it out and positioned it on his desk.With a press of a button he activated it and revealed the picture of two children aged around 10 that looked identical.Twins.Two boys with short blond hair and innocent glares, with dark coloured eyes and dressed in different clothes.One was wearing a cleen white shirt while the other a black one.
It was Alexander along with his brother, Richard in their childhood.
He felt a deep sorrow that his brother wasn't here with him at this moment, to be near him when he is on his road to accomplish some great.He stared at the picture trying to remember all the great times when they were together before destiny guided them on separate roads and he didn't hear much about him after.
His ,,meditation" was ended by his office's door opened swiftly.It was one of his subordinates, gasping as if he was trying to fight for every bit of air.
,,What's the urgency?"Bane asked.
The subordinate approached him telling him that his presence is needed at the Command Bridge right now.
He had no idea what could be happening.But assuming that his attention is needed it must be important.He noticed that Doctor Lazarus didn't come yet, so he thought that it would be best not to wait for him and head for the matter which is more pressing and thus, he followed his subordinate to the Command Bridge.
Once there, he noticed that the Communication Screen is turned on.He was notified by his subordinate that a person named Ian Cormac from the Haimen Alliance wants to come on the ,,Evolution"
This was a...weird surprise for Bane.He didn't expect the guest to appear today and thus he didn't rushed with the preparations.But, he had no other choice but to greet him and thus, he approaced the Communication Screen and spoke:
,,Ian Cormac, this is Sir Alexander Bane, commander of the ,,Evolution".Your docking permission is granted.Shield are now deactivated.The only problem is, our ship doesn't have the capability to allow docking access for your Shuttle and thus, you will have to moor."
He then rushed with one of his subordinates to the Mooring Bay so that he would personally greet his new guest...
(08-10-2015, 07:03 PM)Antonio- Wrote: King Eduard is the greatest
Cormac receives a transmission in his head. Alexander Bane, the captain of the Evolution, appears. "Ian Cormac, this is Sir Alexander Bane, commander of the ,,Evolution". Your docking permission is granted. Shield are now deactivated. The only problem is, our ship doesn't have the capability to allow docking access for your Shuttle and thus, you will have to moor." "Thank you, Captain. Coming in to dock." He moves the shuttle towards the dock. Few meters away of the mooring point he turns the shuttle and engages the brake thruster. Cormac hears a small thump when the shuttle docked. The door at the end of the shuttle opens and he walks through. After he walked through the airlock. the shuttle undocks and moves back to the AI Cruiser. The AI Cruiser then engages the Cloaking. Cormac moves into a bright room. His dark clothes are sticking out of the greenish room. His sharp features and thin arms look human, but his metallic sounding steps reveal that he is more. His penetrating look falls on Captain Bane. "Hello, Captain."
"Common sense is the best distributed commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it." René Descartes
Bane stood in front of Cormac, confronting him face to face.Before having the chance to give him a proper salute, he lost his words when he noticed Cormac's appearance.Astonished, he would have dropped his jaws on the floor if his manners wouldn't have stopped him to do so.
The way Ian Cormac spoke and acted allowed Bane to think that he is a human, but when Cormac stood under the lights of the Mooring Bay's ceilings.Bane saw that the shadows only hid his true appearance under a humane facade.He didn't think that such things were possible at such a scale but now he does, as this is the first time Bane witnesses with his own eyes a Cyborg
Still, he tried to find a way to overlook his guest's... Different appearance and thus, he approached him, forwarding his hand for a proper, formal handshake, and said:
,, Greetings, Mister Cormac!Welcome aboard the ,,Evolution".I am Sir Alexander Bane.Pleased to have you on board.
(08-10-2015, 07:03 PM)Antonio- Wrote: King Eduard is the greatest