Redwall Abbey

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

Coughing in the sooty air, the mouse stumbled around the field of blackened boulders and red-hot lava. A sword held in his right hand crackled with electricity as he hauled himself to the other side, where an otter was waiting. "How goes the decryption?"

"Excellent, sir. The linguist is almost done with the second side."

Setting himself down on a rock, the mouse turned off the electrical current on the sword and sheathed it. Staring out over the bleak expanse of inhospitable land, the mouse sighed. "I wonder what it all means."

The otter stared quizzically back. "The stone," explained the mouse. "It's been here for millenia. And yet, it still stands."

"Sir! We've got something," yelled the soldier up by the stone. The mouse got up and walked over. "It says something about Cluny."

"Cluny?" mused the mouse. "That's ancient history. When Redwall was still stone and wood...."

The linguist, a ferret with a sly face and a clever mind, showed the mouse the tablet with his decryption.

Cluny shall live on in ourselves. He embodies us with power. He provides us with a purpose. All those who worship Cluny will bask in his glow, and be guided by his claw. His power is -

"That's where the chunk was torn out," said the linguist. "It also took out some words on the third side as well."

The otter had followed the mouse. "It sounds like they think he's a god," he said. "Why?"

"I don't know," said the mouse. "But it doesn't look good. Pack up and seal the place. We're going back to base."

The linguist protested. "This is a whole new development! First of all, there was a civilization here, evidently, and they managed to create a material like this - we can't just abandon it!"

"Yes we can," said the mouse coldly. "I have a gut, and right now it's telling me to leave this place alone. Now, pack up and let's go!"

As the team sealed the stone with vacuum tight plastic seal, the ferret retrieved his possessions and equipment. The last thing he picked up was a bag... with a piece of stone inside.

Fourty-five years later...

The second mate of the Daynora breathed in the fresh air of Wayland. He was greeting passengers who were boarding the starship. Off in the distance was the city, Redwall, centered around the famous Abbey. He watched a new group of beasts boarding the ship - mostly civilians, as far as he could see, but he picked out a couple soldiers. "Ah, Lieutenant Keen," said the hedgehog. Good to see you're with us in this one."


Orange red light filtered in through the windows of the Emperor's throne room. The hooded figure's high backed chair cast a shadow over the beast kneeling at the stairs. "Rise, Inquisitor," said the Emperor. "I have new orders." 

A night of heavy drinking and celebrating with her academy friends hadn't left Lacy in a very good state. She stared bleary eyed at everybeast, doing her best to keep up a smile, and pleasant appearance while wincing every three seconds. Her teeth and fur needed a good brushing, but that could be done later. It was her uniform that bothered her the most. It was rumpled, and looked as if somebeast had been using it as a blanket.

Lacy wasn't sure what exactly had happened, but today was a new day, a fresh start amongst professional pilots, and good day, and hopefully not a day where she had to do much. Lugging her duffle bag over her shoulder the rat joined the flow of beasts entering the star ship. She kept her head up, trying to ignore her headache when she heard her name called.

Lacy looked around for a moment, before spotting the hedgehog in uniform. Pushing around an otter medic she approached the hedgehog dropping her bag and preforming a quick salute squinting slightly.

"Thank you sir, my pleasure to be coming along this is a real opportunity, I can't wait to get going." She paused thinking for a moment before giving up and dropping her salute. "Sorry sir, I read the orders but I can't for the life of me recall your name." She grinned, embarrassed, "I promise not to forget again sir,"

The hedgehog nodded understandably. "You can just call me Second Mate Callum. Your quarters are near the back of the ship, room 136."

He stepped aside to let her pass.

Dann Jared stepped out of his apartment and breathed in the fresh clean air. Of course, by many standards it wasn't necessarily clean, as it was filled with the exhaust of ships and vehicles, but this was the sort of smell and atmosphere Dann thrived in. He whistled cheerfully as he approached Jared Slope. The rolling green hill was dotted with small houses and farms, but the most prominent construction by far was at the very peak: Jared manor. It took him quite a while to reach the top, but when he did he clicked his teeth with disapproval. The yard had always been kept too well for his liking. The paint was too dark, and the trees, frankly, were creepy. The servants always had a depressed look about them, but then again, that was the effect his parents had on most people.

He flung the doors open, letting in the light of the day, and called cheerfully: "It's Dann, anybeast home?" His father seemed to materialize out of the shadows behind him. "Ahhh, yes. So... thrilled to see you Dann." He whispered with a tone that suggested he was anything but. "What brings you back home at last?" Dann swallowed unpleasant replies and managed a smile -
"Well, today I'm leaving the planet, sir. I know it's not the first time, but this could be a long trip, so I figured I'd let my parents know - say my goodbyes and all."
His father gave him a toothy smile - his teeth seemed overly sharp for a mouse - "Why, isn't that wonderful of you. Always running away on adventures. You and your younger brother have always been very different haven't you? You will be enormously missed. Take care you don't get yourself killed then. Now, if you'll excuse me - I have to attend to Tarin once again. I may get rid of him for good this time. Useless servant I'm afraid. Now then - on your way."

Dann's best friend as a young mouse had been the gardener Tarin, and the two had gotten into lots of mischief. He fumed silently, but the Daynora was leaving soon, and he had to be on his way, after all. On his way out he waved at the dark window his Mother was watching him from and twenty minutes later, just on time, he reached the ship.

After boarding, he spotted an old friend of his from the Naval Space Academy. He walked up, once again in a good mood, to the Rat he had always admired at school - Lt. Keen.

"Hullo Keen, I see your ceaseless studying at the academy has done you well! Nevertheless, I'm happy to be in your service, goody two shoes though you might be!" - he let out a laugh to show he was merely joking - "Pilot Jared at your service, sir."

"Thank you sir," Lacy said nodding to First Mate Callum before picking up her duffle bag and setting off to board the ship. Before she reached the ramp another familiar voice sounded close by. Touching her temple, Lacy turned rolling her eyes at the likable Dann Jared.

"Not so loud Ensign Jared, I had a long night." She chastised in good humor unable to really get angry at him, whether her head was killing her or not. Dann was older then her, at least slightly, and Lacy couldn't help but feel a little selfish pride at despite being female, several seasons younger, and having only been in the military for a short time she had come out ahead of him. Dann was right after all, her hard work at the Academy and flight school had paid off. Lacy kept those feelings hidden and laughed along with Dann, glad the he would be working with her. If anything could be said about him, Dann Jared was dependable.

"I'm glad you got the assignment too Jared. But you better watch your step around me." She joked flashing two claws between her eyes and his. "I'm keeping a beady eye on you Ensign."

Marv Yofcke walked briskly through the crowded streets of Redwall, the slightest of smiles appearing on his snout as he saw his destination; The starship Daynora. Civilians were unconsciously parting in front of the somewhat intimidating Shrew, as he made his way to the ship. Marv paused before reaching The Daynora, adjusting his hat and jacket to make sure he looked as confident as possible. Which he was, because what could possibly go wrong?

Yofcke merged into the group of creatures who were boarding the ship, and swiftly was aboard. Normally Marv would have been dressed in his captain's gear, but as he wasn't the captain of the ship, as far as he knew, he had chosen civilian clothing, which had led to one encounter with police, who had seen the blaster pistols on his belt. Fortunately Marv was able to explain the situation, and after showing his ID they let him continue with almost no delay.

Marv stepped aside, seeing what he assumed was either the captain, or one of the right-hand men of the captain. He spoke to the Hedgehog, introducing himself in proper fashion.

"Marv Yofcke, Republic Captain and new member of The Daynora's crew, at your service." He said, saluting the Hedgehog.

"Excellent," said the first mate. "You're with the other officers, room 137."

Dann adopted a look of mock horror. "An entire voyage! I'm going to be stuck under your command for an entire voyage! I expect I'll have to throw myself into the engine turbines before the end of it!" He looked thrilled with the thought of it. "Nevertheless, I'll be sure your 'beady eyes' don't see anything unpleasant. Of course... I suppose I can't guarantee that something unpleasant isn't happening where your beady eyes can't see!"

He grinned and started pushing through the crowd towards the soldier's quarters. He shouted back as he went:

"Never thought I'd see our Valedictorian with drink in her system, by the way! Be sure to share it next time, eh? I hear there's a secret reserve of it on the ship. Best put a guard on it - make sure no one helps themselves! You never know with creatures these days! I'd volunteer for the position! Have a peaceful voyage! Hahaa!"

"Har, har, very funny Jared," Lacy called after him shaking her head. Still chuckling she broke away from the main crowd taking a less used hall to the officers quarters. lacy paced past the white doors counting them off as she went. Just at eye level small numbers were emblazoned into them, other than that they all appeared to be symmetrically and similar in every way. That was definitely one thing Lacy didn't like about the military, there was little room to be unique when everyone had to be as uniform as animally possible.
"One thirty-four, one thirty-five, one thirty-six here we go." Lacy said to herself dropping her bag and glancing around the hall's tight interior. Several of the sliding doors had already been opened and a few other ranking officers were entering and exiting, occasionally calling out a word of greeting. Straight across from her room was one thirty-seven, which appeared to still be vacant.

A large squirrel strode past as Lacy pressed the button to open her door. She grinned at the squirrel flashing a thumbs up. "Hello sir, I don't think we've met, I'm Lieutenant Keen." The squirrel grunted but otherwise made no response continuing on his way to his quarters. Lacy stuck out her tongue at his back, stickler.

"Alright, thanks," Said Marv, nodding. He pushed his way back through the crowd, heading for the room.

"133... 135... 137, here we are." The Shrew ran his paw over the numbers, before pulling open the door and entering the room. He poked his head out a moment later, after setting his pistols on his bed, and noticed the Rat standing in the doorway across from him. He wasn't impressed by her unkempt appearance, and had Marv been in charge of the ship, he would have dealt with her right there. As it was, however, there was nothing to be done except for offer a greeting.

"G'day. Captain Marv Yofcke. Well, not Captain, I suppose, not on-board the Daynora," Marv frowned at this, not used to introducing himself as anything other than 'Captain'.
"Anyways, looks like we're neighbors during this trip. Best get to know each other. What's your name?"

Standing at parade rest Lacy listened politely as Captain Marv Yofcke introduced himself. Luckily not all animals were such sticks in the mud, this shrew seemed to be genuine enough, even bothering to speak with a lower officer like herself. Besides, as he had said they were neighbors now, it would do her well to get on his good side.

She dipped her head as he finished starkly summing up her own rank and name in the proper order. "Junior Lieutenant Lacy Keen sir, Administrative Assistant and pilot." Lacy held out a paw to shake his making sure to hold her gaze just a little below his. Marv being a shrew meant he was slightly shorter, and it was considered respectful not to look over senior officers.
"If I could be so bold as to ask sir, what's your position onboard?" She asked, hoping to stimulate a polite conversation. All the primp and proper ways of the military made for some interestingly awkward situations, when beasts were unsure whether higher ranking officers appreciated a more relaxed standing, or rigid formality. Lacy herself had always insisted that lower ranks be relaxed around her in most settings, but every officer was different in this regard.

Marv looked a bit embarrassed, before admitting that he was unclear about his role on-board.

"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. When I first volunteered for this, and was first recruited, I assumed I would be captain, but I've had no indications of such. As it is, I don't even know much about this expedition, except that we're checking out a dark colony."

Marv took note of Lacy carefully meeting formalities, a fact which confused him considering the state of her uniform. He had assumed she would be a bit of a loose-cannon, with little regard for authority.

"My turn to ask a question, Lieutenant Keen. What is the reason for the state of your uniform?" While Marv wasn't willing to do anything about it, he was perfectly happy to inquire.

"Ah, ahem." It was Lacy's turn to look embarrassed and she shuffled her stance a little to buy time. Of course, she was stuck in a corner now, and it wouldn't do to lie to an officer. Sucking in her stomach she tried her best to sound casually formal.
"Well sir, as it turns out me and a couple friends might have had a bit too much fun last night." She felt heat rising in her face as she continued. "We had just received our orders, and ah, well we were parting ways so we went out and celebrated, and said good bye... Ah lot." Her ears drooped hoping he wouldn't ask her age. Lacy had the unique advantage of looking older then she was, and who questions a graduate if they are willing to part with their credits?
"Anyway I woke up late sir, and had no time to fix myself up, but I plan on doing so ASAP of course."

"Yes, I'd get right on that. And next time, I'd recommend civilian clothes when you go out." Marv was joking, though he gave no indication of it. "If it makes you feel better, Lieutenant, I have a number of stories about young officers shortly after graduation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go put on my uniform." Without waiting for her response, Marv entered his room, sliding the door shut behind him.

Vitua Ajenia rose from her knee, pulling the hood of her black robe over her tough, steely-eyed face.
"Yes, my lord. I am yours to command."

"Excellent. Cluny has commanded us to seek a new goal.... Wayland. The Republic still stands strong on the planet, and while it does it halts our path to total salvation. A warship is waiting for you... take General Gray and his men. Board the ship, and set a course for Wayland. The Republic will never see us coming. Go, Inquisitor. Fulfill Cluny's wishes."

"It was said Cluny tried to destroy the Republic back in the days of tree and stone. Now, his power strengthens us, and we will finish the job. It will be done, my lord."
Vitua turned smartly on her heel, marching out of the room. She passed several guards and ducked into a communications office.
"Have General Gray and his men board the ship that is waiting for me. Tell the crew that I want to leave immediately."
The officer nodded, saluting the Inquisitor as she walked back out of the office, towards the hangar.

OOC-
Jeepers, I've missed so much!
Is there a convinent place I can pop in without having to roleplay with myself too much?

OOC: I'll put the soldiers quarters next to the officer's, so if and when he decides to explore he can talk to Han's and Sand's charries.

OOC: Have him run into Fatch's character Dann Jared, they're both mouse soldiers so they should get along well.


BIC:

"Yes sir, right away sir." Lacy told Marv's back as the shrew disappeared into his room. Quickly turning around Lacy scooped up her duffle and nipped into her own room, pressing the button to close the door. Unfortunately the portal wasn't lockable, for security reasons, but she didn't mind, it wasn't like anybeast was just going to go by trying all the doors, hopefully not anyway.

Lacy didn't waste any time, they would be launching soon and she wanted a good seat on the flag deck. Hurriedly she undressed and brushed her teeth and fur before selecting a fresh uniform from her bag. A few moments later, after she had finished switching the silver cord and pilots wings Lacy gave herself a check in the small mirror hanging over her personal tap. Straightening her whiskers Lacy nodding in satisfaction.

Much better.

Feeling like a new rat she threw the dirty uniform into her bag and threw the bag onto her bunk. She'd unpack later. Letting out a puff of air she pushed the door button and stepped out into the hall.

A sweating rat double and triple checked the controls, life support and airlock systems. He was normally very lax about his job - but not today. Today Montonius Gray was watching him work. The mechanic, fumbled with his tools and wiped the sweat from his brow. A single bead of sweat dropped onto the controls, and he hurriedly produced a handkerchief to wipe it off.

Without warning a soft cruel voice hissed only feet from his right. "Who hired and stationed you on my ship? I must commend them for their admirable selection in personnel..."

The mechanic dropped his multi-tool with fright. "Er... Captain Trident, sir..."

Montonius Gray smiled humorlessly - "Bagwell, send word to Captain Trident. He's being demoted to Lieutenant. Ripfang, I'm promoting you to Captain, kindly remove this rat. Send him to Experimentation - they will have a decent purpose for him.

Ignoring the yells of horror from the former mechanic as Ripfang dragged him away gleefully, General Gray turned his attention to the approach of a thin looking rat officer.

"Let me guess, Lord Vitua means to leave immediately. Very well, on your way then, go on. Inform the wondrous Inquisitor that we will be ready within the hour."

He turned and marched into his office. He stood and observed the main deck, brooding. He was no friend of the High Inquisitor, but in life one has to make accommodations. For the glory of the empire alone would General Gray endure the impulsive, but deadly, Vitua Ajenia.

Having made a quick pit stop at her chambers before leaving, the High Inquisitor and two of her most trusted officers strode down the hallway towards the hangar. Vitua tucked her lightsabers into the belt of her long, black robe. One of the officers handed her a small blaster pistol, which she tucked into a strap on the back of clothing, hidden beneath a long flowing cloak. Lastly, she stared with grim satisfaction at the emergency kit strapped to her leg. A small, old-fashioned dagger and a few capsules of bacta. Just in case. she thought. The Republic can be vicious when cornered. The three creatures turned the last corner and stopped in a large airlock. Several seconds later, they walked onto the bridge of the ship. Vitua lowered her hood and spoke in a loud, powerful voice, pointing to several different officers.
"You, have everything finalized immediately. I want this ship in the air no later than an hours time. And you, find General Gray and bring him to me."

General Gray himself marched into the bridge as the last order was called.

"No need for that - I observed your approach from afar. I assume your presence and our rapid departure to mean that we journey on a campaign to Wayland. I trust you will find the ship and crew to be up to your expectations. If not, simply report it to me and it will be swiftly taken care of."

At the presence of both the General and the High Inquisitor, the officers and pilots had begun to work at a feverish pace, or at least appeared to be. The only creature other than the General and the Inquisitor who seemed to be unconcerned was the ship custodian. Aptly named Scumgar, he whistled cheerfully and swept the floor with a mop.

The engines roared: The Voyage was on!

Vitua nodded simply, appreciative of how Gray got to the point. She was well aware how he did not enjoy her company, and the feeling was mutual, but he was still good at his job.
"Excellent. Yes, it is the will of Cluny and the Emperor that we journey to the Republic's Home and burn them in their beds. The ship is a good one, but how seasoned are your warriors? We have no need to worry about a construct of metal and fire; it is the creatures that are yet to be judged. Now, I trust someone will find quarters for me and my officers?"

General Gray did not share the Emperor and Inquisitor's views on Cluny. He believed in power and force alone. What was an old dead warlord to him? It was just a shame that the two ghost story believers had been the ones to be blessed with the power to use light sabers and the force. Nevertheless, he droned out the lines:

"With the great Cluny's will behind us, we can suffer no defeat."

He nodded at the next statement. He would have lost respect and been disappointed in the Inquisitor if she did not question the ship, its General and its crew. At least the Inquisitor knew how to do her job.

"Two thousand strong on this ship alone, and all are veteran fighters my Lord, seasoned and merciless. We train, inspect and punish them daily. Any deemed unworthy will be dealt with in the most painful of ways." 

Then he gave a fraction of a smile -

"Scumgar, kindly escort our esteemed Commander to the Empirical Suite. Her servants will be in quarters directly on its right."

The Empirical Suite had been designed and located in such a way that it rocked violently in Asteroid Fields and in battle. Gray himself had seen to it.

OOC: Fatch, mate, Vitua is female.

BIC:

Vitua caught the smile and grinned back. She felt the force emanating from Gray, full of mischief and malice.
"Empirical Suite? My, my, how luxurious. But I am not the Emperor; just his High Inquisitor. I will find my own quarters among the standard cabins."
With that, she beckoned to the officers and strode off the bridge.

OOC-
I'll get my hero in on the next post.
For now, have this clumsy weasel...as I kind of plotted with Groddodile...

IC-
Zephyr, a nervous looking weasel, tore down the hallway and crashed headfirst into Vitua as she came from the opposite direction. He stumbled back, squinting as his vision cleared. "Watch where yer goin'! Urgh...wait...V-V-Vitua?! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean..."

OOC: This may be PP-ing, sorry in advance.

BIC: Vitua's eyes widened as the weasel slammed into her. But it was afterwards that she drew one of her lightsabers in rage.
"Who in Hellgates do you think you are, weasel? I am the High Inquisitor and you will refer to me as such. You will not call me Vitua, and you will not give me orders."
She kicked him up against the wall, pressing the shining red blade of the lightsaber to his throat.
"In fact...Why don't you plead for your pitiful little life. Give me a good reason not to separate your head from your body."

OOC: As long as it's approved between the RPer's, you can PP. You can do your own subplotting, as long as it is minor. (I don't see why it shouldn't :P)

OOC-
Just for future reference, to all of you guys, I'm always okay with minor PP-ing (such as what she's doing now, or, say, if she were slapping him), as long as it's a low ranking character like this one and whoever's doing it makes sense to be doing it..  ;)
IC-
"Z-Z-Zephyr," the weasel gasped, squirming while he tried to move his neck as far away from the lightsaber as he could.
"M-M-Ma'am... I'm new, I'm sorry, I-I had no idea...!"

--

A brown mouse named Colshe Settcha was backing up in the crowded soldiers' area on the ship when he bumped lightly into Dann Jared.
He whirled around, a look of shock on his face that quickly vanished back into nothingness.
"Do pardon me, I don't usually do that."

Vitua noticed Zephyr trying to wriggle his neck away and dragged him closer to the shining blade.
"Not good enough. That excuse isn't going to cut it. But my lightsaber will be cutting something in a minute, so I suggest you beg harder."

"Aah! Oh, Mighty V...High Inquisitor...I am not worthy to look at thee! That's all I was doing when I tried to move my neck, be more respectful. I...I......"
The stammering weasel flinched as a drop of sweat ran down his nose.
"I'm merely a soldier, but you're just too good for me, I-I'll never amount to anything as great as you...You're just so, you know, s-strong, and...flawless...and beautiful--no. I mean yes? N-no? Was that wrong? That was wrong of me...uh."
Zephyr chuckled uncomfortably and gave a light shrug, trying to look at anything but Vitra.

"What I'm saying is...I'm not worth your time."

Dann was talking to a couple younger recruits outside the soldiers quarters when someone knocked into him from behind, spilling his coffee.

He turned to meet someone who looked quite similar to himself. Another mouse, of the same age and rank. He looked embarrassed and surprised.

Dann grinned at his apology. "No harm done - " he glanced quickly down at the mouse's bags looking for a name tag - " er, Colshe. Sorry, did I pronounce that right? The names of creatures these days, eh? The coffee machine's inside, I can get you a cup if you'd like. Might add a little extra flavoring to get you back though! My name's Dann - Dann Jared - by the way. 'Oy recruits! This here's my pal Colshe, best stay on his good side, he's a feisty one in a pinch!"

"High Inquisitor?" The sound of approaching paw steps behind the bloodthirsty ferret stopped and a blonde rat stood watching the proceedings with a casual glance. He was a captain, but he was dressed in the uniform of the Secret Police, with weapons bristling from his belt, and his eyes colder then space itself. He looked as if he was following protocol, but there was a snarky air about him, as if he didn't have an opinion on anything, but considered everybeast to be beneath him. He was of course Captain Jade Keen, one of the highest ranking in the Police, and one of the most feared.

"Once you have concluded amusing yourself with the ship's staff I would like to speak with you, before I go introduce myself to Capta- Sorry General Gray. Of course feel free to waste valuable time by all means, it isn't like there is an invasion to plan after all." He sat loosely on his boots, knowing his position offered him certain immunity, which he utilized to no end. Behind the mask like face there was distinct pleasure, needling the higher ups, straying just a hairsbreadth over the line of being disrespectful.

OOC: Oh dearie me. I picked a bad time to go on a trip. Or maybe you picked a bad time to start this.

Um...since I won't be able to post so much, maybe I should introduce my character later('course, that would be 8 days from now), or completely drop out of this. Or is there an unobstrusive place to pop in and not do much? What do you guys think?

OOC: I'd think you'd probably be fine doing a quick introduction.

OOC: Or, if you want, just have your character board the ship.

Thump!

Liswell finally stopped his mad dash towards the Daynora to fix his bags. With a first aid kit under one arm, a fluffy pillow under his other, and two bags of the various belongings he was bringing in each paw, he wasn't doing the best in the whole packing department. Why, he'd just bowled a creature over! "I'm really sorry, my friend," he said over his shoulder, "but I'm in such a rush, I hope you can understand!" He shoved the pillow under the straps of one of the bags and slung the other across his back like a backpack, while the first aid kit was shoved between his teeth. He staggered the remaining distance(not too far, thankfully; he'd ridden most of the way there) to the Daynora and up to the entrance. He grinned around his kit at Callum, "'i derr!" He was a little embarrassed at his disorganized state, but hey, it happened to everyone! He had to run out of his home to get here on time. He was either incredibly late or got the time wrong. Hopefully he got the time wrong and wasn't being rude by being incredibly late.

Callum checked off the last beast on his list. "Medical officer quarters are by the med bay... room 124. Get there quick, takeoff is in ten minutes."

Liswell nodded, then immediately regretted it when his teeth felt like they were nearly ripped out by the heavy kit. Not doing that again. He hurried inside and headed down to room 124, where he unloaded his belongings onto an empty bunk. It was cramped, but nice enough. He guess. Liswell was not the sort to complain.

He didn't have time to check out the med bay before takeoff, which was just a couple minutes away, so he instead sat upon his bunk, got a little wiggly almost immediately, and got up and exited the quarters. He oughta try making friends. After all, he would be spending a lot of time with these beasts.

OOC: Okay, so, timeskip to when the ship launches, and the Cult ship has taken off and is heading towards Wayland?

"A coffee would be nice." Colshe chuckled, bobbing his head at Dann.
He turned around to see the others looking at him as the other mouse announced his presence to all of them.
Great.
Colshe cleared his throat and nodded sideways at Dann, commenting, "And this one here might scare you all away with his talking."

OOC: Let me rephrase that: Is everyone good with a timeskip?

OOC-
I am.
But I'd also be okay with keeping it as is for now so things can get settled. Either way; I'm good!

OOC: I'm good.

OOC: @Ashleg: Ok. Do that... @Groddil: PSOT

OOC: What do I do?

OOC: Respond to Ashleg and Sand. Then we timeskip.

OOC: Sandpaw, Vitua is a stoat, not a ferret.

BIC:

The stoat grinned, lowering the lightsaber from Zephyr's neck.
"Good, that's what I like to hear. Get out of here, weasel. If I see you again, I may not be so forgiving."
At the sound of Keen's voice, Vitua whirled around. Still clutching her weapon, the stoat shook with anger.
"Captain Keen, you smug little rat. What are you doing here?"

"It would appear," Jade said slowly, looking at his claws and flicking dust off them. "That I have been assigned to this ship by the Emperor. Under your direct instruction of course." He raised his head staring Vitua in the eye. "I shall be watching everything, and making sure nobody is misbehaving, I'm sure you can understand the vitality of this mission, his royal greatness wouldn't want you getting sidetracked. I must go now and inform Capt- Sorry, General Gray of my presence. If I discover any traitors I shall be sure to report them." Jade bowed placing a paw on his heart, and tilting his head slightly.

"Pleasant trip, High Inquisitor."

"You stuck-up little worm. You think you're untouchable, don't you? Remember who you're talking to in future, Keen. I answer only to the Emperor. I am certain he values me far more than he does you. If you ever try rebel against the Empire, I will be very happy. Because then, I will get to execute you myself and bring your filthy head to the Emperor."
The High Inquisitor turned on her heel, deactivated her lightsaber, and walked off.

"You are so gracious High Inquisitor, I shall be sure to do the same should such unpleasantness be necessary." Jade drawled after her. Nodding to Zephyr Jade turned on his heel and made his way towards the bridge.

OOC:

I am ready for the time skip.

IC-
Zephyr returned Jade's nod shakily and fled in the opposite direction.

OOC-
Same!

OOC: Ditto. (Also, people, post in my RP too plz?)

OOC: Timeskip. The Cult ship should be taking off, as well as the Relublic one... Fatch, you can have Gray to the takeoff if you want.

BIC:

"All hands prepare for takeoff," boomed the PA system. Doors closed as passengers retreated into their cabins for liftoff, expecting it to be much rougher than normal. The engines gave a dull rumble that grew in intensity as the triplet of thrusters received more and more power.

After a minor shaking the ship returned to a normal position. "Did we stop?" Said one of the passengers enstill in the hallway. However, upon looking out their windows the passengers discovered that the blue sky was fading and turnin to the blackness of space.

Excited cheering rang out across the Flag Deck as the ship rose into the atmosphere. Lacy's eyes darted from sight to sight, picking out the different landmarks as the ship rose higher into the morning sky. First it was Redwall, then the Republic senate, then the Academy grounds. As the vessel rose, increasing its speed she could pick out individual cities, their shapes just barely visible to the naked eye. Finally entire continents could be seen, stretching out across the earth, surrounded by blue ocean.

Lacy had witnessed this all before, but every time it took her breath away.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Light-years away Jade watched a similar ascent from the bridge of the Imperial shuttle. His view was marred by the constant movement within, as officers and crew rushed about preforming their duties. If Jade was enthralled by the majestic view he didn't show it. Huffing the blonde rat turned, picking out General Gray from amongst the other officers. He had held off speaking to the ferret, not wanting to bother him while he was in the process of taking off. Even Jade had his limits, and the Emperor would be displeased should he cause a delay by needling Generals at the wrong time.

Once that was finished though, Jade could verbally torture the higher ranking officers to his heart's content. He couldn't wait.

Catlyeen dashed into the ship right as it had started to take off, and fell to the floor panting just  as a group of  young recruits passed by. "Um excuse me, Hello? Do you know where I'm supposed to put my stuff?"

The second mate, who was sitting in one of the seats by the entrance, look down at Catlyeen. "Ah, room... 96. I'd hurry there if I were you!"

"Ok thank you." Catlyeen got up and walk up to the room list and dashed up to her room, dropped her stuff and opened her journal just as the ship took off. "Ahh" she said as she flopped on her bed, "I kinda wish that my first day of work was a bit less stressful." About an hour had passed when she said "Well, I guess I should meet some people around here" She got up and walked out of her room.

OCC: I Apologize in advance for my terrible roleplaying skills :P This is my first time
 

General Gray was in his element. As the ship lifted off, he seemed to be everywhere at once.
"You there, what the devil are you doing? Get to the engine room now!"
"Dual thrusts, go. Engines 4,5,6 engage!"
Then with he turned away from Vitua and Jade to face his favorite captain - "Captain Ripfang activate Ellie."

Without warning the entire ship lurched as its speed increased by thousands of miles per hour per second. Every beast on board, excluding General Gray and his closest men, were thrown to the ground by the sudden movement.

General Gray dramatically marched to the fallen Vitua and Jade.

"Ahhh, my sincerest apologies, that can happen. I suppose dear Ripfang forgot to mention that Ellie is the secret multi-platformed hyperdrive the Emperor requested. In the mean time, do try to keep your feet for me, won't you? Welcome aboard the Sharkus, my friends! Hahahahaaa! He turned and marched back to the motherboard - triumphant.

Vitua glared daggers at Gray's back as she hauled herself up. Why had the Emperor chosen this ship? The Captain had an evil sense of humor, and Jade Keen being near her was bad enough. The High Inquisitor left the two officers on the bridge to keep an eye on it, before retiring to her room.

Marv stood in front of a window, arms behind his back as he stared into space. Unlike a number of the creatures aboard, Yofcke had substantial experience with leaving atmosphere, having been doing so for a majority of his life. The Shrew turned, looking around at the crew around him. He noticed the Rat he had spoken to earlier, Lacy, in a similar position to the one he had just been in. She was cleaned up, and like him was in uniform. Not too far from her was a lost looking young Hedgehog. Maintaining his straight face, he walked over to her and introduced himself.

"The Republic seems to have loaded this ship with beasts straight out of the academy," He commented wryly. "M'name is Marv Yofcke, Republic Captain. Who are you, and what is your role upon the ship?" He asked, studying her civilian clothes.

OOC: I'm assuming that Catlyeen is in the same area as everyone else, seeing as how she wanted to meet some others. I've also PP'd slightly, putting her near Lacy. Hope that's alright, I just wanted to set up some interaction for all 3 characters.

"Oh I work with mapping and directions"
OOC: Is that a thing? If not I can change it.

OOC: I have Lacy on the Flag Deck, which is basically just a fancy name for officer observation deck. Less vital then the bridge of course, but similar.

IC:

Turning at the sound of a familiar voice Lacy, smiled walking over to where Marv was introducing himself to a young hedgehog. Clasping her paws behind her back Lacy reached the two listening in before making her own comment.

"Navigation," She said, doing her best to sound impressed. Lacy herself had never been much interested in the art, but it was a required field of study when one became a pilot. The rat's ears twitched in amusement at the memory of those hours of hard work, trying to memorize the difference between latitude and longitude and why they had anything to do with space flight. To say the least she was glad those long days were behind her.
Still smiling Lacy held out a paw to Catlyeen. "I'm Lieutenant Keen, but please call me Lacy when we're not doing something formal. Oh and it's good to see you again sir." She glance sheepishly at Captain Yofcke self-consciously smoothing down her uniform. "Have you by any chance gotten your orders yet sir?"

~*~*~*~*~*~

Picking himself up with as much dignity as he could manage Jade patted down his ruffled fur, quietly seething on the inside. Pacing over to General Gray the blonde rat announced himself with all the smooth grace of a viper.
"I see you have taken off quite well General, I must say I had my doubts to your capability, but that party trick is certainly one to remember; for a long time I might add." Jade pretended to consider Gray for a moment resting his front paws on the back of a pilots chair.
"How long have you been serving the Emperor? And how long, has a industrious officer like yourself been in command of such a ship as the Sharkpus, that was the name wasn't it?" Jade smiled watching the pilot he was standing behind feverishly work. "I'd hate, of course, for a us to get off on the wrong paw, seeing as we'll be working together for the next couple months."

Montonius Gray had no intentions of being trifled with by any Captain aboard his own ship.

"Doubts of my capability, indeed. This time, I will excuse your apparent lack of experience - this is standard takeoff procedure. To satisfy your curiosity, I've served the Emperor these forty years without fail, and I've been in command of the Sharkus  since it was built, as it has always been the crown of the Empirical fleet." He turned away from the helm to speak directly to Jade, with a dangerous look in his eyes. A look that most subordinates quailed at.

"Also, I would advise you to call the ship by its proper name, if you intend to remain on it. Accidents can happen on these sorts of voyages."

"In addition need I remind you, that it is within both mine and Vitua's power to demote you? I hear you've already found yourself on the wrong side of her. A very ill advisable move if you ask me. Perhaps you should wait until you are more than a Captain to play the game - er, what was your name again? Captain Ripfang, check the list of Captains and figure out who this is. In the meantime, kindly get this creature out of my sight - I'm trying to fly the largest ship in the galaxy through the immensely dangerous and dense asteroid field surrounding our planet - and the Emperor would be most displeased if we were to be delayed by hitting one - Pilot, 45 degrees starboard now, if you want to keep us alive."

As the ship lurched again to avoid a monstrous asteroid, Gray turned back to the magnificent view and sighed. This, was living.

"Still no, though I'd imagine it won't be long now. The ship can only function so long without every beast pulling their weight." Marv gave an exaggerated sigh. He looked back at Catlyeen.

"Navigation, eh? I remember studying that in the academy, seasons ago. Always found it too easy to justify being a class."

Dann Jared, looking oddly formal in uniform, joined the three on deck. Luckily his uniform may have been formal, but he was still his old self:

"Ahh, look at that view. It takes my breath away every time we takeoff."

"Don't listen to a word Marv says young one - Navigation is a very respectable field. I myself didn't manage to pass the class. Of course, that may have been because a friend and I filled the professor's office with golf balls, but it was a difficult class nonetheless."

OOC:

@BatLord
@Ashleg

PLEASE post as your hero characters ASAP. If you don't soon then I'll have to instigate the next major event and PP your characters.

OOC-
Sorry! I don't know why this one is proving so hard for me...ugh.

@Fatch of Southsward
Is Dann anyplace my character could pop in? >.<

OOC: @Ashleg  - If you are asking whether you could use Dann to join the group - yes! Feel free! I'm alright with you PowerPlaying if you want to - just get in there somewhere.  ;)

Colshe Settcha snuck around the hallways, searching for a familiar face.
He didn't know anybody.
As he passed by the area that led to the deck, he caught a glimpse of Dann's back and trotted up to him.
"Um. Hey. Dann, is it?"

Dann shifted to the side to allow room for the newcomer, greeting him with a smile.

"Er, hey there" - he glanced over the newcomers strange attire. He was dressed something along the lines of a monk and gave off an air of mystery and intrigue - "Friend!"

"Don't know if you've met this motley crew yet- this here's Lacy. She's the harsh dictator around these parts - no, no - I didn't mean it! And these are Catyleen - no Caytleen, Catlyin?... Well, regardless,  she's on navigation. And Marv here - sure you've heard of him - one of the most well-known Captains in the service." He beamed around at the group happily.

"By golly, if I didn't end up on a ship with the most diverse crew around. Whatever we're doing, I'll bet this voyage'll be quite the success!"

"Ha. Mm...I'm not so sure." Colshe said, chuckling under his breath at the odd exchange.
"Something could always go wrong, especially if you're here messing them up."

Dann Jared's mouth opened slightly in shock at the icy retort, but he quickly shut it.

"Oh... yes. Yes, of course. I would hate to mess anything up. I suppose that's why I'm only a soldier, haha. Merely expressing confidence in the fellow crew members, doncha know."

"Yes... well, I'll just get along with my duties then. Right." - he gave a slight grin towards Lacy - "I hear there's some sort of room full of drink that may need to be guarded."

With that, he hurried away.

Colshe leaned back and raised an eyebrow at Lacy.
"Did you think that was a bit mean?" He asked, curtly, staring out the door.

...Bump...?

OOC: Use OOC tags.

Welp, Batlord isn't showing up...

BIC:

As the Daynora plodded its way through space, a group of smaller ships hurtled toward Wayland. These were not the hulking battleships of the Empire, though. They were smaller space fighters. And they had a target.

"Incoming ships, sir!" said one of the bridge crew. The captain, a fox getting on in years, ordered the weapons chief to power up the cannons. An explosion rocked the ship. "Whatever they are, they're bombing us!" yelled the engineer.

Marv nodded curtly at the mention of him, used to his reputation preceding him. He opened to his mouth to thank Dann, though he closed it during the exchange between Dann and Colshe.

"It was a bit mean." Said Marv, failing to realize that Colshe wasn't talking to him. A moment later Marv stumbled as the ship rocked wildly. He regained his footing, and shoved several crew members aside as he rushed for a window. Seeing the fighters attacking the ship, Marv began barking out orders to nearby creatures.

"Everyone, away from the windows. Somebody make sure that they get sealed, we can't risk them shattering from a hit."

"Alright, open up," Liswell shinned the penlight down the squirrel's throat, "I'm not seeing any gunk, so it's probably not strep. I'll do a swab anyway, just in case." He set the light down and went to the drawer they kept their swab kits, "it doesn't seem very serious. Tonsil's a bit swollen, and I might have to quarantine you for a little bit." The squirrel nodded mutely, his throat a bit too sore to speak, "I'd rather not, but in case it's contagious. You know how it is. One creature gets sick, everyone on the entire boat gets sick." He unwrapped the swab kit, "alright, hold still."

The otter doctor leaned forward, and then stumbled as the entire ship shook horribly, "what?" He dropped the swab and straightened, "stay safe!" He ordered, "I'm gonna go figure out what's happening!" Liswell ran out of the medbay, hurtling down the hall to the closest set of windows. He peered out of them for a few heart-pounding seconds before a fighter zoomed past his field of view, "we're being attacked!" He shrieked panickedly, darting away to find someone else and calling, "is anyone hurt?"

Uniformed soldiers went down the ship in squads of four. "Stay clear of the windows!" they yelled. Steel blast shields closed around the windows. "All pilots, get to your ships!"

Dann Jared was the first one to board his fighter - having arrived at a dead sprint. He was now rushing heedlessly through the takeoff procedure, and lifted off the ground. He could already hear the howling of the enemy fighters just outside. He knew that sound - it was the Empire!

He finally exited the hanger, backed up on either side by allied fighters. Immediately after exit, the one on his left was shot down and plummeted, billowing smoke. The one on his right exploded into furiously hot flames. He put the throttle clear to the floor and jerked the wheel - sending himself into a spin, but avoiding several rockets. He brought his ship around quickly and began returning fire - he couldn't let the enemy fighters wait outside the hanger to shoot down Redwall's fighters before they even got moving!

"C'mon, c'mon" he muttered as he scored his first hits and first kill of the fight.

Lacy was one of those unlucky few who were standing next to something hard, with an edge. As the ship shook she lost her footing and hit the side of a control panel. She sat still for a moment her eyes clenched shut, and a paw pressed up against her head as she waited for the pain to reside. All around orders were yelled, and paws pounded on the metallic floor.

"Ma'am are you okay?" A concerned vole in civilian attire knelt beside Lacy holding out a paw to help her up. The rat grimaced, nodding abstractly.

"Yes, I'm fine, just had a bit of a knock that's all." Lacy took her paw off her head, looking at a small stain of blood on her paw fur. Wiping it away she straightened, rubbing the sore spot. "Thanks, I've got to go now."

Rushing off Lacy jogged towards the fighter deck, she hadn't been assigned a specific ship yet, but she could find one and fly it easily enough.

Colshe ducked behind a wall, fumbling with his blaster in case he could try to help.
"We're being attacked?!" He echoed.

Dann had employed some of the most shrewd and harrowing flying tactics he had ever dared attempt to stay in the air. Now he had helped several allied fighters get into the air with him. Flying in formation, they were doing some serious damage, but it was not enough. As he circled around the Daynora for another pass, he finally had time to open his COMs.

"Dann Jared, Red Leader, to any one who's listening! There's too many, and we can't keep 'em off the ship. You've got to do something down there! I repeat, at this rate our ship won't be in one piece much longer! Does anybody read me?"

It was the work of a moment to find an available spacecraft. Deck crews scrambled across the white surfaces checking each ship each beast knowing one mistake could lead to a doomed pilot. Lacy's eyes immediately locked onto a sleek snub fighter P-77 Firefly, the Fireflies were an older model, but one of her favorites back at the academy. Racing over Lacy snatched a flight helmet set bouncing from the loading pad into the pilot's seat.

"Is she ready?" Lacy called to a shrew deck sergeant. The shrew gave her a thumbs up and Lacy fired the fighter into life. The engines spooled, rumbling softly as power surged through the systems. Lacy was quick to strap herself down, linking her COM system to the rest of the fighters already in air. Over the crackle of orders and static a desperate voice could be heard.

"Dann Jared, Red Leader, to any one who's listening! There's too many, and we can't keep 'em off the ship. You've got to do something down there! I repeat, at this rate our ship won't be in one piece much longer! Does anybody read me?"

"Ten-four Red Leader, this is Lieutenant Keen Yellow-Two I'm on my way." Lacy pressed down on the peddles lifting the small ship off the landing pad. Deck crew members waved their paws jabbing in the direction they wanted her too go. Lacy followed the paw signals breaking through the airlock shielding and blasting into the vacuum of space. Already flashes of light sparked from every direction, as fighters and bombers wheeled around. Lacy gave the Firefly's controls the slightest of twitches sending the vessel around chasing after a enemy. This was no simulation, this was the real thing. Her heart rate quickened as she watched a friendly ship explode into a flash of brilliant fire. "Hang in there Jared," Lacy muttered to herself as she sent a deadly stream of red blaster bolts after her target.

Explosions dotted the ship as both fighters fought around it. Their best efforts didn't stop a few of the enemy fighters making it through. The Daynora was torn apart.

"Shields failing. All passengers prepare for possible evacuation. This is not a drill."

Dann couldn't believe what he was seeing - the entire ship looked as though it was going to be destroyed!

He gritted his teeth grimly and yelled hoarsely at Lacy, desperately trying to sound lighthearted, while simultaneously performing a barrel roll:

"I read you and have eyes on you Yellow - Two. Just like you, Lacy, to bring a dinosaur onto the battle field - where'd you even find that ship, a museum? I thought they were no longer deployed on missions!"

He paused for a second, and shot down an overzealous enemy bomber, who had been attempting to ram a Redwall fighter.

"Lieutenant, there's no way around it, the Daynora is in trouble. I'm with you to the end, but this is a losing battle, what are your orders, sir?"

His ship shuttered horribly, and a quick glance told him he had taken a hit. Smoke plumed from Engine 4. Hastily pressing buttons and pulling levers, he shut down the engine, but sacrificed maneuverability .

"Someone get this blasted fighter off my tail! Lacy, without the Daynora we're going to be sitting ducks up here!"

He went silent as the same radio crackled to life in all the fighters:

"Shields failing. All passengers prepare for possible evacuation. This is not a drill."

Oh seasons. Oh dear sweet seasons. Liswell bit his lip, looking around frantically at the quietly panicking passengers. The Daynora was supposed to ferry them safely across the stars, and she wasn't doing a very good job of that right now.

Prepare for evacuation. He could do that. Prepare. Evacuation was a little iffy, but he'd be able to manage. He stared at the passengers for a moment, resolving to help him once he'd salvaged what medical equipment he could. Liswell dashed back to the medical bay, finding the sickly squirrel still there, looking scared and confused.

"I heard-" the squirrel's voice cracked, and Liswell nodded, placing his paws on the squirrel's shoulders comfortingly.

"We have to prepare for evacuation. Hopefully it won't come to that. Can you help me carry medicine?"

The squirrel nodded in response.

"Wonderful," Liswell tried smiling, though he was completely terrified, "put on this mask and follow me." Liswell started running around the med bay, loading various boxes of bandages and ointments into the squirrels paws until they were full, before starting to fill up his own. Liswell had no idea what the other doctors on the boat were doing at this moment, but he hoped that they'd come by and get what he had to leave behind.

Now...Liswell had no idea where they were supposed to go or what they were supposed to do. Completely lost, he stared around, hoping somebeast would stop and inform him.

OOC: Was Dann talking to Lacy? Cause she would be a ma'am not a sir. ;D

IC:

"Dinosaur!" Lacy yelled in indignation as she chased after a enemy bomber whose rear guns were proving highly effective. Her shields were absorbing a good amount of the frontal fire, but already her cockpit had a black scar scratched across it where a low powered bolt had broken through. The rat's teeth were chattering, and she tried to hide her terror behind a false wall of bravado and humor.
"This is a Firefly, it's a classic Ensign, it doesn't matter how old it gets, it'll still be effective." She pressed down on the safety and fire sending two well aimed blasts into the bomber's rear gun. The damaged armaments floated away, lost to space forever.

"Someone get this blasted fighter off my tail! Lacy, without the Daynora we're going to be sitting ducks up here!"

Spinning away Lacy left off chasing the damaged bomber tearing through the space battle towards Dann, screaming into her COM system.
"Dann, roll left I'm coming in twelve o'clock hot. You've got a admirer trying to get a lock on you, put everything you have into anti missile defenses! Once your clear we've got to pull out and defend the escape vessels, they'll be roosting pigeons out there without us." Lacy pulled back on the throttle flying straight towards Dann's ship, it was smoking badly, if he didn't have the maneuverability...
Roll left, c'mon roll left you damn mouse, roll left.
Lacy unleashed a full power barrage straight towards Jared's ship sweating in anxiety as she watched the fighter almost directly behind him fire off a missile. She could only hope her plan would work.

OOC: He was indeed referring to Lacy - I figured I would refer to her rank, rather than her gender. (I couldn't picture soldiers responding "yes ma'am" to orders - it just sounded weird. A quick google search has confirmed that, in fact, Ma'am is still the correct term. My bad.  :P

Dann was bucking and weaving wildly to avoid the chasing fighter. Shaking off dizziness, he laughed at the COMs:

"Classic? Well, let me know if the Empire ever stops trying to shoot you down in order to take in the historical legacy of the ship you happen to be piloting at the time. It'll be a first!"

Things quickly became more serious as Lacy suddenly wheeled about and flew straight towards him. He gritted his teeth, accepting the daring plan:

"I've always had problems with admirers, can't deny it! Don't remember this lesson at the Academy. Guess there's more to you than book smarts Rookie."

The grin that has decorated his face with those words died as he jerked the controls to roll left, and the ship only sputtered. His steering had been hit! He couldn't veer off course! He glanced up at the incoming Lacy, still expecting him to veer left. He took a deep breath, and turned the ignition lever off. His ship immediately lost the thrust keeping it going in a straight line. It naturally flew with the nose dipped downwards, so it dropped like a rock, putting the surprised enemy fighter directly in Lacy's cross hairs. Below them, Dann was desperately trying to get his damaged ship started again.

The red lights flashed, a hair's breath from Dann's ship. Searing through space they collided head on with the pursuing fighter. For a brief moment the shields held, then with an encompassing flash it burst into brilliant flame before evaporating, lost in space forever. During the yoke Lacy made a pass to check on Dann, a smile on her face.
The victory was lost to Lacy as she realized there was still a free missile twisting in its flight path to take another run at its target. It rocketed towards Dann who seemed to be free floating.
"Dann move, move! Missile, missilemissilemissile! Dann!" Not thinking the rat slammed forward every bit of spare power in her ship into thrusters and forward shielding. Pulling the blast protector down on her face mask she shot forward inches away from colliding with Jared's fighter. A movement that put her directly in-line with the missile, which wasn't too picky about its targets.

Everything shook as the darkness of space was lit up in a terrible blue flash. Only the dark blast protection over her eyes kept Lacy from instantly going blind. Shields failed and tiny flickers of chemical flame tore across the Firefly. Every system went offline except for the well protected life support which sat directly behind Lacy, guarded by multiple layers of armor. Lacy herself blacked out, awaking seconds later to hear a robotic, female voice speaking in her ear.

"Warning severe damage detected, mandatory landing required. Return to Daynora immediately. Power at seven percent. Life support at seventy percent. Serious damage to cockpit. Proceeding with system reboot. Warning severe damage detected, mandatory...

"Oh you don't say," Lacy growled switching the warning off.

OOC: You don't drop like a rock in space ;)

BIC:

As another bomber scored a hit. One of the engines, crippled, broke away from the Daynora, plummeting slowly towards the nearby planet. The other fighters started to chip away at the Republic's forces.

With a rumbling creak the large ship started breaking apart. "We're falling towards the planet surface!" cried one of the bridge crew.

"All pilots, do NOT land on the Daynora, it is too damaged. Land on the planet surface."

OOC: I know, that's why I added that bit about the ship naturally being angled down, with the engines keeping it going straight. A little nonsensical but I thought the idea was fun.  ;)

Dann finally got his fighter started again, and mercifully, the steering was back online. Unmercifully, Lacy took a massive hit for him.

"Lieutenant! What on earth are you doing throwing your life in danger for me? I'm just a soldier! You're far too important..."

He turned his ship around and used the nose to push Lacy's crippled ship towards the nearby planet, as the COMs had just announced that the Daynora was too damaged to land on.

"Thanks though...I owe you one." he added grudgingly.

The two made a sad scene - Lacy's ship had taken a direct hit from a missile, and appeared to be on the brink of falling apart, and Dann's ship was not much better. The two smoldering wrecks picked up speed as they approached the planet.

"Lacy, there's no way we're going to survive a landing like this - we'll have to eject when we get close enough. Make sure your parachute hasn't been hit."

OOC: All shipboard characters need to get to an escape pod, now.

OOC: What kind of planet is it they are approaching?

IC:

"Rank doesn't matter, I wasn't about to see you get blown up Dann." Lacy answered, she fiddled with the controls, luckily her communication system was working again, but not much else seemed to be operational. She felt a small bump as Dann's rather beat up ship began pushing the Firefly along towards the planet. Dann's voice, scrambled slightly by the damaged COM came through.

"Lacy, there's no way we're going to survive a landing like this - we'll have to eject when we get close enough. Make sure your parachute hasn't been hit."

"Roger that Ensign," Lacy said craning her neck to check the ejection chute, along with a survival pack were still there. She strapped them on quickly, having forgotten to hook up before, in her rush to get into the fight. "I'm all set, by the way keep a sharp eye out, there might be some more Imps out looking for trouble." Lacy ordered, pushing the blast shield up on her helmet so she could see better. "If they catch us we're done for, for sure."

OOC: Taiga.

Marv sprinted to the nearest escape pod, ushering other crew members in until there was just one seat left open. Marv took it, and strapped in.

"Move over." He said gruffly to the Mouse that had sat at the controls of the pod. Working quickly, Marv detached the pod from the burning ship, and set a course for the nearest planet.

"Listen, doc," the squirrel said hoarsely, "we gotta get to an escape pod now!" He broke into a fit of coughs, "Daynora is done for, let's not die too!"

Right, of course. "Lead the way!" Liswell said, and without hesitating, the squirrel ran, heading towards the escape pods, with Liswell following closely. "Everyone! Please! We have to leave!" Liswell tried shouting as he ran. Oh dear. Ooohhhh dear, don't panic, Lis.

The two of them were able to stumble into an empty escape pod, and the squirrel immediately sat in the control seat, then groaned horribly, holding his head. Liswell bit his lip, then stepped to the door of the escape pod, "we have a mostly empty one here, and we need a pilot!"

One of themiligary crew members jogged over to the near empty pod. "Not to worry, Doctor. That's what I'm here f-"

Boom!

A massive hole was torn in the bull by an enemy missile. The pilot was sucked out with a scream as other passengers clung to the walls in an effort to reach the pod.

Liswell shrieked, quite against his wishes as the hull was breached, and instinctively grasped the door as tightly as he could, reaching one paw out towards the nearest beast.

The squirrel, though black spots were appearing in his vision, spoke hoarsely, "Doc! They aren't gonna make it!" It would be far better for more beasts if they closed the pod now, and brought all the medical supplies they'd salvaged to whoever had already escaped, he knew. But Liswell wasn't going to abandon anyone, not when they were looking right at him, and would know, in their last moments, that he had abandoned them.

Grappling onboard the pod, a mouse clawed his way up to the pilot's seat. "We'll have to use the autopilot," he said. Punching in a few buttons, he initiated the program. "Try and get the others onboard!" he yelled over the bowl of escaping air.

Liswell nodded, to save his breath for more important things. A fox's paw brushed his own, and he tightened his grip, pulling her aboard the pod. She collapsed in the nearest seat. A vole flew past them into the vacuum of space and Liswell winced. Not a good way to go. Twenty or so seconds of coldness, swelling, and no air until you lose consciousness, then just sort of slowly exploding. The remaining air and pressure in the Daynora protected them for the moment, but it wouldn't last.

With the last passenger aboard, the door slid closed as the pod pressurized. "Detaching in five, four, three, two, one...."

With a jolt, the pod shot away from the Daynora. As the autopilot engaged the ship was steered on course. Shooting past Dann and Lacy's destroyed fighters it plummeted towards the snowy surface of the planet.

OOC:

@Fatch of Southsward
@HanNorwood
@Ashleg

Get your people to escape pods, and Fatch, have your fighter crash somewhere near the escape pods. Sand can do that too.

OOC-
I'm going to need to leave, there just isn't room for me here and for some reason I feel very clueless.
If somebody wants to adopt my character, that'd be great.
Otherwise, feel free to say he died and replace him.

OOC: When'll the vermin reappear?

OOC: Groddil - not for a while. I'll tag you guys when you're needed.

Ashleg - Alright. I'm sorry to see you go, but we'll make it work.

The fighters made it within the planet's outer edges, before they began to fall apart in earnest. Dann could hardly pay attention to Lacy's fighter as he once again lost steering and communication. The ground was getting nearer - there was nothing for it - he had to eject.

A rush of cold wind stung his face as he was flung from the cockpit. He pulled his parachute, and swung crazily around in the air with the swirling icy winds. He swiveled around-hopelessly lost in the snowy climate - where had Lacy gone? Would she eject? Were they both going to die out here?

  Opening the canopy Lacy released her seat strap holding onto the sides of her firefly. Icy wind whipped past her ears as she flung herself up and away from the doomed starfighter. Lacy barely had time to gasp for air before she felt herself jerked skyward, the Firefly spinning in a death spiral towards the world of brilliant white below. Powerful winds had almost pushed her upwards on their own. Scrabbling at her chest Lacy found her parachute cord and pulled it, feeling her swift descent suddenly cut short as the parachute deployed.

Looking about Lacy felt her heart race. It was hard to see anything in the fog, though the occasional escape pod could be spotted rocketing towards the planet. There was no sign of Dann, they must have separated once they reached the lower atmosphere.

The Daynora was virtually empty now. With all the surviving crew members on or heading towards the planet, the Empire fighters formed back together and sped off into space. The empty hull of the starship started crashing towards the planet...

A lone mammal, who considered the icy planet its home, was inspecting the large lumps of metal and charred wreckage of Dann's fighter. It chewed uncertainly on a bit of scrap, and shook its head. This material was not food - whatever had happened here, it was of no use to it. As it turned a small pile of snow erupted beside it.

Sputtering and spitting, Dann appeared from that pile. He glanced around in time to see the animal depart, with a sound of displeasure. Clearly it was not used to live beings ghosting up from the snow. He groaned and detached himself from the parachute. There was no one and nothing in sight in any direction. Not that he could see very far anyhow. The situation was bleak. Very bleak.

He forced himself to stand, drawing a blaster pistol and scanning the area. Who knew what this strange planet had hidden within its darkest corners?

Lacy's descent was cut short as she landed hard on a frozen pond. Freeing herself from the parachute, which blew away Lacy struggled to her footpaws shaking snow from her whiskers.
"That was fun," She laughed quietly taking a step forward.

Crack!

Lacy froze, in more ways then one, as cracks spider webbed across the ice. Her ears drooped as she tried to slid her footpaw forward. More cracks appeared, spreading further across the pond. Her initial impact must have weakened the ice, which hadn't frozen all the way through. Lacy had no idea just how deep the pond was, but it appeared she was a good ten tail lengths from shore.

She didn't want to die out here alone, of hypothermia either above or below water.

OOC: Wow! You're in a pickle. What are the chance of parachuting down and happening to land in the center of a small frozen pond??  :D They've got to be low. Anyways, I don't know if we're supposed to meet up now, or somewhere else. Ideas?

OOC:
Well if the terrain is anything like some places the chances are pretty good. Though I think the chances of landing on a only partially frozen pond is even smaller. ;D ;)

I think we're supposed to meet up. But that's up to Sage.

OOC: Try and meet up. I can introduce my character soon after.

Dann Jared was in trouble. He had to find shelter soon, or everything was finished. Maybe an escape pod could provide sufficient cover from this horrific climate. He was wearing simple clothes - never intended for a polar setting. Shivering endlessly, he trudged on through the blinding snow.

By chance, he had landed very close to Lacy. In a short time he spotted smoke and wreckage - it had to be Lacy's fighter!

He hurried towards the carnage, and spotted her, alone in the center of an icy pond.

He half started onto the ice, before regaining his senses - if he did something like that they would both die for sure.

"Lacy, how do we get you out of this? You've got to get out of there now? What can I do?!" - He shouted desperately.

OOC: Everyone else? Hallooooo?

IC:

Seeing Dann Jared rush up to the edge of the pond Lacy felt tremendous relief. Of all the creatures that could have chanced upon her, the mouse Dann was the one.

"I think the ice is breaking." She yelled, making sure to keep one eye on the slowly growing cracks. "If I hold still I'll be fine." For a little while at least. She added to herself, her paws were shaking, and there was no way to hide it.
"Do you have any rope?" She asked looking up, trying her best to keep the frantic tone out of her voice. "Maybe you could pull me out."

Dann shook his head frantically - "A rope, a rope, I need a rope!" He wrung his hands - there simply were no ropes to be found, who would store rope in the middle of an icy tundra?

Then it hit him, literally. Lacy's parachute strings were billowing in the wind.

"Quick grab the other end of the parachute! I'll pull you out of there. Try to evenly distribute your weight! If you fall through that ice..."

"Throw them out further!" Lacy yelled, straining to reach the silk cords which whisked in the wind just out of her reach. As the folds of the parachute swung back around Lacy lunged forward snagging onto it, just as the ice she was standing on buckled inward taking her down. Freezing water caught her tail and her back footpaws but she managed to hold onto the edge.
"Aaah!" Tightening her grip on the parachute, Lacy's claws grew white with the tension, he lower legs and tail already submerged. "Pull quick!" She screamed as she slid helplessly, further under the dark water.

OOC: Where is everyone else taking shelter? We need to meet back up with the main group somehow!

Dann, seeing his friend in serious trouble, grabbed the parachute and practically sprinted away from the pond's edge, pulling Lacy in his wake. He heaved with all his strength, hoping that it was enough.

As soon as Lacy was on shore he jogged back.

"That was a scare, Lacy, but you're not out of the woods yet! Quick this way! He grabbed her shivering hand and marched her to a piece of her ship. It was still burning, from the ship fuel, and the warmth alone could save Lacy's life.

"Stay here, I'll try to find some sort of shelter!"

Lacy's teeth were almost chattering too much to speak, but she managed a stuttered, "T-thanks, Dann." The rat kept still by the slowly dying fire, trying to warm her paws. She had the initiative to find some wood, but everything she found was too wet with snow to do more then smoke.

Shivering by the wreckage of her ship Lacy struggled to think of something positive that had happened. Looking skyward the young officer felt a jolt of pain as the Daynora burned outside the atmosphere. How many had died in that surprise attack?

Some time had passed before Dann returned. He was almost as cold as Lacy, being out at the mercy of the conditions, but he wore a smile on his face.

"Ho ho! Lacy, c'mon old chap! That's the ticket! You won't believe what I've found! Our friends are alive, many of 'em! Found an escape pod housing a dozen just a mile from here! Liswell and Marv are there. Not a trace of old Colshe, I'm afraid. Seems to have died along with the majority of the crew."

He helped her up, and the two trudged off in the direction he had pointed out: "They've got the escape pod set up as a little shelter, and it's warm and all inside! It'll be great to see 'em all again. And we can work on a way to survive this blasted planet's icy weather!"

OOC: If the others don't post soon, we can timeskip to after they've got some rest.

I really don't want this RP to die. Thanks for hanging on, guys.

OOC: I'm with you to the end mate!  ;)

Might I suggest PM'ing Han / Batlord. If they're not in it anymore, perhaps a few new people could be brought in.

Just throwin' around the idea. I'm happy to continue this way, but Sandpaw and I have been back and forth for pages now, and it's always nice to have some more people to interact with.

"Great job Dann," Lacy chattered doing her best to support herself, walking along independently. The little fire had done wonders, and even though she was still cold she no longer felt in danger. Besides, she was unwilling to appear weak in front of a lower ranked creature, even if he was her friend.
"Were they all uninjured?" She asked as they grew closer, descending a snowy hill. Down below still a good distance out she could see the escape pod, nestled in the snow. Somebeast had done a good job of landing it. "A lot more must have escaped and survived if they did, we could find another group and get a distress beacon running."

Dann nodded. "Lots of injured, I'd say. Luckily, Liswell is an expert healer. I'm betting everyone will be right as rain in no time."

As they neared the pod he continued "Absolutely, there had to be more than one escape pod. If they all fared as well as this one, then we'll have a reasonable force to resist any attacks if we stand together."

He opened the door to the pod:

"Liswell! Marv! I've got her back safe and sound! Liswell, you'd best check us both out, we've been out in the cold for a long time. Lacy fell into icy water, so she could be in danger of losing her legs to frostbite. Got any remedies for it?"

OOC: If you guys are done, we can have a Timeskip.

OOC: Okay. I guess we can just assume Liswell has taken care of both of us. I'm ready for a time skip.

It was early morning. The still burning wreckage of the Daynora added to the rising sun as the snow glittered in the light. The makeshift camp's inhabitants awakened to a crisp morning. Of course, the entire planet was uncharted...

Another set of eyes watched the group from behind distant cover, shifting position intermittently. It would make its move soon.

Dann rose early that morning. He could not rest when there was so much to be done. The dozen or so survivors had a lot of basic requirements to stay alive. The escape pod had been stocked with some clothes more appropriate for the current conditions. There were only a few pairs of the big warm coats and gloves, and he was clad in one of them. Because of the scarcity of warm clothing, it was important for him to find something to keep everyone warm. He set about trying to move some of the burning wreckage from the Daynora into the middle of the camp, as a bonfire. Unfortunately, the good pieces were too hot to touch and the rest would never provide enough warmth.

He began shifting through a promising pile of smoldering scraps, unaware of the ominous eyes watching and observing.

OOC: I suppose I'm controlling Liswell now, but @BatLord if you want to take him back feel free to do so at any time.

IC:

Stretching and yawning Liswell sat up, sore from his uncomfortable position in the cramped quarters. Standing he tried to tiptoe out of the escape pod without stepping on any tails or paws, a rather challenging endeavor to be told.

"Ouch," Linty squeaked coming awake suddenly. "Liswell."

"Sorry ma'am my bad, I gotta go out."

"Mmhm." Linty sat up herself yawning and arching her back. Standing she joined Liswell on the delicate dance through the dozen or so survivors crammed into the escape pod. Luckily they made it across withoutwaking anyone else, stepping out into the frozen wasteland.

"Well at least its not snowing anymore." Liswell said, somewhat cheerfully. Linty only nodded trudging out, her eyes on the snow.

"Mouse tracks," She muttered looking up.

"My favorite ice cream."

"No mouse tracks in the snow Corporal, I think Dann's already up." Linty snapped. "Did you see him in the pod?"

"Nope," Liswell shrugged, pointing towards the mouse who could be seen rooting through some of the wreckage. "But I can see him right over there."

"Oh; good eyes doc." Linty said as she walked through the snow towards Dann. "Hey Dann Jared, find anything useful?"

OOC: Neither Han nor Bat have responded to my PM, so I suppose you are. ;)

OOC: What should we do about this unseen watcher? Is Sage controlling him/her?

Dann wiped his brow and straightened up. He was holding a cylindrical piece that had been buried in the snow and scrap metal.

"Yep, this looks to be a fuel storage for the pod. We can burn the fuel for a day or two, at least. That's two days longer we can survive out here. Of course, that only fixes the slight problem of living in a freezer. We could still die from starvation or disease before the two days are up. Lovely place, this."

He glanced up at the morning sunrise. The light was reflecting over the snow, illuminating the icy wilderness. It was beautiful, but he knew each day in the frozen tundra would only bring new challenges.

"I'm surprised to see you two up this early. What brings you out?"

Another creature joined the small early morning crew: Marv. He was not overly happy about the situation and he shook his head at the smoldering escape pod and lack of scenery.

"I've captained freighters, fighters and cruisers. I've been to the most luxurious and the most luscious planets in the system. Now here I am, captain of a wrecked escape pod in the middle of nowhere on an abandoned frozen planet! I'll bet no creature lives within 200 miles of this place!"

OOC: Yeah, I'm controlling it, it's my character.

BIC:

The figure continued to watch the survivors. Hefting a strange blaster rifle, it followed the movements of the others through the scope. "Idiots," the creature muttered.