Re: All In The Game

by LadyRaven Fri Aug 14, 2009 1:45 pm

Serenity had barely made it back to her apartment when she felt her node buzzing in her pocket. Thinking her crew might have made a decision already, she quickly pushed it into her ear and tapped it. It was Krell instead. Valis wanted her at the briefing in the conference room. "I'm on my way." She said back and made a u-turn to head for the command center.

Serenity arrived in the conference room a few minutes after Krell's call and gave a small smile to her Uncle as he pulled out a chair for her. She sat down and then leaned back lightly in the chair to listen to the Professor. She was sure that whatever he had to say would only be understood by a select few in the room, but if her Uncle wanted her there, she would oblige. Rahma was there also, but looking far more eager to hear the Professor's findings, as it seemed was Krell........

by Guest Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:43 pm

Once Serenity arrived Valis nodded to the professor. The room got quiet. "I have been underground in the ruins of a civilazation that has been long gone from this part of space." he began. As most of you already know, the Vargas system has four inhabitable planets. On each there have been found ruins of an ancient civilization, but nothing more. No artifacts only a few writings and pictures on walls."

He looked over the assemblage, that were mostly scientists of some sort or those now considered the leaders of the new rebellion. "What I have found is amazing and it will take a bit to explain everything, so bare with me please." He took a drink of water from a glass and then began.

"What I found was basicly a historical archives. It tells the history of the system from the earliest times that they began writing. It is really an amazing story of a strugle to rise above the basic instincts of greed and desire to conqure." he went on in length telling of some of the high points of their evolution and then got to the good stuff. "You have all heard of the tales of the Jedi in the Old Republic before Paliptine took power and created the Empire. Those talented and gifted people are now long gone from the old Empire, that is now the New Republic. This civilization were the creators of that order, or I should say were the ones that brought the power of the force to the Old Republic."

"Long ago these people developed the ability to sence the structure of the universe and use it's power. They build a great civilization in the Vargas system, that at that time contained six inhabitable planets." He looked about the room. But something happened, something from in their past that they did not learn of untill it was to late. Some sort of virus had been slowly killing the race, making it imposible for them to have children to continue it on. They knew their race was doomed but they wanted to leave thier new discovery to those that could use it.

"They spread out throughout the galaxcy teaching others how to tap into this power. What eventually became the Jedi Order were the decendents of those that learned what these people taught." He took a deep breath.
But they found another race, one that was powerful in its own right but not as advanced as they were. This race was militaristic and wanted what the Elandras, as they called themselves, had. They sent a vast armada to try and conqure them. The Elandras knew that they would eventually fall, so they transformed two planets in the system into gigantic space ships that would carry their civiliazation somewhere else."

"They destroyed everything on all the other planets, leveling cities until nothing useful remained. One of those planets lies here about us, destroyed in the hopes of destroying that armada. The other planet with all the technology, that even today out does our own, went deep into what is now the Old Republic. It has some sort of cloaking device that shields it against any detection. But I found the way to find it." he smiled.

by LadyRaven Sat Aug 15, 2009 1:23 pm

Serenity listened as best she could to the Professor and she could understand most of it, so that was a bonus. It was still a lot to take in though and it didn't take long for her mind to start drifting. How in the 'verse could someone make an entire planet invisible? How could they move a planet like that? Destroying one was fair enough, she supposed. Controlling the power of the universe? The Jedi part, she recognized at least. She'd heard the stories from her father. The top and bottom of it though, the Professor knew how to uncloak this supposed planet. Only one problem. At this, Serenity finally spoke up.

"So let me get this straight." She said, folding her arms. "You've found a way to de-cloak a planet to get your hands on some wacked out tech and some history from a people that have been dead for hundreds of years, and you want us to go right into the heart of the Republic to get at it for you." She leaned forward and put her elbows on the table, folding her hands in front and laying them down together. "Is it just me, or is anyone else thinking it's a kamikaze trip?"

by Guest Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:08 pm

Valis looked at Serenity. "Not really my dear. The Raven will be going." he looked over at Krell with a questioning look. Krell shugged his shoulders, and Valis again looked at Serenity, "As well as another ship or two." He looked around the room then, "I can not tell you how important finding this planet is. The New Republic got rid of the Empire there and made a truce with it once they pushed them out this far. We can finish getting rid of the empire once and fore all, and bring a Federation of Planets into being. Establish trade with the New Repbulic and once more enjoy freedom."

He placed his hands behind his back. "The technology on this planet may be the only hope we have. The risk is well worth the prize."

"Yes and not only that." the professor piped in. "I also found information that told of an experiment. One that would put their race in statis until a cure could be found." he looked down at Serenity. "I have also all the information on the virus. Not only their technology but what if we could help them and have them as our allies?"

by LadyRaven Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:15 pm

They had a point. The Raven was one hell of a ship and with her sister out there too, they would be a force to be reckoned with, but Serenity also had a point. "You're still expecting us to go into the Core." She said, "The very heart of everything you all despise so much. My last run that went anywhere near there cost me three of my crew and very nearly the rest of us too. Not to mention, the new Admiral is still smarting from his ass-kicking earlier. He'll be sniffing real close. I still say it's a suicide mission."

Serenity then sat back in her chair once more and looked over at Krell. "You can't deny I have a bloody grand point, Krell." She told him, "And look what happened the last time you crossed paths with a couple of cruisers. The Core will be crawling with them!"........

by Guest Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:35 pm

"Ahhhhh Serenity is it." the professor grinned. "The planet we seek is not at the Core of the Empire. But somewhere in the middle of the New Republic. Now they will not be to thrilled about a couple of strange ships showing up in their territory but they will not have the imperial look or signature. That does not mean the Empire will not try to take what we find. They probably have spies and forces within the New Republic, trying to bring it down again so they can move on it."

The empire still had influence within the New Republic, though how much no one really knew except the Emperor and a select few. It would not be easy not by a long shot. "I think we can handle anything the republic comes along with and if the Empire or the Admiral comes along we will deal with them." Krell sat down next to Serenity. "Especially with you in command of the Raven's sister ship."

by LadyRaven Sat Aug 15, 2009 2:42 pm

Serenity nodded in agreement. "Sure." She replied, "But we still have to go deep through Empire territory. Unless you can find us some miracle that will get us around it? And I don't really care about the spies, I just care about my crew and my ship." Just then, Krell sat next to her, spurting off about how they would deal with the Admiral and the Empire if they came after them. And especially if she commanded the new ship. Serenity looked down at the table and shook her head.

"They haven't given me a decision on that yet Krell and you're making assumptions." She told him.

by Guest Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:01 pm

Krell nodded. He hoped that her crew would accept the offer. She was also right about going through the heart of the empire to get to the New Republic. They would not expect it, especially not expect two ships of the Raven's class. It would be one hell of a trip but he figured that they could pull it off. Along the way they could wreak havoc on imperial forces, put fear into the hearts of the imperials.

"I understand." he told her. If he had to he would do it alone. The chances would be drasticly reduced but he would do it all the same. There were millions of oppressed people that needed for him to succeed.

by LadyRaven Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:16 pm

"I'll say one thing for you." She offered, "You've got balls of brass to try this." She knew Krell would do it, even alone if he had to. "Really big ones!" Sitting back in her chair again, she began thinking seriously on the matter. They had three days until the new ship was ready and her crew would give their decision by then. So they had some time. Finally, she looked up. "whatever my decision will be, you'll have it in three days." She told them all, including Krell...

by Guest Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:37 pm

The meeting went on a little bit more and then broke up. Valis and Krell knew that Serenity had to wait for her crew to decide. Three days it would be. As the people in the room began leaving, Krell took Serenity gently by the arm. "Three days for you to decide on the ship. What about what I asked you earlier."

He was not going to let it go, nor give up on her. He knew that she would have to make a decision on it. He knew that she had feelings for him. She had admitted that in the med bay of the Jessebel. She had though him out cold and then found out he was not. The meds had kept him from talking so she had ranted on. Since that time she had not been the all tough Dimond Dog Captain with him. He hoped that she had made a decision on their relationship.

by LadyRaven Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:46 pm

Serenity nodded, "Three days." She repeated, "And not a moment sooner, if left to their own devices." She then got out of her chair and turned to face him fully. "No, I haven't decided on your question." She admitted, "There's been a lot of other things on my mind, you know." With a small yawn, Serenity moved around Krell and made for the door.

"I think I need a stiff drink." She said suddenly, then turned back to Krell, "You're buying."

by Guest Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:55 pm

Krell smiled as she told him she needed a stiff drink. He followed her out and walked with her to the tavern. As he entered he nodded to the bartender who placed a bottle and two glasses on a tray and brought them to a table. Krell gently guided Serenity to the table and then poured them both a drink. Darleen Brandy. Burned all the way down and had one hell of a kick to it.

Krell took his and downed it before sitting down and pouring him another one. It felt good to be back at Haven, but still he missed the feel of the deck under his feet and especially the deck of the bridge. Guess it got into ones blood. Though he missed the feeling he did not rush off to satisfy that desire. There was a time being on the ship and then there was time to enjoy one's self. He looked at Serenity and smiled.

by LadyRaven Sat Aug 15, 2009 4:04 pm

Serenity smiled and happily poured herself a very large glass of the fiery liquid. She knew what it was just by the smell of it and didn't hesitate in downing the lot, holding her breath as it went so it didn't burn so much. The first was quickly followed by a second, then a third before she slowed the pace and sat back to enjoy the afterglow of heat rising in her throat.

As Krell smiled at her, she smiled back and leaned back further in her chair, pushing her hair back from her shoulders in the process. "That's better." She sighed quietly, then, "You know. I'm not exactly sure what it is you expect from me. I mean, you dangle a state of the art, fandangled babe of a ship in front of me: Literally beg me to lay with you. I don't get it Krell. What have I got that you so badly want?".......

by Guest Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:44 pm

He watched her down three shots of the powerful stuff. Then she seemed to relax, more then likely the alcohol taking effect. He sipped his second drink and then she began to talk. He listened and smiled. "Not just lay with me." he leaned forward, "More then that. If I just wanted a woman for sex I would go to one of the Space Ports and the brothals there. There is more to a relationship then just sex. Though that is quite a nice thing about a relationship."

He leaned back in his chair some. "Look at Slyder and Mairanna, they just met but there is more to their relationship then just sex. Remember what you said in the Med bay, if I was your man? What is it about me that you liked and there fore not mind having me around?" There was more to it then she was probably thinking at the moment. He could not really explain it. Part of it was, yes she had a marvelous body that any man would love to hold and touch. But he wanted her for more then that. They were two of a kind, yet different. Different enough to be able to get along and make things interesting.

"All you have to do is give a relationship between us a chance. See how it goes." he told her.

by LadyRaven Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:54 am

Serenity stayed quiet long enough to hear him out, pouring herself another large dose of the brandy. "I'm sure the sex part is wonderful." She mused, "But I'd say that Slyder and Marianne are a bad example. They had a one night stand, Krell. I know, I was there when he picked her up. If it weren't for the fact she got pregnant from it, Slyder wouldn't even have looked twice at her now. Let alone give up his bachelorhood for her." She downed the shot and poured a fifth.

"What happened in the med bay was an accident." She told him, "Had I known you could hear me, I'd never have said those things." But she had and she couldn't take them back. At least the drink was helping things. Serenity gave a low sigh and sat back in her chair to let the booze do its damage. "I guess I realized that you weren't so much the asshole I'd taken you for. It's not that big a deal, Krell." However, he seemed to think it was, at least to her mind anyways. The warmth of the brandy was spreading nicely through her now and she relaxed further into the chair....

by Guest Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:07 am

It looked as if he was not going to get an answer nor did it seem he was getting anywhere with her and might not ever. She was getting pretty relaxed with the drink, and he had a feeling that she would probably out cold with a couple more in her. He signaled the bartender to take the bottle. He poured them one more drink and "I think I had best get you back to your place before you fall face first to the ground, when you stand up."

He took the last drink and downed it. He too was begining to feel the effects of the alcohol but he had less to drink then she did. Helping her to her feet he waited a minute to see if she could walk or not.

by LadyRaven Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:13 pm

Serenity had never had someone concerned like that over her being drunk. Not even Kai showed that amount of bother for it, but then, there was a huge difference between Krell and Kai. Krell had no idea just how much she could handle. After helping her to her feet, Serenity swayed once, smiled and then regained her balance once more. It only took a step or two before her drunkenness could barely be noticed. "I think you underestimate my ability to drink." She told him with a laugh as she made for the door. She swayed maybe once the whole time and once out on the promenade again, she leaned against the railings and grinned at Krell........

by Guest Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:41 pm

Krell only shook his head. He had heard that before from a number of his crew. They were bigger then she was and could drink. But they always got drunk and always said they could handle it. Then to talk to them in the morning when their heads were about to split and they felt as if their insides were about to come up.

He finally took her by the arm and steadied her. She had been swaying a bit and he didn't want her to fall and hurt herself. He managed to get her to her apartment. "Time for you to get some sleep." he told her. He used an overide code on the key pad and the door opened. He helped her inside and then turned to leave.

by LadyRaven Mon Aug 17, 2009 2:00 am

Had Krell been one of her crew, Serenity would have been insulted that he insisted on taking her arm to steady her. "I am capable of walking on my own, thank you." She snapped as they walked, "I'm not so drunk that I can't find my way to my own bed." Still, he kept hold and walked her back, though Serenity felt more like she was being frogmarched like a chastised youth.

Back at her apartment, Krell got her inside and then told her to get some sleep. She stood and folded her arms, "I'm a grown woman." She told him, "And I can do as I please." She turned about and made for a long sofa in the main living area. She did need to sleep, she just wouldn't admit it out loud. After faltering once or twice in navigating the coffee table, she made it to the sofa and flopped down on it. A few seconds later, she managed to start pulling off her boots. "About your question, by the by." She offered suddenly, "Maybe if I knew why you're so desperate to have me, I'd be able to form a better answer for you.".........

by Guest Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:12 am

He turned around when she said she was agrown woman. Once she got to the couch he figured she would be safe enough. Perhaps later she would be able to make it to the bed. Again he turned and started walking out the door when she spoke again. This time bringing up the subject of his question to her. He raised a brow and turned looking at her. Why did he want her.

Was he desperate to have her, perhaps. She had looks, a brain, a stubronness and many other things about her that the other women he had known lacked. These were all things that he doubted she would want to hear and probably would not make a difference to her. So he told her, "I don't know exactly. You are definately different from any woman I have known, hard headed at times, that does not take crap from anyone and can take care of herself in a fight. Some one that could keep me on my toes, and......... well I don't really know. You just seem like you are what I have been looking for all this time. But perhaps I am wrong." again he turned and started for the door.

by LadyRaven Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:36 am

Discarding her boots, Serenity sat back on the sofa and listened. Hard headed, definitely. Didn't take any crap, absolutely. Different, perhaps. Someone that could keep Krell on his toes, she had to think on that one. "So I keep you on your toes, do I?" She asked, "And what else?" Well, if he was going to pad her ego like that, he'd best be prepared for the fall-out from it, especially considering the amount of alcohol in her system. "And if I'm what you've been looking for all this time, why didn't you come find me earlier? Say about 9 years ago. Back then, I wouldn't have hesitated, but back then, I was a lot greener than this. You could say that what happened made me the way I am. Hell, I certainly wouldn't pick the fights I do. I'd get my ass kicked more often than not. Sometimes, I still do, I think."

At this point, she finally noticed that he'd turned to leave twice and decided to let him go. "Anyway, it doesn't matter." She offered, "I know you wanna get back to whatever it was you were doing before. I won't keep you."....

by Guest Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:45 am

Nine years ago. He had been in the imperial Navy, a brand new Lieutent and thought he was the best thing there was in the verse. He had been groomed by his father that was up there in the upper eschelon of the empire. Exactly what rank he held he had no real idea but he had been powerful. Nine years ago he would have thought nothing of blowing the Jessebel to dust along with her crew. He had all sorts of young ladies of rich families eying him. More then likely his parents had something arranged for him, but at the time he didn't care what the women had upstairs in their heads.

Being shown what life was really like in the empire by the old pirate, being striped of all he knew and a stint on a prison planet made him see quite differently. In the years that had followed he had one heartbreak after another, finding out that the women he had been trying for did not have what he really wanted in a woman.

"Nine years ago I don't think you would have liked what you saw. I was what you thought I was and probably even worse." He turned his head looking at her. "I'll be on the Raven." he said, and walked out. He past Kai as he did, but said nothing and just kept walking.

by LadyRaven Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:59 am

Serenity nodded her head, "You're probably right." She said, "I don't think either of us would have liked what we saw." Then he told her he'd be on the Raven and she nodded again, "Fair enough." She replied as he walked out and put her head back to rest a little and sleep off the booze.

Kai had been pondering the idea of leaving the Jezzabel for quite some time already. Ever since Serenity had come to them and offered it up, he'd been seriously considering it. After their chat, Mac had outright refused to leave the old bird. He claimed he was too old and too stuck in his ways to take on a new ship with new engines and a new crew. Slyder had agreed, but for different reasons. Rat had simply stated he would go with the majority decision. When he passed Krell in the corridor and watched him walk right past without a word, he was curious. Had he had another fight with Serenity? Kai stopped, turned and made after the other man. "Krell!" He called, "Wait up a sec, would you? I'd like a word.".......

by Guest Mon Aug 17, 2009 7:46 am

Krell was disappointed. He had hoped that she would have been the one. Especially after what she had said in med bay. But it seemed that what she had said was not really true. He had not really seen Kai as he walked past him. He was deep in thought of what he was going to be doing. More then likely the crew of the Jessebel would not leave it, he knew he would not want to leave the Raven. It was his ship and he had come along with with her. Without a command crew for the other ship, one that knew what it was doing, he would not risk her against the imperials. He would go it alone in the Raven.

When he heard Kai's voice he stopped and looked around. He spotted Kai and waited for the man to catch up to him. "What is it Kai?" Krell thought he had come to let Serenity know what the decision was.

by LadyRaven Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:04 am

Kai quickened his step to catch Krell and then walked more easily at the other man's shoulder. For a moment, he remained silent, but the look on Krell's face was something akin to actual pain, or at least it seemed to be. He knew that what happened between the two captains wasn't any of his business, but try as he might, he just couldn't stay out of it. Serenity was more than just his captain, she was his best friend. "I take it she shot you down again." He offered in a friendly tone. He shook his head, "I really thought you guys had got it sorted when I caught you kissing." He shook his head again, "But that's not why I wanted to talk to you." He coughed and squared his shoulders, "I wanted to know more about this new ship you've been building. The sister ship to the Raven. Serenity told us about the offer you made. I trust her and all, but I wanna get it from the horse's mouth as it were so I can make my own opinion before I decide.".......

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