Episode Four - The Cult of Lillith

[Paul Riley]

1505
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Colonel Riley gave the nod to the first officer who dropped the Sun Tzu out of hyperspace. It was a very short hyperspace journey, a hop in fact in galactic terms, from Meropis orbit over to the neighboring star system. Paul glanced around the bridge at his new team, they had undergone a large crew change back on Earth and the balance between Chinese personnel and U.S airmen was now more around 50/50, it was all for political reasons that the commander didn't want to get involved with. He just hoped he had a team who were up to the job, he expected the best and no less than that. They were flying a key ship on the front line, representing Earth in deep space exploration and combat, keeping home safe... The first officer enhanced the image and brought it up on the display screen for the bridge crew to see.



Paul stood up from the command chair and assumed his role as Commander Riley, pacing up to the fore front of the bridge to address his crew. "Alright so here's what we have. This ship has been in a wide orbit around this uninhabited planet. Conditions on the surface seem to be very toxic, not quite compatible with life." He pointed at the still image, "The ship has been giving off some odd readings, quite regular but almost like a static kind of signal and it was picked up back in Meropis. A scan seems to show that the lights are on but nobody's home." Looking around the room at the expectant faces he continued his address, "I don't have to tell you that if we could bring this one in it could prove a very useful addition to our fleet. The question we do need to ask is this... Why has it been left there, and who is coming back for it... Any suggestions?" The Colonel looked around the room for ideas, he had a plan of course but he was a man that would work as a part of the team rather than the leader of it.

<Tag Posting Group Four>

[Dylan Hawkins]

1505
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Dylan was glad to be aboard the Sun-Tzu. While, of course, he liked the Oddyssey, he was glad to have the opportunity to lead this squadron, and instantly accepted this new post. He joined the ships's crew when it underwent a major crew change recently. So far, he had only been doing paperwork due to the simple fact that the ship was in hyperspace. He was itching to fly again.

After arriving at Meropis, there was again not a chance to take his baby out due to the fact thathe volunteered to help with rebuilding the city. At least he was doing something good to make up for it this time.

Now that they were on a mission, though, he would hopefully fly. The senior officers were all called up to the brudge to discuss the mission. When Dylan came up there, he could already see a strange object floating in space. The Captain explained the situation. There was something about the ship that made Dylan slightly uncomfortable. The Captain asked for ideas, and Dylan promptly spoke up.

"Captain, I suggest that Flight one, led by me goes to investigate, and should we find an entrance we go in. At the same time, Flight Two led by my Number One makes sure that no one comes home..."

[Jonathan Marcus Fraser]

1505
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Jonathan was heading for the bridge, he'd just finished unpacking his bags in his room.this assignment had been a long time coming.His transfer from the    
USS Daedalus had gone smoothly he was now the executive officer of the sun-tzu's f-302 squadron.His hair fell to the side as he walked towards the bridge,his flight suit was crisply pressed.He was looking forward to flying again, he lived to be in the air or space.He was walking as fast as he could he had been called to a briefing by Colonel Riley.Walking into the bridge herd the colonel speak about the ship and looked toward the screen and studied the ship for a few seconds.It was a massive ship and Jonathon walked over to the colonel "Nice to See you Colonel" he said saluting he turned to  Lieutenant Commander Dylan Hawkins with whom he had met when they both had jumped on at earth, he turned to the " Lieutenant Commander Nice to see you again, i am inclined to agree with Lieutenant Commander Hawkins sir we don't know what problems or situations await us, i will follow your lead"he said smiling as he looked at the expansive ship "Quite the marvel of engineering"he said studying the ship as he fidgeted with his hands. 

[Shawn Booth]

1505
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Shawn finishes unpacking his bag and placing his belongings away. Shawn then leaves his room and walks to the bridge. As Executive Officer that is where he belongs unless told to go elsewhere by the Commanding Officer. Formerly flying ships on his own and of course by ship he means fighter jets and helicopters not anything like the Sun Tzu. This was the first time Shawn was in anything this big and when Shawn was offered the position he accepted it in a heart beat. Nothing beats exploring the universe.

Shawn reaches the bridge and looks out at the ship dead ahead and is impressed by the looks of it must have been created by an advanced race, he just hopes no one is on it and that no one is trying to set us up. Shawn wouldn't put it past the aliens just like he wouldn't put it past the Russians. As Shawn is standing near the CO not meeting him before this point, Shawn salutes the Colonel and stands at attention for a moment. "Colonel, nice to meet you, sir." Shawn says as he turns his attention back to the alien vessel. "Colonel to my knowledge we have no history of this race or anyone who could've created this ship. I do agree with the Lieutenant Commander that we should investigate but wouldn't it be easier and safer to beam them over with protective suits of course? Or is that not an option in this case?" Shawn said while still looking at the alien ship dead in the water, so to speak.

[Paul Riley]

1507
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

The Colonel returned the salute of his first officer and addressed the points made by some of the crew that had assembled on the bridge. First, the Captain had suggested his flight leave to investigate and then Major Booth suggested they beam over,
"I'm reliably informed by the technical crew here" he said gesturing to Tony Hansford who looked rather smug, "the hull of the ship is made of elements our ship sensors can't understand. As a result it isn't likely we can beam you across safely without getting you stuck in the walls." Paul Riley stood, back straight, with his hands resting in the at ease position behind his back while he addressed the crew. "At this time, little is known about this ship, the boffins on Meropis inform me that it simply appeared on the long range sensors approximately twelve hours ago. Not so much as a hyperspace window to herald it's arrival..." In truth he had not yet met his new crew yet, he hoped they were here to stay. If it's one thing the Colonel really needed it was a dedicated crew that would stick with him when things got tough, and being among the first line of defense for Earth, things usually got tough pretty quickly.

"In light of us not being able to beam over I am willing to heed Mr. Hawkins' idea. I suggest Flight One leaves in due course without your RIO's but ferry over Mr. Hansford, one of the medical team and Clarence Smith as well. Major Booth will jump in and lead the operation once you land. Suggest a visual sweep of the ship before landing once you find an entry point. I also suggest protective gear if possible." He scanned the team assembled before him, then turned his attention back to the alien vessel magnified slightly on screen. Such mysteries lay inside, could there be technology on board to help them defend Earth? Could they really take the ship? It looked enormous in comparison to the already huge BC-304 they were currently on board. It seemed to just float there in orbit, a sitting duck. The Sun Tzu had matched it's orbit carefully thanks to Major Hunter's control skills, now all they needed to do was solve the puzzle.

<Tag Sun Tzu Folks>

[Clarence J. Smith]

1507
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Clarence had just walked onto the bridge and took a spot quietly next to the door way. He leaned against the wall, wearing as usual a well tailored suit and overcoat. He glanced around the room at everyone inside it to gauging everyone who was present before turning his attention to the monitor, which displayed the ship. He thought to himself what the best way to take full advantage of this situation, for a opportunity like this may not appear for quite sometime. "So when do we begin" he said with a bit of a smirk looking at the Colonel, as he reached into he left inner overcoat pocket only to remember that he had quit smoking just before the attack on Meropis.

<Tag Sun Tzu Folks>

[Xander Jacobs]

1225 Alternate Timeline
5 days earlier
Gateroom
Unknown ship
Horizon Galaxy

The Stargate had rippled to life unexpectedly. A few seconds later a man in full combat gear, plus a few other goodies, runs through. Behind were several scatter laser shot from the enemy he was running from. With that the gate suddenly dies. He had no idea how he had ended up here, where ever that maybe but he was now alone. A quick survey of his surroundings had showed him to be in an open room, normal for the type used as gate rooms. Another quick look showed him that there was no visible dialing device. He was alone and potential stuck in an unknown location. First off he had to figure out where there was before he could plan accordingly.

With a slow motion he sweeps the room finding it empty. Yet, more than that he discovered he was on some sort of ship. A ship unlike anything he had ever seen before. Which made him quite leery of the silence that surrounded him. Why was the ship so quite? More importantly why wasn't the Stargate guarded? Those where questions he would have to find answers to. However, before he could get moving the ship suddenly comes to life seconds before the all to familiar feeling of a hyper jump is felt.

~~~

1505
Storeroom
Uknown Ship
Star System M1B

The ship had dropped out of hyperspace fourteen hours earlier then had traveled at full speed for another two hours before stopping. It made no logical sense but for now it was another puzzle. Yet, Xander had spent the last five days hiding. He had encountered something deadly in his exploration of the ship. Something that could answer every question he had but the one he felt was most important. Luckily he had found a store room and managed to barricade himself inside to keep the things out. He was glad he was carrying a full pack, though he rations where starting to get a bit low but he had survived worse. If he listened carefully he could hear the things moving in the halls outside and he wanted to fight but didn't know how long he would last. Until he ran out of rations he would keep waiting to see he could figure out what had happened and where he was.

Tag: Open

[Dylan Hawkins]

1507
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Dylan returned his XO's salute. He had not seen much of the man yet, but that wasn't that much of a problem yet. He listened to what everyone had to say. He hadn't even thought of the fact that the ship had beaming technology. Technology that proved to be not an option, but still. At the notion of the civillians he had to say something, though. "With all due respect, Captain, I must protest against bringing civillians over. There is no way to guarantee their safety, and I doubt that they can hit the broad side of a barn with an RPG. At least wait until the ship is secured. Don't we have Jumpers so we can bring along some Marines," he said.

He never understood what civillians were doing aboard military installations. The Military had scientists. Why not bring them along? At least they had skills other than science.

[Shawn Booth]

1507
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Shawn hears the conversations going on while still looking at the alien vessel not seeing anything wrong with it, so far anyway. The ship looks like it could be a city ship. Shawn thinks to himself that the design is pretty weird, where is the propulsion systems? How does it move? Does it work? Many questions run through Shawn's head as he hopes no one is home when its time to enter and search the city ship. No beaming technology, Shawn just hopes there is no automated defense systems that'll blow us out of space once we try to reach the ship. Shawn also wondered why this technical guy wants to give me an attitude? It is a legitimate question, that wasn't already answered. "I am on-board for anything you decide, Colonel. Clarence if you do come with us, I hope you know how to use a gun, you never know what is waiting for us, over there."

Shawn said not minding a civilian coming along after all if Homeworld Command let him, Shawn is sure he must know how to shoot a gun. However Shawn came from a military background so learning how to use a gun was a given.

<Tag Sun Tzu Folks>

[Dr. Roger Harrison]

(Roger's gonna check in here, then turn two to the sick bay if needed.)

1502
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Roger showed up from the Infirmary, clipboard in hand, ready to debrief. As the Chief Medical Officer of this holy show, he had heard that the ship had appeared unexpectedly. He might've been a bit new, but even HE knew that that was NOT good. No siree. He did have a list of his final notes regarding all things medical and psych for the CO, so he'd make sure the man got that at the appropriate time. He entered, quietly, nodding to the men gathered.

Emergency, is it?! I can have a medical bay ready if you need me, otherwise, I can pitch in wherever... He offered. He just couldn't SHOOT things.

(Blah, sorry so lame, but I don't really know what else to put yet?!)

Tag: Sun Tzu Team

[Clarence J. Smith]

1507
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Clarence looked over between the two airman "No need to worry, I know my way around a gun" he says with a small smirk on his face. "I've had plenty of experience with that game Call Of Duty" he adds acting quite serious to see how the two would react, for seeing how people react to situations was one of this favorite hobbies. Even as he said this he remembered a time where he demonstrated a MBT LAW to a small radical group. 'Those where they days' he thought to himself. "Though I do hope I am at least given someway to protect myself be at least the time I arrive on board that ship" he stats looking back at the Colonel.

<Tag ALL>

[Paul Riley]

1508
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

A frown caused the Colonel's brow to crease as he considered a few options at hand, but it quickly cleared as he reverted back to his original decision,
"Mister Hawkins I respect your concerns, however, this has come from top brass not me. Our mandate is to explore the galaxy in search of technologies useful to Earth, this ship may contain such devices and we need 1 or 2 individuals capable of telling us what they are..." pausing to glance at the motley crew assembled on the bridge, he added, "... Of course I can't force anybody to go over. Truth be told we have no idea what this ship is or where it came from. I ask for volunteers only. Civilians will be issued side-arms for this mission only. I'm pulling rank for clearance on that one." A fair compromise he thought, it could well be a colony ship of sorts, or a mining ship, or even a war ship. It's purpose remained unknown at this time but the intentions of the Sun Tzu were quite clear. Paul glanced up at the crew members who had started gathering together to represent the volunteer exploration team. He smiled at the courage shown in the face of the unknown.

Suddenly, Major Hunter broke the brief silence, "Sir, I've finished our scans, the ship it's... It appears to be omitting some sort of subspace distress signal." This made the assembled crew visibly uncomfortable. If this was what Meropis had picked up on in the neighboring star system then who else could have received this?
"Alright, that's it settled then. Gear up and be out in twenty. We don't want to hang around too long advertising our position. I'll of course be staying here holding the fort. If our long range scanners pick anything up you have to understand that we can't beam you out of here, you'll need to abort on radio signal received and head back aboard double time." He had a brief glance at the monitor that would display any space craft movement within the star system, nothing there for now. Turning back to his team he continued, "God speed and good luck..."

<Tag Sun Tzu Guys - it's all up to you now! Good luck...>

[Dylan Hawkins]

The Commander almost lost it when one of the civillians said his experience came from a GAME. They were not playing a game here. If they died, there was no respawn. He, for one, did not want his life to depend on people thinking that this was a game. With fairly visible anger, he swallowed what he wanted to say, and began walking to the armoury to get his sidearm and the rest of his gear. He was already wearing his flight suit, like he always did.

"Alright, X, you're flying with me. The others will fly with Wolves two and three. Flight two will ferry in a few Marines, and then go home to get their RO's before flying CAP," Dylan said to the Executive Officer of the ship. He wasn't sure about the man, but as he had this post now he probably impressed someone.

[Shawn Booth]

1508
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Shawn smiles when the civi said he knew his way around a gun and had experience from call of duty. 'Great' He thought. However Shawn hopes that they won't need any guns over there hoping that there won't be any hostile forces, although technically we'd be the hostile force, they'd be defending their ship or city or whatever its function is. "Understood Colonel."

Shawn turned his attention to the civilian contractor, "Just make sure, you don't get shot or stabbed, stay behind us over there and we should all be fine. I am just hoping the ship will be vacant or the people on there at least will be knocked out or friendly." Shawn says trying not to sound callous, but the protection of our people and ourselves is more important than an alien we do not know. Shawn then turns his attention to the Navy Lieutenant Commander and nods. "Sounds good to me Commander. I never flew in a F-302 or puddle jumper or any of those cool small space fighters."

[Clarence J. Smith]

1508
Bridge
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

Clarence gave out a sly smirk as he saw how angry his comment had made the Sailor. He then watched from the corner of his eye him leave the bridge. He decided he should probable grab his equipment that was already in his room, for the higher ups had finally send them from lockup for missions such at this. He then began to walk out towards his room to grab his gear. He was quite happy to have his Beretta M9 back, though they probable had quite a few laying around he still preferred his own and was barely able to talk them into allowing him to receive it along with a Tablet with information that could easily help him on missions such as this one. As he took a few minutes in his quarters to prepare to board the ship,

1512
Hanger
BC-304 Sun Tzu
Star System M1B

He then took his time walking into the hanger where he would be ferried over to the ship. Though he did keep an eye out for the Sailor from earlier, just encase he could have a bit more fun with the man. As he waited he carefully check his sidearm, along with the 3 spare clips, that where in a holster concealed by his overcoat. He then took out the Tablet, from a small carrying case just big enough to carry it and maybe another small device, and began to look over some of the information stored on it. He already had a good idea on how it was all organised but wanted to double check it all as he waited.

<Tag All Hanger>