EliteCommander

The Cradle

“That is what I was going to suggest, yes.” Vreta replied, nodding in agreement. “I too don’t have complete authority to authorize the trials myself, but I have spoken with my superiors about the possibility and they are open to it. I am hoping that, between the two of us, we will have enough pull to get talks going.”

There was a brief distraction from the nearby table of Humans. Vreta still had no doubt that their celebration was just theater to justify their presence at the restaurant, but it was no matter. No matter how much the agent listened in from afar, she was not going to find anything incriminating or useful. Vreta had actually been entirely honest and straightforward about his motivations, for a change.

Vreta looked down at the holographic display and gave a brief look over the menu. He already had a fair idea of what he wanted to order when he arrived, so he went ahead and signaled for the waiter to return. “Yes, and feel free to order anything you like. You can find the very best of…anything here.” He remarked. Though, after a few seconds of silence, he turned his head towards Freyr once more. “Just out of my own curiosity, what is he like? Your husband, I mean?”

The Cradle

Vreta was unsurprised to see the agent and ambassador had followed them to the restaurant. If anything, he had expected to see them sooner, but they had evidently taken the time to dress themselves in the kind of formal clothing Humans seemed to believe was required for locations such as this. Given Freyr’s state on their arrival, the agent in particular had words for him, but he did not reply, nor do much else but acknowledge them with a glance. He was here to talk to Freyr, not to let the two of them distract them and derail their conversation. Fortunately, Freyr did not seem keen on their company either, so she ended up sending them away before Vreta needed to.

Vreta waited until they were alone once more to continue. “I know. That is why I wanted to get straight to it, rather than beating around the bush. I know this is not a comfortable topic for you, but I do hope to bring solutions, not problems. You are right that my people would need to see some benefit in order for my government to approve the research. But, those benefits do exist, in this case. At least from what I have been told, Cradle death can cause kinds of neurological issues that my people have not had much of a chance to study. Despite all the differences between our bodies, your brains and ours are not too dissimilar, at their core. To carry out this study allows us to learn more about the mind and improve our own medicine. Knowledge itself is a more than sufficient reward to justify the cost of the study. And even beyond that, if we are going to be working closer together to study the Cradle, there is more of a chance than ever that something could happen to a Rothian in the Cradle. I personally have nearly died twice in that damned place.”

The tone in which Vreta had been speaking had been somewhat emotionless while he had been simply giving a list of facts of why his people would benefit from the study. However, his tone became more sympathetic as he continued on beyond the pragmatic reasons. “For me, personally, I do want my people to gain those benefits I just mentioned, of course, but...I do want to help you. That is why the idea came to my mind in the first place. What you have been through is heartbreaking, and I see the possibility that your family might be made whole again. And even more families beyond yours, if the study is successful.”

The Cradle

Vreta too looked out over the horizon to admire the view before them. It was true that he had seen many, many such views in his life, but he could still found that he could clear his mind and enjoy the beauty within them. Although, in this case, he did not lose his focus for long. “Oh, no, even I only come to this place on special occasions. I think it is a fair way to celebrate a return to home after these weeks away.” Vreta answered, pausing briefly to thank the insectoid waiter serving their drinks. There was a small, holographic display near each seat that could be activated to show a menu, which provided a quick answer as to why even Vreta visited only on occasion. As long as Freyr had a quick way of making the conversion for exchange rates, the prices could be best described as “extravagantly expensive.”

On Rothia, there was, of course, the ever-present knowledge that every word and action was recorded, even if it was not done obviously. Most cameras and other sensors were hidden well out of sight. However, aside from when the waiter was nearby, there were currently no other people within normal earshot of them. Once the waiter had moved on for the moment to give them time to order, Vreta spoke up again, this time in a bit softer of a voice. “I would normally wait a bit longer to get straight to business, but…I don’t think it would be fair of me to keep you waiting on this particular topic. Like I mentioned before, it is rather personal to you. It’s about your family; your husband and daughter. I know it is a sensitive topic, but I want to help. I will just give my intentions plain: I want to try to work towards a deal to start medical trials for using Rothian technology to treat people who have ‘died’ in the Cradle, or had their minds otherwise incapacitated.”

The Cradle

“Yes, I think I am ready to leave as soon as you are. I shall go out to the landing pad and arrange transport.” Vreta replied. He gave Freyr the chance to get herself ready while he went outside to wait. Before he had even left the building, their transport was already on the way to the landing pad outside. In Rothian cities, transportation tended to be government-provided in the form of automated flying vehicles that could simply be called via the city’s public network at no charge, for locals and tourists alike. The vehicles themselves were comfortable, and built to most Rothians’ standards of luxury, so they were commonly used by all economic classes.

As soon as Freyr rejoined Vreta, the pair of them departed for the restaurant. Technically, the establishment he had in mind was across the city, but since it was on the upper level as well, it would only take a few minutes to reach. In general, traversing the city did not take too long, but the highest travel times were often associated with traveling through the more congested passways between layers of the city. Of course, even with the short trip, Vreta did notice that the two of them were not alone in leaving early. The agent and the Human ambassador left just after them, heading in the same direction. The Human pair might have wanted to pass off the fact that they were following them as a simple coincidence, but the restaurant to which Vreta was taking Freyr was not exactly a place one would visit casually. As would be obvious once they landed, the restaurant was a particularly high-class establishment, even by Rothian standards.

The name of the restaurant was Etisxa’Maan, meaning “Galaxy’s Jewel”. Assuming one had not already heard of it beforehand, any quick search would reveal that it was a luxury restaurant that specialized in expensive, rare, and exotic foods not only from Rothia, but all corners of the galaxy. They claimed to have in their employ at least one chef of interstellar renown from every spacefaring species in the galaxy, and most reviewers agreed that the quality of their cuisine did match their claims. The restaurant itself took up several floors at the very top of the skyscraper, so it had a viewpoint even higher than the mountains surrounding the city, and the walls were mostly windows to obstruct that view as little as possible. Similarly to their galactic cuisine, the restaurant was decorated with art, such as paintings, sculptures, and holographic designs, purchased from each of the species represented. Freyr might even have recognized some more famous Human art pieces. Despite coming from wildly different cultures, every decoration was still selected carefully to cultivate the refined atmosphere they were seeking.

Generally, Etisxa’Maan was an establishment that would require reservations to even think about getting a seat, but Vreta paid a premium fee for preferred seating on a balcony overlooking the city…something that either the ambassador or Agent 595 would have to do as well if they wanted to even have a chance of being seated.

The Cradle

“A date?” Vreta remarked, slightly tilting his head. “Hmm, no, such outings are not uncommon among Rothian friends and acquaintances.” He explained. Although, her suggestion to go back to the Barbarossa did cause some notable hesitation for Vreta.

“Going back to the Barb is an option, but I will say that going back to the ship would require us to go through customs again, going to the ship and coming back. We could reach a restaurant here in the city in just a few minutes. If you are opposed to visiting an establishment here on Rothia, we could just go to a meeting room down the hall and talk. I simply thought it would be a nice treat, after so long on the ship. The restaurant I had in mind is simply phenomenal; among the best on Rothia.” Vreta smiled. “And I suppose I can admit some…alternative motivation in wanting to show off what my planet has to offer.”

The Cradle

From what Vreta could see, there were a few among the Rothian science team that were showing subtle signs of discontent, or at the very least, impatience. But, Marae was still the one speaking for them, and she just took a moment in thought before replying. “Yes, true, we will need to see your lab. If you have any specialized equipment for studying the Cradle, we will need to replicate it with our technology for us all to use. Rest assured, I doubt it will take much time for you and your team to become orientated to our equipment and procedures, and we will work much more efficiently together using them.”

---

After their first few topics of discussion, most of what was left were the more mundane details of how they intended to organize their respective teams during the expedition. It was an important, if dull, conversation that did drag on for a few hours, but if all went well, it was one they would only need to have once.

Vreta himself did not have all too much to contribute to the discussions, as he had done much of his work to prepare Freyr and her team on the voyage over. He simply gave the occasional recommendation or clarification when needed. Vreta did not expect that their problems were over, as more would certainly crop up once the two teams started actually working together, but once the meeting was finally adjourned, he was finally able to relax for the moment. There were no other points of business left on the agenda for the rest of the day.

While some of those in attendance left as soon as the meeting was over, others lingered around in the room for a short while afterwards, many of them taking advantage of the table with refreshments over by the window. There was one matter that had been stirring in Vreta’s mind for months, by this point, and he finally felt that it was a good time to speak to Freyr about it, as he finally had a good opportunity to separate her from the handlers the Outremer government had surrounded her with.

“A wonderful view, isn’t it?” Vreta remarked as he stepped up alongside Freyr. It was getting to be later in the day, so the void star above them was creeping lower in the horizon. Though, Vreta did not intend to dwell much on small talk. He wanted to ask his question before someone else had a chance to pull her away. “There is something I would like to speak to you about. It could be good news for you, but it is also rather…personal to you. Not something I think you would want to talk about in a crowd. If you would like, I know of a very nice restaurant where we could get a private table and talk in peace. My treat.” He suggested.

The Cradle

Marae herself did not react as strongly as some of the other Rothian scientists. Or at least, she did not join in their whispers and murmuring. Though, she was silent for a few moments, presumably as she conferred with another in her own private channel. “Yes, we certainly want to repeat those experiments. I have an AI well-suited to analyzing language patterns, or patterns in general.”

Despite Freyr’s confidence in her team’s results, Marae did not seem to share it without the chance to analyze the evidence for herself. In fact, there did seem to be a distinct air of skepticism among many of the Rothian scientists gathered, based on their reactions. Still, it was not as if Marae was rejecting the idea outright, and skepticism could be a healthy trait in science.

“We want to give you access to our lab and equipment.” Marae soon continued. “It is my opinion that it would be best for us all to work as one team, with the best tools available. We can begin orientation on our processes and equipment first thing in the morning. Hopefully, by the time we are able to find whatever Cradle technology might exist on Rothia, you will have had time to become adjusted. Oh, and before I forget, Vreta’Sori mentioned in his messages that he suggested you try the same tests on Human DNA as you did on ours. Did you try those tests? What were the results, if you did?”

Halo: Aegis Team

Heya Elite, its mme agaib. Been browsing for a new RP to join and I came across this. Mind if I join?

@DirtyDingo

I can certainly accept new players. The only thing to keep in mind is that we'll have to wait until it makes sense in the story to bring the new character in.

The Cradle

“Any information you give us will bring us that much closer to a solution to the problems plaguing your planet.” Rareth replied to the agent, though she kept a cordial tone. “And yes, Dr. Lang, if you have a method that could help us locate this Cradle tech, we would be appreciative of you sharing it. My people are quite patient, of course, but the stability of your planet relies on us returning your Cradle to working order as quickly as we can.”

Marae’Ano cleared her throat and queued up a new set of data to project on the table’s central hologram, though she did not yet display it. “Yes, well, the actual search for this object or objects is not something I think the majority of our respective teams will be able to assist with, Dr. Lang. I will have my best geologist and archeologist analyzing the results, of course, but I think most of us will have to be content with waiting here in the city until something is actually found. In the meantime, it is my understanding that you allegedly found something rather unbelievable in tests on Rothian DNA, yes? Patterns that match coordinates in the Cradle’s language. I would quite like to see the data on those tests, and whatever information you have on the language in question.”

Halo: Aegis Team

Vael 'Virisusai and Shih

---

The Spartan Aviza was still able to move and speak, so Vael gave no argument to her ability to fight. Speed was of the essence now, so there was no time to question leadership. Regardless, as a warrior who fought best within the reach of his blade, Vael was one of those at the front of the team. He had not burned through as much of his ammunition as some of the others, but he still moved his carbine to his back and drew his plasma rifle in its stead. He held his plasma rifle in his left hand, and an energy sword in his right. He did not activate the blade right away, but he did hold the hilt tightly in-hand. Another of the Spartans, Rex, also moved close alongside him. As evidenced by the shotgun he wielded, he too preferred to fight close to the enemy.

The team had moved down quickly through the entry hallway of the Forerunner structure, down the ramps to lower floors. In the first, small chamber they entered, they did encounter rebels trying frantically to set up barricades, though they had already started retreating just on the footsteps of Aegis’ approach alone. They fled out the door on the far side off the room without so much as returning fire. Evidently, Aegis had move too quickly for them to fortify themselves, and the rebels had no intention of fighting an even fight.

Before they started to move once more, Shih spoke up to the team as a whole. ”These readings I’m getting, now that we’re here, show these tunnels going even deeper than I thought. They connect to deeper tunnels in the installation at about a dozen different points. Unless we want to rely on a lot of luck, we need to figure out which way the leader is fleeing. I’ve already been working on decrypting and analyzing the comms I’m intercepting. I know their leader is fleeing, so we should be clear to shoot any resistance for now. If we can get to one of their computers, we might be able to figure out what route to take. These rebels’ security is better than I would have thought, but…either myself or Petty Officer Younan should be able to break in. ”

On each of the team members’ HUDs, nav points appeared for two separate rooms farther down beneath them. “The path ahead branches off two ways, to two large chambers farther down. From the comms I’ve intercepted, one of them is their armory, and the other they’re using for food storage. I don’t know which is which. Their command center is adjacent to the armory. That would be the best place to go to find the information we need.”

”If their coward of a leader already flees, then we do not have much time. I doubt we will be able to check both paths if we move as one.” Vael remarked.