In one corner of a remote Galaxy, a rather odd race has set up residence unintentionally, their solar system having been "misplaced" here by a well meaning leader of sorts. At the edge of the solar system, scout ships patrol and satellite sensors watch the boundaries of their new home. One odd object, about 1 mile in diameter is being built just outside the orbit of the furthest planet. Several ships and numerous felitaurs work on what looks like a silver circle. Space feels a bit...wobbbly around it.
Off at the edge of the wobbly part, just outside the safe distance from it, another 'wobble' appears to anyone who's looking... a severe, but localized distortion.
Several alarm monitors go off, and the crews are startled when they realize it's NOT coming from their device.
Anyone looking in that direction would see a point source of light appear right in the middle of the distortion.
The ships already guarding the structure turn and aim towards the distortion, forming a blockade. More ships are rushing towards the site, and the felitaurs working on the device hold fast.
What seems to be almost a small explosion occurs at the point, though it's again strangely localized, nothing going outside the boundaries of the original distortion. The light expands, then coalesces into a figure. A bipedal, roughly humanoid figure, of normal size.
Some of the felitaurs seem disappointed, they expected something weirder than their last visitor, Kraken. But the apparently normal looking feline in space still makes them a bit nervous. They radio signal, "This is the Chirr'T'Thar home system. What is y our purpose here?" (And why doesn't anyone ever knock first?)
The figure resolves itself more... looking more feline, and definitely female... though still glowing like a small sun. She pats her ear a couple of times, then something that sounds like a throat clearing comes over the speakers. "Good! I'm in the right place, then... though I do wonder what you're doing here. Anyhow, I'm just visiting an old friend."
Silence for a bit, then someone finally is brave enough to ask, "Copernicus?"
Jenora chuckles. "How did you guess? Never mind, that's a rhetorical question, everyone would assume him when something weird shows up by now..."
That actually elicits a small chuckle, "That proves you know him all right. Can we have your name please? We'll see if he's available."
Jenora says, "Sure. Jenora Feur. A few of the others might know me from those engineering students he was overlooking a while back."
A familiar female voice comes over the line, "Queen Jenora! I never expected you to find us!"
Jenora smiles again. "Hello again... I see you've moved up in the world a bit."
Europa hmmfs, "You mean we've plain up and moved. But it is good to see you again."
Jenora says, "That too."
Another buzz of the radio to Jenora as Europa transmits, "Sounds like our Regulator is going to have to do some fancy talking to get you in system. I can come out and show you around our project while you wait?"
Jenora says, "What's the problem with getting me in system? But sure, I'd love a tour. Just point out the nearest airlock."
Europa's voice purrs, "Well, we're still a bit jittery out here. And the council is still trying to cause Copernicus some grief. He did save us, but we're not thrilled about the move that went with it. And because you are a friend of his...."
Jenora says, "Ahh... I see. Politics rears its ugly head again. All right, I'll be a good girl."
You can almost see Europa's nod over the radio, as she purrs, "Yep, but the council is losing it rapidly. Good for us, but bad for them. I'll be right out."
Jenora folds her arms across her chest, and does something which looks like she's tapping her foot on a non-existent 'floor'.
On one of the scoutships, an airlock cycles and out leaps a Siamese female felitaur, winging towards Jenora, a radio voder on her throat.
Jenora waves to the felitaur.
Europa waves back and her radio voice says, "Wow. You really are a stellar life form."
Jenora nods, grinning a bit... "Yes, I am." She reaches out to touch the side of Europa's head.
Europa Quantonium purrs and her voice is heard, *Copernicus explains why he set me up to work with you. I think he was right, I was a real uppity snob then. Now I'm just uppity. So, how did you get here?*
Jenora talks back to Europa, just using sound conduction for the voice. "Tracked down the weird space warp, mostly..."
Europa tries to smirk without lips, and he voice can be heard and felt now, *So you can "gate"? That's what we're trying to build here, so we have some limited contact with the old galaxy.*
Jenora nods. "I can gate, though the method I use wouldn't be comfortable to anyone who relies on having particular molecules next to each other. I create a small hole then instead of expanding it I just squeeze myself through it."
Europa's eyes go wide under their protective nictating membranes and she nods, *Well, you can check ours out anyhow. We have a few more minutes to kill.*
Jenora says, "Sure. Creating a large, stable gate is not something I've ever been good at... creating one big enough to fit atoms through one at a time is relatively easy."
Europa nods and turns, her wings seeming to catch a bit of Jenora's luminescence as she glides toward the gate. Several other Chirr'T'Thar send their greetings to Jenora, having met her before on that odd world. One however moves to the furthest part of the ring, well away from Jenora. Poor Vander Wails.
Jenora waves to people as she floats in towards the gate...
The gate is a rather bizarre mixture of technology. The ring, which has a diameter of 1 mile, is built using the 3,143 Heisenberg Uncertainty Stabilizers left over from the "Great Flush".
Jenora looks around the ring, and whistles low over the radio.
Jenora says, "Impressive."
Europa nods, *We've got the basic ideas down. And Copernicus has had some input from what his Uncle had learned. Only problem is, now it seems this part of space is TOO stable for a mechanical gate."
Jenora chuckles. "So flat you'd need too much energy to punch a hole through it... I see. Must have taken a lot of power to _get_ here, then."
Europa nods, *That war that your friends got into spilled out large amounts of raw energy. So we need to find a new location for it. Oh, just got word, you can head in to Tharhome. Copernicus is more or less free. I have to get back to work, take care Jenora.*
Jenora chuckles, shaking her head a bit. "Yes, them... there are times when I wonder if I ever really knew her after all that. Ah well."
Jenora says, "Anyhow, see you later..."
Jenora turns around, and starts heading in-system, hitting relativistic speeds fairly quickly...
Europa nods, not understanding either, but waves.
Jenora takes the leisurely route, keeping just sublight... it takes a few hours, but is easier on the system.
Along the flight path are a few barren worlds that have been either mined heavily, or are filled with familiar crater patterns. Far too many to be meteor impacts.
Jenora takes note of the worlds on the way in, but focuses on her destination... Tharhome itself.
Finally, the surprisingly unspoiled planet of Tharhome comes into view. Numerous satellites and space stations surround it, and quite a few Chirr'T'Thar seem to wander the void of space. At this point a voice can be heard over radio *Glad to see you again Lady Jenora. Just follow the beacon I'll put on in...ouch! Hey Kai, can you keep Scorch away from my toes for a minute? Sigh. Just follow the beeps in Jenora."
Jenora says, "Kai? As in Kainudy, the dragoness?"
Copernicus's voice growls as he sounds like he's shaking something off his leg, "Yes, owch. She's here. Been having a vacation, and now seems to be feeling guilty about it. Hey, not THAT feather!*
Jenora chuckles. "My... no wonder people were expecting I'd be looking for you."
A low rumble is heard shortly in the background, to be replaced with just a beacon.
Jenora zigs across the beam's path a few times, triangulating on it, then works her way down the exact center where the tones line up.
The beacon leads into the tallest tower in one city, where the roof is open, and a small smoke cloud drifts about 100 feet away.
Jenora slows down as she gets into orbit, dropping down to a reasonable subsonic speed as she gets into the atmosphere, and follows the beacon down to the tower.
The roof has 20 foot wide ledges that surround it, covered in vines and other vegetation. The rest is irised open to allow access to the rooms inside.
Jenora hovers over the tower for a moment, still glowing, as she looks for signs of a welcoming committee.
Copernicus leaps up to the ledge, with a young little felitaur riding his back as if he were a horse, he pads up to Jenora and headrubs her.
Stardust oohs and smiles up at Jenora from her perch upon Coper's back.
Jenora purrrs, and grins back to Coper. "Hello. And who's the little troublemaker?"
Copernicus chuckles, "Her name is Stardust. We're helping babysit today. I think my sister must be mad at me."
Jenora chuckles back. "I see..."
Stardust prodprodprods at Coper's back, smirking.
Copernicus shakes his head and sighs, "Well, you want to come in? Kainudy is having better luck with the little haunchburrs brother."
Stardust wrinkles her nosepad and prodprods at Coper some more.
Jenora says, "Sure, let's go... oh, what have you forgotten?"
Copernicus blinks, "Forgotten?" as he wraps his tail around Stardust to hold her in place.
Jenora says, "Why is the kid poking you? I figured to remind you of something..."
Stardust hmphs. And idly tugs at Coper's tail..
Copernicus smiles wanly, "She's poking me cause I'm busy talking to you instead of paying attention to her. Female's start very young it seems. C'mon in." and hops down into the main living room.
Jenora laughs. "I see." She floats down into the open room...
Kainudy looks up as people arrive. She's curled up on the floor, with a rather disgruntled little felitaur face showing through the coils of her tail.
Copernicus purrs, "Well Kainudy, looks like yet another visitor."
Jenora laughs at the face.
Kainudy smiles to Jenora, "Glad to see you again, Jenora. }:)"
Jenora grins. "Good to see you both."
Copernicus leans over and whispers to Scorch, "Trying to blow up your sister is NOT good behavior. Remember, when you are an adult you'll be a match for most females, one on one. But there are FOUR females for every one of us, so think about that."
Kainudy shifts slightly as Scorch tries to wriggle free again.
Copernicus smirks, "And even when you win, you lose, right Kainudy, Jenora?"
Kainudy says, "No comment. }:)"
Jenora smiles innocently.
Copernicus nods knowingly, "Ah well. And females think we do such stupid things to upset them because we're not too bright. It's actually our form of revenge. So, what brings you to Tharhome Jenora?"
Jenora grins. "Oh, just checking around, seeing how things are going... visiting a few friends. I've finally got things cleaned up back at the old place, to the point where I figured things could continue on their own."
Kainudy says, "That's good to hear. }:)"
Copernicus nods, "I've been rather busy here. How did things work out with Shiran and Diane?"
Jenora says, "Well from what I've seen... I haven't seen them too recently once they started on their tour."
Copernicus nods, "Good. Hopefully if we get the gate working Diane can visit her folks again."
Jenora says, "Would be nice, yes."
Copernicus purrs, "Oh, and I haven't seen you for a bit Kainudy. Melora and I were visiting my mating group, but I also found Jarik and Delachiel on this planet I was telling you about. Jarik is apparently asking for help against some demon."
Kainudy frowns. "I hate demons.."
Jenora says, "I... see. Sounds like old home week around here."
Copernicus purrs, "Well, seeing as he wants to destroy it, I get the feeling he's not friends with it either. I forgot to ask either of you if want some refreshment. What would you two like?""
Kainudy says, "Have any orange juice?"
Copernicus hmmms, "I think we can get something like it. And you Jenora?"
Copernicus pads over and purrs, "Kainudy, give him to me, we'll put them down for their nap."
Kainudy stands up to release Scorch from his scaly prison.
Jenora says, "Some form of fruit juice would be good, yes..."
Copernicus finally pads back out with two large glasses of grass green liquid.
Kainudy eyes the juice suspiciously.
Jenora picks the glass up, and sniffs at it once before sipping at it.
Copernicus purrs, "It's supposed to be pretty good. I don't like it much. A bit too acidic."
Jenora hmmms. "I see what you mean."
A whiff of strawberries can be detected off the drink, and it tastes like some odd cross between pineapple, kiwis and orange juice.
Kainudy drinks it down.
Jenora sips at it slowly.
Copernicus hmms as he curls up on the floor, "Let's see. I guess I should fill you in on what's happened since my little debacle. Oh yes, I'd best not waste my time in this form."
Copernicus blurrs into his snow leopard form, and lays his head on a cushion, "So, after I flushed the solar system, there have been a few assassination attempts on me. Melora got very sick, then changed color, and now is so large with kits she can barely walk. She wanted some time alone today, so I took over for my sister with her duties."
Jenora sits back, leaning back against a couple of cushions. "All right..."
Copernicus purrs, "And of course Kainudy just happens to be making a light year long cannon nearby."
Kainudy hides behind her glass of juice.
Jenora says, "I was wondering about that..."
Kainudy says, "I haven't seen it yet myself.. I guess it's visible now?"
Copernicus blinks, "Oh, you were in that stasis pod. Yeah, somewhat. I think the scoutship had a recording of it somewhere."
Kainudy blinks, "A recording? I'd like to see it sometime."
Jenora shakes her head...
Copernicus shrugs, "Sure. I'll put it on."
Muffled bumps and thuds can be heard from the direction of the kits' bedroom, followed quickly by soft giggling and a high-pitched, "Pinned ya again!"
One wall shimmers and a viewing screen comes into view. Copernicus searches with the controls and ahs, "Here it is."
Jenora's ear flicks at the noise from the bedroom.
Copernicus mutters, "Yeah, but if you're smart you won't Scorch."
Kainudy says, "I guess they weren't tired enough. }:)"
Jenora says, "Are children ever 'tired enough'?"
Copernicus chuckles, "Well, Kainudy has been complaining that even the adults have too much energy. Right Kai?"
Copernicus chuckles and turns on the recording.
Jenora says, "I didn't say it..."
Kainudy hrmphs.
A blue-tinted, curved funnel appears on the screen, followed by telescoped views of a stelya-rhyan pushing a blob of neutronium..
Jenora yeefs quietly.
Copernicus frowns, "Where are you getting the neutronium Kai?"
Kainudy says, "They must be moving the entrance by shifting the mass of the balancing bodies. I think they're condensing the neutronium out of heavy vacuum at the end of the bore.."
Copernicus blinks, "Ooookay."
The view shifts to a wider view to show four shapes coming out of the 100-kilometer opening of the bore, and a fifth stelya-rhyan hovering nearby.
Jenora whistles again.
Copernicus sighs, "Kai, anyone tell you that you really know how to make an impression on people?"
Kainudy frowns slightly as the recording ends. "At least now I know why they put me in hibernation before construction started."
The winged snowleopard looks at Kainudy, "Why?"
Jenora says, "Why?"
Kainudy says, "So I wouldn't see those four predatory looking ones. The Stelya-rhyan have been breeding warriors, apparently."
Jenora says, "Ah."
Copernicus's eyes go wide, "Excuse me?"
Kainudy says, "I had my suspicions before, when Persephone visited. She was very quiet and evasive about certain things, and it would have taken at least a century for warriors to have grown to that size."
Copernicus frowns, "Another war?"
Kainudy shrugs, "I don't know. But something made them decide they needed dedicated fighters."
Jenora says, "So they've been planning something for a while... hmm."
Kainudy says, "I really don't know what they've been doing for the past twelve hundred years, and they don't seem ready to tell me just yet."
Jenora says, "Loverly."
Jenora says, "Any history of prescience amongst your people, Kai?"
Copernicus hmms, "Kainudy, having city sized beings going to war is not something to ignore. Especially with their capabilities."
Kainudy says, "Nope, we're pretty dull psionically."
Kainudy says, "And I agree, Copernicus. I can't imagine who'd they be at war with though, or why."
Jenora says, "Just wondering if anybody could have known something would happen that far in advance that they'd need those."
Kainudy hmms. "Anything's possible I suppose. I'm still not quite sure how they shift between universes yet."
Jenora hmmms. "Well, shifting between universes does imply a possibility of time travel... just have to shift into a world with an inverted time vector and survive there for long enough before going back."
Copernicus starts humming.
Kainudy rubs the side of her head. "Is that possible? I at least got the impression they were restricted to continuums that shared the same creation event.. but I could be wrong."
Jenora says, "Well, it's possible for some methods, I don't know about others... if there's an anti-matter based universe, it could flip. I don't know how they would do it."
Copernicus hrrrms, "Well, either way talking to your offspring seems to be in order Kai. And we have to decide if we can help Jarik or not with his demon thingy."
Kainudy says, "I'll have to ask them. I didn't even know Charon and Chimera were around until Copernicus told me."
Copernicus nods, "They're on Nexus. So what now? Brahe will be picking up her cubs shortly."
Kainudy says, "Do you play chess, Jenora? }:)"
Jenora says, "I'd agree. What they're working on looks like it's well into the DPTAMP class."
Jenora says, "Chess? I've been known to..."
Kainudy says, "DPTAMP?"
Jenora says, "Don't Point That At My Planet."
Copernicus nods, "And the Chirr'T'Thar are a bit touchy right now Kai. I think you need to talk to them. How well do they er...listen to you?"
Kainudy chuckles at Jenora, and hmms at Copernicus.
Kainudy says, "They listen to my suggestions. I've never really tried to.. demand.. anything from them."
Copernicus wonders how you spank a kid that's 8 miles longer than you are?
Jenora grins. "Oh, I'm sure something could be arranged."
Kainudy smiles, "I don't think they really trust me, for some reason.."
Copernicus looks at Kainudy and grins, "No? How can that be. ;)"
Kainudy says, "Might have something to do with me skipping out on the species awhile back.."
Copernicus purrs, "Skipping out?"
Kainudy says, "I decided they'd be better off looking after themselves."
Copernicus sighs deeply, "Kai, I think it best you not make this common knowledge on Tharhome."
Jenora says, "Oh."
Kainudy says, "Oh, sure. How often do I go blabbing about my own ignorance in public? }:)"
Jenora says, "Well, and I thought life was interesting before..."
Copernicus nods, "I keep forgetting that's not how you mess up. So, it seems I'll never get bored. What are you two up for next?"
Jenora says, "Oh, I don't know... I'll need to get some recharging done at some point."
Kainudy says, "How do you recharge?"
Jenora says, "Depends... just lying out in the sun is good for a bit. If I need a real power boost, I go up to the sun and hang around close in the solar wind for a while."
Copernicus chuckles, "Well, all Chirr'T'Thar love to lie in the sun."
Copernicus hmms, "Oh, Jenora, I have take the cubs back. If you sunbathe, I recommend you do it on our roof. Otherwise you'll never get any rest. ;)"
Jenora chuckles. "All right. Easy enough to do."
Jenora says, "I figure people might panic and get upset if I went sundiving right now."
Kainudy says, "I'd hate to see them in a panic.."
Copernicus pads over and rubs his head against Jenora, having no hands in this form, "It's good to see you again Jenora. It was even good to see Kainudy again, but don't tell her that. And yes, I think that might be a bit too much."
Jenora purrrrs, and nuzzles back. "I figured as much. I've probably got things buzzing around like hornets already."
Copernicus purrs, "It's hard right now to notice above the background buzz. Take care you two, I have to take the little ones back."
Kainudy says, "Need a tranquilizer gun, Coper?"
Jenora waves. "See you later, Coper."
Copernicus mutters something about a stun gun as he disappears down the hallway.
Jenora waves to Kai. "See you in a bit... going up to catch some rays."
Kainudy says, "Don't let yourself burn! }:)"
Jenora laughs on her way out...