Log:The Signal

Worlds Apart 2014/07/13 	 Mesmer Forge Spirit Paragon Ten Interface Paul van Sterran Anthony Quinn Aoi Aurora 1

Starguard - Reception Area The reception area has muted black tiled floor, with the walls and roof painted off-white. The secretarial desk enclosure is barely twenty feet from the double set of glass doors. To its left is a large double-hinged door ominously labeled 'Security'. A seating area full of soft couches is to the right. Down the hallway that leads deeper into the building is the office of the Director of Operations and the exit to the landing field outside.

Anton is dressed in his normal well tailored suit that seems... just a few decades out of style for the current day and age. A newspaper under one arm and a cup of coffee in the other hand, he flashes a badge to the security guard who allows him entrance with a nod. He tips his hat with a wink before taking a seat near the back of the briefing room.

For his part, Malcolm comes charging across the lobby from the Landing Field. Dressed in a standard Starguard uniform, the tall man looks the part of a Starguard member summoned to duty. He skids to a halt near the briefing room more or less as Anton arrives at the door. Looking the other - better dressed - man up and down, Malcolm cocks his head to one side, "One of the specialists?" he inquires.

Dorian walks out of his office and heads down to the briefing room, still looking at his PDA as he enters the room.

Paragon steps out from the lockup area, having had a brief visit with Nicky Winters concerning a potential need of her healing abilities in the future. Dangerous things are looming, as they tend to for all those who are heroically inclined. She receives a suspicious look from one of the security guards as she leaves, but Paragon just tips her head and offers a polite salute.

Ten comes swinging as soon as the call is but out for SGG members - though she changes to more pedestrian travel at the front door.

Allison has arrived.

Dorian takes a seat in the briefing room, and puts his PDA away. "Thanks everyone, for showing up. I'm sure the director will be along shortly."

Anton with a tap of one finger to his forehead in a seemingly mock salute, "I've been called special a time or two." He says with a grin. "Agent Anton, you?"

Ten rests leaning against the wall, as is her won't. "What's up?"

It is 2:00 when Paul van Sterran addresses the assembled heroes. He stands before a large screen that displays images and data as he speaks. One the screen can be seen an image of Anthony Quinn in a skintight jump suit. Behind him can be seen metal walls.

"At 1223 local an energy signature was detected by Anthony Quinn while aboard his space station, " van Sterran begins. Anthony takes the opportunity to wave to the crowd. "Hey guys," he chirps.

van Sterran continues on as if Quinn had said nothing. "The signal was detected leaving Iapetus, the third largest moon of the Saturn system." A window opens up displaying information about Iapetus including its gravity, orbit, composition, and the equatorial ridge.

Paragon walks across the reception area and heads to the briefing room, her footsteps clunking along the tile and echoing a little. She tries to move quietly so as not to disturb employees and guests. She stops in the doorway and looks around to see if she's got the right place, then recognizes Dorian. She fires off a snappy cubs scout salute. "Ah, hello, Dorian. It's good to see you again," she intones cheerfully. It takes more effort for her to keep up the cheerful facade this day, but she does it without a hitch.

Well, Julius was monitoring emergency channels, as is his usual practice. He went so far as to wake up Allison. See, even with an all nanotech body, her brain needs rest, downtime... since it's the only muscle she has left that ever gets exercise. But it doesn't take much to go from asleep, to in the air with her drive field fully in place to land out front of Starguard... oh yeah, and to inform them she's on her way in and... no, she's not.. oh right. No sense in hiding things from them anymore. Yeah, she's Allison... she's Interface... and as she lands... her metal appearing body moves as if it was flesh and blood. "So, what's up?" she asks... giving Paragon a grin of greeting.... well, everyone gets that grin, but Paragon is her bestie... so yeah.

Dorian smiles and waves to the new arrivals, not saying anything to interrupt Paul. He turns his attention back to the screen.

"Gibbs," replies Malcolm, smirking faintly at Anton's reply. He scoots into the room after everyone else, taking up residence in one of the chairs just in time for Director van Sterran to begin the briefing. Glancing over his shoulder, Malcolm waves to Allison as she arrives.

"Analysis of the signal has shown it to be a High Efficiency Plasma Recombustion, or HEPlaR, drive, a type of fusion engine," Paul says. "At present we know of no agencies employing HEPLaR drives. It is a subluminal drive and while it provides extreme delta-V and specific impulse most Guild ships prefer a combination of superluminal drives combined with lower thrust gravitic drives for maneuvering purposes. Earth ships such as the lunar shuttle to Tranquility utilize Helium-3 fusion drives which provide lower specific impulse and thrust to mass ratio."

Paragon listens in on the meeting. She glances at Allison as she arrives and grins behind her faceplate before turning her attention to the business at hand.

"A pleasure." Anton says to Malcolm with a smile as he glances over at the director as the briefing begins. His head cocking slightly as he considers the information being presented.

"Tracking of the signal for the past hour and a half has shown a constant acceleration of 5 Gs on a course that is carrying it inwards toward Saturn, although not on a collision course. If it maintains its current vector it is projected to fly past Saturn and then out into deeper space. However, we at present the distance between Iapetus and Earth is 9.99 astronomical units resulting in a lightspeed delay of almost one and a half hours. This means that if the signature makes a course change it will be an hour and a half later that we will detect it. With 5 Gs of acceleration even a minor course alteration can cause a difference off thousands of miles within that time so we are waiting to see if it makes any course alterations while still within the Saturn system or if it continues along its vector out into space where it will be less likely to make course corrections and an interception can be attempted."

Ten says, "So... interception is the plan?"

Paul nods to Ten. "Interception will be attempted with one of the jets on load to us from Mr. Quinn. It has been fitted with a prototype Alcubierre-Quinn drive for superluminal travel and its quantum thrusters will provide subluminal capacity even in space."

Dorian nods to himself, having looked over the specs of the jet prior to passing on the information to the director.

Tipping his head to one side, Malcolm considers the explanation. "I assume the "jet" has a standard control configuration?"

"I can get to about eighteen hundred miles per second at top extra-atmospheric speed given my drive field's capabilities." remarks Allison. "But what -is- this... object?" And Julius is already scouring data files for information on what the Iapetus is.

"Do we have any kind of visual on the craft at all?" Anton inquires, as he extends an arm just enough to allow him to tap his notes into the device attached to his wrist. "I can board the vessel if we get about... oh 6,000 miles away."

Dorian says, "That's assuming it's a vessel. We don't know what it is yet."

"The jet has a standard control setup," van Sterran says to Malcolm, "though you will need to be cautious. It will behave quite differently outside of the atmosphere." He shakes his head to both Interface and Anton. "As I said, the signature is at a distance very close to ten times the distance from Earth to the Sun. The only reason we even detected it is because Quinn happened to be pointing the telescopes on his system in the direction of Saturn and because the signature from the drive is so large. We do not currently know that this is a vessel but we can tell from the strength of the signal and the acceleration that it masses in excess of 450 metric tons."

Ten says, "If not a vessel, then what?"

Dorian shrugs, and says to Ten, "Could be a launched weapon."

"Of course, sir," replies Malcolm at the warning about handling. The tall man reclines in his seat a little bit, eyes closing for a few moments. "Could be some kind of truly strange alien life form or spy satellite."

Ten says, "... I had to ask."

"It could be any number of things... a probe, a weapon, a ship yes, possibly. But if it is extra-solar in origin, then there is no way to be sure from here." suggests Allison. "So we should not wed ourselves to any one particular theory without any data from which to postulate such a theory."

"It is showing a sustained acceleration of 5 G's, so unless it has gravitational plating it seems unlikely it would be manned. However, if the designers had gravitational technology it seems likely they would use a different form of engine," Paul says.

Ten says, "Or if the pilot take take 5G. It wouldn't bother me much...."

"Right, since of course the physiology would need to be the same for the acceleration to be important." Anton frowns slightly, "Which is an important distinction if we need to board and they don't have anything. I'd rather not get smashed into pink paste." van Sterran nods to Anton. "That is also one of the difficulties with interception," he says, "While it wouldn't be enough to actually 'smash you into paste' several of you would find it nearly impossible to move and the sustained forces could easily cause G-LOC."

Ten says, "Hey, if you're go to get smashed into paste, there are worse colours."

Dorian nods. "Once we know more, we can decide from there. How soon are we taking off?"

"At this point, we don't have nearly enough information to be speculating like this," comments Malcolm, eyes opening again as he straightens up in his seat. "All we know is it's a massive /THING/ producing 5Gs worth of thrust using a drive system that's not in general use. So, really, we need to get some kind of vacuum protection for everyone that's coming along and get ready for departure. When we intercept it, we'll know more about what we're dealing with."

"That will depend upon when we can work out a reasonable intercept," Paul says to Dorian. He then nods to Malcolm. "We have standard suits available to any who might need them," he says. "Oh indeed, I remember when we first got to the moon, never thought Saturn would be the next trip but... by all means let's be away no time to waste." Anton nods towards Ten, "I'll shy away from the being paste at all, no matter how appealing the color."

Dorian nods and holds up his hand, "By a show of hands...who won't need a suit?"

For a few moments, Malcolm teeters back and forth over the issue of needing a suit. Eventually, he decides to simply comment, "I just need a sealed helmet and air supply."

Dorian nods. "Okay. So...of the group here, I'm the only one who won't need any gear at all?"

"I will need all the little doo-dad's that keep me from becoming paste." Anton says with a sympathatic shrug. "I have nothing more than a normal human's resistances to space exposure."

Ten holds up her hand. "I don't *need* a suit. Though it's be handy to have an air supply if you want me to be able to talk over a radio."

Dorian nods to Ten, "Got it."

"Communication isn't... an issue. Assuming you're okay with thinking whatever it is you're interested in doing." Anton supplies.

van Sterran nods. "We can get those of you who need equipment suited up while we are waiting," he says. Unfortunately since the suits are generally sized suits instead of custom you're going to find them a bit bulky."

[To Anton] Ten says, "You're a telepath?"

Anton stands up he follows van Sterran to get suited up but turns to Ten and winks, "I think our pilot friend calls me Special. But yes, Telepathy is listed on my resume."

Ten nods. "Might be better to communicate that way. I doubt the equipment is half as durable as me. And that's if my... other problems don't damage it."

For his part, Malcolm resists the urge to shake a fist at Anton. Instead, Malcolm rolls his eyes and hangs his head back. A few moments later, Malcolm rolls to his feet and stretches out before he starts to head for the quartermaster to collect some space breathing gear. "Other problems?" inquires a puzzled Malcolm, the tall man pausing on his way to the door to cast a speculative glance back toward Ten.

Ten grins. "Don't ask."

Malcolm opens his mouth. Nary a sound comes out. He promptly closes his mouth and starts back toward the door again.

Dorian nods. "Well, let's get ready to head out. As soon as folks have their gear, let's meet by the launchpad."

Anton's mirth is far more audible than his current distance would indicate at Malcolm's resistance to shake a fist at him. << Anything we need to know in combat? >> The voice is Anton's although he is far enough away and in the process of suiting up. << Wouldn't want any big surprises. >>

Ten says, "See you by the launchpad!"

Dorian heads out to the launchpad directly, sending a quick message to Zeal while he waits for the rest of the team.

And so things drag on for a bit. It turn out that space flight, especially deep space, isn't quite as glamorous as the movies make it out to be. Rather than leaping into the Quinnjet and roaring off into space there is a great deal of waiting around while things are checked and rechecked. It is just at four o'clock when one of the people monitoring the sensor data from the satellite suddenly announces, "Course change, Director!" followed by a second monitor shouting "Confirmed! It appears that the signature is executing a braking slew."

Ten says, "What's going on - what's a braking slew?"

Dorian shrugs, "Umm...no idea. I was a nuclear physicist." He looks to someone to try to get a clarification.

"Recalculating new path," the first operator says. Paul van Sterran explains, "A braking slew means that the object turned over 180 degrees while it continued to fire its engines. The fact that its engines were on while it was turning pushed it into a new path but its thrust is now exactly opposite of its direction of travel."

Dorian nods slowly, "To slow itself down, then."

Anton is likewise in the black, "Why in space would it do that... picked up it's cargo? Dropped off his payload?"

Forge arrives at the launchpad several minutes later, wearing a sealed helmet and a space-worthy backpack. Under the helmet, he also has some kind of headset on with a holographic visor over his eyes. He does some pre-flight checks of the Quinnjet whilst they wait for clearance to launch - a lengthy process indeed - and probably even works in a few jokes along the way. When he tries to explain the concept of a braking slew, he's beaten to the punch by an operator.

Dorian shakes his head, and says to Anton, "Seems a bit odd...going at full burn and then using a full burn to slow down? Seems like a waste of fuel to me. But perhaps I don't understand the thruster system well enough."

"In space the ship will continue along its vector unless something else acts on it," van Sterran explains to Anton. "The only way to slow down with a Newtonian drive is to turn around and fire your engines in the opposite direction. Usually though the engine is turned off briefly while that is done so that the direction of the vector doesn't change."

"New path calculated," the operator announces. "Signature is on an intercept for Enceladus."

Ten says, "Enceladus?"

Dorian says, "One of the moons of Saturn, I think."

"One of Saturn's moons." Anton answers offhandedly. Glancing at the screen, "So... why keep the engines on? Too hard to turn them off?"

"Enceladus?" replies Forge, one metal-coated brow raising. He looks thoughtful for a few moments, attention momentarily somewhere inside of his head. "Another of Saturn's moons," he comments to Ten, seemingly by reflex rather than intent.

Ten thinks. o O (I knew all these moons when I was small.... oh well.)

Data about Enceladus displays on the screens of the jet. Sixth largest moon of Saturn. Icy surface over 100 miles deep covering a liquid ocean. Cryovulcanism. Surface gravity .01 Gs. Escape velocity of 239 m/s.

"You know, this sounds like some kind of maneuvering test now," comments Forge. The metal man rubs his chin absently as he starts strapping himself into the pilot's seat. "I wouldn't rule out a probe or something like that, but it could be someone putting a new power plant through its paces."

"ETA for intercept with Enceladus 1 hour and ten minutes," the operator informs everyone. "All right," van Sterran says, "Get the jet up and into orbit while we try to work out exactly where you should intercept," he tells you all.

Dorian nods and gets on board, settling in.

Ten thinks. o O (Let's hope there's less waiting around from now on....)

Ten boards.

"Enceladus was the giant born to defeat Athena. He was known as the King of the Giants, after his defeat he was jailed in a volcano and is the cause of all Terra's earthquakes." Anton supplies, "The moon was named such because of the massive geysers that shoot hundreds of miles into space." Anton's words are automatic as if he is thinking about something else. As he too boards the jet.

Already on board, Forge waits patiently for all systems to go green and launch clearance. There's a distinct, semi-audible thunder as he primes the engines for launch. Once everyone's aboard and the access points are sealed, Forge guides the jet out into open air before starting a rising arc toward the outer limits of the atmosphere. No doubt the window seats will have a fantastic view of Earth shortly.

"We're still getting data that's nearly an hour and a half old," the Director says, "but at present all data seems to be indicating Enceladus. When it turned over the signal was halfway between Iapetus and Enceladus. If it continues on its path it will land in one hour and ten minutes. Because the Alcubierre drive can get you there almost immediately we are going to wait for another hour to track the data unless something happens. That will narrow down the possible range of destinations if the signature makes course corrections while providing a few minutes time for adjustment after arrival."

Ten thinks. o O (Of course in an hour the data will still be old....)

Ten passes time by watching the view.

"I think the idea is that they will have reached a point of no return and thus the age will become irrelevant." Anton answers Ten's unspoken statement.

Dorian nods. "We'll see as we get closer."

A bit under an hour Director van Sterran informs you, "Current estimates are that the signature will touch down on Enceladus in a soft landing. Uploading the data now for the projected point of arrival and the superluminal flight path to get you there."

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, we will be jumping to faster-than-light speeds in just a few moments," comments Forge over the intercom. One can probably feel the engines as Forge guides them through the FTL warm-up sequence. "You'll want to take a seat and strap in securely. You will also want to relax as thoroughly as you can and let the seat padding protect you against the initial G-force surge."

Forge double checks his own seat belts as the engines finish their warm up. He may or may not be audibly counting down at the front of the jet. When he's certain he's given enough time for everyone to take their seats, Forge flips the final switches and sets the Quinnjet to accelerating toward maximum velocity.

Ten straps in, with a shrug. "I dunno, bouncing around the cabin may be more fun. For me, at least."

<> Anton's mental voice is dry enough to designate it as humor. Though the business suited man did grimace a bit when he realized he would be in a seat that might cause wrinkles. His eyes are closed and his body has the limp quality of a person who has spent far too long listening to relaxation audio recordings.

Paragon buckles herself in her seat with some difficulty. She's used to her bulky armor. The bulky space suit is a little trickier.

Well, at least the movies are complete filthy liars. As the FTL drives kick in all sorts of interesting things happen with the view. Stars actually seem to scrunch forward and change colors, the stars to the front becoming much redder while the stars to the aft become a sort of violet color. Certain stars (actually planets) seem to skitter across the background and general wackiness ensues. The flight only lasts a few dozen seconds, however, and you suddenly find yourselves over the surface of Enceladus, the cockpit readouts showing the projected landing point as well as a timer counting down from a bit over 12 minutes.

Ten look out over Enceladus, trying to play it cool but not really succeeding.

Dorian has been out this direction before...but not real recently. "Nothing firing at us yet, I hope?"

Ten says, "And is the whatever actually here, or did it change course again?"

"Any visuals now that we're...closer?" Anton asks, his power doesn't work without being able to see what he is projecting towards.

As soon as the FTL signals it's starting to decelerate toward coordinates, Forge's hands are busily working the controls again. He scans over the readouts, shifting attention here and there as he works to keep everything coordinated. Piloting like this is more of a mental ballet than anything else, you know.

"Position confirmed. No weaponsfire detected yet... Object is still on vector, approximately 13,000 klicks out. Visual is not yet feasible with sensors."

"I could always just port out... and get a look at it. That engine dangerous for me to be near?" Anton asks, He could be halfway there in a blink of an eye.

Dorian shrugs a bit, thinking about it. "As long as you're not eating the thrust from the thruster, you'd be okay, I think. But...it's still moving pretty fast."

Whilst plans are being made, Forge takes this time to settle the Quinnjet into a stable position above Enceladus' surface. The metal man shifts the jet around a little bit, so that it's facing the calculated landing zone for the THING. He also tries not to think about science-fiction/horror movies that take place in isolated (ant)arctic environments like this.

Grabbing a camera with a smile, "Well, let's hope this has a quick exposure then." Anton says as he disappears from inside the skin of the ship and appears about halfway between the quinnjet and the oncoming UFO on it's approach trajectory. Holding the camera in the general area where the ship will pass by.

It is difficult to make out at first. The object is still terribly far away and although it is putting out a massive amount of energy it is hard to pick it out from the background of all the stars. In a few minutes, however, it becomes possible to identify one light that is moving and getting brighter. It flies past Anton, still travelling at over 20 km per second but he is able to snap a quick photo that reveals a long, cylindrical body with a bright star flaring at one end. There is also a second bright light that seems to be detached from the thrust and off to one side.

The second source of light is well within the cone of plasma which propels the larger object. It is far smaller than the object, smaller even than the Anton object which appeared where it was not before. This is unusual. And so the meter-diameter roughly spherical energy source invstigates. First, it must do something which most masses do not do. It stops. It does not decelerate, it simply halts at a point only a few hundred meters past the perpendicular of Anton and its prior vector.

Anton cocks his head to the side in his helmet, considering the plasma object for a moment before snapping another picture and then teleporting back. Where he plugs the camera in, "Well, this is what we're here for, thoughts? And what is our little friend?"

Dorian takes a look at the image. "I wonder what this secondary light is here." He points to the one on the side.

Dorian says, "Okay...so here's my theory. That turn...wasn't planned by whomever launched the rocket. Hence why it didn't lay off the thruster when it turned. Whatever that is...turned it."

Ten says, "Any idea what the whatever is?"

Dorian says, "How about we go in for a closer look?"

Ten says, "Long way to come and not take a closer look!"

Dorian says, "Though...I we should be cautious. If the course was changed to try to hide the launch, then we might be considered a liability to whomever is down there."

Paragon looks at the image curiously, but nods in agreement.

When the Anton object vanishes, the energy sphere moves again. It resumes its original chase of the fusion-propelled object, instantly accelerating to greater velocities to close the distance.

"Moving to investigate," comments Forge. He gently guides the Quinnjet around and toward das Energy Sphere, cruising along at a reasonable - albeit cautious - pace as he vectors toward the physics-defying orb and its cylindrical charge.

"I will not be much help I fear. I do not think I can read the mind of... plasma beasts." Anton shrugs slightly, "Seems to me that the thing stopped the missile like object from critical acceleration."

By now the rocket is quite visible and also showing up on the ship's radar. Calculations from the autopilot show that unless it has more capability than it has been showing it has very little capacity to make course adjustments if it is going to safely touch down.

Energy Sphere continues to follow, and gain upon, the object destined to impact the moon. Until the incoming other object is detected. This is new. Unknown. A new cosmic shiny object and energy source. The sphere makes a slight course alteration, turning to intercept the intercept course. It's little friend is coming right for them.

Dorian grimaces, shifts to his energy form, and preps to generate some energy shields outside if necessary.

Ten stands ready, as usual, to jump in harm's way if need be.

"Well, our friend seems to be coming closer." Anton says, he's ready to jump out of harms way if needed... after all who wants to get hit.

"This ought to be fun and interesting," mutters Forge to himself. He flips on the 'brace for impact' sign/alarm and starts to guide the jet through a slew of its own to perhaps shake its energetic and spherical friend.

Paragon stands up rigidly and waits, watching the others and bracing herself with the expectation of an attack on the ship. "Yeah. Interesting." Paragon parrots Forge's response. "Interesting isn't good when you're this far from home," she chuckles slightly in amusement. She always did like 'interesting'.

The incoming energy sphere makes any necessary course corrections as it closes. It is definitely a collision course.

"Well, let's hope the air supply will let me get home then... I think I could get there in a few hours..." Anton shakes his head as the other's go outside, he does reach out his mind to see if he can 'touch' the sphere as it approaches though, Maybe it's human enough.

Spirit gets through the airlock into space, and takes a hold on the outside of the jet, to make sure he doesn't get left behind.

Paragon stays inside the ship, bracing herself as she sees Forge light up the sign. Things are about to get real.

"Yyyyeeeeeeaaaah. Our friend, The Sphere That Does Not Believe in Physics, is going to ram us. You guys are going to want to brace for impact. And/or hard vacuum," intones Forge over the intercom. There's only so much maneuvering he can do before the collision becomes inevitable. Even so, Forge keeps trying to correct course to keep from slamming into Energy Sphere.

"Well boys and girls, let's go meet our friend. It seems not to have much knowledge of biological life forms. Put the ship in stop it'll slow down if we go out to say hello." Anton explains to the rest of the group.

After lights, signs, and warning klaxons, the impact is... very anticlimactic. The energy form simply passes through hull, controls, and individuals. It then suddenly halts, or more correctly, matches velocity with the jet. So that it now hovers in the cabin.

Paragon's eyes widen, holding her breath instinctively as the energy sphere hits...and doesn't destroy the ship in the attempt. She lets out a nervous sigh. "Whew. I was thinking I was going to be lost in space for a second there. I'm definitely not in my element."

"... Oh good. The Sphere That Does Not Believe," intones Forge, once he's had an Energy Sphere pass through the controls and half of his body, "Also doesn't interact with physical matter. That's... Handy."

"Hello." Anton waves as the sphere hovers in the cabin, "I'm Anton, welcome to Sol."

Spirit is still outside...having intended to try to deflect whatever it was. . o O (Hmm. Well, still intact. That's good.)

Paragon glances at Anton, then tilts her head and stares at the sphere. She responds in her mechanized tones, made even more modulated from the space suit over her armor, "Is it sentient?"

Spirit comes back inside the ship, back through the airlock.

"It is curious." Anton answers Paragon's question as best he can while waiting for the energy sphere to respond.

Energy Sphere slowly rotates on its vertical axis, though the effect is difficult to discern with the varying patterns. There it remains for several moments, before some portions alight more brightly and alter wavelength and coloration. The air around it is vibrated. "Hello. I'm An-toon. Will comb to sold."

"Sounds like you've got a fan back there, Anton," calls Forge. He pulls the Quinnjet into a stable orbit above Enceladus before turning on autopilot so he can turn around and watch the goings on.

Spirit gets back inside finally. He says to Forge, "Keep us heading to the landing site. We still need to check that out."

Paragon rubs the back of her space helmet, confounded. "Curious? That probably counts as sentient." Paragon's welcome protocol kicks in now. She fires off a snappy cub scout salute to the sphere. "Greetings! I'm Paragon of the Guardians." It's still instinct whenever meeting someone or something new with some form of intelligence. Even though she's been away from her home team for a while, she still sees herself as one of them, first and foremost.

"Aye, sir," intones Forge. He returns to the controls and sets the Quinnjet back on course for the landing site.

Anton's words are reinforced mentally as well as physically. Attempting to bypass what is inevitably some linguistic barriers. "She's just mimicking now. I'm not sure she understands the words."

Spirit says, "At least that indicates a curiousity about us, rather than wanting to kill us. I'm good with that."

Energy Sphere floats towards the one that gestured. It appears incapable of reciprocating the gesture, yet the air around it vibrates again. "Intelligent. Curious. She." The sounds do not resemble their original speakers. The various swirls and ribbons of visible light brighten further, some intertwine tighter. The EM output also alters significantly, while still recognizably unique. Ambient molecules from the atmosphere, jet, and inhabitants are attracted and begin to gather as he sphere elongates, compresses, and extrudes four pseudopods. The layers of building atoms rapidly build, dimming the radiating energy significantly.

Spirit tilts his head, watching...but to test how the sphere reacts, he changes from his energy form, converting himself to matter again in a flash of light.

When the process halts after several seconds, the being possesses a more solid form. A corporeal shell of humanoid proportions, rather than Spirit's direct conversion. Arms, legs, torso, and head. The feet are comprised of two large toes, with hands bearing four digits in line and an opposable fifth. "Her" silhouette is feminine in shape. She maneuvers her limbs experimentally and studies them, before one arm lifts a hand to her brow and then snaps downward. An awkward approximation of a cub scout salute.

"Well, she seems to be learning... at least understanding the words." Anton cocks his head to the side, "It's pretty though, the shifting colors remind me of an oil spill."

Dorian says, "Interesting. She reminds me of my energy form. I wonder...if there's some kind of connection or similarity?"

Paragon chuckles and stands akimbo as the energy being returns the salute. "Not bad, not bad. 'She' at least seems polite," she says approvingly.

Aurora reaches out towards the Paragon being with the new limbs and digits. "Polite" is repeated in the vibrated voice as she prods at Paragon's shell. First. There are others here to examine, and they'll also get her attention. So many unknown objects. Paragon. The hull. A first aid kit mounted on the hull. The Anton object. The unidentifiable chair. Other unknown being objects.

"Sort of tickles." Anton says with a grin, "From what I 'read' on her, seems she's only familiar with rather large interstellar objects."

Paragon raises an eyebrow behind her helm. "Tickles? Tickles what?" she asks cluelessly, looking down at where Aurora prods her. "She's safe, right...?" she asks Anton.

Anton's assessment could be correct. The being shows almost as much interest in the seat harness as she did with the Paragon, though consoles, controls, and beings have a slight priority. She floats about the cabin space, prodding, pressing, touching.

"Sure, she's like a baby interstellar energy construct thingie..." Anton shakes his head, "Well we can't call her Oil slick... what about Aurora." Anton says with a grin

Paragon tilts her head to consider the energy being as Anton explains. "Well, I've encountered weirder entities. Well, maybe just one. Hmm...Aurora sounds like a nice moniker," Paragon nods.

"Aurora" voices the being as she investigates the delights of a freeze-dried ration pack. The foil wrapping is reflective. Her 'eyes' dim for a moment, before they turn to the Anton. "What. Is. Aurora?"

From the cockpit, Forge helpfully calls, "It's what happens when solar winds interact with planetary magnetic fields."

"It's... yeah, what the pilot said." Anton says glancing over at Paragon, "That sounds like an interesting experience. Perhaps I should get out more."

Paragon pans her head to Anton. "I don't know if I'd recommend it. It seems any time I go out, something a little too interesting happens."