?Admiral, we are approaching the Exodii system.?

?Understood.? Wolvinator responded while he sat in the command chair. Directly to his right was his most trusted first Officer, his number one, Commander Wootuay; and to his left was the woman who had joined him on this journey, a person that grew closer to him with each passing breath, Alystrianna D'Vaustaival. He glanced over to the woman to his left with a soft smile and a gentle nod. It was a reassuring smile, one of confidence, of hope, and one of sincerity. This mission held such promise for him, the excitement of adventure, the thrill of meeting a foreign race for the first time. To seek out new life, and new civilizations, the motto of any true explorer. He then looked back over to the view screen as the stars continued to streak toward them, shifting a bit in his chair as he began to deliver more orders to his crew.

?Helm, take us out of warp near the edge of the system and maintain a non aggressive posture. We don?t want to alarm anyone, but we want them to see us.?

?Aye, aye sir.?

The USS Xavier dropped out of Warp well beyond the vicinity of the eleventh planet, the absolute edge of the solar system. This was done as a formality, and a precaution. From all reports the system was inhabited with intelligent life that possessed deep space fairing abilities, and if that were true, no government would enjoy seeing a foreign vessel waltz right in and threatening their sovereignty. This was something the Federation was well aware of, and situations such as this were handled with extreme caution and care.

The vessel was remarkable in size as well as stature, measuring just over seven-hundred meters in length with a total of fifty-four decks. It had slightly darker hull then standard Starfleet vessels, which could be considered deck gray color from Earth standards. Those that were familiar with the Federation Starship design would recognize the saucer section and the secondary hull that was attached to it. This design however, was a new class of Starship entirely. Four warp nacelles were fitted to the frame, two located aft end of the vessel on the far starboard and port sides, as well as two others that were placed evenly apart and at the aft end of the saucer section. It didn?t seem bulky like a battle cruiser and maintained a sleek ?speed boat? look to it. The name and registry were clearly displayed on the dorsal and ventral parts of the vessel in various locations for identification.

USS Xavier NCC 11702-A.

?Mister Stonn, anything to report from your initial scans of the system?? Wolvinator asked, looking over to the science station where a Vulcan Commander was seemingly fixated to a technical readout screen.

?Yes Admiral. The system contains eleven planets, with a variety of natural and technological satellites. The fourth and fifth planets are class M worlds, while three of the bodies are gas giants.? Scanning over the data for another moment, he added in some additional information. ?By my sensor readings, it appears that the fourth planet is heavily populated with a variety of structures, cities and technology.?

?Understood Commander, thank you.? Wolvinator then looked around, and towards the main viewscreen again.

?Mister Kli?tar, send out a standard subspace greeting, all channels, all languages and please include the following. This is Admiral Wolvinator of the Federation Starship Xavier, we are here on a diplomatic mission of peace, and we wish to make contact with any formal representative of your people. We await your reply.?

The Klingon stood behind the Admiral, at his station, and transmitted the message as ordered.

?Message sent sir.?

Now, they would wait and see if anyone answered their knock at the door.


((OOC Note: This is a continuation of the thread which was started HERE))

There was a long pause from the initial hail, as was expected in this sort of situation. More than likely this surprised any ships were in the system, and they were immediately contacting their Fleet Commanders and headquarters in response to the initial greeting. There weren?t any further or deeper scans into the system, a polite gesture actually. It wasn?t exactly a friendly thing to start scanning further for vessels, warships or anything else of that nature right off the bat. Some individuals might take that the wrong way. From what Wolvinator had studied on Rhy?Din and from his few encounters this civilization was peaceful, and he wanted it to remain that way.

Then there was a series of small beeps, from the Tactical station just behind the commanding officer?s chair.

?Admiral?? The Klingon Lieutenant Commander began. ?We have, what appears to be, a Science vessel, designation Aurora, which is on course to our current position at full impulse.? Pausing for a moment, he checked over his readouts again. There were quite a few different things happening at once.

?They are opening a channel. Audio and visual.?

?Understood Mister Kli?tar.? Wolvinator said, standing from his chair and pulling down the shirt to his uniform, ensuring that he would look professional as communications were established.

?On screen.?

The stars that were displayed on the view screen blinked of and, appearing now was the Captain of the science vessel. Wolvinator stood before him as he spoke, he was a man of average height, roughly five feet-ten inches. His physique wasn?t anything to marvel at, yet he appeared to be in peak physical condition. Not overly bulky and not too slender either, more like athletic. He had short brown hair, and well maintained brownish-red facial hair that was formed into a thinly lined goatee. The Admiral looked young, yet there was definitely age and wisdom peppered about his visage. Blue eyes looked at the Captain on the viewer, and a soft smile greeted him.

"This is Captain Legolas Windspire of the Exodian Science vessel, the Aurora. On behalf of our people, we welcome the Xavier and her crew to the Exodii system. We have sent word back to our main planet of your contact and are setting course to meet with you now. Then we shall see where the winds shall take us."

Wolvinator responded then, in a very friendly and polite tone.

?Greetings Captain Windspire, I am Admiral Wolvinator of the Federation Starship Xavier. We represent the United Federation of Planets, and would like to extend an offer of friendship to you and your people. We appreciate your rapid response, and we are thankful that you have taken the time out to greet us. We will maintain our present position, and eagerly await your arrival.?

Wolvinator acknowledged the captains offer, he wanted to make sure that he was invited rather then just assuming. The Admiral was diplomatic in every fashion. The Xavier set a course and heading, moving at full impulse towards the Aurora. It wasn?t long at all before they were passing the eleventh planet of the system.

?Admiral?.? Kli?tar began. ?Sensors are picking up the Aurora, for some reason? the vessel seems to inhibit sensor readings slightly.?

?Explain.? The Admiral replied to his Tactical Officer.

?Well the readings are apparently fluctuating, and it may be possible that we are obtaining false readings.?

?It may be a defensive mechanism. Just keep your wits about you Lieutenant.?

?Understood sir. From my current readings the vessel resembles a Nova class Vessel.?

?Nova Class??

?Yes sir.?

?Intriguing.? Wolvinator responded. ?Mister Stonn, pickup the readings from mister Kli?tar and see what you could work out.?

The science officer immediately picked up the information from Tactical, scanning over them quickly. His dark eyes darted back and forth at the Data, processing all the information quickly before blurting out a hypothesis, in quite a Vulcan tone.

?Admiral?? Stonn chimed in. ?It may be possible that since we are dealing with the Multiverse, they may in fact have Federation knowledge from an alternate reality or perhaps a different Universe entirely.?

?You may just be onto something Commander, they may even have prior Federation knowledge? or even some form of contact prior to our arrival, even through we have never made contact.?

?That would be a correct assumption Admiral.?

?Hmmm. Alright, maintain your scans? but don?t dig too deep commander. No reason to be suspicious, they?ve been friendly enough this far.?

?Aye, aye sir.?

The Xavier maintained course at full impulse, destined for the Aurora.

"Is she well enough to handle a meeting with the Federation?"

Captain Windspire inquired with his communication to the Citadel.

"It might be difficult for her, but I think she'll be all right." the doctor informed him. "It doesn't sound like they are going to be trouble. I'll inform her to be prepared for your arrival. How soon will that be?"

"Estimating arrival in the morning. We can slow down and make it a meeting for the evening or even the next morning. If she needs to change it, she most certainly can." the Captain grinned.

"How about the next morning? I think that would be better."
The doctor nodded and cut communications. Captain Windspire came back to his chair on the deck.

"Our ship is due back to home base with our guests and a meeting in the morning on the day after tomorrow. Have a science team launch a shuttle as we pass this next gas giant. I want to do some more studies while we're passing by. That should help slow things down a bit. They can rejoin us on our way back. Maybe our guests would be interested in this as well. After all, they are expolorers. "

As they passed by the seventh planet, the shuttle was released to begin collecting data.


On the Citadel, which was still down on the planet Exodii, the doctor approached Sha'uri's room and knocked. He expected the usual silence but was caught off guard when he heard her voice.

"Come in!"

"Uh.. just me, Mistress Sha'uri... . I've come to check on you and to deliver a message."

"Enter." she answered and quickly pulled on a bathrobe.

"I've received a communication from Captain Windspire. He says he's come in contact with a Federation ship."

Sha'uri's brow rose as her attention was suddenly distracted from brushing her hair and looking at him. An amused grin spread.
"Oh? And?"

"They wish contact." He approached and began scanning her. "You sound a bit chipper. This is good."

"I feel better. I know there is life and death in everything. It's just hard accepting the death part some times. I know she still exists and that is what is important. She's alive and in a good place. I will see her again someday." She nodded. "So, who's the captain of the other ship?"

The doctor smiled, happy with her explanation.
"An Admiral Wolvinator aboard the Federation Starship, the Xavier. Ever heard of him?"

She shook her head.
"No, I haven't. But it's about time they got here. They're late." she was, of course, grinning.

"Different universe." he reminded with a smirk.

"True, but still. It's still the Federation. When will they be here for a meeting?" She was looking forward to this.

"They're expected to arrive as early as in the morning, though we've set a time for the following morning to meet. Unless, of course, you want to change it."

"Good. The day after is fine. Have someone send for Alex. I'm sure he'll want to be here for this."

"I'll do my best. By the way, you have a clean bill of health and I officially clear you for duty." he winked.

She smirked. "Flirting with your superior just might get you everywhere... carefull what you wish for, Dear Doctor Goud.... Doctor Feel Good."

"Anytime.. I aim to please. "

They both laughed as it was a running joke between them because of his name... Phil Goud. Feel Good.

He left and she began to make preparations for the meeting.

By the time the Aurora was half way between the seventh and eight planet, the shuttle craft came into range of the ice belt around the seventh planet. They, the Pulsar, opened a channel to the Aurora.

"Captain, we are setting up orbit of the ice belt. So far, scanners on the belt itself are picking up an extremely slow decay of orbit into the gas giant. Sensors are picking up an interference of some sort, making it difficult to get proper readings of the planet. Still, I think we can go further in."

"Negative. Continue scans of the ice belt from where you are and see if there is anything contained within to suggest the interference of scans on the planet. Prepare and send in a probe. Then report back with your findings."

"Acknowledged."

A short while later, as the Aurora approached the eigth planet, they were hailed by the Xavier.


?Starship Aurora, this is Xavier. Our vessels will be within range of one another in twenty-two more minutes, shall we take orbit around the eighth planet or do you have something else in mind Captain?? Wolvie spoke with a friendly smile as he looked into the viewer, awaiting the Captain?s response.

Captain Windspire's form appeared on screen, smiling.

"Greetings again, Admiral. We could rondevous in orbit there. It would seem we shall arrive about the same time. I thought perhaps we could exchange a few visitors to each others ships then move to return to Exodii planet together. We've also got a shuttle in orbit of the seventh planet that we'll have to pick up along the way. I thought I'd use the time to gain more information while we're out here. So which would you prefer, me there or you here?"

The probe was sent from the Pulsar to take readings of the seventh planet. As it was about to transfer the data, it disappeared. The reasons were unclear though with the information they could glean, it was possible it crashed into one of the many obstacles in the ice belt. That is what they thought happened. Communications with the Pulsar ordered another probe sent. This time they were given permission to move into a closer range in order to keep better readings on the probe itself. This done, the second probe was sent to the same location.

Meanwhile, the high orbits were achieved by both ships around the eighth planet. A channel was opened up again by Captain Windspire.

"We are ready to transport the exchange officers. I will leave Commander Anuya Storm in charge while I transport over with the other three officers to your ship. If that's agreeable?"

He smiled, apparently in anticipation of the exchange.

?Energize.?

As the five Xavier crew members materialized on the Aurora, Captain Windspire and three other officers were transported to the Xavier.

Commander Anuya Storm with two security officers were in the transporter room to escort the Xavier members around the Aurora ship. The short red head stepped forward with a warm smile. She seemed young for a commander, perhaps in her mid twenties. Her accent held a tinge of dwarven influence. Her sea green eyes seemed to compliment the otherwise grey and dark blue ship suit that the Aurora crew members were wearing.

"Welcome aboard the Aurora. I'm Commander Anuya Storm. I will help ye get acquainted with our vessel. We hope that ye'll feel at home here and look forward to exchanging knowledge with ye. Tis a pleasure to meet ye."

-----

Materializing on the Xavier was Captain Windspire and the three officers.... one from each, Science, Engineering and Medical. The first thing Captain Windspire did was to come to attention, as did the others with him. they gave a salute followed by the request from the Captain.

"Captain Windspire and company reporting to the Xavier. Permission to come aboard, Sir?"

"Permission Granted."

Sea green hues took in the view of the five crew members, in particular the Commander who was speaking to her. Commander Storm had never seen one of his race. She had never seen a Vulcan in real life either but at least she'd seen pictures of them. Commander Wootuay's race was a complete mystery to her. Still, her surprise at seeing a -new to her - race was kept in check and didn't spoil the warm smile she gave as she didn't hesitate to shake Commander Wootuay's hand. Then she gave Commander Stonn a traditional Vulcan hand greeting of spreading fingers of her right hand into the shape of a *V*. She was amazingly practiced at the small feat and thrilled she actually got to use it to someone other then a holographic practice doll. She also gave a polite nod and handshake to the other three.

"A pleasure to meet all of ye. I'm so excited yer here. Tis the first time I've actually met a Vulcan. Our Holoprograms have replicas but we do not have Vulcans here. Ye are the first to this system. And ye, Commander Wootuay, ye are also a first. We do not have yer race on record. So forgive me if yer a bit of a mystery. I would like to hear about yer people while yer here if ye're willing."

She motioned them to follow as she continued to talk and walk slowly towards the door.

"Ye'll find this ship is very much like the Federation counterpart. It is Federation design. Where would ye like to begin the tour?"

-----------------


The handshake was returned in kind with a warm, firm grasp.

"Yes, it is a pleasure, Admiral. We all knew this might happen some day. I think our Mistress knew more then we did, but we all followed her guidance. She was not wrong. She asked me to relay a message that, and I quote her...It's about time!"

His smile spread wide as he chuckled.

"She's happy of your arrival, too. All of you. And thank you for allowing us to come see your ship. I believe this will be a very interesting trip back home."

He said and then proceeded to shake hands with the others as they were introduced. Then he introduced his three. They all wore the grey and dark blue ship suits, with rank insignia identical to Federation standards, except with an added star shaped pin. These pins were made of mithril and the colors magically infused into the metal. Captain Windspire wore a red one. One crew member, a male dwarf, wore gold.The other two, a human male and a half Elven female, wore blue.

"This is Lt. Commander Coal Hearthstone from our Engineering .... This is Lt. Julius Catherton from Medical.. and this is Lt. Commander Genevieve Windspire from our Science team, as well my daughter."

She looked about as old as her father did. He kinda shrugged innocently as his daughter gave him a brief look relaying the question of why he had to include that. The Captain's gaze resumed the smile, though it was amused, letting his gaze dart between the Admiral and his life mate, though the question seemed directed to the Admiral.

"Got Children?"

Commander Storm nodded in agreement with Stonn.

"This much is true, Commander Stonn. I think our replicas lack a true skin color. Ye're not as green as the holograms would depict, although it isn't too far off. Don't be surprised if some call ye a green elf, though. No disrespect meant, but the similarities between Vulcans and Elves is quite remarkable. We have elves with bluish skin, some with more of a pinkish tone, some with golden and others a bronze or even coperish tone. Oh, and let's not forget the Ebony skinned Drow. The biggest difference in appearance between Vulcans and the elves here is the skin tones an the fact that yer ears look more like half-elven ears instead. So, yer liable to be dubbed Green Elf, especially by the dwarves. The elves, though, some of them...they just might call ye Green Halfs, or Half Greens."

Nodding gently.

"I sincerily hope this will not be an offensive thing to ye or yer people. I just can see it coming as something they'll do as many are not as educated as others. We are working on it as much as we can, though educating several hundred or thousands of years of evolution of technology in a span of half a life time, it is a daunting task to be sure. It will be nice to update our data banks all around. Commander Wootuay, I look forward to yer entry of yer people in our databanks. Not sure what people might nickname yer kind, but I"m sure the word blue'll be in there somewhere. Personally, I think it's a fascinating shade."

She smile warmly and nodded. It was very intrigueing to her. They were walking out of the transporter rooms when she tapped her comm badge.

"Storm to bridge. Contact the Xavier and let them know that their crew are aboard and we are pulling from orbit, setting course to rendezvous with our shuttle. Give them the coordinates. Then set course and engage."

"Acknowledged." was the answer.

"So, Engineering it is! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to interrupt me with them. Right this way please..."

They were given the grand tour all the way through engineering. The Aurora gave the signal to the Xavier and then began to pull orbit, setting a course for the seventh planet.

------------------

Captain Windspire smiled a knowing smile and a nod when the Admiral talked of his children.

?They are my pride and joy, as any father would know. Aly and I are actually recent lifemates, and we?re just beginning our life together. As far as children of our own, we?ll work on that when the time comes.?

"Well, then, a Merry Congratulations to the both of you. May your lives together never be smooth but riddled with ups and downs that draw you closer and give you strength to face the perils that will always try to wedge you apart. May your feet always walk together and never far away, never one in front of the other. May you always find peace in the depths of each others gaze."

Was he bored? No, on the contrary. Captain Windspire, and even the crew with him, seemed to hang on the Admiral's every word as they listened intently.

"Borg... Last we heard anything about the Federation, they were getting into battles with them. Wolf 359 to be sure. That was some time ago for us... and a different universe. We were never involved but we had heard. thankfully, we've heard no reports of them anywhere near here. I can only hope that remains true."

The Captain paused to gauge the Admiral. Then he went on to explain a little further.

"It is a long story of where and how our system here came to be in this universe. It was not always here. I'm surprised that's not the reason why you came. Or is it? Suffice to say that our connection with the Federation was not the same universe as this. We were never a part of Federation, though our contacts gave us a venue for information. We basically modeled many things after them. Are you familiar with the nexus? A planet called RhyDin?"