"Going where I list, my own master total and absolute" (Part 2 - Diplomacy, Tourism, and Processing)

[cityship]

The trip down was uneventful. The view was gorgeous when the viewing window shields were raised again when they were through the atmosphere, especially as they passed down to Megalopolis, the simply-named giant city that was this world's capital. To the Earthlings there, the continents of this world would look vastly familiar, but that didn't mean anything, did it?

Eventually the sparkling city spires of the mega-city, interspersed with flying traffic, rose up to meet them, and Obs Deck, attached by its massive shielded umbilical cord, deposited them at the Council's private spaceport. It retreated back up to Stacy after they'd disembarked.

This world was a gorgeous world, that much they could likely tell while standing there on the landing pad, looking at the rounded curves of the beautifully designed spaceport. Buildings rose up above them in shades of white, paneled with multi-colored glass, in creative architectural designs. The air traffic weaved neatly in endless lines between buildings, and the overcast sky was in shades of orange and pink, with occasional slips of a bright blue peeking through.

The Council of Five was waiting for them in person, clearly glad to see them all, dressed in resplendent clothing.

"Welcome to the Megalopolis, our capital city, and welcome to Galilee. We are the Council of Five, and we're honored by your presence."

[ooc: The first subthread is now open. They have split into groups! All subthreads are now open! Please do not set up new subthreads. The plot-runners will set them up as needed as we go.]

Comments

A Welcome and a Thorough Probing

[cityship]

"I am Councilman Allin An. These are Council Memmbers Orin Calad, Kanner Drayan, asmin Landala, and Bal Valad, respectively."

He gestured to each as he spoke.

"Please, allow us to lead you through the spaceport and to the Scanning Bay, so we can lower our personal anti-contaminant shields. Our sincere apologies for the inconvience but we have rigorous quarantine standards on our planet, to prevent the spread of xenobiological hazards. It's a requirement that all people entering the City are scanned. Then I'll brief the diplomats of your group on our situation, while the rest of you receive a tour of our fine capital city."

[ooc: This is a one-thread free for all.]

[badassfreakingoverlord]

"Uh, do I need to run my legion of mana-construct minions through this scanner thing as well?"

The book normally wouldn't have even asked, but he'd been provoked into being on his so-called 'best behavior'. He'll show them! He'll show them ALL!

[goddamnwingman]

Dick bowed his head in greeting. "I am Lt. Commander Richard Grayson of the Transmigration Nine. These are Councilors Kang and Zetta." There was a large group, after all, and it would take time to mention all of them. "It is an honor to meet you all."

He glanced over the group, then nodded. "The scans should be acceptable." It was understandable, after all. Though if they hadn't managed to make everybody on the ship sick...

He shook himself. "I'll go first. Everybody, try to keep it orderly." He looked over them, stopping on a few. "And everybody be on your best behavior."

Yes, Lash. That really was mostly aimed at you. (And mostly ignoring Zetta.)

With that said, Dick turned and walked through the scanners. Might as well be the first one through.

[governorkang]

"Well met, Councilors."

Kang gave them a polite, respectful bow before giving the scanners one careful look and following Dick through them. He didn't like the strange tingly feeling they gave him all over, but he ignored it; the having to spit in a cup and swabbing the inside of his cheek seemed a bit strange too. He could understand why it was necessary, though.

Group 1 - Diplomatic Briefing - With Councilman Allin An [Saphie]

[cityship]

After the scanning and the splitting of the groups, it was time for the diplomatic briefing for those that were attending.

[ooc: Posting order: Allin, Brainiac 5, Daniel Jackson, Dr. McNinja, Ildraniath, Allin, Lex Luthor, Nightwing, Ter, Zetta, Allin, Brainiac 5, etc. If your character wouldn't say anything for their post, either let the next person know to go instead, or post with something like "Brainiac 5 sat there and simply listened."]

[cityship]

They were brought via air shuttle to capital building, and a large, conference room with a clear roof. Snacks were provided and a full meal was promised later.

The conference room's ceiling was reflective from the outside so no one could see in, but inside, they got a full view of the open sky, and the sun shining down, as well as the natural light projected through the room.

Several floating holoscreens hovered at the front of the room where the Councilman stood.

"First of all, I want to thank you for coming to our aid. We've long since learned how to deal with outside threats, but Galilean Society has been peaceful for many generations. Even our crime rates are barely consequential. The nature of the hazard threatening our society is deeply entrenched and we're not even sure how to proceed in routing it out. What we need are people that specialize in the impossible--and your crew, by all accounts, has accomplished quite a bit. We've gotten reports of some of your exploits from various...sources. The survivors of Zokez II, for instance, have been quick to spread accounts of the evacuation through multiversal channels."

[level12headache]

Querl had displayed great interest in the shuttle, and other constructions, but very little in his snacks or the aesthetics. The holoscreens were not terribly impressive but he took a moment to consider them before turning to Allin. "We have a wide array of talents and abilities, Councilor. I believe you will not be disappointed. Your society is noteworthy for its accomplishments. It would be a shame if it were to be disrupted."

[hi_there_aliens]

Daniel politely declined the snack as well. As much as he appreciated the hospitality, he preferred to get straight to business this time. With some cultures, it could be taken as inexcusably rude, either as implying the food was offensive or the host unworthy, or rejecting the food that a tribe banded together to provide to guests. Daniel didn't think that was the case with this society. It felt more like a formality. He should be fine.

Besides, the view had been dizzying enough from the shuttle as it was that his stomach was still feeling queasy. Better to wait and eat later. The archaeologist took a seat, and removing the field journal and pencil from his bag, he rested them against his knee. He began to jot down notes and his own thoughts.

/So far no serious conflict for generations. If not planet-wide, then at least within this continent or main city. Whatever was upsetting the status quo also wasn't something new, not like the discovery of a Stargate or something that big that could easily upset a balance of power or cause mass panic. Not something like a World War breaking out. No sudden coup d'état./

Daniel let Querl speak as he wrote. /Something that was already here then?/

"We're pleased that you think so highly of us. Thank you," Daniel said. He set the pencil down. "I'd be interested in hearing more about the nature of this hazard."

Group 2 - Healing Centers - With Councilman Bal Valad [Pixle]

[cityship]

One group was getting a tour of Galilees amazing medical technology at the Galilean Capital Healing Centers.

[ooc: Posting order: Bal, Hana, Hit Girl, Nanoha, Rory, Bal, etc. If your character wouldn't say anything for their post, either let the next person know to go instead, or post with something like "Brainiac 5 sat there and simply listened."]

Re: Group 2 - Healing Centers - With Councilman Bal Valad [Pixle]

[cityship]

As she had told them, the Capital Healing Centers were indeed the great pride of the Galilees, and it showed. Despite being a world that did not ask much for outside assistance, the Centers were built to inspire awe and to impress. A group of pure white marble-like statues stood outside the Center, showing DNA sequences and genomes. They appeared to be cleaned on a regular basis. A large holographic projection spun a globe of their world, held up by statues of four giants titans (their parts cleverly hidden by casting shadows and structure). There were fruit trees in bloom, and the grass was a vivid green, free of any weeds or imperfections. A few of the sick sat outside, some having odd tubes attached to their arms and legs, catching rays of the afternoon sun and breathing in the crisp air, flanked by nurses and attendants. They all seemed to be very well taken care of.

Two children with bandages around their heads were throwing a small ball at each other. As the second one missed her throw, it bounced off right to the Councilwoman's feet. Her guards looked down, but she stopped them, taking the object herself and throwing it back to the children, who giggled and continued their game.

"They are orphans," Bal explained simply. "The hostilities have cost us a great number of civilians deaths. Even with our technology, it was impossible for us to heal their wounds." She appeared to be concerned for them.

As they continued for a short walk, they finally came to the front gates. Looking up, they might spy the Center's motto; Vincat Scientia Morbos (Let knowledge conquer disease) carved into the walls.

"Welcome to the Capital Healing Center and be well," a holographic projector told them as they walked into the automatic front doors. It began to repeat the same message in a variety of languages as other personnel moved in. Many of the people inside gave the Coucilwoman Bal respectful bows as she and her bodyguards walked passed them, waiting for the entourage to pass before continuing about their business.

"If I may make a request," Bal spoke as the small team was lead into a large glass elevator, "it is to please be quiet and respectful in the healing wards. Whisper when you can when asking me questions. Many of the wounded here are sleeping through their processes."

[moms-temperment.livejournal.com]

Hana had been disappointed when he'd seen Zouichi move off with another group, he was equally saddened when he looked around and realized his new viking friend had gone in a similar fashion. Even Howard has been ushered away before Hana had a chance to speak with him.

Nevertheless, Hana soon forgot about company for the time being as he followed along with his appointed group, sticking to the middle and looking appropriately impressed and curious as they traveled to the Center.

He couldn't understand why but the incident with the orphans made him feel uneasy, and perhaps it was the awe-aimed tour that made him unsure of his reasons.

Stepping through the doors, Hana couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated as his own amount of knowledge came into contact with the vast, futuristic intellect of the Center.

Once again, Hana wished he had at least one connection amongst the group he'd been thrust into. He was sure eventually that this talk would get more, for a lack of a better word, sciencey, and he'd like to have someone there to translate it into more laymans terms for him. Besides, these sorts of things were just more fun in general if you were with someone.

As he dropped further to the back of the group he spotted a certain head of hair amongst his crew mates and smiled in relief. Hana picked up his pace and moved to stand beside Hit Girl/Mindy as they entered the elevator, recognizing the girl as someone who he'd spoken to and sparred with on one occasion (Mindy was very fast and very strong).

"Hey." He spoke, his eyes looking elsewhere and voice kept low so as not to draw attention, feeling like a school boy on a trip, whispering to his friend and not trying to alert the museum curator as he led them around.

[hit-girl-mindy.livejournal.com]

Of course she wasn't happy to be separated from Lash, Ruffnut and the Overlord, but what did she expect? They didn't get to be with whoever they wanted. She could meet up with them later.

Hit Girl took in her surroundings, showing no sign of either being flabbergasted or bored. She looked impassive at most, wondering why a place that was a medical center needed to look so spotless and grand. As for the orphans, she was again not surprised to see them either. There were hostiles attacking them, right? The innocent were bound to get a little roughed up. It was the way these things went.

"You look like you love it here," Hit Girl commented, grinning. "Me, its a hospital, and I never liked them much. What do you think we're gonna find here?"

Group 3 - City Architecture - Asmin Landala [Stefan]

[cityship]

Another group was getting a tour of the amazing city architecture and major sights.

[ooc: Posting order: Asmin, Dustin, Lash, Sakura, Will, Asmin, etc.]

Re: Group 3 - City Architecture - Asmin Landala [Stefan]

[cityship]

Surrounded by a small cadre of armed guards, Asmin led her particular group down a sweeping, open boulevard, lined with trees and lights. Surrounding them on all sides were towering, graceful buildings, all it up, clean and looking as they might have been built yesterday. For all of that, there was still a healthy hustle and bustle of activity through the thoroughfares and byways of the city. Bridges of glass and steel stretched between buildings and the distant buzz of skybound vehicles was omnipresent. Just visible through the buildings was an elevated monorail and periodically, sleek bullet-like trains zipped past, crammed full of people.

After a few minutes of walking, they emerged into a massive open plaza, bounded by trees and greenery, with marble and other stone making up the walkways. Overhead, more bridges connected the looming buildings and people moved back and forth, the steady hum of conversation and movement filling the air. Most impressive of all was the fountain. A marvel of construction and fluid architecture, it stretched upward in a looping spiral, standing almost three or four stories tall. Perhaps more impressive was the fact that the water inside of its channels ran upward. A young groundskeeper glanced up and smiled for a moment, bowing his head as the group passed, his dark blue uniform slightly stained from his day's work. He bent over one of the bushes, clippers making a soft "snip-snip" sound in the background as Asmin turned to address the group, a small but proud smile on her lips.

"This, as you can see, is one of the wonders of our great capital, designed by one of our foremost artists, with assistance from our most gifted engineers. It is powered by anti-gravity generators of course and it is something that many people from around the world - and occasionally the multiverse - come to see."

Re: Group 3 - City Architecture - Asmin Landala [Stefan]

[windyellow]

Dustin had to admit: the city looked amazing. The guards didn't really bother Dustin as he just thought the were basic security people. He didn't really have much to add so he just gave a brief nod.

[thewunderkind]

Lash was already bored.

No offense to the architecture of course, it was, by all aspects rather pretty and that fountain was sorta neat, but she'd been quietly fuming about the fact she hadn't been part of the main people who got to talk with the council. She totally could have been a good bodyguard! Totally! Man, been taken on a sight-seeing tour was almost really insulting for her fantastic talents.

But she didn't say that outloud, still wanting to keep one promise good and be nice as Dick had asked her to do. Or as good and nice as Lash could be, anyway. She looked over at the fountain again, rubbing her chin with one hand.

"Anti-gravity generators..." Maybe they were like an advanced version of those G-diffusers she had gotten from that Blue Falcon car.

Group 4 - Clone Processing Center in the City - Kanner Drayan [Ishfe]

[cityship]

One group wasn't told why they were separated apart and also wasn't getting a clear picture of where they were going. Something fishy was going on...

[ooc: Posting order: Kanner, Fate, Jr. Kang, Zouichi, Superboy, Kanner, etc.]

[cityship]

Kanner wasn't the most talkative person, if he kept up a quiet dialog as they walked. "Most of the city is accessible by lift, train, and foot." He motioned them forward, exiting the side-hall they'd gone down and entering a smaller platform. Their transportation awaited, all sleek lines and muted colors. Remarkable for the understatement.

"It'll be a brief journey, though I understand the sights are often breathtaking for those unfamiliar with our city." He pressed his palm into an interface on the side of the transport, bringing it to a glowing, quiet life as the doors slid open. "You may sit where-ever's most comfortable for you. I recommend using the restraints if you wish to remain standing." Moving into the transport itself, Kanner walked calmly toward the front, seating himself by the second, smaller set of doors on the opposite side of the ones they'd entered through.

[thunder-ace.livejournal.com]

"The sights do seem quite amazing," Fate said as she followed Kanner into the transport. She, like several of the others, had that nagging feeling that something was off, but she didn't act on it just yet. Maybe it was a side-effect of too many 'peaceful' missions gone bad.

"I've been to many different worlds, but the architecture never fails to impress me."

Group 5 - Entertainment District - Orin Calad [Anna]

[cityship]

The last group was getting an amazing tour of the bright lights and sights of Megalopolis's main entertainment district.

[ooc: Posting order: Orin, Howard, Zedd, Ruffnut, Signum, Orin, etc.]

[cityship]

It was a short walk to the transporters, which was fortunate as Orin did not seem to be have much endurance. The transporters themselves were quite like those on Star Trek. "We will be teleported through this to the entertainment district. From there I shall take you to experience the feelies, and after that I will treat you to a delightful dinner and after we will decide where you wish to go next." He paused. "Ah, but where are my manners? I do not even know your names. You, my good fellow." He said, walking closer to Howard. "What is your name?"

[iselldrugstothecommunity]

"Uh. Howard. Mr. Calad, right?" He doesn't extend his hand, instead slipping his hands into his pockets, but he doesn't look nearly as uneasy as he feels right now, either. At least Ruffnut appears to be his age, although Zedd is certainly someone to watch out for. "I'm down with dinner, but can I ask, what are the 'feelies' and can we opt out?"

Because it sounds like either some sort of space bug pedicure or a cutesy term for a lapdance, and Howard is beyond uninterested in either.

At the Hotel

[cityship]

The clones were teleported right to the hotel, in one of the private conference rooms, in fact, which was reserved for the crew's use and attached to their section of suites.

[ooc: Posting Order Superboy, Zouichi, Kang, Jr., Fate]

Re: At the Hotel

[so-pregnable.livejournal.com]

The first thing Kon did now that he had the freedom was check to make sure the others had teleported okay, then to was let out a roar of a yell and punch a hole in the nearest wall.

Then immediately, he pulled out his omnicom to see if they were no longer comm-blocked.

They weren't (http://trans-channel.livejournal.com/357401.html).

Re: At the Hotel

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

The first thing Zouichi did was turn to Jr.

"Are you all right?" he asked. His sense of pain was duller than a human's, so even if the anesthetic were wearing off, he himself probably wouldn't really feel any discomfort caused by the brand.

Oh, and there was the small matter of them being treated like things, something Jr. was apparently intimately familiar with.