STGOD 4 Game Thread

[Murazor]

Three hours after the Pandemonium's Freecast, the system was still abuzz with activity.

Edean System
Ouster Occupation Zone, Former Covenant of God Territory

"They will get bored" said Porelat for eleventh time in the lapse of three hours.

"Stop repeating that!" yelled Sizartrax finally losing his nerves. "If they stop searching for us, it will be great, but I don't want to hear you again until you have something constructive to say. I know that your influence is enough to demote me to corporal, but until the authorities decide to do so, I am the commander of this ship and your superior. In other words, shut up!"

"At your command" answered the Ethereal with unmistakable mockery in his voice.

"Good. Helm officer! Start running simulations about the safety thresholds of starting warp in the neighbourhood. At our departure, we might need to use it and I want to know exactly how far away from the gravity well we need to be in order to do it with some safety"

After his bridge crew started performing his commands, the Sixtra allowed himself to hiss out of impatience. It was going to be a really long day.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Broadcast in all nations where it is legal to do so

<Cool infomercial music>

Defense Grid: Web of Defense

Hi! I am Kestrel Breathos. You may remember me from some other Zenith Defense Systems Films, such as "Shields: Protecting Your Hull" and "Automated Home Defense is it Right for You?"

Well today, I am here to tak about the CTX Mk3 Defensive Energy Projector lovingly refered to as the Mark Three Defense Grid

The Mark Three consiists of a number of weapon emplacements, the exact number depends on the size of the ship or even building. It can mumber from a single mount to six hundred. These emplacements feature a laser cannon and an underslung plasma pulse canon.

<picture>

The laser cannon is less powerful, but has a longer effective range and can be used to bring the fight to enemy fighters beyond their typical ranges. And is focused enough that it can be used in doors to menace shipjackers in the docking bay

The primary weapom, the pulse cannon, is the best on the market. Firing like a gattling gun, it can intercept enemy missiles, railgun shot, and plasma weapons. This will protect your ships from the weapons most commonly used by pirates and ship jackers.

<Insert infomercial music>

"If It werent for the Mark Three, my ship would have been overwhelmed by missiles when my destroyer engaged a pirate flotilla. But thanks to the Mark Three, we took down every missile and used our heavy lasers to send those pirates straight to hell"~ Captain Nitz, DRV Kratz

"The General Products Mark 2 Defense grid overheats and has a lower fire rate. it simply doesnt have the staying power for longer engagements. WHhile it comes with 2 heavy plasma cannons, it cannot protect a ship from the shear volume of fire that the mark three can."~ Horatio Jereth, Merchantman

<Insert Music>

Dont let scenes like this happen to your ships

< http://www.babtech-onthe.net/avi/tfonbattle.avi minus the destruction of the Centauri ship>

Replace your old General Products Defense Grid, or upgrade your Zenith Mark two today!! We will throw in a Heavy Particle Array for no exta charge(Offer void where prohibited by law)

The testimony and technical specs continue for a few more minutes before the start of another infomercial This time for an air filter made by DuPont

[consequences]

To: Shi Empire
From: Leego Diama, Combine Fleet Command.

Our sensor nets that we deployed in the former Overseer territory indicate the beginnings of a mobilization into that space. Preliminary inquiries have revealed to us a lack of information on your part. We are not abandoning these holdings. The main bulk of our military has turned back to known space to resupply and repair from the significant combat damage sustained in the battles WE FOUGHT. Salvage crews are heading into machine space now to claim what is ours. We are also leaving behind a small taskforce to protect these assets from scavengers. The right of the kill is ours, and we will defend it.

If your mission is to ascertain the destruction of the Overseer, that is easily taken care of. Enclosed with this transmission are the readouts of all the scans we have conducted of the downed machines since the destruction of the Overseer. These can be easily corroborated by comparing them to those scans made by Nashtar. If even that is not enough for you, feel free to conduct your own scans, but we warn you to stay clear of the areas designated for Combine salvage. Remember, the standard business of the Combine is defence from piracy, and any incursion into our holdings will be seen as such, regardless of the banner the ships fly.

I send this to avoid any unfortunate misunderstandings that may occur in the future. Act wisely and there will be no trouble. The death of the Overseer should be a cause for joy, not continued strife. Diama out.

To: Krell Fleet Command
From: Shi Combine
We will comply with your directives, but we are concerned that this may be a further ploy of the Overseer, and wish to verify for ourselves. It is also our intention to determine the status of any of the techno-zombies that the Overseer may have procured, and determine if they can be recovered now that their controlling element has been eliminated. Given that this could potentially be entire planets full of sentients, we feel that this possibility must be investigated as quickly as possible.

[Bugsby]

To: Krell Fleet Command
From: Shi Combine
We will comply with your directives, but we are concerned that this may be a further ploy of the Overseer, and wish to verify for ourselves. It is also our intention to determine the status of any of the techno-zombies that the Overseer may have procured, and determine if they can be recovered now that their controlling element has been eliminated. Given that this could potentially be entire planets full of sentients, we feel that this possibility must be investigated as quickly as possible.

Understood, Shi Command. Enclosed in this transmission is a map of all Overseer territories identified by the Combine in its actions. We have designated an area marked for Combine salvage, an area we will protect adamantly from any incursions. We trust your actions in this area will be conducted in good faith, and we wish you luck in your investigation of the Overseer.

[consequences]

Understood, Shi Command. Enclosed in this transmission is a map of all Overseer territories identified by the Combine in its actions. We have designated an area marked for Combine salvage, an area we will protect adamantly from any incursions. We trust your actions in this area will be conducted in good faith, and we wish you luck in your investigation of the Overseer.

Will comply. Enclosed is one electronic voucher, good for one free drink for each and every member of the fleet that exterminated the metal git in any licensed bar operating in Shi Space.

[SirNitram]

Near the edge of Overseer space, a few ships darted out, visible to those looking for such. They loitered for a little while, then again hyperspatial signatures showed ships moving, this time back to their points of origin.

More and more, ships leapt out of a region where twelve systems stood, darting in to examine the Overseer's former holdings, then darting back.

[Bugsby]

Will comply. Enclosed is one electronic voucher, good for one free drink for each and every member of the fleet that exterminated the metal git in any licensed bar operating in Shi Space.

The message was distributed to all members of the Combine, and was met with great approval from the Krell spacers. At bars across the Client Worlds, toasts went up "to the Shi!"

In related news, the custom at Shi bars closest to Combine territory increased dramatically.

[Bugsby]

Near the edge of Overseer space, a few ships darted out, visible to those looking for such. They loitered for a little while, then again hyperspatial signatures showed ships moving, this time back to their points of origin.

More and more, ships leapt out of a region where twelve systems stood, darting in to examine the Overseer's former holdings, then darting back.

Krell ships, still moving to secure the area for the operations that had just begun saw noticed the passage of ships along the borders of its territory. Guards were redoubled, as the commanding officers were still wary of any incursions by Shi pirates. When the next ship emerged from hyperspace, a message was quickly sent.

"Unidentified ship, you have entered the regions marked for Combine salvage. Stand down and identify yourself."

[Rogue 9]

Ravenlock Trade Fair, Ark sector

Several ships emerged from hyperspace, bound for the Ravenlock Trade Fair. Four destroyers, Polaris, Ursa, Beta Centauri, and Vega, were in a rough box formation around the various merchantmen and shuttles. Present were the freighter Fortune Seeker from Nashtari Combined Arms; the shuttle Praxis carrying sales representatives from Orodan General Shipping; Krennel, a shuttle carrying men from Nashtari Defense Systems; and the government-registered diplomatic corvette Tarsis, with Nashtari trade officials looking to see if there was anything of interest to the Republic.

[SirNitram]

Near the edge of Overseer space, a few ships darted out, visible to those looking for such. They loitered for a little while, then again hyperspatial signatures showed ships moving, this time back to their points of origin.

More and more, ships leapt out of a region where twelve systems stood, darting in to examine the Overseer's former holdings, then darting back.

Krell ships, still moving to secure the area for the operations that had just begun saw noticed the passage of ships along the borders of its territory. Guards were redoubled, as the commanding officers were still wary of any incursions by Shi pirates. When the next ship emerged from hyperspace, a message was quickly sent.

"Unidentified ship, you have entered the regions marked for Combine salvage. Stand down and identify yourself."

The tiny Dirk immediately stopped and powered down it's railguns. Human transmissions?

"This is the Dirk-class patrol vessel Silent Strider. The region you claim is salvage is infested by the Metal Demon. We must warn you away from this region. It has been cursed."

[Bugsby]

"It seems you are a bit behind the times, Silent Strider. The Metal Demon is the Overseer, we killed it ourself. Feel free to investigate any worlds not held by the Combine in order to verify this.

"It occurs to me that I have never before encountered a ship of this particular design. What banner do you fly under?"

[SirNitram]

"It seems you are a bit behind the times, Silent Strider. The Metal Demon is the Overseer, we killed it ourself. Feel free to investigate any worlds not held by the Combine in order to verify this.

"It occurs to me that I have never before encountered a ship of this particular design. What banner do you fly under?"

"Do not speak the Demon's true name. It will hear." Was the terse transmission to the first statement. "We are part of the navy of the Collective of Etern. The Demon's actions have lessened of late, we seek to find out why."

[Bugsby]

"Do not speak the Demon's true name. It will hear." Was the terse transmission to the first statement. "We are part of the navy of the Collective of Etern. The Demon's actions have lessened of late, we seek to find out why."

"Etern, eh? Never heard of you. I guess this is first contact, then. Would you like to talk? If so, our captial ship, the Titan Gorgon Defender, will take you in and you can speak to the ranking officer. We are a mercenary group without much of a diplomatic corps, so I guess this is the best we can offer. In addition to trade and negotiation, we can also offer evidence of the destruction of the Over- I mean, of the Demon's destruction."

[Alyrium Denryle]

Ark Sector: Ravenlock Trade Fair

Several Light Freighters emerged from theiri jumpoints escorted by 6 Destroyers from the Draconis Republic.

<Hailing Frequencies>

From: Zenith Defense Systems
To: Trade Fair Staff
RE: Personal Weapons and Defenses

We wish to showcase several anti-personel weapons, person shielding, and cloaking devices and melee weapons at the fair. How would we proceed?

From: General Products Home Security Division
To: Trade Fair Staff
RE: Personal Weapons and Defenses

We would like to demonstrate our home security system if at all possible. It consists of automated defense guns, low power, and tesla coils.

From: Dryax Military and Security Contractors
To: Trade Fair Staff
RE: Personal Weapons and Defenses

We would like to demonstrate some of our... services.

[SirNitram]

"Do not speak the Demon's true name. It will hear." Was the terse transmission to the first statement. "We are part of the navy of the Collective of Etern. The Demon's actions have lessened of late, we seek to find out why."

"Etern, eh? Never heard of you. I guess this is first contact, then. Would you like to talk? If so, our captial ship, the Titan Gorgon Defender, will take you in and you can speak to the ranking officer. We are a mercenary group without much of a diplomatic corps, so I guess this is the best we can offer. In addition to trade and negotiation, we can also offer evidence of the destruction of the Over- I mean, of the Demon's destruction."

"Mercenaries? Then there must be more than you in the Galaxy. Yes, we will meet and exchange pleasantries. We can take representatives back to the Clan Elders to discuss trade, and parade the proof of the Demon's death. We will dock immediately."

OOC: We'll just skip ahead, I've little stomach for hello's and how-do's of diplomacy.

[Captain tycho]

Manticore, Invasion Wargames

The hatches of the launch bay blasted open, sending a dozen drop-pods screaming out. Below them, the green and blue surface of Manticore seemed to grow larger and larger with every passing second. Guidance thrusters began firing, and a shield penaid activated on the tip of the pod. Within seconds, the pod blasted through the planetary shield, and a moment later, hit the ground. Jarred briefly by the impact despite his shock-frame and power-armor, Sergeant Mendoza unstrapped himself and opened the top-side hatch. The 5 other Marines around him began unstrapping as well, loading their pulsers and checking the power supply on their plasma carbines.

Mendoza waited till they were ready, and with a grunt of effort, hurled himself out the topside hatch. The scene around him was strangely tranquil. "Listen up Alpha!," he yelled into his helmet com. "Get top-side now. I want a 1 klick perimeter!" A pair of marines suited in scout armor leapt out of the hatch, and bounded off over rocks, disapearing from view moments later. "Perimeter secured, sir," the Marine grunted in reply. "Bravo, top-side!" The last of the Marines climbed out warily. "Good deployment, team. Now we just wait for the calvary."

[Marcao]

Veithan Space
Veitha III
Underground Facility

Voice 1: “The Krell have fulfilled their part of the bargain, the agent was successful. Our people in the ground have completed their tasks, the picture is set and results have already begun. Our Embassy in the planet has been contacted, apologies and condolences offered. The Kalderi medical examiner has completed a preliminary investigation on the bodies, we know what he has found. We have sent our own medical experts to assist in the investigation.”

Voice 2: “The Black Tower whispers that things are proceeding as expected. Lilandra promises to pay the situation more close attention in the days to come.”

Voice 3: “Her predictions?”

Voice 2: “Extremely favorable.”

Voice 1: “We will make contact with the Krell through the usual channels and give them the final bits of information their agent will need in order to meet Natalya. Do we have the support of the Navy with the progressing Kalderi situation?”

Voice 4: “Yes. The Navy has proven most receptive to our suggestions.”

Voice 1: “Excellent. It seems that so far we are on schedule. We cannot afford to grow complacent however. Until the Kalderi are firmly where we want them, we do not have that luxury.”

Ravenlock Space
Aequitas System

The Ravenlock were careful, and that caution could not be held against them. Furthermore, the small Veithan taskforce was treated appropriately, never once feeling that its presence was unwelcome. In fact, due to the speed of their preliminary stops the Veithan bridge crews were given the distinct impression that they were being treated with favor. It was a realization that pleased a great deal, since many were quite aware of the growing ties between the nations. The crew of the Yulai in particular were well aware of what at stake during this security summit. If the Empire’s fears were removed, increased trade and the establishment of tourism was guaranteed to follow. In these dangerous times, it was pleasant to know that there were at least two nations where a vacation outside of Veithan space was both possible and safe; billions of murans were at stake.

The passive sensors which the fleet possessed were quite capable, and the information they gathered from the system raised many eyebrows. Aequitas was heavily populated and even more heavily exploited. The history of the Ravenlock which had been granted to the Empire was required reading for this trip, but only now with the sensors of the fleet displaying the obvious did the realization finally sink. Only the Veitha system was this heavily populated, and the numbers of colony and orbital cylinders in Veitha was far smaller than in Aequitas.

The planetary surface of Aequitas spoke its own tale, hinting far better than any book could about the foundation of Ravenlock ideology. The planet dominated the retinas of dozens of bridge officers as they all took a look at one of the major planets of one of their allies. It was an impressive world, a planet worth protecting if the need arose. The hope was of course that the Ravenlock felt the same about Veitha. Any further thoughts on the matter were displaced as a channel was opened and introductions begun. The Veithan task force waited until the Ravenlock representative had finished before the VDS Yulai responded.
“It is a pleasure to be here captain. Our journey was more than adequate and blissfully boring. Your offer is welcome and we will set course for the complex immediately. I hope that we will be able to meet in person once we arrive, VDS Yulai out.”

The Yulai and her escorts accelerated gracefully, crossing the threshold which separate the outer system with the inner one. The path which the navigation beacons offered was followed without deviation, the sleek Veithan vessels moving in formation towards their final destination. In their approach, they passed several colony cylinders, passive sensors and omni-cameras taking notice of their presence without word. Their final destination loomed before them, and the VDS Yulai was the first to dock followed by the twin destroyers and finally the two heavy frigates. The entire trip to the station had taken less than fifteen minutes at the leisurely pace the Veithans had chosen.

Since the Ravenlock had been open to the idea of the escort crews to be allowed to stretch their legs in the Ravenlock built station, this was arranged. Veithan vessels utilized a great deal of automation in their ships like was the norm for the galactic standard, but each vessel still needed quite a few people to function at peak capacity. Roughly half of these crews from each of the vessels that arrived left the vessel and curiously walked along the corridors of the Ravenlock built installation. The colors of Veitha, black and red seen in the dozens. The commanding officer of the Yulai, as well as the people central to the security summit sought out the relevant Ravenlock representatives. As the Veithan crews waited to be shown to the Ravenlock recreational facilities. It was a good start.

Veithan Space
Mulaya III

The message from the Krell had arrived and met with some skepticism. The idea that they alone had defeated the forces of the Overseer a bit hard to swallow. The information they had provided was analyzed, with the expectation that it would prove to be inaccurate. When the data returned however, it seemed to suggest that the Krell were not being deceptive. For a moment, the diplomatic office was silent as they considered the implications.

The idea that the Overseer had possessed a vast number of warships had always been seen as suspect by those within the office. It did not make a great deal of sense, but it had been a number that had to be considered. The Veithan probes however, had not hinted at this naval juggernaut and thus cynicism had ruled the day. Ultimately, many in the office and without felt that the threat the Overseer posed while significant had been blown out of proportion by some members of the galactic community. The realization was not shocking, not when the other more obvious threats lurked in the depths of known space. Veitha had carefully maneuvered to avoid entangling herself in a war, but she was preparing for one.

It was a depressing topic, but one that could not be overlooked or forgotten. The Empire could not afford to place her guard down. It was something that many within the government understood and what many outside of it were beginning to realize. Military expending was up to near record levels, and it was showing no signs of easing anytime soon. The Empire seemed to be committed to a path, the question of course was what path? There was only a handful of people that could know. And none of them were saying a word. The Veithan populace was silent on the matter, having faith in its government and aware of the dangers that lurked in the stars around them.

Veithan Space
Research and Development Lab 47

With the Veithan Empire firmly in control of Al-Quadim, the secrets within the planet that had been left behind from the plight of the Arcanists that had once lived there was of paramount interest to the Empire.
The planet had been the psychic heart of the Arcane Empire, and now it would hopefully be used to expand the capabilities of the Empire itself. Nonetheless, progress was slow. The Arcanists had taken with them a great deal of that which the Veithans had sought, and that which had been left behind was generally in disarray. It would take time for the Veithans to learn what they wished, but learn they would.

The Empire had taken great pains to design ways to protect itself from magical means, and in more than one occasion had played shadow games with the Arcane Empire as it sought to infiltrate its complexes. It had always been a tricky affair, but it had granted a handful of benefits that had been worth the costs. The first few artifacts from Al-Quadim had begun to trickle back into Veithan space, always in great secrecy and always taken to research and development labs. It was here where Veithans were tasked with unlocking potential applications to that which the Arcanists had left behind.

The most craved capabilities revolved around existing Veithan technologies. Of these technologies, all pertained to military applications. Currently, the most promising developments revolved around the possibility of amplifying Veithan psy-grids with arcanist derived developments. A great deal of time and money was being spent exploring the possibility. The scientists in R&D lab 47 were confident that if anyone could make it work, it would be them. The benefits which such a union could produce were potentially staggering.

[Hotfoot]

From: Zenith Defense Systems
To: Trade Fair Staff
RE: Personal Weapons and Defenses

We wish to showcase several anti-personel weapons, person shielding, and cloaking devices and melee weapons at the fair. How would we proceed?

From: General Products Home Security Division
To: Trade Fair Staff
RE: Personal Weapons and Defenses

We would like to demonstrate our home security system if at all possible. It consists of automated defense guns, low power, and tesla coils.

From: Dryax Military and Security Contractors
To: Trade Fair Staff
RE: Personal Weapons and Defenses

We would like to demonstrate some of our... services.

To: Relevant Parties
From: Trade Fair Staff
Subject: Weapons and Defenses demonstrations

All weapon demonstrations will take place on the demonstration ship Reverse Nature. All weapons will be tested against capital grade shielding and armor prior to demonstration, to better insure the protection of our guests. Suitable targets and scenarios can be provided at your request. Thank you for your interest, and welcome to the Trade Fair!


Known Space
Ark Sector - Ravenlock Controlled Region
Trade Fair

The Nashtar visiting the fair would find all manner of things for sale, and adding new items to the market was simplicity in itself. Registered guests were allowed access to a trade net where offers and requests flew back and forth constantly. In addition to peacekeeper weapons (Police Grade) of the Consortium being offered, there were now Draconis Republic weapons and defenses being offered. The Consortium's standard trade goods were of course being offered, everything from cloning technology services to cybernetic implants to civilian starship design and construction to boxed sets of Holovids. Top of the line Consortium military hardware was on display, but not directly for sale.

Diplomatic corps were also available, and any diplomats accompanying the traders here would have their choice of Psi-gifted, Mundane, or Dra'kol diplomats from the Consortium to confer with, or any combination thereof, onboard the Diplomatic Flagship Serial Peacemaker.

[Alyrium Denryle]

To: Relevant Parties
From: Trade Fair Staff
Subject: Weapons and Defenses demonstrations

All weapon demonstrations will take place on the demonstration ship Reverse Nature. All weapons will be tested against capital grade shielding and armor prior to demonstration, to better insure the protection of our guests. Suitable targets and scenarios can be provided at your request. Thank you for your interest, and welcome to the Trade Fair!

Thank you Staff... Though the representatives for Zenith Defense Systems and General Products did not know we would be able to demonstrate capital grade weapons.

If this is correct, they would like to demonstrate those as well. Though, naturally we will use our own ships as the test subjects. We all use General Products and Zenith components for weapons and armor.

Would this be acceptable? Could we stage a little wargame?

[Stormbringer]

:::::::KSN diplomatic shuttle Mediator, Edge Of Asgard space::::::

The shuttle flew in twards Asgard space, it's six fighter escort wing taking defensive positions.

"Open a Channel"

"Channel Open"

"Asgard control, this is ambassador Morii Toorth of the Krytos Star Empire, requesting permission to enter your space and meet with a government official"

"The is Vahalla Control, we are transmitting a flight plan to Trondheim now. You will be met at the pad by our diplomats. Welcome to the Empire gentlemen."

[Hotfoot]

Thank you Staff... Though the representatives for Zenith Defense Systems and General Products did not know we would be able to demonstrate capital grade weapons.

If this is correct, they would like to demonstrate those as well. Though, naturally we will use our own ships as the test subjects. We all use General Products and Zenith components for weapons and armor.

Would this be acceptable? Could we stage a little wargame?

To: Relevant Parties
From: Trade Fair Staff
Subject: Re: Weapons and Defenses demonstrations

The test against capital grade shields is to ensure that your weapons technology would not breach the protection offered by the demonstration ship. Use of capital grade weapons could jepordize the ship, and thus our guests. We could, however, have a word with the RDF ships in the area and see if a post-show wargame would be acceptable. If so, you may proceed with such demonstrations at that time.

Demonstrations of defense grids of your own ships against inert targets would be acceptable, however, on the condition that the arcs of the targets and the grid are perpendicular to the Fair itself, and we are notified of the demonstration times.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Thank you Staff... Though the representatives for Zenith Defense Systems and General Products did not know we would be able to demonstrate capital grade weapons.

If this is correct, they would like to demonstrate those as well. Though, naturally we will use our own ships as the test subjects. We all use General Products and Zenith components for weapons and armor.

Would this be acceptable? Could we stage a little wargame?

To: Relevant Parties
From: Trade Fair Staff
Subject: Re: Weapons and Defenses demonstrations

The test against capital grade shields is to ensure that your weapons technology would not breach the protection offered by the demonstration ship. Use of capital grade weapons could jepordize the ship, and thus our guests. We could, however, have a word with the RDF ships in the area and see if a post-show wargame would be acceptable. If so, you may proceed with such demonstrations at that time.

Demonstrations of defense grids of your own ships against inert targets would be acceptable, however, on the condition that the arcs of the targets and the grid are perpendicular to the Fair itself, and we are notified of the demonstration times.

Both would be extremely acceptable to us.

(Assuming it is 1200 hours now)

Could we perform the demonstratins at 1300 hours and a repeat at 1500 hours?

[Stormbringer]

[AMMV Endurance, Protectorate Capital]

The sixteen million ton bulk freighter hung in orbit over the capital along with four of her bretheren waiting to unloard their heavy cargos. It was diverse ship ment including livestock, electronics and even some civilian model energy weapons. All they had to do was wait for the requisite customs inspections and then begin unloading.

Further out a pair of Destroyer Escorts waited for their charges to unload so they could be on their way back to Asaheim.











OOC: Frigidmagi, the stuff you've ordered.

[Hotfoot]

Both would be extremely acceptable to us.

(Assuming it is 1200 hours now)

Could we perform the demonstratins at 1300 hours and a repeat at 1500 hours?

T+100 and T+300, copy. Demonstration times have been logged and the escorts have been notified. Have a nice day.

[Alyrium Denryle]

After going through the required tests of weapons, the Draconian companies began setting up shop. Bringing in house mock ups, and holo booths. projections screens, and guns knives, tesla coils and numerous other things.