Stars Without Number

Nekosmash 28-Jun-19 06:25 PM

"Eisheru! Get over here!" a harsh voice calls out from the bridge of the Greystar Hab- through the complex series of comms systems running through the large ship.

"We've got a job for you and I know youre tired of sitting around"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Jun-19 07:29 PM

At the sound of his name, Eisheru lifts his head towards the direction of his comm pad sitting squarely next to his soak pool. But it was the prospect of doing something other than reading that got him out of the water. He reaches over to his comm pad and presses a series of buttons, "On my way." He sets down the report he was reading in the center of his desk and proceeds to the door to his room. Quickly glancing in the mirror to make sure his long red hair was neatly tied back. Quickly towling off, he then exits the room. (edited)

Nekosmash 29-Jun-19 05:12 AM

There is a meeting room a few doors down from where you soak, and there are three individuals there. One is a Taros, a male, his skin rough and pebbled by an acid attack in his youth. He wears the lapels of a sub director. The other two are human, both likewise male, and are wearing junior agent badges.

"Thank you for interrupting your ablutions to come speak with us. We were planning to do this tomorrow but there have been some developments planetside that can't wait"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jun-19 06:28 AM

(Do I know who these three men are? And what is my rank in relation to them?)

Nekosmash 29-Jun-19 06:31 AM

(You’re a junior agent too, but as far as knowing them probably not. This is a huge change in how the agency operates and they’re filling ranks as quickly as they can)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jun-19 06:41 AM

As Eisheru walks in he notices the sub director and gives him a deferential bow of the head, "Sir" he then looks to his fellow junior agents and gives them a quick nod in acknowledgement. Turning his attention back to the sub director, "What developments, sir?"

Nekosmash 30-Jun-19 06:04 AM

"Some continued squabbling between the police and Resistance on the ground. We are trying to get a city council together and they just can't seem to agree on how to make this happen. You've got a good eye for these political minded things. We were hoping you could meet with them, and maybe offer some help as far as getting some of their concerns addressed, and getting them organized"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Jun-19 12:12 PM

(What do I know of the Police Force and Resistance group?) (edited)

Nekosmash 30-Jun-19 12:16 PM

(Police largely disbanded and went into hiding when the still lady and her cult took over, Resistance was concerned citizens who fled into the woods, normal freedom fighter stuff, but now they're not disarming, because they dont trust the police to keep the planet safe)

(and the police don't trust them in return, because now they're sort of looking like they're trying to install themselves as a new power)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Jun-19 12:17 PM

(And what's Greystar's relation to them? and/or their view of the Combine) (edited)

Nekosmash 30-Jun-19 12:27 PM

(This is what was agreed to juuussst prior to you guys entering the game. A lot of it is just polity admin stuff for Kensh- your takeaway from it should be basically you can infer a certain amount of cooperation due to the arrangement)

This seems likewise, to appeal to the crowd. (So here's the unification deal with what they want) 1- UNW holdings on planet (just trivedi tech, any others have to ask permission from you) will continue to operate. Right now TT is bringing in consumer technology like compads/housewares/tools that the still lady banned 2- Greystar must settle here, but can choose any site on the planet. If they are going to join they want a personal investment/shared risk of people. 3- agents used to bring stability here, and unionize surrounding planets for more resources. In return- Greystar gets the title 'Planetary Government" which requires permission before others can begin expanding holdings or adding new ones to planet. Greystar gets 1 credit per person per month in taxes (15 mil right now)(edited) Greystar may levee a standing defense force of 6% of the total population, 3% of population as a home defense force, 3% as an expeditionary army for offworld use.(edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Jun-19 01:45 PM

"Understood. Do we have a contact on the ground? And when does the next transport leave?" Eisheru jots a couple notes down on his Comm pad.

Nekosmash 30-Jun-19 02:10 PM

"There's a lighter that is going to take you into city center. We don't have a contact, and that's one of the goals your mission is going to accomplish. I'm not expecting any single agent to form or reform the planetary government, but we need to get the temperament of the locals we're going to need to partner with if we've got any hope of making this last"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Jun-19 02:21 PM

"Whatever I can do to keep everyone from killing each other... as you said Sir, we are in this together. If there is nothing else I'll go get my things together." Eisheru waits to be dismissed.

Nekosmash 30-Jun-19 02:26 PM

"Of course, transit should be waiting for you on the starboard expedition deck."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Jun-19 02:45 PM

Eisheru bows his head again and walks briskly back to his room. He holsters his laser pistol in the sheath in the small of his back, slings his back pack over one shoulder and heads over to his closet. He pushes through several things on the top shelf and pulls out a small canister. It sloshes when he places it in his pack. He takes one quick glance around the small room and then exits. He heads out first going to the port expedition deck only to remember that the director said starboard. Eisheru quickly doubles back and scolds himself along the way.

Nekosmash 30-Jun-19 05:45 PM

There is a passenger lighter in the bay being disconnected from fuel lines and it’s pilot is making a few pre flight checks

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Jun-19 06:19 PM

Eisheru walks towards the pilot. As he walks he gives the ship a quick look. "Never been on one of these before, we in for a bumpy ride?"

Nekosmash 30-Jun-19 06:50 PM

"Shouldn't be, Ark's just way too big to land on a planet, and then take off again"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Jun-19 07:58 PM

"You spend any time down on the surface? This is my first visit to Acastus"

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 09:30 AM

“Just a little. Folk seem nice enough”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 09:38 AM

"Good to know. Well I'm ready to leave when you are" Eisheru hoists his back up on his shoulder, waiting for the pilot to give the go ahead to board.

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 09:53 AM

The ship is slowly pushed from the side expedition bay by magnetic rails in the floor, and upon hitting open space, its engines light. It heads to the planet below, making a beeline for a ruined airport in the heart of Ash City, where reconstruction has not yet begun. The burned ruins of 30 atmofighters sit in hangars or on the edge of the runway, the few bits of metal not burned showing cult runes or strange markings .

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 10:06 AM

Eisheru looks out the view port to gaze at the city. "So this is home now?" he says to no one in particular. He waits patiently for the pilot to finish his landing procedure before disembarking. (Have I seen those markings before?) (edited)

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 10:25 AM

(No, its just cult hogwash)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 10:27 AM

(Has the ship landed?)

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 10:30 AM

The lighter sets down, kicking up some gravel and dust, before the skis finally crunch into the tarmac. Two security troopers are waiting for you.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 10:35 AM

"Thanks for the lift" he says to the pilot. Eisheru turns towards the two troopers, "Good day to you both." (Do they have any distinguishable markings? i.e. Police Force or Greystar or Resistance?)

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 10:39 AM

(They're Greystar)

"Good first rise, agent" one of them replies "You're here to help make some contacts with the city council, correct?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 10:41 AM

"That's the plan. I hear tensions are rising in the city, anything you can tell me about the situation down here?" (I would like to use Telepathic Contact to read his emotional state) (edited)

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 10:46 AM

He is alert . "Nothing more than what's common. Police and Resistance don't trust one another despite agreeing to work together"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 10:48 AM

"Sounds reasonable given the planets recently history. Well best get to work. Can you point me in the direction of the Police HQ in the city?"

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 11:52 AM

A map is loaded to your compad that shows a pinpoint where the building is It looks to be just a few blocks away. "It's in Resistance hands right now, but you'll find a good mix of Acastus decision makers in the neighborhood"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 12:06 PM

Eisheru looks down at the comm pad and looks over the local map. "Thank you, I best be on my way." Eisheru thanks the two troopers and begins walking in the direction towards the building marked on his comm pad. While he is walking he is looking around keeping an eye on his surroundings.

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 03:20 PM

People are hurrying off to work, dates, social outings, and more, only differentiated from one another by their work outfits. Most have grown used to the ever present neon and eternal night

Clubs, bars and restaurants slowly re opening after the domination are bringing the streets back to life. A small motorized hotdog cart rolls by

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 04:49 PM

"Oo hotdogs, will have to find that guy after I'm done..." Eisheru keeps walking towards the ping on his map. He walks up the steps of the police HQ and attempts to go inside.

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 05:27 PM

There are resistance fighters checking papers before entering the three story building. It's outsides are windowless but for gun slits, and there is a mixture of dueling cult and resistance graffiti all over the outside, even on the higher floors somehow. Several conflicting layers of paint, at least, are present. The building is encircled with a chainlink fence, a mix of security at each

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 05:29 PM

Eisheru walks up to the closest check point and presents his badge showing him an agent of the Greystar Combine

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 05:40 PM

"Business on station?" the guard asks, leafing through the booklet

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 06:27 PM

"Junior Liaison Eisheru, here on orders from the Combine. I am to assist with mediation between the Police and Resistance" (edited)

Nekosmash 01-Jul-19 07:32 PM

“Good second rise to you sir. Very good. Top floor. Commandants conference room.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-19 07:59 PM

"Good second rise. Thank you." Eisheru takes his badge back from the guard and walks past and into the building. He looks for a lift or stairs and then heads to the top floor looking for the indicated conference room. Before entering he sends a quick message to the Sub-Director that gave him this assignment (I am assuming I know who he is) "Arrived at Police HQ. Will update status as soon as able." (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 05:12 AM

You see a small check mark showing that the message has been read

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 05:36 AM

Eisheru places his Comm pad in his backpack and then knocks loudly on the door twice and waits a moment before entering. (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 07:44 AM

The metal door opens as a police officer and resistance fighter both stand guard inside. "Second rise, sir. Business here is for mediation?" the officer says, looking at a compad, with notes from downstairs at the gate

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 07:45 AM

"Good second rise. Yes that is correct. Junior Liaison Eisheru on behalf of the Combine." (Are there any others in the room besides me and the guards?) (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 08:08 AM

(presumably yes but they're blocking you from entering/seeing them)

"Here to mediate, alright, head on inside, the few we're missing should be up in a moment

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 08:21 AM

"Thank you." Eisheru walks pasts the guards looks around the room briefly. (Is there anyone here I recognize?). He will make a point to quickly introduce himself personally to everyone in the room before it gets started. (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 09:20 AM

(No one you recognize, by design, truly an impartial mediator)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 09:25 AM

After greeting everyone careful to avoid any small talk, Eisheru walks towards an open seat near the middle of the table and sets his backpack down. He pulls out his comm pad and waits for rest of the attendees to arrive.

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 11:21 AM

The remaining three officers arrive, all leadership ranks, and the two groups sit down at the table opposite one another, with you at the head of the table. They've agreed to work with one another to become a combined force, and re-unite the city, but thus far neither side has laid down their arms, or made steps toward joint cooperation with the other for combned patrols

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 11:36 AM

Once everyone has found their seats Eisheru stands "Good second rise to you all, thank you very much for coming here today. As you all know the purpose of this gathering is to build a brighter and better future for all of us on Acastus. We have a lot to discuss but first I'd like to begin by having everyone introduce themselves so we can all get better acquainted. I am Junior Liaison Eisheru Tidecaller, Greystar Combine." Eisheru sits down and gestures to the person to his left indicating that he should be next.

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 11:38 AM

They move around the table, giving names, and ranks, Comissioner Driomar speaking primarily for the police, and General Ashford for the Resistance members, the remainder being a handful of concerned pre-cult socialites, and wealthy industry leaders who had either hid or paid their way through the purge,

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 11:53 AM

Eisheru remains seated. "First on the agenda is the formation of a united Planetary Force. Commissioner, in a moment would you please briefly explain your view of the situation and any issues that the Police may have? Once the Commissioner has had the opportunity to speak, you General," And Eisheru looks to the other end of the table "will have the opportunity to do the same from the Resistance's perspective." "Remember..." Eisheru quickly looks to everyone at the table "...that there is a person at the other end of the table..." Eisheru looks back towards the Commissioner, "If you would please begin." (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 04:44 PM

The commissioner begins "A deal was made between the parties in this room for combined policing. I will dispense with accusations, they help no one at this moment, but I will say, it is hard for the police to act in good faith when there are over 1,000 armed fighters at the former Resistance camp, within a day's drive of the city"

(this is new information to Greystar, and was left out of the agreement with Kensh, he didn't know either)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 04:57 PM

Eisheru nods as though he has heard this before, trying to suppress any hint that this is a surprise. He looks over to the general to guage his reaction. (I would like to use telepathic contact on the general) After a quick look he turns his gaze back to the commissioner. "Thank you for sharing your concerns Commissioner, is there anything else you would like to add before the General has his turn to speak?"

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 05:25 PM

The general is unnerved , and possibly surprised himself

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 07:00 PM

(I would like to use Telepathic Contact on the Commissioner. At 2 effort committed for the scene. I have 2 effort left.)

Nekosmash 02-Jul-19 07:03 PM

He feels relief upon seeing the expression of his counterpart. “I would like to hear the generals comments on that matter before I continue”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-19 07:07 PM

EIsheru nods in agreement with the Commissioner and turns toward the General. "General you look as if something is amiss. Are you alright?" he says in a genuinely concerned tone. (edited)

Nekosmash 03-Jul-19 04:56 AM

"I had no idea there were fighters returning to camp. I ordered the base closed and the tunnel collapsed. I have no information as to what might be going on out there"

(He's being honest, which the telepathic link you've got open with him right now would confirm)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jul-19 05:14 AM

Eisheru takes a moment then nods, "I believe you General, but this is a disturbing development." Eisheru quickly taps a message out on his comm pad to the same Sub-Director. "Priority message. 1000 fighters. 1 day drive from Ash City. Not resistance or police. I repeat, unknown loyalty." "Gentlemen I believe we can use this opportunity to forge a new bond. We are going to need to rely on each other if we are going to overcome this new threat. "

Nekosmash 03-Jul-19 08:33 AM

"If the fighters out there stand down, or if we together in this room can organize ourselves to head out there and confront them, I see no reason we cannot cooperate for mutual benefit"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jul-19 08:47 AM

"Let us see if we can get these fighters, whoever leads them, to stand down. However we should prepare as though we need to confront them. General, since you are familiar with the base I think it would make the most sense to have you take point of our tactical preparations. If it comes to a confrontation, Police forces and Resistance fighters should be part of this raid along with Greystar Agents. Commissioner, any objections to this?"

Nekosmash 03-Jul-19 08:51 AM

"None, I couldnt have put a better plan forward myself. Let's double the perimeter watch and scout teams for the next few days while we prepare a plan"

(3xp, 5000 credits)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jul-19 08:57 AM

"Outstanding. This is the start of a bright future for Acastus. For all of us. If you have need of me, I will be in touch." Eisheru stands from his seat and bows his head and packs up his comm pad.

Nekosmash 03-Jul-19 09:08 AM

The meeting seems to conclude for now, the trained soldiers of both groups quickly making teams and command decisions to handle this new problem, the previous animosity forgotten

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jul-19 10:48 AM

(Security Armor, 2 Type A Cells, 1 Lazarus Patch)

Nekosmash 03-Jul-19 10:59 AM

(Armory has all that, looks good to me)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jul-19 01:07 PM

(I would like to set up some sort of "town hall meeting" for merchants, business owners, trade guilds etc.... Meet and greet type event.)

(And we are still a few days out from the situation with the unknown fighters yeah?)

Nekosmash 16-Jul-19 01:22 PM

(yes youve only been gone for most of a day, even though it took us a lot longer irl)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jul-19 01:25 PM

(Yeah figured as much. If It is approved by Greystar Combine leadership would want to have a gathering of the merchants, business owners, traders, trade guilds. Or if it makes more sense to have me individually make acquaintances first with many of these people then having an event at a later date)

Nekosmash 16-Jul-19 01:26 PM

(I think going and looking into who's who might be a good way of figuring out who to invite for the big one)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jul-19 01:31 PM

(Ok, first I would want to try and find a well regarded gunsmith in Ash City) (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jul-19 05:24 PM

There is one weaponsmith who has dared to openly practice his trade again, and even has a drive thru-window for ammunition sales. "Boom-N-Zoom" prides itself on selling the finest weapons and armor since the end of the occupation, and frequently even sees military members inside.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jul-19 09:07 PM

Eisheru walks in to the store and looks around. He will browse for a brief moment then head up to the counter

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 04:53 AM

There are numerous handheld small arms in a glass case, with long rifles in a rack behind the counter. A sealed door leads to a testing range in the basement. You notice a few heavy weapons under lock and key.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jul-19 06:14 AM

"Good First Rise to you," Eisheru says to the person behind the counter. "I was looking to commission a piece to be made."

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 12:29 PM

"I see, something custom, been a while since we've had an order like that. What did you have in mind?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jul-19 12:35 PM

"A mag pistol, I want it to be more than just custom, I want this to be a finely crafted piece as well." (Looking to get a Mastercrafted Custom Mag Pistol cause i can't fix shiiiiiit lol) "That something you can do here? I understand it might take a couple weeks to complete." (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 12:44 PM

"Something like that is going to take both of our artisans quite a bit of time to complete. We can do the work if you've got the credits"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jul-19 01:07 PM

"How much are we talking about?"

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 01:08 PM

(book x 10)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jul-19 01:10 PM

(So Mastercrafted Custom Mag Pistol (400 x 10) + 1000? The mod isn't multiplied right?)

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 01:12 PM

(To me it reads that the mod is not multiplied, but it does need to be paid for at its regular cost)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jul-19 01:12 PM

(so 5000 credits total?)

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 01:17 PM

(yessir)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jul-19 01:20 PM

"How about this, I'll give you 3000 credits now and 2000 upon completion?"

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 01:22 PM

"Alright, as long as its all there at the end. We have the right to refuse to release the piece to you for nonpayment of the balance in full"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jul-19 01:26 PM

"Of course, won't be a problem. Name's Eisheru by the way. I'm here with the Combine." Eisheru extends his arm for a handshake. "I was wondering if you could help me out with something else? I am looking to order bulk consumer electronics for the combine. You know compads, power cells and the like... Do you know anyone who works in that industry?" (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 05:23 PM

"Trivedi Technologies, I can give you a store nearby that sells them, I've heard their agent Joshua Collins is a good man, hes invested in the people here, when the rest of the UNW moved on."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jul-19 06:19 PM

"Trivedi Tech huh? I had heard they stuck around after the recent events. Very good to hear. As I said before I am with the Combine, is there anything that you see that needs to get done around here to bring commerce back to Acastus?" (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Jul-19 06:31 PM

“We have to look to space. And trade. The people will return once time goes by and they see that it is safe. Development and trade will make the market so tempting people will risk it”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jul-19 06:13 AM

"Safety and local trade." Eisheru nods "Thank you for your help, just let me know when that pistol is complete and I will swing by with the rest of the payment," Eisheru pulls out his compad and taps a couple things sending a comm frequency to be reached at. "I didn't catch your name, mister... ?"

Nekosmash 18-Jul-19 05:47 PM

“Mister is fine actually. I’m still a bit of in some heat. Cult or security folk. That type of thing. If they’ve got a name they’ve got a private life to come after”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jul-19 07:36 PM

"Understandable. We are hoping to change things here for the better so you and yours don't have to worry about that. Thank you for your help and I am eager to see the completed piece. You have my public comm channel to reach me." Eisheru will give a slight bow of the head and leave the shop. He steps out to the side and pulls out his compad to send a message to the original sub-director who sent him down planetside.

"Sir. Have found a contact within Trivedi Tech. Permission to go and negotiate for an increased trade deal. I am sure the people more than ever need consumer electronics and medical equipment and construction equipment."

(edited)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 05:08 AM

I see no harm in opening a dialogue with Trivedi Tech, if anything to see what their intentions for this planet are

(Joshua collins is the trivedi contact, another PC, you can tag him in your message)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 09:12 AM

Eisheru pulls up a new message to send to @Anderobi (Josh Collins)

Good Second Rise Mr. Collins, My name is Eisheru Tidecaller, Junior Liaison with the Greystar Combine. I wanted to take the time to introduce myself and establish official talks between Trivedi Tech and the Combine. I would like to meet at your earliest convenience. Please let me know when you would like to discuss a brighter future for Acastus. I can either come to you or you are more than welcome to come to the Greystar Combine garrison outside of Ash City. I eagerly await your reply, Eisheru Tidecaller Junior Liaison Greystar Combine

Anderobi (Josh Collins) 19-Jul-19 09:34 AM

(How long would it take the message to reach me on Olar?)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 09:35 AM

(They're a bit behind in time than you so it would be reaching you about when you get there)

Anderobi (Josh Collins) 19-Jul-19 09:36 AM

(All right)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 09:36 AM

(Congrats on first cross-polity contact btw)

Anderobi (Josh Collins) 19-Jul-19 09:36 AM

(Does UNW even know about Greystar controlling Acastus? lol)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 09:36 AM

(NOPE!)

(You are once again the herald of an alarming political situation Mr. Collins)

Anderobi (Josh Collins) 19-Jul-19 09:38 AM

(woo! Can my self-appointed title be "The Silver Surfer"? Since i bring bad news)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 09:38 AM

(let the fun begin!)

(also totally just assumed you were on acastus)

(my b)

Anderobi (Josh Collins) 19-Jul-19 09:39 AM

(No problem, I'm not very far from it atm. A couple hexes away I think?)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 09:40 AM

(yeah just a few_

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 09:41 AM

(Trivedi Tech knows about the situation on acastus right?) (edited)

(I'm assuming yes as they are still allowed to operate on the planet...)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 09:47 AM

(the locals do)

Anderobi (Josh Collins) 19-Jul-19 09:49 AM

Joshua sees the message appear on his screen. He quickly pulls up what he can about the Greystar Combine, seeing that they have worked against the UNW in some ways. He's also slightly alarmed to see that they are on Acastus, after the UNW helped free them, though he doesn't know what they've done since to help the situation. He sends back a message stating:

Good afternoon, Mr. Tidecaller, I would be lying if I said wasn't interested in further talks with you and your people regarding Acastus. At the moment, I am on Olar, but I am needing to speak with a specialist on Gudrun regarding a situation here. I plan on returning to this area of space after I have some advice on how to conquer this issue. I will also be needing to speak with my government officials further on this matter, so as to avoid committing some *light* treason, at best. It should be approximately 2 to 2 and a half weeks until I return to this area of space. I will inform you of what I've learned speaking with my leaders, as to whether I will be meeting you on or around Acastus. Please take no offense to my hesitance to meet, I'm simply trying to cover my own ass. Sincerely, Joshua Collins Trivedi Tech & United Nations of Worlds

(I think i calculated it right, about 8 days to Gudrun, 8 days back? Andare we be coming up on the UNW council meeting soonish?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 09:51 AM

(I guess I need to dig some more to find out more about the Greystar/UNW relationship... About how long would it take for me receive this message from him?)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 09:59 AM

(we are soon, yeah_

(We dont have too many issues with everyone being more spread out, but the issues we do have are big ones)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 10:06 AM

(How long does it take per hex to send a message? 2 days per hex?)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 10:07 AM

(1 day_

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 10:12 AM

(Ok so I won't receive his reply for 3 more days?)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 10:20 AM

(this is one oft hose times where im just going to suspension of disbelief the timeline a bit, you got the initial correspondence from him, anything else would take some time to get to you, so after the next unity meeting. You guys will have had your meeting by then anyway)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 10:21 AM

(ok sounds good.)

Dear Mr. Collins, I hope this message finds you in good health. I completely understand the need to go through official channels. I am not looking for anyone to loser their job let alone their life or freedom. I look forward to future communications and await your return to the area. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Eisheru Greystar Combine

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 10:32 AM

(a bit stumped as to what I could/should be doing next. Any thoughts/suggestions?)

(Any local legal disputes I could assist with? Like a as judge or magistrate) (edited)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 11:44 AM

(What about we follow up on those 1,000 rebels out in thre woods that wont stand down)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 12:18 PM

(Sounds good to me! So I would have like 2 or 3 days of downtime until then? If so I would like to starting studying the slyth language we found from the ruins)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 12:27 PM

(yea you'd have at least a few days, you can take as much as you want)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jul-19 12:29 PM

(I would imagine we would be hearing something a couple days post the meeting at the Resistance/Police HQ let's say 4 days?)

Nekosmash 19-Jul-19 12:34 PM

(sure!)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jul-19 09:17 AM

After spending several days with his notes and the slyth markings he realizes he needs to check in on the unknown fighters issue. Eisheru pulls out his compad and tap out a message to the resistance General Good First Rise General, Have we made any progress relating to the issue we last discussed? There Combine is interested in dealing with this possible issue as quickly as possible. I await your reply, Eisheru Tidecaller Junior Liaison Greystar Combine (edited)

Nekosmash 20-Jul-19 10:14 AM

Nothing yet. We have a combined expeditionary force prepared to go out and see what they want. And to act if necessary. Will you be attending?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jul-19 11:25 AM

Yes of course! Please let me know time and location and I will be there

Nekosmash 20-Jul-19 11:47 AM

Tomorrow morning. Come armed, if you have a weapon, just in case

You're given details, and it looks like two mixed units have also been assigned, the first of the re-combined police/army groups

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jul-19 09:36 PM

Eisheru immediately tries to pull up any information that the resistance had on the encampment

Nekosmash 21-Jul-19 05:45 AM

The cavern functioned during the still lady days because it was hidden, though the path to the hideout is littered with traps. There may be some UNW battle robots in the area still too

(They Gave the Rebels some to use during the actual war)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Jul-19 02:51 PM

Eisheru frowns upon reading about UNW battle robots. Need to keep this from going nuclear. It would be a blood bath... Eisheru puts his compad away and catches a transport back to the Greystar compound to get prepared for first rise. He will spend a lot of time meditating and reading up as much as he can about the Still Lady occupation.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Jul-19 07:11 PM

(I'll just be waiting until the morning. No real side project for a night)

Nekosmash 21-Jul-19 07:25 PM

In the morning the combined military force is ready to roll. You see very little actual fighting machines among their ranks, most just open backed trucks and troop carriers. Very few armored vehicles and a lone observation plane is above

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Jul-19 07:34 PM

(When I messaged command about the troops, did they acknowledge that and decide to send any support?)

Nekosmash 22-Jul-19 03:43 AM

(They acknowledged it but Greystar doesn’t really have an army. They’ve got enough armsmen to keep the ships safe from boarding and whatnot but that’s not the same as a ground based army)

(Whole different type of capability)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jul-19 05:56 AM

Eisheru walks up to the gathering forces in his security armor with pistol at his side. He finds the commanders and walks over to them. "Good first rise to you all. We almost ready to head out?"

Nekosmash 22-Jul-19 08:50 AM

"We're ready as soon as you're aboard. It'll be a bit of a drive, lets hope they don't have anything planned for us"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jul-19 09:39 AM

"Then let's go!" Eisheru climbs into the indicated vehicle "Has any contact been made with this group?"

Nekosmash 22-Jul-19 12:18 PM

"None, theyve refused to come out and meet with emissaries sent ahead. They're not broadcasting their intentions"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jul-19 01:18 PM

"Do we know of any secret entrances into the facility? If we are going to strike, we will need to do so swiftly."

Nekosmash 22-Jul-19 01:21 PM

"There's only one. There is an escape tunnel, but if we get caught down there, its going to be a massacre. You'd be going single file"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jul-19 01:22 PM

"What about ventilation systems? Anyway we could smoke them out?"

Nekosmash 22-Jul-19 01:24 PM

he looks at you quizzically as the vehicle begins moving, the both of you standing in the lead truck bed. "I was given to expect we'd be trying a diplomatic solution first"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jul-19 01:31 PM

"My primary mission is to end this without a drop of blood being shed. However, if things going south, we will need to deal with this one way or another." Eisheru's voice trails off. He looks forward down the road. (This is General Ashford right?)

Nekosmash 22-Jul-19 06:52 PM

(yes it is)

"There is probably ventellation but these people have been living with hostiles just over the horizon from them for years. I'm sure its a weakness they've mitigated

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jul-19 08:25 PM

"That is a good point, General" he says without turning his head (I'd like to telepathic contact to read his surface thoughts, he gets to make a mental save)

Nekosmash 23-Jul-19 04:46 AM

(4 vs 10, fails)

He is confident that whatever is happening out in the wilderness they have enough men to handle it

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jul-19 05:08 AM

Eisheru visibly relaxes at the feeling of the general's confidence. He begins to hum a little tune from watery planet home

Nekosmash 23-Jul-19 11:29 AM

(lets get a motice wis)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jul-19 03:32 PM

(6)

Nekosmash 23-Jul-19 04:57 PM

You notice the observation plane ahead keeping an eye on the convoy and the normal sounds of the forest when , 10km our from the rebel stronghold a rockfall blocks the path, and dozens of fighters in ambush positions ride from the small hillsides on each side of the road. “That’s close enough” someone calls from the left. “You’re coming out here with a lot of hardware. Care to explain what’s going on?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jul-19 05:15 PM

"I am here to parlay. Please let us talk. I am here to help avoid any blood shed" Eisheru shouts in the direction of the voice (Do I see the person talking?) (edited)

Nekosmash 23-Jul-19 05:28 PM

He's easier to spot now that he speaks again, standing on a large rock, a belt fed machine gun in hand. His olive coat is stained with grease and dirt, probably not cleaned since he originally made his way out here. "We're trying to do the same, but an armed convoy running close to where our families are doesn't make for calm tempers and even handed talks, does it? "

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jul-19 05:40 PM

"Neither does a thousand fighters who gather in a supposedly abandoned resistance base, does it? Perhaps we can set aside perceptions for a moment and we can talk." (I would like to establish telepathic contact with him and just gather his emotional state)

Nekosmash 23-Jul-19 05:43 PM

(No save for that one iirc)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jul-19 05:43 PM

(correct)

Nekosmash 23-Jul-19 08:17 PM

He is tense and fearful right now

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jul-19 08:48 PM

"The war with the Still Lady is over. It is time to bring prosperity and life back to Acastus. What is it that keeps you from returning to Ash City with your families?"

Nekosmash 24-Jul-19 05:56 AM

"Ash City once again finds itself languishing under foreign influence, First the lady, then the rebels and police balkanizing, now offworlders.

"When do Acastans get to determine their own lives?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jul-19 06:20 AM

"They are determining their own lives right now. Please do not see us as invaders. We are not here to subvert your culture or undermine your values but to help bring peace to this world and to others that wish to join our new federation." Eisheru hops off the trunk with arms up clearly showing he is not holding a weapon. He takes a few steps forward in front of the vehicle and continues, "Police and Resistance are here hand in hand to help secure the future of Acastus. We, the Greystar Combine, have set down our own roots so that we may share in the experience of rebuilding this planet."

Nekosmash 24-Jul-19 11:50 AM

"Rebuilding in who's image? Acastus has not had its own identity for years, and here in the wild the true children of Acastus are gathering. "

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jul-19 12:10 PM

"Why not bring that identity to everyone? Everyone has a seat at the table if you are willing to come with open arms and open minds" Eisheru pleads with the man. "If you and yours have a plan for Acastus, why not allow everyone to share and enjoy that vision? This planet belongs to all that wish to call it home, but it cannot be a house divided. There are too many dangers outside of this system to be fighting amongst ourselves. What can I do to convince you that we want the same thing?" (I would like to read his surface thoughts now, he gets a mental save to resist) (edited)

Nekosmash 24-Jul-19 01:11 PM

(10 vs 9, pass) "The people have no vision, they haven't been allowed to have one, and those who are left are small minded enough to only think of their own station and money as we pick up the pieces. We've not bothered anyone out here, but we're not letting our weapons down out here. We're the only thing keeping the New Acastus that will emerge honest"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jul-19 01:20 PM

"All the more reason we need leaders in this trying time. If you have a vision that is so right and so honest, then bring it to the rest of Acastus. Join in the leadership of the planet, not squander it away in some god forsaken mountain."

(Tough nut to crack this one...)

Nekosmash 24-Jul-19 01:31 PM

"And who will listen? the police who buried their uniforms in the backyard? or the off worlders who came in to sweep up once the resistance did all the dying?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jul-19 01:49 PM

"The only reason we are having this conversation and not another blood bath is because of the off worlders. We are here to listen, though I understand and can appreciate why you are skeptical. Commissioner Driomar and General Ashford have come to the table and we want you to be there as well. Decisions that affect a whole planet cannot be made in a vacuum."

(I am assuming when he is talking about the off worlders he means Greystar and not the UNW?)

Nekosmash 24-Jul-19 01:50 PM

(yeah he means you. The UNW hasn't come back since the lady stopped, one of the reasons everyone here has been willing to throw their lot in with you)

This seems to strike a chord with him. "Well, I guess...I guess that is true. I hope you understand I still can't let you roll into our camp"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jul-19 01:55 PM

"We do not want to roll into anywhere, but just like you we are trying to protect the family that we have from whatever might threaten it. I think you can appreciate from our perspective what a force the size that you have might be perceived as. Are there things that your camp needs? We do not have much but we are endeavoring to rectify that issue and will share that with all Acastans." (edited)

Nekosmash 24-Jul-19 05:15 PM

"That...we can discuss together...but you must realize what your encroachment looks like too. The Workers And National Kinsmen Enduring Refuge Service looks after their own. We all claim to want to see Acastus advanced, and no doubt under one of our stewardships it will, but truly, we want advancement for all, and not just for some

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jul-19 06:03 PM

(is he still far away from me?)

Nekosmash 24-Jul-19 06:09 PM

(About 20m)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jul-19 08:01 PM

"Where are my manners, my name is Eisheru Tidecaller." He bows his head in respect "May I have your name good sir?" (edited)

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 05:26 AM

"Vendic Solestin. First Worker. Nice to meet you"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 05:52 AM

(is the meeting that is going to take place with UNW something i will have to travel for?)

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 06:04 AM

(I think the first part of that mission is going to be you guys talking over comms to figure out how you want this to go)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 06:24 AM

"Vendic Solestin, a pleasure to meet you. I would like to invite you and any others from your leadership team to come and meet with the other leaders of Ash City so we can continue our work of rebuilding Acastus. We would welcome your input and the perspective of your people. Any person who wishes to return may do so freely." Eisheru walks forward another 5m and holds his hand out as if to shake hands "I appreciate your willingness to talk first."

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 06:37 AM

He steps forward, hefting the enormous rifle onto one shoulder, and shakes your hand "Allow us a few nights to select those of us we feel will do the job we need done, and they'll come to the city to meet with the rest of the leadership"

"In the meantime, we will stand down"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 06:55 AM

"More than fair, there will be no incursions into your dwelling, you have my word. I look forward to meeting with you again Vendic." Eisheru gives him his public comm chanel "Should you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me." Eisheru bows his head again and turns on his heels to walk back towards the truck "Lets go back home General."

(Question for you for character progression. I noticed you havent been asking me to roll any talk checks should I not invest heavily into the talk skill?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 07:15 AM

(Either way is fine with me just want to plan accordingly)

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 07:27 AM

(I'm not asking you to roll because your level of competence in it is making me not need you to)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 07:27 AM

(perfect I'll keep investing then :) )

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 07:28 AM

(A 0 is a level of competence, you can accomplish most routine tasks where it might be used without any trouble. anything higher than that represents a level of mastery. You're asking him for logical things and making reasonable demands/concessions in return, and your character has the necessary skills outside of how hes being RP'd to steer the conversation)

(so requiring a talk check on top of all that sort of feels like an artificial stumbling block)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 07:30 AM

(makes sense to me! Thanks for the insight)

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 07:42 AM

(page 47 of core book, and this is just good advice for GM

in general Skill checks should only be called for challenges that fall outside the PC’s background and common experience. A PC with the background of a starship pilot should not be rolling skill checks to land a ship or navigate to an in-system destination. As a general rule of thumb, if failure at a particular task would make the PC seem notably incompetent at their role in life, then they shouldn’t have to roll a skill check for it. In addition, if failure or success at a check really doesn’t matter in the game, if it won’t produce some interesting result either way, then a check shouldn’t be made. Even concept-related feats might require a skill check, however, if the situation is especially bad or the circumstances particularly hostile. The pilot might have to make a Pilot skill check to land a ship if they attempt it in the middle of a man-killing sandstorm, and a noble might have to make a Connect skill check to find shelter with an aristocratic relation if they’re currently wanted by the stellar tyrant’s guards.

)

The general signals that the column should turn around, which is about an hour of blaring horns, flaring tempers and shouting as the single file of vehicles turns around and heads back to the city. The rebels do not leave their overwatch positions on you, but also make no further moves to advance

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 08:28 AM

"That went about as well as could be expected I think. Your thoughts, General?"

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 09:32 AM

"Same as yours. I was expecting a blood bath, not that I wanted one, but I'm happy we didn't have to bury anyone today"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 11:09 AM

"Agreed General, agreed." Eisheru sits back down with his hands shaking "Probably shouldn't have been so far in front of the trucks, huh?" He pulls out his compad and begins tapping out notes for his report

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 11:19 AM

"LEad by example" he says after a moment. "I'd never ask them, former police or otherwise, to do anything I wasn't prepared to do either"

(3xp, 5000 credits)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 01:03 PM

(When I get back to Ash City I would like to look for some sort of apartment in the city, hopefully be able to have a soak tank installed, get a motorcycle, and get a nice clear crystal jar or vase type situation. Manual says a private urban apartment is 15/day or 450 a month and motorcycle is 1000 credits. Unknown about the soak tank and crystal jar would need your thoughts on those) (edited)

(Also, unrelated to the request above, does Ash City have a mayor? or some sort of known political leader? or is it just local/community leaders right now?)

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 01:15 PM

(Its the community leaders right now. Greystar has its own little town a few hundred km to the south, with its own mayor/alderman, whoever you want to title it. They're still wary of outside influence in Ash City itself. We don't really do lifestyle expenses because pretty quickly that kind of expense is nothing to the amount you have coming in. Lets call it 2500 for the apartment with mods, and you wont have to worry about rent ever. The crystal jar is sort of a trinket and i think we can call it 50, )

(motorcycle is stock price)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jul-19 01:18 PM

(Have we even named our new city?

Probably should have discussed that in the monthly meeting. Cool 3550 total)

Nekosmash 25-Jul-19 01:20 PM

(no, we haven't, its only about 1,000 people right now, but you never know, might find refugees or something)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jul-19 06:17 AM

(I guess its just more downtime until the UNW meeting?)

Nekosmash 26-Jul-19 06:21 AM

(I think we're pretty much good to start that, they said they were moving into that next but then started new personal adventures, so we can do it out of time)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jul-19 06:27 AM

(Do we have an estimated figure of how much money it is going to take to repair/rebuild military bases on Acastus?)

(Also is ship building usually handled by the Polity? or is that something a player faction could endeavor to take on? i.e. having a ship building company) (edited)

Nekosmash 26-Jul-19 06:47 AM

(factions can build anything below a cruiser in class, capital ships are the exclusive privilege of a government, but permits may be issued to notable people, allowing them to build one)

(there are several magnitudes difference in power between a cruiser and a frigate)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jul-19 06:55 AM

(I think that would be cool for a longer term goal for Eisheru. To start a ship building company)

Nekosmash 26-Jul-19 11:10 AM

(For sure, I think we're about to shift into the meeting)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Jul-19 09:00 PM

(i guess my next endeavor could be to seek out local community leaders?)

Nekosmash 29-Jul-19 04:42 AM

(Sure, we can jump int that. Greystar Combine has endeavors up too under the Endeavors and employment folder as well, if any of those sound appealing)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jul-19 05:22 AM

(oo actually exploring a new system sounds way more fun.) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jul-19 05:57 AM

(has buey or shaila been explored yet?)

Nekosmash 29-Jul-19 06:00 AM

(Neither has. I'm going to make the scouting reports available for everyone, I don't think either of those are in the 1E folder yet)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Aug-19 05:31 AM

(yo i just realized that Vendic's group is called the WANKERS lol. )

(we could do the meeting with the WANKERS and Ash City leadership or the foundation of Aiya Technologies. I'm good with either)

Nekosmash 11-Aug-19 05:41 AM

(Hahahaha sure is! We can do the meeting. The faction founding is just me tossing up a handout and we wait the month while your lvl 1 hq/ base of operations is being assembled)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Aug-19 10:42 AM

(cool and its 10k right?)

Nekosmash 11-Aug-19 01:36 PM

(Yessir)

(okay, handout is going to be up in a minute, just find me a logo you like for the art)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Aug-19 01:47 PM

(Ok) (edited)

Nekosmash 11-Aug-19 02:09 PM

(Also to your earlier question, Adamaris is exploring Buey now, so that endeavor is being worked on)

(Not that you cant go on your own too, or go somewhere else, but if thats the only reason you picked it I didnt want you to feel your time was wasted)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Aug-19 03:00 PM

(cool yeah i was just hoping to help with the endeavors)

Nekosmash 11-Aug-19 06:15 PM

You see that a message has been sent for you from your time offworld. Some of the business men and women, and other powerful local agents for the free market are trying to get a meeting with Greystar. Each has concerns about what the new order might bring, or about if their businesses will continue to run at all

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Aug-19 07:19 PM

As Eisheru lands at the Greystar Hab in orbit, his dataslab pings with the message. Saying good bye to Kelvin he walks towards the shuttle bay to catch transport down to the surface. He reads over the message while on route to Acastus. When his lighter touches down he sends a reply stating that the meeting will take place second rise at O'Shea Memorial Park the following day. (edited)

Nekosmash 12-Aug-19 05:09 AM

You get messages from the email chain throughout the day as new and more people are brought into the loop, and details of the meeting are passed around. You yourself end up not needing to get involved in the planning, but it is gratifying to see them taking such an active role in finding as many interested bodies as possible

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Aug-19 08:44 AM

Eisheru will continue to practice his Slyth for another day until the meeting. He will get up early so he can arrive at Provost O'Shea Memorial Park well before any of the merchants. He anxiously waits for the meeting time.

(Slyth 9/30) (edited)

Nekosmash 12-Aug-19 06:48 PM

You're alone sitting on a bench before first rise even, but before long, you begin to see merchants and their retinues arriving in the town square. The first few assembled make small talk among themselves as they cast wary glances around the park. At least these first few seem to be companionable.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-19 06:11 AM

Eisheru walks over to the merchants and extends a hand, "Good first rise to you all, thank you for coming. My name is Eisheru Tidecaller, Junior Liaison with the Greystar Combine." He gives a polite nod of the head to all those currently assembled.

Nekosmash 13-Aug-19 11:44 AM

"You called this meeting" one asks "we're interested in what Greystar has to say as the self proclaimed masters of this world"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-19 11:57 AM

(I am assuming everyone who is going to be here has arrived at this point?) "Let's get to it then. They Greystar Combine has a long history of being nomads and wanderers. We stayed wherever our starhab decided to orbit for the night. We have longed for a place to call 'home' and we have found that in Acastus," his voice picks up a little louder. "We are not here to be conquerors or despots. We are not here to destroy your way of life or your values. We are here to become one with Acastus so we can all grow together into this new future that we all are forging." Eisheru pauses for a moment to let the words sink in. He clears his throat before continuing, "And like any relationship, there is some give and some take... Compromise... Whatever word you want to use. There is prosperity to be had and sacrifices to be made. This new Federation is something that we will all have a stake in." He looks around at all the Acastuns gathered before continuing again, "Now let's get to the brass tax shall we? What the Combine needs from you all, is to keep your doors open and continue doing business. If you have trade contacts off world that are interested in establishing trade with Acastus and its people, put them in contact with us. The people of this planet, you all, have suffered enough. It is time to change that. Now if there are specific concerns or issues that need to be addressed, we are here to help. With that my part has been said, I will open up the floor to you all." (edited)

Nekosmash 13-Aug-19 12:17 PM

(yeah)

Nekosmash 13-Aug-19 06:44 PM

The merchants mostly want to know if their tax obligation is going to increase, and if there are any contraband cargoes as decreed by the new government. The previous government, and then the cult leadership forbade offworld cargo sales, believing Acastus needed to remain a sheltered enclave, and that if contacts were made outsiders would try to abuse the world for its precursor secrets

they have no shipping information to give you, and their previous concerns about the world being exploited seems to matter little now, with billions of credits of potential profit loosening their morals

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-19 06:58 PM

"Taxes will be modest and will not be crippling by any stretch of the imagination; but there is going to be need of funds to support the defense of this Federation as well as improving the quality of life for all. Offworld trade will be allowed but monitored. We will be sheltered no longer, but we will protect what is all of ours. This is not about the enrichment of the few and privileged. We will need to support our brothers and sisters on this planet. People will need jobs to support their families. This is a chance to erase the Still Lady's memory in the best way possible... to be ignored and left in the dusty datapads of history."

Nekosmash 14-Aug-19 05:02 AM

"And what of development here? exploration, resource camps, manufacturing, farming?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Aug-19 09:16 AM

"Work on these fronts have already begun. Agents have been exploring more of the planet and rooting out any remaining cultists. As we explore more, we will identify areas of valuable resources and farm land. As the military and police force get established things will settle down on Acastus. A hospital is going to be built in the next couple of months. Work on refurbishing and cleaning up the neighborhoods of Ash City will begin as soon as we are able."

Nekosmash 14-Aug-19 09:59 AM

"And local businesses will be permitted to conduct business, and expand to encompass some of these discovered riches?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Aug-19 10:12 AM

"That will be the general rule, to encourage local businesses. There will be some things, such as strategic resources for star ship production as one example, that will be likely be controlled by the Federation. Case-by-case determinations will be made as the issues arise."

Nekosmash 14-Aug-19 11:56 AM

This seems good enough to them for now, and they promise to spread the information to other business minded people they know who were unable to make the meeting, though judging by the crowd, it is not very many

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Aug-19 01:09 PM

Eisheru will wait around to see if any other questions. Once everyone is satisfied he will stay a little bit longer in the park to meditate then he will get on his motorcycle and make the trek back to Greystar City on the planet surface.

Nekosmash 14-Aug-19 05:44 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Aug-19 08:04 PM

(should we wait to RP convincing Suha into the federation until we have our month end meeting to discuss how we want to do things?)

(I think next I would like to try and find resource deposits. Also wanna buy a Survey Scanner and Navcomp for 750)

Nekosmash 15-Aug-19 05:10 AM

(yeah i think you guys need to determine how your government is going to work, internal and external, before we layer another complication on top of it with a second world)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 06:10 AM

(then lets go exploring for natural resources! huzzah) (edited)

Nekosmash 15-Aug-19 07:47 AM

(lets get 6d10, results individually dont total them. lets see whats out there!) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 07:48 AM

(1, 5, 3, 5, 5, 8)

Nekosmash 15-Aug-19 09:09 AM

A survey had gone out around the Greystar settlement while you were away, and an anomalous scanner pint was sensed to the northeast, about 200 kilometers outside of town. The survey was unable to get a better idea of what might be out there, aside from it was something not registering to their equipment

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 09:17 AM

(is this something i could requisition the helicopter for? or am i taking a leisurely motorbike ride into the unknown?)

Nekosmash 15-Aug-19 09:34 AM

(you can requisition it if you'd like, you've certainly got enough pull)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 09:41 AM

(Insert reverse sound from Cha Cha Slide) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 11:20 AM

Eisheru walks up to the houndmaster with all the pups running about. "Good first rise to you! How are the pups coming along?" he says as he looks around at all the strange looking dogs running around hoping to see a mostly red one

Nekosmash 15-Aug-19 11:40 AM

There is one with a red belly and red scales on its legs that almost look like tattoo sleeves. It is offset by a deep, ocean blue, and it seems to be very energetic

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 11:45 AM

Eisheru spots the red and blue fungal hound and is mesmerized by the color that reminds him of his home. Lost in thought for but a moment he shakes his head and returns to reality, "Well aren't you a hyper fellow..." He places his hand over the fence and lowers it so it can be sniffed thoroughly (edited)

Nekosmash 15-Aug-19 01:03 PM

its fungal crest on its head sniffs and flares as it takes in your scent, before rolling over and exposing its stomach

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 03:50 PM

Eisheru reaches down to pet the fungal hound "Want to come on a little adventure with me?"

Nekosmash 15-Aug-19 04:58 PM

It makes a noise that sounds somewhere between a mewl and a growl, and rubs up against your hand, headcrest flaring and shirking as it continues to smell

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 05:05 PM

"I'll take that as a yes, we will have to come up with a name for you..." He scratchers underneath the chin of the animal. Eisheru opens the gate to let the red and blue creature out of the pen. He closes it again to prevent any of the others from leaving, "Come. Sit." He says as he points to a spot right next to his feet. (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 06:16 PM

(Does the animal have a discernible gender?)

Nekosmash 15-Aug-19 07:01 PM

(It’s a male) it pads over, trotting like a show pony before rolling over where you point

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Aug-19 07:20 PM

He cocks his head to one side like a confused shepherd

"Close enough I guess... Let's see if you can stay close and follow... Heel!"

Eisheru says in a stern tone as he starts walking away backwards. (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Aug-19 11:53 AM

It follows you to your pointed position, and then sits, before falling on his side and rolling over again, playfully

its twin tails wag happily

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Aug-19 01:48 PM

Eisheru let's out a little chuckle and a warm smile appears on his face. He scratches the underside of the creature.

"Alright boy, we got some work to do. Come. Follow me."

Eisheru then makes his way, with blue and red hound in tow, towards the flight deck and the awaiting helicopter.

Nekosmash 16-Aug-19 06:50 PM

The pilot is the same as from your temple run, and he seems relieved this expedition is likewise in good hands. "Just you today? or are we rolling with friends coming late?" he asks, as he stamps out his cigarette

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Aug-19 07:00 PM

Eisheru is likewise relieved to see the pilot from before

"Just me and this guy,"

gesturing to the dog. He continues,

"Exploratory mission today. If shit turns south we are bugging out. Looking for some unidentified substance that was surveyed over at the coordinates in the flight plan. Hopefully we can find something useful out there. I'm ready to leave when you are."

As he walks forward he points to the open helicopter door and says,

"Come on boy. Up!"

Eisheru gets in the helicopter and straps himself in and makes himself and his companion ready for the journey (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Aug-19 09:30 AM

The hound jumps into the crew bay, and the pilot comes in behind you, vaulting into his seat and flicking some switches to get the craft off ground power, and on to its own for takeoff. "So what have you been up to?" he asks, over the headset as power come on

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Aug-19 12:33 PM

EIsheru adjusts the headset after securing his companion.

"Just got back from a diplomatic mission to Leda. Spent some time riding my motorbike. Hard to find on most high tech planets. Name's Eisheru, I don't think I caught yours?"

Nekosmash 17-Aug-19 05:02 PM

"Evan Wriker" he calls back over the comms as the rotors begin spinning up "Wasn't worth getting friendly the first time, all those cultists breathing down our neck'

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Aug-19 05:12 PM

"Understandable. Definitely wasn't expecting a magical assault like that. How long you been flying for The Combine?"

Nekosmash 17-Aug-19 06:03 PM

"Ten years now, contracted a bit as a subcontractor for Black Sun during the civil war, inserting Greystar and Black Sun commando teams on Tenebrian worlds. Low intensity stuff, they wouldnt act unless there was a great chance for success, but still, inserting agents in hostile environments"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Aug-19 07:02 PM

"That's some intense stuff! I am glad I am in such capable hands."

Nekosmash 18-Aug-19 05:16 PM

“Plenty of experience getting people in and out of tight spots. Anyway. Enough chatting. Let’s get you out to the survey point “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Aug-19 05:42 PM

Eisheru just nods and looks out over the rising mushroom forest while he idly pets his new companion.

"Hopefully this won't be one of those times."

Nekosmash 18-Aug-19 07:23 PM

You see him raise a fist in agreement as the engine spools up “Alright. Northeast it is. I’m going to need a hand with the scanning once we get close so I can focus on flying

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Aug-19 07:52 PM

"Got that covered." (Is there some sort of survey station on the helo? I have a survey scanner on me) (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Aug-19 07:53 PM

(Yeah the co pilot controls are basically scanners, rather than flight controls)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Aug-19 08:05 PM

Eisheru secures his fungal hound before jumping into the copilot chair and straps in. He pulls up his compad and transfers all the relevant initial scan data to the system.

Nekosmash 19-Aug-19 09:45 AM

(lets get a propgram/int)

(sorry, forgot to hit enter)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Aug-19 09:49 AM

(rip program int skill. here goes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Aug-19 04:46 AM

(5)

Nekosmash 20-Aug-19 05:16 AM

conflicting returns bounce off the scanning console, and the dense local flora. "Just what I thought, returns are all over the place. These trees" Evan says under his breath

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Aug-19 06:31 AM

"Looks like we are going to have to find a spot to put her down and do some manual scans. Let's see if we can find a clearing nearby"

Nekosmash 20-Aug-19 10:41 AM

There is a clearing in the middle of some fallen mushroom trees, a battle was fought closeby, you can see, possibly during the cult uprising. A number of burned out defense force vehicles sit as burned and rusting hulks in the always raining air

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Aug-19 10:50 AM

(as in they are still on fire? or are these ruins from months ago?)

Nekosmash 20-Aug-19 10:52 AM

(ruins from months ago. They'd been set on fire once, but are not anymore)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Aug-19 10:54 AM

"Over there is a clearing" Eisheru points for Evan "Lets do a lazy circle once around just to make sure nobody is going to shoot at us."

(As he flies closer I'd like to look to see if there is any movement of people)

Nekosmash 20-Aug-19 05:31 PM

(Notice/wis)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Aug-19 06:44 PM

(7)

Nekosmash 20-Aug-19 06:49 PM

You do not see any humans living or lurking among the wreckage down below, but you do see two fungal hounds breaking from low foliage, and running away deeper into the woods, repelled by the helicopter's down draft. It's skids crunch into the soft soil, and the engine continues running. "Want me to power down and assist?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Aug-19 06:50 PM

"Yeah probably for the best! Sooner we get this stuff found the sooner we can get back to warm food"

"Be sure to lock the computers! Regulation compliance and all..."

Eisheru hops out of the helicopter with his laser pistol in one hand and his survey scanner in the other. He keeps a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary

Nekosmash 21-Aug-19 05:31 AM

The vehicle wrecks whistle slightly as the wind blows through the holes shot in them, and you can hear the yelping and calling of the hounds get fainter. Yours, by that measure, seems to be composed, keeping near you, but not on alert for anything escaping your notice

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Aug-19 06:14 AM

Eisheru kneels down next to his own fungal hound while he sets up his survey scanner "Need you to keep a lookout okay boy? Be alert..." He stands back up and does a quick scan of the destroyed vehicles with his scanner

Nekosmash 21-Aug-19 06:35 AM

The survey scanner brings back detailed but superfluous information about the alloy makeup of the vehicles, but the wrecks are a few years old and heavily rusted

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Aug-19 06:38 AM

"Lets get to it shall we?" Eisheru waits for Evan to be ready to leave and then starts walking towards the direction of the unknown substance. He keeps a look out in his surroundings while periodically checking his scanner for any pings.

Nekosmash 21-Aug-19 10:03 AM

Evan agrees and pulls out his own scanning rig. "repurposed this from an ejection seat and a radar console on the last bird that got shot out from under me. I hope I never need to make another one. Readings are coming from through the trees here. Little dark. Got a light on you?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Aug-19 10:12 AM

(~~do glowbugs work as a flashlight?~~ nvm they emit light up to 10m) (edited)

Eisheru nods and pulls out a glowbug and hands it to Evan. He then pulls his own low-light goggles out of his pack and puts them over his eyes "Yes, lets hope you don't have to re-purpose our transportation" he says with a small chuckle. Eisheru gives a small tug on the leash for his hound and starts walking in the direction that Evan pointed (edited)

Eisheru will stop before going too far, rummage through his pack for a minute to pull out a navcomp. He marks the coordinates of their helicopter and then puts the navcomp back into his pack "I don't know about you, but I don't want to spend the rest of my life in these forests."

Nekosmash 21-Aug-19 10:35 AM

"I'm sure its happened, and happening. It won't at all surprise me to have Still Lady War veterans coming out of the woods for the next decade or so" he says thoughtfully. "I wonder what this place might look like in ten years'

The re-purposed rig shines with lights of its own, one over each shoulder, before he heads into the dark forest with you, following the thin game trail toward the signals

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Aug-19 11:23 AM

Eisheru nods in agreement as they walk towards the signals. "I wanna know what this place looked like before the Still Lady got here. Its quite a beautiful planet in it's own strange mushroom way."

Nekosmash 21-Aug-19 11:25 AM

"I spend a lot of time waiting for teams to finish missions, so I read a lot." evan begins. "I've been left wondering if Acastus ever really had an identity of its own. It was visited first by the precursors who defaced its moons and literally killed its sun, then the Slyth came, and built their own identity on this place. Now us. "

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Aug-19 11:30 AM

"You will have to send me your reading list for Acastus history." Eisheru ponders Evan's statements for a time before responding, "It can be like everything else in life, 'Fake it until you make it.'" (edited)

Nekosmash 21-Aug-19 06:06 PM

"Fake it till you make it" he agrees.

something stirs in the trees 200m to your left, you'd guess. The fungal hound begins to pace and sniff the air, tails lashing in either excitement or trepedation

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 06:11 AM

Eisheru kneels down and points in the direction of the disturbance. "We have company. Can you make out what it is?"

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 07:54 AM

Something clicks and stirs deep in the woods, and it looks almost like a small mound of soil and lichen is moving. The creatures back is covered in hanging strands of mushroom and moss, as it slowly crawls across the ground on mostly retracted stalk legs.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 07:54 AM

(is it heading towards us?)

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 07:56 AM

(no, moving laterally in front of you, from a distance, it probably senses you but is not concerned, if that's a clue)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 07:59 AM

"Let's just let it go past. Stay boy" Eisheru whispers

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 10:04 AM

As soon as the monster walks past he will wait a moment and then stand up and continue on the path towards the signals

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 12:00 PM

The hound sniffs around the tracks left by the beast, muddy divots carved into the ground by its pointed, spider like legs. Some mushrooms and moss has fallen off its back where it rubbed on a stalk of a mushtree, and you can see the game trail it has blazed through the undergrowth with his bulk

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 12:02 PM

"Have you seen anything like that before? Think that creature is the source of the unknown sensor readings?"

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 12:27 PM

"Might be, ground mapping would be thrown off if the ground is moving like tihs"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 12:28 PM

(how big was the thing?)

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 12:29 PM

(modern day car sized)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 12:37 PM

"Lets try and get a closer look then shall we?" Eisheru starts walking on the path created by the newly discovered beast. He will walk up to the rubbed off moss and holds his scanner up to it and runs a quick diagnostic on it (Lookin to see if the moss is different than normal moss because of where it was growing)

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 12:41 PM

It is healthier, and contains a heavier mineral content due to the rocks the creature feeds on and incorporates into its hide

However, it must be feeding on what is locally available, so this concentration verifies there is indeed a deposit somewhere nearby

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 12:45 PM

"Huh... This creature must be eating whatever this unknown rock deposit we are looking for. Lets follow it to see if it decides to go eat again." (is it moving roughly in the direction of where we were initially headed?)

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 12:51 PM

(Yes it is)

The creature has done a fantastic job of clearing the path ahead for you, knocking smaller debris out of the way, and leaving more of the mineral rich droppings from its armored rock back in its wake, but it seems not to trouble it any

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 12:59 PM

(I'll grab a sample of droppings as we walk) Eisheru gives a gentle tug on the leash and walks cautiously down the path that the creature created.

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 05:58 PM

A sample of the sheddings is placed in your bag, and the both of you continue walking, the returns getting stronger and stronger as you near a clearing. Ahead, you begin to hear a faint grinding sound, like someone smashing two rocks together, but softly

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 07:17 PM

Eisheru tries to slowly creep towards the sound of the smashing rocks. Laser pistol at the ready

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 07:18 PM

You see five of the creatures ahead, through the trees, feasting on a rock formation. The dull grind you heard was their teeth and various mandibles, cuttnig away at the stone they need to continue improving their bodies

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 07:18 PM

(Do they seem to care that we are there?)

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 07:18 PM

(nope!)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 07:19 PM

(Is there any information in the database about these creatures?)

Nekosmash 22-Aug-19 07:23 PM

(none at all)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Aug-19 07:27 PM

Eisheru will slowly and carefully walk towards the rock formation aiming for a gap between the creatures. Hoping not to spook any of them he will look for a small chunk of the rock and then walk away from the herd of strange new creatures

Nekosmash 23-Aug-19 06:32 AM

They seem ambivalent to your presence there, and continue moving around the formation, chowing down on the exposed rock, and sucking moisture from the lichen.

You are able to get a small fist sized piece, enough to get a scan, leftovers from their feast

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Aug-19 06:36 AM

(how big is the deposit that i can see above t he ground?)

Nekosmash 23-Aug-19 11:44 AM

(5m or so, but irregular. Basically like a large mound

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Aug-19 12:49 PM

Eisheru slowly walks back towards Evan holding the sample in hand. "Should we get this bit analyzed before scaring them off? Do you think they will eat it all right now?" He whispers

Nekosmash 23-Aug-19 06:30 PM

"Lets get this looked at." he takes it from you, and runs a handheld wand from his custom rig over the sample once, and then again, before furrowing his brow "Well, this can't be right. I'm at a complete loss..." he says, recalibrating a couple screens and passing the wand over it again, before exhaling heavily.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Aug-19 06:48 PM

"What's it saying?"

Nekosmash 23-Aug-19 07:27 PM

"This ingot is 80% pure iron, all the filler material normally refined away during processing is jsut not here"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Aug-19 08:36 PM

"I know enough to know that's not normal. But not what specifically"

Nekosmash 24-Aug-19 11:25 AM

“I wonder if they’re processing the ore when they digest rocks” he thinks to himself

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Aug-19 11:29 AM

"You think those creatures are the real prize? They are eating iron ore and excreting pure iron?" (edited)

Nekosmash 25-Aug-19 07:59 AM

“They’re certainly important. I couldn’t say what’s more valuable here. They’d need to have things to eat to keep making this stuff, I’d think”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Aug-19 08:11 AM

"I wonder if it just this specific rock that produces the pure iron or just any rock."

Nekosmash 25-Aug-19 10:42 AM

"Maybe...lets try to see if we can give them something else to eat, and not to be gross but...see what comes out"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Aug-19 11:11 AM

Eisheru looks around for a decent size rock on the ground. After finding an adequate sized one he walks over to one of the creatures and tries to coax one to eat the presented stone.

Nekosmash 25-Aug-19 03:02 PM

It stalks over, pinion legs punching small holes in the ground, and a dozen slick, worm like cilia stalks begin brushing over it, as though it is sniffing your offering.

(added a handout for them to roll20 , too)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Aug-19 03:24 PM

"That's a good... What ever you are... Eat up..."

Nekosmash 25-Aug-19 04:43 PM

The stone is pulled from your hand as the feeder stalks tighten, and you hear the sound of grinding, as the outer layers of the rock are stripped away while this creature eats. It looks at you again for a long moment before padding away, back to join its fellows

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Aug-19 05:41 PM

"Now I guess we wait for it to be processed..."

Nekosmash 26-Aug-19 05:33 AM

"Nice way of putting it " Evan smirks. "Let's keep close to them, and see" You get your answer a half hour later, when a nugget is dropped onto the ground, slightly wet with some sort of digestive enzyme ,

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-19 05:42 AM

Eisheru walks over to the droppings and holds up his survey scanner to do a quick analysis

Nekosmash 26-Aug-19 06:34 AM

It is 88.6% pure, the ore left behind, and the lesser minerals absorbed by the creature for incorporation into its diet

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-19 06:42 AM

"This is incredible. These creatures do the work of dozens of employees and foundries." (Can I use the navcomp to 'tag' the creature? Some sort of device that sends a gps signal?)

Nekosmash 26-Aug-19 07:21 AM

(There isn't any kind of

tagging round, right now, but you can leave a signal in this area which looks like it'll be their feeding ground for a while longer)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-19 07:26 AM

Eisheru pulls out his navcomp and tags the location of the rock deposit and then pulls out his compad. He taps out a message to the beastmasters that have been raising the fungal hounds letting him know that there are more creatures out here that need to be captured and tamed. "Well unless you have a way to transport a creature of this size back to Grey City we should get back so a capture team can be arranged."

(how many of these creatures were there?)

Nekosmash 26-Aug-19 07:28 AM

(eight)

"Not unless we try to carry it under us with a winch. I don't think it'll fit in the crew bay" he says, scratching his head

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-19 07:32 AM

"Thats a long flight for the winch, I think it might be best to let our capture team pick these creatures up with one of our frigates."

Nekosmash 26-Aug-19 12:25 PM

"Right, I am in agreement with you. I think we're better served letting the trackers and trappers do the rest. We've marked the area, and if they can't sort it from here, they're not very good trackers are they"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-19 12:29 PM

"Hah! Agreed on that front. Lets get back to town. Come on boy" Eisheru puts away his survey scanner and holds up his navcomp. He makes his way back to the helicopter and straps himself and his companion back in to get ready for the flight back to Grey City

Nekosmash 27-Aug-19 06:00 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits) The capture teams ship, a bulked out free merchant, one of the three greystar owns (the others off trading for you guys right now) passes you on the descent, broadcasting its name and intentions. "They've moved on that quick"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 06:09 AM

"Those creatures are quite the find... They do the job of several men each at a foundry. They don't require wages and their food is the thing that we need purified. Win-win all around it seems like." Eisheru writes down some notes for his report to the beastmaster. "Grab a beer when we get back?" He says over the comm system to Evan.

Nekosmash 27-Aug-19 06:45 AM

"Grab two, and I'm in" he says "No need to fly for a couple days. I could go for a brew"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 07:20 AM

(Level 6; rolled awful on HP so +1 to max; Administer (1); Program (0); Telepathy (3); Telepathy Technique - Reflex Response; Still got 1 unspent SP from Level 5) (edited)

Nekosmash 27-Aug-19 07:50 AM

(Awesome! You're moving right on up!)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 07:55 AM

(yeahhhh Im hoping that Evan can become my pilot when i eventually get a ship. seems like a cool dude. Is there anything I can do to help with the "Aid in the construction and repair of former military bases in Ash City, turned cult strongholds" endeavor?)

Nekosmash 27-Aug-19 07:55 AM

(I think actually that's complete now, I'm just thinking of a good reward for all of you

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 08:00 AM

(ooo cool! if thats done then is there any more of the local leadership I could meet?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 08:11 AM

(I would like to set up a monthly event where I would fund a community clean up event. We would pick an area of ash city and would go through and clean up, repaint, rebuild, restore, feed hungry etc. and I would invite local leadership to it)

Nekosmash 27-Aug-19 08:12 AM

(want to make your next little thing here the first meeting?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 08:15 AM

(yeah that would be cool. I don't mind spending personal funds to do this. whatever amount of area I could clean up for 10k credits. I would buy food, pay for several construction workers for the day, building materials, games for kids. I think I would like to start on the area right around O'Shea Memorial Park) (edited)

Nekosmash 27-Aug-19 01:16 PM

Eisheru begins drafting plans for a cleanup project around Desmond O'Shea Memorial Park, and leaflets are sent electronically to every compad in the city capable of getting signal. There will be some food and games, along with genuine plans to get some of the reminders of the recent fighting cleaned up, and the city restored. A handful of local businesses have also pledged money and food if some of the reconstruction efforts for this drive focus on their storefronts. Most are using boards in place of windows right now- glass being one of the first things to go in the event of fighting nearby

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 01:20 PM

Eisheru walks up to O'Shea Memorial park before First Rise. Enjoying a brief moment before people start showing up he takes a quick walk around the park to survey the best spot to start. Looking for businesses in particular that seem damaged. He continues his stroll while picking up errant pieces of trash and moving small bits of debris to the side to be picked up later. (edited)

(And just so you know. the plan is to ever expand this project to eventually restore all of Ash City. Hopefully as AT takes off it will be easier to fund more and more repairs/renovations as well as have the project occur more regularly. Also want it to be an event where the poor can come and trade a days labor for food.)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 07:27 PM

(sorry if i jumped too quickly into that)

Nekosmash 27-Aug-19 08:16 PM

(You’re fine just have to think

This close to the park damage seems to be limited. The cult was operating freely in this area beforehand and there was no need to destroy or vandalize. Not far from here is the former city palace where the government once sat in leadership over the city. Two prolonged artillery bombardments have flattened much of the building and its exterior wall, in addition to churning the soil and destroying the foliage that once made up its pristine grounds

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 08:27 PM

(if oshea park isn't too damaged i can go to a more damaged part of the city)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-19 09:40 PM

Eisheru walks up to the former palace grounds host before first rise. 'If you are early, you are on time' still clearly able to hear the words of his father. As Eisheru walks through the rubble of the outer walls he tries to remain hopeful; with all this destruction around it was easy to sink into a melancholy mood. He walks back towards the street to wait for the builders he hired to show up. Sipping the warm coffee on this cool morning was soothing.

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 04:46 AM

They begin to arrive along with volunteers , in ragged groups of a few at a time. Some push wheelbarrows, others have whatever scavenged hand tools they could find that weren’t turned into improvised weapons.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 04:48 AM

(question. If i were to far trade next month for basic hand tools and industrial tools and building materials would that help this endeavor?)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 04:48 AM

(Id say so)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 04:55 AM

(think like 2 tons of each tools and 10 tons of building materials would suffice?) (edited)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 04:57 AM

(To repair the place, more like 50 tons but the tools are right. It’s a very big compound)

(Whole area took a rocket and shell barrage. Twice )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 05:13 AM

(rip palace. Ok cool would "rebuild the seat of government on Acastus" be a valid goal?)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 06:48 AM

(Absolutley)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 07:16 AM

Eisheru warmly welcomes all those that come to help clean up the old palace. "Good First Rise to you all. Thank you all for coming. Even though the Still Lady is gone, with all the destruction it still feels like she is lingering over our shoulder. To help rid us of that feeling, Aiya Technologies wants to help rebuild and restore this city. We will start here, with the former palace and seat of government on Acastus, and we will slowly expand until the entirety of Ash City is repaired and renovated. So lets get to work! First we need to clean up the place of debris. Any salvageable materials found we will place over there." Eisheru points to a spot near the street "And all construction debris will be placed over in a pile there." he points to another spot away from the first pile. "We have food and water for all that come and put in a day's work. Any questions?"

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 10:44 AM

They have none, and begin work, separating the debris from what can be repurposed, and what cannot. It is tiring work, and it becomes evident over the course of the day how much needs to be done to being restoring the complex here to its full splendor. THe artillery barrage was ruthless, and the wrecks of a dozen armored vehicles line the eastern side of the work site. UNW mechs savaged a counterattack by cult enforcers here, before moving on to fight her directly.

Some of them look recoverable

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 10:53 AM

Eisheru will toil away along all the others. While he is not the strongest he does what he can to move rubble and debris out of the way. He spends a lot of time ferrying food and water to the various workers and volunteers and spending a minute or two talking with them. When he sees the armored vehicles he gets excited... (Since this is a salvage mission undertaken by AT, would I be able to claim those as property? Or would it go to Greystar?) (edited)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 11:08 AM

(the mechs arent here anymore, just destroyed cult vehicles. You could claim the wrecks)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 11:08 AM

(sorry reading comprehension is hard sometimes -_-". Okay some of the vehicles are recoverable?)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 11:18 AM

(yes, 4 of them were killed by solid round weapons, so there's actually something to repair,e verything else got magebladed or lasered to death

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 11:19 AM

(Do they still have functional wheels? Could I effectively tow them back to Aiya Tech HQ?)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 11:30 AM

(unable to be determined by just visual inspection)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 11:35 AM

Eisheru pulls out his compad and searches the business registry for a towing company. He will send a request asking for assistance in towing several armored vehicles. He will also send a message to Aiya Tech HQ requesting that a corporate security detail be dispatched to watch over the Armored Vehicles until they can be towed back to HQ

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 11:38 AM

A few cargo lighters can be rented for the day for 500 credits, and they can have the salvagable wrecks brought back to your headquarters for later review. Your corporate security team is scrambling now, and is expected to be here in an hour. Work continues, as you stand near your prize, eyeing those whos labors bring them close to the area

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 11:42 AM

(-500 credits. oh btw I know I said I was willing to spend 10k credits for the day to get this going. how much is it going to cost me in total? want to keep accurate book keeping)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 12:04 PM

(It'll cost the full 10k for today)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 12:05 PM

(perfect)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 01:12 PM

Under the watchful eyes of your security team, the four most intact of the wrecks are hauled aboard, an armored personnel carrier, and three ground-trucks. Thankfully, the vermin and stray dogs have carried the organic material that was once the cult fighters inside, away

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 01:13 PM

(gotta thank those dogs for their service)

(Did any more local politicians/leaders come to the event? what about trade leaders?)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 01:18 PM

Eisheru recognizes a few faces in the crowd from the merchants meeting a couple weeks ago, when he cooled fears about Greystar becoming the planetary authority on mercantile business. If there are others in the crowd, theyve not introduced themselves. This is the first gathering of many, and they may be biding their time, for it is easy to be invested in a place when it is not the routine

(basically things need to be running smoothly for a while, right now everything is new and youre still in the shaking hands and kissing babies phase.)

(so of course youre doing a good job)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 01:19 PM

(yeah just want to make sure they know who I am and if they have concerns or questions that they can bring them to me)

Eisheru will continue his schmoozing efforts and make a point to speak to every local leader and every merchant that is at the event. He assures them that Greystar is not here to become a tyrant and that if they have any questions or concerns that they can come to him at any time. After shaking hands he goes back to work picking up debris and shuttling water to tired workers. He even has his fungal hound sitting and playing with any kids that showed up

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 05:57 PM

You make some friendly re-connections with a few of the merchants you've met before, and they seem to appreciate this initial effort you are making. The palace grounds are a long way from being restored, but by the end of the day, they are at least free from debris, and you have four vehicles you may be able to save back at headquarters. The remaining eight wrecks are too ruined to be of use as intended ever again, and a municipal recycling service removes them, to reclaim the metal and electronic components within for use in other projects

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 06:03 PM

(Do you think by this point my mag pistol is complete?) (edited)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 06:32 PM

(Yes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 06:34 PM

(would def like to go pick that up. Would it be the next day? or would they still be open after the field day at the palace?)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 06:35 PM

(they're open 24/7, so we can move into that scene next)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 06:40 PM

After a hard days labor moving stones and making connections, Eisheru gets on his bike, straps his fungal hound in to the sidecar, and rides over to Boom-N-Zoom. He enjoys the fresh air as he rides through the city streets. As he rolls up to the gunshop, Eisheru places his helmet on his bike and secures his hound's leash to the bike. "Stay boy. I'll only be a moment" He walks in to the store

Eisheru opens up the telepathic contact with @DaveH 'Sorry to disturb you friend. I am at the gunshop, do you need anything while I am here?'

(I figured he is within 1000km of Ash City)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-19 06:50 PM

(yeah, within the area, just below it)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 06:50 PM

(gotta love far contact)

DaveH 28-Aug-19 06:53 PM

Oh, hello Eisheru. You startled me a bit. I didn’t realize telepathy could travel such long distances. Hey, appreciate the thought. I think I’m good on guns at the moment though. Let’s catch up when I get back to the surface.

(edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-19 06:54 PM

Again my deepest apologies for the disturbance. Its taken a lot of practice but yes I can open up this contact from a great distance away. And definitely will meet up. You will have to tell me what you were doing underground.

(edited)

Eisheru smiles warmly as he walks up to the counter hoping to see the same gentleman who helped him the first time

Nekosmash 29-Aug-19 09:24 AM

He is there, and swings back out to the counter on his rolling chair when you come in, "Ah your piece! she is done and she is a beauty!"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-19 09:47 AM

Eisheru excitedly looks over the new handgun. He pulls the slide and removes the magazine to make sure everything is in working order. Satisfied he places it back on the countertop. "Truly exceptional work. The people aren't kidding when they say this is the best place for firearms." He pulls out his compad and makes a few taps sending the rest of the payment to the store plus an additional 500credits for exceptional work and 30 credits for 60 rounds of ammunition (2000+500+30 = 2530)

"I think the only thing I need now is just 3 boxes of ammo for this guy."

Nekosmash 29-Aug-19 05:58 PM

"Very good, The ammo is on us. You are generous enough already. I hope if the weapon is ever drawn, it is used for good" he says, pocketing the money you've laid on the counter

"And remember us for all your future weapon modification needs"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-19 06:14 PM

"My hope is that it collects dust from lack of use, but better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I always like to say." Eisheru gives a generous bow of the head "You are too kind. I will be sure to send anyone looking for weapons to you. Have a good rest of your night." Eisheru will dip his head once again and then head out to the street. He walks back up to his fungal hound and kneels down to give him several good scratches behind his head. "How about I call you Kairus? Well? What do you think of Kairus, boy?"

Nekosmash 29-Aug-19 07:11 PM

The dog chirps loudly, and sits, then rolls over

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-19 07:13 PM

"Kairus it is." Eisheru says as he rubs the creatures belly. They both load up into the motorcycle and sidecar. And they ride back to the apartment in the Greystar City.

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 06:29 AM

Your apartment in the slowly developing town is well appointed, your gear from the starhab passed down and delivered for your use. A soak tank with dark water, pumped from the underground sea, is set into the floor.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 07:17 AM

Eisheru walks in and starts pulling off pieces of gear and clothing to soak in his tank. As he sinks down deep into the cool waters, he lets his mind wander to the seas of Terezinho. Eisheru floats peacefully in the tank while his memory recalls lively debates between him and members of his family. He will spend a good while in the tank reminiscing and reflecting.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 07:39 AM

(has anyone officially welcomed Suha into the Confederation?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 08:03 AM

(they have not, no, You guys made the decision to let them in iirc, but they havent actually been informed)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 09:39 AM

(Do i have time to do that before the honey heist? also wanted to inquire about opening an HQ there at some point)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 09:48 AM

(we have time for something quick like that)

(I'm triyng to move Svenkas mission as quick as i can to not hold you up)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 09:51 AM

(totes understand. and I am good with a quick jaunt to Suha to formally welcome them into the confederation)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 10:13 AM

(Is Evan Wriker skilled enough to be a starship pilot? or is he purely a helo/atmospheric pilot?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 10:23 AM

(I worked it out with Svenka, we had to prioritize some things, Evan is just atmo, and the whole starhab is going for this, along with the fleet but for some homeguard ships)

(pretty big thing about to happen)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 10:25 AM

(yeah this is an old remnant shipyard isnt it? gonna be huge that we are just sneaking this right from under UNW nose. hopefully not a interpolity incident.)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 10:26 AM

(yeah its super big, Shariar is not technically claimed by the UNW, but it is a world they have an outpost on. There's nothing in orbit aside from the derelict shipyard itself )

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Aug-19 10:27 AM

(It will be fine, don’t worry)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 10:32 AM

(I feel like I will want a CFU for the heist mission)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 10:35 AM

(youd have time for shopping)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 10:38 AM

(are we skipping suha for the time being? if we are looking to start the heist soon IRL time I can just downtime and study slyth)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 10:38 AM

(yeah id like to get that going since everyones sort of between stuff right now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 10:39 AM

(ok however many days it would be I would just study Slyth. Can i also get a drone in the Greystar City or Ash City?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 10:39 AM

(TL 4 drones , yes )

(it would just be about a day between missions)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 10:40 AM

(could i continue the study on the way to Shariar?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 10:40 AM

(yeah)

(there will be time in spike)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 10:41 AM

(ok cool. I'll work out a drone in the mean time and get it sent to you)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 01:01 PM

(Sleeper (2500) + Expert System (5000) + Environmental Power (4000) + Heavy Lift (2000) + Observation Suite (250) Total = 13750)

(Combat Field Uniform (1000))

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 01:05 PM

(great, you'll have that as we step off for the mission)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-19 01:06 PM

(how long is the trip from Acastus to Shahriar?)

(day per hex on traveled routes?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-19 01:10 PM

(yeah)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-19 05:56 PM

(Ok I'm at 22/30 for Slyth after the first part of the trip and can establish a telepathic connection with everyone in Greystar except svenka for no effort) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Sep-19 09:16 AM

(for the 12 day spike back I would complete my slyth studies and then begin working on Taros. so Taros 4/30)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Sep-19 06:41 PM

(i think it's time to go welcome Suha officially into the confederation)

Svenka Vilnovha 16-Sep-19 06:41 PM

(Let me know if you want a wing-person)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Sep-19 06:42 PM

(Eisheru will always welcome company)

Nekosmash 17-Sep-19 04:42 AM

(If you guys want to we can do that here)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Sep-19 06:52 AM

Eisheru walks towards the hangar bay on the starhab and reaches out to Svenka telepathically

I was planning on heading to Suha to formally welcome them into the Confederation and I would very much enjoy having some company on this trip. We will be in the hangar bay for a little while longer if you would like to join me.

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 07:44 AM

How does this work? Do I just think something back? Is there a trigger or something? I’ll be right over.

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 07:54 AM

Svenka arrives to the hangar a short time later, casual clothes on and holding a half-eaten mushroom pastry.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Sep-19 07:56 AM

Exactly that. Just envision the thought you wish to transmit and...

"... will it to me..." Eisheru gives a long pause as he watches Svenka eat the pastry "And you didn't bring one for me? Haroomph" He makes a big show of dramatically turning around. Over the telepathic connection Svenka gets the feeling of playfulness

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 08:18 AM

She shrugs and breaks it in half, holding out the second half to Eisheru

You popped in while I was eating breakfast!

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Sep-19 08:34 AM

Eisheru turns around with an innocent smile and bows his head and graciously takes the offered piece. He sends a thought to Svenka

Next time I will be sure to put in an order for takeout

He continues out loud, "This should hopefully be a smooth trip. Going to welcome the Suhans into the Confederation and see if they have any ideas on other planets that might be amenable to joining as well."

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 08:38 AM

“You’re inviting my because of my ship, aren’t you?” she jokes

DaveH 17-Sep-19 09:24 AM

Kelvin overhears Eisheru mentioning a trip to Suha. “Hey guys, hate to impose but could I ride with you to Suha? Would love to join the welcoming party and I also have some personal business to attend to.” (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 09:30 AM

“Absolutely. No imposition at all - I would be happy to host you on the trip over as well. We have lots of space on Mokoshi’s Wings as we are running on a skeleton crew now. Nothing to worry about - it could be flown by a single person in a pinch. Either of you a pilot?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Sep-19 09:53 AM

"Svenka! You wound me..." He clutches an imaginary wound, "And of course Kelvin, the more the merrier." Eisheru chuckles at being asked if he is a pilot "If only it were possible to steal expertise through the telepathic connection..."

DaveH 17-Sep-19 10:14 AM

Kelvin laughs also. “I mean, I’ve messed around with some flight sims, but based on those results I wouldn’t trust myself with the real thing.”

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 10:39 AM

“I suppose Lena or I can take the helm then” She smiles “when do we plan to leave? Do you need to pack?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Sep-19 10:40 AM

"I am ready whenever you all are. I tend to travel rather light." Eisheru pats his backpack that is slung over one shoulder.

DaveH 17-Sep-19 01:21 PM

“Yeah I’m good as well.”

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 02:22 PM

Svenka walks her two new allies over to her ship, Mokoshi’s Wings. The ship itself is frigate-sized, green in colour and looks fairly stout in shape and size. The front of the ship is a thick transparent dome, reminiscent of a fishbowl. A woman can be seen walking around and checking on systems, although specifics cant be made out at this distance. Walking to the back of the ship and past the 2 large thrusters, the trio can see that the back cargo ramp is open, a large ATV and supplies are present, although additional space is available. Svenka walks up the ramp. Welcome! Make yourselves at home - The 2 forward cabins are mine and Lena, my first officer’s respectively. Bones, the ship doctor has his room marked and There is a Taros family also taking up 2 of the rooms. Aside from that, pick one and make yourselves at home - The ship is a little bit more luxurious than the standard as it was intended for long-distance exploration.” She smiles, unable to hide the giddy pride she has in her ship

DaveH 17-Sep-19 02:36 PM

Kelvin looks around. “Holy... this ship is insane! Thank you Svenka. I’m not picky. Eisheru, feel free to take whichever you prefer.”

Nekosmash 17-Sep-19 03:19 PM

(Okay we are here then. I was trying to figure out where everyone went)

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 03:42 PM

(Lol - sorry!)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Sep-19 04:23 PM

Eisheru wanders around Mokoshi's Wings and marvels at the ship's connection. Svenka hears the warm Merlon voice in her head

She looks like a remarkable vessel. Beautiful even. Thank you for shepherding us on this venture

He comes back around and stands at the cargo ramp next to Kelvin. "I'll take one of the rooms near the back closest to one of the thrusters. The thrumming helps me sleep"

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Sep-19 04:40 PM

After a short time, a voice comes over the interior speaker system, requesting all assemble in the bridge to prepare for departure. Once assembled, Svenka introduces her crew (and guests) - Lena - 1st Officer - a severe looking human woman who has clearly had a significant portion of her extremities replaced, including her larynx, giving her a grating, robotic voice. - Bones - Medic - a young human man who is perpetually wearing a weathered off-white lab coat and generally reading something or another - now is no exception. He greets the newcomers with a nod. - Kade - Civilian - Svenka somewhat embarrassedly introduces her as her girlfriend - an attractive Taros woman with a somewhat punk look. - Malchris and family - Somewhat out of place is a Taros man, who looks like he has seen the lower-rungs of life for a long time and who is just now in a different world. His wife, incredibly slight, seems nervous, but happy and their 2 kids are happy to play along, standing at attention and saluting.

“We will get underway in a few moments, just loading on the last of the supplies. Make yourselves at home - once we are underway I can give a tour of the engine room and teleporter.” She says the last word with an impossible-to-conceal level of excitement.

(And I’m done

)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Sep-19 08:42 PM

Eisheru climbs aboard and will spend a brief moment getting his things situated in one of the rooms near the back. (unless something happens) He will spend his time getting to know any of the crew and passengers that seem willing to talk. (no need to rp out casual conversation with the npc) (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Sep-19 04:41 AM

(Anything else before we go guys?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Sep-19 04:53 AM

(I'm ready)

DaveH 18-Sep-19 05:42 AM

After introducing himself to the rest of the passengers and crew and making some polite small talk Kelvin is ready.

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Sep-19 07:26 AM

(Ready)

Nekosmash 18-Sep-19 08:13 AM

The trip to Suha itself is uneventful and you see the gun has been rotated to face fleshshaper space. The two patrol boats captured for the world hang in the void, providing orbital overwatch and preventing the bombardment from space

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Sep-19 08:28 AM

“Lena, open a channel and get us lined up to dock. Nice work everyone, another successful drill.” A channel opens to the ship “We are orbiting Suha and prepping to land. Should be ready to disembark in minutes.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Sep-19 08:31 AM

Eisheru peeks an eye open from his meditation upon hearing the intercom. He takes another deep breath and exhales slowly before getting up and ensuring his things are prepped for disembarkation. He leaves his readied backpack in his room and wanders towards the bridge. "My my... That's a rather enormous gun the Suhan's got there..."

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Sep-19 08:32 AM

“Indeed. It’s terrifying. Have they ever fired it?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Sep-19 08:35 AM

Eisheru doesn't even look over, still marveling at the size of the planet killer he replies, "Not to my knowledge. I believe the Director managed to convince them not to annihilate the Ledans with it. This was before the Confederation was formed." (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Sep-19 09:19 AM

(Where do you want to land? You’ve got liberty aside from landing directly at the gun)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Sep-19 09:19 AM

(TO THE GUN! jk. for me just wherever their seat of planetary govt would be)

Nekosmash 18-Sep-19 09:20 AM

(They go wherever you are. Another one of the weirdsies here

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Sep-19 09:20 AM

(mobile planetary govt led by a snarky cpl smorkle? i love suha more every time)

(Steelhearth looks like a good spot to me unless the other two have a preference)

Nekosmash 18-Sep-19 09:23 AM

(No ones been there yet actually so let’s do that)

Steelhearth is the industrial heart of suha, it’s primary exports being the one and only corporal smorkle himself, along with parts, shells, manufactured materials and consumer goods for the legion of engineers that keeps suhas main attraction and public services functioning

The city is compact, the buildings tall rather than sprawling wide and to the south you see nature has even reclaimed a few of the outer factories and residential buildings

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Sep-19 09:37 AM

(I don’t know what a Cpl Smorkle is, but I think I need one)

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Sep-19 09:44 AM

Svenka emerges in her Greystar uniform, equipped with her pistol and 2 drones in tow. “When you are ready, Eisheru - this is your show.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Sep-19 11:00 AM

Eisheru steps up next to Svenka and gives a nod of approval at her choice of clothing. "Grey suits you, Ms. Vilnovha. And I would hardly say this is my show, I am just a simple Merlon who enjoys talking to people." He gives a warm smile and excitedly waits for the cargo bay door to open. His Greystar jacket is open in front revealing his black undershirt. For someone who is so formal in his speech, his appearance is anything but. His own drone floats up next to Svenka's menagerie. (edited)

DaveH 18-Sep-19 01:26 PM

Kelvin steps out of the ship behind Eisheru and Svenka. His only weapon is a pistol, but it’s well-concealed. He lifts his sunglasses and looks around. “Kinda depressing. Oh well, we aren’t here to sightsee. I’m following you guys on this one. At some point I would like to discuss trade so that we can potentially build some commercial assets on Suha.” (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Sep-19 05:06 PM

A staff car. open topped, carrying a smirking soldier in a corporals uniform, and three other diplomats rounds the corner, followed by a truck with an additional what looks to be 40 soldiers in it. This is the first Suha's military has come out in such a strong presence Their gear looks a bit dated, but still functional, their uniforms a digital mix of woodland colors, as the majority of their planet is indeed that

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Sep-19 05:07 PM

“Shit, are we in trouble? I feel like I’m going to be arrested” Svenka says quietly

Nekosmash 18-Sep-19 05:36 PM

The soldiers disembark, forming a smart honor guard, sabers forming a canopy, under which corporal smokle saunters toward you, giving a bored half wave

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Sep-19 06:00 PM

Eisheru has a big smile on his face while watching all of this unfold. "Aren't Corporals not very high ranked? he says quietly to his two companions. He begins walking down the ramp with a huge jovial grin. "What a fascinating fellow!"

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Sep-19 06:03 PM

Svenka follows Eisheru, worry shifts to bemusement and she waits for the character to introduce himself, already knowing who this might be.

Nekosmash 18-Sep-19 06:07 PM

"Whats up guys!" the corporal say "I don't know which of you I met. I was pretty tired last time. Corporal Smorkle, at your service"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Sep-19 06:36 PM

"Greetings, Corporal Smorkle!" Eisheru gives a generous bow of his head. "I have not had the pleasure! Liaison Eisheru Tidecaller. This..." he gestures to Svenka, "is Agent Svenka Vilnovha. And I believe that you met Agent Kelvin Bell previously." (edited)

DaveH 18-Sep-19 06:55 PM

“Corporal! Good to see you again friend. I trust all is well on Suha?”

DaveH 18-Sep-19 07:05 PM

Kelvin extends a hand

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Sep-19 07:51 PM

“Pleasure to meet you, Corporal.” Svenka continues smiling at the absurdity of the situation

Nekosmash 19-Sep-19 06:52 AM

“Good to see you Kelvin. And meet the rest of you. So what’s the story. Welcoming us into the family?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Sep-19 07:54 AM

"Absolutely! Among a few other things but primarily to, as you said, welcome you to the family! How are those Patrol Boats working out?"

Eisheru's excitement is palpable. Between meeting new people, seeing a new world and the irreverence of Corporal Smorkel, he is nearly in a state of bliss (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 19-Sep-19 08:15 AM

Svenka nods at the Corporal, hands behind her back in a military fashion “I am along to see your world and also help welcome you to... the family. “ She smiles

DaveH 19-Sep-19 10:08 AM

“Absolutely. I think this would also be a good opportunity for us to learn more about the current state of affairs on Suha, and to answer any questions you may have about Greystar.”

Nekosmash 19-Sep-19 11:57 AM

“The boats are doing what we needed them to do. I feel a lot better knowing someone can’t just drop a strike team from space onto the gun”

Svenka Vilnovha 19-Sep-19 01:11 PM

“Hopefully we will be able to bolster those defences as time goes on, Corporal.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Sep-19 09:13 PM

Eisheru nods in agreement, "And part of bolstering the Confederation's defenses is to find more like minded allies. Do you know of other plants or organizations that might want to join our happy little family?

Nekosmash 20-Sep-19 04:35 AM

Not really into the neighborhood watch business” he said dismissively. “All those fancy ships and you can’t take a stroll through the sector?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Sep-19 05:04 AM

"That is true, but I would like to be able to stroll through more than two systems without cruiser escort. Then there is the whole pesky matter of fleshshapers." Eisheru coughs to clear his throat. "As far as personal business I founded an organization called Aiya Technologies. I was wondering if I could obtain permission to build a branch of our company here on Suha."

Nekosmash 20-Sep-19 06:08 AM

“Specializing in what kind of business? As have enough weapons manufacturing certainly”

DaveH 20-Sep-19 08:35 AM

Kelvin clears his throat. “Actually we’re looking for broader commercial access. Greystar continues to improve Acastus’ economy, and as a result several new trade organizations have started. By allowing them to build outposts on Suha, you could help to improve your own economy as well.”

Svenka Vilnovha 20-Sep-19 08:52 AM

“I’m just here to see your massive gun, Corporal.”

Nekosmash 20-Sep-19 10:24 AM

“Oh you’ll get the chance later if you’re a good girl” he winks, eyes lingering on your for probably a second longer than necessary. “I see. So you’re looking for markets here then. Suha is a very nice planet. We try to take care not to shit too much in the collective litter box we call the environment here. You’d be forced to comply with environmental regulations if you’re going to start mining or logging”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Sep-19 12:32 PM

"Of course. We have no wish to circumvent any laws or regulations. We were also wondering if there is anything troubling the people of Suha that we might be able to help with."

Nekosmash 20-Sep-19 05:39 PM

"Between the UNW and you guys all trying to get a nice pull on my gun most of the issues we have here have been resolved. We're looking outward now, with you."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Sep-19 09:49 AM

(anything we can do to try and reduce trade friction? Or am i just not asking the right questions?)

Nekosmash 21-Sep-19 11:56 AM

(in time probably yes, but the political situation has already just changed dramatically)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Sep-19 12:20 PM

(ok cool!)

Nekosmash 21-Sep-19 12:20 PM

(We haven’t done any actually you guys letting them know what their responsibilities are either. He’s not sure what’s going on. We just showed up and asked some leading questions)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Sep-19 12:22 PM

(ok i can get into that later. Out with the family for the day. Or if someone else wants to do that feel free) (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Sep-19 12:44 PM

(Packing and pet emergency before our trip - I’ll try to engage later today!)

Nekosmash 21-Sep-19 01:12 PM

(no worries all, just laying things out. Kelvin feel free to hop in too)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Sep-19 01:15 PM

(yeah man what he said. And if your want to jump in but can't due to timing just let us know and i can hang back until you get a chance to jump in)

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Sep-19 01:18 PM

(Don’t wait on me

)

DaveH 21-Sep-19 04:50 PM

(Sorry I am in the middle of nowhere with like 10 minutes a day of reliable internet until Monday night)

Nekosmash 23-Sep-19 05:15 PM

(No problem!)

DaveH 23-Sep-19 07:43 PM

(I’m back guys - sorry!!)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Sep-19 07:44 PM

(no need to apologise! Wanted you to be able to get in on this too!)

DaveH 23-Sep-19 07:45 PM

Kelvin looks around, then back at Smorkle. “Listen Corporal, I know this is a lot coming at you all at once. Perhaps we should find a place to sit down to catch up in private. There’s a lot to discuss and I’m sure you have questions. We don’t want to overwhelm you right here.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Sep-19 07:46 PM

(haha great save too!!)

Nekosmash 24-Sep-19 04:36 AM

“You won’t say anything then that you can,t now. We join the collective and then what, are overwhelmed in off world business concerns?”

DaveH 24-Sep-19 05:44 AM

Kelvin pauses. “Perhaps I used the wrong word. I don’t think any of our requests should overwhelm you. As Eisheru and I said, we are asking for permission to open satellite offices for our trading companies on Suha. No weapons manufacturing, nothing that won’t be in full comport with all of your local laws and regulations. We are looking to open more free trade between the planets of Greystar. This is a good thing for Suha. We will provide markets for your citizens to buy and sell goods and bring more from off-world. It will benefit your local economy in addition to Greystar’s. In addition to that, simply a welcome. And we ask if there’s anything of concern on Suha that we could perhaps help you with.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Sep-19 06:26 AM

"It was definitely not our intention to overwhelm you with anything and for that we apologize, our excitement got the better of us." Eisheru pulls out his compad and makes a few taps to send the 'Articles of Confederation' to Corporal Smorkle "I just sent you the most up to date copy of the 'Articles of Confederation'. It details the rights and responsibilities of member planets as well as the responsibilities of the Combine to the Confederation. The long and short of it all is that we help each other and we make decisions as a group." He puts his compad away before continuing. "I would like to invite you and/or any that you would appoint to join the Greystar Council at your earliest convenience at the Starhab in orbit above Acastus. In the meantime, we want to continue to show you that we are committed to our allies. As Agent Bell said, if there is anything that you need help with we stand ready to offer that assistance."

Nekosmash 24-Sep-19 07:20 AM

Seeing the articles and skimming them he smiles. “This is exactly what I was asking about. This makes me feel a lot better. I’ll appoint some representatives. As far as having an actual written commitment now you’re both welcome to open for business here”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Sep-19 08:45 AM

Once Corporal finishes reading through the articles, Eisheru focuses in on Smorkles mind and attempts to read his emotional state (Establish Telepathic Contact w/ Corporal Smorkle. No save at this point. Hoping to see if his emotional state matches his words) "I am glad that these articles are acceptable and we look forward to welcoming your delegation on the council. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you have nothing else I was looking forward to spending some time seeing your planet and learning of your people. And I know Ms. Vilnovha is interested in learning more about your feats of engineering." (I don't need to RP out a tour of the city we are in we can cut to something more specific if Kelvin or Svenka have anything)

DaveH 24-Sep-19 05:35 PM

(No I’m good)

“That’s great to hear Corporal. We look forward to further solidifying our partnership. We would love to host you for a visit to Acastus whenever it’s convenient for you.”

Nekosmash 24-Sep-19 05:40 PM

(He's speaking what he feels for right now)

"I look forward to having from friendly faces in the backyard for a change. Friendly faces that won't decide to come in and take my ships again, I hope" he says with just enough of a joke in his voice

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Sep-19 10:33 AM

"As do we." Eisheru smiles warmly at the Corporal "Would you care to play host a little bit longer and give us a tour of this wonderful city of yours?" (edited)

Nekosmash 25-Sep-19 04:52 PM

"It depends what you want to see, I've got time for a short one. Something of particular import on your mind?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Sep-19 07:19 PM

"We are in the process of bringing Acastus' manufactories back into working order. A tour of your production facilities would be appreciated!"

Nekosmash 26-Sep-19 07:06 AM

(Anyone have anything else?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Sep-19 07:18 AM

(I'm assuming Svenka is still dealing with some personal stuff. Hasn't responded to our personal conversation in almost a week)

DaveH 26-Sep-19 07:48 AM

(Sorry I am slow as well - I am good here)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Sep-19 07:57 AM

(did Suha send their engineers to Acastus to help us rebuild? I believe that was part of the deal that Kelvin made when he agreed to go get their patrol boats for them. or would that be something that would happen now that we have 'official' completed the quest to get them their patrol boats?) (edited)

Nekosmash 26-Sep-19 10:16 AM

(They did)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Sep-19 10:35 AM

(I did have one more question before we can end scene)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Sep-19 11:00 AM

"Thank you for the tour of your manufactories. There are definitely processes and techniques that can be brought back to Acastus to help them increase production and get more facilities back online." Eisheru walks next to Corporal Smorkle as they leave the last facility, hands behind his back "I just had one more question, a change in pace as it is more personal in nature if you don't mind." (edited)

Nekosmash 26-Sep-19 04:28 PM

“Alright. I’ll hear you out. I’m too wild of a stallion to be tied down to one man or woman though”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Sep-19 04:44 PM

He lets out a jovial chuckle before answering, "Give me a year and I could make an honest man of you" he gives a smile and a wink. "alas no that was not my question. Where I come from, Corporals do not usually have the authority to make treaties with foreign entities. So do Corporals have more power here?"

Nekosmash 26-Sep-19 06:33 PM

"I think that one's going to stay with me for a while longer" he says, still smiling but not as wide. "I'm sure you understand"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Sep-19 06:34 PM

(whats his emotional state when saying this)

Nekosmash 26-Sep-19 06:44 PM

(coy, if that makes sense)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Sep-19 06:48 PM

(shy but alluring?)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Sep-19 07:27 PM

"I will not press further then." Eisheru returns his smile, warm, genuine and flirtatious. "Corporal, it has been an absolute pleasure and we look forward to having your delegation join us above Acastus. If you have need of any assistance in the future, do not hesitate to send a message requesting our aid." (edited)

(I have nothing else to do on Suha if Kelvin wants to do anything)

Nekosmash 27-Sep-19 05:37 AM

(Shy but alluring indeed. 3xp 5000 credits

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Sep-19 09:21 AM

(with Svenka away on vacay [probably] we can make the trip back to Acastus. Kelvin and I wanted to try and work to complete Greystar's final Cunning sub-endeavor)

(for reference "- Scout three sites of interest on Acastus itself, or its moons (2/3) ")

DaveH 27-Sep-19 12:56 PM

(Should we continue that in this thread?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Sep-19 01:49 PM

( i have no preference unless you or neko do we can just stay here. I'm assuming we won't start until he gets back from his trip. We can rp getting to know each other more if you want while we wait) (edited)

Nekosmash 29-Sep-19 12:59 PM

(If you two want to continue working together we can continue here in this thread

DaveH 29-Sep-19 01:22 PM

(Works for me)

Nekosmash 29-Sep-19 06:21 PM

(okay, Aris is actually wrapping up that last site of interest on his thread. You guys want to see if you can discern anything in the shipyard, specifically that battleship?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Sep-19 06:34 PM

(that would be awesome! I'm in for it)

Nekosmash 29-Sep-19 06:35 PM

(Svenka, now that you're back, does this sound appealing?)

DaveH 29-Sep-19 07:56 PM

(Sounds good to me too!)

Nekosmash 30-Sep-19 02:59 AM

Returning to Acastus with the official loyalty of Suha, the shuttle passes by the large shipyard and the south side hangar where the slyth battleship is suspended for study. At this time it appears work is only just beginning on the repairs to the shipyard itself, and it could be some time before an actual team is sent to review the prize inside

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Sep-19 05:51 AM

(Kelvin are you fluent in Slyth now too?) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Sep-19 06:34 AM

Eisheru walks up to the front view window of the shuttle as they pass by the shipyard "Pilot, can you take us to the ship yard? We are going to take a look at that beauty right there" he states while pointing to the battleship.

Nekosmash 30-Sep-19 07:32 AM

He nods and the craft banks gently toward the hangar. You hear the constant muttering of him updating the flight controllers of the changed flight plan, not wanting to be shot down as an errant craft

“Five minutes. They’re just verifying a few things”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Sep-19 07:35 AM

"Not a problem. I don't believe any of us are in a hurry." (I will keep it generic until we hear whether or nor Svenka wants to come along. I am assuming she would) Eisheru walks back to sit again with his companions and turns to Kelvin, "Have you been practicing your Slyth? This battleship could give us some great insight into their culture and society in addition to their technology and military"

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Sep-19 12:47 PM

(Svenka would have spent the intervening time investigating the city and culture of Suha and reading up on some of the findings of the shipyard - She is certainly along for the ride - and will provide the ride)

DaveH 30-Sep-19 01:08 PM

Kelvin nods. “I have. Lots of spike time for practice. I’m looking forward to putting it to use.”

Nekosmash 30-Sep-19 05:37 PM

(You're close enough to the shipyard since you're back on Acastus, the vessel is really just that, a way to get there)

"Alright, we've been cleared to report to the bridge first, then we have liberty of the station. Well, you do, at any rate" the co-pilot calls back into the crew cabin. "Everyone ready?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Sep-19 05:49 PM

"Will be much more enjoyable without armored vacc suits." Eisheru straps in and waits for the shuttle to dock

DaveH 30-Sep-19 06:55 PM

“Yep, all set.” Kelvin gives a little nod to Eisheru.

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Sep-19 07:50 PM

(So... am I along?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Sep-19 07:50 PM

(yeah def! we just took a shuttle from the starhab after docking your ship)

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Sep-19 07:52 PM

Svenka is unguardedly excited at the prospect of examining the Slyth battleship, strapped in and ready with her drones and toolkit on her lap “I’ve only just started learning their language.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Oct-19 10:41 AM

"Then we will have some fun learning in a more practical setting!"

Svenka Vilnovha 01-Oct-19 10:46 AM

Svenka says the Slyth word for ‘Horrible disfiguring death’ which is somewhat (but not really) close to ‘Yay!’

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Oct-19 10:52 AM

Eisheru raises an eyebrow and begins to say something, but then quickly thinks better of it. He instead opts for a friendly smile and a nod while they wait to dock at their new shipyard

Nekosmash 01-Oct-19 03:07 PM

The shuttle comes in near the hatch taking crews to the bridge. Bloodshed in this corridor was avoided thankfully due to some quick thinking and well reasoned argument during the boarding action. The area is in fine repair because of it, allowing the yard to begin working almost right away

Svenka Vilnovha 01-Oct-19 03:39 PM

Svenka emerges, toolkit in hand and drone following quietly over her shoulder “Okay, lets go break some ancient technology, people!”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Oct-19 05:11 PM

Eisheru follows right behind just as eager to begin the process. "Hopefully I can be of some use being your translator"

DaveH 01-Oct-19 08:50 PM

Kelvin follows as well. (Sorry I’ve been slow guys - work is insane)

Svenka Vilnovha 01-Oct-19 09:12 PM

(S’Okay!)

Nekosmash 02-Oct-19 03:03 AM

The hatch opens as the docking rings lock and you’re let inside where dozens of techs, ship crew, menials and security forces roam the halls around the bridge, all off on their own private errands or job duties. There is lively conversation in the air and you can distantly hear power tools as damage from months of neglect is being repaired

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Oct-19 01:59 PM

Eisheru walks the corridors and greets any and all workers that they come across. He makes his way towards the hangar bay with the prized ship

Nekosmash 02-Oct-19 08:53 PM

A large security detail keeps the hangar secure along with a coterie of mechanics and techs, and you see most of them assembled in the gangway outside the hangar as you arrive

Svenka Vilnovha 02-Oct-19 09:03 PM

Svenka gives a salute without breaking pace, anxious to see the ship. Despite herself she is grinning ear to ear.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Oct-19 04:55 PM

"Good Evening gentlemen! We're here on orders from Director Kensh"

Nekosmash 03-Oct-19 06:38 PM

Two of the guards wave you forward to the door itself but do not open it. "Orders from the director? What's your purpose inside? the hangar is locked down"

Svenka Vilnovha 03-Oct-19 06:39 PM

“Smack at it and see what falls off, of course.” Svenka looks at the others with an expression that says ‘duh’

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Oct-19 06:47 PM

"In a manner of speaking, yes. Director assigned us to learn what we can of Slyth ship design and determine what can be reverse engineered." Eisheru is friendly but direct. He keeps his arms loosely behind his back.

DaveH 04-Oct-19 09:48 AM

Kelvin isn’t paying any attention to the guards yet. He’s checking out all the mechanics and tools.

Nekosmash 04-Oct-19 04:35 PM

The guards review their pads for a moment and evidently find the orders. “Ah you changed course a few minutes aho. Alright that explains why we were in the dark down here. Head in. Chief engineer can fill you in from there before you go aboard “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Oct-19 04:40 PM

"Thank you gentlemen. Keep up the good work." Eisheru gives a head nod to the others indicating to follow and then walks through the door looking for the chief engineer.

Nekosmash 05-Oct-19 12:04 PM

Down a large stairwell, heading to an engineering platform also linked with the battleships side airlock (think like a jet bridge) , you see a large Taros man with a heavily modified suit of engineering armor directing lesser engineers, techs, and ratings toward various duties in the hangar. Most of said duties center around repair, cleanup, and ensuring the moorings for the vessel are secure

DaveH 05-Oct-19 02:04 PM

“Hi there. You must be the Chief Engineer?”

Nekosmash 05-Oct-19 04:11 PM

"I am, I've been hard at work trying to get the hangar in shape again, so we know what we're sitting on right now. It's a lot of work, as you can see"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Oct-19 05:17 PM

"We can hopefully help with that. Agents Kelvin and I are both fluent in Slyth. And Agent Svenka is an accomplished engineer in her own right. Director Kensh wants to know what Slyth ship design and construction techniques can be replicated for our navy."

Svenka Vilnovha 05-Oct-19 11:07 PM

“Happy to have the chance to take a look at real, Slyth tech and see what we can figure out from it.” Svenka gives a little bow

DaveH 07-Oct-19 05:38 AM

“So, mind if we take a closer look?”

Nekosmash 08-Oct-19 04:33 AM

He presses a few buttons on his vambrace and the hatch on the side of the ship opens, a long crew ladder extending to allow access to the airlock on the ships left side

“Be my guest. You’re here under special orders so just document your findings and see what you can do”

Svenka Vilnovha 08-Oct-19 09:11 AM

“Sounds good. We will try to keep the banging, ripping and tearing to a....” She puts her hand up in front of her “Medium level” she then climbs the ladder grinning like an idiot

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Oct-19 09:32 AM

Eisheru shakes his head in the way a parent would at such a statement from their child and then directs his attention back to the Chief Engineer. "Of course. You will be copied on our full report along with Director Kensh. If you need any assistance with translations contact me." Eisheru turns to follow Svenka. Both Svenka and Kelvin hear a voice in their head. 'Try to take a picture at least before you break anything, Svenka.' his tone is part joking, part serious.

DaveH 08-Oct-19 11:45 AM

Kelvin excitedly dives in on another part of the ship, examining, fiddling, twisting, grabbing a tool here and there to get a better look or take a reading...

Nekosmash 08-Oct-19 06:49 PM

(let me get a deck plan, should hae done this sooner

(hopefully this comes in clear)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Oct-19 06:58 PM

(would you prefer us to stick together or is It cool to spread out?)

Nekosmash 08-Oct-19 07:25 PM

(if we spread out we can to individual threads)

(I've got no problem doing either

Pinned a message.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Oct-19 08:37 PM

(I'd be cool with splitting off. Cover more ground. I'm assuming that a complete physical security sweep has happened?)

Svenka Vilnovha 08-Oct-19 09:04 PM

(Same - Svenka would be keenly interested in the power plants as a first focus)

Nekosmash 09-Oct-19 03:54 AM

(They’ve walked it but that’s not to say abandon caution)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Oct-19 04:06 AM

(mostly concerned it some baddie is hiding in a closet)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Oct-19 04:19 AM

(yeah I'm good with splitting off. I'm interested in the computer systems)

Svenka Vilnovha 09-Oct-19 09:27 AM

“I... as long as we stay in contact, either mentally or via radio we should be ok. Just be careful.” And I was kidding about destroying anything, Eisheru, this is like a temple.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Oct-19 10:32 AM

'I will be able to keep in contact with the two of you like this. I'll keep the connection open so as fast as you can think something I'll know it.' Eisheru nods at the two of them and starts walking towards the ship's computer.

DaveH 09-Oct-19 01:15 PM

Kelvin nods and heads to check out the life support systems and shield generators

Nekosmash 09-Oct-19 06:10 PM

(Alright, we can split into our own threads then since its going to get chaotic staying in one for everyones)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Oct-19 06:11 PM

(Yeah)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Oct-19 07:06 PM

(Eisheru was lookin to head towards the computer banks/main computer) (edited)

Nekosmash 11-Oct-19 06:17 PM

The main computer banks are located in An anteroom off the bridge. A pair of gun turrets have been pulled out of the ceiling but it does not look like they’d been activated, just discovered and taken down. The computer room is cold and storage banks are racked from floor to ceiling

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Oct-19 07:56 PM

Eisheru shivers at the cold room and slowly approaches the the mainframe access point. He presses one of the keys to see if the computer turns on

Nekosmash 14-Oct-19 03:49 AM

Something snaps loudly a deck below you and the machine begins lazily turning on, a scrolling list of sharp slyth glyphs runs down the screen detailing damaged or offline systems

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Oct-19 05:29 AM

"I hope that wasn't something important breaking..." He says aloud to himself. He waits for the system to finish it's boot cycle before entering any commands. He looks at the turrets to make sure they aren't powering on and then begins navigating the system looking for a ship's log (edited)

Nekosmash 14-Oct-19 07:31 PM

Nothing has been powered up, you can see where actual wiring has been cut and crimped, so prevent connection. (Do you have slyth mastered?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Oct-19 07:39 PM

Eisheru looks forward closely at the wiring and tries to see where it might be connected to (Yes, 30 days by the time we got the shipyard back)

(Also does it look like it was done by our team? Like cut and tagged?)

Nekosmash 15-Oct-19 03:49 AM

(The turrets yes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Oct-19 04:36 PM

(so power to this terminal is synonymous with power to the turrets?)

Nekosmash 16-Oct-19 04:38 PM

(No the turrets wonT work anymore

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Oct-19 04:46 PM

(but i can still attempt to connect the terminal back in? I don't know if I'm just not understanding something or what lol) (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Oct-19 04:52 PM

(You can reconnect the terminal. Forget about the turrets all I was saying is the security team handled the traps for you

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Oct-19 05:35 PM

(ok sorry for the confusion lol)

Eisheru looks at the terminal and the wiring behind it and attempts to get the terminal connected again

Nekosmash 16-Oct-19 06:04 PM

The terminal connects after a few wires are put back into position, and a few more archive folders are found, and indexed, as whatever databanks the lines are also connected to come back online

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Oct-19 06:15 PM

"That's better..." Eisheru looks at the computer and begins navigating the system looking for a Captain's log trying to determine what was the ship's last mission

Nekosmash 18-Oct-19 07:39 PM

There are numerous Logs from different station heads. The main theme running through all of them was the hunt for something called a star forge that had been taken by the shapers and was presumed lost. The ship was part of a long range patrol group

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Oct-19 08:10 PM

"Star forge huh? Let's see where you have traveled..." He will continue to navigate the system looking for flight plans or last known location

Nekosmash 20-Oct-19 06:26 PM

(This ones gonna be a Program int for sure)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Oct-19 09:46 PM

(6)

Nekosmash 21-Oct-19 12:18 PM

The ships logs before it was picked up by the remnant at Wasim are garbled and corrupted. You won’t be able to discern any additional information

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Oct-19 12:27 PM

"Hrm... Maybe someone else with more expertise than I could untangle that knot..." Eisheru taps one finger across his lips as his thinks for a minute before continuing to tap through files and folders. He searches for any records relating to Acastus and the Conjunction

Nekosmash 22-Oct-19 04:36 AM

The ship does not have any data concerning it, this warship was tasked with anti shaper patrols and had battle records loaded aboard its databanks. A small holographic table nearby comes to light as that system is accessed

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Oct-19 05:13 AM

Eisheru walks over to the holographic table. He looks for battle tactics which were particularly successful against the shapers as well as tactics commonly used by the shapers

Nekosmash 22-Oct-19 07:25 AM

The shapers predictably favor boarding actions and swarms of cheap, small craft that do not use much biomass. They do have capital ships and their own very large harvesting vessels with no small amount of defenses of their own, but their formations rely heavily on screens of fighters and attack corvettes, if it’s indeed possible to place any true classification to their vessels.

They do fight with tactical sense, not just the urge to feed and look to disable ships when possible

But only once the battle has swung toward their favor

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Oct-19 07:41 AM

Eisheru takes notes and documents keywords so that other technicians can come back and download any relevant data. He thinks to himself for a little while before continuing his search of the battle records. Now looking to see if the Slyth had any success against the Shapers and if there were tactics or tech that were instrumental to those successes.

Nekosmash 22-Oct-19 05:52 PM

The Slyth engaged in a successful war, owing much to tactics, rather than technology. There was no one single weapon or system that brought them to a decisive advantage over the shapers

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Oct-19 06:45 AM

"Best get this information to Fleet Command..." Eisheru taps a few more notes and documents file locations to be easily found at a later date. (Having a hard time thinking of things that Eisheru would do on the ship other than just walk around lol. Any suggestions?)

Nekosmash 24-Oct-19 11:24 AM

(He’s good at organizing people. Maybe talk to the laborers and leaders. See what they’re thinking in terms of this thing.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Oct-19 11:28 AM

(Perfect! You are the best neko :D)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Oct-19 11:44 AM

Eisheru spends the next little bit tapping through folders and archives and tables till his eyes start to lose focus. He lets out a small sigh. He was obtaining some useful information but the process was painfully slow and definitely not something he is used to doing. "I think it's time to take a different route..." he says and thinks to himself. He pushes back from the terminal and begins walking around the upper decks (Bridge and Med/Science bay) until he finds someone that looks like they are in charge.

Svenka Vilnovha 24-Oct-19 06:38 PM

So, I might be able to start the reactor...

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Oct-19 06:43 PM

Both @DaveH and Svenka hear the exasperated voice of Eisheru in their heads. "Excuse me? What?" Svenka hears the voice as if Eisheru were standing right in front of her. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 24-Oct-19 06:46 PM

“Goddamit! That’s creepy as hell! I might be able to start the reactor. I Found fuel and could try.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Oct-19 06:54 PM

There is a pregnant pause before the voice returns in Svenka's conscience, "I am both intrigued and concerned. Should we run this by someone, first?"

Svenka Vilnovha 24-Oct-19 06:54 PM

you feel the psychic equivalent of a shrug

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Oct-19 07:04 PM

"Hold that thought please, Svenka." He pulls up his compad and opens a secure channel to the Chief Engineer and says, "Pardon the interruption sir, but we believe that we have the capability to restart the reactor. Do you have any objections to this?" (edited)

Nekosmash 24-Oct-19 07:16 PM

"If the fuel is stable, fire it up. we can't do much with a dead reactor"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Oct-19 06:35 AM

Svenka now hears an excited voice, "Start her up!"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Oct-19 08:07 AM

Eisheru will continue to the bridge and wait to see if Svenka is successful in restarting the reactor

Nekosmash 25-Oct-19 11:21 AM

Lights come on as you make your way to the bridge where a group of technicians who had been standing around now suddenly spring up in alarm, preparing to work

Svenka Vilnovha 25-Oct-19 12:27 PM

“Okay.... I think.... I think we are ok. I’ll do a diagnostics in engineering.”

Nekosmash 26-Oct-19 05:01 AM

Things below deck must be okay , as the ship continues powering up

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Oct-19 07:46 AM

(sorry went away for a day. Forgot to hit send)

(does it look like the workers have some direction? Or are they chickens with their heads cut off?)

Nekosmash 26-Oct-19 08:13 AM

(Definitley chickens

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Oct-19 08:47 AM

As Eisheru surveys the scene on the bridge he notices that the techs appear to have no direction in their work. "Nice job Svenka!" He walks over to the workers. "Good first rise, all. Who is in charge of this detail?"

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Oct-19 11:02 AM

“We are live and running - all systems look ok on my end. Where do you want me?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Oct-19 11:37 AM

"Let's give either the weapons array or the laboratory and medbay a once over. Your pick." Eisheru sends to svenka through the gestalt connection.

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Oct-19 02:03 PM

“Lab and Medbay. More important for now.”

Nekosmash 27-Oct-19 05:04 AM

(Alright so your two are meeting at one of those places?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Oct-19 07:58 AM

(sorry I was only intending to direct svenka to another place to explore. Not to go meet) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Oct-19 03:31 PM

(hope that makes sense neko)

Nekosmash 27-Oct-19 06:39 PM

(Yeah you’re good)

(Where are you heading them)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Oct-19 07:00 PM

(was gonna stay and organize the techs on the bridge)

Nekosmash 28-Oct-19 03:43 AM

The techs are continuing to be idle around the bridge, having dispersed to some of the crew stations they still all hopelessly seek out of their depth

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Oct-19 05:45 AM

"Ah finally someone found the light switch..." Eisheru says aloud to no one in particular. He walks over to the group of techs and continues, "What's the good word, all?"

Nekosmash 28-Oct-19 02:28 PM

“None of this makes sense. We don’t even know where to begin. Can’t read a damn word of any of this” one says with a hint of defeat

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Oct-19 02:35 PM

“Eisheru - there is something contaminating Med Bay - not coming up on scanners, but I am going to suit up and then go in there”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Oct-19 03:40 PM

Eisheru begins addressing the techs on the bridge, "Let's see if we can run a translation program..." Eisheru walks towards the tech's terminal and sends a thought to Svenka, "Understood, please quarantine the area so the rest of the ship doesn't get contaminated." Eisheru sits down next to the tech and tries to execute a basic translation program similar to what was encountered at the House of the Movement of the Spheres.

Nekosmash 28-Oct-19 04:23 PM

(You actually speak slyth too right?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Oct-19 04:24 PM

(i would assume so. I spent 30 days learning and with diplomat that means I'm fluent) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Oct-19 05:42 PM

(want a program roll?)

Nekosmash 28-Oct-19 05:44 PM

(No im gonna do something else I just couldn’t remember what you had)

(I have 37 of you guys haha. It’s hard to keep track)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Oct-19 05:44 PM

(haha i can only imagine)

(my sheet is up to date with my languages if you ever need to check)

DaveH 28-Oct-19 07:57 PM

Kelvin pings Eisheru over the comm. “Ok buddy, I got the life support and shield system working. Shields can’t be armed when this is docked, but they should be good to go once it’s free. Anything else I should check out?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Oct-19 08:01 PM

Eisheru sends a thought back. Kevin sees the ships weapons in his mind and hears, "Let's get their weapons array checked out". Eisheru returns to attempting to provide some sort of translation support to the bridge team.

Nekosmash 29-Oct-19 06:45 PM

Your mastery of the language allows you to mock up a simple translation manual for the techs, though the alien computer system seems to reject new programming being added to it for the moment. They manage to get some rough translations and labels made for the stations they;re working on as the moments go on, able to piece enough information together to have some confidence in the controls

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Oct-19 07:22 PM

(do i get the feeling they they have enough to do their job without my direct oversight?)

Nekosmash 30-Oct-19 05:10 AM

(Now they do yes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 06:36 AM

After completing the translation manual, Eisheru does one lap to ensure the techs have enough to do their job and answer any pertinent questions. He walks to the tech at the Damage Control terminal and leans over to speak to him, "Would you please pull up a damage report and send that to the Chief Engineer?" Satisfied that they all seem to have enough work to keep them busy for a while Eisheru heads towards the Captain's Ready Room, "If you have need of me, I will be just down the hall." Eisheru calls over his shoulder. He steps into the room and looks around. Once the door closes he pulls up his compad and opens the connection to the Chief Engineer, "Chief, As I am sure you have noticed power has been restored and all systems appear to be functioning. Be advised, Agent Svenka detected an unknown contaminant in the Med Bay. Recommend having hazmat and medical teams on standby while she investigates further."

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Oct-19 08:49 AM

“Eisheru, I am in the Med Bay - there are a number of old suits... they may contain remains. I’m getting a number of warnings due to contaminants in the air in here. Overall situation unclear.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 10:25 AM

"@Svenka Vilnovha I have asked the chief engineer to dispatch a hazmat team as well as a medical team. Current ETA is unknown. Please stay as safe as you can and I hate to ask this of you but please remain in the Med Bay. We cannot risk the contaminants spreading to the rest of the shipyard."

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Oct-19 10:34 AM

“I didn’t plan otherwise. I.... I’ll keep investigating”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 10:36 AM

"Is there someone you want me to send your personal effects to?" Svenka sees the image of a Merlon with what could only be described as a shit-eating grin on his face. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Oct-19 10:36 AM

“Well I WAS going to give you my ship, but now...”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 10:38 AM

"Well now, let's not make any rash decisions!" beneath all verbal jabs there is an air of genuine concern for Svenka's continued well being.

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Oct-19 10:41 AM

“I’m not planning on dying here. If I do, I do. Lena can command my ship.... well, her ship. and I’m sure she will do well. Personal effects go to my girlfriend. Shares and capital... fuck... I guess to the Taros I brought along to help build up a fleet... Shit, I guess you are hearing all of that, huh?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 10:44 AM

Svenka hears no words at first. Nor does she see the hand that she feels resting upon her shoulder. "Right now just focus on finding a way to contain what is going on in there."

Svenka Vilnovha 30-Oct-19 10:52 AM

“A Dispenser lit up - I’m going to go investigate. Still too fucking dark in here.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 01:30 PM

Eisheru continues monitoring Svenka's emotional state through the telepathic connection while he searches the ready room for anything of interest.

Nekosmash 30-Oct-19 01:31 PM

(Let’s get a d100)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 01:32 PM

(56)

Nekosmash 30-Oct-19 01:39 PM

You spend twenty minutes monitoring the states of your companions and sifting through the office. In a cabinet, under some long dried out bottles of spirits, is a compact needle looking pistol , with two magazines of hollow looking rounds, a red liquid sloshing inside of them

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 01:46 PM

Eisheru gingerly picks up the pistol ensuring it is not pointed at himself or anything important. He gives it a thorough look over and then places the magazines and the pistol in his backpack. (Did the chief engineer get my message about hazmat/medical team to medbay? Probably got buried in the RP chat)

Nekosmash 30-Oct-19 01:50 PM

(They did but they have to suit up and go. Only been twenty mins in game and I also don’t want to steamroll Svenka by having npcs show up to fix it all)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 01:54 PM

(Ok not a problem!)

~~Eisheru thinks to himself for a moment before stepping out of the ready room and heads back down to the ships computer mainframe where he started his search.~~ (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Oct-19 07:53 PM

(If you don't mind neko could I retcon that and go instead to the Captain's Quarters?)

Nekosmash 31-Oct-19 03:20 AM

(Sure thing !)

Nekosmash 31-Oct-19 05:10 AM

The quarters is a finely furnished room with rich decoration though they’ve been faded by time. A desk , a bed, and a holographic table are the central features. Art on the walls has long decades away

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Oct-19 05:35 AM

Eisheru walks up to the desk and doors in the chair. He tries to imagine the Captain and what he night have been thinking at the time of the Slyth civil war. After a few contemplative minutes, he starts pulling open drawers to see what was left behind.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Oct-19 08:13 AM

After speaking with Svenka telepathically he slams his fist onto the desk, hard, and then pulls his compad out to talk to the Chief Engineer. "Chief, we have a big problem. An ancient Slyth engineered virus killed off all the Slyth on the ship. Please set quarantine protocols for the entire ship and hangar bay. All of us on-board could be infected." (edited)

Nekosmash 31-Oct-19 11:51 AM

You hear a crackle of static back before he clicks twice, acknowledging the order. A moment later you hear very dim sirens from the hangar outside

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Oct-19 11:54 AM

(Is it possible to patch into the PA system of the ship from where I am?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Oct-19 02:04 PM

Eisheru continues his search of the desk. There is little he can do about the virus from here so he is going * to take his mind off of it for a time (edited)

Nekosmash 31-Oct-19 02:45 PM

(Yes it is)

Nekosmash 01-Nov-19 07:18 AM

You find more@copies of the battle data from the holotable, but otherwise the space is largely austere.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Nov-19 07:49 AM

Remembering his father's safe that he used to store his most prized possessions, Eisheru begins walking around to all the paintings and trying to pull them off the wall looking for a secret safe or compartment

Nekosmash 01-Nov-19 12:34 PM

(Let’s get a notice wis)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Nov-19 12:36 PM

(4 womp womp)

Nekosmash 01-Nov-19 05:00 PM

The walls seem exactly as they are, solid metal plating and thick bulkheads needed for structural support not able to conceal much or be altered with any kind of ease

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Nov-19 08:22 PM

(out for the night at a show)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Nov-19 08:55 AM

Eisheru gives up the search for a secret compartment. Frustrated, he walks over to the holotable (or computer terminal if there is one on the desk) and tries to look up any information the Captain may have had about the virus bioweapon. Ways to slow it's progression or ways* to decontaminate an area or person in a protective suit. (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Nov-19 06:39 PM

The captain documented some of his crew falling ill but was not sure what was happening in medical. He ordered the Medbay sealed after sixteen hours when the first handful of those infected began to die in significant numbers

And then gave the order for personnel to abandon ship

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Nov-19 09:11 AM

" @Svenka Vilnovha unfortunately not much I can find on my end. The Slyth Captain gave the order to abandon ship 16 hours after the viral infection was discovered. How goes the experiment?"

Svenka Vilnovha 03-Nov-19 09:24 AM

“Cold makes the virus either die or go dormant... waiting to see what happens when I hear it back up. There... there aren’t any cameras in here are there?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Nov-19 07:10 AM

"@Svenka Vilnovha That is good to hear, let me know how further testing goes. And do not worry, I definitely did not see you do the Taros Shuffle in the Med... I mean there are no cameras that I can see."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Nov-19 03:00 PM

Taking Svenka's advice, Eisheru walks to Environmental Controls

Nekosmash 04-Nov-19 03:30 PM

Environmental is now working normally thanks to Kelvins works on the complex gas mixture array. The various rooms of the ship each show up with status reports about conditions inside

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Nov-19 04:32 PM

Eisheru navigates the list of to rooms until he finds the medbay. He attempts to make the room as cold as possible (edited)

if there are any safety locks relating to temperature he will attempt to override them. He does keep an eye on the reactor room and computer room temperature to ensure they do not overheat in response to the increased power draw to cool the medbay

Nekosmash 05-Nov-19 04:35 AM

(Program/int)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Nov-19 05:27 AM

(7)

Nekosmash 05-Nov-19 06:09 PM

The safety locks are not responding, forcing you to constantly make minute adjustments to keep the temperatures within tolerance. A pair of databanks overloads on the bridge, that techs did not get a chance to catalogue, but after some adjustments everything appears stable, and the equipment is in no further danger

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Nov-19 09:26 PM

Eisheru curses as he sees the red alert message pop up about the databanks on the bridge. Once the system appears to be stable he lets out a heavy sigh as beads of sweat drip down his chin. He sits down with his back against the computer. "That's definitely more fun than one Merlon should have in a day."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Nov-19 10:17 AM

After receiving the all clear from Svenka, Eisheru stands up and makes a few taps to set the medbay* to the normal temperature. While he waits for Svenka to advise him about the state of the virus he walks out of the computer room and heads towards the crew quarters. Eisheru is excited at the possibility of learning how the Slyth lived and interacted. (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Nov-19 12:16 PM

As he walks towards the crew quarters, he pulls out his compad and opens the line to the Chief Engineer, "Good news Chief, the virus has been neutralized. The extreme cold temperatures of liquid nitrogen were able to stop the virus' internal mechanisms. Might be good to have a medical team report to the medbay to confirm the virus is no longer active then release the quarantine."

Nekosmash 06-Nov-19 01:46 PM

(You’re good I just didn’t habe time to answer this before)

Nekosmash 06-Nov-19 02:18 PM

The crew quarters is a wide and long chamber with rows of beds, double decked, stacked up in three rows. Each has a trunk at its base and storage lockers line the edges of the room

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Nov-19 02:41 PM

Eisheru walks through the lines of bunk beds. Every few beds he drops down to the ground and looks under the beds. He will also spend the time opening all the storage lockers and trunks. If any are locked he will just continue on to the next.

(yeah just trying to keep all the parts moving and accounted for since this is happening over more than just my thread)

(wasn't meant as a reminder for you to respond. My apologies if it came across that way)

Nekosmash 06-Nov-19 02:51 PM

(You’re good just felt bad keeping you waiting)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Nov-19 03:00 PM

(Eisheru is hoping to find anything that might be indicative of their culture/social structure/daily life. So clothing, journals, momentos etc.)

Nekosmash 08-Nov-19 12:09 PM

There are a few datapads that are long without power. Additionally there are some tattered ship uniforms and a number of recruiting materials in an officers locker, meant to encourage re enlistment among already serving crew

A small additional pamphlet shows various career paths aboard a ship

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Nov-19 05:21 PM

Eisheru scoops up the datapads, recruiting materials and pamphlets and places them in his backpack. He gently picks up the uniforms and tries to fold them as neatly as he can. Eisheru carries the folded bundle in his arms and makes his way back towards the exit to the hangar bay. On the walk he sends a message to @DaveH and @Svenka Vilnovha, "Gentlemen. I am heading to the chief engineer to give my report. See you there?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Nov-19 09:22 PM

(Eisheru would detour to help Svenka out. I'm good with wrapping up the battleship if the other two are) (edited)

Nekosmash 09-Nov-19 05:22 AM

(Yeah let’s bring her home )

DaveH 09-Nov-19 07:07 AM

(I’m good as well)

Nekosmash 09-Nov-19 08:24 AM

The three of you exit the vessel to an expectant chief engineer , waiting on the deck with a twenty strong work gang, and five security officers. Two medical staff are also there with a crash cart

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Nov-19 10:52 AM

"A welcome party? Just for us? You shouldn't have, Chief." Eisheru hands over a datapad containing his findings. "Here are my discoveries from the main computer and bridge. The main highlights are as follows. The Slyth and this ship were part of a long range patrol team. They were looking for a thing called the "Star Forge". The Captain gave the order to abandoned ship when several crew members died to the engineered virus. This ship was picked up by the Remnant in Wasim. I was unable to decipher the ship's flight plan. I established a basic translation protocol for the bridge systems. Should help until our linguistics teams can fully translate the system to English."

Nekosmash 09-Nov-19 07:52 PM

“Anything else of note to report?” He says, looking down to thumb through the data you’ve provided so far. “Sounds like you’ve all been quite busy aboard”

Svenka Vilnovha 10-Nov-19 08:00 PM

“The Slyth made very evil bio weapons that backfired terribly, the power cores and engineering sections are in working order, although we should do a full shakedown of the systems outside of the dock when we are ready. Oh, and the Slyth had some kicking tunes. Snakes and Barrels has some killer solos.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Nov-19 09:44 PM

"Also learned that the Slyth had developed successful tactics to succeed against the shaper threat. And from the looks of Agent Kelvin's report, functioning shield technology and high powered laser weaponry." (edited)

Nekosmash 11-Nov-19 07:22 AM

(So how I’m going to do this is Each of you get 3 pretech components. I’m going to figure out something else interesting to do with future Greystar ships but for now while the mods and I work some ideas out we will do thst )

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Nov-19 07:24 AM

(awesome! that was fun Neko :D)

DaveH 11-Nov-19 07:28 AM

“Apologies Chief, I was just finishing up my report.” Kelvin hands over his data pad. “Life support systems should be fully operational, as is the shield array. As Eisheru mentioned, there is some very sophisticated weaponry onboard that should prove quite valuable.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Nov-19 07:36 AM

(Level 7; Hit Points -> Rolled 7d6 for 22; Talk (2) -> Talk (3) [Used 1 banked skill point]; +2 Unspent Telepathy Skill points -> Total 2 Unspent Telepathy Skill Points; Focus -> Henchkeeper Level 1 | Lead (0) -> Lead (1) w/ 1 of 3)

Nekosmash 11-Nov-19 11:35 AM

(We can move back to individual threads, just remember to record your rewards. I don’t give out pretech often!)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Nov-19 12:22 PM

(Want to continue working on rebuilding the capitol building in Ash City. Was thinking of trying to convince Vendic Solestin to send some people to help as it seemed like his group were technicians/skilled workers)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Nov-19 04:02 PM

Eisheru lands back in Grey City and lazily makes his way back to his apartment. The stress of the Slyth Virus easily aged him a couple years even though it was Svenka directly engaging with the bioweapon. He goes through his notes and remembers that Svenka passed along a note from Regulus Fate. He takes the time to respond to him and after that message is away he taps out another one. This to Vendic Solestin the First Worker.

Greetings Vendic, I hope this message finds you in good health. I have a construction project taking place in Ash City and I was hoping that you and The Workers and National Kinsmen Enduring Refugee Service would lend your collective expertise. I eagerly await your response. Very respectfully, Eisheru Tidecaller Liaison Greystar Confederation

Nekosmash 11-Nov-19 07:25 PM

(Here’s me trying to figure out what obscure npc he is again. It’s been probably a literal year)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Nov-19 07:30 PM

(Wankers leader if that helps)

Nekosmash 11-Nov-19 07:30 PM

(Thank you)

The return message comes back after several hours, from an assistant of his asking for more details about the project and what specifically this meeting would be about. She explains that Mr. Solestin has several speaking engagements in the city and Is trying to triage his time accordingly

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Nov-19 08:46 PM

Eisheru sends a message detailing his plans for Greystar to assist in the rebuilding Ash City. Work would begin at the Capitol building and expand to the areas most in need and continue until the city is rebuilt. He mentions how the city is in need of skilled Craftsman and technicians to help perform the work. Aiya Tech would of course cover any wages, food and materials needed for the construction.

Nekosmash 12-Nov-19 05:16 PM

Pinned a message.

Nekosmash 13-Nov-19 09:34 AM

(How did you envision the place looking. Is this a totally new build or just fixing what was lost

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Nov-19 09:41 AM

(I was hoping to have a totally new build. Wanted it to signify the rebirth of the people of Acastus. Wanted to emulate the fungal flora of the planet and bring that to the design of the building. Will DM you some links to images)

(if that means more supplies are needed that is fine. i know we didnt get too specific into it back when we first spoke. We were at 2 tons of Hand Tools. 2 tons of Industrial Tools and 50 tons of Postech Building Materials)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Nov-19 09:58 AM

(And Currently Aiya Technologies has the tools and 25 tons of Building Materials)

Artifice (Regrupple) 13-Nov-19 06:52 PM

Greetings Tidecaller, It is a pleasure to hear from you, I am glad Ms. Vilnovha received and relayed my message. I have a great respect for your people, indeed the last time I was on Terezinho I believe your Director came with me, back before the events that proceeded his transference to Greystar. The greatest threat to our new generation of psychics is a lack of education. As Greystar expands and more of its members explore the stars this will become vitally important. The lack of trained metapsions is a serious problem we at the academy wish to correct. Establishing a Greystar academy branch would boost your psionic might and could increase positive relations between yourself and the UNW, not to mention saving the lives of new psychics otherwise doomed to death or madness. I appreciate you bringing this before your council and wish you luck in your endeavors. Sincerely, Headmaster Regulus Fate

Nekosmash 14-Nov-19 06:16 AM

The first floor of every building can be completed with the supplies on hand now,‘Youre advises after a quick sweep and its compared to the plans. “We can recycle the rubble into something like cement for the foundation to ensure those beams don’t move , but we will need about 150 More tons of supply to finish this the way you want” one of the civic engineers says

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Nov-19 07:14 AM

"I very much like the idea to recycle what we can. I will have the materials delivered so work can begin. We are expected to get another shipment of construction materials at the end of this month. Please submit any invoices for the cost of labor, food, et cetera to my office in Grey City." Eisheru shakes the hand of the lead civic engineer. "If there are other tools or supplies that you need send that list to my office as well." Eisheru steps away and taps a message to the office in Grey City to send the construction materials over (I will deduct whatever the cost is as far as food/labor/trucking) (edited)

Nekosmash 14-Nov-19 06:33 PM

(did you import any this far trading turn?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Nov-19 06:35 PM

(yeah i had 25 tons)

Nekosmash 14-Nov-19 07:10 PM

(so 125 more tons remain)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Nov-19 07:14 PM

(sounds good! Changing subject, was that gun i found a dart gun? Do i know what chemical if in the darts

Nekosmash 15-Nov-19 04:14 AM

(It is and you don’t)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Nov-19 05:49 AM

(would that be something that the nice people at Boom-N-Zoom could help with? Identifying the contents of the dart) (edited)

Nekosmash 15-Nov-19 06:09 AM

(That would be an excellent place to start)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Nov-19 06:12 AM

While Eisheru waits for his building materials to be delivered from the AT Warehouse, he takes a ride over to Boom-N-Zoom. Getting off his motorcycle he walks in the door and heads to the desk, "Good first rise! How's it going?"

Nekosmash 15-Nov-19 05:51 PM

They’re pleased to see you and the counter worker heads over. “Back for another custom piece? The CNC mill hasn’t been used since “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Nov-19 08:48 PM

"I have some ideas but no that's not why I came..." Eisheru places the dart gun on the table along with the magazine of darts "Any idea what's in these darts?"

Nekosmash 16-Nov-19 04:07 AM

“Do you have some time? We can look into it but nothing comes to@mind just looking at them”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Nov-19 07:15 AM

"Of course, I'm over at the new Capitol building construction site. Just give me a ping when you figure it out!" Eisheru gives a warm smile and wave goodbye before heading back outside and to the construction site (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Nov-19 07:58 PM

The rubble clearing is nearly complete, though the plans for stage 1 of this area re scheduled to take nearly a month, as the entire structure is going to need to be built- rather than re-built using something existing. There does not seem to be any ill feelings about the changes, Acastus always had more of a ceremonial government as you're coming to find out, continually shackled to the will of others

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Nov-19 08:05 PM

Eisheru pulls up to the construction site to see laborers hard at work clearing debris. He walks around and talks with people and brings over water or food. He tries to keep making his way through as many people as he can striking up short conversations and helping where he can. (He would spend all day helping and supervising and running food and water and conversing. Don't need to RP it unless there was someone important who came) (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Nov-19 12:03 PM

(Lets do a connect cha)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Nov-19 12:24 PM

(7)

Nekosmash 17-Nov-19 02:05 PM

You see solestein watching the proceedings with a smile but he never approaches the ghoul

Group *

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Nov-19 03:10 PM

(i want to establish a telepathic contact level-0 with him to observe his emotional state. No save)

Nekosmash 18-Nov-19 10:39 AM

He is pleased to see the development as far as you can glean from his mind

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Nov-19 10:45 AM

In between errands at the job site Eisheru spots Vendic Solestin standing off to the side. After a brief moment to check his mental state, he walks up to Vendic and wipes a hand on his trousers before offering a handshake. "Vendic! I am glad you were able to make it. How are you doing?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Nov-19 12:36 PM

(incase it wasnt clear, Eisheru wiped his hand on his own pants not Vendic's) (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Nov-19 03:01 PM

“Good. Good to be here. Just wanted to see how things were going. I saw you were organizing. A work detail”

“A new capital building is an ambitious project”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Nov-19 03:09 PM

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I felt like the people of Acastus were desperately in need of radical change for the better. My sincerest hope is that this building is the herald of a new beginning for the people here."

Eisheru takes a moment to catch his breath before continuing "My plan is to start here and slowly progress through Ash City. However I know that not all Acastans live here is there anything I can do to help those living in your enclave?"

Nekosmash 18-Nov-19 05:06 PM

“It’s turning into a bit of a frontier out there. That’s who’s coming out of the city now to join us. We have been felling mushrooms and making timber. Making some@proper dwellings. I don’t think the people living there now will trust the city for a long time yet

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Nov-19 06:32 PM

"That's more than understandable given recent history. Are there things that you need? Medical supplies? Building materials? Tools?" (I'd like to kick up the telepathic connection to level 3. He gets a mental save to resist. My one question is 'What is the current state of the enclave we are talking about?')

(for reference)

Nekosmash 19-Nov-19 07:00 AM

(What do you mean by current state, becusse I thought they answered it. Your intention is something I as dm am misunderstanding then

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Nov-19 07:06 AM

(That's my B. My question was making the assumption that he wasn't telling the truth or holding some things back. So basically double checking his spoken words versus his thoughts.)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Nov-19 10:33 AM

(can rephrase the question to, 'Is Vendic lying about the situation at the enclave?' if that works better)

Nekosmash 19-Nov-19 05:18 PM

You can tell he is not lying about the enclave's current status. (The starhab or one of the ships would probably be able to confirm they're felling trees and whatnot as well)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Nov-19 08:01 AM

(Sorry for the confusion!) Eisheru makes a mental note to confirm the logging with the starhab. "While I understand their mistrust of the city, we hope to maintain communications to help foster a new relationship between all Acastans. Are there any supplies or materials or tools that would help you in your construction efforts? (edited)

Nekosmash 20-Nov-19 01:13 PM

“We are running low on hand tools. We are fine re sharpening saw blades and whatnot for a while but eventually there’s just not enough left to keep working with. There’s still a lot of work to do out there”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Nov-19 01:28 PM

Eisheru ponders for a moment while he catches his breath some more. "Hand tools eh? I'll see what can be done about that. Well I think I have taken a long enough break, it is really nice seeing you again Vendic." Eisheru extends his hand for another shake "I wish your frontiersman the best of luck out there, and please do not hesitate to call on me if you have need." After saying their goodbyes, Eisheru would go back to work at the site. (I'm fine with wrapping it up here at the job site. I am assuming this is going to be a full time job for the people that are working on the rebuild. Just lmk what the monthly wages cost would be and I'll be sure to deduct it. Hoping to put as many people back to work as the foremen/engineers can handle. I have Administer (1) if it matters for anything.)

Nekosmash 20-Nov-19 02:38 PM

(You can have as many projects gojng on as your administer level allows +1, so rigjt now two things

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Nov-19 02:45 PM

(good to know! I'm good to go back to boom n zoom if it's been a few hours and have notified me it they know something)

Nekosmash 21-Nov-19 06:43 AM

You get a message a few hours later from the gun shop stating that they’ve identified what is in the darts but it is sensitive and they’d like to speak in person, if you are willing to come back in

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Nov-19 06:46 AM

Eisheru wipes up from the worksite and briefly speaks with the Engineers and foreman to confirm plans before he heads over to Boom-N-Zoom. He walks through the door and proceeds towards the counter. "So... I heard you have some news for me?"

Nekosmash 21-Nov-19 07:17 PM

"We do, we think we figured out what these darts might be loaded with, but you're not going to like the answer"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Nov-19 07:20 PM

"Now you have me worried... What is it?"

Nekosmash 22-Nov-19 03:42 AM

“These darts are something truly special. They’re loaded with a nanite plague called zombie. There’s a relic. Left over from the old days when the Tenebrian empire was getting into some really weird shit called a revenant knife. Same idea just one you can shoot. “

“The victim is effectively killed from within and the nanites hi jack the body for whatever they were programmed to do”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Nov-19 05:43 AM

Eisheru's face visibly drains of his color at he explains the properties if the dart. After a minute he realizes he is holding breath and he exhales. "Th-that's s-some scary tech..." Eisheru pauses to think again. "I knew things like this existed, I just never thought I would actually encounter it in the flesh... Is there a way to safely dispose of this?"

Nekosmash 22-Nov-19 12:22 PM

"Not in a way we could guarantee someone or something would not come into contact with the nanites again"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Nov-19 12:23 PM

"Any way to tell what the nanites are programmed to do?"

"Without direct experimentation?" Eisheru adds to hopefully assuage any fears

Nekosmash 22-Nov-19 06:15 PM

“They need a telepath to imprint the desire into the nanites in the seconds before firing. That’s what we think anyway, without direct experimentation”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Nov-19 06:26 PM

"That's terrifyingly fascinating... I know a couple engineers on the council that might have some ideas about safe disposal. Thank you for your help with identification." Eisheru pulls up his compad and makes a few taps to transfer 5000 credits to Boom-N-Zoom "I trust that I don't need to tell you the importance of discretion?"

Nekosmash 23-Nov-19 02:25 AM

“We understand the need. This is an incredible threat in the wrong hands”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Nov-19 11:18 AM

"It is greatly appreciated." Eisheru gets the emergency alert that a war council is being called. He attempts to hide his concern. "That's my queue to get back to work. Take care of yourself!" Eisheru goes outside. ~~and places a request for pickup back to the Starhab~~ (I'm assuming i don't have time to deal with Buey before the shapers get here?) (edited)

Nekosmash 23-Nov-19 02:25 PM

(Let’s start it, and once the meeting and battle happens we can pause)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Nov-19 02:53 PM

(that works!)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Nov-19 03:33 PM

Eisheru remembers his conversations with Headmaster Fate and thinks of his brother Tidecaller. He attempts to reopen the connection with his fellow Merlon, 'Adamaris, sorry for the interruption but are you free to talk about something?' After waiting five minutes without a response he attempts to raise Greystar command, "Greystar Command, this is Agent Eisheru Tidecaller. Do you know if Agent Adamaris has returned from Buey yet?"

Nekosmash 24-Nov-19 06:10 PM

"He has not returned, and we have had no communications from him in over two weeks. Similar calls to Buey have not been answered, though they may not be able to"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Nov-19 06:47 PM

Eisheru curses in Merlonian. 'He is our highest ranked psychic... Damn it all.' he thinks to himself. He types out another request to command. "Command, requesting pickup Planetside and emergency transport to Buey." Eisheru doesn't even wait for a response as he heads towards Ash City Airport for pickup

Nekosmash 25-Nov-19 07:26 PM

(Did we want to move to red sangha then after the meeting instead?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Nov-19 07:28 PM

(figure we can put on hold going to buey. Would keep things flowing time wise with the shaper stuff. Plus you already set up there being some time passage between when adamaris was last heard from. So let's head to red sangha as soon as it makes sense)

Nekosmash 26-Nov-19 07:51 PM

(Lets do that now then)

The destination changes from buey to jivinika in the matter of moments as orders from the council , officially, come in, sending you to obtain the hopeful aid of red sangha.

Their fighting skill is legend and they will possibly be enough to tip the scales in the upcoming battle

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Nov-19 09:33 PM

Eisheru and his red and ocean blue fungal hound Kairus are on the bridge of the ship as they spike in to metadimensional space for the drill to Jivinika. "About how many days is the trip, Captain ... ?" he says in is usual rich deep voice.

Nekosmash 27-Nov-19 04:39 AM

(It’s jahnavi on the map I goofed a little ) “Four days normally but our course has been trimmed. The red sangha were kind enough to supply a route to us years ago and we have worked to maintain it. We should be back in time for the battle if we are quick about negotiations”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Nov-19 05:44 AM

"What do we know about Jahnavi?"

Nekosmash 27-Nov-19 04:39 PM

“It’s a desolate world. They fought a brutal civil war against one another and most of the planet ended up a dust bowl as the farmlands were engulfed in the fighting. They go through a chemical process to strip their emotions and they believe it helps them achieve enlightened Nirvana in life. Only the red sangha soldiers do this.

The process is flawed however. They’re emotionless and efficient fighters but those who survive battle survive just to die by 50 from brain cancer”

(The details of the left hand of enlightenment vs right hand aren’t really known off world since no ones bothered with it. Nobody’s actually been to their planet before)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Nov-19 04:41 PM

(time for someone to find out I guess!)

Nekosmash 27-Nov-19 05:58 PM

“That’s about all that’s in the records. They’ve been a quiet bunch. New abbot in charge though. Last one died after making a deal with the UNW from old age”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Nov-19 06:47 PM

"We already live such short lives, I couldn't imagine having that time reduced any further..." he paused a bit, starting out the front view screen into meta space. "Although, having your warrior caste hampered like that sure does make a military coup unlikely... I wonder if the process is flawed intentionally?" (edited)

(as far as down time, Eisheru would practice his Taros and mingle with the crew. Especially the Captain if they are amenable to it. Try and glean as much experience as I can through observation and questions.)

(I'm assuming trimmed course is 2 days now?)

Nekosmash 29-Nov-19 04:36 AM

(Yeah. Did you want to rp anything with the captain or are you keen to get there )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Nov-19 09:55 AM

(I'm good to get there)

Nekosmash 29-Nov-19 10:10 AM

The rest of the journey is quick, the whole crew practically hungering to get to the planet. When you arrive you’re greeted with an emotionless and all business hail from the peerless class platform Lower Heaven requesting to speak with the ranking member of the expedition before docking clearance will be given

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Nov-19 10:19 AM

Eisheru gives a nod to the comms officer, Dimitri, giving him the signal to start the broadcast. "Greetings Lower Heaven this is Liasion Eisheru Tidecaller from the Greystar Confederation requesting permission to dock."

Nekosmash 29-Nov-19 04:59 PM

“Permission to dock granted. Please limit your guard to two persons, and sidearms only. The docking ring on the sunward side is yours. Follow all control tower guidance or you will be fired upon”

A sleek torpedo corvette, the Bhrama, pulls into intercept vector with you as it appears from behind the planet

It’s a scarred vessel, and you can see evidence of recent repair

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Nov-19 05:12 PM

"Best follow their directions if we are here to do business..." Eisheru dons his secure clothing and straps his mag pistol in to his leg holster. He motions to the weapons officer, Jackson and one of the security personnel to meet him by the bulkhead door after the ship docks. Eisheru stands with his arms loosely crossed behind his back, waiting for the door to open and to be lead inside.

Nekosmash 30-Nov-19 04:50 AM

The ring opens as the ship comes to dock, as an abbot, with two guards await you. They are bald and expressionless, for this meeting, all male. Short pattern pistols sit snug in hip holsters, the black leather stark against the cream and red tunics and pants they wear, tucked into polished black boots

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Nov-19 06:38 AM

Eisheru bows his head to the Abbot "Fair winds and following seas. I bring greetings from Acastus and the Greystar Confederation. My name is Eisheru Tidecaller, thank you for welcoming us to your station."

Nekosmash 30-Nov-19 02:10 PM

“None have come to our planet since the disaster, though it would have been unwelcoming. You’ve come with offer of employment?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Nov-19 02:49 PM

"Indeed we do. We have heard of the effectiveness of your military. What of your forces are available to hire?"

Nekosmash 01-Dec-19 11:58 AM

"We can deploy Six Thousand soldiers to the surface, with their accompanying helicopters and fixed wing support. We have our troop ship, along with the corvette Bhrama, and two patrol boats, the Vinaya and the Suta

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Dec-19 01:14 PM

"We can offer interstellar credits as payment. We also have food stuffs we can offer, assuming we are victorious."

Nekosmash 01-Dec-19 01:51 PM

"We would prefer food, if available, and water. Jinaka is a thirsty planet, and clean water is very valuable."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Dec-19 02:42 PM

"We could offer several hundred tons of both Fish and edible algae along with a thousand gallons of potable water per month for a period of six months" (I'm just guessing on the numbers on what is possible with our ships)

Nekosmash 01-Dec-19 06:41 PM

"In exchange for six thousand soldiers, and the aforementioned ships, we would have a deal

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Dec-19 06:42 PM

(for shits and giggles I'm going to establish a telepathic contact to see his emotional state. I have my suspicions but I'm just curious)

Nekosmash 01-Dec-19 06:44 PM

You sense nothing but a devotion to the reputation of Red Sangha, and the honorable completion of this contract, by extension

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Dec-19 06:49 PM

(not what i was expecting, but fascinating none the less) Eisheru reaches a hand forward to shake on the deal. "Then prepare for war, for it is coming to Acastus. Please make haste to the designated coordinates in orbit above the planet. If we all survive this, perhaps we can do something about the lack of food and water on your planet. Thank you for your time, Abbot."

Nekosmash 01-Dec-19 06:53 PM

He bows, and presses a few buttons on his bracer, and around you, the hangar comes to life as rapid deployment orders are sent out.

The airlock seals behind you, the chaos dimmed.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Dec-19 11:23 AM

Eisheru sits down in the ready room of the CSS Bastion before heading over to the starhab for final preparations. He begins tapping out a message. He starts over multiple times before it is sent.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Dec-19 11:32 AM

Dearest Mother and Father, By the time you receive this message my fate will have already been written in the book of life. I write to you as I sit in orbit above the planet, Acastus. I am certain you have heard of the coming conflict with the shapers and their plans to attack in force. I just want to apologize for all the hurt and pain I have caused by my exile. Please know that I have never once stopped thinking of you both and of our family. The people here have given me a chance to start anew, and I have not taken their faith and trust lightly. I just want you to know that, win or lose in the coming battle, I have always been proud to be your son. I hope that my actions will make you proud to be my parents. With all the love a son can give. Fair winds and following seas, Eisheru Tidecaller

An errant tear falls down his face as he presses the send button. He takes a moment to compose himself before standing and exiting the ready room. A few minutes later he arrives on the Starhab via transport shuttle.

(feel free to do with this what you will Neko. Eisheru definitely isn't expecting a reply)

Nekosmash 02-Dec-19 12:19 PM

(Gonna file it for now since a reply won’t be coming before the battle ends one wah or another, but this is good work)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Dec-19 12:20 PM

(

)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Dec-19 06:41 AM

(Going through my goals just wanted to see if you think these have been completed "Meet Acastus local leadership" and "Meet local trade leaders" or if more work is still needed)

(Also added 1 goal)

Nekosmash 09-Dec-19 12:17 PM

(Yeah those are good now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Dec-19 12:51 PM

(cool thats level 8 with those two goals. level up bonuses wont apply until this shaper encounter is done)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Dec-19 01:18 PM

(Level 8 Hit Points - Rolled 8d6 for 18 (1,2,4,3,1,1,4,2) so +1 to max HP Skill Point - Trade (1) 1 of 3 Skill Point - Trade (1) 2 of 3 Skill Point - Trade (2) Skill Point - +1 Unspent Telepathy Point (3) +1 Unspent Telepathy Point (4)) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jan-20 12:51 PM

(Added one goal for when you do your Roll20 update)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jan-20 04:48 PM

(continuing here with Reg? Or do you want it in his thread?)

Nekosmash 04-Jan-20 04:59 PM

(Lets do his)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Jan-20 04:27 PM

Eisheru leaves the under construction government building and orders a ride back to Grey City. During the drive over he tries to organize on his compad the current projects underway. "Survey team finishes onboarding in a couple weeks... Capitol rebuild looks like it will take another 7 or so weeks... Still need to hire a lead engineer... Hrm.." he flips through resumes. He comes across one from the CCE and immediately thinks of Svenka. Eisheru cautiously feels out mental pathways that allow him to connect his mind to others. Not sensing the static he felt earlier he attempts to contact @Svenka Vilnovha . She hears a small gentle chime in the back of her mind and an image of the smiling Merlon accompanies the announcement. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 06-Jan-20 07:17 PM

“Heard it went poorly. Nobody is telling me anything though.” She thinks back, looking up from a rifle she has mostly disassembled, wiping gun oil off on a rag.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Jan-20 07:57 PM

'That's one way to put it. Are you around to talk in person? I'm headed back to Aiya Tech HQ in Grey City... I'll send you coordinates; it's just off Grey Bouleva- ... Really? Humans need to be more creative than that.... Anyways, you are welcome to meet me there' (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 06-Jan-20 08:00 PM

‘Yeah, I’ll be there in 10 - just working on some side projects anyhow.’ She packs up, cleans up and gets a car over from the landing pad.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 04:13 AM

Eisheru manages to quickly decontaminate himself from the assault. He dons his usual style suit but instead of his typical black and grey color palette of the Confederation, it is two tone deep ocean blue and crimson. He waits for Svenka in the reception area of Aiya Technologies. The single story office building sits in a semi empty business park. The lobby contains concept art of several different classes of star faring vessels. Otherwise the interior design looks like a combination of Roman architecture from ancient Earth with a Coral reef. Eisheru stands conversing with his front desk receptionist, Johnston, while he waits for Svenka to arrive (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 08:32 AM

Svenka strides in to the reception area wearing grey canvas pants and a t-shirt from some obscure Taros band with a stylish, albeit worn trench coat over it. She has a look of concern on her face that shifts to slight embarrassment as she notices how underdressed she is. She walks over to Eisheru. “Hey, came as quick as I could... I should have taken some time to dress up.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 08:47 AM

"Please..." he says with a dismissive wave "This is more force of habit than anything. My father refused to let me make an appearance unless I was dressed 'properly'. Some things are hard to shake. Come, I'm sure you do not want to hear about the idiosyncrasies of a Merlonian business man." Eisheru walks through the door at the end of the reception area and leads Svenka to one of the back corner offices. It has a large spacious desk with several computer screens hanging off a moveable metal arm. The screensaver shows a runabout, eerily similar to Mokoshi's Wings, slowly rotating and bouncing off the sides of the monitor. One wall is completely replaced with digital drawing boards from floor to ceiling. "Sorry about the smell, we just finished construction on this office building not but a few days ago." Eisheru turns and sits in one of the seats facing the desk and gestures for Svenka to sit in the bigger seat facing the monitors. Out the wall directly behind the desk, there is a view of the slowly coming to life Grey City "In a couple more months we will add a few more floors to this building. Should be a way better view then."

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 08:52 AM

Svenka looks somewhat tentative, but then sits. Now that they are alone, she speaks up. “What the hell happened? I’ve been worried about you. I checked in after the cleanup, but you were being held or something. I also heard rumors that Dorian got hurt?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 09:04 AM

Eisheru loses a bit of his confidence and his voice falters for a moment before returning to its normal timbre "I... I will explain as best as I am able." He takes a breath before continuing, "We decided the best way to insert was through orbital drop pod. Dorian, Governor Seung and myself managed to survive the drop even though we took some fire. The Black Lotus squad of Red Sangha elite were not so lucky. We pushed on as most of the Shaper concentration seemed to be focused on the assault outside. We came across I guess their version of a Mech unit. Defeating that... monstrosity we continued and found what looked to be some sort of... central brain or command node for lack of a better word. I, without thinking to say anything to Dorian or Seung... connected with the presence that was housed within the room..."

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 09:22 AM

Svenka gets up and walks over to Eisheru, putting a hand on his shoulder, and gripping it gently. “It’s ok Eish.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 09:33 AM

Eisheru closes his eyes and nods. "I tried to probe the entity for the hub of the Fleshshapers. And I found it. Way far to the galactic North in a system called Goizane. And as soon as I heard the word and saw the star map my body started acting on its own. I was no longer in control and the... presence that was in the room subverted my will and used me as a conduit... I remember bits and pieces... Gunshots..." Svenka immediately sees the flash of a memory. A mag pistol being shot twice at point blank range into Dorian's chest "The thing tried to use me to change Dorian. He... He... He had to cut off his own arm to prevent it from infecting the rest of his body..." Svenka sees several images of Dorian's arm losing its form and him cutting it off in an attempt to save his own life. "I don't remember anything after that. I believe that is when Governor Seung knocked me unconscious. All I can remember from the moment before I lost control was this feeling of intense hunger. A dark, unending, maddening hunger..."

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 09:38 AM

“That was stupid. Brave, but stupid.” She gives a modest smile. “Do Merlons hug? Humans seem to LOVE hugging. I don’t mind it either.” She lets go and holds her arms out.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 09:48 AM

"We don't generally but I think the occasion warrants one." Eisheru leans into the hug, the warmth and proximity to a friend helps lift his spirits "Thank you, that really helped." He wipes his eyes trying to maintain some control over his emotions "After Governor Seung managed to carry us both out alive we ended up meeting with both the Director and Headmaster Fate as I guess he had just landed on Acastus. Master Fate was able to confirm something that I sensed, the connection to whatever entity that was in that room opened pathways in my brain. I don't know how familiar you are with Metadimensional Extroversion Syndrome but the way I am able to use my powers is through utilizing practiced pathways in my brain that allow me to use psychic powers as the Humans call it. Now for me I was never considered among the most gifted of Tidecallers as I only had one pathway to use which resulted in my ability to utilize one of the conventional disciplines, Telepathy. Master Fate has informed me that now I have multiple pathways open and am now capable of mastering other disciplines. More than that I have gained the ability to utilize one of the techniques that the Flesh Shapers use. Tert... Tetrogenetics is what he called it."

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 09:59 AM

“Ok... but you are ok now? You... aren’t still connected to them?” She pauses, thinking for a moment. “So, you now have... awakened further to whatever your connection is to allow you to do what you do... we have a potential location for their home world? Or a base? Or a trap... and you now have access to their abilities. I wonder... I wonder if that could be used against them?” *She paces the floor slightly, clearly thinking through things, but then stops and pivots to face Eisheru. “That all sounds like it sucked. For all involved. You holding up ok? I’d suggest a stiff drink, but one needs to be careful about that when one is hurting.” She stares at a point past Eisheru for a moment. “So!”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 10:14 AM

"I feel fine... if nothing I feel... more connected? If that makes any sense. For my people, the Tidecallers are meant to be the paragons of Merlon society. We are to be so in tune with our mind and those around us that we could affect the world around us so that we may make our lives better but also to live in harmony with ebbs and flows of life... At least this is the history that they teach us. In reality it is not nearly so benevolent. It seems that avarice is not purely a Human trait..." he says referencing his people's development since the arrival of humanity. "And to your first question, No. Headmaster Fate has assured me that the connection has ended, the pathway left is more of a... scar." Eisheru gets up an walks to one of the cabinets and pulls out a bottle of fine Terezinho Rum and pours a small amount into two glasses. He walks back and hands one to Svenka and cheers her glass before taking a sip. "From my home. I hope you like it." Eisheru sits back down in the chair he had previously occupied "As far as what is coming next with the information learned, well that is a decision for the likes of President Kincaid and Director Kensch. There was talk of using the Singularity gun, but I do not believe it will happen as it would bring a lot of attention to our sector of the galaxy and we aren't really in a position to deal with more Flesh Shaper focus on our part of space. As far as what I can do with this newfound pathway, that will require some study and training... Which actually segues nicely into the other reason I asked you to come..."

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 10:19 AM

“I’m glad you are doing fine.” She takes a sip. “Wow, very nice. I... I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you. I’m glad Seung showed restraint. I wouldn’t have wanted to... So! Other reason?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 10:26 AM

"Headmaster Fate has invited me to come back to Academy to train and study for a time. He said that there is something that beckons me back to Gudrun. So with that being said I want to amend my original offer when you invested in Aiya Technologies. I need a Chief Engineer, but more importantly I need a partner. I can convince an Ashen One into giving up his last piece of scrap but don't ask me to engineer something unless you want to do twice the work. I want to you to buy into AT and become my partner and the Vice President of R&D. Same price offer as the original investment just so I can ensure that you are serious about the endeavor. You can hire anyone you need to as long as you trust them. You get this swanky office and some nice bottles of Rum to go with it. So... what do you say?" (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 10:42 AM

“I have a research trove that I have been holding on to that could jumpstart developing some of our own proprietary tech (2000RP). Do you have a lab and scientists I could make use of?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 10:49 AM

"Not at the moment, but it is part of the plan. Right now we are in the process of starting production of basic parts and tools necessary to support the construction of star faring vessels. Once we have the infrastructure ready we can easily shift gears to delve heavily into research."

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 10:54 AM

“So 1 million credits for a total 50% controlling share of your... our organization?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 10:56 AM

Eisheru stands and extends a hand out "And together we can do some great things for the people here and others who are still struggling since the Scream."

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 11:19 AM

“Don’t rush over the shoals, or you might catch the reef, Eisheru.” She says in a more serious tone, also standing up. “I have been offered to join organizations like yours in the past, although not with as significant an investment required or as prestigious a position. I am not a good... people person. People seem to listen to me when I tell them what needs doing, but I am not a charmer or a saleswoman. I am an engineer and a former miscreant hacker and an almost revolutionary. Also a turncoat and a traitor based on the feeling I get from the UNW. I have abandoned my own homeworld because of what I saw among the Humans. Literal gods like the old ones from Taros mythology making decisions that impact entire worlds... and in some cases acting with malevolence or arrogance...” She looks out the window. “I come with a history. As a silent partner that can all be ignored, but as an active partner all of that comes with.” She looks back at Eisheru. “I believe strongly in providing work for those available and able to work and giving fair pay to them. I don’t really care about profits if they mean abusing a workforce to get it. I saw the conditions on Gudrun... I know that change doesn’t happen overnight, but I don’t want to be a lord overseeing a work pit. I want to drive real, beneficial change for Greystar.” She smiles “And I’ve just ranted. I would also like to offer employment to the Taros that we brought over from Shariar, they had a storied past on Gudrun and made mistakes, but they are good engineers and incredibly hardy workers. I guess all of that is to say I will not be a silent partner and... I think that gives a good picture of my biases and what I will drive for.” She stands, waiting to see the hand drop to Eisheru’s side. Managed to talk myself out of that, I suppose.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 11:40 AM

"If you had no baggage I would be more worried if you have ever experienced life!" He says with a chuckle and a disarmingly charming smile "The investment is significant because I need you to be committed. As I said I need a partner, not just an investor. People seem to listen to you because you have something worth saying and spirit worth following, so don't sell yourself short on that front. There is more to being a people person than being able to charm them out of their last credit. And I am sure there are some on Terezinho that would say the same of me. Unsuited for my gifts. Unworthy of being a Tidecaller. Traitor. They are words used to hurt but rarely do they capture all the nuance of a person's life and the perspective that comes with that experience." Eisheru pauses to take another drink. "There are almost 10 million people here who have no way to provide for themselves or those they love. There are millions more living among the stars who are desperately struggling to survive in a post-Scream era. I do not believe I was brought into this world to make their suffering worse to earn a few more credits. Your personal views confirm for me that I am making the right choice in offering this to you. I want someone who will challenge me if I ever stray from the path of doing good for those around us. As I said before, you may hire anyone you like as long as you can vouch for them. I believe very much in redemption of one's past through present action. And if I can help facilitate that in others then I will die a happy Merlon." Eisheru's hand hasn't move a centimeter during the exchange. If anything he has only raised it ever so slightly. "So are you going to shake my hand? Or am I going to have to send all this fine rum to someone else?"

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 12:05 PM

She looks concerned for a moment “I... don’t want all the rum. I mean no offence. I’ll take a bottle and some more another time. I... don’t like having too much of that around.” She looks at his hand. Well, that might have been over sharing just a bit. Next you can tell him about your dead dad and mom you literally abandoned on Gudrun. How about that girl you shot point-blank in the head? Watching The Red Sangha, who you just saved from certain death emotionlessly gunning down all the civilians you worked so hard to save. Almost dying at the hands of a machine race because the UNW was more concerned with waving around their power like a stick than actually trying to understand them... Oh fuck, don’t cry. Goddamit, don’t cry. Not now. She cant help but sniff, eyes still downcast. Fuck, pull it together. You can do this. This can be a good thing. You’ve been riding in the back seat and letting all of this happen. Take a step up. This isn’t exactly what you wanted, but being a romantic explorer isn’t exactly what Greystar needs right now. They need ships, defences, hope. She looks up, eyes moist. “Sorry, Eish. This... this means a lot. I can’t tell you exactly why, not right now.” her voice catches slightly and she coughs, standing up straighter and sniffing strongly. “I would be honoured to be your partner in driving progress and improvements as part of this organization. I will happily fund for an additional 24% stake in our organization for 1 million credits and a bottle of your rum. And a position as VP of R&D, of course.” She extends her hand

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 12:18 PM

Eisheru feels the intensity of the sadness radiating from Svenka's psyche. He resists the urge to pry and feels content knowing that there will be someone to share this burden and the joys that will come with it. "Don't worry, I don't keep it all in one place. Few bottles here... Few bottles there... That kind of thing. Can never be too prepared on that front... And you don't need to tell me anything personal you don't feel comfortable with. The two shake and Eisheru sits back down to finish his drink

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 12:27 PM

Svenka slumps back in to her chair, a little less than professionally, but puts the drink aside. “Sorry. I suppose I’ve kept things a little pent up.” Her eyes snap up “Shit, you’re a psychic... and we are connected. Um... how much do you?...”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 12:29 PM

Eisheru places a hand up stop her "The only thing I know is the intensity of your sadness. I saw images of people but I know not who they are or their significance in your life. Nor will I pry further. What you choose to share with me will be exactly that, your choice.

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 12:44 PM

“I’ll...” She pauses “I saw... and was involved in things that cannot be taken back while with the UNW. There are many reasons I left and turned my back on my homeland. Much of me wishes I had trusted my feelings all those years ago. They are a poison pill, the UNW. But worse, they don’t see it. They don’t see the evil behind their good.” She shakes her head “We need to focus on bolstering Greystar and not the frustrations of one woman.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 01:03 PM

Eisheru gives an understanding nod and smile before Svenka hears his voice in her head. 'Just don't forget you are part of Greystar now. If I do not take care of myself, who will? If I only take care of myself, what am I? If not now, when? Ponder that a while...' he recounts the lessons from his father and Svenka sees an older Merlon with dark brown hair with a gaze that pierces souls "There will be plenty of time to unpack our burdens. Let's talk about AT's future..."

Svenka Vilnovha 07-Jan-20 01:21 PM

She gives a wry chuckle “Sorry. Bleak thoughts for a happy day.” She leans forward “I have some ideas...”

Nekosmash 07-Jan-20 02:27 PM

(Re roll token both of you)

(But keep it going if you’re not done)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 02:46 PM

Eisheru and Svenka spend a couple hours discussing goals and ideas. Strategies and endeavors. Coming to a point where they both feel confident that Svenka can manage any company issues if they arise. After Svenka leaves he spends some time arranging transport if construction materials to the Capitol construction site. (50 more tons so at 75/150) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jan-20 03:18 PM

Eisheru then pulls out his compad to tap out a message to Vendic Solestin.

_Greetings Vendic,

>

I just wanted to let you know that I left a special delivery for you at the Grey City airport. Consider it a gift, I really hope to see the good work you are doing out there some day soon.

>

Be Well, Eisheru Tidecaller_

(edited)

He makes a few more taps and send a note to the right security people informing them of the goods that are being stored at the Grey City airport for Vendic. (10 tons of Tools, Basic Hand/10 tons of Medical Supplies, Postech / 4 tons of Fine Liquor from Terezinho)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jan-20 07:45 AM

Eisheru spends the last little bit in his office tapping out a another message onto a brand new data slate. He addresses the letter to Svenka Vilnovha and keys the opening message to state "Only open upon my death." He opens the bottom drawer to his desk and places the data slate on a charger and closes the drawer door. He sends a message to Johnston regarding the data slate and to only bring it to Svenka upon confirmation of his death (I can write it out once it becomes necessary or now and DM it to you. whichever you prefer Neko.) (edited)

Nekosmash 08-Jan-20 07:53 AM

(We can do it if it becomes relevant for now. You might want to amend something later depending on what happens, which within reason is something you’d be able to do with the amount of electronics around you)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jan-20 07:55 AM

(sounds good. will run it by you again if it becomes relevant. I think with that I don't have any more prep to do. So I am ready to move on once Reg is finished with his thing) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jan-20 08:39 PM

(you think i could talk to Evan, the pilot, before i go?) (edited)

Nekosmash 09-Jan-20 03:36 AM

(Yeah we can do that )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jan-20 03:59 AM

Eisheru makes his way to the airport where he is to meet the Headmaster. He pulls out his compad and taps out a quick message to Evan
Good Second Rise Evan, I am about to head off planet for a time, care to get a couple beers at the airport bar?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jan-20 03:04 PM

(looks like reg is ready, I'm fine with keeping that moving and can revisit Evan Wriker when i return.) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jan-20 05:02 PM

(or it could be out of time if you are cool with it)

Nekosmash 09-Jan-20 06:23 PM

(We can do it out of time)

Evan replies he’s willing to have a couple drinks. He’s eager to spend some time off socializing instead of endlessly fixing his helicopter

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jan-20 07:23 PM

Eisheru heads to the bar to find that Evan Wriker has already beaten him to the corner of the bar where they had their first beers together. "I know you're good, but how in the world did you beat me here? Your hangar is... Oh nevermind, How are you, Evan?"

Nekosmash 10-Jan-20 07:29 PM

"Better, now that cultists aren't shooting up my helicopter. how about yourself?"

he seems unaware of the events of the last few days, aside from the fact that the planet is not currently being harvested

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jan-20 09:34 PM

"I'm... Alive. Been an intense 30 hours or so." he gestures for two beers "The space battle was wildly successful beyond our best projections. And the business with the shard that made landfall was taken care of. Just on some personal business to Gudrun... Say you ever dream of training to be a star pilot?"

Nekosmash 11-Jan-20 07:22 AM

"I applied for the crash course they were offering up on the starhab when the general alert went out last week. They didn't select me, I'm still disappointed about it"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Jan-20 07:31 AM

"How about you come fly for me? Aiya Tech is going to start ship construction next month and I will need many pilots. Specifically I want you to be the pilot on my personal ship and eventually the AT flagship. I'll arrange for you to get the full training program, not just a crash course, if you want." (edited)

Nekosmash 12-Jan-20 12:21 PM

“Fly for you? I mean yes. But ... fuck it. You know what. Yes. I’m done with Acastus”

“I’ll fly for you. I’ll fly anything you give me time to learn”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jan-20 01:15 PM

"Glad to hear it! You will get a notification when training starts.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jan-20 01:25 PM

"We will still be doing a lot of work for Acastus and Greystar, but i want someone who is cool under pressure to be the pilot of the AT flagship"

Nekosmash 12-Jan-20 04:27 PM

“I’m already in whoever it’s for. You gave me a chance. It’s my turn to give you one”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Jan-20 07:59 AM

(Is setting him up for training something I can do with a compad and a few taps? or is this something I need to go and meet with someone and convince them?)

Nekosmash 13-Jan-20 12:13 PM

(taps. By now your endorsement is enough)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Jan-20 12:37 PM

Eisheru smiles at Evan and pulls out his compad. He first sends a message to Personnel to have Evan Wriker transferred to Aiya Technologies. Then he makes a few more taps to send a message to the Training Administration aboard the starhab. He puts in a personal request to have Evan placed in the next available training slot. Focus - Starship Pilot "Done, Training Admin will reach out to you when your training slot opens up." Eisheru gets a ping stating Headmaster Regulus has returned to the airport "And that is my ride as well." Eisheru stands and extends a hand to Evan. "Make me proud, Mr. Wriker"

Nekosmash 13-Jan-20 02:53 PM

"Make your way back safe so I can actually go to work" he says, clasping your hand

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Jan-20 08:52 PM

(aaand fade to black... Thanks Neko! Fun scene. I'm assuming Vendic got the message about the supplies yeah?) (edited)

Nekosmash 14-Jan-20 04:14 AM

(Yeah)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jan-20 10:13 PM

(I'll post the respec to make sure numbers are all kosher)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jan-20 06:13 AM

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jan-20 06:29 AM

(I believe that is accurate. Character creation + 8 levels of skill points. 16 Free Skill points. 8 Free Psychic Skill Points. 8 Psychic Training (Telepathy) Skill Points. 4 Foci.)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jan-20 07:50 AM

(Rolled 46 for HP [2+4+6+5+2+4+6+4+4] + 9(CON Mod of +1))

(New effort total is up to 8 and New expertise total is down to 6 due to loss of Trade (2))

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jan-20 08:36 AM

(continuing here when you are ready. Only DT activity for the spike back would be learning more Taros and meditating on everything Eish experienced during the day at rebirth)

Nekosmash 16-Jan-20 05:43 PM

(Seven days toward learning it)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jan-20 05:49 PM

(15/30)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jan-20 07:00 PM

(my plan was come home to Acastus and if no one is actively seeking him out check in to hopefully meet with the team that took Adamaris to Buey. Just get a feel for the general situation on the planet.)

Nekosmash 16-Jan-20 07:18 PM

The planet is gripped by a spreading blue blight in the soil. The terraforming engines on the world failed due to the scream and as a result some sort of linked collective conciseness has infected the people of a religious enclave in the north. The planet was settled and a learning and labor world by the Jesuit arm of the Catholic Church and a brutal form of trench warfare has enraptured the northeastern plains of the planet as the fungally infected apostates and the church do battle Adamaris was also a telepath and was able to enter the city by convincing the guards he had joined the collective and embraced the blight. He wasn’t heard from ahain

(They humans infected by this mutate slightly to have mossy growths and rough skin. Older mutants have elongated triangular heads like a clicker

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jan-20 07:33 PM

(I'm in buey now?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jan-20 05:19 AM

Eisheru informs the pilot to take the ship into orbit and hail the Jesuits on the surface. As soon as they reach orbit, Eisheru reaches out telepathically and tries to locate his brother Tidecaller. His consciousness scours the planet looking for the unique mind that he has connected with many times previously. (At Telepathy-4, Far Thought allows me to open a contact with a target within a range that extends over an entire planet and up to orbital distances.) (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Jan-20 02:41 PM

(That was just what should have been the summary of the conversation but it’s 2 days there for downtime if you want to skip)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jan-20 03:13 PM

(yeah just wanted to get the lay of the land and order of events. 2 more days of taros)

Nekosmash 17-Jan-20 07:22 PM

(Let’s get a telepathy/wis check becsuse the fungus is going to try to obscure it)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jan-20 08:20 PM

(14)

Nekosmash 18-Jan-20 04:31 AM

You sense adamaris In the northern freeholds central citadel, his mind is weak and you feel his pain from either torture or depravation. It’s enough to know he is there but the link is too weak to allow him to speak to you .

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jan-20 05:19 AM

'I'm coming, Adamaris. Hold on' Eisheru thinks to his friend. Unsure if he actually received the message. He turns to the comms officer, "Open a channel to the planet. Catholic Church, this is Eisheru Tidecaller of the Greystar Confederation, requesting permission to land."

Nekosmash 18-Jan-20 10:44 AM

"Land at St. Elmo's shipyard. Do not diverge from the route or you will be destroyed."

the line abruptly shuts off

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jan-20 10:48 AM

Eisheru gives a curious glance to the Captain. "Better stick to their flight plan. Take us in."

Nekosmash 18-Jan-20 06:44 PM

The ship comes to land in a massive wood and metal facility where both sea ships and the rudiments of space flight have been laid out. Rocketry and the detritus from an early space program is scattered all over. You see several vehicles racing to the landing pad to greet you

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jan-20 08:24 PM

Eisheru has changed from his crimson and blue into his usual two tone grey utility pants and modern style coat. Be closes his eyes for a moment and there is a brief shimmer that flashes for an instant before becoming imperceptible. (Committing effort for Telekinetic Armory 7/8 effort available) "Captain. I have no idea what to expect here. If you can reenter a near orbit out of danger, please do. If you don't mind... If I connect with you telepathically I would be able to make contact with you at any point as long as you stay in orbit." (edited)

Nekosmash 19-Jan-20 05:31 AM

The pilot agrees to it and as soon as you’re dropped off , blasts back into space, not bothering to wait for clearance.

The cars roll up and a priest along with crusader looking men at arms, carrying rifles, disembark

They are at Ease, here to welcome

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jan-20 06:20 AM

"Greetings from the Greystar Confederation. Padre, is it? I'm sorry if my honorifics are out of date. Thank you for welcoming me. I've come for two reasons. One to hopefully help bring about an end to this conflict and two to retrieve my brother Tidecaller, Adamaris." he says as he walks up to the priest extending a hand in greeting (edited)

Nekosmash 19-Jan-20 07:10 AM

He shakes it warmly. “ I knew the light of Christ would bring us help. Your brother as you call him was on the verge of cracking this conflict wide open before he vanished into the enemy stronghold. Without his guidance it’s been back to the grinding. We haven’t been able to advance any trenches or anything for weeks now”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jan-20 08:05 AM

Eisheru nods and thinks a moment. "May I be so bold to ask, what is the impetus for this war? What caused the two sides to come to armed conflict?" Eisheru walks with the priest to the staff car (edited)

Nekosmash 20-Jan-20 06:14 AM

“The fungal invasion must be stopped. Something happened when the terraforming engines blew. Something terrible. These creatures started making themselves known after , declaring independence and digging in, spreading the blight with their advance

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jan-20 06:33 AM

"Do these engines still run and are just malfunctioning?"

Nekosmash 20-Jan-20 11:39 AM

“We don’t know. They’re inside that freehold and with the fungal rebels fighting us every step of the way we can’t determine what’s happening or how to stop this for good”

“Theyre an abomination before God and a curse on this planet”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jan-20 12:39 PM

"What headway had Adamaris made in resolving this issue? Did he report anything before he disappeared?" (edited)

Nekosmash 20-Jan-20 01:43 PM

“He didn’t. He said he had a solution and would get to us soon, and after that the reports ended”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jan-20 01:48 PM

"The report that I received from the Captain who brought Adamaris here said he managed to convince those in the free hold that he was joining them. Do you have any more details as to how he managed to do that?" (edited)

Nekosmash 20-Jan-20 03:29 PM

“telepathy allowed Him to do it. Apparently he was a psychic skilled in that ability “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jan-20 03:48 PM

"That is good to know. What would you recommend being the best way to get to the gates? Once there I can handle the rest."

Nekosmash 20-Jan-20 04:08 PM

“He walked right in. We aren’t sure what happened once inside”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jan-20 04:33 PM

"Guess I had better get to walking then. If I may request some sort of transport to as close as you can safely allow that would greatly aid me in this endeavor. And once I bring back Adamaris, we can discuss perhaps a more formal relationship between Buey and the Greystar Confederation."

Nekosmash 21-Jan-20 06:09 PM

“We have another prisoner exchange happening this afternoon. Last time, Adamaris planted himself among them, and they didn’t pose any challenge.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Jan-20 06:12 PM

"Brilliant plan. I'm ready to leave for the exchange when you are. I will be in contact with my ship Captain. Any messages i need to relay will come from him."

Nekosmash 22-Jan-20 04:05 PM

“Understood. The prisoners will be leaving from a reserve trench near the battle. We can fly you out there on one of our copters to avoid suspicion”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jan-20 04:52 PM

Eisheru nods and once outside he takes his jacket off to rub it in the dirt. He also grabs a couple hand fulls of dirt and wipes his pants and shirt with the soil. Satisfied, he follows the priest to the helicopter and stays silent for the rest of the ride. Content to just get familiar with his new senses taking note of anything that lights up as having some MES energy coursing through it.

Nekosmash 23-Jan-20 02:59 AM

Your senses are quiet until you get close to the battlefield, where you sense the mass of fungal turned warriors and their web of telepathic connections to whatever is in the central keep. of the city. From the air you can see that once it was a skyscraper sized terraforming engine, but has been immobilized and built up around rapidly, the city contained by a strong and professionally laid wall

(The keep)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jan-20 04:07 AM

Eisheru watches the the web of communications in silent awe. With his eyes he traces it all back to the central keep where he sees the massive terraforming engine. 'Damn I wish Svenka was here... Repair might have to wait if that thing is still active. Will have to settle for shutting it down relatively safely...' He continues to watch from the sky as they make their way closer to their destination.

Nekosmash 24-Jan-20 04:39 AM

The copter sets down by the reserve trench. Dozens of prisoners are held in an open air cell with strung wire and electrified fencing. Guards keep their eyes on the fungal prisoners. Two officers sit nearby looking over some papers , trading them back and forth and passing notes

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jan-20 04:54 AM

Eisheru attempts to match the mood of the prisoners not wanting to stand out more than he already likely does. He allows himself to get led wherever they are going as he wants to appear a prisoner himself. He relaxes his senses and attempts to focus on the metadimensional energy around him. (If he sees any MES energy from the fungal prisoners he will turn on Mind Tracing)

Nekosmash 26-Jan-20 08:14 AM

The prisoners with you among their tanks are led into a truck with a canvas back and for the first time since you’ve arrived here the artillery had gone silent. You suspect it’s to endure the exchange isn’t targeted by shells. The bumpy ride begins and you feel a flicker of energy between a number of the prisoners as they try to communicate with each other

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jan-20 08:39 AM

(is there one that looks like he might be in charge? Like are most of the prisoners talking to one person?)

Nekosmash 26-Jan-20 08:45 AM

(By the front. He’s getting a bit more traffic than the others

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jan-20 08:48 AM

Eisheru reaches out to the one who seems to have more tendrils connecting to him. 'Hello brother, it is good to be back again with more of our people. They had me in solitary for so long I had almost forgotten what it was like to be connected. Where are they taking us?'

(6/8 effort)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jan-20 11:01 AM

(unless since they primarily communicate in this method it doesn't cost any effort to open a basic communication)

Nekosmash 26-Jan-20 12:18 PM

Back home. Some of ours, for some of theirs. Such is the way of things. We will see them in the trenches again tomorrow You can feel the resigned sigh over the connection

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jan-20 04:38 PM

Eisheru sighs as well. 'I may have a way that can help us end this conflict. While I was being held an offworlder managed to contact me and offered to help end this. I need to talk to our leaders but... I... I can't remember... The solitary... So alone... Hard to keep thoughts...' (Intentionally lying if you want me to make a roll)

Nekosmash 26-Jan-20 05:35 PM

(Yeah we would need one , since they’ve all got the same knowledge being part of the web)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jan-20 05:36 PM

(talk/cha?)

(14 if so)

Nekosmash 26-Jan-20 05:43 PM

(Yes) Youll feel better once we are closer to the mother fungus. Being absent from her has weakened us all, but soon this whole world will belong to her

the march of the great engine wont be stopped

Several others echo this last statement, evidently passing for some kind of mantra among them

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jan-20 05:47 PM

Eisheru will echo the last few words and nod his head as if given new life upon hearing news of being closer to the mother fungus (do i gain any knowledge from just being telepathically connected? Or is that only because they have accepted the fungus? Also can they tell that i haven't been infected by the fungus?)

Nekosmash 26-Jan-20 06:09 PM

(They can’t tell you haven’t but they have knowledge you don’t because they have. You being able to communicate with them this way seems to be enough to ward off suspicion , and you already know it worked for Adamaris too)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jan-20 06:39 PM

(sounds good.) Eisheru settles in for the ride. Tries to clear his mind and just focus on his breathing guarding his thoughts as much as he can. He stares ahead blankly and begins to count his breaths...

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Jan-20 08:29 PM

Eisheru reaches out towards Adamaris once again to see if his condition has improved. (sorry not trying to rush you just thinking of things while i sit.)

Nekosmash 27-Jan-20 07:28 AM

Adamaris does not answer, but the truck comes to a halt after what feels like longer in the back of it than it really was. The city is close now and you see it’s walls and the guards on them as faint species against the flat blue sky. Human prisoners in tattered uniforms are being led out. It does not look like they’ve been beaten but it does look like they haven’t been fed or had much care paid to their personal needs.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Jan-20 12:52 PM

(These are the prisoners that the Fungal Forces are releasing that weren't fed? Also just in case I didn't specify before, Eisheru didn't bring any weapons) Eisheru shuffles in line with the prisoners in front of him and behind. He marvels at the connectedness of everything around him. Seeing the web all go back to a central point inside the main citadel. He looks around at the soil and attempts to see if the fungus that is infecting the dirt is also MES-active and sending a signal back to whatever is in the walled city.

Nekosmash 27-Jan-20 04:35 PM

(Yes that’s what I said. They aren’t feeding their captives. It is a city under siege don’t forget , they’re not going to spend what they have on prisoners)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Jan-20 04:36 PM

(cool was just clarifying in my head)

Nekosmash 27-Jan-20 04:36 PM

The fungus itself seems to be inert when in the ground, but you see it has choked out all other life. There aren’t grass or trees, just an electric blue fuzz that reminds you of mould on a citrus fruit

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Jan-20 05:54 PM

Eisheru makes mental notes as he walks ever onwards

Nekosmash 27-Jan-20 06:36 PM

The exchange groups halt 10m from each other and an officer from each side speak to one another for a few moments. With a brief hand signal the groups begin moving again , and the sense of relief can be felt across the telepathic web

The prisoners are loaded onto a second truck and as bindings are released , it begins moving through the city gates. The metal reinforced doors slam shut and lock with hydraulic locks

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Jan-20 07:06 PM

Eisheru looks around inconspicuously as he walks toward the original fungal officer he had spoken to 'Thank you for the courage you provided. I had best head to the keep to report the outsiders offer."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Jan-20 05:07 AM

(Do I see any MES energy coming from the keep directed towards individuals? Or do i just see that there is a connection and not the direction that information is flowing?)

Nekosmash 28-Jan-20 07:07 AM

(You see the information coming from the keep. And going back to it from more distant places out on the front)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Jan-20 07:31 AM

He turns and starts walking towards the central citadel. He tries to take a circuitous route so as not to be too direct. While walking if he see's a group of people he will attempt to use Psychic Static on one of the members of the group and observe their reaction (My goal is to subtley use Psychic Static to briefly terminate that person's connection and see if the person acts differently or is reacted to differently) (edited)

Nekosmash 28-Jan-20 07:02 PM

There are several groups of blight civilians and blight soldiers in the streets largely just going about their daily lives. The marketplace is a bit empty without the food vendors one would normally expect, but otherwise things seem as normal as possible for a city under siege

As static is applied (effort if needed) , they freeze momentarily and look around in confusion

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Jan-20 07:04 PM

(did it take effort to telepathically talk to guy earlier? it's either 5/8 or 6/8 depending on that answer) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Jan-20 09:05 PM

Eisheru looks for any sort of reconnection to the mother fungus with his newfound senses. Starting to get used to the influx of new visual information

Nekosmash 29-Jan-20 04:37 AM

A report from the front is being sent back to the citadel overhead and you seek your skin prickle as the energy passes by

(And if it’s normally takes you effort to do those things, yes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jan-20 04:45 AM

(sorry i don't think i was very specific. Eish was looking to see if the guy he staticed reconnects or if he ends up staying disconnected)

Nekosmash 29-Jan-20 04:46 AM

(He reconnects after)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jan-20 04:46 AM

(cool ty and 5/8 effort)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jan-20 11:12 AM

Eisheru continues walking towards the central part of the walled city. Really marveling at how normal life feels even though they are under siege. He keeps an eye out for a blight soldier and when one turns a corner to start walking away from Eisheru, he will reach out telepathically and search his thoughts for an answer to his question. (Establish Telepathic Contact Level-3; Question: "If someone has information that will help the war effort, whom should they speak to at the citadel?"; They get a mental save to resist.) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jan-20 11:33 AM

(Effort 4/8)

Nekosmash 29-Jan-20 12:07 PM

(19 vs 14 pass)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jan-20 12:21 PM

(

)

("Fuck it! We'll do it live!")

Eisheru keeps walking on, not wanting to draw attention to himself by stopping in one place for too long. He makes his way to the central citadel and stays towards some alleys, maybe finding a bench to sit on for a brief moment. He takes a few minutes to study the comings and goings around the citadel

Nekosmash 30-Jan-20 04:02 PM

The citadel guards , two at the anterior door, four at the main gate, and two patrols circling the building, do not seem to change. Villagers nearby go about their business unbothered by the security

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Jan-20 05:12 PM

Eisheru reaches out to connect with one of the guards and attempts to probe his mind for the layout of the citadel paying special attention to secret or lesser known entrances and passageways. (telepathic connection level 4, particular topic: floor plan/layout of the citadel. He gets a mental save to resist. 3/8 effort)

(hopefully you don't roll well for once on this save lol) (edited)

Nekosmash 30-Jan-20 05:50 PM

(Fail)

There’s no secret passageways but the warmind is inside. You are able to confirm that. You can also sense Adamaris is languishing in a cell in the basement of the keep

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Jan-20 04:49 AM

Eisheru contemplates his options as he gets up and starts walking towards the anterior door and the guards stationed there. He reaches out to one of the two guards at the back door. 'Greetings, I just returned in the latest prisoner exchange and I have information that might help the war effort'

Nekosmash 31-Jan-20 06:31 PM

the viceroy has an appointment. Enter straight away and proceed upstairs. You will be shown the rest of the way

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Jan-20 09:20 PM

Eisheru hides his surprise, He was expecting to have to lie a lot harder. He gives the guards a nod and heads inside. Unsure what he will find inside he steels himself for whatever is to come

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Feb-20 01:19 PM

Eisheru sends a thought to the Captain of the Corvette in orbit. 'Captain this is Eisheru. I'm entering the main citadel of those fighting the Jesuits... I am unsure what to expect. Will update you as I am able.'

Nekosmash 01-Feb-20 01:25 PM

The floor plan is simple with a guarded staircase heading up a floor and down a floor in a split. This entry area looks to be a waiting room for less important guests. No one is there right now. Hallways head deeper into the fort on this floor, branching off into work areas, bunks and mess halls for troopers defending the castle

You sense Adamaris below, past the guards and down the stairs. The dungeon door is a heavy wood banded with dark iron

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Feb-20 01:49 PM

(is the viceroys office upstairs?)

Nekosmash 01-Feb-20 01:58 PM

(Yes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Feb-20 02:07 PM

Eisheru approaches the guards, he nods to them both. 'I believe the viceroy is expecting me'. His hands are loosely clasped behind his back.

Nekosmash 02-Feb-20 11:41 AM

please proceed upstairs. To the main doors ahead of you at the top. Do not diverge from the route. The palace is on war footing

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Feb-20 01:30 PM

Eisheru nods and proceeds forward up the stairs and directly to the viceroy's office

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Feb-20 04:33 PM

(is the terraforming machine in this castle?)

Nekosmash 02-Feb-20 08:15 PM

(They made the keep part of it and around it )

More guards hold up a hand to stall your approach as you gain the top of the stairs. Their demeanor is more serious and they show advanced stages of the fungal infection that claims everyone living in this city

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Feb-20 09:36 PM

His demeanor doesn't change but he does take in the extent of the fungal infection. 'I'm here to see the viceroy. I have news that might help the war effort'

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 03:44 PM

we will decide if it is worth the viceroys time. What news do you bring?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 04:32 PM

'An offworlder interrogated me while I was being held. But... He could talk like we do. He said he was looking for someone. He said if this person could be found he would aid us in our struggle. He said he is part of a multi planet government that has many space faring ships.' (would i know where the main controls are for the terraforming engine?)

(I know I'm flirting the line with lying talk/cha of 16 if it's needed)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 04:43 PM

(No you’ve never been in here before)

We have a person like that below in the dungeons. The viceroy will be dining on his brain tonight to learn this ability. The situation is well at hand. Return to your unit

(The talk was so there isn’t suspicion, but you didn’t really give them new information)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 05:39 PM

Upon hearing the words of feast on his friend's brain, Eisheru's thoughts begin racing. He takes a deep breath. What should be do... What could he do... He reaches out forces the one he had been talking with to take reaction. Hoping to force him to turn on his fellow guard. (reflex response, mental save to resist. If he fails he has to attack his fellow guard)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 05:42 PM

(Fails) there is a feeling of confusion and perplexity on the guards fractured face, as he draws his pistol and executes his partner. The air smells like ozone and fried electronics at the effort, mixed with the cordite smoke coming from the barrel

Milky sky blue blood leaks from the traumatic head wound. The stricken guard crawls forward a few paces as the last of his motor function fails and he lies face down on the stone floor

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 05:45 PM

Eisheru hopes to use the confusion to his advantage and materializes an elaborate hand cannon made of pure force and fires on the other guard

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 05:46 PM

(I feel like we should get initiative here since you and he both acted already)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 05:46 PM

(ok) (edited)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 05:46 PM

(This is turning into an actual combat now

(3)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 05:48 PM

(5)

(13/7 was my attack and damage roll)

(i would also attempt to supress any communication he sends out with psychic static for one round only)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 05:49 PM

(15/4) the guard staggers back , stricken by the elaborate Hand cannon shot, and returns fire with the handgun still in his hand. (Can you do both of those things the same turn?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 05:50 PM

(let me double check)

(it is an instant action and the telekinetic armory is an on turn action)

(and that doesn't hit, i have ac 16)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 05:51 PM

You don’t sense anything going or coming from the guards telepathic senses

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 05:52 PM

Eisheru continues to press his assault firing another blast

(22/5)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 05:54 PM

This shot is enough to put the guard down. You were able to silence his psychic alarm but the weapons fire is loud in the stone and enclosed space

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 05:56 PM

(2/8 effort) Eisheru wasting no time steps past the fallen fungal warriors and throws open the door into the viceroy's room

(not stepping in, just opening the door and peeking the corner)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 06:08 PM

There is a large armorglass tank in the center of the room. Pipes and cables gently feed it various colored liquids. A dark humanoid shape floats inside. With a quick glance you cannot make out much else

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 06:27 PM

Eisheru steps into the room and looks around the room making sure he is alone with whatever exists in the tank

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 06:36 PM

The fluid begins to bubble in the tank as you enter the room (Mental save)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 07:26 PM

(success nat20v5)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 07:34 PM

The murkiness in the tank does not improve but you sense the gaze of whatever is inside. It does not seem to have guards beyond the two you dispatched in the hall

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 07:51 PM

The hand cannon apparates as he raises it toward the figure in the tank. 'Now... Now... As I'm sure you were told I want to talk.' Eisheru looks around the room for any sort of computing equipment

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 07:52 PM

You do not see any in the room. It is dominated by this tank, and the complex series of pipes and cables that spiderweb up the walls and through the ceiling and floor. (Mental save)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 07:53 PM

(success 10v5. Question are these psychic related abilities he is using?) Eisheru wills the projectile force towards the figure

(25/6)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 07:54 PM

(No. They’re from the mage book)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 07:55 PM

(does my meta-1 bonus to saves vs psychic abilities still apply?)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 07:56 PM

(No) The tank cracks slightly and the water begins to glow an angry red. Two red forks of energy crackle from a small coil at the top of the tank, missing you and blowing chunks of sharp stone out of the floor

(Yeah theyre a heroic enemy, I know the rule I’m saying it doesn’t apply here)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 07:58 PM

(perfect) Eisheru looks towards the pipes to look for a pump or some sort of main juncture. He fires another shot at the tank

(22/6)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 07:59 PM

Some sort of acidic chemical mixture begins to spray from the overhead pipes, warping others near it and making the ceiling over the tank run with silicon tears

(16/3 26/2) the red forks whip out again , lashing water and sending burning steam out into the room. The main attack seems to have miss you but the intense heat is blistering

Out in the hallway you hear the first shouts of enemy reinforcements

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 08:07 PM

Eisheru turns and slams the door shut and locks it if there is one. He lets loose another concussive blast. (could i use telekinetic manipulation to help hold the door shut it there is no lock? I have effort to spare)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 08:08 PM

(Id say so. There isn’t a lock)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 08:09 PM

(1/8 effort left)

(7/10 on attack)

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 08:12 PM

The attack seems to have deflected harmlessly off the tank , your last glance as the door shuts and locks with your telekinetic assistance.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 08:12 PM

(telekinesis-1 so i can pick up 200kg. )

Nekosmash 03-Feb-20 08:14 PM

(Are you trying to lock it or pick up the door. Now I’m confused)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Feb-20 08:15 PM

(hold it close was what i was thinking but whatever keeps the door closed I'm fine with)

(sorry for the needless confusion. My end goal is to make the door harder to open. Hopefully telekinetic manipulation can help with that. If not cool with that too)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 05:07 AM

The door seems firmly shut as you make your way back out into the hallway. The shouts seem close but you do not see any guards yet

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 05:13 AM

(sorry this is my fault lmao. My intent was to stay in the room. keep the door closed so the guards coming couldnt get in. again sorry for making it more difficult that it needed)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 05:19 AM

(Got it. Okay so it’s shut and locked behind you)

Both lighting arcs miss again. The acidic rain from above begins to drip down, hissing on the floor and carpeting in the room, and making the sculptures and paintings on the wall run (Physical save)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 05:23 AM

(success 14v6)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 05:38 AM

Eisheru raises his ethereal hand cannon and conjures another barrage of telekinetic force towards the tank and the viceroy within. He looks around the room for a window or another door (15/4 on the shot)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 06:50 AM

(Is the room just becoming generally more unsafe to exist in? and how does the tank look?)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 06:51 AM

(It’s becoming more unsafe and you haven’t done anything else to it since your first shot. You hit the cables second and missed the third)

The tank cracks a bit more and some of the milky water begins to trickle out at a slow pace.

(25/4 and a mental save) the red lighting hits directly in front of you this time, spraying you with sharp pieces of stone. The air begins to feel heavy and your skin prickles as the viceroy tries to exert some sort of power over you

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 06:57 AM

(success 13v5, 37/46 hp) As the air begins to thicken he can feel a similar sensation as to what he experienced in the shaper fortress back on Acastus. Eisheru refuses to be the puppet of another entity. His will is his own and it will stay that way, "Never again!" he shouts both mentally and aloud. His fury falling off of him like the dripping waters of his home. He lets loose another telekinetic blast spawning from his manifested weapon. (9/8)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 07:38 AM

The tank holds as the blast washes over it and the cables jingle. The acid rain continues at less pressure now as the pipe begins to run dry

(One last physical save)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 07:39 AM

(success 19v6)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 07:41 AM

(21/5) the tank fires a sphere of the red energy at you again , warping floor plates it passes over them, toward you. Glass and tile in its path shatters

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 07:44 AM

Eisheru side steps to move out of the way of the door in case the guards are able to break through. He unleashes another torrent of energy towards the tank. (edited)

(8/5)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 05:45 PM

The tank shrugs off the Assault as you begin to hear the first loud bangs on the door

The air begins to ignite close to the tank, friction and the magical energy contained within the viceroy now exploding out with overwhelming power (18/17)

The creature in the tank looks slack and close to lifeless after expending that measure of power. About 1/5th of the tank fluid looks to be drained now

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 05:55 PM

Eisheru is knocked to one knee from the force of the blast and shoots from one knee with his telekinetic gun (miss rolled 8. 15/46 hp)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 05:58 PM

There is a large bang on the door as something is used as a ram on the other side. It only happens once, theyve either broken their improvised tool or are looking for something better

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 06:22 PM

(what the actual fuck, rolled two nat 1s in a row) Eisheru is starting to get desperate. He needs to end this before he is overwhelmed. He fires another shot as he moves to try and get some cover from the door if there is any

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 06:23 PM

(The door is shut and locked. It’s a flat door. Unless you’re leaving to deal with the hallway problem)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 06:25 PM

(if there is no cover in the room then nah staying to hopefully kill the viceroy)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 06:26 PM

(Nothing meaningful between all the energy you’ve been blasting at each other)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 06:27 PM

(then out in the open it is! Hopefully we don't have to retcon me not being at benavides lol)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 07:24 PM

(22/7) a whip of red energy shatters a sculpture and plinth right in front of you. The energy fries the stone and superheated chunks punch into and around you before breaking on the walls

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 07:36 PM

Blood drips down the corner of his mouth as the energy burns start to mount. His hand shakes trying to keep the energies together to manifest the hand cannon. This needs to end so he can repair himself (17/5 at the figure in the tank)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 07:40 PM

The tank spiderwebs further and more of the milky fluid bubbles out. It is half full now, and the mutilated figure inside roars with pain.

(Miss with a 7)

It tries to lash out with another attack but cannot focus enough to control the manifesting energies

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 07:43 PM

Steeling himself against the exhaustion, he dials in his aim and sends out a concussive blast (15/6)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 07:45 PM

The tank shatters, sending the half formed creature back down onto the floor, crawling and crying out in pain amid the chips of floor and broken sculpture

With a final burst of concentration, it lashes out with the last of its strength (17/3), before its exposure to the open air and environment proves too much

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 08:07 PM

Eisheru watches the horrifying creature stop moving on the ground and staggers forward. He stands above it holding his side with one arm, he raises his other, this time it is a spear. He stabs the corpse trying to impale it's heart. (want me to roll?)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 08:12 PM

(Not necessary. You can’t really miss)

The already dead creature is very dead now, and outside you hear several loud thuds as bodies begin falling into the stone floor of the building.

Outside, guards near the gate have also fallen dead , along with two workers who were sweeping up nearby trash

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 08:19 PM

Eisheru drops to one knee and he tries to force regenerative energies into himself

(heal 2 for 1 strain. No effort cost due to mastered succor)

Nekosmash 04-Feb-20 08:25 PM

Out on the plains it sounds like some of the artillery fire has diminished and indeed may be stopping entirely. You did not realize how much it had become just part of the background noise

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Feb-20 08:28 PM

Eisheru is confused by the lack of noise... He immediately reaches out to the Captain of the Corvette in orbit, 'Captain, this is Eisheru. Can you get a status from the Jesuits? I think something happened. He stands and once again and released more healing energy into himself

(+7 hp, 14/46, 2 strain)

Nekosmash 05-Feb-20 03:49 AM

“The fighting has stopped. The fungal humans all just died on the spot a moment ago. I think some sections of the defensive line are still coming to terms with the news “

“I’m watching heat scans too. The patches of blight aren’t making their own heat anymore. I think it’s dying”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Feb-20 03:53 AM

Eisheru slumps to the ground in relief. Back against the wall of the room. He finally exhales. 'Adamaris!' and immediately Eisheru pops back up and begins moving towards the basement door. It is a mix of a jog and a limping fast walk. He poors more healing energies into his body

(another 7hp healed, 21/46, 3 system strain)

Nekosmash 05-Feb-20 03:57 AM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

You arrive in the basement to see adamaris with half his skull cap removed. Two fungal surgeons lie dead, their tools still whirring in dead fingers. Adamaris has passed out from the pain

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Feb-20 04:20 AM

"The fuck did they do to you brother?" Eisheru walks up to Adamaris and stares at the brutality being inflicted on his friend... He reaches back out to the Captain 'Captain i need you and the medic down here. Land the ship as close as possible to the central keep of the northern freehold. Let the Jesuits know i killed fungal viceroy.' Eisheru firmly holds both of Adamaris's arms so he doesn't thrash. 'stay calm brother, i am here with you. It's all over. You're safe now' he says to his fellow Merlon while he tries to knit close his wounds.

(heals for 3 if he is able to take the strain)

Nekosmash 05-Feb-20 04:45 AM

(He is)

There is some improvement. Not enough to entirely erase the horrific wound, but enough to allow the wounded Merlon to be moved. A small timer appears showing the ship is expected to make it to you within six minutes

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Feb-20 04:57 AM

Eisheru stands there with his friend and fellow Tidecaller. Not wanting to move him without help he stays there and talks to his friend knowing full well he is mostly talking to himself aloud, "Acastus comes along nicely. The people are starting to slowly come out and recover from the damage done over the last however many years. I don't know if you were around for when Svenka joined us. She defected from the UNW. Quite the engineer. We also have a psychic academy branch on Acastus! We can help train the next generation of psychics in our sector..." Eisheru will continue to babble until the ship team lands. He lets them know they are in the basement of the citadel. He would share images of the layout of the fortress to help guide them down to where he is. 'Bring a stretcher, please' he adds at the last minute. (edited)

1

Nekosmash 05-Feb-20 09:23 AM

Medical personnel make their way down, passing dozens of bodies in the palace grounds until they find you, escorted by two Armsmen guards.

(He will be in his way to recovery. Another visit will be needed to bring them in. They’ll need time to take account for themselves)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Feb-20 09:34 AM

(sounds good. Figured the Jesuits would need time to regroup)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Feb-20 10:15 AM

(Do you want it to be a second visit to investigate the terraforming machine/citadel?)

Nekosmash 05-Feb-20 03:22 PM

(Yeah. It’s really up to them what they want to do with it since it’s their planet )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Feb-20 03:25 PM

(very cool. So trip back to Acastus then to Benavides. Thank you for the fun struggle!)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Feb-20 09:55 PM

(level 10, rolled 44+10=54 HP, Metapsionics (3), Psychic Tutelage, Focus - Phantasmal Force) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Feb-20 10:15 PM

(base attack bonus +5, Max effort +1 new Total 9 effort)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Mar-20 04:55 AM

(how many days in spike back to Acastus?)

Nekosmash 03-Mar-20 05:21 AM

(11)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Mar-20 05:35 AM

(6 days of Taros to finish it up and I'd like to start spending time with the Bastion's pilot to start working towards pilot 0, so 5/90 with that. First thing he would do on getting back, assuming no issues getting back to Acastus, would be to check on Adamaris)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Mar-20 02:47 PM

Eisheru spent the first half of the journey sequestered away in the Captain's quarters. This is the first time in nearly two months he didn't have to run head first into an existential crisis. That's when it all came crashing down. He begins a mix of sobbing uncontrollably and hysterical laughter. The cascade of emotions breaks through the normally calm and collected demeanor of the Merlonian bureaucrat turned leader. He thinks of his brother Adamaris and hopes that he is recovering well from his ordeal. Which leads into a bout of tears as he accepts that he caused the deaths of many living on Buey. Yes the Viceroy was very nearly successful at snuffing his life out, but he had no intention of killing every fungal infected person. The tears flow freely as he comes to grips with his actions and their unintended consequences. 'You're free to make your own choices, not free from the consequences.' he hears his dad day in his head. Then he thinks of the battle that was just waged. 'It could have been over so quickly... So much loss of life, I hope it's worth it.' In between thinking and crying he manages to do some studying. Finally able to read the databooks written in Taros he feels confident in his conversational ability. Eventually he leaves his quarters to spend some time with the pilot Mr. Javik. The latter half of the trip he spends every day learning the basics of voidcraft flight. One day he might gain some proficiency. But only after 5 days he realizes he has so much more to learn. Finally they arrive in Acastus for some needed repairs and rest. Immediately he books transport to the Star hab so that he can check in on Adamaris

Nekosmash 06-Mar-20 02:21 PM

Adamaris is recovering slowly, given what he’s been through. He has not said much to the healthcare staff and has done little aside from the physical therapy needed to recover from the ordeal.

He is looking on blankly at the wall when you’re allowed to visit his small room

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Mar-20 02:32 PM

Eisheru opens the connection with his old friend. The connection comes easily from all their shared history. Immediately Eisheru feels the pain both within and without. He swallows back the shared pain. 'You look well, brother, given everything'

Nekosmash 07-Mar-20 05:06 AM

You sense his quiet laughter over the link. He turns slowly to face you but all he can manage is a weak smile.

At least someone valued me for my brains

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Mar-20 05:51 AM

Eisheru shares in the laughter. His mood improves seeing his friend having the capacity for jokes. 'Glad you are able to find the humor in the situation. A lot has happened since you have been gone. You up for talking some shop?'

Nekosmash 07-Mar-20 02:58 PM

He nods once, a yes, and reclines on the pillow

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Mar-20 03:40 PM

Eisheru will go into a semi detailed explanation of the latest attack by the Shapers, connecting with the scream beast and assisting the NMC. He shows him images from the fight as well as the hunger from the scream beast. Then he ends with the Psychic Academy. 'And then I met the Headmaster Regulus Fate. He is going to help us set up an Academy branch here on Acastus so we can teach future generations of psychics! If you would be up for it, I think you would be the perfect Dean of Acastus campus. Would be a really cush job. Definitely less excitement than almost being food for another being...'

Nekosmash 08-Mar-20 05:20 AM

If it gets me out of this bed and still able to help, I would accept Adamaris coughs and looks out the window into space

I think I am done with adventuring

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Mar-20 05:28 AM

'It will my friend. And there is no shame allowing others to take up the mantle. I think you will find a renewed vigor in teaching younglings on the intricacies of MES. And don't worry about the intelligence Agency. I've taken over in your absence and you did heroes work getting it to where it is. If you feel up for it, I would still greatly appreciate your advice and support.' Eisheru places a hand on his friend's shoulder and gives it a reassuring squeeze

Nekosmash 08-Mar-20 03:39 PM

You’ll have it, Tidecaller Primus he sends back, lowering his head a bit in respect for you and your rank.

I hear the wind and waves of home in the background when you speak

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Mar-20 04:40 PM

At the mention of his title he is a little thrown off. You... You never need call me that, Brother. We have been through enough together... It brings unending joy to my heart to see you condition improving. You can begin your new position in earnest as soon as you feel up for it and the doctor clears you for duty. For now I must be off again to help our UNW allies, we will speak more upon my return. Fair Winds and Following Seas my brother. Eisheru extends a hand and clasps his forearm. After they say their goodbyes Eisheru makes his way to the hangar bay.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Mar-20 04:22 PM

(Eisheru would spend 9 days with the pilot working on that skill. 14/90. Then 7 days from Gudrun to lohizune learning piggen. 7/30)) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Apr-20 06:15 AM

After securing the listening post from the Brotherhood the group was able to enjoy a night of relative rest and relaxation before most of them would head to Savita. As they sit around waiting for the CIS troopers to arrive, Eisheru approaches Shaman @Artifice (Regrupple) "Shaman Grupp, do you have a minute to lend me your mind? I have something that I think you might find... interesting to say the least." (edited)

Artifice (Regrupple) 01-Apr-20 06:17 AM

Grupp seems in better spirits, having recovered somewhat from before, "Heya Eish. Im always down for something interesting. What's up?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Apr-20 06:28 AM

"I... well back when the Shapers assaulted Acastus, I managed to connect with the entity that drives the Shapers. I believe that I connected with the Scream Beast itself, or an extension of itself at the least. After Seung severed the connection there seemed to be... a lingering mark if you will. I guess... Probably best to just show you..." Eisheru pulls back the sleeves on his coat. On the left arm there is a normal looking fin that extends slightly off of his forearm. There are vibrant blues and reds that course through the extension. On the right arm, however, it is clear it has been shorn off from gunfire. "This is an old wound back from my first mission on Acastus..." Eisheru uses The Changer's Hand to create a fin that is identical to the one on his left arm. (rolled 3 so in 15 hours becomes permanent) Grupp and Eisheru both see the beginnings of cellular changes happening on the surface of his forearm.

Artifice (Regrupple) 01-Apr-20 06:45 AM

"Well sure a good biopsi could do... but that's not biopsi is it? One sec!" You can tell Grupp is getting excited at the prospect of something new and interesting and he begins casting a spell. "Oh! Huh. Looks a bit like biopsionics but a weird kinda twisted version. This is from the shapers eh? Ha! You've got a rectifier arm! I mean, not really, like, an evil version, not that you're evil! But also much closer to psionics than magic. What all can you change it into?"

Nekosmash 01-Apr-20 06:50 AM

(isnt there something slightly jacked up with it too, once its done? )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Apr-20 06:52 AM

(Yeah its visibly imperfect is what you were saying. Like it will look like a fin, just some stigmata or some other visible sign that it is not a perfect copy)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Apr-20 07:12 AM

"As far as I know, just about any change to a person. I have not tested it before now. Although I get the feeling it is mostly cosmetic in nature." Eisheru watches more as the skin bubbles and changes and reforms to grow the forearm fin "Headmaster Fate called it... Tet... Tetra... Tetrogenetics. I believe it is how the shapers... shape? I had seen you shape and mend flesh and was hoping you might have some insight. I... I can already see that it is going to look not as it should. The webbing feels... wrong and the colors are off."

Artifice (Regrupple) 01-Apr-20 08:01 AM

"Do you want it gone? I could try to do something about it if you did, not entirely sure it'd work though. Gotta say, changing shape and stuff is pretty handy eh? Ha!"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Apr-20 12:02 PM

"I think more to just understand it. It might be able to really help those who are horribly disfigured. And maybe research into other aspects into Tetrogenetics."

Artifice (Regrupple) 01-Apr-20 12:09 PM

"You think it's something you could teach? It seems more like a natural ability of the shapers, but then again you got it somehow." Grupp shrugs, "The way to understand it is to experiment. Early on all I could do was grow arms. Then I could do wings then animals and now I can change my form into pretty much whatever I can imagine! You say it's only cosmetic so far? Shapers make their arms into weapons, not sure why you couldn't either eh? Ha!"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Apr-20 09:48 PM

"I will think on that, I was honestly afraid that using that pathway would lead to the scream beast being able to exert some level of control or influence over me. Thank you for helping to assuage my fears."

Artifice (Regrupple) 02-Apr-20 06:04 AM

"I'm no metapsi but I don't sense any sort of connection like that right now! Plus, we'll finish them shapers up soon and then head on to take out the scream beast eh? Ha! If we let fear stop us we'd never get anywhere or do anything new! Taking risks is what makes life interesting! Ha!"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Apr-20 06:09 AM

"Wise words, Shaman. Wise words indeed. The experience has shaken me, if I am to be honest... The main reason I came to Lohizune is to support Chief Guerra... He was with Governor Seung and myself on Acastus, and I couldn't bear the thought of him going after the Brotherhood while I stayed in the safety of the Acastus gravity well... How... Were you not worried that others might think your changes to be an abomination?"

Artifice (Regrupple) 02-Apr-20 08:46 AM

"Ha! I don't pay much attention to what others say." Grupp pokes Eish in the chest, "Do you think you're an abomination? If you don't like the changes we can try to fix it. If you think there's a chance you could grow to like it though... Learn to use it! Turn the shapers' power against them! And surround yourself with people who care about you enough to not care about any weird things you do eh? Ha!"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Apr-20 09:21 PM

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Apr-20 10:12 PM

After saying his goodbyes at Terezinho Eisheru then boards the newly completed Charybdis, Aiya Tech's first full production run. The runabout has a unique design to it and stands apart from many of the other ships docked at the Terezinho space station. Eisheru enters the craft as he is greeted by one of his Corporate security personnel.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Apr-20 10:39 PM

Eisheru makes his way through the corridors to the bridge. He is greeted by a familiar sight, Evan Wriker is standing on the bridge next to the rest of the ships crew. It took a bit of arm twisting and promises of Acastan Chocolate, but Eisheru managed to transfer some up and coming officers. These were Junior officers in the Battle for Acastus and one grizzled senior Chief newly retired from the a Navy.

Pilot - Evan Wriker (Human/male Gunnery - Sayala Brightfin (Merlon/female) Comms - Aleksei Nikolay (Taros/male) Engineering - Vivian Webb (Human/female) Ship Security - Jon Hoelzer (Human/male) Medical - Karin Delaney (Taros/female)

"Good to see you all! I'm Eisheru Tidecaller. As you are know I'm your Captain. I'm looking forward to working with you all. Don't have a lot of time to lose so I'll cut right to the chase, we are transporting some engineers back to Tsatsos, then we make for Gudrun. We can get to know each other on the way. Any questions? ... Okay then! Thank you all and department reports in 30 minutes, please... Mr. Wriker a moment." Eisheru motions for Evan to follow him as he starts walking to the cargo hold. "Congratulations on completing training. How are you liking space?" (edited)

Artifice (Regrupple) 07-Apr-20 06:19 AM

Tidecaller, I trust you have seen the call for psychics in the news. Come meet Xu Ganara and myself at Shangri La, there is much to do. Headmaster Fate

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 06:24 AM

"Better than on a planet, there's a lot more forgiveness for losing control, and its harder to crash" he smiles, happy with his new role

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Apr-20 06:34 AM

"Haha! Just watch out for runaway planets jumping out at you and I think you will be fine. Come. I want to show you something." A short walk later and the two are in the cargo hold of the runabout. There is a large something underneath a well secured covering. "I hope you didn't peak on the ride over, but I got you a little something. Hopefully it's a nice upgrade from the helo back on Acastus..." Eisheru walks around and unlatches the tie down and pulls back the canvas tarp to reveal the sleek metallic grey grav flyer. Right under where the pilot sits is the name 'Wriker's Fancy' written in fancy script. "Well... Hope you like it..." https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ec/7a/95/ec7a95beb935cd56e496f7d9d62fb144.jpg (edited)

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 06:36 AM

He drops his mug of Acastan coffee on the metal decking, which is loud in the confined space "The fuck...I..." He forgets to say anything else, suddenly opening the canopy, testing the control sticks, the springiness of the seat, and even seems to be savoring the crisp snaps of the switch covers opening and closing

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Apr-20 06:41 AM

"Should be a little sturdier than the one we got shot up, way back when. Also a hell of a lot quieter..." Eisheru sits back and watches as his friend guess through everything short of firing the engines. He smiles as he drinks his own cup of coffee. Having grown accustomed to the taste during his time on Acastus.

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 06:44 AM

"I don't know how to thank you for this, but if you never need a ride, or anything, I'll gladly follow"

(Not sure if you want to make him your companion NPC or not, but with the work you've done here, he certainly qualifies now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Apr-20 06:44 AM

(that was the hope! Evan is cool as shit)

"You are most welcome, Evan. I will feel much better having someone I trust at the helm. I hope you are ready to see the sector for all it's strange and amazing glory..." Eisheru takes another sip. "I'll be on the bridge, we leave in a few so don't get too lost in the manual."

Eisheru walks to the bridge and sits down in his chair. He starts skimming through maintenance reports and he sees the message from the Headmaster. He quickly taps out a message and sends it on its way.

Headmaster, Good to hear from you. Yes I have. I need to return some Engineers home to Tsatsos and then I will make my way to Shangri La. Be Well, Tidecaller Primus

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Apr-20 07:40 AM

(so Savita>Creusa>Terezinho>Tsatsos>Gudrun 7 days i believe. Working on pilot some more 21/90)

(ready to jump into the scry assuming nothing bad happens)

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 08:17 AM

(nothing bad happening)

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 08:50 AM

Arriving on Gudrun, your ship identifies itself and it given permission to land at Prime, where the other ships have seemed to gather, though the destination for all of you is unknown by the platform controllers

(Shangra la is a secret outside of the psychics)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Apr-20 08:52 AM

Pinned a message.

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 08:53 AM

(Alright, do we want me to post what Shangra la looks like?)

(handout is hidden to most people)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Apr-20 08:53 AM

(up to reg. maybe DM?)

Artifice (Regrupple) 07-Apr-20 09:01 AM

(Sure you can post it, I think everyone going now has been there before)

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 09:11 AM

Grandfather, the maintaining robot responsible for the grounds, sweeps yet more dust from the steps and hallways of the open air campus. Doona has planted a variety of local plants in the garden, and they smell fragrant. Most of them are known to produce calming incense when burned.

Aside from the robot, and the plants, it appears no one has been here in some time

Artifice (Regrupple) 07-Apr-20 09:18 AM

Regulus, Doona, Crane, Xu Ganara, and @Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) are already there waiting when Eisheru arrives, "Ah, Tidecaller, I'm glad you made it. You've met Dr. Ahn and Miss Crane, this is Mr. Dax Withers and Xu Ganara. Everyone, this is Eisheru Tidecaller, our Greystar representative. Congratulations on your successful mission against the brotherhood."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Apr-20 10:03 AM

Eisheru climbes the steps and sees the gathered congregation of Psions. He bows his head graciously to the group, "Thank you, Headmaster. Good to see you all again. And a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Withers and Xu Ganara. Both of your reputations proceed you." Eisheru tips his head in acknowledgement once again to the Headmaster, "Successful yes, but not without cost. However, the Brotherhood should not be bothering anyone anymore. Justice Odenberg cut the head off that snake and their base is no more. The Delgado's have returned to their home on Terezinho." Eisheru closes the distance to be in more comfortable conversation distance. "I came as soon as I received your's and Xu's message. How may I be of service?" (edited)

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 10:17 AM

"I have sometihng to show all of you, and with what I was able to recover I believe we have a chance at stopping both the shapers, and the scream beast that follows in their wake"

"Robert Tanzer was killed trying to cover my escape, that is how strongly he believed in what we had found. We have to accomplish this. We have to try."

His voice shifts as he speaks, some words spoken as a male, others a female, and yet some a blend of both. There is no pattern to who is speaking or how often the voice changes

Artifice (Regrupple) 07-Apr-20 10:25 AM

Regulus bows his head, "Robert was close to many of us, when I received the news... Yes, we will do anything to see his dream come true. And to remove this life ending threat to our galaxy. What must we do?"

Nekosmash 07-Apr-20 10:29 AM

"There is a ritual described within these pages. The temple here must be consecrated, and we will channel our powers as one- similar to how the Jademane of Alial work, but with the energy we are harnessing, there is a chance for backlash. It will strain all of us, and may even be fatal if we lose control of what we are doing. If this works, we will be able to view the planet of Goizane as if we were there ourselves. If the shapers are there, and it is their homeworld we can best decide how to deal with it. That brings me to the second part of our finding. There is a link between the shapers, and the beast, as you may be aware. Currently, the beast is in danger of manifesting, as it moves from the south, closer to us. The shapers have been steadily feeding it life, and as a result the beast has been able to have some tangible effect on the universe. If we stop their feeding, if we stop their spread, the beast will not be able to manifest. Starved of his sustaining MES flow, it should discorporate.

Banishment, as a layman's term"

Artifice (Regrupple) 07-Apr-20 10:44 AM

"So defeat the fleshshapers and the beast will consume itself. A surprisingly simple solution." Regulus reaches out, connecting the six of them in a psychic gestalt, a surge of power and knowledge flooding them as each gains access to nearly any psionic ability imaginable. "Tidecaller, a telepathic link could prove beneficial as well. It seems intimate cooperation is required for this. Are we all prepared for the risks?"

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 07-Apr-20 11:11 AM

"I didn't even want to come to this party, but... yeah. I'm here, Reggie."

"Can't save the universe without me... or something."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Apr-20 11:15 AM

"Ah so the legends are true... We had heard of rituals such that you described, but all on Terezinho dismissed them as the stuff of legend. We will not let Mr. Tanzer's sacrifice be for not." Eisheru closes his eyes and sparks the connection with Regulus and then extends it to include the others. He opens them once again and uses his experience to help everyone calm their thoughts and control the transmissions that are shared with the Unity. "I am ready to proceed with the ritual. Let us see what the shapers are doing."

Artifice (Regrupple) 07-Apr-20 11:24 AM

Regulus nods, "Let has begin. Xu Ganara if you would lead us through the consecration and then the ritual."

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 06:24 AM

Xu bows, "First, I will need some of the herbs hanging in the kitchen. Doona has picked them already and they have been drying since your return journey from Savita. Take everything on the pegs. We then need to decide which room to do this in. As you can see from the book here, these rituals require the main employment of one or two primary schools. It would need to be done in one of those two spaces here, though I do not think it matters which

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 07:04 AM

(Can I get a layout of the place? Cant find it on R20)

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 07:07 AM

(the original files were not mine, and were lost, i think when silvano quit, actual floorplan is gone, all we have is the narrative in the handout)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 07:10 AM

(ahh works for me! Theatre of the mind!) "If there is a room with a window that would be preferred. If it looks towards the ocean, even better." Eisheru begins the mental exercises of calming his thoughts, centering himself, and removing doubt from his intentions.

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 07:17 AM

THE APPROACH A dusty mesa stretches out before you at the base of a mountain. Dozens of large boulders sit scattered around you, and a white spiral is painted with age flaked pigment onto a nearby cliff face. A winding staircase is set into the mountain, invisible if you didn’t know exactly how to approach the mountain base. Hundreds of red-brown terracotta stairs lead up through the mountain to a destination you cannot see. The stairs wind through the mountain, at times opening to create covered passages with the sides open to the sky. Ivy and hardy desert succulents hang from rough-carved window sills. You approach a final landing after hours of climbing, that turns sharply to the left. From down below you can see that after the turn the steps lead to a leveled off rock face.

THE TEMPLE You turn the corner, and at the top of the final flight of stairs rests a structure, towered and well-hidden in the side of the mountain. It’s made of stone painstakingly hauled up from the plains below, mixed with the local red-brown variety to form a stunning temple keep. Cracked pots of the same material spill dehydrated dirt and plants long rotted to nothing. Nets of rope like fronds blow in the light breeze, hanging from windows. The doors are sealed, an indent for a key matching the talisman given by Stonetusk. When the key is placed, heavy locks behind the door whirr and click. Deep bangs signal the locking bars disengaging and the large doors swing open, revealing a foyer. TEMPLE ROOMS From the foyer another set of stairs goes up into a library at the rooms north. The library, which had been in ruins due to long neglect, has been repurposed as a mundane study and teaching area. A spiral staircase in the corner leads to the level above. The level above is dominated by a few monastic-looking cells for quiet reflection that make you feel peaceful. A very large central chamber (dubbed the Reflection Room by Silvano) with a crystal ceiling depicts a planetscape showing piggen, animals, and plants all growing strong under a golden sun. In this chamber you feel the most peaceful you’ve ever been (this chamber enhances precognition, allowing you to see further into the future. All psychics have perfect recall of events they've witnessed in the past, allowing you to always get truthful information if something from your past becomes relevant or someone from your past shows up again). The wind whistles through small holes in the stucco outside the towers musically, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

To the east lies a kitchen, and a ladder going down into a storage room and work space below. Down in the basement you climb down a ladder to the decommissioned machine shop. A mech, heavily damaged by time, sat in a corner of the room, but has since been relocated to the secure garage at the Greenbriar colony for study by Azog and Val. A secret tunnel behind a tool rack Sil found when he first explored takes you down a hallway carved with stylized piggen murals, ending in a giant piggen head, mouth open. A giant orange, red, and yellow crystal resembling a flame makes the entire room warmly glow. In this chamber you feel raw power coursing through you with every step you take closer to the glowing crystal formation (this room boost telekinesis and lowers the effort of other psychic abilities). TOWERS The towers contain other cells for meditation, and the top of the leftmost appeared to have once held pet birds. A small area of leveled ground on the side of the courtyard looks like herbs had once grown there, and is in the process of being revitalized into a proper garden once more. The left tower's first floor has been turned into rooms for students, currently able to accomodate five. The second level enhances biopsionic abilities and has been set up as an infirmary. The topmost level (rookery) enhances telepathy. Some of the facilities meant to house birds have been left intact for future use. The right tower's first floor has been set up as housing for teachers. It currently has space for three, intended for Val, Doona, and Silvano. The second level used to be a map room and has been cleaned out to resume that purpose, or to be an administrative planning space, but doesn't enhance any abilities. The topmost level enhances teleportation, doubling the range. For TP-4, a psychic could teleport to the moon.

(This is as it was, in some areas, water and power are back, and the garden has been fixed)

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 07:31 AM

(The basement is Grupp's advanced arcanotech lab too. Also we're in a desert so no ocean lol)

"The top of either tower would be ideal it seems, judging by the required powers."

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 07:33 AM

(If you have a mageblade, the basement is the place to get a cool bonus to it too)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 07:40 AM

"I think the rookery would be best. It would allow me to better focus our telepathic energies so that we may see beyond what our eyes are capable of seeing. Should make up for the lack of any bodies of water to commune with. If I am reading this ritual correct, we will need to project our group consciousness to Goizane to inspect the planet." (edited)

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 08:09 AM

(yeah, have a few things to edit here to reflect the passage of time)

(but the core of what we're doing is all here)

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 08:15 AM

"The rookery should work well for our purposes." Regulus leads their group up to the top of the left hand tower. "What else do we require?"

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 08:38 AM

"We must scrub the floor, and cleanse the room of contaminants, and once it is complete, I will need everyone's help drawing the ritual mandala required"

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 08:46 AM

Regulus uses telekinesis to help clean the room, thermokinesis burning away anything not easily swept or scrubbed.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 08:48 AM

Eisheru gets on hands and knees scrubbing as well and using Telekinesis to help the places he cant reach. He starts at one corner and works his way around the room

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 08:49 AM

Dax picks up items that don't belong and teleports himself back and forth between a storage room and the rookery to help clear it quicker.

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 08:50 AM

"I have something new that should cleanse what is left." Regulus begins casting some form of intricate arcane spell and a brilliant light shines forth from him, any remaining dust and impurities scoured clean beneath its radiance. (Casting Beacon of Celestial Purity)

(Pinged it on roll20)

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 08:58 AM

Xu looks pleased, and takes a small case of chalk out from a pouch on his belt. "Dax, there are two braziers down in the storage room. They're silver, on a lightpole looking thing. If you don't mind, my legs are not agreeing with these stairs" "Everyone else, pick a color, and please, follow along exactly. I will project it onto the floor"

2

3

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 09:00 AM

"Yeah, on it. Gotta set the mood; I understand." Moments later, both braziers are teleported back up into their chamber.

(dibs on purple, because reasons)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 09:03 AM

Eisheru picks up the yellow chalk and begins with the center flower and then works his way out. He pays careful attention to the lines that Xu is projecting. In his mind he focuses his intent and the group's intent. Projecting the sight of the group will require absolute focus and distractions could be disastrous. Eisheru begins an old Merlon chant meant to help direct ones willpower. It is barely audible as he is mostly saying it to himself to calm his own nerves. (edited)

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 09:07 AM

Regulus chooses a calming blue, four floating pieces of chalk working in harmony to complete his portion of the mandala.

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 09:10 AM

Dax works exceedingly slowly, grumbling to himself at points. His artistic prowess extends only to his swordplay, and doing this correctly is an strenuous exercise in patience.

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 09:14 AM

(its just the three of you in this thread right? not leaving anyone behind?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 09:14 AM

(correct, the rest are your NPCs)

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 09:15 AM

(Doona Crane and Xu were the only ones I figured both capable and available)

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 09:16 AM

Crane, and Doona likewise take up their own colors, while Xu focuses on projecting and ensuring everything is being done correctly. He walks with exaggerated care outside the edges of the room, lighting the two existing braziers with the calming herb blend, and setting up the two that Dax retrieved, making one in each corner

There are gentle clouds of lavender smoke coming from each, and the room feels somehow more complete, without feeling inundated in new contaminants. Xu seems to have somehow discerned what scents each of you would find most calming, and created some sort of blend to mix everything, without it becoming rancid.

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 09:22 AM

Regulus completes his segment, floating over it gently so as to not disturb it.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 09:25 AM

The bergamot that Xu instinctively knew to burn helps remind Eisheru of home. Of Terezinho and her marvelous oceans and stunning reefs. Eisheru finishes his sections and uses the flight granted to him by the concert of minds to float above the design.

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 09:27 AM

"This is a rather momentous moment as we are to gaze into the heart of darkness, a place likely no human has ventured nor seen. A place of abominations and horror. The throne of the twisted monsters who have plagued us and those before. May this be the beginning of the end and may what we see guide us toward a path of peace in the wake of such destruction."

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 09:42 AM

"With three of us arranged, northeast, north, and northwest, and the same configuration arranged on the bottom, we should be in the proper formation to begin

"If anyone has anything they'd like to say before we undertake this dangerous plan, now would be the time"

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 09:43 AM

Having already said his piece Regulus takes his place in the northernmost position.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 09:51 AM

Eisheru floats over to spot directly opposite Headmaster Fate and gently lowers himself to the ground, "The hunger that drives the Scream Beast and thus the Shapers knows no end. It is unceasing and can never be sated. Such an existence will only lead to Madness and the desire to consume more. May our work today bring about a more peaceful sector tomorrow so that no more may be forced to live with the horrors of the Shapers." (edited)

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 09:52 AM

"Do I have to give a speech? Or can I just stand over there?"

3

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 09:55 AM

Regulus, the robot who doesnt need to breathe, sighs deeply, "Just stand here Dax."

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 09:58 AM

(Irreverent to the very end.) "Aaaallright. Right here. Thanks, Reggie. Ready to begin."

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 09:59 AM

(psi skill used/ choice of wis or con)

Xu takes his place next to Dax. "Let us begin."

Doona, Xu, and Crane begin to focus, and a glowing ball of light begins to form in the middle of the mandala. It is blobby and there are no details as of yet, but something is clearly trying to form there.

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 10:04 AM

(Teleport/Con - 14)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 10:04 AM

(telepathy/con 7)

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 10:06 AM

(Metapsi-Wis 16)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 10:08 AM

Eisheru brings the vision of Goizane to the Unity. From his initial connection to the scream beast

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 10:09 AM

Eisheru feels the energy start to flicker around him, and thinking of the scream beast, he begins to falter. there is a surge of warm and pleasant sensation, as Doona reaches over and takes his hand. The small human woman smiles warmly. Steady, Tidecaller Even mentally, her tone is infused with nothing but the most pure love (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 10:17 AM

Eisheru refocuses on the ball of energy that is forming. Steadied by the loving and caring Doona, he nods once and his mind clears once again. He lets his focus naturally drift back to the ritual

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 10:41 AM

With everyone now focused , the ghost image now resolves into a clear view of the planet Goizane. Giant kilometers thick tentacles snake the planet, diving deep into the crust and emerging in other parts of the world. The soil is healthy, vibrant even, though the ruddy color is not sand or life giving mud but instead a sea of flesh. Red Trees, willowy fronds made of organic hair, trunks of nail, and branches of flayed flesh whip in the gentle wind. Shaper workers harvest the forbidden red fruits from these trees, collecting them for later transformation. one of the massive Net-ships settles in orbit, its thick tendons relaxing, and releasing the captive biomass inside to fall to the planet below like an orbital trash dump. Anything still living, and some of the cargo assuredly is, screams as it plunges to a death on the hard surface of the world. Swarms of workers begin moving as soon as the bodies crash to the ground

in space, although bowed and beaten several times, more battle moons are under construction, along with countless smaller ships

At the center of this mass of tentacles sits something like jet dark organ the size of a small mountain range. It is covered in the same veiny connectors, and they occasionally pulse with an arterial red inner light, as the neurons inside the sheathing fire (edited)

Every time this happens, either the ships in orbit, or workers on the ground seem to do something in response

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 10:51 AM

(all that can be seen right now)

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 10:52 AM

"That organ looks similar to the brain of the battle moon we destroyed, if on a massive scale. A horrific planet of flesh. It could be the planet itself that is controlling the shapers, the force connecting them telepathically. Perhaps the planet was converted to this monster or maybe it has always been the 'queen bee' so to speak. Regardless... it seems our target is clear."

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 11:00 AM

"It's a good thing I didn't plan on sleeping, you know, like ever again... Yeah. Let's hope destroying that planet is enough."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 11:03 AM

"That is... That thing is an abomination... I think sending anyone to that planet would be a fools errand... Suha stands ready to show the might of the Red Dawn Singularity Gun"

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 11:06 AM

"If my hypothesis is correct, that should at the very least disrupt any remaining fleshshaper coordination, at best what remains would be mindless husks incapable of coherent thought. The Singularity Gun seems our best option for this, we have little to lose. What are your thought Xu Ganara?"

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 11:06 AM

The Thunder of Suha needs to sound in the void of space, one more time

(This is the only shell they have right now, I'll talk about making more to the faction themselves)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 11:09 AM

"And Thunder it shall. Once the connection to the beast is disrupted, what just we do to banish it from our plane of existence?"

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 11:11 AM

"It exists in metaspace, and do that, we need the help of those in metaspace already. Those deceased, those you were friendly with who have passed, think of them now" (all of you can nominate a dead character, this wont be how its normally done but we're going to add a layer of extraplanar contact on top of it)

(nominate, and tag the controlling player)

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 11:14 AM

"Watch over my body. I will shepherd the fallen to the battleground and aid them as I can."

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 11:18 AM

(Alright, so Reg nominates himself) Xu Ganara thinks for a long moment, and reaches deep into his memories of friends, passed on. @Merle Horník (Corn) Cornelius Hardt was a good man. I know many in the UNW were sad at his passing. I think the chance to save his friends still living there is a good thing he will appreciate After a moment, the shimmering outline of Cornelius begins to form, dressed in the uniform he was wearing for his unfortunate plunge into the gas giant.

5

8

(I'll let you guys go, Crane and Doona will nominate someone you didnt pick)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Apr-20 11:28 AM

Eisheru thinks of his new home on Acastus. Of all the people he has come to know love. He thinks of the planet's recent history and the heroes it has lost. He conjures up the image of Provost Desmond O'Shea standing stoically in the park that bears his name. "Hear me, Hero of Acastus. While you do not know me, I know of you and your sacrifice. I call on you to aid the living in our hour of need. Help us defeat the Scream Beast so that no more are forced to suffer it's horrors." (@Chris Fury (Desmond)) (edited)

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 08-Apr-20 11:31 AM

"There's only one choice in my mind..." Dax's 'voice' comes through shaky. "He did everything he could, and more, in life to fight back against the dark and unjust. I cannot think of anyone more noble to fight this battle than my great friend, Robert Tanzer." ( @Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) )

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 11:32 AM

Desmond begins to form, next to Corn. Desmond is clad in the gear he used in his final fight against the Still Lady , though his features have none of the pain he suffered in the organ failures of his final moments. Robert also appears, Void Wardens emblem proud and somehow shining a bit brighter than the rest of his shimmering form

Doona thinks for a long moment, "Cyrus Adonis, you left life in a manner that does not fit the image you tried to convey. Your actions hurt millions, and killed thousands who did not deserve to die. You have a chance now to redeem yourself. We are counting on you" And as promised, Cyrus appears, wearing his power armor, spear and shield in his hand. He says nothing, head bowed low, in either submission or shame,

6

Crane likewise takes her time, "I spoke to a sunblade named Deckard Alfin several times, he rescued Cal, and Doona, and I was saddened to hear of his passing to Knight-Commander Dagget's knife. Deckard. We needed you once, we need you again"

And the Merlon warrior, ghostly image of his harpoon, begins to materialize

Merle Horník (Corn) 08-Apr-20 11:39 AM

Cornelius speaks, first to break the silence big smile on his glowing face. "Well it's good to see you all again, and meet the folks I didn't get a chance to. Of course I'll help."

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 11:46 AM

(this is goign to be all narrative, we won't need skill checks or anything, lets just try to write something cool)

3

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 11:55 AM

(You're appearing in the ritual chamber, once everyone catches up Xu is going to talk)

3

Artifice (Regrupple) 08-Apr-20 12:08 PM

Regulus appears too, in his unkempt human form as he smiles at those around him, giving a shallow nod to Cyrus and a deep bow to Robert, "Welcome friends."

Merle Horník (Corn) 08-Apr-20 12:13 PM

Corn salutes. "Hey c... Regulus."

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 01:00 PM

Xu Ganara, groupmind of Olar, and host to dozens of skilled psychic minds does not move from his post, but begins speaking. "This is disorientating for all of you, I am sure. We have a chance to day to defeat this scream beast for good. You all assembled here before us are the only ones capable of this feat, now beings of pure metaspace yourselves. I will guide you through this process. Although you cannot die in the normal sense of the word, essence can be scattered, and it will take you eons to pull yourself back together should that happen. We have the chance to do the same to the scream beast here today. You all are our last, best, and only hope"

Merle Horník (Corn) 08-Apr-20 01:04 PM

"Well it can't be much worse than being ship fuel, so I'm still in."

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 01:05 PM

"They named a ship after you, you know" Xu smiles, looking at Cornelius

4

Merle Horník (Corn) 08-Apr-20 01:10 PM

"Really? Thank you, it's nice to finally have a ship."

7

Chris Fury (Desmond) 08-Apr-20 01:52 PM

“I am here,” Desmond says. “and I am glad to see that the struggle continues against the forces of fear. My planet of Acastus was saved by those like you, who call up their courage to protect something larger than themselves and fight that which would try to divide and diminish!”

5

Merle Horník (Corn) 08-Apr-20 02:07 PM

"Well I'll be glad for one last mission with Regulus and Robert and a first with you Provost Desmond. Maybe I can finally earn that badge you gave me even if it is just a bit of shiny light now." Candrius smiles and pats the shiny badge on his belt. (edited)

Chris Fury (Desmond) 08-Apr-20 03:18 PM

“That badge always was just a bit of shiny light in the darkness,” Desmond says. “And always will be.”

2

Merle Horník (Corn) 08-Apr-20 03:20 PM

Cornelius laughs, smiling. "You always did have a way with words."

Nekosmash 08-Apr-20 04:02 PM

(Just gonna wait for Robert )

4

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 08-Apr-20 11:43 PM

Robert looks out at the people assembled around him, both dead and living. He spares a moments glance for each one, smiling, even to Cyrus, his one time rival. "I'm glad for this chance to see you all again, I thought that that honour had been robbed from me in Shahriar. I am very sorry to have left you all in such a trying time, and I hope my passing hasn't affected any of you too much. If it is any consolation, I am finally with my daughter, and we have been happy, though the word does not really capture what I feel now. In death, many things change, but my desire to defeat the beast has not. I will do all I can to stop it. If I'm being honest, I'd also like to talk to it one last time, this time with the advantages of being on the same plane of existence."

6

Artifice (Regrupple) 09-Apr-20 02:34 AM

Regulus places a hand on Robert's shoulder, a shimmering tear falling into his tangled glowing beard, "We will do our best to give you that opportunity old friend."

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 09-Apr-20 02:44 AM

Robert smiles back, melancholy. "I will miss you, old friend. I will miss all of you. I had come to love my life in a way I didn't think I could again. Alas, c'est la vie, if you'll pardon the pun. Dying wasn't a particularly enjoyable experience, but death isn't so bad."

Artifice (Regrupple) 09-Apr-20 05:48 AM

Regulus nods with a smile, taking another look at the gathered ghosts before turning to Xu, "We're ready Xu Ganara. Let us send this beast back to the shadow."

Merle Horník (Corn) 09-Apr-20 06:02 AM

Candrius rubs his non existent glimmering shoulder. "Before we're possibly scattered for eons or return to the sometimes not eternal slumber, you mind if I get one of your legendary hugs Robert?"

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 06:55 AM

Xu begins moving from his location around the mandala, and as he circles the chalk lines on the floor begin to glow. "The Scream Beast is fueled by destruction, the energies of death, and the chaos that comes when whole populations are put through suffering and sorrow. You are all used to defeating a foe with your guns, or fists. You're required to do something a bit different here. The shell is going to hit Goizane in moments. When it does the beast will be weakened and you'll be transported to metaspace. When you get there, kind words, things you have done during life you are proud of, memories of friends and family , those things hurled at the beast become your weapons. Remember your physical life as fondly as possible, the more concrete you can make your memory, the better"

Chris Fury (Desmond) 09-Apr-20 07:23 AM

“It’s like Tennyson’s poem, Ulysses...” Desmond says. “There lies the port; the vessel puffs her sail: There gloom the dark, broad seas. My mariners, Souls that have toil'd, and wrought, and thought with me— Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho' We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

2

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 07:28 AM

The planet image maintains itself now with fewer of you focusing. There is a ripple at the edge of the system and a ring of energy scattering into deep space announces the arrival of the hypersonic singularity shell. A lance of light impales the planet, as the shell activates its ramjet, and the deep penetrating tip sinks into the core of the planet, aided by the hypervelocity. Once the terminal depth is reached, the detonation sequence begins

The planet seems to not change at first, before cracks appear on its surface. Fire blooms as internal magma is brought to the surface. Tentacles writhe in pain as they become engulfed, and the planet begins to compact violently

A miniature black hole begins to form, miniature in this case still hundreds of kilometers wide

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 07:39 AM

Xu snaps, just as the planet begins to further fracture into larger individual pieces, and the assembled MES spirits vanish They re-appear in the same system, though the gravity pull of the collapsing planet does not have any kind of physical consequence to any of those assembled. Seeing the world through this Metaspace vision, a black cloud rife with lighting and storm is hovering over the world , though seems to be undergoing the same kind of turbulence

A shape begins to emerge from it

7

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 08:05 AM

Xu is not with you in physical presence, but you can feel his eyes upon all of you. "Let's not give this beast much time to gather its remaining strength, lets begin"

Artifice (Regrupple) 09-Apr-20 08:24 AM

Regulus takes the hands of Robert and Cornelius next to him, "Back just before the madness of Alcibiades and all the chaos that followed... I remember fondly a rare moment when the stakes were low and there was no immense terror to defeat." You all have a vision of a submarine in the waters of Gudrun, Robert at the wheel as it narrowly dodges an attack from some sort of large sea monster, Corn and a very human Regulus trying to take the creature out before it sinks them. The encounter is short and the vision cuts to them hauling the creature back to port, smiling and congratulating each other. "It was the last complete victory before my death, all others are stained with grief and hurt."

6

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 08:25 AM

(See, stuff like that, i forgot about) The words become something like a glowing lance in the hands of the disembodied Regulus, the well defined memory solidifying into a hurlable weapon

Merle Horník (Corn) 09-Apr-20 08:32 AM

Cornelius smiles and squeezes their hands thinking of his own memory. The victory party after where he first introduced himself to everyone. A scene of him fumbling with a box of custom jackets and handing them out to everyone at the spirit. Recruiting Kensh to the Sons of Corn. Peter and Robert's wrestling match. The last get together where everyone was present, happy and alive.

7

3

Chris Fury (Desmond) 09-Apr-20 08:37 AM

“I remember Hailey’s laughter, her way of giving hope in hopeless situations. I remember Billy’s bravery which comes out of his endless curiosity, Dax’s blazing sword

which arose from his sense of justice, Marcion’s devotion to duty and being a great detective and my wife Drina, who will always be a part of Acastus, with its ash clouds, dark rain, the taste of chocolate and the smell of fresh coffee.

6

3

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 09-Apr-20 08:56 AM

"I remember holding my baby daughter in my arms for the first time. Flying a shuttle off Shahriar with my companions after a raid to rescue some psychics, the first lives I ever saved. Travelling through Pelgason with Hailey and Svenka, talking to locals and promising them support. Reading news reporting the first night of no violence on Creusa. Hearing Nancy's voice after believing her dead on a suicide mission in deep space. Shaking hands with an Ashen One leader, forming an agreement to get them offworld. Days spent reading books in my office. Lying on top of the Wanderlust on some world, just watching the clouds go by."

7

Artifice (Regrupple) 09-Apr-20 09:26 AM

Deckard looks down at his sunblade weapon, "I remember forging my harpoon. Rescuing Cal and Doona by swimming through the sewers. Training the Knotted Wheel squires. Playing chess with Cal and losing every time." He shakes his head with a grin, "Beating Dagget, even though it took my life to do so."

5

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 09:28 AM

The words become weapons, forming long spears, and other similarly hefted weapons depending on how you would have felt comfortable with them during life. Cyrus grunts, the first time he he has spoken. "I remember hunting a grass serpent with my wife. We fought really hard, and it was a close fight. We celebrated after that, it was the first thing we did as a couple and it was the night I knew we were going to make our marriage work. I think that might have been the last time I was actually happy" His memory is a bit tinged with sorrow, and the weapon forms, but is not as grand as the others.

5

He steps forward, as much as one can step in this formless space, and hurls, the golden light arcing through the heavens, and expanding across the storm cloud and the form coming out of it in a yellow storm of energy.

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 10:01 AM

He steps back from the throw, and seems to be waiting for everyone else to do the same

The beast, once struck, gives off something like a low howl. Whatever Cyrus just did, the creature did not enjoy the feeling

Artifice (Regrupple) 09-Apr-20 10:03 AM

Deckard hurls his harpoon at the beast, it taking on a golden light similar to the ancient hammer he always envied.

Regulus holds forth his glowing lance of crackling unformed energy, a beam of pure power rather than a weapon, "May the countless lives that you consumed be free and may you never feed again! For the hope of future generations and the strength of those who defy you even in death!" The beam of liquid gold follows Deckard's harpoon toward the beast.

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 10:12 AM

Joined with the storm of the spear Cyrus has thrown, the beast screams louder, and sections of the storm begin separating from one another, into smaller pieces

Chris Fury (Desmond) 09-Apr-20 11:35 AM

Desmond’s weapon looks like the Star

shaped Badge ⭐️ of the Marshal’s. It hurls forth from his hand like a shooting star

.

4

Merle Horník (Corn) 09-Apr-20 12:55 PM

Cornelius feels around in his pocket and hucks something at the great beast. Smiling at the thing he never got to do in the retaking of Rawhani as the lumped ball breaks into a cloud of glittering sand, and flies towards the monster's eyes. (edited)

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 12:57 PM

(Just gonna wait for robert)

9

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 09-Apr-20 06:23 PM

Robert hefts his own spear of light, aiming it at the beast, staring it down. "I offered you a better way, you really should have taken it." He hurls the spear with all his ethereal might towards the eldritch horror.

9

5

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 06:43 PM

Held in place and battered by the six points of light, you all once again feel Xu enter your thoughts. "It is weak. Regulus, you walk the line between death and life in your current form. You are the only one who can strike the final blow. When this is over, I can keep you all together for a moment to say your goodbyes, before Regulus and myself return to the world of the living"

Artifice (Regrupple) 09-Apr-20 07:38 PM

Regulus floats forward, a hazy image of his new mech surrounds him, its brilliant liquid gold contrasting the soft blue-white of the comparatively small human. He turns around and faces the ghostly gathering, smiling at each in turn. "I remember Terezinho with you, Cornelius. We fought a Jademane and we each named nulmetanium. Thankfully it seems "fateium" died with you," Regulus gives a warm chuckle before turning to the next, "Desmond. You were there when I died. I remember your kindness to your people, I remember the hope you kindled in them. They remember your sacrifice. Deckard. I remember hearing of your bravery, of how you saved the life of one of my dearest friends. Cyrus. I remember heated debates of philosophy and religion. We rarely agreed, but I always admired your passion and drive. I hope you find the peace in death you never could in life." Glowing tears fall freely down his cheeks, though his smile never wavers. "Robert. I remember you always searching for a peaceful path, no matter the enemy. I remember you fighting for others with unmatched fervor. I cannot remember you acting selfishly a single time in the time I have known you."

Regulus turns back towards the beast, raising his arms up as six golden "weapons" flare above him in the same images previously conjured. The outline of his mech towering above his mirrors his movements, an additional six weapons appearing, darker and more solid than the others. "Beast of the metadimension! I remember awaking from cryo to a world a terror and fear, caused by your Scream! We have conquered that fear and we have built a new world! One where we will learn from the mistakes of our past, one where we will grow in strength and in compassion! One where heroes like those behind me willingly give their lives for the betterment of all! We banish you from our new world! And we banish you from your own! May you find peace of your own wherever you end up, may your hunger come to an end! May all the suffering you caused go with you, that the burden of the living be lessened but never forgotten! .... Go now .... Be at rest." Six-paired beams of light simultaneously strike out, their shining brilliance leaving an almost painful after image as they home in on their target.

7

Nekosmash 09-Apr-20 07:50 PM

Golden light visible in both real, and metaspace washes out from Goizane. This 'Second Scream' as it would later be known is one of healing, rather than destruction. The wave washes over the surrounding planets, dissolving shaper tendrils, searing corruption away, and sending those few still alive after the singularity gun shot dissolving into ash. Ferals, and those in the grips of madness from the first Scream now find peace, their bodies falling into death as though they are in a dreamlike repose. Those in the grips of torch, or struggling with their powers, momentarily find the guidance they need to help themselves, or the instinct to turn to someone who can. There is no question the galaxy will still need heroes to undo most of the damage- but a measure of peace has been bought today. The galaxy enters a state of true silence, as The Scream and the terrible events unleashed by it are calmed in this sector. Space is vast, and this golden wave may yet travel to other areas, helping those who may not even realize that they are being helped. (edited)

There is no cry as the beast fades, no oath of vengeance, or even animal bleat as it dies. There is simply there serenity of deep space, and a subconscious weight lifting from all who inhabit the galaxy

(9xp for the living characters, re roll token for everyone. If you're a dead character in this thread, you get a re roll token to use with your current character)

8

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Apr-20 06:17 AM

Pinned a message.

Nekosmash 10-Apr-20 07:01 AM

(This is copied into a handout, the actual banishment part which is what the galaxy would know. We can move back to Shangra-La as the MES spirits have a few moments to talk before they fade out again)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Apr-20 07:13 AM

As their vision returns from Metaspace and Goizane to the room in Shangra-La Eisheru shakes his head to refocus his vision. He floats over to be in front of Provost Desmond and gives a kind smile and generous bow of his head. "While I never had the pleasure to meet you in the material world, I have read much of your actions on your home-world. Your people celebrate your life and are thriving because of your sacrifice. I wish... I am glad that I am finally able to make your acquaintance, even if only for a brief moment. If there is anyone on Acastus you would like for me to pass word onto, it would be an honor to do this service. Thank you again for heeding the call of those in need. Your light is what helps guide us through dark times."

Chris Fury (Desmond) 10-Apr-20 10:24 AM

“I was a detective

️‍♀️, a man who tried to solve mundane mysteries but ended up inside larger mystical, metaphysical ones. To see Regulus, who died in front of me now reborn again was a boon I could never repay. If you have time there are two people you could see, an Acastus man named Jerud. He became a Marshal with the UNW after working years undercover. He worked for a man called Marcion. Also there is an author on Acastus. Lex Fury, he was a friend, a writer and journalist, gave me insight into the Cobalt Killer. He was captured by the Cultists. I hope he survived, for the sake of his wife Maeve and his son Chris. But most of all thanks for bringing me and the others back so I could think of my wife Drina again and of the heroes I knew and to meet a new one, like yourself. I guess I will leave into the ‘Stars ✨ and the Silences’ just like the saying of my old planet Acastus.”

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Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Apr-20 11:59 AM

Eisheru nods to the former CIS Chief. "I know of these two and both yet live. I will be sure to reach out to them." He gives another bow of his head, deep with respect. "You have not been forgotten and I will ensure you will always be remembered, Desmond. As we say on Terezinho, 'Fair winds and following seas.'" (edited)

2

Nekosmash 10-Apr-20 05:13 PM

(Any final words anyone?)

Artifice (Regrupple) 10-Apr-20 05:18 PM

(Reg got all he wanted to say out)

Merle Horník (Corn) 10-Apr-20 05:25 PM

Cornelius turns to Eisheru. "You work with Kensh right? Would you tell him thanks and Svenka if you know her for taking care of the sons, and doing good, tell them I'm proud and glad they're doing well." He smiles and stands by the others. "I'm glad I could finally do something useful."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Apr-20 05:27 PM

"I do and I will." Eisheru nods. He did not know the man other than his name but providing a service to the honored dead was something Eisheru did gladly. "It would be my honor"

Merle Horník (Corn) 10-Apr-20 05:53 PM

Cornelius' smile gets broader and he gives Eisheru a nod.

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 10-Apr-20 06:09 PM

Dax fixates on the visage of Robert with a somber expression. The triumph over darkness is juxtaposed with the fresh grief of his friend's passing. He thinks back through the adventures he's had with Robert. Simpler times. He remembers being pinned down in a vault on Shariar in the middle of a rescue mission that nearly went south, but pulling through somehow. He remembers the countless Unity Council meetings where Robert always stood up for the little guy against all opposition. Lastly, he remembers the very first time they met, on the moon above Gudrun to explore an abandoned piggen facility. He remembers the heart to heart they had and a certain... promise that wasn't kept. He smirks fondly. "You know, you never did teach me how to talk to women. You promised." He chuckles. "It really would've saved me some... uh, trouble."

Bartholemew Thrace (Robert) 10-Apr-20 07:01 PM

Robert chuckles at Dax's comment. "The teaching is in the doing, Dax. There was nothing I could have said. The trouble was the lesson, and I've heard you're doing fine there. You've earned the right to be confident, Dax. We won't be able to go to the bar like we planned, as I'm somewhat... indisposed, but I also don't think it was ever really necessary." Looking at his old friends, Robert sighs. "I believe it is my time to go. I'm glad I got to see you all, one last time. Pass on my respects to all of the others, and please do not mourn for me. Death has been somewhat of an adventure, all things considered. Life already seems so... distant." Robert stops for a moment, looking at something to his side that isn't visible to anyone else. "It seems Sarah is requesting my attention once more. She's as demanding as I remember, but I have been absent for some time, so I can hardly blame the girl. I'd like to share some parting wisdom, if I may. Though the war is over, conflict is ever present. All of you who gather here are influential amongst your own nations; lead them down the path of peace, for there are few better predictors of warfare than a power vacuum. The problems you deal with may seem all encompassing and demand you to respond with violence, but the average person cares little for politics, and merely wants a safe world for them and their children. Providing that world should always be your aim. Also, tell people you love them. You never know when the last time you see them will be. Speaking of which..." Robert winks, then fades away, as a young girls laughter echoes through the space left behind. (edited)

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Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 10-Apr-20 07:16 PM

Tears roll from Dax's eyes silently, a confused mess of emotions. "... I..." Speechless, his words turn into air forced through his nostrils noisily with each deep breath. "Goodbye, Robert."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 05:59 AM

Pinned a message.

Nekosmash 11-Apr-20 06:11 AM

(I'm good to move on, sounds like everyone has said what they need to)

3

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 06:31 AM

Eisheru bids farewell to the gathered psychics. Having been part of such a ritual was a humbling and awe inspiring experience. Before Headmaster Fate ends the concert, Eisheru uses Dax's teleport to translocate himself back to his quarters on his ship. "I'm back, Evan. Please set course for home. I'll be in my quarters until you are ready to initiate spike." Eisheru sits down at his desk and begins tapping out a message to Marshall Jerud

Marshall Jerud, I hope this missive finds you well. My name is Eisheru Tidecaller, I'm a friend of Chief Guerra. I know what I'm about to say may sound... Far-fetched, but I ask you to suspend disbelief for a moment. I recently spoke with Provost Desmond O'Shea and he asked that I reach out to you and check up on you. He spoke fondly of you and wishes you well. I understand you have a situation here on Gudrun. Should you need the assistance of our agency, all you have to do is send word. Fair Winds and following seas, Eisheru Tidecaller Greystar Confederation

Eisheru spends the rest of the travel learning more about flying from his friend and companion, Evan. (How many days from Gudrun to Acastus.)

Nekosmash 11-Apr-20 06:34 AM

)9(

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 06:36 AM

(30/90 pilot)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 09:13 AM

(I'm ready to jump into those precursor ruins with @Svenka Vilnovha whenever you are ready, Neko)

Nekosmash 11-Apr-20 01:25 PM

(I'm good, we can do that here if you two are good to go)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 01:54 PM

(I figure Evan would want to take the new grav flyer for a spin. So three of us going out there.)

Svenka Vilnovha 11-Apr-20 02:21 PM

Svenka arrives via teleport to meet Eisheru. “Got your call - exploration? That would be a nice break. I do need to get back to the Red Sangha with some promised supplies, however. Also, the UNW owes them a decent amount. Reached out to Robert to see what would be the most diplomatic way to handle it. Haven’t heard from him yet, I’m sure he’s busy. I’m trying to be more diplomatic.” She smiles, she looks genuinely hopeful.

3

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 02:34 PM

Eisheru is helping Evan getting the grav flyer ready for flight when he hears Svenka teleport into the cargo hold. The telltale smell of ozone announces her arrival. Eisheru turns to see his friend and gives her a big smile, "Svenka! Yes should be a nice distraction from ending-life-as-we-know-it sized problems. Another day or two won't hurt. ..." Eisheru's smile immediately turns and his eyes are filled with sadness. He walks over and places a hand on her shoulder. "... On Savita we found video footage... Robert Tanzer gave his life in defense of the people of Shariar... The Brotherhood... Tanzer stopped them... I'm... I'm sorry..." Eisheru opens the practiced connection and offers whatever comfort and solace he can. He knows Svenka thought very highly of Mr. Tanzer. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 11-Apr-20 04:25 PM

Her expression drops Of course. Of course he is dead. “I see... I suppose I will have to try an alternate avenue then.” She is not sharing Through the connection. “Well... exploration then.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 04:26 PM

"Would you like a hug?" Eisheru holds his arms open

Svenka Vilnovha 11-Apr-20 04:27 PM

She nods

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 04:29 PM

Eisheru pulls the Taros woman into a warm and hopefully comforting embrace. He tries to emulate the one she first gave him after the Battle for Acastus. "I was able to see him during and after the ritual to defeat the Scream Beast... He seemed... At peace."

Svenka Vilnovha 11-Apr-20 04:32 PM

“What? I’m sorry, WHAT!?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 04:37 PM

Eisheru relays several images of Robert in his spectral MES form. He replays his words to the scream beast as he hurled the lance of energy. Another memory of Robert as he spoke to Dax after the beast was banished. And finally the laughter of his daughter and the peace that could be seen in his eyes.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 04:55 PM

"Robert Tanzer had found an ancient ritual that could banish a being of pure MES energy. He died covering the retreat of Xu Ganara and the ritual book. Part of the ordeal involved calling on our honored dead to assist as they exist as beings of MES Energy. It was their love of life and recounting their selfless deeds in life that created the force able to disrupt the beast and cause it's essence to scatter."

Svenka Vilnovha 11-Apr-20 06:51 PM

She nods. That all seemed like too much to process. Life after death? Coming back from the dead to deal with the scream beast... “So, the scream beast is gone? What does that mean?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 07:50 PM

Eisheru starts chiding himself. "I'm sorry that was a lot all at once. Yeah the beast is gone. And I'm not entirely sure except that the Shapers are no longer a concern, they are all but eradicated with the Singularity Gun destroying Goizane." more images from the scry showing the implosion of that planet as well as the end of the banishment ritual. Eisheru shares the feeling of calm and healing that washed over the sector. "There was a wave energy that was released... Almost like a second 'scream' but one of healing instead of madness. On a more abstract level, I feel as though a great weight has been lifted from the sector and maybe the wider universe..." Eisheru looks away, feelings of embarrassment and apologies are shared across the connection. "I'm sorry I should have waited to tell you at a different time... I promise I had planned to do this more methodically and calmly... If you don't feel up for exploring I would understand."

Svenka Vilnovha 11-Apr-20 08:52 PM

“Now is as good a time as any to investigate... and I think Robert would have liked that.” She hasn’t let go, holding on for definitely too long. “I suppose I should be used to people dying, but I’m not.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Apr-20 09:40 PM

"I would be more worried if you were used it... If it is any consolation, Robert found the piece of him that was missing. His essence felt whole and he was content with that." Eisheru places a hand on her shoulder. A small smile spreads across his face and he gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze, "Come. Let us celebrate the life and memory of Robert Tanzer. And... I think Evan really wants to use his new toy." Eisheru extends an arm to allow Svenka to board the grav flyer first. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 12:24 AM

She nods and gets in the flyer. Her entire life she had just considered that when you die, you die. Was that Taros operative haunting her for killing her? Would she see Corn again? What about all the soldiers she had seen die? What about all of those she had killed? What about her father? She was certainly distracted as she boarded.

3

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 05:27 AM

Eisheru leaves his friend to her thoughts as they climb aboard. The two make their way forward to where Evan is is likely finishing his pre-flight checks. "Hey Evan. Svenka is here so we are ready when you are. Evan this is Svenka Vilnovha, Svenka this is Evan Wriker. The coordinates to the site are in the survey report from the scouts, should have access now that we are back on Acastus." Eisheru smiles and gets settled in for the ride through atmo and to the precursor ruins. "When you feel ready for it, I'd like to talk to you about the rest of the trip. I'd also like to hear about your meeting on Jahnavi with the Red Sangha."

Nekosmash 12-Apr-20 07:38 AM

“What do we want to do about the wildlife there?” Evan asks. “The scouts didn’t have much to say aside from scary and bad. How close do we want to get?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 08:10 AM

"Let's do a fly-by to get a visual if we can. Then we can set her down a couple hundred meters away and walk."

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 08:42 AM

“Sounds good to me.” Later. I... just want to be alone in my thoughts for a moment.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 09:14 AM

The connection ends as Eisheru sits down next to Evan. "Buckle up! Time for some exploration."

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 10:04 AM

Svenka spends the initial trip looking out a window, trying hard to get out of the emotional pit she now found herself in. Thoughts spinning about everyone that had passed and the realization that maybe there wasn’t just an end when one died.

Nekosmash 12-Apr-20 11:16 AM

Evan brings the new flyer into a sweeping pass over the mushroom jungle below. This area, so far away from the city, and so close to the pole that the sunlight hardly touches the already permanight surface. Below, you can make out the dim outline of the temple

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 11:50 AM

"Let's find a spot to put her down. Sensors show any clearings about 100 meters away from the temple?"

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 12:00 PM

“How equipped should I be for combat?” Svenka asks, slightly disconnected sounding.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 12:32 PM

"Our survey team couldn't get past the door because of hostile wildlife. Prepare for trouble." Eisheru pulls down his low-light goggles and there is a flash around him briefly as he forms his telekinetic armory. "I would like to reestablish the connection, you up for that?" He says quietly to Svenka.

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 02:28 PM

“You didn’t need to stop it, Eish. Please.” Svenka punches in a command and requests her power armour. “Oh! You haven’t seen it yet!” (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 02:54 PM

Eisheru nods and reestablishes the connection. As the gear teleports in from the Wings, he whistles in admiration. "Fancy! You're handiwork, I presume? Starting to get the feel for your flair when it comes to your designs... Very nice! Had a chance to wear some CIS power armor... Girl, I felt invincible in that!"

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 03:16 PM

“Careful. I got close to losing against the shapers in this. It certainly helps though.” Sorry for the silence.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 03:25 PM

"Mmm not everyone can be as amazing as a Merlon in power armor..." Eisheru says with a heaping amount of sarcasm and a sly smile. "Truth be told friend, I... I grow weary from the constant struggle against existential threats. I am glad to do something simple." (edited)

"I feel like this is the first time I have had a chance to breathe since before The Battle for Acastus..." (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 04:10 PM

The trip to the Red Sangha was nice. I misjudged them. I will be returning to help them gain some self sufficiency.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 04:42 PM

They certainly could use the help. Trying to provide for an entire people through mercenary work only leads to a hard life. I'm proud of you, Svenka. Not many are able to set aside their perspective and be open to see a former adversary as a person. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 04:49 PM

Im still grumpy with Billy. I’ll work on that. Might be a challenging conversation to get them to pay up on what they owe. Svenka gets in to her power armour, the pieces clicking and whirring into place. She stows her taros rifle with a drone and gives her flop rifle a check. “Ready.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Apr-20 04:59 PM

"Evan, I'll leave it up to you where you want to be while we are inside." C'mon! Let's go. Eisheru gets out of the flyer and starts walking towards the temple. As he walks he cautiously looks around for the animals the survey team had spotted. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 12-Apr-20 06:20 PM

Following. Svenka’s power armour is surprisingly lithe and she follows after Eisheru. So you actually saw Robert after he had died? Is... is this something that commonly happens?

Nekosmash 12-Apr-20 06:43 PM

(I'm caught up but you guys can keep it going if you want to finish this talk)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Apr-20 03:30 AM

Ah... I might be understating the immensity and difficulty of what we accomplished. It took the sectors six most powerful psions to pull off such a feat, and even then the ritual was not a guaranteed success. Eisheru shows the process of initiating the unity as well as the concert of psychic minds. The drawing of the intricate mandala. Seeing Goizane. The firing of the Red Dawn to cause the beast to emerge from metaspace. And he shows her the four beings that struck out (excluding Corn purposefully for reasons) at the scream beast and banished it. I was able to see Mr. Tanzer before he returned to metaspace. I would imagine a ritual to contact someone in the metaspace plane of existence will not be undertaken again for some time. (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Apr-20 05:00 AM

Svenka sees Robert standing proudly and stoically, with the emblem of the Void Wardens shining brightly. Peace and serenity grace his features.

Svenka Vilnovha 13-Apr-20 08:47 AM

Svenka is grateful for the power armour helmet to hide her tears, but forgets she is still actively connected to Eisheru. Kind of fucks with my entire understanding of reality, Eish.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Apr-20 08:53 AM

Eisheru can feel the sensation of a cracking world view. And that is okay. A life well lived is all about challenging your understanding of the universe as you know it. Sometimes the challenge is something simple and other times it is far from it I know it's shocking and can be upsetting, but you are strong enough to accept that you might have been wrong. And that it's okay to be wrong (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 13-Apr-20 10:53 AM

A mental nod and thoughts about her father that are quickly dismissed. Ok, so where do we go from here?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Apr-20 11:00 AM

For now, lets focus on the task at hand. I find my mind is better able to process big things when they are put on the shelf for a bit. It will allow your subconscious work digest the new information. Let's keep our eyes peeled and see whats good in this ruins Eisheru gives a mental shoulder squeeze as he is no where near strong enough for her to feel a real one through the power armor. The two then set out through the dark mushroom forest towards their intended destination

Svenka Vilnovha 13-Apr-20 11:30 AM

Svenka nods and puts her focus on the task at hand, eyes and drones scanning the surroundings

6 drones: - Cargo Drone (following - holding the Taros Rifle and extra reloads) - 2X Scout drones (Active) - 2X combat drones (Active, armed with Flop rifles) - Slyth Drone - also acting as scout, coiled on one of Svenka’s arms.

(edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Apr-20 11:33 AM

(ready to move forward whenever you are, Neko)

Nekosmash 13-Apr-20 11:43 AM

Approaching the temple grounds, the forest is silent. There are no birds or the cries of the beasts that normally munch on the large mushroom stalks here. You can see the original team had managed to pry the front doors of the temple open. Black slime covers each in splash like patterns- done through no deliberate arrangement

The doors are closed too mcuh to be able to see into the temple grounds themselves

Svenka Vilnovha 13-Apr-20 11:48 AM

Svenka scans the doors and the surrounding grounds, looking for any signs of movement or anything out of the ordinary.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Apr-20 11:49 AM

(Eisheru will turn this connection into a Unity between the two of us)

Nekosmash 13-Apr-20 12:08 PM

The smeared tar like substance on the door seems to bubble, gently, like a bot slowly exposed to heat

the bubbles are nearly imperceptible, but the low light filter in the power armor highlights them starkly

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Apr-20 12:35 PM

Standing back away from the door, Eisheru reachs out with both hands and tries to manipulate the door trying to finish prying it open. (Telekinetic Manipulation L1, 7/9 effort remain)

Nekosmash 14-Apr-20 08:20 AM

The door begins to gently move open, and at the sudden momentum the tar substance on the surface begins to bubble angrily

(initiative)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Apr-20 08:22 AM

(4)

Svenka Vilnovha 14-Apr-20 09:34 AM

(4)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Apr-20 10:13 AM

(since I can't benefit from the bonus turn, it anyways goes to you, Svenka!)

Nekosmash 14-Apr-20 10:13 AM

(Eish, Svenka, Two mould creatures)

The two deformed mold creatures rage at the doorway of the temple, even more horrifying than the quick sketch done by the terrified surveyors. Their strange hunting calls make the night air shiver

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Apr-20 10:56 AM

Eisheru quickly pulls up his handcannon and shoots a blast of pure force towards one of the mold creatures. "Damn! Surveyors weren't kidding when they said terrifying! Watch out!" (21/13)

Svenka Vilnovha 14-Apr-20 11:02 AM

Svenka reacts quickly, too quickly. Before she has a chance to really consider what is going on, she squeezes off 2 shots from her flop rifle and the rifles attached to the drones floating directly next to her. “What the fuck?”

Svenka Vilnovha - Flop Rifle 23/6 11/9 Drone 1 - Flop Rifle 14/6 25/5 Drone 2 25/5 27/11 Range 100/300

(edited)

Nekosmash 14-Apr-20 12:01 PM

The first of the mold creatures is hit by a handcannon shot, as well, as the flop rounds. The first of the two bellows in pain as the electrical current begins trying to seize its limbs

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Apr-20 12:21 PM

(That is Svenka's turn and bonus turn due to UoT, in case you were waiting on her)

Nekosmash 14-Apr-20 01:41 PM

(Alright. I was waiting for second round of stuff)

The Mold creature that is unhurt slinks back inside, while its companion in the grips of the attempted flop assault roars and fires heavy spines at both of you

(Evasions , not hitting the drones)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Apr-20 01:42 PM

(success 8v6)

Svenka Vilnovha 14-Apr-20 02:08 PM

(Success 20v3)

Nekosmash 14-Apr-20 02:57 PM

The spines fall short and the meter long growths quiver in the ground from the force of being hurled at you.

The stunned creature bellow in frustration

Svenka Vilnovha 14-Apr-20 03:18 PM

“Thinking that non-lethal was a poor choice?” Svenka says over her comms

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Apr-20 03:21 PM

"Maybe! Get to cover!!" Eisheru sends another blast at the mold creature and then moves to try and find any sort of cover. (20/5)

Svenka Vilnovha 14-Apr-20 03:31 PM

Svenka grabs her Taros Rifle and manages to squeeze off a single shot.

Svenka Vilnovha - Custom Taros Rifle -Phased/Infinite Ammo (Burst) (Grabbing gun) 29/14 Drone 1 - Flop Rifle 27/10 25/6 Drone 2 22/5 12/10 Range 100/300

Nekosmash 15-Apr-20 06:22 AM

The already wounded and stunned moss creature this time falls, the mossy covering and gasses coating its skin ignite at the applied energy, casting the opening of the temple into flickering and inconstant shadows

filters in the armored helmets begin working to filter out airborne toxins

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Apr-20 07:49 AM

"Well that was only slightly the stuff of nightmares... Hopefully it's just those two." Eisheru finishes opening the door and then tries to move the fallen beast out of the way of the door with his telekinetic powers (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 15-Apr-20 08:07 AM

“It’s a bad sign that that didn’t feel anything except expected and normal, isn’t it?” I’m glad it wasn’t a person. Is that bad? (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Apr-20 08:31 AM

Not everything can be judged on a scale of morality. And it's okay that you didn't want it to be a person. "What can that suit do, by the way? Can it detect environmental dangers?"

Svenka Vilnovha 15-Apr-20 08:47 AM

She keys something and a beam of plasma forms out of one of her bracers and a laser out of the other She grins broadly, and although Eisheru cant see it, he can feel it. “No special sensors, no. That might be something to add. I tend to rely on the drones or a handheld for that. But the drones can do that kind of analysis. I’m guessing that we don’t want to be breathing that though.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Apr-20 09:03 AM

"Hmm..." Eisheru searches through his pack for a moment. He pulls out a vac suit. "I need to pick up an atmo filter... Give me a minute to put this on..." Eisheru takes some time to put on the vac suit

"That's a really amazing piece of equipment you got there... Might need you to make me one! I'm still a novice when it comes to telekinesis and my deflection field isn't as hardy as your assault suit."

Svenka Vilnovha 15-Apr-20 09:40 AM

“The force-field is not quite what I want it to be yet, but it seems to be a stable prototype. Hopefully at some point I can align the harmonics. Potentially have a field that means we wouldn’t need to wear full armour.”

Nekosmash 15-Apr-20 01:22 PM

The flames gutter out as the mold creature body stops providing it fuel. You can hear the echoes of the other from inside, the wide hallways making the sound bounce

Svenka Vilnovha 15-Apr-20 01:55 PM

“I’ll take point.” Svenka sends a scout drone inside to scan and get a sense of how dangerous it is, then will follow after if it appears safe to do so.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Apr-20 02:19 PM

"Got your back." Always

Nekosmash 15-Apr-20 06:10 PM

Upon entering, and moving down the hallway the mold creature disappeared into, which seems to be the main way in, a shower of spines knocks the drone out of commission

Svenka Vilnovha 15-Apr-20 08:40 PM

“Huh. That drone is a write-off. Hallway is active with another one. I thought this was going to be a nice relaxing mission to get my mind off mortality?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Apr-20 08:47 PM

"I don't recall making any such promise! Ha! I want to get a better look down the hall... I might have an idea on how to flush it out" Eisheru moves cautiously up. He tries to avoid the mouth of the door and uses the wall for cover

Nekosmash 16-Apr-20 05:33 AM

The beast still cries its hunting call within, but is not approaching the door, where you are clearly dominant

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 05:44 AM

Eisheru tries to get a peak down the hall trying to get a better view of where the creature is

Nekosmash 16-Apr-20 05:49 AM

(I'll get a map of the interior up)

Nekosmash 16-Apr-20 06:06 AM

Before the drone went offline, Svenka was able to get a rough interior map of the temple area

Svenka Vilnovha 16-Apr-20 06:43 AM

Svenka shares it with Eisheru. “Big room, I will take point with my remaining scout drone. I really need to upgrade the sensors and low-light in this thing.” Stupid thing to neglect, Svenka

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 06:47 AM

"A moment please... Be prepared for it to run at us..." (Am I able to see where the creature is after a quick peek down the hallway?)

Nekosmash 16-Apr-20 07:29 AM

(behind the altar)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 08:41 AM

Eisheru peeks around once again, just enough to get eyes on the creature. Then he concentrates and illusory stones begin falling from above the creature. There is large crashing sounds as stones fall down all around and on top of the creature. (Using Phantasmal Force to create the illusion of a collapsing building, 6/9 effort available) Don't worry, just an illusion. But be prepared for the beast to come charging to get out

Nekosmash 16-Apr-20 09:56 AM

(I guess we get a damage roll then right? since hes not smart enough to know its not real)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 09:57 AM

(yeah 1d8)

(6 damage)

Nekosmash 16-Apr-20 10:03 AM

The creature falls underneath the simulated ceiling rocks, knocked out (i think thats how we said it works, righT?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 10:11 AM

(Yup! for... 10 minutes.) "I think it is unconscious now! Think one of your drones can just keep it that way? Would be good to bring in a live specimen for further research" Eisheru gestures for Svenka to lead the way in her amazing suit of armor

Svenka Vilnovha 16-Apr-20 03:48 PM

“Should get a containment container of some sort. I could call something down?” She commands one of the drones to watch it and flop it if it moves.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 03:59 PM

"Put in a call to Greystar Command. They have capture teams just like when Adamaris found the fungal hounds. Let's look around!"

2

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 05:01 PM

Eisheru begins looking around the temple. He would start at the altar inspecting it head to toe.

Nekosmash 16-Apr-20 05:26 PM

Greystar command will be sending a team of specialists down to capture the mold creature. The temple looks to be a ziggurat type structure , that has been buried up to almost its top chamber, where you stand now. An open air skylight looks up in the dark Acastus sky. Above, rainclouds begin moving in. The altar itself is made of a plain black stone, that has been worked smooth and polished, though it is now splotchy and covered in mud from the creeping vines above. It is relatively unornamented and does not appear to have been used for anything grisly.

Svenka Vilnovha 16-Apr-20 05:48 PM

“Wow. This is something else.” Svenka sets the drone to record

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 05:51 PM

Eisheru checks the altar to see if it has an opening like a sarcophagus "It really is. It looks like most of the structure is buried... See if we can find a way down further into it? If there is such a thing..."

Nekosmash 16-Apr-20 06:01 PM

It does have a gap in it where it could be slid off

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Apr-20 06:35 PM

"Hey Svenka! Come over here! I think this a lid. Let's try and lift it off." Eisheru gets ready to lift with his meagre strength and telekinetic manipulation. (5/9 effort) (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 16-Apr-20 07:17 PM

Svenka assists with her slightly augmented strength.

Nekosmash 17-Apr-20 05:48 AM

The lid lifts off, and there is a body inside the casket, not Slyth, but an indeterminate but also alien figure. The body is in the final stages of a very long cycle of decay, where even the bones are powdered and not much remains of any kind of structure. There is a fouled wrapped bundle buried in the arms of this once skeleton.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Apr-20 06:18 AM

Eisheru first takes a couple dozen pictures of the decaying body. He gingerly picks up the bundle hoping to avoid any further damage and un-wraps it

Nekosmash 17-Apr-20 07:29 AM

(The bundle)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Apr-20 07:30 AM

(my b i thought this was my dm)

Nekosmash 17-Apr-20 07:30 AM

Inside the bundle, a corroded and somewhat aged alien carbine rests with the body (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Apr-20 08:15 AM

“The fuck... We should probably not... well picking it up is ok I guess. And unwrapping it.” Svenka looks bemused “We are kind of shit archaeologists.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Apr-20 08:23 AM

"I took pictures... Plus it was turning to dust anyway! What do you make of this weapon? Think you could get it working again?"

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Apr-20 08:39 AM

“It looks like it wants to eat my arm.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Apr-20 08:43 AM

"C'mon Vice President of Research..."

Nekosmash 17-Apr-20 09:20 AM

The weapon itself is metallic, just puffed and wretched looking with age

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Apr-20 10:27 AM

Eisheru turns the weapon over gently with his telekinetic manipulation. He tries to brush off as much rust and grime that he can. He looks for any sort of power source.

Nekosmash 17-Apr-20 11:28 AM

The device still looks to be in rough shape. there is a reactor core of a type inside, but it is dormant, the fuel long overused

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Apr-20 12:43 PM

"We can give this over to the laboratory technicians back on the Hab. Let's keep exploring! See what else is a round" Eisheru puts the carbine in his pack and begins searching around the rest of the ziggurat. He takes pictures of any wall paints or murals. And he starts looking for a way to go 'down' into the ziggurat if something like that is possible

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Apr-20 01:08 PM

Svenka follows along, paying attention to the walls and looking for any further signs of strange mould-beasts or other hazards.

Nekosmash 17-Apr-20 01:29 PM

This floor is plain, aside from the tomb. A rock fall in the corner of the room looks to be blocking some kind of further way down, but it can't be seen if it is a ladder or stairs underneath

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Apr-20 02:56 PM

Eisheru starts pulling stones and motions for Svenka to help "Looks like we got a way down!"

Svenka Vilnovha 17-Apr-20 10:13 PM

Svenka gets to work on the pile of rocks, her augmented armour helping to prevent getting fatigued. “I could blast it.” Dont worry, I’m not going to do that.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Apr-20 05:28 AM

"Ha! That's always an idea..." Just give me time to back up if you decide to change your mind Eisheru laughs as the pair works on something that for one doesn't involve Galaxy ending threats.

Nekosmash 18-Apr-20 07:35 AM

The rocks are piled in other areas of the room and the trap door below is revealed. It isn’t locked, and even if it was, the iron banding has long rusted to the point of becoming brittle

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Apr-20 07:40 AM

Let's back up and I'll open the door from a little ways away. Eisheru will take a few steps back (5m) and waits for Svenka to do the same. Once she has backed up he will use his telekinetic force to open the door. (4/9 effort)

Nekosmash 18-Apr-20 08:40 AM

Something like a large black iron spike fires up through the trapdoor, and the mechanism falls apart on the way back down , the trap triggered safely and now useless

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Apr-20 08:47 AM

"That... Would have been messy. Let's see what's down there!" Eisheru moves up towards the trap door and sticks his head through to see what's below

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Apr-20 09:02 AM

“Black slimes, treasure hidden in sarcophagi, traps. You sure you didn’t plug us in to dungeon fight?” Svenka follows

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Apr-20 09:10 AM

"Don't sound too excited for a good ole fashioned Oubliettes and Drakes adventure!"

Svenka Vilnovha 18-Apr-20 09:24 AM

“Don’t worry, I’m excited.” Glad to be here with you.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Apr-20 10:15 AM

Same, my friend. I am glad the stars saw fit to have our paths cross. Eisheru looks down into the hole and all around. He is sure to leave room so his friend can look as well

Nekosmash 19-Apr-20 06:42 AM

There is a ruddy orange glow down in the next floor that seems to pick out flecks of stone that reflect the light , giving your limited view of the room the appearance of looking into an Amber tinged starfield

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Apr-20 07:09 AM

(any sort of stairs or ladder in a useable condition? If not how far is the drop?)

Nekosmash 19-Apr-20 07:55 AM

(if you do that thing where you hang your whole body from the ledge and then let go, its a short enough fall where you wont get hurt)

Svenka Vilnovha 19-Apr-20 08:21 AM

Svenka takes point and drops into the room.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Apr-20 08:24 AM

Eisheru clicks his comms to Evan "Everything is going well, Evan. We found a way down into the temple. There is a capture team coming from HQ. When you get a chance can you get a rope over to the temple? Secure it to a pillar and drop it down the trap door." Eisheru waits for Svenka to give the go ahead and then he drops down

Svenka Vilnovha 19-Apr-20 09:13 AM

Svenka scans the room, both visually and with her remaining drone, checking for anything out of the ordinary.

Nekosmash 19-Apr-20 02:55 PM

Evan clicks twice that he is responding and will take care of the rope problem. The room on this floor has cables now covered in vines along the walls, all running to a central circular bank fo computers with a strange glowing red crystal between them. Various sensors and inputs have been plugged into it but look to not have been used for some time

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Apr-20 05:01 PM

Eisheru pulls out the glow bug from his survival pack and tries to illuminate the room a little more. He also takes the time to scan the room with his enhanced psionic senses while he walks closer to the computer banks.

Svenka Vilnovha 19-Apr-20 08:16 PM

“Well this is not what I was expecting... I don’t know what I was expecting, but this is certainly not it!” She scans the room and examines the computer systems to see if they could be repowered. (edited)

Nekosmash 20-Apr-20 05:04 AM

the components in this room can be powered, but some of the pretech machinery salvaged from other operations will be needed to get the ziggurat running again

(just 1 piece)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Apr-20 06:13 AM

(Eisheru has a pretech component he would give for this but it wouldn't have been something he kept on him. Okay to use it? Or is it something you want us to come back to?)

Nekosmash 20-Apr-20 06:23 AM

(Evan could fly it out here, so we can fast forward through that if you want to)

(really the choice was do you tihnk its worth it)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Apr-20 06:29 AM

"If you think we need some advanced components I still have a small stash we can use." Eisheru once again clicks his comms to contact Evan. "Evan, Back at Aiya HQ I have a stash of advanced components. Think you could quickly fly there and pick it up? I'll let Johnston know you are coming to get it."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Apr-20 07:31 AM

Eisheru then sends a message to Johnston back at Aiya Tech HQ about the components Evan is going to pick up

Svenka Vilnovha 20-Apr-20 08:31 AM

“Interesting... this is some old, old tech, Eish. I’ll take some pictures and start planning out what we might be able to do to get this running with your components.” Svenka examines the tech with interest.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Apr-20 08:43 AM

"From my understanding the Relics and Carvings placed on each of the three moons are older than the Slyth. The Slyth came to this system because they were able to recognize the power that is here, hopefully we can accomplish the same." Eisheru looks around the room besides the bank of computers. Looking for any drawings or carvings or art like what they found at the Slyth Temple.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 05:44 AM

"Who do you think put this place here? Think they were studying the Convergence just like the other temple we found?"

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 05:46 AM

The walls here are relatively plain. There are scratch marks in the walls, almost like something was being counted. The distance between them is irregular, and they are not a uniform depth in the stone either. Overhead, you hear the howl of engines as Evan returns with the supplies you requested. It will still be several moments before he makes it inside with the parts and the rope you requested

The capture team follows close behind in a heavier duty orbital lifter

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 07:44 AM

"Looks like our tech has arrived. You get yourself set up and I'll start ferrying equipment over" While Eisheru waits he looks around the room trying to see if there is any latent MES Energy in the room

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 07:45 AM

Svenka unpacks and prepares to repair the systems - carefully, methodically going over each part and laying out her tools in a very ordered manner before starting work. “Okay... hopefully this doesn’t get us killed.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 08:26 AM

"That would be rather... Ironic. Survive a massive existential threat to all life in the sector only to fall prey to exploding computer banks."

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 09:37 AM

(Svenka is naturally talented enough with the collection of applicable skills she has where we don't need a roll here for anything)

As the pre-tech parts are connected, and a power source is applied to the computer banks, the screens one by one start to turn on, first a blank grey, then a blinding white, before changing to a pleasant amber. Lines of text begin to scroll down as the system boots itself up. Something called the "Forgeheart Shard" was being studied here, though the notes were either taken or scrambled with the machines being neglected for so long. There is a formal startup sequence that appears, that you have to manually initiate

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 09:45 AM

"Forgeheart Shard? Hm... I wonder if this was somehow related to the Starforge the shapers were using... Let me know what you need me to do to help you get this booted up."

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 11:19 AM

“Just... be prepared to run I guess? I don’t think it’s unstable, but you never know.” Svenka attempts to further access the systems, trying to dig in to the systems to get any more information.

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 11:21 AM

(whats your program level Svenka? away from roll20atm)

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 11:35 AM

(+3 intelligence +1)

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 11:44 AM

(yeah no check) The fragment was believed to be a very powerful energy source, and the precursors were using it to power this temple, though the end results or what that might look like are not included in the notes. It appears stable enough despite being taken from a greater whole

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 11:55 AM

(any MES energy coming from it?)

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 11:57 AM

“Well that is fucking cool.” Svenka grins. “We should stick it in something and turn it on.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 11:58 AM

"Want to power it up? See what happens?"

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 12:03 PM

(nothing right now, but its also dormant)

1

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 12:08 PM

“Yes... do we have the needed safeguards in place?” She powers it on. “Guess we will see!”

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 01:16 PM

Something rattles deeper downstairs, and the walls begin to light with geometric patterns, resembling a circuitboard or innards of a large computation machine. Cleverly hidden lights begin to switch on. Outside, the mushroom stalks around the temple begin to topple over. RESETTLEMENT PROTOCOLS ACTIVATED

The machine flashes this message on all screens. One-time builder nanites begin the process of felling obstacles, in the way tree-mushrooms, draining swampy land, and finally assembling the prefab habitation buildings, farming fields, workshops, and settlement walls for a small outpost town

(no people with it, but its a settlement on effectively the other side of the planet from Ash City/Greytown) (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 01:22 PM

“Huh... maybe should have researched that a bit more first, hm?” She smiles, clearly consciously throwing caution to the wind.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 01:26 PM

"Holy Valheru... Think it could be... We probably should have explored more! Haha! Could this be reactivated again? Or was it a one and done?"

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 01:29 PM

The crystal shows that it is providing power to the surrounding buildings and workshops at a steady rate, functioning as an eternally powered reactor

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 01:30 PM

"Eternal power... Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 01:55 PM

"Think this could be the new AT HQ? Maybe we could invite Solestin's people to come and fill out the settlement... Hmm possibilities. Let's keep exploring this place." Eisheru looks for a way further down into the ziggurat

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 01:56 PM

“Are we... can we claim this?” Svenka follows with him

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 02:36 PM

If there is a further way down, it is external and therefore buried , and not accessible from the inside right now

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 02:59 PM

“Back up to see what we might have just caused or stay down here and research?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 04:35 PM

"Something tells me we will be here for a long time, plenty of time to research all this. Let's go see what the racket was outside." Eisheru walks back to the trap door and climbs the rope up and out. After helping Svenka get out the pair go outside to see what happened after turning the machine on.

Nekosmash 21-Apr-20 04:44 PM

The large settlement continues its finishing touches, the much upsized pocket outpost expanding into a small town. Street lights and fire suppression equipment is slowly popping up from prepared streets and a swarm of roach popper droids begins scurrying to the various hab buildings to ensure no pests take root while the rooms wait for occupants

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 05:52 PM

“Holy fucking shit... It’s a town?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 06:24 PM

"... We have to figure out this tech... We... We could reduce the start up effort of colonies by many orders of magnitude... Think of how this tech could be integrated into our shipyards and other construction projects? This is really something else... I think... I think we should move all Aiya Tech employees here... We could establish a rail line to Ash City... Could even invite Vendic and his people to move here... They are currently struggling to eek out a living in the wilderness..." Eisheru slaps his friend on the shoulder

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Apr-20 06:55 PM

"What should we call her? The city that is... Needs a proper name..."

Svenka Vilnovha 21-Apr-20 07:31 PM

“I... I don’t know Eisheru. I don’t know that I am the one to give it a name, that I am the right person for that... what would you call it?” There is a little bit of homesickness in her eyes that she tries to cover with a smile.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Apr-20 05:00 AM

Eisheru regards his friend. Not many would give up the chance to name a city. I don't think I say it enough, I feel blessed that our paths crossed. You are a good friend. Svenka. Eisheru then looks out upon the fledgling city and his mind returns home. Returns to his family. He thinks of his sister who died far too young. "I shall call this city Marmora. After my sister." Eisheru sits and watches in amazement as the nano builders finish the final touches on the city.

Nekosmash 22-Apr-20 05:59 AM

(I'm caught up, but dont want to interrupt)

Svenka Vilnovha 22-Apr-20 08:01 AM

She is beautiful. I already used my fathers name on something I abandoned. A long pause looking out over the formed city. I am grateful for this as well.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Apr-20 09:07 AM

There is a difference between abandoning something and moving on from a toxic situation. You haven't spoken much about him, but I would like to think he would understand why you left your home. "Come. Lets take a walk around just to see what's what. After that we can head to Jahnavi to help out the people there. Once we come back we can look more into that technology. I will get our security team to secure the temple and we can start the process of moving employees over." Eisheru stands and offers a hand to Svenka. As they walk through the town just to get a feel for it, Eisheru sends a message to Johnston at HQ to mobilize the Security department to relocate to the Temple in Marmora. He also sends a mass message to have an all employee meeting at the HQ in Grey City for a couple hours from now.

Svenka Vilnovha 22-Apr-20 09:14 AM

I abandoned my mom, Eish. I abandoned my people. How do I reconcile that. “This place is amazing though. All this tech and power just locked in here. The things we could do with this technology.” She walks hand in hand with Eisheru through the streets. The hand, this is a friendly thing, right?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Apr-20 09:14 AM

(sorry that was meant like a hand up)

(he can hold your hand if you want. and yeah def would be friendly)

Svenka Vilnovha 22-Apr-20 09:14 AM

(lol - so she just awkwardly keeps holding his hand)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Apr-20 09:15 AM

(/shrug. If you're good with it he is. He views Svenka like a sister.)

I must admit I have not learned much of your early history. I did not want to pry as I can feel the hurt and pain that it causes. If you want we can talk on our way to Jahnavi. "Agreed, this place is... This tech is something the sector probably hasn't seen since before the Scream." I am sorry, if this makes you uncomfortable we do not have to hold hands. And old habit from Terezinho. Purely a friendly gesture. She feels a warm sensation of friendship and companionship. There is no hint of trying to subvert her relationship with Lena

Pinned a message.

Svenka Vilnovha 22-Apr-20 09:41 AM

She squeezes his hand, her usual stony demeanour softens slightly. Okay. I don’t talk about it much... this business with people coming back from the dead has brought it all back up. I like the touch, Eish. And I appreciate the feeling. Maybe you can be... The thought is quickly suppressed. “I look forward to researching the technology, perhaps improving the lives of all members of Greystar.” (edited)

Nekosmash 22-Apr-20 09:45 AM

The background rumble seems to have finally stopped, as the city begins to settle into its foundations. The power begins coming on, soft lights flexing themselves for the first time in hundreds of years. You see there are some intentionally empty plots of cleared land, with faux cement pads, where future construction can be easily planned out in the future

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Apr-20 09:49 AM

Eisheru notes the suppressed thought and again leaves it untouched. He has no desire to press on the inner psyche of a friend. He learned his lesson the hard way once, he promised he would never do it again to those he cared about. He just sends reassuring vibes that he is here for her whenever she needs it. "These precursors really thought of everything... Lights, farmland, foundations for future structures... I think this could be a nice place for people looking to start fresh. Let's go and claim our houses now before the rush comes!"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Apr-20 10:04 AM

(I'm fine to Fast forward a little. Eish was just gonna look for something that could look like the Mayor's house. hopefully something close to the Temple itself. Only thing Eish would want to do before moving on to Jahnavi with Svenka is just RP an all employee meeting to offer up moving to Marmora. Up to Svenka if she wants to continue exploring/RPing)

Nekosmash 22-Apr-20 10:04 AM

(I dont think any of them would say no especially when they get to live in an ultra modern and brand new city like this)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Apr-20 10:05 AM

(Cool! It would just be like "heres an offer to live and work here. lets build something new. anyone who doesnt want to come is welcome to stay in grey city" but if they would all move I am good to move on to Jahnavi with Svenka

)

Svenka Vilnovha 22-Apr-20 10:14 AM

(Svenka would like to suggest the Taros on-planet be offered a role - unless they already have a thing going on, but AOK to FF)

Nekosmash 22-Apr-20 10:17 AM

(those who didnt want to continue doing shipyard work are just doing their best to blend into society here doing other jobs. The CCE for intents and purposes doesn't exist anymore. They don't really make sense as a political power bloc anymore, since the situation here is so much different)

(Its reasonable to think that work crews or collections of a few family units might try to generally stick together, but they're not wandering the planet anymore like they were on Gudrun or Shariar)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Apr-20 11:05 AM

(sounds good! Once the AT People move I would just set aside enough housing for Vendic's people if they wanted to join. then we could open it up to those that want to come and live here from Ash City or Greytown.) After finding a suitable home near the temple, Eisheru logs into the home's network and secures the dwelling as his own personal lodging. Eisheru would give pick of the litter to Svenka and Evan before opening it up to everyone on the planet. He would also make a note to have a sizeable portion set aside for Vendic should he choose to come to Marmora. I am ready to head out when you are, Svenka. I am excited for the journey and to be able to spend more time together.

Svenka Vilnovha 22-Apr-20 11:10 AM

Svenka, likewise picks a nice place near the temple and Eisheru’s home and preps for transport to the Wings and continuation of the mission to aid the Red Sangha. I Feel the same. This seems like a suitable new beginning.

Nekosmash 23-Apr-20 08:17 AM

(I'm good to move on to Red Sangha if you guys are ready, 6xp, and 10,000 credits each for this)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Apr-20 08:23 AM

(Yeah I think we are ready to move on when you are :D)

Svenka Vilnovha 23-Apr-20 09:18 AM

Svenka checks over the cargo - hydro and aeroponics supplies and seeds, along with additional water. Enough to start farming on Jahnavi. “Well Eish, ready to visit the people I formerly hated with all of my being?” She pauses “With Robert dead, I need to get a message to the UNW that they have a debt unpaid to the Red Sangha... perhaps you could help me me be diplomatic in that..”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Apr-20 09:50 AM

"Forgiveness is one of the hardest concepts to learn and far more difficult to practice. I'm sure we can draft something that is both diplomatic and to the point. This might be the perfect topic to bring to the new Galactic Talk table on Galatea" Eisheru places a friendly hand on her shoulder and then boards the Wings. The journey would hopefully be uneventful

Nekosmash 23-Apr-20 11:31 AM

(Any ships aside from the wings going?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Apr-20 11:44 AM

(i don't remember what or how much she promised to bring back. Figure the wings, Trade Frigate for storage, and one Corvette as an escort)

Svenka Vilnovha 23-Apr-20 12:40 PM

(That seems fair - would be bringing more supplies in general and specifically as much farming equipment as we could.)

Nekosmash 23-Apr-20 01:21 PM

(works for me) The trip is uneventful as your three ship fleet makes its way from Acastus to complete another deal left on the table. Lower Heaven is waiting to signal you in , this time in a more relaxed posture as it recognizes the comm signature of the Wings

" Wings, and friends of wings. you're cleared to dock. We will need to search the cargo vessels upon making landing"

Svenka Vilnovha 23-Apr-20 03:47 PM

“Understood. Making our approach now.” She turns to Eisheru. “I will introduce you, Eish.” She smiles at him. I am glad you are here.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Apr-20 04:03 PM

Eisheru does what he can to calm the anxiety and apprehension at seeing the Sangha again. He stands on the bridge to the left of Svenka with his hands loosely clasped behind his back I enjoy any time I get to spend with you. We will do this, together. "Well not a true introduction, I was here to negotiate the deal for their service in the Battle for Acastus"

Svenka Vilnovha 23-Apr-20 04:29 PM

She nods “It will be fine, Eish.”

Nekosmash 23-Apr-20 05:41 PM

The trio of ships make dock, with the wings leading, to see red sangha representatives and soldiers on the platform. They’re relaxed - as much as they can be, looking on at the arriving vessels with interest

Svenka Vilnovha 23-Apr-20 07:59 PM

“Hello again. I have returned as we discussed. I have supplies to offer and assistance in using them. I have brought along an ally that you have met with previously. Eisheru Tidecaller.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Apr-20 03:14 AM

"Greetings again. I am glad to be returning under much better circumstances."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Apr-20 05:48 AM

(As a note I want to be constantly looking for someone displaying MES energies. Looking to possibly pick up a student here if there are any)

Nekosmash 24-Apr-20 06:35 AM

(Sangha has psychics but they keep them for the Black Lotus squads)

(Telepathy is an undetectable and secure means for black ops comms)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Apr-20 06:38 AM

(ain't that the truth! Cool. I will bring up later an offer to train psychics and they can return to Jahnavi and the Sangha. But ill do at a slightly more appropriate time than stepping off the ship)

Nekosmash 24-Apr-20 06:52 AM

"Greetings, friends from Greystar. Welcome back. Svenka Vilnovha, you have returned, I see with larger ships and more cargo. Thank you for keeping your word"

"We have spoken while you were away, and if this is successful, Sangha will join, but we need to see this working for ourselves"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Apr-20 06:57 AM

Eisheru bows his head at the welcome and greeting "The Confederation does not wish to see our neighbors be forced to resort to mercenary service just to feed her people. And this form of indentured servitude to those polities with the purse strings is an abhorrent thing to continue to propagate. Even if you decide to stay independent we give these things to your people freely, because it is the right thing to do." (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 24-Apr-20 07:43 AM

“I echo Eisheru’s words. I would like to have you as a member planet, but this is not a bribe or an enticement. This is enabling you to provide for your people. Shall we get to work?”

Nekosmash 24-Apr-20 09:11 AM

Transport to the surface for yourselves and for your cargo is arranged, mostly using lighters and the few orbital lifters the lower heaven was able to press into service. Something like the ruins of an orbital beanstalk lay near their sole city, though hundreds of ruined villages and larger settlements dot the largely barren landscape. Violent religious schism as the Right and Left Hands of Enlightenment tore across the planet, the nanomachines in the water rendering most of the planet as emotionally sterile are one such legacy of that terrible conflict

Svenka Vilnovha 24-Apr-20 09:16 AM

Svenka oversees the unpacking of the cargo, ensuring the crates carrying the various farm structures are organized appropriately alongside the hardy seed banks and water and food supplies.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Apr-20 09:47 AM

Eisheru assists as Svenka's number two. While he may not have the technical knowledge that his friend does, Eisheru helps with administrative duties and setting up organizational systems and structures to make sure the materials get to the right people and are properly accounted for. (edited)

Nekosmash 24-Apr-20 05:30 PM

The landing crafts set down at the edge of the remaining city on this world, kicking up a small amount of dust cloud. The ramps set down into soil that feels like a mix of ashen sand. Sanga troops with laser rifles keep watch around the edges of the village in loose patrols

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Apr-20 05:46 PM

Eisheru turns to one of the handlers that has been with them. "Please excuse my ignorance as the history of your planet and her people are not widely known, but what are they protecting your city against? Other humanoids or Jahnavi wildlife?"

he says as he gestures towards one of the patrols

Nekosmash 24-Apr-20 05:47 PM

“Do you not post security around your settlements on Acastus or Suha?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Apr-20 05:51 PM

"Indeed we do, I guess I assumed that with your tainted water supply there was little life on the planet besides the Sangha. Is your planet's ecosystem still thriving in spite of the nanomachines in the water?" (edited)

Nekosmash 25-Apr-20 02:45 AM

“The nanomachines seem to pass harmlessly through animals. It’s in the meat though which we mostly no longer eat. The problem is, it’s in the water so it ends up in the plants too. Every modern filtering method has been attempted. They may be impossible to get rid of “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Apr-20 05:25 AM

"Persistent those things are... We will need to look into secure containment, but we can at least try to research a possible solution. I'm sure you and your people have tried for many generations but we would be remiss if the Confederation didn't put in the attempt to solve the problem."

Svenka Vilnovha 25-Apr-20 08:15 AM

Svenka nods. “We will attempt to study it and see what we can discover. Shall we get to work?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Apr-20 03:11 PM

Eisheru rolls up his sleeves and gives an enthusiastic nod. "Let's!"

Nekosmash 25-Apr-20 03:52 PM

(So there’s tilling the fields, setting up irrigation, and the actual planting, plus showing them how to use the equipment )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Apr-20 03:55 PM

(if only i had modify memory i could implant the know how to use the equipment. Eish will help with his telekinesis tilling the field) (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 25-Apr-20 05:33 PM

Svenka begins the process of helping setup the aquaponics and showing how items can be grown without using the soil and potentially in sealed environments that might keep out the nanites. More advances aeroponic options are shown as well. The bulk of the supplies allow for more traditional cultivation.

Nekosmash 25-Apr-20 05:48 PM

(We would still be using local water supplies I'd imagine, maybe not at first depending on what you brought, but eventually. I think we're all on the same page there)

The Red Sangha provide their traditional focus to the work, setting aside their rifles and blades and instead beginning to plow. The soil is terrible in quality, and Eisheru can't help but be reminded of the equally bad ground on Buey, especially close to the Fungal Viceroy's northern city- though this is far less virulent. Enough of the ashen grey soil is tilled by early evening, that a test group of seedlings can be sewn come morning. A bell tolls in the village, and the Sangha members end their labors, heading back to the settlement for nightly reflection

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Apr-20 06:34 PM

Eisheru makes a note of the soil and sets a reminder to grab a sample before leaving. I'm no soil expert but this stuff looks very similar to Buey's soil. Perhaps when we figure out the terraforming machine we can talk to the Sangha about other options to fix their problems. Eisheru asks around to see if a Sangha would be willing to allow Eisheru to join them for their nightly reflection. He is eager to learn more about the people who would join their Confederation family.

Nekosmash 25-Apr-20 06:42 PM

They seem to have no problem with you slipping into the rank and file with them. The bell tolls again, and you smell incense being lit as you get closer to the settlemetn

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Apr-20 08:56 PM

Eisheru takes in his surroundings and follows along with their nightly practice. (like a mediation I'm assuming?) Practiced in art meditation from his lessons at the Terezinho academy. He slips easily into the contemplative state of mind

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 04:54 AM

(Yes as much as they can ) For the military sangha members who are all enlightened , and the small section of the civilian population who caught the nanovirus through infected water the meditation is easier. The rest of the population, gathering in smaller neighborhood temples, try to do the same. The small city is filled with the sound of chimes, gongs, and the smell of dried native incense

It smells faintly of toothpaste and clove. The meditation is largely accompanied by a steady hum, made artificially rather than through the use of human throats. It’s enough to hide background noise

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Apr-20 05:19 AM

Between the chimes, incense and tonal humming, Eisheru's sense of self begins to soften. The things that separate himself from others begin to lose coherence as his mind goes through the practiced ritual. He focuses his senses so that he can take in all the sounds around him. As his attention shifts from those around him to his inner self things are a little more turbulent and Svenka can feel this chaos bubbling. He focuses on the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathes in life and feels it circulate throughout his body. Thoughts of the Viceroy and the Shapers and the scream beast plague him. He can feel the anxiety bubbling, however the proximity to Svenka helps quell those sensations. She can feel just how much she means to him. Eisheru goes through the process of noting to help alleviate the things that bother his mind Viceroy... Survival Shapers... Defeated threat Scream Beast laid to rest

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 09:10 AM

Svenka watches the proceedings with interest, tumultuous thoughts of her own, things she cannot let go, people lost throughout her time since starting with the UNW... since before. Her father, Corn, the Taros operatives. That poor boy, Robert... Her thoughts full of grief and trauma. She feels Eisheru’s rising emotions as well and extends her hand.

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 09:20 AM

A gentle hand taps both of you on the shoulder, and you see the senior abbot you've dealt with so far. He presses a hand to his lips, and gestures for both of you to follow him to a soundproof cloistered office in the back of the meditation space

A desk, and two chairs have been set aside for the purpose of the conversation.

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 09:28 AM

She quickly retracts her hand, quickly wipes her eyes and follows.

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 09:42 AM

Closing the door behind both of you, Abbot Daniel Balvarata sits behind the desk, and clears his throat. "I will make this short, and to the point. You both look like you are suffering. You are helping Red Sangha, and in return Red Sangha would like to offer you some help in the form of joining the ranks of The Liberated"

"At the end of the process, should you voluntarily decide to undertake it, you will be permanently locked into a state of calm serenity, capable of modest pleasures, gentle happiness, and measured concerns. Rage, panic, lust, dread- all these old, savage emotions and attachments would be severed permanently. The only emotion that the Liberated could feel strongly was a deep and abiding love for those people, places, and ideas that earned their devotion. You will still feel love for the personal relationships you've formed, but you'll no longer be tormented by the specters of your past" (Tradeoff here is you're likely to die of brain cancer within 40 years from the date of accepting this, and there will be I think a big RP change for you, In return, you'll be chemically indoctrinated with Red Sangha skills, adding +1 level of shoot +1 level of Lead +1 level of Know you can forgo one, two, or all of these bonuses for a rank equivalent in their martial art called Upaya if you wish as well)

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 10:51 AM

(Well that’s terrifying)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Apr-20 10:52 AM

(yeah damn) (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 11:46 AM

Svenka tries to control her facial expressions - which ends up less flat and more pissed off looking. I mean... tempting on one level and terrifying on all the others. Am I that outwardly obvious?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Apr-20 01:59 PM

After following the older Abbot into office he sits and listens to his offer to join the ranks of The Liberated. "That is... A generous and tempting offer, Abbot..." Do not forget, we are among those that have spent their lives recognizing emotion and learning to suppress it. Svenka can feel Eisheru thinking. Processing the offer. Thinking what it would mean for his life. I must say... The offer is tempting... I... I am troubled by the events on Buey... I know it was a matter of survival but that does not ease my conscious knowing that it resulted in the deaths of many who were not hurting anyone.

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 02:02 PM

“This isn’t something you’re forced to do or required to do. This is merely us trying to help”

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 02:04 PM

I feel like I have spent my life running away from things... Is this, would this be running away as well? Would this be giving up and surrendering? Kade would leave me... There are a tumultuous series of emotions as Svenka is struggling to keep her composure.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Apr-20 02:26 PM

"I understand, Abbot. I greatly appreciate it the offer to help and I admire your astute perceptions." I... Don't think it would be running away. You would just be changing your perspective on your problems... Permanently. I would like to not wake to nightmares of watching my brother Tidecaller have his brain consumed. I wish to be at peace with the deaths of thousands that I caused... And my feelings for you would not change. Nor would my devotion to the Confederation that is my home. I... I think I will undertake the rite (edited)

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 02:35 PM

(I goofed a little. Since it’s a marital art , one pick will grant you the Lvl 0 and lvl 1 ranks. The second pick will give you the last one. So you’d still have a Lvl in another skill if you do both

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Apr-20 03:02 PM

(I'd take all the skills instead of the fighting style) (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 04:11 PM

How do you feel about me, Eisheru? How do you really feel? She looks concerned, conflicted and apprehensive.

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 04:48 PM

“I’m a spiritual advisor as well as military leader. It’s my job to notice these things”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Apr-20 04:56 PM

Eisheru is caught off guard by the question. A flurry of emotions is quickly calmed to a singular feeling. "Indeed. Sorry I am giving your offer the time it needs to contemplate fully the implications of the choice." Svenka, I... You... I care about you with all my being. More than that I... She can feel the inner conflict. He wants to say more but he is worried about the complications it may cause. I... We have been through so much together. I lo-... I don't want... Don't want to come between you and Kade... Hell I don't even know if... ... ... I love you, Svenka Vilnovha. More than a friend... I want to spend my time with you even if you love another. Eisheru can't bring himself to look up to meet Svenka's gaze. (edited)

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 04:59 PM

He bows slightly, saying nothing else

(You guys are probably talking mentally a lot faster than it would take to speak, but the abbot understands either way)

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 05:05 PM

“I would be at peace, and I would still feel love... but I would not feel suffering or emotional pain?” She is watching the Abbot closely. Regardless of what happens... I feel the same way, Eish.

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 05:10 PM

“Anything that holds your devotion now will continue to hold it after the treatment. New bonds will become tenuous, like grasping at insignificant strands. This treatment softens the sharp edges. Youll no longer feel ecstasy, or despair, or even rage. Just mild contentment, or a mild bother. Even a truly life shattering event will feel like nothing more than the local commissary running out of your favorite treat

“Not that we have had frozen treats on Janavi in some time0

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 05:12 PM

This scares me, Eish... to never feel ecstasy again? To never feel the good in exchange for never feeling the bad? I am so used to the tumult of emotions that I don’t know how this would be... and it isn’t something that we could come back from.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Apr-20 06:58 PM

I know, I share your fears. I just... To put it crudely, we've seen some shit and I... I'm not doing so well on accepting it and being at peace with it. We didn't have a chance to talk about the ritual to banish the beast but... I was connected to the others as we are. I felt their loss and pain as they called up our honored dead to aid us. I nearly made a fatal error during the ritual that could have driven me insane from the backlash of energies... I... I would like to be at peace with my life and the choices I've made and will likely have to make... ... I would never hold it against you if you choose differently this day. And my devotion to you will never change. Nor will my dedication to our new home ever waiver. Eisheru looks to his friend... The intensity of the feelings for her burn brightly in his eyes. And behind it all she can see and feel the pain and sorrow that hideb underneath. He gives her a hug and as he pulls away, a light kiss on the cheek. I love you Svenka, now and always. I hope you understand my choice. "I... I accept your offer, Abbot. I wish to join The Liberated." (edited)

Nekosmash 26-Apr-20 07:03 PM

The abbot nods solemnly and puts a simple earthenware cup on the table. He pours a frothing blue chemical mixture into the glass, and sets aside a second one of the local water. “One, then the other. From there the nanomachines can replicate the chemicals on their own using the foods you eat and other beverages you drink. You will find some of your skills sharpen when you free your mind of these mundane emotional concerns” he adds solemnly.

Svenka Vilnovha 26-Apr-20 08:45 PM

I understand. Svenka wants to scream, wants to smack the cups to the floor, wants to cry and beg Eisheru to not do it, although part of her wants to as well. It would be to easy to push it all aside, all the hurt, all the pain. The feeling of pulling that trigger and ending another life, watching Corn’s last moments... watching her father’s last moments. All the battles, all the death. The countless lost to the fleshshaper war, to Crusea. Being seen as a traitor, a thief.... weak, running away from every trouble. Always second guessing. Instead of crying out, acting on her impulses, she felt like she fell away from her own eyes. Looking at the Abbot and Eisheru in the distance. Something happening somewhere else to other people. She loved him too and he was going to become a husk. The connection drops.

3

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Apr-20 09:42 PM

Eisheru, already weary from a hard day of toil, can only manage a nod. He tries to clear his tumultuous mind. Eisheru had said what he needed to his friend about his feelings. He momentarily regrets what might have been if things had been different before his resolve hardens. "Never change, Ms. Vilnovha. The fierceness in which you embrace life is what draws others in. You are not the awful things you think of yourself..." Eisheru gives the Abbot a pained look and a solemn nod in appreciation. He then picks up the earthenware cup . After staring into the blue concoction for a second he pours the contents into his mouth and swallows. He follows it quickly by the glass of water. (edited)

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 06:55 AM

There is a gentle, spreading warmth that fades after a long moment. Already, the sense of panic or fear at Svenka dropping the connection does not feel as sharp or painful as it once would. There is still the sense of concern, and sadness, in time, the Abbot has just said this will fade

"I would expect the full effect to happen in about six weeks time from now , with gradual moves toward it during the in-between time. This first dose is all that is needed to begin, the process can sustain itself through your normal lifestyle maintenance routine after this"

"Welcome to the ranks of the Liberated, and congratulations on reaching spiritual Nirvana"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 07:02 AM

As the frothy liquid courses through his body the pain of Svenka leaving him alone in his mind is blunted. It still hurts, just not as bad as he expected. "I... Thank you, Abbot. It is not a place where I thought life would lead me, but I am here and grateful nonetheless. Anything else I need to know or do going forward?"

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 07:09 AM

"None. Even before the initial scream, no medical treatments were found to be able to reverse the brain cancers you'll likely develop 40ish years down the road from now. That may not be the case then, but it is now. The decline is quick. You will not suffer, and will be able to die with dignity if it does not claim you sooner"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 07:41 AM

Eisheru nods and bows his head to the Abbot, "Thank you Abbot, I... I appreciate the gift you have given me." He looks to Svenka and still sees the telltale sign of dissociating from a traumatic event. A small frown appears on his face as he looks back to the Abbot, "Should you have need of me, I will be walking the fields." Eisheru rises and offers another bow of his head to the Leader of the Sangha. As he turns he looks to his friend and companion. Feelings well up but instead of a tidal wave of emotion it feels more like a strong ache. He knows he hurt her with his decision and that caused it's own amount of blunted pain as it was not his intention to bring harm to her. He places a hand on her shoulder and tries to think of a dozen ways to to start speaking to her. Eisheru leans down so he can whisper in her ear "I... I'm always here for you, no matter what. Find me when you are ready to talk again." With that Eisheru straightens himself and walks out the door. His hands are clasped behind his back and he uses his telekinesis to manipulate the door into opening and closing gently behind him. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 09:09 AM

Svenka stares at the empty cups, no emotion on her face, feeling numb and dead. It’s someone else’s voice that thanks the Abbot for the offer. It’s someone else who walks through the open door. Svenka is a passenger, watching through the eyes. Work. Back to work. Train them on how to use the equipment, set up farms. Don’t let it out, don’t show it.

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 09:16 AM

Outside, only The Liberated are on watch or active in the fields or defensive workings of the city right now, as everyone else still has need of meditation in their effort to reach spiritual fulfillment. The fields show your recent workings, as iron edged tools bit into the ground for planting

(Eish is out there as well, but i dont want to force that on you if youre not ready)

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 09:34 AM

Svenka focuses on the work, the technical workings of the farms. The methods to maximize yields without use of chemicals and poisons. She nods to Eish, an action meant to show she was ok, it was all ok, everything was fine.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 09:38 AM

Eisheru nods as well. He doesn't want to not acknowledge her but even Eisheru has learned that Svenka needs her space from time to time. Eisheru spends the rest of the night tilling away at the field. He uses one set of tools in his own hands and another directed by his telekinetic force of will. He spends all his effort hoping that exhaustion will take away the last bits of pain that remain in his soul. He didn't want to hurt her, he loved her, was devoted to her. There was purity in hard work and so he sought to find it. (Eisheru would is gonna work in the field until literally on the verge of exhaustion/collapse)

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 09:41 AM

It is close to 3am local time when two of the Liberated, along with a medic finally come to take you from the fields and to a place where you can rest. You've planted an entire acre and a half yourself, by hand and they seem to welcome you both for your hard work, and for somehow sensing you are one of them now

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 09:57 AM

"Thank you..." Eisheru manages to get out quietly as he is half-lead, half-carried, to one of the many houses in the village. "May I ask a personal question of you all? Was... Was your transition... to becoming Liberated... Difficult?"

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 09:59 AM

"Not at all. We could still feel for our families, and for our planet" the medic says, a woman with a shaven head, and spindle thin fingers. She expertly applies some kind of hydration pack to your arm intravenously. "Now, I feel free. My troubles are gone"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 10:03 AM

"And what of your families? How did they handle it?" Eisheru can feel the relief as fluids enter his blood stream.

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 10:06 AM

"They had their opinions. They got over them in time"

"They did not change the choice I had made.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 10:10 AM

"... I see." Eisheru contemplates their words. "I know this is meant to remove us from the extreme ends of the emotional spectrum, but do you still feel strongly about the Sangha and your family? Or is even that... muted?"

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 10:11 AM

"My family is important. The Red Sangha are important. I do not like when they are threatened. I do not like when they are upset or hurt"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 11:30 AM

"If you don't mind my asking, how long... how long ago did you join The Liberated?"

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 11:30 AM

"Five years ago, when my husband died during the civil unrest"

2

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 11:34 AM

"Do you regret it?"

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 11:34 AM

"no. I miss him, but No, This was the right thing to do"\

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 11:41 AM

"I... Thank you for letting me pry. I did not come here intending to join your ranks, but fate would have it that this be my new path. Do you mind telling me about your people? Little is known of the Sangha other than your military prowess. What is the civil unrest that you speak of?" (edited)

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 12:51 PM

"The war of enlightenmnet. Manesh the Damned is the reason we have these nano machines and processes in our heads. It was his attempt to be a spiritual guru, by artificially fostering Nirvana through technology. he believed we lived in a world too distracted by pleasures and petty concerns, and that humans were not capable of helping themselves. He sought to do something to help. It was not long before the first volunteers noticed their perceptions were different. more focused. More disciplined...better...

technology always finds its way onto the battlefield, and it was not long before he saw the chance to militarize it. The Red Sangha have a reputation. We fought during the Tenebrian- Black Sun war. We even served for a short time in the twilight years of the Terran Mandate, but eventually the war came home. This planet was always poor soiled, and our success made him greedy. He released his chemical into the water, to make this Liberation process less voluntary"

"he praised himself as the bringer of a new spiritual revolution, where all of the faith would reach Nirvana, but instead, it brought only civil war when we found the extent of what he had done.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 01:05 PM

Eisheru listens to the telling of their history. When he thought he would be reacting with anger or hatred for Manesh the Damned did instead he found his fire was stoked and even. The sensation wasn't troubling in fact it was liberating. To be able to experience an atrocity without the chaos of emotional extremes. "Forcing this upon those who would not choose it for themselves is an atrocity of the highest magnitude... I can see why that would be cause for a schism. Are there any left that follow in Manesh's footsteps?" (edited)

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 01:06 PM

"Not openly. How does one kill an idea? The Red Sangha are good at killing, and we have not figured that one out either"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 01:18 PM

"Even harder to kill the ideas of radicals and extremists. Doubly so when they believe they walk the path of righteousness. The only thing I have seen help against those is education and transparency. I cannot say with any certainty it will work with the Sangha, but I know the opposite is likely to breed more of those that would follow tainted paths." Eisheru's exhaustion begins to get the better of him and he has a hard time keeping his eyes open. "Would it be acceptable for me to sleep here? I... I do not wish to trouble my traveling companion further. She... She did not handle my decision well..." Another strange sensation. He knows that a day ago if he had caused such anguish to Svenka he would be beside himself. All he can feel is contentedness and a slight sadness, but nothing to the magnitude of what she is likely feeling.

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 01:22 PM

"of course, rest here, fellow Liberated. Your labors can wait for tomorrow"

(3xp, 5000 credits to you and Svenka)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 01:54 PM

As he drifts off to sleep to sleep and before dreams take him he sends a thought into the void. Unsure if it ever reached it's intended recipient. 'I'm sorry I hurt you.' And for the first time since leaving Terezinho, Eisheru has a peaceful night of sleep. Already the pangs of being forced to leave home are subsiding. Something he never thought he would experience.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 02:09 PM

(I don't know how long they would need help getting things set up. Eisheru would stay until they feel confident.)

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 03:50 PM

Eisheru. Can we talk? I’m on the Wings.

Nekosmash 27-Apr-20 04:02 PM

)it would be about a week to do everything and trouble shoot. From there npcs or lesser Greystar officials can help them if there’s a crisis)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 04:09 PM

Eisheru wakes the next morning refreshed and relaxed. His muscles were sore but that was a welcomed feeling. He rolls over to find his compad light blinking. He turns it on to see the message from Svenka,

Of course. Five minutes?

(edited)

he gets up and quickly wipes himself down from the labor of yesterday. After getting dressed he walks to the Wings to meet, @Svenka Vilnovha

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 04:12 PM

Svenka is in the mess hall with 2 cups of coffee in front of her. She doesn’t look like she has slept.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 04:14 PM

Which stands in stark comparison to her Merlon friend. He looks as if he has had the best sleep of his life. "Good morning... How... How are you doing?" Even after one night he sounds more... At ease.

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 04:16 PM

“Fine. Coffee?” Still, she hasn’t managed to let herself cry, let herself feel the full gravity of the situation. It looks so easy, give up and let go of the emotions holding them back. No longer be pained by emotion.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 04:37 PM

"That would be nice." Eisheru takes the offered cup and sits across from Svenka. He has a small smile on his face as he takes a sip. "Ahh Still tastes good. Terezinho coffee has nothing on Acastan blend... You... Don't look well, friend. Would you like to talk about it?"

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 04:41 PM

Friend. “I’m not well. I’m sad and angry and tired and I hate... people keep dying or leaving or becoming enlightened space-buddhists.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 04:51 PM

Eisheru looks at Svenka with the devotion he has had for her for a long time. "I did not die, Svenka. I did not leave and I'm certainly not a Buddhist... Maybe when I retire but not yet. The only way I will leave you is if you ask it of me..." He leaves the question unspoken, 'Is that what you want? For me to leave you?'

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 04:58 PM

“I don’t want to lose anyone else, Eish. I... Will need some time, but I know you are not dead. You are, however, changed. Fundamentally changed... and I don’t know what that means.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 05:04 PM

"I would agree with that assessment." He says calmly. He doesn't have the borderline mechanical calm if the Red Sangha, but it is noticeable. "I... I don't know fully. All I do know is that my feelings for you have not changed. My devotion to our home has not changed."

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 06:24 PM

she nods “I still care for you too, Eish... and we can still share the connection if you want to. I... don’t want to lose you.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 07:04 PM

Eisheru nods and opens the connection. The two had spent so much time connected that it was effortless to join their minds. Svenka immediately notices the growing calm as well as the ever present dedication and fondness that Eisheru has for the Taros woman. While it has the same quality to it, it is more in the forefront of his being. It is still me in here. Still my love for you.

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 07:13 PM

Tears form and soundlessly start falling down her face. She reaches her hands out to hold his. Good, Eish. I love you too. I am not ready for the path you have chosen, but I understand all too well why you have chosen it.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 07:33 PM

A small smile appears on his face. Without raising a muscle he gently and deftly whisks the tears from her eye. Svenka can feel a small breeze created by the unseen hand of his telekinetic force. You sound as if to say our lives are no longer compatible... I pray that is not the case.

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 07:38 PM

I don’t know the answer to that yet. I... thought about killing myself last night. I... think about that often enough to be troubling. I... need some time away.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 08:05 PM

There is a concern that has a stronger feeling to it but also is not nearly as intense as it would have been two days ago. I am concerned for your well-being... But I understand your decision... Promise me if you want to end your life you talk to me first... Please?

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 08:09 PM

I just did. A small, forced smile. Im not ready to let go of my emotions... even the bad ones.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 09:05 PM

He shakes his head smiling he can still appreciate humor thankfully. I'm not here to convince you. This cannot be a decision made for you. I'm here to be with you because you are important to me. A long pause as he gently traces the bones in her hand. She can see the deformed forearm fin from his attempt at growing a new one. Will you write to me while you are gone? If I cannot be with you in person... It would be... Nice to hear from you...

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 09:17 PM

Yes... I am going to look in on an old friend. I will be in touch Eish. Thank you.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Apr-20 09:22 PM

A faint sense of relief comes to Eisheru. May I ask one more thing of you while you out traveling and exploring? Can you look out for more ruins like the one we just found? Anything we can learn to figure out that technology... Would really help the future of the Confederation and Aiya Tech (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 27-Apr-20 11:32 PM

The sadness is back at remembering the excitement of discovery, the reckless abandon at firing the city up, the smile and the joy on Eisheru’s face. Y-yes, of course.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 04:12 AM

Eisheru nods and gives another calm smile and attempts to reassure her through the connection. Those memories are still with me and we can yet make more, Ms Vilnovha. I may be undergoing a change but I am not dead. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Apr-20 07:10 AM

It feels like part of you is. The exuberance and excitement, the passion. It... I don’t know how to take it, Eish. I still care for you as well, but I don’t know how much your change will change this.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 07:23 AM

I see. Eisheru feels a dull heart ache as his friend does all but call for a time of death. Where do we go from here? Would you like for me to leave you alone?

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Apr-20 07:49 AM

I will need time. I always need time. I hate it. I am being selfish and horrible and I should just be happy for you. Happy that you have found peace. After we finish the work here, I can get you home, unless you plan to stay. I should not hang so much of myself on other people, that would be what my father would say. Her slight smile drops and she stares at the tabletop.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 07:54 AM

You have as much time as you need... Well about 40 years if we need to put a cap on it... Eisheru make's a very poor attempt at humor If you want, I can catch a ride with GCNS Shield-1... I can sense that my presence causes you pain. Eisheru reaches across the table and picks her chin up gently so she is looking into deep navy blue eyes. Svenka, I think what you need to do is not be so hard on yourself. You are you're own woman and always have been. It's what has people gravitating towards you. It's why I was drawn towards you... AM drawn towards you

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Apr-20 07:57 AM

She swallows hard at the 40 year comment. She nods, feeling herself slip back inside, staring out through those eyes. She wants him to hug her, but no words come out, nothing. She stares blankly at his face.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 08:04 AM

Stay with me, Svenka. Do not retreat. You are here, you are loved, you are cared for, you are wanted. Eisheru stands and moves to her side and opens his arms for a hug. Seeing someone he was so devoted to struggle like this created a stronger emotion than most, but even still it was not an intense one.

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Apr-20 08:49 AM

She grabs him, holding on tightly. I will try, Eish... I am going to go now. I need to be somewhere else. I need time. Tears again as she refused to let go, her arms refusing her thoughts.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 08:52 AM

Eisheru holds her tightly until she invariably lets go. He doesn't want to let go but he knows that she, of all people, needs her space. I will be home waiting for you. If the Sangha have learned what they need to from you, I can catch a ride with Shield-1. No hard feelings

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Apr-20 08:59 AM

She nods. Ok, I... will see you soon then.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 09:02 AM

Eisheru steps away from the Taros woman and begins walking toward the exit of the Wings. He turns one last final time to put a hand over his heart and a gives her a bow. Take as much time as you need... just... come back to me... Please? Eisheru then exits the Wings and goes to find some hand tools to begin the second day of hard work. Hopefully exhaustion would calm his thoughts. Even though they already have a muted tinge to them, they still fire in erratic bursts.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 09:20 AM

Eisheru watches as the Wings takes off. He can only manage a single nod as she closes the connection. Even though he knew it was coming it still stung a tad. Nothing he couldn't move past but still there. 'Be well Svenka and return home soon...' Eisheru throws himself into his work. The pain subsides but he still wishes to be alone. He thinks on the day's events over and over and over. He hopes that with hard work and toil in the fields he will be able to sleep soundly tonight.

Nekosmash 28-Apr-20 09:41 AM

Tonight, you don't need to be hauled from the fields. The Liberated assigned to watch this sector of work invite you to sit with them, a rare gesture for one of the Red Sangha, though as one of them, you may now be one such object of their devotion

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 09:45 AM

"Thank you for the invite. I... It will be nice to have some companionship. Can you tell me more about your planet? What it was like before the Civil Unrest?"

Nekosmash 28-Apr-20 09:46 AM

"things grew here once, without all this work. It was never lush, but it was more than an endless ash waste like tihs"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 10:01 AM

"Hopefully this with helps bring back some color to your home. Maybe there is sufficient technology out there that can reverse some or all of the damage done by the nano machines."

Nekosmash 28-Apr-20 10:14 AM

"The damage yes. The nanomachines will be in the water forever, now, though without the chemical precursor becoming Liberated is still a choice for most of us

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 10:19 AM

"Sometimes a pretty good solution is enough. Sorry to change the subject, but do you still find enjoyment from regular happenings? Comedy? Friendship?"

Nekosmash 28-Apr-20 11:13 AM

"There are moments of each in every day life. They are appreciated as they come, along with all that life brings"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 11:15 AM

"My friend is worried that I... That I am just a husk now. Do many like us have friends that aren't part of The Liberated?"

Nekosmash 28-Apr-20 11:18 AM

"You find yourself alone in one aspect- that you became a Liberated and are not of this planet. Our families hold importance. Companions from pre-liberated days hold importance. Yours should be no different"

"It is difficult to feel new feelings, it does happen. The Abbot has many friends not of this world"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 11:35 AM

"That seems to make sense. While it has been barely 48 hours since the Liberation I can already tell that new feelings are... less poignant." Eisheru pushes the food on his plate around. He finds that food has lost some of it's appeal past the sustenance that it brings and the ability to continue his mission. "Are there many like us? I know not all walk this path..."

Nekosmash 28-Apr-20 05:43 PM

“The armed forces mostly. Some civilians who were infected with it through local water. About 10% if you include everyone”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Apr-20 05:59 PM

"Not that you are affected by their opinions, but what is the general opinion of The Liberated?"

Nekosmash 29-Apr-20 05:59 AM

"It does not concern me, I do not know" she says, non-committal "Their opinion does not change what I am. " (The whole liberated being the army and their service feeding the world doesnt hurt though, I'm sure. Hating them would be like biting the hand that feeds, almost literally)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Apr-20 06:29 AM

(makes a lot of sense. I don't know if you had anything else planned but I'm okay to skip to the last day and talk to Abbot Daniel) Eisheru nods. Acceptance seemed to be a big part of what the chemical induced... Or at least that's what Eisheru seems to conclude. He would spend the rest of the evening performing whatever duties any of the other Liberated would be doing. Even pulling a guard shift if necessary.

Nekosmash 29-Apr-20 06:54 AM

(We can skip)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Apr-20 07:04 AM

(sounds good. Ready when you are.)

Nekosmash 29-Apr-20 07:10 AM

Abbot Daniel commonly takes watch and serves in the fields himself, and your paths cross many times after Svenka departs. He says little to anyone in particular, but makes sure to speak to everyone at least a little. He shows a great aptitude for learning and works hard to understand at least the basics for the irrigation and farming systems being developed here

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Apr-20 07:51 AM

Eisheru walks up to the Abbot Daniel while he is on watch on the seventh day. "Good Third Ri-... Evening, Abbot. Sorry habit from Acastus. The fields look to be prepared and many of the Sangha are competent in the technology necessary to produce food. Would you like to discuss the Confederation here or in your office?"

Nekosmash 29-Apr-20 07:59 AM

"My office, I think we need to discuss this right away. I think we have a basic agreement together but there are a couple fine points I want to discuss"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Apr-20 08:18 AM

Eisheru walks with the Abbot to his sound proof office. He pulls up the articles of Confederation on his compad and offers it to the Abbot in case he would like to look it over again. "Please, ask away Abbot. The core requirement of our union of worlds is that it is voluntary."

Nekosmash 30-Apr-20 06:14 AM

"It is. I'd like to make a few things known ahead of time. As you know, Red Sangha has been fighting post scream even since before Greystar was formalized into a government of its own. We only have a couple of ships left, and the lower heaven. We will grant access to our capital shipyard for GS purposes, but only if the remaining ships we have are allowed to stay and defend the planet, along with replacements made for the three corvettes we lost in the fighting"

"We would also like a temporary cease, just for six months, on any kind of fighting involving Red Sangha, though we will gladly contribute formations to expeditionary forces once we have had some time to let our world recover. You are familiar with our ways, we trust you will not squander our skills on a meaningless meat grinder campaign"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Apr-20 06:37 AM

Eisheru steeples his fingers as he listens to Abbot Daniel. He makes a few notes on his compad for later. "We would never want to leave you or your people undefended to be preyed upon by some who see those weaker than them as tools to be exploited. Your ships may remain in your own gravity well for the planetary defense and we will assist in the rebuilding of your system defense fleet. If you would approve it, The Confederation would like to eventually build breaker guns and other means of planetary defense. This would of course be paid for by the Confederation through our tax revenue." "We want your people to remain in your gravity well to rest and recover. If there are volunteers that would be willing, our armed forces on Acastus are poorly trained and could use the leadership and experience the Red Sangha have earned. I hope that should a defensive war come to our Confederation, you would still send what you are able to spare to assist in our mutual defense. We are hopefully entering a new era of peace in our sector and as such we do not foresee a reason to be sending expeditionary forces to attack other worlds. Never again will your people be abused in pointless campaigns or meaningless wars."

Nekosmash 30-Apr-20 06:38 AM

He sits back in his chair. "You're as devoted to the Sangha now as we are. You're one of us. I know you will not lead us astray. We would welcome defenses, as well as other infrastructure improvements. Our planet blooming again....the people have earned it"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Apr-20 06:41 AM

Eisheru nods "I... Acastus, and the Confederation we have built, has given me a chance at a new life. Her people... Our people are what matter most to me. Aiya Technologies, the company that Ms. Vilnovha and I jointly own, will also with your permission start increased spending on Jahnavi. Whatever we can do make life vibrant once again on this planet. Your people have most definitely earned it."

Nekosmash 30-Apr-20 11:58 AM

"Then the people here are with you. I will sign whatever is required. You may think little of this now, but you've ended a cycle of decades of political and economic oppression"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Apr-20 12:12 PM

Eisheru hands him another datapad with the Articles of Confederation. "If you have those already in mind for the Council of Planets I can bring them with me to Acastus. If not feel free to send them along when they are ready. We will begin work immediately at rebuilding your defense fleet." Eisheru stands and extends a hand to the aging Abbot, already the tone of words was becoming calmer and more measured, "Welcome to our family. The Confederation is glad to be able to bring about a better life for the Sangha." After exchanging pleasantries and some more idly conversation about what the future may hold Eisheru will politely excuse himself and make his way back to GCNS Shield 7 (corvette) and begin preparation to leave Jahnavi for home (edited)

Nekosmash 30-Apr-20 01:05 PM

(3xp, 5000 creditS)

(I'll add the planet to the budget sheet, along with their fleet)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Apr-20 01:06 PM

(

)

Nekosmash 30-Apr-20 02:04 PM

(up to date now, added population, their two patrol boats, naval courier, and the lower heaven)

(the book fleet is a little different/bigger but they've lost some ships)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Apr-20 02:28 PM

(Sounds good! Couple of ships will go in the queue. If you had something already in mind we can dip into that, otherwise going after another one of those resources is what I have in mind)

Nekosmash 01-May-20 07:16 AM

(i didnt have anything specific)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-May-20 07:18 AM

As Eisheru arrives back in the Greystar gravity well, he makes contact with Evan.

Evan, Interested in scouting some more natural resources down on the surface? Your company would be nice.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-May-20 11:20 AM

(If he can he would like to get a Shear rifle, if they are available, a thermal flare, and a glowbug) (edited)

Nekosmash 01-May-20 11:53 AM

(For you or for Evan?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-May-20 11:53 AM

(Both, assuming no Face cost) (edited)

Nekosmash 01-May-20 12:02 PM

(Both is fine)

Nekosmash 01-May-20 01:56 PM

As long as we aren't hunting those moss things again. I'll be there, boss

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-May-20 02:14 PM

Eisheru waits for Evan on the hab in orbit over Acastus. He is content to know he has such a good friend coming along. The loneliness of the last week was subsiding. Proximity to Acastus, the heart of the Confederation, was setting him at ease. While he waits he sends a message to Director Kensh detailing their work on Jahnavi

Nekosmash 01-May-20 08:29 PM

Evan and his new craft , your gift , winch down onto the flight deck of the hab and even is in the cockpit looking over reports The hangar is loud and he waves , knowing his calling out to you will be drowned out by the ballet of machinery

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-May-20 07:03 AM

Eisheru has a slight smile on his face as he approaches his first friend on Acastus. He has a large gun case under the effects of Telekinetic Manipulation floating next to him as if her were holding it at his side. Eisheru walks onto the flyer and sets the door to seal behind him. He then heads to the cockpit and sets the case down, "Evan. Good to see you again. Ready for another tour of the countryside?" He says calmly. 12 days and already a slight change in his inflections.

Nekosmash 03-May-20 07:20 AM

“Are we going to get shot at or chased?” He laughs. “Either way I feel a lot safer in this thing than in the glider. What’s in the box?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-May-20 07:34 AM

Eisheru sits down next to Evan and lets out a sigh of relief as he sinks into the custom gengineered leather seats. "This should hopefully be more exploration and maybe some local wildlife." he chuckles lightly in return "In the case? Some new hardware. Figure you would want protection on your new toy... Evan have we ever connected telepathically? Would you be okay with that?" Eisheru asks his friend in a almost tranquil manner

Nekosmash 03-May-20 10:00 AM

“We were. Back when we explored that first temple. Months ago.”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-May-20 10:17 AM

"Seems like a lifetime ago. My abilities have grown a little since then, I can enhance our reaction time and better synchronize our efforts should we need to fend off some local wildlife. Plus silent and instant communication is quite useful I have found." Eisheru begins accessing the Aiya Tech server to pull up the survey team report. He loads the coordinates into the navigation system. Eisheru reaches out and connects with Evan. Mr. Wriker hears a gentle chime to announce Eisheru's presence in the pilots mind. Ready when you are

Nekosmash 03-May-20 02:50 PM

Evan clearing his launch with hab control and the ground towers so they know he’s not a bogey is a dull background radio chatter, as you listen on. It is spoken precision. Every syllable has function and meaning.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-May-20 04:27 PM

A sense of pride is shared across the connection. Evan was clearly capable and had proven himself time and time again. Once there was a lull in the radio chatter, Eisheru speaks in their shared unity, May I ask you a deeply personal question, Evan? (edited)

Nekosmash 03-May-20 04:37 PM

Of course. I feel like I owe you a couple after you got this beautiful airframe for me

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-May-20 04:44 PM

You owe me nothing Evan, but I can appreciate the sentiment... If you could make it so you didn't feel emotional pain, would you do it even though joy and pleasure would be greatly lessened?

Nekosmash 03-May-20 05:55 PM

It would depend what I went through. My life right now is pretty great, and most days when I'm not flying for you, I don't even really need to work. My family is happier, I get to see my kids grow up on a planet that's now a center for sector politics, and I get to do what I love as a job, even when things get dangerous. I could see why someone like you would ask the question though. You've been through way more than me. I'd have probably eaten a gun by now if I did half the things you did

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-May-20 06:43 PM

I pray you never need to contemplate that action. For you or your family's sake. Thank you for your perspective. The Sangha offered, and I accepted, to join the ranks of The Liberated. Those who have a form of enlightenment chemically induced. I am... was apprehensive about it, but even now that feeling is fleeting and acceptance and peace follow in its wake.

Nekosmash 04-May-20 06:20 PM

"Something was different about you when you got aboard. None of the nervous energy you used to have. I'm glad you told me, that was going to bother me for weeks not being able to figure it out"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-May-20 07:13 PM

"I'm not one to keep secrets from those I am lucky enough to call friend. I am glad you do not see it as the death of who I am." Eisheru stares out one of the smaller side windows towards the weak star that holds this system together. He straps in for reentry into the planets atmosphere. His thoughts turn to Svenka as they make their transit to the planet and the coordinates highlighted by his recon team

Nekosmash 05-May-20 09:01 AM

"Alright, we're getting close. Pretty unremarkable area otherwise, but the ground readings here look fuel rich. We're going to have dig, aren't we?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-May-20 09:02 AM

"Looks to be the case. Soil samples might also give us a better indication of whats underneath."

Nekosmash 05-May-20 09:21 AM

The ship sets down, crushing a few of the smaller mushroom trees underneath its bulk. "We're going to need to manually get some soil probes down"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-May-20 09:46 AM

"If you set them, I can help drive them into the ground." Eisheru begins using his telekinesis to start unloading the probes. While he waits for Evan to set them up he gets a couple of samples of soil from the surface. (edited)

Nekosmash 05-May-20 01:04 PM

Evan with a hand scanner begins setting out the probes in a box formation, and signals, once he is done, for all of them to be lowered at once.

He walks the outline of this 100x100m square, constantly checking his hand monitor

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-May-20 02:05 PM

(just so i understand correctly, they need to be forced down into the ground?)

(like hammered through the dirt kinda thing?)

Nekosmash 05-May-20 02:06 PM

(yeah exactly)

(basically a hollow piston on a tripod)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-May-20 02:08 PM

Eisheru will walk up to one and creates a huge two handed hammer of Telekinetic force. He begins hammering it into the ground. Eisheru extends his will to manipulate another and begins forcing it into the ground. (sledge hammer one and Telekinetic Manipulation on the other)

Nekosmash 06-May-20 05:02 PM

The one manipulated with telekinesis, and one of Evans freeze, and data readings begin to spike. Black liquid bubbles up from the ground, and the probes have something showing up like oil rich shale sands contained within. Analysis is needed to see what it will take to purify this, how big the pocket might be, and what might be needed to develop the area

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-May-20 05:17 PM

"A fuel source for sure. Will take some analysis but should be a good find. Let's move another set of probes out further and I'll get some samples bottled up." Eisheru grabs a couple of samples containers and begins filling several bottles up of the black liquid. Eisheru then calls up his survey team to have them start preparing the things necessary to get the site ready. They will be able to make a dedicated landing zone.

Nekosmash 07-May-20 08:54 AM

Engineers bring small batches of explosive tree cutter belts out to the edges of the clearing and begin to widen it enough to support cargo lighters or lifters coming down. Their work will take hours on their own between planking the fallen trees and grinding the stumps to prevent fouled landing gear

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-May-20 09:26 AM

Eisheru will assist in whatever ways he can. He will use his telekinetic armory to form a hatchet to take limbs off of the trees as well as providing some lifting assistance with his ability to manipulate objects. (assuming nothing bad happens)After some time later and there is little else to do but get samples analyzed he goes to find Evan "Let's see if we can go and get this stuff reviewed by the science team on the star hab.

Nekosmash 07-May-20 08:32 PM

“Alright. Heading back up then while they deal with the camp site. May as well see if this is worth all the trouble before we go too far with the deforestation”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-May-20 08:41 PM

"Precisely. Right now just a landing zone so we can stage. Let's get this dropped off at the lab and we can relax a bit." Eisheru rubs his lower back. "I still haven't recovered from Jahnavi. Heh." Humor in his mind, but he knows that it comes out flat. (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-May-20 06:10 AM

(Eisheru will pick up Memory Editing from the Psionic Academy force endeavor)

Nekosmash 08-May-20 08:27 AM

"From how it sounds, no one recovers from that" Evan sighs, "But you're right, lets get this sample pack out of here and into orbit, and we can figure things out after that"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-May-20 08:33 AM

"I meant-... Nevermind, bad joke. Come, lets get back to the star hab." Eisheru heads back towards the Grav flyer and straps in to the co-pilot's seat. He goes through the check-lists that Evan and the other pilots had been teaching him. Still not ready to fly by himself he is making a good effort at being useful in the cockpit.

Nekosmash 08-May-20 08:48 AM

Evan is impressed with your aptitude, and the craft rises up from the marshy ground, making its way rapidly to space, where the lab lies

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-May-20 08:58 AM

Once they get to the hab Eisheru turns to Evan. "We need to get a lab for our own purposes... Would save us the time..." more an out loud thought that anything. "Come, lab is this way." After the flyer is secure in the hangar, the two walk through the halls to the R&D department. A few minutes later they walk through the double doors into the laboratory. Eisheru looks around the room for a technician or someone working

Nekosmash 08-May-20 11:59 AM

Several technicians are preparing space for the daggers recovered during the polity meeting to be worked on. Contractors are also there, dividing bulkheads and slightly reformatting the layout of the lab

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-May-20 12:04 PM

Eisheru will pick one of the technicians who looks to be more in charge of the others. He walks up to him while the sample pack of oil deposits floats next to him courtesy of his telekinetic manipulation "Good Second Rise to you, Agent Eisheru Tidecaller, a pleasure to meet you." He extends a hand in greeting "I am here wondering if I can get some samples analyzed. We discovered a possible fuel source down on the planet and wanted to know its potential viability, either as a trade good or for use in our fleet." (edited)

Nekosmash 09-May-20 09:19 AM

“Alright. It will take about a day to Separate the samples and go over everything again. Is that alright?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-May-20 09:27 AM

"More than acceptable. Has your team been able to run any tests on the daggers? May I look at them?" Eisheru says as he hands over the satchel of fuel samples.

Nekosmash 09-May-20 09:36 AM

“Nothing aside from what is known but we aren’t equipped for psionic research. “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-May-20 09:43 AM

"I will ask Adamaris Tidecaller to reach out to the main Academy Branch to see if we can get proper equipment and training. For now I can take a look and see what I can determine. Do you mind if I take a look?" he asks but he is already floating one of the daggers over with his telekinesis. He rotates the dagger slowly in front of his face. He tries to glean what information he can from his metapsionic senses. (edited)

(he is looking to see if there is still some sort of 'presence' in the dagger, like if it's still connected to the still lady)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-May-20 11:11 AM

(just clarifying my thought process. Maybe like a combination of psychic refinement and mind tracing.)

Nekosmash 09-May-20 03:22 PM

There is no trace of the lady’s power left in it, but it has innate pacting power on its own. It may have been greatly enhanced when she was in this dimension (edited)

And likely was

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-May-20 03:36 PM

"Hm... I wish Headmaster Fate were here... Might have to pay him a visit with this. It clearly was connected via metadimensional energy to the Lady." Eisheru plucks the weapon as it floats in front of him and gets a physical feel for the blade. He gently runs his thumb along the edge and examines the mark of the Lady that is on the blade. He attempts to connect his mental presence to the blade. (don't know if it will do anything but let's give it a shot. Try to establish a Telepathic Contact with the blade.) (edited)

Nekosmash 09-May-20 04:46 PM

There is nothing in the blade to connect with, as you try to open a link. It is inert to your talent

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-May-20 05:18 PM

"Figured as much..." He says to himself. Eisheru then turns to the technician and hands the blade back. "Run what tests you can, once all the standard testing protocols have been exhausted I will take the blade to the Academy. Have a good day, gentlemen shoot me a message when one or both of those tasks are completed." After talking to the technician, Eisheru motions for Evan to follow him. He walks out of the laboratory and starts heading towards the brig, "There are a couple of cultists that Director Kensh captured on the second moon. I am going to lead an interrogation, I think it might be best if I do this alone. Take the rest of day, tomorrow we are going to try and get a meeting with Vendic Solestin."

Nekosmash 09-May-20 07:28 PM

"I'll reach out to him, and I'll keep an eye on what they're doing here too, I'll forward anything of note to your pad"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-May-20 07:49 PM

Eisheru nods in appreciation and ends the connections with Evan. He walks the rest of the way towards the brig with his hands loosely clasped behind his back. Once there he looks around the room for the senior security officer. "Liaison Eisheru Tidecaller. Director asked that I conduct the interrogations of the cultists. Are they prepared and ready?" (edited)

Nekosmash 10-May-20 05:17 AM

"One of them is in medical, the other is here and has just finished her dinner. She didn't exactly surrender peacefully. The Director's hound did a number on her leg"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-May-20 06:18 AM

"Let's start with the one that just finished eating. Don't need to make things more difficult for our medical team. Please lead the way." Eisheru follows the guard or his directions to the prisoner in question.

Nekosmash 10-May-20 12:10 PM

The female prisoner has been given bright yellow garments to wear , and she has been put at the back of the large cell. She is chained to the floor by her good ankle, the other is bound up heavily in bandages and a soft cast. she is pale, and her hair stringy, falling out in some places due to prolonged malnutrition

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-May-20 01:38 PM

The first thing Eisheru does is establish a Telepathic connection with the cultists woman. "Good Second rise." He says calmly, almost distant. "May I have your name?" (Telepathic contact level 0, emotional state, 1 effort, 8/9 available.)

Nekosmash 10-May-20 01:39 PM

She spits. "Here to drop off my food? Large pie, pepperoni, and a calzone. Order should be under...fuck you"

(she is angry, and defiant)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-May-20 02:33 PM

"I'll make sure your order is sent down to the planet. No pizza places on the hab, unfortunately." The sarcasm is lost in the serenity of his voice. "Is your leg alright? May I inspect it?"

Nekosmash 10-May-20 04:07 PM

“Why so you can stick your finger in there and root around, make me hurt so I tell you what you want to know?”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-May-20 05:08 PM

"I would not need to ask your permission if my plan was to just torture you." Eisheru adds matter of factly. He walks over to her and bends down to touch her leg gently with a single finger. She feels a warm pulse of energy as the bioscopic power courses through her body. (psychic succor 5hp for 1 strain) (edited)

Nekosmash 11-May-20 07:51 AM

The leg begins to knit whole once again, the blood pocked bandages fall away, no longer necessary "Thank....Thank you" she says, eyes never leaving the knitting wound, she is evidently fascinated by it

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-May-20 07:59 AM

Eisheru nods once and stays close to eye level with the woman. "May I have your name please? And I'd like to know more about what you were doing on that moon."

Nekosmash 11-May-20 09:17 AM

"Tideria, I dont know my last name, and I dont know why we were supposed to be digging"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-May-20 09:31 AM

"Hello Tideria, my name is Eisheru. How many others were with you on that moon? How long had you been there?"

Nekosmash 11-May-20 09:33 AM

(i forgot how many were there since that mission was picked up and stopped three different times, but she would give an answer truthful to what greystar knew) "Close to two years, while the lady was still in control"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-May-20 09:38 AM

"I see. And how many others were with you on the moon?"

Nekosmash 11-May-20 09:41 AM

(i forgot how many were there since that mission was picked up and stopped three different times, but she would give an answer truthful to what greystar knew)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-May-20 09:43 AM

(oh im sorry i didnt know that was the response to that part of the question. My B)

"And what were your plans for once you found whatever it was you were digging for?"

Nekosmash 11-May-20 09:56 AM

"The still Lady wanted something she believed was buried around there, we were told we would know what it was when we found it

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-May-20 10:05 AM

"I'm sure by now you have realized that the Lady's hold on Acastus has been broken, so once you had what it is you were looking for, were you supposed to go somewhere? Meet with someone?" (edited)

Nekosmash 11-May-20 08:36 PM

“We just had to find it and get it to the surface. We were told the rest would be easy to figure out when we saw it”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-May-20 08:56 PM

(do i get any sense that she is lying or hiding something?) (edited)

Nekosmash 11-May-20 08:56 PM

(No. She just can’t help being a small cog in whatever was going on)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-May-20 09:03 PM

"May I ask how you came to be in service to the Still Lady?" (edited)

Nekosmash 12-May-20 06:32 AM

"The same way anyone else does, poor, picked up by the cult, and from there you get a job. I was lucky. Food, water, clean clothes when I needed them"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-May-20 06:57 AM

(Going to up the telepathic contact to Level 3 - "What are her feelings on the Still Lady and her cult"; going to use Surge Momentum to give her a -3 to the save; -1 effot for 7/9 available) "Sounds more like a relationship out of survival more than anything. Would you do it differently if you had a choice?"

Nekosmash 12-May-20 07:18 AM

(Fails) "If there was a choice, but there was not one at the time. There does not feel like one now, either"

She knocks on the wall of the prison cell once, softly, with her knuckles

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-May-20 07:35 AM

"Like all things that too can change. The question is, do you want it to change? Do you want to change?" While his demeanor is calm and the tone of his voice even, Eisheru has not once broken eye contact with Tideria. As if he is searching her soul (edited)

Nekosmash 12-May-20 09:43 AM

"There's not going to be a place for someone like me. Not now."

"Just give me my dinner and shoot me"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-May-20 10:04 AM

(How old does she look?)

Nekosmash 12-May-20 10:27 AM

(older teens, though her poor heath makes it hard to determine entirely)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-May-20 10:50 AM

A small tinge. Younger than his sister would be right now. "You are young, it does need to be that way. That's not to say that everyone will love you, but a life in service to others can offer some absolution."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 05:26 AM

(Any MES Energy coming from her? Not pinging you for an update, just a thought that came into my head) (edited)

Nekosmash 13-May-20 06:21 AM

(nothing from her, no)

She sighs "I...I dont know what to say about that. I'm not sorry for doing what I had to for survival"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 06:51 AM

"It is clear to me that you were but a small cog in the cult machine. Doing what she needed to survive. Would you like a chance at having a different life? One that isn't attached to the Still Lady and her cult? it will not be easy. And at times it may be dangerous, but it will be spent helping the people of Acastus and the Confederation."

Nekosmash 13-May-20 07:03 AM

"If it gets me out of this cell, I'd do anything...well, almost anything"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 07:17 AM

"Indeed. This will not be an easy start, but I think you will manage just fine. Resourceful people tend to find a way..." Eisheru places his hand gently on her leg again and pours more bioscopic energy into her before standing up. (2hp 1 strain) "My business has not concluded here, but I will see you transferred to my custody. What can you tell me about your other compatriot that was captured on the moon?"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 07:34 AM

"Not much, we mostly kept to ourselves when we weren't in the middle of a dig"

"The Lady did not encourage fraternization"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 07:39 AM

(Assuming no feelings of lying or attempts to hide information still?) "I see..." Eisheru reestablishes the connection with Tideria, he begins searching her mind for information about hide outs on the planet (Telepathic Connection Level4 - All information on the subject of cult hiding spots on the planet; Surge momentum to give -3 to mental save)

Nekosmash 13-May-20 07:39 AM

(nope, nothing triggers)

She knows nothing of other cult hiding places on the planet, or moons. To her knowledge they were one of the last holdouts

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 08:06 AM

Eisheru places his hands behind his back loosely once again. "Cause no more trouble and the transfer should go off without an issue. I will see that food is sent in. Your new life starts tomorrow, Tideria. Don't squander it." Eisheru turns on his heels and knocks on the door to signal he is done in this room. Once he returns to the main brig he looks for the security officer again. "I will be transferring this prisoner to my custody. I will make the necessary arrangements with personnel and the Director. Now, it was said there was a second cultist that was captured? I would like to see him now"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 08:08 AM

"He is in medical, in the recovery ward, under guard"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 08:12 AM

"Very good. I will make my way there now. Please see to it that this prisoner is provided food." Eisheru doesn't wait for a response and begins walking towards Medical. While he walks he pulls out his compad and begins making the necessary requests to have Tideria transferred to Aiya Technologies. He signs the necessary affidavits that hold him responsible for her actions henceforth. He also sends a note to AT Corporate Security to send a detail to monitor Tideria once the transfer is approved. Some time later he arrives in the Medical Ward of the starhab. He looks for the prisoner under guard and speaks to his handlers. "Liaison Eisheru Tidecaller, here on request of the Director to question the cultist. Are they in a state to speak?"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 08:14 AM

"It's going to be limited. We had to remove the leg, and some of the right arm. The mauling from the dog and then the building collapse was a lot for his system to take. He's stable, and his head is alright, but try not to push him too hard"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 08:50 AM

(Does he look older than Tideria?) Eisheru walks up and stands close to the bed to look down at the wounded cultist. While he speaks to him he establishes a connection to gauge his emotional state. "Good second rise, my name is Eisheru. Can you hear me?" (Telepathic Contact Level 0, No Save, 4/9 effort available)

Nekosmash 13-May-20 08:51 AM

(yes, older from what you can tell, most of him would be bandaged)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 08:51 AM

(Good doggo)

Nekosmash 13-May-20 08:53 AM

"I can hear you" he manages to gasp out, over his pain which is also his dominant feeling right now

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 08:56 AM

Eisheru notes his pain, he will have to be strategic with his questions if he hopes to get anything out of them. "Good. What were you digging for on the moon?"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 09:01 AM

"Something the Lady wanted. An oracle..she called it"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 09:05 AM

"Was it found? And where were you to go once you did find it?"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 09:08 AM

"It was not, and I do not know, it was the Lady's plan"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 09:15 AM

"Who was in charge of the cult with the Lady banished?" Damned cults, no one thinking for themselves and everyone blindly following a depraved entity

Nekosmash 13-May-20 09:31 AM

He names the three magisters, all of whom have been confirmed dead

(they dont know those three were dead, since they were cut off, but you do)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 09:38 AM

Eisheru taps a note out on his compad. Oracle. Three magisters. All confirmed dead. "Number and location of all cult boltholes and hideouts?"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 10:41 AM

He laughs under his breath, as much as he is able to "Get fucked. The doctors have more bedside manner than you"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 11:09 AM

Eisheru sighs briefly. So it was to be a fight then. "It isn't my job to ensure your well-being. Quite the opposite in fact." Eisheru uses his telekinesis to begin tightening the bandages around him. Enough to start becoming uncomfortable without causing lasting damage. Eisheru's voice remains even and steady as he ventures from interrogation to borderline torture. "I will ask you again, number and locations of all cult boltholes and hideouts"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 11:15 AM

"fuck...you" he gasps, the bandages beginning to redden the effected areas.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 11:19 AM

"So be it." Eisheru loosens the bandages slightly and instead opts to scour his mind for the answers he needed. Looking for all the information he knows on the cultist hide outs and safe houses. (Up connection to Level 4 - All information he knows about the hideouts/safehouses of the cult; Surge momentum to give -3 on save, 2/9 effort remain.)

Nekosmash 13-May-20 11:21 AM

(Fails) All cult locations he had knowledge off have been revealed and already exterminated by Greystar, though he knows one of the pilgrim ships was destroyed in NMC space by shapers

(now accounting for 2/8 of them)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 11:38 AM

Small beads of sweat begin to form as he exerts himself in the interrogation. He makes more notes. All known locations dealt with. One pilgrim ship destroyed. Six more to find. "Were there other digs on the other moons? Where else were the cult looking for this, Oracle?"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 11:38 AM

"Yes. Route oracle...secret system. Holy place"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 11:49 AM

More notes go onto his pad. Route oracle? Secret system? Holy Place? "Whats the name of this holy place?"

Nekosmash 13-May-20 12:01 PM

RANA, is the name dredged from his mind

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-May-20 12:16 PM

"I will be sure to send the Lady your regards when we obliterate Rana. Your assistance has been most helpful." Drained and exhausted, Eisheru steps away from the bed of the cultist. "I know you have done whatever you can to ensure he survives. Please keep up the good work, if I have more questions I will have need of him." he says bluntly to the medical staff before leaving the infirmary Datapad floats in front of him as he types more notes and heads back to the Officer's Club to relax and unwind from the days interrogations

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-May-20 08:33 AM

Pinned a message.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-May-20 04:27 AM

=====

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-May-20 04:35 AM

Eisheru walks through the corridors of star hab with an easy confidence and a cool demeanor. With one hand loosely behind his back, he floats his compad into his other hand so he can type out a message to Evan.

Mr. Wriker, New orders. Meet me in shuttle bay 2a. Bring a research team from the lab. Director Kensh's orders.

Eisheru then sends a priority message to the Veles to prepare for departure. He instructs the crew to begin loading tools and parts necessary for void craft recovery and repair. Some time later he arrives at the shuttle bay and waits for Evan and the scientists to arrive. (edited)

Nekosmash 17-May-20 05:32 AM

The remaining crew space aside from the two of you is evenly split between trained excavators who know how to dig without causing unnecessary damage , and actual analysts. A second flight full of equipment will also be heading to the moon once you have your camp set up.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-May-20 07:17 AM

Eisheru thought he would be apprehensive about commanding another void craft. However as he walks on to the bridge the feeling comes no where near his psyche. He is calm, collected, and appears outwardly detached. Sitting in the Captain's chair, he leaves his command console in Slyth language and begins running through the department calling for ready checks. Once it is green across the board he clicks on the ship wide comms, "All hands, prepare for spike. We are running silent for this mission. That is all." Eisheru turns to the security officer first then Evan. "Ensure all departments have security officers established outside. If a cult splinter cell takes control of the ship I'm sending you with them, understood? Mr. Wriker, plot course for Espinoza then Hoffa."

Nekosmash 17-May-20 05:14 PM

Espinoza has the evidence of the anti pirate task force moving through the area recently though they are gone now. You get strong memories of terezinho upon seeing the verdant oceans and thriving coral reefs here, untouched by man aside from an abandoned NMC outpost

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-May-20 05:53 PM

Eisheru watches the view screen as the ship transits from one end of the system to another. He knows he should feel sadness or longing but those are only weak thoughts in the back of his mind. He makes a note on his compad to come back another day. He was still interested but it is lower on his priority list given his other responsibilities. "Mr. Wriker... Take us to Hoffa..." His voice is a little extra distant. But only Evan would notice the difference. An acceptance of the fact that his old life is gone. (5 days total journey?)

Nekosmash 17-May-20 07:56 PM

(Yes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-May-20 08:19 PM

(35/90 continuing to work with Evan on my Piloting) (edited)

Nekosmash 18-May-20 06:06 AM

The trip is several days of quiet, and on the ground, Svenka and Skolli have been working to learn what they can about the strange craft, though information since their discovery has been slow coming in, and the last few days has not come in at all (they're several days in time behind you, I at least want to see what they do with the box before we have you jump in)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-May-20 07:33 AM

(sounds good!)

Nekosmash 19-May-20 06:02 AM

Arriving in system a day or so ater the last message came in, you see signals from the Wings near the northern chasm of the planet, where sulfur fumes and the corpse of a truly massive Wurm lie under a warm sun.

A group of megasloth bask in the sand near the Wings, not approaching the landing site, but staying in the area

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-May-20 06:20 AM

As the Veles appears in orbit around the planet, the crew of the ship spring into life as there is now something to do other than wait for the spike drill to complete. Eisheru stands from the captain's chair and passes off watch to the XO. "Have the assigned teams meet in the shuttle bays, Mr. Wriker, keep us in orbit over the Wing's location." While Eisheru walks through the halls to the armory to pickup a vac suit, he reaches out to @Svenka Vilnovha telepathically. Even this high in orbit, Eisheru is able to easily find the unique mind that belongs to his best friend and partner. A small set of chimes, the agreed upon method of announcing Eisheru's presence, rings in her mind softly. Almost like wind chimes in an ocean breeze. We have arrived, are you alright? Need anything specific before coming down to the surface? (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 19-May-20 10:21 AM

There is the psychic equivalent of an uncomfortable wince as Eisheru makes contact before the connection is closed “Hello Veles. Thank you for coming. This has been an interesting find.” (To #svenka )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-May-20 10:32 AM

"Still upset, I see..." Eisheru says to himself. He boards the lighter to begin the transit down to the surface.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-May-20 06:31 PM

(5 days back I'm assuming, 40/90 pilot training with Evan.)

Nekosmash 23-May-20 06:44 PM

(Yeah 5 days baxk. And 3xp for the good rp

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-May-20 07:42 PM

(woooo thats level 12)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-May-20 08:25 PM

Level 12 HP +1 for Max of 56 (rolled 45) Had 3 Psychic SP banked Metapsion-4 (-5sp) Metapsion technique - Flawless Mastery (Telepathic Contact) Bank 1 sp Bank 1 Telepathy sp (psychic training)

(edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-May-20 07:19 AM

(figure Svenka will deal with the shuttle. Would like to get the report from the lab about the resource node we found while also dropping off the precursor carbine for research. Then could head to Vendic to talk to him about bringing his people to Marmora. No rush on you of course)

Nekosmash 24-May-20 08:02 AM

The lab has determined the resources there are fossil fuels. They are crude and polluted from the surroundings but with proper refinement they could be made into goods sold here and on worlds hungry for fuel

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-May-20 08:33 AM

(and i think as a note, Greystar players wanted to keep precursor stuff secret for now) Eisheru thanks the laboratory team for their hard work. He takes note of the names of the researchers to see if he can recruit them once AT gets their own laboratory setup. He meets up with Evan in the hangar bay a few minutes later. "Let's go get my fungal hound Kairus then see if Vendic is up for a chat."

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 24-May-20 08:37 AM

(Good luck with that, S'kolli has already blasted the discovery to all of his Dabloonscape guild.)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-May-20 08:38 AM

(obvi cant control who S'Kolli tells about it. Doesn't mean we are gonna share the research rn :P)

Nekosmash 24-May-20 11:39 AM

Vendic has his comm feed open, as it usually is, and is available to chat

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-May-20 12:50 PM

As the pair transit down to the planet, Eisheru taps out a message to Vendic on his compad

Greetings Vendic, I hope all is well with you and your people. I wanted to extend an offer to you and your group before opening it up to others. Recently we have established a new City down near the southern pole of Acastus and I would like to invite you and yours to come and help settle the new city of Marmora. Right now the only people living there are my employees and there is still plenty of room for the W.A.N.K.E.R.S. to come and start a new life away from Ash City that might be more comfortable. Attached are pictures from the city. Look forward to hearing from you, Eisheru Tidecaller <<Marmora001.jpg, Marmora002.jpg, Marmora003.jpg, Marmora004.jpg, Marmora005.jpg, Marmora006.jpg>>

(edited)

Nekosmash 24-May-20 04:58 PM

Vendic is interested in this new settlement and is eager to meet in person to discuss details , and get an eye for things there himself. If an in person tour is possible , it’s something he and his band of followers would like to partake in

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-May-20 05:23 PM

Eisheru sends him a follow up response offering a pickup and tour. If there are more than 3 people he would like to bring, Eisheru asks for a heads up so he can requisition some transport lighters.

Nekosmash 24-May-20 05:33 PM

(3 is good. Him and two trusted advisors )

(Or we could do 2 and 2 If you want to bring someone)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-May-20 05:56 PM

(let's do Evan me and one AT security person with Vendic and his two people)

Nekosmash 24-May-20 06:18 PM

(Ah got it so the ship can hold 6. Perfect)

You are invited out to the resistance encampment and he plans to meet you at the front gates. He will bring two for security but it’s mostly a formality , and for outward defense against predators in the area and not so much for concerns about tou

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-May-20 06:46 PM

(yeah 6 total) As they make the trip to the W.A.N.K.E.R. settlement, Eisheru instructs Evan to set it down outside the encampment. "Vendic has been concerned with the Ash City local government ever since the the Lady rose to prominence. Hopefully we can convince them to help resettle in Marmora." (edited)

Nekosmash 25-May-20 11:16 AM

“I don’t blame him. He’s never seen an Acastus standing on its own, ruled by the people that actually come from here. It’s a different situation now though. Acastus is just one of many worlds inside of something bigger. There are a lot of planets with their decision makers not coming from their own soil now”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-May-20 01:08 PM

"Agreed. Hopefully giving them a chance to start on a blank slate will give them what they want albeit on a smaller scale. Maybe in retirement we can go start our own neutral aligned planet..." Eisheru stretches a little and rests his hands behind his head. "I pray we are doing right by them..." (edited)

Nekosmash 25-May-20 06:54 PM

"Silvano did, he thinks he is doing it right" Evan says. "Lets be off then"

The craft sets down at the place Vendic designated, and he looks pleased to see you, a break from his normally somewhat sour disposition. "I see you've been busy up there in space. Paint still looks fresh on this one!"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-May-20 07:17 PM

"So I've heard..." Eisheru goes about his copilot duties as they make their final descent into atmo. He punches in the coordinates and the three of them are off. Director Hector O'Malley, who was Aiya Technologies' Chief of Security, was also along for the ride. After landing and waving to Vendic and his security team, Eisheru approaches with an outstretched hand. "Indeed she is and indeed we have. Hopefully the changes we bring have been doing real good for the people." Eisheru gestures for them to board the Wriker's Fancy "Come, let me show you the newly established city of Marmora. If you thought the Fancy's paint was fresh, just you wait to see what we found down near the southern tip of the planet"

Nekosmash 26-May-20 05:44 AM

He says nothing but climbs aboard and straps himself in, eager to see whats happening outside as the ship takes off. "Marmora, the name, where does that come from?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-May-20 05:51 AM

Eisheru follows and straps into the co-pilots chair and gives the go-ahead to Evan to take the group to Marmora "It is for-... I named the city after my younger sister. She... She lost her life to a Merlon childhood illness. She would have been 29 this month..." Eisheru says in his stoic and calm tone of voice. The faintest hint of sadness tinges his voice. "I wanted to bring a little bit of my old life to my new home." (edited)

Nekosmash 26-May-20 06:48 AM

"A beautiful story, anda beautiful name for this place. You said it was something you, found? Can you give me the story or is this greystar business?" he asks. you get the sense this might be some kind of thinly veiled test into just how much trust there really is here

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-May-20 07:06 AM

"Thank you, hopefully her memory may live on past my time." Eisheru turns the seat around so he can converse more easily now that the coordinates are plugged in. "The city's only connection to Greystar is that I am a ranking member in the Confederation and that it exists on her capitol planet. The city was found while on an exploration mission for Aiya Technologies based on information that my survey team had found." Eisheru goes into an explanation that it is a precursor city that even predates the Slyth. He mentions that it was constructed using nanomachine technology that is long lost but will hopefully be recovered with some time and effort. "As it stands the city can currently support around twenty thousand people with plenty of room to grow. The Confederation has recognized me as Marmora's mayor but the hope is that a city council made up of her inhabitants will act as the main governing body. This is so that in times when I am away on Confederation business, the city will still operate without delay."

Nekosmash 26-May-20 07:40 AM

THere is palpable relief inside the cabin as your story continues. "I see. Wow, well I am pleased to hear you have a plan. And I guess its good that this is something you found rather than a new colonization effort. You know our stance on exploiting this amazing rock we find ourselves on. I'm interested, I understand we're going to land and see some of it first hand. I want to appraise things for myself, but we've sat on the fringe too long"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-May-20 07:50 AM

"This was a pure happenstance discovery. The Combine has no further plans to create more cities on Acastus beyond Greytown. And as far as the city itself, my company has plans to put down infrastructure so we can be more self-reliant. Just off the top of my head: Increased security, a hospital, bank, and social supports. The nanomachines also created farmland within the city limits as well." "And just so you are aware, I am not abandoning the people still in Ash City who are struggling to recover. I am ensuring Greystar still has the requisite focus on providing relief to the millions there." As the gravflyer touches down near Eisheru's house in Marmora, he leads them out and begins a tour of the city. Already his corporate security team have started patrolling the grounds and assisting the new arrivals "AT has a couple thousand employees plus their families which are in the process of relocating. If you should find this new city to your liking, I will make arrangements to assist your people in their transition to Marmora."

Nekosmash 26-May-20 07:52 AM

"These nano machines, they are dormant now? You mentioned something about possibly re-activating something within that pyramid structure here. I'm trying to get my head around it all"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-May-20 07:57 AM

A thought pops into his head. One out of protecting those that he has sworn to. He reaches out to Vendic's mind and probes to see if he has any ulterior motives (Telepathic Contact Level 3 - "Does Vendic have any ulterior motives to moving his people to Marmora?", he has a mental save to resist, gonna use Surge Momentum to give him a -4 on the save, 8/9 effort remain) "When my partner and I activated the machine in the temple, it created untold millions of nanomachines that built the majority of this city in a matter of minutes. After the city was complete, the nanomachines I believe returned to the pyramid structure. Our plan is to study them and see if they can be either repurposed or replicated. Imagine this, repairing the entirety of the damage caused by the cult of the Lady in Ash City in a matter of hours? This could potentially lead to a post-scarcity age on Acastus. The potentials for use are nigh endless." (edited)

Nekosmash 26-May-20 08:57 AM

(he fails) He has no motives in his mind aside from trying to understand as much as he can about the situation he is thinking about bringing his people into.

1

Nekosmash 26-May-20 11:41 AM

"I am concerned thse nano machines could wake back up, or we could lose control of them somehow meddling in things we shouldn't. Could you be persuaded to not look a gift horse in the mouth and leave well enough alone?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-May-20 11:49 AM

"The first time we initiated it was indeed under curiosity and it outweighed our caution. We do not plan to initiate the machine again until we have a full understanding of their workings. If understanding never comes, then so be it. But we will attempt to understand it unless you can make an extremely compelling argument as to why we shouldn't. Progress will continue, with or without our involvement. I would like to ensure that our progress matches that of our neighbors so that we never have a situation where we are at the mercy of those who don't have our well being as their main priority."

Nekosmash 26-May-20 12:25 PM

"Understanding to understand, and understanding to exploit are different things. And there is such a thing as knowing just enough to be dangerous with something, and that is what I am concerned about here"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-May-20 12:33 PM

"I am sure this is not the only instance of this technology out there and there will be those who seek to use it for nefarious ends. Our best and only hope is to understand what we have in front of us so that we may protect ourselves if and when that eventuality comes to pass." "I will not lie to you Vendic and say that we won't study it as completely as we can. What I can promise is that it won't be utilized again on Acastus until we are certain of its capabilities and are capable of controlling the outcome."

Nekosmash 26-May-20 12:46 PM

I suppose that's the best I can hope for. Now how would we go about getting my people out here, is this something we'd need to trek to?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-May-20 01:16 PM

(Between the Thunderchild when its done refit, the Charybdis, and the Grav Flyer it could transport 55 people per trip, is that a reasonable solution? Would take 19 trips to bring all 1000 people)

Nekosmash 26-May-20 01:40 PM

(The lighters from the starhab could do it in about a day as well)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-May-20 01:47 PM

(Yeah if he could requisition it that would be good. Could offer the Charybdis to help with cargo then as it has 80 tons of free space) Eisheru does some calculations for a moment before responding "I can requisition enough lighters to move people over. Whole move operation would take about 24 hours, give or take. Also my personal void-craft could help with any equipment transfers. Give me a days notice once your people are ready to leave and I will schedule the lighters."

Nekosmash 27-May-20 06:19 AM

(yes, we can do that, we should look at getting the hab refit with lifters if its going to be here a while)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-May-20 06:20 AM

(Sounds good! did you previously create a fitting sheet for the Arx? if not do you want me to?)

Nekosmash 27-May-20 06:21 AM

(I dont think i ever did, the only things it needs to have is a lab, shipyard, extended stores, spike 3, and the lifters now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-May-20 06:21 AM

(ok) (edited)

Nekosmash 27-May-20 06:21 AM

(since that was all established stuff already, but extended stores, extended medbay, and the life support makes sense since they were nomadic)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-May-20 06:21 AM

(ill run it by you later)

Nekosmash 28-May-20 06:03 AM

"I'm going to speak with them upon my return. We will need a day between. If you come at week end, we should be assembled, and ready to move"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-May-20 06:42 AM

"The lighters will be ready in orbit for your signal to being the move operation." Eisheru reaches out a hand to shake Vendic's "I know this isn't the self-determining Acastus that you had hoped for, but this should be a fresh start away from Ash City while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle."

Nekosmash 28-May-20 06:48 AM

"A compromise means nobody is entirely happy. I'm not entirely happy, so, compromise" he smiles, returning the handshake. "I'll see you at the end of the week, on the last lighter out from the encampment."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-May-20 08:20 AM

(good to fast forward to the end of the week. Would work on my flying with Evan until they are ready.)

Nekosmash 28-May-20 09:27 AM

(3 days of downtime to tack on then)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-May-20 09:38 AM

(43/90) Eisheru spends the next couple of days making the necessary arrangements with Greystar supply. While waiting for responses and lighters to be requisitioned, Eisheru practices take offs and landings with Evan in and around Marmora. The day arrives for the move operation. Eisheru heads to the rebel camp with Evan in the gravflyer.

Nekosmash 28-May-20 10:13 AM

The rebels, true to their word, have packed as much as they think is reasonable to bring, and have disabled the automated defenses around their camp. The warbots they used from RCoE to help augment their defenses have likewise been powered down and are hunched over in a transport mode. "I suppose I should have asked about the robots. I'm assuming you're not keen on them being in the city without being surrendered to you" Vendic says

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-May-20 10:21 AM

"You would be right in that assumption. I'm not expecting internal troubles, but the bots would be helpful in protection against the wildlife of Acastus."

Nekosmash 28-May-20 10:53 AM

he waves forward a scrawny looking adolescent technician, who hands Evan a large rubberized case with the drone control program inside

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-May-20 11:46 AM

"I appreciate your trust in me, Vendic. I promise it will not be taken for granted. The lighters should be here momentarily. My team in Marmora is standing by to begin assigning housing and assisting with the transition. We are one people, and I will protect them as such." (edited)

Nekosmash 28-May-20 11:47 AM

"You're all they have now, with me stepping aside. I hope you can understand this whole thing wasn't a power grab or me trying to hang on to authority. Acastus and my people have been through a lot, and it would have been wrong for me to just willingly hand them over to another bad political situation when we lost so much and so many getting to where we reside now

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-May-20 11:51 AM

"Unless you have grander plans, there will always be a seat at the city council for you. I understand your concern whole heartedly and I will endeavor to ensure the memory of those lost is always honored"

Nekosmash 29-May-20 06:03 AM

"All I can ask for" he says, and the bots go dormant, as Evan makes the final adjustments.

"I suppose that's it. I'm going to seal things up here, just so animals or something worse doesn't move into the caves or homes after we leave"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-May-20 06:07 AM

Eisheru bows his head in appreciation. There is little left to say and all there was to do was wait for the move operation to complete. Eisheru spends the time helping people get them and their things into lighters when he isn't coordinating different aspects of the move. Eisheru waits to be the last one out with Vendic.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-May-20 09:49 AM

(Assuming this completes my goal of: "Convince Vendic Solestin to move his people to Marmora")

(also gonna assume this negates my other goal "Help build up Vendic Solestin's rebel base into a fully functional city")

Nekosmash 29-May-20 10:17 AM

(yeah they are kind of mutually exclusive)

1

Nekosmash 29-May-20 05:17 PM

The day passed quickly and before long it’s just the two of you. With a deep sigh he takes one more deep breath of the local air, and heads aboard the lifter. “Alright.” He says after a long moment “let’s go home”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-May-20 06:43 PM

"Come. Let's start anew. Hopefully new buildings will give your..." a brief pause. "Our people a new perspective on life." The two climb into the last lighter and begin the couple hour journey to their new home in the South. It is a quiet and uneventful journey as they make their way across the darkened world. The third moon was well into it's setting cycle. Eventually the lights of the newly sprouted Marmora quickly approach. The stepped pyramid design stands out from the mushroom forest that surrounds the city.

Nekosmash 30-May-20 06:59 AM

Vendic says nothing as the lighter sets down, a mix of emotions inside breaking against his composure all at once. When it lands it looks like he is about to say something, but then thinks better of it, and begins walking toward the hab assigned to him

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-May-20 07:32 AM

Before Vendic gets too far away Eisheru hustles over to him. "You look concerned, friend. Is there something I can do for you? Something you wanted to say?"

Nekosmash 30-May-20 07:36 AM

“I think this ones better just left for me to figure out. Just look after everyone here as best you can”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-May-20 07:40 AM

Eisheru nods and calmly places a hand on his shoulder. Giving it a gentle squeeze before responding, "I understand. My door is always open to you, Vendic. If you ever need anything, come find me" (Telepathic contact just to read his emotional state) (edited)

Nekosmash 30-May-20 05:45 PM

He is very sad

He nods and begins walking toward his own Hab

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-May-20 06:26 PM

Eisheru tries to subtly seed thoughts of hope and joy and rebirth. He hopes to instill some happier thoughts. Eisheru creates visions of children playing and people enjoying their lives. (Just trying to be really subtle. Lmk if you want a telepathy/con roll)

Nekosmash 31-May-20 05:30 PM

(Yeah just since this is outside of how the skills are normally used )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-May-20 05:33 PM

(11)

Nekosmash 01-Jun-20 05:56 AM

Vendic stops for a moment, before continuing on home for the night. The streets slowly begin to clear as the lifters head back into orbit where they belong, and the new citizens head home for the first night in their new homes.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jun-20 06:31 AM

(I don't see any MES energy from him, do I? Like he isn't a psychic as far as I can tell?) Eisheru spends the rest of the evening and night to help any that are out and about. He will small talk with new arrivals if they look open to it. Mostly he is worried about Vendic and wants to stay awake until he at least he decides to go to sleep. After Vendic goes to bed, Eisheru taps out a welcome message to all those who arrived. He thanks them for coming to their new home and wishing everyone a prosperous new chapter in their lives. Eisheru lets them know that if they have concerns to please contact his office directly and he will address them. Eisheru spends another little while walking the empty streets with Hector O'Malley, his ever present shadow whenever he is near the office or in Marmora. The two talk about hopes and dreams for the city and her people. Eventually he bids his Director of Security good night and goes to bed inside his new home on Acastus.

Nekosmash 01-Jun-20 06:37 AM

(no he isnt)

1

In the morning, a sharp knock at the door right before business hours sends sharp sound through the house, and you hear the shuffling of a few people on your front door step

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jun-20 06:44 AM

Eisheru walks to the front door from his breakfast table. Out of habit he manifests and invisible force barrier before putting his hand on the door handle. He gently opens the door to greet the group of waiting people

"Good First Rise... What can I do for you all?"

Nekosmash 01-Jun-20 11:46 AM

A letter in a yellowed envelope is passed into your hand, though the assembled trio on your doorstep says nothing, right now.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jun-20 11:48 AM

Eisheru looks down at the envelope and then at the person who handed it to him. He gives the man a slightly curious look. He reaches out telepathically just to get a sense of his current mood Eisheru manifests a small force dagger than can visibly be seen in his hand as he uses it to carefully open the envelope and look at its contents (edited)

Nekosmash 01-Jun-20 11:53 AM

There is a sense of confusion and sadness. The wax paper gently opens. Eisheru, my friend. By the time you read this I will have gone on to greener pastures. I have led my people through the darkness of the old Acastan plutarchy, the tyranny of The Still Lady, and now, through this uncertain new phase of the Greystar years. I have worked hard to shepherd my people well and our continued survival is testament to the sagacity of the choices my lieutenants and I have made over the years. I look upon this new city, and see my people now filling its streets. I think of the land left behind, rough encampment it was. We now have running water, reliable power, sanitary conditions, and amusement, and I cannot shake the feeling that despite all this, I have allowed my soul to be gambled away for it. I do not want you to feel personally responsible for this. You will be a good steward to these people, as I was. I am now captain of a rudderless ship, and when there is no direction, it is not uncommon to be dashed upon the rocks. I have no desire to endure that, and I do not what my people to have seen that. I move into the afterlife with honor, leaving behind a happy people under the guidance of a man who cares hopefully as much as I have. Fair winds, and I'll be sure to keep the water at a comfortable temperature for you. Your friend, Vendic (edited)

--- "We found him this morning when we brought him breakfast. He hung himself in his hab. Only the four of us know now"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jun-20 12:14 PM

Eisheru reads through the letter, trying to hang on to every word as they are Vendic's last. After he pours over the letter a second time, he carefully folds the letter back up exactly the way Vendic had. He treats the letter as if it were his friend's body, giving it the respect he has earned in his hard fought life. A small frown is the only show of emotion that falls upon the Tidecaller's face. ''I do feel responsible, Friend. May your memory guide me and keep our people" After Eisheru places the letter gently back into the envelope and places it in an interior pocket of his jacket, he turns to the leader of the trio, "I am sorry for your loss and that you had to be the ones to discover him." His voice is cold and detached, he feels the slight pang of loss of a dear friend but the blow is softened and the emotions muted. "I would like to see him and then I think I need to address the city and give them the news. Can you spread the word that there will be an all city meeting in one hour at the base of the stepped temple?"

Nekosmash 01-Jun-20 12:14 PM

"Do you need help up there? Even one of us to go with you?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jun-20 12:16 PM

"I... No... I will be fine at his house. I am assuming you three are Vendic's lieutenants?"

Nekosmash 01-Jun-20 01:08 PM

"We are...or were, rather . We'll round everyone up. We'll leave you to deal with that then, and we'll see you back here in an hour like you asked"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jun-20 01:34 PM

"I will see you." Eisheru locks up his residence and dismisses the force armor that he had summoned. He begins thinking what he is going to tell the people that trusted their lives to the man who took his own. Will have to ask the three to stay on in some form of leadership role. These people will need something familiar As Eisheru strolls down the street with his hands loosely held behind his back he thinks of the weary man who he had first met on the road. The man who was fiercely defending his own people from what he believed was another invasion. I promise, Vendic, history will not repeat itself with Greystar. Eisheru walks up the path to his friend's hab and stops just before opening the door. A momentary pause to say a quick prayer. May your spirit find the peace that you so desperately fought for in life. May your memory guide me and our people into a new and bright future. Eisheru pushes the door open and looks for his friend's body (edited)

Pinned a message.

Nekosmash 01-Jun-20 01:44 PM

The body has been cut down, and the rope removed. It has been laid to rest on the floor of the apartment with a small yellow pillow under the mans head. He has the apperance of a sleeper, though without breath. THe skin around his neck is red, and raw

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jun-20 02:59 PM

Eisheru walks over to the body and kneels down beside him. He is awash with conflicting thoughts. A small sadness creeps through his being as he looks down on the body of his friend. "Vendic... I'm so sorry you felt lost... I hope you find the peace you so desperately desired..." Eisheru goes through an abridged mourning ritual of the Merlon. Though he cannot shed any tears, he can still say the blessings and pray for guidance from his friend's spirit. Having seen the truth that 'life' does exist after death, he knows that Vendic is watching. "I swear I will do right by your memory, Vendic. Our people will remember all that you have done for them ." Eisheru grabs a piece of cloth from Vendic's bed sheet wraps it around the body. Though he lacks the ability to feel strong sadness, Eisheru takes extra care to tend to and care for the body. He is respectful of his friend's corpse and ensures it is given all the respect and deference it deserves. With enough time to make it to the city center, he picks up the body with his telekinetic powers and carries it with him to the meeting. Covered so that none may be started before he has a chance to speak.

Nekosmash 01-Jun-20 05:52 PM

The entire town save for those doing absolutely essential duties is assembled and there is some confusion and speculation out of the bundle you brought with you. A bush comes over them as you get in front of the group

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jun-20 07:15 PM

Eisheru walks through the crowd, he tries to give disarming smiles but they are small and restrained given what news he is about to drop on the awaiting crowd. It's plainly obvious what is floating next to him but not whom. Eisheru floats the corpse onto the ground behind him as he steps on to a small waist high pillar so everyone in the crowd can see him. He clears his throat before beginning, "People of Marmora, for those of you whom I have not met, I am Eisheru. Founder and Mayor of our new home. I am sorry this meeting was on such short notice, but I felt that you all needed to know sooner rather than later." A short breath. He was centered and calm, he knew his people would not be. "It... It is with great sadness that I inform you all of the death of Vendic Solestin. I am sure this will come as a surprise to you all as it did to me as I only found out an hour ago." "I only knew Vendic a short time but I knew he was a man of honor, integrity and more importantly a man who wanted to protect his family from harm. I promise you all today, here and now, that I will continue his vigil. For as long as I draw breath, I will work to ensure an Acastus where her people can pursue their own goals and their own future. Marmora is your home should you wish to remain. If you want to go anywhere in the known sector, I will ensure you get there safely." "I do not know what more there is to say. This is a sad day and I mourn with you. If there is something I can do for you or your family, please let me know. Forevermore, today will be a holiday in Marmora. No work shall be done and it will be a day of remembrance."

Nekosmash 02-Jun-20 06:03 AM

Most of the group gets emotional, as Vendic had ever been the stern old man at the proverbial helm, helping them through the continued periods of chaos Acastus went through. There is some sort of procession past the body, the cloth rolled back just enough to expose the face. Most passing by kiss him on the forehead or cheek, saying goodbye to his physical form for a final time

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jun-20 06:25 AM

Eisheru makes a point to stop and say a few words with anyone who sticks around. Mostly talking about the future or Vendic's memory. Eisheru finds the three lieutenants from earlier and asks them to either stay until everyone has left, or come back after, so he can speak with them. Otherwise he offers condolences and makes arrangements for any that want to leave Acastus.

Nekosmash 02-Jun-20 07:55 AM

They all are able to stay, the citizens not needing direct leadership right now. Many are walking either to home, or to the edge of the settlement for short jaunts in the woods.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jun-20 10:36 AM

"Thank you all for staying, I would like to have you three stay on in some form of leadership role. The people will need familiar as they transition and you are already known to them. We will need city council members in charge of different aspects of the city's management and administration. If you have particular skills that would be useful in certain areas please let me know"

Nekosmash 02-Jun-20 10:42 AM

(I think just like in their own camp, one with a mind for actual day to day admin, one for keeping things kept up mechanically, and one for spiritual/mental health is probably the same breakdown of labor)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jun-20 04:29 PM

Eisheru listens to each of them describe their previous duties under Vendic. He takes some mental notes before responding, "If you three don't mind, I would like you to stay on in the same positions that Vendic assigned you. The families that have just come to Marmora could do with some familiarity while we all get to know each other. If Vendic trusted you, so do I."

Nekosmash 02-Jun-20 04:48 PM

“More will come too. Won’t they? From the city I mean”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jun-20 06:33 PM

"Some for now. Aiya Tech is to open her first Shipyard which will help put a great many Acastans back to work. We will need to work on increasing our housing capabilities rather soon."

Nekosmash 03-Jun-20 05:58 AM

They have nothing else to add at the moment, and begin heading out to the other parts of the city to see how they can best attend their people

(3xp, 5000 credits0

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jun-20 06:58 AM

(

if you have ideas I could use some inspiration.)

Nekosmash 03-Jun-20 07:41 AM

(i know we have a few group missions forming in the council meeting, anything there catch you?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jun-20 08:52 AM

(not really feelin' either. Maybe working on the GS Cunning endeavor? "- All Greystar worlds combed for internal threats") (edited)

Nekosmash 03-Jun-20 08:53 AM

(or visit a non polity organization)

(we know about PMG, have had one interaction with CSF)

(we know of EXP, but it sounds dodgy up there)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jun-20 08:56 AM

(could refit the Bastion to be a bit better on exploration and go down south to PMG)

Nekosmash 03-Jun-20 08:57 AM

(could at least explore the planet south of Jahnavi, which has no report)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jun-20 08:58 AM

(Marmora will be okay for a bit?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jun-20 09:49 PM

(Not pushing for an update, just completing thought on plan to travel south: Would take the 2 new Gyrfalcon corvettes south, would like to requisition two Lancer fighters to come with)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jun-20 10:08 PM

(would also want a full compliment of Marines on each. Going into unknown space and all that

Nekosmash 04-Jun-20 05:47 AM

(Marmora will be okay for a bit, is the fighters why we were looking into the tender mounts?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 05:51 AM

(No i think they wanted the tender mounts for the Maitena mission, incase they wanted to tow something back. These Gyrfalcons [just like the Kestrels] have a fighter bay on it. Lancers are for extra protection while I do some explo)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 06:01 AM

(and would be using the 1 free mass on each for a reload of torpedos)

Nekosmash 04-Jun-20 06:10 AM

(gotcha)

(alright, yay exploring)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 06:11 AM

(YAY!)

Nekosmash 04-Jun-20 06:12 AM

A small exploration fleet is put together as the group prepares to head into hostile space. The Bastion and a handful of corvettes are left to assist in starhab defense, along with the broadsword sharkfin shape of the Veles. The crews begin assembling, preparing for true exploration mission into unknown space

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 06:20 AM

Eisheru stands on the flight deck of the Starhab next to Evan. The two are talking about historical events of Acastus prior to the Still Lady. Evan is a voracious reader and it has been refreshing to have someone to discuss at length the the storied past of the planet. Gyrfalcion I and II are being loaded with ordinance and the Lancer class fighters are being placed into the fighter bays. Eisheru will spot check people coming on board each of the two newly refitted exploration corvettes. Using his telepathy to seek briefly delve into the minds of those joining the exploration mission. Looking to see if there are any more Still Lady cultists trying to steal more ships. (edited)

Nekosmash 04-Jun-20 06:27 AM

It seems that ploy has run its course for now, as Kensh and Finius round up the last of the traitors

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 07:00 AM

Convinced that there are to be no more mutinies, Eisheru gets aboard the Gyrfalcon I with Evan and the two head to the bridge. Still ever conversing about the finer points of the Plutocracy that reined supreme before the invasion of the cult. Once in the Captain's chair, Eisheru queues up the comms for both ships. His calm and detached voice sound throughout the two exploration vessels. "Good first rise to you all, this is Captain Tidecaller, we will be getting under way momentarily. Our mission is to explore the region south of our borders. Hopefully it will be a peaceful venture, but we must be prepared for any eventuality. Gyrfalcon I will have the lead taking us out of system. We have several days in friendly territory so enjoy the quiet and let's go see what the rest of the sector has in store for us. Tidecaller out" Once the sirens sound and the bay doors finish opening, Eisheru gives a nod to Evan. "Take us out Mr. Wriker. Nice and easy." Eisheru takes a moment to telepathically connect with Evan. The two had been growing so accustomed to each other that the connection was easy and the gentle chime sounds in Evan's head signaling the presence of his employer and friend. "Should be a fun trip, lets go see what's out there."

Nekosmash 04-Jun-20 07:38 AM

He says nothing but you can sense he is eager to finally be doing something in space again. It is where Evan has always wanted to be, even in the absence of conflict. Maybe especially in the absence of conflict. First call for the group is Leda

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 08:36 AM

As the group enters Leda gravity-well, he sends a message to the fighter and bomber squadrons stationed there. "Greetings Leda Picket, Gyrfalcon I and II traveling through. Any news or issues that we need to be aware of?" (edited)

Nekosmash 04-Jun-20 10:58 AM

The Leda picket replies that things on the ground are normal and the gate has been silent. So far the Scions are adapting well to being on this side of the gate. Galatea has shared the scan data of the Child of Joy, under the guise of ensuring medical care and lifesaving measures can be given to any beyond the gate traveler on this side, and it does not seem the Scions have evolved to a point where the constant metaaspace exposure is needed for their physical health like the children have

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 11:03 AM

Eisheru sends a follow-up reply advising to take medical scans of the Scions, if any are willing, and send it to Galatea. If we can help those from beyond the gate by transmitting some medical data we should. It might offer insight into Scion physiology as well. Eisheru is also glad to hear that there have been no complications. "It seems things are nominal on Leda. Whenever we have refueled lets make the jump to Jahnavi"

Nekosmash 04-Jun-20 04:31 PM

Lower heaven transmits local time and weather when you arrive and supply is available. There is some excitement at the discovery of the new metal and even your emotionally dampened state has you feeling a tug of happiness at seeing a world that feels like an adopted home

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 05:06 PM

Eisheru responds with a hearty congratulations. Even though he hasn't experienced the years of struggle that the Sangha has, Eisheru still feels relief at his adopted home being able to be more self sustaining. Eisheru sends a follow up message stating they are headed south and that he will stop on the return trip for longer than a brief refueling. (edited)

"Let's refuel at Lower Heaven and then head back out."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jun-20 05:37 PM

(44/90 pilot. 4 days of DT so far)

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 06:08 AM

(and we have 3 more on the way out to our destination

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 06:09 AM

(47/90 pilot)

("We boldly go where no one has gone before!")

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 06:20 AM

TL2 Human Miscible Breathable Atmosphere Millions of Inhabitants This planet is dominated by seagoing cities built on islands. Ancient First Wave engines keep the cities moving, the constant waves powering the buildings that cling like barnacles to their backs. Despite this one example of hyper advanced technology, the rest of the world has reverted back to a pre-steam standard of living. Battles are fought over island chains where the fast growing timber, wildlife, and minerals are plentiful. Squadrons of Age of Sail ships representing close to a dozen nations or city states prowl the depths, keeping unwanted attention away from their shores and distant island claims.

Entering Arana space, your scanners have no trouble getting a read quickly on what must be happening down there. Power readings are scarce and centralized where they do occur, and the light cloud cover reveals the rest

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 06:22 AM

(

)

"Well this is a pleasant surprise. People sailing wooden ships when they live on massive technological islands. I can probably guess the answer, but do they have any sort of communications arrays on those islands? Also scan local space, I don't want any surprises" Eisheru says to the Communications Officer while telling Evan telepathically to bring us into orbit once we are sure local space is clear

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 06:31 AM

Reverend Levi McClain (Dax'olli) 05-Jun-20 06:32 AM

(for Ctrl+F later: Arana )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 06:42 AM

Pinned a message.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 06:49 AM

"Gyrfalcon II, stay in orbit and monitor local space. I don't want any surprises"

"Let's make some friends. If they have no air defenses, make a controlled descent and put us within shouting distance of their largest ship, Evan."

(sorry was double checking something. Was thinking to bring the fighter down, but they are only the 1 seater lancers not the 2 seater bombers)

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 07:49 AM

Local space is clear, and there are no long range communication devices capable of reaching you on the islands. In terms of the 'largest' ship that you can see, they're a fairly standard pattern, but the largest fleet of them currently sailing is around the northern side of the Unity of Southern Arana

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 07:54 AM

"Get ready to pull is into orbit if you hear cannon fire. XO You have the conn" Eisheru stands up from the captain's chair and heads toward the port side airlock. He takes a moment to manifest his telekinetic armor as it flashes into existence. As Evan pulls the ship into range, Eisheru opens the airlock and begins waving. Once they are close enough he begins shouting to the lead ship of the fleet, "Greetings from the Greystar Confederation. My Name is Eisheru and we would like to parlay with your Fleet Admiral!"

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 10:22 AM

There is a puff of smoke as one of the cannons fire, and Evan laughs so hard he almost loses control of the ship as the iron cannonball bounces off the belly of your ship

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 10:22 AM

(can i see the captain of the ship that fired?) (edited)

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 10:43 AM

(Yes)

(well, you can see someone at the helm in impressive regalia)

(this being a foreign society I dont think eish would know what the exact ranking schema would be)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 10:47 AM

(True, he would just be looking for the most impressive/decorated figure on the deck) "Not how I wanted to start things, but so be it." Eisheru closes his eyes and focuses on the mind of the individual he believes to be the captain. Or at least the one who looks to be the part. He sends a thought forcing the man to speak the words ordering his men to hold their fire. (Telepathic Contact into Reflex Response, "Tell your men to hold their fire and prepare for parlay"; He gets a mental save to resist; 7/9 effort)

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 11:38 AM

(is it at -4?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 11:39 AM

(No he didnt use Surge Momentum this time)

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 11:40 AM

The finely decorated man at the wheel shouts for all of the crew on the deck to stand down, and the cry is then taken up by sub-officers

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 11:42 AM

Eisheru nods once as if he expected the outcome "Greetings from the Greystar Confederation! My name is Eisheru, I would like to Parlay!" he shouts at the top of his lungs

(im assuming they are speaking English? if not Eisheru would try again with Level 1 of Telepathic contact which allows him to speak their language if he has the right body part to speak it)

Nekosmash 05-Jun-20 11:44 AM

(French)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Jun-20 11:46 AM

French: "My deepest apologies! My name is Eisheru from the Greystar Confederation! We wish to parlay" (edited)

Nekosmash 06-Jun-20 06:12 AM

A series of signal flags is run up the mast of the ship youre speaking with before others do the same and begin weighing anchor

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Jun-20 07:23 AM

Eisheru instructs Evan to bring the ship as close as he is able. Once the Gyrfalcon is as close as it can get without knocking into the sails, Eisheru steps off the ship and falls gracefully into the water. Swimming had never felt so good. It has been nearly a year since Eisheru had been in an Ocean. He moves to climb up onto the deck of the ship

Evan if this goes poorly I'm just going to jump into the water and swim away

Nekosmash 06-Jun-20 05:49 PM

The rope ladder on the side is tough and leaves small red marks on your hands but otherwise holds as you make your way to the stern castle of the ship where the captain and several of his officers wait. The cannons on the deck still pan to track the aircraft though their attempts to down it so far have been laughable

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Jun-20 07:28 PM

Eisheru shakes off the water still clinging to his body. He manipulates the water so that his hands and face are dry by the time he walks to where the decorated officer was standing. French: "Thank you for meeting with me. Again my name is Eisheru and I represent an alliance of planets nearby called the Greystar Confederation," he says with an even and dispassionate tone of voice. A polite smile accompanies the remarks. "With whom do I speak?" (edited)

Nekosmash 07-Jun-20 05:52 AM

The man youd seen at the helm steps forward flanked by two soldiers. “That would be me. A fish man in a craft we thought didn’t exist anymore lands alongside us and asks for discussion. My crew was a bit excitable

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jun-20 06:02 AM

"An understandable feeling. No harm has been done and my people are called Merlon. We are here in efforts of learning more about our neighboring worlds and to offer assistance if it is needed. Can you tell me about the people of this planet?"

Nekosmash 07-Jun-20 06:07 AM

“Surely coming from space you have seen the lives we live. We work hard to keep our islands safe and our workshops full of what they need”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jun-20 06:11 AM

"I can see the massive machines that keep your island cities afloat yet you still use wind and sail to transitb from one destination to another. Do you lack the knowledge to reproduce voidcraft or just the means? Also are your people unified under one government?"

Nekosmash 07-Jun-20 03:07 PM

"We lack both, and we are most certainly not unified with one another at all. "

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jun-20 03:13 PM

"I see. Would you mind telling me about the conflict between your people? Perhaps it is something that can be helped with some mediation?" (edited)

Nekosmash 07-Jun-20 07:10 PM

"Not unless you have a plan to keep the others from harvesting our islands. Locusts, all of them. Every rock is ground to dust, every tree is felled"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 05:40 AM

"I have some ideas, do the nations here have a way to meet on neutral grounds? Like a meeting of the countries captains come together and discuss treaties and politics? Or are all talks done by the sound of thundering cannon?"

Nekosmash 08-Jun-20 06:16 AM

“The talks are done by cannon because the ones with words have failed. A contract is a delayed promise of betrayal and our neighbors are not honorable men”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 06:31 AM

"I see... Maybe another try at diplomacy is in order with our arrival. You said that you believed you would never see another void-craft again, hopefully our coming can usher in a new era of peace between the people of this planet. If the fighting is over limited resources or food perhaps we can help bring back some semblance of the life you all had before the Scream."

Nekosmash 08-Jun-20 06:33 AM

“The salt and the island provide most of what we need. Peace is a temporary solution here but it’s not my place to tell you not to try. “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 06:35 AM

"Would you mind telling me a brief history of the conflicts between the people here? Or point me in the direction of where I can learn more about it?"

Nekosmash 08-Jun-20 08:47 AM

"You'd better just stay aboard then. There are some books in the captains quarters that might have some of what you're looking for. I'm a bit of a history buff"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 09:13 AM

"I would greatly enjoy being able to learn more about this planet as well as read some books. Where I come from physical books are a rarity. Would you care to discuss this over a meal? Or drinks perhaps?"

Nekosmash 08-Jun-20 09:20 AM

"We will not be making port until tomorrow morning. If your ship is fine to depart without you, my officers and I would host you for evening meal in our cabin"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 09:24 AM

Eisheru studies the man briefly before looking into his mind to see if he means any harm (Telepathic Contact Level 3; "Do you mean to harm me"; Normal Mental save to resist; 7/9 effort; effort correction, forgot Flawless Master->Telepathic Contact) (edited)

Nekosmash 08-Jun-20 09:26 AM

Although they will be having fish for dinner, you are not the fish that will be dined on tonight.

2

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 09:32 AM

"It would be an honor and a pleasure, I am going to have a bottle of rum sent over. It comes from my home planet and I would be delighted to share it with you." Eisheru reaches out telepathically to Evan I will be having dinner with the captain. Please have a bottle of rum from my personal stash be brought to the airlock door. As soon as Mr. Wriker, or whoever he designated, comes to the airlock door, Eisheru uses his telekinetic power to float the bottle of rum over to his hands. "It really is quite good, please lead the way" (6/9 effort) (edited)

Nekosmash 08-Jun-20 10:13 AM

Evan takes the ship back into orbit before anyone decides to get frisky with the cannons again. Below deck, many sailors have made the mid deck their home. There are hammocks stretched out in ranks between support pillars and masts. The floor sways slightly underfoot and is also home to at least two different dice games. Heading toward the back of the ship, a wooden partition with a strong door has been set aside for use as officer cabins and their shared dining room.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 10:54 AM

Eisheru keeps a look out for anyone displaying MES energies but follows with his hands clasped loosely behind his back. Some people back home on Terezinho would still practice old sailing techniques, but it was mostly a hobby instead of a primary transportation method. Nostalgia crept its way in, but without any of the pain normally associated with the memories. As the group gets to the back of the ship, Eisheru enters into the Officer's Mess and gives a courteous bow of the head to those gathered. He offers the bottle of fine Terezinho Rum to the captain and finds an open seat, "Thank you, gentlemen, for having me at your table. I am eager to hear more about your history since the Scream. How have you managed to keep the cities afloat? And what is the primary reason for your conflicts with the other nations of this planet?"

Nekosmash 08-Jun-20 03:14 PM

No one that you can sense around you on this vessel is sensitive to it in any way. "Island's tend not to sink, not without an earthquake or eruption, but there are tidal generators on the land from our ancestors that make enough to keep some lights and some simple machines on"

"We also use coal to supplement things, steam power for hammers, and looms"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 03:45 PM

"So I would imagine that resource scarcity is there primary driving force for your past conflicts... In your estimation, if the entity that i represent could ensure that all people had the resources they needed to survive and live comfortably would that eliminate most of the need for armed conflict? Would that help bring about peace?"

Nekosmash 08-Jun-20 06:49 PM

"It might, but all the nations would need to have a say in how things are divided up, and inspections would need to happen regularly"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Jun-20 06:57 PM

"Maybe establishing a central, neutral, location could be an option? We do not want to be part of a situation where one group is exploiting the rest due to hoarding technology. I think some technology initiatives, social engineering projects, and potentially political reconfiguration will be necessary to bring the baseline tech level up from the age of steam to the age of fusion and beyond. What we can provide would not be limited to armament and technology, but also the infrastructure and experience to use these things in a responsible manner to the betterment of all on your planet."

Eisheru takes a sip of the rum and sits back in his chair. "And please make no mistake, we are not here to tell you how to govern yourselves. We are not going to force technological advancements that your people do not want. Just know if we are going to uplift some we will uplift all. Not just the ruling elite." (edited)

Nekosmash 09-Jun-20 06:34 AM

"This is a lot of change over a short period of time. What you're proposing would change society forever, and maybe not in a good way. I cannot promise your reforms would meet the kind of success you are envisioning"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jun-20 06:42 AM

"My apologies for not being more specific. This would likely take years to bring everyone up to more advanced technological base. There are plenty of recorded histories of worlds that were uplifted too quickly and it ended in ruin. Most of the time it ended in nuclear war. There are projects, known in our sector as Prometheus Projects, that help uplift a society in a more controlled and safe manner. It will be drastic, but gone will be the days of children dying of hunger or the homeless dying to exposure." "While we are proposing dramatic changes, they are just that, proposals. If the people here decide that they wish to continue to advance on a more... organic time table, well.. that is an option as well."

Nekosmash 09-Jun-20 11:22 AM

This seems to allay the tension in the room. and the ship creaks around you as the assembled officers remain silent. The main course is brought in, a dozen very large flounder caught by the fishermen on deck while underway. Anyone not cleaning or sleeping seems to be fishing as the captain allows.

"Well," he pipes in, after cutting a generous portion for himself "Nothing we do can be done on our own. the others would need to be consulted. and something put into place to ensure the process is fair' (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jun-20 11:29 AM

"Understandable, I am glad that I am able to get a lay of the land before proposing massive societal changes to the powers that be. Can you tell me about the other groups? How many are there? How many people are on the planet?" When the fish gets passed to Eisheru he cuts off a respectable size portion of flounder and places it on his plate. He listens intently to the captain speak.

Nekosmash 09-Jun-20 11:30 AM

"Theres no way to measure how many people might be here. Notihng like the technology to count them exists now. Enough to make the ships, sail them, and fight over the islands. The other groups, there is a lot to unpack there. Aliiances are constantly forming and disbanding as the tides change"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jun-20 11:33 AM

"I see." Eisheru takes out a compad and makes a few notes on it "Do all the people speak French? Also, I can see that this fleet that we are in is one of the largest, if not the largest, on the planet. Are there other groups that are just as large? My goal is to try and talk to as many people as is possible... Or at least the leaders of as many people as is possible" (edited)

Nekosmash 09-Jun-20 11:35 AM

"We are of one language. The fleets change in composition, along with the alliances. "

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jun-20 11:45 AM

"I understand, a lot of legwork to be done on our part then. Not a problem" Eisheru eats the fish and takes a small amount of pleasure in a freshly cooked meal that isn't mushrooms or some derivative. Eisheru reaches out to Evan in orbit, "Evan, run some scans of islands near the center of the planet. See if any appear to be un-inhabited" (Looking at the ones to the south of Sleeton)

Nekosmash 09-Jun-20 12:00 PM

The three large islands to the direct south of Sleeton have no human prescence there right now

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jun-20 12:07 PM

"Captain, would you recommend proceeding as we have done today where we approached the leader of a fleet and ask them to bring back word to their leadership? Or would it make more sense to travel to these cities directly and speak to the leadership there? We have identified a set of islands that are currently uninhabited and it would make for an ideal neutral ground to discuss and present the options that we have talked about."

Nekosmash 09-Jun-20 12:22 PM

He thinks for a moment "The cities might be a more immediate way of hearing your message heard"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 09-Jun-20 01:31 PM

"Noted. I think that is enough business for now. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening and the meal." Eisheru will engage in polite conversation trying to get to know the officers in the mess a little better. During the conversation he reaches out to Evan Evan, pick one of the islands that I asked you about that has the largest landing area and lets set up a small outpost for the time being. Let the Marines off and stretch their legs. Have Gyrfalcon II begin refueling operation. We will probably be doing a lot of travel around the planet in the coming days.

Nekosmash 10-Jun-20 06:22 AM

(just something rough? like fallen trees and thatch?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jun-20 06:24 AM

(yeah, didnt really plan for anything like this. Very basic just enough to cover from the sun and rain. the ships both have the Hydroponics fitting so food/water isn't an issue. I dont know if this is something where all the ships can get to the island in the matter of days or if its gonna take like months of sailing and we should just come back)

Nekosmash 10-Jun-20 06:25 AM

(I'd say days, long end would be a week)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jun-20 07:13 AM

(Yeah so I would have them make basic shelters and relax on the beach while Eisheru would make his rounds to the cities. Plan would be to find a leader in each city and invite them to send one delegate to speak for their city and people. If they are open to it, could pick up all the delegates in the Gyrfalcon and bring them to the island or they can sail) (edited)

Nekosmash 10-Jun-20 07:20 AM

(works for me)

Evan and the GS marines aboard broadcast their position, and begin work on scouting a landing site and setting up a neutral ground to meet on for the second half of your plan. there are no ships in the area and anything close wont reach them for a few days, so there is no fear of them being attacked

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jun-20 07:56 AM

(I am assuming the ship I am on now is bound for the main city of "Unity of Southern Arana"?)

Nekosmash 10-Jun-20 07:58 AM

(Correct, they're certainly heading home now since you're aboard and there are important things going on)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jun-20 08:42 AM

(Cool) Eisheru wines and dines with the gathered officers. While he may not feel a connection with these people, he has to constantly remind himself that it won't happen over night now. It's going to take time and effort. A lot of it. He does his best to be engaged and ask questions. Learning the personal lives of the officers as much as they are willing to share. In kind he answers any questions they have about him or Merlons in general. Eisheru also talks about the Confederation and some of their struggles and triumphs. "So we make for the main city of the Unity tomorrow, correct? Whom should I speak with there?"

Nekosmash 10-Jun-20 08:43 AM

"The Majordomo will be along, likely when we land. He usually comes down to see the ships come in and welcome the crew back personally. It was never a tradition before him, but I could see it becoming one after his tenure"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jun-20 08:52 AM

"Sounds like a man who cares for his people. Might I impose on your hospitality a little more and ask that I spend the night on your ship? My ship and men are off preparing a neutral meeting ground. And if you need an extra hand on the ship I can be of assistance in any number of ways."

Nekosmash 10-Jun-20 12:05 PM

"Of course, there's hardly a way for you to run the thing on your own, no chance of stealing it" he laughs, as do the officers

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jun-20 04:36 PM

"I may be good, but not that good!" he gives a tight lipped smile, not wanting to attempt laughing and having it sound completely fake. Eisheru would spend the rest of the evening and travel time helping in whatever way he can.

Nekosmash 10-Jun-20 05:45 PM

The following morning, the ship comes in to sight land. Gulls and larger birds circle the island in the distance and a myriad of smaller barges and fishing boats float in the glittering water. Those that might be in the way lower their sails, and begin moving. Some use oars to assist the process.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jun-20 07:15 PM

Eisheru wakes up with the sunrise and makes his way to the main deck. He stands near the bow of the ship just enjoying the view and the sounds. The smell of the salt spray and the gulls making their presence known bring a small smile to his face. A private moment as he remembers his home. One day... Sea and Anchor detail was the thing he always enjoyed watching the most. Sailors running about the deck with their specific tasks to bring the ship safely into harbor. As the hours go by and the ship slowly and deftly makes it way to the docks. When the gang plank is folded out, Eisheru waits for the Captain and others, as he would assume rank dictates, to disembark before he does so as well. For some reason, maritime traditions seemed to be ubiquitous no matter the planet or the people. Eisheru waits patiently to be introduced to the Majordomo (edited)

Nekosmash 11-Jun-20 06:24 AM

There is some conversation in French on the docks as only the officers have been permitted to disembark. The crew waits along the deck rail, many with their belongings on their backs or at their feet. After several minutes, the Majordomo approaches the wooden gangway. "I understand we have a guest aboard from another land. Please, make yourself known. You are in a safe harbor"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Jun-20 06:39 AM

Eisheru steps forward and extends a hand to the Majordomo while also giving a courteous bow of his head "Majordomo, my name is Eisheru Tidecaller. I come from an alliance of planets called the Greystar Confederation. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." "Thank you for welcoming me and thank you to your Captain who hosted me. I bring much news and would also like to discuss with you the potential future of Arana."

Nekosmash 11-Jun-20 06:46 AM

"You're not the first to have come with news of the future of course, but we will hear your words. I trust you would like to speak with the entire town?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Jun-20 07:05 AM

"Oh." Genuine but mild surprise. "You mean to say others from off world have come already?"

Nekosmash 11-Jun-20 07:06 AM

"Yes. Others have come with promise or news of the future, though none have returned, and none have been as gentle in their contact with us"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Jun-20 07:08 AM

"That is unfortunate news and is something I hope to prevent. I will defer to your judgement on whom I should speak to. If you believe it best for the entire populace to hear what I have to say at the same time then that is what we shall do." (edited)

Nekosmash 11-Jun-20 09:26 AM

"I think it might be best. The loss or lack of information is not something. we wish to repeat, like our forefathers did

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Jun-20 02:24 PM

"Please lead the way. I'm sure rumors are bound to spread that there is a non-human guest here." Eisheru walks with the Majordomo. "Do you mind telling me about the others that have come from off world? Did they say where they came from? What were they offering?"

Nekosmash 12-Jun-20 06:26 AM

"There were two, one was from a group called the Remnant. They took our psychics from us and we've lived an amazing life since they have all left. No more witch doctors, storm priestesses or soothsayers. The other was a group from someone called The Still Lady, but we sent them packing. "

"We actually have a few of their books left behind, but we do not let anyone but the church see them"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jun-20 06:36 AM

Eisheru raises one eyebrow at the Remnant coming here and taking the Psychics. Knowing full well that they are likely long dead. While I am sure they are happy their psychics are gone, I doubt they know the end of that story. When the Majordomo talks about the Still Lady and her cultists he smiles slightly. They seem to have some sense at least. Will have to continue exploration to find their other pilgrim ships. "Both of those groups are no more. The Tenebrian Remnant were defeated a couple of years ago. They would not have been kind to the Psychics that they took from you... I will not belabor the point as you had no way of knowing and I am sure the Remnant did not tell you, but those witch doctors, priestesses and soothsayers likely met a gruesome end. As for the Still Lady cultists, that was a very smart decision indeed. They enslaved an entire planet and forced worship of their false deity. They would have done the same here had you let them in." Eisheru walks with the Majordomo to the town square, with no Psychics on the planet there could be a disaster waiting to happen on the planet. He constantly looks around for the faint hint of MES energy coming from a person. Any that he could save from a society that fears Psychics would be one less soul lost to the madness of torching.

Nekosmash 12-Jun-20 08:08 AM

There are a few faces in the assembling crowd. Two are faint, like an ember, where the third and final blazes like a supernova to your metapsionic senses

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jun-20 08:29 AM

Eisheru takes note of the four faces and reaches out to them all telepathically. Not looking to say anything at the moment but Eisheru wants to be able to potentially talk to them later. Eisheru waits for the crowd to finish gathering and to get the go ahead from the Majordomo

Nekosmash 12-Jun-20 08:33 AM

"We have a guest from off world who would like to speak with you. I have gathered you all here today to listen, and to think, and we will make a decision if we need to, as we have in the past. This is Eisheru Tidecaller, and he is what he calls a Merlon. He is here from a group called The Greystar Confederacy, and he is eager to tell us about his group and what they would like. Please give him your attention and be polite. Hospitality has been extended and he remains our guest even if we disagree with what he is about to say"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jun-20 11:02 AM

Eisheru steps up onto the platform and gives a courteous bow of the head to the Majordomo. He clears his throat once before speaking. "Greetings everyone, I am here to bring tidings from the wider galaxy and an offer to the people here. The Greystar Confederation is an alliance of planets that have banded together for mutual support, defense and prosperity. We would like to offer the people here the chance to reclaim the life that your forefathers had before the event known as The Scream. Part of rejoining the wider galaxy would come with increased access to more advanced technologies. Now some have expressed their concern about having too much technology too fast and I share those same concerns. This reintegration would be a slow and methodical process likely to take years as we want to avoid any of the pitfalls of being uplifted too quickly." A small pause to allow some of this to sink in. "Now some of you may be wondering what the catch is. There is no catch, if the people of Arana decide they wish to be uplifted the Confederation will help with that endeavor. There will be no requirement to join the Confederation. The only stipulation that we make is this, if we are to uplift some we will uplift all. We do not want to be in the position of creating dictators who use their technological advantage to exploit others. "What we are proposing is going to be drastic and it will require very extensive changes to the way people live on Arana. How you as a people decide to govern yourselves will likely have to adapt with new technologies. It will also take time for Arana to reach parity with her galactic neighbors" (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jun-20 11:10 AM

"Our plan here is this, I will approach all of the known cities of Arana and make the same speech as I do here today. I will invite a representative from each city to come to a neutral island here on Arana to discuss in greater detail what would likely happen if our offer to be uplifted is accepted. I must stress this point, this decision should not be taken lightly. This will fundamentally change your life on Arana as you all know it. It will require a unified Arana and it will not be an easy change. But rest assured that you would not go through this change alone. The Confederation is prepared to give our knowledge and resources freely so that more people may recover from The Scream and enjoy the hard work of our technological ancestors." (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jun-20 11:18 AM

(sorry for the wall. Eish is finished with his initial speech

) (edited)

Nekosmash 12-Jun-20 01:23 PM

(I tihnk with the speech here, they're def going to send someone, because you're offering something important and they at least want the details of what they'd be saying yes or no to. Tenison on the planet arent to the point where anyone will refuse to come if another group is there, since theyve all been doing the same things to each other.)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jun-20 01:29 PM

(Cool! my plan is basically do this but at every city. I imagine it is gonna take a couple days just to hit all the cities and then a couple more for them to travel to the island. Would give time for the Marines to make a very crude "settlement".)

(I'm fine with playing out going to each city if you need me to. Am also okay with fast forwarding to the meeting on the neutral island. The only thing I would want to do that isn't visiting every city is meeting with those 4 Psychics I saw.) (edited)

Nekosmash 12-Jun-20 05:01 PM

(Sure, we can move into that first but i think after that we will move on to the group meeting)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Jun-20 06:18 PM

(sounds good.) Eisheru spends the better part of a couple hours answering questions and putting worries at ease. Once it seems like there are no more questions, he reeaches out telepathically to the four psychics he spotted. Sending each the same message individually, "Friend, it is Eisheru. Please do not be alarmed. If you are up for it, I would like to talk to you privately. I will be at the town center for a little while longer. Eisheru waits patiently at the town center hoping the four people he noticed would take him up on his offer.

Nekosmash 13-Jun-20 05:29 PM

The four of them linger as the crowds clear out, each waiting to see what you have to say. They are equally split between men and women, and all are young. Their powers likely wouldn’t have manifested when the remnant came (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Jun-20 05:43 PM

Eisheru calmly walks over to the group. He basks in the glory of their nascent power. Such potential to be realized. He gives them as much as a smile he can muster before using his spoken voice, "Thank you all for meeting with me. I wanted to extend a offer just to you four... And well any others who are like us." Eisheru briefly flashes the Telekinetic armor in and out of existence. "Tell me, do you all have the knowledge and discipline to prevent yourself from torching?" (edited)

Nekosmash 14-Jun-20 04:14 PM

THey all look at you cluelessly as though they have no concept of what you're saying. "torching, we use those to see in the dark sometimes. Like at night. or in the root cellar of my house" one of them says, thinking they are being supremely helpfu

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 14-Jun-20 04:51 PM

Eisheru gives a gentle smile. Ah the naivety of youth... "I think that answers my question. Torching is when you use your gifts too much and suffer from a backlash of energy. Maybe you have experienced severe headaches after using your Psychic powers." "I would like to invite you all to come to the Academy on Acastus. We can teach you to control your gifts and prevent needless harm to you or others."

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 05:14 AM

"Is that where those Remnant took the others?" There is a glimmer of hope in the crowd. "We all tried to keep in touch during everything, and especially after the disaster"

"But it got to be too hard when they started rounding people up"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 05:38 AM

"Ah... No. The Tenebrian Remnant were... I am sorry to be the one to inform you all, but they were not kind to those like us. If you know their names we can help track them down, but..." A pause in his usual calm demeanor. How do you tell a bunch of kids that their mentors, families and friends are likely all dead. "I am afraid they are likely all gone..." "Where we would be going is a place that is safe for Psychics. The Psychic Academy was re-established by a man who fought against the Remnant. If you choose to go there would be no expense to you. We would train you to control your abilities and prevent torching or accidental harm to others. After about a week of instruction you would be free to return to Arana or if you wanted to stay on you could continue your training. If your families would want to come we can make arrangements for them to come live on Acastus as well. If you wanted you would be welcomed with open arms to stay on Acastus or go elsewhere in the sector." (edited)

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 07:08 AM

"What happens when you torch? You mentioned headaches but you seem very concerned about it for torch to mean just headaches"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 07:11 AM

"The end result of excessive torching is always insanity. Our minds are only capable of controlling so much of the energy that allows us to do things like lift heavy objects or mend wounds. If you continue to push yourself past your limits unknowingly, you can cause irreparable brain damage. This could lead to you hurting yourself or those around you. What we would provide at the Academy would be the necessary instruction so you can understand your limits and live within them."

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 07:18 AM

The thought of being a danger to those around them has them concerned. No matter what their other motivations might be, everyone here cares about someone.

There is some deliberation among themselves, but in the end they agree that if training at the Academy is the only way to ensure they don't become a larger danger, that is what they will have to do

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 07:42 AM

"I know we have only just met, but I believe that you all are making the right choice. Not just for yourselves but for those you care about as well. After your initial training you will have many other options open to you. But that is something we can discuss more in the coming days. I will begin making arrangements to transport you to Acastus. If at any point your families wish to come and visit, we will make the necessary arrangements to make that happen." The cool and dispassionate Merlon bows his head slightly before bidding them all good night. He instructs them to being packing their belongings so they can be ready to leave in a week or so. Eisheru breathes a small sigh of relief. Glad that he is able to save four young souls. His normal elation dampened and muted. He reaches out to Evan to send a couple messages as well as request for pickup as the other cities need to be visited "Evan can you please send two messages for me? One is back to Acastus to have the Charybdis brought to Jahnavi and dock at Lower Heaven. Second is to Abbot Balvarata asking permission for the Sutra (Naval Courier) to be sent to Arana for pick up of VIPs. Please ensure the Abbot that the ship is in no danger as there are two Corvettes in system. And finally a pickup would be appreciated when you have a moment." Eisheru heads towards the beach slowly and sits cross legged in the lotus position that the monks of the Sangha taught him. He goes through the motions of centering himself on his breathing and focuses on just being present. He listens to the sound of the waves gently rolling onto the sandy beach. Eisheru takes in the sound of gulls calling. While he is already at peace, he finds small pleasure in being able to take a moment for himself and to just... be

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 07:44 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits) The messages are sent as soon as you request them, though the reply will be a few days in coming.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 07:44 AM

(ready to move on to the next bit when you are

. Obviously no rush) (edited)

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 12:01 PM

The next days are a blink, as you go from town to town, spreading your message and convincing the major movers of each seagoing country here to attend your talks. It's about a day in each place, though you find no more psychic minds among them. In this time, you get a reply that your ship is en route to take the psychics, and should be arriving in another 2 days

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 12:30 PM

Eisheru lets the psychics know that there will be a ship coming in two days. He tells them that they will be brought to Acastus and be given everything they will require as far as room, board and any other expenses. He also lays out the plan for where the ship will pick them up and other logistics. "You all will be greeted by Adamaris Tidecaller, another Merlon who is the headmaster of the Acastus branch. I will be sure to check on you all as soon as I arrive back on Acastus." Afterwards Eisheru taps a quick message to his brother Tidecaller,

To: Adamaris RE: New Students Brother Adamaris, I hope this missive finds you well. I have found four new students coming from the planet Arana to study with you on Acastus. They have agreed to become students at the Academy branch there. Please be on the look out for them as they will likely be about two to three days behind this message. I will check in when I return from my business here on Arana. Fair winds and following seas, Eisheru

With all the towns and countries visited, the only left to do is wait for the delegates to arrive at their neutral island holdfast. (so for the meeting, plan is to have one ship on the ground in case Eish and the marines need to bug out. The other one would be sitting in Orbit directly overhead providing scan details as well as monitoring local space)

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 12:42 PM

(sure, which ones on the ground)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 12:43 PM

(lets do Gyrfalcon I on the ground Gyrfalcon II in orbit. There would be 30 Marines on board the Gyrfalcon I dressed and ready to ensure the security of everyone)

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 01:09 PM

(and the marines are just aboard vibing unless needed?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 01:09 PM

(I would say 25 onboard just vibing. 5 outside with Eisheru just as a formal presence)

Nekosmash 15-Jun-20 05:50 PM

The four Majordomo, one from each nation, along with two bodyguards have arrived at this island by boat, and are waiting here to begin speaking and to hear your requests

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 06:27 PM

The five marines stand back a few meters, they are relaxed and confident. Eisheru walks forward a few steps and welcomes the four Majordomo with a display of outstretched arms "Greetings all, thank you for coming here today to hear what the Confederation has to offer." He places his arms loosely behind his back. His now signature pose it would seem. His face shows no hint of emotion. Just the faint evidence of someone who is exhausted. He begins with his calm and detached voice "We should get down to business as it were. The Greystar Confederation offers two things to the people of this planet. The first thing that we offer is to be technologically uplifted from the era of sailing on the oceans to the age of traveling between the stars. This will be done by carefully and slowly integrating new technological advances into the society. It will require education, training, and likely a restructuring of the government. The programs that we can institute are less about the technology and more about teaching people how to ethically and sustainably use the technological advances that we are offering. Our number one goal is to prevent the social and political trauma that comes from such drastic change." "We will avoid this disaster through careful study of the existing social structures and then make precise insertions of new tech such that the old social order will hold together long enough to make for a smooth transition. I must stress, this will not be a quick process. This will likely take several years to bring the entire project to completion. The only other thing I will add before taking your questions is that this is something we offer to all people of Arana. The Greystar Confederation will not uplift a minority so that they may exert power and control over others." Eisheru stops so that they may ask their questions as there are likely to be many (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jun-20 06:41 PM

(as a note he would have his Telekinetic Armory up but invisible. Not that it protects him against executions or anything, but he isn't defenseless) (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 06:20 AM

"What is the first aspect of society you would change?"

(i think they'd all want to know the questions I'll ask, so i dont know if its pertinent to specify who is actually asking)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 06:26 AM

(sounds good and makes sense) "The first would be to begin work on unifying the people of Arana. The single biggest reason that projects like this fail is because it is done in haste and it creates internal strife which invariably leads to Nuclear war and planetary destruction. We want to see a unified Arana join the interstellar community not a fractured and broken people."

"The best and easiest way to do something like this will be through technology that allows for long distance communication. When people can talk to each other, they can exchange ideas and work through their conflicts in a more diplomatic manner. It will allow you to learn that your neighbor from a different island isn't that much different than yourself. When people begin to see that there are more similarities than differences between themselves, unity can happen." (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 06:32 AM

"Alright, so communications would be the first things to go up, and what would be needed of us to make these communications work. Are their obligations or things expected of us for this uplifting? "

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 06:48 AM

"There would be equipment that would be installed and need to be maintained. There would be some training and education involved by our skilled technicians." Eisheru takes a sip of water from his canteen and then wipes his face "The only obligations are to the people of Arana and to use what we give freely with respect and in an ethical manner. The Confederation will make no requirements to the people of Arana as our primary goal is to help people recover from the Scream." "This leads into our second offer. We would like to invite a united Arana into the Confederation. This is purely voluntary and in no way is it required to be uplifted. That is not to say there aren't many benefits to joining the Confederation. Mutual defense, favorable trade terms, increased infrastructure investment. All of this would come with joining the Confederation. I myself am also the owner of a company that focuses on the production of space craft. We spend a significant amount of credits helping to develop the planets in our alliance."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 06:58 AM

(i am sure there would be more work required for the communications grid I just as the player dont have all that knowledge.)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 07:00 AM

There seems to be a bit of a eureka moment among the assembled group here begins putting it together "this isn't true altruism them. You may not predicate your help on joining the confederation today, but we will embrace these technologies, and come to depend on them, before you pull the plug, and we become vassals in order to get them back. you offer technological slavery in the form of uplifting"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 07:11 AM

"Part of technological development is creating the means to reproduce what you have sustainably on your planet. As you gain more knowledge of things like advance physics or geology you will be able to survey your planet for her own natural resources and use that to maintain what you have. Also once you have been uplifted you would be able to travel the stars and trade with others." "By no means are we hoping to shackle you to the Confederation. We would give you the tools and the know how you need to make your own way in the sector. Just like you make alliances with other cities on Arana, so to do planets make alliances to better help each other. But we will help you regardless if you join us or not." (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 07:34 AM

"The hope in doing this is that you will view us favorably and will want to join our alliance of planets. While there are added benefits to joining the confederation, we would still trade with you if you allowed it."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 08:24 AM

Instinctively Eisheru reaches out to each of the Majordomo minds and establishes the connection. He scans their surface thoughts to see if his words are having a positive effect (Telepathic Contact Level 2 to read their surface thoughts, they get a mental save to resist. No surge momentum) (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 08:35 AM

(both fail)

They do not believe what is being told to them. There is something they are not understanding or some future plot they believe will come to fruition once they become dependent on you

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 08:44 AM

"What kind of assurances would make you comfortable with what we offer? Do you want to see what a technologically advance planet would look like? Or maybe talking to others that have joined us willingly would prove beneficial?" (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 09:12 AM

"We can't promise you havent threatened these people into testifying, or that you're not going to show us a whitewashed view of progress and prosperity. you promise much, but the people here work hard and love their personal freedoms. We won't stop you from peacefully recruiting soldiers or mercenaries from the population, but only those that go willingly. "

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 09:21 AM

Eisheru ponders for a moment. He understands their concerns, he would have them too if the roles were reversed. "I understand your thinking. And honestly I would likely come to the same conclusions. Perhaps I could do a service for you to prove our sincerity?"

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 09:27 AM

"There is a wreck, near these islands in fact, where we once tried peace talks like this before. The treasures of each nation are aboard, as the Galleon went down, and we do not have the ability to dive that deep to get them"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 09:41 AM

"I will likely need some specialized equipment, but that is something I can indeed handle." Eisheru pulls out his compad and opens a map of the planet. He points out where they are currently located. "Can you show me roughly where the Galleon went down?"

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 09:43 AM

there is a bit of disagreement by a few of them, but they seem to agree on a general area 20km off the northeastern coast of this island

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 09:45 AM

"I will ensure you four are the first to know. Do you prefer the whole ship to be raised? Or is just the treasure enough?"

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 09:45 AM

"The treasure is enough, the ship is rotted to worthless now"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 09:49 AM

(can Merlons survive the pressure under water? Or would they still need protection from that?) (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 09:52 AM

(I'd say that you'd be safe down there for a few hours)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 10:07 AM

"Understood. One last question before we can adjourn the meeting, what kind of treasure do I need to be on the lookout for?"

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 10:07 AM

"There are four trunks down there, one with the seal of each city. Legend says they were never opened"

"So they should be all put together"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 10:38 AM

"Good to know. I will let you all know as soon as we have found the treasure. Thank you all for coming to hear me out, I appreciate the willingness to listen to us and hopefully we can prove our sincerity." Eisheru bows his head gently to the gathered Majordomo and turns on a heel to head back towards the Gyrfalcon I. As he walks he beckons the waiting marines to come back aboard the ship. Once inside he heads to the bridge and instructs Evan to do a fly over of the indicated area. "Comms, lets see if we can get some penetrating scans of the ocean floor. We have a shipwreck to find"

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 10:39 AM

(program/int)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 10:39 AM

(will use NPC bonuses if thats okay)

(2d6+2 for result of 9)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 11:32 AM

There is no sign of the wreck on the ocean floor, but there is a deep trench that the scanners are unable to properly pierce

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 11:35 AM

(So specialized equipment it is. Did the Sutra arrive and grab the psychics? We would just wait until the Sutra comes and then go back to Jahnavi so I can pick up a Sub and refit the Charybdis)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 11:40 AM

(it has arrived yes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 11:43 AM

"Alright, lets pick up our Psychic Students and then head back to Jahnavi. This will take some further planning. Evan, meet the Sutra over on the first island city we visited and then proceed to the edge of system." (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 12:06 PM

(Alrighty, so heres my plan: 3 ships head back to Jahnavi. Gyrfalcon II would continue back to Acastus with the Psychics to meet up with Adamaris. We would wait 3 days for the Charybdis to be refit and for the Recovery to be built. Gyrfalcon I + Charydbis would head back to Arana to do the deep see exploration. // Travel Time: 3+3+3=9 days between travel to Jahnavi, construction time, Travel back to Arana. Let me know if all of that sounds kosher or needs some adjusting) (edited)

Pinned a message.

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 12:11 PM

(I think it all sounds right to be)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 12:13 PM

(More pilot training with Evan. Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some supervised Spike Drills 56/90) (edited)

(would also want to buy 200m of TL4 rope, 400 credits, if its available) (edited)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 12:15 PM

(it is)

There is a brief dance and exchange of ships in the local space around the planet, and the recovery and sailing efforts are underway before long. The RECOVERY is loaded aboard and prepared for launch

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 02:36 PM

(back in arana?)

Nekosmash 16-Jun-20 02:55 PM

(Yeah)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 16-Jun-20 03:41 PM

With a flash of light the Charybdis and Gyrfalcon I translate from spike into real space. The Gyrfalcon takes up a defensive position in orbit over the trench while the Charybdis prepares for reentry into atmo. A little while later the runabout comes into contact with the Arana ocean. A pair of deckhands work the grav lifts to help push the Recovery into the water. The Recovery bobs in the ocean while Eisheru and a handful of underwater techs climb in through the hatch to the cramped corridors of the submarine. After the cargo bay door closes and the hatch is sealed the pair of ships dip beneath the waves. The two take opposite ends of the trench and begin running scans for anything that might resemble a ship wreck (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:36 AM

(lets get another program/int here, but at +2, and even if the value is less since youre under the water now youll get some info)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 07:39 AM

(so total bonus +4? rolled a total of 11) (edited)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:39 AM

(yes)

There is a wreck in the middle of the trench, along with another large mass, that seems to vanish as a second wave of scanner beams hit it

It evaporates almost like it was never there in the first place

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 07:40 AM

(Is there a viewport I could see into the trench? Looking for MES energy)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:41 AM

(Would imagine the front is either transparisteel or just made up of screens that have sensor feeds from the front)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 07:45 AM

(ok sounds good.) "I thought you said there was a second mass down there? I see nothing else on visual sensors... Lets bring her in for a closer look at that wreck. See what we can do about lifting it out of this trench." Eisheru instructs the pilot to bring the Recovery in closer to the shipwreck while the Charydbdis stays a little further up continuing to run its own scans.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:47 AM

There are no visible signs of MES in the trench, or where the second mass might have been spotted

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 07:51 AM

"Pilot lets bring her in close to see if we can begin clamping procedures for the limpet mount. Comms, does this ship look buried deep? Or is she sitting nicely for us?"

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:52 AM

"Hard to tell from here, not sure how deep that mud goes, but she came down hard, like a spear. See how the keel detached there, and there, The outside is intact, but i bet the inner decks just pancaked on one another. We might need to get out and see how deep this mud gets"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 07:57 AM

"Sounds like a plan. Alright comms and gunner you stay on the Recovery. Keep running scans for that second mass, I don't want any surprises. The rest of you, lets suit up and grab some rope." (Me + 3 techs going out, if the pressure here is too great Eish would get into a suit as well. Assuming Vac Suits could do the job?)

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 07:57 AM

(vacc suits could , eish wouldnt need one for how short this would be)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 07:59 AM

(Cool. off to the diving hatch for the 4 of us. 2 pairs of two.) "Don't you dare lose sight of your swim buddy, lets get ready to check out a ship wreck." Eisheru says as he heads to the dive chamber

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 08:17 AM

Everyone also equips a small glowbug to their back, so you can be easily seen in the dark water. It flashes gently for a moment as it gets used to the power cell, before staying on steadily.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 08:24 AM

Eisheru realizing the environment he is going into has little to no light, likewise grabs a glowbug and powers it on. He slights 50m of rope across his chest as the other techs do the same. Once everyone is ready he seals the dive chamber and it begins to fill with water and the pressure slowly changes to match their current depth. He closes his eyes as he takes in his first breath of ocean water. The gills on the side of his neck flare open for the first time in ages and begin the marvelous process of extracting oxygen from the water that passes across the organ. It has been too long... A small smile creeps on his face as he enjoys the feel of the cold ocean. The four of them exit the diving chamber and make their way around the ship checking the depth of the mud and seeing if it would be possible to haul the ship up or if another option must be explored

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 09:48 AM

Your partner has a collapsible pole on the back, with meter increments marked off on its entire length. It is silent down here in the undersea murk, and the ship provides a dark and ghostly backdrop for the survey work. Oak planks have now turned green from age, and railings that were once elegant iron and brass have become dingy, and rusty. Colonies of barnacles have formed around the rudder and sterncastle, and schools of fish have made their home in the porthole'd rooms

Your diving companion motions for you to come over to him, and help get the pole set up. (hes going to drive it into the muck along the hull, and see how many meters down it goes before he stops feeling the wood against it)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 10:20 AM

Eisheru nods once and grabs hold of the pole with two hands and begins driving it into the muck. He will use his telekinetic influence to help drive the pole further down if it's needed

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 12:06 PM

The pole extends to nearly its entre 10m length, and as the probe is retracted , it is buried in roughly 8m of clinging mud and clay at the bottom of this trench. Readings from the other side seem to confirm the depth

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 12:13 PM

Eisheru reaches out telepathically with the tech to speak to him, "I don't know about you, but 8m of sucking muck seems to me to be too much for the Recovery to handle. Recall the other team to our side and we can work on cutting a hole in the side of the ship." While the other teams swims over, Eisheru looks around the hull for a weak spot where they could cut into the side and make their own opening

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 01:20 PM

We could try getting into one of the portholes to see where the chests are before we knock a hole in it, just in case the tech suggests but this is your operation, of course

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 01:30 PM

"Good thinking, You all find where a possible weak point is, I will slip in since I don't have the bulky suit." Eisheru nods once then begins looking through the portholes. Once he finds one where he believes he can go further into the ship, Eisheru will attempt to squeeze through. He will hold his glowbug up so that he can see a little better.

Nekosmash 17-Jun-20 06:39 PM

The porthole that seems to offer the most unobstructed path is through the sterncastle dining quarters, where the entire back window has shattered. Several articles of furniture have been smashed and tipped over, and there is an open trap door and stairs in the floor leading down to what would have been secure storage for the officers of this vessel- assuming the natives followed contemporary age of sail plans

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 17-Jun-20 08:43 PM

"Found an opening. Keep an eye out." Eisheru wiggles through the porthole into the mess hall. Likely the officer's mess from the look of the furniture. He swims forward and holds his glow bug forward to try and look into the trap door. In his other hand he manifests a one handed harpoon from his telekinetic armory. The ornate looking weapon shimmers with force as it displaces the water around it. (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 05:43 AM

(notice/wis)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 05:56 AM

(10!)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 06:04 AM

A pair of ivory jaws slam shut just short of the stairs as you reflexively pull back

something serpentine writhes within the hold, the glowbug revealing a swirling mass of thick, undulating yellow scales

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 06:05 AM

(assuming initiative. Rolled a 1. Is the thing down the stiars or in the room with me?)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 06:06 AM

(down the stairs)

(i rolled just to see if i also got a 1, but I got a 7) The bubbles in the hold of the ship begin to bubble up faster, and the water begins to warm. Scales along its back begin to rise slightly, as though charged by some unseen force

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 06:31 AM

Eisheru starts backing up towards porthole and changes the harpoon to his usual handcannon. He lets off a torrent of energy that flies towards the serpent (18/12) as he reaches back out to the tech, "Get everyone back in the Recovery, there is a large serpent down here.

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 06:32 AM

The bolt strikes cleanly, blowing scales off the beasts chin and scoring its throat. It roars in reply, mount open and energy crackling with (evasion save)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 06:33 AM

(success 12v6)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 06:41 AM

(9 damage) The golden beam of energy singes your back as you throw yourself flat, and putting a large hole through the back of the vessel, destroying wood at the top and bottom of the broken windowpane in the officers mess room

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 06:44 AM

Eisheru backs up out the blown out window a little more hoping to entice the creature out into the open so he can get some support from the Recovery. As he does so another flash of light is created from his spectral hand cannon.

(12/8) Tell the gunner as soon as she has a clear shot to light up the serpent

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 06:59 AM

This shot goes wide, and the serpent seems to take the bait, its neck and large head slithering out after you, jaws snapping shut a meter from your outstretched leg as you back up. The recovery begins moving, changing positions and trying to get above you so it can fire downward and not strike you

(missed with a 7 for the bite)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 07:01 AM

"C'mon a little more you overgrown sea snail..." comes out as a garbled jumble of words as he continues to slowly swim backwards. Eisheru raises the force weapon and fires another shot at the creature. (14/8)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 07:04 AM

the bolt deflects off its scaled head, searing a path through the water before the energy eventually fades out. Its jaws snap short once again (9) and above, the Recovery moves into position

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 07:06 AM

Seeing out of the corner of his eye the ship move into position above the serpent, he hopes their combined fire will either drive it off or put it out of its misery. (20/4 for me, rolled the wrong weapon damage but the attack is the same, rolled 10 to hit on the railgun)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 07:12 AM

The railgun shot goes wide, and your handcannon strikes true, blowing some of the sensitive whiskers from the side of the beasts face, and sending a thin trail of blood through the water The beast surges forward, snapping down heavily toward the Recovery, the metal challenger in its domain (13 there)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 07:12 AM

(13 hits the recovery, it has 8 armor)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 07:12 AM

(11 damage to Recovery after armor)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 07:14 AM

(29/40 hp on the Recovery, Using the Charybdis' Plasma Beam would be absurdly destructive, correct?)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 07:16 AM

(with all the water in the way, it wouldn't be instant death for anyone down here, but theres going to be some heavy damage thrown around if saves/checks are not met)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 07:23 AM

(understood, hopefully i dont need to do that) Eisheru keeps up the pressure and keeps firing as does the railgun

(both missed)

Eisheru seeing his shot go wide he moves 10m back away from the serpent and orders the Recovery to move up towards the surface (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 10:01 AM

The serpent bounds forward, its superior swim speed keeping pace so far. This creature must truly be massive, as half of its body is still wrapped inside the hull of the vessel. Its jaws lock onto the side of the Recovery, biting deep into the hull, and two of its barbed fangs remain behind, embedded within (14/9 after armor on Recovery from the bite)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 10:09 AM

(20/40 hp) Eisheru begins swimming for the Charybdis, cursing while he swims. He sends an order for the Recovery to take any evasive action it can. Evan! Aim for the middle of that thing. Wait till I give the signal, gonna try and pull as much of it out as we can (rolled 5 for the rail gun, 19/7 for my attack, moving 10m closer towards the Charybdis away from the shipwreck)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 10:19 AM

The shot strikes, knocking a horned ridge of bone free from the creatures head, and a second mist of blood joins the water, trailing toward the surface. The heavy teeth clamp down on the source of its pain, this time, the tiny figure in the water has earned the great creature's ire, though its bites seem to be more sluggish and pain filled (18/22)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 10:22 AM

(oh no) "Shit Shit Shit" Eisheru changes the handcannon into a wicked looking two-handed harpoon. He stabs violently at the creature hoping to drive it away while the Railgun misses by a mile (19/7 and 11 for the railgun) Evan, you got a clear shot yet?

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 10:30 AM

I do he sends back, and you see the large gun swiveling down to fire

(the railgun misses but the h and cannon hits, doing light damage)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 10:41 AM

(Evan misses as well with a 7....)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 10:41 AM

(Evan's in the charbydis or recovery)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 10:41 AM

(Charybdis) (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 10:41 AM

(luck save)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 10:42 AM

(10v6)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 10:43 AM

The starship caliber weapon fires, flash evaporating the water around you and filling the environment with an endless stream of bubbles. The creature lashes back from this , unsure of what exactly is happening, though is still very much hungry, and eager to score a meal

(12, misses you)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 10:55 AM

Eisheru shoots again as does the Charybdis and the Recovery (17/8 for me, 6 for the railgun, 12 for the charybdis, 7v6 if you want another luck)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 11:08 AM

Evan... If I don't make it, you get the hell out of here. That clear?

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 11:27 AM

(27 damage on the serpent so far) Yes, I understand

Another of the starship bolts fly past in the water, flash frying everything in its path. (19/5 on Recovery) Its teeth once again saw into the rising submarine, tearing a ballast tank, and for a moment it bobs before redundant systems turn over

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 11:30 AM

(15/40 on recovery.) Keep at it everyone! Evan don't scorch our men. (12/8 from Eish | 21/16 from the railgun | no shot from Charybdis)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 11:31 AM

The railgun strike crowns the creature and seems to knock it senseless for a moment, its jaws open, and it slinks to the bottom, back near the wreck. It's movements are sluggish, as though its mind is now moving faster than its body

It chomps clumsily at the ocean around it , trying and failing to snap at the three more nimble shapes around it.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 11:37 AM

(my turn or is it attacking something? Not rushing you sorry if that came across that way) (edited)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 11:40 AM

(no no youre good, your turn now, it missed)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 11:41 AM

Another round of volleys head towards the serpent, The Charybdis still hangs back not wanting to endanger the mission with a missed shot near the shipwreck (22/13 Eish | 19/15 railgun)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 11:42 AM

the final two shots strike true, breaking bone, and rupturing the creatures brain beneath. It collapses into the sea floor, kicking up dust and silt, and scattering the legion of tiny crabs, snails, and other creatures that inhabit the sea floor around the wreck

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 11:50 AM

(its dead now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 11:51 AM

(Yeah sorry bouncing between work)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 11:55 AM

(all good, i just wasnt clear hah)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 12:03 PM

Eisheru breathes heavily in the water another brush with death. At least this time he is less flustered about it. He was glad he was still among the living but the acceptance that ran through his blood made the thought far more tolerable. He knew death was coming he just wasn't afraid of it anymore Recovery... How are you doing in there? Everyone holding up? Eisheru swims down towards the serpent and places a gentle hand on its exterior as he says a brief private prayer for the creature. Eisheru holds no ill will towards it as it was just doing what wild animals do. After receiving a response from Recovery he directs them to begin working on trying to pull the rest of the creature out from the shipwreck with the Limpet mount (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 12:30 PM

Let's recover the creature, might help convince the Majordomo that we are here to help. Once it's out of the way I can look for what we came here for

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 12:32 PM

There is a thump as the creature''s bones fit into the mount, and with effort, the straining hull of the recovery begins to rise

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 12:33 PM

Once the serpent is out of the way, Eisheru swims into the shipwreck once again. Glowbug and harpoon back in hand he begins his search for the four chests that were described to him

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 12:48 PM

inside the now empty hold each of the chests sits, chained shut, but inscribed with the symbols of the 4 cities here. They have witstood the salt water and time fairly well, and it doesnt seem like the serpent had been a long time resident, as there is only recent evidence of a lair

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 12:49 PM

(Any MES energy coming from them?)

Nekosmash 18-Jun-20 12:52 PM

(nope)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 18-Jun-20 12:55 PM

After visually inspecting the chests from a few meters he swims up to them and gives them a close inspection. He looks at what he might need to do to remove them from the ship. He also runs a finger along the different symbols committing them to memory

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 07:34 AM

The chests are heavy but were meant to be carried by one or two people. There is nothing special bolting them to the deck

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jun-20 07:41 AM

(Is it something that I could do with the help of my telekinesis? it can lift 200kg)

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 07:42 AM

(for sure within your capability)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jun-20 07:48 AM

Eisheru begins the laborious process of bringing the crates up to the Charybdis. He lets the techs on the Recovery rest from the harrowing fight with the Serpent. After the last chest is up and in the hold of the Charybdis he rests for a bit and spends some energy healing his wounds. (Healed 44 for 8 system strain) When the Recovery finally has the Serpent up near the surface, Eisheru goes to meet with Evan to discuss transporting it to the neutral island "So we have 200m worth of rope and whatever is in the ship's locker. Think we could lash the creature to the Charybdis and fly it over to the Island? I have an idea for some of the harvestable parts and I think it might be a good show for the locals..."

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 07:51 AM

"I think we could fashion something. We've got some clamps and whatnot as well, if we take it slow, we shouldnt have an issue with it falling off or back into the sea"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jun-20 07:53 AM

"Yes, we can take it slow. The island is less than 50 kilometres from here and we are in no rush." Eisheru will work with Evan and the techs to begin securing the serpent to the underbelly of the Charybdis before making their way back to the island

Nekosmash 19-Jun-20 07:46 PM

It’s a journey of several hours as you make your way across the ocean channel with the body of the sea serpent attached. It does not fall off in transit but any piece of rope among you along with almost everyone’s belts have gone into securing the large body to the craft

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 19-Jun-20 09:50 PM

Eisheru makes a note to increase hazard pay for his employees. And probably get all the techs on this trip a new set of tools, they certainly didn't sign up for giant serpents. After they get the the corpse of the gargantuan animal onto the shore, Eisheru sets about preparing the site to meet with the Majordomo. He has an idea for some kind of weapon to honor the fight with the beast. It will need s trip to Rawhani and the Forge. Something for the future. For now, getting another meeting and finding out what is in the chest. (Plan is to invite the Majordomo back for another meeting. Letting them know Eish has the chests. Would have the serpent set up on display. Good propaganda and all that. 5 Marines again this time from Gyrfalcon I. Definitely want to figure out What is in them before they get opened. Don't want some crazy maltech get released. Good to jump up the conversation.) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jun-20 06:56 AM

(sorry not pushing for an update. Just clarifying. Figure it would be best to leave the beast in tact until the meeting. Maybe pull scales from the rear half and then save the teeth/rib until after the meeting.)

Nekosmash 20-Jun-20 10:21 AM

(Got it. There’s no sensory input from metapsi , and scanning hasn’t revealed anything weird so far

And they said it was cultural treasures so theyve presumably been held by human hands before safely )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jun-20 10:38 AM

(cool. Eish wouldn't open it without the Majordomo. More likely to read their minds

)

Nekosmash 20-Jun-20 12:44 PM

The site is completed just an island away from where you’d met the others , and all that remains is to gather the representatives again

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jun-20 01:23 PM

Eisheru travels with Evan in the Charybdis to the multiple cities of Arana to inform the Majordomo of his success and to invite them back to the island in which they had set up the chests. He offers to bring them in the runabout or if they prefer they can set sail for the island.

Nekosmash 20-Jun-20 07:03 PM

The respective city heads feel comfortable enough in the runabout, as thus far your intentions and actions have mirrored one another. there is still an air of suspicion, but the chance that you actually have recovered the items they are seeking has them willing to risk letting you transport them

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 20-Jun-20 10:22 PM

Eisheru is patient and understanding of their attitude. He is content talk of mundane things for a time. They likely have many questions as to his own race and existence. He answers them in a kindly although his tone hides his love for his people. Aftera short while, Eisheru takes a turn to ask them a question, "Gentlemen, I am curious, What is in those chests that you prized them so highly?" (edited)

Nekosmash 21-Jun-20 05:32 AM

“Each one is a sacred treasure , passed down by the four men and women that settled this planet in the name of New France. The founders eventually left for other worlds but one of their own weapons was left to each city , and over the decades they’ve become cultural touchstones as much as implements of war

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Jun-20 05:41 AM

"I hope they are still in pristine condition so as to match their importance to your people. The chests appear to have been sealed rather well so I am hopeful in that regard. Regardless of what you all decide today, please know I am glad to be able to return some of your cultural artifacts to you. It shouldn't be much longer now..."

Nekosmash 21-Jun-20 07:12 AM

(If you’re willing to let them@open them, they will)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Jun-20 07:21 AM

(yup they are fine to open them when we get to the island. Eisheru isn't gonna make any demands of them as he wants to it be purely voluntary on their part. Maybe only a little sea serpent propaganda ;) I would instruct the Marines to be ready but not hostile) (edited)

Nekosmash 21-Jun-20 06:28 PM

The group begins moving toward the chests, the representatives of each city state taking a moment to take in the scene, before things are opened. There is a brief moment as a pair of bolt cutters from the ship locker is passed around and more than one of the attending makes note of their fine construction

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Jun-20 06:51 PM

"We are not here to be conquerors or create a false dependency. Our aim is to raise you up as equals so that one day you may be able to pay it forward. We know from recent events that it is through cooperation that we were able ensure the survival of all sentient beings in our sector" (edited)

Nekosmash 21-Jun-20 07:54 PM

the chests are opened one by one and there is marveling, as an ornate pistol, a crested stamp, a kite shield emblazoned with a rearing unicorn, and a staff that is in two parts, capped with a bronze image of a mighty kraken are all pulled from the chests. there is excited chattering among the small amount of assembled here, as they're the first in a generation to lay eyes on these treasures

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 21-Jun-20 08:46 PM

Eisheru watches with slight interest as they talk amongst themselves. He quickly glances between all the items looking for any metadimensional energy. "If you like I can answer any more questions you might have about our offers. I can also return you to your cities to discuss amongst your people." (edited)

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 05:15 AM

The kraken staff has telekinesis, the shield has bioscopic energy, the pistol is just very well made, and looks to be almost relic in quality, and the stamp is likewise an office implement , though well made and clearly its lineage is of some significance

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 05:18 AM

"Can you tell me the history of these items? I can see that some of them" He says gesturing to the shield and staff "radiate the same energy that Psychics use to manipulate their environment in different ways. It is not often to see such implements infused with that kind of power."

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 06:06 AM

"As said, they were handed down by the adventurers that first found and settled this planet. Over time, colonists arrived and eventually the adventuring group moved on to other places. Each of them left behind a piece of equipment for their settlement that they thought might help lead, and was a symbol of their authority

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 06:15 AM

"May they help guide your people to a bright and prosperous future. I hope this gesture proves the sincerity of our efforts and it would just be the beginning of the help we can offer." Eisheru bows his head and respect to the four Majordomo

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 06:19 AM

"We....may be amenable to some small quality of life improvements..."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 06:25 AM

"I know we spoke about communications arrays and that could be just the beginning. Modern medicine, reliable and sustainable food supplies and interstellar trade are also possibilities. And if you decided to join the Confederation you would be granted a seat at the decision making table just like all the other worlds in our alliance. Again the choice is all yours and it can be taken in part or whole."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 07:21 AM

(Not pushing for an update, finishing thought) Eisheru stands for a moment while they talk among themselves. He has an idea pop into his head that might help them ease any lingering concerns "Another option to consider is becoming neutral observers on the Confederation's Council of Planets. That way you can see how we conduct ourselves on the larger scale before making a decision on whether or not to accept any of our offers. We could provide transport to and from Acastus and we would set aside ships for this purpose and would be free to leave back to Arana at any time."

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 07:22 AM

(youre good, as long as youre not tagging me :P)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 07:22 AM

(i would never do that to you bby)

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 09:22 AM

This seems to be of a more comfortable disposition for them "how would this arrangement work, is there something expected of us for the consideration of the ships and time spent traveling? spacefaring is I am sure an expensive proposition"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 09:47 AM

"Here is how I envision it working. We can have smaller craft set aside for transporting you to and from Acastus. We could offer a position of neutral observer for a period of three months. During this time there would be one scheduled flight from Acastus to Arana and back per month." "At the end of the three months we will again offer you the same two choices that I have done today. Should you choose to decline both of our offers, we will provide transit back to Arana at no charge to you. If you decide to accept one or both of our offers we will continue to provide transit to and from Arana and all that we ask for in return is favorable trade terms when Arana has become developed enough to support off-world trading. We believe this offset in tariffs to be far more beneficial to both our people than charging you for fuel and repairs of small void-craft" "Should you choose to decline, we would be willing to send a delegate once a year to see if the people of Arana have changed their mind. The reason being is that you would have no way to contact us otherwise and we want you to know this is a standing offer to you."

(sorry if thats confusing. Free transit once a month to and from Arana for 3 months. If they decline there is no payment required and we would be willing to send a delegate once a year to see if they have changed their mind. If they decline prior to three months we would take them back to Arana, also free of charge. If they accept, agree to friction 2 for GS once they have a trade profile) (edited)

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 10:46 AM

(i followed it but the summary is nice as well)

"We can agree to these terms, as long as each city is included in the observing"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 11:09 AM

"All cities may send a pair of representatives to act as observers. If you decide to join, please note that each planet is afforded three representatives on the Council of Planets. While we travel I can give you a copy of our Articles of Confederation as well as a history of our young Confederation. We leave tomorrow morning for the trip back."

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 11:17 AM

(did i hand out XP for anything since you got here at all?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 11:18 AM

(3xp on 6/15 after I sent a message to have the naval courier brought to Arana for the psychics) (edited)

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 12:04 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits now too for tihs)

(and i know you said there might be some personal goals)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 12:06 PM

("Recruit a student to attend the Acastus Psychic Academy" and I'm assuming I did not yet complete "Bring 5 new planets into the Greystar Confederation")

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 12:23 PM

(student is done, planet is not yet going to join)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 12:25 PM

(+ another 3 xp for the student)

(All Eish would do on Arana is to harvest the pieces necessary for the weapon and armor, Sleep, then grab the representatives to head back to Acastus

Nekosmash 22-Jun-20 12:34 PM

(we gotta find some badass Eish art now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 12:35 PM

(Yeah its hard finding merman art that isn't corny or hypersexualized)

(gotta find weapon art too now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 22-Jun-20 12:54 PM

(Plan would be to head to Acastus and check in on Marmora. If there are issues that need to be handled he would do so, otherwise a trip to Rawhani and the forge) (edited)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 05:53 AM

The trip back to Marmora is calm, and quiet, and the city is beginning to get some reflection of daily life now that Vendic has been gone. The chosen from his former freedom fighters have been doing their best to keep the town running though there is some general listlessness

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 06:19 AM

Eisheru exits the secure landing zone near the temple and begins walking through the streets. He doesn't need telepathy to read the general lack of energy among the people there. Eisheru walks to meet with the three lieutenants turned city council. "Good first rise, gentlemen. How are we doing today? Anything I need to be made aware of?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 07:21 AM

(About how many people are now in Marmora? Vendic had ~1000 i know and I imagined that AT had about a couple thousand employees at the time)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 07:30 AM

(id say his people and all of yours would be the only ones right now)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 08:04 AM

"Gentlemen I can see that the people seem to be... lacking something. I have some ideas as to how we might increase the general contentedness but I would also like to have your input as you are the boots on the ground so to speak. I'm hoping with the construction of the shipyard that is to complete at months end that many without jobs could find work there. I also want to explore shortened work shifts to give more people time with their families as well as a universal basic income to allow people the means to explore personal projects and hobbies. What are you're thoughts?"

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 08:06 AM

"These seem like good moves, but the people also need diversions. Sports, or art, culture, something. Those are all things that have vanished from the iron sectors"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 08:11 AM

"I see. Is there a sport that is native to Acastus or that Acastans have preferred over the years? Perhaps we could have a Marmora sports league. We can also look at building a community center where we can have theater plays or display locally created art. I can also reach out to Mr. Chris Fury and see if he could come and play a show here sometime in the near future."

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 08:15 AM

(I was tihnking about restarting soccer, the races, or setting the foundation for the baskebtall thing dax is doing)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 08:15 AM

(hell yeah. Marmora could have an intramural league and then like an official team that could go against the other teams ) (edited)

(I know there isn't a holding specifically for community center/Sports arena, but maybe Market Access could be stylized to it? Or maybe some sort of city sized "mega project". Or maybe a new homebrew holding. Open to ideas) (edited)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 08:37 AM

(Well, there is a blind morale score that colonies and more far flung settlements use, building it would improve that score)

(and make trouble/domestic strife less likely)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 08:38 AM

(so Social Support holding? I know Market access mechanically just increases the tonnage of goods allowed to make it to market)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 08:38 AM

(sure, that can work i guess)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 08:43 AM

(sorry not trying to railroad the decision. am fine with whatever you think would work best for the situation)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 08:46 AM

(social support is fine, i had to look it up)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 08:49 AM

"The more that I think about it, I think a community center might be the best way forward. It is something we can expand upon as Marmora grows and it would be a hub for all things cultural in our new city. We can begin working on it come the new year with perhaps an inaugural concert in February of next year." (I'm thinking its basically a YMCA. Classes, Swimming, Art displayed, Theater for plays/movies, Basketball courts, etc)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 08:53 AM

"that would help, if workers are going to be home more often on shorter days, they're going to need something to fill their time. There's a host of problems that come with idle hands"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 08:54 AM

"Agreed, I will also look into inviting patrons of arts and trades to come as well to teach those that want to learn. I think if we give people the means, the know how and the time they will surprise us with great things that will only benefit future generations"

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 09:48 AM

"Marmora will be a center of many things one day. Aside from that, everything else is running normally. The little day to day troubles we had are easily solved by the changes you're planning to make"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 10:37 AM

(forgot to mention 63/90 pilot on return trip.) "Good... Very good." Eisheru gives the men a small smile. "Keep up the outstanding work. I know you earned Vendic's trust through hard work, I hope to earn yours in time." Eisheru bids the men a good rest of their day and heads back to his home to rest and enjoy some time in his soak tank.

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 12:25 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits for that last bit, and if you need a direction we can make one)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 12:37 PM

(I had two things I wanted to do on Acastus before heading to Rawhani. Negotiate with CSF to get them to stay another month and check on students from Arana. Can do either one first)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 01:01 PM

(lets do the students first )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 01:06 PM

(sounds good) After spending a day to relax and to give Evan a day off as well, Eisheru reaches out to his friend telepathically. The small wind chime sounds in Evan's head to signify his presence before he begins speaking "Sorry to disturb you friend, Can you please ready the Fancy for a trip to Ash City?" Eisheru waits for a reply before heading to the secure landing pad nearest the temple

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 01:08 PM

The Fancy is prepared for flight as you get ther,e Evan looking a bit tired but overall, ready to travel. He waves hello over the sounds of the ship readying

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 01:12 PM

"I hope the day off was helpful. I know we would both like more, but hard to rest when there are still so many things to check on. No spike drills at least" Eisheru climbs aboard and goes through the normal check-list for a copilot. Once the flyer is in the air and on the way to Ash City, Eisheru reaches out to his old friend Adamaris. Brother Tidecaller, sorry for imposing but I wanted to let you know we are on our way to the Academy to check in on our newest students. We should be there within two or so hours.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 01:55 PM

(added goals BTW. I dont know if those should be separate goals or lumped into "Turn Marmora into a fully functioning City" you're call)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 03:24 PM

(assigned!)

(Theyre good how they are, together they'd probably be worth the same as the individual parts anyway)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 04:51 PM

(sounds good! Ready to meet some students when you are)

Nekosmash 23-Jun-20 07:54 PM

The students are assembled in the main foyer of the academy branch here when you arrive in ash city proper. The neighborhood is mending and you’d almost never know the pyramid once rested here

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 23-Jun-20 08:37 PM

Eisheru steps off the Grav Flyer and tells Evan to take a couple hours to himself in town. "Pick me up some Chocolate Coffee if you get a chance, Evan? The Fancy should be fine here on the Academy grounds. Thank you." he gives the man a friendly pat on the back before walking inside the recently completed building. Eisheru approaches the awaiting students and Headmaster Adamaris. "Brother. It is good to see you again." He says in his now signature even tone of voice. "How have you been? Are you well?"

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 05:33 AM

"I am, getting better..." he says haltingly. The skin around his cranial scar is an angry aqua right now, and looks like it has been stitched again recently. "It is not....handling bioscopy healing well. Headmaster thinks....nulmataneum blade...on the saw"

"But my powers...work fine"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 05:43 AM

"Ah, have you been seeing the surgeons at Trivedi General? If we need to see a specialist, I was planning on going to Gudrun for some personal business. We could take the students and visit the Branch there and you can visit with Dr. Siegfried." Eisheru places a friendly hand on Adamaris's shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 05:46 AM

"The students...yes...they are assembled...in the main classroom"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 05:53 AM

Eisheru is concerned for his friend but his neutral expression does little to convey that. He will have to convince his friend further a trip to Gudrun would be good for him and the students. "Let's meet them. I was in a bit of a rush while on Arana and from the roster I can see that there are some others here as well." Eisheru walks with Adamaris to the classroom and they exchange pleasantries. Once they get to the room with the assembled students Eisheru walks in after Headmaster Adamaris and greets the students with a slight bow of the head. "I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to talk more on Arana, but let me welcome you to Acastus and the Academy branch here. Please... introduce yourselves." Eisheru musters up the biggest smile he can, which is nothing more than a tight-lipped smile

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 05:59 AM

They each go down the line, announcing themselves, and it becomes clear none of them were afforded official academy training. They are the remains of what the Tenebrians carried away, and likewise, were unable to openly come forward

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 06:12 AM

"How have you all been settling in? I know this must be a rather large change for some..." he looks at the four he invited from Arana. "If there are letters you wish to send to your family back home, there will be a ship heading there once a month for the next couple months." "And I am sure Headmaster Adamaris has given you the welcome speech but it cannot hurt to repeat it. There is no requirement to staying at the Academy once you have been trained enough to no longer be a danger to yourselves or others. However, you are more than welcome to stay on in the Academy, or within Greystar, after that small portion of your training is completed." (edited)

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 09:00 AM

"Currently..." Adamaris begins "You are all...at risk of torching....since you have not trained..before"

"You are a danger..to yourselves...and everyone else...until you are trained"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 09:10 AM

"Torching is when you use your powers past the point of your normal limits. The reason you are at such a high risk is that you are not yet familiar with what your limits are and you may not yet know how to fully control when you use your powers. The dangers of an untrained psychic cannot be understated, excessive torching risks your sanity and the health and safety of everyone around you." "The first part of your training will be focused solely on you learning what your physical limits are and to ensure that you only use your powers when you make the conscious choice to do so."

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 11:03 AM

They are listening, but your summary is thorough and questions now would be repeating yourself

Adamaris likewise has nothing to add beyond what has been well said

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 11:25 AM

(So now finding out about Adamaris and him not healing well. Would it be possible to take him and all the students to Gudrun? My thoughts are: Adamaris can see Siegfried and the students can meet some of the other teachers. Your thoughts?)

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 11:29 AM

(Yeah that's fine with me, there's not a shortage of room on any of the ships you'd take, and all the students who need him would be going with you anyway)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 11:36 AM

(Field Trip!) "I think something that would be beneficial to you all is to meet some of the teachers on Gudrun. That is where a majority of the Academy's resources are located and as part of the Academy you all would have access to such things. And like all scholars, we do our best work when we are collaborating with our fellows. So consider this a field trip, Headmaster Adamaris and I will accompany you all on the journey over and after some business is completed there we will travel back to Acastus. If there is anything you need for the journey please let me know and we will make sure it makes it on the ship. We leave tomorrow at third rise." Eisheru takes any and all requests for items and then excuses the students to begin packing their belongings. He pulls Adamaris aside, "I am sorry to spring that on you friend, but I can see that you are not well. Siegfried, Crane, and Doona are some of the best bioscopics in known space. They will be able to help any lingering issues. Do you require anything before we leave tomorrow?"

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 12:33 PM

"I will be fine...until then" he smiles weakly. Standing for a prolonged amount of time like this has made his muscles a bit shaky, and he summons a cane from the side of the room into his hand with a projection of telekinesis "I will see you..at third rise"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 12:41 PM

Eisheru bids his friend a good evening and tells him he will be here early to help if he needs it. The two have been connected telepathically enough times previously that their minds are easily linked. Eisheru leaves the Academy and makes his way to the nearest supply store to the Academy. After the techs had a near death experience on Arana he figures they deserve something nice. He purchases five brand new toolkits and has them set to be delivered to their homes in Marmora. He includes a personalized note thanking them for their work and genuine appreciation for their bravery on Arana. He signs the note and pays the store for the toolkits. (5 toolkits at 300 a piece to each of the NPCs that was on the Recovery on Arana. To be sent to their homes.) Afterwards Eisheru finds the coffee house that Mr. Fury likes to frequent and orders himself a cup while he waits for Evan to finish with his evening off. Eisheru is content to sit at a small table outside the establishment and watch people go about their daily lives. (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 01:30 PM

(ready to move onto the trip when you are. Do I need to send a message to UNW council requesting transit? I would be flying Psychic Academy transponder codes for this)

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 01:31 PM

(in that case no)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 01:31 PM

(Would go in the Charybdis too, so not a GS warship if that helps too.)

Nekosmash 24-Jun-20 08:38 PM

(That’s even better, what’s our route looking like)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 08:50 PM

(Olar>Cratylus>Gudrun. 8 days. Assuming Adamaris + 5 students? I see 5 who are torch risk. Would like to bring an extra pilot and two security personnel from AT. Would have them be in generic contractor uniform instead of AT uniforms.) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 24-Jun-20 09:04 PM

Later that evening back in Marmora, Eisheru spends a little while drafting several messages. First to Governor Collins of Olar requesting permission to transit through Olar on the way to Gudrun. He once again reiterates the friendly offer for repay the favor of him helping Acastus. (Olar is within spike3 so it gets there instantly, right?) While he waits for a reply he sends a message to Mistress Doona,

Mistress Doona, I wanted to let you know that I would be coming to Gudrun. We are bringing the Acastus branch students on a field trip to meet their fellows. There is also the matter of Adamaris' health. I notice the wound from his encounter on Buey is not healing well. He mentioned use of a nulmetanium cutting instrument used to torture him. I worry for his recovery given the location of his injuries. If Dr. Siegfried could be made aware I would be eternally grateful for his assistance. I very much look forward to seeing you again. Be well, Eisheru Tidecaller Primus

(oh also want to bring the staff of office from the Shaila academy. Talked to grupp in DMs about meeting up to identify it)

Nekosmash 25-Jun-20 05:34 AM

(it does)

It seems the viceroy was another being who discovered the terrible uses for this metal. Bring him, and Dr. Siegfried has agreed to do an evaluation. This may be a matter of intense therapy and recuperation for Adamaris, but we will do everything in our power to save him

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jun-20 06:04 AM

Eisheru relaxes in his soak tank for a time before heading to bed. The next day at around second rise, Eisheru reaches out to Evan to get the Charybdis fueled and ready for travel. Two senior security personnel and another pilot meet Evan and Eisheru at the hangar. The flight is brief to the Academy branch in Ash City. There Eisheru helps Adamaris get settled into the Charybdis and then gets the students aboard and each are assigned a room. A little after Third Rise the Academy branch is locked up and Eisheru ensures a security detachment from Greystar remains onsite to ensure the safety of the grounds while the Psychics are gone. The runabout pushes off the ground and the engines start spooling up so escape velocity can be achieved. Once out of the pull of Acastus gravity, the ship heads towards the edge of space. Eisheru switches the transponder codes designating the ship is on a mission for the Psychic Academy. A short while later they reach the edge of the system gravity well and begin translation into metaspace via spike drill. (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jun-20 06:29 AM

(71/90 Pilot for the trip to Gudrun)

Nekosmash 25-Jun-20 08:22 AM

Gudrun is seeing the departure of the UNW high fleet with the academy marked spacecraft enters its gravity well. Trivedi Cloud begins pinging the ship, asking about destination, if you plan to dock there, and what your business in Gudrun is, as per protocol when a foreign ship enters local space

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jun-20 08:27 AM

Eisheru nods to Evan to open the channel to Trivedi Cloud. "Greetings Trivedi Cloud, Tidecaller Primus Eisheru here on Academy business. I have students with me to visit the Nova Academy campus. Please advise if we are to dock with you or down planetside."

Nekosmash 25-Jun-20 08:34 AM

"Proceed planetside, Central Air/Space port. Deviation from the route will be met with lethal force. Please proceed from an easterly direction. There is a war to the west"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jun-20 08:36 AM

"Thank you for the Guidance, Trivedi Cloud. Charybdis out." Eisheru turns to Evan, "Best do as they say, Easterly route to Central Space port."

Once they have reached orbital distance Eisheru reaches out to Mistress Doona telepathically. We have arrived Mistress Doona, we shall be in Central in short while.

Nekosmash 25-Jun-20 08:38 AM

You sense Doona send a wordless acknowledgement from down below, her mind deep in study and reflection in Shangra-La

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jun-20 09:19 AM

Once the group reaches Central Space Port, Eisheru instructs the pilot and two security personnel to draw watches. Always one person on the ship at all times. Eisheru then looks for a way to book transit from Central to the Nova Academy

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jun-20 09:50 AM

(edited)

Artifice (Regrupple) 25-Jun-20 10:03 AM

(There's a landing pad at the academy actually btw)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 25-Jun-20 10:04 AM

(Yeah but I would imagine that a ship normally tagged to a faction belonging to a different polity wouldnt be allowed free travel on Gudrun)

Nekosmash 25-Jun-20 10:06 AM

(thats what i was going for yeah)

(and its close enough in Central where them insisting on international visitation protocols probably isnt going to make an incident, as the people running GS are not snobs)

(and would probably insist the same if the situation was reversed)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Jun-20 05:13 PM

(do you want to do Adamaris first or head to Grupp?)

Nekosmash 28-Jun-20 05:14 PM

(We can do grupp)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-20 05:18 PM

(ready to move on to helping Adamaris whenever you are. No rush. While waiting for Dr. Siegfried to be ready he would go out and purchase three Force Pavis. Book price puts it at 10k a piece. 30k total) (edited)

Nekosmash 01-Jul-20 06:28 PM

Dr. Sieg is ready as is Dr. Ahn, but they would like to consult you and Adamaris first before the procedure is set to begin

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-20 06:31 PM

Eisheru walks in to the room to find doctors Siegfried and Ahn waiting for him. "Good third... Good evening. Sorry old Acastus habits. Thank you for coming to take a look at Adamaris. I'm no surgeon but the scar on his head does not look to be healing right... What can be done to help him?"

Nekosmash 01-Jul-20 07:09 PM

"The blade was nulmetaulum and poorly made. We tihnk there is a good amount of spall left in his head from the attempt on his life. We would need to remove the entire top of his head, flush as much as we can around the brain, and scrape the skull cap we cut off to ensure the flakes of the metal have been removed "

"We can re-grow the flesh and bone after to ensure there is no scarring or disfigurement, but the surgery will be incredibly painful, and we will need him to be awake for it"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-20 07:31 PM

Eisheru shows a rare display of emotion. A slight frown interrupts his otherwise calm features. "I see... That sounds immensely complicated... I am not much of a biopsion but I will help how I can. What do you need me to do?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Jul-20 08:04 PM

Eisheru ponders for a moment. "If this is to be a coordinated effort I can unify our thoughts. We would all think as one mind. Dr. Ahn would know your intentions before you had time to put them to words. And vice versa. Would that be of aid in the surgery?" (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Jul-20 05:27 AM

"Your offer is kind, but we must refuse access to our minds, since we are also government agents. Between us, we have the expertise without being linked to save your friend, but it will be painful, and it will be a complicated procedure. I do need to make the both of you aware, even with psychic help, even with skilled hands and as modern equipment as we can manage in this era we live in now, there is a chance that the operation can fail, and Mr. Adamaris may not survive"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-20 05:48 AM

Eisheru nods, his frown hasn't changed. He knows this could possibly be the last day he ever sees his friend. Eisheru is glad that he is able to remain calm and strong for his Adamaris. He turns to his ailing Tidecaller brother, "Adamaris... Is this something you are willing to undertake? I am with you whatever you decide." (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-20 10:40 AM

"If you go through the surgery, I will do what I can to help keep you mentally distracted from the pain. It will not be easy but you will not be alone."

Nekosmash 02-Jul-20 10:41 AM

"Ah see, that is just it. We need him awake and focused so we can be sure we have not clipped any nerves. If we have, we only have second to re-grow it before the entire connection shorts out"

"It's not going to be a pleasant thing to be part of, but it seems the only way to get him back to how he was|

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Jul-20 10:44 AM

"I see... I... I do not like feeling useless but it seems this is too far outside my realm of expertise. If there is nothing I can do to assist, I will wait patiently and pray fortune is on our side"

Nekosmash 02-Jul-20 06:36 PM

“Sometimes that is all you can do. And it seems like Mr. Adamaris would like to go through with it. Living stunted like this serves nobody”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Jul-20 06:34 PM

"I would choose the same... I feel silly saying this, but... Take... Take care of him. I... Will be in the waiting room." Eisheru manages the briefest of smiles before bowing his head deeply to both of the doctors in a show of respect and bids them doctors both good luck. Eisheru spends as long as Adamaris wants prior to his surgery just talking like old friends are want to do. He tries to keep the conversation hopeful and talk about future plans for the Academy branch. For Marmora. He tells him about the people and his grand plans for the area. When it's time for him to go in, Eisheru touches his forehead to Adamaris's, "I will see you on the other side. You survived this once, you will do it again. And maybe when it's over you can start saving my ass for a change. Good luck."

Nekosmash 04-Jul-20 07:07 AM

The surgery is several hours long and there are nursing staff changes many times during it as each stage is complex on its own. Close to evening , Dr.ahn emerges. “Adamaris is resting. It will be a few months before he’s on his feet in full capacity again. We almost lost him twice, but the surgery was successful. We were able to scrape 93% of the nulnataneum contamination from his skull cap and brain “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jul-20 08:05 AM

As soon as Eisheru sees Dr. Ahn coming into the waiting room he quickly stands up and rushes over to her. "That is some of the best news I have heard in a long time. Thank you so much Doona. Will that last 7% cause any lasting issues?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jul-20 10:17 AM

(so I'm thinking that the students will stay with crane and Doona until I get back from Rawhani/sumati. Then they can either stay on or I can take them back to Arana. It doesn't appear as if there is much I can do for Adamaris. As he just needs to recover. Just want to grab the force pavis x3 before leaving for rawhani)

Nekosmash 04-Jul-20 10:35 AM

“He may need to push himself a bit to harness large levels of power, and he’s going to need to hit the gym hard to rebuild the muscle atrophy from being laid up “

“But aside from that , he should be more than fine for his daily duties “

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jul-20 11:51 AM

"When we get back to Acastus I'll be on him about his physical therapy

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jul-20 12:24 PM

Eisheru will wait the rest of the next day to see if Adamaris wakes up, although he doesn't expect his Merlon friend to be coherent for many days. If Adamaris doesn't wake up from the surgery by the end of the next day, Eisheru leaves him a note saying that he will be on Rawhani and then Sumati before coming back. He wishes him a speedy recovery and lets him know that the Students are being taken care of. The next day, Eisheru wakes up early to go make a couple purchases (Force Pavis x3, funds already deducted) and then goes to meet up with Rey and Venser (I guess pause here again as we go on a... FIELD TRIP!) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jul-20 12:43 PM

(Oh and Evan gets one of the Force Pavis belts.)

Nekosmash 04-Jul-20 06:22 PM

(Got it, and yeah admaris will get your note)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Jul-20 08:37 PM

(74/90 pilot)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Jul-20 05:37 PM

Pinned a message.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 07-Jul-20 09:27 PM

(78/90 Pilot Rawhani to Mariam to Sumati) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jul-20 07:49 AM

(community center, and 'learn about terraforming' goals completed; +9xp)

(Level 13 Skill Point - Administer (0) 1 of 2 Skill Point - Administer (1) Skill Point - Telepathy (3) Technique [+2 Unspent Telepathy Points (0)] Focus - Phantasmal Force (Custom Focus) Telepathy (3) Technique - Telepathic Assault Telepathy tree completed - Psychic Training moving to Telekinesis)

(New HP: 57)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Jul-20 12:07 PM

While waiting for the tailor to arrive, Eisheru quickly taps out a message to the Elysium Protectorate. The pyramid is definitely something that needs to be investigated.

(ill write it out in a sec. just wanted to get it on the timeline)

Hedwig "Daitrij" Sakharov 11-Jul-20 08:06 AM

### INCOMING SECURE MESSAGE ### To: Tidecaller Primus, Eisheru From: Hedwig Wilhelmova Sakharov Hello Tidecaller Primus, what an unsuspected suprise to get a message from you. And as I see I am now able to send messages via secured lines. Interesting. As a high ranking Greystar diplomat it would be an honor to welcome you here. Even though our first meeting during the Galatea Council wasn't a feast of friendliness, maybe this meeting could be a second start. We can talk about whatever you want to talk, I'll be listening. So permission is granted. When do you plan on visiting and how private do you want this meeting to be? Just so I know what I have to prepare. May the flame in your heart guide you on your ways. Daitrij Herald of the Protectorate and Voice of its People

Hedwig "Daitrij" Sakharov 11-Jul-20 09:05 AM

### INCOMING SECURE MESSAGE ### To: Tidecaller Primus, Eisheru From: Hedwig Wilhelmova Sakharov Hello Tidecaller Primus, very well then, I am looking forward to meeting you in person. I'll decide once you enter orbit where we meet. I'll inform the Fleet Command to not shoot you down. May the flame in your heart guide you on your ways. Daitrij Herald of the Protectorate and Voice of its People

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jul-20 04:27 PM

2

Pinned a message.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 15-Jul-20 04:39 PM

2

(what the shoulder armor transforms into when TK Armory is activated)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Jul-20 05:35 PM

(off to Heras! Sumati>Parnika>Koraa-S>Heras. 9 days it looks like)

Nekosmash 29-Jul-20 05:00 AM

Wither Corp surveyors are hard at work on Parnika when the ship arrives, and aside from a greeting are hard at work getting the planet mapped, and exploring the hundreds of kilometers of farmland. There are no distress calls or other issues here right now, the planet seems effectively deserted

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jul-20 05:01 AM

(Would doing a planetary scan with the survey array help them at all? If not good to scoop fuel then move on to Koraa-S) (edited)

Nekosmash 29-Jul-20 05:26 AM

(No , it’s something they’d do themselves anyway)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jul-20 05:29 AM

(Sounds good! On to Koraa-S after scooping fuel) (edited)

Nekosmash 29-Jul-20 06:01 AM

Korra-S is a planet of lava and endlessly flowing tides much like Tsatsos. The planets atmosphere is magnetically charged and the world is tidally locked, causing the super-heated landmass to experience rainfalls of burning metal. Entering the atmosphere would be suicide for anything but a highly specialized craft.

There is a fair amount of evidence ships have passed through, but the space here is empty now. (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jul-20 06:33 AM

"Well that is definitely a planet I will avoid my next vacation... Eh Evan? So next will be Heras. I am to meet with their Herald and hopefully can smooth out the rocky start between our two polities. I do not expect them to do anything untoward but if they do I don't want any heroics from you, alright?" "Alright. lets head to the star so we can scoop our fuel and then head to Heras."

(90/90 pilot when we get to Heras)

1

Nekosmash 29-Jul-20 06:41 AM

Two system defense platforms lock onto the vessel, and a heavy frigate in orbit begins powering up as the ship makes its wway into Heras local space. A light on the comms terminal begins flashing, and Evan looks at you, keeping his eyes on the system defenses as well

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jul-20 06:42 AM

"Greetings Protectorate, My name is Eisheru Tidecaller of the Greystar Confederation. We request permission to enter local space and meet with the Herald of the Protectorate."

Nekosmash 29-Jul-20 07:27 AM

(I left a message in Dai's thread as well, since she wanted to welcome you. I don't want to steal anyone's thunder so we'll allow some time to reply)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Jul-20 07:28 AM

(Yeah sounds good!)

Hedwig "Daitrij" Sakharov 29-Jul-20 07:57 AM

Tidecaller Primus. You made it to Heras. You'll be allowed to land on the planet and I'll send you the coordinates. Once there someone will be showing you the way. May the flame in your heart guide your way. Daitrij Sakharov

Attached to the message you find the coordinates.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Aug-20 05:08 AM

(edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Aug-20 05:18 AM

Eisheru's boots crunch through the snow while making his way from the cathedral back to the Charybdis. He walks straight to the captain's quarters and places the ever burning candle onto a a metal coaster on his desk. A few minutes later he emerges onto the bridge, "Evan, contact Protectorate flight control and request permission to land near the Academy branch or the airport, whichever is closer."

Nekosmash 01-Aug-20 07:33 AM

It takes a few minutes as signals are bounced to the various groups needing to know you're taking off. A place near the academy is found for you to land, though not technically an airport. Mytikas militia will meet you on the ground and form security around the vessel, if you're carrying soldiers.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Aug-20 08:21 AM

Eisheru instructs Evan and the other three employees to remain on the ship. He disembarks the Charybdis and greets the Militia commander. "Hello, my name is Eisheru Tidecaller. I have instructed my crew to remain aboard the ship, should you have need of me I'll be in the Academy."

Nekosmash 01-Aug-20 08:22 AM

(They're here to provide just general site security since they know you're handling something dangerous)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Aug-20 08:23 AM

(got it.)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Aug-20 08:34 AM

Eisheru walks into the Academy and looks around for a moment before calling out, "Hello? Anyone here?"

Nekosmash 01-Aug-20 05:31 PM

The academy is empty and it looks like the bare minimum has gone to the campus. The pyramid remains inside on a pedistal though security is lacking

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Aug-20 05:41 PM

"Will have to report to the Headmaster this oversight on security..." Eisheru observes the pyramid with his MES senses before approaching.

Nekosmash 01-Aug-20 10:48 PM

(What are you looking for specifically )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 04:22 AM

(seeing if it's still "active" With her presence)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 06:01 AM

There is a faint fragment of her and her knowledge within it, it is diminished like an ember floating in the wind, cooling rapidly and insubstantial

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 07:20 AM

Eisheru takes a steadying breath as he prepare himself for what might come next. After a few minutes of centering himself he reaches out telepathically to the pyramid (telepathy/wis?)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 07:46 AM

(Mental save at -4)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 07:53 AM

(7v4 success. Rolled an 11)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 08:34 AM

You confirm what you were able to feel upon looking at the pyramid , that there is a very faint fragment of her awareness within\

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 08:54 AM

(can I ask it a question? Or is the essence too diminished?)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 09:04 AM

(you can ask it a question)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 09:08 AM

(what did the lady believe would happen at the next conjunction?)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 09:10 AM

There would be a great empowering, where the creative energies of the universe would be at their most malleable

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 10:07 AM

(can I attempt to ask more questions? Or was there only enough of her essence to ask one?)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 10:08 AM

(its your cha bonus +1 worth before we need to re-save)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 12:17 PM

(By what mechanism was she going to use those creative energies? Basically the 'How' of the use of the energy. Was it gonna be some sort of ritual or mechanical creation etc?) (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 12:17 PM

(I have to think about how to answer this one. )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 12:18 PM

(no worries and no rush. I'll try and come up with my third one soon) (edited)

(What is the purpose of the obelisk found on the moon of Acastus?)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 12:20 PM

She doesn’t know the answer to that, that’s why her cultists were looking into it too

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 12:21 PM

(do I get a sense of how many more times I can possibly use the pyramid to ask questions?) (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 12:23 PM

Every question brings her more into focus. You get clearer answers to your questions and it seems like the gulf of space and time between you grows less distant

She had planned to use the conjunctions power to grant the requests of her followers, thereby attracting legions more and vastly increasing her own powers

(It’s a ritual act of sorts but it doesn’t really qualify as any of the things you laid out)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 12:26 PM

(Dope, I think I might detour to Galatea to meat with Reg)

Eisheru withdraws his presence from the pyramid and takes a deep gasping breath. He must have been holding his breath, but for how long? He looks around the interior of the academy hoping to find nothing. Once he is sure there is no one around, he places a simple cloth over the pyramid and then lifts it using his telekinetic powers. He keeps the object directly one meter in front of him. Eisheru walks out of the branch back to the Charybdis.

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 01:40 PM

(hows it being stored on the ship?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 02:07 PM

(Thinking he could go back and grab the pedestal and use one of the open rooms on the ship to store it. Lock it and only Evan and I can access. Charybdis has room for 15 people and there is only 5 people on the ship as of right now.)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 02:27 PM

(Could have Evan rig up a compad/camera to constantly broadcast from inside the room to our compads so we can always check on it. Figure should be something simple for him as he has fix2) (edited)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 02:41 PM

(we can essentially fashion an argus web to watch it, if you like, since thats really what we're making here)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 02:45 PM

(yeah would prob be a primitive one. And definitely not an inconspicuous version)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 04:33 PM

(just gonna send a message to daitrij detailing what was found and then leave for back to Gudrun to check on Adamaris and the students)

(Koraa-S/Parnika/Sumati/Mariam/Gudrun)

(looks like 15 days)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 05:16 PM

(I've got 15 as well sir)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 05:21 PM

(15/90 working on pressure field)

Nekosmash 02-Aug-20 05:39 PM

The trip is uneventful returning from the west, and the crew avoid the room with the relic like the plague. Rumors about what is inside is enough to keep everyone away, most of them using engineering crawlways and access passages above, below, or on the far side of the ship to go about their business

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Aug-20 05:52 PM

Eisheru requests permission to land at Central and then make his way to the Nova Academy to check in on the students and Adamaris. He brings along the pyramid so he can seek the advice of Doona and Crane.

Hedwig "Daitrij" Sakharov 02-Aug-20 10:58 PM

### incoming secure message To: Eisheru From: Daitrij Eisheru, I am the one who has to be thankful for what you did. And to be honest, the less formal meeting was to my liking as well. Your jar is in a safe place only four people in the universe know about. I will hold it dearly forevermore. I could be picky and say that the Still Lady artifact would be safest on Heras, but I have no knowledge about that, so I trust your decision to take it with you. Just be careful with this potentially malicious device. When we meet again it will be a meeting between friends and I am thankful for that. As I am going to visit my birthplace together with Kay, who knows, maybe we'll see each other again rather sooner then later. Up until then, May the flame in your heart guide your way. Daitrij

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 08:07 AM

(Crane would be off campus training Selgar in Gaiascopics about this time, but Doona is still around if you want to follow it up)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 08:10 AM

(Definitely!) Eisheru arrives at the Nova academy some hours later. As he walks through the doors he greets the caretaker bot and looks around for Doona. "Dr. Ahn? I have returned from Heras and would like a moment of your time to get your perspective on something"

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 08:11 AM

The academy is still empty and it seems it always is when you arrive.Efforts to attract psychics or prospective psychics from everywhere are still difficult despite the strides humanity and their partner species are making

Doona seals the doors, as no one is here aside from you, and waits to hear what you have to say

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 08:18 AM

Eisheru floats the pyramid between the two of them and gingerly removes the cloth covering it "This was the recovered Still Lady pyramid from a world near Heras. It is similar in its construction and purpose to the one found on Shaila. I managed to glean some information regarding the coming Conjunction and the Still Lady's interest in the event." Eisheru briefly explains the events in the Heras academy branch and the answers he received from the Pyramid. "The one... concern I have is that I feel... I feel as though the... distance for lack of a better word, between the Still Lady and I is somehow... shorter? Can you sense anything different about me?"

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 10:23 AM

"Nothing feels different when I look into your mind, but the longer you hold a link with someone, the closer your thoughts will be. It is possible she was pulling herself close to you, te longer you questioned things through the pyramid, hoping to eventually make direct contact"

"It fits how she has worked, in the past"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 10:32 AM

"I see... I had plans to study the pyramid more and see what more information could be learned but that seems like a foolhardy endeavor... I will trust your judgement Mistress Doona, do you think this pyramid is something best left here to be guarded and not studied?" (edited)

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 10:33 AM

"Guarded certainly, and studied with precautions. Anyone risking it should be aware of just what mind they could be meeting, and they must do so with the understanding that there could be terminal consequences for the greater good"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 10:35 AM

"Thank you Doona for the insight and wisdom. I agree. I can leave the artifact here or if you prefer I can deposit it at the Academy headquarters on Galatea. Which ever would be a more preferable solution to the problem of keeping it safe." (edited)

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 12:18 PM

"The Gudrun branches have likewise known the attentions of The Still Lady. This might best be left on Galeta where headmaster fate can protect it more effectively, and security can be changed instantly if needed"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 12:22 PM

"Very good. That's one matter settled then." "How is Adamaris recovering? Any complications in the days that I have been gone?"

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 12:23 PM

"Adamaris has regained the use of himself. The surgery was a success, and aside from some light occasional pain, he is whole again"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 12:37 PM

"That is... That is some of the best news I have heard in a long time, Doona. Thank you... Your work means more to me than I am able to accurately describe. Would you say that he is safe for travel? Also how have the students done in their training?"

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 12:40 PM

"He is safe, and the students are now safe as well. They are no longer a danger to themselves, or to others, but none have elected to stay this far from home"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 12:52 PM

"I thought as much. Although at least if they return to Arana they will be able to actually help their communities instead of being a possible danger. Thank you again Doona for all your help. I will be around for another day to give my crew some rest should you need me." Eisheru would wait to see if Doona has something specific she needs help with, otherwise he would go meet with Adamaris and the students.

(Don't need to RP it if there is nothing important to bring up. Would just let them know we would leave the next day to go to Galatea then back to Acastus. Would give the students the option to stay on Acastus or they can be brought back to Arana)

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 01:05 PM

(She doesn't really have anything, since Adamaris and the students were her main job right now, and both of them are complete with you being back)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 01:15 PM

(cool. So would spend a day of downtime. I would watch the ship and continue my work on Pressure Field and allow the crew to get off and have some down time as well. Then travel to Galatea. Gudrun/Aslief/Galatea. Looks like 6 days of travel for 7 total days on the down time. 22/90 pressure field) (edited)

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 06:19 PM

(Sounds good,) Galeta is ever the ecumenical world of post scarcity wonder, where the international organization meets in the midst of a great game played by the groups that call this world home

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 06:40 PM

(I am assuming Eish would know which of the biomes has the Academy HQ.) "Evan take us in to the Academy or the nearest airport" Eisheru clicks on the comms to the Galateans, "Greetings Galatea! This is Eisheru, Tidecaller Primus requesting permission to land at (location nearest to the Psychic Academy headquarters)." (edited)

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 06:40 PM

(yes)

(i dont think we everfirmly established)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 06:42 PM

@Artifice (Regrupple)

(Paging Headmaster Fate)

Artifice (Regrupple) 03-Aug-20 06:43 PM

(Yeah we hadn't talked about it. As a lvl 8 HQ I kind of pictured it separate from the factions to avoid their political games)

(Like on that random small island between the main landmasses)

"Permission granted Tidecaller, the headmaster has been alerted and will meet you in landing bay 7." (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 06:57 PM

Evan and Eisheru deftly pilot the Charybdis down to the surface together. Eisheru makes a joke about not being on the sidewalk anymore now that he can fly. After a few hours they arrive in bay 7 and Eisheru gives the crew the rest of the time here off including Evan. Eisheru then motions to the students and Adamaris to join him so they can meet Headmaster Fate. Eisheru reaches out telepathically to the Headmaster. A gentle wind chime and a faint ocean breeze announces the presence of Eisheru in the headmasters mind. Should he accept the connection he can now speak.

Artifice (Regrupple) 03-Aug-20 07:05 PM

Your minds connect and you feel a warm smile accompanying the headmaster's voice, "Ah, welcome Eisheru. I am just outside if you wish to join me."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 07:10 PM

"It would be a pleasure. I also have some new students to introduce you to." Eisheru heads towards the indicated location and makes small talk with Adamaris while they walk the expansive grounds. He keeps the pyramid floating close to him but covered. He can sense the presence of the Lady, as if calling out to him. It is good to catch up with him again and he enjoys being able to speak to someone in his mother tongue. A few minutes later they come upon the Headmaster in his godwalker "Ahh Greetings Headmaster!" Eisheru bows in a show of deep respect for the man that facilitated his awakening. His calm voice matches the serene location of the Academy headquarters. "It is good to see you once again. I believe you know Adamaris, and these are our most recent students from the world of Arana."

(5 students. I believe they are Edgar Grey, Foric Engels, Kirka Tobin, Mattin Nace and Trisha Summer)

Nekosmash 03-Aug-20 07:59 PM

(yep, names are right)

Artifice (Regrupple) 03-Aug-20 08:02 PM

The campus sprawls across the southern half of the island, an idyllic beachfront backing up to a vibrant jungle that seems a bit too tame to be completely natural. Spires, domes, and atriums made predominantly of glass are spread across the land between beach and jungle, though you can see a few towers sticking out above the trees as well. In a nearby courtyard a handful of students practice telekinesis on rocks of various sizes, their instructor pacing between them giving encouragement and advice. Many other students of a variety of ages are outside, studying or relaxing, and a small crowd surrounds the godwalker as he finishes a lecture before turning to meet you, giving a dismissive nod to his students. "Tidecallers and students, welcome to the psychic academy of Galatea. I am headmaster Regulus Fate. Dr. Ahn has kept me informed of your studies and I am very impressed with the progress you have made." A tall older woman approaches, gray hair swept back into a tight bun and dressed in simple light blue robes. "This is instructor Lee, she will give you a tour of our campus while I speak with the Tidecaller. We will meet you in the cafeteria for an excellent luncheon later."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 08:45 PM

Eisheru nods to Adamaris "We will continue to catch up later." Eisheru steps next to the Headmaster and watches the students and teachers walk off. Once he is certain they are alone and out of ear shot, Eisheru begins speaking in his even and distant tone of voice, "Quite the accomplishment you have here, Headmaster. Truly a legacy to be proud of"

Artifice (Regrupple) 03-Aug-20 09:05 PM

"It is a testament to the power of the grails that this was all built so quickly. We have psychics, mages, free nexus, even a few orderless sunblades here. Many come to study and learn, some to teach, and more still just to be among those who accept them without fear. We have some non-MES students here as well, mostly studying mathematics and science though some are very interested in the MES phenomenon itself. I have had a very busy few months since the defeat of the scream beast. Though I do try to stay informed of my colleagues as well and you have certainly not been idle."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Aug-20 09:36 PM

"It is good to see your vision come to fruition. Especially so in such a short time. There are so many out there that need what you have created." Eisheru places his hands behind his back as they stroll on the grounds. "No these past few months have seen me across the sector and back it seems. These 5 students are all that have manifested since the Remnant came and abducted their psychics some years ago. I met with Venser Each and Rey Messi and we took a trip to Rawhani to utilize the forge and then Sumati. Discovered another Nulmetanium mine underneath the Pool of Boons. And perhaps most interestingly these pyramids that we recovered from Still Lady pilgrim ships." Eisheru pulls the cloth off of the pyramid. He floats the device closer to the Headmaster so he can better observe it.

Artifice (Regrupple) 03-Aug-20 09:58 PM

"Yes, I received the report on Sumati, good work there. Venser Reach has been a valuable asset to the academy so far and I look forward to meeting this Rey sometime soon." You feel Regulus take the pyramid with his own telekinesis as it floats closer to him, "Yes, I feel the taint of her mind within. Be wary of delving too deep, her mind is not meant to be seen by mortals as I learned all too well. What have your learned thus far of such devices?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Aug-20 06:35 AM

"Rey is also quite the capable Psion. Well trained in the Nullifier and Teleportation arts." Eisheru releases control on the object with his own telekinesis. "This was the one found near Heras by a Protectorate explorer. There was also one discovered on Shaila that we examined while on Gudrun. I brought them both here fore safe keeping after discussing with Mistress Doona." Eisheru is holding a staff of office that is ornate looking and has a similar looking pyramid at the top. "We have learned some interesting things. The Still Lady sent out Pilgrim ships to each cardinal direction from Acastus. We know that four have been destroyed and that one headed south past Arana. The other three are unaccounted for, likely to the east of Acastus into unknown space. We also learned that these pyramids allowed her followers to obviously commune with the Lady but also utilize her powers over vast distances. We are fairly certain they can be replicated, just without the taint of her dark power. It would require more research into the Forge and sourcing the right materials to make a proper device." Eisheru then points to the one the Headmaster is floating above his hand "From that one I was able to learn a little more about the Conjunction of Worlds that is to happen in 6 months time. She understood the event as to be a time when the creative energies of the universe would be most... malleable. She intended to use that power to grant the requests of her followers in hopes that she could attract more to increase her own power."

Artifice (Regrupple) 04-Aug-20 06:58 AM

"Yes, I knew of the ships and had heard of the pyramid found by Billy Rigers in one such ship. The sharing of powers across vast distances is an interesting idea, one that the remnant were studying on Shahriar as well. If we can apply their research we may be able to circumvent the reliance on the forge, though its study is also of great import. And we would still require some potentially rare materials to complete construction. As for the Conjunction, I would indeed like to be present for such an event. I am not sure how or what we would do with the surge of energy but I am certain it will be very much worth attending."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 04-Aug-20 07:02 AM

"There is... something else Headmaster. As now I have connected with the Still Lady's essence twice now, I feel as though..." There is a pregnant pause as he looks out towards the ocean "That the distance between her and I has grown... shorter? I find it difficult to accurately explain the sensation. The answers I received the second time I investigated her pyramid were much clearer and more... directed to me if that makes sense."

Nekosmash 05-Aug-20 06:26 AM

(I'm caught up)

(just didnt really need to break in yet)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Aug-20 06:26 AM

(yar! just waiting on the headmaster, I know he has class today)

Artifice (Regrupple) 05-Aug-20 07:10 AM

(Sorry, forgot this was waiting on me lol) "The Still Lady is not dead. Merely banished and vastly diminished in power, similar to the scream beast. It is possible she could interact with our world in small ways through her artifacts, though I doubt most with less skill than you would notice. She should not be strong enough to reach out on her own, but if you initiate a connection there might be a risk of contacting her actual mind rather than merely a remnant of her power. Each time you reach out to her the connection between you grows stronger and the risk increases. I... would recommend extreme caution in using these devices repeatedly."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Aug-20 07:26 AM

(no worries

) "I share your concerns, Headmaster. Part of the reason why I wanted to bring the pyramids here. I think my curiosity might get the better of me if it were to remain on Acastus. The knowledge and insight that could be gained might be worth the risk but I happen to have a bad history of sticking my mind where it doesn't belong, heh!" Eisheru gives a short chuckle. "I am mostly interested in the pyramid for its utility to share abilities across vast distances. Mobile Academy Branches could be a thing of the near future with this kind of psitech. If I may be so bold, I think this might be the next logical step for your vision headmaster."

Artifice (Regrupple) 05-Aug-20 11:28 AM

"I agree Tidecaller. We should be able to keep it safe here and any studying will be done with nullifiers on standby if we need to sever the connection. In fact I should invite our shaman friend to aid in this, he may be able to replicate the devices without the Still Lady's taint. When we discern what materials are needed we will let our agents know, yourself included of course."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Aug-20 11:36 AM

"And once we find the necessary material to make the anchorpoint, I can impart the knowledge gained from on how to replicate the technology to our fine Piggen friend. Although he sounded like he has been extra busy with a... troublesome apprentice. Hopefully he is not too distracted in Shangri-la" Eisheru gestures towards the main dining hall of the Academy, "How about that luncheon you promised? Hopefully the food is as good as I have heard." (Didn't have anything else unless Reg did)

Artifice (Regrupple) 05-Aug-20 03:33 PM

Regulus sighs, "Despite Grupp's complaints Reza is quite talented. Eventually I believe he will be a great asset for us. But yes, let us head to the dining hall, your students should be waiting there. I too have heard the food is quite good."

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Aug-20 05:20 PM

Eisheru has a wonderful lunch of some of the best Galatea has to offer. He talks shop with the Headmaster and then is just content to watch the students interact with each other. He is reminded of his days in the Tidecaller school on Terezinho. He smiles faintly to himself at the memory. The rest of the day wears on and eventually he finds himself alone on the beach watching the surf. "I'll come home one day..." he muses to himself. The next morning Eisheru recalls his employees and offers the students to either come back to Acastus or they can stay on Galatea. After decisions have been made, Eisheru bids the Headmaster a farewell and the gaggle of unlikely traveling companions begin the final leg of their journey home. (Galatea/Iloz/Lambrianou/Leda/Acastus. 9 days by my count. 31/90 pressure field)

Nekosmash 05-Aug-20 05:27 PM

(That’s my count too. Nothing new or different on tbe route for right now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 05-Aug-20 06:45 PM

(cool. Figure I'll hang out until we are ready to jump into that mission to find out who stole the goods...)

Nekosmash 06-Aug-20 12:29 PM

(sounds like its you and svenka right now)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 06-Aug-20 12:48 PM

(sounds like it! just ping me wherever the group mission is happening. No rush)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Aug-20 06:17 AM

Pinned a message.

Finius 08-Aug-20 08:46 AM

A small message appears from Finius “Eisheru, Good day, as the director is taking leave for some time. I asked him to look into the imprisonment of my mother. As he is not available, would you please look into the matter? Thank you”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 08-Aug-20 08:49 AM

Agent Finius, I am currently investigating another critical matter. As soon as it is concluded I will look into the matter of your mother's imprisonment. I will let you know my recommendation as soon as I am able. Regards, Eisheru Tidecaller

(edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 10-Aug-20 01:37 PM

(As a book keeping note, Eisheru is gonna give one of his pretech parts to Svenka. Eisheru has 1 pretech part) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Aug-20 01:49 PM

After the army arrives Eisheru takes off in his suit mech and flies towards ground based air traffic control.

Nekosmash 11-Aug-20 05:46 PM

(Ash city?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Aug-20 05:58 PM

(are there two airports? Can do Grey Town first us there are)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 11-Aug-20 06:06 PM

(you know what... Sorry can I go find some of the people at the warehouses that got fired? I feel like that would be a better track for Eisheru. The ones that actually interacted with the people that stole the goods) (edited)

Nekosmash 11-Aug-20 07:32 PM

(sure thing, lets do that)

(lets get a connect/cha)

Hedwig "Daitrij" Sakharov 12-Aug-20 03:12 AM

###INCOMING SECURE MESSAGE### To: Eisheru From: Daitrij Eisheru! It is good to hear from you. And you don't need to call me Herald when it is between the two of us. I mean unless someone checks my mails for viral infections or something like that before I get to see them. That reminds me that there were no inappropriate spam mails since I've been made the Herald. Anyway, yes I keep my ears open. Are we looking for someone dangerous? Chocolate and guns, strange. Well, I tell you if I hear something. May the flame in your heart guide your way. Daitrij Herald of the Protectorate and Voice of its People

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Aug-20 06:57 AM

(11, flexing that new Connect bonus endeavor reward!)

Nekosmash 12-Aug-20 07:00 AM

You're able to get the address of the air traffic controller, the former site security head, and the names of one of the guards who was on duty the day in question

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Aug-20 07:02 AM

Eisheru first heads to the Ash City airport and leaves his Suit Mech in secure storage for Agents. He then heads to the house of the guard on duty of the day in question

Nekosmash 12-Aug-20 07:42 AM

The building is in one of the poor sections of the city, where urban renewal projects have yet to reach, and you wind your way up six flights of winding stairs before you're able to get to his front door. A short knock has an old woman answering, her eyes focusing and whirring as the augmetics replacing her originals focus

"We're not interested in buying anything, I'm sorry" she says, beginning to close the door

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Aug-20 07:45 AM

Eisheru puts his hand against the door to prevent it from closing, "I am sorry ma'am, I am not selling anything. My name is Agent Eisheru Tidecaller with the Confederation. I am looking for <insert name of guard>. Is he home?" While waiting for a response Eisheru telepathically links their two minds in preparation for potential next steps

Nekosmash 12-Aug-20 07:51 AM

"Dave! Door is for you" she closes it for a second before you hear a chain on the other side being pulled away, and the door opens more fully

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Aug-20 07:53 AM

Eisheru nods his head in appreciation, "Thank you ma'am." Eisheru steps in, if allowed, and waits near the door with hands clasped loosely behind his back. He waits for this Dave to come to the door

Nekosmash 12-Aug-20 06:14 PM

Dave looks haggard, unshaven and like he has been hitting the bottle for the last few days. THere is some evidence of it around the apartment, along with the old woman's vain efforts to clean up.

He is bleary eyed and seems to not appreciate the situation he is in right now

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Aug-20 06:25 PM

Eisheru looks at the disheveled man and tries to block out the stench that invariably accompanies a drunkard. "Dave, my name is Agent Eisheru Tidecaller. I had some questions for you regarding the events that took place approximately 5 days ago. What can you tell me about the men who came to take the stolen goods?"

Nekosmash 12-Aug-20 06:36 PM

"Quiet, no uniforms, just looked like truck drivers n such" he says, swaying a bit on his feet

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Aug-20 06:50 PM

"Any accents or hints of where they might have been from? Overhear anything?"

Nekosmash 12-Aug-20 06:58 PM

'Kept their mouths shut, normally dont mind it. Hate smalltalk. Showed us the req form, we loaded them, they left

"Weird though, used a clipboard, no compads"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 12-Aug-20 07:26 PM

"Wait they showed you an actual paper form? I didn't think we used paper for anything... Anything else strange about them?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-20 04:57 AM

(Just thought of something) While Dave waits to answer the question, Eisheru begins probing his mind for a memory of the paper form as well as the people that came to pick up the delivery (Since its effortless and I'm sure his saves aren't very good, will do Telepathic Contact L4 for the following: Everything he remembers about the paper form, Everything he remembers about the people who came to pick up the goods. Looking for images so I could know what the filled out form and people looked like.) (edited)

Nekosmash 13-Aug-20 05:00 AM

It looks like an old requisition form that would have been used during the plutocracy, like it was found in the back of a forgotten depot or something similar. there arent logos on it, but the warehouse locations have not changed since those days, so the form looks official enough to someone not paying close attention to their job

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-20 05:56 AM

"If you cannot recall anything else, I have one proposition for you, Dave. It will be dangerous but it will be a chance to get your life back on track instead of spending the rest of your days in the bottom of a bottle." Eisheru holds a compad out for him "Aiya Technologies is forming a temporary mercenary legion to go assist in the liberation of a planet named Brizeno. They will need logistics personnel just as much as soldiers. If you can remain sober and serve with distinction while on this temporary deployment, I can ensure that when you return that this recent blunder will wiped from your record. What say you?"

Nekosmash 13-Aug-20 06:09 AM

"Yes. I.... Mom, I need to do this..." The old woman nods, but Dave looks back at you. "My mom isn't doing well. I live here to help take care of her. I want to clear my record, but I can't leave her. Is there some way she can be taken care of while I'm gone?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-20 06:10 AM

"If you go on this mission, I will ensure your mother is taken care of for the rest of her life. Regardless if you return or not from this dangerous mission." (edited)

Nekosmash 13-Aug-20 06:13 AM

"where do I report? and when?"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-20 06:25 AM

"Grey Town at the Aiya Technologies satellite office on March 1st. Inform them you are joining the Brizeno Operation, the will get you taken care of from there." Eisheru pulls back his compad and makes a few taps. He sends Dave's information to the satellite office and informing them of the addition to the mission. He also sends a requisition for a personal physician, an aide to check in on her daily, and a monthly stipend to provide for her needs. He sets aside 2,000,000 credits from his own personal funds. "Your mother will have a comfortable life and a personal physician will see to her health. I believe you are making the right choice Dave. Let this serve as a lesson to you to be more scrutinizing in your work" (edited)

Nekosmash 13-Aug-20 06:26 AM

"I'll set out in the morning...Let me...let me sober up...and pack" he says, leaning against a doorframe for support

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-20 06:27 AM

Eisheru nods once and turns to leave down the hall. (Would Eisheru know where such a form could be retrieved? Like an admin office or something?) (edited)

Nekosmash 13-Aug-20 09:52 AM

(probably not with his current knowledge , because its such a niche procedural thing)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-20 09:53 AM

(Cool. Lets go to the site security head next then)

Nekosmash 13-Aug-20 10:16 AM

(Svenka's lead might yield something, so just gonna wait for that to catch up)

(but I did see this)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-20 10:59 AM

(Cool. I don't mind still going to the other people. I don't know how much else there is to learn tho)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 13-Aug-20 12:46 PM

(To the starhab!)

Hedwig "Daitrij" Sakharov 13-Aug-20 01:15 PM

###INCOMING SECURE MESSAGE### To: Eisheru From: Daitrij Topic: Operation Burning Clown Eisheru! I am in a Galatea Council Meeting right now. Sadly your aren't here. But I guess the young lady Greystar sent will be a great representative as well. I guess you still have been informed about the situation with SCAF. I don't know how this meeting will end, and I don't care, I will accept its decision. But I need to prepare my people for everything. We have not fought in the Shaper War. The old elite mostly died. Herans who were fishermans, so sailors on an ocean, are becoming sailors of the stars now. I don't know what SCAF has available, and it doesn't matter. The Protectorate needs to be prepared to defend itself. You wanted to run some wargame with the EP right? Transporting materials to a planet was hard, so you just ended up fantasizing about it with Kay. What if, with the help of Galatean tech, we could run a completly simulated war game. Space combat, ground combat, everything? You and Kay get your wargame and I know that Elysian soldiers and space ship crews know what buttons to press if a real enemy steps onto our doorstep. What do you think? Oh, and the agent of yours, the one you send to the council, is she shy or does she think bad about me? May the flame in your heart guide your way. Daitrij Herald of the Protectorate and Voice of its People

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-20 09:22 AM

Eisheru bids Svenka farewell once they get to Marmora. He spends the next two days checking in with people to ensure everything is running smoothly. He informs the city council that artisans and tradespeople will be coming from Sumati to teach those willing to learn about their craft or trade. He also looks to gather one hundred volunteers who would be willing to head to Sumati on a cultural exchange program. In addition to an all expenses paid trip to Sumati, he offers to pay their taxes for the rest of the year as well as offer a 1000 credit bonus.

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 09:32 AM

(Wouldnt be a problem to get volunteers given whatnyou're offering)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-20 09:33 AM

(I'd even be willing to throw some Fac Creds at this if you think that is a better use than just straight credits. Given the logistics of getting people there and setting up new people here.)

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 09:33 AM

(I don't think the fac creds are needed since Shriven's ship has to go back to Sumati anyway)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-20 09:47 AM

(If there are no issues to address in Marmora, I'm gonna get a gear list together and then head to Suha to deal with the Riven Separatists) (edited)

(Also lmk if this counts as completing goal: "Find patrons of arts and trades to bring to Marmora to help teach locals" 3XP)

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 09:49 AM

(it counts)

(and nothing else here, everyone's about as content as can be right now)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-20 10:33 AM

(Picking up Storm Armor, 2x Type B Cells, 2x Demo Charge, Rocket Launcher, x6 Missile) (Total cost: 25,000) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-20 11:32 AM

(The only thing I would want to do before heading to Suha is to check out that Psi-Mech that Kensh recovered. If it is in a state to be checked out that is)

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 11:54 AM

(it is in a state to be examined)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-20 11:59 AM

(lets do that then!)

After acquiring the necessary goods and they are loaded onto the Charybdis, Eisheru takes time to check in with the Research Department on the recently recovered Psi-Mech

Nekosmash 26-Aug-20 02:13 PM

The mech is being held in the starhab, in secure storage, until such time someone is able to review it and study its workings. Several layers of security, patrols, and guards keep it, and other items Greystar is protective of, away from the general public and wandering eyes

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 26-Aug-20 02:38 PM

Eisheru approaches the security detail and identifies himself. He informs them he is there to investigate the mech recovered by the Director on Suha Once the necessary checks are made he would first do an exterior inspection before climbing into the machine. He would focus his MES senses to see if there is a flow of energy on the machine and where it is directed

Nekosmash 27-Aug-20 06:44 AM

The machine is heavily damaged from the fight and the numerous explosives needed to take it down. The legs will need an entire rebuild, and even then might be more suited to a redesign like your current mech. It is a light variety, and the mind interface unit has also been shattered, requiring a rebuild with psionically active components

(light psimech, needs some things that store or amplify psychic powers to function again)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-20 06:49 AM

(ooo a light boy. cool. will add to the to do list of things to look out for.)

(Can I direct AT engineers to do the mechanical repairs so that the mech itself is operational? sans psimech fittings of course)

Nekosmash 27-Aug-20 06:52 AM

(yeah, they can do the actual metal work)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-20 06:54 AM

(will do that then)

(Ready to head to Suha on the Charybdis.)

Nekosmash 27-Aug-20 11:00 AM

(3 days of spike in total either direct, or stopping at Buey first for a day)

(comes out the same in the wash)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-20 11:07 AM

(direct, 34/90 pressure field)

Nekosmash 27-Aug-20 11:43 AM

The ruins of Riven have been encircled on the plains and landward side by the Suha defense force, and Skirmishing teams watch the mountain passes for any rebels trying to escape the heavily contaminated area. small firefights have occasionally occurred at the ruin edges, though last less than a few moments, especially once Suhan artillery begins firing. The rebels are usually driven back, or are organically melting away by that point- now beginning to understand the capabilities of the field guns deployed against them

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-20 11:54 AM

Eisheru approaches the field commander for the forces deployed and greets him. His Storm Armor face plate down so the Merlon's face can be easily seen. The badge of being an Agent of the Confederation is emblazoned upon the chest plate of the protective suit. "Greetings General. I'm coming under orders of the Director himself. Said to make myself useful here. I am no military strategist but have many abilities that might be useful. Let me know how I can help and I will see it done."

Nekosmash 27-Aug-20 01:52 PM

"We know there are thousands of separatists in there holed up, in the city ruins and probably under it with them being undetected so long. The rad fog makes concentrated effort to get them into a decisive battle difficult , they know if they're out in the open, we'll likely roll them over'

"but i also don't fancy the idea of sending piecemeal patrols in to die as we whittle them down"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-20 02:53 PM

"We have any idea where they might be holed up? There a sewer system that they are hiding in that we can assault them through? Or maybe we can do something to flush them out? Gas them out type thing..."

Nekosmash 27-Aug-20 04:58 PM

"If they're surviving in low level rad clouds, they'll survive gas too. We thought about firebombing the surface, or flooding the area, but those are both going to take serious work to do"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-20 05:53 PM

"Not to mention the collateral damage... Any known tunnel or sewer entrances nearby? Perhaps we can assault them through where they are taking refuge instead of over land."

Nekosmash 27-Aug-20 06:31 PM

“Right. You asked that. None we have been able to find from out here”

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 27-Aug-20 06:35 PM

Eisheru thinks for a moment. "If going in to get them is not a viable option, what about luring them out? Have they been known to attack certain targets?" (edited)

Nekosmash 28-Aug-20 05:00 AM

''Not the way things are, since we've come in force. Someone floated the idea of a fake retreat"

"Leaving only a token force behind, in the hopes they take the bait, so they can strip our dead if nothing else

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-20 06:35 AM

"I could stay behind with the token force and be the eyes of our larger strike teams. As a Telepath, I can join the minds of several of our battle field commanders so we can use radio communications to continue the charade and then contact you mentally when the Separatists are coming to investigate. We could be the division that's lagging behind or having some other issues that prevents us from leaving with the main force."

Nekosmash 28-Aug-20 06:37 AM

"something like that would work, and then we encircle the forces sallying out, hopefully bringing them into a decisive battle)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-20 06:43 AM

"Let's gather the field commanders together. I can weave together a unity with six others. We will be able to share thoughts and communicate instantaneously over any distance in this solar system as well as share the precise locations of each other. They can then disseminate the information on secure comm channels to their unit commanders. Let's use insecure comm channels to announce the withdrawal to help with the ruse."

Nekosmash 28-Aug-20 08:35 AM

It takes a few moments for everyone to be gathere from their respective command areas, but the sub-commanders are assembled before you, eager to hear about how the opening stages of the battle will be carried out

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-20 08:47 AM

"Greetings commanders, for those of you I haven't met my name is Eisheru Tidecaller. Let's get to business. We are going to stage a mock-retreat from the area of operation. We are going to broadcast this over all comms channels and begin a partial withdrawal. We want the retreat to be as 'loud' as possible. The true plan should be communicated discreetly through word of mouth down the chain of command. I will stay behind and lead a small battalion as the bait. We will lag behind the rest in hopes that the separatists will think they have a ripe target to attack." "As I am a telepath I am able to weave together a unity of minds so that the group of us can be in constant communication. We will know our exact positions as well as be able to share thoughts and words instantaneously. Once the main separatist force takes the bait and engages the lagging battalion. You all will swoop around with your units and encircle them so we can end this decisively." "Are there any questions? Any concerns?"

Nekosmash 28-Aug-20 08:48 AM

Everyone is in agreement with the plan, especially as you have elected yourself to remain behind with the bait force, and this means they are out of direct danger. The combat is still expected to be vicious despite the advantageous position you're hoping to get, but everyone is eager to clear the city

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-20 08:50 AM

Eisheru nods and reaches out to one commander's mind before weaving another Unity. He includes the other commanders so they can all hear the thoughts shared to the group. "Tell your troops to be ready to race back to assist. Once the battle is pitched they should be moving quickly and lightly to reengage the separatists before they can have a chance to break off"

Nekosmash 28-Aug-20 03:01 PM

ORders are carried out, and they await the concert of minds to begin. ditching supplies, towing field guns, and the pull-back of aircraft is widely broadcast and made to be easily seen by the separatists within. They try to add to the chaos by firing a few long range mortars, but without forward observers, the shells land either far too short, or way long

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Aug-20 03:13 PM

Eisheru stands and addresses the remaining battalion "Our task is not an easy one, but a necessary one so that we can ensure the life of the Confederation. Our goal is to draw them in and keep them engaged. As we start to see them we are going to withdraw under fire. You will want to separate your supplies from your weapons and ammo. Ensure towed guns have their firing mechanisms pulled. As soon we come into contact we are going to leave non essential combat supplies and continue the withdrawal. Drop anything that slows you down and keep up with the rest of the force. Supplies can be replaced, your lives cannot." (ready to get into it if there aren't any questions)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-20 06:01 AM

(also in preparation gonna get a demo charge out and use TK manipulation on it to hold it near him)

Nekosmash 29-Aug-20 05:16 PM

(Did you need the force disposition from kensh’s thread?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-20 05:51 PM

(two divisions and a corps right?)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-20 06:01 PM

(division and two brigades with fighter and bomber wing. Are they gonna be able to use their weapons? Or Cyrus problem?)

Nekosmash 29-Aug-20 06:01 PM

(There atmo I think arent they?)

They’re )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-20 06:02 PM

(let me check)

(yup fighters have flak battery and atmo. Bombers have torpedos and atmo)

Nekosmash 29-Aug-20 06:26 PM

(Yeah. I’m fine with it in this case)

1

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-20 06:27 PM

(organic bonus? Or just can do the air strike ability?)

Nekosmash 29-Aug-20 06:27 PM

(The air strikes ability

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-20 06:27 PM

(cool. Good to go when you are)

Nekosmash 29-Aug-20 06:27 PM

(They weren’t roped into organic support for the unit so this is the best way to go. I’ll try to get back to a computer tonight for my opposing force notes)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Aug-20 06:28 PM

(yeah no rush buddy

I'm not going anywhere)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 08:28 AM

Seeing the withdrawl, and the pulling back of Greystar armed forces, the separatist leaders fall for the bait, and a brigade sized unit begins emerging from the rad clouds. The soldiers are in thick armor, with masks, air filters, and heavy boots and gloves. They are supported by light tanks, and a few specialized walkers that seem to be responsible for some sort of logistics role, and are running empty.

(so they'd clash right now just with whatever unit Eish is personally leading)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 08:47 AM

(I'll take one of the brigades and we can say this is the rear guard?) "Contact rear!" He raises his spear and a blast flies towards one of the oncoming soldiers (22/18) "Keep moving! Ditch the supplies! Retreat!" The queue to continue the false trap. He reaches out to the Unity and let's them know that the battle is pitched and to begin swinging around to pincher the separatists.

(also gonna call in air support on their tanks. Comes in 1d6x2 minutes.)

(4 minutes)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 08:55 AM

(and then its 2d6+unit strength+any organic bonuses for support)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 08:56 AM

(2d6+1(unit size)+4(TL))

(11)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 12:15 PM

(17, got a 12 for the roll, I have won by 6, so take one step of damage, and your unit takes d8 steps) (Separatist vanguard is now a readied brigade)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 01:14 PM

(2 steps of damage)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 01:51 PM

(So it’s whatever is after fresh and readied. I forgot the step before bloodied)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 02:05 PM

(fresh, ready, bloody, crippled, downgraded/destroyed)

(so I have a Bloodied brigade)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 03:18 PM

(don't know if we just want to keep going with rolling or if there is a combat you want to take me through. No rush either way)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 03:25 PM

(I think the first decision is, do we want to begin committing the other units. Passage of time wise, combat has probably gone on for about half an hour to an hour, but GS ground forces are getting the worst of it)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 03:27 PM

(do i have any sense of the position of the other brigade and division in relationship to the separatists? I know the exact location of the people in the unity)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 03:32 PM

(They have withdrawn and are in a very broad encirclement,

of the vanguard, not of the ruins entire, )

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 03:33 PM

(so it's a decision between springing it now and maybe some escape or waiting but maybe taking more casualties?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 03:50 PM

(right, too soon, you might not get them all, wait too long, you might be in serious trouble or overrun)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 03:51 PM

(we will stick it out for one more. Another set of rolls?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 03:51 PM

(yes please)

(12 for me)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 03:51 PM

(13)

(I take 1d4 and you take 1d6)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 03:53 PM

(1 step, am now a bloodied brigade)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 03:54 PM

(I take 2 steps, downgraded to a ready battalion. If that's right?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 03:57 PM

(yeah) Casualties mount as the moments go by, with Greystar rearguard soldiers forced to use abandoned supply crates, explosve shell craters, and even piles of their own and enemy dead for cover. In several areas the fighting is hand to hand, with the combat knife, rifle butt, and bayonet becoming the weapons of choice. Near Eisheru, one of the Greystar soldiers is strangling a separatist with his own gas mask hose, and 10m away, a thrown entrenchment shovel disembowels a suhan defense force scout

The odds are slowly turning against the rearguard, and even the medics are forced to fight now, handguns barking in place of medkits

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 04:25 PM

Eisheru does what he can to pick up soldiers with his bioscopy powers before sending them running. The time was now to spring the trap. He orders a full withdrawal while having the other brigade and division come in for the finishing blows hopefully. (If we can, withdraw this unit and engage with the other two.) (edited)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 05:12 PM

(we can sure do that)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 05:14 PM

(how do we do this with two units attacking? Rolling against each? Or a bonus to one roll?)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 06:16 PM

(it would be one combat at a time)

(so we'd roll the new unit against my weakening group, then the second new unit)

(I think)

(I know tere's rules for combining attacks but i feel like it almost cheats you out of steps of damage)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 06:17 PM

(ok the first one is the division and it has the special forces specialization. Doubles the TL value on the first roll)

(18)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 06:25 PM

(13)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 06:26 PM

(I take 1d2 you take 1d6)

Pinned a message.

(2 steps, Bloodied division) (edited)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 06:28 PM

(i just wiped, 5 steps)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 06:29 PM

(there is a battalion sized unit for mass combat)

(which is one step smaller than brigade)

Nekosmash 30-Aug-20 06:30 PM

(I'm a bloodied brigade right now, 1 step pushes me to reduced, then the 4 steps there destroys the battalion and make the army too small for a mass combat formation) (edited)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 30-Aug-20 06:39 PM

(I think it would go crippled brigade, then to a fresh battalion, then 3 steps so reduced to a crippled battalion) (edited)

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 05:28 AM

(yes but unless i win by 10 in the next fight, which is mathematically impossible, the next step of damage kills me)

(and we have the other combat still)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 05:28 AM

(Am good to move on then

) (edited)

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 10:19 AM

The field is a mess of burning vehicles, dead men from both sides, and destroyed buildings. Rubble coats almost every access road into Riven, though it seems their main organized military effort has been defeated here. Few prisoners are taken, such was the ferocity of the encircling action. Those remaining only fill up a handful of trucks. The supply walkers were among the first hit, and their long legged platformed bodies lie across the ground like broken pack animals. Their wrecks were focal points of the fight, and dozens of dead from both sides form piles around the leg areas. Most were killed in hand to hand, with fists, knives, rifle butts, shovels, and anything from the ground that was solid enough to injure.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 11:00 AM

Eisheru surveys the carnage around him. A couple months ago it would have been unfathomable that he would be standing amid such destruction. Now he is completely at peace with it, knowing that this needed to be done to ensure the safety of his beloved Confederation. He walked through the field towards the walkers. Any wounded he will use his limited bioscopic powers to heal and send on their way to get checked by actual doctors and medics. He looks at all the dead confederation soldiers and says a silent prayer. He knew he was going to have many letters to write to heart broken families. Making his way over to the walkers he inspects their contents as well as the possible viability of them being repaired or reverse engineered. Hoping there is enough there for the latter

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 11:10 AM

The walkers were empty, mostly a legged platform for the taking of the ruse cargo GS forces left behind. There are enough of the various wrecks to study, though no single one is intact on its own

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 11:15 AM

Eisheru reaches out to the field commands through the unity, "It appears we have won the day. Let's collect our honored dead for proper burial. Mass graves for the separatists. Also get an engineering crew and some lighters to these walkers. I will be with the prisoners" Eisheru begins the long walk towards where the prisoners are being held in the trucks. He uses his harpoon as a walking stick. The Liberation did not protect him from the physical exhaustion that war would take on a body. Once at the prisoners he would search around for the highest ranking individual alive

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 12:23 PM

The highest living prisoner is a captain, who has lost most of his hand, and is being attended to by medics. his mask is gone, and his face is pale, black veined, with bloodshot eyes underneath. His mustache is brown, streaked with gray, and thick.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 12:29 PM

Eisheru walks over to the man and looks him up an down, "Captain, my name is Eisheru. I have some questions for you if you care to answer them. Or if you prefer I can extract them from you?" while he waits for an answer he touches the man with one finger and pours in bioscopic energy into him (2hp, 1 strain)

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 06:06 PM

He nods once to himself, and then looks at you dead in the eyes. "You'll have to take them from me" but there is no hostility in his gaze

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 06:26 PM

"You availed yourselves well. I commend you on a hard fought battle." Eisheru places his hands on the sides of his forehead and stares deeply into his eyes. Focusing his MES senses before delving into the Captain's mind (same deal. Effortless questions I'll just post a list. 1) where is their base camp? 2) who is in charge of the separatists? 3) what's the safest way to get to their base camp? 4) what were they planning to do up here? 5) what were their grievances with the Suha government and the Confederation? 6) what's with the black veins on your face? 7) how many more of you are there?)

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 07:08 PM

You get the sense he wants to cooperate, but could not risk looking like a collaborator in front of his men.

Make it look good he sends to you, quietly

1) they have several smaller camps scattered amid the city ruins. There is not enough supply in any one place for a large gathering. 2) their commander was killed in the battle 3) The safest way is directly down the main boulevard of the city 4) they just wanted to avoid notice and hopefully be left alone 5) They were former workers, mistreated by the Smorkle regime, and who thought the gun was an extravagant waste. They refused to be part of a regime bringing this into the univese 6) Long term rad exposure has given most of them various untreatable blood disorders 7) Not enough to matter

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 07:12 PM

"Understood. Thrash your head a bit" he sends back to the man "You know... If you struggle less... This would go easier on you"

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 07:16 PM

He growls, some of it theatrical, but seems to be selling it enough

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 07:19 PM

"I will ensure you come with me, I am sorry to do this but it will not kill you. Just give you a bad head ache" "I said, stop Resisting!" Eisheru forces his head back a few inches so its bent back only to the point of being uncomfortable and then slams his mind with a wave of telepathic force (-1 Effort, Telepathic Assault, Mental save to resist. 36 damage if failed, half on success)

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 07:20 PM

(It's going to kill him even on a pass)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 07:20 PM

(its non-lethal, he is only knocked unconscious for an hour)

Nekosmash 31-Aug-20 07:26 PM

(he's downed then, but the answers were as complete as he knew them to be)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 31-Aug-20 07:32 PM

(Yeah I think Eish just wants to learn more about the situation that caused the issue between him an Smorkle and doesn't want Smorkle to sweep it under the rug before he has a chance to investigate it thoroughly) Eisheru looks at a pair of nearby Confederation soldiers, "You two, pick this man up. He is coming with me for further questioning." Eisheru connects with Evan Wriker, "Evan, please bring down the Charybdis. I need you to pick up a prisoner that I want kept separated."

Nekosmash 01-Sep-20 09:13 AM

The ship lands a distance from the battlefield and the captive is taken aboard, stowed in a place where he will be safe and monitored for the flight elsewhere

Below, the trucks begin ferrying the few remaining prisoners to a small camp made near Steelheart, until Smorkle decides what will be done with them

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Sep-20 10:58 AM

Eisheru reaches out to the field commanders once again and shares the information that was gleaned from the prisoner. Shouldn't be much more than a mop up job at this point. He instructs them to use main city boulevard. (He would wait around to see if there is anything else needed of him, otherwise he would go and check on the Captain that was captured to learn more about the disagreement with Smorkle)

Nekosmash 01-Sep-20 10:59 AM

(GS has an overwhelming manpower advantage now, the worst of it is over, nothing you specifically would be needed for now, though the unity is probably something the unit commanders would keep using if you're remaining on world)

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Sep-20 11:03 AM

(Yup. Ill remain in orbit while I talk to Captain Riven. As long as I remain in system the unity remains)

Nekosmash 01-Sep-20 11:04 AM

The captain is awake now, given rudimentary medical attention, but has remained otherwise silent

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Sep-20 11:11 AM

Eisheru instructs Evan to make for low orbit and to hold them there. He walks over to the captain and places another hand on his shoulder to pour more healing energy into him (3+6+6 for 3 strain) "Unfortunately I am not so skilled a bioscopic to help you with the damage caused by radiation. We are safe here. This is my personal ship and my loyal crew and we are no longer on the planet. Can you tell me more about the situation between your people and the Suhan government? I understand there was a disagreement about the Red Horizon singularity gun?"

Nekosmash 02-Sep-20 02:08 PM

"You seem to have already pulled the answers from my head. What you saw is what the disagreement is. We believed it was an extravagant waste, even before The Scream"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Sep-20 02:34 PM

"And Smorkle's response was to abuse and oppress his workers?" Eisheru pinches the bridge of his nose. A precarious position. Suha is an invaluable member of the Confederation and the Red Horizon gun literally saved the sector. "I can understand why you would believe the Red Horizon singularity gun was and is a waste. My only counter to that is that without it, we all might be flesh Shapers right now..." Eisheru takes a deep breath giving the man some time to process the information. "While I look further into the abuse of the Suhan government, here's what I can do for you and the survivors. A dear friend of mine on Acastus is capable of healing the disease caused by living in radiation for so long. After that there is a new colony being developed on Espinoza. I can ensure all of you have a chance at a new life away from Suha. Any who surrender I will guarantee gets this treatment and a chance at a new beginning. Do you think the remaining Rivenites will find this acceptable?"

Nekosmash 02-Sep-20 05:23 PM

"All 100 or so of us your men left alive? Doubt we'll do much to contribute to colony life there, but if its that or the airlock, I'll take it"

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 02-Sep-20 05:37 PM

"The colony there is small. Only 700 right now. The survivors will be integral in colony life there. I regret the way things have ended at Riven." A lie but he was used to telling them at this point. "Since I cannot bring back the dead, the best I can do is make it better for the living. Rest now. Your men will be brought back to Acastus to be healed and then to Espinoza for part two of your life. At least you will be struggling against the wilds of a planet instead of your former friends and neighbors." Eisheru gets up to leave the man to rest from the days battle. He walks back to the bridge where Evan keeps them in low Orbit. "Send word to Adamaris, he will have some visitors at the Starhab soon. They will need his healing touch." Eisheru then reaches out to the field commanders. He let's them know to bring the prisoners to the Star hab and to be held there for Adamaris Tidecaller. Then they are to be brought to Espinoza. Any who surrender in Riven are to receive the same treatment. Eisheru sits in the captain's chair and tries to relax his aching muscles. "Let's go home, Evan. I have little desire to celebrate this victory. I think we both have earned a bit of a vacation. A real one this time."

Nekosmash 02-Sep-20 05:38 PM

(6xp, 5000 credits)

Evan turns the ship home, to the city that has your sisters name, and the site of your sanctuary from the tribulations of life

Perhaps duty will call again soon. It always does. For now, however , the seas are calm , and it is a time for rest.

8

6

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 03-Sep-20 12:07 PM

Level 14 Skill Point - Telekinesis (1) 1 of 3 Skill Point - Telekinesis (1) 2 of 3 Skill Point - Telekinesis (2) Telekinesis (2) Technique - Impact Sump Unspent Telekinesis Skill Point [1] HP - 64 [1+3+2+5+4+2+4+4+6+3+4+3+5+4+(14*1)]

Goal Completed: Bring 5 Planets into the Confederation Goal Completed: Suppress any dissenters to Greystar Combine rule

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 10:48 AM

A gentle presence enters Svenka's mind. She can feel an ocean breeze and the smell of the salt spray of oceans crashing on a beach. A wind chime can be heard faintly and she gets the distinct feeling that someone would like to speak to her if she chooses to open her mind to the unknown presence. There is a friendliness to the presence as well as a familiarity. @Svenka Vilnovha

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 10:51 AM

Hi Eish. Been a while. She smiles slightly.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 11:00 AM

It has been... Too long. I have missed our connection, dear friend. She can feel that he returns the smile. A small one that she knows is saved for a select few since the days of the Liberation Are you free tonight? Was going to the Chris Fury concert.. Wanted to know if you would like to come...

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 11:04 AM

Planning on it, have a backstage pass and everything. Haven’t been to a concert in.... a long time. Don’t really know his music, but happy to hear it! She pauses, slight trepidation. And it would be good to see you again.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 11:12 AM

Have had the chance to listen to some of his music. He is quite the versatile musician. I have missed you dearly... I would very much like to see you again. I am already backstage. Come find me whenever you get here. There is an extension of the connection and she gains an intrinsic understanding of his location. Since they are both experienced in this unity there is no rush of emotions or sense of being overwhelmed. More like a continuation of a conversation that had been on pause for quite some time

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 11:19 AM

She makes her way through the fair-like atmosphere, winding through crowds, some nerves at being back home again. Dressed in a sleeveless asymmetrical grey jacket, hanging low on her left side and short on the right, snug deep red pants and a sleeveless shirt on underneath. Ozweina wrapped around her neck like a deadly-looking high-tech scarf. More makeup than she has ever worn. She spots Eish, smiles and approaches. Hello again.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 11:31 AM

Eisheru is wearing a navy blue jacket with a high collar. The blue reminds Svenka of the deepest ocean depths. So dark it could be confused as black. He sports a slate grey pair of trousers tucked into black fashion boots. He wears a necklace with one of the serpent's teeth dangling from the simple leather silver chain. There is some copper wire that is twisted around the fang in an intricate pattern. Hearing her voice and sensing her presence behind him, Eisheru turns and there is a glint of happiness in his eyes as he sees his friend and business partner. He doesn't say a word and just takes a few steps towards her while holding his arms out for a hug. She can sense even the muted feelings of longing for his friend that had been with him through most of tribulations

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 11:37 AM

She pulls him into a snug hug. Maybe a bit too long and a bit too tight. Hiding the slight tears in the corners of her eyes until she has control again and can step back. She knows he can feel her emotions, but doesn’t want them to show on her exterior. Sorry I was away for so long. Things to do... figure out.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 12:16 PM

Eisheru pulls her further into the embrace. One of friendship. Of unconditional love. She can feel that he is lending his support and emotional fortitude. Tears that gather in her eyes are whisked away by an unseen force. She can see them dance and refract the light as they are carried away. As she pulls away he gives her another private smile before ultimately returning to his stoic self We are here together now. And that is all that matters. This moment. The present. The past is what it is and you never need to apologize for taking time to yourself. The pair walk to a quiet spot back stage that has a picturesque view of the landscape of Gudrun. How have you been? Things going well? Read the report you were on Danae, glad that you were able to help bring some order and aid to the people there

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 12:19 PM

It’s a mess. Their people are scattered, frustrated. We are improving things, but it seems like it’s never enough.... It feels strange being back here. Home and not home. I guess that is how things are. I do miss the Taros.... do you miss your homeworld?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 12:24 PM

Well... Whatever help that Aiya Tech can lend to the recovery efforts will be given of course. Just make the requisitions. Your signature is approval enough. Our bottom line means nothing if we don't use what we have to help people. It has been some time since you have come to Gudrun, has it not? Bittersweet I am sure... there is a long pause as Svenka can feel him gather his own thoughts I do miss home... Well... In the way that I can. Just... So much has changed and while I would not feel the pain of my family's possible rejection... I am not eager to go find out if that bridge is going to burn or not... It is not like on Jahnavi where they rely on The Liberated to ensure they have food... (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 12:48 PM

Since I left. Some part of me assumed I would get clapped into chains by Marcion on arrival. I... carry a lot of anger, frustration. Maybe I need to let some of that pass through me more and focus on the here and now... on how things can be better for all people, not just... She smiles. Sometimes you cant go home... and sometimes it isn’t home anymore. My home is with Greystar now.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 01:06 PM

Heh... I think Marcion might be eating his hat. Should have seen the look on his face when it was Director Kensh that opened the door to his cell on Savita. A brief scene plays out replaying the events of the Raid on Savita. Showing two Greystar agents successfully rescuing the former head of CIS Need to find something that centers you, friend. It is not good for you to hold onto that which brings so much anger into your heart. Our lives... This life... Far too short as it is. And my home... my home is Marmora. And for as long as you want it to be, your home too.

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 01:19 PM

Marmora. Yes. Although I have invested some of my resources into a cruiser... I want to push to the east in the future, actually try to explore, after we have stabilized things at home. So much to do, always so much to do... If we can find places like Danae before raiders get to them, we can make a difference, maybe even retain some pretech that will make things better for all of us. She sighs. I’ve been so focused on being mad at the arrogance I saw within the UNW that I have let that blind me, somewhat, to what should be the real focus. What I thought of when I met the Red Sangha again. I hated them. I actually wanted them dead after what happened on that station. I thought that they were incapable of good... and then I felt that way about the UNW.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 03:02 PM

You will always find places that need help. I am confident that you will continue to be the light in the darkness for many people. Whatever I can do to help you, you have but to ask. Eisheru clasps his hands loosely behind his back. Smiling and greeting people that walk by. You have every right to feel as you do. But I worry for you. That anger will only consume you. Makes you see enemies where there might not be any. You have so much love to share with the galaxy, don't let it be overshadowed by that hatred.

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 03:11 PM

She nods Working on it, Eisheru. You took your path and I need to find mine. I need... to be less difficult. To hold on to things less when they don’t matter. To focus on doing good. She pauses. We do need to talk a few things through, I don’t know when the right time is.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 03:33 PM

I know you are, Svenka. I have faith in you, friend. Whenever you are ready is the right time. I am always here for you whenever you need.

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 04:51 PM

She smiles. Clearly holding back some thoughts. Perhaps not now, maybe after the concert.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 06:24 PM

Eisheru doesn't pry and she can just feel the support and love that he has for her. One of the few things in this universe that sparks an intense feeling given his new state of being. Whenever you are ready. So have you been to Galatea yet? Dorian and I have spent the last couple weeks there. Been quite the experience. Learning to ski... Who would think, a Merlon in the snow!

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 06:30 PM

Yeah. Had lunch there and went to the museum of things used to kill and taken from large creatures, with Nat...Natalia.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 07:11 PM

How is Natalia? Had a chance to meet her briefly back on the Starhab. Quite the jumpy one

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 07:16 PM

Yeah. I’m trying to figure that out. We seem to butt heads a lot. But I like her. She smiles. Idealistic. Frustrating. Antisocial. Cute. Fuck. She looks at the floor.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 07:20 PM

You two have been working together quite a lot. Sounds like she keeps you on your toes. She sounds a lot like you. Sans anti-social. Have you been happy when you spend time with her?

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 07:21 PM

It varies! She laughs In the balance, yes.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 07:25 PM

I'm happy for you Svenka. Really. You deserve to be happy and to be with someone who can bring you happiness.

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 07:35 PM

He’s starting. We should enjoy the show. She smiled at Eisheru.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 07:46 PM

Eisheru nods Let's! Should have some good seats with these passes.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 08:14 PM

The pair find an out of the way corner to watch the show. Both had always preferred to be on the outskirts of crowds. Much more behind the scenes like of people. The first song begins to play. A new one new must have been working on in the studio. Eisheru was caught off guard. Even Svenka can feel the uncertainty. The verse progresses and Eisheru can feel Svenka's rising emotions. And then the line hits. "Your love's left to cry." Svenka I... I didn't know... I wouldn't... Haven't talked to him... (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 08:21 PM

She politely excuses herself, tears welling and emotion barely held back, darting in the direction of the nearest bathroom. Just... fucking... give me... fuck. The connection fades. Not severed but not shared.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 08:28 PM

Svenka wait... I'm-..." the connection is reduced to just sharing location relative to each other. "... Sorry... Fuck..." Eisheru stands there. Alone. Picturesque of a stoic being. Outwardly unphased by the song lyrics. He stands there for minutes on end not really paying attention to the world around him. Lost in memory of a past life that seemed ages ago yet still only a couple months previous. (edited)

Svenka Vilnovha 28-Sep-20 08:32 PM

It takes some time, Chris is well into his set when the connection reopens. Sorry... I couldn’t.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 28-Sep-20 08:47 PM

In the intervening time Eisheru unknowingly walked back to the overlook behind the stage. He looks down at the rolling plains that surround Prime and sighs. A night meant to reconnect with a dear friend instead turning into them spending most of it apart. Svenka can feel that he is still there. He isn't ignoring her but he seems... Not wholly present. Lost in thought. Errant images of their times together flash briefly over the connection.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Sep-20 06:16 PM

@Svenka Vilnovha Of course there is love here. There has always been love here. Even though we grow and change with the tides and the seasons, what we have built together and with friends does not fade. It gets made stronger and more vibrant when we share it and bring more in to the family that we choose.

Svenka Vilnovha 29-Sep-20 07:03 PM

Wanted to have a night to... tell you. Guess I didn’t need that. Maybe we just have a night to be. She shares a vision of exploring a vast ocean. I love you Eisheru. You are the family I choose.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Sep-20 07:13 PM

And I you, Svenka. It caught me off guard, but know this. I want you to be happy and loved and cared for. If she does those things for you, what more could I ask for? You will always have a place in my heart, in my family and at my table. The vision expands to include the chosen family that they all had brought together, exploring that ocean. Together. There are still a couple ocean worlds that need exploring. And I think you still owe me a dive in the Wings' that you promised oh so long ago.

Svenka Vilnovha 29-Sep-20 07:41 PM

I know, dummy. That’s why the vision. She smirked. Natalia is wonderful and frustrating and I care a lot about her. Thank you.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 29-Sep-20 08:42 PM

Guess you have a thing for frustrating individuals. What are you thanking me for?

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Oct-20 08:27 AM

@Svenka Vilnovha

Svenka Vilnovha 01-Oct-20 08:36 AM

Accepting her. Being so wonderful. Being someone I cannot put into words, for me. She smiled more fully. I’m going to try to have everything and be selfish. We will see how it all works out.

Reza Collins (Eisheru) 01-Oct-20 08:44 AM

You, Dorian and Kensh are the only family I have anymore... I do not want to have a life without you being part of it or me being part of yours. Natalia seems to be a fine woman and if she can keep you happy and care for you then she is family to me. Mentally he gives her the biggest hug of his life. Probably squeezing way too hard but he doesn't care. She is one of the few people that can spark any sort of reaction from the Merlon anymore. Even if it is muted. You deserve to be selfish. You have done enough for those around you to warrant it. And if anyone says differently... Well I will have a few words with them and we can change that... A wicked grin appears on his face in their shared mental space