Post by EmperorMyric on Oct 30, 2021 12:02:57 GMT
Hurandan Pylon: Palar Rift
They hadn’t lied, the tone was still serene as it filled the mind and being of Sajar Vega. It was like being a child again and hearing your mothers soothing voice, telling you that everything is going to be alright.
For the briefest moment it almost convinced Sajar and turned her away from her mission. Thankfully her two assistants would not have let her. If the song could make a hardened veteran like her loose herself for even the smallest of moments, then it was a threat. They had petitioned the Silent Weapons Committee for so long; the Pylon was an unknown. It is a threat and while it was benign now there was no reason it could not suddenly turn dangerous, the Committee had refused the statement saying that the Pylon was a wonder to study and that it would yield insights into the nature of its existence.
No such insights had come. And when the song changed, even slightly as reported by both instruments and the people there Sajar had gotten her evidence. While it was still benign, the capacity for change was there and that was enough. Sajar had her mandate, and regardless of what the Committee told her she would carry it out to the best of her abilities. And now here she was, standing up to the very edge of the Pylon itself.
Sajar placed her hand on the smooth extremely dark grey wall before her, enclosed within the metropolis of New Atlantic this section of the huge void city was built entirely around the Pylon. Curiously the closer you got to it the more music venues and entertainment there was, a factor which had been observed by countless nations and the Office of Clinical Interventions too. ‘Witch Hunters’ they called them. Sajar snorted to herself, she was a professional Inspector with a full doctorate, and she was here to do a job for the benefit of countless people here. Both of her assistants stood next to her while a whole group of armed escorts kept people away from them.
“Let this be a quick healing venture. Bring forth the object” Sajar spoke aloud still touching the Pylon and feeling its hum flow through her. At the command one of her assistants opened a small box to bring forth a tiny flesh covered ball, purply and pulsating the assistant passed it to Sajar who merely pointed it at the dark exterior wall. A second later there was a flash of pink light and before them stood a glowing opening, the substance that the Pylon was made from clearly not match for the object she had acquired on the market. They could not be long; others would see this and enter too. With a gesture Sajar entered the still distorted tunnel that had been bored into the Pylon quickly followed by her associates.
----
The word however got out very quickly.
Someone had entered the Pylon, and the fact there was now a way in somewhere prompted not just local interest but the message to spread across the Ancnet. Many nations already had science teams operating and based in New Atlantic but it was bound to be the case that others would come here seeking answers. The Pylon was old, powerful and probably contained many secrets, the perfect thing to finally explore given if what had been said was true. Activity around New Atlantic and the Pylon as such ramped up in volume as every explorer, archaeologist and scavenger readied themselves to make the trip.
This was not going to be a small matter it seemed.
It didn't take long for word to reach the stars on Juniper-Canu as they received the intelligence from their listening post in the former Aurxaii Starnation. As of late, ASIM had been keen to keep up with Ancnet's many news articles, while danger levels and security within the Empire had fluctuated so much, that many expeditions and research projects were halted. They finally got a break after the lone object that was so close to Illios Colony. Without hesitation, immediate requests were sent to gather data and information on the mysterous blip of the Plyon that only appeared as a blip among the celestial noise detected by the powerful “DSSWS’ Array. Within a few days, a Contingent of ASIM scientists managed to win the bid for an expedition to the Plyon, granted that they take a small force with them, arranged from the current forces stationed in Auraxii space.
As soon as they landed, they formed ASIM Taskforce 19, a rather sizable company of 3 teams of Scientists, coupled by a security force of equal size composed of Assault Officers and Specialists lead by seasoned warbird, Darjain Hue-dun-kra. The raptor, unlike other leaders who were more annoyed rather than relieved for guard action, actually was abit of an explorer himself. He looked forward to exploring this mysterious platform. The small 4 ship fleet dropped out of X-space with the Plyon in view, it’s mysterious blue hue outlining the rather unnerving spire, which was contrasted by the giant halotropolis that lit it’s orbit.
“….they weren’t kidding when they said it was busy…” came the voice of the Expedition chief. A rather young Bronze Skin scientist who was lucky enough to have his first field led expedition of his career. While this was not his first field expedition, it was indeed his first lead position.
//Heads up...were detecting an unknown field around the Plyon...// The voice of the commander of the 21km battleship that hovered above their ship.
//Might be some kind of Passive Interdiction, but it’s alittle large for a installation. Were having some navigational distruptions.//
“How bad?” The captain of their High Majesty replied.
//Not horrible, but it won’t be fun if someone has to emergency jump. We’ll stay in Long Range engagement distance but you’ll be on your own when you get close enough.//
“Understood Centre” he turned to the Bronze Captain and Warbird who were now standing side by side.
“Well I’m not afraid to get closer, but you’ll have to take the Baizars down to the platforms.” He said.
“I have no problem with that.” Darjain said before looking to Anrbour, the young Expedition chief who looked up at him.
“I don’t object ether.” He said.
“Alright, lets get you down there.” The High Majesty Captain said before looking forward to helm.
“Move us to Dock” he ordered.
The 4 ships continued to move forward until the designated distance the Holy Pantheon stated. The battle ship and single cruiser took a hold position as the second one took the Wing of it’s slightly larger and modified High Majesty variant, amply named ‘Arkest’s Voyage.’ The modified ship had a specialized sensor array on it, opened up as it faced the plyon, taking in physical and wave readings.
//Are you guys hearing what we’re hearing?// The CO of the Holy Pantheon called to the Arkest Voyage as they drew closer. Likely referring to the soft hum that was reverberating against the hull, making the entire crew hear it.
“Yea we are.”
“This must be the ‘singing’ Ancnet was talking about.” Anrbour said.
“It sounds pretty nice...despite I have no idea what the hell it’s singing.” The CO said.
“Perhaps for security we should have full level EVAs?” Darjain suggested to the captain. He nodded.
“Yes, but only if we have to. I rather not waste resources for a non-threat.” He said.
“Once we get down there, we’ll play by ear.” He said.
“….no pun intended.”
Their brief trip to arrive at the massive spire simply floored them with how massive the plyon and it’s halotropolis was. The singing was louder now, but it was already mixed in with the background noise, keeping them crew excited, but happy, mellowed and ready to learn more. As the teams boarded the Baizars and then deployed, revealing the bright lights of the city before them. 5 Baizars angled in as the ‘Arkest Voyage’ maneuvered outside, continuing their external scanning. The plan was simple, one team would gather information from the other science camps on the ring, while the other teams would go look for the fabled entrance that would lead them inside. The remaining team, which was on board of the ‘Arkest’s Voyage’ would be relaying information from the outside. The ‘entrance’ team was the largest the of the group, hoping to cover a larger form of the inside, if they could get in.
Anrbour took a deep breath as they landed on the dock of the city. Major Darjain stepped out as well with their contingent of security and scientists
Among one of the groups that heard of this pylon is the Consulate of Astril. News of this artefact totally caught the public's imagination for a while and fearing that some of their citizens would decide to go on a dangerous mission onto a station where they have no influence the Consulate decided to send an official excursion and research team to find out what is going on there. With no real prior experience in long range expeditions the consulate decided that they would play things safe and send only a small team. They are not willing to take a risk with a large group of people and it shows as the people they have chosen could be deemed as Expendable. They arrive at the station in 2 rather small shuttle craft and the ships proceed to dock quite quickly. After docking they leave their ships and begin to walk deeper into the station, doing the expected check in first of course. They feel the song in their head right away and are noticeably perturbed by it as they have never encountered something like it before in their life. Walking onto the docks are 5 researchers escorted by 10 lightly armed security personnel with nothing more then SMG's and a few flash-bangs. Two of them take the lead; the Security Sergeant and the science officer.
"Why... am i here?" The security sergeant Anatoli Hudson mumbles as the group exit their ships and walk through the docking area towards the pylon. He is 180cm tall with a wide and bulky build. An angular jawline that looks chiselled out of stone. His skin is a very light brown with barely visible hypnotic patterns in it. One eye is fully bright green while the other is a bright blue. He is bald but wears a tight beret that has the Consulate flaming shield emblem on it made out of silver. His hands actually end in small hardened claws with a Damascus pattern that have seen some good use as chips and flaking is present on them. His posture is a bit down as he is stuck with what he thinks is the most annoying scientist to exist. "because you are the best! Why else?" Sofia Stewart says as she walks along with a spring in her step. She is 150cm tall with her bright pink hair. She is wearing a lab coat she has unbuttoned to reveal her choice of fashion underneath. Which is a dazzling bright shirt that looks like an acid trip. It’s a little on the short side, with a thin line of skin showing between the bottom of the shirt and the top of the pants. Speaking of pants, they are a pair of skintight pants made from artificial spider silk and are coloured dark blue with a bright blue spider web pattern sown into them. She has a belt with a buckle that has a half moon symbol but it’s purely decorative as the pants sit tight enough as is. Her hair is short and let loose. With no strand reaching below her shoulders.
"It's in your head now too isn't it?" Sofia asks as she looks upon Anatoli's sour expression. "Yes, and it makes me feel nervous.... Sofia. if i begin acting strange in anyway or give out weird orders, just ignore me. I doubt this obelisk would just stay still and take it. For now let's focus on walking towards this thing." Sofia nods in return. "You know, with the amount of people here, do you think we can score some allies? Better to be safe in numbers then possible.. you know.. anything could happen." "Like being betrayed, i don't want to take the risk, this thing got people up in arms. If we find something valuable in there the chance is high we could get shot at for it. No way i am taking the risk." This makes Sofia shut up again as the group keeps walking
The Ardent Wind was a Minevan Sovereignty research vessel, its sleek stature not breaking half a kilometer in length. At this point it was much less of a research vessel than it was a stationary office in the New Atlantic spaceport. The vast majority of the Minevan crew was enjoying some much-appreciated shore liberty in the void city, taking the opportunity to enjoy a myriad of foreign cultures and partying. They had become very enigmatic all over town, being a rare sight and the anomaly calling to them to let loose for warmer times. The Ardent Wind had a rudimentary security watch rotation and a small patrol rotation in place to ensure the well-being of their ship and crew.
A small fraction of the crew, however, was a small detail working vigilantly. The research staff that formed the heart of the crew's mission were grinding to crack the secrets of the song; making daily trips to and from the structure itself and making detailed observations on their shipborne computers. The complex artificial intelligence personas on board worked in tandem with the diminutive cadre of academics to establish baselines and anomalies in every observable metric of the pylon and surrounding space. The Minevans noted the song was largely consistent over their elongated stay. This was, until the tones shifted and shortly followed news that a group had forced entry into the structure.
This exciting breakthrough was muddied by the news that the group that made it was a subordinate office to the Silent Weapons Committee. This was disheartening to the Minevans for two reasons; they had lost their self-induced competition to find a way in, and in their eyes this was the worst group possible to see the Pylon's naked secrets.
--
The spaceport of New Atlantis was vast, with large roads and causeways leading to and traversing between the elaborate architecture of the more populated parts of town. The Ardent Wind stayed docked in position for such a time that it seemed to collect dust.
At the end of the extended gangway leading to their open cargo bay was a parked utility vehicle with a tall and well-built Minevan man leaning against it. The smoke he exhaled from the last drag of his cigarette matched the grey of his short-cut medium fade hair, flicking the butt away as the cloud dissipated. He looked onto the distant platforms of the port with a trite smile, watching the plethora of incoming and outgoing ships and feeling small in comparison. His mind was filled with memories from before the war; a time of full family gatherings, drinking and dancing without a care, and low stakes. Usually when he would reminisce, it was a poisoned cocktail of feelings. Here on New Atlantic, however, it was simply pleasant with no complications. For Jace Falkoner, it was a long-awaited relief.
He was broken from his reverie by a woman’s voice hollering his name from the elevated shuttle bay. He raised his brow and turned his attention to see the head researcher making a mad dash outside towards the landing. Her name was Pico Reiner; a younger woman whose erratic enthusiasm showed in her less-professional appearance. As opposed to having the trappings of a distinguished academic, she dressed and carried herself as if she was going to share a few beers with a group of friends. She wore a sweater and loose pair of slacks over top of her normal-suit, hair pulled into an expedient messy bun.
“They found a way in!” Pico anxiously called to him, cradling a stuffed duffle bag to her chest that was filled to the brim with loose articles and sheets. She leaned to and sat on the wide railing of the gangway to slide the rest of the way to him.
Before Jace could express his immediate concern at her rash actions, she continued, “It was those guys from Clinical Interventions, we gotta go!”
Jace could not help but chuckle as she swiftly made it to the same level as him. He sent out an alert notification to the ready team to meet up with him en route; he whispered a curse as he expected some level of drama. Jace gave his concealed vest underneath his professional clothes a sanity knock before hopping in the driver’s seat, gunning the accelerator the instant Pico took her own seat.
The barge entered the system, an ornate-looking vessel with a gilded exterior and two ribbed sails on its sides. Within is a curious scene of four figures. The first is a nine-foot-tall humanoid machine with sculpted black musculature covered by exoskeleton-like interlocking plates studded with strange protrusions. His face is a solid mask of metal with a disc embedded in the center, which rotates and has eight camera-like eyes arranged in a circle on it. The second is a 10-foot-tall machine with a sturdy, four-legged lower body and humanoid upper body. covered in thick plates of metal. Its head is nestled between its shoulders and has six red eyes with two at the front, top, and back of its head. The third, an 8-foot-tall humanoid machine with a slender, sexless body and many mechanical tendrils sticking out from head and back. Its body is black musculature coated with thin armor plating, and its face is human, composed of white synthetic tissue and uncannily mask-like. Lastly, the one facing them is a sleek, forty-foot-long space interceptor with an ornate gilded exterior and large missile pods.
The three humanoid machines stand in front of the fighter, cupping their fists and bowing their heads, the first one, Banshevi, speaking. “Senior disciple pays respects to Sect Elder Rulin Shen! You called us for a more thorough understanding of this mission, am I correct? We are but humble servants, naturally we shall listen.” (edited)
“Good.” The strike craft rumbles, not bothering to use the more efficient Info-Cant, speaking in Hanxian, a luxury given they have some time before they arrive. “We’ve concealed your purpose here to prevent information being leaked to our rivals, something we cannot afford to happen at this critical time. Our destination is a foreign structure called ‘Hurandan Pylon’. It emits what seems to be a song, which pacifies the local population. Apparently, this has changed, which is why it has suddenly come to our attention, this sudden alarm. However, this is also an opportunity. Xian Cue, can you tell me why?”
The third humanoid machine responds. “Elder, could it be because this is related to the Psionic Path? Supreme Elder cultivates thus, and if he can gain access to a resource point like this, he could make great gains and have the strength to survive his upcoming Tribulation, is this not so?”
Another rumble from the machine, it seems pleased. “Your answer is good. This is more or less the intent of our party. As you know, the Psionic Path is an emerging path in our world. It is not something with any proper countermeasures yet. The first who comprehend its Dao will have peak battle strength until then. As such, it will be possible for Supreme Elder to subjugate his rivals using this technique, and turn his clan into a super-force on Torish II, a true Rank Three sect!”
Though their faces are impassive, excitement flares in their synthetic neurons as they consider this prospect. A Rank Three Sect led by a Level Three supreme elder would be a significant force on a single planet, like a developed country. Not only would the sect itself be able to move into the Immortal realm, leaving its old rivals in the dust, the cultivation prospects of its members would greatly increase! With so much additional power, there will be more room for rising stars like themselves to have a chance at higher grades, or even the next level. It’s enough that their reluctance to leave the empire and stall their cultivation has faded, replaced by a firm resolve to succeed.
“Our purposes here are threefold.” Rulin Shen continues. “Firstly, we are to determine the nature of this resource, if it is truly Psionic, and if we can make use of it. Secondly, if the first is true, we are to gain access to it for as long as possible. How this is done will need to be determined later, but for now we will focus on negotiation. Lastly, if it seems like a faction is moving to destroy this point, and it is verified as Psionic…” He pauses. “…We must naturally take steps to prevent this. However, as members of the Righteous Path, we cannot strike without reason. For this purpose, we’ll have some of our Level One Cultivators establish good relationships with the settlement surrounding Hurandan Pylon. Should things come to a head, and the locals resist the destruction of the pylon, we can move to defend it under the pretext of assisting our newfound allies.” (edited)
This doesn’t sit well with the three, but at their current position in the sect, they had long been disillusioned as to the nature of politics within the Righteous Path. Everything is allowed, so long as a proper reason can be manufactured first. That is the game the sects play. As long as a reasonable pretext can be manufactured for their defense of the pylon, the rival sects surrounding their own on Torish II won’t be able to dispute their claim, indeed it will be strengthened. Only true scoundrels would think of trying to take the pylon from their jurisdiction.
“As for you, my disciples, you will function as the heads of research. Xian Cue, you have attainment in both Electronic and Psionic Paths, you have the highest chance of determining the nature of this place. Banshevi and Amhendra shall assist you, along with some others. From what we are seeing, it appears that some have invested significant military force to control space, but I will wager our ground forces will have the highest battle strength. This may be of use, it may not-“
Suddenly, the ship comes in range of the song, the Cultivators across the ship feeling its effects. Xian Cue snorts, a deliberate expression of contempt, and forces it out of her body with her own psionic abilities. “Such pathetic techniques, lulling me with such an obvious effect? If I let it pacify me, it would be an offense to the heavens!”
The other Cultivators are a dazed for a few moments, but adjust themselves as well, now fully wary of its influence. “Sister Xian Cue, do tell us if this field becomes… different.” Bashenvi says hesitantly. It is not untrue to say that the Psionic Path has few active countermeasures among Cultivators at this time. The potential danger of this mission is weighing down on them. Unlike Xian Cue, they can’t force the effect out of them, they can merely be aware of how it is forcing them to feel. Even if the emotion is positive, it shows how vulnerable they are to an actual psionic attack. She nods, and Rulin Shen dismisses them.
The trio and their direct subordinates, a group of 17 Cybernetic Cultivators, will move to enter the structure when the barge docks, likely attracting some attention due to their mechanical bodies, though they will not actually enter the structure until ordered by Rulin Shen. Meanwhile, the more human Near-Mortal Cultivators will spread out into the city, playing tourist and gathering information. Lastly, Elder Rulin Shen will attempt to get into contact with the leadership of New Atlantic and pay respects to the leaders of the city as is custom, while also introducing himself as a diplomatic liaison of the Divine Lotus Blossom Empire, asking if they would like to meet and discuss how they can form a mutually beneficial relationship over a nice cup of tea.
VQS Risen Storm - Hyperspace, en route to the Hurandan Pylon
Mera jerked out of a restless sleep as a breach alarm started shrieking somewhere on the ship. Slumping back to the lumpy bed, she cursed under her breath. A moment later, the entire ship jerked and shuddered like a struck bell. Five minutes later, it did it again. Groaning in exhaustion, she pulled herself up, and slouched over to the bathroom. Several minutes later, there was the sound of rattling pipes, a scream, and then more swearing, louder than before.
All told, it was more than three hours later when she staggered onto what passed for the bridge, dropping into the captain's chair and sipping at the sludge that passed for coffee. Pulling a face, she took another sip and glared at the nav station. "How long until we get to the Pylon?"
Jerath shrugged. "With this ship? Who knows. Not even the speed is stable. One second we're guzzling fuel like there's no tomorrow and inching along, the next we're using a few drops and rac-" There was a soft ding, and the viewscreen cleared to reveal to the Pylon and New Atlantic encircling it. Spinning around, he whistled softly. "Would you look at that? Hot damn. It really is something."
Mera grunted and got up. "I care less about the sight than I do actually getting somewhere with hotels and alarms that don't go off every five seconds. Get us docked ASAP."
---
Docking and negotiating with the port for fees and such took a little while, but was little more than a distraction from their purpose, which had it's roots in the recent breach of the Pylon. II had heard of the event, and while a mission brief had been assembled, skepticism from the higher ups had stalled the approval of a proper budget for deploying a naval ship to investigate the matter.
Under normal circumstances that would've been the end of it...until Mera came up with the bright idea to search some old cargo haulers to see if an older ship could be found. The result was the Risen Star. Records indicated that it was older than even the Quorum and the fact that it could still make FTL at all was no small miracle itself.
Once docked, Mera and Jerath staggered off the gangway into the spaceport, both of them relaxing visibly as the effects of the Pylon stripped away the stress and nervousness of a week stuck within the flying death trap. Behind them, the five Legionnaires that had come with them as a security detail swaggered off the ship, barely affected at all. After some deliberation, they agreed that Mera would go investigate the breach, while Jerath looked towards securing accommodations and possible a path job on some of the more...objectionable issues with the ship.
New Atlantic was a positively strange place.
It had no central authority, going off various representatives who acted on behalf of different organisations that represented the people who lived here. Normally these organisations would be banks, industry and corporations but here it was different, here they represented major bands, districts of housing, organisations that handled artistic and music festivals and those who worked on the docks to the tune of huge speakers. Wherever you went on New Atlantic was the sound of music, of the sound of happiness. It was the strangest feeling.
Every single corner or street seemed to have some sort of music venue, club or art gallery to promote the constructive arts, anything where people came to build seemed to be excellently built and maintained especially for a void city. The streets were colourful and so were the people, countless species in all kinds of dress and fashion seemed almost like a small fragment of Izqina was present but the air was one of mutual enjoyment. Despite the relative pacifist and carefree environment pirate attacks on New Atlantic were practically unheard of, and any sort of underground dark market or gang network simply did not exist. No official reaction was made to stop those that now flooded the docks to check out the events of the Pylon only crowds who greeted the largest delegations with flowers and ornaments to wear and be part of the occasion.
It was easy enough to secure accommodation and supplies here, money was thrown around freely and some vendors were just as eager to give their goods away as to accept small change. It was like the galaxies largest ‘hippy’ community from the old human ages and yet it thrived, there were races here which would never normally enjoy such environments. Auraxii, Indbis, Sekkish, Krovaedian and more. Everyone who came here was like one big happy community.
----
It did not take long to contact those who represented the various groups here, although there were several hundred of them. Apparently the celebrations of new comers took up many of their time and so only two could attend the Divine Lotus Blossom summons, a human male known as ‘Oogy’ and an Accordite Female known as ‘Karu’ the first represented the Society of Free Music while the second represented the Ceramics Art Association. Both agreed to meet in one of the open plazas, a space of surprising greenery with countless trees and flora. Even though decks encased the area the open space had an aura of calm and many locals undertook various forms of calming meditation and martial arts here in classes.
“Welcome to New Atlantic friends. How may we help you?” Oogy spoke aloud, sat on some well embraided cushions and wearing little more than a white robe.
----
While crowds and celebrations and festivals greeted most aboard New Atlantic behind the scenes investigation into the actual breach was slow progress. Almost everyone knew someone had got inside, but they for the most part didn’t know who or how or where. Whatever hole they had used was either gone or concealed somehow and so individuals on the lower decks pointed routes around in circles of people who supposedly knew something, only for them to shrug and point to someone else who may know more. It was a goose chase which kept Mera, Jace and the Consulate group endlessly moving and seeing new people, but getting nowhere near the prize as all three groups went on different loops.
That was until finally they encountered each other. All three contacts they had previously seen told each group to meet with an individual known as ‘Zack’ a fantastical artist who used sewing in the old techniques to achieve his art. He lived deep in the lower levels but kept his ear close to the ground. And so outside of his small apartment in a rather empty tunnel for the place all three groups came to a head, clearly here for the same thing right outside the man’s door.
As the group from the empire moved towards the pylon, it became more and more clear how completely strange this place was! Even Rulin Shen’s attempts to probe the governmental structure of this place and find the people with the most influence had resulted in almost nothing, it was simply too much! Cultivators were too used to hierarchy; this anarchic situation was completely beyond their expectations. In their homeland, if a settlement like this were to exist, it would be nothing more than prey, or at best under the thumb of an eccentric immortal testing new configurations of mortal societies.
“It- it’s that pylon!” Xian Cue transmitted to the other two. “I mean, Senior Elder told us, this place would influence the minds of the people here, but this- this-“
Banshevi and Amhendra transmitted agreements.
“Truly, we have eyes but cannot see Mount Tai. The mortals in this area have been completely subjugated by Hurandan Pylon’s song. It explains their weakness clearly.”
“I am already analyzing the emotions I am made to feel from its techniques. Were I a mortal, I would not even be able to do this, I would be completely influenced.” (edited)
It would not be inaccurate to say there was nothing like a “hippy” community within the empire on this scale. None of the Cultivators here had ever experienced an atmosphere or mortals like New Atlantic. They had no clue what to make of it. To them, this entire settlement was simply a bunch of weirdos enslaved by a giant space weapon.
“I suspect we will encounter little obstruction, at least.” Banshevi transmitted. “Should we leave the rest of our team behind?”
Xian Cue thought for a second. “No. This place is… peaceful… as far as I can tell, but our safety cannot be guaranteed inside the Pylon, is that not so? Even if it is truly benign, the fact is, if one entered a structure like this in our realm without due preparation, it would be courting death! I would not even dream of it, it would be like walking into a lion’s den. We have no way of knowing anything about the inside, it is better to be cautious.”
Amhendra inclined his head. “This is reasonable. Now we simply will wait for Senior Elder’s command to go inside. However, there is nothing wrong about probing the Pylon now, is there?”
Xian Cue nods. “…Perhaps.” Focusing her attention on the Pylon she reached out with both her psionic and electronic sensors, looking to see if there’s any distinct source within the Pylon the song is radiating from, and if there are any wireless electrical signals emanating from it as well. (edited)
In the plaza, Elder Rulin Shen’s puppet sipped his tea as he met with the pair. This wasn’t his real body, of course, but a type of Treasure, the Self-Will Puppet. It stored a copy of the user’s personality that would behave as they do, but lacked their battle strength, serving only as a mouthpiece and a handy way to multitask diplomatically. When it returned to the real Rulin Shen, its memories would be uploaded to him, and after checking to see they weren’t compromised, he’d add them back to his own intellect, as if he had been there personally. It has disadvantages compared to direct control, but in a situation like this it is ideal.
This was also necessary because Rulin Shen is a 40-meter strike craft, and a humanoid puppet body is helpful for getting into a city without breaking things. As such, the Senior Elder’s puppet sipped the tea, its sophisticated innards capable of distinguishing the taste and aroma as well as any human could. “I hope you are enjoying our sect’s hospitality.” He said, smiling genially. His form was that of a well-built Hanxian man with a distinguished appearance, black hair with traces of gray flowing down to his shoulders and a long, well-combed moustache reaching the bottom of his neck, giving him a fatherly and wise aura. All a calculated gesture, of course.
“This guest pays his respects to the representatives of New Atlantic.” He spoke again after letting the pair enjoy the beverage. Tea-brewing is a sport among Cultivators, a way of showcasing their enhanced intellects by creating complex drinks with sophisticated arrangements of tastes and fragrances. While designed to be palatable for mortals, it is nonetheless high-quality. “As a foreigner, it is certainly my hope you will allow my disciples to investigate Hurandan Pylon. We have a great interest in it. Naturally, we will compensate the settlement appropriately.” His expression doesn’t waver. “If compensation is needed.”
He looks them over, well aware of what “forces” they represent. As with the investigative team, this was out of his expectations. It seems he’ll have little way to sway the city to his side in this situation. However! If one were to try an enter a resource point in the empire without paying respects to the local leadership, it would be like walking up to them and giving them a resounding slap to the face! Even in a situation like this, he would not dream of not following this procedure. Even if nothing comes out of this, he must adhere to the rules of the Righteous Path, at least on the surface, or face criticism by his opponents when he returns home. He cannot do anything but conduct himself according to the codes all Sects adhere to, even if it is inadvertently humiliating to be met with such a weak response from the city.
The Consulate team felt quite comfortable here. The colours and vibrant arts were quite indicative of their home. But it did slow down their progress. The group occasionally stopped to look at all the various interesting things around them. Normally Anatoli would have reprimanded them all for this behaviour but this song made him rather uninterested in enforcing his authority. But eventually he got some sense back in the guards and got them to move and actually do the job they were sent to do. Which he managed by asking politely but sternly.
With the teams back on track they began to ask around. “Another person who redirects to another person who redirects us to another person...... don’t you get tired from it Sofia?” Anatoli said while Sofia and him were on their way to this Zack guy. “What? Could you repeat that I wasn’t listening.” Sofie turned to Anatoli while she was busy putting in a strawberry hairpin she got from an art vendor. It’s a nice sturdy metal pin. “ No, I won’t.” He responded with a sour tone to her, which caught Sofia of guard “it’s that bad then?” She responded “It’s worse. I hope this Zack guy is the last guy I have to see.”
Sofia and Anatoli eventually reached the entrance of the empty tunnel where they were told to go. Anatoli took a good look at the empty tunnel and decided to follow his gut instinct. He put his finger to his communications headset, pressing the transmitter activation button to inform the rest of the group. “All teams, regroup at my location. ASAP. This an order for once.” He released the button. “What I wouldn’t give to have some actual soldiers instead of this lot.” Sofia was looking down the tunnel while Anatoli spoke across their comm systems and looked back to speak once he was done with transmitting. “Paranoid? How could you be paranoid in this place? It’s so lively and vibrant and..” Anatoli cuts her of mid sentence. “And that sense of safety is why I don’t trust it. It makes you complacent! Anything can happen....”
They waited for a good few minutes at the entrance of the tunnel. Their separate teams got quite lost in the sea of activity that is this station. As they stood there Anatoli pulled out a small cigarette sized aluminium canister that has many small holes on the bottom. He pressed a small button on the cylinder itself and it began to emit a small amount of white smoke. After which he put the smokey end in his mouth. “Just get here already.” He said while he gave the wall a few soft kicks out of frustration.
“Sir?” One of the guards said as he approached Anatoli “Finally.” Anatoli deactivated his smoking device and put it back. “Is it just you ooor....” Anatoli got his answer after he looked over the guards shoulder. Behind him were all members of the team. “I have them all here sir. Quite a pain it was to find them.” “You found them all on your own?” “Yes sir!” The guard gave a quick and lax salute to Anatoli “finally someone useful. Good! With everyone here it’s time to move forward once more. Down this corridor men, we shall lead the way for the eggheads” With a nod from all the guards they moved into the tunnel that led to Zack’s apartment.
And down the tunnel they went, right up to the door where they came face to face with the other groups send the same way. The guards halted and looked around a bit nervously and slightly confused. Sofia and Anatoli pushed through to the front of their group to get face to face with these new contacts that were lead the same way. Anatoli cleared his throat and spoke first. “So. Need the same guy?” He pointed to door with his head. “Oh oh! You are all trying to find the pylon entrance too?” Sofia said enthusiastically once Anatoli finished. “Sofia! Secrecy! For fucks sake.....” “Dude! You really think they are here because they want to try some specialty tea or something? We don’t have to get messy. We could you know, just be clear with it. Make things go smoothly and prevent a clusterfuck.” Anatoli just rolled his eyes
The Minevans were still in just their buddy pair of Pico and Jace; the away teams having gone numerous separate ways to cover more ground. Not only that, their focus was diverted and state of mind was not sober. The duo had found themselves as a minority in these tunnels amongst the much larger group; Jace mused that it was just his luck that they had all managed to arrive in tandem and infinitely complicate their situation. He figured that he probably would have been legitimately angry or frustrated had he been anywhere else in the galaxy.
The imposing Minevan man stood up straight, rolled his shoulders back, and kept quiet. Still, there were subtle hints of a smile on his face. His crimson eyes darted to examine every new individual presented before him. He new Pico was there to take the lead.
Disregarding the security presence, Pico excitedly approached Sofia. With a grin, she tried to seize the other woman's hand to shake it in greeting. They had been in a rat race against all other teams these last few weeks, and now her circumstances seemed to change to be more cooperatively-minded. "No secrets from us, friend! I'm Pico Reiner, hopefully we can look forward to working together." She spoke, voice trailing off as if she had asked a question with her last statement.
"Who brought you here? Our leads have been bust, our last stop was that drum circle at Harper's Junction, I feel like we've been walking hours just to get to these lower levels," Pico said, looking not only to the Consulate team but to all the others to speculate alloud, "It's almost like Stedian himself brought us together."
Jace cleared his thought, gesturing to what appeared to be the elusive 'Zack's door. Introductions were nice and all, but he knew they couldn't waste any time given their self-imposed rival's strong head start.
Mera blinked as she came face-to-face with the other two parties and wound up stuttering for a moment when faced with the almost overwhelming cheerfulness of the Minervans. "I - I-uh..." Still somewhat lost, she glanced over at the Consulate group. "I'm Mera Velnar, pleased to meet you. I do hope that we can work together successfully. Assuming, that is, that all of you are also here to find the entrance into the Pylon?"
---
Further up in the city, Jerath had gotten lost in the maze of stalls and vendors while looking for a reputable mechanic. Stopping at one intersection, he leaned against a supporting pillar and scratched his head. He had to get that ship fixed before Mera came back, or...or...or maybe he could just stay here? After all, these people seemed to be having fun...
“Looks like we really wern’t the only ones interested.” Anarber said as his team managed to arrive outside of Zack’s residence. Darjain followed with, abit happy to get out of the welcoming party.
The teams were definitely bewildered by the grand welcoming they received from the crowds. Some raptors sneezing as they were showered in ring flowers and were surrounded by so many friendly people. To the war hardened security members, this only made them uncomfortably paranoid, while the rest of the team were amembered by the attention. Subtle reminders of what they were here for, brought most of them back to reality for abit. But they didn’t say they would refuse the festivities as they searched for answers among the peaceful crowd.
Darjain recognized the uniform of the Minverans, one he hadn’t seen in a long time.
“I take it you also got the same address.” Anarbur said to the assembly at the door.
As the ZYPHER, High Imperium, Minevan and Astril groups all seemed to meet up awkwardly outside Zacks door the exchanged greetings both positive and wary caused the front door to open revealing a short old man partially hunched over and dressed in a fully knitted multicoloured patchwork of cotton clothing including a rather large and obnoxious looking hat.
“What the bloody hell is all this racket going on outside! Im trying to make some customers clothing if you don’t mind! Who the hell are all of you anyway why are you here cant you go party somewhere else?” He waved his finger around vigorously as he pointed at the different people one by one like a grandparent telling off children. He then paused.
“Wait a minute. Your not from here” He looked them up and down, noticing armaments and more “Hmmm you’re here about the breach aren’t you? Come to see what old Zack knows I bet those bastards upstairs told you to come see me.” He sighed with annoyance “Come on in then” He beckoned them all inside. The small door seemingly opening up into a rather spacious interior of different rooms and stairs.
Albeit it would be spacious if it was completely cramped in with fabrics, silks, carpets, material tools, junk and other bits. He gestured to take a seat in the living room which looked like it could barely hold everyone if they all squeezed in next to one another. But despite the hording everything was well taken care of, glittering and fantastical ornaments adorned the walls and were piled up and from the looks of it nearly all were hand made.
“Ill put the kettle on! Make yourselves at home”
----
Xian Cue could see what others had seen as they observed the Pylon, the thing seemed to radiate its psionic and ultra-low frequency emissions from every point on its surface equally with no indication of readings from anywhere below the surface. It was a mystery, but then again it was one they were here to find out.
“Indeed, I am, and I hope you appreciate ours as well friends” Karu replied with a smile taking another sip of the tea.
“Your welcome to inspect the Pylon my friends, we don’t control this place in a sense. Everyone is free here; we work together to create something beautiful. We don’t mind when others come to find out why this place is beautiful, and you don’t need to pay us. Our only compensation is that of adding to the beauty and respecting others. Do that and everything is going to be all good friend, besides may come here to study only to stay it only adds to our community” Oogy chuckled.
Rulin Shen’s puppet nodded as he processed this information. He was not stupid, but this was simply the worst case of culture shock he’s ever dealt with in his long life. If anyone in the empire said this, it would be certain that they were, for example, only indirectly doing him a favor, one that needed to be repaid later. That is, even something given “freely” was still a debt to be owed, or alternately, a careful ploy to gain face, and thus political power. But as far as he could tell, there genuinely didn’t seem to be any of the typical politicking and dueling via words going on here at all! It’s almost unsettling, like he’d forgotten something seriously important. Could things really be this simple? None of his concern showed on his face, however. He just smiled and responded politely. “Of course, of course. I will see to it that some of my disciples compose poems regarding their experiences here.”
As the meeting continued, Rulin Shen’s puppet exchanged further pleasantries and finished his tea with the other representatives before making his exit at the optimally appropriate time. He then entered his personal transport and made his way back to the main body, where his memories were synchronized with the original. “Mmm…” The elder digested this information, thinking on it before transmitting to his disciples. “Juniors, we have found something unexpected. It would seem the pylon’s influence has gotten rid of all common sense. I will be unable to support you politically in this mission should things go wrong. Furthermore, the original expedition force we had planned may be unfitting for this operation. After all, we had expected more resistance, even with what we knew. Therefore, I will be making the decision to only send our three researchers into the pylon. The others can consider this shore leave. Do as you like, but remain in contact.”
Banshevi sighed as he heard his master’s transmission. “Truly, this is a strange situation. Were this taking place in the empire, we would already be facing down multiple competitors. But here, there no such thing! It is like the saying ‘hunting rats with a beam rifle’. What do we even need our companions for?!”
Amhendra nodded. “Indeed. A large group of us would only draw undue attention, especially from other research teams. The longer we keep our presence concealed, the longer it will take for the rest of the empire to realize our presence here, and thus we will have a greater lead in researching this pylon. Master’s decision was not bad.”
Xian Cue transmitted to the others. “I cannot seem to find anything that would give me a clue outside. Hmph! It is no wonder this place is a mystery, not even my attainment in the psionic field can grasp it. Oh, if only Supreme Elder were here to help me…” She sighs. “But obviously that cannot happen, Supreme Elder is necessary to hold off our rivals for now. We should go explore further.”
However, as they moved to get closer to the pylon, they found that… they had absolutely no clue where the entrance was! (edited)
“What?! I thought this was public information, was it not?” Xian Cue practically hissed.
“There was a video of it, why not try triangulating it’s position from details in the recording?” Banshevi suggested.
“That would take ages.” Amhendra shook his head. “Better to just ask the locals.”
the trio are left to wander about the city, following a trail of clues and questions to eventually make their way to a certain “Zack” fellow…
“Ah.” Banshevi transmitted. “It would seem we are not the only ones to look for him. Others found him first.”
“I cannot believe this!” Xian Cue was quite frustrated. Unlike the other two, she had been raised in the Radiant Wind sect all her life. There, mortals would bow and scrape if a Cultivator so much as looked at them, much less a Second Level one! This entire goose chase felt like a humiliating farce. Her fellows, on the other hand, were promising talents scouted out by the sect, but originally cultivated on their own, giving them a more worldly outlook.
“Keep a cool head, sister.” Amhendra transmitted calmly. “In this place, mortals are the dominant force, they will not give you face like in our home. Act as though they are your equals.”
With due caution in mind, the group made their way towards the commotion before Banshevi moved forward, cupping his fist in the traditional imperial greeting and inclining his head. "Greetings." He intoned, his inhuman visage looking over the assembled mortal scientists. "I trust this is the residence of this... Zack? My fellows and I would also like to hear what he has to say."
Xian Cue rolled her eyes at his blunt awkwardness and extended her own sensors, swaying wires in her "hair" beginning to subtly shift towards the direction of the house, trying to tune in to whatever was going on. Her veteran-level Electronics attainment was primarily geared towards surveillance and data gathering. If for some reason Banshevi couldn't get in, she'd simply listen from here.
As the sect members appeared at Zacks door as well Anatoli spoke to them in response to their question. “Yes, this is the residence of Zack.” Although he didn’t truly trust anyone here, these new folk made him the most nervous. As the other groups exchanged greetings Sofia took the lead and spoke for the consulate group. She exchanged greetings as expected and once the door opened her attention was quickly diverted to Zack. Anatoli simply shrugged his shoulders and made a hand motion to his guards for them to stay on watch outside the door.
Sofia and Anatoli entered Zacks residence carefully in order to try and avoid any possibility of them knocking over something and causing an avalanche to crush them. Anatoli Made sure to keep his gun close to his chest by grabbing the grip instead of letting it dangle free from the sling. It was mostly to make sure it didn’t swing around and hit anything, mostly, because Anatoli is still trying to be careful around these people and doesn’t want to be caught of guard. Sofia in contrast seems almost to be in her own little world with how she was transfixed by the various objects and colour in the room.
The guards left outside simply relaxed and leant against the walls. They kept an eye out but were noticeably chill about it. None of them expected for anything bad to happen. At most a drunkard stumbling into them but that was it.
“It’s cosy here isn’t it?” Sofia said to no one in particular, simply stating her observations. “Cannot agree more.” Anatoli responded in a sarcastic tone which caused Sofia to raise an eyebrow at him. “Jeez, still sour? I don’t understand you.” “And I don’t understand you too.” Sofia rolled her eyes as she found a place to sit. Anatoli followed her and stood behind her as she sat down. He preferred to be able to quickly move.
The spare hand of Anatoli that isn’t holding his weapon moves over to a very large black holster on his upper leg. It looked like a pistol holster but twice as big as expected. It was a fully covered black holster that didn’t show what’s inside to the world. Anatoli Made sure the holster was secure and tight before his hand moved away from it.
As Anatoli and Sofia got inside the rest of their science team decided to wait it out with the guards. They stayed quiet, the general feeling among the scientists was one of careful curiosity. But also a feeling of them being rather useless right now in this phase of their expedition.
a ship made the transition from FTL to realspace further out then standard, as if it was trying to not be seen- or well if trying not to be seen goes well with having the front of your ship blasted by plasma as it exited FTL. a few of the people in system would know what the brick shaped ship with a cone on the front was.
*it was a trade ship, the cheapest hauling you could buy for bulk products- even if a minor industry had grown around insuring cargo traveling on a ship like this one- but there were also a few other odd things around a ship like this one. Like how each and everyone was manufactured by a different corporation and that no one quite knew who had made the design. This particular ship was made by “xyander auto” a corporation with no known shipyards or even holdings beyond the single ship. The corporation was established in a small unaligned port that most no one had ever heard of and the hauler technically flew its flag*
but for anyone who bothered keeping track of this type of thing this ship was exceptional. Most ships of its type never communicated and were clearly automatas- lacking even a AI to the outward observer; this one was clearly some form of religious and if the posts made to its blog that was only ever active when the ship was at port was to be believed it had ended up slowly meandering to this system in hopes of becoming closer to the “flesh” and that it actively worshipped “mother”. And while no one was quite sure why the ship had earned the informal name “big tim”
as it checked the surrounding area and activating its orion drive to get to the station it opened up a line of communication with the local space traffic control, paying its own docking fees and any fees required to get a tug and a harbor captain
The tension felt by the other members of the visiting empires varied around the Warbirds. Just like some of them, they two were wary of how easy going the people of New Atlantic was. The crew assigned to explore the local floor while their primary team conversed with ‘Zack,’ weaved through the party going crowds. One raptor flenched as his tail lifted upwards to reveal a young child had grasped onto him. The mother of the young one was quick to pull the child off.
“My apologies, she’s very curious” she said cheerfully as the child extended it’s arms for a hug from the raptor. He simply grunted and gave the friendliest smile a raptor could muster before continuing onward.
“Havn’t seen one actually manage to hold on” One of the partners said. The warbird grunted again.
“Ether way...this crowd is making me nervous…” The bronze skin partner chuckled.
“so it’s true that you old dinos prefer the comfort of the battlefield than a chaotically peaceful party.”
“On the battlefield, it’s a lot easier to figure out who wants to kill you and who doesn’t.”
“Don’t you guys have like a 6th sense thing?” Another security member chimed in.
“-like you can detect murderous intent or something?”
“Again...they’re a lot easier to detect when people want to kill you. Anyone can feel the bloodthirsty eyes of a murderer”
“I guess thats true.” The Scientist with them turned around.
“Guys relax...this society is extremely peaceful. If they wanted to harm us they would’ve done so by now. Were in the middle of this place.”
“Well what do you think of this place Doctor?”
“Well no doubt I believe this euphoric atmosphere is definitely influenced by the spire.” The scientist said as he looked up at the giant monolith above New Atlantic.
“The mysterious singing is slowly burning through the collection of noise from the crowd.”
“You really believe the odd singing is controlling these people?”
“I prefer the term ‘influence.’” He turned back around.
“As you might’ve noticed, we are also effected by it but to a lesser extent. Which means if this plyon were to in a sense emit or force us to become hostile…” He stopped himself. He could tell from the looks on the faces of the security personnel that his point was reached. The Raptor from earlier grunted again.
“Was that an attempt to ease worries Doctor?” He asked.
“That was merely an answer to a question.” He replied.
“One of the reasons, we should probably learn everything we can about this spire...who built it and why.” He stopped once he received a chirp in his ear, informing of a communication request.
//Arkest’s Voyage to all teams, were on the Southern’ most flank of the Plyon.//
–
New Atlantic’s Halotroplous was the only light source visible from the position of the High Majesty as it lowered itself towards the outer surface of the Plyon’s exterior.
“Have you determined if the outer hull is safe to walk?” The tactical officer said as a team of full suited EVAs waited on a Baizar, ready to attempt a spacewalk of the plyon from the outside.
//We see people and objects constantly touching the walls of the Plyon from inside of the City Rings. I’d like to assume it’s safe for a space walk, but isn’t that very risky?//
“The goal is to determine what kind of material the plyon is made of and hwy it seems to emit this sound through near perfect control acoustics.”
//Isn’t that what were here for?// Another scientist in a group on the otherside of New Atlantic said.
“You guys arn’t having all the fun, you know.” The andromdian looked over to his 5 other colleagues who were doing their final checks on their EVAs, ready to space walk.
//All teams this is Anarbur, radio silence please. Were gonna get some information from one of the locals. He seems to be in the know about the Plyon. I’m keeping this channel open for listen in.//
–
Anarbur flicked a switch on his comms to leave them open to hear his end as he and his team awaited for Zack. Darjain looked around, his security lieutenant ducking under the doorway to enter the room with him and Anarbur’s assistant, Dorthy. The remaining team waited outside in the hall, as a thanks since the room, despite being surprisingly roomy, was cluttered. The Lt’s tail accidentally swiped an object off an end table, that Dorthy ended up catching haphazardly to prevent it from breaking.
“Ack..sorry.” The lieutenant said as maneuvered to keep his tail in a good path from hitting anything else or others.
They hadn’t lied, the tone was still serene as it filled the mind and being of Sajar Vega. It was like being a child again and hearing your mothers soothing voice, telling you that everything is going to be alright.
For the briefest moment it almost convinced Sajar and turned her away from her mission. Thankfully her two assistants would not have let her. If the song could make a hardened veteran like her loose herself for even the smallest of moments, then it was a threat. They had petitioned the Silent Weapons Committee for so long; the Pylon was an unknown. It is a threat and while it was benign now there was no reason it could not suddenly turn dangerous, the Committee had refused the statement saying that the Pylon was a wonder to study and that it would yield insights into the nature of its existence.
No such insights had come. And when the song changed, even slightly as reported by both instruments and the people there Sajar had gotten her evidence. While it was still benign, the capacity for change was there and that was enough. Sajar had her mandate, and regardless of what the Committee told her she would carry it out to the best of her abilities. And now here she was, standing up to the very edge of the Pylon itself.
Sajar placed her hand on the smooth extremely dark grey wall before her, enclosed within the metropolis of New Atlantic this section of the huge void city was built entirely around the Pylon. Curiously the closer you got to it the more music venues and entertainment there was, a factor which had been observed by countless nations and the Office of Clinical Interventions too. ‘Witch Hunters’ they called them. Sajar snorted to herself, she was a professional Inspector with a full doctorate, and she was here to do a job for the benefit of countless people here. Both of her assistants stood next to her while a whole group of armed escorts kept people away from them.
“Let this be a quick healing venture. Bring forth the object” Sajar spoke aloud still touching the Pylon and feeling its hum flow through her. At the command one of her assistants opened a small box to bring forth a tiny flesh covered ball, purply and pulsating the assistant passed it to Sajar who merely pointed it at the dark exterior wall. A second later there was a flash of pink light and before them stood a glowing opening, the substance that the Pylon was made from clearly not match for the object she had acquired on the market. They could not be long; others would see this and enter too. With a gesture Sajar entered the still distorted tunnel that had been bored into the Pylon quickly followed by her associates.
----
The word however got out very quickly.
Someone had entered the Pylon, and the fact there was now a way in somewhere prompted not just local interest but the message to spread across the Ancnet. Many nations already had science teams operating and based in New Atlantic but it was bound to be the case that others would come here seeking answers. The Pylon was old, powerful and probably contained many secrets, the perfect thing to finally explore given if what had been said was true. Activity around New Atlantic and the Pylon as such ramped up in volume as every explorer, archaeologist and scavenger readied themselves to make the trip.
This was not going to be a small matter it seemed.
It didn't take long for word to reach the stars on Juniper-Canu as they received the intelligence from their listening post in the former Aurxaii Starnation. As of late, ASIM had been keen to keep up with Ancnet's many news articles, while danger levels and security within the Empire had fluctuated so much, that many expeditions and research projects were halted. They finally got a break after the lone object that was so close to Illios Colony. Without hesitation, immediate requests were sent to gather data and information on the mysterous blip of the Plyon that only appeared as a blip among the celestial noise detected by the powerful “DSSWS’ Array. Within a few days, a Contingent of ASIM scientists managed to win the bid for an expedition to the Plyon, granted that they take a small force with them, arranged from the current forces stationed in Auraxii space.
As soon as they landed, they formed ASIM Taskforce 19, a rather sizable company of 3 teams of Scientists, coupled by a security force of equal size composed of Assault Officers and Specialists lead by seasoned warbird, Darjain Hue-dun-kra. The raptor, unlike other leaders who were more annoyed rather than relieved for guard action, actually was abit of an explorer himself. He looked forward to exploring this mysterious platform. The small 4 ship fleet dropped out of X-space with the Plyon in view, it’s mysterious blue hue outlining the rather unnerving spire, which was contrasted by the giant halotropolis that lit it’s orbit.
“….they weren’t kidding when they said it was busy…” came the voice of the Expedition chief. A rather young Bronze Skin scientist who was lucky enough to have his first field led expedition of his career. While this was not his first field expedition, it was indeed his first lead position.
//Heads up...were detecting an unknown field around the Plyon...// The voice of the commander of the 21km battleship that hovered above their ship.
//Might be some kind of Passive Interdiction, but it’s alittle large for a installation. Were having some navigational distruptions.//
“How bad?” The captain of their High Majesty replied.
//Not horrible, but it won’t be fun if someone has to emergency jump. We’ll stay in Long Range engagement distance but you’ll be on your own when you get close enough.//
“Understood Centre” he turned to the Bronze Captain and Warbird who were now standing side by side.
“Well I’m not afraid to get closer, but you’ll have to take the Baizars down to the platforms.” He said.
“I have no problem with that.” Darjain said before looking to Anrbour, the young Expedition chief who looked up at him.
“I don’t object ether.” He said.
“Alright, lets get you down there.” The High Majesty Captain said before looking forward to helm.
“Move us to Dock” he ordered.
The 4 ships continued to move forward until the designated distance the Holy Pantheon stated. The battle ship and single cruiser took a hold position as the second one took the Wing of it’s slightly larger and modified High Majesty variant, amply named ‘Arkest’s Voyage.’ The modified ship had a specialized sensor array on it, opened up as it faced the plyon, taking in physical and wave readings.
//Are you guys hearing what we’re hearing?// The CO of the Holy Pantheon called to the Arkest Voyage as they drew closer. Likely referring to the soft hum that was reverberating against the hull, making the entire crew hear it.
“Yea we are.”
“This must be the ‘singing’ Ancnet was talking about.” Anrbour said.
“It sounds pretty nice...despite I have no idea what the hell it’s singing.” The CO said.
“Perhaps for security we should have full level EVAs?” Darjain suggested to the captain. He nodded.
“Yes, but only if we have to. I rather not waste resources for a non-threat.” He said.
“Once we get down there, we’ll play by ear.” He said.
“….no pun intended.”
Their brief trip to arrive at the massive spire simply floored them with how massive the plyon and it’s halotropolis was. The singing was louder now, but it was already mixed in with the background noise, keeping them crew excited, but happy, mellowed and ready to learn more. As the teams boarded the Baizars and then deployed, revealing the bright lights of the city before them. 5 Baizars angled in as the ‘Arkest Voyage’ maneuvered outside, continuing their external scanning. The plan was simple, one team would gather information from the other science camps on the ring, while the other teams would go look for the fabled entrance that would lead them inside. The remaining team, which was on board of the ‘Arkest’s Voyage’ would be relaying information from the outside. The ‘entrance’ team was the largest the of the group, hoping to cover a larger form of the inside, if they could get in.
Anrbour took a deep breath as they landed on the dock of the city. Major Darjain stepped out as well with their contingent of security and scientists
Among one of the groups that heard of this pylon is the Consulate of Astril. News of this artefact totally caught the public's imagination for a while and fearing that some of their citizens would decide to go on a dangerous mission onto a station where they have no influence the Consulate decided to send an official excursion and research team to find out what is going on there. With no real prior experience in long range expeditions the consulate decided that they would play things safe and send only a small team. They are not willing to take a risk with a large group of people and it shows as the people they have chosen could be deemed as Expendable. They arrive at the station in 2 rather small shuttle craft and the ships proceed to dock quite quickly. After docking they leave their ships and begin to walk deeper into the station, doing the expected check in first of course. They feel the song in their head right away and are noticeably perturbed by it as they have never encountered something like it before in their life. Walking onto the docks are 5 researchers escorted by 10 lightly armed security personnel with nothing more then SMG's and a few flash-bangs. Two of them take the lead; the Security Sergeant and the science officer.
"Why... am i here?" The security sergeant Anatoli Hudson mumbles as the group exit their ships and walk through the docking area towards the pylon. He is 180cm tall with a wide and bulky build. An angular jawline that looks chiselled out of stone. His skin is a very light brown with barely visible hypnotic patterns in it. One eye is fully bright green while the other is a bright blue. He is bald but wears a tight beret that has the Consulate flaming shield emblem on it made out of silver. His hands actually end in small hardened claws with a Damascus pattern that have seen some good use as chips and flaking is present on them. His posture is a bit down as he is stuck with what he thinks is the most annoying scientist to exist. "because you are the best! Why else?" Sofia Stewart says as she walks along with a spring in her step. She is 150cm tall with her bright pink hair. She is wearing a lab coat she has unbuttoned to reveal her choice of fashion underneath. Which is a dazzling bright shirt that looks like an acid trip. It’s a little on the short side, with a thin line of skin showing between the bottom of the shirt and the top of the pants. Speaking of pants, they are a pair of skintight pants made from artificial spider silk and are coloured dark blue with a bright blue spider web pattern sown into them. She has a belt with a buckle that has a half moon symbol but it’s purely decorative as the pants sit tight enough as is. Her hair is short and let loose. With no strand reaching below her shoulders.
"It's in your head now too isn't it?" Sofia asks as she looks upon Anatoli's sour expression. "Yes, and it makes me feel nervous.... Sofia. if i begin acting strange in anyway or give out weird orders, just ignore me. I doubt this obelisk would just stay still and take it. For now let's focus on walking towards this thing." Sofia nods in return. "You know, with the amount of people here, do you think we can score some allies? Better to be safe in numbers then possible.. you know.. anything could happen." "Like being betrayed, i don't want to take the risk, this thing got people up in arms. If we find something valuable in there the chance is high we could get shot at for it. No way i am taking the risk." This makes Sofia shut up again as the group keeps walking
The Ardent Wind was a Minevan Sovereignty research vessel, its sleek stature not breaking half a kilometer in length. At this point it was much less of a research vessel than it was a stationary office in the New Atlantic spaceport. The vast majority of the Minevan crew was enjoying some much-appreciated shore liberty in the void city, taking the opportunity to enjoy a myriad of foreign cultures and partying. They had become very enigmatic all over town, being a rare sight and the anomaly calling to them to let loose for warmer times. The Ardent Wind had a rudimentary security watch rotation and a small patrol rotation in place to ensure the well-being of their ship and crew.
A small fraction of the crew, however, was a small detail working vigilantly. The research staff that formed the heart of the crew's mission were grinding to crack the secrets of the song; making daily trips to and from the structure itself and making detailed observations on their shipborne computers. The complex artificial intelligence personas on board worked in tandem with the diminutive cadre of academics to establish baselines and anomalies in every observable metric of the pylon and surrounding space. The Minevans noted the song was largely consistent over their elongated stay. This was, until the tones shifted and shortly followed news that a group had forced entry into the structure.
This exciting breakthrough was muddied by the news that the group that made it was a subordinate office to the Silent Weapons Committee. This was disheartening to the Minevans for two reasons; they had lost their self-induced competition to find a way in, and in their eyes this was the worst group possible to see the Pylon's naked secrets.
--
The spaceport of New Atlantis was vast, with large roads and causeways leading to and traversing between the elaborate architecture of the more populated parts of town. The Ardent Wind stayed docked in position for such a time that it seemed to collect dust.
At the end of the extended gangway leading to their open cargo bay was a parked utility vehicle with a tall and well-built Minevan man leaning against it. The smoke he exhaled from the last drag of his cigarette matched the grey of his short-cut medium fade hair, flicking the butt away as the cloud dissipated. He looked onto the distant platforms of the port with a trite smile, watching the plethora of incoming and outgoing ships and feeling small in comparison. His mind was filled with memories from before the war; a time of full family gatherings, drinking and dancing without a care, and low stakes. Usually when he would reminisce, it was a poisoned cocktail of feelings. Here on New Atlantic, however, it was simply pleasant with no complications. For Jace Falkoner, it was a long-awaited relief.
He was broken from his reverie by a woman’s voice hollering his name from the elevated shuttle bay. He raised his brow and turned his attention to see the head researcher making a mad dash outside towards the landing. Her name was Pico Reiner; a younger woman whose erratic enthusiasm showed in her less-professional appearance. As opposed to having the trappings of a distinguished academic, she dressed and carried herself as if she was going to share a few beers with a group of friends. She wore a sweater and loose pair of slacks over top of her normal-suit, hair pulled into an expedient messy bun.
“They found a way in!” Pico anxiously called to him, cradling a stuffed duffle bag to her chest that was filled to the brim with loose articles and sheets. She leaned to and sat on the wide railing of the gangway to slide the rest of the way to him.
Before Jace could express his immediate concern at her rash actions, she continued, “It was those guys from Clinical Interventions, we gotta go!”
Jace could not help but chuckle as she swiftly made it to the same level as him. He sent out an alert notification to the ready team to meet up with him en route; he whispered a curse as he expected some level of drama. Jace gave his concealed vest underneath his professional clothes a sanity knock before hopping in the driver’s seat, gunning the accelerator the instant Pico took her own seat.
The barge entered the system, an ornate-looking vessel with a gilded exterior and two ribbed sails on its sides. Within is a curious scene of four figures. The first is a nine-foot-tall humanoid machine with sculpted black musculature covered by exoskeleton-like interlocking plates studded with strange protrusions. His face is a solid mask of metal with a disc embedded in the center, which rotates and has eight camera-like eyes arranged in a circle on it. The second is a 10-foot-tall machine with a sturdy, four-legged lower body and humanoid upper body. covered in thick plates of metal. Its head is nestled between its shoulders and has six red eyes with two at the front, top, and back of its head. The third, an 8-foot-tall humanoid machine with a slender, sexless body and many mechanical tendrils sticking out from head and back. Its body is black musculature coated with thin armor plating, and its face is human, composed of white synthetic tissue and uncannily mask-like. Lastly, the one facing them is a sleek, forty-foot-long space interceptor with an ornate gilded exterior and large missile pods.
The three humanoid machines stand in front of the fighter, cupping their fists and bowing their heads, the first one, Banshevi, speaking. “Senior disciple pays respects to Sect Elder Rulin Shen! You called us for a more thorough understanding of this mission, am I correct? We are but humble servants, naturally we shall listen.” (edited)
“Good.” The strike craft rumbles, not bothering to use the more efficient Info-Cant, speaking in Hanxian, a luxury given they have some time before they arrive. “We’ve concealed your purpose here to prevent information being leaked to our rivals, something we cannot afford to happen at this critical time. Our destination is a foreign structure called ‘Hurandan Pylon’. It emits what seems to be a song, which pacifies the local population. Apparently, this has changed, which is why it has suddenly come to our attention, this sudden alarm. However, this is also an opportunity. Xian Cue, can you tell me why?”
The third humanoid machine responds. “Elder, could it be because this is related to the Psionic Path? Supreme Elder cultivates thus, and if he can gain access to a resource point like this, he could make great gains and have the strength to survive his upcoming Tribulation, is this not so?”
Another rumble from the machine, it seems pleased. “Your answer is good. This is more or less the intent of our party. As you know, the Psionic Path is an emerging path in our world. It is not something with any proper countermeasures yet. The first who comprehend its Dao will have peak battle strength until then. As such, it will be possible for Supreme Elder to subjugate his rivals using this technique, and turn his clan into a super-force on Torish II, a true Rank Three sect!”
Though their faces are impassive, excitement flares in their synthetic neurons as they consider this prospect. A Rank Three Sect led by a Level Three supreme elder would be a significant force on a single planet, like a developed country. Not only would the sect itself be able to move into the Immortal realm, leaving its old rivals in the dust, the cultivation prospects of its members would greatly increase! With so much additional power, there will be more room for rising stars like themselves to have a chance at higher grades, or even the next level. It’s enough that their reluctance to leave the empire and stall their cultivation has faded, replaced by a firm resolve to succeed.
“Our purposes here are threefold.” Rulin Shen continues. “Firstly, we are to determine the nature of this resource, if it is truly Psionic, and if we can make use of it. Secondly, if the first is true, we are to gain access to it for as long as possible. How this is done will need to be determined later, but for now we will focus on negotiation. Lastly, if it seems like a faction is moving to destroy this point, and it is verified as Psionic…” He pauses. “…We must naturally take steps to prevent this. However, as members of the Righteous Path, we cannot strike without reason. For this purpose, we’ll have some of our Level One Cultivators establish good relationships with the settlement surrounding Hurandan Pylon. Should things come to a head, and the locals resist the destruction of the pylon, we can move to defend it under the pretext of assisting our newfound allies.” (edited)
This doesn’t sit well with the three, but at their current position in the sect, they had long been disillusioned as to the nature of politics within the Righteous Path. Everything is allowed, so long as a proper reason can be manufactured first. That is the game the sects play. As long as a reasonable pretext can be manufactured for their defense of the pylon, the rival sects surrounding their own on Torish II won’t be able to dispute their claim, indeed it will be strengthened. Only true scoundrels would think of trying to take the pylon from their jurisdiction.
“As for you, my disciples, you will function as the heads of research. Xian Cue, you have attainment in both Electronic and Psionic Paths, you have the highest chance of determining the nature of this place. Banshevi and Amhendra shall assist you, along with some others. From what we are seeing, it appears that some have invested significant military force to control space, but I will wager our ground forces will have the highest battle strength. This may be of use, it may not-“
Suddenly, the ship comes in range of the song, the Cultivators across the ship feeling its effects. Xian Cue snorts, a deliberate expression of contempt, and forces it out of her body with her own psionic abilities. “Such pathetic techniques, lulling me with such an obvious effect? If I let it pacify me, it would be an offense to the heavens!”
The other Cultivators are a dazed for a few moments, but adjust themselves as well, now fully wary of its influence. “Sister Xian Cue, do tell us if this field becomes… different.” Bashenvi says hesitantly. It is not untrue to say that the Psionic Path has few active countermeasures among Cultivators at this time. The potential danger of this mission is weighing down on them. Unlike Xian Cue, they can’t force the effect out of them, they can merely be aware of how it is forcing them to feel. Even if the emotion is positive, it shows how vulnerable they are to an actual psionic attack. She nods, and Rulin Shen dismisses them.
The trio and their direct subordinates, a group of 17 Cybernetic Cultivators, will move to enter the structure when the barge docks, likely attracting some attention due to their mechanical bodies, though they will not actually enter the structure until ordered by Rulin Shen. Meanwhile, the more human Near-Mortal Cultivators will spread out into the city, playing tourist and gathering information. Lastly, Elder Rulin Shen will attempt to get into contact with the leadership of New Atlantic and pay respects to the leaders of the city as is custom, while also introducing himself as a diplomatic liaison of the Divine Lotus Blossom Empire, asking if they would like to meet and discuss how they can form a mutually beneficial relationship over a nice cup of tea.
VQS Risen Storm - Hyperspace, en route to the Hurandan Pylon
Mera jerked out of a restless sleep as a breach alarm started shrieking somewhere on the ship. Slumping back to the lumpy bed, she cursed under her breath. A moment later, the entire ship jerked and shuddered like a struck bell. Five minutes later, it did it again. Groaning in exhaustion, she pulled herself up, and slouched over to the bathroom. Several minutes later, there was the sound of rattling pipes, a scream, and then more swearing, louder than before.
All told, it was more than three hours later when she staggered onto what passed for the bridge, dropping into the captain's chair and sipping at the sludge that passed for coffee. Pulling a face, she took another sip and glared at the nav station. "How long until we get to the Pylon?"
Jerath shrugged. "With this ship? Who knows. Not even the speed is stable. One second we're guzzling fuel like there's no tomorrow and inching along, the next we're using a few drops and rac-" There was a soft ding, and the viewscreen cleared to reveal to the Pylon and New Atlantic encircling it. Spinning around, he whistled softly. "Would you look at that? Hot damn. It really is something."
Mera grunted and got up. "I care less about the sight than I do actually getting somewhere with hotels and alarms that don't go off every five seconds. Get us docked ASAP."
---
Docking and negotiating with the port for fees and such took a little while, but was little more than a distraction from their purpose, which had it's roots in the recent breach of the Pylon. II had heard of the event, and while a mission brief had been assembled, skepticism from the higher ups had stalled the approval of a proper budget for deploying a naval ship to investigate the matter.
Under normal circumstances that would've been the end of it...until Mera came up with the bright idea to search some old cargo haulers to see if an older ship could be found. The result was the Risen Star. Records indicated that it was older than even the Quorum and the fact that it could still make FTL at all was no small miracle itself.
Once docked, Mera and Jerath staggered off the gangway into the spaceport, both of them relaxing visibly as the effects of the Pylon stripped away the stress and nervousness of a week stuck within the flying death trap. Behind them, the five Legionnaires that had come with them as a security detail swaggered off the ship, barely affected at all. After some deliberation, they agreed that Mera would go investigate the breach, while Jerath looked towards securing accommodations and possible a path job on some of the more...objectionable issues with the ship.
New Atlantic was a positively strange place.
It had no central authority, going off various representatives who acted on behalf of different organisations that represented the people who lived here. Normally these organisations would be banks, industry and corporations but here it was different, here they represented major bands, districts of housing, organisations that handled artistic and music festivals and those who worked on the docks to the tune of huge speakers. Wherever you went on New Atlantic was the sound of music, of the sound of happiness. It was the strangest feeling.
Every single corner or street seemed to have some sort of music venue, club or art gallery to promote the constructive arts, anything where people came to build seemed to be excellently built and maintained especially for a void city. The streets were colourful and so were the people, countless species in all kinds of dress and fashion seemed almost like a small fragment of Izqina was present but the air was one of mutual enjoyment. Despite the relative pacifist and carefree environment pirate attacks on New Atlantic were practically unheard of, and any sort of underground dark market or gang network simply did not exist. No official reaction was made to stop those that now flooded the docks to check out the events of the Pylon only crowds who greeted the largest delegations with flowers and ornaments to wear and be part of the occasion.
It was easy enough to secure accommodation and supplies here, money was thrown around freely and some vendors were just as eager to give their goods away as to accept small change. It was like the galaxies largest ‘hippy’ community from the old human ages and yet it thrived, there were races here which would never normally enjoy such environments. Auraxii, Indbis, Sekkish, Krovaedian and more. Everyone who came here was like one big happy community.
----
It did not take long to contact those who represented the various groups here, although there were several hundred of them. Apparently the celebrations of new comers took up many of their time and so only two could attend the Divine Lotus Blossom summons, a human male known as ‘Oogy’ and an Accordite Female known as ‘Karu’ the first represented the Society of Free Music while the second represented the Ceramics Art Association. Both agreed to meet in one of the open plazas, a space of surprising greenery with countless trees and flora. Even though decks encased the area the open space had an aura of calm and many locals undertook various forms of calming meditation and martial arts here in classes.
“Welcome to New Atlantic friends. How may we help you?” Oogy spoke aloud, sat on some well embraided cushions and wearing little more than a white robe.
----
While crowds and celebrations and festivals greeted most aboard New Atlantic behind the scenes investigation into the actual breach was slow progress. Almost everyone knew someone had got inside, but they for the most part didn’t know who or how or where. Whatever hole they had used was either gone or concealed somehow and so individuals on the lower decks pointed routes around in circles of people who supposedly knew something, only for them to shrug and point to someone else who may know more. It was a goose chase which kept Mera, Jace and the Consulate group endlessly moving and seeing new people, but getting nowhere near the prize as all three groups went on different loops.
That was until finally they encountered each other. All three contacts they had previously seen told each group to meet with an individual known as ‘Zack’ a fantastical artist who used sewing in the old techniques to achieve his art. He lived deep in the lower levels but kept his ear close to the ground. And so outside of his small apartment in a rather empty tunnel for the place all three groups came to a head, clearly here for the same thing right outside the man’s door.
As the group from the empire moved towards the pylon, it became more and more clear how completely strange this place was! Even Rulin Shen’s attempts to probe the governmental structure of this place and find the people with the most influence had resulted in almost nothing, it was simply too much! Cultivators were too used to hierarchy; this anarchic situation was completely beyond their expectations. In their homeland, if a settlement like this were to exist, it would be nothing more than prey, or at best under the thumb of an eccentric immortal testing new configurations of mortal societies.
“It- it’s that pylon!” Xian Cue transmitted to the other two. “I mean, Senior Elder told us, this place would influence the minds of the people here, but this- this-“
Banshevi and Amhendra transmitted agreements.
“Truly, we have eyes but cannot see Mount Tai. The mortals in this area have been completely subjugated by Hurandan Pylon’s song. It explains their weakness clearly.”
“I am already analyzing the emotions I am made to feel from its techniques. Were I a mortal, I would not even be able to do this, I would be completely influenced.” (edited)
It would not be inaccurate to say there was nothing like a “hippy” community within the empire on this scale. None of the Cultivators here had ever experienced an atmosphere or mortals like New Atlantic. They had no clue what to make of it. To them, this entire settlement was simply a bunch of weirdos enslaved by a giant space weapon.
“I suspect we will encounter little obstruction, at least.” Banshevi transmitted. “Should we leave the rest of our team behind?”
Xian Cue thought for a second. “No. This place is… peaceful… as far as I can tell, but our safety cannot be guaranteed inside the Pylon, is that not so? Even if it is truly benign, the fact is, if one entered a structure like this in our realm without due preparation, it would be courting death! I would not even dream of it, it would be like walking into a lion’s den. We have no way of knowing anything about the inside, it is better to be cautious.”
Amhendra inclined his head. “This is reasonable. Now we simply will wait for Senior Elder’s command to go inside. However, there is nothing wrong about probing the Pylon now, is there?”
Xian Cue nods. “…Perhaps.” Focusing her attention on the Pylon she reached out with both her psionic and electronic sensors, looking to see if there’s any distinct source within the Pylon the song is radiating from, and if there are any wireless electrical signals emanating from it as well. (edited)
In the plaza, Elder Rulin Shen’s puppet sipped his tea as he met with the pair. This wasn’t his real body, of course, but a type of Treasure, the Self-Will Puppet. It stored a copy of the user’s personality that would behave as they do, but lacked their battle strength, serving only as a mouthpiece and a handy way to multitask diplomatically. When it returned to the real Rulin Shen, its memories would be uploaded to him, and after checking to see they weren’t compromised, he’d add them back to his own intellect, as if he had been there personally. It has disadvantages compared to direct control, but in a situation like this it is ideal.
This was also necessary because Rulin Shen is a 40-meter strike craft, and a humanoid puppet body is helpful for getting into a city without breaking things. As such, the Senior Elder’s puppet sipped the tea, its sophisticated innards capable of distinguishing the taste and aroma as well as any human could. “I hope you are enjoying our sect’s hospitality.” He said, smiling genially. His form was that of a well-built Hanxian man with a distinguished appearance, black hair with traces of gray flowing down to his shoulders and a long, well-combed moustache reaching the bottom of his neck, giving him a fatherly and wise aura. All a calculated gesture, of course.
“This guest pays his respects to the representatives of New Atlantic.” He spoke again after letting the pair enjoy the beverage. Tea-brewing is a sport among Cultivators, a way of showcasing their enhanced intellects by creating complex drinks with sophisticated arrangements of tastes and fragrances. While designed to be palatable for mortals, it is nonetheless high-quality. “As a foreigner, it is certainly my hope you will allow my disciples to investigate Hurandan Pylon. We have a great interest in it. Naturally, we will compensate the settlement appropriately.” His expression doesn’t waver. “If compensation is needed.”
He looks them over, well aware of what “forces” they represent. As with the investigative team, this was out of his expectations. It seems he’ll have little way to sway the city to his side in this situation. However! If one were to try an enter a resource point in the empire without paying respects to the local leadership, it would be like walking up to them and giving them a resounding slap to the face! Even in a situation like this, he would not dream of not following this procedure. Even if nothing comes out of this, he must adhere to the rules of the Righteous Path, at least on the surface, or face criticism by his opponents when he returns home. He cannot do anything but conduct himself according to the codes all Sects adhere to, even if it is inadvertently humiliating to be met with such a weak response from the city.
The Consulate team felt quite comfortable here. The colours and vibrant arts were quite indicative of their home. But it did slow down their progress. The group occasionally stopped to look at all the various interesting things around them. Normally Anatoli would have reprimanded them all for this behaviour but this song made him rather uninterested in enforcing his authority. But eventually he got some sense back in the guards and got them to move and actually do the job they were sent to do. Which he managed by asking politely but sternly.
With the teams back on track they began to ask around. “Another person who redirects to another person who redirects us to another person...... don’t you get tired from it Sofia?” Anatoli said while Sofia and him were on their way to this Zack guy. “What? Could you repeat that I wasn’t listening.” Sofie turned to Anatoli while she was busy putting in a strawberry hairpin she got from an art vendor. It’s a nice sturdy metal pin. “ No, I won’t.” He responded with a sour tone to her, which caught Sofia of guard “it’s that bad then?” She responded “It’s worse. I hope this Zack guy is the last guy I have to see.”
Sofia and Anatoli eventually reached the entrance of the empty tunnel where they were told to go. Anatoli took a good look at the empty tunnel and decided to follow his gut instinct. He put his finger to his communications headset, pressing the transmitter activation button to inform the rest of the group. “All teams, regroup at my location. ASAP. This an order for once.” He released the button. “What I wouldn’t give to have some actual soldiers instead of this lot.” Sofia was looking down the tunnel while Anatoli spoke across their comm systems and looked back to speak once he was done with transmitting. “Paranoid? How could you be paranoid in this place? It’s so lively and vibrant and..” Anatoli cuts her of mid sentence. “And that sense of safety is why I don’t trust it. It makes you complacent! Anything can happen....”
They waited for a good few minutes at the entrance of the tunnel. Their separate teams got quite lost in the sea of activity that is this station. As they stood there Anatoli pulled out a small cigarette sized aluminium canister that has many small holes on the bottom. He pressed a small button on the cylinder itself and it began to emit a small amount of white smoke. After which he put the smokey end in his mouth. “Just get here already.” He said while he gave the wall a few soft kicks out of frustration.
“Sir?” One of the guards said as he approached Anatoli “Finally.” Anatoli deactivated his smoking device and put it back. “Is it just you ooor....” Anatoli got his answer after he looked over the guards shoulder. Behind him were all members of the team. “I have them all here sir. Quite a pain it was to find them.” “You found them all on your own?” “Yes sir!” The guard gave a quick and lax salute to Anatoli “finally someone useful. Good! With everyone here it’s time to move forward once more. Down this corridor men, we shall lead the way for the eggheads” With a nod from all the guards they moved into the tunnel that led to Zack’s apartment.
And down the tunnel they went, right up to the door where they came face to face with the other groups send the same way. The guards halted and looked around a bit nervously and slightly confused. Sofia and Anatoli pushed through to the front of their group to get face to face with these new contacts that were lead the same way. Anatoli cleared his throat and spoke first. “So. Need the same guy?” He pointed to door with his head. “Oh oh! You are all trying to find the pylon entrance too?” Sofia said enthusiastically once Anatoli finished. “Sofia! Secrecy! For fucks sake.....” “Dude! You really think they are here because they want to try some specialty tea or something? We don’t have to get messy. We could you know, just be clear with it. Make things go smoothly and prevent a clusterfuck.” Anatoli just rolled his eyes
The Minevans were still in just their buddy pair of Pico and Jace; the away teams having gone numerous separate ways to cover more ground. Not only that, their focus was diverted and state of mind was not sober. The duo had found themselves as a minority in these tunnels amongst the much larger group; Jace mused that it was just his luck that they had all managed to arrive in tandem and infinitely complicate their situation. He figured that he probably would have been legitimately angry or frustrated had he been anywhere else in the galaxy.
The imposing Minevan man stood up straight, rolled his shoulders back, and kept quiet. Still, there were subtle hints of a smile on his face. His crimson eyes darted to examine every new individual presented before him. He new Pico was there to take the lead.
Disregarding the security presence, Pico excitedly approached Sofia. With a grin, she tried to seize the other woman's hand to shake it in greeting. They had been in a rat race against all other teams these last few weeks, and now her circumstances seemed to change to be more cooperatively-minded. "No secrets from us, friend! I'm Pico Reiner, hopefully we can look forward to working together." She spoke, voice trailing off as if she had asked a question with her last statement.
"Who brought you here? Our leads have been bust, our last stop was that drum circle at Harper's Junction, I feel like we've been walking hours just to get to these lower levels," Pico said, looking not only to the Consulate team but to all the others to speculate alloud, "It's almost like Stedian himself brought us together."
Jace cleared his thought, gesturing to what appeared to be the elusive 'Zack's door. Introductions were nice and all, but he knew they couldn't waste any time given their self-imposed rival's strong head start.
Mera blinked as she came face-to-face with the other two parties and wound up stuttering for a moment when faced with the almost overwhelming cheerfulness of the Minervans. "I - I-uh..." Still somewhat lost, she glanced over at the Consulate group. "I'm Mera Velnar, pleased to meet you. I do hope that we can work together successfully. Assuming, that is, that all of you are also here to find the entrance into the Pylon?"
---
Further up in the city, Jerath had gotten lost in the maze of stalls and vendors while looking for a reputable mechanic. Stopping at one intersection, he leaned against a supporting pillar and scratched his head. He had to get that ship fixed before Mera came back, or...or...or maybe he could just stay here? After all, these people seemed to be having fun...
“Looks like we really wern’t the only ones interested.” Anarber said as his team managed to arrive outside of Zack’s residence. Darjain followed with, abit happy to get out of the welcoming party.
The teams were definitely bewildered by the grand welcoming they received from the crowds. Some raptors sneezing as they were showered in ring flowers and were surrounded by so many friendly people. To the war hardened security members, this only made them uncomfortably paranoid, while the rest of the team were amembered by the attention. Subtle reminders of what they were here for, brought most of them back to reality for abit. But they didn’t say they would refuse the festivities as they searched for answers among the peaceful crowd.
Darjain recognized the uniform of the Minverans, one he hadn’t seen in a long time.
“I take it you also got the same address.” Anarbur said to the assembly at the door.
As the ZYPHER, High Imperium, Minevan and Astril groups all seemed to meet up awkwardly outside Zacks door the exchanged greetings both positive and wary caused the front door to open revealing a short old man partially hunched over and dressed in a fully knitted multicoloured patchwork of cotton clothing including a rather large and obnoxious looking hat.
“What the bloody hell is all this racket going on outside! Im trying to make some customers clothing if you don’t mind! Who the hell are all of you anyway why are you here cant you go party somewhere else?” He waved his finger around vigorously as he pointed at the different people one by one like a grandparent telling off children. He then paused.
“Wait a minute. Your not from here” He looked them up and down, noticing armaments and more “Hmmm you’re here about the breach aren’t you? Come to see what old Zack knows I bet those bastards upstairs told you to come see me.” He sighed with annoyance “Come on in then” He beckoned them all inside. The small door seemingly opening up into a rather spacious interior of different rooms and stairs.
Albeit it would be spacious if it was completely cramped in with fabrics, silks, carpets, material tools, junk and other bits. He gestured to take a seat in the living room which looked like it could barely hold everyone if they all squeezed in next to one another. But despite the hording everything was well taken care of, glittering and fantastical ornaments adorned the walls and were piled up and from the looks of it nearly all were hand made.
“Ill put the kettle on! Make yourselves at home”
----
Xian Cue could see what others had seen as they observed the Pylon, the thing seemed to radiate its psionic and ultra-low frequency emissions from every point on its surface equally with no indication of readings from anywhere below the surface. It was a mystery, but then again it was one they were here to find out.
“Indeed, I am, and I hope you appreciate ours as well friends” Karu replied with a smile taking another sip of the tea.
“Your welcome to inspect the Pylon my friends, we don’t control this place in a sense. Everyone is free here; we work together to create something beautiful. We don’t mind when others come to find out why this place is beautiful, and you don’t need to pay us. Our only compensation is that of adding to the beauty and respecting others. Do that and everything is going to be all good friend, besides may come here to study only to stay it only adds to our community” Oogy chuckled.
Rulin Shen’s puppet nodded as he processed this information. He was not stupid, but this was simply the worst case of culture shock he’s ever dealt with in his long life. If anyone in the empire said this, it would be certain that they were, for example, only indirectly doing him a favor, one that needed to be repaid later. That is, even something given “freely” was still a debt to be owed, or alternately, a careful ploy to gain face, and thus political power. But as far as he could tell, there genuinely didn’t seem to be any of the typical politicking and dueling via words going on here at all! It’s almost unsettling, like he’d forgotten something seriously important. Could things really be this simple? None of his concern showed on his face, however. He just smiled and responded politely. “Of course, of course. I will see to it that some of my disciples compose poems regarding their experiences here.”
As the meeting continued, Rulin Shen’s puppet exchanged further pleasantries and finished his tea with the other representatives before making his exit at the optimally appropriate time. He then entered his personal transport and made his way back to the main body, where his memories were synchronized with the original. “Mmm…” The elder digested this information, thinking on it before transmitting to his disciples. “Juniors, we have found something unexpected. It would seem the pylon’s influence has gotten rid of all common sense. I will be unable to support you politically in this mission should things go wrong. Furthermore, the original expedition force we had planned may be unfitting for this operation. After all, we had expected more resistance, even with what we knew. Therefore, I will be making the decision to only send our three researchers into the pylon. The others can consider this shore leave. Do as you like, but remain in contact.”
Banshevi sighed as he heard his master’s transmission. “Truly, this is a strange situation. Were this taking place in the empire, we would already be facing down multiple competitors. But here, there no such thing! It is like the saying ‘hunting rats with a beam rifle’. What do we even need our companions for?!”
Amhendra nodded. “Indeed. A large group of us would only draw undue attention, especially from other research teams. The longer we keep our presence concealed, the longer it will take for the rest of the empire to realize our presence here, and thus we will have a greater lead in researching this pylon. Master’s decision was not bad.”
Xian Cue transmitted to the others. “I cannot seem to find anything that would give me a clue outside. Hmph! It is no wonder this place is a mystery, not even my attainment in the psionic field can grasp it. Oh, if only Supreme Elder were here to help me…” She sighs. “But obviously that cannot happen, Supreme Elder is necessary to hold off our rivals for now. We should go explore further.”
However, as they moved to get closer to the pylon, they found that… they had absolutely no clue where the entrance was! (edited)
“What?! I thought this was public information, was it not?” Xian Cue practically hissed.
“There was a video of it, why not try triangulating it’s position from details in the recording?” Banshevi suggested.
“That would take ages.” Amhendra shook his head. “Better to just ask the locals.”
the trio are left to wander about the city, following a trail of clues and questions to eventually make their way to a certain “Zack” fellow…
“Ah.” Banshevi transmitted. “It would seem we are not the only ones to look for him. Others found him first.”
“I cannot believe this!” Xian Cue was quite frustrated. Unlike the other two, she had been raised in the Radiant Wind sect all her life. There, mortals would bow and scrape if a Cultivator so much as looked at them, much less a Second Level one! This entire goose chase felt like a humiliating farce. Her fellows, on the other hand, were promising talents scouted out by the sect, but originally cultivated on their own, giving them a more worldly outlook.
“Keep a cool head, sister.” Amhendra transmitted calmly. “In this place, mortals are the dominant force, they will not give you face like in our home. Act as though they are your equals.”
With due caution in mind, the group made their way towards the commotion before Banshevi moved forward, cupping his fist in the traditional imperial greeting and inclining his head. "Greetings." He intoned, his inhuman visage looking over the assembled mortal scientists. "I trust this is the residence of this... Zack? My fellows and I would also like to hear what he has to say."
Xian Cue rolled her eyes at his blunt awkwardness and extended her own sensors, swaying wires in her "hair" beginning to subtly shift towards the direction of the house, trying to tune in to whatever was going on. Her veteran-level Electronics attainment was primarily geared towards surveillance and data gathering. If for some reason Banshevi couldn't get in, she'd simply listen from here.
As the sect members appeared at Zacks door as well Anatoli spoke to them in response to their question. “Yes, this is the residence of Zack.” Although he didn’t truly trust anyone here, these new folk made him the most nervous. As the other groups exchanged greetings Sofia took the lead and spoke for the consulate group. She exchanged greetings as expected and once the door opened her attention was quickly diverted to Zack. Anatoli simply shrugged his shoulders and made a hand motion to his guards for them to stay on watch outside the door.
Sofia and Anatoli entered Zacks residence carefully in order to try and avoid any possibility of them knocking over something and causing an avalanche to crush them. Anatoli Made sure to keep his gun close to his chest by grabbing the grip instead of letting it dangle free from the sling. It was mostly to make sure it didn’t swing around and hit anything, mostly, because Anatoli is still trying to be careful around these people and doesn’t want to be caught of guard. Sofia in contrast seems almost to be in her own little world with how she was transfixed by the various objects and colour in the room.
The guards left outside simply relaxed and leant against the walls. They kept an eye out but were noticeably chill about it. None of them expected for anything bad to happen. At most a drunkard stumbling into them but that was it.
“It’s cosy here isn’t it?” Sofia said to no one in particular, simply stating her observations. “Cannot agree more.” Anatoli responded in a sarcastic tone which caused Sofia to raise an eyebrow at him. “Jeez, still sour? I don’t understand you.” “And I don’t understand you too.” Sofia rolled her eyes as she found a place to sit. Anatoli followed her and stood behind her as she sat down. He preferred to be able to quickly move.
The spare hand of Anatoli that isn’t holding his weapon moves over to a very large black holster on his upper leg. It looked like a pistol holster but twice as big as expected. It was a fully covered black holster that didn’t show what’s inside to the world. Anatoli Made sure the holster was secure and tight before his hand moved away from it.
As Anatoli and Sofia got inside the rest of their science team decided to wait it out with the guards. They stayed quiet, the general feeling among the scientists was one of careful curiosity. But also a feeling of them being rather useless right now in this phase of their expedition.
a ship made the transition from FTL to realspace further out then standard, as if it was trying to not be seen- or well if trying not to be seen goes well with having the front of your ship blasted by plasma as it exited FTL. a few of the people in system would know what the brick shaped ship with a cone on the front was.
*it was a trade ship, the cheapest hauling you could buy for bulk products- even if a minor industry had grown around insuring cargo traveling on a ship like this one- but there were also a few other odd things around a ship like this one. Like how each and everyone was manufactured by a different corporation and that no one quite knew who had made the design. This particular ship was made by “xyander auto” a corporation with no known shipyards or even holdings beyond the single ship. The corporation was established in a small unaligned port that most no one had ever heard of and the hauler technically flew its flag*
but for anyone who bothered keeping track of this type of thing this ship was exceptional. Most ships of its type never communicated and were clearly automatas- lacking even a AI to the outward observer; this one was clearly some form of religious and if the posts made to its blog that was only ever active when the ship was at port was to be believed it had ended up slowly meandering to this system in hopes of becoming closer to the “flesh” and that it actively worshipped “mother”. And while no one was quite sure why the ship had earned the informal name “big tim”
as it checked the surrounding area and activating its orion drive to get to the station it opened up a line of communication with the local space traffic control, paying its own docking fees and any fees required to get a tug and a harbor captain
The tension felt by the other members of the visiting empires varied around the Warbirds. Just like some of them, they two were wary of how easy going the people of New Atlantic was. The crew assigned to explore the local floor while their primary team conversed with ‘Zack,’ weaved through the party going crowds. One raptor flenched as his tail lifted upwards to reveal a young child had grasped onto him. The mother of the young one was quick to pull the child off.
“My apologies, she’s very curious” she said cheerfully as the child extended it’s arms for a hug from the raptor. He simply grunted and gave the friendliest smile a raptor could muster before continuing onward.
“Havn’t seen one actually manage to hold on” One of the partners said. The warbird grunted again.
“Ether way...this crowd is making me nervous…” The bronze skin partner chuckled.
“so it’s true that you old dinos prefer the comfort of the battlefield than a chaotically peaceful party.”
“On the battlefield, it’s a lot easier to figure out who wants to kill you and who doesn’t.”
“Don’t you guys have like a 6th sense thing?” Another security member chimed in.
“-like you can detect murderous intent or something?”
“Again...they’re a lot easier to detect when people want to kill you. Anyone can feel the bloodthirsty eyes of a murderer”
“I guess thats true.” The Scientist with them turned around.
“Guys relax...this society is extremely peaceful. If they wanted to harm us they would’ve done so by now. Were in the middle of this place.”
“Well what do you think of this place Doctor?”
“Well no doubt I believe this euphoric atmosphere is definitely influenced by the spire.” The scientist said as he looked up at the giant monolith above New Atlantic.
“The mysterious singing is slowly burning through the collection of noise from the crowd.”
“You really believe the odd singing is controlling these people?”
“I prefer the term ‘influence.’” He turned back around.
“As you might’ve noticed, we are also effected by it but to a lesser extent. Which means if this plyon were to in a sense emit or force us to become hostile…” He stopped himself. He could tell from the looks on the faces of the security personnel that his point was reached. The Raptor from earlier grunted again.
“Was that an attempt to ease worries Doctor?” He asked.
“That was merely an answer to a question.” He replied.
“One of the reasons, we should probably learn everything we can about this spire...who built it and why.” He stopped once he received a chirp in his ear, informing of a communication request.
//Arkest’s Voyage to all teams, were on the Southern’ most flank of the Plyon.//
–
New Atlantic’s Halotroplous was the only light source visible from the position of the High Majesty as it lowered itself towards the outer surface of the Plyon’s exterior.
“Have you determined if the outer hull is safe to walk?” The tactical officer said as a team of full suited EVAs waited on a Baizar, ready to attempt a spacewalk of the plyon from the outside.
//We see people and objects constantly touching the walls of the Plyon from inside of the City Rings. I’d like to assume it’s safe for a space walk, but isn’t that very risky?//
“The goal is to determine what kind of material the plyon is made of and hwy it seems to emit this sound through near perfect control acoustics.”
//Isn’t that what were here for?// Another scientist in a group on the otherside of New Atlantic said.
“You guys arn’t having all the fun, you know.” The andromdian looked over to his 5 other colleagues who were doing their final checks on their EVAs, ready to space walk.
//All teams this is Anarbur, radio silence please. Were gonna get some information from one of the locals. He seems to be in the know about the Plyon. I’m keeping this channel open for listen in.//
–
Anarbur flicked a switch on his comms to leave them open to hear his end as he and his team awaited for Zack. Darjain looked around, his security lieutenant ducking under the doorway to enter the room with him and Anarbur’s assistant, Dorthy. The remaining team waited outside in the hall, as a thanks since the room, despite being surprisingly roomy, was cluttered. The Lt’s tail accidentally swiped an object off an end table, that Dorthy ended up catching haphazardly to prevent it from breaking.
“Ack..sorry.” The lieutenant said as maneuvered to keep his tail in a good path from hitting anything else or others.