Post by EmperorMyric on Jun 8, 2023 10:50:18 GMT
Unknown Location: Outer Halo
"The mission was completed to the best of our forces abilities Elder Alesso"
"I see, and Elwar was destroyed? You know you no longer report to me Sister Eleika, I am no longer your superior"
"You will always be my elder Alesso, regardless of the changes to the organization. No Elwar was not destroyed, but the damage inflicted to their research labs was substantial. The weapon, One, was also able to cripple their megastructure. Elwar will be much reduced in his capacity to aid and respond in the future"
"Very good sister, have you reported this to Elder Laikos?"
"... He does not respond fully to me Elder, I have but he seems..."
"Distant. Yes one loses themselves if they are too immersed in the Panopticon. Good work sister. You know now to begin your next task" Eleika Laskiade looked down “Is something wrong my child?” Alesso had clasped his hands behind his back, the corridor in which they conversed pulsed with artificial life.
“It was a mistake. The reorganization… It worked but I still do not believe you should have been cast aside” Alesso placed a hand onto her shoulder.
“Careful Eleika, of who you talk to about this. Laikos has his reasons, but it is true he is not… Wholly with us anymore. He is something else now, easily drifting away. We must remain strong and vigilant, keep to your tasks I am sure to have need of you soon regardless”
“But if he is not himself, how will we be guided?”
“By faith child as we always have. Now go, he is to speak with Airondalof next, I would not have you here to experience such bad news in person”
Eleika nodded with a slight smile.
“Thank you Elder Alesso.”
As she walked away, Alessos face soured and hardened.
Unknown Location: Outer Halo
That bastard Raxis keeps going on about ship numbers again, it absolutely bores you out of your mind. You can't exactly focus on the ever shifting colours of his face but you know he has that snide grin as he always does, self importance. Typical of a damn fleet admiral.
You try to relax but the chair is too hard, something which makes you smirk. It is for a fact one of the Empress ploys to keep those close to her awake and alert at all times, insane to think that the previous heads of the nation liked to fall asleep during such critical briefings. You fondly think of them being purged, partially from your assets.
“Of course, I think that Mirach is a likely first prime target your majesty”
You reply so curtly, voice full of respect and adoration. Inara, the great Inara sits in front of you, her regalia gleaming as you discuss the feasibility and tactics of a future war with the AGA.
Your face quickly slumps into boredom though as Eustes Niman rambles into some tirade about economic impacts. Her clothes seemingly drifting between a multitude of colours.
Your attention only picks up when Grand Commissar Illian Irakis enters the room, it is not like him to be tardy or late especially for the Empress meetings. In fact you cant remember a time when he was. His face seems off, his body his language, all of it makes you slightly dazed as the man comes to stand in the middle of the ever changing room and bows.
To you.
Was this one of the mans games? Surely, he loved to play tricks on you all throughout his damn career.
“Elder Laikos I bring news of Corona, it is falling”
Your brain is awash with responses.
Elder? Since when was he elder? Illian was older than you by decades! He held a higher rank too! And Corona falling? Surely that would cripple the Ancerium industry galaxy wide, that could seriously impact the ongoing war. Ongoing…? No… The future war… Or was it future?
“How dare you! You should be bowing to your Empress Grand Commissar, she is the one you should be addressing not this cheap insulting trick!”
Your booming voice makes Illian look up in confusion and fear, he turns around as if looking for anyone else. How could he not see the Empress and the others?
Your vision blurs again, the Empress tactical room replaced with beautiful golden fields of wheat, the Empress was still present… Oh yes you were discussing plans in the garden. Your tone mellows.
“What news Illian of the Commissariats plans for the coming war?”
The man looks confused again, his entire being shifting like some kaleidoscope. Your mind is swaying like looking upon him with a million eyes. It is tiring and confusing.
“... Elder Laikos. Our forces in Corona bleed the enemy but it is not enough. The northern push is a success but the enemy gains in the south, west and east are alarming and pushing us back. I am unsure of the probability of victory I need guidance, the Panopticon cannot fall there”
That one word, Panopticon…
A strange, unreal sensation fills you as strange impossible things flitter like liquid around your body. It is then you realize, as you grab the ethereal Fragment, the truth.
You are not Marshal Armin Laikos.
No, not even Elder Laikos.
You are the Scion of the New Overmind.
Your impossible reality, connected to the Panopticon itself, settles into place. You are yourself again. Reaching out, you pluck from the Carnaithians mind everything he knows like one would pluck a ripe fruit. Instantly seeing the picture first hand, you formulate your plan.
“Please Elder, I-”
“Quiet Malsh, it is quite alright. I am here. I understand and I see.”
“Then what is to be done?”
“Continue as you have. We will overcome this obstacle another way. The people of this galaxy do not yet know the measure of their salvation”
As the Fragment of Perseverance flitters around you, your physical body leaves its chair.
“I will muster the Army of the Panopticon for battle. It is time we showed that measure”
Motel Room: Luminus
“Jesus fucking christ Scarlet this room isnt even ‘real’ and it still looks and smells like shit, how the fuck do you have cheetoes here?”
Eraserhead tried, and failed, to navigate the abomination that was the floor of the Motel room. Covered in snack wrappers, crisp packets and more strewn over every inch.
Scarlet herself lay face down, immersed in the pillows and surrounded by more packets on the bed.
Her only response was a muffled ‘Uhhhhhh’
“I leave you alone to look after the Liminus for like 5 seconds and you ruin the place and chimp out. You really do take it after your mother”
“My mothers gay and she hates me”
“What like actually gay? Wait, why does she hate you?”
“I told her about Alpha Ceti” Eraserhead stopped, knee deep in dorito packets.
“Oh. That probably wasnt a smart move, I mean I dont have a kind of like normal set of parents like you but I probably wouldnt bring up the fact that I committed genocide”
Scarlet seemed to move her head to glare up at Eraserhead.
“Anyway you gotta get up Scarlet some shits happening and we have missions to do”
“I thought we were just glorified commanders now” Scarlet moaned.
“Well yea but Laikos wants us to go do some shit, like me and you like the old days do some shit. So get your ass out of bed, tidy this place up and make yourself look badass”
Scarlet groaned loudly before pulling herself up and moving through the packets, she wiped her eyes and breathed in slowly. A moment later the mess was gone, and she was back to wearing her official Army gear.
“Why didnt you clean up like that before, wait were those actual snacks you got from the main galaxy or created by you here?” Scarlet merely smiled and tapped her nose. Eraserhead rolled her eyes.
“So who or what is our mission sis?” Scarlets comment showed a hint of excitement as she picked up her scythe.
“Go kill some fucks I dunno Laikos hasnt given us the targets yet but we are heading to Corona.”
“That shit hole? Hasnt Malsh won there yet?”
“Nah that fur ball is having a tough time, needs some help, that's where we and the Army come in” Scarlet raised her eyebrow.
“The Army?”
“Yea lil Sis the Army of the Panopticon, finally we get to show those bastards what we can do”
Unknown Location: Galactic East
The glittering cloud was beautiful.
“It is the first of a handful, and with many to come”
Jonan smiled and nodded. Watching a golden cloud turn several ships out in the void into tiny particles.
“Truly Brother Haykel you have been hard at work. With Elder Laikos muster these will be a fine addition to our counter strike”
The calm and collected form of Brother Haykel stroked his beard.
“It came to me in a dream, no doubt guided by the prophet himself. Of clouds of gold and shining bright, their very touch to push back the night, of its warming embrace shall not tarnish believers face; its wrathful power will wipe those away without a trace” The man's cryptic but poetic words spoke to Jonan. It felt right to be working, as a Restevian alongside RANGSI and Carnaithian leaders. The AGA had truly found its final path.
“He has touched you with a gift Brother. These Solarite webs show the true power of our people. It was foolish that Vosh thought they could harness this power in its true entirety. Their cheap and pitiful imitations will allow them to be consumed by their own playthings”
“Hmm your actions in Vosh were most beneficial, although the outcome could have been better executed” Haykels response made Jonan frown.
“It was a precision operation brother, I did not want to attract attention, destroying the entire facility by myself would have been telegraphing our capabilities”
“True. I was not condemning you Brother Jonan, merely observing. Will you be answering the muster?” Haykel finally turned to show his eyes to Jonan.
“No. The twins will be, why I am unsure. But the rest of us have our own tasks. I am however most thankful you shared this development with me. These Loom ships will prove most valuable, please do update me of their use in Corona”
Haykel gave a curt bow. The cloud of Solarite in front of the display screen effortlessly slicing apart yet another several captured vessels.
Unknown Location: Outer Halo
He could sense them.
That unmistakable signature.
One opened his eyes.
“Good morning child”
The face of Elder Alesso stared down onto one.
“What do you want, preacher? We won at Askandar did we not? Let me rest-” His innate desire however to pursue that thread made him regret the last sentence.
“Oh I think you already know what I want. They are here, to ensure they are removed. Do not hold back, your power is unchained already, wipe them from the galaxy they cannot know more of our plans or set up here”
One merely nodded as Alesso stepped back from the pulsating organic pod. One stretched his body, human again, for now. It had felt good to unleash himself at Askandar, he could do so again here.
“They are in orbit?”
“They are. The Duskstone manufactory is expendable. Do whatever you must” Alesso dismissively waved a hand.
“I understand”
One grinned.
"The mission was completed to the best of our forces abilities Elder Alesso"
"I see, and Elwar was destroyed? You know you no longer report to me Sister Eleika, I am no longer your superior"
"You will always be my elder Alesso, regardless of the changes to the organization. No Elwar was not destroyed, but the damage inflicted to their research labs was substantial. The weapon, One, was also able to cripple their megastructure. Elwar will be much reduced in his capacity to aid and respond in the future"
"Very good sister, have you reported this to Elder Laikos?"
"... He does not respond fully to me Elder, I have but he seems..."
"Distant. Yes one loses themselves if they are too immersed in the Panopticon. Good work sister. You know now to begin your next task" Eleika Laskiade looked down “Is something wrong my child?” Alesso had clasped his hands behind his back, the corridor in which they conversed pulsed with artificial life.
“It was a mistake. The reorganization… It worked but I still do not believe you should have been cast aside” Alesso placed a hand onto her shoulder.
“Careful Eleika, of who you talk to about this. Laikos has his reasons, but it is true he is not… Wholly with us anymore. He is something else now, easily drifting away. We must remain strong and vigilant, keep to your tasks I am sure to have need of you soon regardless”
“But if he is not himself, how will we be guided?”
“By faith child as we always have. Now go, he is to speak with Airondalof next, I would not have you here to experience such bad news in person”
Eleika nodded with a slight smile.
“Thank you Elder Alesso.”
As she walked away, Alessos face soured and hardened.
Unknown Location: Outer Halo
That bastard Raxis keeps going on about ship numbers again, it absolutely bores you out of your mind. You can't exactly focus on the ever shifting colours of his face but you know he has that snide grin as he always does, self importance. Typical of a damn fleet admiral.
You try to relax but the chair is too hard, something which makes you smirk. It is for a fact one of the Empress ploys to keep those close to her awake and alert at all times, insane to think that the previous heads of the nation liked to fall asleep during such critical briefings. You fondly think of them being purged, partially from your assets.
“Of course, I think that Mirach is a likely first prime target your majesty”
You reply so curtly, voice full of respect and adoration. Inara, the great Inara sits in front of you, her regalia gleaming as you discuss the feasibility and tactics of a future war with the AGA.
Your face quickly slumps into boredom though as Eustes Niman rambles into some tirade about economic impacts. Her clothes seemingly drifting between a multitude of colours.
Your attention only picks up when Grand Commissar Illian Irakis enters the room, it is not like him to be tardy or late especially for the Empress meetings. In fact you cant remember a time when he was. His face seems off, his body his language, all of it makes you slightly dazed as the man comes to stand in the middle of the ever changing room and bows.
To you.
Was this one of the mans games? Surely, he loved to play tricks on you all throughout his damn career.
“Elder Laikos I bring news of Corona, it is falling”
Your brain is awash with responses.
Elder? Since when was he elder? Illian was older than you by decades! He held a higher rank too! And Corona falling? Surely that would cripple the Ancerium industry galaxy wide, that could seriously impact the ongoing war. Ongoing…? No… The future war… Or was it future?
“How dare you! You should be bowing to your Empress Grand Commissar, she is the one you should be addressing not this cheap insulting trick!”
Your booming voice makes Illian look up in confusion and fear, he turns around as if looking for anyone else. How could he not see the Empress and the others?
Your vision blurs again, the Empress tactical room replaced with beautiful golden fields of wheat, the Empress was still present… Oh yes you were discussing plans in the garden. Your tone mellows.
“What news Illian of the Commissariats plans for the coming war?”
The man looks confused again, his entire being shifting like some kaleidoscope. Your mind is swaying like looking upon him with a million eyes. It is tiring and confusing.
“... Elder Laikos. Our forces in Corona bleed the enemy but it is not enough. The northern push is a success but the enemy gains in the south, west and east are alarming and pushing us back. I am unsure of the probability of victory I need guidance, the Panopticon cannot fall there”
That one word, Panopticon…
A strange, unreal sensation fills you as strange impossible things flitter like liquid around your body. It is then you realize, as you grab the ethereal Fragment, the truth.
You are not Marshal Armin Laikos.
No, not even Elder Laikos.
You are the Scion of the New Overmind.
Your impossible reality, connected to the Panopticon itself, settles into place. You are yourself again. Reaching out, you pluck from the Carnaithians mind everything he knows like one would pluck a ripe fruit. Instantly seeing the picture first hand, you formulate your plan.
“Please Elder, I-”
“Quiet Malsh, it is quite alright. I am here. I understand and I see.”
“Then what is to be done?”
“Continue as you have. We will overcome this obstacle another way. The people of this galaxy do not yet know the measure of their salvation”
As the Fragment of Perseverance flitters around you, your physical body leaves its chair.
“I will muster the Army of the Panopticon for battle. It is time we showed that measure”
Motel Room: Luminus
“Jesus fucking christ Scarlet this room isnt even ‘real’ and it still looks and smells like shit, how the fuck do you have cheetoes here?”
Eraserhead tried, and failed, to navigate the abomination that was the floor of the Motel room. Covered in snack wrappers, crisp packets and more strewn over every inch.
Scarlet herself lay face down, immersed in the pillows and surrounded by more packets on the bed.
Her only response was a muffled ‘Uhhhhhh’
“I leave you alone to look after the Liminus for like 5 seconds and you ruin the place and chimp out. You really do take it after your mother”
“My mothers gay and she hates me”
“What like actually gay? Wait, why does she hate you?”
“I told her about Alpha Ceti” Eraserhead stopped, knee deep in dorito packets.
“Oh. That probably wasnt a smart move, I mean I dont have a kind of like normal set of parents like you but I probably wouldnt bring up the fact that I committed genocide”
Scarlet seemed to move her head to glare up at Eraserhead.
“Anyway you gotta get up Scarlet some shits happening and we have missions to do”
“I thought we were just glorified commanders now” Scarlet moaned.
“Well yea but Laikos wants us to go do some shit, like me and you like the old days do some shit. So get your ass out of bed, tidy this place up and make yourself look badass”
Scarlet groaned loudly before pulling herself up and moving through the packets, she wiped her eyes and breathed in slowly. A moment later the mess was gone, and she was back to wearing her official Army gear.
“Why didnt you clean up like that before, wait were those actual snacks you got from the main galaxy or created by you here?” Scarlet merely smiled and tapped her nose. Eraserhead rolled her eyes.
“So who or what is our mission sis?” Scarlets comment showed a hint of excitement as she picked up her scythe.
“Go kill some fucks I dunno Laikos hasnt given us the targets yet but we are heading to Corona.”
“That shit hole? Hasnt Malsh won there yet?”
“Nah that fur ball is having a tough time, needs some help, that's where we and the Army come in” Scarlet raised her eyebrow.
“The Army?”
“Yea lil Sis the Army of the Panopticon, finally we get to show those bastards what we can do”
Unknown Location: Galactic East
The glittering cloud was beautiful.
“It is the first of a handful, and with many to come”
Jonan smiled and nodded. Watching a golden cloud turn several ships out in the void into tiny particles.
“Truly Brother Haykel you have been hard at work. With Elder Laikos muster these will be a fine addition to our counter strike”
The calm and collected form of Brother Haykel stroked his beard.
“It came to me in a dream, no doubt guided by the prophet himself. Of clouds of gold and shining bright, their very touch to push back the night, of its warming embrace shall not tarnish believers face; its wrathful power will wipe those away without a trace” The man's cryptic but poetic words spoke to Jonan. It felt right to be working, as a Restevian alongside RANGSI and Carnaithian leaders. The AGA had truly found its final path.
“He has touched you with a gift Brother. These Solarite webs show the true power of our people. It was foolish that Vosh thought they could harness this power in its true entirety. Their cheap and pitiful imitations will allow them to be consumed by their own playthings”
“Hmm your actions in Vosh were most beneficial, although the outcome could have been better executed” Haykels response made Jonan frown.
“It was a precision operation brother, I did not want to attract attention, destroying the entire facility by myself would have been telegraphing our capabilities”
“True. I was not condemning you Brother Jonan, merely observing. Will you be answering the muster?” Haykel finally turned to show his eyes to Jonan.
“No. The twins will be, why I am unsure. But the rest of us have our own tasks. I am however most thankful you shared this development with me. These Loom ships will prove most valuable, please do update me of their use in Corona”
Haykel gave a curt bow. The cloud of Solarite in front of the display screen effortlessly slicing apart yet another several captured vessels.
Unknown Location: Outer Halo
He could sense them.
That unmistakable signature.
One opened his eyes.
“Good morning child”
The face of Elder Alesso stared down onto one.
“What do you want, preacher? We won at Askandar did we not? Let me rest-” His innate desire however to pursue that thread made him regret the last sentence.
“Oh I think you already know what I want. They are here, to ensure they are removed. Do not hold back, your power is unchained already, wipe them from the galaxy they cannot know more of our plans or set up here”
One merely nodded as Alesso stepped back from the pulsating organic pod. One stretched his body, human again, for now. It had felt good to unleash himself at Askandar, he could do so again here.
“They are in orbit?”
“They are. The Duskstone manufactory is expendable. Do whatever you must” Alesso dismissively waved a hand.
“I understand”
One grinned.