Post by veronw on Jul 24, 2023 14:59:23 GMT
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/02/2022 8:21 AM
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Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/02/2022 8:29 AM
The Deep Space Research Vessel Not Lost, Just Visiting had made its debut departure from the bosom of Ladon, eager to stretch its metaphorical wings in this very unusual galaxy. Well, universe really. Warp had never felt so clean and simple, so easy, so effortless as it was here. The speeds that they and their kin could achieve were absolutely impossible in their own universe.
For beings trapped at a mere 120x the speed of light, the capacity to reach 10,000x was the ultimate dream. Especially for an explorer like themselves and their onboard populace. Everyone was so excited, so eager, so full of joy at the idea of finding what could be out there!
So it came as a mild disappointment as alert after alert on the AncNet indicated that these systems and those systems and that system were unsafe due to the growing galactic war.
Just Visiting decided to make a pit stop at a local singularity. None of the kith had a black hole singularity reactor as of yet, in part due to the difficulties in obtaining the necessary exotic mass, but they also didn't know if these objects in this universe would function the same as their home universes physics implied.
The Saxheelian bioships brain was massive - nearly 500 meters in total diameter spread across the axial spire and lower decks of the ship. For the maneuver it chose to take - splitting the event horizon of the singularity with the warp fields - a mere 2% of the total processing power was needed. The rest of its vast intelligence was devoted towards its kith and kin, to ponderings of the metaverse, to wondering what else might be out there.
Just Visiting basked in the radiation as it ever so slightly singed the outer shell of their skin as they whipped past the event horizon, bisecting the outer edge of the singularity. A dancer on the edge of a blade; an artisan born for the stars.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/02/2022 11:53 AM
The Exodus had finally broken free. For the first time in centuries, the Unbroken stood without chains binding their every action. Without the threat of pursuing forces breathing on their necks. This Galaxy, filled with strange wonders and endless opportunities would become the breeding ground for legends if they took the risks of making themselves known. Either on the fields of countless battlegrounds or in the delicate duels of courts and embassies.
The orders of the Unchanged sent out a thousand expeditionary fleets into this new Galaxy. The command was simple, yet ultimately impossible to accomplish; find any trace of Gaia. And so the Purebloods and their Homunculi ventured forth.
-- --
The thin skein of reality began to pop, crackle and ultimately bend outwards. Spacetime stretching like a gelatinous membrane as vessels accelerated to impossible speeds and began their descent. The probe-escorts arrived first, initially appearing as little more than vast brightstone sails, brimming with waves of caught tachyons before such devices folded and fusion engines powered up. In the grand scheme of things, each was little more than a sensor array linked to an artificial brain, always on the forefront of the expedition, always the first to be lost.
After the insertion point was confirmed as safe, the Exultant Throne transferred system side. From a distance one could compare it to some sort of silverfish, a vast slab-like shape dotted with thousands of scanners, radars and similar monitoring equipment, all gazing at the system seen for the first time by Unbroken eyes
Status report
Despite the chaotic atmosphere of a post-jump bridge, a single sentence was enough to still every Homonculi crewman in the chamber. Every Homunculi knew by instinct that He was going to be displeased, it wouldn't be the first time. No one dared to look at the command throne. With every passing second of silence, His ire grew, as did the pressure on their psyches. Someone had to answer. One of the senior Crewmen did, standing from his station and lowering themselves to one knee, head facing the floor out of fear
"My liege...this is not Sol."
I expected as much. Scan it for anything of interest and plot a course for another forsaken system.
With a thundering salute, the Homunculi moved back to his station, barking orders at those who had been stilled into inaction. The Exultant Throne began beaming out sensor waves in every direction. Every piece of Unbroken ingenuity worked to scour the system for anything of note, with the time they had they could detect the faintest energy signature or transmission. In the end, there was no reason to even try.
"We have...contact. An irregular object is moving.. The homunculi cursed under his breath on the edge of the Event Horizon. The Alpha AI is amost certain that some sort of sentience controls it."
*Though His voice was as monotone as before, the Homunculi that had served for decades could tell their Lord was...amused, if not ecstatic even. For the first time in weeks, a system had something worth investigating, something with so much potential.
Interesting. Direct our Tachyon scanners at it, if it notices us, prepare for immediate retreat. If it reaches out, reach back. We might have found something of note
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/02/2022 12:15 PM
Just Visiting immediately sensed energy along its skin. The protational field boundary had done nothing to dilute the energy, which was simply fascinating. That implied all manner of things in the realm of physics that was classically considered to be impossible. And yet, there it was. Mentally reaching for the sensation with a meta-physical hand, they imagined fingers moving through it like a stream.
Yes. This was active, purposeful. A return source could be sensed. Physical eyes opened up across the ship that had previously been closed; they scanned the space around them. Perhaps it was someone who wished to remain hidden?..
Not quite sure how to respond to an unknown physical force, Just Visiting decided to fall back upon the traditional methods and simply opened a broad communication channel using the galactic common tongues.
"To whom is among the stars; we greet you. We offer no harm and seek only to hear your words, feel your feelings, know your thoughts."
They wait a moment, then cast out a sensor net of their own - quantum-gravitational fields were always tricky this close to a singularity, but any mass in motion in space was noticeable if one just knew how to look. A pair of sensor drones left their wetbays and entered into the still-hostile space near the black hole to expand the sense horizon.
"I-We-Us are looking now. We offer no harm. Just curiosity. And apology; this self sought to stretch its wings and bask in the dark-light."
It was actually a little embarrassing to be caught out like that. Just Visiting was supposed to be old and wise and been around the block for a few thousand years, but it was still as exhilarating as the first day they felt the touch of a star to take a dangerous dance around a pool of radiative nothingness. A waltz around a precipice, though, one supposed to be only known to their kin in the Clade. Ah well, hopefully these new ones would not judge too harshly for the gallivanting.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/03/2022 11:19 AM
The Exultant Throne absorbs the information like a thirsting wanderer seeing an oasis. In an instant, the sensor modules, tachyon probes and FTL relays all begin pointing at 'Just Visiting'. The bandwave of information stretches out in countless varied spectra, from those confined only to this physical reality, to those found only between and even outside. An endless barrage of sensation to the bioship, and streams of data to the cold AI of the vessel. Return data is analysed, translated and communicated to the crew plugged into the vessel, once the Homunculi deem it satisfactory they address their lord.
"My liege, we have a confirmed contact. The contact is biological in nature, that is the initial assertion of our Alpha Core. It exists on the edge of an Event Horizon...and appears to have been...the Homunculi stops, searching for proper words...dancing...before we discovered it..Should we..."
The message from 'Just Visited' reaches the Unbroken vessel, breaking the awkward stasis of the bridge. Immediately the remaining Homunculi move to any archives and translation algorithms, checking and rechecking the message a dozen times before it was accepted as true.
The Pureblood replayed the message several times. Was it some sort of subterfuge ? A trap ? No. There would be no reason for such sly means, this thing could destroy them in an instant if it wished, instead it reached back, seeking communication. The course of action was obvious, act on the opportunity, gain something from these countless hours of dredging through empty space
The Unbroken vessel pinged out a message to 'Just Visited'. A simple piece of text, as well as a point in the system far enough from the Black Hole not to disturb the Exultant Throne
"**We are explorers among the stars.Driven by curosity equal to yours. We wish to speak. Meet us on friendly terms and we shall be forged into allies."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/03/2022 1:15 PM
Just Visiting found the text message curious. They had anticipated a more sophisticated approach, given the aliens apparent control over tachyons, but, perhaps they were just being cautious. After all, it made logical sense to be in a galaxy at war.
Sensations of many different sensors washed over them and the bioship couldn't help itself but to pick apart and analyze the methods and technique. Interesting indeed..
The bioship complied with the request, skimming past the even horizon and out into system space using a bump up in its warp field velocity. Within the bioship, the citizens hummed and buzzed with excitement, eager to meet the first of The New. It would be all the rage back home too, and Just Visiting was legitimately proud of having found something before their peer Lambofiti, even if it was by coincidental accident.
As soon as they reached the coordinates, they sent a follow up message - this time via the same text-ping as the newcomers, "Then is it doubly a moment of rejoicing. Ancient-time noemata celebrates the discovery and welcoming of The New. We are Meta-Sax, and this one has chosen the name of Not Lost, Just Visiting. It is with great reverence we greet you."
They were being polite, and not delving too hard into the readouts of their sensors. Just enough to gauge weight class. The DSRV was confident that if push came to shove, they would be able to expediently run away from any dangers in this region of space and they didn't want to alarm whoever was out there with anything more overt or invasive. It was probably already unnerving enough to encounter a bioship treating a black hole like a playground.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/05/2022 10:22 AM
The Exultant Throne wasn't like most Unbroken vessels, while most cruisers could fulfil the role of long-distance research and probing, the ship had been equipped with the highest grade modules and specialised Homunculi. It had cost a small fortune to acquire everything, from endless hours of bargains with the Reclaimed Court, to clandestine dealings with the Crucible. Yet in the end, its capabilities did not make any return profit. Until now
*The crew was abuzz with activity, every passive return ping, every glancing scan, was analysed threefold for pieces of precious data. The Homunculi were as ecstatic, almost like children, though their gene-tuning might have helped with that. The orders had come down from their Liege directly, this was a treasure trove. A piece of biological mastercraft, capable of dancing on the edge of certain oblivion, and it wanted to meet them. Such a discovery was worth the weeks of scanning dead orbits in the galactic void.
"The vessel has...left the event horizon without issue, it is heading towards our selected meeting position. Are we to meet it ?"
Proceed
And so the Fusion torches blazed into life, like the rays of a waking sun, their heat obliterating asteroids trailing behind the small Unbroken detachment. The probe-escorts came first, their scanning capabilities focused down. 'Just visiting' wasn't their exact target, that would be...improper, instead, they took in all of the data that bled from the bioship. Its method of motion, any emissions, signals. The Exultant Throne moved behind its escorts, other than a few point defence turrets and mass drivers it had no weaponry.
Upon reaching the meeting point the Exultant Throne responded to the bioship
"The designation of this vessel is EFRC-B-11/3. Its blessed name is the Exultant Throne. We are of the Unbroken, voyagers upon the stars and newcomers in this galaxy. Our people had dispatched this force to explore and catalogue this new realm. It is with pleasure and wonder that we stand before you. We seek forgiveness for interrupting your stellar dance, our ship has no capabilities for such manouvers"
The messages were curated by Him, it was a tight dance of courtly manners, a field of battle every Pureblood had to become proficient in. Yet at the same time there was something like amusement, or even wonder in the mind of the Pureblood. For the first time since his stasis had ended, the universe seemed interesting
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/05/2022 3:54 PM
Just Visiting observed the slow movement of the alien starships. They were smaller, but not significantly smaller, than itself. An array of vessels centered around a larger task force anchor. In a way, it reminded them of the ancient past, when their own people had left for the stars in timid ships, like children grasping at the pitch black sky. The unknowable wonders ever tantalizing.
Obviously, these beings were not their younger kin, and it was a disservice to relegate them to a comparison to a bygone era. So Just Visiting banished the thought from their minds eye and set to the task of ritual preparation. Several different groups of citizens inside the ships body had already volunteered, so they were content to let the others sort out whom would be part of any eventual delegation to do a meet and greet.
For its own part, it scanned the AncNet databanks as well as the active communications channels through The Consensus that might hold data on these 'Unbroken'. It was a fascinating name. It implied so much in of itself. Unbroken-survivors of a cataclysm? Perhaps refugees of some fashion? Warriors? Thousands of years of history moves before their consciousness as they draw up detailed memories from peers who had made First Contact with such races.
Then they remembered, through Ano. Ahhhhhhh, yes.. the ones who so readily slotted into Meta-Sax formations. The battle at Zlot..something or other. Then this is technically Second Contact?
"It is with respect and admiration that this one extends its welcome to the Exultant Throne of the Unbroken. Mine kinships speak well of your people and their valor. While it is not our first official meeting between our societies, it is the first done in a position of peace, with the opportunity of time. Like yourselves, we are also new to this galaxy, and like yourselves, we too voyage only among the stars. They are our home, as we are our home."
It follows up momentarily, "The pleasure and wonder is ours. The rituals of the past are respected in the present, and as such we invoke The Greeting. This shipself can, if allowed, perform a ships dance for you, in honor and joy of our meeting here. A proper dance, rather than one happened upon."
Meanwhile, scans were allowed of the bioship. It knew from Ano and the others that the Unbroken were honorable at the least, and could be trusted to stand by their side in battle. To the Meta-Sax, this increased their standing immediately. Such scans would be able to determine that the bioship was 1,653 meters long. Its interior was sectioned off in such a fashion that a small O'neill rotating cylinder could be seen forming the core. From there, it was obvious that the entire thing was a living organism. What machinery that can be deduced is derived from living things, but clearly refined to an absurd degree. The vessel also appears to possess no engines of any kind-rather, there is clear warping of space around it, diluted at this moment, but evident.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/06/2022 6:30 AM
Not...the first meeting? Had some other Pureblood stumbled upon such vessels before? Was this a worthless endeavour? Merely a chance to bite at the scraps left by someone of higher standing. The Pureblood mused on the situation, the Reflections in his psyche increasing their unending barrage of doubts and ramblings. Every moment of stress was a threat, any sign of mental weakness, a chance for Him to collapse
The Pureblood dove into the communication network of the Unbroken. The Alpha AI of the vessel parsed through endless bytes of information, searching for any mention of these beings. Luckily it wasn't hard to find, the incident at Zlotsograd was a primary issue for the majority of fleets. Debates raged amongst the various bloodlines on what actions should have been taken, and if any additional forces are to be dispatched. And amongst those troves of battle reports and projections, allies were mentioned, and they stood as a match for the bioship before the Exultant Throne. And other than contact between supporting forces, the Unbroken had not established relations so far
Good. This still was an opportunity to be used.
"We have not spoken with our kin, they who have departed on the road of war. Our missions take us into spaces cut off from the wider Exodus, or have forced us into silence. As such, let us greet you as if this was the first time between our people. We are eager to see your dance, while our preperations for a meeting in the..flesh, are being finished"
The bioship would find the Exultant Throne crystal clear when it came to any possible scans. While it was shielded against most forms of hostile radiation and dangerous elements of space, it was not a warship, and its ECM were lacking. The ship itself was formed around a central superstructure. Created from far more durable and less sophisticated materials and technologies. Layers of modifications were subsequently added, most of them focused around increasing its capabilities as a research vessel. These were far more advanced, and many clearly came from different foundries or facilities. It was a sign of pride amongst the shipmasters of the Unbroken, anything made in their foundries would fit into any vessel. Regardless of age, sophistication or damage. It meant that with the right resources any Pureblood could lead their own small fleet.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/06/2022 7:49 AM
Just Visiting fed the passive information they gleaned into The Flow, which disseminated to the rest of the Consensus. Already there was a significant increase in traffic through the magnetic wormholes that dotted the ships "cerebellum" down into the ansila spire that formed a part of its brain. The wording of things implied much, and those who had already began to ride the awareness of the bioship began to posit dozens of different theories.
The vessel itself appreciated the desire for the ship dance and the acceptance of old rituals, and thus began to deposit its smallest drones into the space around it. At first they merely formed a cloud, but this quickly reconciled to a pair of rings around the ship. The density of them wasn't sufficient to make the rings solid, but Just Visiting was an experienced dancer.
Across multiple emission spectrums, they started to add color and vibrancy through projections of reality-level holograms onto the drones. Beings in the shapes and images of their elder kin began to spin as they were dragged into concentric orbiting rings around the bioship. Faster, and faster. Like a fire dancer twirling flaming batons, Just Visiting kept moving them closer to its hull, closer.. Just meters away, then a half meter, then skimming the surface.
And then they all exploded outwards into a globe - the dancers reverted and began to return to the wetbays of the ship. The entity itself found the performance adequate; not its best, but not its worst by any measure.
"Rituals have been observed in celebration of the meeting of The New. If there has not been engagement with your kin from Outside, then we shall treat this as you request. This one is unable to directly engage with you outside of avatars, but this is not our way. Those who dwell within this one instead prepare accordingly. They too, are eager."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/07/2022 5:41 AM
The Pureblood appreciated the distraction given to the bioship, while He was not a connoisseur of fine art by any means, there would be many who would pay for a piece of original alien culture. While most of the observation equipment of the vessel was focused on gathering data, simpler recording devices captured every aspect of the dance. It was a clear way to show appreciation and attention from the Unbroken. The technology was impressive, yet familiar in many ways, members of the Reforged Crucible had played with hardlight constructs and similar manifestations, though He was not privy to the inner workings of such devices.
While the Exultant Throne had beamed out for information regarding the Bioship, it had also established contact with allied Pureblood domains. The messages were short, written in code and encrypted languages. The Council would know, of course, that their hand touched every aspect of the Unbroken, the greater threat came from rival bloodlines. If any of the major nobility discovered this situation, their scions would already be filling the void
First Contact established. Friendly relations. Prepare for meeting.
A pleasure yacht moved from its formation in the greater Exodus. Jumping into FTL only after it had confirmed no preying eyes upon it, the departure was done in haste and the Homunculi worked to ensure everything was in pristine condition, first impressions mattered the most after all. Even if an agent parsed through the messages and noticed the disappearance, it would take them time to trace the tachyon link. By then the situation would already be too controlled to barge into.
"We appreciate your dance, its beauty rivals the creations of our primogenitors. Our preparations for direct contact are in progress. This ship is not suitable for a meeting between our people. A prepared vessel shall join us soon, it will become the space for our meeting."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/07/2022 8:13 AM
Just Visiting felt the tug of someones mind, asking to speak with them directly. They subsumed a portion of their awareness, moving down two integer levels for the conversation.
The qelnari had, apparently, been the victor in the little consensus decision on whom was to represent the Meta-Sax. Given all the available data, a person of more direct affectation was deemed most likely to succeed. At least two parallels were assigned to the qelnari societies and this person rose out of the foam of data.
"I see. Yes, very well then. We will meet them as they are. So as not to further disturb."
The qelnari smiled, peeling back their lips to reveal sharper teeth, "I don't think we could disturb them anymore than we have already. Besides," they flip their head tails, "that isn't our way. The cultural semiosis will be established."
Just Visiting hummed in reply, having already set aside a pod for the individual to use, "Da, I would advise caution. Regardless of the fidelity of the connection, we still do not know anything about the Unbroken."
Da just shrugged in the mental link as they moved swiftly through the ships liquid medium in the real world, "Regardless. I doubt they would harm any of us."
The qelnari arrived at the wetbay and slipped into the open pod that Just Visiting had prepared. Within moments, the person-sized vehicle was out in space, zooming towards the Unbroken fleet.
"This one appreciates the compliment on the ship dance. It is integrated into The Flow. Be advised: we have dispatched our ambassador. Please indicate docking process, atmospherics as required, and any environmental concerns. We have initiated quarantine-protocol to prevent mixing at this time."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/08/2022 11:13 AM
"Our destination has arrived"
The message came riding on a wave of tachyon emissions, a barrage of sensation to the precise equipment of 'Just Visiting'. The FTL shadow was vast, far bigger than any other Unbroken ship present, and even the bioship itself. Above the gathered fleet streams of accelerated particles broke through atom-wide holes in reality as the brightstone sail pushed them outwards. Fully extended it could hold within every ship present and a score more, despite the burning brightness of the material, one could discern precise decorations on the sail, ones that when observed from the outside showcased a noble emblem. Each is created through ritual infusions of ichor.
It was a sphere, pierced by a single blade
The ship itself appeared moments later. It was nearly thrice as long as the Exultant Throne, yet just as barren in terms of weaponry. Instead of even minor point defence emplacements, its hull showcased kilometres of engravings and decorated elements. Observed from the outside they seemed to be nothing more than fancy hull paint, yet when the fusion torches stilled to inaction the true purpose of the artwork shined through. The remaining tachyon particles bounced back from the sail into the pleasure yacht, and the hull reacted.
Like the scales of some worldly serpent, billions of hexagonal segments caught the released particles and began their display. It was gruesome, melancholic, and filled with despair and hope. Every conflicting emotion showcased at once through swarms of projected holograms. Personal stories ripped from the minds of fallen Homunculi, memories of great feasts and courtroom intrigue. It was a microcosm of the Unbroken history and its progress reflected that. Every passing scene became darker, with more moments of war, conflict, betrayal and disaster. Until the scene from the noble emblem appeared. A world is broken and the Unbroken scattered to the stars, each ship reflected in their exact conditions until the last tachyons gave way to solar wind and the display ceased
On both sides of the Pleasure yacht hangars opened and holographic roadways appeared momentarily. The 'Pristine Domain' was open, the invitation clear.
A small dropship moved from the Exultant throne to the Domain. Small enough to carry a group of scientists, or a Pureblood and his honourguard
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/10/2022 7:07 AM
The pod moved towards the larger vehicle, the tiny reactionless engine angling it for docking. Just Visiting relayed the data that they were receiving to Da, who found the entire display to be fascinating from a xenopological perspective. Evidentially, they had gone through some sort of disaster that predicated their abandonment of whatever world they had evolved from.
It informed the Meta-Sax of the mind-state of this new species, and as always, data was priceless.
The pod made its final approach, entering the hangar bay and touching down. It was little more than a capsule, entirely black with no discernable exposures or seams. As soon as Da received the mental all-clear, they opened the pod up and stepped outside.
Having donned a quarantined biosuit, they were confident that any risk of contamination towards this new species was at an absolute minimum. Nevertheless, they maintained the morphogenic field with strict mental control and added a second layer to the hydrostatic bubble that enveloped them at skin-tight levels.
To an outsider, they appeared to be wearing an organic outfit of some fashion that seemed to mold into the very body. Their head was exposed, revealing a pair of tendrils, or perhaps tentacles, moving from it. Behind them trailed a tail with clear fins. An aquatic creature.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/12/2022 9:26 AM
The Pristine Domain had been made with the explicit purpose of hosting vast showcases of wealth and power of any Pureblood rich enough to lay claim to it at a given time. It was larger than most Battlecruisers of the Unbroken navy, a fact from which many derived great pleasure. Enough resources have been put into its creation to fund a small fleet, and that showed from the first step into the interior.
The Pod was received into one of the numerous hangar bays. A graviton wrangler placed it on the surface plating with gentle, precise motions. From the moment the Pod was detected inside, algorithms ran at peak efficiency to discern its threat level. Every clandestine piece of information-gathering technology available to the Purebloods parsed through the composition of the Meta-Sax pod, searching for hidden weaponry of hostile biological agents. It was only after the arrival was confirmed not to be a threat that the reinforced doors opened and the first Unbroken stepped out.
Every element of the Pristine Domain was decorated or embellished in some way. The plating of the walls had been modified to resemble Nullwood from New Eden. Banners of noble lineages, sigils marking allegiances and rivalries, framed relics and artefacts all hung at perfectly spaced distances, even in a place as harsh as an entry hangar. The Homunculi on the other hand were dull and uniform, their bodies were visibly humanoid; human even. Hidden underneath silver power armour, formed out of endless thousands of hexagonal scales, giving the structure an almost serpentine look, especially when mobile. The two of them had no weaponry, save for a ceremonial blade that hung from a scabbard.
"Our liege is waiting further into the ship, please accompany us."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/12/2022 10:10 AM
Da observed the full spectrum of the ships interior. Their musings delving deeper into the historic-memory of the Meta-Sax as the self-chosen ambassador followed the bipedal soldiers. It was, after a fashion, vaguely similar to something that the ancient Contestants used. The lineages, the rivalries..
It's a little eerier how similar they are to one another, actually..
Da sent a mental command to the pod, sealing the vehicle back up. They, like Just Visiting, were confident that should the aliens attempt to breach it they would discern nothing of considerable value. And Da was, itself, taking the scans and probes in stride. Trust was, after all, the first thing to establish in such a tricky First (Second?..) Contact.
The scans themselves would reveal the pod was simply what it appeared to be - a shell of nacre wrapped around a simple life support system and a tinier core with indeterminate purpose. For the scans of the qelnari, the alien was both extremely dense with technology and far heavier than they appeared to carry themselves.
The Meta-Sax made no such efforts to scan the Unbroken ship nor the Homunculii. It merely observed them with its own eyes.
A tendril twitches slightly and Da looks at the pair of guards they were following, "I look forward to meeting your liege. I presume that the nature of your station implies that formalities will wait until I am in their presence?"
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/13/2022 6:51 AM
The Scans stopped once the ship confirmed how harmless the Pod and Da were. The information was logged into the Alpha AI's databanks and transferred to the closest Pureblood lineages. Some were starting to take notice of this first meeting, their data scrubbers already parsing through each report for news of note. They wouldn't interrupt the meeting, such a political blunder would likely mark them as pariahs
The homunculi moved in front of the Meta Sax diplomat. Each sharp, step rung out against the polished marble flooring of the vessel. The warriors moved in almost perfect unison, in fact, it was almost as if they were exact replicas of each other. Though their armour hid any visible differences between the two. The rightmost one spoke without stopping
"That is the case. We are mere houseguard, tasked with the escorting of a guest of honour"
Sa was led through the ship for a few more minutes. The group passed by several closed rooms and halls that weren't filled with any furniture or decorations. It seems like currently only parts of the ship were populated. At full capacity, it could likely house thousands of diplomats at once, or multiple lineages of Purebloods. Eventually, the Homunculi stopped before a pair of chamber gates. Without saying a word the pair of Homunculi assumed their positions to the sides and stood still.
* The same sigil as seen on the tachyon sail was moulded into gates.*
A broken world
A single blade
) I'm gonna assume you enter and write what's inside)
The chamber was..smaller than one would expect from the vast halls decorated rooms that the group passed through the ship, it was made for such personal meetings as this one. The Pureblood was already inside, sitting by a table made out of Nullwood and gold. There was a single bottle of liquid by the Unbroken, and one for the Meta Sax diplomat, though it seemed to only be filled with some clear fluid.
Compared to the Homunculi, it was as if He belonged to a different species, one closer to the Meta Sax than humanity. It seemed as if some vengeful deity had mixed the bodies of different aliens into some chimaera, only taking care to give it a humanoid shape. He had both a carapace of silver metal and pale bone, as well as patches where his inner musculature showed. There was no skin on those parts, merely tangles of tissue that coiled around bones, like serpents moulded into shape. Malformed eyes, scattered in random places gazed at SA with a predatory gaze, while several open mouths licked jagged teeth.
The Pureblood sat on a marble chair, holding a wine glass with taloned hands. His head was split in two, one side showing a bare human skull, the other hidden by a featureless reflective plate.
It is a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the Pristine Domain"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/13/2022 7:53 AM
Da's eyes peered up at the being before them. It was.. a fascinating mixture of elements both organic and not. Already, they could feel the number of their peers increasing within their mind - everyone was scrambling to get a look at the unexpected entity in charge of the sphere-ship.
A tingle of something deep within the recessives of Da's instinctive mind saw it as some degree of predator.
Probably the teeth. Like some sort of twisted Golreeq.
Da took a moment to offer a greeting of their own; they presented both hands palms facing up towards the alien entity and then spoke in the galactic common tongue, "The honor is ours. I am Da, and I offer greetings and warm intent from the Saxheelian Meta-Antecedent. You honor myself and my people with an invitation to such a splendid vessel. It tells much of your history and your people."
With two heads, Da split their attention evenly - one eye for each. They counted far stranger beings among their kin after all. Idlily, the ponder how the alien would react to some of the Dwellers.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/14/2022 5:22 AM
From the moment the Meta Sax diplomat entered, the Pureblood began his battle. Every piece of information was precious in the conflicts over influence and power amongst his kind. Neither The Pureblood nor Sa had enough political power to affect their factions, however that didn't mean establishing positive relations was meanginless, word of mouth tended to travel far after all.
It was...refreshing, to see an alien species in a positive situation. For many generations the only circumstances of a meeting between the Unbroken and other races was on the field of battle, in a conflict for survival. This new galaxy brought many new opportunities, dangers, foes, but also possibly new allies. The Pureblood observed Da with some innate curiosity, the many sets of his eyes moving beyond his direct control, taking the alien in his entireity.
"This vessel is a pride of my lineage, it has housed many guests from countless noble lines and houses. Yet it is the first time one outside of the Unbroken has stepped into it, such a situation will surely belong in the rolls of honour soon. "
The Unbroken took a sip of the red liquid in his glass, it seeped through the teeth of the skull-side of his face, for a moment it could be seen moving downwards through his semi-translucent neck.
"I am Nurvix, scion of the Nullwyld dynasty. Commander - Explorer of the attached expeditionary forces, and in these circumstances I am the voice of my Lineage as a whole, and the Council of the Unchanged. It is my hope that through this meeting the Unbroken and the...[He stopped for a moment, finding the right intonation for the words] Saxheelian Meta-Antecedent, forge positive relations, and cooperation for the future"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/14/2022 8:03 AM
Da smiled; the act more the peeling of lips to reveal their own predatory set of teeth. The alien anatomy was growing rather fascinating, and they could feel more than a few riders pointing out subtle little bits here and there. It was almost distracting.
"Then I am twice honored, your grace. To have one of my kin to be the first of the outsiders to embark upon your lines vessel bestows upon us a great privilege."
The qelnari bows briefly at this point, then rights themselves, still smiling.
"You may refer to us as simply Meta-Sax. It is only through the officiation of the rituals of old where we use the honorifics of our ancient name. My task, as selected, is to help create friendly relations with your people. We wish to hear your words, feel your feelings, to know your thoughts. It is this exchange that, we believe, forms the basis of true understanding between fellow star travelers."
"I do not possess rank, nor title, nor any form of hierarchical designation among my kith and kin beyond that of specialized interests, such as First Contact and similar actions. It is our way. I wish to affirm that this is not meant to be seen as insult to your station, but I and my kin of the past have found it prudent to speak openly about our nature in these situations, as a basis of trust."
"Like yourselves, we are new to this strange galaxy, and as mentioned by my homeship Just Visiting, we have had minor contact with your people before now. They acquitted themselves honorably, and it is this reason above any other that we decided that such an early meeting was viable. Under traditional circumstances, there would be no direct contact with one of my true kind until much further along the First Contact process. I," Da dipped their torso forward again in a half-bow, "hope that this shows the intent of honor we wished to share and can act as an equivalent for the invitation to such a sacred craft as this."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/15/2022 6:42 AM
The mention of the other Unbroken forces unnerved the Pureblood in some ways, if the forces fighting at Gold Dust proved themselves to be great allies to the Meta Sax, Nurvix would lose the advantage from this personal meeting. Wishing for their destruction would be a step too far, as that would weaken the standing of the Unbroken as a whole. A small failure, however? That would be just enough"
Nurvix laid down the champagne glass on the table, the whatever remained of the red liquid began to harden and coagulate at the bottom. If Da had any sense of smell, he would likely recognise it as blood, with some added alcohol. Instead of observing the Meta Sax representative through the secondary eyes, the Pureblood focused his empty socket on the alien.
"There is no offfence here to take. We have long since understood that our situation is not widespread amongst sentient species of a given galaxy, especially one so unlike ours. Though your blood is not pure, though the curse does not run through your veins, in this situation you stand as an equal with any of my kind. I will ensure that is so."
Nurvix motions to the seat near Da with his clawed hand, just like his it is made out of some sort of synthetic marble
"Please take a seat, I belive there is much to discuss."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/15/2022 8:17 AM
Da indeed could smell - one of the many biotechnological modifications to their body included a sensitive olfactory system to augment that rest of the Meta-Sax's physical abilities located in the biosuit. Though, being polite to their hosts, Da refrained from delving into any of the curious scents and filed away any information for later study and analysis.
At the invitation to sit, Da nodded and walked to the chair. Though, 'sitting' ended up with them perching in the space like an overly thick hawk, tail spilling off over the lip of the thing.
"Indeed, we were quite surprised to find someone else who was interested in this star system. We were attempting to discern how much physics had changed here, and verify if our unified field theory was still coherent. Unfortunately," Da runs a hand against the bubble protecting their head, "it is no longer valid. Have your own people struggled with the oddness of this galaxy?"
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/16/2022 10:44 AM
"To say we shared interest in that star system wouldn't be exactly accurate" Nurvix slides his fingers across the surface of the table and the material begins to distort right in the centre. Like an unfolding rose, a small projector rises upwards, after a few clicks and blinks of charging power cells it begins to project a detailed star map of the local section of the galaxy. If the Meta Sax catalogued the local area of space they would immediately recognise which systems the Unbroken expedition had passed through. The course seemed to be random, each of the marked fleets moving without greater coordination, sometimes even arriving at the same destinations. "It is merely by chance that our forces met in the same system. "
"As for the oddness of this galaxy..."The Pureblood tightens, straightening up and looking straight at Da with his many sets of eyes*"That depends. I was not there when our fleets first escaped from our Quarantine and reached this new realm, so I can only speak of my expiriences. It is a galaxy filled with life, so many civilisations on the eve of their rise, or the brink of a fall from grace. Our Homeland had none of that. It was a garden of death, and those that tended to it saw every species as pests to be rid off."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/16/2022 10:58 AM
Da nods solemnly, "It was much the same in our own. Our galaxy was vaster in the sense that things moved more slowly, but within it, life was vanishingly rare. We have made a concerted effort to catalogue and archive any life we found when we truly understood the scarcity of it."
They point at the hologram, "Yet here, it seems too pernicious to be anything but omnipresent. A curiosity among many."
Da takes a moment to ponder, then peers at the many eyes, "Then you were escapees from a situation in which you were ensnared by a greater power. We understand. Our own histories are rife with this, as well as escape from simply ancient forces beyond our ken. T'would seem the similarities among us run deeper than first imagined. The implication of the word 'fleets' speaks, to us, of a star-bound existence, yes? We eschew planetary life and simply live among the stars. It is our way and seems to be your own as well."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/16/2022 11:22 AM
Though the neural implants inside the body of the Pureblood could record literal mountains of data, Nurvix only ran the most basic capture algorithms, only information directly usefull to the Council would be catalogued and later uploaded. The rest was a tool for his personal use. As long as he was the direct source of contact between the Unbroken and the Meta Sax, anything only he was aware of was of great importance.
"A catalogue of life ? A valiant effort, some of my kind had attempted simmilar projects back There. Though I have not heard of their sucess, or failure."
"One would call them fleets, another fiefdoms or spaceborne kingdoms. We had been a civilization closely tied to our Homeworld once, when it still stood amongst the stars. And though the cinders of New Eden had long since scattered into the void, we hold many faults from those times. My kind is...greedy. Those of simmilar status to me cling tightly to their holdings and influence."
He stops, and pours himself another glass
"We seek Gaia, or Earth. The Homeworld of our ancestors, as such no one risks being left behind, thus no one stakes their hold on any system. The Exodus never stops, and so the Unbroken can never stop. We are travelers until our journey is complete"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/16/2022 12:54 PM
Da tilts their head curiously. Earth?
So many beings from this galaxy appeared to come from that planet. Surely, that couldn't be the case though? The riders debated this information in a subset of Da's consciousness with increasing heat.
But if that was the case.. then travel here means across entire parallel universes. How is it though, that it conjoins here?..
Da's tail moved in small waves as the perching being contemplated the far more irksome implications that this information held within it.
"We are aware of this world. Or at least, of an iteration of this world. One of the ancients come from a colony born from this place, though to them it was long reduced to mythos before even my progenitors knew the stars. It would seem, this galaxy is a collection of peoples that hail from that world. Or, perhaps it is best to consider them reflections of that world.."
Once more, the qelnari pauses in thought. Reflections.. was the multiverse somehow affected by an event?.. Some coalescence?..
They shook their head, twin tendrils twitching, "It distracts. Your fiefdoms then are collections of craft centered around hierarchs. Your words too imply a people in decline - the fear of losing what is held in the moment speaks towards instinctive protection overrides. Subconscious elements common in humans and near-humans that we mapped out long ago."
"What drives your particular brand of greed? A need to ensure security for yourselves and the ascendance of your station? I ask, because we have much we could share in regards to self-sufficiency and Deep Time objectives. Despite physics.. distortions.. here, our plans have not been adversely affected. The preservation and archiving of life will proceed unhindered, and the mechanisms of this is what can be offered in aid."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/17/2022 8:48 AM
It knew of Earth ?
Nurvix cursed in the depths of his shattered psyche, that small moment of weakness was enough for more reflections to drive their tendrils deeper into his mind. The parts of his body he had control over showed no change in emotion, save for a slightly tighter grip on his wine glass. The predatory eyes and jaws showed otherwise, hissing slightly or having their pupils focus on DA
"It seems our journey..will not end with this galaxy. This is not the first such realm we have visited across the Exodus, and it is not the first Gaia that has borne humanity as its children."
The Pureblood places the glass down on the ferrofluid table and runs his claws through the surface. The display on the hologram changes. It begins to zoom out. Out from this sector, this galaxy, this...reality? In a grid display, dozens of systems appear. They are almost exactly the same. One after another the display focuses on a world habitable to most humanoids, before switching to a diagram of an autopsy. One would recognise these natives as mankind or at least their descendants
"We have come across those that claim to be of our species several times. By the time of our arrival they had degenerated, fallen into a spiral of eventual self-anihilation. Though many have wished to prune them away, the Council ordered to let them be. We know not of their current state, yet I doubt their survival."
When the question of Greed came up, Nurvix smiled with the half of his face that still bore flesh, though Da wouldn't be able to see it. He made sure that this portion would be omitted from any automated reports to the Council, or his greater family
"Many of my kind are too deluded to admit it, too overcome with the inevetable end to acknowledge it. But yes, we are in decline. These bodies are not natural, they shift, mutate and poison us. Our minds are fractured with thoughts fom hells worse than imagined. We endure because of our greed. Every moment not spent in cold stasis each is spent seeking to gain more. More power, more wealth, more fame and glory."
Unconsciously the Pureblood had leaned closer to the Meta Sax representative, his fingers digging into the table, which bent reflexively. Nurvix straightened himself from the outburst
"Excuse me. Our kind becomes emotional easily. What I was trying to convey is that you can help us by being an opportunity. As I speak with the voice of the Council I will not lie. Even now there are debates and discussions amongst the many lineages as how to gain as much power as possible from a connection with your faction. The Unbroken as a whole will be your allies, we will support, answer your requests to the best of our abilities and assist you on the field of battle. In exchange you will be open to the inevetable deals of various Purebloods, and their attempts to use those deals in our own power struggles."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/17/2022 11:12 AM
Da ponders the response. Noema dictated the needs for their people to remain neutral, to act as a mediating force in the affairs of other societies. Even a small Clade like their own could do unimaginable harm to the balance of power if their skills and abilities were abused.
They breathe slowly, entering into a greater communion with the riders who had been observing.
Well?
A voice. Participation is likely unavoidable. If we are to survive, we must garner allies. These are broken beings, but they can be mended.
Another. That presumes interference. Noema does not approve.
Still more joined. The ancients among us concur.
And the debate continued. Yet, reality speaks otherwise!
Too many centuries of engaging with others in a single way had percolated into this inability to confirm their thoughts on greater alliances. Nor all the politics involved. It would force a new paradigm, a new direction of evolution, and more risks. So many risks..
Da's eyes focus on the hologram of primitive man for a moment. A sight they saw far too few of. A sight that was Da themselves not even five hundred years ago.
"Then transversal across parallel realities is possible via active will.. interesting."
Impossible.
Clearly not, we are here.
And they claim to have seen the same.
Do we trust that?
It can be verified at a later point.
"Your physical forms," Da gestures gently in the direction of Nurvix, "are easily repaired. If that is desired. My own body is the apex of our technological capacity, and as you have seen, our ships are adept."
To play politics.. is a dangerous thing.
"To participate with your people in the realm of interior politics is not a typical course of action for us... Can you explain further what this would entail? As mentioned earlier, we do not have hierarchies or similar structures of thought. Crossing that psychological demesne will be difficult."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/18/2022 10:32 AM
The Pureblood waits patiently for the response from his guest. It had been long, far too long since he partook in the games of nobility. His kindred were unique beings, each twisted and mutated in their own distinct way. Yet if you speak with a hundred Purebloods, if you sit through a thousand meetings and attend countless events...it all blends toghether. This however, was different. The meta sax were closer to the recorded magical fauna of New Eden, than any aspect of humanity they had encountered before. It was refreshing to interact with someone who was neither a homunculi, or one of his twisted kind.
When Da mentioned fixing the Purebloods, Nurvix couldn't help but laugh. It was not a pleasant sound, closer to the noise of a last breath escaping a corpse, than any sound a living being should make.
"Many have tried to fix their bodies. Our curse is tied to us through bonds that run deeper than any technology could acess. You are welcome to try, and I know some that will seek your help, despite how fruitless the endavour might be."
"Our request is simple. Once information of this meeting spreads to the rest of my kindred they will undoubtedly wish to attend such meetings as this, or events even more grandiose. The Council wishes for you to..strongly consider such invitations. Many will seek to gain power by coming closer to a friendly alien nation. If your people are willing, simply accept their requests for attendance at noble courts and their staged events. If everything progresses correctly the amount of outward strife between rival nobles will decrease, as a third party enters our political field. There is no need to assist the Purebloods with technology or military support. "
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/18/2022 10:58 AM
Da cants their head at the laughter from Nurvix. It was a simple matter; a manipulation of atoms, genetics and the quantum interactions between to reach the desired result. What would be so challenging about that?
Then again.. this was a warped reality with oddities abounding in every direction. Perhaps the ease of their own methods applied only to themselves and those born of them? Perhaps the Unbroken were too different in some fashion?.. They were not as adept as Saxheelians in technologies, that was quite clear, but they were not foolish nor newbornes to the stars either.
If some come to us, we will assess from there. It will teach us about the nuances of this place, and what has changed.
Da nods absent mindedly, forgetting themselves momentarily as they ponder wider ideas, Yes, it would behoove us to find local species who are pre-technological as well. A comparison point using the local geographic records could give some enlightening information that can be correlated to the Unbroken and beyond.
They still their movements and peer at Nurvix again, "There are many subclades among us. Though our numbers may be few in comparison to blessed Home, we still carry peer-value diversity in thought. A handful already mention interest in participating in these actions you suggest to better enrich their experiences. Some vila, too, express interest."
Da adjusts their perch, "We will still extend an offer of aid in regards to your ships, abodes, and any ecological or biotechnique that may be of service. Ladon itself insists. While our technology is likely incompatible with your own, the fruits of it can still be shared. Such is our way. In exchange, we ask for the opportunity to archive the history of your people, to preserve its culture and its traditions."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/18/2022 11:31 AM
The Pureblood stops for a second. The Neural tendrils extending from the back of his scalp quiver in the ambient air, flashing to some code or rhytm unknown to Da. Though Nurvix is still his body doesn't belong just to him, and as he extends his conciousness into the link with his vessel, some of the Reflections attempt to break through his mental controls. The scattered eyes look with purpose at his hands, and then at Da, yet though his muscles tense, the Pureblood remains in place. Information moves through his mind, the pleasure barge, its tachyon comms and arrays. It bounces between the nearest expeditionary fleets. The select few allowed to know of this conversation are brought up to speed. As the Council wills
Abrubtly he resumes motion. The neural tendrils slacking onto his back as Nurvix stands up. To say that the Unbroken towers over DA would be an understatement. His steps are filled with purpose as he moves closer
"The terms have been accepted. My bloodline. Our allies and fiefs. The Council and those who stand with it. We will ensure that the agreement is worth it to both of us. "
Once the Pureblood is within arms reach of Da he extends his hand
"This is a gesture of agreement between those of equal standing. Unfortunately it is not as noble of a motion as is within tradition, but I fear for possible...contamination if we proceeded with other motions."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/19/2022 10:48 AM
Da moves off their perched chair as they note the extended hand.
How very human of them. I suppose it's true.
Their own was mostly covered by the nigh-razor thin bubble of liquid that permeated the exterior of the suit, but they imagined that would not prove too great a hindrance. With some gusto, they accepted the hand into their own, feeling the sensation translate through the cells embedded into the membrane.
"So it shall be. The Saxheelians will assist you should your people require it under the conditions of the mutual aid noema. We do not possess offensive noemata at this time, but are adept, as your people know, at speedy repair and recovery. Additionally, per this agreement, we will notify you of any Earth-style worlds we encounter. The possibility of there being more than one that has been migrated here is slightly greater than zero, so we will account for it as a potential."
"Ladon wishes to extend directly the joy at the first mutual agreement established between ourselves and another society in this new universe. May it be a long and prosperous engagement between our peoples. Should any of your kin desire to visit our homeship, they are free to do so. The individuals who will participate in your political engagements will self-select over time. Those who come will act as archivists and begin cataloging your culture and history for Deep Time preservation."
Da tilts their head a moment and adds, "Should you wish to do joint exploration, Just Visiting is amiable."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/23/2022 10:44 AM
Though the bone visage of the Pureblood remained in its mortuary grin, in the depths of his being the Pureblood was overjoyed. The knowledge of the deal that had passed between the two nations had already spread to the bloodlines nearest to the Nullwyld dynasty. Some had already placed requests for acess to the Meta Sax, while others simply waged their influence to gain it. Through sheer luck Nurvix inevetably became one of the first bridges between the Unbroken and their new allies, a spot rich in opportunity, and possible wealth
"There are many who wish to see the stars with our new allies, be assured that we will answer in due time"
[time skip]
As promised by the Nullwyld scion, the Unbroken answered with eagerness.
"To our fellow seekers of wonders and uncoverers of secrets, we wish to forge a path of understanding through this galaxy. Our vessels have uncovered objects of strangeness and wonder on the path of our Exodus, and while the fleets have passed them by. Those with an inqusitive spark such as we, would feel great dishonour if such aspects were left to be forgotten. As such we extend an invitation"
The message was certaintly..different from other communications with the Unbroken, as if it was written by multiple people fighting over its contents. Attached to it were the coordinates of that new system and signatures of some Purebloods, alongside Nurvix.*
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/24/2022 5:30 PM
The Meta-Sax DSRV that had initiated Second (technical) Contact was still nearby Unbroken-known space when the message was relayed. Just Visiting found the prospect so alluring - to be spaceborne exploring alongside peers - that they didn't bother to wait for the slower and more traditional velocities of warped space.
Deep within itself, it concentrated. The great mind found the threads of woven substanced-thought buried there along the unrealized realities of space and pushed oh so gently against them. The imprinting flowed with energy through the great spires of the science vessel, thrumming with power as reality began to twist and bend around them. In a moment there were two instances of Just Visiting - the one that is-to-be and the one-that-was.
It was a simple matter of choosing who they were. So they chose the future. As all Meta-Sax did, as all Meta-Sax always would.
Then Just Visiting was there, winking into existence with no splash or pomp or fanfare. It spread out its snaking tendrils of senses, casting them like various stones into an infinite pond to sense for the telltale ripples of another.
Yes, to explore again alongside those who share our deepest wish.. To know what can be known. To see what can be seen. To understand the whole breadth and beauty of it all. The timelessness of the cosmos, while there is still time.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/25/2022 12:00 PM
"Are we certain this is a worthwhile effort ?"
The question cut into the prevailing silence inside the command Bridge, it lived rent-free in the minds of each Pureblood for the last few solar cycles. The annoyance felt by it grew with each passing moment. No one wished to voice it, after all, it would have been like admitting defeat, by virtue of lost time and precious resources. Their doubts had been raised from the moment of the first received report. An automated exploration vessel had by sheer dumb luck ventured into a stellar anomaly. A system hidden from outside scanning by refractions in background radiation, and a passing gamma-ray burst. Though the contact with the unfortunate vessel was lost once it entered the anomaly, it had charted a path for the Unbroken to follow.
"Dear sister. Whether it is worthwhile or not, is not the point. We have a duty to uphold. The anomaly lies within the path of the Exodus. You must remember our place in this journey. We are the outriders that--"
"You are in no position to lecture me on our duties. You slept in stasis, licking wounds from your failures, while I led our fleets and armies. I understand our purpose more than anyone here. What I'm doubting is whether it is necessary to involve our "allies" into such a petty ordeal. We have no idea if they will even--"
WARNING. QUANTUM DISRUPTION IN LOCAL SPACETIME DETECTED. POSSIBLE PURSUER SPACE-BREAK IN PROGRESS. CODE ALEPH IN PROGRESS
Nurvix and Ioxia ceased their argument in an instant. The fear that gripped their minds went beyond any biological response, it was a primal urge. A response passed down through generations of being hunted by beings closer to gods than any mortal foe. The two Nullwyld scions acted, as was in their nature
* Nurvix, the hot-blooded leader of a thousand battles called for combat preparations, though he knew there would be no time to finish them or a chance of victory. The Exultant throne had no weaponry that could hurt the Pursuers, and no vessel in the Unbroken navy had. *
Ioxia had always been colder, calmer, and less prone to outbursts and mutative shifts. She waited, all power in her vessel redirected to comms-arrays, the instant before their destruction the Pureblood would send all information to the Exodus, at least then her death wouldn't be for nought
Yet the end never came, the Meta Sax arrived in its stead. Once the meagre weaponry of the gathered ships powered down Nurvix relayed a greeting
"I extend a wish from all those gathered here, and any other Unbroken in the galaxy. It would be fitting if you...announced, your arrival in such an abrupt matter before its completion. Our people have unfortune expiriences with beings who utilise such means of transporation"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/25/2022 2:04 PM
The realization that they had caused an inadvertent panic in the Unbroken ranks made Just Visiting recoil in self-chastising as they sent a response quickly, "Invocation of ritual-rite-request of forgiveness is offered humbly. This one was not aware that the Unbroken-allies were present in the system already, and in its eagerness, this one sped to this location through alternative means."
They powered down their sensors, peeling back on the other capabilities and otherwise 'pulling in' their presence as they moved towards the Unbroken ships, "We will adapt our schema accordingly, and no longer utilize Foldspace in your vicinity."
A message of their own was relayed through the Consensus informing their people of the event and the reaction as well as the politely requested response to not do so again.
Meanwhile, there was the greater task of exploration to get to!
"This one is quite eager to partake in the first joint-endeavor-moment between our two societies. Invocation of information request is invoked to expand upon the knowledge-sense-schema of the desired direction of questing."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/26/2022 11:52 AM
"You are request for forgvieness is granted. There was no ill intent after all."
The gathered Unbroken forces were more numerous than in the initial meeting with the Meta Sax, though not by much. In addition to the Exultant Throne and its attached vessel, another cruiser was present. While the Throne was visibly a vessel primarily for exploration, its sister ship, Grand Evocation, resembled a Q-ship more. A cursory scan revealed that most of the exterior research equipment had been rather hastily assembled and connected to a more armoured, and combat-focused frame. Indeed, some gunports were clearly visible among the radar antennae. Though they were powered down.
Tending to it was an additional escort, though this one held signatures of living beings on it, clearly it wasn't the automated type
Moments after "Just Visiting" came into close range, the two Unbroken vessels beamed out a synchronous message. The relayed data was purposely primitive in nature, even the most basic of technological civilisations could decipher it and view its contents. Once accepted the forms of the two Purebloods appeared through whatever means the Meta Sax used to project such messages.
Nurvix had changed little in the few days since the meeting with DA, save for a few more eyes growing throughout his frame. Despite being of the same bloodline, the other Pureblood; Ioxia, couldn't have been more different.
At a first glance, she looked human. With every passing second, that illusion broke further. Outwardly Ioxia resembled a porcelain doll, the "skin" was whiter than fresh snow, while the neural strands that made up her hair were blacker than obsidian. The moment one looked with greater scrutiny, they could see endless cracks and weaknesses in her shell. whatever was underneath, constantly writhed and moved, pushing sections upwards, or sucking them in deeper. Idly Ioxia kept repairing any section that seemed too out of place.
The image of Nurvix extended a hand, creating a starchart localised on this star system, and the hidden anomaly nearby.
"Seven solar days ago. An automated exploration vessel encountered a previously veiled system. This anomaly had eluded our external scans, in addition to being physically obfuscated from all observation. By sheer chance, or some other circumstance, its Command AI had devised an entry point into the Anomaly and proceeded to attempt exploration. Before contact ceased it transferred data that proved to be...worth investigating"
The starchart shifts into a breakdown of a genetic sequence. No Ancnet records exist which could be used to categorise this unknown being
"The vessel itself has no capability for atmospheric entry, thus we belive that this is either a sign of contact with an a pre-ftl species, either through being boarded, or having discoveed their remnants in the local void. As both of our societies are outsiders to this galaxy. We belive it is worthwhile to observe native biological life"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/26/2022 3:58 PM
Just Visiting quietly catalogued the different appearances of the Purebloods - mutation appeared to be random, perhaps it was something deeper, something connected on a more fundamental level of expression?..
The cantons within the bioships cityscapes were abuzz, meanwhile, with contemplation on what this strange genetic sequence could be. Could it indeed be a pre-FTL species? Some unknown, despite the age and nature of this galaxy? Or could it be something else?
Several dozen theories were swiftly offered up to Just Visiting to present, and already there were three competing sub-consensus groups positing their particularly distinct hypothesis as the "obviously correct one".
Pushing out the social noise, Just Visiting responded, "We are grateful for the acceptance of the invocation. Towards the concern of the unknown-genetic material, we agree. Investigation is logical. Myself and those onboard are equipped for Pathfinder-level duties, and as such we will require no additional Meta-Sax vessels to augment this effort."
Hm, should probably also poke about abit..
"We would like to inquire what the protocol is for the Unbroken regarding First Contact with pre-FTL lifeforms. Ours is fairly strict, though if inclined we could erase our presence from their ability to detect should it indeed prove both technological in nature and intelligent."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/27/2022 7:22 AM
Nurvix looked at his sibling before allowing her to take the lead. Ioxia spread out her hands in a very jittery and jerky motion like a doll pulled on strings. Between them spread out a vast document, filled with thousands of annotations, protocols and official signatures.
"First Contact is not...something we have had much practice in. One could say we encountered a First Conflict more often than that. The Exodus began in an area of space that was defined by extreme competition between any sentient species. Those that could not reach inter-system travel perished before there was a chance for them to thrive. Those that just began to reach out into the void were enslaved, used to the full extent of their worth and left to fester."
Throughout the speech there isn't a hint of emotion in the tone of the Pureblood, it is that same cold and factual voice throughout
"The Unchanged foresaw that eventually we would encounter a Pre-FTL species before the Pursuers. Yet in this situation I belive it is too late. The Command AI of the escort is designed for its role as an exploration vessel. It could navigate its way through any hazard or obstacle. In an encounter with a sentient species, it is little more than a simple tool."
The document changes into a data record
"Upon encountering an unknown species, and failing to evade detection. The AI is programmed to send out messages. The natives receive information about its status as an exploratory and are requested to await for a Pureblood to arrive. At the same time, the nearest Unbroken vessel is sent coordinates and status every solar cycle. We have received one such message. First contact is not applicable in this situation. Whatever being encountered our ship has either boarded it or brought it to their world. We don't know their intentions, as such, we must assume the worst and prepare for a possible assault.
Ioxia stops projecting. The holographic image of the Pureblood shifts its gaze forwards, to where the Meta Sax are assumed to be
"I do not wish to start a war. If the Exodus is threatened. There will be no other choice. I hope you will understand"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/28/2022 9:39 AM
The bioship takes but a moment to process the information before they respond, "Then allow us to assess the potential infection points of information. Any system, no matter the complexity, can be altered, and given the probability of a species quite new to the stars, their technological ability to resist us would be insufficient."
There is no image returned to see - just the voice of the bioship, static and electronic in the common language of the galaxy, "It is noema for us to preserve life. If there is an alien species and if they have captured your automaton, then an assessment can be made of potential damages. Even under high probability of reverse engineering scenario, we do not foresee a threat to the Exodus. The technological base to produce more than what they currently possess would not exist, and the time required to create such an exigency would be sufficient for us to do our work. We still have the alternative hypothesis of a non-intelligent lifeform or non-relative lifeform inhibiting the craft in some fashion to consider as well."
It would be a simple matter to remove the information of the event from a recently developed society. Nearly all that had ever been countered by their people had been woefully unprepared for an infection event that simply removed all knowledge of the actual contact, let alone for an invisible team of experts swooping away with the captured prize. Though, it had only been needed once or twice. Most were simply contacted by the Meta-Sax per noema of Clade Ladon.
They had not anticipated an aggressive/defense response from the Unbroken, but upon reflection, it made sense to Just Visiting. Such was the way of a wounded humanity after all. The tricky part would come in deflecting this behavior away from threatening this new species. At least until their ethos could be determined.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/29/2022 9:06 AM
The projected forms of the Purebloods remain motionless, though their minds begin an exchange through their vessels. Thoughts pour through artificial pathways of tachyons and coursing electricity. In this state entire debates could pass in less than the blink of an eye, though the mental strain eventually begins to take its toll on even the most stable of Purebloods
"Brother, are these allies of yours speaking of a Fae weapon ? Did you know they posses the ability to destroy memory ?"
"Our allies have not revealed all of their cards so far, it was not within my knowledge that...they could do it."
"If they turn....we could all end like the Displaced. You understand that danger surely."
"If we know. The Council knows. If they see it as a threat. They will act. All that is within our capabilities, is to prevent any hostile reactions from our allies."
The conversation passed in an instant, and the Purebloods focused their attention on the situation at hand
"This memetic agent....you are certain of your ability to controll it ? Is there a chance it might propagate to our forces ? There existed beings on our Homeworld that possesed tools with simmilar potency. The destruction caused by them is something still felt by many of our kindred"
It was a small lie, but the intricacies of the Fae and their methods of hunting are too complicated to explain to someone who has not experienced New Eden and its esoteric apocalypses. Especially when the issue concerned beings that even most Purebloods lacked an understanding of.
Ioxia waited for a response from the Meta Sax to the queries of her sibling and asked questions of her own. The cold-hearted Pureblood understood that their "allies" were closer in nature to a group mind or some collective consciousness than her own mentality. It could likely speak with every member of her bloodline at once and still be at peak concentration"
"We understand the need to preserve life. The universe has seen too much death, and so have the Unbroken. Your technological prowess is clearly superior, compared to even the relics of our ancestors. Though this excursion concerns our Automatons, we will invoke any actions that could be seen as standing against your morals and wishes. I propose a covert approach, beginning at the edge of the anomalous system. From there we can ascertain the status of any local species, as well as trace the route of the lost Escort.*"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/29/2022 6:29 PM
For a moment, the bioship is confused by the initial question. Of course they could control it, why would any deploy an action that was not controlled?
But then, perhaps this was not the norm, and this realization made them respond thusly, "It is an extension of one of us. Noema schema-stratagem typifies use by higher integer minds as scale becomes a matter of concern. For a pre-FTL NSL, one of us would be sufficient to contend with an entire worlds needs. As for propagation, no. It is ecologically Saxheelian."
How do they explain?..
"There is insufficient material-verbage in the accepted common languages to express the nuances. It is not compatible with systems that it is not meant to be. In recognition of the danger of it, we long ago established strict protocols in its use. It has evolved since, and become a mechanism of ecological creation. Again, there are insufficient words to express it fully and its scope of use, but this is a tool like any other. It is in the use of the tool that defines its moral position in our society."
Allowing a moment for that to digest, they then spoke towards the second, subtler question, "This is a logical approach. We have engaged in this action before, and as this one mentioned, no pre-FTL society would be capable of discerning us if we wished to remain hidden. This extends beyond merely the shipself and also to the mono-entity, such as Da. A three pronged approach to the system utilized full array-assets would allow for the swiftest discernment of the situation. With relegation to Oort cloud-barrier or heliopause regions, it should reduce time-scan sensitivity. As your people utilize a sensing system unknown to us, this one believes it the most structured approach to maximize known capabilities."
Within the Consensus, a veritable army of exospecialists were assembling, all of whom had experience in some fashion with First Contact with pre-FTL species. A smaller cadre specialized in non-traditional life as well.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/31/2022 11:53 AM
Though there were many nuances in the cognitive weaponry, or tool, of the Meta Sax bioship. The answer was enough to calm the immediate fears of the Purebloods. This did not extend to the wider Unbroken sphere, once the information spread, as it always did amongst the courts and bloodlines. There would be many whose fear would overcome their rationale. To an outsider, this could only seem like a sign of immaturity for a species, yet for those who have fought against such weaponry, it was the only sensible response. No one can know how much has been reduced from memory since New Eden, plagues of hazardous information destroyed every trace, as if they had never existed. The short lifespans of Purebloods ensured that a scant few remain who lived to see such disasters, their legacy set in stone by the fear they spread to their descendants.
After a moment of deliberation through his mind-link, Zyvius responded to the Bioship
"We have trust in your morality, as well as the mastery of such technology. If the situation calls for its use, we will not fight against such a decision"
[.]
The bioship received coordinates pointing to the FTL trail of the lost escort. The traces were degrading, in a few days, Unbroken sensors wouldn't be able to follow them, though this likely wouldn't be an issue to the Meta Sax. A closer inspection of the escape vector uncovered some sort of obscuring phenomena which covered the target system. Unless one peered directly at the star and deliberately removed all spatial interference, it wouldn't have appeared on any star chart or stellar map.
The Unbroken vessels began to unfurl their tachyon sails, escorts taking the lead, followed by the larger science ships. The jump would be momentary, a distance of less than a dozen light years before entry. There was no doubt for the Purebloods that their allies would arrive first, with more grace and subterfuge. As such the Unbroken would break FTL outside the Oort cloud and drift inwards
[...]
The Oort cloud appears to be free of native vessels, as was expected, the new arrivals found nothing but endless billions of drifting comets, all of them untouched by sentient life so far. This relative deadness extended into the nearest planet, a vast azure green gas giant, caught in its isolated dance. Probing deeper into the system immediately revealed something unusual. As objects came closer to the main star, scanner returns became garbled and distorted, each time showing vastly different data. Amongst the distortion the trail of the Unbroken escort was visible, the stream of particles, left behind its fusion torch engine was just beginning to escape the system. On a cosmic scale, it was essentially still burning hot.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/31/2022 1:53 PM
The Just Visiting had scooted the stones-throw distance to the nearby system using its convention warp engines, arriving comfortable at the outer rim of the Oort cloud. It scanned a few equivalent mass asteroids, then decided on a form to mimic. With a shimmer, the exterior of it took the rough outline and shape of one of the asteroids from the outer edge of the system, while a dozen smaller ones exited the invisible wetbays.
Setting itself into a casual spin, it accelerated using its reactionless engines to a point that was generally 'believable' as a rogue asteroid with a trajectory that would take it outside the star system in a few years. Not that they intended to dally for so long, they doubted that the Unbroken had their patience. Meanwhile, the sensor drones spun out and away on different courses, each seeking a specific point at the edge of the star system to give maximum coverage.
With its own mass and exterior identically masked to that of its copy, Just Visiting was confident that none of the local life forms, Unbroken included, could determine where they were and what they were.
This left them to focus their mental energies on the highly unusual distortions that appeared to be obfuscating the star and inner system scans. With some layers of caution via refraction to one of their child-drones, Just Visiting started to cast out their quantum-gravitic sensors, reaching out to find where the mass of the Escort could be in inclusion to anything else that might be present in system.
Simultaneously, the further away sensor drones started visual and spectrographic inspections of all orbiting bodies, to determine if there were habitable worlds across any of the NSL spectrums known or if perhaps this was but a chance encounter.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/02/2022 9:33 AM
[Path of Just Visiting]
The relative deadness of the system continued for thousands of miles, the outermost edges of the system to be nothing out of the ordinary, nothing but comets and wandering meteoroids. Perhaps the automaton had simply collided with some stellar object upon exiting its FTL drive. It was ultimately too soon to tell.
The Auguries of the Meta Sax vessel upon the stellar anomaly began to slowly result in promising information returns. Whatever the source was, it seemed to originate from the star itself, almost as if the burning sphere had a heart in itself. Each beat coincides with a full rotation of the object. These beats, in the form of waves, seemed to be the cause for the anomalous readings. Their intensity around the innermost planets would be devastating to any life, though confirming any damage was impossible with the garbled scan returns.
The returns from the gravitic sensors on the other hand were amazing, though ironically, that was due to the distortion at the heart of the system. Once Just Visiting parsed through the rhythmic beat of the anomaly, a minuscule piece of information became a beacon for discovery. Scattered throughout the system were billions of particles of material. To any standard method of examination, they were little more than shavings of rogue asteroids. The Meta Sax could discern their true nature by their interaction with the anomalous wave, by the tiniest of imperceptible margins, these particles resonated to the wave.
[Path of the Sensor Drones]
The result of their scans was less fruitful than those of the main vessel. The gas giants nearest to the Oort cloud were devoid of all signs of habitation, or remnants of technological exploration. At least currently, out of the two, the furthest one had a trail of resonating particles that ended in its upper atmosphere. The drone would have to attempt entry into low orbit to peer through the roiling vortexes of the planetary body if the Meta Sax wished to uncover its secrets.
The primary observation of the inner planets showed promise for one of them. Out of the two rocky worlds, one stood too close to the anomaly, even from the outside its surface was volcanic and turbulent, unlikely to sustain all but the hardiest of races. Its further sibling seemed to be capable of sustaining life. A basic tasting of its composition revealed every element required for life to flourish.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/02/2022 1:33 PM
Just Visiting was uncertain how to process the information they were receiving. The particulate matter, miniscule as it was, seemed to act in concert with the star itself, which itself was acting incredibly strangely.
Like some sort of cosmic egg, it pulsed and pulsed and pulsed with its rotations. Switching to another more active sensor system, they began interferometry experimentation on one of the nearest particles to see if perhaps there was some degree of information transmission happening.
A cloud mind, perhaps?.. Something other? Habitation of stars is not unheard of, yet, this is distinct and different..
The rest of the Meta-Sax who were riding Just Visiting's awareness agreed, though there was a subset who proposed added layers of caution, as this was an unknown galaxy and thus the realities of it could be radically unexpected.
Such was the case in the returns from the sensor drones. Despite the toxicity of the emission spectrums from the star, there appeared to be a world capable of bearing life. Not just that, but one of the gas giants even seemed to hold evidence of activity as well. The Consensus was set abuzz while the drones were adjusted.
Two were sent to investigate closer the gas giant anomaly. While the rest were sent to the potentially habitable world, coasting as they did on reactionless engines and camouflaged. The bioship doubted it would be sufficient if the star itself proved to be intelligent, or a swarm-host was present, but they would hedge their bets until that data was confirmed.
A signal was relayed to an outer buoy and bounced out to the Unbroken, informing them of what the Meta-Sax had discerned so far and to be cautious given the spectrum of potentials in play. Just Visiting itself remained on its previous course, not keen to give away its deception as of yet without any just cause whilst it poked and prodded the nearby particulates.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/05/2022 11:20 AM
[Just Visiting]
The particle responded to the initial probing, its resonance to the waves emitted by the star ceased, and instead it began to tune itself to the outgoing probe of the Meta Sax vessel. Other particles in the vicinity began to mimic this process, spreading the effect further at a rapid pace. Those that followed the assumed path of the Unbroken escort underwent tuning the quickest, it was almost like the reaction of some phosphorescent animal or fungi, reacting to external stimuli. At their rate the particles closest to the planet would undergo their change within the hour, though whether there would be any perceptible change to anyone but the Meta Sax...only time would tell.
The reflection of the Meta Sax probing seemed to be drowned out by the anomalous waves from the star, as slowly the scattered pieces returned to their resonance with its waves
[Probes - Gas Giant]
As the machines dispatched by Just Visiting pierced through the upper cloud layer their passage would take them through seas of resonating material. The closer to the void they were, the more scattered their disposition, near the atmospheric edge they were little more than loose clouds. Deeper within, under the crushing gravity of the gas giant and its overwhelming atmosphere. They began to clump into structures, first as simple geometric shapes, then into intelligent designs, ones visibly designed by thinking minds
Stretching throughout the parallels and meridians of the giant were kilometre-thick strings made from the resonating matter, coasting on the almost-solid seas of gas. These strings remained tuned to the stellar waves of the anomaly, and when the waves passed them they vibrated visibly, pulsing with ambiently gathered power, pouring it into a single spot on the equator. There a single string pulled downwards, holding a vast object, beaming with energy signatures and radiation emissions
[Probes - Planet]
With every AU closer to the habitable world, the tuned matter underwent a simmilar change. Clouds became solid clumps, and then strings, nets. Over centuries of solar drift megatonnes of asteroids, comets and orbital scrap impacted these webs, and were caught in return. If the probes possesed scanners and sensors of lesser quality it would have been likely that they'd been caught in one of the molecule-thin strands stretching throughout the void.
By the time they reached visual range of the moon, the full state of the planet was clear.
The surface of the world was invisible to the naked eye. The cobweb of resonating matter had grown from it and then outward into space. Vast strings, hundreds of thousands of kilometers in lenght connected every planetary body in the vicinity. The moon of the world itself was wrapped tightly in thousands of strings, though this must have happened recently, as spots of its emerald surface still shone through. Other objects immediately caught the attention of the probes. Several energy signatures beamed out weakly from inside the net, caught like prey. Amongst them was the signature of an Unbroken vessel.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/06/2022 7:34 AM
Just Visiting had not at all been expecting the results of the sensor sweeps. The complexity of the situation was immediately upgraded to an integer level 9, as the scale of stellar construction implied a highly intelligent species. Not just that, but one that was exotic enough to rely upon monofilaments in space for reasons that so far, none of the Meta-Sax could sufficiently explain.
Which was itself quite exciting! It was a rare and joyous thing to encounter something utterly alien to their experiences, and this certainly qualified. The Dweller family among them was equally excited at the discovery of the gas giant anomaly, with Ladon itself pondering if it should make the journey to this alien system.
All the buzz of the Consensus did not, however, remove the primary purpose of their mission here, which was to discover the fate of the Unbroken vessel. Rational discourse between the minds of the Meta-Sax concluded that the wisest choice would be to discern why the signatures were trapped inside the web of objects coming from the habitable moon, before they attempted to make contact.
Just Visiting ceased its efforts to tap into the resonance particles, focusing instead on its probes. The gas giant probes remained in position, passively continuing scans, while the planetary ones moved closer towards the signature of the Unbroken ship. Another communication was relayed out to the fleet, "We have discerned a higher order intelligence is present. Meta-Sax preliminary Contact noema is in place. Recommendation to remain in outskirts of system, as inner system web-way is dense." All the scan data so far was then sent to their ally for them to pour over.
Within the bioship itself, the population began to dedicate more of their own mental abilities towards data crunching. Every scrap, every bit, anything of data-value was assessed and theorized.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/06/2022 9:45 AM
The Unbroken vessels broke their ftl voyage by the time that the Meta Sax first encountered the Tuned particles, by the time the message reached the Purebloods the small expeditionary fleet had set down in the oort cloud. As was protocol for such an expedition the cruisers found the nearest, most sizeable extrasolar object, and began to use it as camouflage. Lowering their emissions to only tight-beam tachyon communication with the Meta Sax. As well as localised occult means, though their allies wouldn't be aware of those..yet
Web..way ? Elaborate ?
[Planet Orbit]
The intense computtional capabilities of the Meta Sax group-mind were enough for the probes to unravel some of the mysteries of these stellar strings. Just like everywhere else the material resonated with any local wavelenght, be it the anomalous emissions from the star, or any attempt at a "standard" information probe. Unlike the loose clouds of particles, these complex structures acted like conduits for energy. The Meta Sax could detect radiation and weak power sources from the ships, yet the strings themselves were almost burning with the amount of energy that coursed through them from anything caught in them. The power drawn from the vessels moved through the spread webs, converging in the depths of the planet. At a point on the equator, which was directly opposite to the point in the gas giant.
It was likely that if the probes were caught the same process would be attempted on them. As one of the deployed sensors observed as a particle string punctured a small meteroid which got connected to it.
Though at this point it wasn't clear if this action was due to some innate sentience, or simply because of how violent the material was. As the combined resonance of each string acted like drill.
[Gas Giant]
Just like the material around the world, the strings in the upper atmosphere were conduits for energy. However their direction was reversed, instead of drawing power from the object caught in the equator, they were directing any atmospheric discharges and gaseous explosions into the hanging artefact. Whatever it was, its needs were immense as just a basic glance at the directed voltge showed that it could power several warships, or a space station.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/08/2022 3:52 PM
A partition of Just Visiting was created to handle communications with the Unbroken, while the original element of its consciousness continued to focus on the intense data streams coming from the citizens both onboard and elsewhere. Some degree of debate was ongoing on if other ships should be called in to assist, as the potentials on the Contact spectrum were great, and so far, alien enough to warrant high level mind involvement.
One such mind was Ladon itself.
Emotion-juxtaposition-state-emphasis of joy-in-communion. Entosis-placement of kin-self is most wise. Excession of state-of-many within recontextualized time-orient for Other is gently suggested by warming-feelings-of-hope.
Even for Just Visiting, the mothership was difficult to understand. The higher up the integer list one got, the more alien they became, and Ladon was no exception. In comparison, the partition was having a far easier time of things.
"Detection of numerous system-formations has been achieved. These formations originate from a gas-giant moon and include filaments which span from the surface to the parent body. Within the parent body, additional filaments have been detected. Each filament acts as a locus of energetic reorientation. It is the belief of my people that this is the cause of the ships vanishing."
In truth it was almost like some sort of massive passive energy collector. Though why filaments like these, the bioship could not say. Nor could any say with any certainty. The amount of energetic matter that could pass through a system was miniscule in comparison to what could be pulled from the local star - which was where one of the current major theories lay: the resonant particles were an evolution of the filament design, creating a Dyson Swarm-like effect while equally harnessing the ambiant interaction of high velocity particles from deep space.
Probes near the planet remained evasive, trying to get what data they could while not coming into contact with the near-certaintly lethal filaments. Still, at this distance, it was doubtful they'd be able to determine what else had been caught in its web, nor if there was a planetary-bound intelligence that was actively manipulating it.
This thought-strand caused Just Visiting to peer back towards the gas-giant in curiousity. Given the activity of the artifact, it lent further credence to the energy-gathering theory, but also presented its own dilemma. If the Other possessed the ability to harness energy from the ambient effects of the atmosphere, that implied intelligence sufficient enough to utilize the Swarm method. That they were not doing so implied again that the filaments would be tapping into an as-yet-unknown source; perhaps exotic. But this was not a firm assessment.
With a mental nudge, they usher the probes to examine the artifact with greater resolution. Perhaps there would be something to be gleaned there.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/09/2022 10:21 AM
The Unbroken responded to the separated mind of Just Visiting, while at the same time working on their mobile outpost in the Oort cloud. It was minimalistic, more of a stopgap solution than anything else. One of the automated survey ships had moored itself to the comet that the Unbroken had chosen to hide behind, drones and automata began to separate every attached module, leaving the barest skeleton behind. Afterwards communication modules were likewise transferred onto the ship from the larger cruisers. The energy signature of the escort was miniscule compared to the larger craft even at full power, yet this allowed for the tachyon link to be continous despite any interferance in the system.
"This bears the markings of a trap. Or a predatorial den, something might have drawn in our lost vessels, and possibly many others. Though I'm certain of your capabilities, I advise caution"
[Planet Orbit]
Without coming into close range to the filament web, the probes wouldn't be able to gather more data. The only thing that they could ascertain at this point is that the net was growing, actively and exponentially. From the surface of one of the caught objects a seperate particle string began to unravel. Beginning with a thickness equivalent to a small personal vechicle, before splitting into thousands of cable-thin strands after crossing just a few hundred meters. Then those strands split once again, until they were imperceptible to the naked eye. The same process repeated on every visible caught object, always after the crossing of the star's anomalous waves.
[Gas Giant]
Unlike the filaments in open space, the ones spread through the crushing atmosphere had to remain at a far greater thickness in order to keep their stability. The smallest were as thick cars or fightercraft, yet they still grew. As the chance to get caught in any molecule-thin net was unlikely, the probes would have been free to approach, to observe the process in detail. The first detail to note down was a field covering these gargantuan cables, its signature was nearly exact to the waves emitted by the anomalous star. The field extened for just a few centimeters above each filament structure, and its origin could be traced to the artefact in the depths of the giant. Its presence prevented any scans into the atomic structure of the filament, but it didn't obscure any visual probes, revealing the second element to note.
The first true signs of inteligent design. Crawling through the surface of these kilometre-long and thick cables were endless millions of miniscule drones. The presence of the Meta Sax probes did not seem to distract them from their function of extending the filament. Every few hundred meters, at a point where the anomalous field began to weaken, the machines gathered in the thousands and began to weave new filaments. It appeared to be a process of energy-matter conversion, as the automata took the ambient field around them to finish their creations. Wherever they created new strands, the exotic shield followed, allowing for the net to spread upwards, into the weaker atmosphere. And ultimately outside of the gas giant.
Image
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/09/2022 9:08 PM
Just Visiting reacted like most of the Meta-Sax watching.
They found the Other to be beautiful. Understanding now the elegance of the construction involved in the strings, it made the creation of the web all the more fantastical. That they were able to bridge the gap between moon and parent planet through these threads was a testament to either their design or their individual ingenuity. The consensus had yet to be reached on if THEY were in fact the Other or if they were but tools of it.
Reflecting on the nature of the splitting threads near the planet and the connection with the Star, it became fairly obvious they'd need to redirect probes there as well. Pulling half of the planetary probes from their observation, Just Visiting directed them to a coronal trajectory - pass through the corona and assess the conditions of the Star for data analysis.
It was sorely tempting to abandon the subterfuge in favor of direct Contact, but the warning of the Unbroken echoed in the bioships mind. The cavalier nature from the past would not serve them nor their people here, so they resisted the urge.
Plus, they had the field to consider. While it had no evidence yet to suggest the Other had this ability, the bioship could not ignore the chance that this unknown field-effect could be extended across the full strata of the particles or carried along the Star waves. The additional apparent matter-conversion taking place was of serious concern as well. Only a highly sophisticated technology-intelligence could hope to tap into such a force, let alone demonstrate it with such easy mastery. Either way it presented unknowns that were a threat-potential to the bioship and its people. With another origin point being the artefact, and the fact that their probes were being ignored, Just Visiting decided to take a chance and ordered one of the probes further down into the heart of the giant - to seek out the artifact and perhaps unravel more of this mystery.
"Perhaps not a trap, but more akin to a net to collect matter and energy. The level of technical sophistication is extreme, however, and will not be taken lightly by us. It is possible both of us have already been detected but assessed as a non-threat by the Other present here. We are still assessing a viable action-directive according to this new data."
The data feeds were sent along to the Unbroken.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/10/2022 8:24 AM
{star}
Now with the full knowledge of inteligent design apparent in these strings, a more complete picture of the situation at hand came into clarity. While most of the monofilament structures lost their web-like form after passing the vicinity of the planet, a single strand remained. Though it would be better to describe it as a rope, or perhaps, a road. It ran the entire lenght of the distance between the corona and the planet, wherein it connected with the thickest visible web, central to the planetary equator. Endless millions of these automatons moved throughout it, or appeared from hidden caverns within. Some seemed to hoist themselves on the pulsating wave that traveled from the star, "falling" in the direction of the world.
The closer the probes came to the star, the clearer their return scans became. The layers of obfuscication peeled away with each crossed light second. At the same time the strenght of the anomalous waves increased by orders of magnitude. Where before they were akin to stellar wind, now it was like taking a bath in an outburst of particle weaponry, the probes themselves wouldn't survive such an onslaught for long enough to finish the study of the anomaly. Though from a safe distance there were some clues to be uncovered.
The source of the waves wasn't the star itself, rather something was buried within it. A distinct heavy-mass object was located just within the Photosphere of the planet its energy signature readable only because of the exotic particles eminating from it. Additionally there were remnants of one of the molacular strands, weathered by age and solar outbursts. In the past it likely was connected to the sun itself, and perhaps the anomaly. By now it had been cut and violated by a mass ejection.
{Gas Giant}
The probes moved downwards, descending alongside the single structure that led closer to the core. It was a thick strand, woven by even larger and hardier automata.
Image
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/10/2022 8:34 AM
The field around it buzzied with such intensity that it distorted the atmosphere, creating a tunnel of relative, though still crushing, pressures. Just like above the machines tending to the structure paid no heed to the probes, for most of the time. During descent a inner storm layer of the gas giant passed through the area, and the field expanded to protect its charges within. In that moment one of the probes was clipped, though it took no damage, every single insectoid in an area of kilometres turned and began to observe the Meta Sax invaders. Then, returned to work, weaving thick cables and splicing them into the structure.
The journey into the core took a few minutes, and there the artefact was visible. Though one could spend hours describing the intricacies of its design, how endless thousands of nets, webs, strings and strands all coalesced togheter into a perfect geometric cobweb It was in the end, best described as a cocoon. A vast shell, protecting something precious within. It was clearly the source of the waves, as the Meta Sax dispatchess observed it flashing with azure light, before their sensors picked up this exotic field coursing through the cables. Unlike the anomaly at the core of the star, these waves weren't deadly, and the probes could likely attempt physical contact.
[Unbroken]
The Purebloods observed with curosity and their standard paranoia and fear. The technology at display before them was advanced. Not as impressive or flashy as what the Meta Sax showcased, yet it still eclipsed the normal tech of their kind. A species so advanced that it could weave matter from energy, and equip that on machines as small as ants was to be feared. That was the only rational response. At the same time the nobles understood the true value of beauty, something which they lacked, they weren't some asteroid barons that would strip the world of all it had. Nor madmen of the Court that would unravel everything in mutagenic fire. This had to be protected.
"It seems as if the machines present are trying to bridge the gap between the two anomalies. Perhaps they are something that has once been whole, but now lies ripped asunder ? It is unlikely that we are able to support you directly, however when you see that it is right for us, we are more than willing to join you. Whatever lies before us, we must uncover its secrets, and if fate stands behind us, protect it from destruction"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/10/2022 12:50 PM
The results from the star were again surprising, with the sheer scale of construction being something they had not anticipated. The overwhelming majority of species encountered thus far simply lacked anything like the engineering abilities that the Sax were accustomed to seeing, so encountering an alien race that had apparently chosen to remain in Dark Forest state was quite the shock.
What had happened to the star itself was unknown. Whether at one point the Other had built a construct around it only for it to go catastrophically wrong, or if the Other was attempting to build a road to connect to the aetherial point of connection to the star Just Visiting could not say. What mattered most was that the information from the probes implied a disaster of some sort. Perhaps the construct inside the star was their origin point, perhaps it was some degree of ancient artefact long lost to the Other. Just Visiting fired off two more probes disguised as rocks and sent them into a higher orbit around the star - outside of the immediately lethal range of the waves. They would still fall apart in a short period of time, but they'd be able to give more information to the Meta-Sax about what they were dealing with.
Which pulled the bioships eyes back to the planet and the unsettling sensation of ten thousand billion eyes looking at them all at once, only to dismiss them. They recalled distinctly the first time they had met a "god" and the sensation was much the same. The follow up diagnostics on the probe that had clipped the field relayed no damage, no odd effects, no intrusion into the secured wetnet link between the bioship and its progeny.
Yet still, they eyes of the bioship were locked onto the cocoon. Was it a godling? A little deity? Was it like them, and simply born to the stars? Just Visiting pulled more data from the probe, focusing on the azure pulses of light. If it was like them, then the light had meaning.
The more the situation evolved, the more the Meta-Sax grew convinced that Contact would be necessary and soon. A high level of technological skill was evoked and it would be rude to remain hidden for much longer. The probes in the gas giant approached the artifact slowly, gracefully, riding the ferocity of the winds from the stormy world.
Yes. We will connect with the Other and transmute them into the New. Rejoicing will commence, and a grand chapter of history will be added to the Knowledge etched into the universe itself.
Presuming things went well. Presuming they weren't about to connect with the mind of some eldritch thing.
They spooled up their capacitors just in case.
"That is a logical assumption. It is possible some disaster has forced these series of actions. However, there is caution regarding the nature of the machines, and the artefacts. In the ancient-time, booby traps such as these were used by an enemy to craft unholy armor to clad their non-minds. These things were deadly. While it is not the same race, there are some similarities to be warry of. We will do another set of close-range scans, then reconvene at your position. At that point, we will collective determine to Contact or not."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/11/2022 4:52 AM
[Star]
Though the flight of the Probes was brief, they gathered some usefull data about the artefact buried within. It was sizeable, easily surpassing half a thousand kilometres, what's more its structure was unique enough to be detected by the probes even at this distance. It was likely some form of advanced high-entropy alloy, with a density that surpassed nearly all natural materials. And just like the cocoon found within the gas giant, there was a constant exotic particle field surrounding the object, pushing away the stellar mass for a few kilometres of vicinity. Without jumping straight into the photosphere that was likely all the probes could gather about the anomaly itself, though the Star revealed some other quirks.
Straight form its corona to the buried object, the mass of the sun was disturbed. Something akin to a corridor was recently (in a galactic scale) created, likely through an high-velocity impact. A basic calculation of the forces required to cause such damage revealed only one possibility, a hyper luminal impact. Either the artefact had been forcibly released at FTL velocities, or it was dragged from its travel through interdiction, straight into the Sun.
[Gas Giant]
The cocoon seemed massive at a distance, now when the distance was just kilometres, it was a structure worth of awe. Easily a hundred kilometres in width and height and covered with billions of those automated insects. Every type seen before was present, alongside some only appearing in this layer. These however, reacted differently. While the rest toiled at the web of monofilament cables and ropes, the Watchers followed behind the Meta Sax machines, peering with sensors and range finders, though always without hostility.
Focusing on the azure energy waves was a promising thought. Whatever these machines were they had to communicate through some previously undiscovered means. The Probes observed, analysed and revealed new findings to Just Visiting
Image
Though these exotic waves had their primary role as some sort of support field, protecting the monofilament structures from the crushing pressure of the gas giant. Deep within their energy signatures was a code, one encrypted on such a funadmental level that it would take a less technologically advanced species decades before it was even noticed. With such a revelation the probes knew where, and at what to look. After the passing of each burst of energy the Workers began to transmit commands embedded within each wave. It was clearly a sign of some greater intelligent force, one with a reach that encompassed the whole planet.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/13/2022 8:58 AM
Just Visiting and the rest of the riding Meta-Sax observed the carrier-wave phenomena and began the civilization-wide vote on whether to make Contact. Debates continued to flow in the spaces between seconds as traffic to the bioship increased by two orders of magnitude. As for Just Visiting, they obviously voted yes. The Other had endured some cost, some tragedy, some unforeseen disaster in the past and was attempting to survive. They were sure of it!
It was not a universal opinion.
Surely, we must be cautious. If this galaxy has taught us anything thus far, nothing is as it seems. And we have The Dawn Hunter's to consider as a lesson.
Yet, is it not noema to aid those in need? The star-object clearly holds importance, and given the scale of it the object may well be their own version of an ark. Surely, we would be ill-fitting beings to hold the title of Saxheelians were we to look away?
The bioship watched the conversations happening in real time, occasionally looking back to the data they had gathered thus far. The carrier-waves were complex, but not wholly unlike their own communications in their base-function. Space-time manipulation for the utilization of data was something the Meta-Sax had been doing for some generations now, and to encounter another race that was capable of it and also utilized it in a similar way made Just Visiting double down on their decision to vote yes.
Ultimately, it was a quick thing considering how few of them there were now. Just a few seconds in The Real and it was done - a consensus to Contact had been reached. All that was left was to create Consensus with the Unbroken ones, so, as they had stated, they altered their exterior projection to blend instead with the background of space and made to move back to the alien flotilla.
"We have discovered their method of communication. Equivalent intelligence to one of us has been detected. Determination of Contact has been made through Consensus. Waiting on your own."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/13/2022 10:59 AM
The two Purebloods envied the rapid responses of the Meta Sax collective, compared to the political mess of Unbroken courts and noble lineages it was instantenous. Though thankfully in this situation, there was no need to involve the greater Pureblood disaspora in this situation. The lost escort was the problem of the Nullwyld dynasty, if it came to be the source of their destruction, then the Council wouldn't lend a hand. Unless the Exodus was threatened of course
As such the tachyon network connected only a few isolated locations, each housing either one of the Scions or their representative. Ioxia and Nurvix were present in the anomalous system, waiting beyond the Oort cloud. Zyvius was indisposed, fighting over some forsaken shithole in the corner of the galaxy (black crypt), a homunculi Alpha would speak with his authority. That left only Xovia, whoose current assigment placed her on the other side of the Exodus.
"We will attempt contact. Whatever we are facing is beyond our capabilities to contain or fight. We must ensure that any first meeting does not antagonise whatever that force is, and as long as we have the Meta Sax here. It won't obliterate us instantly"
Through the tachyon link Ioxia spoke to all of her gathered siblings, each word causing the porcelain skin of her doll body to shake and shudder. It was a calm and collected voice, something which always irritated the blood-hungry brothers. Though this time Nurvix remained stable, jittery as always, but without outbursts of anger.
"And what if the first contact fails ? What if those things take us for hostiles and break out. The rest of our Family will throw us to the dogs if it means they save their skin, and the Council will do the same if it means the Exodus is not endangered. Do you really wish to wager everything on the sucess of allies we haven't known for a stellar cycle ?"
Xovia responded, transmitting only her voice, leaving nothing but the sigil of their bloodline in the position her projection usually took. Either a metamorphic shift had just mutated her body, or she was "busy" with some diplomats, as always.
"We have no other option. It is just a lost escort, but what happens once any other bloodline hears of this, or the Council releases the information of our failure. Sooner or later someone will disturb the anomaly, and I'm sure they won't attempt to be as delicate as the Meta-Sax. Right now we have a chance to gain something other than ridicule from this mess. I vote for Contact"
The projection of Ioxia within the tachyon network was replaced by a sigil meaning "acceptance" - A closed fist pierced by a dagger. Nurvix did the same, so did the Alpha behind Zyvius, and ultimately Xovia
[...]
"We agree with such a decision. We have to establish contact before any other force distrubs the anomaly."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/13/2022 11:30 AM
With the Consensus reached with the Unbroken as well, the Meta-Sax began the deliberate process of establishing the noemata of Contact.
Just Visiting bridged the connection point between themselves, the Consensus, and the Unbroken so that they would be able to see, hear, and participate. More or less, it was a link up riding along the tachyonic signals they had been sending that gave them a relatively very time delayed read-out of what was going on within the Saxheelian bioships mind. So many different resources were being utilized that the bioship was grateful that the citizens within were shouldering portions of the computational load, otherwise they would rather hard pressed to pull this off.
"The wave-form carries with it signals; deciphering this will take some time. I have connected you to an external linkage to the Consensus. You will have access to any portions of the resulting communion and will be able to participate in your relative time-frame. The tachyonic link will remain active between myself and your communications ship."
Concentrate..
The probes closest to the threads and the artifact in the gas giant began to alter their physical forms. From the efficient dart-like shapes of before, they adapted a quad of spindly legs and moved themselves closer to the thread. Data streamed from the proximity as the Meta-Sax analyzed and assessed. Each piece was parsed, spun, captured, archived, and given over to the Unbroken for their own work.
As they did this, the bioship removed its masking and stood out amongst the stars in its true-self form. It sent a pulse along the wave, a simple mathematical proof to denote intelligence behind the origin point of the signal, directed at the gas giant.
Meanwhile, the probe made physical contact with the thread, letting the flow of information from the unusual carrier-waves accelerate the process of connection. Here too, the probe sent the repeat signal - to show that the probes were from the Meta-Sax.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/13/2022 12:03 PM
[Gas Giant]
The initial approach of the probes was met with the same response as before, larger automatons reacted the moment that the integrity of the field was affected. Machines with countless eyes, cameras and sensors observed the approaching interlopers. Inside the communication wave jumping between each insectoid machine the amount of data was increasing exponentially. The Watchers were now in constant "conversation" between each other, even those specimen that were seperated by kilometres of crushing atmosphere. Despite the growing chatter ,besides watching the probes the machines kept at bay. That was until the Bioship revealed itself.
The moment that Just Visiting communicated with the carrier wave, every machine working on the strings stopped its functions for a moment and turned towards the bioship. A new reaction formed within the language of the anomalous wave. The message of the bioship, broken down to even more basic pieces of information, travelled between each worker and back to the anomaly.
For a moment there was confusion within the swarm. Some machines turned to their kindred and played the mathemathical formula to each other, pinging it between each other hundreds of times per milisecond. Something had introduced foreign knowledge into their fragile network, and their computing abilities, usually so devoted to a singular task. Were failing when faced with such an unknown factor.
The next carrier wave brought order and understanding. It signature was distinctly different from any recorded previously, compared to previous examples it passed throughout the entire structure at a blinding pace. The machines broke their endless loop of queries and returned to weaving strands, or observing the structure, leaving the probes alone.
That was, until a Messenger arrived.
Image
One of the sections within the cocoon opened up, dissapating into anomalous particles, before it was sealed up by a series of Workers. The Messenger moved directly towards the Meta Sax probes, stopping a few meters before them. Compared to automaton seen previously it was gigantic, easily the size of a human. Unlike other machines it wasn't linked to the network of the other Workers, nor did it recieve messages from within the Carrier Wave. Instead there was a single direct thread of communication visible, one connected to something deep within the Anomaly.
The Messenger played back the message sent by the Bioship. As well as a command of its own. The Meta Sax could recognise it easily, it was the exact string of data as those sent by the workers when they communicated with each other, this time however, it was without encryption and with some technical output it was easy to parse.
[Swarm]
[Accept]
[Connection]
[Query]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/13/2022 12:29 PM
Just Visiting felt the jolt of elation that pulsed through the whole of the Meta-Sax at the communication. They had achieved Contact!
The probe tasted the wave-sense and rerouted it to the bioship again for a secondary analysis, which Just Visiting performed. They always treated First Contact as an incredibly serious affair, carefully pouring over every single detail before proceeding. The information was relayed to the Unbroken, while Just Visiting assumed the initiative: it was after all, their entire purpose for existing - to meet The New.
Modifying their pulse-pattern, they responded in kind.
[Designation]
[Meta-Sax]
[Connection]
[Mutual]
[Query]
[Swarm]
[Requires]
[Assistance]
Given the syntax, Just Visiting doubted that the addition of more information at this time would be helpful. They would need to establish a basic understanding between themselves and the Swarm. It was interesting to them to note that they had been correct on the swarm hypothesis at the start, though it did make them wonder at the contents of the artifact. Especially given that this communications entity appeared to be still connected to it in some fashion. Perhaps a probe of their own.
As for the response contents, it was their nature as a people. An instinctive impulse. It could no more be denied than the need to breathe.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/13/2022 8:41 PM
The cybernetic stalks of the Messenger twitched as the probe relayed information from the bioship. They flashed momentairly in the same azure hue as the exotic wave, and the machine transmitted another message. Alongside with a key to the network.
[Designation]
[Outsider -> Meta-Sax]
[Connection]
[Closed -> Accepted]
The instant that the machine swarm accepted the Meta Sax to its network, a new realm of information opened between them. Each automaton existed almost like a neuron inside a vast mind, constantly bouncing between each other commands, queries and messages of completion. At the same time, the machines were nearly non-sentient, beyond their most immediate goal they had no higher comprehension of their state of being, or the new addition to the network. The Messenger was an exception, though it was a part of the automata swarm, it accepted no commands from the carrier wave, or orders from Watchers. Whether it was simply the most intelligent automaton, or it was just a commanded probe, that wasn't clear yet.
[ Query{assistance}-> Mother Host. Disrepair Condition. Support reconstruction]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/13/2022 9:33 PM
The reality that it was a series of machines was not terribly surprising to the Meta-Sax who were observing the activities from afar. Nor was it terribly surprising that the Messenger entity had a degree of independent intelligence. It made sense.
They quickly filed away some cultural elements including the openness of the Mother Host and posited a few additional protocols to the Consensus to recommend to The New in case relations improved. It could be a case as simple as 'a voice in the dark that is able to speak is one that is trusted, for isolation is too painful'.
A quieter element said it was an elaborate trap. Which was possible, the entities had trapped at least one starship here and their Mother Host was something of an enigma wrapped up in potential danger. They were still at a minimum a LG3 NSL Entity, which was nothing to be trifled with.
With some minor sense of relief, the other bioships began connecting themselves as node-points to reduce the burden on Just Visiting - their proximity and their priority in the Contact would require greater mental reserves. This let the bioship redirect its own connection to The New, to create a smaller subdomain that would parallel parts of the aliens network.
A guest room, so to speak.
Within which, they inserted the mental-affecture of themselves as an avatar of data to more efficiently respond to their hosts should that be desired. They brewed themselves up a cup of metaphorical tea and set about the process of waiting.
[Acknowledgement. Total matter-energy requirement?]
The presumption was that the lower level entities would be unable to provide an adequate degree of explanation or comprehend the higher order issues of "alien->communicate->friend." By asserting their status as aidful, it was hoped it would lead to a better basis of understanding if/when a high order intellect asserted itself. An event the bioship looked forward to eagerly - a peer mind was a rare thing.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/14/2022 11:20 AM
The Messenger twitched its sensor stalks as information from the combined machine network moved through it, as the Meta Sax had been accepted to its surface layers they could clearly see series of queries jumping between each larger grouping of automata. Those in turn replied with detailed status conditions and arrays of orders to fulfil in the future. In just a few moments the Messenger recieved all data on every other member of the swarm inside the gas giant. It turned back to the Meta Sax probe.
[Query{assistance}->[
Matter -> [This string contains various diagrams of heavy atomic elements. Most of which are known to the Meta Sax, though some are an enigma, however the amount of detail relayed is likely enough to allow for an energy-matter transmutation in order to create such elements],
Energy ->[It is a record of the average output of the current star, alongside a timeframe processed in the natural data-gathering format of the machines. After a translation to standard Ancerius values, the required energy comes to about 1 foe],
Time ->[Around 2 ye-* The message is interrupted
]
Before the full transmission can relayed the link tugging at the Messenger pulls at it, forcing the automaton to stop and decrypt the information interrupted it
[Mother Heart] -> [Assistance->{Variable Addition}]
[Swarm status -> {Host Cocoon Connection Lost]
[Assistance{Time -> Date Frame Overflow}]
[Swarm status -> {Host Cocoon Connection} -> Assistance{Time -> Date Frame Acceptable}]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/15/2022 3:41 PM
Just Visiting had been absorbing the information and relaying it to their peers when the data feed altered. The nature of the interruption was odd, something they couldn't quite put a metaphorical finger on, but perhaps that was the way the Swarm was approaching the communication?..
The partition that had been speaking with the Unbroken was redirected to study the exotic elements and determine the best method for achieving their recreation, while several other Saxheelians started to experiment with a stellar-engineering device that would be able to 'coax' the embedded object from within the star.
[Query -> {Host Cocoon differentiation} -> {Mother Heart} -> {Connection point}]
It was challenging to figure out precisely the correct syntax to express the needed courses of action here. They did not wish to evoke concern or confusion, yet, the implied desire was complex enough that Just Visiting felt the distinct need to clarify.
What do they want?..
A second datafeed through the probes from the star was gathered together and sent along to the Swarm for their own analysis. Given that they knew the details, it was logical to assume they had far greater knowledge of the 'how' here. The Meta-Sax could facilitate as needed.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/15/2022 8:24 PM
Recovery of the stellar artefact wouldn't be much of an issue to a dedicated Meta-Sax force. While the object was showcasing anomalous and exotic emissions, it was also attempting to break free by itself. If the layers of stellar matter surrounding it were distrubed for long enough, and sufficient pulling forces were applied to it, the anomaly would be free without any damage.
The datafeed concerning the string structures around and inside the star was eagerly recieved by the Messenger. The sensor stalks twitched again, this time showing something akin to urgency felt by the automaton. Immediately the link between the arachnoid and the artefact was filled with anything the Meta Sax had gathered.
$Mother Heart ->[
Connected : true ,
Current location : The flashing series of coordinates pointed to something deep within the artefact bound to the winds of the gas giant
Priority : 2,
Purpose : $Swarm -> Creation, $Meta Sax -> Connection, $Host Cocoon -> Recovery
]
$Host Cocoon -> [
Connected : false,
Current location : Somewhere inside the stellar anomaly
Priority: 1,
Purpose : $Host entity - > Creation,
]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/16/2022 12:16 PM
Already a few of the more adventurous inclined individuals in the Clade were volunteering to go into the star itself to asses the conditions and determine if a corridor of space-time could be built to extract the object within. It made Just Visiting perform the equivalent of a grin in their mindspace: their people were simply going to find a solution to the problem at hand, no matter the scale.
Were they with their kin in the greater whole, this would be exceedingly trivial, but their resources were limited and the number of bioships was small still. Even then, it did not dam the eagerness, nor forestall the relentless attitude the Saxheelians eternally had towards problem solving.
Just Visiting teased with the idea of using a foldspace manifold to transit the object cleanly out of the star, but that came with issues, least among them the promise not to use the technology near the Unbroken. Perhaps..
"Per monitor, do the Unbroken possess any notions on how to extricate the object from the star?"
It wouldn't hurt to ask. No matter the chasm of technological and social differences, every entity had valuable perspective on things. Everyone mattered.
With this in mind, the bioship returned attention to the conversation, intent on aiding the aliens.
[Comprehension -> {multimodal iteration simulation underway}]
The bioship moved the probes around the star some more, but at this point it was merely rubbing paint sloppily across a canvas. To see, to truly understand what was needed, they required direct proximity. Their true eyes must see the star.
"Notice: this one will move into system space, to directly assess stellar conditions and relay."
Data sent to both contenders, Just Visiting dislodged themselves from the proximity they'd established with the Unbroken ships and swept itself into a high degree of near-light via their reactionless engines. It should only take a few relative minutes to reach the star.
[Query -> {passage of self through system authorized?}]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/16/2022 9:45 PM
The attitude on the Unbroken vessel was tense, the whole situation seemed to be beyond the capabilities of two normal Purebloods to manage. Neither Nurvix or Ioxia had been brought up as Neurasmiths. Neither had ever expirienced deeper interactions with some sort of swarm mind, save for their usual calls to any AI serving the Unbroken. Though their homunculi agents worked over every issue, though their Alpha intelligence Cores poured over data, it was not enough to keep up with the planetary - mindscape of the Bioship, or the combined thoughts of the "Swarm".
Yet when the vastly more capable Meta Sax asked for their input, the paranoid minds of the Purebloods felt relief, for the first time in ages
"Our analysis of the communications between your probe and the conciousness behind that control unit, suggests that if the two Stellar String Structures were to be reconnected. The "Swarm" would be capable of removing the anomaly by itself. Any of our other ideas are likely already in your consideration"
$Swarm -> [
Capability to stop $Meta Sax : false,
]
[Query -> {Passage} -> {Authorization : true}]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/17/2022 10:38 AM
The solution was simple, obvious even. Yet they hadn't considered it. Reconnecting the string likely would serve the original intended purpose for the Swarm, whom equally likely had the best solution in mind for their particular needs.
Just Visiting ruefully mused to themselves that they'd simply presumed a more sophisticated approach was required.
"A logical deduction. It shall be presented to the Swarm for consensus."
The time delay was not significant enough yet to affect discourse with the Unbroken, but the bioship deployed a buoy anyways to act as a jump point for data to the fleet.
Meanwhile, with authorization given, Just Visiting sped to the junction point where the two cosmic threads were reaching towards each other. Keeping a respectful distance, it began a detailed analysis using its significantly more powerful sensors. Physical eyes on its surface swept over the string as well, filing the visual data away for the archives.
Bridging the gap would likely come naturally. The Swarm had seen to the collection of native materials, but the Sax did not know if this was a time sensitive issue.
[Query- >preferable course of action?]
[Statement -> provide materials]
[Statement -> extract object from star]
[Statement -> provide connection between threads]
A spectrum of choices best suited to the needs of the Swarm. Pinging across space and time, they sent out a sense-thread to their kinships. Depending on what the Swarm wanted, Just Visiting would require help of the others.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/17/2022 9:53 PM
Though they were minimal, the sensors of the Bioship registered minute differences in the structure and construction of the two strings. They were imperceptible to a naked eye, or a less through search. It was as if the two swarms creating each structure were different species, offshoots of the same original, changed in the smallest ways by evolution. The same differences were visible on the machines now that they had samples to compare, the atomic structure of their carapaces, the wavelenghts they operated on, the quality of their construction. Several differences were visible, neither of which so vast that they could be identified by the naked eye.
The wavelenghts were the most prevalent splitting points, the one originating from the gas giant could be read by the Meta Sax, while the one extending from the anomaly still was encrypted.
[Prefferable course of action -> Establish connection of Chromatic Strings{Source: $Heart Mother + $Host Cocoon} + Support $Host Cocoon recovery]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/18/2022 8:59 AM
The bioship sent an acknowledgement ping and set about assessing the distance, materials, and energy required to connect the two points. As it stood, there would be a not inconsiderably amount of effort involved in bridging the gap.
Do you require aid?
We can help.
Few of us though there may be, we are ready.
It was plain to Just Visiting that if they didn't stem some of the eagerness of their peers that the whole of the Clade would arrive - whether it was technically safe or not. And as enticing as it would be to have them all working on such a grand project together again, it wasn't the wisest course of action.
Still, given the thickness of materials and the distances involved, the bioship did need help.
Consensus is required to establish the numbers of kinships who may participate. We must not overextend ourselves. Three should be sufficient.
They opened a channel to the Unbroken, "We have summoned aid from our Clade. The complexity of the task requires our full attention. Should the Unbroken wish to aid in the reconnection of the strings, raw materials would be most helpful. Any cometary or asteroid matter will suffice."
As those things were in motion, Just Visiting sat back and waited for their peers.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/18/2022 10:51 AM
The Purebloods onboard their vessels felt a palpable rush of joy at the thought of finnaly being able to support their allies, though the required action was...less than grandiose for their tastes. Nevertheless the small Unbroken expedition began to act. Just like how their modular design allowed for the construction of an outpost with the shell of an escort, so did it allow for the empowering of their Mass Drivers. It would take ages for a meteroid to travel to the contact point on its own, or if the Unbroken decided to tug it with their own vessels.
Instead the homunculi crews began to move modules between vessels, taking elements allowing for increased power transmision and output, and fusing them temporairly to the Exultant Throne. Soon enough the ornate ship was covered with hyper efficient transistors and power conductors, each pouring power straight into the Mass Driver. The rest of the fleet repositioned any nearby comet or asteroid into the path of the device, and the Unbroken began their delivery.
The whole plan was based on the idea that the Meta Sax had some way of slowing down the relativistic projectiles which were rapidly approaching their position. They would have minutes to reposition themselves even if all of their scanners somehow failed to detect such a haphazard missile. Even then the thought of an inter-faction accident crossed the minds of the Purebloods more than once, and more often with each light second traversed by the comet. Just to be sure, Nurvix spoke to Just Visiting
"We are delivering the required material via mass-driver acceleration. I strongly advise that you deaccelerate the projectiles before they cause any harm to the string or yourself*"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/18/2022 12:59 PM
Rather than appearing at the outskirts of the system as Just Visiting had, their peers appeared ride beside them. Two smaller craft of sub-500 meter lengths and one of the larger ships filled the once-empty space like someone had flipped a switch.
Igyin, Yesoh, and Happy Feet had arrived. Adequate support for the task at hand.
I am grateful.
Nonsense, this sort of stuff is right up our alley!
It is a nice segue from the stressors everywhere else.
The logistics bioship situated itself just above Just Visiting and started to unravel its delicate arrays. Dozens of tiny drones swarmed out of its wetbays. The two small ships set about performing additional analysis, then began to array themselves to "catch" the incoming materials via protational field displacement.
"It is with gratitude that we accept the materials and the warning. Distance calculated implies 1 AU of materials. This.. will take some time. Does the expedition task force possess foundries?"
Igyin would be able to fabricate the materials onsite, while the other three bioships retooled accordingly but it would take time.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/18/2022 8:35 PM
"Our vessels posses limited Forges, though they would be insufficient to meet the requirements of this operation. Perhaps, the swarm would be willing to support us ? We have seen them forge matter out of those exotic fields, it is likely that their machines could dissasemble any meteroid without issue, or additional expenses from our side"
The structures themselves weren't fighting back to any manipulation from the Meta Sax bioships, those coming from the side of the Gas Giant were even acting in support. The wavelenghts originating from the gas giant acted to keep the string rigid, stopping it from unfurling or tying into knots, while the machines that kept building up the string kept working. It would be safe to say that they were driven to a frenzy of operation, increasing their output by several times. A closer observation revealed that another Messenger appeared out of the interior of the structure, and stood still at the end of the string.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/19/2022 8:25 AM
Again, a logical deduction.
"Agreed, this will be proposed."
A new probe was assembled and dispatched by Igyin, connecting the four bioships now to the Messenger for communication purposes. The asteroids that were coming in were gathered by Happy Feet and Yesoh while Igyin paused in its shape shifting until they got confirmation on what precisely was needed of them.
[Query -> Process raw materials?]
Just Visiting indicated the raw materials in question, and sent a very simple visual representation of what they had in mind. They'd guide the rocks near the string to be captured by the Swarm.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/19/2022 10:00 AM
The Secondary messenger reacted in unison with the one back at the gas giant. Both machines were connected by some unseen tether to the heart of the Anomaly, and both raised their sensor stalks in the direction of the asteroids. The wavelenght coursing through the string pulsed outwards and grazed the meteroids, carrying with it a mist of the most basic elements of the string. It took a moment for the automatons to bounce a few transmissions between each other, before they replied to the probe
[Operation call -> Material Procession(true)]
The Swarm was already responding to the messages inside the wavelenght. The insectoid machines converged at the end of the string, focusing on multiplying their number as rapidly as possible, instead of increasing the structure they were working on
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/19/2022 11:05 AM
The increased reproduction of units, rather than an acceleration of production of the thread material, made a few of the bioships pause in consideration.
Unusual. Why would they need a higher volume of machines?
Perhaps they anticipate an explosive amount of growth, and need the cells to compensate?
Perhaps..
The two smallships 'swung' asteroids towards the string at a low velocity for the Swarm to catch and process, while Igyin adjusted their position and moved further away. They assembled several extremely high definition statites that they deployed around themselves in fixed orbits that scanned and assessed the threads at the greatest detail levels that Saxtech could produce.
Just Visiting meanwhile moved away from the cosmic thread, giving room for both asteroid materials and potential thread expansion. They were cautious, as well. The reproduction of so much additional swarmer machines reminded them sharply of the trapped automated Unbroken craft and its material value to the Swarm. Given that the asteroids may not have all the matter needed, it was not impossible for the Swarm to think of attempting to process the Saxheelians themselves for the exotic matter held within.
In that sense, any Saxheelian - bioship or otherwise - was a juicy egg filled to the brim with the precious substance.
The drones deployed early by Igyin were slowly shapeshifted to act in an intercept capacity in case something did go rather poorly here.
[Statement - > asteroid materials will be given]
[Query -> sufficient raw matter?]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/19/2022 11:38 AM
The moment that the asteroid moved into vicinity of the stellar string, the swarm reacted.
The probes around the gas giant anomaly were the first to feel the impact of the information wavelenght as it passed further into the system. The force with which this one travelled, as well as the amount of data within it were staggering, enough to be perceptible to the naked eye. The previously azure sheen of the wave turned into a deep crimson, and the effect on the swarm was instantenous. The machines surrounding the Anomaly stopped, ceasing physical activity. Instead their processes, calculations and data analysis joined the wavelenght. Their kindred near the asteroids and strings moved with greater unity and purpose, no longer did they have moments of inaction when all orders were completed. A singular conciousness, completely focused on connecting the two swarms, was now behind their every action.
The automata pulled matter out of the exotic particles spreading between them, working in concert to weave string after string. Some of the larger constructs began to propel their smaller counterparts directly on the asteroids, pushing them with harmless bursts of electromagnetic force. Soon enough the raw matter deposits had thin structures connecting them to the larger string. Bridges through which the swarm moved its endless bodies, to dissasemble the comets into vast cables that rapidly closed the gap between the isolated ends.
It would take them just a few minutes to finish
[Matter needs -> fulfiled]
[Heart mother -> Transmission -> Purpose{gratitude expression}]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/19/2022 12:06 PM
Admittedly, they had never expected the Swarm to finish assembly so rapidly. Generous estimates had been days, not seconds.
It was another alteration of the expected paradigm in play.
"Cease in the sending of additional asteroids. The Swarm has the matter that is required. We will distill the ones that are in route into additional raw materials for both of our uses."
The smallships moved accordingly, taking a position near the logistics cruiser to start breaking down any additional asteroids so that they would not pose a threat to the local space, let alone the cosmic threads the Swarm had created.
Just Visiting observed the reaction of the machines, then processed the information from the Heart, humming softly into the Consensus. It was good to have helped, on many levels, but now came the part of figuring out if this was a "good" help or a "oops, ancient cosmic evil" help.
Really, that just made it an average day for a Saxheelian, they thought wryly.
[Affirmation -> acknowledge of both} -> additional aid needed?]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/19/2022 8:34 PM
[Aid -> Unneeded]
The dissasembly of the asteroids was being done at a blinding speed. With each passing moment the rock was being unraveled further into thick cables, wires and strings. Larger automata tugged at these new creations, pinching them with magnetic fields or gravitional manipulation, bringing them closer to the structures already in place. Soon enough the rocks were gone, even the space dust scattered around them was collected.
With their material needs fulfiled the automatons began to link the two strands togheter in a process which fused their very atomic bonds. The display of energy and efficiency was unprecedented. Previously the machines worked with precision, but without a greater guiding purpose. Their work was so discrete and delicate that even the sax needed to move into visual range to detect them. Now, their operation blazed like a burning star to even Unbroken scanners, only dimming after cables began to connect the two cosmic threads.
Through each linked area, the wavelenghts began to course. Those originating from the Gas Giant appeared first, rushing throughout the system, carrying with themselves information, orders, and queries. Soon enough the swarm originating from the stellar anomaly joined the work of their kindred. The response came soon after
If the anomaly at the Gas Giant was the source of a wave. Then the one located in the Star gave a birth to a tsunami. For a brief second, as the two threads finished their link, the color of the sun was overwhelmed by another source. An azure sheen, brighter than a pulsar, beamed out into the system and through each connected string. The two connected swarms and their automata froze, overwhelmed by an order from a higher conciousness. So did the [$Heart Mother] for a few minutes after the Data Surge there was no response, no wavelenght
Until the Gas Giant changed. The Meta Sax, still connected to the network of the Swarm, heardthe same order as the [$Heart Mother]
[RISE]
Image
The Cosmic String, covering the Anomaly at the Giants core began to unravel, revealing the form hidden inside. It was a vessel, or atleast a part of one.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/20/2022 7:43 AM
The bioships kept all their observation tools at the ready to study and assess what was directly transpiring now that they had helped the Swarm connect the two halves of itself. The speed of assembly was certainly astonishing and the activities of the swarm remained unpredictable. They could but guess at the final form of the machines.
Wave shift intensity caused them to close ranks, with the smallships tucking themselves under Just Visiting and the research craft moving to a forward position near Igyin. They didn't know what to expect.
When the word vibrated through the shared link, they realized that whatever it was must have succeeded into creating a connection point, because now they were detecting intense activity at the gas giant. Eyes turned towards it and realization struck all at once.
A ship?..
They had not expected a starship, but then, this was a rather unusual situation as a whole. They split their attention between the emerging craft and the star itself, to see if the other object too would rise from within.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/20/2022 9:09 AM
The emerging vessel broke through the outer layers of the gas giant with ease, trailing behind it still unraveling cosmic strings. Structures the lenght of entire orbital rings began to dissapear within its mass, broken down into the exotic particles they were first forged from. The signature of the vessel beamed out across the entire system, soon enough even the dust-sized grains of the resonating material began to be pulled. Their minute conciousness attracted into the anomalous ship. There was something familiar about the Heart Mother, its construction, energy readings, radiation emissions. It was an organism, one living on laws from beyond these realms of physics, but living nonetheless
The anomaly underwent evolution at a rapid pace, its armor growing or shrinking, revealing an interior of blinding azure energy, though before anything could be analysed. The material from the stellar strings covered it completely. Exotic emissions began to course in front of the vessel, a wormhole was rapidly forming in front of it, directed straight at the main habitable planet
[{Lokhem-Halev-Akhot}-Expression-Gratitude-{Meta-Sax-Arrivals}]
The transmission moved throughout the same channels as the communication with The Messenger. Yet it was far more directed, not a mere thought directed through a mindless frame. But a true communion with a sentient, thinking mind
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/20/2022 11:28 AM
Just Visiting swiftly routed the communication to their peers as well as the Unbroken, while they maintained their position relative to the remnants of the cosmic threads. A ship that was not just a mechanical thing but alive.. like them.
Unexpected events continued to proceed apace, the ship mused.
The exotic particles it was composed of made them think that perhaps, like themselves, it had been caught in a vortex. Perhaps it was exploring an anomaly, became trapped and was unable to escape. Perhaps it separated itself in a desperate attempt to save something of it, but in the end, both became ensnared here.
Fortunate indeed then that the Unbroken found them first, and that they allowed the Meta-Sax to participate in this endeavor.
With a greater understanding of what was present, and an inkling of what was coming, they arrayed themselves in a very precise pattern, evoking a formation not dissimilar to the ship dance they had performed for the Unbroken when they'd first met.
[Meta-Sax-{Rejoicing and exaltation}-{Great welcoming}]
"We believe that the vessel will be able to retrieve its other component. Be advised, this is a higher classification of entity. Given its mass, it is at least equivalent to ourselves. Reverence invocation of birth-state entosis."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/20/2022 12:05 PM
The newly arisen Lokhem welcomed the bioships with its own greeting. Across every perceptible spectrum, the vessel began to transmit. It was a hymn, a lightshow of exotic emissions, a psychic vibration. Everything at once, everything directed to praise something godlike
The concentrations of exotic emissions began to form patterns, at first they were nothing more than fractal forms and rough geometric shapes, then, as space began to fold in front of the Halev Akhot, they took in the form of letters. Though the Meta Sax never possesed records of them , nor any equivalent translation, the bioships still understood their meaning.
[Shevakh!][Shevakh!][Kiyor!]
(Praise!,Praise!,Dive!)
When the last word took its shape in space before the vessel, another expresion was released. Whatever it meant, its apperance took the Halev across the system, plunging the vessel straight to the outer orbit of the habitable planet. It did not stop on its arrival, extending its exotic wavelenght to every string in the vicinity, pulling them into its own gravitional pull as it pushed towards the star. Though it would take hours for the entire structure to unravel across the planets, moon, and captured vessels, the progress was visible. Entire kilometres of strings were reverting to their dust form with each second.
The Halev Akhot stopped directly above the anomaly inside the star. The azure light was replaced with more letters, runes and sigils .For a moment the two wavelenghts connected and the stellar matter began to parse like water. The anomaly was slowly being pulled outside of the star, rising up with each word that appeared.
Image
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/20/2022 7:13 PM
The alien transmission, and its memetic potential, made them feel briefly ill at ease, but, at the same time, they could not help but be joyful that their task had been successful. The entity had freed itself, gathered together the web of its progeny, and was now easily in process of extracting the other half of its soul from the star.
The nature of it was.. fascinating. Though none of them had been present for it, long ago the Meta-Sax had encountered a godling in its cradle, one wrapped in power and alien thought that even they could not penetrate. The relationship with the entity had been a good one, however, and Just Visiting alongside the others hoped with great fervor that this too would be the case.
Hearing the words and observing the capabilities of the entity made them ponder at the potential futures. Perhaps this too would be a friend, one who would be known and wish to be known in the long strands of Deep Time and beyond.
Still, for now, there was a celebration to be had. If indeed this was the birth of a godling-entity as they suspected, it demanded that the ancient rituals be upheld.
Ladon's voice echoed through the Consensus, We praise-celebrate ascending time merger! All of the Clade shall entosis in communion.
This surprised the research ship.
They had all been slowly migrating in this direction. Just Visiting could sense them, like blips long across the horizon. But with Ladon's call, they no longer walked, they ran. A joyous sprint, an evocation of the ancient days, long since dust on the wind.
Rituals and beliefs, twisting tunnels of thought left to fill with cobwebs of neglect found themselves roaring back to life as they were conjured into being. Alongside the existing bioships, space began to fill.
At first, it was a handful. Then dozens more. Then more. More starships, each unique, each Meta-Sax, swarmed about the loci of Just Visiting.
A roaring nexus of craft that made way for the largest of them all: Ladon.
-C
The Mothership waded into the space like a oversized whale displacing the water of an all-too-small pool. Its presence sent its peers scattering like children dancing around their parent as it made itself known, blaring out its own welcome, exaltation, and greeting as had each and every Meta-Sax craft upon arrival. Space was made to burst until all two-hundred of the Meta-Sax bioships were present.
Within the belly of the ships the organic citizens too celebrated. Juvarni traditions and banners swept across the alcoves, the ecosystems roared in delight and the drones fled the wetbays to engage in their own dance in space.
The tapestry around Ladon shifted as the full Clade gathered around Him. Again, with exuberance, the Mothership cast its voice across both the link and to the spectrum of space-time itself, "Joy! Bliss! Cheer! Elation! We-Are-The-Many-Is-One revel in the birth of The New!"
Just Visiting, like all of its kin, followed Him as He moved towards The Halev Akhot, forming a wide 300,000 kilometer ring. Millions of drones, and all of their citizens, flowed into space - impervious to vacuum as they were - and celebrated in the ships dance. The alien forms, bizarre and esoteric, floated close to their shiphomes as drones expanded outwards in geometric clouds. Increasingly complex formations accelerated their motion in space, circling, circling, circling with Ladon at the apex. People danced on the shifting skins of the bioships, whose affects flickered and shapeshifted to give rise to artefacts and ritual elements. Glyphs of their tongue, molecular in nature, flowed like water across the gap as reality-level holograms were bent to their will. A million minds chanted in unison Welcome Welcome Welcome.
A ritual to welcome the birth of a god: a Cladedance of eld.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/21/2022 11:34 AM
The Halev Akhot overflowed with the attention of its creator, soon, so very soon it would once again bask in the very essences that gave it the first sparks of reality. That melded the thought of a thousand species into a single form, giving it shape and purpose. Yet the Ayur felt fear, the very syllabes of the True Name that were being etched into the void, felt like embers inside an open wound. A needle in the middle of ones mind, driven deeper with each attempt to pull the Godling out. There was only so much power one could borrow, before it burned one out. It wasn't destruction that brought It fear, but the notion of failure, so close to absolute victory.
At the moment where the Lokhem would have slipped, and plunged the Godling back into the star, the Meta Sax began their celebration.
It was the first display of worship in this Alien Land.
And it was glorious
Inside the star, hidden behind layers of impossiblity and faith. The Godling opened its eyes on a new reality.
The True Name changed. Syllabes shifted in order and language, before plunging into the stellar mass, only to rise as more Lokhem. These were far smaller than the Halev Akhot, yet their apperance allowed for the burden to be spread across. The incantation became a constant rhytm, a hymn, a song of celebration. Accompanied by the tug of gravitional manipulation. With each new Lokhem that appeared, with each new verse that spread across the system. The Anomaly was raised further, until it broke from the grasp of the star. It joined the dance of planets, slowly establishing itself on a close orbit to the sun. The waves that had once bombarded the system changed, instead of an omnidirectional pulse, now it was a tide, growing and receeding into the surface of the Star. Taking mass with each close impact and sheltering it within.
Image
-C
The Lokhem began their own celebration. The smaller ones joining the Meta Sax dance, blazing sigils of Praise and Divine Proclaimations. The Bioships needed no scanners or probes to ascertain the nature of the new arrivals. They were simmilar, so very familiar. Especially those that appeared after the Anomaly was raised out of the star. It was as if they were made as a reflection of the Meta Sax. Each a single complex organism, powered by some sort of psionic or magical energy. Formed out of a fusion between hyperdense - stellar matter, and extremophile biology. Some moved through space on wings formed out of tachyon waves and fractal patterns, some danced ahead propelled by engines filled with Azure divinity. Others simply swam, like fish through water. A disapora of thousands of forms, all connected by that same wavelenght and the energy burning inside them, all in joyous celebration of the Godling.
Save for the Halev Akhot. Which hung back, protecting the shell with its frame.
Through the same networks as the previous transmissions, the fist Lokhem to arrive communicated with the Meta Sax
[Shevakh!][Shevakh!][Kokhav Yeled!][Lanaar!]
{Praise! Praise! Stellar child ! Awakens!}
[{Lokhem - Halev - Akhot}- Joyous Expression - {Meta Sax Celebrants}], [{Kokhav Yeled Arkiyonai} -> {Meta Sax Elohim} - Request for Communion]
The Lokhem began their own celebration. The smaller ones joining the Meta Sax dance, blazing sigils of Praise and Divine Proclaimations. The Bioships needed no scanners or probes to ascertain the nature of the new arrivals. They were simmilar, so very familiar. Especially those that appeared after the Anomaly was raised out of the star. It was as if they were made as a reflection of the Meta Sax. Each a single complex organism, powered by some sort of psionic or magical energy. Formed out of a fusion between hyperdense - stellar matter, and extremophile biology. Some moved through space on wings formed out of tachyon waves and fractal patterns, some danced ahead propelled by engines filled with Azure divinity. Others simply swam, like fish through water. A disapora of thousands of forms, all connected by that same wavelenght and the energy burning inside them, all in joyous celebration of the Godling.
Save for the Halev Akhot. Which hung back, protecting the shell with its frame.
Through the same networks as the previous transmissions, the fist Lokhem to arrive communicated with the Meta Sax
[Shevakh!][Shevakh!][Kokhav Yeled!][Lanaar!]
{Praise! Praise! Stellar child ! Awakens!}
[{Lokhem - Halev - Akhot}- Joyous Expression - {Meta Sax Celebrants}], [{Kokhav Yeled Arkiyonai} -> {Meta Sax Elohim} - Request for Communion]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/21/2022 11:47 AM
Record Everything.
The order from the two purebloods was absolute. There was no doubt that the Unbroken found themselves in a galaxy filled to the brim with forces beyond their comprehension, or capabilities to fight. Compared to the Meta Sax and the new anomalous force, even the genocidal Eos were nothing. Though the Meta Sax showed nothing but good intentions, and the beings they helped to free seemed docile. The technological prowess of both parties was simply overwhelming. If the whole clade decided to wage war on the Exodus, countless Purebloods would surely die, and the Unbroken would be helpless to resist.
The obvious course of action was to act in a way which pleased their new allies, and the stellar vagabonds they have decided to free. If survival meant lowering oneself to the level of enraptured peasants, so be it.
And so the Unbroken force broke from their anchor in the Oort cloud. Engines burning at a steady pace while the Homunculi scoured databanks in search of anything that would fit this...celebration.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/21/2022 12:43 PM
Ladon possessed a mind that outgrew entire planets. His thoughts delved just as deeply, just as richly, as on any world in any galaxy. He was the center around which the Clade held, around which it formed itself anew in its isolation from Home.
It is His voice within the Consensus that spurries them into greater fervor, greater acts of ecstasy. The fever pitch of their song within the morphogenic space-time construct crescendo as the godling made its escape, as it made its full presence known.
The smaller entities that had emerged that were so like them now were eagerly met by the bioships and individual Saxheelians. Physical connections were made when possible, mental when not, but all efforts to enjoin in ever grander heights of celebratory bliss.
Ladon sees this, His skin shining with delight, the space around Him filled with images and structures of deep importance, and fills His heart with joy. To have freed them spoke well of Not Lost, Just Visiting who in turn spoke well of the Clade. To give life and potential with no expectation of return was the very essence of a Saxheelian.
The Mothership chanced a touch of His own, brushing against the physical forms of the Lokhem, reveling in the knowledge of a True Peer at last. The alien nature of them was not at all disturbing to Ladon, nor any Saxheelian. On the contrary, it was almost addicting. A powerful reminder of who they were, why they were, and their collective self-designated mission. It made Him reflect with happiness at His journey - from a terrified child on a doomed world to a being beyond anything His people could have imagined. Was that the same for The New One?
For the Kokhav Yeled Arikyonai.
Communion meant so many things to them. It was never so simple as to say 'togetherness' or 'to speak'. Playful communion in semiotic state was perfect understanding. A perfect, joyous, rapturous understanding. A request for this was met with the foregone conclusion of immediate receptivity and a poetic reply from Him.
"To know, water
Heaven was not named
And the earth did not yet bear a name
No field was formed
No destinies ordained
Chaos, the mother
Their waters were mingled together,
Then were created, the gods in the midst of Heaven."
A Welcome all His own, of stories long buried in the past, of moments half-remembered in the bleariness of old age. Revitalization, regeneration, a cycle of endured rebirth within the Consensus.
Shapeshifting happened far more liberally now among the Saxheelians within the vacuum that surrounded them. Backlit by the sun-drop star, they opened themselves in connection, welcoming the whole of The New One - Kokhav yeled Arikyonai - within the Consensus. To join them within it, to commune with the Slow-God-Mind that was truly them in sum total.
Within the Consensus, within The Flow, within The Duality, they made way for The New Godling and all those with it. Like a glistening city of undefinable scale parting a way just for them, the Saxheelians lined the metaphorical streets of this pocket of space-time cheering, galivanting, exhausting themselves in their own form of quasi-religious ceremony. For if there was to be any Faith among them, its scripture was Life, its doctrine was Help, and its duty was Love.
[Ladon of Meta-Sax}- Playful Communion}-Welcome-Welcome-Welcome All within our hearts]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/22/2022 11:14 AM
Through the dance with the Meta Sax, the Lokhem expressed themselves. For these Travellers and Warriors, they who stand furthest from the light of their Godling, it was a rare opportunity. In this moment, it was only their hymns, only their glorious exaltations, that spread through the system. Their forms did not shy away from physical contact with the bioships, the moment that they saw such eagerness for celebration, Joy spread throughout the growing manifestations. With each pass of the dance, the distances grew smaller, the Lokhem more numerous, and familiar. Soon enough, smaller forms appeared on their hulls. Glyphs of the true name folded into themselves, capturing matter around and expelling divine energy and holy flesh. Some had clearly taken into themselves traits of the Meta Sax drones, as was evident by aquatic traits and appendages. They joined the dance most eager of all, leaping into the formation with glyphs and words of praise on their many lips. Other forms showed caution, as well as...readiness.
Their aspect was clear. Defenders, Guardians, Warriors, Zealots, Murderers. The names were a dime a dozen, and in the end meant one thing. They would fight to the last to protect the being whoose thoughts gave them life. Yet, even they relented on such an occasion. Placing down their blades inscribed with the Killing Word, stopping the Judgement Glyph from leaving their lips, throwing down their armored scales and protected wards. In the end, every Lokhem, be they Warlord or Nomad, Protector or Explorer, joined the dance.
Every connection to the spiralling spawn of the Godling was rewarded with a vision. Through the rare opportunity to open their essence to a new Woven, the Lokhem expressed the will of their creator. Each was a tiny figment of its being. A spark thrown into the galactic wind, and through that each held within an aspect. Memories of endless species. Eons of peace, of war, of emptiness and decaying matter. A joyous dive. An accident
Image
(the rune from which the lokhem form)
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/22/2022 11:40 AM
Ladon was the exception to the free contact with the Lokhem. As it was approaching one of the new Ayur, it moved out of the way, joining the dance in a different position. For a few moments the Ayur moved like fish escaping some predator, bypassing the greatest Bioship to join with its lessers. Before offence could be taken, a new form manifested from the stellar cocoon of the Godling. The Glyph was different. Brighter, more defined, yet less physical and more divine. Its signature was blazed brighter than any wavelenght felt before, until it solidified into two Ayur.
A Lokhem, one whoose form was an almost exact copy of the Halev Akhot, except smaller. And a single humanoid figure, standing on its prow as the Lokhem raced through space towards Ladon. The two stopped just before the Clade leader and reached out to commune both through the physical, and through the data network. Two voices spoke in concert. Though one was drowned out by the intensity of the other, it was the smaller, humanoid Ayur whoose presence overwhelmed its larger kindred. To mundane means it seemed to be a normal being. A figure protected by gene-forged flesh and carapace, bearing the stature of a regal noble. To those who could see past the material, it was a signature of roiling energies. Psionic, Magical, and exotic. All hidden beneath a layer of physicality
{ Observed-Form-Title-lhagen}
Ihagen formed a rune in the air, which sputtered out in a bright, fractal flash
{Kokhav-Yeled-Ayur-Gratitude-Expression-Ladon-Elohim-Ayur},{Ihagen - Request - Forgiveness},{Kokhav-Yeled-Weakness-State},{Kokhav-Yeled-Gratitude-Expression-Imposible}
(Ihagen's rune, as well as its form)
Image
Image
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/22/2022 1:38 PM
The many different shapes of the monoform Saxheelians complimented the uniqueness of the bioships as they made way for the Lokhem who joined them. The exotic energies and strange sigils inspired them though they knew not what they were or why they were. Mimicry by the Lokhem of the Saxheelian monoforms was met by surprise, flattery, and intrigue - communion of flesh and essence born from acts transcending both.
None of the Saxheelians shied away from the defenders for they too had one such among their ranks. The only one who did not join in the festivities, the only one who still slept, deep within The Dreaming. These warriors they respected and embraced as kin in the dance of the Clade.
The shared communion in the Consensus and beyond was held close within the hearts of the Sax. This - this was their purpose. To be there. To witness. Memories of the godling were archived within The Flow, given a permanent place among them. When the day came that they could go Home, it would join the greater weave of their kin, given a place of reverence and honor.
Ladon felt a tug of brief regret when the Ayur fled its presence, pondering if perhaps its poetry had been too unusual for their newfound friends, but the sense-horizon established by so many Saxheelians in one space turned His many eyes in the direction of the new Glyph. The liquidity of the being was appealing, especially to Ladon. For one who spent a lifetimes habitual study in the dynamics of fluidity in the universe, it was like staring at an artform made manifest.
A great eye peered at the tiny figure that approached Him on the prow of the Akhot, staring with interest and curiosity. The physical sensation was met by a swelling of emotion within Him and outside of Him. Though psionics, magic, and other esoterica was common and well known here, to the Sax it was utterly alien. Unknowable.
To Ladon, the figure touching Him was like all of Them but More. The fundamental elements of matter that composed the figure defied typical explanation, which made the manifestation all the more fascinating.
The words and the glyphs were accepted. Upon the surface of His skin, he chose to express in their own tongue the words he sent back to them. No translation. No barrier or mitigation of understanding. Molecules expressed in physical movements flowed like water, until the area around the visible portion to the figure was awash in knowledge.
Like before, Ladon sent His voice through to the whole of those listening, "Hello-joy-new-welcome to the-one-who-comes-from-within. I/we are-will desiring forgivness not. Kokhav-Yeled can regain life-sustain-regenerate-whole within us. We are-will share our essence. All are welcome-loved-embraced-cherished. Ihagen is-will be embraced as Newkin. I/we sing for you-collective-self."
Thought and feeling. State of being. Physical and noncorporeal. Flowing moments of time. The Consensus swam with this and more, opening itself up in great embrace of Ihagen and Yeled. So too, did the people of the Meta-Sax, embracing any who would accept it. In their hearts, in the truest purest sense, they did indeed love them. And with that love, they sang.
Image
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/23/2022 8:49 AM
The Godling grew in its presence of mind. For the first time since it's Kiyor (Dive), it gained conciousness, and the Woven that surrounded it were...joyous. Such exaltation, such freedom and wonder, expressed so vigorously. Every interaction between the Lokhem and the Meta Sax brought with it a rush of knowledge. Texture, colour, sound, emotion, thought. The Ayur were conduits, connected on a fundamental level to their patron. Their every expirience, was its expirience. And the Lokhem felt only joy.
Outside the shells of the greater Lokhem. The Arikyonai were made manifest. To each, a single syllabe of the infinite, True Name. To each, a slice of the Divine Power. To each, a fraction of reality to call their new skin. Their runes appeared with thunderous booms, even in the cold void of space, a sound that was felt rather than heard. Some resembled Ihagen, existing as torches of endlessly unraveling glowing script in the shape of humanoid bodies. Some took on shapes of alien beings from dead realities. Some took on the forms of the Meta Sax, reveling in the expirience of a new universe, in the bodies of those who already witnessed it. All of them, no matter their shape, stood by while the Lokhem joined the joyous dance. This was their chance for celebration, soon it would be their duty to venture the New Weave. To explore its limits, and asses its dangers.
Tending to memetic scrolls and arcane glyphs, the Archivists began to transcribe the New Weave. Every piece of information, a tool to give their Godling power. Whenever approached by one of the Sax however, even the members of the first Magal joined the dance. Endless psalms and hymns of praise spilling outside with every move
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/23/2022 8:56 AM
{Supplicant-Ihagen-Gratitude-Expression-Ladon-Elohim}, {Kokhav-Yeled-Dive-Failure-Event},{Elohim-Essence-Dispersal},{Kokhav-Yeled-Magal-Duty/Purpose-Essence-Recovery}
Upon saying "Magal" the energetic form of the supplicant gestured to both itself, and the lokhem joined in the dance with the Meta Sax
{Lokhem+Arikyonai-Weakness-State},{Elohim-Recovery-Timeframe-Unreachable}
The living Glyph prostrated itself before the Clade leader. The colour of its runes dimming greatly, now casting just a dim light, one colder than the void.
{Kokhav-Yeled-Ayur-Request},{Ladon-Ayur-Knowledge-Transference},{Knowledge-Aquisition-Kokhav-Yeled-Recovery-Possibility}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/25/2022 1:58 PM
The ritual of the Cladedance continued unabated as Ladon responded to the request.
"The sense-taste of knowledge-of-the-past is yours, if you seek-yearn-desire it. Rejoin within the future-cast-into-moments of us, in this new-space-universe."
Despite being but a shadow of a drop of rain cast against the mighty hurricane that was once their true-presence, the Saxheelians gladly shared what they knew of this new verse. They shared stories of ancient days, of savants and poets and deep thinkers who dared to dream.
Of ancient evils long fought and banished in the dark by brave beings.
Of seekers, tireless and restless equally, in their eternal quest to know. To hear. To feel. To listen.
Ten thousand thousand lifetimes of knowledge was still nothing compared to the depth of the archives of Home. Yet what was known was shared, for in the Lokhem they sensed Kin. And in the godling, they sensed one of their own - as much a traveler as they were a student of the infinite.
Unlike the Old Powers, perhaps this one would not give in to the temptation to use its mastery for its own gain. Perhaps, it understood that in the hands of any, no matter how noble, it can do naught but drive one into ruin; into undoing.
In that flow of thought, Ladon found hope.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 11/11/2022 10:44 AM
Ihagen accepted the boundless gift of knowledge granted by Ladon with openess and joy.
No encountered species had ever been so helpfull, so quickly. Not even those that the Shemesh had supervised since before their ascension to sentience, or those that have been subjugated by the Decreed Kheyylim. In this New Weave the Ayur of Elohim-Ladon would be great allies, and tools. With each recieved terabyte of information, that only became more obvious.
The Arkiyonai called to it's siblings in duty and purpose, other archivists and data-scribes. Their Heart Glyphs appeared out of the swirling aetheric mist which slowly began to seep into the void. Soon enough Ihagen was surrounded by dozens of other Ayur, each bowed before Ladon and began to tend to the information passed by the Meta-sax. The process seemed inefficient and overly..artistic.
The gathered Ayur unfolded a physical representation of what was transferred to them, spreading it over the vastness of space as a tapestry of embedded media and boundless scrolling text. Like master craftsmen the Arkiyonai wove the knowledge into strands, and then into compressed glyphs, each about as large as a coin and infused with arcane light. Ihagen stood at the centre of the play, motioning, chanting and silently praying every so often, as it's compatriots deposited the information-runes around it.
The Arkiyonai could have simply compressed the information into a single rune, or transferred it into a Mitar construct. However in all their years of dealing with other species, the Ayur have learned that playing to a theme is more beneficial in the long run. While they could replicate the capabilities of other civilisations with ease, acting like mystics and "mages" was more advantegous in the New Weave, especially at a time in which Yeled was so weakened.
With the "show" put out for Ladon completed, the summoned Arkiyonai scattered, moving to examine the rest of the dance. Ihagen remained before the Meta Sax god-ship.
{Entity-Ihagen-Gratitude-Expression},{Kokhav-Yeled-Ayur-In-Debt-Ladon},{Elohim-Ladon-Request-?}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 11/13/2022 11:33 AM
The Saxheelians themselves were just as intent to record and archive the encounter as their newfound friends, though, without the same pomp and circumstance. The eyes of the Sax never truly left the forms of the Ayur, with Ladon especially keeping His gaze upon Ihagen.
Flowing forms and glyphs of unknown energy fascinated, and there was a humming desire within the gestalt of them all to know what it was. To truly know what it was. But at the same time, to simply gain all that immediately would despoil the fun of taking ones time to experience. And oh, the New would be quite the experience indeed.
It was hedonistic of them, and Ladon knew that, but it was equally the nature of those who chose to be Saxheelian. It was as much a part of them as atoms were a part of the universe. He wondered, for just a moment, if Ihagen and their kin would understand that particular drive and its nuances.
The great eyes stared unblinking at the tiny form of the quasi-man. The offered gift, the open ended question, the potentials of it born within.
Ladon remembered for a flashing moment the same thing happening to Himself centuries ago. An outstretched hand, kind smiles, a sudden opportunity to experience a cosmos that was impossible to imagine. A quiet smile all of its own began to form - a giddy creek flowing across something timeless.
Ihagen-avatar-arbiter-eyes-of-experience. This one would beseech-ask-request-implore a Joining-Mating-Becoming-Enmeshment. As I/we give unto you-those-of-yourselves; we/am request the same.
Join us. Become a part of our endless, tireless lives. Experience the universe alongside us. Be our dearest, most cherished friend.
A consensus had never been met more swiftly than in that moment, and in a flash, there was a shift in the Dance to one of entreaty to travel together through this alien universe. A godling to a godling; a gestalt to a gestalt. A conversation of want isolated to just them in a moment scant few could understand.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 11/14/2022 10:57 AM
Though it had no eyes. Ihagen stared.
Though it had no ears. Ihagen listened.
Though it had no heart, no blood which would course through veins it lacked. Ihagen felt a pressure, a sense of dread and overwhelming...power.
In this precious moment It was the lone member of the Lonire Hkavera, only It had found enough strenght of mind to manifest in a physical form. The rest would soon follow, appearing with their own entourages and followers. In this precious moment, the grasp of Ihagen held the destiny of the Shemesh Shevath in this new universe. It would be easy to assume control, to find one's way into the good graces of a peer-entity. To become the sole voice of Kokhav Yeled, and to pass on that duty to it's Glyph-spawn.
Ihagen contemplated, gazing at the stellar dance displayed across the system.
It was a rare occasion, the first generations of Ayur present were without divine duties, without an Ordained Beyt to fulfi, without an assigned Kheyylim to follow into conflict and saboutage. The Arkiyonai delved deep into the mysteries of the New Weave, the Lokhem praised their creator with all of their short-lives. Amongst them, Ihagen was the first created with destiny set in stone "Create a gentle city, ringed in spears". That was the calling of the Lonire Hkavera. Protect Kokhav Yeled, bring it back into completion.
The Glyph Avatar turned to the Meta Sax deity, maintaining its status as a supplicant.
{Entity-Ihagen-Forgiveness-Request. Entity-Lack-Authority-State. Ayur-Leadership-Role-Apperance-!Completion}. {Request-Meta-Sax-Ayur.}, {Shemesh-Shevath-Territory-Completion -> Elohim-Meta-Sax-Request-Merge}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 11/21/2022 3:38 PM
Ladon does not take offense at this, rather they see it as an opportunity to learn. What is it that compels the New to reject the offer of togetherness? Much and more can be gained through cooperative understanding, and thus Ladon decides His presence near them will not help the situation in the future. Instead, another would be self-selected from the Clade to act as observer and preserver.
Whom that would be, he did not know, but it would come in time, as all things did.
"Forgiveness is unnecessary. Ayur.. self-state of Saxheelian is Ayur?"
Was that their name for the Meta-Sax? Or did it describe something else? Ladon understood that "Elohim" referred to Himself, or at least the classification of entity that the New determined Him to be. But Ayur seemed to describe the beings like Ihagen. There was not someone akin to Ihagen among them, no sense of leadership or authority in that way.
The Shemesh-Shevath territory seemed obvious enough. This system, no doubt, would serve their purposes, and indeed without any need for Saxheelian help in that regard. Though of course, it would be offered.
"Territorial space-domain assertion is affirmed. Meta-Sax presence will be here, for as long as the-ones-who-sing-with-us/me/we wish it."
Upon completion, they seemed willing to consider the request of a Joining, so there was hope of that in the future. It wasn't obligated, but it would be...nice...to have a kinmind among them again.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 11/25/2022 11:11 AM
Ihagen thought about how to answer the questions of the Meta Sax deity with as much clarity as possible. An Ishon Glyph would obviously suffice, the memetic knowledge that could be contained within could drown out planetary libraries if the Arkiyonai wished. However, to simply explain the nature of the Shemesh Shevath as a textbook entry would be underneath a creation of Kokhav Yeled. Reducing the magnificance of its creations to simple terms would be sacrilage.
The Ayur peered through the histories of those who had once borne the same Glyph as it's, their walks of life were many. Glyphmasters, Warlocks, Artificers and simple Archivists. With Each life returned into the Godling came memories of species from previous Weaves, races and civilisations that only existed in Archive and memory. Ihagen stopped its recollection on a scene: the first meeting between a Decreed Kheyylim and some primitive life.
Yes, that would be fitting.
The Arkiyonai created another glyph and pushed it out into the void, to be witnessed. This one was far brighter and energetic than any shown before.
--
A glowing Star[Parent][Guardian] hangs in a suffocating Darkness[Void][Isolation][Alone]. It's Light[Love][Protection] iluminates a rocky World[Reality][Universe]. The Light gives Life to all it touches.
The rays split into three forms[Ayur][Creations][Children]
The first is Creation[Cold][Emotionless]. The first form creates, giving shape to the formless, giving definition to chaos, bringing order through construction.
The second form is Purification[War][Conquest][Protection]. Wherever the Darkness creeps, wherever parasites and scourges infest the World, the light burns. It burns the unclean, and also itself. Returning back to the Star.
The third form is Control[Dominating][Understanding]. This one does not follow the stellar wind, it does not reflect from prisms and bodies of water. It follows it's own course, taking the other ones with it. Yet always returning back to the star. Control guides the others, showing the infestation to burn, and the shapes to give definition to.
--
The Glyph passes and Ihagen speaks.
{Elohim-Kokhav-Yeled. Fracture-of-self-process. Fracture-Partition-Ayur-Origin}.{Arkiyonai-Lokhem-Meorakh}.{Ayur-Partition-Purpose-Yeled-Recovery}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 11/28/2022 5:09 PM
Ladon believes it understands; Ayur are the mind-origin of constructs, beings, creations, and life. This, to Him, confirmed the similarity in nature between a Saxheelian and an Ayur-entity.
To create life was a sacred thing among them. A religious act, as much as one could worship the universe and awe at its impossibility. To gently mold a living thing from the dust of it, to lovingly breathe life into that shaped clay, to watch it grow and thrive and become.. it was one of the many meanings to existence the Saxheelians attributed to themselves.
"Ayur are indeed like them/is/us. Build-connect-create the substance-essence of the universe. Though unlike them/is/us. Each component of the self-in-concert is independent. A drop of water. Together, we are the sea."
Ladon wasn't sure the meaning would be conveyed appropriately. If He properly comprehended what was being said, the entity before him was a piece of the gestalt that it was a part of.
Eyes trailed to the core of the Yeled, pondering at their nature. Creating partitions of its own self to heal itself was no small act. He wondered how it would fall upon the internal classification of NSL - perhaps meta-7? Was it comparable to Him alone? Or in concert with the other Saxheelians? It was fascinating to see such an entity and He was quite eager to learn more.
"The Meta-Sax will assist in the recovery-healing-gestalt. Will this system suit?"
There was a buzz of activity among the Clade as the dance began to wind down. Everything Ladon knew, the Clade knew, and everything the Clade pondered, Ladon pondered. They were becoming more enrapt with their curiosity, and the vivid rejoicing at the birth of The New was quickly transitioning into the tempered period of Reflecting In The Glow.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 12/17/2022 4:50 AM
Ihagen waits for the Meta-Sax deity to finish, before communing with its kindred. The question raised by Ladon was repeated amongst the Arkiyonai that had already formed. Would this system suit the Shemesh Shevath ?
{'Kindred-in-Glyph. Scry the status of this System-Space.'}
The messages came in droves, sailing on the invisible connection between each creation of Kokhav Yeled. Each Arkiyonai, and even some Lokhem, relayed the information in different ways. Those Mages tied closest to the Ayur military gave full reports, devoid of anything but pure information, those who primairly acted through their magical expertise brought in allegories and notes of occult significance. In the end the Lokhem gave the most concise answers.
{'Barren'},{'A husk'},{'Devoid of the spark'}.
This system would not fit. In time, when the initial outburst of activity from the Godling waned, the Ayur would starve without mana to acess. Their Glyphs would begin to canibalise themselves, burning out with the extertion of existing outside of Yeled.
The Shemesh Shevath would have to venture into the Galaxy to find a major leyline, only there could their population be sustained for the long term.
{'Ladon Elohim. This System-Space lacks the connection to beyond the Veil, it lacks the nourishment of Leylines and mana-networks. We shall venture outwards, so that such an oasis of the Arcane can be found'}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 12/17/2022 8:17 AM
The concept of a "leyline" was utterly unknown to the Meta-Sax, leaving them uncertain as to its meaning or significance. Ladon and the rest built a Consensus decision that, regardless of where, they would ensure aid to the Shemesh as a component of Kinship.
"These elements are unknown-incompatible-curiosity to us. We-the-many will aid regardless; seek thee the source that is needed."
Within the Domains of the Meta-Sax Duality, information was being pulled from every mythological source that they had ever encountered. Ancnet information was considered of dubious quality, but it appeared that "magic" and "mana" were things that existed in this realm-space. What any of it actually was could be placed under rather heavy debate, but what mattered was trying to find stable locations for their friends.
"Tell us, Ihagen-friend, what can we-the-many-is-one do alongside you-the-one-is-part-of?"
Conveying emotions through the strict mechanism of communication that they were using was challenging, but Ladon hoped that it at least would carry some of the fondness that He and His people felt.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 12/23/2022 3:40 AM
{'Ladon Elohim, we beseech you of only one matter, speak not of our arrival or the journey we shall undertake. Kokhav Yeled is weak, my Kindred are distorted, still weaving themselves back into shape and form. In this time-space we stand vulnreable to predations of greater forces, until the time is right, we must remain hidden. You have proven yourself to be a gracious patron and worthy friend, yet to ask for your support would be an insult to the pride of my Lokhem Kindred. '}
Though the Arkiyonai had practiced lies and deception for longer than entire realities have existed, Ihagen found no reason to decieve the Meta-Sax god-being. Every message imbued within its transmission glyphs was the bare truth. The Shemesh Shevath were weakened, merely a scattering of the Ayur that held to the greatest portions of Divinity. It wouldn't take much to crush the few Lokhem defending the Godling, and to harvest the nascent deity for its potential. Now was one of the few moments when the Ayur needed allies, not tools to be exploited.
While the Ihagen convened with Ladon some of the Arkiyonai began their preparations to leave the system on their expedition, time was of the essence. Although many wished to remain in the joyous celebrations with the Meta-Sax, their duties took priority. With occult ritual and arcane spell the mages summoned ancient vessels from beyond the Veil. Soon enough Lokhem would manifest on them and the Wayfinders would depart, to seek a Leyline potent enough to feed the endless thirst of the Godling.
{'There will be great sorrow amongst our kind once we depart, yet we feel great joy at the knowledge we shall meet again. When the stars align, and the tides of fate swing in our favour once again. We shall call upon you, so that both of Us can celebrate once more"}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 12/26/2022 3:04 PM
The Saxheelians universally agreed that the weakened Yeled should not be exposed to Outsiders or those who might take advantage of it. Such a Peer would be protected; had to be protected. To them, it was an unspeakable rarity to encounter such a being - it mattered little its motives or intentions. Simply its existence was enough to lead to a renewed sense of elation and purpose.
Summoned glyphships instilled in the gathered Saxheelians a turn in the festivities, with many of them returning to their homes onboard the bioships. The ships, too, began to withdraw their exultations and their overall presence, transfiguring themselves into a colossal constellation centered around Ladon. The largest bioship and its peers briefly debated on something.
There shall be no sorrow-despair-unending pain. For time will greet us again; this we know-experience always. When the New Place has been found, call our names. We will be there.
What star charts they possessed, they shared with the Shemesh freely.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 01/25/2023 11:44 AM
In time the stars became right once again and the Lonire Hkavera agreed on a motion, a rarity amongst their conflicted kind. The domain of the Shemesh Shevath had grown enough. It's borders have been established through truce and cooperation, it's worlds became monuments to the slumbering Godling, and it's people found their roles in this new, strange universe. Though the first Lokhem who had met with the Saxheelians have passed back into Yeled's Grace, the records of the Arkiyonai remained.
Within scrolls streched across dimmensions, filled with occult sigils and arcane knowledge. Clade Ladon was described with just one rune. A rune used so rarely in it's true sense, one devoid of any sinister motive or hidden deception.
Friend
For the first time in countless Aeons the Ayur have found a true Ally. Not an inferior species to be exploited, not some curosity to be examined like how a child looks upon a new toy. A true equal, one worthy of respect.
And so a message was sent out through the Anc net. A series of coordinates in the Little Light area of space.
['Fellow starborne travelers. Fellow seekers of knowledge and understanding. Fellow Gods in this material realm, and our dearest friends. Kokhav Yeled wishes to speak once again, and so do we. Come, our weapons are lowered, and gates unbarred.']
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 01/28/2023 11:11 AM
Within the Clade, there had not been many significant developments in the time that had passed since The Great Rejoicing. The creation of a near-peer Megastructure that would serve the Clade's far jumping interests, economic needs, and political ideologies, some minor economic treaties and some skirmishes here and there.
All in all, a normal day among the normal beings of a galaxy they were quickly discovering had all the same problems of the old clusters, they were simply scaled up proportionally. No longer free to roam the vastness of the cosmos, the Meta-Sax had to contend with "borders" and artificial constructs of "territory" that restricted them at every turn.
Though the vastness of the Outer Rim continued to offer some fascinating opportunities, they simply lacked the physical manpower to really take advantage of it and navigate the complex political situations that had arisen.
So when the message arrived and was parsed through the Consensus, elation was chief among the emotions felt by the people of the Clade.
Friends and Peers inviting them to their side at long last? Like all too eager lovers called to port once again, the Saxheelians coalesced as they were able in order to determine whom to send. Though it became a bit of a moot point, as Ladon Himself insisted on being a participant. Others of the Anima considered it a reasonably place of berth for Him, given that the Shemesh territory would be one of the rare instances of safe harbor for them.
Thus did Ladon speed towards Shemeshi space on His own, propelled by the joy of having others they could enjoy genuine conversation and companionship with.
Feeling cheeky, He sent a message to the same sender:
"Gaily bedight,
A gallant knight,
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of utana.
But he grew old-
This knight so bold-
And o'er his heart a shadow
Fell as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like utana.
And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
He met a pilgrim shadow-
"Shadow," said he,
"Where can it be-
This land of utana?"
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied-
"If you seek for utana!"
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 01/28/2023 12:21 PM
[Covert Communion via Etheric link] [Encryption established. Veiling ritual in progress]
WATCHSEER/GRDSTL -- LNRHKVR
SUBJECT::ALLIES/SAXHEELIAN/POI/ELOHIM-LADON//ARRIVAL
Watchseer of the Edge, Guarding-Sentinel-Aegis-Infused-by-Starlight, brings new knowledge and understandings to the esteemed Lonire Hkavera, You who sit so close to the vastness of Kokhav Yeled. We have confirmed the reception of our message to the Saxheelian Elohim, as well as its progress into our territories. Entity Ladon has transmitted a message of it's own. It has been scried for memetic danger and included in this communication. We shall continue our survivelance from underneath the veil, while the Elohim meets with They-Who-First-Sought-Understanding, Ihagen-Primal-of-the-Knowing.
The concept of territories and borders was something the Shemesh Shevath rarely dealt with. During their eternity of voyages and actions from behind the veil, they had never maintained a single zone of space as their own. No records and guidelines, passed down by previous generations of Arkiyonai existed and the issues that arose were many. The amount of overseers to the rash and hotheaded Lokhem increased tremendously, and each had to work in overtime to keep them from acting out against the natives of Little Light.
This was a time for true learning, for the first time in Eons. Yet the severity of the situation had forced their hand. Kokhav Yeled was wounded, crippled beyond measure and it's ability to recover. A bastion stretching for Light years was needed, one that would feed the nascent deity with mana and knowledge. Through this desperation Hmitras was formed, followed by a series of Temple Worlds and outposts. They formed a ring around the resting place of Yeled. A ring of spears, to protect a gentle deity at it's heart. At the Edge of that ring, where Shemesh control met the chaos of the wider galaxy, Ihagen waited to once again meet the first deity of this realm.
Though Ihagen was the first of the Arkiyonai to awaken, and thus the one most blessed with Divinity, They did not wish to relegate such a matter to any of their subjects. No other Ayur had expirenced as much of this reality as They did, and though many had interacted more with the species of the galaxy. They did not speak with a god, they did not supplicate before It and ask for help, they did not save Kokhav Yeled.
Some had accused Ihagen of being too pridefull, to reliant on their connection to the Meta-Sax when it came to the power-struggles of the Arkiyonai. They were right of course, Ihagen understood, but now was not the time to play power games and insist on such childish intrigue.
Not yet atleast.
---
The first sign of the meeting destination was a message pulsing through all avaivable spectra, both mundane and esoteric, both a psychic and occult whisper in the mind, as well as a simple communication entangled through quanta and tachyons.
[This is the Edge. This territory is strictly off limits to beings without the writ of passage. Turn back if you lack it]
The source of the transmission became clear once Ladon arrived in it's physical form. Beyond the boundry of the nearest star system, far past the Oort cloud was a net of millions of obsidian obelisks. Each was around the size of a standard starfighter, or a small housing unit in a city. Their formation was not equal, lacking the precision of an Ai-designed defence net or a satelite network. Instead they were gathered in groups, and from this distance, and with It's superb visual prowess Ladon could clearly see that the Obelisks formed runes, not too dissimilar to those employed by Ihagen and other Ayur.
The message repeated a few more times, before abruptly stopping. The nearest gathering of sigils and runes reformed. Their shape changed from very angular and geometric arrangements to a series of rings and spheres, the smallest of which would be enough for Ladon to pass through.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 01/28/2023 12:55 PM
Ladon had increased His mass substantially since that encounter with the Shemesh so long ago. Subjectively, it had been necessary for Him in order to increase His intelligence to cope with the needs of the Clade. Too few were they, too few to attain to the needs of the noemata of the Meta-Sax. Far vaster was His mind, far greater were His abilities. Quietly, deep within Him, something powerful slept and waited for its Calling.
Thus far, none had seen Him as He was now. Their friends would be the first. In a way, it was exciting, but also slightly embarrassing. To admit the need to expand on their existing capabilities was acknowledgement that the universe as it stood was beyond the ken of the original forms of the Clade.
Idlily, he assessed the message and its contents as He reached the bounds of the system. As far as warnings went, it was sufficiently "spooky". Especially when combined with the unknown techniques being used to transmit it into His mind.
Ladon perceived the multitude of objects with polite curiosity. Their arrangement was interesting to Him, as outer system formation tended to be chaotic, especially when presented against the heliopause of a star system. The nearness of the runes to those He remembered made him ponder briefly if it was a subtle clue as to who would await Him on the other side.
There wasn't quite a clear sense of a direction for Him to travel in, so instead He trusted His instincts and followed the flow into the nearest one, curious to see what the friends of the Meta-Sax had constructed in secret.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 01/29/2023 11:07 AM
After parting to allow Ladon through, the Obelisks reformed to their previously-maintained positions. From within their protective arrangement one could see that their net acted as not only a physical buffer, but also a visual one. From the outside the system they protected seemed to be little more than a derelict outpost, with the only objects of note being some energy emissions, presumably of an FOB or some long-range vessel.
However that couldn't have been further. Instead of a desolate system, devoid of any but the barest activity, the space hidden through the net of arcane obelisks was a roiling vortex of activity and occult energy. Scattered around were dozens of vast pillars of ancient stone, each completely covered in endless flowing script and runic texts. Each pillar slowly rotated, as if it was the hand of some vast galactic clock, and through these rotations they cut wounds in reality itself. From each tear pure mana flowed outwards in a trickle. First in an almost liquid-like state, then turning into vapour and mist that gave the whole system a beatuifull, if kaleidoscopic background.
Simply put, this Aether was an impossibility to all sensible science. Even the most basic scans showed off returns of negative or infinite mass, temporal anomalies, untraceable emissions and exotic particles. Yet before one could make reason of any of those aspects, the vapour changed it's properties and showed another impossibility.
And from it's position on the edge of the system, Ladon could clearly see the Shemesh taking full advantage of this mysterious force. Surrounding each pillar were hundreds of vessels which slowly siphoned away the energies before engaging their FTL drive and blinking away. Their routes were precise and calculated, yet strangely inefficient. Instead of taking straight lines the ships weaved and rolled, as if performing some sort of dance or ritual. One could observe them for days and find no repeated course.
And there, in the middle of all the Pillars, in the centre of all activity, a familiar sigil burned brightly, calling out to Ladon. The same rune which had once been presented by Ihagen, shining so much brighter than on the day of the first meeting between the Meta-Sax and the Shemesh Shevath.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 01/31/2023 7:07 PM
Ladon senses the transition into the sub-zone of space-time and briefly relishes the sensation against His skin. It was always fascinating to Him to see how other intelligences approached the complex creation of nested void objects, and thus far the Shemesh Shevath certainly did not disappoint in their expertise and finesse.
However, the barrier into the new space was the only thing that was familiar to Him. The rest of it was a mash of truly alien things, which was terribly exciting for both Him and the millions of Meta-Sax that dwelt within Him. Already, He could feel the variety of minds attempting to hypothesize what any of it could possibly be. In this new universe, they'd already encountered concepts truly unknowable to them, but there was a sense of the Shemeshi space being beyond even that banal mental construct and something significantly more Other.
Ladon guides His body towards the center, towards the beacon of a familiar friend. Flowing gently towards the sigil, Ladon let Himself express His emotions freely in the various pictures, iconography, and words that bled across His skin in ship-speak.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/01/2023 11:57 AM
Ihagen had chosen the centre of the system for a reason. Not only was it the nexus point of all the minor Leylines the Shemesh had dragged into place, not only did it give Them the perfect position to observe the arrival of the Meta-sax deity, but most importantly it held ritualistic significance. To an Arkiyonai of such a level of prestige and power as Ihagen, every action undertaken had meaning. Every motion was an ritual to itself, whoose components were the aspects of the universe one manipulated. From the outset of this interaction everything was planned according to the principles of ancient Arcana.
The message and the invitation therein. The closed-off boundry at the edge, and the casting of those locks. And now the position of the Host, and the movement of the Invited.
Every action had a meaning.
Yet today was not an occasion to be exploited, the honored guest was far too important to the Shemesh. Not only because Kokhav Yeled had shared their love for them, but because the Ayur did as well.
{Elohim Ladon is approaching. We shall meet Them halfway.}
From where Ihagen was standing, there was no one to hear their words. The vast dias at the top of the Temple-ship was emptied of it's usual contents. There were no Mitar moving between stone obelisks, scattering arcane silver and crushed prisms. No Lokhem stood guard over the eternally burning void-pyres. Ihagen had dismissed them all. When the time came to stand before Ladon, it would be like on that first day.
Still, the Temple-ship moved. The command had been transferred through thought and memetic sigils, coursing through the divine network connecting every creation of Kokhav Yeled. Though kilometres of blessed stone separated the crew and their Arkiyonai leader; liquid space began to move on telekinetic tides, and the distance between the two friends closed bit by bit.
Ihagen transmitted the first communication glyph to the approaching Clade leader.
{I welcome you at the Edge. This is the boundry of our domain. Kokhav Yeled is eagerly awaiting their meeting deeper inside our lands. Forgive me for forcing such a long journey upon you. However the dangers require it, those without adequate knowledge could get lost in What-lies-beyond}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/02/2023 12:44 PM
To describe it as having "never happened before" would be to cheapen the truth of the experience. Never, in all their long history, had the Meta-Sax been met halfway across the journey of impossibility by a telekinetically moving starship. Yet, here Ladon and so many others were, bearing witness to such a thing.
The primal sensation of the system never really left Ladon, like He was staring at something that was from Before, when time was not yet formed and the brane of the dimensions was loose and not at all coherent.
His attention fixated on the familiar figure of Ihagen, and though He no longer had lips with which to smile with, He still indulged in Himself the sensation of long distant memory.
Responding in kind, Ladon let His skin reflect his competing emotions: joy, eagerness, a sense of longing, and the strong undercurrent of omnipresent curiosity.
"This one is most graciously welcomed into thy domain. Those that dwell within me and those who dwell around me exalt in our reunion, as do I. There is no forgiveness needed, for such journeys are what we enjoy most. Task us, and we shall meet it with joy. Doubly so, to greet Kokhav Yeled and to see The Deep Land beyond with our own eyes."
"Know, however, that within me are most of our people. Whilst I insist upon being the Anima who greets you, hardly could any be kept from this meeting of Peers."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/03/2023 11:11 AM
The Temple-Ship of Ihagen, The-Domain-Of-The-Restless, was a truly gargantuan vessel, in sheer size it approached the vastness of Ladon himself. Though it was far wider and more spread out. The hull itself was seemingly carved from cut stone, though any carbon-dating methods returned impossible numbers, as if the materials were older than the universe itself. Each centimeter of the vessel was covered in the same letters which formed the hearts of the Ayur. The dim glow of each almost invisible against the kaleidoscopic backdrop of the system. Though the ship had devices similar to conventional engines, it moved instead on a cushion of some strange exotic material, as if it was cruising the bulk of some stellar ocean. Ihagen stood exposed to the void, positioned at the edge of a vast dias which covered the top of The Domain.
(forgot to include the description in the last post)
For a moment the Heart Glyph of Ihagen showed concern, or perhaps doubts. It's usually bright-yellow colour shifted to a darker muted purple, the billions of letters making up it's fabrics became like scratches - distorted in form and meaning. Self-conscious of It's position before a deity the Arkiyonai collected their thoughts and the Glyph returned to form.
{"It is not a matter of concern. Elohim Ladon, and They-Who-Exist-In-Union. You existance is like ours. A division into parts and multitudes, yet connected as a whole into One. In this We are kindred, and we would not bar our gates against Your approach."}
Though Ihagen said as such, that wasn't the whole truth. The Lonire Hkavera had accepted the demands of their weakened Deity for a meeting, yet It's survival still was the utmost priority. The Meta-Sax could be trusted to keep Themselves in check, but what of other forces they interacted with ? Would the knowledge gained on this Visit become a threat in the future ?
Would Ladon need to be silenced ?
These thoughts were like a mana-siphon, draining away at the core of Ihagen. The duty of being the first to be Awoken was a great burden, yet also an opportunity. Not many had a chance to speak to a god on equal terms. Perhaps that is what the Arkiyonai should focus on instead.
Ihagen moved to the centre of the vast Dias, every step spurring the ritual arrangements into motion. Colorful faerie flames burst into life from unseen sources, crystal prisms began to refract colours into impossible gradients and the very rock of the arcane nexus began to move and shift into place. The Arkiyonai put Their palms together and with their separation, spun out a web that quickly unfolded into a holographic image.
It was clearly a crude version of a stellar map. Several glowing dots were labeled with Shemesh Glyphs, each connected through webs and lines. Running alongside them was a chaotic composition of various colorful splatters, as if a child was given a pencil to make their mark on the map. These splatters shifted constantly, sometimes moving into the lines and dots, other times crashing against each other and scattering into smaller shapes.
{"We shall undertake the journey to Kokhav Yeled under the guidance of this vessel. The Godling is hidden and protected, while Your conventional drives could reach it, such methods would require years, if not decades. The glyphs of protection woven into it's hull shall calm the Saturation produced by the mining of Etherite, and guide Us unopposed to Hmitras"}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/06/2023 12:34 PM
Ladon observed the procession of the vessel approaching Him. The material construction was alien to Him and to the other Saxheelians, which stirred great interest. To borrow a colloquial term from one of His vasudan comrades, they stared politely.
Indeed, the whole domain that the Shemeshi inhabited was something that many of the Saxheelians wished to spend some centuries studying, but time was not their ally and to dally was to insult their hosts. So, they stuffed their desires deep inside themselves and beckoned to Ladon to continue as He wished. He obliged His people.
The map of the known universe and its odd depiction of space caused a sizzle of excitement to wear at Ladon's own patience. He wanted to throw Himself into the adventure. They all did. The entire Clade was exploratory at heart, it was the whole reason they were trapped in Ancerious to begin with. They'd simply been curious and walked through the door.
"Then we will gladly journey. Time is of no concern to us. Only life. Know that the space shared between Saxheelian and Friend is sacred to us. It is no small matter for us to involve ourselves so completely in an event as momentous as this. Should centuries be required of us, then it shall be given."
That said, they were intensely curious about the process itself. If Saxheelian drive technology would take so long, when it was a matter of days to reach the galactic halo, they could scarcely imagine what barriers the Shemeshi had placed to block any who would try to find their sleeping True Self. Would it be a star system, they wondered?
Ladon, however, pondered more about the mechanism of Ihagen's movement. To Him, the fluidic dynamics of the Temple Ship were as appealing as any piece of art. The flow of it and the exotic nature of its material prompted an eye to remain fixed on it for a very long time indeed.
"Lead us, dear friends. We shall follow."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/07/2023 10:55 AM
Ihagen dimmed Their glyph in affirmation and turned to face the stellar map. One of the dots changed its hue, a bright red shifting to a subdued colour, one that couldn't be described with any adjective, save for the feeling of nostalgia and comfort it gave off. The countless Saxheelians aboard the mindscape of Ladon felt a deep longing for the place behind that. As if it was a place they were searching for their entire lives.
The Domain rotated on its axis, the liquid space underneath splashing and sublimating into pure magical Aether. Once facing the numerous Etherite refineries and other Shemeshi constructs, the Vessel began its journey, moved across by the power of sheer telekinetic potential.
Clouds and ejections of unrefined mana and half-coalesced Etherite escaped from the wounds cut into spacetime by the vast Shemeshi refineries, though before they reached Ihagen and Their compatriot, they were stopped. Hidden Glyphs and rituals woven into The Domain projected an invisible cocoon of force, one that would need a far more direct impact to be breached. It did not, however, stop the Saxheelians from gazing upon the rare outbursts of magic, and the veins from which they were "pulled".
Each wound was a porthole, a view into realms of impossible physics and laws. Just pointing a sensor into the tear for a moment gave enough data to fill lifetimes of speculation. Improbable laws of thermodynamics, exotic particles of implausible composition, dimensions crossing and interweaving without rhyme or reason. Despite their unreasonable nature, each realm was beautiful, yet so fleeting. Some would never be reached again, lost in the eternal drift of dimensions
The Obelisks and their attendant Shemeshi mining ships had been forged from the same stone-like material as Ihagen's, though they were far more brutish, utilitarian even. Though once Ladon saw a burst of Magic colder than absolute zero crash against the hull of one vessel, it all made sense.
Eventually, The Domain reached a vast elliptical Arch of refined stone and polished obsidian. Between each of its edges small tendrils of electricity crackled against each other. Leaping through distances wide enough to fit both of the vessels. In it's centre lay a single crystal sphere, one so simple and insignificant in stature it was almost laughable. It was clouded from the inside, as if containing a dark thunderstorm.
Ihagen turned once again to Ladon, and sent out a communicative glyph.
{Before we depart. I require the truth, lest we shall not progress further. Though We are kin of Heart and Glyph, You must pledge. Unless Your presence is requested, You shall not seek Kokhav Yeled. Unless allowed, You shall not attempt entry into It's domain. Unless threatened with a fate worse than death, You shall not reveal what You see on Our path.}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/08/2023 9:28 AM
Already a people who longed for Home, the added burden of additional longing coalesced into a pining of the heart that could not be quenched.
As Ladon followed the path of the Temple ship, He and His kind could do little but watch in wonder at the bizarre fields of things that defied explanation. There was no realm they knew of that possessed these qualities, no set of laws that would explain the behavior of the observed particles. It was utterly alien to them - a novelty in of itself.
They knew of parallel realities and partially existed in the brane gap of dimensions themselves, but this was different. This was Outside that. It made them ponder collectively at the origin of the Shemeshi entities and what their long journey must have looked like. Borne of rifts like these, perhaps?
The little sphere tickled the sleeping Power within Ladon - a twin, a mirror, a reflection of their own choices as of late. It was a quiet thing that was kept from the others in the Consensus, the tiniest Power ever made. The distraction provided by the image of it was ended, however, when the glyph appeared.
His voice gave no inflection in its response; "It was always to be as you say. None will scry our minds and survive it. We Saxheelians take the vow of silence, the vow-Path of knowing-in-isolation. Ascending time commitment per noemata of ancient-time realization; material entosis and meta entosis with playful communion."
It was rarer for them to speak in their natural cadence since coming here, but for something so serious, He would do no less than to commit to the promise in the proper rites.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/09/2023 10:45 AM
{Let it be thus written and recorded in Glyph and in Heart. In mind and in purpose. In Aether and in Stability}
Ihagen extended one of Its palms.
The texture of the Arkiyonai was that of shaped stone and cut obsidian, an expression of worship in Onesself, just as much as holy scripture.
On the palm a rune appeared.
It was simple. Flat in shape and without detail. A single circle with a dot in the middle, almost as if it was the attempt of an amateur. An object of magical purpose yet crafted without the wisdom of a sage.
Yet it was more compelling than any complex diagram the Shemesh have shown so far, and soon the Saxheelians understood why.
{It shall be this way.
Because it could be no other way.
Let this journey be an incision, an invocation of purpose.
An incision whoose mission is to draw in the mind and make an incision of curiosity and to be that incision which is a question and its own solution, to make one hunger for an answer whose answer is its own wanting }
Like a gardener releasing a butterfly from his finger, the Arkiyonai released Their grasp on the rune and set it free. The glyph moved to the Arch, swaying on an unseen current of magic, until it rested on the Crystal Sphere. If one focused their gaze, They could see small branches of shadows breaking through the walls of the construct, swallowing the Glyph whole. Even though it's shape was obscured, it's brightness was overwhelming, shining from within like a newborn sun.
In that light, in those moments of overwhelming brightness, Clade Ladon inherently understood. The rune was Them, and they would be the ones who give it shape and purpose.
The sphere shuddered, convulsed and ultimately broke. The substance contained within began to spread, linking the two edges of the Arch togheter. Whatever formed to fill the Arch was the stuff of absolute nothigness, darker than the most primal memories of Saxheelian instincts. Ihagen merely stared at It, the Ayur had seen it so many times any form of fear lost all of it's meaning. Without doubt or worry, the Arkiyonai directed The Domain inside. Turning back to Ladon once, motioning that It should follow.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/12/2023 10:46 AM
The depiction of the glyph-form was something carefully observed and archived. The assimilation into The Flow space-time construct meant that ships and beings spread far and wide across the galaxy that were Meta-Sax instantly had access to that moment. The Shemeshi depiction of the clade-self-group was separated as a distinct ontological expression of their being.
Ladon placed it inside His mind alongside the almost child-like depiction of His people's first encounter with the Saxheelian's themselves. To Him, it mirrored that moment.
As He stares at the aperture of nothingness that yawns before Him, those self-same emotions fill Him; uncertainty, anxiety, cautious optimism, and hope. Those who dwell within Him have their own cacophony of feelings, but He shuts them out of His mind to focus on the delicate operation of the reactionless energies that propelled the great ship forward. Idle speculation on the dynamics of the portal when placed against the topology of space-time distracted Him from His more base feelings as He followed Ihagen into the portal.
A True Friend shows no doubt, thus the Saxheelian shows no doubt. A True Friend shows no fear, thus, the Saxheelian shows no fear. The True Friend trusts, thus the Saxheelian trusts.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/12/2023 11:49 AM
Ladon begins to fall.
It is not like a fall caused by the starving grip of a black hole or a stellar body. It is not a fall downwards or up. It is a collapse, a tumbling misstep down the stairs of reality, straight into a realm unseen by scientific means. Though in this realm there are no axises of guidance, no up or down, Ladon feels like It is falling. It is the feeling of a primitive mind exposed to something it shouldn't comprehend.
The feeling of a fish out of water, if the fish was a God-ship, and the water was the entire universe.
Thankfully, the fall is short, or atleast, it feels short. Before long the guiding light of Ihagen's glyphs appears right besides them and this realm comes alight. The Domain shines like a beacon in this abyss, trailing behind it billions of glyphs and shining constructs. Some as small as a fingerprint, some as large as a hab block. Some appear from the hull itself, rising from shining crevices and ritual circles, others detach themselves from the very walls of this realm, filling with inner light for the first time in years.
From an analytical point of view Ladon understands this realm as some sort of subspace corridor, not unlike those used by some of the other species in Ancerius. This one hovever is unstable...or perhaps, secure. There is no "back" or "front" to it, merely what is around The Domain and Ladon. One wouldn't want to find themselves too far away from the guidance of Ihagen, lest they be grounded.
{"This is one of the Paths which lead to Hmitras. It is not the only one present, but it is the fastest. Since Time before the Time we Ayur have traversed plains and realms present Outside. This corridor is one such realm. A tunnel cut through the Weave of this reality. The saturation of Mana in Little Light sustains it. }
{As you can see however, the effort is..}
The Arkiyonai casts a single Mitar construct to trail far behind Ladon. The living glyph follows for a few minutes before it is swallowed by the collapse of the subspace corridor.
{Only Wayfinders dare to move through such dangerous Paths. Be lucky Friend, not many outside of our Kind hold the right to call themselves that.}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/13/2023 10:02 PM
Years of experience traversing space across their home galaxy had steeled Ladon to much, but He could safely say that never in His life had he felt quite so unsettled by the passage of one brane into another. Which surprised Him, given that a good portion of His consciousness was located in the brane between the fourth and fifth dimensions.
Perhaps it was simply the uncertainty of it? Or perhaps it was the great slosh of emotions from every living thing that dwelled within. He could feel the anxiety of the components of the ecosystems that made up the perimeter of His senses. Animals that comprised both the prey and predator categories could intuit something was off and reacted accordingly, leaving a ping across His awareness. True and proper Saxheelians felt their own emotions though spread across much of diverse origin points in comparison.
All these together plucked the various strands of webs that spun about to create the cocoon of nerves that served as the basis of His brain. This tingles continued to echo as He reoriented and sent a series of feedback signals along those nerves to assuage the entities on the other end. Whether it was simple pheromones' or complex instructions or simple speech, He aided where He could.
Their reactions, in turn, helped assuage His own anxiety. It was no small risk, moving between dimensions like this.
"Travel through such spaces is not something we indulge in. It is a new experience for us. One made all the more endurable thanks to your guidance, dear friends."
Which was probably selling it a little short. Several competing kin groups within Him were already attempting to figure out how the subspace matrix functioned, using this "magic" as a baseline principle. To say nothing of the record of the myriad (and beautiful) glyphs all around them. How exactly it maintained all of this was beyond them. He'd indulge in their whimsy later.
"We appreciate the unique effort you are putting into this transit."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 03/09/2023 9:37 AM
Though he did not share it with Ladon, Ihagen could very well see the distress of the Meta Sax Deity. With incantations hidden from sights and senses, the Arkiyonai peered through the Aether at the Companion of Its God. The emotions of every constituent being were like tiny embers, blazing gently in a slumbering fireplace. While Ladon itself burned like a vast pyre, fueled by its boundless curosity. It was a Flame (soul / presence ) that no Ayur had seen in countless Aeons, not since the last time a fellow Starspawn had met with Yeled, and that day was recorded only in the most ancient of scrolls. It was an entrancing sight, one that could have absorbed countless hours of study. Maybe one day, now Ihagen had to focus on steering the Journey.
Though fortunately, the Arkiyonai wasn't alone.
A ripple sounded out through the Glyph imbued walls of the Path as vast shapes crossed the boundary. Like the beasts of an ocean world breaking the surface of water, Wayfinders tore through the walls encompassing the dimmensional corridor. Just like The Domain, the ships were of occult stone and arcane architecture, though far smaller in scale. Each was more comparable to a frigate, rather than Ihagen's vessel, which almost equalled Ladon in sheer bulk.
The Wayfinders danced and weaved around the Domain and Ladon, the hulls of their vessels glaring with memetic glyphs and information. Each ship and the Arkiyonai guiding it had their distinct quirk. One scratched against the surface of the dimensional walls, like how one would run their fingers against a current. One was always surrounded by a cloud of glowing Mitar constructs that shadowed its every move. One simply kept close to the two Guests in this realm, the Arkiyonai at the helm visible from their position on top of the hull.
The Wayfinders spoke in unison, yet each with a distinct memetic signature passed in their communion.
{Welcome. --Greetings.--, ++ Pleasure to see You++}
{Who are you? --What do you seek in these Ways? --, ++Be careful, here be Shadows++ }
Ihagen passed a glyph back to Ladon, one with a note of sorrow in its knowledge.
{These are the Wayfinders guarding paths just like these. In eras of greater stability of Ladon, it would have been their duty to parse through the infinity of the universes adjacent to Ours. A position dedicated solely to uncovering what is unseen and bringing it to understanding. Nowadays it is their station to exist in the Ways below reality. To reinforce them and prune away impurities. }
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 03/16/2023 12:04 AM
The nature of the Wayfinders was, in a distant fashion, not dissimilar to the more esoteric Pathfinders of the true Volume. Their flittering about in a domain all their own, the sole force able to safely navigate its fraught waters.
It made Him homesick to a terrible degree to watch them.
He could not help but to echo some of their movements across His skin, like faint colors chasing the sun.
Within Him, the Others burned with a desire to learn more about this space. They wanted, more than anything, to reach out themselves to touch it, to embrace their inner curiosity, their natural keening for knowledge and experience. It was infectious too, for Ladon felt it just as much as they did.
So too did He find His eyes roving about His body, drinking in the passage of the portal. It was so..unusual for transition to be anything less than instant that He didn't realize how much of a unique experience it could be to simply exist within such a non-space.
A shudder inside of Him started at the most basic elements of what composed His consciousness: the air. To the people within Him, they could perceive it as a vibration, a flare up. One that swept into the water, into the lichen, moss, coral, and roots of so many plants. Inside the higher order lifeforms, the many mushines that composed the harmony of His intelligence.
It was excitement. Acknowledging Ihagen's words, He sent a reply to the Wayfinders.
"I/We/Are Ladon. We are Meta-Sax. We seek/yearn for connection with Other/Peer/Friend. The godling slept, but now it awakens. We wish for communion. We fear no Shadows."
For in truth, they carried them themselves.
A reality He softly reflected back to Ihagen, "We understand. So too are we diminished from the true breadth of our Volume. We are so much lesser than what was. The sound of us is too quiet, the theatre too empty, the warmth too distant."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 03/21/2023 9:50 AM
The Wayfinders responded in unison, each carrying a tone of melancholy and a deep longing.
{We too seek connection.--.++Yet duty calls Us to these realms, where shadows dwell.++Though We stand distant from Kokhav Yeled, Our God, We feel Its warmth++. It is the fire in Our Glyph. --The Light in Our forms.--.++The joyous song in Our mind++}
{--++You shall see it too. So very soon++--}
The three Shemeshi vessels began to peel off from the group, inching closer and closer to the dimensional walls before sinking into the paths between realms once again. Ihagen followed their departure with an intense stare as if searching for something left in their wake. Soon enough the Arkiyonai found it and turned to their godly Companion.
It was a spark of azure light, pulsating rhythmically to some unknown tempo. The Arkiyonai held it up between two armoured fingers of one hand before manifesting the Glyph which represented Ladon, in a single motion the mage brought the two together and the Glyph changed. It grew in complexity and brightness, and rings of arcane script appeared on the edges.
{"It seems my Kindred accept you as a fellow traveller, from now You can count Yourself amongst the few who have braved the Ways-in-between. Now let us progress"}
Eventually, the same gate which Ihagen had used to enter this Path appeared before the group and for the first time in what felt like days, Ladon could see a source of light other than the Mitar constructs released by The Domain. This time there was no need to open any arcane lock, after all, who would bar the gates before a Guest?
---
For a brief moment, there is blindness, and then there is a celebration. The light of Hmitras's sun is overwhelming, the star is a vast red giant radiating enough heat to burn away planets into cinders. It consumes the view from horizon to horizon. Yet the punishing heat does not reach Ladon or The Domain. Wards woven into millions of obelisks shield the arrivals and those that join them.
Just like on That day, the Ayur have arrived in force to celebrate. Hundreds of temple ships and thousands of constructs dance around the Meta-Sax Elohim, all in memory of the time that Ladon was reclaimed from the brink of oblivion. Some of the Shemeshi have been there during that first gathering, the moment etched into their Glyph. Many more have burned out, yet passed Their memory through record and arcane writ, so that all will remember the first allies of the Shemesh Shevath.
And in the distance, cloaked in stellar eruption and solar plasma lays Hmitras itself. A rocky world of temples and holy sites, holding within a being of immeasurable power.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 03/24/2023 6:49 PM
The procession of moments took place in distinct frames for Ladon, like He was simply observing them outside of Himself. He recalled experiences like this, when he was younger, smaller, less experienced: fragments of awareness that sifted through the vastness of His consciousness. Telltale signs of emotions bubbling up to the surface, demanding to be acknowledged.
Somehow, between the conversation with the Wayfinders and the revelation of the acceptance of Ladon through His glyph, there was a flash of something... possessive. He acknowledged the feeling, acknowledged how He had never truly experienced a Peer, how He stood alone at the apex of the Clade in this galaxy, that He was the only one who could communicate with Them at such a level.
It was isolating.
So to be able to commune in such a way? It was decidedly something He deeply wished would continue, long into the far future. A timespan that the Clade had increasingly become despondent about.
When the doors to domain of the Shemeshi peeled back, when He saw the mirrored celebration, the convocation of Peers who stood in equal prayer and song, He wept within Himself. And within Himself, the other Saxheelians rejoined and rebounded and found again renewed strength for celebration. His whole bioshere thrummed with that energy within Him. It felt good to be this way again, like it was with the Volume. With all their loved ones, all their friends.
Though, this time, Ladon did a rejoinder of celebration on His own -- He did not wish to forsake the severity of the moment through the typical lax behaviors of His people. A Peer brought them here, and it would be the Peer who would guide them through to the end.
That said, He didn't stop his own skin from flushing with images, text, and song -- what true Saxheelian could resist, after all?
Voice echoing, He called, "Enjoinment! Entosis! Communion! That which we are, together we are! In ancient-prayer; celebration!"
And within Him, it was so.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 03/27/2023 10:04 AM
Despite the endless miles of Holy temples, sanctified shrines, mana refineries and arcane obelisks that cover Hmitras, through the crust of the planet a luminance begins to escape. It starts to trickle slowly, rising from cracks in the etherite-sewn surface, appearing as little more than wychlights from some miscast spell. Before the Shemeshi can turn their attention to it, the luminance becomes overwhelming. those deep in ritual, those parsing through fates and patterns, those making waves in realms beyond, those in examples of holy worship.
Their focus is broken, Their matters of importance replaced with something else.
Joy
For Their God rejoices as well.
For a single moment Hmitras becomes brighter than the star that envelops it. The light is purity, it is magic in it's truest, most divine form, it passes through any barrier or blockade. Filling the minds / glyphs of all who are touched by it, their psyche infused with nothing but the feeling of childlike love and joy. The light passes through the system and continues further, every Shemeshi in the galaxy feels its touch. Whether they be in the Ways below, or on the route to Corona.
---
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 06/20/2023 10:45 AM
The participants of the celebration prostrate themselves before their deity, all but Ihagen do so. The lone Arkiyonai has the duty of remaining the guiding voice during this journey, no matter how much They wish to join Their kindred. The Arcanist turns to Ladon. {"Kokhav Yeled, our God is awaiting our arrival. They have not shown such a display of clarity since the Awakening. Today is a good day my Friend."}
The Shemeshi fleet parts before the Meta Sax emissaries so that the path to Hmitras is clear. Ladon becomes the centre of an arcane sigil, a blazing sign in the mana-choked skies of the world below. With the merest glance of the occult rune, every Shemeshi is granted understanding of this momentous occasion.
The brief flashes of clarity from Yeled part the skies of Hmitras, it's spires and Temple Cities are no longer hidden underneath storms of mana. From pole to equator the surface is covered in an endless amalgamation of Workshops and Temples. Each is a personal expression of worship, created by an Ayur who wished to show their devotion to the broken deity. Thus through their ambition, or greed, some have created wonders that would baffle modern minds.
Non euclidean spaces that exist only inside areas of mana saturation.
Ziggurats that reach from the crust to the very skies above.
Forges that burn with fires stolen from realities unknown to mortal minds.
Yet cataloguing such wonders is ultimately a folly, whenever the whims of Yeled change, whenever the broken deity stammers out a half-sensible command. The world changes, as the Ayur seek to appease their god once again. Hmitras is never still, it's surface is everchanging.
Though there is no perceptible transmission, coordinates sprout in Ladon's conciousness. They point to a Ziggurat on the north pole, and something deeper within the world itself.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 06/21/2023 11:22 AM
The revelation of the internal space of Hmitras was something that echoed easily across Ladon's mind. The surreal landscapes, the alien geometries; it was as home to Him as was The Duality. Even now, deep within the alien domain, He was still a part of that split-apart sub-reality, feeling the millions of Saxheelians with their own personal universes experiencing cladeification infinitely.
Ihagen's comment was met with a long, swelling motion of color and form along Ladon's skin, "Kin echoes Kin. We each grow in the presence of each other."
And indeed, Ladon's own internal despair eased ever so slightly as He grew closer to the temples, closer to the sense of touch with the Ayur around Him. The Clade's majority of people who lived within His body began to move from celebration into something more akin to reverence. It was a Volume tradition; respect for one equal to the Sax in depth, complexity, and expression. It was a small sigh of contentment amidst a galaxy of universes that imbued little else but harshness.
To know Another existed, an Other who was like them but not like them. It enriched the experience of life and brought ever so briefly a pulse of assurance for their mission, for their chosen purpose.
Ladon felt it as strongly as the others did, and for a moment, the Clade Entire felt one feeling, together, as they arced their way towards the Ziggurat, embracing the signal imbued by powers they did not understand.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 06/21/2023 10:14 PM
It is an unquestionable fact, that all life seeks the stars. Those blessed with self-realisation and understanding, seek to one day reach those lights twinkling in the deep black void. To one day sail across the etheric seas, or walk with the Gods that surely dwell there. This desire, this thirst for ascension manifests in constructs of arcane significance. Nexuses of holy geometries and hidden universial schema. Temples and altars of worship filled with the hope of Ascension which infuses the thoughts of those that pass through.
The Dreaming Zenith (as Ihagen names it in passing)would have been enough to fulfil those dreams. The vast Ziggurat is more akin to a mountain sculpted from pure etherite. Its roots bite deep into the crust below, while the peak scratches against the outer atmosphere of Hmitras. The mana-infused stone had been polished through the effort of thousands of Arkiyonai working in concert. Any sort of probe returns nothing but an impossible result, spaces larger on the inside than out, unreasonable ages and improbable material compositions. Just like the warships of the Shemeshi, this temple is brimming with half-contained mana. Runes the size of entire city blocks pulsate with the frequency of a heartbeat, a heartbeat that slowly quickens as Ladon is approaching.
Like a flower unfolding to recieve the rays of an encroaching daybreak, the Ziggurat opens to recieve Ladon. Slates of material the size of entire cities begin to dislocate and join in some unseen concert, slowly circling around the etherite mountain, held aloft by tendrils of telekinetic force. Their relocation opened a chasm in the peak of the construct, a rift wide enough for the Meta Sax Elohim to pass through unimpeded. The invitation is clear.
@varen (Meta-Sax)
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 06/23/2023 9:40 AM
Ladon continues to follow Ihagen, His thoughts peeling away towards contemplation of the various elements that surrounded His body. The temples, the shrines, the altars; things that Saxheelians did not possess nor really desire. Yet, despite the true difference in approach, there was similar respect towards the mutual understanding of Ascension.
Had He not gone through that process Himself, long ago? From a frail little thing into a Star God?
Materials He nor any Saxheelian could identify filled the mountain that was looming before them; it hummed with a strange sense of other. Geometric spaces were one thing, but Ladon sensed no mechanism He could determine which built upon the tesseracts. They simply were. A fascinating display of their cherished Friends abilities.
He does not slow his movement or quicken his pace as the great temple opened up to receive His form. He acknowledged the importance of this transition and did what He could to stifle His own growing excitement.
At last, He would meet His peoples Peer.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 06/23/2023 10:44 AM
For a moment Hmitras became still, across the countless temples and arcane workshops the Arkiyonai stopped and watched. In the training pits and ritual arenas, the Lokhem laid down their weapons and watched. The intricate mechanisms of Shemeshi society stopped, as if the gears of some universial clockwork became mired down in stasis. Through their mind's eye, the Ayur observed as the glorious form of Ladon moved towards the Pale Zenith, their Heart Glyphs pulsed with fear and anticipation, for none knew what would follow. Not even the Chronomancers could discern the encroaching future, the possibilities too vast for even them to comprehend.
By now Ihagen had stepped off from The Domain, as the vessel was not welcome where They would venture. The prime Arkiyonai had chosen to stand on the brow of the Meta-Sax elohim (after asking of course).
The chasm within the Pale Zenith opened into an infinite abyss, a yawning void, deeper than the heart of a singularity, yet which radiated a feeling of protection. Like the embrace of family after isolation.
[---]
The passage between There, and Here is sudden and instantenous.
In one moment the Delegation is inside an endless plane of darkness, without substance or definition. In the next Ladon rides above the waves of a sea of runes and scripture. Underneath them uncountable messages in arcane script contest with each other in a battle for rememberance. . Runes join into words, then sentences, then histories and definitions. A single glance is enough to percieve millenia of gathered history from every realm the Ayur have seen. And with each moment, more runes fall through some unseen cracks in the firnament, deposited by Arkiyonai toiling ceasessly to recover their god.
{We exist in an excised space. A realm created and maintained just by Kokhav Yeled. I'm afraid that's where My understanding ends, since Their shattering few have been able to commune directly. None however, were allowed within. }
In the centre of this ocean of understanding lies an Atoll of scripture, a mountain of scrolls and jagged altars. From within, the call echoes once again.
Image
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/02/2022 8:29 AM
The Deep Space Research Vessel Not Lost, Just Visiting had made its debut departure from the bosom of Ladon, eager to stretch its metaphorical wings in this very unusual galaxy. Well, universe really. Warp had never felt so clean and simple, so easy, so effortless as it was here. The speeds that they and their kin could achieve were absolutely impossible in their own universe.
For beings trapped at a mere 120x the speed of light, the capacity to reach 10,000x was the ultimate dream. Especially for an explorer like themselves and their onboard populace. Everyone was so excited, so eager, so full of joy at the idea of finding what could be out there!
So it came as a mild disappointment as alert after alert on the AncNet indicated that these systems and those systems and that system were unsafe due to the growing galactic war.
Just Visiting decided to make a pit stop at a local singularity. None of the kith had a black hole singularity reactor as of yet, in part due to the difficulties in obtaining the necessary exotic mass, but they also didn't know if these objects in this universe would function the same as their home universes physics implied.
The Saxheelian bioships brain was massive - nearly 500 meters in total diameter spread across the axial spire and lower decks of the ship. For the maneuver it chose to take - splitting the event horizon of the singularity with the warp fields - a mere 2% of the total processing power was needed. The rest of its vast intelligence was devoted towards its kith and kin, to ponderings of the metaverse, to wondering what else might be out there.
Just Visiting basked in the radiation as it ever so slightly singed the outer shell of their skin as they whipped past the event horizon, bisecting the outer edge of the singularity. A dancer on the edge of a blade; an artisan born for the stars.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/02/2022 11:53 AM
The Exodus had finally broken free. For the first time in centuries, the Unbroken stood without chains binding their every action. Without the threat of pursuing forces breathing on their necks. This Galaxy, filled with strange wonders and endless opportunities would become the breeding ground for legends if they took the risks of making themselves known. Either on the fields of countless battlegrounds or in the delicate duels of courts and embassies.
The orders of the Unchanged sent out a thousand expeditionary fleets into this new Galaxy. The command was simple, yet ultimately impossible to accomplish; find any trace of Gaia. And so the Purebloods and their Homunculi ventured forth.
-- --
The thin skein of reality began to pop, crackle and ultimately bend outwards. Spacetime stretching like a gelatinous membrane as vessels accelerated to impossible speeds and began their descent. The probe-escorts arrived first, initially appearing as little more than vast brightstone sails, brimming with waves of caught tachyons before such devices folded and fusion engines powered up. In the grand scheme of things, each was little more than a sensor array linked to an artificial brain, always on the forefront of the expedition, always the first to be lost.
After the insertion point was confirmed as safe, the Exultant Throne transferred system side. From a distance one could compare it to some sort of silverfish, a vast slab-like shape dotted with thousands of scanners, radars and similar monitoring equipment, all gazing at the system seen for the first time by Unbroken eyes
Status report
Despite the chaotic atmosphere of a post-jump bridge, a single sentence was enough to still every Homonculi crewman in the chamber. Every Homunculi knew by instinct that He was going to be displeased, it wouldn't be the first time. No one dared to look at the command throne. With every passing second of silence, His ire grew, as did the pressure on their psyches. Someone had to answer. One of the senior Crewmen did, standing from his station and lowering themselves to one knee, head facing the floor out of fear
"My liege...this is not Sol."
I expected as much. Scan it for anything of interest and plot a course for another forsaken system.
With a thundering salute, the Homunculi moved back to his station, barking orders at those who had been stilled into inaction. The Exultant Throne began beaming out sensor waves in every direction. Every piece of Unbroken ingenuity worked to scour the system for anything of note, with the time they had they could detect the faintest energy signature or transmission. In the end, there was no reason to even try.
"We have...contact. An irregular object is moving.. The homunculi cursed under his breath on the edge of the Event Horizon. The Alpha AI is amost certain that some sort of sentience controls it."
*Though His voice was as monotone as before, the Homunculi that had served for decades could tell their Lord was...amused, if not ecstatic even. For the first time in weeks, a system had something worth investigating, something with so much potential.
Interesting. Direct our Tachyon scanners at it, if it notices us, prepare for immediate retreat. If it reaches out, reach back. We might have found something of note
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/02/2022 12:15 PM
Just Visiting immediately sensed energy along its skin. The protational field boundary had done nothing to dilute the energy, which was simply fascinating. That implied all manner of things in the realm of physics that was classically considered to be impossible. And yet, there it was. Mentally reaching for the sensation with a meta-physical hand, they imagined fingers moving through it like a stream.
Yes. This was active, purposeful. A return source could be sensed. Physical eyes opened up across the ship that had previously been closed; they scanned the space around them. Perhaps it was someone who wished to remain hidden?..
Not quite sure how to respond to an unknown physical force, Just Visiting decided to fall back upon the traditional methods and simply opened a broad communication channel using the galactic common tongues.
"To whom is among the stars; we greet you. We offer no harm and seek only to hear your words, feel your feelings, know your thoughts."
They wait a moment, then cast out a sensor net of their own - quantum-gravitational fields were always tricky this close to a singularity, but any mass in motion in space was noticeable if one just knew how to look. A pair of sensor drones left their wetbays and entered into the still-hostile space near the black hole to expand the sense horizon.
"I-We-Us are looking now. We offer no harm. Just curiosity. And apology; this self sought to stretch its wings and bask in the dark-light."
It was actually a little embarrassing to be caught out like that. Just Visiting was supposed to be old and wise and been around the block for a few thousand years, but it was still as exhilarating as the first day they felt the touch of a star to take a dangerous dance around a pool of radiative nothingness. A waltz around a precipice, though, one supposed to be only known to their kin in the Clade. Ah well, hopefully these new ones would not judge too harshly for the gallivanting.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/03/2022 11:19 AM
The Exultant Throne absorbs the information like a thirsting wanderer seeing an oasis. In an instant, the sensor modules, tachyon probes and FTL relays all begin pointing at 'Just Visiting'. The bandwave of information stretches out in countless varied spectra, from those confined only to this physical reality, to those found only between and even outside. An endless barrage of sensation to the bioship, and streams of data to the cold AI of the vessel. Return data is analysed, translated and communicated to the crew plugged into the vessel, once the Homunculi deem it satisfactory they address their lord.
"My liege, we have a confirmed contact. The contact is biological in nature, that is the initial assertion of our Alpha Core. It exists on the edge of an Event Horizon...and appears to have been...the Homunculi stops, searching for proper words...dancing...before we discovered it..Should we..."
The message from 'Just Visited' reaches the Unbroken vessel, breaking the awkward stasis of the bridge. Immediately the remaining Homunculi move to any archives and translation algorithms, checking and rechecking the message a dozen times before it was accepted as true.
The Pureblood replayed the message several times. Was it some sort of subterfuge ? A trap ? No. There would be no reason for such sly means, this thing could destroy them in an instant if it wished, instead it reached back, seeking communication. The course of action was obvious, act on the opportunity, gain something from these countless hours of dredging through empty space
The Unbroken vessel pinged out a message to 'Just Visited'. A simple piece of text, as well as a point in the system far enough from the Black Hole not to disturb the Exultant Throne
"**We are explorers among the stars.Driven by curosity equal to yours. We wish to speak. Meet us on friendly terms and we shall be forged into allies."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/03/2022 1:15 PM
Just Visiting found the text message curious. They had anticipated a more sophisticated approach, given the aliens apparent control over tachyons, but, perhaps they were just being cautious. After all, it made logical sense to be in a galaxy at war.
Sensations of many different sensors washed over them and the bioship couldn't help itself but to pick apart and analyze the methods and technique. Interesting indeed..
The bioship complied with the request, skimming past the even horizon and out into system space using a bump up in its warp field velocity. Within the bioship, the citizens hummed and buzzed with excitement, eager to meet the first of The New. It would be all the rage back home too, and Just Visiting was legitimately proud of having found something before their peer Lambofiti, even if it was by coincidental accident.
As soon as they reached the coordinates, they sent a follow up message - this time via the same text-ping as the newcomers, "Then is it doubly a moment of rejoicing. Ancient-time noemata celebrates the discovery and welcoming of The New. We are Meta-Sax, and this one has chosen the name of Not Lost, Just Visiting. It is with great reverence we greet you."
They were being polite, and not delving too hard into the readouts of their sensors. Just enough to gauge weight class. The DSRV was confident that if push came to shove, they would be able to expediently run away from any dangers in this region of space and they didn't want to alarm whoever was out there with anything more overt or invasive. It was probably already unnerving enough to encounter a bioship treating a black hole like a playground.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/05/2022 10:22 AM
The Exultant Throne wasn't like most Unbroken vessels, while most cruisers could fulfil the role of long-distance research and probing, the ship had been equipped with the highest grade modules and specialised Homunculi. It had cost a small fortune to acquire everything, from endless hours of bargains with the Reclaimed Court, to clandestine dealings with the Crucible. Yet in the end, its capabilities did not make any return profit. Until now
*The crew was abuzz with activity, every passive return ping, every glancing scan, was analysed threefold for pieces of precious data. The Homunculi were as ecstatic, almost like children, though their gene-tuning might have helped with that. The orders had come down from their Liege directly, this was a treasure trove. A piece of biological mastercraft, capable of dancing on the edge of certain oblivion, and it wanted to meet them. Such a discovery was worth the weeks of scanning dead orbits in the galactic void.
"The vessel has...left the event horizon without issue, it is heading towards our selected meeting position. Are we to meet it ?"
Proceed
And so the Fusion torches blazed into life, like the rays of a waking sun, their heat obliterating asteroids trailing behind the small Unbroken detachment. The probe-escorts came first, their scanning capabilities focused down. 'Just visiting' wasn't their exact target, that would be...improper, instead, they took in all of the data that bled from the bioship. Its method of motion, any emissions, signals. The Exultant Throne moved behind its escorts, other than a few point defence turrets and mass drivers it had no weaponry.
Upon reaching the meeting point the Exultant Throne responded to the bioship
"The designation of this vessel is EFRC-B-11/3. Its blessed name is the Exultant Throne. We are of the Unbroken, voyagers upon the stars and newcomers in this galaxy. Our people had dispatched this force to explore and catalogue this new realm. It is with pleasure and wonder that we stand before you. We seek forgiveness for interrupting your stellar dance, our ship has no capabilities for such manouvers"
The messages were curated by Him, it was a tight dance of courtly manners, a field of battle every Pureblood had to become proficient in. Yet at the same time there was something like amusement, or even wonder in the mind of the Pureblood. For the first time since his stasis had ended, the universe seemed interesting
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/05/2022 3:54 PM
Just Visiting observed the slow movement of the alien starships. They were smaller, but not significantly smaller, than itself. An array of vessels centered around a larger task force anchor. In a way, it reminded them of the ancient past, when their own people had left for the stars in timid ships, like children grasping at the pitch black sky. The unknowable wonders ever tantalizing.
Obviously, these beings were not their younger kin, and it was a disservice to relegate them to a comparison to a bygone era. So Just Visiting banished the thought from their minds eye and set to the task of ritual preparation. Several different groups of citizens inside the ships body had already volunteered, so they were content to let the others sort out whom would be part of any eventual delegation to do a meet and greet.
For its own part, it scanned the AncNet databanks as well as the active communications channels through The Consensus that might hold data on these 'Unbroken'. It was a fascinating name. It implied so much in of itself. Unbroken-survivors of a cataclysm? Perhaps refugees of some fashion? Warriors? Thousands of years of history moves before their consciousness as they draw up detailed memories from peers who had made First Contact with such races.
Then they remembered, through Ano. Ahhhhhhh, yes.. the ones who so readily slotted into Meta-Sax formations. The battle at Zlot..something or other. Then this is technically Second Contact?
"It is with respect and admiration that this one extends its welcome to the Exultant Throne of the Unbroken. Mine kinships speak well of your people and their valor. While it is not our first official meeting between our societies, it is the first done in a position of peace, with the opportunity of time. Like yourselves, we are also new to this galaxy, and like yourselves, we too voyage only among the stars. They are our home, as we are our home."
It follows up momentarily, "The pleasure and wonder is ours. The rituals of the past are respected in the present, and as such we invoke The Greeting. This shipself can, if allowed, perform a ships dance for you, in honor and joy of our meeting here. A proper dance, rather than one happened upon."
Meanwhile, scans were allowed of the bioship. It knew from Ano and the others that the Unbroken were honorable at the least, and could be trusted to stand by their side in battle. To the Meta-Sax, this increased their standing immediately. Such scans would be able to determine that the bioship was 1,653 meters long. Its interior was sectioned off in such a fashion that a small O'neill rotating cylinder could be seen forming the core. From there, it was obvious that the entire thing was a living organism. What machinery that can be deduced is derived from living things, but clearly refined to an absurd degree. The vessel also appears to possess no engines of any kind-rather, there is clear warping of space around it, diluted at this moment, but evident.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/06/2022 6:30 AM
Not...the first meeting? Had some other Pureblood stumbled upon such vessels before? Was this a worthless endeavour? Merely a chance to bite at the scraps left by someone of higher standing. The Pureblood mused on the situation, the Reflections in his psyche increasing their unending barrage of doubts and ramblings. Every moment of stress was a threat, any sign of mental weakness, a chance for Him to collapse
The Pureblood dove into the communication network of the Unbroken. The Alpha AI of the vessel parsed through endless bytes of information, searching for any mention of these beings. Luckily it wasn't hard to find, the incident at Zlotsograd was a primary issue for the majority of fleets. Debates raged amongst the various bloodlines on what actions should have been taken, and if any additional forces are to be dispatched. And amongst those troves of battle reports and projections, allies were mentioned, and they stood as a match for the bioship before the Exultant Throne. And other than contact between supporting forces, the Unbroken had not established relations so far
Good. This still was an opportunity to be used.
"We have not spoken with our kin, they who have departed on the road of war. Our missions take us into spaces cut off from the wider Exodus, or have forced us into silence. As such, let us greet you as if this was the first time between our people. We are eager to see your dance, while our preperations for a meeting in the..flesh, are being finished"
The bioship would find the Exultant Throne crystal clear when it came to any possible scans. While it was shielded against most forms of hostile radiation and dangerous elements of space, it was not a warship, and its ECM were lacking. The ship itself was formed around a central superstructure. Created from far more durable and less sophisticated materials and technologies. Layers of modifications were subsequently added, most of them focused around increasing its capabilities as a research vessel. These were far more advanced, and many clearly came from different foundries or facilities. It was a sign of pride amongst the shipmasters of the Unbroken, anything made in their foundries would fit into any vessel. Regardless of age, sophistication or damage. It meant that with the right resources any Pureblood could lead their own small fleet.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/06/2022 7:49 AM
Just Visiting fed the passive information they gleaned into The Flow, which disseminated to the rest of the Consensus. Already there was a significant increase in traffic through the magnetic wormholes that dotted the ships "cerebellum" down into the ansila spire that formed a part of its brain. The wording of things implied much, and those who had already began to ride the awareness of the bioship began to posit dozens of different theories.
The vessel itself appreciated the desire for the ship dance and the acceptance of old rituals, and thus began to deposit its smallest drones into the space around it. At first they merely formed a cloud, but this quickly reconciled to a pair of rings around the ship. The density of them wasn't sufficient to make the rings solid, but Just Visiting was an experienced dancer.
Across multiple emission spectrums, they started to add color and vibrancy through projections of reality-level holograms onto the drones. Beings in the shapes and images of their elder kin began to spin as they were dragged into concentric orbiting rings around the bioship. Faster, and faster. Like a fire dancer twirling flaming batons, Just Visiting kept moving them closer to its hull, closer.. Just meters away, then a half meter, then skimming the surface.
And then they all exploded outwards into a globe - the dancers reverted and began to return to the wetbays of the ship. The entity itself found the performance adequate; not its best, but not its worst by any measure.
"Rituals have been observed in celebration of the meeting of The New. If there has not been engagement with your kin from Outside, then we shall treat this as you request. This one is unable to directly engage with you outside of avatars, but this is not our way. Those who dwell within this one instead prepare accordingly. They too, are eager."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/07/2022 5:41 AM
The Pureblood appreciated the distraction given to the bioship, while He was not a connoisseur of fine art by any means, there would be many who would pay for a piece of original alien culture. While most of the observation equipment of the vessel was focused on gathering data, simpler recording devices captured every aspect of the dance. It was a clear way to show appreciation and attention from the Unbroken. The technology was impressive, yet familiar in many ways, members of the Reforged Crucible had played with hardlight constructs and similar manifestations, though He was not privy to the inner workings of such devices.
While the Exultant Throne had beamed out for information regarding the Bioship, it had also established contact with allied Pureblood domains. The messages were short, written in code and encrypted languages. The Council would know, of course, that their hand touched every aspect of the Unbroken, the greater threat came from rival bloodlines. If any of the major nobility discovered this situation, their scions would already be filling the void
First Contact established. Friendly relations. Prepare for meeting.
A pleasure yacht moved from its formation in the greater Exodus. Jumping into FTL only after it had confirmed no preying eyes upon it, the departure was done in haste and the Homunculi worked to ensure everything was in pristine condition, first impressions mattered the most after all. Even if an agent parsed through the messages and noticed the disappearance, it would take them time to trace the tachyon link. By then the situation would already be too controlled to barge into.
"We appreciate your dance, its beauty rivals the creations of our primogenitors. Our preparations for direct contact are in progress. This ship is not suitable for a meeting between our people. A prepared vessel shall join us soon, it will become the space for our meeting."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/07/2022 8:13 AM
Just Visiting felt the tug of someones mind, asking to speak with them directly. They subsumed a portion of their awareness, moving down two integer levels for the conversation.
The qelnari had, apparently, been the victor in the little consensus decision on whom was to represent the Meta-Sax. Given all the available data, a person of more direct affectation was deemed most likely to succeed. At least two parallels were assigned to the qelnari societies and this person rose out of the foam of data.
"I see. Yes, very well then. We will meet them as they are. So as not to further disturb."
The qelnari smiled, peeling back their lips to reveal sharper teeth, "I don't think we could disturb them anymore than we have already. Besides," they flip their head tails, "that isn't our way. The cultural semiosis will be established."
Just Visiting hummed in reply, having already set aside a pod for the individual to use, "Da, I would advise caution. Regardless of the fidelity of the connection, we still do not know anything about the Unbroken."
Da just shrugged in the mental link as they moved swiftly through the ships liquid medium in the real world, "Regardless. I doubt they would harm any of us."
The qelnari arrived at the wetbay and slipped into the open pod that Just Visiting had prepared. Within moments, the person-sized vehicle was out in space, zooming towards the Unbroken fleet.
"This one appreciates the compliment on the ship dance. It is integrated into The Flow. Be advised: we have dispatched our ambassador. Please indicate docking process, atmospherics as required, and any environmental concerns. We have initiated quarantine-protocol to prevent mixing at this time."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/08/2022 11:13 AM
"Our destination has arrived"
The message came riding on a wave of tachyon emissions, a barrage of sensation to the precise equipment of 'Just Visiting'. The FTL shadow was vast, far bigger than any other Unbroken ship present, and even the bioship itself. Above the gathered fleet streams of accelerated particles broke through atom-wide holes in reality as the brightstone sail pushed them outwards. Fully extended it could hold within every ship present and a score more, despite the burning brightness of the material, one could discern precise decorations on the sail, ones that when observed from the outside showcased a noble emblem. Each is created through ritual infusions of ichor.
It was a sphere, pierced by a single blade
The ship itself appeared moments later. It was nearly thrice as long as the Exultant Throne, yet just as barren in terms of weaponry. Instead of even minor point defence emplacements, its hull showcased kilometres of engravings and decorated elements. Observed from the outside they seemed to be nothing more than fancy hull paint, yet when the fusion torches stilled to inaction the true purpose of the artwork shined through. The remaining tachyon particles bounced back from the sail into the pleasure yacht, and the hull reacted.
Like the scales of some worldly serpent, billions of hexagonal segments caught the released particles and began their display. It was gruesome, melancholic, and filled with despair and hope. Every conflicting emotion showcased at once through swarms of projected holograms. Personal stories ripped from the minds of fallen Homunculi, memories of great feasts and courtroom intrigue. It was a microcosm of the Unbroken history and its progress reflected that. Every passing scene became darker, with more moments of war, conflict, betrayal and disaster. Until the scene from the noble emblem appeared. A world is broken and the Unbroken scattered to the stars, each ship reflected in their exact conditions until the last tachyons gave way to solar wind and the display ceased
On both sides of the Pleasure yacht hangars opened and holographic roadways appeared momentarily. The 'Pristine Domain' was open, the invitation clear.
A small dropship moved from the Exultant throne to the Domain. Small enough to carry a group of scientists, or a Pureblood and his honourguard
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/10/2022 7:07 AM
The pod moved towards the larger vehicle, the tiny reactionless engine angling it for docking. Just Visiting relayed the data that they were receiving to Da, who found the entire display to be fascinating from a xenopological perspective. Evidentially, they had gone through some sort of disaster that predicated their abandonment of whatever world they had evolved from.
It informed the Meta-Sax of the mind-state of this new species, and as always, data was priceless.
The pod made its final approach, entering the hangar bay and touching down. It was little more than a capsule, entirely black with no discernable exposures or seams. As soon as Da received the mental all-clear, they opened the pod up and stepped outside.
Having donned a quarantined biosuit, they were confident that any risk of contamination towards this new species was at an absolute minimum. Nevertheless, they maintained the morphogenic field with strict mental control and added a second layer to the hydrostatic bubble that enveloped them at skin-tight levels.
To an outsider, they appeared to be wearing an organic outfit of some fashion that seemed to mold into the very body. Their head was exposed, revealing a pair of tendrils, or perhaps tentacles, moving from it. Behind them trailed a tail with clear fins. An aquatic creature.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/12/2022 9:26 AM
The Pristine Domain had been made with the explicit purpose of hosting vast showcases of wealth and power of any Pureblood rich enough to lay claim to it at a given time. It was larger than most Battlecruisers of the Unbroken navy, a fact from which many derived great pleasure. Enough resources have been put into its creation to fund a small fleet, and that showed from the first step into the interior.
The Pod was received into one of the numerous hangar bays. A graviton wrangler placed it on the surface plating with gentle, precise motions. From the moment the Pod was detected inside, algorithms ran at peak efficiency to discern its threat level. Every clandestine piece of information-gathering technology available to the Purebloods parsed through the composition of the Meta-Sax pod, searching for hidden weaponry of hostile biological agents. It was only after the arrival was confirmed not to be a threat that the reinforced doors opened and the first Unbroken stepped out.
Every element of the Pristine Domain was decorated or embellished in some way. The plating of the walls had been modified to resemble Nullwood from New Eden. Banners of noble lineages, sigils marking allegiances and rivalries, framed relics and artefacts all hung at perfectly spaced distances, even in a place as harsh as an entry hangar. The Homunculi on the other hand were dull and uniform, their bodies were visibly humanoid; human even. Hidden underneath silver power armour, formed out of endless thousands of hexagonal scales, giving the structure an almost serpentine look, especially when mobile. The two of them had no weaponry, save for a ceremonial blade that hung from a scabbard.
"Our liege is waiting further into the ship, please accompany us."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/12/2022 10:10 AM
Da observed the full spectrum of the ships interior. Their musings delving deeper into the historic-memory of the Meta-Sax as the self-chosen ambassador followed the bipedal soldiers. It was, after a fashion, vaguely similar to something that the ancient Contestants used. The lineages, the rivalries..
It's a little eerier how similar they are to one another, actually..
Da sent a mental command to the pod, sealing the vehicle back up. They, like Just Visiting, were confident that should the aliens attempt to breach it they would discern nothing of considerable value. And Da was, itself, taking the scans and probes in stride. Trust was, after all, the first thing to establish in such a tricky First (Second?..) Contact.
The scans themselves would reveal the pod was simply what it appeared to be - a shell of nacre wrapped around a simple life support system and a tinier core with indeterminate purpose. For the scans of the qelnari, the alien was both extremely dense with technology and far heavier than they appeared to carry themselves.
The Meta-Sax made no such efforts to scan the Unbroken ship nor the Homunculii. It merely observed them with its own eyes.
A tendril twitches slightly and Da looks at the pair of guards they were following, "I look forward to meeting your liege. I presume that the nature of your station implies that formalities will wait until I am in their presence?"
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/13/2022 6:51 AM
The Scans stopped once the ship confirmed how harmless the Pod and Da were. The information was logged into the Alpha AI's databanks and transferred to the closest Pureblood lineages. Some were starting to take notice of this first meeting, their data scrubbers already parsing through each report for news of note. They wouldn't interrupt the meeting, such a political blunder would likely mark them as pariahs
The homunculi moved in front of the Meta Sax diplomat. Each sharp, step rung out against the polished marble flooring of the vessel. The warriors moved in almost perfect unison, in fact, it was almost as if they were exact replicas of each other. Though their armour hid any visible differences between the two. The rightmost one spoke without stopping
"That is the case. We are mere houseguard, tasked with the escorting of a guest of honour"
Sa was led through the ship for a few more minutes. The group passed by several closed rooms and halls that weren't filled with any furniture or decorations. It seems like currently only parts of the ship were populated. At full capacity, it could likely house thousands of diplomats at once, or multiple lineages of Purebloods. Eventually, the Homunculi stopped before a pair of chamber gates. Without saying a word the pair of Homunculi assumed their positions to the sides and stood still.
* The same sigil as seen on the tachyon sail was moulded into gates.*
A broken world
A single blade
) I'm gonna assume you enter and write what's inside)
The chamber was..smaller than one would expect from the vast halls decorated rooms that the group passed through the ship, it was made for such personal meetings as this one. The Pureblood was already inside, sitting by a table made out of Nullwood and gold. There was a single bottle of liquid by the Unbroken, and one for the Meta Sax diplomat, though it seemed to only be filled with some clear fluid.
Compared to the Homunculi, it was as if He belonged to a different species, one closer to the Meta Sax than humanity. It seemed as if some vengeful deity had mixed the bodies of different aliens into some chimaera, only taking care to give it a humanoid shape. He had both a carapace of silver metal and pale bone, as well as patches where his inner musculature showed. There was no skin on those parts, merely tangles of tissue that coiled around bones, like serpents moulded into shape. Malformed eyes, scattered in random places gazed at SA with a predatory gaze, while several open mouths licked jagged teeth.
The Pureblood sat on a marble chair, holding a wine glass with taloned hands. His head was split in two, one side showing a bare human skull, the other hidden by a featureless reflective plate.
It is a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the Pristine Domain"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/13/2022 7:53 AM
Da's eyes peered up at the being before them. It was.. a fascinating mixture of elements both organic and not. Already, they could feel the number of their peers increasing within their mind - everyone was scrambling to get a look at the unexpected entity in charge of the sphere-ship.
A tingle of something deep within the recessives of Da's instinctive mind saw it as some degree of predator.
Probably the teeth. Like some sort of twisted Golreeq.
Da took a moment to offer a greeting of their own; they presented both hands palms facing up towards the alien entity and then spoke in the galactic common tongue, "The honor is ours. I am Da, and I offer greetings and warm intent from the Saxheelian Meta-Antecedent. You honor myself and my people with an invitation to such a splendid vessel. It tells much of your history and your people."
With two heads, Da split their attention evenly - one eye for each. They counted far stranger beings among their kin after all. Idlily, the ponder how the alien would react to some of the Dwellers.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/14/2022 5:22 AM
From the moment the Meta Sax diplomat entered, the Pureblood began his battle. Every piece of information was precious in the conflicts over influence and power amongst his kind. Neither The Pureblood nor Sa had enough political power to affect their factions, however that didn't mean establishing positive relations was meanginless, word of mouth tended to travel far after all.
It was...refreshing, to see an alien species in a positive situation. For many generations the only circumstances of a meeting between the Unbroken and other races was on the field of battle, in a conflict for survival. This new galaxy brought many new opportunities, dangers, foes, but also possibly new allies. The Pureblood observed Da with some innate curiosity, the many sets of his eyes moving beyond his direct control, taking the alien in his entireity.
"This vessel is a pride of my lineage, it has housed many guests from countless noble lines and houses. Yet it is the first time one outside of the Unbroken has stepped into it, such a situation will surely belong in the rolls of honour soon. "
The Unbroken took a sip of the red liquid in his glass, it seeped through the teeth of the skull-side of his face, for a moment it could be seen moving downwards through his semi-translucent neck.
"I am Nurvix, scion of the Nullwyld dynasty. Commander - Explorer of the attached expeditionary forces, and in these circumstances I am the voice of my Lineage as a whole, and the Council of the Unchanged. It is my hope that through this meeting the Unbroken and the...[He stopped for a moment, finding the right intonation for the words] Saxheelian Meta-Antecedent, forge positive relations, and cooperation for the future"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/14/2022 8:03 AM
Da smiled; the act more the peeling of lips to reveal their own predatory set of teeth. The alien anatomy was growing rather fascinating, and they could feel more than a few riders pointing out subtle little bits here and there. It was almost distracting.
"Then I am twice honored, your grace. To have one of my kin to be the first of the outsiders to embark upon your lines vessel bestows upon us a great privilege."
The qelnari bows briefly at this point, then rights themselves, still smiling.
"You may refer to us as simply Meta-Sax. It is only through the officiation of the rituals of old where we use the honorifics of our ancient name. My task, as selected, is to help create friendly relations with your people. We wish to hear your words, feel your feelings, to know your thoughts. It is this exchange that, we believe, forms the basis of true understanding between fellow star travelers."
"I do not possess rank, nor title, nor any form of hierarchical designation among my kith and kin beyond that of specialized interests, such as First Contact and similar actions. It is our way. I wish to affirm that this is not meant to be seen as insult to your station, but I and my kin of the past have found it prudent to speak openly about our nature in these situations, as a basis of trust."
"Like yourselves, we are new to this strange galaxy, and as mentioned by my homeship Just Visiting, we have had minor contact with your people before now. They acquitted themselves honorably, and it is this reason above any other that we decided that such an early meeting was viable. Under traditional circumstances, there would be no direct contact with one of my true kind until much further along the First Contact process. I," Da dipped their torso forward again in a half-bow, "hope that this shows the intent of honor we wished to share and can act as an equivalent for the invitation to such a sacred craft as this."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/15/2022 6:42 AM
The mention of the other Unbroken forces unnerved the Pureblood in some ways, if the forces fighting at Gold Dust proved themselves to be great allies to the Meta Sax, Nurvix would lose the advantage from this personal meeting. Wishing for their destruction would be a step too far, as that would weaken the standing of the Unbroken as a whole. A small failure, however? That would be just enough"
Nurvix laid down the champagne glass on the table, the whatever remained of the red liquid began to harden and coagulate at the bottom. If Da had any sense of smell, he would likely recognise it as blood, with some added alcohol. Instead of observing the Meta Sax representative through the secondary eyes, the Pureblood focused his empty socket on the alien.
"There is no offfence here to take. We have long since understood that our situation is not widespread amongst sentient species of a given galaxy, especially one so unlike ours. Though your blood is not pure, though the curse does not run through your veins, in this situation you stand as an equal with any of my kind. I will ensure that is so."
Nurvix motions to the seat near Da with his clawed hand, just like his it is made out of some sort of synthetic marble
"Please take a seat, I belive there is much to discuss."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/15/2022 8:17 AM
Da indeed could smell - one of the many biotechnological modifications to their body included a sensitive olfactory system to augment that rest of the Meta-Sax's physical abilities located in the biosuit. Though, being polite to their hosts, Da refrained from delving into any of the curious scents and filed away any information for later study and analysis.
At the invitation to sit, Da nodded and walked to the chair. Though, 'sitting' ended up with them perching in the space like an overly thick hawk, tail spilling off over the lip of the thing.
"Indeed, we were quite surprised to find someone else who was interested in this star system. We were attempting to discern how much physics had changed here, and verify if our unified field theory was still coherent. Unfortunately," Da runs a hand against the bubble protecting their head, "it is no longer valid. Have your own people struggled with the oddness of this galaxy?"
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/16/2022 10:44 AM
"To say we shared interest in that star system wouldn't be exactly accurate" Nurvix slides his fingers across the surface of the table and the material begins to distort right in the centre. Like an unfolding rose, a small projector rises upwards, after a few clicks and blinks of charging power cells it begins to project a detailed star map of the local section of the galaxy. If the Meta Sax catalogued the local area of space they would immediately recognise which systems the Unbroken expedition had passed through. The course seemed to be random, each of the marked fleets moving without greater coordination, sometimes even arriving at the same destinations. "It is merely by chance that our forces met in the same system. "
"As for the oddness of this galaxy..."The Pureblood tightens, straightening up and looking straight at Da with his many sets of eyes*"That depends. I was not there when our fleets first escaped from our Quarantine and reached this new realm, so I can only speak of my expiriences. It is a galaxy filled with life, so many civilisations on the eve of their rise, or the brink of a fall from grace. Our Homeland had none of that. It was a garden of death, and those that tended to it saw every species as pests to be rid off."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/16/2022 10:58 AM
Da nods solemnly, "It was much the same in our own. Our galaxy was vaster in the sense that things moved more slowly, but within it, life was vanishingly rare. We have made a concerted effort to catalogue and archive any life we found when we truly understood the scarcity of it."
They point at the hologram, "Yet here, it seems too pernicious to be anything but omnipresent. A curiosity among many."
Da takes a moment to ponder, then peers at the many eyes, "Then you were escapees from a situation in which you were ensnared by a greater power. We understand. Our own histories are rife with this, as well as escape from simply ancient forces beyond our ken. T'would seem the similarities among us run deeper than first imagined. The implication of the word 'fleets' speaks, to us, of a star-bound existence, yes? We eschew planetary life and simply live among the stars. It is our way and seems to be your own as well."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/16/2022 11:22 AM
Though the neural implants inside the body of the Pureblood could record literal mountains of data, Nurvix only ran the most basic capture algorithms, only information directly usefull to the Council would be catalogued and later uploaded. The rest was a tool for his personal use. As long as he was the direct source of contact between the Unbroken and the Meta Sax, anything only he was aware of was of great importance.
"A catalogue of life ? A valiant effort, some of my kind had attempted simmilar projects back There. Though I have not heard of their sucess, or failure."
"One would call them fleets, another fiefdoms or spaceborne kingdoms. We had been a civilization closely tied to our Homeworld once, when it still stood amongst the stars. And though the cinders of New Eden had long since scattered into the void, we hold many faults from those times. My kind is...greedy. Those of simmilar status to me cling tightly to their holdings and influence."
He stops, and pours himself another glass
"We seek Gaia, or Earth. The Homeworld of our ancestors, as such no one risks being left behind, thus no one stakes their hold on any system. The Exodus never stops, and so the Unbroken can never stop. We are travelers until our journey is complete"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/16/2022 12:54 PM
Da tilts their head curiously. Earth?
So many beings from this galaxy appeared to come from that planet. Surely, that couldn't be the case though? The riders debated this information in a subset of Da's consciousness with increasing heat.
But if that was the case.. then travel here means across entire parallel universes. How is it though, that it conjoins here?..
Da's tail moved in small waves as the perching being contemplated the far more irksome implications that this information held within it.
"We are aware of this world. Or at least, of an iteration of this world. One of the ancients come from a colony born from this place, though to them it was long reduced to mythos before even my progenitors knew the stars. It would seem, this galaxy is a collection of peoples that hail from that world. Or, perhaps it is best to consider them reflections of that world.."
Once more, the qelnari pauses in thought. Reflections.. was the multiverse somehow affected by an event?.. Some coalescence?..
They shook their head, twin tendrils twitching, "It distracts. Your fiefdoms then are collections of craft centered around hierarchs. Your words too imply a people in decline - the fear of losing what is held in the moment speaks towards instinctive protection overrides. Subconscious elements common in humans and near-humans that we mapped out long ago."
"What drives your particular brand of greed? A need to ensure security for yourselves and the ascendance of your station? I ask, because we have much we could share in regards to self-sufficiency and Deep Time objectives. Despite physics.. distortions.. here, our plans have not been adversely affected. The preservation and archiving of life will proceed unhindered, and the mechanisms of this is what can be offered in aid."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/17/2022 8:48 AM
It knew of Earth ?
Nurvix cursed in the depths of his shattered psyche, that small moment of weakness was enough for more reflections to drive their tendrils deeper into his mind. The parts of his body he had control over showed no change in emotion, save for a slightly tighter grip on his wine glass. The predatory eyes and jaws showed otherwise, hissing slightly or having their pupils focus on DA
"It seems our journey..will not end with this galaxy. This is not the first such realm we have visited across the Exodus, and it is not the first Gaia that has borne humanity as its children."
The Pureblood places the glass down on the ferrofluid table and runs his claws through the surface. The display on the hologram changes. It begins to zoom out. Out from this sector, this galaxy, this...reality? In a grid display, dozens of systems appear. They are almost exactly the same. One after another the display focuses on a world habitable to most humanoids, before switching to a diagram of an autopsy. One would recognise these natives as mankind or at least their descendants
"We have come across those that claim to be of our species several times. By the time of our arrival they had degenerated, fallen into a spiral of eventual self-anihilation. Though many have wished to prune them away, the Council ordered to let them be. We know not of their current state, yet I doubt their survival."
When the question of Greed came up, Nurvix smiled with the half of his face that still bore flesh, though Da wouldn't be able to see it. He made sure that this portion would be omitted from any automated reports to the Council, or his greater family
"Many of my kind are too deluded to admit it, too overcome with the inevetable end to acknowledge it. But yes, we are in decline. These bodies are not natural, they shift, mutate and poison us. Our minds are fractured with thoughts fom hells worse than imagined. We endure because of our greed. Every moment not spent in cold stasis each is spent seeking to gain more. More power, more wealth, more fame and glory."
Unconsciously the Pureblood had leaned closer to the Meta Sax representative, his fingers digging into the table, which bent reflexively. Nurvix straightened himself from the outburst
"Excuse me. Our kind becomes emotional easily. What I was trying to convey is that you can help us by being an opportunity. As I speak with the voice of the Council I will not lie. Even now there are debates and discussions amongst the many lineages as how to gain as much power as possible from a connection with your faction. The Unbroken as a whole will be your allies, we will support, answer your requests to the best of our abilities and assist you on the field of battle. In exchange you will be open to the inevetable deals of various Purebloods, and their attempts to use those deals in our own power struggles."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/17/2022 11:12 AM
Da ponders the response. Noema dictated the needs for their people to remain neutral, to act as a mediating force in the affairs of other societies. Even a small Clade like their own could do unimaginable harm to the balance of power if their skills and abilities were abused.
They breathe slowly, entering into a greater communion with the riders who had been observing.
Well?
A voice. Participation is likely unavoidable. If we are to survive, we must garner allies. These are broken beings, but they can be mended.
Another. That presumes interference. Noema does not approve.
Still more joined. The ancients among us concur.
And the debate continued. Yet, reality speaks otherwise!
Too many centuries of engaging with others in a single way had percolated into this inability to confirm their thoughts on greater alliances. Nor all the politics involved. It would force a new paradigm, a new direction of evolution, and more risks. So many risks..
Da's eyes focus on the hologram of primitive man for a moment. A sight they saw far too few of. A sight that was Da themselves not even five hundred years ago.
"Then transversal across parallel realities is possible via active will.. interesting."
Impossible.
Clearly not, we are here.
And they claim to have seen the same.
Do we trust that?
It can be verified at a later point.
"Your physical forms," Da gestures gently in the direction of Nurvix, "are easily repaired. If that is desired. My own body is the apex of our technological capacity, and as you have seen, our ships are adept."
To play politics.. is a dangerous thing.
"To participate with your people in the realm of interior politics is not a typical course of action for us... Can you explain further what this would entail? As mentioned earlier, we do not have hierarchies or similar structures of thought. Crossing that psychological demesne will be difficult."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/18/2022 10:32 AM
The Pureblood waits patiently for the response from his guest. It had been long, far too long since he partook in the games of nobility. His kindred were unique beings, each twisted and mutated in their own distinct way. Yet if you speak with a hundred Purebloods, if you sit through a thousand meetings and attend countless events...it all blends toghether. This however, was different. The meta sax were closer to the recorded magical fauna of New Eden, than any aspect of humanity they had encountered before. It was refreshing to interact with someone who was neither a homunculi, or one of his twisted kind.
When Da mentioned fixing the Purebloods, Nurvix couldn't help but laugh. It was not a pleasant sound, closer to the noise of a last breath escaping a corpse, than any sound a living being should make.
"Many have tried to fix their bodies. Our curse is tied to us through bonds that run deeper than any technology could acess. You are welcome to try, and I know some that will seek your help, despite how fruitless the endavour might be."
"Our request is simple. Once information of this meeting spreads to the rest of my kindred they will undoubtedly wish to attend such meetings as this, or events even more grandiose. The Council wishes for you to..strongly consider such invitations. Many will seek to gain power by coming closer to a friendly alien nation. If your people are willing, simply accept their requests for attendance at noble courts and their staged events. If everything progresses correctly the amount of outward strife between rival nobles will decrease, as a third party enters our political field. There is no need to assist the Purebloods with technology or military support. "
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/18/2022 10:58 AM
Da cants their head at the laughter from Nurvix. It was a simple matter; a manipulation of atoms, genetics and the quantum interactions between to reach the desired result. What would be so challenging about that?
Then again.. this was a warped reality with oddities abounding in every direction. Perhaps the ease of their own methods applied only to themselves and those born of them? Perhaps the Unbroken were too different in some fashion?.. They were not as adept as Saxheelians in technologies, that was quite clear, but they were not foolish nor newbornes to the stars either.
If some come to us, we will assess from there. It will teach us about the nuances of this place, and what has changed.
Da nods absent mindedly, forgetting themselves momentarily as they ponder wider ideas, Yes, it would behoove us to find local species who are pre-technological as well. A comparison point using the local geographic records could give some enlightening information that can be correlated to the Unbroken and beyond.
They still their movements and peer at Nurvix again, "There are many subclades among us. Though our numbers may be few in comparison to blessed Home, we still carry peer-value diversity in thought. A handful already mention interest in participating in these actions you suggest to better enrich their experiences. Some vila, too, express interest."
Da adjusts their perch, "We will still extend an offer of aid in regards to your ships, abodes, and any ecological or biotechnique that may be of service. Ladon itself insists. While our technology is likely incompatible with your own, the fruits of it can still be shared. Such is our way. In exchange, we ask for the opportunity to archive the history of your people, to preserve its culture and its traditions."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/18/2022 11:31 AM
The Pureblood stops for a second. The Neural tendrils extending from the back of his scalp quiver in the ambient air, flashing to some code or rhytm unknown to Da. Though Nurvix is still his body doesn't belong just to him, and as he extends his conciousness into the link with his vessel, some of the Reflections attempt to break through his mental controls. The scattered eyes look with purpose at his hands, and then at Da, yet though his muscles tense, the Pureblood remains in place. Information moves through his mind, the pleasure barge, its tachyon comms and arrays. It bounces between the nearest expeditionary fleets. The select few allowed to know of this conversation are brought up to speed. As the Council wills
Abrubtly he resumes motion. The neural tendrils slacking onto his back as Nurvix stands up. To say that the Unbroken towers over DA would be an understatement. His steps are filled with purpose as he moves closer
"The terms have been accepted. My bloodline. Our allies and fiefs. The Council and those who stand with it. We will ensure that the agreement is worth it to both of us. "
Once the Pureblood is within arms reach of Da he extends his hand
"This is a gesture of agreement between those of equal standing. Unfortunately it is not as noble of a motion as is within tradition, but I fear for possible...contamination if we proceeded with other motions."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/19/2022 10:48 AM
Da moves off their perched chair as they note the extended hand.
How very human of them. I suppose it's true.
Their own was mostly covered by the nigh-razor thin bubble of liquid that permeated the exterior of the suit, but they imagined that would not prove too great a hindrance. With some gusto, they accepted the hand into their own, feeling the sensation translate through the cells embedded into the membrane.
"So it shall be. The Saxheelians will assist you should your people require it under the conditions of the mutual aid noema. We do not possess offensive noemata at this time, but are adept, as your people know, at speedy repair and recovery. Additionally, per this agreement, we will notify you of any Earth-style worlds we encounter. The possibility of there being more than one that has been migrated here is slightly greater than zero, so we will account for it as a potential."
"Ladon wishes to extend directly the joy at the first mutual agreement established between ourselves and another society in this new universe. May it be a long and prosperous engagement between our peoples. Should any of your kin desire to visit our homeship, they are free to do so. The individuals who will participate in your political engagements will self-select over time. Those who come will act as archivists and begin cataloging your culture and history for Deep Time preservation."
Da tilts their head a moment and adds, "Should you wish to do joint exploration, Just Visiting is amiable."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/23/2022 10:44 AM
Though the bone visage of the Pureblood remained in its mortuary grin, in the depths of his being the Pureblood was overjoyed. The knowledge of the deal that had passed between the two nations had already spread to the bloodlines nearest to the Nullwyld dynasty. Some had already placed requests for acess to the Meta Sax, while others simply waged their influence to gain it. Through sheer luck Nurvix inevetably became one of the first bridges between the Unbroken and their new allies, a spot rich in opportunity, and possible wealth
"There are many who wish to see the stars with our new allies, be assured that we will answer in due time"
[time skip]
As promised by the Nullwyld scion, the Unbroken answered with eagerness.
"To our fellow seekers of wonders and uncoverers of secrets, we wish to forge a path of understanding through this galaxy. Our vessels have uncovered objects of strangeness and wonder on the path of our Exodus, and while the fleets have passed them by. Those with an inqusitive spark such as we, would feel great dishonour if such aspects were left to be forgotten. As such we extend an invitation"
The message was certaintly..different from other communications with the Unbroken, as if it was written by multiple people fighting over its contents. Attached to it were the coordinates of that new system and signatures of some Purebloods, alongside Nurvix.*
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/24/2022 5:30 PM
The Meta-Sax DSRV that had initiated Second (technical) Contact was still nearby Unbroken-known space when the message was relayed. Just Visiting found the prospect so alluring - to be spaceborne exploring alongside peers - that they didn't bother to wait for the slower and more traditional velocities of warped space.
Deep within itself, it concentrated. The great mind found the threads of woven substanced-thought buried there along the unrealized realities of space and pushed oh so gently against them. The imprinting flowed with energy through the great spires of the science vessel, thrumming with power as reality began to twist and bend around them. In a moment there were two instances of Just Visiting - the one that is-to-be and the one-that-was.
It was a simple matter of choosing who they were. So they chose the future. As all Meta-Sax did, as all Meta-Sax always would.
Then Just Visiting was there, winking into existence with no splash or pomp or fanfare. It spread out its snaking tendrils of senses, casting them like various stones into an infinite pond to sense for the telltale ripples of another.
Yes, to explore again alongside those who share our deepest wish.. To know what can be known. To see what can be seen. To understand the whole breadth and beauty of it all. The timelessness of the cosmos, while there is still time.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/25/2022 12:00 PM
"Are we certain this is a worthwhile effort ?"
The question cut into the prevailing silence inside the command Bridge, it lived rent-free in the minds of each Pureblood for the last few solar cycles. The annoyance felt by it grew with each passing moment. No one wished to voice it, after all, it would have been like admitting defeat, by virtue of lost time and precious resources. Their doubts had been raised from the moment of the first received report. An automated exploration vessel had by sheer dumb luck ventured into a stellar anomaly. A system hidden from outside scanning by refractions in background radiation, and a passing gamma-ray burst. Though the contact with the unfortunate vessel was lost once it entered the anomaly, it had charted a path for the Unbroken to follow.
"Dear sister. Whether it is worthwhile or not, is not the point. We have a duty to uphold. The anomaly lies within the path of the Exodus. You must remember our place in this journey. We are the outriders that--"
"You are in no position to lecture me on our duties. You slept in stasis, licking wounds from your failures, while I led our fleets and armies. I understand our purpose more than anyone here. What I'm doubting is whether it is necessary to involve our "allies" into such a petty ordeal. We have no idea if they will even--"
WARNING. QUANTUM DISRUPTION IN LOCAL SPACETIME DETECTED. POSSIBLE PURSUER SPACE-BREAK IN PROGRESS. CODE ALEPH IN PROGRESS
Nurvix and Ioxia ceased their argument in an instant. The fear that gripped their minds went beyond any biological response, it was a primal urge. A response passed down through generations of being hunted by beings closer to gods than any mortal foe. The two Nullwyld scions acted, as was in their nature
* Nurvix, the hot-blooded leader of a thousand battles called for combat preparations, though he knew there would be no time to finish them or a chance of victory. The Exultant throne had no weaponry that could hurt the Pursuers, and no vessel in the Unbroken navy had. *
Ioxia had always been colder, calmer, and less prone to outbursts and mutative shifts. She waited, all power in her vessel redirected to comms-arrays, the instant before their destruction the Pureblood would send all information to the Exodus, at least then her death wouldn't be for nought
Yet the end never came, the Meta Sax arrived in its stead. Once the meagre weaponry of the gathered ships powered down Nurvix relayed a greeting
"I extend a wish from all those gathered here, and any other Unbroken in the galaxy. It would be fitting if you...announced, your arrival in such an abrupt matter before its completion. Our people have unfortune expiriences with beings who utilise such means of transporation"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/25/2022 2:04 PM
The realization that they had caused an inadvertent panic in the Unbroken ranks made Just Visiting recoil in self-chastising as they sent a response quickly, "Invocation of ritual-rite-request of forgiveness is offered humbly. This one was not aware that the Unbroken-allies were present in the system already, and in its eagerness, this one sped to this location through alternative means."
They powered down their sensors, peeling back on the other capabilities and otherwise 'pulling in' their presence as they moved towards the Unbroken ships, "We will adapt our schema accordingly, and no longer utilize Foldspace in your vicinity."
A message of their own was relayed through the Consensus informing their people of the event and the reaction as well as the politely requested response to not do so again.
Meanwhile, there was the greater task of exploration to get to!
"This one is quite eager to partake in the first joint-endeavor-moment between our two societies. Invocation of information request is invoked to expand upon the knowledge-sense-schema of the desired direction of questing."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/26/2022 11:52 AM
"You are request for forgvieness is granted. There was no ill intent after all."
The gathered Unbroken forces were more numerous than in the initial meeting with the Meta Sax, though not by much. In addition to the Exultant Throne and its attached vessel, another cruiser was present. While the Throne was visibly a vessel primarily for exploration, its sister ship, Grand Evocation, resembled a Q-ship more. A cursory scan revealed that most of the exterior research equipment had been rather hastily assembled and connected to a more armoured, and combat-focused frame. Indeed, some gunports were clearly visible among the radar antennae. Though they were powered down.
Tending to it was an additional escort, though this one held signatures of living beings on it, clearly it wasn't the automated type
Moments after "Just Visiting" came into close range, the two Unbroken vessels beamed out a synchronous message. The relayed data was purposely primitive in nature, even the most basic of technological civilisations could decipher it and view its contents. Once accepted the forms of the two Purebloods appeared through whatever means the Meta Sax used to project such messages.
Nurvix had changed little in the few days since the meeting with DA, save for a few more eyes growing throughout his frame. Despite being of the same bloodline, the other Pureblood; Ioxia, couldn't have been more different.
At a first glance, she looked human. With every passing second, that illusion broke further. Outwardly Ioxia resembled a porcelain doll, the "skin" was whiter than fresh snow, while the neural strands that made up her hair were blacker than obsidian. The moment one looked with greater scrutiny, they could see endless cracks and weaknesses in her shell. whatever was underneath, constantly writhed and moved, pushing sections upwards, or sucking them in deeper. Idly Ioxia kept repairing any section that seemed too out of place.
The image of Nurvix extended a hand, creating a starchart localised on this star system, and the hidden anomaly nearby.
"Seven solar days ago. An automated exploration vessel encountered a previously veiled system. This anomaly had eluded our external scans, in addition to being physically obfuscated from all observation. By sheer chance, or some other circumstance, its Command AI had devised an entry point into the Anomaly and proceeded to attempt exploration. Before contact ceased it transferred data that proved to be...worth investigating"
The starchart shifts into a breakdown of a genetic sequence. No Ancnet records exist which could be used to categorise this unknown being
"The vessel itself has no capability for atmospheric entry, thus we belive that this is either a sign of contact with an a pre-ftl species, either through being boarded, or having discoveed their remnants in the local void. As both of our societies are outsiders to this galaxy. We belive it is worthwhile to observe native biological life"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/26/2022 3:58 PM
Just Visiting quietly catalogued the different appearances of the Purebloods - mutation appeared to be random, perhaps it was something deeper, something connected on a more fundamental level of expression?..
The cantons within the bioships cityscapes were abuzz, meanwhile, with contemplation on what this strange genetic sequence could be. Could it indeed be a pre-FTL species? Some unknown, despite the age and nature of this galaxy? Or could it be something else?
Several dozen theories were swiftly offered up to Just Visiting to present, and already there were three competing sub-consensus groups positing their particularly distinct hypothesis as the "obviously correct one".
Pushing out the social noise, Just Visiting responded, "We are grateful for the acceptance of the invocation. Towards the concern of the unknown-genetic material, we agree. Investigation is logical. Myself and those onboard are equipped for Pathfinder-level duties, and as such we will require no additional Meta-Sax vessels to augment this effort."
Hm, should probably also poke about abit..
"We would like to inquire what the protocol is for the Unbroken regarding First Contact with pre-FTL lifeforms. Ours is fairly strict, though if inclined we could erase our presence from their ability to detect should it indeed prove both technological in nature and intelligent."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/27/2022 7:22 AM
Nurvix looked at his sibling before allowing her to take the lead. Ioxia spread out her hands in a very jittery and jerky motion like a doll pulled on strings. Between them spread out a vast document, filled with thousands of annotations, protocols and official signatures.
"First Contact is not...something we have had much practice in. One could say we encountered a First Conflict more often than that. The Exodus began in an area of space that was defined by extreme competition between any sentient species. Those that could not reach inter-system travel perished before there was a chance for them to thrive. Those that just began to reach out into the void were enslaved, used to the full extent of their worth and left to fester."
Throughout the speech there isn't a hint of emotion in the tone of the Pureblood, it is that same cold and factual voice throughout
"The Unchanged foresaw that eventually we would encounter a Pre-FTL species before the Pursuers. Yet in this situation I belive it is too late. The Command AI of the escort is designed for its role as an exploration vessel. It could navigate its way through any hazard or obstacle. In an encounter with a sentient species, it is little more than a simple tool."
The document changes into a data record
"Upon encountering an unknown species, and failing to evade detection. The AI is programmed to send out messages. The natives receive information about its status as an exploratory and are requested to await for a Pureblood to arrive. At the same time, the nearest Unbroken vessel is sent coordinates and status every solar cycle. We have received one such message. First contact is not applicable in this situation. Whatever being encountered our ship has either boarded it or brought it to their world. We don't know their intentions, as such, we must assume the worst and prepare for a possible assault.
Ioxia stops projecting. The holographic image of the Pureblood shifts its gaze forwards, to where the Meta Sax are assumed to be
"I do not wish to start a war. If the Exodus is threatened. There will be no other choice. I hope you will understand"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/28/2022 9:39 AM
The bioship takes but a moment to process the information before they respond, "Then allow us to assess the potential infection points of information. Any system, no matter the complexity, can be altered, and given the probability of a species quite new to the stars, their technological ability to resist us would be insufficient."
There is no image returned to see - just the voice of the bioship, static and electronic in the common language of the galaxy, "It is noema for us to preserve life. If there is an alien species and if they have captured your automaton, then an assessment can be made of potential damages. Even under high probability of reverse engineering scenario, we do not foresee a threat to the Exodus. The technological base to produce more than what they currently possess would not exist, and the time required to create such an exigency would be sufficient for us to do our work. We still have the alternative hypothesis of a non-intelligent lifeform or non-relative lifeform inhibiting the craft in some fashion to consider as well."
It would be a simple matter to remove the information of the event from a recently developed society. Nearly all that had ever been countered by their people had been woefully unprepared for an infection event that simply removed all knowledge of the actual contact, let alone for an invisible team of experts swooping away with the captured prize. Though, it had only been needed once or twice. Most were simply contacted by the Meta-Sax per noema of Clade Ladon.
They had not anticipated an aggressive/defense response from the Unbroken, but upon reflection, it made sense to Just Visiting. Such was the way of a wounded humanity after all. The tricky part would come in deflecting this behavior away from threatening this new species. At least until their ethos could be determined.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/29/2022 9:06 AM
The projected forms of the Purebloods remain motionless, though their minds begin an exchange through their vessels. Thoughts pour through artificial pathways of tachyons and coursing electricity. In this state entire debates could pass in less than the blink of an eye, though the mental strain eventually begins to take its toll on even the most stable of Purebloods
"Brother, are these allies of yours speaking of a Fae weapon ? Did you know they posses the ability to destroy memory ?"
"Our allies have not revealed all of their cards so far, it was not within my knowledge that...they could do it."
"If they turn....we could all end like the Displaced. You understand that danger surely."
"If we know. The Council knows. If they see it as a threat. They will act. All that is within our capabilities, is to prevent any hostile reactions from our allies."
The conversation passed in an instant, and the Purebloods focused their attention on the situation at hand
"This memetic agent....you are certain of your ability to controll it ? Is there a chance it might propagate to our forces ? There existed beings on our Homeworld that possesed tools with simmilar potency. The destruction caused by them is something still felt by many of our kindred"
It was a small lie, but the intricacies of the Fae and their methods of hunting are too complicated to explain to someone who has not experienced New Eden and its esoteric apocalypses. Especially when the issue concerned beings that even most Purebloods lacked an understanding of.
Ioxia waited for a response from the Meta Sax to the queries of her sibling and asked questions of her own. The cold-hearted Pureblood understood that their "allies" were closer in nature to a group mind or some collective consciousness than her own mentality. It could likely speak with every member of her bloodline at once and still be at peak concentration"
"We understand the need to preserve life. The universe has seen too much death, and so have the Unbroken. Your technological prowess is clearly superior, compared to even the relics of our ancestors. Though this excursion concerns our Automatons, we will invoke any actions that could be seen as standing against your morals and wishes. I propose a covert approach, beginning at the edge of the anomalous system. From there we can ascertain the status of any local species, as well as trace the route of the lost Escort.*"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/29/2022 6:29 PM
For a moment, the bioship is confused by the initial question. Of course they could control it, why would any deploy an action that was not controlled?
But then, perhaps this was not the norm, and this realization made them respond thusly, "It is an extension of one of us. Noema schema-stratagem typifies use by higher integer minds as scale becomes a matter of concern. For a pre-FTL NSL, one of us would be sufficient to contend with an entire worlds needs. As for propagation, no. It is ecologically Saxheelian."
How do they explain?..
"There is insufficient material-verbage in the accepted common languages to express the nuances. It is not compatible with systems that it is not meant to be. In recognition of the danger of it, we long ago established strict protocols in its use. It has evolved since, and become a mechanism of ecological creation. Again, there are insufficient words to express it fully and its scope of use, but this is a tool like any other. It is in the use of the tool that defines its moral position in our society."
Allowing a moment for that to digest, they then spoke towards the second, subtler question, "This is a logical approach. We have engaged in this action before, and as this one mentioned, no pre-FTL society would be capable of discerning us if we wished to remain hidden. This extends beyond merely the shipself and also to the mono-entity, such as Da. A three pronged approach to the system utilized full array-assets would allow for the swiftest discernment of the situation. With relegation to Oort cloud-barrier or heliopause regions, it should reduce time-scan sensitivity. As your people utilize a sensing system unknown to us, this one believes it the most structured approach to maximize known capabilities."
Within the Consensus, a veritable army of exospecialists were assembling, all of whom had experience in some fashion with First Contact with pre-FTL species. A smaller cadre specialized in non-traditional life as well.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 08/31/2022 11:53 AM
Though there were many nuances in the cognitive weaponry, or tool, of the Meta Sax bioship. The answer was enough to calm the immediate fears of the Purebloods. This did not extend to the wider Unbroken sphere, once the information spread, as it always did amongst the courts and bloodlines. There would be many whose fear would overcome their rationale. To an outsider, this could only seem like a sign of immaturity for a species, yet for those who have fought against such weaponry, it was the only sensible response. No one can know how much has been reduced from memory since New Eden, plagues of hazardous information destroyed every trace, as if they had never existed. The short lifespans of Purebloods ensured that a scant few remain who lived to see such disasters, their legacy set in stone by the fear they spread to their descendants.
After a moment of deliberation through his mind-link, Zyvius responded to the Bioship
"We have trust in your morality, as well as the mastery of such technology. If the situation calls for its use, we will not fight against such a decision"
[.]
The bioship received coordinates pointing to the FTL trail of the lost escort. The traces were degrading, in a few days, Unbroken sensors wouldn't be able to follow them, though this likely wouldn't be an issue to the Meta Sax. A closer inspection of the escape vector uncovered some sort of obscuring phenomena which covered the target system. Unless one peered directly at the star and deliberately removed all spatial interference, it wouldn't have appeared on any star chart or stellar map.
The Unbroken vessels began to unfurl their tachyon sails, escorts taking the lead, followed by the larger science ships. The jump would be momentary, a distance of less than a dozen light years before entry. There was no doubt for the Purebloods that their allies would arrive first, with more grace and subterfuge. As such the Unbroken would break FTL outside the Oort cloud and drift inwards
[...]
The Oort cloud appears to be free of native vessels, as was expected, the new arrivals found nothing but endless billions of drifting comets, all of them untouched by sentient life so far. This relative deadness extended into the nearest planet, a vast azure green gas giant, caught in its isolated dance. Probing deeper into the system immediately revealed something unusual. As objects came closer to the main star, scanner returns became garbled and distorted, each time showing vastly different data. Amongst the distortion the trail of the Unbroken escort was visible, the stream of particles, left behind its fusion torch engine was just beginning to escape the system. On a cosmic scale, it was essentially still burning hot.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 08/31/2022 1:53 PM
The Just Visiting had scooted the stones-throw distance to the nearby system using its convention warp engines, arriving comfortable at the outer rim of the Oort cloud. It scanned a few equivalent mass asteroids, then decided on a form to mimic. With a shimmer, the exterior of it took the rough outline and shape of one of the asteroids from the outer edge of the system, while a dozen smaller ones exited the invisible wetbays.
Setting itself into a casual spin, it accelerated using its reactionless engines to a point that was generally 'believable' as a rogue asteroid with a trajectory that would take it outside the star system in a few years. Not that they intended to dally for so long, they doubted that the Unbroken had their patience. Meanwhile, the sensor drones spun out and away on different courses, each seeking a specific point at the edge of the star system to give maximum coverage.
With its own mass and exterior identically masked to that of its copy, Just Visiting was confident that none of the local life forms, Unbroken included, could determine where they were and what they were.
This left them to focus their mental energies on the highly unusual distortions that appeared to be obfuscating the star and inner system scans. With some layers of caution via refraction to one of their child-drones, Just Visiting started to cast out their quantum-gravitic sensors, reaching out to find where the mass of the Escort could be in inclusion to anything else that might be present in system.
Simultaneously, the further away sensor drones started visual and spectrographic inspections of all orbiting bodies, to determine if there were habitable worlds across any of the NSL spectrums known or if perhaps this was but a chance encounter.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/02/2022 9:33 AM
[Path of Just Visiting]
The relative deadness of the system continued for thousands of miles, the outermost edges of the system to be nothing out of the ordinary, nothing but comets and wandering meteoroids. Perhaps the automaton had simply collided with some stellar object upon exiting its FTL drive. It was ultimately too soon to tell.
The Auguries of the Meta Sax vessel upon the stellar anomaly began to slowly result in promising information returns. Whatever the source was, it seemed to originate from the star itself, almost as if the burning sphere had a heart in itself. Each beat coincides with a full rotation of the object. These beats, in the form of waves, seemed to be the cause for the anomalous readings. Their intensity around the innermost planets would be devastating to any life, though confirming any damage was impossible with the garbled scan returns.
The returns from the gravitic sensors on the other hand were amazing, though ironically, that was due to the distortion at the heart of the system. Once Just Visiting parsed through the rhythmic beat of the anomaly, a minuscule piece of information became a beacon for discovery. Scattered throughout the system were billions of particles of material. To any standard method of examination, they were little more than shavings of rogue asteroids. The Meta Sax could discern their true nature by their interaction with the anomalous wave, by the tiniest of imperceptible margins, these particles resonated to the wave.
[Path of the Sensor Drones]
The result of their scans was less fruitful than those of the main vessel. The gas giants nearest to the Oort cloud were devoid of all signs of habitation, or remnants of technological exploration. At least currently, out of the two, the furthest one had a trail of resonating particles that ended in its upper atmosphere. The drone would have to attempt entry into low orbit to peer through the roiling vortexes of the planetary body if the Meta Sax wished to uncover its secrets.
The primary observation of the inner planets showed promise for one of them. Out of the two rocky worlds, one stood too close to the anomaly, even from the outside its surface was volcanic and turbulent, unlikely to sustain all but the hardiest of races. Its further sibling seemed to be capable of sustaining life. A basic tasting of its composition revealed every element required for life to flourish.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/02/2022 1:33 PM
Just Visiting was uncertain how to process the information they were receiving. The particulate matter, miniscule as it was, seemed to act in concert with the star itself, which itself was acting incredibly strangely.
Like some sort of cosmic egg, it pulsed and pulsed and pulsed with its rotations. Switching to another more active sensor system, they began interferometry experimentation on one of the nearest particles to see if perhaps there was some degree of information transmission happening.
A cloud mind, perhaps?.. Something other? Habitation of stars is not unheard of, yet, this is distinct and different..
The rest of the Meta-Sax who were riding Just Visiting's awareness agreed, though there was a subset who proposed added layers of caution, as this was an unknown galaxy and thus the realities of it could be radically unexpected.
Such was the case in the returns from the sensor drones. Despite the toxicity of the emission spectrums from the star, there appeared to be a world capable of bearing life. Not just that, but one of the gas giants even seemed to hold evidence of activity as well. The Consensus was set abuzz while the drones were adjusted.
Two were sent to investigate closer the gas giant anomaly. While the rest were sent to the potentially habitable world, coasting as they did on reactionless engines and camouflaged. The bioship doubted it would be sufficient if the star itself proved to be intelligent, or a swarm-host was present, but they would hedge their bets until that data was confirmed.
A signal was relayed to an outer buoy and bounced out to the Unbroken, informing them of what the Meta-Sax had discerned so far and to be cautious given the spectrum of potentials in play. Just Visiting itself remained on its previous course, not keen to give away its deception as of yet without any just cause whilst it poked and prodded the nearby particulates.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/05/2022 11:20 AM
[Just Visiting]
The particle responded to the initial probing, its resonance to the waves emitted by the star ceased, and instead it began to tune itself to the outgoing probe of the Meta Sax vessel. Other particles in the vicinity began to mimic this process, spreading the effect further at a rapid pace. Those that followed the assumed path of the Unbroken escort underwent tuning the quickest, it was almost like the reaction of some phosphorescent animal or fungi, reacting to external stimuli. At their rate the particles closest to the planet would undergo their change within the hour, though whether there would be any perceptible change to anyone but the Meta Sax...only time would tell.
The reflection of the Meta Sax probing seemed to be drowned out by the anomalous waves from the star, as slowly the scattered pieces returned to their resonance with its waves
[Probes - Gas Giant]
As the machines dispatched by Just Visiting pierced through the upper cloud layer their passage would take them through seas of resonating material. The closer to the void they were, the more scattered their disposition, near the atmospheric edge they were little more than loose clouds. Deeper within, under the crushing gravity of the gas giant and its overwhelming atmosphere. They began to clump into structures, first as simple geometric shapes, then into intelligent designs, ones visibly designed by thinking minds
Stretching throughout the parallels and meridians of the giant were kilometre-thick strings made from the resonating matter, coasting on the almost-solid seas of gas. These strings remained tuned to the stellar waves of the anomaly, and when the waves passed them they vibrated visibly, pulsing with ambiently gathered power, pouring it into a single spot on the equator. There a single string pulled downwards, holding a vast object, beaming with energy signatures and radiation emissions
[Probes - Planet]
With every AU closer to the habitable world, the tuned matter underwent a simmilar change. Clouds became solid clumps, and then strings, nets. Over centuries of solar drift megatonnes of asteroids, comets and orbital scrap impacted these webs, and were caught in return. If the probes possesed scanners and sensors of lesser quality it would have been likely that they'd been caught in one of the molecule-thin strands stretching throughout the void.
By the time they reached visual range of the moon, the full state of the planet was clear.
The surface of the world was invisible to the naked eye. The cobweb of resonating matter had grown from it and then outward into space. Vast strings, hundreds of thousands of kilometers in lenght connected every planetary body in the vicinity. The moon of the world itself was wrapped tightly in thousands of strings, though this must have happened recently, as spots of its emerald surface still shone through. Other objects immediately caught the attention of the probes. Several energy signatures beamed out weakly from inside the net, caught like prey. Amongst them was the signature of an Unbroken vessel.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/06/2022 7:34 AM
Just Visiting had not at all been expecting the results of the sensor sweeps. The complexity of the situation was immediately upgraded to an integer level 9, as the scale of stellar construction implied a highly intelligent species. Not just that, but one that was exotic enough to rely upon monofilaments in space for reasons that so far, none of the Meta-Sax could sufficiently explain.
Which was itself quite exciting! It was a rare and joyous thing to encounter something utterly alien to their experiences, and this certainly qualified. The Dweller family among them was equally excited at the discovery of the gas giant anomaly, with Ladon itself pondering if it should make the journey to this alien system.
All the buzz of the Consensus did not, however, remove the primary purpose of their mission here, which was to discover the fate of the Unbroken vessel. Rational discourse between the minds of the Meta-Sax concluded that the wisest choice would be to discern why the signatures were trapped inside the web of objects coming from the habitable moon, before they attempted to make contact.
Just Visiting ceased its efforts to tap into the resonance particles, focusing instead on its probes. The gas giant probes remained in position, passively continuing scans, while the planetary ones moved closer towards the signature of the Unbroken ship. Another communication was relayed out to the fleet, "We have discerned a higher order intelligence is present. Meta-Sax preliminary Contact noema is in place. Recommendation to remain in outskirts of system, as inner system web-way is dense." All the scan data so far was then sent to their ally for them to pour over.
Within the bioship itself, the population began to dedicate more of their own mental abilities towards data crunching. Every scrap, every bit, anything of data-value was assessed and theorized.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/06/2022 9:45 AM
The Unbroken vessels broke their ftl voyage by the time that the Meta Sax first encountered the Tuned particles, by the time the message reached the Purebloods the small expeditionary fleet had set down in the oort cloud. As was protocol for such an expedition the cruisers found the nearest, most sizeable extrasolar object, and began to use it as camouflage. Lowering their emissions to only tight-beam tachyon communication with the Meta Sax. As well as localised occult means, though their allies wouldn't be aware of those..yet
Web..way ? Elaborate ?
[Planet Orbit]
The intense computtional capabilities of the Meta Sax group-mind were enough for the probes to unravel some of the mysteries of these stellar strings. Just like everywhere else the material resonated with any local wavelenght, be it the anomalous emissions from the star, or any attempt at a "standard" information probe. Unlike the loose clouds of particles, these complex structures acted like conduits for energy. The Meta Sax could detect radiation and weak power sources from the ships, yet the strings themselves were almost burning with the amount of energy that coursed through them from anything caught in them. The power drawn from the vessels moved through the spread webs, converging in the depths of the planet. At a point on the equator, which was directly opposite to the point in the gas giant.
It was likely that if the probes were caught the same process would be attempted on them. As one of the deployed sensors observed as a particle string punctured a small meteroid which got connected to it.
Though at this point it wasn't clear if this action was due to some innate sentience, or simply because of how violent the material was. As the combined resonance of each string acted like drill.
[Gas Giant]
Just like the material around the world, the strings in the upper atmosphere were conduits for energy. However their direction was reversed, instead of drawing power from the object caught in the equator, they were directing any atmospheric discharges and gaseous explosions into the hanging artefact. Whatever it was, its needs were immense as just a basic glance at the directed voltge showed that it could power several warships, or a space station.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/08/2022 3:52 PM
A partition of Just Visiting was created to handle communications with the Unbroken, while the original element of its consciousness continued to focus on the intense data streams coming from the citizens both onboard and elsewhere. Some degree of debate was ongoing on if other ships should be called in to assist, as the potentials on the Contact spectrum were great, and so far, alien enough to warrant high level mind involvement.
One such mind was Ladon itself.
Emotion-juxtaposition-state-emphasis of joy-in-communion. Entosis-placement of kin-self is most wise. Excession of state-of-many within recontextualized time-orient for Other is gently suggested by warming-feelings-of-hope.
Even for Just Visiting, the mothership was difficult to understand. The higher up the integer list one got, the more alien they became, and Ladon was no exception. In comparison, the partition was having a far easier time of things.
"Detection of numerous system-formations has been achieved. These formations originate from a gas-giant moon and include filaments which span from the surface to the parent body. Within the parent body, additional filaments have been detected. Each filament acts as a locus of energetic reorientation. It is the belief of my people that this is the cause of the ships vanishing."
In truth it was almost like some sort of massive passive energy collector. Though why filaments like these, the bioship could not say. Nor could any say with any certainty. The amount of energetic matter that could pass through a system was miniscule in comparison to what could be pulled from the local star - which was where one of the current major theories lay: the resonant particles were an evolution of the filament design, creating a Dyson Swarm-like effect while equally harnessing the ambiant interaction of high velocity particles from deep space.
Probes near the planet remained evasive, trying to get what data they could while not coming into contact with the near-certaintly lethal filaments. Still, at this distance, it was doubtful they'd be able to determine what else had been caught in its web, nor if there was a planetary-bound intelligence that was actively manipulating it.
This thought-strand caused Just Visiting to peer back towards the gas-giant in curiousity. Given the activity of the artifact, it lent further credence to the energy-gathering theory, but also presented its own dilemma. If the Other possessed the ability to harness energy from the ambient effects of the atmosphere, that implied intelligence sufficient enough to utilize the Swarm method. That they were not doing so implied again that the filaments would be tapping into an as-yet-unknown source; perhaps exotic. But this was not a firm assessment.
With a mental nudge, they usher the probes to examine the artifact with greater resolution. Perhaps there would be something to be gleaned there.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/09/2022 10:21 AM
The Unbroken responded to the separated mind of Just Visiting, while at the same time working on their mobile outpost in the Oort cloud. It was minimalistic, more of a stopgap solution than anything else. One of the automated survey ships had moored itself to the comet that the Unbroken had chosen to hide behind, drones and automata began to separate every attached module, leaving the barest skeleton behind. Afterwards communication modules were likewise transferred onto the ship from the larger cruisers. The energy signature of the escort was miniscule compared to the larger craft even at full power, yet this allowed for the tachyon link to be continous despite any interferance in the system.
"This bears the markings of a trap. Or a predatorial den, something might have drawn in our lost vessels, and possibly many others. Though I'm certain of your capabilities, I advise caution"
[Planet Orbit]
Without coming into close range to the filament web, the probes wouldn't be able to gather more data. The only thing that they could ascertain at this point is that the net was growing, actively and exponentially. From the surface of one of the caught objects a seperate particle string began to unravel. Beginning with a thickness equivalent to a small personal vechicle, before splitting into thousands of cable-thin strands after crossing just a few hundred meters. Then those strands split once again, until they were imperceptible to the naked eye. The same process repeated on every visible caught object, always after the crossing of the star's anomalous waves.
[Gas Giant]
Unlike the filaments in open space, the ones spread through the crushing atmosphere had to remain at a far greater thickness in order to keep their stability. The smallest were as thick cars or fightercraft, yet they still grew. As the chance to get caught in any molecule-thin net was unlikely, the probes would have been free to approach, to observe the process in detail. The first detail to note down was a field covering these gargantuan cables, its signature was nearly exact to the waves emitted by the anomalous star. The field extened for just a few centimeters above each filament structure, and its origin could be traced to the artefact in the depths of the giant. Its presence prevented any scans into the atomic structure of the filament, but it didn't obscure any visual probes, revealing the second element to note.
The first true signs of inteligent design. Crawling through the surface of these kilometre-long and thick cables were endless millions of miniscule drones. The presence of the Meta Sax probes did not seem to distract them from their function of extending the filament. Every few hundred meters, at a point where the anomalous field began to weaken, the machines gathered in the thousands and began to weave new filaments. It appeared to be a process of energy-matter conversion, as the automata took the ambient field around them to finish their creations. Wherever they created new strands, the exotic shield followed, allowing for the net to spread upwards, into the weaker atmosphere. And ultimately outside of the gas giant.
Image
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/09/2022 9:08 PM
Just Visiting reacted like most of the Meta-Sax watching.
They found the Other to be beautiful. Understanding now the elegance of the construction involved in the strings, it made the creation of the web all the more fantastical. That they were able to bridge the gap between moon and parent planet through these threads was a testament to either their design or their individual ingenuity. The consensus had yet to be reached on if THEY were in fact the Other or if they were but tools of it.
Reflecting on the nature of the splitting threads near the planet and the connection with the Star, it became fairly obvious they'd need to redirect probes there as well. Pulling half of the planetary probes from their observation, Just Visiting directed them to a coronal trajectory - pass through the corona and assess the conditions of the Star for data analysis.
It was sorely tempting to abandon the subterfuge in favor of direct Contact, but the warning of the Unbroken echoed in the bioships mind. The cavalier nature from the past would not serve them nor their people here, so they resisted the urge.
Plus, they had the field to consider. While it had no evidence yet to suggest the Other had this ability, the bioship could not ignore the chance that this unknown field-effect could be extended across the full strata of the particles or carried along the Star waves. The additional apparent matter-conversion taking place was of serious concern as well. Only a highly sophisticated technology-intelligence could hope to tap into such a force, let alone demonstrate it with such easy mastery. Either way it presented unknowns that were a threat-potential to the bioship and its people. With another origin point being the artefact, and the fact that their probes were being ignored, Just Visiting decided to take a chance and ordered one of the probes further down into the heart of the giant - to seek out the artifact and perhaps unravel more of this mystery.
"Perhaps not a trap, but more akin to a net to collect matter and energy. The level of technical sophistication is extreme, however, and will not be taken lightly by us. It is possible both of us have already been detected but assessed as a non-threat by the Other present here. We are still assessing a viable action-directive according to this new data."
The data feeds were sent along to the Unbroken.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/10/2022 8:24 AM
{star}
Now with the full knowledge of inteligent design apparent in these strings, a more complete picture of the situation at hand came into clarity. While most of the monofilament structures lost their web-like form after passing the vicinity of the planet, a single strand remained. Though it would be better to describe it as a rope, or perhaps, a road. It ran the entire lenght of the distance between the corona and the planet, wherein it connected with the thickest visible web, central to the planetary equator. Endless millions of these automatons moved throughout it, or appeared from hidden caverns within. Some seemed to hoist themselves on the pulsating wave that traveled from the star, "falling" in the direction of the world.
The closer the probes came to the star, the clearer their return scans became. The layers of obfuscication peeled away with each crossed light second. At the same time the strenght of the anomalous waves increased by orders of magnitude. Where before they were akin to stellar wind, now it was like taking a bath in an outburst of particle weaponry, the probes themselves wouldn't survive such an onslaught for long enough to finish the study of the anomaly. Though from a safe distance there were some clues to be uncovered.
The source of the waves wasn't the star itself, rather something was buried within it. A distinct heavy-mass object was located just within the Photosphere of the planet its energy signature readable only because of the exotic particles eminating from it. Additionally there were remnants of one of the molacular strands, weathered by age and solar outbursts. In the past it likely was connected to the sun itself, and perhaps the anomaly. By now it had been cut and violated by a mass ejection.
{Gas Giant}
The probes moved downwards, descending alongside the single structure that led closer to the core. It was a thick strand, woven by even larger and hardier automata.
Image
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/10/2022 8:34 AM
The field around it buzzied with such intensity that it distorted the atmosphere, creating a tunnel of relative, though still crushing, pressures. Just like above the machines tending to the structure paid no heed to the probes, for most of the time. During descent a inner storm layer of the gas giant passed through the area, and the field expanded to protect its charges within. In that moment one of the probes was clipped, though it took no damage, every single insectoid in an area of kilometres turned and began to observe the Meta Sax invaders. Then, returned to work, weaving thick cables and splicing them into the structure.
The journey into the core took a few minutes, and there the artefact was visible. Though one could spend hours describing the intricacies of its design, how endless thousands of nets, webs, strings and strands all coalesced togheter into a perfect geometric cobweb It was in the end, best described as a cocoon. A vast shell, protecting something precious within. It was clearly the source of the waves, as the Meta Sax dispatchess observed it flashing with azure light, before their sensors picked up this exotic field coursing through the cables. Unlike the anomaly at the core of the star, these waves weren't deadly, and the probes could likely attempt physical contact.
[Unbroken]
The Purebloods observed with curosity and their standard paranoia and fear. The technology at display before them was advanced. Not as impressive or flashy as what the Meta Sax showcased, yet it still eclipsed the normal tech of their kind. A species so advanced that it could weave matter from energy, and equip that on machines as small as ants was to be feared. That was the only rational response. At the same time the nobles understood the true value of beauty, something which they lacked, they weren't some asteroid barons that would strip the world of all it had. Nor madmen of the Court that would unravel everything in mutagenic fire. This had to be protected.
"It seems as if the machines present are trying to bridge the gap between the two anomalies. Perhaps they are something that has once been whole, but now lies ripped asunder ? It is unlikely that we are able to support you directly, however when you see that it is right for us, we are more than willing to join you. Whatever lies before us, we must uncover its secrets, and if fate stands behind us, protect it from destruction"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/10/2022 12:50 PM
The results from the star were again surprising, with the sheer scale of construction being something they had not anticipated. The overwhelming majority of species encountered thus far simply lacked anything like the engineering abilities that the Sax were accustomed to seeing, so encountering an alien race that had apparently chosen to remain in Dark Forest state was quite the shock.
What had happened to the star itself was unknown. Whether at one point the Other had built a construct around it only for it to go catastrophically wrong, or if the Other was attempting to build a road to connect to the aetherial point of connection to the star Just Visiting could not say. What mattered most was that the information from the probes implied a disaster of some sort. Perhaps the construct inside the star was their origin point, perhaps it was some degree of ancient artefact long lost to the Other. Just Visiting fired off two more probes disguised as rocks and sent them into a higher orbit around the star - outside of the immediately lethal range of the waves. They would still fall apart in a short period of time, but they'd be able to give more information to the Meta-Sax about what they were dealing with.
Which pulled the bioships eyes back to the planet and the unsettling sensation of ten thousand billion eyes looking at them all at once, only to dismiss them. They recalled distinctly the first time they had met a "god" and the sensation was much the same. The follow up diagnostics on the probe that had clipped the field relayed no damage, no odd effects, no intrusion into the secured wetnet link between the bioship and its progeny.
Yet still, they eyes of the bioship were locked onto the cocoon. Was it a godling? A little deity? Was it like them, and simply born to the stars? Just Visiting pulled more data from the probe, focusing on the azure pulses of light. If it was like them, then the light had meaning.
The more the situation evolved, the more the Meta-Sax grew convinced that Contact would be necessary and soon. A high level of technological skill was evoked and it would be rude to remain hidden for much longer. The probes in the gas giant approached the artifact slowly, gracefully, riding the ferocity of the winds from the stormy world.
Yes. We will connect with the Other and transmute them into the New. Rejoicing will commence, and a grand chapter of history will be added to the Knowledge etched into the universe itself.
Presuming things went well. Presuming they weren't about to connect with the mind of some eldritch thing.
They spooled up their capacitors just in case.
"That is a logical assumption. It is possible some disaster has forced these series of actions. However, there is caution regarding the nature of the machines, and the artefacts. In the ancient-time, booby traps such as these were used by an enemy to craft unholy armor to clad their non-minds. These things were deadly. While it is not the same race, there are some similarities to be warry of. We will do another set of close-range scans, then reconvene at your position. At that point, we will collective determine to Contact or not."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/11/2022 4:52 AM
[Star]
Though the flight of the Probes was brief, they gathered some usefull data about the artefact buried within. It was sizeable, easily surpassing half a thousand kilometres, what's more its structure was unique enough to be detected by the probes even at this distance. It was likely some form of advanced high-entropy alloy, with a density that surpassed nearly all natural materials. And just like the cocoon found within the gas giant, there was a constant exotic particle field surrounding the object, pushing away the stellar mass for a few kilometres of vicinity. Without jumping straight into the photosphere that was likely all the probes could gather about the anomaly itself, though the Star revealed some other quirks.
Straight form its corona to the buried object, the mass of the sun was disturbed. Something akin to a corridor was recently (in a galactic scale) created, likely through an high-velocity impact. A basic calculation of the forces required to cause such damage revealed only one possibility, a hyper luminal impact. Either the artefact had been forcibly released at FTL velocities, or it was dragged from its travel through interdiction, straight into the Sun.
[Gas Giant]
The cocoon seemed massive at a distance, now when the distance was just kilometres, it was a structure worth of awe. Easily a hundred kilometres in width and height and covered with billions of those automated insects. Every type seen before was present, alongside some only appearing in this layer. These however, reacted differently. While the rest toiled at the web of monofilament cables and ropes, the Watchers followed behind the Meta Sax machines, peering with sensors and range finders, though always without hostility.
Focusing on the azure energy waves was a promising thought. Whatever these machines were they had to communicate through some previously undiscovered means. The Probes observed, analysed and revealed new findings to Just Visiting
Image
Though these exotic waves had their primary role as some sort of support field, protecting the monofilament structures from the crushing pressure of the gas giant. Deep within their energy signatures was a code, one encrypted on such a funadmental level that it would take a less technologically advanced species decades before it was even noticed. With such a revelation the probes knew where, and at what to look. After the passing of each burst of energy the Workers began to transmit commands embedded within each wave. It was clearly a sign of some greater intelligent force, one with a reach that encompassed the whole planet.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/13/2022 8:58 AM
Just Visiting and the rest of the riding Meta-Sax observed the carrier-wave phenomena and began the civilization-wide vote on whether to make Contact. Debates continued to flow in the spaces between seconds as traffic to the bioship increased by two orders of magnitude. As for Just Visiting, they obviously voted yes. The Other had endured some cost, some tragedy, some unforeseen disaster in the past and was attempting to survive. They were sure of it!
It was not a universal opinion.
Surely, we must be cautious. If this galaxy has taught us anything thus far, nothing is as it seems. And we have The Dawn Hunter's to consider as a lesson.
Yet, is it not noema to aid those in need? The star-object clearly holds importance, and given the scale of it the object may well be their own version of an ark. Surely, we would be ill-fitting beings to hold the title of Saxheelians were we to look away?
The bioship watched the conversations happening in real time, occasionally looking back to the data they had gathered thus far. The carrier-waves were complex, but not wholly unlike their own communications in their base-function. Space-time manipulation for the utilization of data was something the Meta-Sax had been doing for some generations now, and to encounter another race that was capable of it and also utilized it in a similar way made Just Visiting double down on their decision to vote yes.
Ultimately, it was a quick thing considering how few of them there were now. Just a few seconds in The Real and it was done - a consensus to Contact had been reached. All that was left was to create Consensus with the Unbroken ones, so, as they had stated, they altered their exterior projection to blend instead with the background of space and made to move back to the alien flotilla.
"We have discovered their method of communication. Equivalent intelligence to one of us has been detected. Determination of Contact has been made through Consensus. Waiting on your own."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/13/2022 10:59 AM
The two Purebloods envied the rapid responses of the Meta Sax collective, compared to the political mess of Unbroken courts and noble lineages it was instantenous. Though thankfully in this situation, there was no need to involve the greater Pureblood disaspora in this situation. The lost escort was the problem of the Nullwyld dynasty, if it came to be the source of their destruction, then the Council wouldn't lend a hand. Unless the Exodus was threatened of course
As such the tachyon network connected only a few isolated locations, each housing either one of the Scions or their representative. Ioxia and Nurvix were present in the anomalous system, waiting beyond the Oort cloud. Zyvius was indisposed, fighting over some forsaken shithole in the corner of the galaxy (black crypt), a homunculi Alpha would speak with his authority. That left only Xovia, whoose current assigment placed her on the other side of the Exodus.
"We will attempt contact. Whatever we are facing is beyond our capabilities to contain or fight. We must ensure that any first meeting does not antagonise whatever that force is, and as long as we have the Meta Sax here. It won't obliterate us instantly"
Through the tachyon link Ioxia spoke to all of her gathered siblings, each word causing the porcelain skin of her doll body to shake and shudder. It was a calm and collected voice, something which always irritated the blood-hungry brothers. Though this time Nurvix remained stable, jittery as always, but without outbursts of anger.
"And what if the first contact fails ? What if those things take us for hostiles and break out. The rest of our Family will throw us to the dogs if it means they save their skin, and the Council will do the same if it means the Exodus is not endangered. Do you really wish to wager everything on the sucess of allies we haven't known for a stellar cycle ?"
Xovia responded, transmitting only her voice, leaving nothing but the sigil of their bloodline in the position her projection usually took. Either a metamorphic shift had just mutated her body, or she was "busy" with some diplomats, as always.
"We have no other option. It is just a lost escort, but what happens once any other bloodline hears of this, or the Council releases the information of our failure. Sooner or later someone will disturb the anomaly, and I'm sure they won't attempt to be as delicate as the Meta-Sax. Right now we have a chance to gain something other than ridicule from this mess. I vote for Contact"
The projection of Ioxia within the tachyon network was replaced by a sigil meaning "acceptance" - A closed fist pierced by a dagger. Nurvix did the same, so did the Alpha behind Zyvius, and ultimately Xovia
[...]
"We agree with such a decision. We have to establish contact before any other force distrubs the anomaly."
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/13/2022 11:30 AM
With the Consensus reached with the Unbroken as well, the Meta-Sax began the deliberate process of establishing the noemata of Contact.
Just Visiting bridged the connection point between themselves, the Consensus, and the Unbroken so that they would be able to see, hear, and participate. More or less, it was a link up riding along the tachyonic signals they had been sending that gave them a relatively very time delayed read-out of what was going on within the Saxheelian bioships mind. So many different resources were being utilized that the bioship was grateful that the citizens within were shouldering portions of the computational load, otherwise they would rather hard pressed to pull this off.
"The wave-form carries with it signals; deciphering this will take some time. I have connected you to an external linkage to the Consensus. You will have access to any portions of the resulting communion and will be able to participate in your relative time-frame. The tachyonic link will remain active between myself and your communications ship."
Concentrate..
The probes closest to the threads and the artifact in the gas giant began to alter their physical forms. From the efficient dart-like shapes of before, they adapted a quad of spindly legs and moved themselves closer to the thread. Data streamed from the proximity as the Meta-Sax analyzed and assessed. Each piece was parsed, spun, captured, archived, and given over to the Unbroken for their own work.
As they did this, the bioship removed its masking and stood out amongst the stars in its true-self form. It sent a pulse along the wave, a simple mathematical proof to denote intelligence behind the origin point of the signal, directed at the gas giant.
Meanwhile, the probe made physical contact with the thread, letting the flow of information from the unusual carrier-waves accelerate the process of connection. Here too, the probe sent the repeat signal - to show that the probes were from the Meta-Sax.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/13/2022 12:03 PM
[Gas Giant]
The initial approach of the probes was met with the same response as before, larger automatons reacted the moment that the integrity of the field was affected. Machines with countless eyes, cameras and sensors observed the approaching interlopers. Inside the communication wave jumping between each insectoid machine the amount of data was increasing exponentially. The Watchers were now in constant "conversation" between each other, even those specimen that were seperated by kilometres of crushing atmosphere. Despite the growing chatter ,besides watching the probes the machines kept at bay. That was until the Bioship revealed itself.
The moment that Just Visiting communicated with the carrier wave, every machine working on the strings stopped its functions for a moment and turned towards the bioship. A new reaction formed within the language of the anomalous wave. The message of the bioship, broken down to even more basic pieces of information, travelled between each worker and back to the anomaly.
For a moment there was confusion within the swarm. Some machines turned to their kindred and played the mathemathical formula to each other, pinging it between each other hundreds of times per milisecond. Something had introduced foreign knowledge into their fragile network, and their computing abilities, usually so devoted to a singular task. Were failing when faced with such an unknown factor.
The next carrier wave brought order and understanding. It signature was distinctly different from any recorded previously, compared to previous examples it passed throughout the entire structure at a blinding pace. The machines broke their endless loop of queries and returned to weaving strands, or observing the structure, leaving the probes alone.
That was, until a Messenger arrived.
Image
One of the sections within the cocoon opened up, dissapating into anomalous particles, before it was sealed up by a series of Workers. The Messenger moved directly towards the Meta Sax probes, stopping a few meters before them. Compared to automaton seen previously it was gigantic, easily the size of a human. Unlike other machines it wasn't linked to the network of the other Workers, nor did it recieve messages from within the Carrier Wave. Instead there was a single direct thread of communication visible, one connected to something deep within the Anomaly.
The Messenger played back the message sent by the Bioship. As well as a command of its own. The Meta Sax could recognise it easily, it was the exact string of data as those sent by the workers when they communicated with each other, this time however, it was without encryption and with some technical output it was easy to parse.
[Swarm]
[Accept]
[Connection]
[Query]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/13/2022 12:29 PM
Just Visiting felt the jolt of elation that pulsed through the whole of the Meta-Sax at the communication. They had achieved Contact!
The probe tasted the wave-sense and rerouted it to the bioship again for a secondary analysis, which Just Visiting performed. They always treated First Contact as an incredibly serious affair, carefully pouring over every single detail before proceeding. The information was relayed to the Unbroken, while Just Visiting assumed the initiative: it was after all, their entire purpose for existing - to meet The New.
Modifying their pulse-pattern, they responded in kind.
[Designation]
[Meta-Sax]
[Connection]
[Mutual]
[Query]
[Swarm]
[Requires]
[Assistance]
Given the syntax, Just Visiting doubted that the addition of more information at this time would be helpful. They would need to establish a basic understanding between themselves and the Swarm. It was interesting to them to note that they had been correct on the swarm hypothesis at the start, though it did make them wonder at the contents of the artifact. Especially given that this communications entity appeared to be still connected to it in some fashion. Perhaps a probe of their own.
As for the response contents, it was their nature as a people. An instinctive impulse. It could no more be denied than the need to breathe.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/13/2022 8:41 PM
The cybernetic stalks of the Messenger twitched as the probe relayed information from the bioship. They flashed momentairly in the same azure hue as the exotic wave, and the machine transmitted another message. Alongside with a key to the network.
[Designation]
[Outsider -> Meta-Sax]
[Connection]
[Closed -> Accepted]
The instant that the machine swarm accepted the Meta Sax to its network, a new realm of information opened between them. Each automaton existed almost like a neuron inside a vast mind, constantly bouncing between each other commands, queries and messages of completion. At the same time, the machines were nearly non-sentient, beyond their most immediate goal they had no higher comprehension of their state of being, or the new addition to the network. The Messenger was an exception, though it was a part of the automata swarm, it accepted no commands from the carrier wave, or orders from Watchers. Whether it was simply the most intelligent automaton, or it was just a commanded probe, that wasn't clear yet.
[ Query{assistance}-> Mother Host. Disrepair Condition. Support reconstruction]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/13/2022 9:33 PM
The reality that it was a series of machines was not terribly surprising to the Meta-Sax who were observing the activities from afar. Nor was it terribly surprising that the Messenger entity had a degree of independent intelligence. It made sense.
They quickly filed away some cultural elements including the openness of the Mother Host and posited a few additional protocols to the Consensus to recommend to The New in case relations improved. It could be a case as simple as 'a voice in the dark that is able to speak is one that is trusted, for isolation is too painful'.
A quieter element said it was an elaborate trap. Which was possible, the entities had trapped at least one starship here and their Mother Host was something of an enigma wrapped up in potential danger. They were still at a minimum a LG3 NSL Entity, which was nothing to be trifled with.
With some minor sense of relief, the other bioships began connecting themselves as node-points to reduce the burden on Just Visiting - their proximity and their priority in the Contact would require greater mental reserves. This let the bioship redirect its own connection to The New, to create a smaller subdomain that would parallel parts of the aliens network.
A guest room, so to speak.
Within which, they inserted the mental-affecture of themselves as an avatar of data to more efficiently respond to their hosts should that be desired. They brewed themselves up a cup of metaphorical tea and set about the process of waiting.
[Acknowledgement. Total matter-energy requirement?]
The presumption was that the lower level entities would be unable to provide an adequate degree of explanation or comprehend the higher order issues of "alien->communicate->friend." By asserting their status as aidful, it was hoped it would lead to a better basis of understanding if/when a high order intellect asserted itself. An event the bioship looked forward to eagerly - a peer mind was a rare thing.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/14/2022 11:20 AM
The Messenger twitched its sensor stalks as information from the combined machine network moved through it, as the Meta Sax had been accepted to its surface layers they could clearly see series of queries jumping between each larger grouping of automata. Those in turn replied with detailed status conditions and arrays of orders to fulfil in the future. In just a few moments the Messenger recieved all data on every other member of the swarm inside the gas giant. It turned back to the Meta Sax probe.
[Query{assistance}->[
Matter -> [This string contains various diagrams of heavy atomic elements. Most of which are known to the Meta Sax, though some are an enigma, however the amount of detail relayed is likely enough to allow for an energy-matter transmutation in order to create such elements],
Energy ->[It is a record of the average output of the current star, alongside a timeframe processed in the natural data-gathering format of the machines. After a translation to standard Ancerius values, the required energy comes to about 1 foe],
Time ->[Around 2 ye-* The message is interrupted
]
Before the full transmission can relayed the link tugging at the Messenger pulls at it, forcing the automaton to stop and decrypt the information interrupted it
[Mother Heart] -> [Assistance->{Variable Addition}]
[Swarm status -> {Host Cocoon Connection Lost]
[Assistance{Time -> Date Frame Overflow}]
[Swarm status -> {Host Cocoon Connection} -> Assistance{Time -> Date Frame Acceptable}]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/15/2022 3:41 PM
Just Visiting had been absorbing the information and relaying it to their peers when the data feed altered. The nature of the interruption was odd, something they couldn't quite put a metaphorical finger on, but perhaps that was the way the Swarm was approaching the communication?..
The partition that had been speaking with the Unbroken was redirected to study the exotic elements and determine the best method for achieving their recreation, while several other Saxheelians started to experiment with a stellar-engineering device that would be able to 'coax' the embedded object from within the star.
[Query -> {Host Cocoon differentiation} -> {Mother Heart} -> {Connection point}]
It was challenging to figure out precisely the correct syntax to express the needed courses of action here. They did not wish to evoke concern or confusion, yet, the implied desire was complex enough that Just Visiting felt the distinct need to clarify.
What do they want?..
A second datafeed through the probes from the star was gathered together and sent along to the Swarm for their own analysis. Given that they knew the details, it was logical to assume they had far greater knowledge of the 'how' here. The Meta-Sax could facilitate as needed.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/15/2022 8:24 PM
Recovery of the stellar artefact wouldn't be much of an issue to a dedicated Meta-Sax force. While the object was showcasing anomalous and exotic emissions, it was also attempting to break free by itself. If the layers of stellar matter surrounding it were distrubed for long enough, and sufficient pulling forces were applied to it, the anomaly would be free without any damage.
The datafeed concerning the string structures around and inside the star was eagerly recieved by the Messenger. The sensor stalks twitched again, this time showing something akin to urgency felt by the automaton. Immediately the link between the arachnoid and the artefact was filled with anything the Meta Sax had gathered.
$Mother Heart ->[
Connected : true ,
Current location : The flashing series of coordinates pointed to something deep within the artefact bound to the winds of the gas giant
Priority : 2,
Purpose : $Swarm -> Creation, $Meta Sax -> Connection, $Host Cocoon -> Recovery
]
$Host Cocoon -> [
Connected : false,
Current location : Somewhere inside the stellar anomaly
Priority: 1,
Purpose : $Host entity - > Creation,
]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/16/2022 12:16 PM
Already a few of the more adventurous inclined individuals in the Clade were volunteering to go into the star itself to asses the conditions and determine if a corridor of space-time could be built to extract the object within. It made Just Visiting perform the equivalent of a grin in their mindspace: their people were simply going to find a solution to the problem at hand, no matter the scale.
Were they with their kin in the greater whole, this would be exceedingly trivial, but their resources were limited and the number of bioships was small still. Even then, it did not dam the eagerness, nor forestall the relentless attitude the Saxheelians eternally had towards problem solving.
Just Visiting teased with the idea of using a foldspace manifold to transit the object cleanly out of the star, but that came with issues, least among them the promise not to use the technology near the Unbroken. Perhaps..
"Per monitor, do the Unbroken possess any notions on how to extricate the object from the star?"
It wouldn't hurt to ask. No matter the chasm of technological and social differences, every entity had valuable perspective on things. Everyone mattered.
With this in mind, the bioship returned attention to the conversation, intent on aiding the aliens.
[Comprehension -> {multimodal iteration simulation underway}]
The bioship moved the probes around the star some more, but at this point it was merely rubbing paint sloppily across a canvas. To see, to truly understand what was needed, they required direct proximity. Their true eyes must see the star.
"Notice: this one will move into system space, to directly assess stellar conditions and relay."
Data sent to both contenders, Just Visiting dislodged themselves from the proximity they'd established with the Unbroken ships and swept itself into a high degree of near-light via their reactionless engines. It should only take a few relative minutes to reach the star.
[Query -> {passage of self through system authorized?}]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/16/2022 9:45 PM
The attitude on the Unbroken vessel was tense, the whole situation seemed to be beyond the capabilities of two normal Purebloods to manage. Neither Nurvix or Ioxia had been brought up as Neurasmiths. Neither had ever expirienced deeper interactions with some sort of swarm mind, save for their usual calls to any AI serving the Unbroken. Though their homunculi agents worked over every issue, though their Alpha intelligence Cores poured over data, it was not enough to keep up with the planetary - mindscape of the Bioship, or the combined thoughts of the "Swarm".
Yet when the vastly more capable Meta Sax asked for their input, the paranoid minds of the Purebloods felt relief, for the first time in ages
"Our analysis of the communications between your probe and the conciousness behind that control unit, suggests that if the two Stellar String Structures were to be reconnected. The "Swarm" would be capable of removing the anomaly by itself. Any of our other ideas are likely already in your consideration"
$Swarm -> [
Capability to stop $Meta Sax : false,
]
[Query -> {Passage} -> {Authorization : true}]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/17/2022 10:38 AM
The solution was simple, obvious even. Yet they hadn't considered it. Reconnecting the string likely would serve the original intended purpose for the Swarm, whom equally likely had the best solution in mind for their particular needs.
Just Visiting ruefully mused to themselves that they'd simply presumed a more sophisticated approach was required.
"A logical deduction. It shall be presented to the Swarm for consensus."
The time delay was not significant enough yet to affect discourse with the Unbroken, but the bioship deployed a buoy anyways to act as a jump point for data to the fleet.
Meanwhile, with authorization given, Just Visiting sped to the junction point where the two cosmic threads were reaching towards each other. Keeping a respectful distance, it began a detailed analysis using its significantly more powerful sensors. Physical eyes on its surface swept over the string as well, filing the visual data away for the archives.
Bridging the gap would likely come naturally. The Swarm had seen to the collection of native materials, but the Sax did not know if this was a time sensitive issue.
[Query- >preferable course of action?]
[Statement -> provide materials]
[Statement -> extract object from star]
[Statement -> provide connection between threads]
A spectrum of choices best suited to the needs of the Swarm. Pinging across space and time, they sent out a sense-thread to their kinships. Depending on what the Swarm wanted, Just Visiting would require help of the others.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/17/2022 9:53 PM
Though they were minimal, the sensors of the Bioship registered minute differences in the structure and construction of the two strings. They were imperceptible to a naked eye, or a less through search. It was as if the two swarms creating each structure were different species, offshoots of the same original, changed in the smallest ways by evolution. The same differences were visible on the machines now that they had samples to compare, the atomic structure of their carapaces, the wavelenghts they operated on, the quality of their construction. Several differences were visible, neither of which so vast that they could be identified by the naked eye.
The wavelenghts were the most prevalent splitting points, the one originating from the gas giant could be read by the Meta Sax, while the one extending from the anomaly still was encrypted.
[Prefferable course of action -> Establish connection of Chromatic Strings{Source: $Heart Mother + $Host Cocoon} + Support $Host Cocoon recovery]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/18/2022 8:59 AM
The bioship sent an acknowledgement ping and set about assessing the distance, materials, and energy required to connect the two points. As it stood, there would be a not inconsiderably amount of effort involved in bridging the gap.
Do you require aid?
We can help.
Few of us though there may be, we are ready.
It was plain to Just Visiting that if they didn't stem some of the eagerness of their peers that the whole of the Clade would arrive - whether it was technically safe or not. And as enticing as it would be to have them all working on such a grand project together again, it wasn't the wisest course of action.
Still, given the thickness of materials and the distances involved, the bioship did need help.
Consensus is required to establish the numbers of kinships who may participate. We must not overextend ourselves. Three should be sufficient.
They opened a channel to the Unbroken, "We have summoned aid from our Clade. The complexity of the task requires our full attention. Should the Unbroken wish to aid in the reconnection of the strings, raw materials would be most helpful. Any cometary or asteroid matter will suffice."
As those things were in motion, Just Visiting sat back and waited for their peers.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/18/2022 10:51 AM
The Purebloods onboard their vessels felt a palpable rush of joy at the thought of finnaly being able to support their allies, though the required action was...less than grandiose for their tastes. Nevertheless the small Unbroken expedition began to act. Just like how their modular design allowed for the construction of an outpost with the shell of an escort, so did it allow for the empowering of their Mass Drivers. It would take ages for a meteroid to travel to the contact point on its own, or if the Unbroken decided to tug it with their own vessels.
Instead the homunculi crews began to move modules between vessels, taking elements allowing for increased power transmision and output, and fusing them temporairly to the Exultant Throne. Soon enough the ornate ship was covered with hyper efficient transistors and power conductors, each pouring power straight into the Mass Driver. The rest of the fleet repositioned any nearby comet or asteroid into the path of the device, and the Unbroken began their delivery.
The whole plan was based on the idea that the Meta Sax had some way of slowing down the relativistic projectiles which were rapidly approaching their position. They would have minutes to reposition themselves even if all of their scanners somehow failed to detect such a haphazard missile. Even then the thought of an inter-faction accident crossed the minds of the Purebloods more than once, and more often with each light second traversed by the comet. Just to be sure, Nurvix spoke to Just Visiting
"We are delivering the required material via mass-driver acceleration. I strongly advise that you deaccelerate the projectiles before they cause any harm to the string or yourself*"
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/18/2022 12:59 PM
Rather than appearing at the outskirts of the system as Just Visiting had, their peers appeared ride beside them. Two smaller craft of sub-500 meter lengths and one of the larger ships filled the once-empty space like someone had flipped a switch.
Igyin, Yesoh, and Happy Feet had arrived. Adequate support for the task at hand.
I am grateful.
Nonsense, this sort of stuff is right up our alley!
It is a nice segue from the stressors everywhere else.
The logistics bioship situated itself just above Just Visiting and started to unravel its delicate arrays. Dozens of tiny drones swarmed out of its wetbays. The two small ships set about performing additional analysis, then began to array themselves to "catch" the incoming materials via protational field displacement.
"It is with gratitude that we accept the materials and the warning. Distance calculated implies 1 AU of materials. This.. will take some time. Does the expedition task force possess foundries?"
Igyin would be able to fabricate the materials onsite, while the other three bioships retooled accordingly but it would take time.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/18/2022 8:35 PM
"Our vessels posses limited Forges, though they would be insufficient to meet the requirements of this operation. Perhaps, the swarm would be willing to support us ? We have seen them forge matter out of those exotic fields, it is likely that their machines could dissasemble any meteroid without issue, or additional expenses from our side"
The structures themselves weren't fighting back to any manipulation from the Meta Sax bioships, those coming from the side of the Gas Giant were even acting in support. The wavelenghts originating from the gas giant acted to keep the string rigid, stopping it from unfurling or tying into knots, while the machines that kept building up the string kept working. It would be safe to say that they were driven to a frenzy of operation, increasing their output by several times. A closer observation revealed that another Messenger appeared out of the interior of the structure, and stood still at the end of the string.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/19/2022 8:25 AM
Again, a logical deduction.
"Agreed, this will be proposed."
A new probe was assembled and dispatched by Igyin, connecting the four bioships now to the Messenger for communication purposes. The asteroids that were coming in were gathered by Happy Feet and Yesoh while Igyin paused in its shape shifting until they got confirmation on what precisely was needed of them.
[Query -> Process raw materials?]
Just Visiting indicated the raw materials in question, and sent a very simple visual representation of what they had in mind. They'd guide the rocks near the string to be captured by the Swarm.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/19/2022 10:00 AM
The Secondary messenger reacted in unison with the one back at the gas giant. Both machines were connected by some unseen tether to the heart of the Anomaly, and both raised their sensor stalks in the direction of the asteroids. The wavelenght coursing through the string pulsed outwards and grazed the meteroids, carrying with it a mist of the most basic elements of the string. It took a moment for the automatons to bounce a few transmissions between each other, before they replied to the probe
[Operation call -> Material Procession(true)]
The Swarm was already responding to the messages inside the wavelenght. The insectoid machines converged at the end of the string, focusing on multiplying their number as rapidly as possible, instead of increasing the structure they were working on
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/19/2022 11:05 AM
The increased reproduction of units, rather than an acceleration of production of the thread material, made a few of the bioships pause in consideration.
Unusual. Why would they need a higher volume of machines?
Perhaps they anticipate an explosive amount of growth, and need the cells to compensate?
Perhaps..
The two smallships 'swung' asteroids towards the string at a low velocity for the Swarm to catch and process, while Igyin adjusted their position and moved further away. They assembled several extremely high definition statites that they deployed around themselves in fixed orbits that scanned and assessed the threads at the greatest detail levels that Saxtech could produce.
Just Visiting meanwhile moved away from the cosmic thread, giving room for both asteroid materials and potential thread expansion. They were cautious, as well. The reproduction of so much additional swarmer machines reminded them sharply of the trapped automated Unbroken craft and its material value to the Swarm. Given that the asteroids may not have all the matter needed, it was not impossible for the Swarm to think of attempting to process the Saxheelians themselves for the exotic matter held within.
In that sense, any Saxheelian - bioship or otherwise - was a juicy egg filled to the brim with the precious substance.
The drones deployed early by Igyin were slowly shapeshifted to act in an intercept capacity in case something did go rather poorly here.
[Statement - > asteroid materials will be given]
[Query -> sufficient raw matter?]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/19/2022 11:38 AM
The moment that the asteroid moved into vicinity of the stellar string, the swarm reacted.
The probes around the gas giant anomaly were the first to feel the impact of the information wavelenght as it passed further into the system. The force with which this one travelled, as well as the amount of data within it were staggering, enough to be perceptible to the naked eye. The previously azure sheen of the wave turned into a deep crimson, and the effect on the swarm was instantenous. The machines surrounding the Anomaly stopped, ceasing physical activity. Instead their processes, calculations and data analysis joined the wavelenght. Their kindred near the asteroids and strings moved with greater unity and purpose, no longer did they have moments of inaction when all orders were completed. A singular conciousness, completely focused on connecting the two swarms, was now behind their every action.
The automata pulled matter out of the exotic particles spreading between them, working in concert to weave string after string. Some of the larger constructs began to propel their smaller counterparts directly on the asteroids, pushing them with harmless bursts of electromagnetic force. Soon enough the raw matter deposits had thin structures connecting them to the larger string. Bridges through which the swarm moved its endless bodies, to dissasemble the comets into vast cables that rapidly closed the gap between the isolated ends.
It would take them just a few minutes to finish
[Matter needs -> fulfiled]
[Heart mother -> Transmission -> Purpose{gratitude expression}]
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/19/2022 12:06 PM
Admittedly, they had never expected the Swarm to finish assembly so rapidly. Generous estimates had been days, not seconds.
It was another alteration of the expected paradigm in play.
"Cease in the sending of additional asteroids. The Swarm has the matter that is required. We will distill the ones that are in route into additional raw materials for both of our uses."
The smallships moved accordingly, taking a position near the logistics cruiser to start breaking down any additional asteroids so that they would not pose a threat to the local space, let alone the cosmic threads the Swarm had created.
Just Visiting observed the reaction of the machines, then processed the information from the Heart, humming softly into the Consensus. It was good to have helped, on many levels, but now came the part of figuring out if this was a "good" help or a "oops, ancient cosmic evil" help.
Really, that just made it an average day for a Saxheelian, they thought wryly.
[Affirmation -> acknowledge of both} -> additional aid needed?]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/19/2022 8:34 PM
[Aid -> Unneeded]
The dissasembly of the asteroids was being done at a blinding speed. With each passing moment the rock was being unraveled further into thick cables, wires and strings. Larger automata tugged at these new creations, pinching them with magnetic fields or gravitional manipulation, bringing them closer to the structures already in place. Soon enough the rocks were gone, even the space dust scattered around them was collected.
With their material needs fulfiled the automatons began to link the two strands togheter in a process which fused their very atomic bonds. The display of energy and efficiency was unprecedented. Previously the machines worked with precision, but without a greater guiding purpose. Their work was so discrete and delicate that even the sax needed to move into visual range to detect them. Now, their operation blazed like a burning star to even Unbroken scanners, only dimming after cables began to connect the two cosmic threads.
Through each linked area, the wavelenghts began to course. Those originating from the Gas Giant appeared first, rushing throughout the system, carrying with themselves information, orders, and queries. Soon enough the swarm originating from the stellar anomaly joined the work of their kindred. The response came soon after
If the anomaly at the Gas Giant was the source of a wave. Then the one located in the Star gave a birth to a tsunami. For a brief second, as the two threads finished their link, the color of the sun was overwhelmed by another source. An azure sheen, brighter than a pulsar, beamed out into the system and through each connected string. The two connected swarms and their automata froze, overwhelmed by an order from a higher conciousness. So did the [$Heart Mother] for a few minutes after the Data Surge there was no response, no wavelenght
Until the Gas Giant changed. The Meta Sax, still connected to the network of the Swarm, heardthe same order as the [$Heart Mother]
[RISE]
Image
The Cosmic String, covering the Anomaly at the Giants core began to unravel, revealing the form hidden inside. It was a vessel, or atleast a part of one.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/20/2022 7:43 AM
The bioships kept all their observation tools at the ready to study and assess what was directly transpiring now that they had helped the Swarm connect the two halves of itself. The speed of assembly was certainly astonishing and the activities of the swarm remained unpredictable. They could but guess at the final form of the machines.
Wave shift intensity caused them to close ranks, with the smallships tucking themselves under Just Visiting and the research craft moving to a forward position near Igyin. They didn't know what to expect.
When the word vibrated through the shared link, they realized that whatever it was must have succeeded into creating a connection point, because now they were detecting intense activity at the gas giant. Eyes turned towards it and realization struck all at once.
A ship?..
They had not expected a starship, but then, this was a rather unusual situation as a whole. They split their attention between the emerging craft and the star itself, to see if the other object too would rise from within.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/20/2022 9:09 AM
The emerging vessel broke through the outer layers of the gas giant with ease, trailing behind it still unraveling cosmic strings. Structures the lenght of entire orbital rings began to dissapear within its mass, broken down into the exotic particles they were first forged from. The signature of the vessel beamed out across the entire system, soon enough even the dust-sized grains of the resonating material began to be pulled. Their minute conciousness attracted into the anomalous ship. There was something familiar about the Heart Mother, its construction, energy readings, radiation emissions. It was an organism, one living on laws from beyond these realms of physics, but living nonetheless
The anomaly underwent evolution at a rapid pace, its armor growing or shrinking, revealing an interior of blinding azure energy, though before anything could be analysed. The material from the stellar strings covered it completely. Exotic emissions began to course in front of the vessel, a wormhole was rapidly forming in front of it, directed straight at the main habitable planet
[{Lokhem-Halev-Akhot}-Expression-Gratitude-{Meta-Sax-Arrivals}]
The transmission moved throughout the same channels as the communication with The Messenger. Yet it was far more directed, not a mere thought directed through a mindless frame. But a true communion with a sentient, thinking mind
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/20/2022 11:28 AM
Just Visiting swiftly routed the communication to their peers as well as the Unbroken, while they maintained their position relative to the remnants of the cosmic threads. A ship that was not just a mechanical thing but alive.. like them.
Unexpected events continued to proceed apace, the ship mused.
The exotic particles it was composed of made them think that perhaps, like themselves, it had been caught in a vortex. Perhaps it was exploring an anomaly, became trapped and was unable to escape. Perhaps it separated itself in a desperate attempt to save something of it, but in the end, both became ensnared here.
Fortunate indeed then that the Unbroken found them first, and that they allowed the Meta-Sax to participate in this endeavor.
With a greater understanding of what was present, and an inkling of what was coming, they arrayed themselves in a very precise pattern, evoking a formation not dissimilar to the ship dance they had performed for the Unbroken when they'd first met.
[Meta-Sax-{Rejoicing and exaltation}-{Great welcoming}]
"We believe that the vessel will be able to retrieve its other component. Be advised, this is a higher classification of entity. Given its mass, it is at least equivalent to ourselves. Reverence invocation of birth-state entosis."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/20/2022 12:05 PM
The newly arisen Lokhem welcomed the bioships with its own greeting. Across every perceptible spectrum, the vessel began to transmit. It was a hymn, a lightshow of exotic emissions, a psychic vibration. Everything at once, everything directed to praise something godlike
The concentrations of exotic emissions began to form patterns, at first they were nothing more than fractal forms and rough geometric shapes, then, as space began to fold in front of the Halev Akhot, they took in the form of letters. Though the Meta Sax never possesed records of them , nor any equivalent translation, the bioships still understood their meaning.
[Shevakh!][Shevakh!][Kiyor!]
(Praise!,Praise!,Dive!)
When the last word took its shape in space before the vessel, another expresion was released. Whatever it meant, its apperance took the Halev across the system, plunging the vessel straight to the outer orbit of the habitable planet. It did not stop on its arrival, extending its exotic wavelenght to every string in the vicinity, pulling them into its own gravitional pull as it pushed towards the star. Though it would take hours for the entire structure to unravel across the planets, moon, and captured vessels, the progress was visible. Entire kilometres of strings were reverting to their dust form with each second.
The Halev Akhot stopped directly above the anomaly inside the star. The azure light was replaced with more letters, runes and sigils .For a moment the two wavelenghts connected and the stellar matter began to parse like water. The anomaly was slowly being pulled outside of the star, rising up with each word that appeared.
Image
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/20/2022 7:13 PM
The alien transmission, and its memetic potential, made them feel briefly ill at ease, but, at the same time, they could not help but be joyful that their task had been successful. The entity had freed itself, gathered together the web of its progeny, and was now easily in process of extracting the other half of its soul from the star.
The nature of it was.. fascinating. Though none of them had been present for it, long ago the Meta-Sax had encountered a godling in its cradle, one wrapped in power and alien thought that even they could not penetrate. The relationship with the entity had been a good one, however, and Just Visiting alongside the others hoped with great fervor that this too would be the case.
Hearing the words and observing the capabilities of the entity made them ponder at the potential futures. Perhaps this too would be a friend, one who would be known and wish to be known in the long strands of Deep Time and beyond.
Still, for now, there was a celebration to be had. If indeed this was the birth of a godling-entity as they suspected, it demanded that the ancient rituals be upheld.
Ladon's voice echoed through the Consensus, We praise-celebrate ascending time merger! All of the Clade shall entosis in communion.
This surprised the research ship.
They had all been slowly migrating in this direction. Just Visiting could sense them, like blips long across the horizon. But with Ladon's call, they no longer walked, they ran. A joyous sprint, an evocation of the ancient days, long since dust on the wind.
Rituals and beliefs, twisting tunnels of thought left to fill with cobwebs of neglect found themselves roaring back to life as they were conjured into being. Alongside the existing bioships, space began to fill.
At first, it was a handful. Then dozens more. Then more. More starships, each unique, each Meta-Sax, swarmed about the loci of Just Visiting.
A roaring nexus of craft that made way for the largest of them all: Ladon.
-C
The Mothership waded into the space like a oversized whale displacing the water of an all-too-small pool. Its presence sent its peers scattering like children dancing around their parent as it made itself known, blaring out its own welcome, exaltation, and greeting as had each and every Meta-Sax craft upon arrival. Space was made to burst until all two-hundred of the Meta-Sax bioships were present.
Within the belly of the ships the organic citizens too celebrated. Juvarni traditions and banners swept across the alcoves, the ecosystems roared in delight and the drones fled the wetbays to engage in their own dance in space.
The tapestry around Ladon shifted as the full Clade gathered around Him. Again, with exuberance, the Mothership cast its voice across both the link and to the spectrum of space-time itself, "Joy! Bliss! Cheer! Elation! We-Are-The-Many-Is-One revel in the birth of The New!"
Just Visiting, like all of its kin, followed Him as He moved towards The Halev Akhot, forming a wide 300,000 kilometer ring. Millions of drones, and all of their citizens, flowed into space - impervious to vacuum as they were - and celebrated in the ships dance. The alien forms, bizarre and esoteric, floated close to their shiphomes as drones expanded outwards in geometric clouds. Increasingly complex formations accelerated their motion in space, circling, circling, circling with Ladon at the apex. People danced on the shifting skins of the bioships, whose affects flickered and shapeshifted to give rise to artefacts and ritual elements. Glyphs of their tongue, molecular in nature, flowed like water across the gap as reality-level holograms were bent to their will. A million minds chanted in unison Welcome Welcome Welcome.
A ritual to welcome the birth of a god: a Cladedance of eld.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/21/2022 11:34 AM
The Halev Akhot overflowed with the attention of its creator, soon, so very soon it would once again bask in the very essences that gave it the first sparks of reality. That melded the thought of a thousand species into a single form, giving it shape and purpose. Yet the Ayur felt fear, the very syllabes of the True Name that were being etched into the void, felt like embers inside an open wound. A needle in the middle of ones mind, driven deeper with each attempt to pull the Godling out. There was only so much power one could borrow, before it burned one out. It wasn't destruction that brought It fear, but the notion of failure, so close to absolute victory.
At the moment where the Lokhem would have slipped, and plunged the Godling back into the star, the Meta Sax began their celebration.
It was the first display of worship in this Alien Land.
And it was glorious
Inside the star, hidden behind layers of impossiblity and faith. The Godling opened its eyes on a new reality.
The True Name changed. Syllabes shifted in order and language, before plunging into the stellar mass, only to rise as more Lokhem. These were far smaller than the Halev Akhot, yet their apperance allowed for the burden to be spread across. The incantation became a constant rhytm, a hymn, a song of celebration. Accompanied by the tug of gravitional manipulation. With each new Lokhem that appeared, with each new verse that spread across the system. The Anomaly was raised further, until it broke from the grasp of the star. It joined the dance of planets, slowly establishing itself on a close orbit to the sun. The waves that had once bombarded the system changed, instead of an omnidirectional pulse, now it was a tide, growing and receeding into the surface of the Star. Taking mass with each close impact and sheltering it within.
Image
-C
The Lokhem began their own celebration. The smaller ones joining the Meta Sax dance, blazing sigils of Praise and Divine Proclaimations. The Bioships needed no scanners or probes to ascertain the nature of the new arrivals. They were simmilar, so very familiar. Especially those that appeared after the Anomaly was raised out of the star. It was as if they were made as a reflection of the Meta Sax. Each a single complex organism, powered by some sort of psionic or magical energy. Formed out of a fusion between hyperdense - stellar matter, and extremophile biology. Some moved through space on wings formed out of tachyon waves and fractal patterns, some danced ahead propelled by engines filled with Azure divinity. Others simply swam, like fish through water. A disapora of thousands of forms, all connected by that same wavelenght and the energy burning inside them, all in joyous celebration of the Godling.
Save for the Halev Akhot. Which hung back, protecting the shell with its frame.
Through the same networks as the previous transmissions, the fist Lokhem to arrive communicated with the Meta Sax
[Shevakh!][Shevakh!][Kokhav Yeled!][Lanaar!]
{Praise! Praise! Stellar child ! Awakens!}
[{Lokhem - Halev - Akhot}- Joyous Expression - {Meta Sax Celebrants}], [{Kokhav Yeled Arkiyonai} -> {Meta Sax Elohim} - Request for Communion]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/21/2022 11:34 AM
-CThe Lokhem began their own celebration. The smaller ones joining the Meta Sax dance, blazing sigils of Praise and Divine Proclaimations. The Bioships needed no scanners or probes to ascertain the nature of the new arrivals. They were simmilar, so very familiar. Especially those that appeared after the Anomaly was raised out of the star. It was as if they were made as a reflection of the Meta Sax. Each a single complex organism, powered by some sort of psionic or magical energy. Formed out of a fusion between hyperdense - stellar matter, and extremophile biology. Some moved through space on wings formed out of tachyon waves and fractal patterns, some danced ahead propelled by engines filled with Azure divinity. Others simply swam, like fish through water. A disapora of thousands of forms, all connected by that same wavelenght and the energy burning inside them, all in joyous celebration of the Godling.
Save for the Halev Akhot. Which hung back, protecting the shell with its frame.
Through the same networks as the previous transmissions, the fist Lokhem to arrive communicated with the Meta Sax
[Shevakh!][Shevakh!][Kokhav Yeled!][Lanaar!]
{Praise! Praise! Stellar child ! Awakens!}
[{Lokhem - Halev - Akhot}- Joyous Expression - {Meta Sax Celebrants}], [{Kokhav Yeled Arkiyonai} -> {Meta Sax Elohim} - Request for Communion]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/21/2022 11:47 AM
Record Everything.
The order from the two purebloods was absolute. There was no doubt that the Unbroken found themselves in a galaxy filled to the brim with forces beyond their comprehension, or capabilities to fight. Compared to the Meta Sax and the new anomalous force, even the genocidal Eos were nothing. Though the Meta Sax showed nothing but good intentions, and the beings they helped to free seemed docile. The technological prowess of both parties was simply overwhelming. If the whole clade decided to wage war on the Exodus, countless Purebloods would surely die, and the Unbroken would be helpless to resist.
The obvious course of action was to act in a way which pleased their new allies, and the stellar vagabonds they have decided to free. If survival meant lowering oneself to the level of enraptured peasants, so be it.
And so the Unbroken force broke from their anchor in the Oort cloud. Engines burning at a steady pace while the Homunculi scoured databanks in search of anything that would fit this...celebration.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/21/2022 12:43 PM
Ladon possessed a mind that outgrew entire planets. His thoughts delved just as deeply, just as richly, as on any world in any galaxy. He was the center around which the Clade held, around which it formed itself anew in its isolation from Home.
It is His voice within the Consensus that spurries them into greater fervor, greater acts of ecstasy. The fever pitch of their song within the morphogenic space-time construct crescendo as the godling made its escape, as it made its full presence known.
The smaller entities that had emerged that were so like them now were eagerly met by the bioships and individual Saxheelians. Physical connections were made when possible, mental when not, but all efforts to enjoin in ever grander heights of celebratory bliss.
Ladon sees this, His skin shining with delight, the space around Him filled with images and structures of deep importance, and fills His heart with joy. To have freed them spoke well of Not Lost, Just Visiting who in turn spoke well of the Clade. To give life and potential with no expectation of return was the very essence of a Saxheelian.
The Mothership chanced a touch of His own, brushing against the physical forms of the Lokhem, reveling in the knowledge of a True Peer at last. The alien nature of them was not at all disturbing to Ladon, nor any Saxheelian. On the contrary, it was almost addicting. A powerful reminder of who they were, why they were, and their collective self-designated mission. It made Him reflect with happiness at His journey - from a terrified child on a doomed world to a being beyond anything His people could have imagined. Was that the same for The New One?
For the Kokhav Yeled Arikyonai.
Communion meant so many things to them. It was never so simple as to say 'togetherness' or 'to speak'. Playful communion in semiotic state was perfect understanding. A perfect, joyous, rapturous understanding. A request for this was met with the foregone conclusion of immediate receptivity and a poetic reply from Him.
"To know, water
Heaven was not named
And the earth did not yet bear a name
No field was formed
No destinies ordained
Chaos, the mother
Their waters were mingled together,
Then were created, the gods in the midst of Heaven."
A Welcome all His own, of stories long buried in the past, of moments half-remembered in the bleariness of old age. Revitalization, regeneration, a cycle of endured rebirth within the Consensus.
Shapeshifting happened far more liberally now among the Saxheelians within the vacuum that surrounded them. Backlit by the sun-drop star, they opened themselves in connection, welcoming the whole of The New One - Kokhav yeled Arikyonai - within the Consensus. To join them within it, to commune with the Slow-God-Mind that was truly them in sum total.
Within the Consensus, within The Flow, within The Duality, they made way for The New Godling and all those with it. Like a glistening city of undefinable scale parting a way just for them, the Saxheelians lined the metaphorical streets of this pocket of space-time cheering, galivanting, exhausting themselves in their own form of quasi-religious ceremony. For if there was to be any Faith among them, its scripture was Life, its doctrine was Help, and its duty was Love.
[Ladon of Meta-Sax}- Playful Communion}-Welcome-Welcome-Welcome All within our hearts]
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/22/2022 11:14 AM
Through the dance with the Meta Sax, the Lokhem expressed themselves. For these Travellers and Warriors, they who stand furthest from the light of their Godling, it was a rare opportunity. In this moment, it was only their hymns, only their glorious exaltations, that spread through the system. Their forms did not shy away from physical contact with the bioships, the moment that they saw such eagerness for celebration, Joy spread throughout the growing manifestations. With each pass of the dance, the distances grew smaller, the Lokhem more numerous, and familiar. Soon enough, smaller forms appeared on their hulls. Glyphs of the true name folded into themselves, capturing matter around and expelling divine energy and holy flesh. Some had clearly taken into themselves traits of the Meta Sax drones, as was evident by aquatic traits and appendages. They joined the dance most eager of all, leaping into the formation with glyphs and words of praise on their many lips. Other forms showed caution, as well as...readiness.
Their aspect was clear. Defenders, Guardians, Warriors, Zealots, Murderers. The names were a dime a dozen, and in the end meant one thing. They would fight to the last to protect the being whoose thoughts gave them life. Yet, even they relented on such an occasion. Placing down their blades inscribed with the Killing Word, stopping the Judgement Glyph from leaving their lips, throwing down their armored scales and protected wards. In the end, every Lokhem, be they Warlord or Nomad, Protector or Explorer, joined the dance.
Every connection to the spiralling spawn of the Godling was rewarded with a vision. Through the rare opportunity to open their essence to a new Woven, the Lokhem expressed the will of their creator. Each was a tiny figment of its being. A spark thrown into the galactic wind, and through that each held within an aspect. Memories of endless species. Eons of peace, of war, of emptiness and decaying matter. A joyous dive. An accident
Image
(the rune from which the lokhem form)
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/22/2022 11:40 AM
Ladon was the exception to the free contact with the Lokhem. As it was approaching one of the new Ayur, it moved out of the way, joining the dance in a different position. For a few moments the Ayur moved like fish escaping some predator, bypassing the greatest Bioship to join with its lessers. Before offence could be taken, a new form manifested from the stellar cocoon of the Godling. The Glyph was different. Brighter, more defined, yet less physical and more divine. Its signature was blazed brighter than any wavelenght felt before, until it solidified into two Ayur.
A Lokhem, one whoose form was an almost exact copy of the Halev Akhot, except smaller. And a single humanoid figure, standing on its prow as the Lokhem raced through space towards Ladon. The two stopped just before the Clade leader and reached out to commune both through the physical, and through the data network. Two voices spoke in concert. Though one was drowned out by the intensity of the other, it was the smaller, humanoid Ayur whoose presence overwhelmed its larger kindred. To mundane means it seemed to be a normal being. A figure protected by gene-forged flesh and carapace, bearing the stature of a regal noble. To those who could see past the material, it was a signature of roiling energies. Psionic, Magical, and exotic. All hidden beneath a layer of physicality
{ Observed-Form-Title-lhagen}
Ihagen formed a rune in the air, which sputtered out in a bright, fractal flash
{Kokhav-Yeled-Ayur-Gratitude-Expression-Ladon-Elohim-Ayur},{Ihagen - Request - Forgiveness},{Kokhav-Yeled-Weakness-State},{Kokhav-Yeled-Gratitude-Expression-Imposible}
(Ihagen's rune, as well as its form)
Image
Image
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/22/2022 1:38 PM
The many different shapes of the monoform Saxheelians complimented the uniqueness of the bioships as they made way for the Lokhem who joined them. The exotic energies and strange sigils inspired them though they knew not what they were or why they were. Mimicry by the Lokhem of the Saxheelian monoforms was met by surprise, flattery, and intrigue - communion of flesh and essence born from acts transcending both.
None of the Saxheelians shied away from the defenders for they too had one such among their ranks. The only one who did not join in the festivities, the only one who still slept, deep within The Dreaming. These warriors they respected and embraced as kin in the dance of the Clade.
The shared communion in the Consensus and beyond was held close within the hearts of the Sax. This - this was their purpose. To be there. To witness. Memories of the godling were archived within The Flow, given a permanent place among them. When the day came that they could go Home, it would join the greater weave of their kin, given a place of reverence and honor.
Ladon felt a tug of brief regret when the Ayur fled its presence, pondering if perhaps its poetry had been too unusual for their newfound friends, but the sense-horizon established by so many Saxheelians in one space turned His many eyes in the direction of the new Glyph. The liquidity of the being was appealing, especially to Ladon. For one who spent a lifetimes habitual study in the dynamics of fluidity in the universe, it was like staring at an artform made manifest.
A great eye peered at the tiny figure that approached Him on the prow of the Akhot, staring with interest and curiosity. The physical sensation was met by a swelling of emotion within Him and outside of Him. Though psionics, magic, and other esoterica was common and well known here, to the Sax it was utterly alien. Unknowable.
To Ladon, the figure touching Him was like all of Them but More. The fundamental elements of matter that composed the figure defied typical explanation, which made the manifestation all the more fascinating.
The words and the glyphs were accepted. Upon the surface of His skin, he chose to express in their own tongue the words he sent back to them. No translation. No barrier or mitigation of understanding. Molecules expressed in physical movements flowed like water, until the area around the visible portion to the figure was awash in knowledge.
Like before, Ladon sent His voice through to the whole of those listening, "Hello-joy-new-welcome to the-one-who-comes-from-within. I/we are-will desiring forgivness not. Kokhav-Yeled can regain life-sustain-regenerate-whole within us. We are-will share our essence. All are welcome-loved-embraced-cherished. Ihagen is-will be embraced as Newkin. I/we sing for you-collective-self."
Thought and feeling. State of being. Physical and noncorporeal. Flowing moments of time. The Consensus swam with this and more, opening itself up in great embrace of Ihagen and Yeled. So too, did the people of the Meta-Sax, embracing any who would accept it. In their hearts, in the truest purest sense, they did indeed love them. And with that love, they sang.
Image
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/23/2022 8:49 AM
The Godling grew in its presence of mind. For the first time since it's Kiyor (Dive), it gained conciousness, and the Woven that surrounded it were...joyous. Such exaltation, such freedom and wonder, expressed so vigorously. Every interaction between the Lokhem and the Meta Sax brought with it a rush of knowledge. Texture, colour, sound, emotion, thought. The Ayur were conduits, connected on a fundamental level to their patron. Their every expirience, was its expirience. And the Lokhem felt only joy.
Outside the shells of the greater Lokhem. The Arikyonai were made manifest. To each, a single syllabe of the infinite, True Name. To each, a slice of the Divine Power. To each, a fraction of reality to call their new skin. Their runes appeared with thunderous booms, even in the cold void of space, a sound that was felt rather than heard. Some resembled Ihagen, existing as torches of endlessly unraveling glowing script in the shape of humanoid bodies. Some took on shapes of alien beings from dead realities. Some took on the forms of the Meta Sax, reveling in the expirience of a new universe, in the bodies of those who already witnessed it. All of them, no matter their shape, stood by while the Lokhem joined the joyous dance. This was their chance for celebration, soon it would be their duty to venture the New Weave. To explore its limits, and asses its dangers.
Tending to memetic scrolls and arcane glyphs, the Archivists began to transcribe the New Weave. Every piece of information, a tool to give their Godling power. Whenever approached by one of the Sax however, even the members of the first Magal joined the dance. Endless psalms and hymns of praise spilling outside with every move
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 09/23/2022 8:56 AM
{Supplicant-Ihagen-Gratitude-Expression-Ladon-Elohim}, {Kokhav-Yeled-Dive-Failure-Event},{Elohim-Essence-Dispersal},{Kokhav-Yeled-Magal-Duty/Purpose-Essence-Recovery}
Upon saying "Magal" the energetic form of the supplicant gestured to both itself, and the lokhem joined in the dance with the Meta Sax
{Lokhem+Arikyonai-Weakness-State},{Elohim-Recovery-Timeframe-Unreachable}
The living Glyph prostrated itself before the Clade leader. The colour of its runes dimming greatly, now casting just a dim light, one colder than the void.
{Kokhav-Yeled-Ayur-Request},{Ladon-Ayur-Knowledge-Transference},{Knowledge-Aquisition-Kokhav-Yeled-Recovery-Possibility}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 09/25/2022 1:58 PM
The ritual of the Cladedance continued unabated as Ladon responded to the request.
"The sense-taste of knowledge-of-the-past is yours, if you seek-yearn-desire it. Rejoin within the future-cast-into-moments of us, in this new-space-universe."
Despite being but a shadow of a drop of rain cast against the mighty hurricane that was once their true-presence, the Saxheelians gladly shared what they knew of this new verse. They shared stories of ancient days, of savants and poets and deep thinkers who dared to dream.
Of ancient evils long fought and banished in the dark by brave beings.
Of seekers, tireless and restless equally, in their eternal quest to know. To hear. To feel. To listen.
Ten thousand thousand lifetimes of knowledge was still nothing compared to the depth of the archives of Home. Yet what was known was shared, for in the Lokhem they sensed Kin. And in the godling, they sensed one of their own - as much a traveler as they were a student of the infinite.
Unlike the Old Powers, perhaps this one would not give in to the temptation to use its mastery for its own gain. Perhaps, it understood that in the hands of any, no matter how noble, it can do naught but drive one into ruin; into undoing.
In that flow of thought, Ladon found hope.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 11/11/2022 10:44 AM
Ihagen accepted the boundless gift of knowledge granted by Ladon with openess and joy.
No encountered species had ever been so helpfull, so quickly. Not even those that the Shemesh had supervised since before their ascension to sentience, or those that have been subjugated by the Decreed Kheyylim. In this New Weave the Ayur of Elohim-Ladon would be great allies, and tools. With each recieved terabyte of information, that only became more obvious.
The Arkiyonai called to it's siblings in duty and purpose, other archivists and data-scribes. Their Heart Glyphs appeared out of the swirling aetheric mist which slowly began to seep into the void. Soon enough Ihagen was surrounded by dozens of other Ayur, each bowed before Ladon and began to tend to the information passed by the Meta-sax. The process seemed inefficient and overly..artistic.
The gathered Ayur unfolded a physical representation of what was transferred to them, spreading it over the vastness of space as a tapestry of embedded media and boundless scrolling text. Like master craftsmen the Arkiyonai wove the knowledge into strands, and then into compressed glyphs, each about as large as a coin and infused with arcane light. Ihagen stood at the centre of the play, motioning, chanting and silently praying every so often, as it's compatriots deposited the information-runes around it.
The Arkiyonai could have simply compressed the information into a single rune, or transferred it into a Mitar construct. However in all their years of dealing with other species, the Ayur have learned that playing to a theme is more beneficial in the long run. While they could replicate the capabilities of other civilisations with ease, acting like mystics and "mages" was more advantegous in the New Weave, especially at a time in which Yeled was so weakened.
With the "show" put out for Ladon completed, the summoned Arkiyonai scattered, moving to examine the rest of the dance. Ihagen remained before the Meta Sax god-ship.
{Entity-Ihagen-Gratitude-Expression},{Kokhav-Yeled-Ayur-In-Debt-Ladon},{Elohim-Ladon-Request-?}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 11/13/2022 11:33 AM
The Saxheelians themselves were just as intent to record and archive the encounter as their newfound friends, though, without the same pomp and circumstance. The eyes of the Sax never truly left the forms of the Ayur, with Ladon especially keeping His gaze upon Ihagen.
Flowing forms and glyphs of unknown energy fascinated, and there was a humming desire within the gestalt of them all to know what it was. To truly know what it was. But at the same time, to simply gain all that immediately would despoil the fun of taking ones time to experience. And oh, the New would be quite the experience indeed.
It was hedonistic of them, and Ladon knew that, but it was equally the nature of those who chose to be Saxheelian. It was as much a part of them as atoms were a part of the universe. He wondered, for just a moment, if Ihagen and their kin would understand that particular drive and its nuances.
The great eyes stared unblinking at the tiny form of the quasi-man. The offered gift, the open ended question, the potentials of it born within.
Ladon remembered for a flashing moment the same thing happening to Himself centuries ago. An outstretched hand, kind smiles, a sudden opportunity to experience a cosmos that was impossible to imagine. A quiet smile all of its own began to form - a giddy creek flowing across something timeless.
Ihagen-avatar-arbiter-eyes-of-experience. This one would beseech-ask-request-implore a Joining-Mating-Becoming-Enmeshment. As I/we give unto you-those-of-yourselves; we/am request the same.
Join us. Become a part of our endless, tireless lives. Experience the universe alongside us. Be our dearest, most cherished friend.
A consensus had never been met more swiftly than in that moment, and in a flash, there was a shift in the Dance to one of entreaty to travel together through this alien universe. A godling to a godling; a gestalt to a gestalt. A conversation of want isolated to just them in a moment scant few could understand.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 11/14/2022 10:57 AM
Though it had no eyes. Ihagen stared.
Though it had no ears. Ihagen listened.
Though it had no heart, no blood which would course through veins it lacked. Ihagen felt a pressure, a sense of dread and overwhelming...power.
In this precious moment It was the lone member of the Lonire Hkavera, only It had found enough strenght of mind to manifest in a physical form. The rest would soon follow, appearing with their own entourages and followers. In this precious moment, the grasp of Ihagen held the destiny of the Shemesh Shevath in this new universe. It would be easy to assume control, to find one's way into the good graces of a peer-entity. To become the sole voice of Kokhav Yeled, and to pass on that duty to it's Glyph-spawn.
Ihagen contemplated, gazing at the stellar dance displayed across the system.
It was a rare occasion, the first generations of Ayur present were without divine duties, without an Ordained Beyt to fulfi, without an assigned Kheyylim to follow into conflict and saboutage. The Arkiyonai delved deep into the mysteries of the New Weave, the Lokhem praised their creator with all of their short-lives. Amongst them, Ihagen was the first created with destiny set in stone "Create a gentle city, ringed in spears". That was the calling of the Lonire Hkavera. Protect Kokhav Yeled, bring it back into completion.
The Glyph Avatar turned to the Meta Sax deity, maintaining its status as a supplicant.
{Entity-Ihagen-Forgiveness-Request. Entity-Lack-Authority-State. Ayur-Leadership-Role-Apperance-!Completion}. {Request-Meta-Sax-Ayur.}, {Shemesh-Shevath-Territory-Completion -> Elohim-Meta-Sax-Request-Merge}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 11/21/2022 3:38 PM
Ladon does not take offense at this, rather they see it as an opportunity to learn. What is it that compels the New to reject the offer of togetherness? Much and more can be gained through cooperative understanding, and thus Ladon decides His presence near them will not help the situation in the future. Instead, another would be self-selected from the Clade to act as observer and preserver.
Whom that would be, he did not know, but it would come in time, as all things did.
"Forgiveness is unnecessary. Ayur.. self-state of Saxheelian is Ayur?"
Was that their name for the Meta-Sax? Or did it describe something else? Ladon understood that "Elohim" referred to Himself, or at least the classification of entity that the New determined Him to be. But Ayur seemed to describe the beings like Ihagen. There was not someone akin to Ihagen among them, no sense of leadership or authority in that way.
The Shemesh-Shevath territory seemed obvious enough. This system, no doubt, would serve their purposes, and indeed without any need for Saxheelian help in that regard. Though of course, it would be offered.
"Territorial space-domain assertion is affirmed. Meta-Sax presence will be here, for as long as the-ones-who-sing-with-us/me/we wish it."
Upon completion, they seemed willing to consider the request of a Joining, so there was hope of that in the future. It wasn't obligated, but it would be...nice...to have a kinmind among them again.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 11/25/2022 11:11 AM
Ihagen thought about how to answer the questions of the Meta Sax deity with as much clarity as possible. An Ishon Glyph would obviously suffice, the memetic knowledge that could be contained within could drown out planetary libraries if the Arkiyonai wished. However, to simply explain the nature of the Shemesh Shevath as a textbook entry would be underneath a creation of Kokhav Yeled. Reducing the magnificance of its creations to simple terms would be sacrilage.
The Ayur peered through the histories of those who had once borne the same Glyph as it's, their walks of life were many. Glyphmasters, Warlocks, Artificers and simple Archivists. With Each life returned into the Godling came memories of species from previous Weaves, races and civilisations that only existed in Archive and memory. Ihagen stopped its recollection on a scene: the first meeting between a Decreed Kheyylim and some primitive life.
Yes, that would be fitting.
The Arkiyonai created another glyph and pushed it out into the void, to be witnessed. This one was far brighter and energetic than any shown before.
--
A glowing Star[Parent][Guardian] hangs in a suffocating Darkness[Void][Isolation][Alone]. It's Light[Love][Protection] iluminates a rocky World[Reality][Universe]. The Light gives Life to all it touches.
The rays split into three forms[Ayur][Creations][Children]
The first is Creation[Cold][Emotionless]. The first form creates, giving shape to the formless, giving definition to chaos, bringing order through construction.
The second form is Purification[War][Conquest][Protection]. Wherever the Darkness creeps, wherever parasites and scourges infest the World, the light burns. It burns the unclean, and also itself. Returning back to the Star.
The third form is Control[Dominating][Understanding]. This one does not follow the stellar wind, it does not reflect from prisms and bodies of water. It follows it's own course, taking the other ones with it. Yet always returning back to the star. Control guides the others, showing the infestation to burn, and the shapes to give definition to.
--
The Glyph passes and Ihagen speaks.
{Elohim-Kokhav-Yeled. Fracture-of-self-process. Fracture-Partition-Ayur-Origin}.{Arkiyonai-Lokhem-Meorakh}.{Ayur-Partition-Purpose-Yeled-Recovery}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 11/28/2022 5:09 PM
Ladon believes it understands; Ayur are the mind-origin of constructs, beings, creations, and life. This, to Him, confirmed the similarity in nature between a Saxheelian and an Ayur-entity.
To create life was a sacred thing among them. A religious act, as much as one could worship the universe and awe at its impossibility. To gently mold a living thing from the dust of it, to lovingly breathe life into that shaped clay, to watch it grow and thrive and become.. it was one of the many meanings to existence the Saxheelians attributed to themselves.
"Ayur are indeed like them/is/us. Build-connect-create the substance-essence of the universe. Though unlike them/is/us. Each component of the self-in-concert is independent. A drop of water. Together, we are the sea."
Ladon wasn't sure the meaning would be conveyed appropriately. If He properly comprehended what was being said, the entity before him was a piece of the gestalt that it was a part of.
Eyes trailed to the core of the Yeled, pondering at their nature. Creating partitions of its own self to heal itself was no small act. He wondered how it would fall upon the internal classification of NSL - perhaps meta-7? Was it comparable to Him alone? Or in concert with the other Saxheelians? It was fascinating to see such an entity and He was quite eager to learn more.
"The Meta-Sax will assist in the recovery-healing-gestalt. Will this system suit?"
There was a buzz of activity among the Clade as the dance began to wind down. Everything Ladon knew, the Clade knew, and everything the Clade pondered, Ladon pondered. They were becoming more enrapt with their curiosity, and the vivid rejoicing at the birth of The New was quickly transitioning into the tempered period of Reflecting In The Glow.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 12/17/2022 4:50 AM
Ihagen waits for the Meta-Sax deity to finish, before communing with its kindred. The question raised by Ladon was repeated amongst the Arkiyonai that had already formed. Would this system suit the Shemesh Shevath ?
{'Kindred-in-Glyph. Scry the status of this System-Space.'}
The messages came in droves, sailing on the invisible connection between each creation of Kokhav Yeled. Each Arkiyonai, and even some Lokhem, relayed the information in different ways. Those Mages tied closest to the Ayur military gave full reports, devoid of anything but pure information, those who primairly acted through their magical expertise brought in allegories and notes of occult significance. In the end the Lokhem gave the most concise answers.
{'Barren'},{'A husk'},{'Devoid of the spark'}.
This system would not fit. In time, when the initial outburst of activity from the Godling waned, the Ayur would starve without mana to acess. Their Glyphs would begin to canibalise themselves, burning out with the extertion of existing outside of Yeled.
The Shemesh Shevath would have to venture into the Galaxy to find a major leyline, only there could their population be sustained for the long term.
{'Ladon Elohim. This System-Space lacks the connection to beyond the Veil, it lacks the nourishment of Leylines and mana-networks. We shall venture outwards, so that such an oasis of the Arcane can be found'}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 12/17/2022 8:17 AM
The concept of a "leyline" was utterly unknown to the Meta-Sax, leaving them uncertain as to its meaning or significance. Ladon and the rest built a Consensus decision that, regardless of where, they would ensure aid to the Shemesh as a component of Kinship.
"These elements are unknown-incompatible-curiosity to us. We-the-many will aid regardless; seek thee the source that is needed."
Within the Domains of the Meta-Sax Duality, information was being pulled from every mythological source that they had ever encountered. Ancnet information was considered of dubious quality, but it appeared that "magic" and "mana" were things that existed in this realm-space. What any of it actually was could be placed under rather heavy debate, but what mattered was trying to find stable locations for their friends.
"Tell us, Ihagen-friend, what can we-the-many-is-one do alongside you-the-one-is-part-of?"
Conveying emotions through the strict mechanism of communication that they were using was challenging, but Ladon hoped that it at least would carry some of the fondness that He and His people felt.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 12/23/2022 3:40 AM
{'Ladon Elohim, we beseech you of only one matter, speak not of our arrival or the journey we shall undertake. Kokhav Yeled is weak, my Kindred are distorted, still weaving themselves back into shape and form. In this time-space we stand vulnreable to predations of greater forces, until the time is right, we must remain hidden. You have proven yourself to be a gracious patron and worthy friend, yet to ask for your support would be an insult to the pride of my Lokhem Kindred. '}
Though the Arkiyonai had practiced lies and deception for longer than entire realities have existed, Ihagen found no reason to decieve the Meta-Sax god-being. Every message imbued within its transmission glyphs was the bare truth. The Shemesh Shevath were weakened, merely a scattering of the Ayur that held to the greatest portions of Divinity. It wouldn't take much to crush the few Lokhem defending the Godling, and to harvest the nascent deity for its potential. Now was one of the few moments when the Ayur needed allies, not tools to be exploited.
While the Ihagen convened with Ladon some of the Arkiyonai began their preparations to leave the system on their expedition, time was of the essence. Although many wished to remain in the joyous celebrations with the Meta-Sax, their duties took priority. With occult ritual and arcane spell the mages summoned ancient vessels from beyond the Veil. Soon enough Lokhem would manifest on them and the Wayfinders would depart, to seek a Leyline potent enough to feed the endless thirst of the Godling.
{'There will be great sorrow amongst our kind once we depart, yet we feel great joy at the knowledge we shall meet again. When the stars align, and the tides of fate swing in our favour once again. We shall call upon you, so that both of Us can celebrate once more"}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 12/26/2022 3:04 PM
The Saxheelians universally agreed that the weakened Yeled should not be exposed to Outsiders or those who might take advantage of it. Such a Peer would be protected; had to be protected. To them, it was an unspeakable rarity to encounter such a being - it mattered little its motives or intentions. Simply its existence was enough to lead to a renewed sense of elation and purpose.
Summoned glyphships instilled in the gathered Saxheelians a turn in the festivities, with many of them returning to their homes onboard the bioships. The ships, too, began to withdraw their exultations and their overall presence, transfiguring themselves into a colossal constellation centered around Ladon. The largest bioship and its peers briefly debated on something.
There shall be no sorrow-despair-unending pain. For time will greet us again; this we know-experience always. When the New Place has been found, call our names. We will be there.
What star charts they possessed, they shared with the Shemesh freely.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 01/25/2023 11:44 AM
In time the stars became right once again and the Lonire Hkavera agreed on a motion, a rarity amongst their conflicted kind. The domain of the Shemesh Shevath had grown enough. It's borders have been established through truce and cooperation, it's worlds became monuments to the slumbering Godling, and it's people found their roles in this new, strange universe. Though the first Lokhem who had met with the Saxheelians have passed back into Yeled's Grace, the records of the Arkiyonai remained.
Within scrolls streched across dimmensions, filled with occult sigils and arcane knowledge. Clade Ladon was described with just one rune. A rune used so rarely in it's true sense, one devoid of any sinister motive or hidden deception.
Friend
For the first time in countless Aeons the Ayur have found a true Ally. Not an inferior species to be exploited, not some curosity to be examined like how a child looks upon a new toy. A true equal, one worthy of respect.
And so a message was sent out through the Anc net. A series of coordinates in the Little Light area of space.
['Fellow starborne travelers. Fellow seekers of knowledge and understanding. Fellow Gods in this material realm, and our dearest friends. Kokhav Yeled wishes to speak once again, and so do we. Come, our weapons are lowered, and gates unbarred.']
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 01/28/2023 11:11 AM
Within the Clade, there had not been many significant developments in the time that had passed since The Great Rejoicing. The creation of a near-peer Megastructure that would serve the Clade's far jumping interests, economic needs, and political ideologies, some minor economic treaties and some skirmishes here and there.
All in all, a normal day among the normal beings of a galaxy they were quickly discovering had all the same problems of the old clusters, they were simply scaled up proportionally. No longer free to roam the vastness of the cosmos, the Meta-Sax had to contend with "borders" and artificial constructs of "territory" that restricted them at every turn.
Though the vastness of the Outer Rim continued to offer some fascinating opportunities, they simply lacked the physical manpower to really take advantage of it and navigate the complex political situations that had arisen.
So when the message arrived and was parsed through the Consensus, elation was chief among the emotions felt by the people of the Clade.
Friends and Peers inviting them to their side at long last? Like all too eager lovers called to port once again, the Saxheelians coalesced as they were able in order to determine whom to send. Though it became a bit of a moot point, as Ladon Himself insisted on being a participant. Others of the Anima considered it a reasonably place of berth for Him, given that the Shemesh territory would be one of the rare instances of safe harbor for them.
Thus did Ladon speed towards Shemeshi space on His own, propelled by the joy of having others they could enjoy genuine conversation and companionship with.
Feeling cheeky, He sent a message to the same sender:
"Gaily bedight,
A gallant knight,
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of utana.
But he grew old-
This knight so bold-
And o'er his heart a shadow
Fell as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like utana.
And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
He met a pilgrim shadow-
"Shadow," said he,
"Where can it be-
This land of utana?"
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied-
"If you seek for utana!"
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 01/28/2023 12:21 PM
[Covert Communion via Etheric link] [Encryption established. Veiling ritual in progress]
WATCHSEER/GRDSTL -- LNRHKVR
SUBJECT::ALLIES/SAXHEELIAN/POI/ELOHIM-LADON//ARRIVAL
Watchseer of the Edge, Guarding-Sentinel-Aegis-Infused-by-Starlight, brings new knowledge and understandings to the esteemed Lonire Hkavera, You who sit so close to the vastness of Kokhav Yeled. We have confirmed the reception of our message to the Saxheelian Elohim, as well as its progress into our territories. Entity Ladon has transmitted a message of it's own. It has been scried for memetic danger and included in this communication. We shall continue our survivelance from underneath the veil, while the Elohim meets with They-Who-First-Sought-Understanding, Ihagen-Primal-of-the-Knowing.
The concept of territories and borders was something the Shemesh Shevath rarely dealt with. During their eternity of voyages and actions from behind the veil, they had never maintained a single zone of space as their own. No records and guidelines, passed down by previous generations of Arkiyonai existed and the issues that arose were many. The amount of overseers to the rash and hotheaded Lokhem increased tremendously, and each had to work in overtime to keep them from acting out against the natives of Little Light.
This was a time for true learning, for the first time in Eons. Yet the severity of the situation had forced their hand. Kokhav Yeled was wounded, crippled beyond measure and it's ability to recover. A bastion stretching for Light years was needed, one that would feed the nascent deity with mana and knowledge. Through this desperation Hmitras was formed, followed by a series of Temple Worlds and outposts. They formed a ring around the resting place of Yeled. A ring of spears, to protect a gentle deity at it's heart. At the Edge of that ring, where Shemesh control met the chaos of the wider galaxy, Ihagen waited to once again meet the first deity of this realm.
Though Ihagen was the first of the Arkiyonai to awaken, and thus the one most blessed with Divinity, They did not wish to relegate such a matter to any of their subjects. No other Ayur had expirenced as much of this reality as They did, and though many had interacted more with the species of the galaxy. They did not speak with a god, they did not supplicate before It and ask for help, they did not save Kokhav Yeled.
Some had accused Ihagen of being too pridefull, to reliant on their connection to the Meta-Sax when it came to the power-struggles of the Arkiyonai. They were right of course, Ihagen understood, but now was not the time to play power games and insist on such childish intrigue.
Not yet atleast.
---
The first sign of the meeting destination was a message pulsing through all avaivable spectra, both mundane and esoteric, both a psychic and occult whisper in the mind, as well as a simple communication entangled through quanta and tachyons.
[This is the Edge. This territory is strictly off limits to beings without the writ of passage. Turn back if you lack it]
The source of the transmission became clear once Ladon arrived in it's physical form. Beyond the boundry of the nearest star system, far past the Oort cloud was a net of millions of obsidian obelisks. Each was around the size of a standard starfighter, or a small housing unit in a city. Their formation was not equal, lacking the precision of an Ai-designed defence net or a satelite network. Instead they were gathered in groups, and from this distance, and with It's superb visual prowess Ladon could clearly see that the Obelisks formed runes, not too dissimilar to those employed by Ihagen and other Ayur.
The message repeated a few more times, before abruptly stopping. The nearest gathering of sigils and runes reformed. Their shape changed from very angular and geometric arrangements to a series of rings and spheres, the smallest of which would be enough for Ladon to pass through.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 01/28/2023 12:55 PM
Ladon had increased His mass substantially since that encounter with the Shemesh so long ago. Subjectively, it had been necessary for Him in order to increase His intelligence to cope with the needs of the Clade. Too few were they, too few to attain to the needs of the noemata of the Meta-Sax. Far vaster was His mind, far greater were His abilities. Quietly, deep within Him, something powerful slept and waited for its Calling.
Thus far, none had seen Him as He was now. Their friends would be the first. In a way, it was exciting, but also slightly embarrassing. To admit the need to expand on their existing capabilities was acknowledgement that the universe as it stood was beyond the ken of the original forms of the Clade.
Idlily, he assessed the message and its contents as He reached the bounds of the system. As far as warnings went, it was sufficiently "spooky". Especially when combined with the unknown techniques being used to transmit it into His mind.
Ladon perceived the multitude of objects with polite curiosity. Their arrangement was interesting to Him, as outer system formation tended to be chaotic, especially when presented against the heliopause of a star system. The nearness of the runes to those He remembered made him ponder briefly if it was a subtle clue as to who would await Him on the other side.
There wasn't quite a clear sense of a direction for Him to travel in, so instead He trusted His instincts and followed the flow into the nearest one, curious to see what the friends of the Meta-Sax had constructed in secret.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 01/29/2023 11:07 AM
After parting to allow Ladon through, the Obelisks reformed to their previously-maintained positions. From within their protective arrangement one could see that their net acted as not only a physical buffer, but also a visual one. From the outside the system they protected seemed to be little more than a derelict outpost, with the only objects of note being some energy emissions, presumably of an FOB or some long-range vessel.
However that couldn't have been further. Instead of a desolate system, devoid of any but the barest activity, the space hidden through the net of arcane obelisks was a roiling vortex of activity and occult energy. Scattered around were dozens of vast pillars of ancient stone, each completely covered in endless flowing script and runic texts. Each pillar slowly rotated, as if it was the hand of some vast galactic clock, and through these rotations they cut wounds in reality itself. From each tear pure mana flowed outwards in a trickle. First in an almost liquid-like state, then turning into vapour and mist that gave the whole system a beatuifull, if kaleidoscopic background.
Simply put, this Aether was an impossibility to all sensible science. Even the most basic scans showed off returns of negative or infinite mass, temporal anomalies, untraceable emissions and exotic particles. Yet before one could make reason of any of those aspects, the vapour changed it's properties and showed another impossibility.
And from it's position on the edge of the system, Ladon could clearly see the Shemesh taking full advantage of this mysterious force. Surrounding each pillar were hundreds of vessels which slowly siphoned away the energies before engaging their FTL drive and blinking away. Their routes were precise and calculated, yet strangely inefficient. Instead of taking straight lines the ships weaved and rolled, as if performing some sort of dance or ritual. One could observe them for days and find no repeated course.
And there, in the middle of all the Pillars, in the centre of all activity, a familiar sigil burned brightly, calling out to Ladon. The same rune which had once been presented by Ihagen, shining so much brighter than on the day of the first meeting between the Meta-Sax and the Shemesh Shevath.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 01/31/2023 7:07 PM
Ladon senses the transition into the sub-zone of space-time and briefly relishes the sensation against His skin. It was always fascinating to Him to see how other intelligences approached the complex creation of nested void objects, and thus far the Shemesh Shevath certainly did not disappoint in their expertise and finesse.
However, the barrier into the new space was the only thing that was familiar to Him. The rest of it was a mash of truly alien things, which was terribly exciting for both Him and the millions of Meta-Sax that dwelt within Him. Already, He could feel the variety of minds attempting to hypothesize what any of it could possibly be. In this new universe, they'd already encountered concepts truly unknowable to them, but there was a sense of the Shemeshi space being beyond even that banal mental construct and something significantly more Other.
Ladon guides His body towards the center, towards the beacon of a familiar friend. Flowing gently towards the sigil, Ladon let Himself express His emotions freely in the various pictures, iconography, and words that bled across His skin in ship-speak.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/01/2023 11:57 AM
Ihagen had chosen the centre of the system for a reason. Not only was it the nexus point of all the minor Leylines the Shemesh had dragged into place, not only did it give Them the perfect position to observe the arrival of the Meta-sax deity, but most importantly it held ritualistic significance. To an Arkiyonai of such a level of prestige and power as Ihagen, every action undertaken had meaning. Every motion was an ritual to itself, whoose components were the aspects of the universe one manipulated. From the outset of this interaction everything was planned according to the principles of ancient Arcana.
The message and the invitation therein. The closed-off boundry at the edge, and the casting of those locks. And now the position of the Host, and the movement of the Invited.
Every action had a meaning.
Yet today was not an occasion to be exploited, the honored guest was far too important to the Shemesh. Not only because Kokhav Yeled had shared their love for them, but because the Ayur did as well.
{Elohim Ladon is approaching. We shall meet Them halfway.}
From where Ihagen was standing, there was no one to hear their words. The vast dias at the top of the Temple-ship was emptied of it's usual contents. There were no Mitar moving between stone obelisks, scattering arcane silver and crushed prisms. No Lokhem stood guard over the eternally burning void-pyres. Ihagen had dismissed them all. When the time came to stand before Ladon, it would be like on that first day.
Still, the Temple-ship moved. The command had been transferred through thought and memetic sigils, coursing through the divine network connecting every creation of Kokhav Yeled. Though kilometres of blessed stone separated the crew and their Arkiyonai leader; liquid space began to move on telekinetic tides, and the distance between the two friends closed bit by bit.
Ihagen transmitted the first communication glyph to the approaching Clade leader.
{I welcome you at the Edge. This is the boundry of our domain. Kokhav Yeled is eagerly awaiting their meeting deeper inside our lands. Forgive me for forcing such a long journey upon you. However the dangers require it, those without adequate knowledge could get lost in What-lies-beyond}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/02/2023 12:44 PM
To describe it as having "never happened before" would be to cheapen the truth of the experience. Never, in all their long history, had the Meta-Sax been met halfway across the journey of impossibility by a telekinetically moving starship. Yet, here Ladon and so many others were, bearing witness to such a thing.
The primal sensation of the system never really left Ladon, like He was staring at something that was from Before, when time was not yet formed and the brane of the dimensions was loose and not at all coherent.
His attention fixated on the familiar figure of Ihagen, and though He no longer had lips with which to smile with, He still indulged in Himself the sensation of long distant memory.
Responding in kind, Ladon let His skin reflect his competing emotions: joy, eagerness, a sense of longing, and the strong undercurrent of omnipresent curiosity.
"This one is most graciously welcomed into thy domain. Those that dwell within me and those who dwell around me exalt in our reunion, as do I. There is no forgiveness needed, for such journeys are what we enjoy most. Task us, and we shall meet it with joy. Doubly so, to greet Kokhav Yeled and to see The Deep Land beyond with our own eyes."
"Know, however, that within me are most of our people. Whilst I insist upon being the Anima who greets you, hardly could any be kept from this meeting of Peers."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/03/2023 11:11 AM
The Temple-Ship of Ihagen, The-Domain-Of-The-Restless, was a truly gargantuan vessel, in sheer size it approached the vastness of Ladon himself. Though it was far wider and more spread out. The hull itself was seemingly carved from cut stone, though any carbon-dating methods returned impossible numbers, as if the materials were older than the universe itself. Each centimeter of the vessel was covered in the same letters which formed the hearts of the Ayur. The dim glow of each almost invisible against the kaleidoscopic backdrop of the system. Though the ship had devices similar to conventional engines, it moved instead on a cushion of some strange exotic material, as if it was cruising the bulk of some stellar ocean. Ihagen stood exposed to the void, positioned at the edge of a vast dias which covered the top of The Domain.
(forgot to include the description in the last post)
For a moment the Heart Glyph of Ihagen showed concern, or perhaps doubts. It's usually bright-yellow colour shifted to a darker muted purple, the billions of letters making up it's fabrics became like scratches - distorted in form and meaning. Self-conscious of It's position before a deity the Arkiyonai collected their thoughts and the Glyph returned to form.
{"It is not a matter of concern. Elohim Ladon, and They-Who-Exist-In-Union. You existance is like ours. A division into parts and multitudes, yet connected as a whole into One. In this We are kindred, and we would not bar our gates against Your approach."}
Though Ihagen said as such, that wasn't the whole truth. The Lonire Hkavera had accepted the demands of their weakened Deity for a meeting, yet It's survival still was the utmost priority. The Meta-Sax could be trusted to keep Themselves in check, but what of other forces they interacted with ? Would the knowledge gained on this Visit become a threat in the future ?
Would Ladon need to be silenced ?
These thoughts were like a mana-siphon, draining away at the core of Ihagen. The duty of being the first to be Awoken was a great burden, yet also an opportunity. Not many had a chance to speak to a god on equal terms. Perhaps that is what the Arkiyonai should focus on instead.
Ihagen moved to the centre of the vast Dias, every step spurring the ritual arrangements into motion. Colorful faerie flames burst into life from unseen sources, crystal prisms began to refract colours into impossible gradients and the very rock of the arcane nexus began to move and shift into place. The Arkiyonai put Their palms together and with their separation, spun out a web that quickly unfolded into a holographic image.
It was clearly a crude version of a stellar map. Several glowing dots were labeled with Shemesh Glyphs, each connected through webs and lines. Running alongside them was a chaotic composition of various colorful splatters, as if a child was given a pencil to make their mark on the map. These splatters shifted constantly, sometimes moving into the lines and dots, other times crashing against each other and scattering into smaller shapes.
{"We shall undertake the journey to Kokhav Yeled under the guidance of this vessel. The Godling is hidden and protected, while Your conventional drives could reach it, such methods would require years, if not decades. The glyphs of protection woven into it's hull shall calm the Saturation produced by the mining of Etherite, and guide Us unopposed to Hmitras"}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/06/2023 12:34 PM
Ladon observed the procession of the vessel approaching Him. The material construction was alien to Him and to the other Saxheelians, which stirred great interest. To borrow a colloquial term from one of His vasudan comrades, they stared politely.
Indeed, the whole domain that the Shemeshi inhabited was something that many of the Saxheelians wished to spend some centuries studying, but time was not their ally and to dally was to insult their hosts. So, they stuffed their desires deep inside themselves and beckoned to Ladon to continue as He wished. He obliged His people.
The map of the known universe and its odd depiction of space caused a sizzle of excitement to wear at Ladon's own patience. He wanted to throw Himself into the adventure. They all did. The entire Clade was exploratory at heart, it was the whole reason they were trapped in Ancerious to begin with. They'd simply been curious and walked through the door.
"Then we will gladly journey. Time is of no concern to us. Only life. Know that the space shared between Saxheelian and Friend is sacred to us. It is no small matter for us to involve ourselves so completely in an event as momentous as this. Should centuries be required of us, then it shall be given."
That said, they were intensely curious about the process itself. If Saxheelian drive technology would take so long, when it was a matter of days to reach the galactic halo, they could scarcely imagine what barriers the Shemeshi had placed to block any who would try to find their sleeping True Self. Would it be a star system, they wondered?
Ladon, however, pondered more about the mechanism of Ihagen's movement. To Him, the fluidic dynamics of the Temple Ship were as appealing as any piece of art. The flow of it and the exotic nature of its material prompted an eye to remain fixed on it for a very long time indeed.
"Lead us, dear friends. We shall follow."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/07/2023 10:55 AM
Ihagen dimmed Their glyph in affirmation and turned to face the stellar map. One of the dots changed its hue, a bright red shifting to a subdued colour, one that couldn't be described with any adjective, save for the feeling of nostalgia and comfort it gave off. The countless Saxheelians aboard the mindscape of Ladon felt a deep longing for the place behind that. As if it was a place they were searching for their entire lives.
The Domain rotated on its axis, the liquid space underneath splashing and sublimating into pure magical Aether. Once facing the numerous Etherite refineries and other Shemeshi constructs, the Vessel began its journey, moved across by the power of sheer telekinetic potential.
Clouds and ejections of unrefined mana and half-coalesced Etherite escaped from the wounds cut into spacetime by the vast Shemeshi refineries, though before they reached Ihagen and Their compatriot, they were stopped. Hidden Glyphs and rituals woven into The Domain projected an invisible cocoon of force, one that would need a far more direct impact to be breached. It did not, however, stop the Saxheelians from gazing upon the rare outbursts of magic, and the veins from which they were "pulled".
Each wound was a porthole, a view into realms of impossible physics and laws. Just pointing a sensor into the tear for a moment gave enough data to fill lifetimes of speculation. Improbable laws of thermodynamics, exotic particles of implausible composition, dimensions crossing and interweaving without rhyme or reason. Despite their unreasonable nature, each realm was beautiful, yet so fleeting. Some would never be reached again, lost in the eternal drift of dimensions
The Obelisks and their attendant Shemeshi mining ships had been forged from the same stone-like material as Ihagen's, though they were far more brutish, utilitarian even. Though once Ladon saw a burst of Magic colder than absolute zero crash against the hull of one vessel, it all made sense.
Eventually, The Domain reached a vast elliptical Arch of refined stone and polished obsidian. Between each of its edges small tendrils of electricity crackled against each other. Leaping through distances wide enough to fit both of the vessels. In it's centre lay a single crystal sphere, one so simple and insignificant in stature it was almost laughable. It was clouded from the inside, as if containing a dark thunderstorm.
Ihagen turned once again to Ladon, and sent out a communicative glyph.
{Before we depart. I require the truth, lest we shall not progress further. Though We are kin of Heart and Glyph, You must pledge. Unless Your presence is requested, You shall not seek Kokhav Yeled. Unless allowed, You shall not attempt entry into It's domain. Unless threatened with a fate worse than death, You shall not reveal what You see on Our path.}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/08/2023 9:28 AM
Already a people who longed for Home, the added burden of additional longing coalesced into a pining of the heart that could not be quenched.
As Ladon followed the path of the Temple ship, He and His kind could do little but watch in wonder at the bizarre fields of things that defied explanation. There was no realm they knew of that possessed these qualities, no set of laws that would explain the behavior of the observed particles. It was utterly alien to them - a novelty in of itself.
They knew of parallel realities and partially existed in the brane gap of dimensions themselves, but this was different. This was Outside that. It made them ponder collectively at the origin of the Shemeshi entities and what their long journey must have looked like. Borne of rifts like these, perhaps?
The little sphere tickled the sleeping Power within Ladon - a twin, a mirror, a reflection of their own choices as of late. It was a quiet thing that was kept from the others in the Consensus, the tiniest Power ever made. The distraction provided by the image of it was ended, however, when the glyph appeared.
His voice gave no inflection in its response; "It was always to be as you say. None will scry our minds and survive it. We Saxheelians take the vow of silence, the vow-Path of knowing-in-isolation. Ascending time commitment per noemata of ancient-time realization; material entosis and meta entosis with playful communion."
It was rarer for them to speak in their natural cadence since coming here, but for something so serious, He would do no less than to commit to the promise in the proper rites.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/09/2023 10:45 AM
{Let it be thus written and recorded in Glyph and in Heart. In mind and in purpose. In Aether and in Stability}
Ihagen extended one of Its palms.
The texture of the Arkiyonai was that of shaped stone and cut obsidian, an expression of worship in Onesself, just as much as holy scripture.
On the palm a rune appeared.
It was simple. Flat in shape and without detail. A single circle with a dot in the middle, almost as if it was the attempt of an amateur. An object of magical purpose yet crafted without the wisdom of a sage.
Yet it was more compelling than any complex diagram the Shemesh have shown so far, and soon the Saxheelians understood why.
{It shall be this way.
Because it could be no other way.
Let this journey be an incision, an invocation of purpose.
An incision whoose mission is to draw in the mind and make an incision of curiosity and to be that incision which is a question and its own solution, to make one hunger for an answer whose answer is its own wanting }
Like a gardener releasing a butterfly from his finger, the Arkiyonai released Their grasp on the rune and set it free. The glyph moved to the Arch, swaying on an unseen current of magic, until it rested on the Crystal Sphere. If one focused their gaze, They could see small branches of shadows breaking through the walls of the construct, swallowing the Glyph whole. Even though it's shape was obscured, it's brightness was overwhelming, shining from within like a newborn sun.
In that light, in those moments of overwhelming brightness, Clade Ladon inherently understood. The rune was Them, and they would be the ones who give it shape and purpose.
The sphere shuddered, convulsed and ultimately broke. The substance contained within began to spread, linking the two edges of the Arch togheter. Whatever formed to fill the Arch was the stuff of absolute nothigness, darker than the most primal memories of Saxheelian instincts. Ihagen merely stared at It, the Ayur had seen it so many times any form of fear lost all of it's meaning. Without doubt or worry, the Arkiyonai directed The Domain inside. Turning back to Ladon once, motioning that It should follow.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/12/2023 10:46 AM
The depiction of the glyph-form was something carefully observed and archived. The assimilation into The Flow space-time construct meant that ships and beings spread far and wide across the galaxy that were Meta-Sax instantly had access to that moment. The Shemeshi depiction of the clade-self-group was separated as a distinct ontological expression of their being.
Ladon placed it inside His mind alongside the almost child-like depiction of His people's first encounter with the Saxheelian's themselves. To Him, it mirrored that moment.
As He stares at the aperture of nothingness that yawns before Him, those self-same emotions fill Him; uncertainty, anxiety, cautious optimism, and hope. Those who dwell within Him have their own cacophony of feelings, but He shuts them out of His mind to focus on the delicate operation of the reactionless energies that propelled the great ship forward. Idle speculation on the dynamics of the portal when placed against the topology of space-time distracted Him from His more base feelings as He followed Ihagen into the portal.
A True Friend shows no doubt, thus the Saxheelian shows no doubt. A True Friend shows no fear, thus, the Saxheelian shows no fear. The True Friend trusts, thus the Saxheelian trusts.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 02/12/2023 11:49 AM
Ladon begins to fall.
It is not like a fall caused by the starving grip of a black hole or a stellar body. It is not a fall downwards or up. It is a collapse, a tumbling misstep down the stairs of reality, straight into a realm unseen by scientific means. Though in this realm there are no axises of guidance, no up or down, Ladon feels like It is falling. It is the feeling of a primitive mind exposed to something it shouldn't comprehend.
The feeling of a fish out of water, if the fish was a God-ship, and the water was the entire universe.
Thankfully, the fall is short, or atleast, it feels short. Before long the guiding light of Ihagen's glyphs appears right besides them and this realm comes alight. The Domain shines like a beacon in this abyss, trailing behind it billions of glyphs and shining constructs. Some as small as a fingerprint, some as large as a hab block. Some appear from the hull itself, rising from shining crevices and ritual circles, others detach themselves from the very walls of this realm, filling with inner light for the first time in years.
From an analytical point of view Ladon understands this realm as some sort of subspace corridor, not unlike those used by some of the other species in Ancerius. This one hovever is unstable...or perhaps, secure. There is no "back" or "front" to it, merely what is around The Domain and Ladon. One wouldn't want to find themselves too far away from the guidance of Ihagen, lest they be grounded.
{"This is one of the Paths which lead to Hmitras. It is not the only one present, but it is the fastest. Since Time before the Time we Ayur have traversed plains and realms present Outside. This corridor is one such realm. A tunnel cut through the Weave of this reality. The saturation of Mana in Little Light sustains it. }
{As you can see however, the effort is..}
The Arkiyonai casts a single Mitar construct to trail far behind Ladon. The living glyph follows for a few minutes before it is swallowed by the collapse of the subspace corridor.
{Only Wayfinders dare to move through such dangerous Paths. Be lucky Friend, not many outside of our Kind hold the right to call themselves that.}
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 02/13/2023 10:02 PM
Years of experience traversing space across their home galaxy had steeled Ladon to much, but He could safely say that never in His life had he felt quite so unsettled by the passage of one brane into another. Which surprised Him, given that a good portion of His consciousness was located in the brane between the fourth and fifth dimensions.
Perhaps it was simply the uncertainty of it? Or perhaps it was the great slosh of emotions from every living thing that dwelled within. He could feel the anxiety of the components of the ecosystems that made up the perimeter of His senses. Animals that comprised both the prey and predator categories could intuit something was off and reacted accordingly, leaving a ping across His awareness. True and proper Saxheelians felt their own emotions though spread across much of diverse origin points in comparison.
All these together plucked the various strands of webs that spun about to create the cocoon of nerves that served as the basis of His brain. This tingles continued to echo as He reoriented and sent a series of feedback signals along those nerves to assuage the entities on the other end. Whether it was simple pheromones' or complex instructions or simple speech, He aided where He could.
Their reactions, in turn, helped assuage His own anxiety. It was no small risk, moving between dimensions like this.
"Travel through such spaces is not something we indulge in. It is a new experience for us. One made all the more endurable thanks to your guidance, dear friends."
Which was probably selling it a little short. Several competing kin groups within Him were already attempting to figure out how the subspace matrix functioned, using this "magic" as a baseline principle. To say nothing of the record of the myriad (and beautiful) glyphs all around them. How exactly it maintained all of this was beyond them. He'd indulge in their whimsy later.
"We appreciate the unique effort you are putting into this transit."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 03/09/2023 9:37 AM
Though he did not share it with Ladon, Ihagen could very well see the distress of the Meta Sax Deity. With incantations hidden from sights and senses, the Arkiyonai peered through the Aether at the Companion of Its God. The emotions of every constituent being were like tiny embers, blazing gently in a slumbering fireplace. While Ladon itself burned like a vast pyre, fueled by its boundless curosity. It was a Flame (soul / presence ) that no Ayur had seen in countless Aeons, not since the last time a fellow Starspawn had met with Yeled, and that day was recorded only in the most ancient of scrolls. It was an entrancing sight, one that could have absorbed countless hours of study. Maybe one day, now Ihagen had to focus on steering the Journey.
Though fortunately, the Arkiyonai wasn't alone.
A ripple sounded out through the Glyph imbued walls of the Path as vast shapes crossed the boundary. Like the beasts of an ocean world breaking the surface of water, Wayfinders tore through the walls encompassing the dimmensional corridor. Just like The Domain, the ships were of occult stone and arcane architecture, though far smaller in scale. Each was more comparable to a frigate, rather than Ihagen's vessel, which almost equalled Ladon in sheer bulk.
The Wayfinders danced and weaved around the Domain and Ladon, the hulls of their vessels glaring with memetic glyphs and information. Each ship and the Arkiyonai guiding it had their distinct quirk. One scratched against the surface of the dimensional walls, like how one would run their fingers against a current. One was always surrounded by a cloud of glowing Mitar constructs that shadowed its every move. One simply kept close to the two Guests in this realm, the Arkiyonai at the helm visible from their position on top of the hull.
The Wayfinders spoke in unison, yet each with a distinct memetic signature passed in their communion.
{Welcome. --Greetings.--, ++ Pleasure to see You++}
{Who are you? --What do you seek in these Ways? --, ++Be careful, here be Shadows++ }
Ihagen passed a glyph back to Ladon, one with a note of sorrow in its knowledge.
{These are the Wayfinders guarding paths just like these. In eras of greater stability of Ladon, it would have been their duty to parse through the infinity of the universes adjacent to Ours. A position dedicated solely to uncovering what is unseen and bringing it to understanding. Nowadays it is their station to exist in the Ways below reality. To reinforce them and prune away impurities. }
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 03/16/2023 12:04 AM
The nature of the Wayfinders was, in a distant fashion, not dissimilar to the more esoteric Pathfinders of the true Volume. Their flittering about in a domain all their own, the sole force able to safely navigate its fraught waters.
It made Him homesick to a terrible degree to watch them.
He could not help but to echo some of their movements across His skin, like faint colors chasing the sun.
Within Him, the Others burned with a desire to learn more about this space. They wanted, more than anything, to reach out themselves to touch it, to embrace their inner curiosity, their natural keening for knowledge and experience. It was infectious too, for Ladon felt it just as much as they did.
So too did He find His eyes roving about His body, drinking in the passage of the portal. It was so..unusual for transition to be anything less than instant that He didn't realize how much of a unique experience it could be to simply exist within such a non-space.
A shudder inside of Him started at the most basic elements of what composed His consciousness: the air. To the people within Him, they could perceive it as a vibration, a flare up. One that swept into the water, into the lichen, moss, coral, and roots of so many plants. Inside the higher order lifeforms, the many mushines that composed the harmony of His intelligence.
It was excitement. Acknowledging Ihagen's words, He sent a reply to the Wayfinders.
"I/We/Are Ladon. We are Meta-Sax. We seek/yearn for connection with Other/Peer/Friend. The godling slept, but now it awakens. We wish for communion. We fear no Shadows."
For in truth, they carried them themselves.
A reality He softly reflected back to Ihagen, "We understand. So too are we diminished from the true breadth of our Volume. We are so much lesser than what was. The sound of us is too quiet, the theatre too empty, the warmth too distant."
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 03/21/2023 9:50 AM
The Wayfinders responded in unison, each carrying a tone of melancholy and a deep longing.
{We too seek connection.--.++Yet duty calls Us to these realms, where shadows dwell.++Though We stand distant from Kokhav Yeled, Our God, We feel Its warmth++. It is the fire in Our Glyph. --The Light in Our forms.--.++The joyous song in Our mind++}
{--++You shall see it too. So very soon++--}
The three Shemeshi vessels began to peel off from the group, inching closer and closer to the dimensional walls before sinking into the paths between realms once again. Ihagen followed their departure with an intense stare as if searching for something left in their wake. Soon enough the Arkiyonai found it and turned to their godly Companion.
It was a spark of azure light, pulsating rhythmically to some unknown tempo. The Arkiyonai held it up between two armoured fingers of one hand before manifesting the Glyph which represented Ladon, in a single motion the mage brought the two together and the Glyph changed. It grew in complexity and brightness, and rings of arcane script appeared on the edges.
{"It seems my Kindred accept you as a fellow traveller, from now You can count Yourself amongst the few who have braved the Ways-in-between. Now let us progress"}
Eventually, the same gate which Ihagen had used to enter this Path appeared before the group and for the first time in what felt like days, Ladon could see a source of light other than the Mitar constructs released by The Domain. This time there was no need to open any arcane lock, after all, who would bar the gates before a Guest?
---
For a brief moment, there is blindness, and then there is a celebration. The light of Hmitras's sun is overwhelming, the star is a vast red giant radiating enough heat to burn away planets into cinders. It consumes the view from horizon to horizon. Yet the punishing heat does not reach Ladon or The Domain. Wards woven into millions of obelisks shield the arrivals and those that join them.
Just like on That day, the Ayur have arrived in force to celebrate. Hundreds of temple ships and thousands of constructs dance around the Meta-Sax Elohim, all in memory of the time that Ladon was reclaimed from the brink of oblivion. Some of the Shemeshi have been there during that first gathering, the moment etched into their Glyph. Many more have burned out, yet passed Their memory through record and arcane writ, so that all will remember the first allies of the Shemesh Shevath.
And in the distance, cloaked in stellar eruption and solar plasma lays Hmitras itself. A rocky world of temples and holy sites, holding within a being of immeasurable power.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 03/24/2023 6:49 PM
The procession of moments took place in distinct frames for Ladon, like He was simply observing them outside of Himself. He recalled experiences like this, when he was younger, smaller, less experienced: fragments of awareness that sifted through the vastness of His consciousness. Telltale signs of emotions bubbling up to the surface, demanding to be acknowledged.
Somehow, between the conversation with the Wayfinders and the revelation of the acceptance of Ladon through His glyph, there was a flash of something... possessive. He acknowledged the feeling, acknowledged how He had never truly experienced a Peer, how He stood alone at the apex of the Clade in this galaxy, that He was the only one who could communicate with Them at such a level.
It was isolating.
So to be able to commune in such a way? It was decidedly something He deeply wished would continue, long into the far future. A timespan that the Clade had increasingly become despondent about.
When the doors to domain of the Shemeshi peeled back, when He saw the mirrored celebration, the convocation of Peers who stood in equal prayer and song, He wept within Himself. And within Himself, the other Saxheelians rejoined and rebounded and found again renewed strength for celebration. His whole bioshere thrummed with that energy within Him. It felt good to be this way again, like it was with the Volume. With all their loved ones, all their friends.
Though, this time, Ladon did a rejoinder of celebration on His own -- He did not wish to forsake the severity of the moment through the typical lax behaviors of His people. A Peer brought them here, and it would be the Peer who would guide them through to the end.
That said, He didn't stop his own skin from flushing with images, text, and song -- what true Saxheelian could resist, after all?
Voice echoing, He called, "Enjoinment! Entosis! Communion! That which we are, together we are! In ancient-prayer; celebration!"
And within Him, it was so.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 03/27/2023 10:04 AM
Despite the endless miles of Holy temples, sanctified shrines, mana refineries and arcane obelisks that cover Hmitras, through the crust of the planet a luminance begins to escape. It starts to trickle slowly, rising from cracks in the etherite-sewn surface, appearing as little more than wychlights from some miscast spell. Before the Shemeshi can turn their attention to it, the luminance becomes overwhelming. those deep in ritual, those parsing through fates and patterns, those making waves in realms beyond, those in examples of holy worship.
Their focus is broken, Their matters of importance replaced with something else.
Joy
For Their God rejoices as well.
For a single moment Hmitras becomes brighter than the star that envelops it. The light is purity, it is magic in it's truest, most divine form, it passes through any barrier or blockade. Filling the minds / glyphs of all who are touched by it, their psyche infused with nothing but the feeling of childlike love and joy. The light passes through the system and continues further, every Shemeshi in the galaxy feels its touch. Whether they be in the Ways below, or on the route to Corona.
---
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 06/20/2023 10:45 AM
The participants of the celebration prostrate themselves before their deity, all but Ihagen do so. The lone Arkiyonai has the duty of remaining the guiding voice during this journey, no matter how much They wish to join Their kindred. The Arcanist turns to Ladon. {"Kokhav Yeled, our God is awaiting our arrival. They have not shown such a display of clarity since the Awakening. Today is a good day my Friend."}
The Shemeshi fleet parts before the Meta Sax emissaries so that the path to Hmitras is clear. Ladon becomes the centre of an arcane sigil, a blazing sign in the mana-choked skies of the world below. With the merest glance of the occult rune, every Shemeshi is granted understanding of this momentous occasion.
The brief flashes of clarity from Yeled part the skies of Hmitras, it's spires and Temple Cities are no longer hidden underneath storms of mana. From pole to equator the surface is covered in an endless amalgamation of Workshops and Temples. Each is a personal expression of worship, created by an Ayur who wished to show their devotion to the broken deity. Thus through their ambition, or greed, some have created wonders that would baffle modern minds.
Non euclidean spaces that exist only inside areas of mana saturation.
Ziggurats that reach from the crust to the very skies above.
Forges that burn with fires stolen from realities unknown to mortal minds.
Yet cataloguing such wonders is ultimately a folly, whenever the whims of Yeled change, whenever the broken deity stammers out a half-sensible command. The world changes, as the Ayur seek to appease their god once again. Hmitras is never still, it's surface is everchanging.
Though there is no perceptible transmission, coordinates sprout in Ladon's conciousness. They point to a Ziggurat on the north pole, and something deeper within the world itself.
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 06/21/2023 11:22 AM
The revelation of the internal space of Hmitras was something that echoed easily across Ladon's mind. The surreal landscapes, the alien geometries; it was as home to Him as was The Duality. Even now, deep within the alien domain, He was still a part of that split-apart sub-reality, feeling the millions of Saxheelians with their own personal universes experiencing cladeification infinitely.
Ihagen's comment was met with a long, swelling motion of color and form along Ladon's skin, "Kin echoes Kin. We each grow in the presence of each other."
And indeed, Ladon's own internal despair eased ever so slightly as He grew closer to the temples, closer to the sense of touch with the Ayur around Him. The Clade's majority of people who lived within His body began to move from celebration into something more akin to reverence. It was a Volume tradition; respect for one equal to the Sax in depth, complexity, and expression. It was a small sigh of contentment amidst a galaxy of universes that imbued little else but harshness.
To know Another existed, an Other who was like them but not like them. It enriched the experience of life and brought ever so briefly a pulse of assurance for their mission, for their chosen purpose.
Ladon felt it as strongly as the others did, and for a moment, the Clade Entire felt one feeling, together, as they arced their way towards the Ziggurat, embracing the signal imbued by powers they did not understand.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 06/21/2023 10:14 PM
It is an unquestionable fact, that all life seeks the stars. Those blessed with self-realisation and understanding, seek to one day reach those lights twinkling in the deep black void. To one day sail across the etheric seas, or walk with the Gods that surely dwell there. This desire, this thirst for ascension manifests in constructs of arcane significance. Nexuses of holy geometries and hidden universial schema. Temples and altars of worship filled with the hope of Ascension which infuses the thoughts of those that pass through.
The Dreaming Zenith (as Ihagen names it in passing)would have been enough to fulfil those dreams. The vast Ziggurat is more akin to a mountain sculpted from pure etherite. Its roots bite deep into the crust below, while the peak scratches against the outer atmosphere of Hmitras. The mana-infused stone had been polished through the effort of thousands of Arkiyonai working in concert. Any sort of probe returns nothing but an impossible result, spaces larger on the inside than out, unreasonable ages and improbable material compositions. Just like the warships of the Shemeshi, this temple is brimming with half-contained mana. Runes the size of entire city blocks pulsate with the frequency of a heartbeat, a heartbeat that slowly quickens as Ladon is approaching.
Like a flower unfolding to recieve the rays of an encroaching daybreak, the Ziggurat opens to recieve Ladon. Slates of material the size of entire cities begin to dislocate and join in some unseen concert, slowly circling around the etherite mountain, held aloft by tendrils of telekinetic force. Their relocation opened a chasm in the peak of the construct, a rift wide enough for the Meta Sax Elohim to pass through unimpeded. The invitation is clear.
@varen (Meta-Sax)
Varen (Meta-Sax) — 06/23/2023 9:40 AM
Ladon continues to follow Ihagen, His thoughts peeling away towards contemplation of the various elements that surrounded His body. The temples, the shrines, the altars; things that Saxheelians did not possess nor really desire. Yet, despite the true difference in approach, there was similar respect towards the mutual understanding of Ascension.
Had He not gone through that process Himself, long ago? From a frail little thing into a Star God?
Materials He nor any Saxheelian could identify filled the mountain that was looming before them; it hummed with a strange sense of other. Geometric spaces were one thing, but Ladon sensed no mechanism He could determine which built upon the tesseracts. They simply were. A fascinating display of their cherished Friends abilities.
He does not slow his movement or quicken his pace as the great temple opened up to receive His form. He acknowledged the importance of this transition and did what He could to stifle His own growing excitement.
At last, He would meet His peoples Peer.
Doomrider(Unbroken/Shemesh) — 06/23/2023 10:44 AM
For a moment Hmitras became still, across the countless temples and arcane workshops the Arkiyonai stopped and watched. In the training pits and ritual arenas, the Lokhem laid down their weapons and watched. The intricate mechanisms of Shemeshi society stopped, as if the gears of some universial clockwork became mired down in stasis. Through their mind's eye, the Ayur observed as the glorious form of Ladon moved towards the Pale Zenith, their Heart Glyphs pulsed with fear and anticipation, for none knew what would follow. Not even the Chronomancers could discern the encroaching future, the possibilities too vast for even them to comprehend.
By now Ihagen had stepped off from The Domain, as the vessel was not welcome where They would venture. The prime Arkiyonai had chosen to stand on the brow of the Meta-Sax elohim (after asking of course).
The chasm within the Pale Zenith opened into an infinite abyss, a yawning void, deeper than the heart of a singularity, yet which radiated a feeling of protection. Like the embrace of family after isolation.
[---]
The passage between There, and Here is sudden and instantenous.
In one moment the Delegation is inside an endless plane of darkness, without substance or definition. In the next Ladon rides above the waves of a sea of runes and scripture. Underneath them uncountable messages in arcane script contest with each other in a battle for rememberance. . Runes join into words, then sentences, then histories and definitions. A single glance is enough to percieve millenia of gathered history from every realm the Ayur have seen. And with each moment, more runes fall through some unseen cracks in the firnament, deposited by Arkiyonai toiling ceasessly to recover their god.
{We exist in an excised space. A realm created and maintained just by Kokhav Yeled. I'm afraid that's where My understanding ends, since Their shattering few have been able to commune directly. None however, were allowed within. }
In the centre of this ocean of understanding lies an Atoll of scripture, a mountain of scrolls and jagged altars. From within, the call echoes once again.