Talia relaxes, then grins slightly and says quietly (so as not to interfere with Danae's communication with the Sentinals), "Nice.  We should name them."

"Fair enough--Protection in that context means either fighting alongside them in combat scenarios when neccessary, and performing patrol and sentry duties outside of hostile scenarios.  Specific doctrine will be provided as it becomes neccessary, through either myself, or another designated superior."  Danae holds off for a moment as she considers further statements.

"Master will do for now"  She continues.  "Rank and other terminology may be provided in the future however, if present hierarchy should become more complex.  For now, we will provide sample data to assemble your profile of present allies, as well as other superiors."

Standing back as she gives a nod to the Ruby Warriors presently standing guard, confirming that the situation was under control, Danae stretched out slightly and yawned. "Well... I was thinking of going with the Blue Stripes--but if anyone's got a better idea, I'll be glad to hear it out."

"No, I mean individually.  You know, in case we need to distinguish between them."  Her smile turns a bit sheepish.  "Okay, I just want to make up names for them."

Dashu walked into the room as the subject of names came up.  Unfortunately, he completely missed the fact that Talia was amusing herself by being creative.  "Personal Identification of units wouldn't be a bad idea.  Perhaps based off of something easy to remember system.  You could easily assign the units into groups identified with a letter and individual units within the groups could be identified with a number."  For someone who's job to investigate people, Dashu could be incredibly dense at times.

Finally he remembered what he came for in the first place, "I heard that you might need people to help stress test their combat abilities.  It would appear you're not at that stage yet but I was going to offer my assistance none the less."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Sat 16 May 2009.

"Not right now" Danae pointed out.  "We first need to properly get their Friend or Foe designations set up before we do anything--and I'm a little reluctant to test them with our own fighters right now either--at least not until their new directives have had a chance to settle in at any rate."

Answering Nanaret's questions, as clear and logical as they are, prove to be more difficult for Higura. Despite the strange memories that unlock at various intervals of his development and the strange nature of his birth, he believes he can feel what he is, but putting it into words becomes more problematic. And so, as is often the case, he decides that the best answer is the simplest one.

"I suppose the easiest way to say it is that I am akin to an organic computer - I am made to be the 'human' interface of the All-Seeing Prochorus. I am Dusan the Mindwalker, but I also am not - I carry within me parts of soul and mind that were used by Prochorus to fix Dusan's broken psyche. That is why, upon my rebirth, I was given a different name."

"I am akin to the other Celestials, and yet I am somewhat different. I have similarities to the Gatekeeper and the other AIs that govern this place, but I am not like them. My thoughts, feelings and flaws are very real, even though part of me is akin to a biological machine." He looks at the woman then, and a warm smile traces on his lips. "But at the core, I am simply Higura."

Nanaret's 'why', however, has to remain unanswered for now. Higura himself is not certain why the things that made him who he is even transpired, or the ultimate plan that set the creation of Prochorus into motion. Perhaps understanding this question is one of the reasons why the quiet doctor wishes to journey to the top levels of Coils along with the others: to truly understand.

Accompanying Nanaret to the cavern where Danae continues to make adjustments to the automatons. The work she makes on the constructs seems fascinating to the doctor, who watches the proceedings with heightened attention. "They are of an interesting make, these... what did you wish to call them again? Blue Stripes?" He begins, tilting his head towards Danae. "You seem to know what you are doing with your instructions to them. That is reassuring. I am certain that once you have outlined their functions properly, they will be precious allies."

The last almost seems to be spoken as if the Doctor thought the automatons to actually be alive.

"Hmm..." Nanaret does more than just watch, once she sees Danae has the machines under control. She circles the room alertly, more like a stalking cat than the monkey of her totem, as the five red eye-beams scan the room. "Hmmmmmmmm." Without making any sudden movements, she cautiously steps toward one of the Blue Stripes, then around and behind it, testing how the sensors follow her motions.

Finally she stops in front of the first Hulking Armor Sentinel to speak and answer Danae's questions, standing within a few yards so that she remains within its visual range. Sixth Coil is still in her hands, but folded into a non-lethal, compact form, and she holds her arms behind her back, with her feet slightly apart. Ready, but not hostile.

"They truly listen only to what programmed or directed to do? Or is just guidelines?" Nanaret asks. Mentally, she is still considering Higura's earlier words. A biological, sentient machine? But is that not what all humans are, but for the concept of personal identity? And Higura, for all his talk of such things, is warmer in demeanor than a living record, like Third. Or a machine sentry. "Do they know they alive, or just react to what input given them?"

Though her expression looks troubled, Nanaret doesn't seem to be expecting any easy answers. She shrugs and says, "Anyway, I not good with names. Maybe this one be Blue Stripe One." And nods to the HAS in front of her.

Building the Blue Stripes' Friend database goes smoothly enough, now that Danae has established her authority over them. It takes longer to track down everyone to come and be scanned / voice-recognized, than to actually accomplish the deed. In a couple hours the process is done, and the automatons can walk freely throughout the larger tunnels of the Hive without being triggered by the various refugees, insects or Exalts that go by.

The builder bugs are a touch discomfited by their presence, though, and request that the hulking automatons be ordered to stay put in the outer hive so as not to disturb their work. (Besides the fact that many of the inner hive tunnels would be too small to fit the Stripes.)

Among the various projects the artisans and producers labor ceaselessly for -- besides improving the refugees' arsenal -- are extra equipment for the Exalts, including a suit of exceptional lamellar made to Higura's specifications and some high quality lockpicking tools and stealth-aiding garb for Nanaret. These items are delivered when completed. Further items can still be ordered, but not in time for the imminent call to arms and the beginning of the next stage of the Celestials' ascent to freedom.

---

OOC: Right, so, moving on now. Any other equipment requests can be handled in PM/OOC. It's possible the bugs could work with their stores of jade, too, but it'd take more time there is right now to make.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:55, Sun 17 May 2009.

Week 5 (17th day of Resplendent Water)

Nine days after Queen Chilomena has retired to her birthing chamber to increase the number of Ruby Warriors, she re-emerges to gather the Celestial Exalts currently staying as guests in the Hive for a meeting. Drachma, as representative of the refugees, is also allowed into the Royal Chamber for the first time, clad in his new reinforced breastplate and a crisp, freshly woven dark blue uniform.

Chilomena informs them that Veldygar Arhandor and Broken Eternal have been briefed and sent upward by the Gatekeeper of Water, and that puts the others in a position to quickly finalize their plans to overtake the Earth District. She is seated on her massive throne, currently in her rather startling natural shape: a gigantic white ant-like insect with a distended abdomen, reclining on the ancient stone chair with her opaline wings draped down the back like diamond-shimmering curtains.

For now, Jhenli speaks on her behalf; she is apparently quite exhausted by the increased birthing. "Given current intelligence, we would suggest up to three simultaneous courses of action. One to make contact with Earth District rebels, another to cause distraction for any non-automaton patrols, and another to bring the fight to the Inner Temple. It is my belief that you should leave distraction to us; your skills would be better served in combat, infiltration or persuasion."

He glances to the Queen, who waves a permissive foreleg, and opens the floor to the Celestials. "Your thoughts?"

Third bows its head. "Eyewish to be a part of the group that approaches the Inner Temple itself.Eye hope to convince the two Immaculates Eyeam currently keeping under suppression to greater cooperation, to be able to free up necessary Essence reserves, in case of combat. Otherwise, Eye will be ready for the entrance. Eye believe Eye will have the best chance at convincing the Gatekeeper of Earth of its true allegiance." it says, its voice beginning to suggest at the growing influences of its past life, those words sounding different in its mouth as it speaks. It stands with the others before Chilomena, after having once again provided the appropriate bow, though there seems to be something crisper about it, rather more practiced.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:39, Sun 17 May 2009.

Xurizu considers his best role for a few moments before he speaks.  "I believe I would be best placed contacting and co-ordinating with the rebels within the district.  I don't think I would do very well in the fight that is likely to be involved at the temple," He had seen the Blue Stripes and knew that right now he had no place in a combat which involved any weapons of that power. "At least one of the rebel leaders already knows me too," he says in reference to the Mockingbird.  Of course, just how many people amongst the rebels were driven there by me is something I'll just have to deal with.

"I'll be accompanying the attackers on the Temple" Danae began.  "We'll be taking the Blue Stripes as well--they won't raise too many eyebrows until we actually start fighting, and they'll be able to provide a great deal of direct muscle...  Plus, I can assist Third with any work that needs to be done with the Gatekeeper--I'm also probably one of the stronger fighters in this group--and we're probably going to come against the toughest defenders on the level here, and they'll need my additional support for handling those sorts of enemies."

Nanaret arrives quite differently dressed as she has been the past weeks. Unbeknown to most of her peers, the dusky Lunar has commissioned the Hive to weave for her a snug fitting jumpsuit, soft-soled boots, and matching long coat of a dark, high quality cloth that absorbs light. The coat is currently worn open to reveal her jade breastplate underneath; it also has a split at the back, below the waist, presumably to allow space for a tail.

Besides that is her arsenal: two sheaths at either hip for her hook swords, a shoulder harness that carries both her moonsilver serpent staff (folded compactly and slipped into a dark resin tube) and one of the custom hybrid powerbows taken from Jade Willow's acolytes. Tucked into a breast pocket are spectacles made with resin frames and specially tinted glass lenses -- used not for any sight problems or even style, so much as to hide the lurid yellow color of her night-eyes when she shifts into hybrid form.

Finally she carries a simple canvas bag; as she is uncertain yet what task she will embark on, she has brought all of her alternate disguises collected thus far.

When Jhenli asks the Celestials for their thoughts, Nanaret waits for an opportunity to speak up. "I can go where needed... am able to be both combatant and undercover agent, and prepared for either. My only request, I prefer go with Doctor Higura if possible. Because I -- no. Just, is what I prefer." She shrugs slightly, deciding to let others make their choices first. Ranavalona could be a danger if not controlled, and Higura helps with that control, but she could do so even without him... probably.

"I suppose I should go along to talk to the rebels.  If the Freerunners you meet with know me, then they might be willing to work with us, and if not, then maybe I'll have a better idea how to win them over."  Talia sits casually, war fan tucked into her sash.

Dashu arrived shortly after Nanaret and gave a very weak, awkward, smiles.  It wasn't something he had done much of in a long time and it was obvious.  However, he had noticed that Nanaret's clothing had changed, and while not in the same way, it was obvious it was designed for the same function.  Dashu had taken to a pair of black pants, a dark blue shirt, and a brown over coat since he had been back.  These were all simple worker's clothing.  What was new, though, were the boots and gloves he had on.  They were were well fitted and specifically designed to absorb noise.

"I'll go where Nana doesn't."  Dashu felt he had gotten closer to her on their last mission so he tried using a nickname for her.  Again, it seemed awkward for him.  He wasn't used to being close to people.  "We have similar skills.  I'm not useless in a fight and I can move quickly.  If it comes to organizing people, I might be able to help as long as it's not a military unit.  Sorry, I don't have much of a knack with that.  Put pushing papers, trading, understanding and navigating a bureaucracy is my gig.  Helped with tracking down crooked clerks who were skimming off the top."

"I had thought to provide the distraction, but if the Rubies can handle that alone I think I would be best placed  I would be most beneficial storming the tower.  I have not made the effort previously to meet the rebels and they may grow suspicious at too many new faces showing up."  Dena grins wryly a moment, a rare grin that isn't particularly hideous, a grin when she isn't in pain and using it.  "Besides, somebody's going to have to keep Third safe in that place."

Quietly walking in after his comrades, Higura joins the discussion with a few nods to the assembled Exalts, making certain that his arrival does not disturb the current conversation. He too, seems to have changes his attire - instead of the drab brown uniform he wore as an assessor and member of the Coils' Medical Corps, he now wears a long, forest green knee-high overcoat with a high collar and adjusted sleeves that reach an inch or two past his wrists. The coat is currently unbuttoned, letting onlookers cath glances of the perfectly fitted lamellar armor the builder bugs recently crafted for the doctor's use. His hands are still decked in black leather gloves, and he wears comfortable black pants and black traveling boots to complete the outfit.

When the conversation pauses enough, the doctor chimes his own thoughts. "I believe I will accompany the group that is heading to meet with the insurgents. I would suspect my skills would be of use in that sort of situation, after all - but I can also take covert actions if needed." He nods, then tilts his head in Nanaret's direction, as if to ask a silent question. He then moves his glance to Dashu.

"If Miss Nanaret also comes along, that would mean, according to your previous statement, that you would go along with the attack team, yes?" The doctor says, pausing as he looks to the faces around him. "If so, then that would split us evenly into two groups."

"Yes, seems so. Normally I say more of us go to Temple. But Danae has these new machines. Seem very sturdy and strong." Nanaret nods to Dashu, and smiles at the gesture of familiarity. She isn't the most social person either, but has learned to adapt the mannerisms well, as it is crucial for her to assume the many personas she has. "I not know much, Dashu, but if you also good fighter, you do well to help them. Better you can slip in unseen to help progress, too. Not everything won by force..." Her face darkens slightly when she says that. Ranavalona would not agree.

"Hive Queen, Communicator Jhenli, you know of where the two agents of Gatekeeper of Water were sent?" Nanaret asks of the two builder bug officials, then addresses Drachma and her fellow Exalts. "And... what about refugees army, they be coming with one of our groups?" She has no idea whether anything had been planned for them, so brings up the subject. Maybe one of the others had something in mind.

"I'm not sure they're ready for an attack.  I think the Mortals will come into their own once we've captured the Gatekeeper, we'll need every eye to watch for counter-attacks and every hand to keep order here."

Drachma straightens when the refugees are mentioned, and clears his throat slightly. "If I may speak. We of the Refugee Army are not as fragile as we once were. We have learned to survive outside the Dragon-blooded's net. However, I am not inclined to let my people rush to their deaths, either. The Immaculate Monks may well be too strong for us to take on realistically, even with the new equipment -- which, again, I thank our hosts deeply for." The bearded, broad shouldered man bows stiffly to the Queen, then continues.

"If you think we should remain here to guard the Hive, then we'll do so, and continue our training in the meantime. However, we would like to be allowed to integrate and cooperate with the other rebel elements of the area, should there be an agreement made with them. Even we have heard the legends of Free, and to follow his cause would please us greatly."

"In addition... should you be able to safely make contact with the civilians living here on this floor, we offer our aid in their organization and training, to educate them -- as Alus Tycho before us -- to be ready in the eventuality of conflict. I would imagine they may feel more comfortable knowing there is a precedent for them to look upon as an example."

"And before I forget, I should thank you personally as well, Tervila Dena, and Third Beneficiary." Drachma smiles at the two Exalts in turn, a rare expression for the man who has taken up the mantle of refugee army captain. He is not a particularly dour man, necessarily, but circumstance, responsibility and the departure of Tycho have put him in a serious and introspective mood more often than not. "The festival you helped put together for us was revitalizing. Now we know we are not alone, that we should not be afraid to stand against our oppressors."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Tue 19 May 2009.

Jhenli, meanwhile, has been paying attention to the conversation, and translating to the weary Queen when need by. It seems quite obvious by now that she is needing his aid with the translation less and less, though she still prefers to speak in Old Realm.

Once all the humans have expressed their place in the coming operation, Jhenli steps forward from his place besides the Queen's throne, and once again addresses the group on her behalf. "So, then, the organization is as follows: Danae Adela, Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge, Tervila Dena and Peleps Dashu will move toward the Inner Temple. Ledaal Xurizu, Talia Zerith, Saina Nanaret and Yaishin Higura will attempt to make contact with the Freerunner rebels. Should that succeed you will be able to stir a conflict with the Usurpers on two or more fronts. In the meantime, the refugee army will remain on standby."

Stepping forward through the group gathered before the throne, the currently humanoid insect communicator draws attention toward the resin model of the Inner Temple. The detailed three-dimensional map been broken apart, brought back to the Hive and reassembled at the rear of the Throne Room as a prop to aid in their plans.

"To answer your question, Saina Nanaret, the Gatekeeper of Water has directed Veldygar Arhandor and Broken Eternal to move immediately to infiltrate the Inner Temple. As I understand it, Veldygar has summoned two denizens of Malfeas to aid him. And Broken Eternal is a ... w-well, we have been informed he was once a Nightbringer like Peleps Dashu, and still retains those skills. They have been instructed to make their way to the Gatekeeper of Earth Central Core, as Veldygar is a Crowned Sun with the ability to oathbind the Gatekeepers to favor their old Masters. With your aid as well, Third Beneficiary, the directives of the Gatekeeper of Earth may well be reshaped in line with that of Water."

"Therefore, the Inner Temple group will rendezvous with the Water Republic agents, while the Ruby Warriors create a diversion. We can finalize the details of where and how in just a moment." He holds two right hands up, then gestures with his pair of left hands to the second group. "Now, Freerunner group. I believe that one of you has secured a means by which to communicate with a representative of Free? You may wish to utilize that, if not right now, then as soon as possible."

---

OOC: sorry for the text-spam, but trying to move us ahead some more. :) don't think we'll discuss plans TOO much longer, as I don't actually have a real map of the Inner Temple, so I'll have to imply a lot.

"It is as you say." Higura starts, nodding in Jhenli's direction. "Our best bet remains to try to make it a joint effort so we take the minders of the Earth District on multiple fronts. That way, we force the enemy to actually make a choice as to what it should defend - and as soon as we push them to make that choice, we can continue to press on to gain even more of an advantage."

"According to Mister Dashu, Mister Xurizu and Miss Nanaret, there is unrest within the Conclave they visited, which also might indicate that there is unrest in other Conclaves as well. If even one of them becomes 'liberated' so to speak, I believe that people will fight all the harder to try to topple the current regime. This is no real surprise, either - those who manage to break free will not want to ever go back to being captives again. They will do what they can so they do not have to return to those days. And so I believe we can help one another by focusing some efforts and helping the Freerunners and perhaps help in liberating some of the Conclaves."

The doctor pauses at the last comment Jhenli makes, then shakes turns to his comrades. "I believe Mister Dashu and Xurizu are the ones in charge of this communication means, unless I am mistaken."

"Those arrangements sound fine to me.  I'll be more than happy to go with the group who's attacking the temple.  If we're ready to contact Mockingbird, I'll get right on it."  With that, Dashu pulls out the scroll he had recieved and begins to make preparations.  He then looks up at the group and says, "I said before that we might want to be careful with what information we trust to Mockingbird.  He is, after all, a business man and he trades in information.  Before we start, is there anything about our plans we want to keep close to our chests."

[Private to GM: I'll give the group a chance to respond and make another posting on the activity later today.]

"Don't tell him anything he doesn't need to know.  Even things that seems harmless could be risky, if someone can put enough pieces together."  Talia says flatly.
"I almost forgot.  Before we go anywhere, Danae, Third and I have created a sort of blind spot in the automated defenses."  She pulls a handful of badges from her pocket.  "There should be enough of these for everyone; when the automatons see the badge they should ignore the wearer.  It won't do any good against any people you may run into, of course."

"Hmm, well perhaps we should keep secret that we have Danae's machines fighting with us.  It would be useful to have them available as a surprise.  I'd be inclined to keep secret the entire attack on the tower but I don't think that's reasonable, they'll need at least the broad strokes of what we're doing to do in order to help."