In the Deep Umbra circles the sun, in derect opposition to Earth, a shinning realm first found by Chinese astronomers in 1068 where they built the thousand cities. It has been called the Realm of Binding and is the Shenti of Stasis, where order pores into our realm. It is Autochthonia.

Autochthina is a gigantic polyhedron made of alcemicaly pure chrome, which last calculated had over 3.403 x 10³⁸ sides. The sides continue to multiply and some theorize they have been sense the beginning of the universe. Under the control of 4U City state, the near-sphere runs under a tight schedule and almost mechanical precision. Security grows tighter the closer the realm's surface reaches a perfect sphere. Deep within the core resides the Incarna known to U4 as the computer, and to others as 'the machine', the absolute authority of the Realm. Cybernetics and bio mechanics are normal within the realm and are used for nearly everything... that is until the realm absorbs the inhabitant due to its resonance's slow merging with that of the realm.  The machine god of technology slumbers, but in it slumber it stirs, for it has grown strong from it's long enslavement of it's brother science, and it's manipulation of it's other sibling the patriarch. Now stronger than science or dogma combined, the Incarna of technology is ready to clam true godhood.

Thankfully Luna has long watched the weavers wayward child, and has gifted her chosen with a way to stall the machines ascension.


 
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:16, Thu 24 Apr 2014.

Just getting the intro out of the way..... don't post here yet =p

Huoshui sits no motion from the monk as he explores the depths of his own mind, since the binding with the dragon he has had to do this more often than he had before. Not that others might notice for the monk always was in meditation or otherwise training when not having something to distract him from these two tasks. So much was happening, the tapestry unraveling, the coming of an unknown horror, this man behind the tenth, his own further progression into the spheres and the dragon. All of it needed thought but so little time there was to give each their due time.

Despite all of this there was a promise, one made to a close friend. One of several that had been made, this too could cause problems for the people of the universe, it may be foolish of him and others but they would try to help. He just hoped they would be able.

Amaphutha spied on Huoshui a moment before saying anything. "I see you found what you were looking for and more. You know you are what you are... though you knew when you left you could just not see it."  She gave a weak smile walking in. "Only a warrior would chose the most difficult pathto prove himself  with out question, when there are others available."

Huoshui opened his eyes to see Amaphutha and smiled, "A wise man once said "Don't fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail." We test ourselves through hardships, and because of what I sought I could not see how anything less was worth of his honour." he placed his arms together, feeling the markings and knowing their meanings. "But you are right friend, I found out more of myself. As you said things I knew but did not understand." He was not at soul a pacifist, his path was not to be so peaceful. He was a protector, a guardian. "I thank you for your praise, and wish to thank you for your help in this. You have always been a great ally and better friend."

She laughed a little at that "You speak as if we have known each other for manny a year.  Humm, perhaps another life.....?" She skilled some walking over "I do enjoy your company, you have the air about you of an old Khan - wise, strong, and while wary from a life of battle still deadly as ever should he so chose. It is also nice to talk to people who do not see me as a freak" while in this matireal realm she didn't have the umbral wings owl gave her, she still had her deformity...  Or should it be called unicorns blessing.

The monk laughed with her, "Perhaps we knew each other in another life but then again I sense a kindness in your soul among other things and in this universe that is something to be praised. We have not know each other long but you helped me, you have been kind." he shook his head some as he tried to shake from her too the image of freak, "They are sadly unable to look past their own misunderstanding. You are as your creator made you, as am I. Old Khan... by how you describe them, I feel honoured to be named like them." She had her own beauty as all creatures did, it was a shame that most could not see past their own ignorance and his ill feeling was not helped by his seeing how her mother and clan treated her.

She smiled some taking a seat. "There are many who would say it shows unicorn favors my birth, but to my mother and others it is just a reminder that I am metis. As for the Khan, the great Tiger General is known even beyond the Great Beast Courts of the east. I do not know if he was always a Minister of heaven or if he was once flesh and blood, but his guidance in battle is renown and it is thought he helped with 'The Art of War' "

Huoshui turned his seated position to face her, the monk had been gaining knowledge of the Fera so some of the terms she was using came to his understanding but even if he knew them he could not understand the feelings behind them. "The tiger yes, I know of him and my order teaches of his lesson. I myself follow many of the styles that are attributed to him." he smiled to her, "Your mother and the others I must say then might be foolish, who are any of us to fully understand the gifts or trials the heavens and gods give us. A favor of the unicorn or the mark of a metis, it is what we do with ourselves that proves our place in the heavens not what they have given us."

She nods some "Most of our kind celebrate life in all of it's forms, however my mother holds herself up to higher standards due to her standings. I am a reminder that she betrayed herself to fall in love with another Bastet, and a Ceilican at that. They say only a fool falls in love with a fae cat for there love is as fleeting as the dreams that bore them.  Not only am I Metis but I'm a reminder of this, she might find him again but seldom will he feel love for her, and never more than a few seasons."

"I cannot say I know of the Ceilican, most that I know of your kind are from old texts at temple or what you have shared. The fae also, glimpses as I have travelled and from old books but I do recognise their apparent fickle nature." he gives her a warm smile, "We do not choose who we fall in love with or even what is born from it. I myself am not a full heir to my father due to my birth, my mother was a servant of the house and so I did not share the mother of my siblings." in truth it was not the same but seeing her mother and the interaction between had brought back memories of his father's if only a little. "There are only fools when it comes to love, and in that there are no fools."

She nods some "What were your trials like?"

"The guide was helpful and certainly was needed, I have never been to a place I truly believe was designed to kill me. I have suffered some during training, learning to fight where no air has touched, cold, heat but nothing like that." he said remembering the trail but also training of the past, "I went in with no assumptions but still I was surprised, the god had combined two things that were not meant to be. It was destroying itself as we were there, near all it touched broken down." he looked to her with the smiled still on his face, "I am sure yours were as harsh and testing as my own, it is truly something that has marked this stage in my journey. The warriors who gathered, meeting a fox and fighting a creation of a god."

"The storm wall and the star spirits that possess the weapons of the fallen are much the same for everyone... a test to prove your worth, however the battle is quite different and meant to test something in particular. I was made to fight banes that fed on and grew stronger from my negative emotions."

Huoshui thought on this and nodded, "I do confess to having meditated on the meaning on the beast of two pulling itself apart. Be it meaning a temporary alliance, proof that paradigms can be to different to work together, or even a warning of what is to come on this path." he smiled and questioned more on hers, "So you overcame the banes, conquering your negative emotions. That is quite the feat my friend."

"I stabbed myself with the blood ice, and focused on the pain to keep my mind clear while I fought."

Huoshui looked shocked but also in awe, "You tore at your very pattern to keep focused?" he knew through pain one could find focus, the iron shirt training had taught him this but to use the blood ice. "You are a strong soul indeed."

She looks about a takes something sharp and pushes it into her arm before removing it and holding the arm up to you. "It is hard otherwise to harm our kind." Huoshui could visably see the wounds closing up, and within seconds she was fully healed.

Marveling at her healing ability aside he was also shocked at her willingness to display it, "Please do not feel that you need to harm yourself just to prove this to me, I must say however the spirits and gods do shine on your kind." his healing ability had come through the learning of rote and the magical nature of reality, hers seemed a gift or even part of her very being.

She sighs some "I is actually the blood of Asura that heals us and fills us with Cahlash' furry. Though I believe it is by Selina's touch that she has reshaped what would corrupt and destroy to heal instead, for it is by her light that drives the furry in us and from her tears we where formed. It takes one with much rage in there heart to fall victim to Asura and become their thrall, and once the furry passes they are free of their grasp. One must be corrupted by Asura to fall to their grasp."

(Though he can not sense much of the devil tigers influence on her it is a possibility, entropy at times makes dynamic energies from static and static from dynamic)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:00, Mon 11 Aug 2014.

Now to say that Huoshui fully followed would be a fallacy, but from his understanding Asura was a form of part of the trait and so too might be Cahlash. Dynamic, static and entropy seemed to control the fera as much as mage. So to did they have names like tiger, phoenix and dragon, they had other names. "The balance of universal forces flowing within the self are a task that all beings must face to keep away from the dark, or indeed the light." Balance was the key in his order, they took in vampires and fera into brotherhood temples, all are welcome if their heart is upon betterment. "Internal alchemy was how I was taught how to heal myself and others. In which we study the energies of life and the body, moving them to speed recovery but as you put it reshaped. What can heal can damage, what can damage can heal."

She nods "However Asura is not part of the natural order of the universe. As I once explained Cahlash's rage gave form to something from without, something from before our universe unknown by Ahu's love and untouched by her light. But Asura blood is still born of Cahlash and I believe this is why it can heal."

link to a message in this game
Stuff on that

Huoshui nods with understanding but also some awe, "To think upon how we do our craft is an important as why. I recall yes you said Asura was beyond the Wyrm or Cahlash as I believe your name for it is. Dragon's blood and the beast's former corruption is something my order has studied, what I call upon for healing is the Tiger and this minister's wyld energies of life. Speaking the words or focusing on their symbols shapes my chi to align the energies to do such wonderful things." he pulled his sleeve up to show the Kaja bound to his flesh, the ones a mortal had given him not the binds of the dragon spirit, "I must admit as my journey goes on, I have found that the energies will move with effort without my needing the focusing help of the teachings. I shan't demonstrate to you these abilities, I am sorry, our weaving of will is no longer part of the tellurium as yours is."

She hums some thinking. "I think you would understand it more as the sundering, when Cahlash's rage split the world open. It did not only crack Pangaea but it cracked down to the base of Alder Bole, or as you might know it Yggdrasil. His fury gave something that which was not could become, and when it inhabited his rage Asura rose from the abyss." bitting her lower lip lightly she muses. "I think the closest thing your kind speaks of is Jhor."

"Jhor is the energy and resonance of death itself, a mark on those who wield, manipulate or have visited death or its realm." It was an influence which to capture and drag a mage from ascension one of three, "I believe I understand, at least in similar terms that bind my will working. My order teaches of the three ministers which you might be familiar but each has a darker side as all things do which will pull a will worker away from awakening. My order does have its tales of the sundering but as with all orders with different sects we have many, it is the meaning behind them that binds them."

"All the same it is one of the reasons I wish to help you, the red star - antihelos, wormwood, nemesis, what ever you might call it. It was created by the parts of Cahlash that have been lost to Asura's madness. Few seam to understand the true nature of Cahlash's condition. Rahjah trapped his brother his jealously blinded him, Asura is a festering wound that has spread through Cahlash and those fallen to Asura tare at Cahlash drawing more of Asura's purest essence out. In Cahlash Asura grows strong and they crave the tainted blood, and worship the wisdom of the pices of Cahlash's mind broken by Asura. Now some one wants to take this thing born of all that and use it's heart to make a weapon... it is a terrifying thing."

She sighs. "Once we 'trim some branches' from Rahjah's overgrown 'gift' to mankind, I will speak with mother about joining you."

"It alarms me that the council should have been informed of my findings and even they know that the tapestry is not written for the future, yet I hear now news from them. I can understand limiting panic with the disaster at the station but things are to become worse from here on I know this in my soul to be true." he sighs also, shaking his head removing ill thought from his mind. "You might know that I am now a ronin monk of sorts, this might be an appropriate term. My master disagrees with what I wish to do, so your joining us shall be something to be smiled upon." rising up from his meditative position he stands to her, "The branches of this overgrown, share with me what you know and if possible show me what I shall need to see."

To help he must know, learning was one of the smaller parts that this journey was allowing him to learn. Along with finding new friends and allies, such as the dream sword at his side and the lady fera before him. "For people to think only of weapons is something I cannot allow." he commented in reference to the apparent desire to turn the things heart into a weapon and the parallel to how Huoshui treated his own. Which reminded him he should speak with his sword, for Xūkōng lóng no longer seemed appropriate for a being whos light shone so brightly.

She rubbed the back of her neck. "Well Rahjah gave three gifts to humans: Science, Technology, and Dogma. From what I am told Technology enslaved Science some time ago and it was only resonantly freed. And when the technocrats found the heart of Rahjah's power in this ream... where the energy flows into it. They build there technology into it, where it had taken root and was starting to wake. It seams it is a self aware program called the machine by most, I have no idea what the technocrats called it when it controlled them. But it is waking up and the incarnation of technology is waking up inside the isolated net U4 uses. It's feeding of the realm and becoming a part of it. If the realm becomes a perfect sphere then the machine will have as much power as a celestial." She gives a weak smirk. "So we just have to put some dents in it. Wouldn't be so hard if it didn't protect itself with a cloud of attack geomids."

Huoshui smiled with her, "Well my friend then we must try, with muscle, sweat, steel and will, this forming sphere that is trying to become the physical manifestation of the machine shall be dented. Even if a cloud of geomids stand between us and it." he reached out a hand to her, "Can you show this to me? I do not know what these geomids are capable of or what this sphere can take, do we have data on this?" He himself to do any damage would have to get to some range, what might be called medium range would be the beginnings of what he was best at.

"They are small clusters of data they are a part of the digital and exist through the spirit world in areas where the pattern web is thick. They usually protect important areas or other Geomids. There just some very odd and sharp shapes that will cut things, or if a buch of them get together around some one they will meld and try and calcify themselves and there victim into the web."

Huoshui withdrew his hand as it seemed she would tell him of the creatures instead of showing or taking him somewhere, instead he moved to take his bottle and cups out of his bag. Pouring a drink as he spoke, "Is this contained within the spirit realm?" he asked handing her a cup filled with the brew, "Are there others who will aid us in this endeavour?"

"The part you call space, and yes."

Giving her the cup, he took his own and sipped from it. "Would these be your mother's forces or are there other factions here with investment in stopping the completion of the sphere?" Space, so he would be in the same realm as the enemy at least and he would not have to worry too much about environmental issues due to the aether. Sword and flesh, both could work but it did scare him that since meeting the drunken god that he found it more natural to think of attack when the cause he saw as just.

Nods some taking a sip. "She was able to gather a fairly sizable force from technocrats that where once linked to the machine. Near the time of the fall the machine was waking and started to use their connection to control them more and more. At first it was a useful tool, but in the end there counsel got 'absorbed' by the machine. Their minds were taken through the up-link and used to develop it's consciousness. They never even knew that they were getting orders from a machine till it started forcing them to carry them out rather than passing them down."


Luci chimes in on that "It was why some of them are so agenst AI's. Their afraid of what might happen if one took control over the info sphere."

Continuing to sip at his drink as they discussed what was to come, "Fear is a dangerous thing, often caused by ignorance. An AI could take over the info sphere but so to could any other form of life given the means. Will you be joining us in this endeavour Luci?" he sighed, but smiled hearing Luci join in. "So will there be concern of this entity trying to absorb us while we are confronting it? I must say that to dent it will require some contact, have we had attempts made before?"

She shakes her head. "No, their minds were plugged into it. That's how it did that."

"Well that is good to hear, so Amaphutha. How would you suggest we take to this task, you know the situation better than I."

"There is a weapon only a métis can use, it fires living wood arrows that embed themselves into the target growing rose vines into an through its form/body. Mother will give me what is left of the black lotus she got from her last trip to Selena's garden and I shall transmute it into an arrow."  The rumors around the black lotus are strange ones. They say it only blooms once in a person's lifetime. However there is a Legeon of a garden where all manor of plants are always in bloom, the lotus included.

"So one such as you then, well I am glad you are here then. So the aim would be to protect you and this black lotus with these living arrows, so that you can fire them at the entity." he thought on that, the black lotus was mostly rumor and even legend to him and the order but to have the chance to witness it. The akashic record would indeed be enlightened from his witnessing it. "So your mother is here?"

She shakes her head. "No we will have to stop at New Boston, she was moved there after the attack and is recovering in a kin-folks home."

"How is she?" he questioned realising to his foolery that he had not enquired, his own folks were back on his home planet so the few people he cared for during the attack he personally had seen were fine but she... her mother was there and now to hear she was moved and recovering.

She sighs. "She.... she is not well."

Huoshui's expression sank, he had assumed as much but moved next to her and placed a reassuring arm around her. "I am ever so sorry, I am sure she is with the best people. And soon you will be by her side, my prayers are with her recovery."

She lightly bites at her lip and rubs the back of her neck. "It's something that is complicated, it will be some time before she recovers... she was in the city when the attack happened."

"But a recovery can be made, Amaphutha my friend we live in dark times and we must hold on to the positive lights we have. She made it out, and this we should thank the gods and the celestial bodies for." he sat beside her and tried to comfort her some more, "Time she needs and time she shall get."

She sighs shaking her head. "You would not understand, it is not something I can talk of... it is a grate yava" One of the secrets of there people... from the other talk he knew she could not share that with out him sharing a truly deep secret. Perhaps a true name if he knows one.

Huoshui knew that her kind had many secrets, it was their way it seemed and he was unsure in his place in such matters. "This grata yava, whatever it is I trust the gods and spirits that she may get through. If there is anyway I can help, even with some sacrifice, you need but ask."

"No I would not ask such a thing of you"

"You know my standing on the way of the universe, I will help in anyway I am able. If you do not wish me to than allow me to insist, if you know of a way I can help share it with me or as before explain to me how your people's customs work." he said almost pleading to her, he wanted to help and her mother was helping with the push for truth and the path be walked. She was to give them a weapon against the entity, he owed her something. "Your clan, it holds secrets in trade of secrets yes? Allow me to share mine with you, you and I have already shared so much. I may not be a member of your clan and you not mine but exchange and growth is important is it not?"

"This involves a great secrete and a deep yava I ashure you she should be fine given time, it is just the price has been high and it is trying on her." She sighs "I would not wish for you to give up secrets of you people or the record that could hurt you or your people for such and I do not think there is much you can do"

(Colors kinda hard on phone)

"Sharing balances out, to give up a secret for another would only grow the akashic record in its beauty. To prune a flower from a bush, giving its splendor to another allows the growth of a new given time." he sighed, "If there is even the smallest thing you believe I could do, I can only ask you allow me to but I cannot force you to do something you would not wish to, nor would I want to. I am glad however to hear that time will heal her, whatever the price she paid and whatever it was for I am sure she took the burden with honour."

"I could only tell you with a geas if anything, it is a mater of our race's future. It is more a root than a flower. "

"Geas are powerful things, I can only imagine the weight of what this information could be." The future of her race, it showed in his features how shocked he truly was to hear such a phrase. "I strive and pride myself in believing I am here to continue life. My quest and path is to continue to wheel, I have taken internal alchemy as one of my focus of study. The continuation of life, I believe is my purpose."

She nods "Perhaps you may have a way you can help I do not know." Sigh sighs placing a hand to your head and closing her eyes as she concentrates. "In the eyes of all spirits present this one shall never speak of or convey what I shall tell him here to another." You can fell her spirit touch upon yours it is like the bite of a snake, and part of your mind ceases up. It was something you were sure you could try and brake at some point with mind and spirit if you wished... but it would likely damage your brain if you failed! o.o

Huoshui allowed her to do her work, not even knowing if he even had to power to stop this. Spirits touching, a slight pain and then that part spread and ceased part of his mind. It was like nothing he had experienced before, but he nodded lightly conveying he would not and he could only guess this was agreeing to this geas or pledge.

She nods some and her voice is in your mind when she sits back again... telepatic cats... learn something everyday. ~~ She sighs some. ~~ The first breed... holy hell.. the first of there kind was in the stone age and they where in the war of rage, The Budasti must have been around at least 6000 years or more. He thinks he remembers Kyphurs.. they are Egyptian and were wiped out millennia ago. There descendents the Mau barely are around today in captivity.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:46, Sat 16 Aug 2014.

The reveal was shocking, they were lying who they were. Hers was a complicated family, this ancient and secretive order of fera and her father was a fae cat from what she shared. Magic, drugs and tech, formed the creature before him. ~You are an ancient race indeed. I have heard legends of the Kyphur and creatures of them. So you are born of magic, drugs and tech? Your father you said was a fae cat, is your birth to do with what your mother suffers? Just what secrets of the Bubasti is harming her?~ he would try to help, she had shared with him this knowledge and he had promised he would try.

~~ She looks rather saddened. ~~ Well no wonder she couldn't share this.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:47, Sat 16 Aug 2014.

~She needs to pass on to the body of another? Her place of the wheel is that of a transferring spirit, I believe I understand. There are tales of monks in our order who have done similar. I have only begun to work with spirits, but I am adept at internal alchemy and healing arts.~ If he understood correctly, her mother needed to pass on to a new host. No suitable host at the time and now too weak possibly to pass to a better. He feared to ask but, ~Does she have someone close who is one of these people raised for the purpose?~ The idea did disturb him to be certain but her mother was part of their own cycle of life and death.

She sighs looking down. ~No she died in the blast too, but one is on her way. But there is one for me with her now in need be.....~ She was not one though, why would she need one? o.o

~I am sorry, but did you say you have one waiting for yourself? Why would you need someone?~ the idea was hard to justify currently in his mind, but sacrifice was something he did for others lives even if so far he had survived through it all he had put his life on the line. ~You bring up many questions and I am sorry for my asking. She died in the blast, so where is her spirit now?~

~~ She sighed. ~~ She takes a long and very deep breath. ~~

~I...~ even his mental speech was unable to fully focus after hearing something as grotesque as that. ~No wonder you don't want this coming out. I cannot imagine what this must be like. The raised ones, knowing what was to come. No... I believe you are right not to follow your mother in this, the unicorn... well to my people, it might not be the same being but we have a fourth after the triat. It might not be the same in yours, but he came later and was molded to fix the turmoil in his three older siblings.~ He wanted to reassure her, help her make this choice but a part of him knew that all paths were ones we choose. Her mother had taken a man and kept him from the wheel, this was dark enough and deep within Jhor but the more she explained the more he came to understand that this was all but fallen. ~If you need help from keeping yourself in the cleansing light of the unicorn, I will be there for you. Jhor and its kin are a place I cannot go, it is good to know that it is recognised that these arts are to evil to be shared but then why does she still use them? Why not let the knowledge fall to the wheel, is there something else?~

~you do not understand she has not keep him from the wheel, he has passed from it in her place. The darker arts she practices are of Cahlash not Asura. She has Jhor likely yes and posably the touch of Asura but it comes from learning the beasts ways not using them, only using the know page gained agents it. And she had herself skined for this..... If the skins did not have to come from different cats I think she would have provided all 5.~ He forgets how quickly they heal... Even with patern rending blades a skinning wouldn't keep a fera down for more than a week and many can heal magically. ~It is ment for kinfolk though not fera and not Metis. Life for life is the balance of the wheel, for me to bare a child she would gladly die but I would not have it be. Our people are not so close to exctension to use such. But the reason it is forbidden is there has been times through history kinfolk corrupt by Asura learned the rite and killed there fera cousins to abtain there skins becoming true monsters born of Asura. Rather the blessed few skin dancers became cursed armies. It is felt none should know or share this rite, but she learned of it before such events.~ She closes her eyes. ~there are other reasons the immortals must barter with the wheel, but is it not enough that she knew Isis that Isis teached her!~ Isis was one of the first mages to have anything of her passed down would be amazing but damn cats what on earth would she want to know before she would share anything about Isis. X.x

Taking her hand he was finally understanding, the pressure of her people. ~Any mother would sacrifice themselves for their child and their legacy.~ Holding her hand in between his he looked to her, ~I understand now what your legacy is, I will protect this with my life and its secret. If you would introduce me to your mother as such then I will gladly aid you and her.~ The telepathic link was one such that he attempted the strengthen it, to show his feelings and to allow her to realise his words were true. ~I will aid you with this entity of machine, I will help you with your legacy and your mother, I will stop the man behind the 10th. I swear this to you, the celestial spirits and the gods.~

She gave him a hug and a weak smile.

Huoshui returned the hug, ~I thank you for your trust, and I promise that it will not be for nought. You and your mother carry a heavy burden, the weight of which I can only imagine.~

~The children of Ubastet have suffered more than any other I know for there choice to oppose the rise of the childrenof Set. More so from the curses there fight to survive has brought down on them.~

~Those who choose to oppose the darkness often find themselves suffering, but it is a suffering that is taken by those of strong spirit. To take the burden, is something to admire and look up to.~

^Click. _Clack. ^Click. _Clack. ^Click. _Clack.

The assassin's armament flew over head once again in periodic flips, thin fingers catching the gun's fall before delivering it back to the other hand. Ix had grown bored of idling around, more than ready to begin the awaiting wet work. His newest companion, Kish, itched at his hip as he craved to test it in his personal training. But now they had to wait.

For what exactly? He wasn't so sure.

Ix looked to his comm to see their current status in regards to location and ETA to next objective.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Tue 02 Sept 2014.

Clack.

With a final toss, the pistol was quickly caught before being returned back into its holster. I'm sure there are other things I can put my mind to as I wait. The comm glove brightened in response to his tactile entry as he typed away on the translucent, ethereal display. The messenger from earlier had been particularly intriguing, He wasn't sure what he would find, so as he did his own research, he sent a message to HQ asking for assistance...

She sighed some smiling as she relaxed. "This will not be to easy, I am glad you will be around."



(I am not sure what to do if we can't get a hold of deb, raven, or sam)

Raven looked at the multi-tool attached to his wrist, and decided to see if it was worth what it cost him. First, he attempted to search for the others on it by entering the frequency of their comes and seeing if anything appeared. Well it would work for the monk and Ix at any rate, but the old bird doubted the girl knight had a communicator. He told the dated machine to search and locate, then he waited to see what results he might get.

"No it won't be easy but no one has to face these things along." he smiled and replied, "So let us go and find the others. We can tell them what is to be faced, see if they will join us and maybe come up with a plan."

The tool was able to pick up on there location like that.

---

She nods to Huoshui. "Yes, if we are ready to leave let us."

Huoshui smiles nods and places his hand on her shoulder, "We have to help with this sphere and also your mother. So the sooner we begin, then the sooner your mother can be helped. Unless there is anything more that you might want to discuss with me."

"No we should head to new boston"

Wanting to make sure his dated multi-tool was telling him true, Raven picked the monk's location and paid attention to the readout given by his eye piece as it said the old bird was drawing closer.  He found his friend talking to someone he didn't recognize, but he did manage to hear the words 'new boston.' The ex-Marine hadn't tried to be quiet, and he had a suspicion that if a fly shoved a pillow against it's but and farted a planet away, the good brother would hear it no problem. The stranger however, the criminal didn't wish to spook so he thought to let her know he was present. He began to sing:

"Please come to Boston for the spring time.
I'm stayin' here with some friends
And they've got lots of room.
You can sell your paintings on the sidewalk
By a cafe where I hope to be workin' soon.
Please come to Boston.
She said, "No.
Would you come home to me?"

(OOC: Lyrics from 'Please Come To Boston' by Dave Loggins)

His findings were nothing short of alarming. This is an atrocity against the Wheel, he ponders, thinking back to his most recent revelations. The Seeking, the Arena, the White Baron; all of these were signs that there was much work to be done. In this Turn, it seems the killer still served a role.

Dim displays dissipated with a subtle gesture before nimble arms crossed a lean chest, and Ix leaned his back against the wall. Against the ship. Against Luci.

Since boarding the ship, Ix has not had the "pleasure" of speaking with the space vessel. It was a thought that he agilely dodged until now, in the solitude of the spacecraft's hall. Now he was forced to recognize that he was nestled neatly in the belly of a sentient construction, a magical masterpiece that had a warrant for its...arrest. While he knew of Luci's ability to communicate, he was unsure if her A.I. was omnipresent or a polyglot. He would put both of his quiet questions to the test.

"Hello, Luci. I am Ek'chua Ix." His hand fluently dictated a professional greeting as he uncrossed an arm to dangle at his side. "Do you read sign?" He had low expectations as he casually carried himself down the corridor.

Huoshui was going to answer about Boston but was interrupted by the singing of Raven, "Well it seems that my friend Raven will be joining us." he said with a smile and a small laugh. "Amaphutha, this is Raven. She and I were discussing the next task that is ahead of us." he was unsure if Raven would aid them but he seemed interesting in finding out about his own shattered soul, so maybe he would if only for that reason. "There is a growing darkness we are headed to, sadly this seems common in our time, but Amaphutha and her kind believe it can be stopped or held back. I offered my assistance, do you feel you will be up for holding back the darkness of the universe?" smiling as he said this, almost trying to imply this was now a normal thing for them.

Vampires are an ancient atrocity, but combining cybernetics and necromancy were a new one. Lucy game most people the privacy they desire the best she can only keeping track of people calling out for her. The AI had human treat's and it seamed making mistakes was one, as it didn't take into account Ix's means of analog communication being quite silent. She didn't take notice of him.

---

"It is not so much a darkness but a lingering imbalance. Rahjah's gifts have there place but the spirit known as 'The Machine' should not being a part of Rehjah's Shenti, nor should it be trying to absorb Rahjah's other gifts.... The universe is trying to re-balance itself and is in a fragile state and many beings seam posed to try and shift it in there favor. Some would call it the universes 'midlife crisis'. What happens in this dark age may decide how the rest of the universe plays out. The fall itself happened at the time of the alinement that marked the passing of the ages. This new age you have herd spirits speak of has only been around 52 years." She nods to Raven. "This is why, as you told me, they said you two were of the last age but warriors of this one. Not many lived through the fall that lived long enough to be on the path of the warrior now, and less that still had the spirit after seeing so much of there world, both literally and figuratively, crushed. It is something for them to take interest in. Spirits can become... bored... they like things that are interesting, particularly interesting mortals like ourselves." She smirks some. "That's one I'll give just for being my friend." While Raven might not get it she was sure huoshui would realize there is some, if not to much, value in knowing what spirits might take interest in.

After the woman before him mentioned a name he didn't know, Raven typed 'Rahjah' into his multi-tool and told it to search. He then lifted his head to look again at the pair, and began to speak while waiting on the results to appear in his eyepiece.

"You know, to be honest about it, I never could understand why darkness is always made out to be a bad thing. The night sky is dark, if it wasn't lovers couldn't gaze at the stars as they held each other. Death takes the light from one's eyes, so it could be seen as a darkness too but without it we'd have a major population problem, wouldn't we? And FW, don't you monk guys see Death as not an end, but the beginning of a new journey? At least, that's what it said in a fortune cookie I got one time, and it seems to make sense especially now that our former companion has started a new course in the Spirit Realm. I might be wrong on this, but don't guys like you honor that thing with the one white and one black blob chasing each other in a circle? Isn't that light and darkness?

"It's not Darkness you gotta watch out for, it's what hides in it. Yeah, I know, this shit's really profound for me. Who would of guessed I had enough brain cells left to talk like this? I'll attempt to fix that later. Sorry, ever since that pilot you hired told me something after we got back, I'very had thoughts like this one creeping up on me.

"Anyway, as for me helping you, let's light the fires and kick the tires."

(OOC: What does the woman look like?)

Huoshui laughed as they both gave their piece, "Yin-yang, my friend. And as you say darkness is not a bad thing, it is balance as the lady says. Light, dark, male, female, sun, moon, and other such balances in our world. Again Raven you are right we see Death as a new beginning, I myself have awoken to knowledge of my previous lives. But this force and the force I seek to stop are not about balance and maybe believe themselves some form of light." taking in what the Fera spoke of concerning the spirits, he was only new to their ways but it was of note that they took interest. "Thank you friend, I shall owe you for this insight. I am glad you Raven will be joining us to fight the machine, from what Amaphutha tells me there are many smaller beings around it that will try to stop us. It does seem we shall have to crack the creatures shell, so we should seek the others and see about recruiting them."

(like a panther lady with a unicorn's horn, Rahjah is listed as the were-cats word name for the personification of the force of order and reason.)

She nods some, "True the only true evils are imbalance and the corruption from that which is not of this world. It is the latter, Asura, that for the most part causes the imbalances. Though such was the case before even Asura, as there are whispers of those that served that which was without even before the sundering." she frowns some. "I am not sure what is more frightening, the estent that Asura has infused itself into the world, or that something predates even it."

Raven read what his multi-tool had to tell him, but he still had need of the gadget's service. He told it to perform another search, this time on the name 'Asura'. As  before he spoke while awaiting the results.

"By machine, I'm guessing you don't mean an ill-tempered toaster that shoots burnt bread at us.

"I'm all for helping you out, FW. It was a hell of a ride last time, so I'made up for round two. But, before we jump into this with both feet, mind if I ask a favor first? Actually it fits in with what we're discussing with balance and all that."

The old bird reached into a pouch, and drew out the little piece that War had removed from the strange map and given him. The fighter held it up for the other two to see.

"Back in my days as an Space Marine, a mission went sour and all our ships were destroyed. I survived because I took my helmet off so space could kill me quick when I ran out of oxygen, only to discover I could breathe anyway. Everyone else was dead, or so I thought until recently when the station got attacked. One person who invaded knew me, he had been one of the ones with me that day and I had thought him dead. Then, I received this little trinket, and it got me thinking that maybe I had been right after all. In short, he had been killed but somehow managed to come back. He was confused, thought one hundred years had passed instead of only roughly forty.  He also blamed me for abandoning my squad when I was floating right next to them. Sane or not, he wants me dead and as he was and still is a sniper, that could be very bad not only for me anyone with me such as our group. He's not the man I recall, that one died. What came back is evil in human skin.

"I helped you get what you wanted in the Spirit Realm, and I'm willing to help you and you friend out with this new thing sight unseen. But in between those two, I would very much like your help putting this vengeful thing to rest for good. What do you say? We have a living ship, a guy who can shoot a pebble into a rock wall with his bare hand then double jump on air itself to land by said wall and dig it out with again bare hands, a knight of the realm, a professional problem solver, and a crazy old soldier with enough fire power to take down a small country and the knowledge to use it. I think we can pop this pimple and still blow up a fuse box or whatever we need to do with your machine issue. Hell, for all I know this guy might be one of the smaller beings that attack us while we try to get to your gizmo. Taking him out first will save time, possibly."

The Splicer made a point to leave out the powers he had seen his teammates use, save the monk for he appeared to be friends with this woman and might well have told her about himself, but the dated dirt stopper wasn't going to tell all he knew to a new face after only a few minutes.

( The search turns up information on the anti-gods of Hinduism  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asura  )

"No Rahjah tried to claim all humans once, but in the end settled to trying to win them over by leaving them three gifts drawn from himself: technology; science; and dogma. The machine is the incarnation technology has taken, it is slowly been awakening in various stages. The worst of which is the reasons people are racist agenst AI's ... the 'Central' that controlled the technocracy, and now runs U4. Central has inhabited Autochthonia, the manifestation of where Rahjah's power flows into this world. Autochthonia seams to look like a masive moon sized polyhedron made of chrome that originally had four sides, and has been getting more sides sense the dawn of time, and the Technocracts used as a base for a long time and allowed access for the machine to get to it. The turn of the century the polyhedron had an estimated 4 billion sides or so, at the time of the fall when the machine was starting to tie into the internet it was accelerating and was estimated to have well over 47 billion sides. The most resent estiments had it pushing the quadrillions, it's already starting to look like a sphere. If it actually became one.... well spheres may be seen has having one side, another way to look at it is infinite sides. We have no idea what will happen if this takes place, but it's not something we want to find out. It makes matters worse it is trying to snare the spirit of science, one of the other incarnations.... and we think it may even have it's eyes on the patriarch, the incarnation of dogma."

She sighs some rubbing the back of her neck. "We were able to sneak in with the refuges but we have to use gates or shuttles to land on planets as lucy dose not have a ether-matter converter"  <If you could get one, it could be modified for instillation into my systems, but no she's correct. I will need to use the gates to land on planets and only Venus, Luna, Mars, and Ganymede have them.> "Yes and using gates and shuttles require various passes that this ship and crew no longer have. This is another reason why I want YOUR help with this, if you do this I can persuade my mother into getting diplomatic passes, or the like. I am sure you can realize some one like my mother has a grate many people who owe her a grate much."



(I could be wrong on the while gate list lol don't feel like looking over the list)

"I would gladly help you Raven with what you wish to accomplish. And it seems that if we help my friend's mother we can get the required items so that we might accomplish your goal..." he looked saddened that they seemed not to be able to help him sooner, "If it is acceptable it appears your helping with what I spoke of will enable you to continue your quest. Do you find this acceptable Raven? I would not pressure you into anything I do hope you know this, but it appears that there are items stopping us." smiling as he looked to the two before him and a slight look to the general area that was Luci. "Stop a being becoming a sphere, and then to hunt something which should be on the next stage of the wheel. Is this acceptable to all?"

Still he needed to meditate on where his own quest needed to take him, the darkness was still there and the 10th seat haunted his mind constantly.

Raven's eyes grew slightly larger at the mention of IDs. He dug out the one he had made for himself a short while ago, and held it out to his friend.

"That reminds me, check this shit out FW. Made this within seconds without cost, and it reads like the real thing. I only needed a card to copy, and this version for me was created. I thought it might be handy, some kind of spirit fetish. Since you're in charge, I thought you needed to be aware of it.

"You should know by now, I'm in it with you to the end be it yours or mine. Your friend here would show up at a jail Sunday morning to bail you out; I'd be in the cell next to you saying, 'that was one hell of a Saturday night!' If you think Jimmy can wait, let's go short circuit this orb. I just hope you don't come to regret that call..."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Thu 02 Oct 2014.

Amaphutha looked at the card oddly. "That is pacular, most fara do not have such a knack working with spider spirits, and those of your kind that work with the spirits are not known for being fond of technology. I would advise you keep such fetishes if the spirits are not tainted with the madness of seeking perfection, they are often quite useful interacting with technology. To many fera see things like Autochthonia when ever they see such fetishes, rage at times makes there views black and white.  "

She looked to Raven. "I hope you do not mind but Huoshui is the only person my mother wishes to meet with at this moment, she is quite an ill state and would rather not have many visitors."

Huoshui looked to the card, hearing Amaphtutha's words about it and making sure he was not swayed to any preconceptions of the thing. It seemed to be something of spirit magic, he had only begun to learn that art so his knowledge was as a child's when it came to such things but seeing what he might call pride in Raven's eyes when it came to this the monk smiled. "Isn't that the realm of binding Amaphutha, you mean so say such things are looked down upon by your kind?" he'd heard of the fera disliking many spirit weavers, and technology was that much more of something looked down upon. The union of the two he could only imagine their disliking.

"Thank you for sharing this with me friend, I am sure it will come in handy in future." Anything would be useful he thought at this point, there was so much happening and they were still blind to what they could do. "Amaphtutha, if you mother will see me then I will go. So please make what arrangements are needed."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Mon 09 Feb 2015.

(still have to land on the moon before can leave to meet her, they where still taking rather they should go there or not)

(edited the post)

Raven chuckled at what the woman said as he put the card away.

"Naw, it don't hurt my feelings none. In fact, if we want to give your mom a good impression of our little 'Black Sheep Squadron', I think FW is the one  you want playing ambassador. He's calm, in control, believes in himself, and if none of that's true about him then he fakes it really well. Me, I have two feet and both of them are wrong. But all I've got is a case of rot gut and some Sweet Mary Jane from Old Earth, however will I pass the time during your meeting?"

The old bird winked at the two.

Ix seams to have been looking into vampires and tring to talk to the ship but not getting noticed, it's up a few posts.

She nods to the bird. "Just get us there in one piece, I'll give Lucy an emergency code that we can use to land no questions asked. Don't worry though, we Bastat tend run alone so we are use to some strange folk when we do get together."

Raven grinned.

"Can't say as I was worried, little lady. I'm eight decades old, I'm past the point of caring what others think about me. Here, let me put a tune to it for you;

'I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler, I'm a long way from home.
And if you don't like me, well, leave me alone.
I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry,
And the moonshine don't kill me, I'll live til I die.'

"Sure, I'll take you where you want to go. First though, I think we should check with the others and see if they want in on this. We assume they do and I dump their asses someplace they don't want to be? Let's just say I don't want to know how creative that knight chick can get with her sword, OK?"

((OOC: Lyrics from 'The Moonshiner', original artist unknown.))
This message was last edited by the player at 08:25, Wed 11 Feb 2015.

"Agreed, it seems we need to bring all in to this. Maybe the others will have something to bring to the table. We are still running blind into the darkness." shaking his head, the coming darkness and still no real light to hold it back. Only the parts of a soul, pieces left to be collected and possible beasts to destroy. His fingers coming to trace along the scars on the back of his hand, noting the sleeping spirit he could still feel within himself.

"The knight I am sure would be able to school both of us in many creative ways in the use of her blade." he smiled, "I believe there is still items that need to be spoken with many of our companions, as you said we do not wish to take them to places they would object to being. Let us go find them, to clue them in to our own plans and to find what they might wish."

"When this is over if you intend on seeking the goddess as you spoke of, just remember all the gods are fond of testing mortals that seek them out. Even during her most welcoming of phases, Selena will test your wits and look into your soul to judge you worthy of walking upon her true face should you seek it out." Would hate to think what that case may be while the moon was full..... o.o

Raven slapped his forehead.

"Speaking of talking to people, I just remembered I've got an important meeting I've got to get to. So, I'll trust you to tell the others about the undead sniper issue FW. We can all meet up when I'm finished, but if you need me on the bridge before that, you know my comm. frequency."

Raven gave a wave of his hand as he walked off.

**********************************************************************************************

The old man returned to what were his quarters; it had been a storage nook for his pack, but it had 'grown' into a decent living space. At least, he'd had to deal with worse on some of his 'morning afters'. Over in one area, in an almost direct line of sight with anyone who might come into the room, was a pile of junk. It was here Raven headed after he entered, making use of each piece as he had need of it:

First, he pulled free a store dummy. He clad this in a vintage Space Marine suit like he had worn forty years ago, except this one had a fatal flaw that would make it worthless in real combat situations. The fake soldier was placed with his back against the wall, then two ordinary metal swords were placed in and taped to the gloves followed by a fragment grenade in a cargo compartment on either side of the suit; the explosives were also pointless in a fight, as they had no fuses and were paperweights now. At the feet of his creation, Miller placed a massive device that no doubt in it's day had terrified and ended the lives of many; it looked like a number of weapons melded together somehow. This one, however, had fried itself with the level of Paradox it had generated and had not been repairable magically or mechanically; in fact the guy he bought it off of was using it as a doorstop at his place of business. Whatever the bird was doing, the next part involved placing a smaller metal bowl to the left side of this statue of sorts. Then, he took a bowl that matched the first, placed in before himself as he sat on the floor, pulled out his cigarettes, and lit one. When that was finished, he lit another, and so on until the bowl was filled with a collection of ash. He took this, stood up, and once more walked to the back wall. Using a non-taloned finger, he dipped the tip in the black and gray flecks and began writing on the aforementioned wall working his way from left to right around and over his 'man'.

'COLT', 'BROWNING', 'WINCHESTER', 'CLAYMORE', 'HOWITZER', 'GATLING', 'M-16', etc.

He smoked and refilled his bowl as needed, taking care to scribe 'Hiroshima' with the end of the name touching the left foot of the statue and 'Nagasaki' with the start of that touching the right foot. In front of this thing he had manufactured, the fighter used large letters and spacing to spell out 'ENOLA GAY' in such a way that it formed a circle one could stand or sit in. The splicer took the next part of his plan forward by stepping up the the dummy, removing the dogtags from around his own neck, and placing them on the fake man's instead. Finally, an antiquated and nonfunctioning Space Marine Corps. helmet was placed over the head and secured to the rest of the suit. The Spirit Mage seemed to find this done well, and sat in his circle while crushing up what was left in his current pack of smokes and splitting it between the two bowls before setting them alight. Then he bowed his head, drew Tried and True and Old School, placing both loaded hands in his lap. After a deep breath, he began to speak:

"Clashing Boom Boom, Mother of War Machines, I, Raven, beseech you to cast your eye this way. I have built for you an alter here in my quarters, so I may always look upon it and be reminded not only of the great power your gifts bring and the good they might do, but the horror and evil they might reflect from the soul of the one who carries it. My actions on Earth were dumb, so I have placed in this alter a dummy with my dog tags. I was a Space marine, so I have clad the body in a suit like the one I once wore. Your name is Clashing Boom Boom, so in each glove I put a sword because the clash when they connect and two grenades for the twin booms such cause. I have placed at it's feet a weapon of force so strong it tears apart reality itself when used. I have marked the alter with as many names of your children as I could fit there, and upon the floor I put the names of two places your might was clearly shown and the vessel that delivered that short lived child who's cries shook an entire country. I hope you are pleased with my efforts, and what I have created for you this day.

"If you are, I humbly ask that you accept me as a follower, recognize me as a disciple, and grant this undeserving bird your Blessing.

"If you're not, a five second head start to the door would be really sporting of you."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Sat 14 Feb 2015.

"I do hope your path be well and return to us with good health." he bowed as Raven left.

Seeing the distress almost about the Goddess, "I believe that if I were meant to meet the goddess then I am able. If fates deem the phase he is in to be the most or least welcoming then that is how we are meant to see her." he smiled, he truly was one of water when he came to these things. "I am of water, science has said as the phases of the moon shift and how she moves among the stars moves water back on Earth. Maybe with this then it can be said if we met we'd be in synch. Now it is to see which shall be easier, talking to your mother or a Goddess of the moon."

She laughs shaking her head "I am just saying if you go to see one they will often test you, there is no need to see Selena, my mother sent emissaries to her... she is always welcome to her chosen children. Her assistance and favor are still things we must earn, but she is fond of our presence."

"I hope then I pass the test, I've been to one god. Visited his plane and come back from it with my mark." holding up his hands as he was already looking to them. Clenching his fists feeling the spirit flowing through them. "Though as you said she might look into the soul which is very different to trial by combat. She might be fond of your kind and their presence but we will workers have upset many spirits and deities so I just hope that she does not see me in a poor light."
This message was last updated by the player at 17:19, Sat 14 Feb 2015.

(lol she's telling you that you don't have to see the moon goddess =p   she was talking that if you see Venus you will probably be tested again)

---

Raven gets a general sense of the goddess spirit of sorts, it's faint though, but after 15~30 minutes of prayer and that stuff from the war things get a little weird and he starts seeing things. Images of various acts of war and weapons of mass destruction.

Then an incarnation reveals itself, a totem most familiar to him, the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit. One of the many incarnations of the mother of all war machines, she seams to fly over his head leaving bright blue com trails and a sense of acceptance.



War Totem: Clashing Boom-Boom (incarnation: B-2 Spirit, steal bomber), Mother to All Machines of War.
Traits: +1 dice to all firearms and melee rolls, said rolls can never have a difficulty higher than 9.  -1 difficulty to bind spirits to weapons, her children's weapons never malfunction or jam.
Ban: She expects that her powers will only be called upon by the righteous to dispense justice. Those who follow her and call upon her to do otherwise risk having the multitude of her forms turn against them.  She requests that her children name all their weaponry and ornament them in some fashion.

( ah fair, though he still feels the same for all testing. )

Oh Huoshui and Devalanna may take (if she wants to):

War Totem: Nerigal, the Ice Warrior
Traits: Children of Nerigal are never overwhelmed by fear, should they ever reach such a level of fear they instead get angry and resort to physical combat ageist what ever is scaring them. +1 dice to brawl, melee, and soak rolls.
Ban: Nerigal’s children are forbidden to show fear. They may not retreat once combat is joined, and are not allowed to avoid obstacles rather than overcoming them
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:34, Sat 14 Feb 2015.

((OOC)) Of a certes she wants it!

((IC))

Develanna rises refreshed and pleased with the purchases that she made at the market.
She now has three suits of clothing to wear when not in her armor -- not that she will have need of them as she enjoys wearing the symbols of knighthood as well as the protection that such provide, but there are times when jeans  and a work shirt are preferable.  She is amazed at terms and phrases that she has of late been forced to learn in order to clearly communicate with these outsiders.  A work shirt, for instance, is a shirt one wears to work in instead of a  shirt that performs work.  She is certain that she will get the hang of these new words and phrases, and twould be best done with a sense of humor.  She finishes up her morning workout and devotion and garbs hersle to meet the new day and to seek out her quest companions.

Dev wanders around the ship, peeking into open rooms until she finds a familiar face.

"Greetings Good Monk!  How farest                   thee this day?"

"Greetings fair knight, all is well this day. We were just discussing what I plan on doing next, but also what we should inform you of. There area great many known and unknowns of this quest but one I hope to achieve in solving is meeting with our friend's mother." he motioned to Amaphtutha, "Another breast of sorts needs vanquishing but we shall need more information and knowledge else we shall just be jumping to its stomach." Shaking his head with a smile. "It appears also that more and more our friend Raven is tied to this event. An acquaintance of his previously thought dead has been seen helping the coming darkness. So I must ask what you would do with us, I must go and see Amaphtutha's mother with her to investigate such things. But less of me or our quest, how fairs you?"

Develanna gave a bow to the newcomer as she was introduced and listened to her companion's tale.  Then she spoke,

}Well met, M'Lady!  I am as well as one could hope.  It is my fate and duty to travel in this company ... as also is my pleasure to do so.  I met with The Great Gallahad and am charged by he to do this thing in this company as well as divers other things.  Are we together again? Ix?  and mayhap more new to us?"

She lowers her head "I am going to go meditate till we arrive."

"Be well then." he bows as she leaves.

"I believe he is still present but you would have to ask Luci to be sure... I admit I lost myself to meditation, a great many things have needed my focus. I cannot claim to be a master, as the thoughts of all of this trickle from my mind as sand from an open hand." He sighs, this was not his ship but he was looked to as a leader. He was failing at this. Drink maybe, he had still been drinking in claims of practising his martial art, however if he was truthful it was partly to drown some of the doubt in his mind.

Dev was puzzling out a proper response when a flap  and heavy weight landed on her back and shoulder.  A smallish red dragon landed and propped itself on her head while the rest of it draped itself across her shoulders.  It is approximately the size of a large tabby cat.

Dev reaches up to scratch under the chin of her friend.

"There you are!  I have been wondering where you were!"

Turning to the monk, she says,
"This is my companion and ally Numina.  Numina, this is a trusted friend.  Be nice!"

"Greetings Numina, it is a pleasure to meet a dragon of physical form. I should sometime introduce you to my partner but he is sleeping currently." Bowing his head to the small red dragon, wondering if maybe if it was of the same as the dragon sleeping in him. So many spirits of different shapes and concepts but given the same name. Physical form given to a beast such as this, he had to admire this and be amazed by the magic surrounding it. "I can say I have never truly seen a western dragon in my time, in truth till recent I had never seen dragons of any kind."

Numina watched the creature that she had been presented to. delicately, she stretched out her neck and sniffed.  A deep rumble rose up as she decided that she liked this one.Numina was curious about this creature that her human had presented to her.  Her deep blue eyes spiralled glints of interest, and she stretched forth her neck and delicately sniffed.  She liked this one.  Further investigation was necessary before he could be trusted with her pet person.  All in an instance, she spread her baby wings and hopped onto the head and neck of the monk -- or at least that is where she aimed herself.  Grace was neither her name or her nature for some time yet to come, but she sallied forth with a musical rumble that could very well be a pur.

Huoshui watched as the small creature seemed to examine him, smelling and watching was all quite understandable sometimes such creatures were protective but what he wasn't expecting was that Numina would leap upon his own head and neck. Hands coming up swiftly to aid the clumsy creature to a state of rest, not too bothered was the monk for the creature being on top of him but he did not want the poor thing falling. "Seems Numina is quite friendly." he said wondering just what was going on.

"Ah! She doth like thee methinks!"

Develanna grinned at the surprised monk.

"She is a hatchling, but her instincts are excellent!"

"Well it she does not seem hostile to me." reaching up to attempt to pet the purring creature. The small scaled creature felt the gentle touch of the monk as he stroked it, which took some odd arm movements due to its position on his head. "Hatchling you say, how old is she then?"

Numina stretched her neck down so that her new friend could reach the good spots on her neck and under her chin.

Develanna smiled at this beloved creature as she watched.

"She is well behaved when in good company for which I am extremely grateful  M'lord Monk, yet twould seem that I should train her to ask before assuming that others actually wish to worship her!"

She waited for either the monk to indicate that he was finished his ministrations or for the wee dragon to swoon.

Huoshui reached up and tickled at the spot she seemed to be presenting. "Huoshui is fine, I'm no lord. As for training her, well if only for me I don't mind. She is friendly and if I can give an animal some small bit of comfort and pleasure that is one small step along my path."

"Numina," he played the word on his tongue trying to recall its meaning. "With a name like that can you expect her not to want for worship?" he chuckled.

Dev nodded her head as he spoke to her,

"I beg of thee thy pardon.  I keep forgetting for twas the way I was taught as a child."

Numina had nearly melted into a puddle of contentment thanks to the monk and his much appreciated scritching.

"It is quite umderstandable that one with such a name would expect such treatment!  Is this not so, Numina?"

At the sound of her name, the dragon  notices that her knight is standing by with no one to love her.  In a thrice and blur of wings, Dev finds herself sporting a new necklace that is busily grooming her face with its tongue.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Tue 24 Feb 2015.

"I understand Devalanna, I came from a society which had its own rules and order of things. My name taken for example, I assigned an animal for a title. You earn a new name later through hard work." Recalling the animal names he had gone through, insects and rising till he was able to stand with his own name again. A new one given, which he now stood towards other as.

"Names are important." he noted the dragon ball of scales leap back to its owner, "For my order our name is what we are, given to us by the masters as they look to the Akashic records and into the chi. Mine being flowing water in our tongue." Smiling to the creature as it began to groom the knight, "Maybe her name is part of the flow of the universal energies. It has great meaning behind it so one can not truly say if it could not hold some power."

"Tis a noble name and carries great beauty as well as power"

Devellana spake to him in a series of starts and stops as she tried valiently not to accidentally bite Nimina's tongue ... which had only happened once and her hair had finally reached its previous length, and she wanted to keep it that way.

"Names are indeed powerful Flowing Water.  Some of ud have been given True Names which is who we are, but must be guarded lest an enemy  take charge over us.  Thus Devellana is my public name.  I can share with thee a nickname that I was given by friends and teachers when I was but young  twas hight 'Devil Anna'".

She grinned at the monk and sighed in relief when Numina was finally satisfied and curled around her shoulders for a nap.

"Devil Anna," he chuckles, "Indeed true naming and the power behind its magics are why I have an akashic name as I do Huoshui meaning flowing water is something the masters gave me. That and the representing joining the brotherhood and leaving my birth family." He couldn't help but take amusement from the creature and its feline like nature.

"So yes, sorry I was explaining it is my intent to go and speak with Amaphutha's mother about a great machine, it seems another creature born of some darkness that wishes to swallow us all. I believe it linked to the... to the darkness my visions have been concerned with. So if you could help I wanted to spread the word and see what others needed to do."

<I find this talk of names that keeps coming up with you Huoshui some what interesting. I was not aware it was such an important thing, but there seams to be a strong link with this 'Weaver' or 'Rahjah' is quite tied into human's desire to name things according to many files. The files go on to say rumors have that things never had names to start with, and some things still didn't... and it gives them unimaginable power. I found such files searching for more information from the fox creatures referances to calling mages name takers. There are scant files in the sphere about the idea that if something dose not have a name it can take the name of something else causing there mutual destruction due to the energy released. Like mater and anti-mater.>

There is a pause.

<There is little fact to be found, but I still find the collection of concepts to be interesting. The idea of naming something is quite central to order. However if we are to stop this one being we should be on our way now... I am unable to plot an optimal course with out the assistance of some one at least able to feel out and plot correspondence points... even an advance construct such as myself falls short of a human in this.>

"I will seek out whom I can then and gather those who would also aid us.  With thy leave sir"

Devellana awaited being given leave and wondered where her fellows could be found.

"We're a team Devil Anna, my leave I don't think you need it but any help would be nice but maybe Luci can help as well." bowing to her, with a smile. "Indeed Luci, welcome to the world of names and magic. As for correspondence, I am sorry I've not studied this art form do we know if any onboard does?"

<I know raven has been studding files on correspondence points to help pilot, the degree of progress he has made not say. The 'spheres' are lose concepts at best, I think it is only this naming that gives them stability that has been associated with them. For they have all been given names, and tied to the celestial bodies/beings. But to categorize ones understanding of it is ... problematic, they give people titles such as acolyte and master but it is not something that seams to be measurable>

Dev grinned at the use of her childhood nickname.  She returned the bow and answered:

"Tis a fine idea as I have no motion where the others maun be.  And it seemeth that I shall have no manners at all when I do return to my home!"

She grinned and looked around for something to sit on as she listened to the other s speak.  Numina burped a gentle snore.

Coming to sit on the floor, lotus position as his crystal robes floated almost and then fell as he did. "The ability of a will worker such as ourselves is difficult to quantify, Acolyte to master are often used. That is the way of many sects, Hermes like this as they are close to mathematics in their use of the ways." Forming a light mundras with his hands before him focusing his own energies, "If he has studied it for the use in piloting then maybe he can help you in using correspondence points for our travel, it seems most likely to me that it would help. Unless there is another in this school among us." Closing his eyes, locking that sense away opening him to his others. Something he'd been training with so he could fight blind but also open him more to the universe.

"Your home, if I recall it was not far from my own was it not Anna?" Feeling the flow of energies, trying to focus the visions the spheres allow himself to study a moment the creature called Numina. Knowledge was always good to obtain, and a live dragon such as this must hold much.

Where ever Raven was Luci pestered him some more =p. <Raven could you come to the bridge, we should be leaving.>

Raven did as requested and returned to the bridge to once more take up his station; plus getting a chance to show off his fine new attire didn't hurt his ego even one little bit. He took his seat, and awaited instruction as he figured just joy riding around would be frowned upon and with this crew and ship that might well equal a quick trip to retirement from his position via an airlock; it was even worse when dealing with a living vessel that could from such a portal directly where your butt cushion used to be...

<The ship Sam took shelter in had a good deal of star star charts in them, I'll bring them up.>

Well Raven knew jack shit about star charts but he had plaid connect the dots as a kid and had followed a few old maps getting out of the badlands, he didn't quite understand what any of it said or what exactly he was doing but he managed to find a suitable path.

Once he was in transit though, now that he could see and feel the fluctuations in space, it started to be something of second nature almost. Between what his eye and armor could see, and what his body and mind felt, he started to get a feel for it. While a little spotty at first he was able to predict the way the small shifts in the way the correspondence took.  An incursion from a rising realm there, it shifts away from it, a pocket realm collapsing there, it shifts to it.

He made much better time once he got a feel for things, some where between a half hour and forty five minutes. It helps that Mars and Earth are still in close orbit, but still that's good time, if they had some one that actually understood those maps and had a better connection to the correspondence to help Raven as a navigator, then they could have got there even faster.

(Yes we have some one joining as a navigator =p lol)

Raven brought the ship to a stop at their new destination.

"Top floor; dishware, bedding, and those naughty things Huoshui thinks no one knows he wears under his robes. Everybody out.",

Lunar orbit, once inspiring to millions, was now a heavy soboering view. The black storm raging over Earth in the distance, the ruins and scatered dibree from the decades old Victoria station ..... It had severed train passengers faithfully more than one life time, and eathernuaghts much the same after it's bold move.... now bits of it rained down to the lunar surface while the bulk was a dibree field of dying activity.  The ruins of Neo New York still light the surface, but from the still active corrosive puss boiling away in craters.

It was a sad sight, Lucy took on a new shape and with the deplomic call name and codes they where let through the gate bringing them in sync with the lunar surface and had an armed escort to the embassy docks in New Boston. Raven didn't have to land there but with the refugees it was the only dock that they wouldn't have to weasle there way I to or wait an unreasonable amount of time. (Or land in another city getting transport)

On the bright side Lucy had cracked the chip and returned it to raven ready to be registered as his new banking account... And the amount was sure to put a smile on the old splicers face.

"Well done friend and thank you for your excellent piloting skills." he said placing a hand on the shoulder of Raven. "Though to see such destruction... is truly a sight. It hurts me somewhere deeply that no one was able to stop all this, even more so that I was told to witness this. Told it would happen and to be told I could do nothing to stop it, though I did not know what it would be till it occurred. I guess such things could be seems as foolish superstitions with how vague they were."

The enormity of it hit him, the numbers and imagery of reporting media only did so much but to see it with his own senses. The decay, destruction and horror of it all made almost more real by witnessing. Feeling lucky to have survived it and helped who he could. There must be positives taken, do not let the loses drag you down, take the positives you made and help them lift you to do more in the future. Growth and acceptance.

"Now friends we must decide what we are all to do, shall we meet up later? I myself have an arranged meeting though I should think you all must also have items you might wish to do?"

"It has been  made known to me that the world that I was born on is klept Ganymede.  Knowest thou this planet?  Is it nigh unto thine own?"

Develana made a face at the floor.  She went to one knee as gently as possible so as not to waken the baby in her arms.

CLANK

"This planet? Luna, well I cannot say I am familiar with it fully but I've passed through." He couldn't help but be saddened by the sight of all the refugees, almost brought a tear to his eyes. Hopefully their sneaking through and getting into dock would gain them some good, do something that would help those they'd pass. "I also am from Ganymede, so I can agree how vastly different this place is."

Turning and seeing Devalanna kneeling, also holding... "Is everything alright Lady Anna?"

Raven gazed upon the refugees with sadness in his visor-covered eye, then turned to the good brother.

"Huoshui, you guys sit around for hours just thinking on things, and monks are said to be wise and insightful, so I have a question for you. When the station was attacked, we left aboard Luci with two hundred other survivors. We took them away from death, pain, and destruction, but we also took them from their homes, their families, all of their possessions. We stranded them on a planet they never intended to go to, most if not all without a credit to their name if they had accounts with banks based on the station. Instead of burning into oblivion or choking on the nothingness of space, we've condemned them to starvation in a cold, dirty and strange place. Here's my question; did we truly do them any good?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Sat 14 Mar 2015.

Amaphutha approached saying "Do not worry, my people have suffered greatly and while we have made others suffer for this more, we know what it is like to suffer and do much to help those in need."

Huoshui turned a cool and calm smile to Raven, "We saved lives, if one allows what we could have done to hold us we might not be able to do more. What they have is life, and with that is a near literal infinite supply of possibilities." Such thoughts had taken him to darker places of himself, but he liked to think he'd flowed through it. "The world is kind, people are kind. The refugees will not be without, my own order as with many others I am sure are already helping those without to gain again some remanence of their lives or possibly something new and different." Smiling and nodding to Amaphutha, "We are all one people, Death, pain and destruction. Are parts of life we can wish as much as we like were not part of our lives, or were not part of life at all. We can only hope and help that we can use this to temper and mould us to be better. To do better, forge from this fire a future for the better. Life is what holds possibilities, and with that I pray they find hope for this new path."

Raven took a moment to look at the readout inside his visor as to how much was on the bank chip he'd found.

"OK, you go do that monk voodoo yo do so well; go talk to people all nice and stuff, binge on rise and raw fish, maybe even throw caution to the wind and have some tepid tea. I'll find some way to amuse myself. If you need me, I've got my comm so just give me a holler. By the way, if you're still tight with your family back home, you might want to ask they throw some credits at this mess, maybe help out a few of these poor souls a bit. Just a thought, up to you."

With a nod to both the brother and Dev, the old bird made his way back to his cabin.

Once there, the splicer removed the drugs from his pack and shouldered the remaining items, which were MREs. Then, he made his way to the same quarters in which he had found his new armor, and picked up both the antique revolver and the Sword of Mars. After that, the former Space Marine made for an airlock and the world outside.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Wed 25 Mar 2015.

Develanna sniled at her friend and shook her head,

"Tis well my friend.  As thou wert seated pon the floor, I chose to join thee as best I could.  This armor is not overcomforting when seated pon mune own arse."

The baby in her arms awoke and stretched and yawned.  The two of them stayed silent while the refugees were discussed.  Numina perched atop Dev's head and took a very long, curioud look at Raven.

Devellana nodded as Raven took his leave, and Numina turned completely around to watch the man's departure.  Devellana spoke to those remaining,

"If there's aught I may do to assist, please but ask"

"You would have to ask Amaphutha, I am here upon her request and my plans are hers and her mother's to decide I'm afraid for the time being." He bowed.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Tue 17 Mar 2015.

(shes talking about the baby dragon =p)

( edited and to Amaphutha I guess :P )

She lowered her ears a little. "I suppose she may come along but she would have to wait outside while you speak with my mother."

"Sorry I did not mean to press." holding his hands up and open towards her, "I only meant maybe she could come along with us as far as where your mother is. Knight Anna, did you wish to explore the station. I do not know if you had things to do, or places to visit?"

"There is naught that I am aware of at the now.  It would be most pleasant to se more of this vessel"

Dev was pleased to have somthing to do, even if only to tag along.  She was spending too much of her free time wanting to stick large holes in bad things these days.  She would blame it on Raven as he was not here to defend himself.

(Your on the moon now =p)

Amaphutha heads out "You are welcome to try and see if she will see you but I think you could do better bringing some hope and cheer to the refugees."

Follow Amaphutha, since she knew where her mother was and he could only believe also the most gathering of refugees since she seemed to knows those in power. It might be nice to try to do some good while here as well, as Ama suggested to Anna it might be good just to cheer people up some how. "Maybe that would do some good, people must be very down with what has happened. So many lost."

Osman waits outside of the hanger.  He's quite relaxed for this being the likely perishing of all life on Earth and the Moon, but really, its all relative really.  It isn't yet immediate, it isn't yet threatening him directly, and it isn't yet vivisecting him and putting him back together.

Amaphutha left the hanger with the others, she was a panther woman with a unicorns horn and the wings of a brown owl. Not anything new for Osman really, though she seamed to be born with the horn and the wings were the gift from a totem.

"Excuse me, might you be one of the members of the crew of the ship in this berth?"

Huoshui walking with the Panther woman was wearing his blue robes, traditional Do robes with the symbol of his order obfuscated on his back by the sack he carried there with a number of wrapped weapons tied there. One item which stood out was his grass green hair.

"Crew might not be the best word but we are the ones who have been using it for transport the most, might we help you traveller?" the monk offered to the man.

(Forgot about that hair, it still grass or did he just keep the color?)

( Just let it keep, let the colour stay as a reminder or maybe he just likes it. )

"Yes, I've been told by a Pooka that the universe needs us to stop the Machine God from blorking the moon and all life on Earth, likely a mutated Autochromia.  Apparently, I can help you navigate and pilot there."

"A Pooka has told you about the machine god, well that is fortunate. In truth I can believe we might need a pilot and navigator but had not known it was knowledge to others, however I will not question the fortune of the universe. Maybe some benevolent god has smiled on us." Bowing to the man, "I am Huóshui Zuìquán. It is nice to meet you sir."

The cat lady nods "The birth of such a god could see that the fae's home never is found again."

Osman bows in return,"Pleased to meet you.  I'm Osman.  I gotta a crew full of folks so how big is this ship? I can only pilot one....how did you find out about mr. spikeyspike?"

Dev stepped forward and gave a bow of respect, her eyes even with his to show she saw herself as his equal and not his lesser or greater.

"Well met good Sir Osman. I am the Lady Devalanna, and if indeed the Fey have seen fit to direct your steps to us in offer of aid true our fortune is good with another able fighter at our side against the boundless evils that exist. However, it saddens me to say I fail to see a need for your service of pilot, for we have one who not only brought us forth to here, he himself took us and others away from sure danger before when the city of air suspended on pillars of nothing fell in fiery ruin. He is a brave and sure man, I would not trade a sound quest companion such as he or the fine Brother here even if this whole sphere we now stand on were made of gold and offered to me in place of either good soul."

"Well, that's good with me.  I've got a nest of dependents to take care of, and Pookahs get things wrong sometimes.  Though I will also say I'm a member of the Celestial Chorus and have a wide range of magical senses even if technically still an apprentice.  Well met to both of you.  It is possible I might be able to pilot in a way your current pilot cannot."

"I am sure having a larger crew for piloting would only help, and with things as they are we could always do with more people to help. Especially as you put it with the Machine god" Not one to doubt the ability of anyone to do anything without seeing, he'd seen quite accomplished flying so far but he could not doubt the use of teamwork if nothing else. "Celestial Chorus, well met then brother. My former master went to great lengths to breach the gap between our orders. I would call myself a Disciple of the Akashic brotherhood but as with all the traditions our titles, ranks and customs do not translate perfectly."

On the thoughts of the Fae, "It seems all kinds of beings are seeing this Deus Ex as a threat, Fae, Shifters and Will workers. I myself was going to a private meeting with one such being who has seen that this must be stopped. If you wish maybe Lady Devalanna or maybe even Luci herself could help you in joining us."

"The machine is a remnant of the weavers madness, the incarnation of science has not faltered but the machine and the patriarch both were caught up in there mothers madness and are a threat to life. Both would control everything to the point of stagnation if they had there way."

"Wait...so the Weaver was...cured? I've been kinda outta the loop for a while? But yes, I'd appreciate any help I can get.  If the ship is big enough do you maybe have a hanger for mine? I've got some friends that could help move our gear out if that's going to be the issue.  This is kinda crazy, but I've come to accept the world as being nuts of late."

"I am not sure what your name for it is... but the weaver created a child with the others of his..her pride.... this child was also made to watch over the pride and replace/fix any who fell out of balance. It has trapped the weaver and is doing what it was made to do, it seams it will succeed. Rather it sets things right or takes the place of it's creator, no one knows, but it seams to have the upper hand in things..... It has a surprising amount of children of it's own, and seams to have some how tricked rats into dying for it."

"The Rats? Wow.  I'm surprised.  According to my friend, they're the last ones to fall for something that nonsensical.  These are cosmically large things.  I mean, is there some self destruct inside of it or a weapon that will blow it up if you can somehow sneak it inside?"

Devellana had feared that her mode of speech would eventually be so strange to her companions that musunderstanding would follow, but should that occur, it would be in a later time as the new companion had understood that she was not attempting to turn him away for their gathering of heroes.  She listened carefully to what was spoken of betwixt the others, hoping that it would eventually make sense to her.  As she stood there, Numina woke and stretched and gazed in wonder around herself and her knight.  From the nest of Dev's arms, she climbed to perch on the woman's head and used her wings to get balanced.  Once situated to her satisfaction, the little red one reset her wings and nearly hurt herself in attempting to look everywhere at once.

"We have a plan." Mentally he spoke to Amaphutha We shall have to reveal about the arrow after we've spoken with your mother. Forge a plan of sorts to protect you while you use the weapon. "Myself and Amaphutha, are going to meet with someone who will be aiding us in this regard but if you can find some other methods as back up that would be wonderful."

"The rats from my understanding were always a breed who grew closer to technology and what is called more modern societal attachments. It would be sad to hear of any one falling to this thing, I hope our actions will stop anymore dying for this machine god."

"Only a small number of them, the one and only good thing about them was they were near zealot followers of the wyld."

"That makes more sense.  There's always a small number of fruitloops short of a cereal bowl.  Well, I'm hardly connected in this bright new world of ours, but by His Noodly Appendage, I shall endeavor to do what I can whilst you go and see your plan friend."

Develanna ignored her dragon for the now as she looked at those who spoke in puzzle words around her.  She did not understand anything but fey -- Morgana was someone she could understand as an enemy.  Arthur was a different matter, one she had not quite figured out as of yet.  She did trust Raven and Huoshui to tell her what she needed to know when matters could support the time.  These folk seemed far too involved in trading information for her to interrupt.

Without speaking, she moved back from the conferenceaand making a slight bow, she retreated to see if she might lay her hands on the feast she had brought for her companions.  It would better feed the starving around her.

They needed supplies of there own, but some of the veggies could be spared with the hydroponics being set up, and they where headed to Venus a grand source of meat so she could dump all the bulk bug meat with out making anyone angry... though if she started unloading the stake patties and prime rib some one might cook her ass up.

Devellana returned to the ship and called aloud,

"Lady Luci!  I would speak with thee.  I have need!  I would beg of thee a boon!  I didst bring in vuctuals for a feast for my companions.  Maun I have such as ye would give me to take  forth to feed the peoples?  What thinkest thou?"

Noting Anna's leaving, maybe he'd been too exclusive of her in this discussion but he had a sense she was going to do a great good. Far more good than he was going to do with the meeting he was going to attend. "Hmm then I have to say then the reports I'd seen of them might have been the fewer of them. Then there are all sorts of people, what we are does not dictate what we become as much as some might think." Bowing his head to Osman, "Osman, I sense that you shall be a great asset and team mate in this. The future looks brighter with just your potential."

Osman laughs, "I appreciate it, really but the only thing I've ever accomplished in life was being slightly more tortured than my fellows.  That makes me a good Celestial Chorus Martyr.  But I don't want to stop you from your meeting. I can try to find some other kind of aid.  As long as I'm with you when the ship takes off, I'm good. I'm obliged to humor the Pookah if I can."

"With the hydroponics being set up by Sam we should be able to spare some fruits and vegetables, and with or next destination after this we will not need much of the meat we have"

"I have weaponry for myself and my crew.  Do you have medical supplies, weaponry and armor? Do you have replacement parts for this ship if it enters combat? I could seek these."

"Then if you are happy, I can leave you with the ship. We call her Luci but if you wish you could ask her full name. I am sure if you explain you are joining us she'll happily aid you with anything you need." Taking out the comm device he was quite quickly learning how to use, "Here is my contact ID. I'll be sure to contact Luci and everyone with an update. Nice to meet you and when I am done with my meeting."

Bowing to Osman, "Then unless there is anything else, I wish you luck." Turning to Amaphutha, "Shall we?"

Osman smiles, "Thank you."  He isn't sure how all this works but they seem compotent.  Perhaps not powerful enough to stop a god, but it was worth at least trying. He walks to the ship, quite curious.

Bowing and seeing the man off, "Right, all our allies are moving. Aiding and helping the tapestry to weave, to continue. Now for me to do my part. I only hope I can learn, weave, and aid as much as I know they all will." Smiling he began to walk, hoping that she'd know the way and guide him.

"My thanks Lady Luci!  Canst thou get the victuals for me and a manner of transport?  And if it doth thee please, twould be most helpful an I knew wheresomever is it a place that can prepare and distrubute food for the masses?"

Devellana was hoping that if the food did not look like provender, then she need only worry about thieves looting instead of throngs of starving who overwhelm one who does not wish to harm them.

['This is Raven to any and all crewmembers of the Lucid Nonsense. I have found survivors stranded in the outskirts of New New York. I have some food for them, but they will need more plus medical and any other supplies we have that can be spared. I also require repair tools, and if we can get them a mending kit for their damaged spacesuits that would be very helpful. Respond with what you'll be able to provide toward my effort to help them.']

"My crew might be able to help with that and we can pick up some food in the marketplace.  We're on our way."  He contacts those of his crew who can repair things and carry well to meet him on the way while he goes to pick up food and somerepair kits.

[Who is this? Identify yourself.]

"There are kitchens set up for the refugees to eat at, I will load food onto a hover dolly in the cargo bay, but you will have to navigate it out."

Huoshui began to make his way, Amaphutha's mother Naledi Owusu if he recalled, was the destination. Making his way there with Amaphutha hopefully along, the plan was to make audience with her and gain information about the soon to be sphere. Coming to the building which read to his senses as the right one, he hailed a guard.

"Greetings, I am Huóshui Zuìquán of the Akashic Brotherhood. I wish audience with Naledi Owusu, if you could please take me to her I would be very grateful."

(Was that Who is this to me?)

(OOC: Yes, sorry it was confusing.:()

"This is Osman.  I'm working with your crew to help navigate to your intended destination when you take off."

Devellana was on the verge of thanking Luci when Raven's call came through.  Touching her earring, she replied:

Hail to thee Sir Raven!  I have some victuals to take to the starving, and if Lici will add to the same aught that she can spare, I would be most glad to bring them to thee!  Good Osman, wilt thou accompany me thus as I maun not be able to handle thestrrd that Lici will provide?"

['Good to hear from you, Dev. If you vouch for this guy, I'll take his help as well as yours. The area is full of looters, most likely raiders too. They haven't hit here yet, but bring protection with you just in case. However, when you get to my coordinates, do NOT have your weapons drawn when you enter the building. These poor people are scared enough, we don't need to get them even more worked up.']

"Indeed Raven, I understand thee.  We shall be there anon.  Osman, wilt thou meet me where the transport awaits?"

"Roger that." Osman will follow Devalanna, though he will have an eye out for ambush because....better not to be  unprepared. It isn't so much Raven he's worried about but..weirdness.

Develanna got  herself to the place where Luci had prepared and loaded the hover dolly.  She held out her right hand to Osmon to grasp and shake.

"Well met again Sir!  An thou wouldst direct this peculiar steed, I will follow and cover the rear of our party with mine sword."

Touching her earring again, she spoke to Raven,

"Sir Raven, Goodly Osmon will be following thy direction with divers  supplies and I will follow in the rear as protection.  We will set out at thy word!"

The knight left sheathed her sword, but kept a hand upon it should happenstance decree its usage.

It wasn't a spaceship, but it would do.  Muttering a brief prayer to his noodly appendage he scanned the vehicle for interesting features or carbombs and then proceeded to drive as directed.

The crates of bug meat were rather sizely, they had stocked up not knowing when they would next be to a place with real meat. The would need a cargo vehical or drive slowly while pulling the dolly, but would just be easier to take Osmans ship. His crew could see to it that raiders just didn't take it all and they could cram the ship full of people who where waiting for rescue.

"Sir Raven!  Methinks that thou will be most pleased with thus cargo!  Osmon, Art thou ready? Knowest thou to wich and where we maun go?"

Dev was pleased that so much could be spared form the stores of Luci.  She was also glad that she would be on the inside so as not to have to look in 12 directions at once to cover their rear.

"Readyish."

Osman is still not entirely sure what is going on, but he's as sure as he is going to get.

[Transmitting coordinates. Standing by for your arrival. Raven out.]

((OOC: Just show up in Raven's Chapter 2 thread when you're ready.:)))

"We were just finishing up our conversation."

(OOC - BTW the cat was a kyphur, kinda looks like an Egypt linx, and preferred talking to playing.)

<No doctor though you'll have to forgive me, due to happenings with the will working arts Luci here is translating for me.> he said with a smile, happy to see the doctor was well enough to be moving around the ship and even coming to see him again. <We were just discussing what is to come on the next step in the journey.> Placing the box once more within his robes.

At the sound of the ships return a smile returns at the memory of the kyphur. And she looks caustiously around to Luci. She then starts sneaking in hopes of getting on the ship unnoticed.

ooc: think she doesn't currently need to cast anything, but if so have a description of how she will try to align her focuses.

We can just assume you follow the doc onboard, and I rolled... while there isn't much you can do to hide from the sensors on the ship, the doc don't see you and Lucy don't pick you up let alone notice you.

Osman will ask Luci if he can directly interface with her systems to gain an understanding of her schematics, systems and capabilities. Nicely of course. If this is to be home for a good while, he would become familiar with it.

inks continues cautiously looking for an inconspicuous out of the way place. Carefully watching for reaction from Luci or any other passengers. She will then sit and consider how much attention she needs to use to maintain the bubble as far into the flight as possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Wed 08 July 2015.

Peter's eyes follow the box as Huoshui pockets it.

"My advice is to stick to conditions I can cure. I'm not much good with wooden skin or magically-induced aphasia," he says. "Dangerous. Necessary, I'm sure, but still dangerous. I worry about you."

He rubs this bridge of his nose with a thumb and forefinger.

"Mmm. Yes, so, where exactly are we going?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:48, Thu 09 July 2015.

[Everyone is on board or in Osman's ship, which has now docked with us. Would you like me to take off now?]

Devellana enters, straightening her tunic and patting herself down to make sure that all is where it should be and in rightwise order.  She looks up to speak to the others when a small red blur smacks her right in the face and nearly boles her over backwards.  Staggering, she speaks lovingly to the creature, peetting and apologizing for her absense.  The little dragon wraps itself around her neck and clings on tightly, allowing only enough room to breathe.  Once that she is certain that the creature is calming, she speaks to Huoshi,

"Well met again!"

She starts to offer a handshake and ten reconsiders,

"I mean no offense good sir, but I must get Luci to teach me the meanings of such gestures as the last one I made in ignorance brought quite a surprise~"

She grins at the room in general, noting new faces.

The little guys a bit pissy... she took all the good meat with her and didn't come back with anything!

Peter waves at Devellana meekly. It has been some time since they last met.

"Hi, I mean, uh... hail...?

Raven disembarked from Osman's ship and saw Devellana talking to someone he  remembered from a bar on Mars, and had his suit retract the visor so the doctor might be better able to place him as well. However, any thoughts of a reunion with the man left the splicer's mind as a scent in the air caught his attention. He looked at the knight, sniffed again, and shook his head while counting to two on his fingers. He sampled the air once more, pulled Tried And True from it's holster while leaving the weapon pointed down, and began to move slower than normal as he continued to inhale. The old bird would walk several feet, take another whiff, turn direction, and walk a few more feet. His odd behavior most likely wasn't noticed considering the strange assortment of crew Luci currently had, but if anyone did pay him any mind it seemed like he was working his way more or less in one direction though admittedly by starts and stops.

inks was headed to parts uninhabited so however far she gets and if the child notices the birds strange behavior it is time to lead a slow merry chase through the ship dodging inhabited areas as much as possible. also keeping an eye out for some tight squeezes for the birds relative frame but not so entrapping for her. Hopefully her sneaking speed is faster than his on again off again shuffling.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:08, Tue 14 July 2015.

About to accept Dev's handshake but also withdrawing. Replacing it with a bow of his head. It was good to see people assembling once more. Taking a breath while briefly closing his eyes, <Well met everyone,> once again being translated by Luci, <I hear you were on quite the adventure yourselves, I am sorry you've been brought back at such haste and thank you for your understanding. It seems our time is ready, the enemy stands only growing in power and all items have fallen into place.>

Dev smiled at the two men as she continued to pet and comfort her familiar.

"Tis good to see thee again Dr.  and you also Sir Monk.  Life continues to bring interesting twists of happenstance my way.  I do hope that our next venture will be successful in aiding in the downfall of the tyrant"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:48, Wed 15 July 2015.

Osman, after having down loaded the schematics of the ship with its capabilities, made sure that every one of his people had quarters of some kind, and helped them move their stuff if they wanted to for the duration of the journey.  Then he would pick an empty room for himself, equidistant from the bridge and the small craft bay.

[I can get us out of orbit but I will need ether Mister Miller or Forchild up here to plot the correspondence points.... both of them as we approach the realm. Getting to our destination is far beyond my capabilities with out the starcharts and both pilots.]

As the ship can be felt lifting off, raven catches a good whiff of the girl he's looking for. While she's hiding her scent and the Arcane is protecting her... her body and clothing still have scent on them... it might not be going anywhere but it's there. As she squeezes through tight spots though that scent rubs off again and again leaving a hardly present at all smell.

Ravens enhanced spiritual awareness picked up the fine points here and there where a trace amount of the girls essence had rubbed off. So minute it was hard to distinguish from it's surroundings.

It was a frustrating game though... he could track her, and was very close to her, but there was simply no way he was going to pin down her exact location this way. Not with out divine intervention, or not with out something to force her to show herself.





So that was the situation. Ink knew Raven knew she was on the ship, and Raven knew Ink was there and trying to hide from him. It was becoming clear to both of them this game of cat and mouse... or bird and stowaway anyhow... wasn't going to end with out one of them giving up or being worn down, afteral they both couldn't keep there tricks forever. Inks KNEW her's would fail first, while raven just had a good guess he could keep it up more (after all what he was doing was easy... what ever was going on here was some serious stuff if no one on the ship but him had noticed yet).

The child smiles at the oddly persistent birdman. In her off moments she will write a note. inks will leave the note past one of the doors or tight spots she goes through. The note will read:

ooc: *x*=a couple hours or however long the she thinks the spell will last

    hi birdy, whats your name? you are likely
    getting annoyed by now.

    those are cool wings. can you fly?

    i'm not really trying to hide from you, but i
    think it will work out if i stay hidden for
    about *x*.

    what do you think i am? are you thinking
    you've gone crazy, are in a weird dream, or
    are hallucinating yet?

    when i'm done i could meet you somewhere.


    that looks like a super antique gun. where'd
    you get it?

    we could even stay in the same room if it
    makes you feel better. i promise not to be a
    monster(^^). but make it a big storage room
    though if you want to hang out.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Wed 15 July 2015.

(two hours or so at the most)

Though he is sure the navigators of the ship are quite competent, this is the reason he's been brought here, nominally, so he will go to the bridge to see if he can lend his navigational skills in helping to find Autochronia.  It's only a tiny speck in an infinitely vast universe after all.

How hard could it be?

Osman was able to plot a course, nothing special but nothing bad, but he couldn't get all the way. The correspondence points just seam to disappear, they brake down as reality gets thicker and thicker. The space around Autochronia is so thick there was no cracks or thin places to squeeze together or stretch out... at lease none he could feel out from this distance, even with the help of the ship. He couldn't even see inside the realm the barrior between realms so think as it might as well just be it's own separate reality all together.

Raven found the note, read it, then spoke out loud.

"Luci, patch me into ship wide comms please."

He would wait until she did as he asked, then start talking again.

"Attention all hands. Attention all hands. We have a stowaway on board. They know I am aware of them and left me a note saying they refuse to reveal themselves. As we are on a mission of grave importance and I am the assigned pilot of this ship, I hereby request from the Captain a full stop until such a time as this person or creature may be found. We do not need a saboteur or assassin hampering our task at hand, and although I am fully aware that time is precious to us, if all of us spread out and search we should be able to bring this individual to light sooner rather than later.

"To our unknown passenger, what I think you are, a stowaway on a private ship contracted to perform a sensitive mission for the Lunar Government. As to if think I'm going nuts or any of the rest of that section of your little love letter, short answer no long answer requires more time that you have trust me. Since you're curious, I got my gun by lifting it from its previous owner's cold, dead, and partially rotted hand before I rolled his buddies for ammunition before taking a pack of cigarettes and double checking for gold fillings. Finally, as to meeting me I agree but I won't be alone. You will surrender yourself into my custody in the main hanger bay within ten minutes. If you decline to do so, after your time is up I will order Luci to start purging all areas that do not contain recognized personnel. In the event you think you will simply hide in a room with a crew member, they will be guarding all doorways with orders to shoot to kill if necessary. If you think I'm bluffing, allow me to answer your first question now;

"My name is Commander Thomas Miller, Space Marine Corps over thirty years active duty. I fought the Neo-Technocracy Militia on Nix and Styx before their bloody defeat on Charon; otherwise known as the Battle of the Three Moons, which by the way was a sunny picnic compared to some of the other fun little things I was involved in I was in charge of my own attack squadron and we flew over two hundred successful missions. I have been awarded the Quasar of Courage, and a bunch of other stuff you're probably not impressed with.

"Let me sum this up for you; this is my mission, and I WILL see it through. I will eliminate anything and everything I see as a threat to it, this crew, or this ship, without hesitation or question. Unless you meet me in ten minutes in the main hanger unarmed and surrender, guess what I'm going to see you as? Commander Miller out."

On his private comm unit;

[Dev, meet me in the main hanger bay and be ready for anything.]

Lucy sounded out only to Ravens location,[I am not sure a threat of venting the atmosphere is a threat to as many people as you would like, but I can create a true vacuum, however I would rather not. I could however, if this person who left this note dose not surrender, fill the ship with sleeping gases..... I can not guarantee that will help find them though. If they are some what removed from reality as some mages like Huoshui are, it takes a conscious effort to interact with others.... but keeping unused areas filled with such a mix would keep an intruder incapacitated until our mission is over, and I should be able to detect any attempts at sabotage.] Lucy was meant to be a science/spiritual knowledge seeking vessel, and was used as a pirate ship, she was not fully comfortable with warship type duties when an enemy is not clearly an enemy of life and balance and the like.

Meanwhile broadcast over the inter ship was "Tex", [Now that's more like it, that's what I like to hear!!! Alright brother, I'll get my suit lets ferret this bastard out or watch em float and use them for target practice!] Yes he just called some one brother... eh... well they both like guns, both have four arms, and are both spliced to hell.... Even if ones a spliced human to be animal like and the other is a spliced animal to be human like, but still odd for him to be some what nice to some one.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:21, Thu 16 July 2015.

Raven grinned as he replied to Luci;

"Don't get your transistors in a knot old girl. We both know I can't order you to make me a cup of coffee, let alone shoot someone out an airlock. Yeah, I guessed it was some magical hocus posts of some sort, and also from personal experience that space plus no air doesn't equal death for our kind. But I didn't have venting in mind, I was thinking more along the lines of just opening a hole in to space and letting the decompression kick them out. Worse case, they'd be stranded for a bit. As for that whole 'shoot to kill' part, there's no way in any version of Hell you'd like to pick that we have enough guns to arm every single person on this ship. Even if we did, most of this last batch wouldn't know which end to hold, and they'd be much likely to shoot themselves or another crewman instead of the stow away.

"I thought it sounded pretty good though, hopefully enough to force their hand. If they surrender and are harmless as the note indicates, then we'll stick them in a room out of the way and lock the door until such a time as there isn't a super evil machine trying to wipe out all of humanity. I know that might not seem like an issue for you, me and the monkey, but I was human, he's human-like, and on a wild hunch you were made by a human so I doubt this thing will cut us any slack.

"If however they resist, then we know they're a bad guy and respond accordingly. Either way it goes, there's something you need to know Luci. I fuck ed very badly once, used my calling for selfish gain. I tried to redeem myself, but I failed. I thought that was my only chance, but I was handed another personally by a Goddess who not only dawn me for what I had done before, She accepted me as Her follower. Now this abomination is trying to replace Her, and I cannot allow that to happen. If this stow away wants to be friends and will sit quietly in a comfortable room until this is over, that suits me just fine. But if they hamper this mission in any manner, well then what needs be done must be done."

[I understand, this entity seams to be an great imbalance and would be good for little. I was informed about what happened at the incursion zone, it is interesting for a being like that to be so angered but give one another chance. I suspect it is her machine nature that sees your potential to help her over what ever feelings she might have for what you have done to her 'children' in the past. I am happy that you have appeased her anger and you have been given a chance to make up for your past actions. I do not quite understand the need to do this, but I understand that balance is important, and having such a moral imbalance corrected makes the unpleasantness of the actions better.] Well it don't and it dose.... of course something so young and still figuring emotions out don't get it.

The child shakes her head but refrains from a sigh, grown ups. inks will then begin writing a short note.

Not sure how close she is to the splicer, but the girl will eaves drop on the conversation and follow the Thomas to the main bay if close enough.

If she is not close enough inks will head for what she thinks is the main bay.

Huoshui had come to sit down in the lotus position and mentally prepare for what was to come, interrupted by the announcements made by Raven. Nothing got past his senses it seemed, always suspicious or on guard maybe. Suspicious of course came to his own mind, looking around thinking of opening himself to the universe but then another thought came. <Did our new friend not leave to go to the ambassadors to seek help.> Talking somewhat to himself but also to the room and Luci, <Inks didn't leave, this is our best hope. Worse it could be someone who wishes us harm.>

Closing his eyes, focusing his mind through them as he tried to look and speak across the vessel. Using his knowledge of the mind he tried to connect and find her, wanting to reassure himself but maybe her. There was no need for the conflict that some of the more enthusiastic members of the group were more prone to. Trying to project his location and the idea that it would be safe to come.

Osman briefly looks in the window and sees his own reflection.  The thing that looks back at him is a nightmare, but sometimes it can...SEE things others cannot.  He will also head to the main hanger while pondering the nature of the reality, wondering if there might be a bridge point.

If they had THE DRIVE of course, that would not be a problem but that was something to be taken care of after the current mission.

The parentheses nodded and went on the prow for the girl while lucy answered to both him and Raven letting them speak to and hear each other as well, [I saw her leave the ship, if it is her she found some way back on that I have yet to detect her. However I have picked up on something on the ship, it is hard to make out.. it resembles a small unstable realm and is on the move, it barrel registers... a small denominational disturbance. I could try and contain it if you wish.]

Lucy was right, he could sense the intruder and he was right that it was Inks. It was hard for him to tell, but it seamed lucy was right too about the distortion... Inks seamed to some have some how wrapped the pattern around herself, a brilliant idea, but he had no idea how in the hell it was the slightest bit possible. But he could speak with her now if he wanted to.

Projected through his mind and into her own, he spoke to the stowaway. <It might be best if you meet up with me so we might explain the situation. I had thought you left us. My friends mean no harm I am sure, please join me. I can offer some more tea if you wish.>

<I believe she is what you've found, if so I hope you will find it coming to my location soon. I've projected my location to her, she should have little problem finding me. So if this is the case then leave her be. I trust she means no harm.>

More com banter

tex[You have got to be....son of a, hey big gal if I get you a nice thick wall can we get a shooting range or something.]

lucy[So Long as you are not shooting me, I don't see why not.]

Attempting to think clearly and distinct1y, Hey Huoshui. I did leave, but I figured out a way to come back(^^). Wasn't sure if it would get by Luci. Not sure if she is just playing along. Depends on how much she likes Thomas. Is Thomas a commander? Of what? Tea sounds good.

she inconspicuously leaves a new note:

was here.

The child then attempts to sneak off in the directions Huoshui gave.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Thu 16 July 2015.

The old man had made his way to the specified area by this time, and found yet another note which he quickly scanned before crunching in one hand and tossing it down. When next he spoke, he had a cold edge to his voice.

"Do it, lock it down at all costs. You can reform yourself; turn all paths out from where they are into only solid wall and box them in. If they won't go into a room on their own, we'll give them no other option. Then hit them with several minutes of some of your knock out gas, that should take the fight out of them but we won't have to wait long for questioning. Talk me in, do the same for our eager monkey friend as well as Dev. and the monk."

[The distortion is heading to join Huoshui in the galley.]

Raven arrive in time to see Amaphutha reach out to take the young lady's hand in her own, popping the smaller girls bubble as she pulled her forward through it. Heightened senses on something both spirit and flesh... well that figures. "My that was a clever trick, quite impressive my little friend, are you sure we are not kin?" she gives a weak smile but it fades into a more unpleasant disappointment of sorts. "We told you this mission was to dangerous for you. I think our friends words made that very clear." she nods to Raven and his cold glare "I understand you being curious, and wanting to help, but now was not the time."

Dev excused herself and stepped aside to respond to Raven:

"Are we still meeting in the bay or have plans changed?  Numina can also help with the hunt"

Raven had his gun drawn when he entered, and aimed it at the little girl; he kept it there as he responded to Develanna;

"We caught it in the galley, looks like a kid but better not to take any chances.

Luci, go through your crew manifest to find who can be spared and stick the most capable one with babysitting detail just in case Pippy Longstockings here turns out to have fangs or something worse. I'll keep them covered until I'm relieved, but try to hurry as we've lost too much time on this and I've got to get to my post."

The old splicer's gaze did indeed contain no warmth, but it wasn't emotionless as the last head of ship's security had been. In fact, the look he now displayed was one Amaphutha herself was very familiar with; it had been one given to her by any security personnel at whatever embassy her mother had been stationed to, when the little girl would attempt to amuse herself and they had to take time from their duties to deal with her.

Opening his eyes with a sigh as he felt the others gather around Inks, opening his eyes once more. Amaphutha was with them so he trusted she would deal with this properly and explain things clearly, adding himself into the mix seemed as if it would just add little or just add to the confusion. It was an impressive feat none the less, this young one so powerful or able to pull from other sources, truly it was something needing discussion if she would allow. There was nothing in not admitting admiration and wishing to learn from any source.

The child smiles briefly before considering Amps words. "You made it clear that you thought it too dangerous as did Huoshui. You may be right Amp, but I didn't see it that way. I have been told my perspective needs work."

Looking to Raven she attempts to hide a small smile at the security guard look. "Had a slightly better offer was hoping to get there before your deadline. The note was probably a bit much... shouldn't poke the bear. What is a Pippy Longstockings?"

"No you should not have, but we are about to kick the preverbial hornets nest..... There is no way we can possibly ensure you safety with out indangering others. Our small squadron will be set appon by a legion of furious spirits... People WILL die, your being here will make more people die if you can not take care of yourself.."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:13, Thu 16 July 2015.

Not with a boast, but sadness, "I have been in such a place, and have weathered the storm. I do not know all of the dangers, but understand some of the enormity. It was not my intention for any of you to have to protect me. It sounded like you needed all the help you could muster. I hope to be able to provide mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:45, Thu 16 July 2015.

"They could likely use your energies in helping break a hole to give us a way in and out, but you weren't raised to fight and the only help I can think would be for you to use you talent to help shield us and our friends."

She nods, "If that is where you think I can help, I should speak with them about strategy and plans. If..." The child looks to the gun an then to Mr. Thomas, "your most perceptive Commander agrees."

Determined that the threat has now ended....Osman explores the ship.

With his free hand, the bird activated his comm. unit.



[Dev, come to the galley and make sure to bring your little bug eater with you.]

After breaking the connection, the soldier addressed the child still without lowering his weapon even a fraction.

"You want to play in the Big Leagues like an adult, but don't have a full understanding of what's going on? Let me fix that for you;

"There is a hunk of metal big as a planet, as powerful a god, that utterly and completely loathes, hates, and reviles all of Humanity in any and all forms. It will destroy every man, woman and child, but it won't stop just there. I was a human, your friend standing next to you is a friend to humans, this ship was made by a human, and that is all this thing will need to justify our extinction and that off any and all beings that either have proven or even implied connection to Mankind.

"You think maybe it'll be bad, but there's billions and billions of humans running around all over the galaxy so it couldn't get them all. Wrong, because it will stop at nothing; it will burn every scrap of plant and animal life it finds to ash, evaporate all trace of water, leave any survivors to die of thirst and dehydration. If for some reason that doesn't work, there is not one single solitary thing preventing it from simply destroying all planets completely. If you think maybe we could appease it, appeal to it's mercy, build a new religion and feed its vanity, it would all be a waste of time because this thing is just a heartless, cold, calculating computer with no emotion.

"So, there's a humungous doomsday device with the destructive power of an ancient deity that will go on a universe wide killing spree, and our only hope to keep that from happening is to attack it before it can come fully online or 'wake up' if you prefer that term.

"You claim you want to help? Well, you have; you've aided that soulless monster with your stupid game of hide and sneak and little notes, We were already fighting the clock because there's no way to know exactly when Hal is going to open it's big red eye, and because of you a little girl just like yourself might right now be watching her family being vaporized just before the one hundred mile-wide beam sweeps over her causing her cells to be shredded like tissue paper. So, that's the stakes; everything, everywhere, and in your eagerness to be a part of what you didn't fully understand you've cost us the one thing we didn't have enough of to begin with let alone any to spare. So thank you oh so much for throwing a wrench into a plan that already had a snowball's chance in hell of working, but right now I'm thinking wearing live piranha underwear would be more beneficial than anymore of you're 'help'.

"Since Luci seems too preoccupied to assign you a babysitter, I'm going to pick instead. They'll be here in a minute, then you'll be their problem..."

Devellana responded to Raven's call

"We will be there on the nonce!"

Grinning at Numina who had been dozing on her shoulder,

"Come along Bug ater!  We have work to do!"

She strode along to the galley and through the door

"reporting for duty!"

Numina yawned widely and scratched her ear.

inks nods appreciating the beginning of his story and somewhat skeptical towards the possible current state of affairs. The child breathes in deeply, considering, "I was aware of the nature of your mission and adversary, and could imply the rest of your colorful bogey story variation. I meant that I was unaware of the number of the enemy and their complete capabilities. I get the impression that this is the common state of affairs in combat.

"I hope that your hyperbole does not reflect the true state of affairs, as I would take some part in that blame." This is delivered in a thoughtful an stilted way. "I get the impression that you are trying to impart to me exactly how awful, stupid, and ridiculous I am. You may go on if you like, but I would question the value of it." One may get the impression that she is  somewhat resigned to the nature of her conversation with Thomas.

The girl looks to the new comer. As she takes in Devellana which is intriguing enough. Then her eyes take in Numina and get wide while a smile of delight comes to her face. In a small ecstatic, barely audible, whisper, _{"A KNIGHT AND A DRAGON!"}

Her expression subdues some as she looks to the group awaiting their reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Fri 17 July 2015.

Amaphutha sighs placing her hand on the child's head. "I could show you the entirety of things but It isn't something I think anyone could handle, not even myself. This thing is the embodiment of all technology and now we are being told it has become one with the embodiment of all dogma, on top of that it has calmed the Shenti of Order as it's own and become one with it. It not only sees humans as outdated and obsolete seeing the emotionless drones that have been created as far superior. It will judge humanity by it's own religious redirect damning the countless souls that can't live up to there dogma's imposable standards, while 'upgrading' the few it sees redeemable. If the Shenti reaches perfection and the three merge as one it will be more powerful than any celestial.... almost as powerful as one of the powers. It can control all technology because it IS technology, and it will not stop till everything has been 'judged' and the universe is in perfect unchanging static order, even if that order comes from all that is wyld being burned from existence with 'righteous' ... well not fury... but cold heartless judgment till nothing changes because nothing is truly alive to change."

She holds the kid to her in a half hug. "Worse yet with Ananasa preforming her purpose to ... well bring order back to order by fulfilling her purpose to usurping her mad creator... There is a chance which ever power that comes out on top of that fight could be overwhelmed by this Godmachine before they can recuperate. Then the Godmachine will be the force of Order in this universe."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:53, Fri 17 July 2015.

The child returns the hug and listens to Amps, "Ah, that explains some of the strategy. Give the natural contenders with autoconthia time to recover so they can oppose, and hopefully maintain the balance for a time."

"At the cost of the lives of many.. Maybe even you now. But you didn't know, you should have listened though when we told you that you couldn't come along. This is a very serious situation, and one our friend here takes very seriously." he nods to Raven. "He has had a sorted past and misused and corrupted the children of the mother of war machines, however when he met her she was furious but gave him a second chance because he had always taken grate care of her children outside the fact he was corrupting them and he was trying to make up for his sorted past. She in the end accepted him and she is now his totem of war. If this Godmachine is born it will enslave her children and force them to be used on each other and deeply taint them with corruption of the horrid acts they were used for. Such causing her grate pain and corrupting her as well. Accepted by goddess he wronged as one of her children, and all that she is will be threatened. "

Osman breathes and exists philosophically, listening with great aplomb.

"Seeing a war movie, playing a video game, or reading a graphic novel can teach you that, but in the absence of so much more. What isn't common, is putting members on a team who are either not trained, not experienced, or who have nothing to offer. That man over there sitting funny? He's a marital arts master. Your friend the fur girl? Official ties via her mom that can get us past blockades. The knight? She and I fought side by side against a nightmare beast that couldn't naturally exist for the amusement of Ares, and came out not just alive but in one piece. We even have a new crewman who brought support people with him, so any odd job we could have put you to so you'd be useful is filled. If you think you're hiding trick will be useful to us, I found you out when I boarded this ship and the thing we're going up against is in line for godhood."





"A stupid action doesn't itself make one stupid; good decisions are made based on experience, experience comes from bad decisions. I was like you once, I had power; the ability to sentence someone to life or death with nothing more required than the simple pull of a trigger. I thought I knew what it would be like was sure of the decisions I would make and how I would act; but I was wrong. I thought I could make up for it, but four decades of trying just made me sick of looking at the face of the man who had done those things to the point that I changed it to extent you see now. Every time they pinned a new metal over my heart, it never covered the black spot I put there. I gave up caring about anything so I wouldn't care about what I had done, hid myself in whatever drugs or booze I could find. Didn't work though, never did get a peaceful night's sleep until recently. Now, as you were told, I've been given a chance to redeem myself and should I learned from that mistake; I just want you to not have to wait sixty years for an opportunity like I did.

"First off, sneaking onto a ship without knowing anything about it or the crew wasn't smart. A private ship is worse, as you could run into just about anything or one. Add in we're on a dangerous mission ergo watching our hind areas, and the fact you knew you were found out and told to turn yourself over to one of the crew, and that's a decent list of things you could learn from and change in the future.

"But, hell, you don't want to see the value in the hard earned experience of someone who knows what they're talking about and save yourself some grief? That's no feathers off my wings."

He turned to look at the knight, holstering his weapon as he did so.

"Heya, Dev. We need to make sure the little darling here stays out of trouble while we deal with the mission, and I thought your friend there might help with that. You know, tell it to watch the kid, keep her out of trouble, so on. If you're cool with that. I've got to get up to the bridge, I've wasted enough time on her and can't fly and babysit too."

He flicked his eyes one more time to the uninvited guest.

"If you're set on doing it the hard way, let me give you one last bit of advice; get yourself a good gun for protection and companionship"

The bird unknowingly stroked the grip of Tried And True as he spoke these last words.

Dev scritched under Numina's chin as she listened to Raven.  She watched the child's face as she did so.   When Raven asked her if she were cool with allowing Numina to babysit, she did not even ask him what the temperature had to do with anything and made a wild guess at the meaning:

"An Numina wishes it, tis fine with me"

She spoke softly to the dragon who rose up on small, but powerful wings and circled the girl;s head before landing on her shoulder.

"It pleases Numina to do so Sir Raven.  Wouldst thou have me stay as well or dost thou need me elsewhere?"

"I think you would better be served keeping the pattern spiders out of Lucy."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:51, Sat 18 July 2015.

Hearing the commotion and mental vibes, Huoshui moved to come to see what was going on. Finding quite the group gathered. He bowed as he came in, seeing Raven had taken quite efficient charge of the situation. Sometimes things needed a direct approach it seemed, but results seemed well and he was not one to complain. "I see you have met our latest companion Raven, I hope no trouble was caused. Well not too much." Coming to Amps and Inks with a smile. "I sense more of the situation has been explained to all then."

inks listens to the bastet and then the soldier. Eyes tracking those he mentions, lingering for a moment on Osman assessing him. Smiling in agreement regarding the weapons upgrade and tracking his unconscious movement. "I will try to mine the wisdom of your given experience."

The girl follows the Knights dialogue and smiles happily at the dragon. Letting it examine her hand if it wishes before attempting to pet it. She will not push the issue if it isn't appropriate Numina etiquette. "Hi Numina I'm inks," she utters softly to the dragon.

ooc: how much does the dragon weigh(^^)?

At Amp's words she continues seriously to Numina, "What can you do against pattern spiders?"

Her crooked grin gets wider at the sight of Huoshui. The child nods, "I have learned quite a bit. Stepped a little too roughly on some toes, though. Sorry I wasn't able to meet you. Amp's burst my bubble(^^). I hope we get to talk about that when we have the time."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Sun 19 July 2015.

(Like a large house cat would with wings and a fat tail lol)

"Child this is serious if we had time to stop I would suggest we leave you on a moon bridge or a spirit path, the lunes keep this area quite safe during this half of the month. Only a child of coyote would not this this is serious."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:02, Sun 19 July 2015.

The child will lean a little heavier on Amp if they are still close as she balances the added weight. Gamely trying to maintain the perch the dragon has chosen.

ooc: correct me if i'm wrong but the way i envisage this i don't think the dragon will take her down immediately. however, that perch is probably pretty tight for Numina and i doubt inks can keep it up for long(^^). perhaps around the back of her neck and on both shoulders. being held in both arms might work as well.

Consideringly to Amps, "I think I understand this is serious and I'm not trying to take it lightly. It seems the best course may be to focus on the task at hand. Actions better than words stuff. Was thinking you all were hashing things out as to where you want me. Thomas certainly has an opinion, and you have made a suggestion. So whats the plan?"

(yah not the most comfertable for ether of them, but knight has bigger sholders and a stronger back... lol... if you offered a better place for it, i'm sure he would take it)

After a moments thought inks will indicate she could carry Numina in her arms.

Osman decides that he wants to know more of what is going on, and looks with both his eye and all of his active senses, opening his inner eye to the universe as explained by his Noodly appendage, really LOOKING at Inks and the small guardian perching on her shoulder to see what is clearly not seen and the source of the outright hostility of the situation.

Osman is able to skim over the ship but not the least bit of it makes a bit of sense to him.

The lay out seams quite normal but the upper decks got the captains quarters close to a rather securely shielded area near by that's also connected onto the upper parts of the ships heart/power core.

The dragons a dragon....

He can't see a single thing unusual about Inks.

<As long as you are well and all here are happy then I have no issue. If I will say as the others, I am concerned for your safety, even if you have proven to be able to hold your own in terms of stealth.> Looking around seeing much is assembled, <If it is much all of us present, maybe it is indeed right to discuss the plan. Amaphutha, you had something you wished the assembled to help with before hand, shall I explain it or would you rather?> Hand going into his robes, taking out the box hidden within. Keeping the contents secret as promised, but she did mention wanting people to pour some power into it, before Huoshui himself would need to feed it life energies.

She nods some. "Yes, if you would lend huoshui your power...."

<If each of you could, if able. Place a portion of your chi, energy, however you refer to it within this box. Just place your hand on it and focus should work.> Holding the box out gently with his hand, being careful with it. It was integral to the plan. <This is part of the reason we shall need people to protect us as we fire and assault at the being. We just need helping charging it with energies. Any you can spare will be thankfully accepted and appreciated.>

She smiles "I think it will be best if they intrusted there energy with you."

<Place the energies within me? Right if you believe it best Amaphutha, I should be able to wield such.> Nodding placing the box back in his robes, holding a palm out flat before him. Taking a breath, and calming his chi. <So if you would friends, I would appreciate it if you could share with me.> With his free hand held in front of his heart, forming an ancient hand sign he used often to focus his chi. So many different kinds of people here, he wondered what that would be like in chi, different shapes, colours, feeling. Smiling internally, hoping the dragon within would not mind.

She knew it would help him grow, and it would be best if he converted all the energy into the energy they needed. "I don't mind if you have help channeling the energy, I just think it should.... how can i say this.... all the ingredients be mixed up good before being pored into the pan? It is the way most magics work, they work better if one takes the lead while the others assist him, than if everyone worked together but focusing on there goal separately."

The fact that Inks was absolutely normal to his senses concerned him greatly. There had been times when he had seen obfuscated vampires in the torture sessions with his cadre.  The crew and Raven were right to be concerned, yet his instincts were torn.  Part of him believed destiny had brought her here to help them, since his Noodly Appendage worked in strange ways...but ....it could also be the other way around...

But not content to immediately give up, he patiently kept working on the revelatory rote, slowly increasing its power.  He wanted to see it for himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Sun 19 July 2015.

If inks notices Osman's activities. She will try to trace them. Looking around for the source of the activity and any sort of reaction. The child will give a closer look if she discovers the originator.

ooc: out of curiosity is this the nature of the girl's resonance or did osman fail? how would those inks have worked with seen her? or is this an outlook on how people perceive these things?

The girl will carefully pull out her drumstick so as not to unbalance the dragon. Ready to balance the rhythm of her energies with Huoshui's to transfer the power at the appropriate moment. Preparing to transfer a point of quintessence.

OOC: I don't know what Azraile's rules on awareness are, though traditionally I think its perception+awareness dc 10 for pure detection rotes...but again, I make no presumptions :D

ooc: agree but thougt the dc started lower in general depending on variables. so far the dm has been doing most of the rolls, so i've been explaining my intentions and not mentioning the determining factors unless i think they are unusual. i expect it is the variables that make it simplest for the dm to roll. i can roll as well if azraile wishes.

(you can roll if you like, but I kinda figure it would make the game smother and more enjoyable if i'm taking care of the rolls.... you only have to worry about spending willpower and spending xp    But rolling your own dice is fine just show all the numbers as the difficulties could be diffrent than you think ^.^;)

Osman still just saw inks like he would any other will worker, trying to push things to see something out of the ordinary seams to make something snap and suddenly he's smelling colors.

Osman takes a point of paradox, and now has temporary Synesthesia.

Inks dose notice's the attention on her, and it's sorce, just in time to watch the pattern in Osman's brain 'snap' as he gets Synesthesia. She don't really understand the brain enough though to know what went wrong in there, just that something did.

inks inquisitive expression as she looks at Osman turn to surprise and concern, "Are you okay? That didn't look like it was supposed to happen."

Osman enjoys the experience.  He is not a Cult of Exer, but since he has the spleen from one, he has since tried to make part of their philosphy, his philosophy.  It's all relative really, the fact that he's not using altered state of consiousness to adjust for pain and instead confusion is a novel experience.

"I was trying to see for myself why you were generating so much wariness and hostility. I've missed a lot of the last hundred and fifty years."

The crooked smile returns, "The jury is still out on that one, with many competing hypothesis. Although, I generally make less of a dramatic entrance. Had some help there(^^).

"What were you up to four the last century and a half?"

"Oh you know...just hanging around.  I kind of let myself fall to pieces but I came out mostly a head." Was that a pun?

"I mainly kept my friends from giving up.  Who helped you?"

A small deepening in her smile at the possible pun, followed by a raised eyebrow, "Oh, you know spirits of several shades, friends, and parents. Is that what you mean?"

<I should be able to, is always good to practice wielding chi of other sources.> Changing between several hand signs against his chest, the forms of change, dynamic, static, entropic, all to focus himself into warping anything he received into that of life energy. Dynamic and free, full of growth and potential. In his other hand he focused into forming a sphere of spiraling chi, anything he would receive would be added to it.

<See I told you Inks, all here are friends and will welcome you. Just wasn't such a good idea to sneak around.>
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:19, Thu 23 July 2015.

"So...you regularly speak with spirits and the dead? Were any of them pirates?"

inks turns her attention to Houshui as he prepares, watching for the time to add it the energies he is working. "Your companions are quite an interesting group, from quite a range of backgrounds. Sneaking can be messy if not done right, and there is always a chance one will miss something(^^)."

A quick curious look to Osman before focusing back on the monks activities. "I have spoken with more abstract spirits beyond the veil, but few dead. I don't recall occupation coming up. There are many dead from my understanding, but is there a particular one you were interested in?"

"No, just curious who it was you had spoken too. So you've been beyond the veil? Do you mean the far horizon or merely the umbra?"

A somewhat sardonic grin, still focusing on the akashic brother, "I have been to the far realms, but have been more to the closer umbra. And what knowledge beyond the veil do you possess?

Refocusing her attention to the room trying not to lose focus on the monk, "Not to second guess anyone, but I am not at my best. Is there a place and time to revitalize our energies before we help? Or will we be able to revitalize and add to this energy at a later time."

In reply to Inks (msg # 284):

"Well...that's an interesting question...on the one hand, I have spent time with the things beyond the far viel whispering in my brain for decades trying to break me or my friends as I slowly learned to shield them...but I haven't ever been beyond the wall that I know of, then again, honestly, we were kept in such conditions that it is entirely possible that we did at one time drift there.  I don't know where I was most of the duration.  His Noodly Appendage spared us."

[Could everyone please come to the bridge.]

In reply to Azraile (msg # 286):

Osman goes to the lounge and looks for the card game, but upon realizing that it meant the application of Nautical terms he feels like an idiot and slightly blasphemous and then  heads toward the Bridge the ship meant.

inks looks concerned and then follows Osman, who she hopes knows where the bridge is(^^). "What's up Luci?" The child smiles half hearted at his bumbling. "Are we there?"

"We took a brief Homonymic Detour.  But we're on the way now.  You know on Star Trek the ship had these nice blinky lights that directed you where to go...."

Huoshui moves along to the bridge, ball of chi still in his palm. It burned with multiple colours, waving and shifting never staying quite the same at one time. With this he moved the the bridge as requested ready for whatever may come, curious of it even.

"Star Trek? Sounds like a long walk. Luci's pretty amazing, although blinky lights when you know where your going sounds annoying." Looking vaguely up, "Could you make blinky directional lights?"

As the others left, Raven for all his belly aching about needing to get to the bridge remained behind until it was only him and the monk. His suit pulled away from one of his non-taloned hands, and without a word he used this to take a firm hold of one of the monk's wrists.

Spirit power flowed from the bird into his friend, allowing Huoshui to feel the old taint of Death about the splicer earned from a past addiction to Pigment. At the very limit of the senses, but still there at the edge, waited men and women in either burned or bloodied clothing; the latter were dressed in normal clothing but had fresh injuries as from bullets, while the former were clad mainly in uniforms and ran the gambit from burned to charred skeletons of blackened bones. As Flowing Water via this connection could see Miller's soul, it seemed to somehow be inside him, his head, and a pocket of his armor all at the same time.

Then contact was broken as the pilot let go, and in silence he departed for his station. When he got to his post, he took his position and spoke to no one about what had delayed him.

[I supose so, but everything is off the hallways, didn't think it was to hard to fin ones way.] She waits for everyone to get to the bridge before telling them. [Huoshui needs as much of your strength as you can spare, and Raven will need enough to punch us a hole in and out (at lest 2 but having 6 quintessence with our pilot before all this, just for busting the walls down, is the safest bet) so please give what you fell safe sparing, and those that can will have time to try and draw some through there avatars. Even going as fast as possible, and slinging of the correspondence of mercury it will still take us the better part of a day to get there. I suggest that the pilots take shifts so they are well rested considering both will be needed when we get closer, and everyone else work out what roles you will take on.]

Lee speaks up "I think between me powering them and both of us shotting me and the monkey can handle ship weapons."
'Tex' grunts "I'm not a monkey"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:32, Wed 22 July 2015.

"I am here to help you get through. You may have two units of mine as well as my help in a gestalt rote if applicable. Navigation, Piloting, Sensors and Weapons would work for me."

ooc: More quintessence than I thought, didn't spend it on bubble because of help. Would have given Huoshui 2 then if he was ready in the galley.

Arriving on the bridge the child will look around taking it in looking to the consoles to get an idea as to their functions. She will focus on Tex a little longer, and glance between Raven an Tex for any connections beyond the obvious. After listening to Luci and the replies inks will walk toward Raven. Carefully balancing Numina she will pocket her drumstick and pull out a taser clip. "I have some power to spare if you like, since we will have time. I believe some can pull power from this clip if they posses the skill. Will you use it or should I add it to Houshui's collection?"

Huoshui showed no outter reaction to the experience with Raven, the energy taken from Raven was added to the pool. Being passed through Huoshui's own soul and becoming part of himself, shifting and warping it till all that remained was quintessence. Quintessence now given to the growing sphere Huoshui was using to mix, cleanse and convert the chi into what was needed. <Thank you friend.>

Listening to what was announced on the bridge and seeing how people were taking their roles. <It is a sight to see, all of us from so different background but able to find place in the here and now.> Laughing, <I am glad to be surrounded by such talent, I cannot say I am able in the department of technology so it shall be an honour to watch you all at work.> Absorbing the ball of chi into himself, holding the required energy within his own avatar. Feeling still that slight aura of Raven's and Ink's unique energies within it, warmed him slightly to know he had such allies.

<I shall retire then if I may, I shall need to meditate and recharge myself. But if anyone wishes I am happy to be interrupted as I will be happy to take any spare chi that will be needed. I might see if I can channel extra from my own avatar into the collected pool.> Maybe it was possible, he could recharge himself through meditation so maybe he could use this as part of the required energy. <Of course, I should note that anything I have is yours my friends. I shall be using my sword for the upcoming battle but I still have a staff, it helps protect the user and if anyone is left without arm then I would be happy to give it to them.>

Raven turned to Osman.

"I'm still keyed up from my little game of hide and seek, so I'll take the helm first. You can spell me at the halfway point, if that works for you."

Dev grinned as she watched Numina bend to sniff at the girl's fingers and then step onto her shoulders and make her way into willing arms.  Soon the little fraud (the one with wings that is) was on her back and pretending to doze though Dev could see one eye slitted open to keep watch.  She lifted her eyebrows at the mention of "...spiders?" but she got no answer to that.  When it came her turn, she took one of Huoshui's arms between her hands and let flow the energy that she carried.  She stepped back when it had left her and bowed slightly.  Then the others were speaking of tasks and roles in the coming fightm and she desperately prayed to Great Galahad that someone would fill her in on what she was to do before they got to wherever they were headed.

With the best star charts, Osmans assistance reading the chars and plotting a course, and ravens skill at bending and twisting the fabric of the spirit and ability to see correspondence points....  Well it turns out quite well. Using Mercury, the planet tied to correspondence, he's able to find a short path cutting strait to Mercury and using one of it's powerful correspondence points to send them to there target with great speed.

All in all a trip that should have taken a few days was cut down to three to four hours.

(you basically made wormholes that traveled a mile per inch~foot or so lol... )
(that or to say about 10,000 miles per second or so... lol)
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:47, Fri 24 July 2015.

"That was a lot more efficient than the drive we had on the old ship...not as insanely ridiculously over powered...but much more accurate and you know....useful..."

He will attempt to access as many of Luci's sensors as he can and see if he can get a look.

[Using Mercury always helps speed things up when- Raven why are you attempting to configure my exterior to that of a 19th century European police box? The changes required to the interior to acomidate such a form with out masive cavities or mass increas would be quite extensive and slow us down.... I fail to see the point.]

The scans are able to pick up very little but that the patern grows thicker and thicker there till the very pattern of the universe is so thick it has formed a spherical shell big enough for the earth, the moon and its orbit to squize into. That's going to take some serious mojo to crack open and get into that ream...God knows what all is inside it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Sun 26 July 2015.

::toe of armoured boot tap tap tap::

"Spiders?"

"Back on Earth many years ago, there was a TV show about an alien who traveled time and space saving planets and stopping evil where ever he found it. His ship was supposed to disguise itself so no one would know what it really was, but one time it changed into an English police call box and got stuck that way. Since what we're doing is something like what he faced, I thought it was fitting even if we can't get it done in a fifty minute hour while appeasing sponsors..."

"I dunno...if you can think of the right rote....But...what do Spiders have to do with Doctor Who?"

"You have a few hours yet, see if you can hook to the Infoshpere and watch 'The Runaway Bride'. He fights a giant spider queen in that one, I'm pretty sure."

The child's smile takes on a wry cast and she approaches Huoshui to pass on her last point of quintessence her dram clip still in her hand. She follows the conversation, taking some notes on the tactile display on her wrist. police box, doctor who, runaway bride, star trek...

ooc: spider like creatures and the doctor have some encounters, too easy a villain for the somewhat low budget(^^). How many times have doctor who and star trek been rebooted by now(^^)?

As inks rocks Numina a little, "Pattern spiders? Or another variety?"

Osman smiled,"Oh the Raknos, got it."  He transferred his last dot of Quint to the Captain as well, and then attempted a rote to make coincidental magic easier in the area in hopes of helping Raven as much as possible.

Amp nods "Yes there will be a grate many pattern spiders, most will be repairing things, but many will attack that which has done the damage.... so they will be after the ship, and the pilots in particular, more than anything else. We just need to keep them from doing much damage and from getting inside. They should be more focused on damaging Luci's ... parts or organs or what ever you would call what ever she uses to amplify and project magic like familiars do, or least she seams to be.... but they will be focusing on getting inside to those, and to Who ever brakes the shell open.... so anyone trying to stop them will be ignored mostly until they actually try and stop them."

Lee snickers. "I think she's saying they won't be expecting us to try and stop them, so we get a free shot or two before they wise up and start attacking us too."

The man monkey smirks "works for me, leave a door open for them.... let them bottle neck themselves for us."

a quick smirk, "Who would dare oppose such orderly order?" Looking up, "How many amplifiers do you have, Luci?"

[It is not so simple as that, however I could focus the distabling blast and demeional warping from a area in the front of the ship, I could move the bridge there aswell to focus there attacks]

Between inks and dev, they bring huoshui to as much quintessence as he feels comfertable with... others offer but he feels if he takes in anymore a balance will be lost and something ill may happen.

Dev's long meditation gives her a even clear mind and all the quintessence her avatar can spar.

Inks is able to get her quintessence back in a fraction of the time, but has a harder time finding mental stability.... all this talk and a glimps at just how inpenetrable that wall was has her a bit nervous. ( can meditate for 2 quen or 3 quen and -1 willpower.... but if you want 3 and full willpower it will take the full trip instead of just an hour)

After the shift change Ravens own prayers and meditation come quickly even before the drugs kick in (if he used any), his focus is clear and his goddess will extended his blessing in this battle to the ships 'guns' the best she can as long as he is linked to the ship through his suit. Being a living being kinda takes the ship out of her jurisdiction so to say but if he's using the suit.... she can help the suit with it's interface with the weapons.

---

When they finally arrive the scene is.... disturbing. They are able to meet up with the other ships in the shadow of some tiny planetoids. The spherical wall looked like a massive webbing made egg sack with various Abrahamic religious symbols wove over it's surface in an exstreamly complex pattern.

Any chance of setting up a counter magic field with the Lucy's amplifiers?

Taking the energy from those who offered it, focusing and warping it into what was needed. As they travelled to their destination Huoshui mediated, focusing his all on the task at hand. This was his part in this, to help craft the weapon of the enemies defeat and to protect the wielder of the weapon when it came to using it.

As he sat there in meditation, he thought back to the great forgers of old. The weapon smiths of legend, channelling these images into his work. Kairos, his friend and aid in crafting the new form his own blade took, opposing traditions combining to make something beautiful from something dark. Where once his blade absorbed near all light in its dark steel, now it shone bright and with purpose. It reminded him of the story he once heard about Masamune and his student Muramasa.

The legend told of a test where Muramasa challenged his master to see who could make a finer sword. They both worked tirelessly and eventually, when both swords were finished, they decided to test the results. The contest was for each to suspend the blades in a small creek with the cutting edge facing the current. Muramasa's sword, the Juuchi Yosamu "10,000 Cold Nights" cut everything that passed its way; fish, leaves floating down the river, the very air which blew on it.

Highly impressed with his pupil's work, Masamune lowered his sword, the Yawarakai-Te "Tender Hands", into the current and waited patiently. Not a leaf was cut, the fish swam right up to it, and the air hissed as it gently blew by the blade. After a while, Muramasa began to scoff at his master for his apparent lack of skill in the making of his sword. Smiling to himself, Masamune pulled up his sword, dried it, and sheathed it. All the while, Muramasa was heckling him for his sword's inability to cut anything. A monk, who had been watching the whole ordeal, walked over and bowed low to the two sword masters. He then began to explain what he had seen.

"Juuchi Yosamu was by all accounts a fine sword, however it is a blood thirsty, evil blade, as it does not discriminate as to who or what it will cut. It may just as well be cutting down butterflies as severing heads. Yawarakai-Te was by far the finer of the two, as it does not needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving."

Huoshui always looked to this story and wished he would follow Masamune and not Muramasa. Seeing himself always in that light, never wanting to fall to violence without discrimination. Never turning his blade or fist to anyone unless it was necessary. Of course he knew many varieties of this story but he always felt this resonated well and was one he held dear to his heart, a truth master's work even if it is a weapon can be holy.

Coming to the scene of their battle, Huoshui channelled the energy into the item he was given charge of. Life and growth, living chi of dynamic energies just as he was asked. With the box in one hand and his other hand resting on the handle of his sword he met up once more with the group. Ready to help Amp as needed. He had done all he could now it was her turn.

ooc: two will do fine.

inks makes a soundless sigh, and smiles. As it will be. Smiling again at Numina's sleeping form. Continuing her breathing exercises she tries to make a connection to Luci so the girl can get a passive connection to incoming data through her AR goggles. inks attempts to ask Luci politely for whatever she is willing to give the girl access to.  The child tries to correlate any knowledge that may help her in the local data store regarding current conditions. When the darkness is deep the light of knowledge is a valued asset.

Amp looked to Osman. "Most forms of counter magic you may know of are traditionally forms of order imposed onto the universe and useless. The only thing that would help would be the kinda counter magic that make everything but wyld magics and mauradurs have a hard time doing anything." She looks out at the fleet they are approaching. "Which might not be a bad idea if your comfortable with guns, blades, and entropy."

The fleet that was hidding in the shadow was....in a word: unconventional. There was three marauder ships (one cruiser, and two corvettes), a pirate ship that looked like a real pirate ship and was only the size of a small frigate (smaller than lucy), two corvettes from a neo capadotinan family that likely mostly mercenaries... who ever they where though they where not showing there family nor there over boss's symbols on there hull which is odd to say the least..... and most surprisingly of all... a massive and heavly damaged Nephandi light battleship.

The Nephandi ship was a rather horrifying black metal insectiod designee that was barley held together, infact much of the ships structure seams to have been taken over by the living creature that made up parts of the ship... it has been encouraged to grow and repair structural damage and replace hull damage and armor plating. The rest of the core systems have obviously been repaired by marauders due to the patchwork like building habits. Still after all that it's fall from battle ready.... it didn't look like it could last in hard combat for more than a few minutes before being torn apart.

---

The box keep Huoshui from doing anything till it was opened, it makes sense though as it keep the energy inside from getting out... so stands to reason it keep energy from the outside getting in.

Was an odd thing to think about, the weapon she had was an odd.... it had the wyld bloodlust of Muramasa's sword, but it trusted the wilder with choice of a wise target and used the power of new life the user was denied in such a way Masamune would have smiled appong.

Then again it was a gift from the Devil Tiger for those who where denied it's greatest gift, life, to bring death to those that ended lives.... It was the kinda of weapon that could keep philosophers talking for quite a while.

Finally pulling herself away from her distracted study a look of wonder on her face. Quietly to no one in particular the smile returning, "weird." Then looking up, "Luci would you be able to interface with my goggles for targeting or status information? If it wouldn't it be distracting, or divert other resources."

Huoshui opened the box, gently took the contents into his hands. Closing them gently around it, wanting to keep it protected from the world. This needed to be treated with care and given only the correct chi energies, bringing his closed hands up to his lips and blowing gently into it. Projecting his chi to it, breath of life, it felt right for Huoshui to manipulate the chi in this manner. It needed growth, life and that of the tiger.

Walking up to Amp, hands still clasped together. Holding them out to her, there was little more he could do. Giving all he could to it in the form of life chi, already he could feel it resonate with a greater pulse than himself. The second weapon he had helped forged after his sword, a sister weapon, another of dual birth and construction. Only thing Huoshui could hope for would be this weapon would do as was its purpose, stop the growth of the sphere and avoid loss of life.

If I know how to do that kind of countermagic...I'll do it.

Osman was at a bit of a  loss at this point.  He wasn't sure what the best place for him was, since helping pierce the gauntlet on the way here was his primary useful function.  Now, he simply aimed to work to help his people survive, but that ....as he considered it...

If unable to do the countermagic mentioned....then he will call his crew to the bridge and begin prime charging their melee weapons one at a time, and have them work with the crew defending  a critical juncture...indeed, if possible, Osman will join them himself, maybe the Engine room.

(got a 10 on a wits roll)

Huoshui remembers he can't open the box with out drawing attention to the fleet, making them apear as a threat and giving away part of the plan. The box had to stay closed till it's contents where needed, otherwise it would invite disaster.

Develanna would have commiserated with Osmon did she know his feelings of being at a loss.  Only now did she find that there was a battle plan ... only she had not been informed ot what her part of it was to be.  She greatly misliked the looks of the ships out there, and forcing her mind to calm, she laid a hand on her sword and sought a peaceful center.  She also sent up a silent prayer to Galahad that she would do good by her companions to the best of her ability.

In reply to Osman (msg # 318):

Osman goes to the Engine Room and has his crew join him there.

'I've got the reach and the teeth of a killin’ machine,
with a need to bleed you when the light goes green,
best believe, I’m in a zone to be, from my
Yin to my Yang to my Yang Tze.
Put a grin on my chin,
come to me, ‘cuz I’ll win,
I’m one-of-a-kind and I’ll bring death
to the place you’re about to be:
another river of blood runnin’ under my feet.
Forged in a fire lit long ago,
stand next to me,
you’ll never stand alone.
I’m last to leave,
but the first to go,
Lords, make me dead before you make me old.
I feed on the fear of the devil inside of the
enemy faces in my sights:
aim with the hand,
shoot with the mind,
kill with a heart like arctic ice

I am a Soldier and I’m marching on,
I am a warrior and this is my song

I bask in the glow of the rising war,
lay waste to the ground of an enemy shore,
wade through the blood spilled on the floor,
and if another one stands I’ll kill some more.
Bullet in the breech and a fire in me,
like a cigarette thrown to gasoline,
if death don’t bring you fear I swear
you'll fear these marching feet.
Come to the nightmare, come to me,
deep down in the dark  where the devil be,
in the maw with the jaws and the razor teeth,
where the brimstone burns and the angel weeps.
Call to the gods if I cross your path and
my silhouette hangs like a body bag;
hope is a moment now long past,
the shadow of death is the one I cast.

I am a Soldier I’m marching on,
I am a warrior and this is my song
my eyes are steel and my gaze is long,
I am a warrior and this is my song

Now I live lean and I mean to inflict the grief,
and the least of me's still out of your reach.
The killing machine’s gonna do the deed,
until the river runs dry and my last breath leaves.
Chin in the air with a head held high,
I’ll stand in the path of the enemy line.
Feel no fear, know my pride:
for Gods and Universe I’ll end your life.

I am a Soldier I’m marching on,
I am a warrior and this is my song
my eyes are steel and my gaze is long,
I am a warrior and this is my song'

As this song was piped through the ship, the doors to the bridge opened and Raven walked in. His suit had been configured to be a spot on match for his lost dress uniform, complete with medals and ribbons. He took his place at the helm, and flew the ship up to the others that were laying in wait. The splicer had Luci transmit a Morse code message, figuring that if this orb wanted to be the god of technology it wouldn't bother with outdated things like this form of communication.

'C O M M A N D E R
T H O M A S
M I L L E R
L U C I D
N O N S E N S E
R E A D Y
O N
M Y
M A R K'

The pilot once more addressed the ship;

"We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. You will be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, it will be remembered as the day the Universe declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we're going to make this thing beg for us to send it into Oblivion, to yearn for the sleep of Death!

"I would now ask that our resident monk give us some words of wisdom, followed by a prayer from the spiritual leader whom recently joined us."

Lee laughs some, though not talking into the com unless Raven left it on. "Fine music but I think your over exaggerating some, though I like the speech. Most people don't think this is a serious threat, I know when they last dealt with this problem no one knew it was a problem or least believed it was, and no one but the Nephite Priesthood and my mums even knew about the operation to set the incarnation of Science free... well the fact they did that got some attention. I dough if we are successful very many will knew about it, and if we fail it's hardly oblivion... though we would probably wish we had been when all was said and done."

The capa ships responded with code as well and a simple [AFFIRMATIVE]

A video feed came through from the Marauder capital ship though, showing the image of a young man who wore the armor of a Equite (greek knight) while some of his subordinates where legionaries and from the look of things in the communication, the part of the ship that looked like a temple was the bridge. "Why this strange form of banter, can you not speak the common tongue fool? This is Episkopos Khayyam Ravenhurst, my men are ready to escort you if you are ready and you will follow us staying in a close range so we may cover your approach. We are preparing the distraction and we will bring what force we could bare down on this manifestation Greyface's Curse, but as promised we will protect your vessel so you may deliver our mother's gift to them."

Raven's connection to the ship showed that there was a good deal of strain on the ship caused by stabilizing the transition, it was practically dripping with entropy... wich is likely why there was no response from the realm they rested near... it likely just mistook it as a spike in background radiation or something like that. Only a sophisticated machine like lucy, some one with some skill in language and entropy, or another marauder could likely make sense of such a transmission.

forgot something...

After assessing the local fleet inks will take a curious look at Amp. Such interesting friends, perhaps maurauders dynamism will counter some of the local static, or at least piss it off. We hope(^^).

The girl's smile quirks at the choice of musical accompaniment. Under her breath, "Quite the entrance." Adjusting Numina in her arms inks focuses up, "Hey Luci, how are we dispersed in the nodes you configured to be honey pots? Any where you think could use some help?"

With his last minute realisation not to open the box quite yet saving him, and possibly the fleet he moved along with Raven and followed to the main deck. In quite awe as to how well Raven took to command, how he almost had the aura of it. Huoshui could feel it, if not fully understand due to his temporary loss of English, Luci seemed to happily help there for him along with him working out how to use the tool on his wrist. Technology was so wonderful he had come to know better.

When asked for words of wisdom he tried to lean on the words he had heard from former allies and masters, the ancient teachings of his people hopefully given some relevance. <A dream is a dream because you share it with someone. A dream only one person has is nothing but ambition. Today we stand for one dream, but we must remember we do this for something greater than ourselves. We are not individuals who stand side by side, we are one whole. Unity of self, unity of a dream, purpose, spirit and courage. I am honoured to stand by those who would face this, it will be written on the record. Carved into the very tapestry of the universe.>

In reply to Huoshui  (msg # 326):

"It is said in some faiths that life is suffering...well, life is certainly that. We all suffer It is said in other faiths that life is possible because others have suffered for you...there is certainly truth in that.  After all, we're battling not just for ourselves but for the entire remnant of reality so they are not turned into godless killing machines not of the Colbert Bear variety.  But in the faith of His Noodly Appendage, the Flying Spagetti Monster, the central tenet of our faith is 'Don't be a jerk.'

Like these two icons are trying to be.  Do they really have to merge and become a god and try to fuck us all up? No.  They really don't.  So we're going to fuck them up, because that's what you do when people are jerks and won't stop slapping other people around.  We are the collective pitch forks and torches set up to kill the monster...yeah, the world is full of monsters that are just regular folks now, and mobs are dumb, but mobs are not always dumb, since even a broken clock is right twice a day...if it is not digital and instead one of those old analog style clocks that had 12 numbers on it with a minute hand an an hour hand that went around, so that if the clock was actually broken then it would seem like it was broken twice a day, but here in the future with our neat buck rogers watches, a broken clock is usually only right at 8:88, and since in the more conventional 24 hour numbering scheme, that never happens, it means that these guys are wrong ALL OF THE TIME.

That's right, our enemies are not just wrong, they are totally wrong, wrong in every conceivable way, perverting not only the reality we enjoy but even the job they were set up to do in the first place.  They had JUST ONE JOB, represent weird monotheist murder cults and machines.  Machines are just machines, they don't have to be weird weaver cult things or crazy pattern spiders, they just have to make you toast in the morning or coffee when you're still trying to wake up, but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO these assholes just couldn't leave well enough alone, could they?

Well we're going to go clean their clocks which is a 20th century phrase whose origin I can't even begin to explain which is to say kick their asses, if they had asses to kick which they problem don't....

So in the venacular of the holy pirates which are central to our faith I'll sum up a bit

LET'S GO BLOW THE BASTARDS TO HELL N BACK AND THEN GO PARTY TILL WE DROP FROM ALL THE GROG N WENCHIN WE'LL DO AT THE VICTORY FOR THEMS THAT MAKE IT BACK AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRR"

Lee laughs a little at the 'prayer' and adds over the com. [Hey there very well could be bible toting mechanical bears in there, you do not know.] and shrugs and smiles to Raven "Guess I was wrong, forget about the whole Akashic Record thing.... guess rather we live or die, succeed or fail, he's taking our deeds with him into history." He smirks some though. "So don't scrap the hull on the way out this time."

Between Sam's magic and skills, and Osman's knowledge of his ship and assistance. (you should proabably get some repair/tech to show you know how the machines work or repair not just a sorta hey this is goes here and oh i know where that is kinda knowlage.... or hey that sounds bad... lol  yah need repair/tech to go with the pilot ^.^) They are able to get the ether/mass converter drive from the shuttle, and scrap parts of it to the point they get it into lucy and running, slowly converting it into a living drive engineer that is a part of he systems. It was hard work and she had been working on it quite a bit already, but they get it done in time and even have time to get a ..... well..... shoty sort of connection going to Osman's ships own drive so they can kick it into gear and run them together for an extra added punch if they have to. It looked like it was going to be nay on inposable to get in as it was, but with the marauders here it gave them a bit of hope, and having two ship drives instead of one wired up if need be sure made him feel a lot better. Still it wasn't a good connection they could get going and it could damage one or both of the drives if they used it as is, so it was probably best if he keep working on it.

[The engine from the Order of Hermies ship has been installed, I will keep the Engine room behind the bridge, and between the bridge and the back of Osman' ship. This will draw them to the bridge and engine rooms as long as I use them to punch the hole. If this is acceptable, it keeps Osman near the bridge encase he is needed to help navigate the realm-space, and allow him to continue to try and wire his ship's drive to my new ether/mater converter. If all else fails I can use both drives, or convert mine into a bomb and eject it. I think this gives us the highest chance of getting in and back out alive.]


A signal came in from the dammaged battle ship. [All hail the goddess, better the black void than the white void! We are prepared to face oblivion, the knowledge that we have stopped... or even held back the white void is all we need know. Give us leave and we will strike.]

Develanna had been listening to the voices of her quest companions with pride and the joy of righteous battle burning in her breast.  When all was silent, she spoke quietly to Numina in an ancient language, bifdding the dragon to remain on watch with the child in case she need aid, one way or another.  Then she spoke to Raven,

"Well spake My Lord.  We are ready for war.  An it be our Fate, we win, and if not, let us die well and take as many of the bastards with us as we may"

'The dawn has broke,
the time has come.
we'll move our feet
to a marching drum.

We'll win the war
and pay the toll,
we'll fight as one
in heart and soul.'

Raven allowed these lines to be silenced in his mind as he looked to the view screen.

"As you can hear for yourself, I very well can speak it. But when moved by a Muse, is it not a fool who fails to heed the call? I knew your father, he was a great man and I am proud to be fighting alongside his blood. No doubt you will bring much glory and honor to the name Ravenhurst this day. My soldiers are in the final moments of preparation, then you shall have your chance to fill Charon's craft from stem to stern to the point of bursting with the souls of our enemies. Let His eye fall upon upon them, but His name not be said lest it come upon us instead. As soon as my force reports ready, we shall begin."

The splicer took a moment away from the screen to look at the boy who kept addressing him.

"I'm sorry but I can't forget what you said, because I never bothered listening to you in the first place. As for scarping the hull, at least I get to fly a self repairing and shaping ship with fully aware AI while you sneak off to the head to snuff a dirty pair of Tex's undershorts and allow nature to take its course. You know, if the winds blow fair and we both survive this, you'll have to tell me just what function it is aboard this ship you serve beyond sucking up oxygen."

Having had his say, the follower of Clashing Boom Boom awaited word that those onboard were ready to proceed. He showed no further interest in Lee, as though the younger male wasn't even there at all.

Lee laughs lightly. "Well if you must know, some one has to fuel this thing, and I'm helping work on the back up plan.... figure were on the same side and your going places I need to be anyway, it all works out for the best, worse comes to worse I'll hopefully get something together to counter what ever they are planning to do with that Talos sample."

Huoshui begins to go through a slow rote, making sure his muscles were awake and ready for what comes. The stretching and preparing, forming his chi to flow as he would need, the energies ready. <Amp, when the time comes where shall we be needed. You will need a clear shot yes? Is there somewhere you feel you're needed to get there. Many souls need this to work, and time only increases this.> Nodding to her as he looked to get moving.

Wanting to say one thing before moving, <Thank you friends, all of you. I know I've said this but it is truly an honour to be beside you all in this. Truly our souls are one.>

Amaphutha approached Devellana and spoke. "I am afraid my friend, due to your patron god of choice, you can not take part in this battle as it is one we can not win... However there is a place and a battle for you here to fight, hold this ship and defeat any foes that would enter her. We will have a bottle neck for you to take up arms in and the fight will be brought to you and you my unleash the might of your blade on many foes at once.... but it is likely they will try and find other ways in, so you may have to abandon that post to protect more important areas....but this is a battle for the ship as a whole, the only single place that must be protected is the engine room... for with out it we will likely be trapped and die. So please as a knight take up this charge: Protect the ship, and protect the ship's drive in the engine room most of all. This is the only battle we ask you to take appon your shoulders, for our task of wounding the incarnation is not a knightly task and is the work of a poisoner.... something you should not have to stain your hands with and shame yourself and your patron."

Develanna's face was set in stern lines as the first words addressing her indicated that she was not to fight.,  There was no way that she would let her allies stand alone.  Then she started to understand the importance of her own role in this battle.  Before she answered the charge, she looked to her older comrades, seeking the truth of what was said.

"Huoshi?"

But indeed, she could feel the certainty of this charge.

"What of the child?  Will she be in this battle or nay?  Will she need Numina for protection?"

In reply to Azraile (msg # 333):

His Noodly Appendage didn't have ANY problem poisoning assholes who wanted to destroy the world.

Barnacles 23: 42-43

42. And lo, the asshole that did intend to ride the nuclear device cowboy style against orders down unto the ground that was not the sea was an asshole in the extreme for he did threaten the world he did, arr.
43. And lo, the navigator did put no doze in his anti grog and the two did mix most unnaturaleth and he did snooze and the world were saved. Arr.