"It's an exploit, more or less" Danae explained. "Basically, we're capitalizing on their tendency to 'Ignore' specific individuals, and we're working on a virus that will cause them to 'Ignore' anyone or anything bearing a certain symbol--Talia's working on getting some of those together.  For all intents and purposes though, it'll mean that the automated defenses won't be an issue for us anymore."

Third listens quietly as the discussion goes on. The Solar bows its head once to Tycho, eyes closing with respect, before it turns to the discussion as a whole. "Third is well aware of what the prices of freedom shall be. Many will die. But worlds can be made or destroyed on the balance of a single life. If we do not always strive towards the most we can achieve, even when it seems impossible, then ultimately, our victory may be as hollow as that of the Usurpers. If there is one thing that we should have learned from the Usurpation, it is that we cannot afford to simply succeed. We must succeed and wipe away all doubts that we will become mad god-kings like our past forms did. If we cannot do what is impossible, then all this will happen once again." It looks towards the others. " But for the time being, Third will be satisfied if we can save three lives from bloodshed, for now." It bows its head to Danae. " Third has been preparing the virus. The Dragon-Blooded have become deeply arrogant... They forget who created these automaton designs. Third feels reasonably confident that attempting to remove the virus from their systems will be a difficult task for them." A smile almost flickers across the Solar's lips. " We may even be able to adapt it for you to use on some of your hive, your highness." Third mentions to the Queen, bowing its head to her.

A hush, then a ripple of insectoid excitement erupts from the gathered builder bugs (humanoid form or otherwise) when Danae reveals her newly completed artifact. Even the Hive Queen, once she has given her directions to her subordinates, fixes her night-black eyes upon the Dawn Caste and her creation.

"That weapon... you must be! You are the Clockwork General!" utters Queen Chilomena. Even Jhenli is so astonished that he nearly forgets to translate the words for the benefit of the others, belatedly catching up so that the excited Queen can continue. [Private to Danae Adela: Pretty sure we established you know Old Realm, since that's what most magitech programming is written in. So you can actually understand Chilomena without Jhenli translating.] "It has been thousands of years. We must, no we will show you to the workshops within our Hive. The blacksmith's station here is vastly inferior compared to our inner-hive establishments! But despite your limitations, you still created such a work of beauty and function. We are amazed and excited. It is my hope that you will include us in any future projects you create, Clockwork General."

The Exalts continue their discussion while the insect congregation gradually calms their chittering and wing-fluttering. Finally, the Hive Queen picks up on the conversation about the virus (with some helpful translations from her Communicator). "It seems you have also been considering the prospect of taking a more active role in freeing the District of Earth. This virus, should it work as Jhenli is explaining to me, will open a window of opportunity for the Celestials to gain entry into the Inner Temple. However, be cautious. The automatons may be easy to deal with, given the superior skill inherited from Shining Eye and the General, but there are still few of you compared to the Immaculate Monks."

"I have been breeding Ruby Guardians at an accelerated rate to aid your numbers. but how many will be available depends on how long we will wait to begin. At the moment the number I can spare is exactly one-hundred and twenty eight. I can also provide you with more information about the Temple itself. Behold."

At a wordless signal from the Hive Queen, the emerald bugs that retreated from deeper in the caverns return with a host of onyx worker bugs, arranged in groups of six. Each group carries a large, oddly shaped piece of white resin with rounded edges, like pieces cut out from a flattened torus (doughnut). Other details that look like miniature pillars or jagged blocks are stuck on the bottom of each piece, as well as thinner 'walls' delineating further divisions of space.

It's impossible to tell what these are supposed to represent until the worker bugs start to assemble them. One by one, the pieces are laid beside one another, fitted together and stacked in a specific order until the three-dimensional puzzle takes on a solid, if unusual shape. The final shape is a rough cylinder several feet in diameter and as tall as a standard doorway, held together by joints at strategic points that can flex outward to open up cross-sections of the cylinder, showing details of the interior design.

The Queen nods to Jhenli to explain exactly what she is presenting the Celestials. "This is our gift to you, Celestial Chosen," the Communicator explains. "A reduced-scale replica of the inner column of the District of Earth, what is now known as the Immaculate Order's Inner Temple. It has been reproduced with our memory of its construction. The difference from then and now is in how its rooms are being utilized, and of course the behavior and distribution of the Immaculates themselves. We would have no way of knowing their movements, as outsiders of the Temple, but this model should aid planning."

"The full extent of the Inner Temple is actually very little known to the citizens of Earth District. What they see of their place of worship are nodes on the outer perimeter, embedded into their conclaves and communities. But every node is connected by tunnel or corridor to the Inner Temple complex surrounding the central elevator shaft. These hidden entrances exist on every level of this District."

"The question then is the best place to infiltrate." The golden communicator nods its antennaed head towards Higura. "Doctor Yaishin Higura spoke of rallying support among other potential rebel elements of this District. Having an allied community in Earth District would gain you a base much closer to the Inner Temple. This is, of course, but a suggestion."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:27, Wed 22 Apr 2009.

As the Queen and her helpers present the gift, Higura takes a moment to inspect it with a great deal of fascination. Pushing his spectacles up the bridge of his nose, he stares at the precious sculpture from different angles, almost as if to commit its overall shape and layout to memory.

"That is a most precious gift, Majesty. I am certain it will be instrumental in the coming panning sessions - and the battles that will no doubt follow."

The doctor then nods to the Communicator, pondering the new facts brought up with a thoughtful look on his features. "That is exactly how I envision our issues as well. As I picture it, we would have to go for a position which will allow us to either delay or avoid heavy opposition for the longest time possible. Despite its strategic location, we also have to think that there must be other practical reasons for the Immaculates to make this location their base of operation in this district. We have to expect that they will have fortified it a good deal, and that it would be made to be difficult to overtake."

"That is why studying this model might prove truly groundbreaking in our planning. With it, we might just be able to find the blindspot we are looking for. There is, after all, no such thing as an impregnable fortress."

Talia, taking a break from the making of badges, arrives about the same time the others beign explaining the virus.  She stands back, quietly.  This is her first exposure to the bugs; she feels more comfortable simply observing.  But when the workers assemble the Hive Queen's gift, her curiosity overcomes her reticence, and she moves forward to examine it more closely.  She circles the model, studying not only the layout of the temple it represents, but the construction of the piece itself, folding and unfolding the jointed sections, studying the material it's made out of, examining the places where the pieces fit together.  "This is brilliant.  These joints, here and here...And this material, how is it made?"

"Your offers of forces are deeply appreciated. The best method would seem to be a diversionary attack to draw off the main forces, possibly led by some of our more skilled makers of war. We must make the attack threatening enough to warrant drawing off forces from the fortress to protect. From there, the members of our group who are more skilled with personal combat and stealth can infiltrate the Column... If we can secure the allegiance of the Gatekeeper of Earth, then the battle will be that much easier to win." It looks towards the others. Third is hardly a military mind, after all- Its idea is only a very basic step. "Your majesty, can you give us more information about the capabilities of your forces?" the Solar asks politely.

"Hmm, we'd need to have a clear line of retreat for the distraction group.  If only a few of us are going to distract a majority of the immaculates we're going to be severely outnumbered, and will have to flee quickly.  I'd suggest finding a set of tunnels and crafting a series of deadfalls so that we can leave walls of rock behind.  It won't stop them forever but it will probably buy long enough to vanish into the shadows while the other group does their work.
But I think that's enough of making serious plans right now, we all need time to digest this information and work up ideas.  I suggest we get on with our celebration and then get back to planning in a day or so when we've all had time to think it over privately."

"I dunno" Danae said with a thought, looking over the plans.  "I'd be able to lead that force...  But we're going to be 'Awfully' exposed, you're going to need to work 'Very' fast to subvert the Gatekeeper before we get overrun from Fire District reinforcements.  While I'm reasonably sure we could handle the Earth District's defenses off--at least for a while, if they call down the Peace Forces full might, there isn't going to be a whole lot we'll be able to do..."

She sits back and considers this more.  "At any rate though--I appreciate your offer of work facilities, at the least, it'll help with any last minute preparations--but we're probably going to have to move shortly after the virus is done.  That's not going to leave us a whole lot of time to gather forces..."

She tapped the table a few times then, and took a good look at the situation.

"Alright, as I said, I'll lead the diversionary group--I'm familiar with wide scale combat, and I'm one of the better fighters in this group.  But we're going to need support from the populace too--you're going to have to get your hands on some communications to spread the word--and ideally, we'll want to get our smuggler contacts to distribute arms and such to the populace as well...  There 'Is' apparently an undercurrent of discontent we can make use of, I just hope it gives us enough of an edge to take this place before the Fire District falls on us like the hammer of the gods."

"Danae, we should stick to our own personal strengths, don't you think?  You are brilliant with machines.  I am a warrior fast enough to outrun an arrow in flight if I put my mind to it.  It seems to me it would be wiser for me to be the distraction that has to run away, and you to manipulate the Gatekeeper."

"Securing the help of the Gatekeeper is likely to be a decisive step in our battle plan, yes - I fully agree with Third on this point." The Doctor utters, furrowing his brow slightly as he nods to the other Exalt. He takes a moment then to acknowledge the newly arrived Talia, smiling and nodding at her before returning to the conversation at hand.

"I would believe that the key in this kind of operation will be to make our distraction effort seem genuine and real to the Terrestrials. What we choose to appear like we attack must also be something of value to them - something they will believe us to be after more easily than our seeking the Gatekeeper of Earth." The doctor pauses, raising his chin slightly as he tilts his head to one side.

"The one thing that plays in our favor is our enemy's fervor and sense of purpose: to them, we are dangerous and destructive elements that need to be stopped at all costs. They also believe they know us, our goals and our desires. In the years where we and our kinds were imprisoned, our jailers had plenty of time to form an image of us that is little more than a caricature. This belief in a flawed image can be used against them - if we play on it momentarily, they will believe in our subterfuge all the more, because they will believe that our attack is as they would have predicted it. They will believe in it because that is what they would expect us to do. And because they believe they know us, our motives and our natures implicitly, they might not even consider for a moment that they might be wrong."

The doctor is silent for a moment, and then he nods again. "I can speak to the Gatekeeper as well. Figuring out minds, thoughts and emotions is part of the reason why I was awakened, after all."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Sat 25 Apr 2009.

"You are also a crafter?" says Chilomena in reply to Talia's rapt interest in the gift, looking pleased at the prospect of not two, but potentially three Celestial crafters to collaborate with. "This is good news, very good news." The desire to craft wonderous things is inherent to the builder bugs' design, after all, so not even the Queen herself can hide her enthusiasm.

At Chilomena's urging, Jhenli continues with the more practical explanation, as it is easier for him to explain directly in Low Realm: "The resin is an organic material, produced from our own bodies with varying color and consistency depending on what food we consume. The Emerald Producers are the primary source of this resin. The most complex aspects of creating this model are handled by the Sapphire Artisans, who are better suited for crafting small details. Perhaps we may show you a demonstration some day."

Next is Third's question, which prompts the Hive Queen to nod and signal one of the ruby warriors to step forward from its protective stance to display its physiology. Again, Jhenli does the bulk of the answering, explaining the functions of yet another builder bug caste. "The Ruby caste is built for intimidation, battle prowess and survivability. Their limbs are as sturdy as a basic artifact blade, and their carapace serves as a sturdy natural armor. There are currently three types, in order of increasing rarity: first, the Ruby Attackers, like this specimen; their front limbs are razor sharp swords or sickles. Second, the Ruby Defenders, whose forelimbs are pincers not unlike that of a crab; these are used for capturing or subduing foes. Finally the Ruby Poisoners, genetically crafted with a specific toxin in mind which they can deliver by stinger injection. All Rubies are also able to spit a corrosive acid, though the acidic gland requires time and sustenance to replenish."

"In comparison, I would say our current strain of Rubies is physically weaker than the largest of this District's automatons, but would do well against organic opponents of human or lesser size. In groups of five they can at least hold back a Hulking Armor for a time. I should also stress the advantage: we can always produce more. We are not so attached to the concept of identity. We can rebuild in time as long as our Queen and a single fertilizer survives."

Chilomena listens to the plans of the Celestials for a time, asking Jhenli to translate this or that phrase, or summarize concisely. Their natural form of communication is able to convey nuances with greater alacrity, so most of these exchanges are wordless and inscrutable to the humans.

Finally, the Queen claps her currently humanoid hands, commanding the attention of all present. "Creators, you will have time to finalize and enact your plans. We should be able to shield your presence in our Hive for as long as it takes for the virus to take effect, to scout the region or induce citizen rebellion before the final advance upward. Even if you cannot make use of our workshops long term, I can spare artisans and producers to accompany and aid you once you secure the factories above."

"We know you still have allies in the B25 Laborer's Conclave, and the Gatekeeper of Water's agents may also soon intercept you. Waiting for one or both may benefit us greatly. For now, I would like to enjoy the hospitality of your Hive, if even for a moment."

---

OOC: just a cue so Dena and Third can do what they planned to in this scene :) Though of course you can also continue discussing among yourselves. I'll fast forward things once Conclave group is back.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:22, Sun 26 Apr 2009.

Third bows to the queen once again, that perfectly angled bow. "We thank you for your hospitality, and your advice is sound. Third is sure that our group would be happy to have you partake in what meager hospitality our hive can offer you." it says, head bowed. "As well- Dena, if you are still interested, Third would be willing to offer you a sparring match. What conditions would you find agreeable for such? I imagine that such a match would also allow our distinguished guest some level of diversion." it says, turning towards Tervila. It's doubtful that it will be able to put on a truly fantastic essence-fueled spread of mayhem, but at the least, it can offer an exhibition of the basic principles behind the Even Blade Style.

"If it's possible in your style, shall we spar with bare hands to cut down on the odds of an accidental injury, and to draw things out?  I'd suggest we just fight to first blood or three falls."

[Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Do you want to bother with dice-rolls or just freeform it?]

" Even Blade Style works as an unarmed style. Third would suggest first blood, without use of Essence beyond the form. It's important to show the basics of the style, and of course, Third would suffer a substantial handicap in such a case. Truly Exalted combat usually has first blood serving as last blood, for that matter" the Exalt gives a mild smile at this, bowing to Tervila. " What shall our arena be? We may be able to use one of the smaller caverns, or the barracks area if we are able to clear an area for sparring." it asks of her politely.

OOC: Freeform sounds fine to me.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Sun 26 Apr 2009.

The Hive Queen tilts her head curiously, as she begins to comprehend what Dena and Third are suggesting. "You will give us a demonstration of Celestial combat? It has been long since I have had the opportunity. I may also offer one of my Ruby Guardians if you wish to see for yourself their capabilities. I would of course forbid any use of acids or poisons."

Now that the need for formal ceremony is mostly over with, Chilomena allows the emerald and sapphire castes that gathered with her to disperse, remaining with her entourage of silver princesses, the golden communicator and her ruby guards. The 40-odd refugees that have remained after Tycho's departure have already begun to enjoy some of the feast laid out by Dena. A few of them have even brought out makeshift instruments and have formed an impromptu band in the area. The music is of course not Exalted standard, but definitely listenable and even danceable.

Some of the bugs start to approach the refugees, who do their best not to appear surprised at the horse-sized insects examining their surroundings, and sometimes the refugees themselves. Drachma and four guards stand nearby, watching carefully, but baring no weapons. The older man, formerly Vice and now Captain of the Refugee Army -- really just a fancy name for their small, though increasingly disciplined and skilled, group of fighters -- looks thoughtful and a little bit sad.

---

OOC: I'd probably suggest an open area. There are some caverns deeper in that Tycho used to train the refugees.

"I cleaned up an area earlier so we wouldn't have anything to trip on, and placed seats of a sort that I was able to find, in one of the training caverns." Dena answers happily, rather charged herself at a chance to practice at the Arts with another.  Leading the way, she pauses briefly to load up on food before heading for the cavern in question.  Past the slightly jagged tunnel opens a broad cavity with the floor ground smooth.  Four broad, shallow metal pans filled with fire provide shadowy, though adequate illumination and also mark the corners of the makeshift arena.  Surrounding it are such seats as Dena was able to gather together, mainly older wooden chairs scavenged from the abandoned rooms with a few stones bashed and ground to a more reasonable shape to fill out the ranks.

'If you wish, though Tervila Dena may be more suited to showcasing her abilities in full combat at the moment. Third is, at the moment, channeling most of its Essence into the binding of our Dragon-Blooded prisoners." it says, before Third follows Dena, removing the Jade short Daiklave it has been carrying now for some time, setting it on the floor, before moving to enter the 'ring' that has been set up, stretching it's arms. It begins running its mind through the katas, body staying still even as it visualizes the movements of its body, its essence beginning to flow. It will still require the katas to channel the form, but this at least will limber it up for the fight. It studies Dena- It knows that she has something of a disadvantage against the style and it's dedication to the first and decisive strike, but at the same time, she is a Lunar, and one with a great deal of physical prowess, at that. It is hopefully as agile as she is, but if the fight is prolonged past the first minute or so, it will greatly increase Third's chances of failure.

"I'll leave out any charms but my form." Dena promises quietly.  "Although if you get a good hit or two in I'll probably turn the pain into essence anyway, just to be sure I've got a full supply in an emergency."

Eyeing the small but gathering crowd of onlookers Dena decides to showboat a bit and bows shallowly.
"Friends and Allies, we're here to celebrate the union of our little rebellion with the Irix hive under Queen Chilomena.  To show some of the power that we're bringing in we've decided to demonstrate Celestial Combat at it's finest.  As is already clear, Third uses a sword-art of great refinement and grace.  Myself, I rely on a style of brute force."
Pausing, Dena grabs up an unoccupied rock and easily lifts it above her head.  "I rely on tremendous strength. . ."  And then, unexpectedly, Dena headbutts the rock and turns it into gravel, leaving an ugly purple bruise spreading across her forehead but no apparent real damage at all. ". . . and a complete immunity to pain!  So, let's begin!"
Turning to face Third, Dena bows again, the lunges forward in what looks like a shallow jump, which ends with her hitting the ground, foot outstretched.  The rock ripples and groans from the blow as she digs her feet under the stone by virtue of tremendous pressure (and knowing just where a rock might be weak) before kicking up sharply and flipping backwards to send a small tsunami of sharp stone shards towards him.

Queen Chilomena takes the seat of honor with her princesses surrounding her, and her ruby guards watching from behind. Jhenli takes a lower seat, but remains close enough to translate any words from the combatants.

It seems that by now the Hive Queen is at least able to understand a few choice words of Low Realm, and is intelligent and attentive enough to infer more, especially in a combat where expression and body language also speak volumes. So her questions to Jhenli are at a minimum, and she watches the unfolding battle raptly.

Now and then she has one of her emerald producers bring her food from the table Dena set up, which she consumes if not with gusto, then with a clinical curiosity. Those observing Chilomena may notice that she eats the wooden sticks as well, when consuming the fish. She doesn't eat soup bowls though, just peers at the construction of the bowl, analyzing it thoroughly, commenting to her princesses in inscrutable insect-speak.

The refugees gather and sit at the sidelines, bringing their musical instruments with them (mostly percussion and a rare woodwind, as material for strings is hard to come by in the Earth District). Soon a group of five with hand drums has an intricate tribal rhythm going, lending energy and urgency to the mood of the combat.

Third returns the bow gracefully, movement deep this time, and then stands, hands moving in the delicate kata of the Even Blade style, hands moving through the air to take a position, looking almost like the Solar holds a blade in the air, one hand on the hilt, one hand guiding the edge. As Dena strikes underneath the ground, and sends that spray of shrapnel towards the Solar, it moves easily, body twisting out of the way, before moving forward quickly, footsteps taking it closer to Dena, and the Solar brings one hand out, slicing out across Dena's side, hands moving in quick arcs, the Solar's careful movements leaving few gaps in its defense open as it concentrates itself entirely on the fight, entering a perfect silence of concentration. Its movements bring it perhaps uncomfortably close to Dena's vast strength, leaving it to trust its own speed and reflexes to protect it.

While the others prepare for their demonstration, Higura elects to remain with Queen Chilomena, standing at her and the princesses' left side. He finds this situation most comfortable, and also wishes to remain close at hand in case the Queen or her entourage have immediate questions or needs that need attending.

The doctor does take the occasion to speak with Chilomena and her delegation, speaking both in Old Realm and through the translators at times when barriers of understanding become too steep. He speaks of the memories he has of the days of old, of his change to his self and the impressions he can remember of his time on the higher floors of Coils. Mostly, however, Higura listens and asks questions of the Hive inhabitants themselves, wishing to get to know them better as well as continuing to establish goodwill between their groups.

Once the combat starts, he also falls respectfully silent, watching the proceedings carefully and smiling softly at the display of martial prowess his companions display.

Dena takes a half-step to one side as she feels the numbing blow of Third's hand compress her ribs and force the air from one lung, a strike that would have broken bones on a human but was just bruising to a Lunar.  Dena finds no easy hole in Third's defenses and decides to simply smash through them, delivering a brutal punch intended to simply smash through any block, but it's like trying to hit a handful of mist as Third simply fades away from the punch. Deciding to capitalize on her strength, Dena finally steps forward, an obscene grisly smile on her face as she drinks in the pain he's given her and presses towards him so hard even punches can't be thrown, reducing the fight to one of headbutts and knee-strikes and attempting to turn it into a grapple he won't easily escape.

Even as Dena becomes more aggressive, Third becomes more diffusive. The Solar slips suddenly out of her range, refusing to let her take command of the range of the battle, surging upwards along the Lunar's body, the small solar climbing her with surprising grace before vaulting over her head, landing on all fours a few feet behind the Lunar, quickly making some distance. The Solar is breathing rather hard now, taking the brief moment to regain it's breath, eyes focused on Dena. There's little choice in it's motions, the hand strikes Third uses are like striking water, as opposed to the strikes against mist Dena uses, making her yield yet letting her retake whatever is lost the moment it ceases to applies pressure. Third focuses its eyes on Dena, and leaps in, a quick battery of strikes moving towards the most sensitive areas, nails scything towards the throat, the forehead, the solar plexus- Third can only hope that those quick blows might draw some blood, for it leaves itself quite open to rebuttal.