Tycho does not care for formality, having dealt so much with it in the Peace Force, but understands the needs well enough here. His body polished and in as good a repair as he could make it within the last few days, the mechanical-solar follows the example of his comrades and steps forward to greet the queen with a salute. His eyes rest on her and stay there, staring directly for once rather than simply peering in their usual unblinking fashion. There is something actually familiar and comforting in the appearance of the insect-people, something almost beautiful in their alien grotesqueness. The chitin-plates across their bodies and strange eyes.

They reminded him of his own appearance and, for at least a moment, made him feel less an alien in their company than he did among everyone elses.

"I am Alus Tycho, formerly of the Peace Force and currently drill instructor to the fighters among us. It's good of you to have come."

The Queen looks on as the introductions are made. Her eyes, like Tycho's, are unblinking, and it is difficult to tell her emotions, as her face is not human flesh and -- even if it were -- she lacks the muscle memory to reproduce human expressions. Her throat and mouth do produce a voice capable of human pronunciation, though she only speaks in her native Old Realm.

"I hear and acknowledge you, Dena and Third, Doctor Yaishin Higura and Alus Tycho. I am Queen Chilomena of Hive Irix Chilomena and I thank you for receiving us in peace and goodwill."

The golden-hued figure next to her translates her initial words in a voice that sounds male to human ears. As both Third and Dena spoke and responded to Low Realm when they first visited, he uses Low Realm for the translation. They both recognize that the second speaker is the humanoid form of Communicator Jhenli.

"I have come to offer an alliance with the free Celestials of this settlement," Queen Chilomena continues formally, pausing every couple sentences for Jhenli to translate. "The three sister Hives of Irix Chilomena were birthed by the Golden and Silver Lords in order to provide labor for manufacturing, maintenance and repair in the factory-fortress once known as Pillar of Creation. We have lain dormant for millennia, awaiting the return of our masters and allies, only to awake to the reality of Terrestrial oppression. Our kin have been murdered or enslaved, and I am the only remaining Queen of our species."

"I believe it is in both of our best interests to liberate what is now called Five Coils from the Usurpers. Should you agree, we shall thereafter negotiate the terms of our contract. Is there a spokesperson among you, or may I assume that the opinions of the four standing before me represent that of this entire settlement?"

"We don't have an overwhelming consensus, but the four of us represent most of the major viewpoints and I think it's very unlikely that anybody will counter a position we all agree on." Dena answers after a few moments thought.  "Before we begin any serious discussion, I feel the need to warn you that we were attacked by several Immaculates with their Acolytes a few days ago.  I have made efforts to close off the tunnels they came through, and hide positions, but it would be wise to have your warriors secure your path back and be on the alert for further attacks."

"Ours will help, if helps needed," Tycho adds and turns to give a nod to Drachma and the refu- no, the soldiers. They weren't refugees anymore. It has already been discussed and the mortals assembled and armed to aid the Queen's soldiers in securing a route for their guests retreat and their own evacuation. Sharing the duty and danger shoulder to shoulder with the Hive was a good first step of unity. "You are doing us favor enough just being here. Making sure you've safe passage home is the least we can offer back."

"Miss Dena speaks the truth." The Doctor says, inclining his head politely now that the Queen has finished her initial speech. "We hold the various viewpoints of our collective, and I trust we can bring in the differing thoughts and ideas of our group efficiently."

"I admit to having been eager to meet you and your retinue, Queen Chilomena. I have... memories of the time when you and your kind were at the height of their glory. It is among those memories of before the Sundering of the Coils... But with the memory, the soft tinge of hope was left, almost as if the two had been companions for centuries."

"If we could coordinate our efforts with those of the mortals who also wish to liberate this District, we might yet be able to fulfill the great dream you have been having for so long."

"We have felt the tremors from this Immaculate attack, and the cave-in afterward," Queen Chilomena replies through Jhenli. "Our tunnels extend for longer than the Usurpers suspect, as their Surveillance Network does not extend to include our caverns. Our numbers are in the hundreds and continue to grow, now that we are reawakened. We are more than capable of breaking down and rebuilding tunnels as needed."

"So the level of danger has yet to be crucial for us. However your warning has been heeded." She speaks a few quiet words in Old Realm to Jhenli, who conveys a series of very inhuman sounds to the next rank of insects behind him: chirps and clicks that an ordinary human mouth ought not to be able to make, a buzzing hum that appears to be made by vibrating the membranes of his wings, given nuance by an invisible spray of pheromone. The message (for that is what it must be) filters neatly down the ranks, until four of the emeralds break off from the group to report to Hive Irix Chilomena.

"As part of our agreement, I would offer the hospitality of our Hive as a temporary base. However we would also ask a significant boon in return."

Then the pupilless gaze of the Queen settles on Higura, her head tilted at an odd, inquisitive angle. "We do not remember you personally, Doctor Yaishin Higura, but should you remember our Golden Age, your soul must be venerable. What name had you during the years of our grandest design?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:11, Wed 15 Apr 2009.

"Thank you, Queen Chilomena." The doctor answers, inclining his head once more. "My soul is not completely what it once was, unfortunately. It was damaged, in the years between the heights of your rule and this one. When it was whole, I was called Dusan The Mindwalker."

The name is always strange to pronounce. It echoes of a distant ownership, and yet several sets of memory seem to accompany it. The strongest impulses seem to recall the name as being his own, and yet some other faint echoes remind him of Dusan as a friend.

"Might I ask, Majesty, what Boon you would like to ask of us?"

Third nods quietly. " If we are capable, Third would be honored to fulfill whatever request you would make of us, but it is always good to know what is needed before agreeing to help." the Solar says peacefully, bowing its head once again. It's not much else to say at the moment, letting the queen speak without distraction.

"Whatever agreements you make with them, you can trust them to hold," Tycho says bluntly to the Queen, giving her a nod of his head. "This group can be a bit misguided in their earnestness, but they are at least honest."

"How far have these tunnels extended?" Dena asks, curious and thinking over the strategic implications.  "Have you seen the surface?"

"Dusan the Mindwalker. I see. We shall file this knowledge away." The princesses murmur among each other, reciting and retaining what the Hive Queen wishes remembered while she continues with the more pertinent business at hand.

"What we would ask is your commitment in liberating the Pillar of Creation from its oppressors, and that we have a place in whatever designs you will have for this factory-fortress once that deed is done. We of Hive Irix Chilomena wish restored our rightful place as caretakers of the Pillar, and to create wondrous and glorious crafts under the guidance of your best Exalted Crafters, for the pleasure of your Courtiers and the ambitions of your Warlords."

"What you can give us is purpose." When Jhenli translates this sentence he puts the emphasis with the exact same force as the Queen. "We can build for you, under your specifications. We can operate the factories of Earth and Fire District on your behalf. This is what we crave, what we were created for. Protect and nurture us, and we shall repay that favor a thousand-fold."

Focusing on Dena's inquiry, the Queen replies, "We have always remained underground. Our tunnels do not yet extend above this floor because we have refrained from testing the capabilities of the enemy further. Since reawakening, we have survived because the Usurpers do not know we still exist. We took a chance crippling the sensors during the Cataclysm of Dark Smoke when Granite Creed and his people died. To dig further, to avoid detection and further compromise the District of Earth Surveillance Network... we would require a similarly significant distraction."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:48, Fri 17 Apr 2009.

"When I first escaped my collar I wanted only to escape Five Coils and leave my problems for somebody else to deal with.  But I've come to understand that this was selfish and foolish, none of us can escape this place alone.  When the Immaculates came they told us of a surface eternally at war, where Solars, Lunars, and Sidereals have turned the world into an endless battlefield against one another.  I don't know if they were lying, or if they even know the truth for themselves.  But I've spent time thinking it over and meditating on what it could mean.  Nobody's seen the surface, there's no information to go on, no way to make a plan.  I can't see my way clearly to the best path." Dena breathes deeply and sighs.  "So the only sane option is to prepare for the worst, and to do that Five Coils has to be at peace, ready to defend itself from them and protect the people in her.  And to do that, I see no option but to overthrow the Terrestrials."

The doctor listens intently when Dena speak, looking at her as she expresses her views and opinions about the Coils and their place in it. Once she is done, he nods, slowly and carefully, to signal his assent.

"I am with Miss Dena on this. I... sadly cannot confirm or deny the gravity of what occurred on the surface. But the truth of the matter is, our previous incarnations have done something that made the Immaculates believe it was for the good of all. And so it might be a terrible sin that we, as inheritors of the Powers that Were, have some responsibility of."

"No matter the gravity of the situation, however, the truth is, the scales have tipped. The Terrestrials, in their zeal and conviction, and perhaps their fear, have dabbled in things that bring them closer and closer to the beings they so despise. Experimentation with living beings, control, fear, lack of respect of life itself... All these things run rampant. But it is not our place to simply exterminate the Terrestrials, either. Many of them are being used, just like we are. The true ugliness, the true darkness of the Coils lies at its head - to the person or group pulling the strings, manipulating people's fears and emotions to accomplish what it is they set to accomplish. This is what I would seek to overturn."

"I will admit I have other reasons to want to oblige your request, your Majesty. Until that is done, there is no escape for me. I need to reach one of the top floors of the Coils. There, I need to destroy one of the Terrestrials' greatest assets... And lay to rest some souls who have been broken and bound for centuries. That is my mission."" There is a pause in the man's words, something unlikely for the doctor. But after a moment, he nods again.

"You and those I seek to free were victims in the usurpation of the Coils. I wish to help you, like I wish to help them."

Third shakes its head. "Third is unsure of whether to believe what the Dragon-Blooded said about the surface. If there were still such things, Third believes that at least one of us would remember, remember some snippet of the surface, from a previous life... But the question is, as the others have said, academic. All Third seeks is freedom from this place, and the only way that there will be freedom is if we control the Five Coils, absolutely. If you ask for purpose, that is the absolute least that we can offer, in thanks for all that you have done for us, and all that you can do. You have kept some hope alive, even as we have been trapped in the cycle of reincarnation, hounded by Dragon-Blooded... If we can bring you some purpose, then it will be the least we could do for you." Third bows once more to the Queen.

"What they're saying is what I have been struggling towards all my life," Tycho says, looking over at the other Exalts a moment. Analyzing, before returning his gaze to the Queen with a shake of his head. "But I don't think they really understand the struggle they're getting into. And from what I have seen, I don't think they're really prepared to do what needs to be done either."

"They'll try," he concedes before the Queen gains the impression he is saying they are not trustworthy. "In their own way, they'll do their best to live up to what you ask of them, but they might destroy themselves trying to save everyone. They humanize and sympathize with the same people who want them dead. The Terrestrials are not children. They are not victims. Upbringing and society can only be blamed so far for what they are..."

"I'd thought about waiting to air this issue when company wasn't around, but now is as good a time as any to say it," he says and turns, speaking towards Higura, Third, and Dena. "I don't think I'm surprising anyone to say that I intended to leave. I've already spoken of it with Drachma and the others I've trained. Most I've told to stay with you. You'll need their help. The best of them will come with me. We'll be heading out to another part of the District. Maybe even try to find a way back to the Water District, where there are bound to be far more disgruntled souls after the attempted Purging."

"I owe the lot of you. I'll never fight against you. I will even give you the time you need to prepare by drawing the attention of the Immaculates and the Peace Force elsewhere. But don't make the mistake of thinking we're fighting the same war from here on in."

Facing the Queen once more, he bows to her. "Whatever agreements you make with them, your Highness, are not binding to me. I will do what you desire in my own fashion, but it's by coincidence rather than design. I don't ask your aid, only that you give it to them. They'll need it."

Queen Chilomena's response to Tycho, as soon as she understands he is splitting from the rest of the group, is cool and dismissive. Jhenli translates: "If you will act on your own then you are no longer a part of this discussion. Should you aid us it will be on your time and in your way and we cannot make solid plans on something so unreliable. However, should you at least give an approximate time or signal for your initial diversion tactic then perhaps your efforts can still be relevant."

Now the Hive Queen speaks specifically to the remaining three, her interest in Tycho diminished so long as he insists on acting entirely independently. Community loyalty and cooperative effort is important to the hive mentality of the builder bugs, so the disdain for cooperation he shows to his Celestial peers is at least vaguely threatening to her sensibilities.

"I have lived millenia and I have witnessed the madness that can come with power. It was in the events leading to the Cascading Years that we watched the Circle that made us start to break down. In the Thousand Struggles, Creation was in a state of war for several centuries. The war the Usurpers claim to have occurred echoes to us of those times. Against the threat of cataclysmic chaos, they have rallied together with a sense of order so extreme it is corrupted. I speak no excuses for them. Nor is Hive Irix Chilomena concerned with whether you convert or kill all of them. However, you will have to kill some of the Usurpers, for they will oppose you."

Chilomena continues briskly onto the next business at hand, uninterested in inviting comment. "One day ago, my workers succeeded in reestablishing contact with the Gatekeeper of Water. We have exchanged all the information we are aware of, and we have come to the conclusion that to control this District, we must first either gain control or undermine the power of the Immaculate Order's Inner Temple. The Gatekeeper will send two agents to participate in this course of action, and I can contribute my best workers and warriors to the cause. Should this be satisfactory to you, we will commence planning now."

"I do understand your concern Tycho.  And I appreciate it.  I do not kill readily and I have not performed as well in battles recently as I wish I had.  But. . ."
Dena bends down and picks up a stone from the floor, tossing it idly from one hand to the other.  "Life is not like this stone.  I can break it. . ." she squeezes, and the stone turns to gravel.  ". . . and I can restore it." a second squeeze and she forces the bits to become one again, albeit a strangely lumpy stone.  "Once I break a person, I can never restore them.  If I'm a little too careful about them, I get hurt.  But. . . well I can live with being hurt a lot better than an innocent can live with be dead.  Well, good luck to you Tycho.  I hope you'll stay long enough for your followers to enjoy the feast and the martial arts show we planned to celebrate our alliance with Hive Irex."

"It is a pity we never could reach either an understanding or a compromise. But I suppose it cannot be helped." Higura says, turning back towards Tycho one more time. "Perhaps part of it comes from the fact that you have goals that are very finite in nature while some of us do not - I fear that my own mission might stretch much longer past the defeat of the Immaculates, for example. Whatever the reason, it would seem you have made your mind, and I, like the others, will not try to dissuade you. I wish you and your own luck, Captain - and may you find what you are looking for."

He then turns away from the mechanical man, instead turning his attention to the Queen. "Many will die, as unfortunate as this sounds. This is the price of any armed uprising, and it is not realistic to believe that one can simply turn all of their enemies to their own cause. The truth of the matter, however, is that any armed conflict is also equal parts bloodshed and propaganda. If we can break some of the propaganda - on either side - then the amount of bloodshed will also lessen. It will never truly vanish, of course, and the fight will be difficult, but if we can lower its severity then it is already something in and of itself."

The Doctor ponders, then tilts his head to one side as the Queen speaks of her plan and the possibilities offered by an assault on the Inner Temple. "Truly? I would ask what news you have of the Water District, if any - I hope it turned out well, as chaotic as it situation might be."

"As for taking down the taking down of the Inner Temple, taking away such a major source of the enemy's faith and strength of purpose would be worthwhile in and of itself, without even considering the logistic advantages of holding such a position within the District. I will not speak for everyone here, Majesty, but I can say that I see the wisdom and yours and the Gatekeeper's thought."

"Do you hold information on the temple's structure, position and defenses, that we might study it and come up with a worthwhile plan? Provided we all agree on such a course of action, of course." He scans his gaze to the others, awaiting their thoughts on this particular endeavor.

"The Gatekeeper of Water has its District well under control," Queen Chilomena explains, when prompted about news of the Water District. "Communicator Jhenli will explain further."

Briefly relinquished from translating, the Communicator speaks more naturally in fluent Low Realm. "Upon transporting your group upward, and closing the District to the upper Levels, the Gatekeeper commanded its automatons to turn on the Usurpers remaining in Floors B31 to B26. A great many of the Terrestrials were terminated along with the mortals that allied with them, as few consented to surrender. Those that did were imprisoned in Forbidden B31, and the likelihood that they will die there is high." Jhenli shows neither joy or remorse at this statement, speaking the facts without personal inflection.

"One might call it a Counter-Purge. The Gatekeeper of Water showed little mercy for the Usurpers, for its intent was to convert the District into an independent nation, and it could afford to spare no elements that would undermine the solidarity of that nation. As of yesterday, the 4th Day of the month of Resplendent Water, 1085, the secession of the Independent Republic of the Water District has been confirmed."

"I believe the Gatekeeper of Water's actions were sound given the circumstances," Queen Chilomena continues when Jhenli's report is done. "Freedom is won by such a price. And this conflict will continue. It is my belief that the Water Republic wishes to declare war upon the Terrestrials of Five Coils. It also believes strongly that the other Gatekeepers will inevitably see its way, should the Celestials come to enlighten them. As you may know, the Inner Temple leads directly up to the Gatekeeper of Earth's Central Core."

Here the Hive Queen stops to communicate a series of clicks and vibratos and pheromones to the lesser builder bugs in attendance. A good half of them split off toward the inner caverns leading to their Hive.

In the meantime, Jhenli says apologetically, "I believe Dena has said you have prepared a festival on our behalf? I apologize that we have not been more amenable; there is much to discuss, now and in the near future. However we do not expect to immediately go to war or infiltrate the Temple, for this is an endeavor that requires planning and cooperation on all our parts."

"Our Highness has a gift to present to you, and then we may enjoy your hospitality, if you wish."

A slight bit of rustling is heard, and Danae steps in--a bit late, all things considered, but with a rather large grin on her face at this time.  "Sorry I was a bit late..."  She began, taking a quick note to the various individuals throughout the room--nodding politely to the Hive Queen and her entourage.  "I wanted to put the finishing touches on my big project though in the meantime...  Fortunately..."

She grinned, and pulled down the bundle she had been carrying around for a good while, resting it on a nearby table, bench, anything reasonably tactful to be perfectly honest--she wasn't 'Quite' excited enough to risk annoying or looking threatening to their guests.

Pulling a few strings, she unveiled the weapon.

It was, in a word, based off of the traditional broadsword style she was fond of--a straight, double-edged blade with a heavy sort of guard to it.  Optimal for using with both hands--but still light enough to be handled with a single if neccessary.  The craftsmanship of this alone would have been impressive to begin with--even with mundane steel.

But this was clearly not a mundane blade

One of the fundamental problems with orichalcum is that while gold has a certain impressive resonance to it, it's actual ability to focus and direct Essence was pretty poor as far as Magical Materials went--usually more suited to just 'Making a normal thing better at what it does' then the more esoteric approaches.  And indeed, the blade seemed very fine--even by the standards of the marginally oversized artifact weapons...

But strangely enough, the gold was interlaced with symmeterical, blueish 'Veins', forming an elaborate design from grip to tip--the 'Edge' itself retained the same bright blue shade as well, often connecting with the veins in a number of particular manners.

"Ladies and Gentlemen--this here is my first...  Well, relatively original construction.  Using most of the materials I had left, I put this beauty together.  This is Impeccable Spark...  It might seem like an ordinary Daiklave to you all...  But I've taken some of the remaining components we had from our trip up here, and added a useful little 'Surprise' to the whole thing...  I'll probably be able to do some demonstrations a bit later if anyone's interested though."

She then realized that she seemed to have butted in on a more 'Important' part of the meeting--then cleared her throat.  "Oh--speaking of the Temple--Third and the rest of us tech-sorts have managed to get something useful together...  It won't be ready for another week or so, but when it's complete, we should be able to effectively neutralize the Earth District's automated defenses."

"That is a most impressive weapon." Dena says admiringly.  "I was under the impression you preferred firewands and similar ranged weaponry."

She turns back to the queen a moment.  "Would it be possible to get a list of the surviving Terrestrial prisoners from the Gatekeeper of Water?  I ask because when our collars failed, several of us where in unusually fortuitous positions.  I myself was left unguarded, held only by a pair of flimsy manacles I could have broken in my sleep.  As I recall, Danae was actually left in the middle of a Warstrider arsenal.  Deeply suspicious, and I would like to know who set us free and why.  If they were, in fact, loyal to the Celestials I imagine they would have surrendered early in the fighting."

"There was really no compromise to have, doctor, Tycho answers Higura quietly a moment later, his voice removing himself from the conversation as much as the Queens dismissal. "If the nail won't be hammered down, you pull it out. People have been hammering on me my whole life and I still haven't gone down."

"Thank you for your offer to let us stay and see the show, but no. I'm sure the mortals would enjoy it, but the sooner we get started then further away we can be from the rest of you when we start making trouble. Besides, as the Queen said, I am not part of this discussion any more."

He half turns, makes a gesture, and summons up a small portion of the assembled fighting force to his side. Those who would go with him travel light, both for speed and to put as little a drain on the communities resources as they could. Enough food for two meals, four if they stretch them, weapons, and whatever small personal effects they could carry in pockets or napsacks. One of them hands the mechanical Solar a bag as well, one that rustles with paper. "Take good care of Drachma. He's a good man. Don't think that just because he might share my outlook on some things means you should ignore everything he has to say, either. He's got a mind of his own and a shape one too."

There was nothing more to say. Tycho simply nods one last time to those assembled and quietly departs nearly the same time as Danae arrives. Off to fight his own little war.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:31, Tue 21 Apr 2009.

The doctor wanted to say something as Tycho went away - but at this point, he has now come to accept that many things would have to remain unsaid. Rather than speaking them, he would instead show his meaning through action. Drachma and the others had been brought by Higura and Saffron from the beginning onwards, and thus he has nothing but respect and appreciation for the lot of them... And so the reason behind the words last left by Tycho would have to remain without explanation.

A chapter ends, and another one seems poised to begin soon.

Pondering for a moment, Higura finally nods, his attention fully back into the subject at hand. "Those are great news, your Majesty." Higura responds, before nodding amiably to the Communicator as well. "And as harsh as it might seem, I would have to agree with your assessment - the situation called for greater sacrifices. The Gatekeeper likely made the right decision. Now, we can press onwards, without having too much fear of retaliation also coming from behind us."

"The point miss Dena brings is a very good one." He says, taking a moment to nod in the woman's direction. "Having as much information as we can will be vital if we are to fight such a war." Smiling at Danae, he also acknowledges her arrival, nodding appreciatively at the weapon she displays before tilting his head sideways at the new information she brings. "That is great news, miss Danae. Without their automated defenses, the Terrestrials will have to rely solely on human and Exalted factor to ensure the security of this District - something we can use to our advantage. Whatever you have discovered, I believe that the timing could not have been more impeccable. If we play our cards right, I believe we can pull the whole district offline in one effective campaign."

"What I suggest is this. If we use the flaw miss Danae has discovered, we can potentially remove the automated defenses of the enemy. According to miss Nanaret's report, there is a lot of unrest in the Conclaves as a whole - which means that if we play on this unrest, try to get the disgruntled people to take a stand and fight for what they believe in... The Terrestrials will have to rely solely on themselves to tackle this threat. If we study the Inner Temple's structure and storm it at the same time, we can do wonders for the workers' cause, and fight a war on multiple fronts that might very well cripple the opposition."

"In any case..." The Doctor says, looking slightly apologetic for having spoken so much. "That is merely an idea." Turning back to the Queen, he bows to her once more, not wanting to make her wait too long.

"I am certain everyone is honored at the gift you bear for us, your Majesty. It would be with the utmost gratitude that we would receive it."

"That seems a sound strategy.  I must caution against making it too complicated, however.  Danae, this flaw in the defenses, will it destroy them or merely disable them?  It may be worthwhile to go to extra effort to keep them intact for our own use, I strongly suspect there will be an immediate counter-attack.  The Dragonblooded must know what happened to the district of water and will likely be twice as careful to keep the same from happening to the district of earth."