The builder bug hive exists outside the recorded boundaries of the District of Earth. It is a series of natural caves with an organic aesthetic, the curved walls decorated with patterns of inlaid resin, bits of shell and chitin, and gemstones. The caves are quite complex, and past the outer boundaries require a guide to navigate easily.

The insects are beautiful, varying in size from a large cat to a small horse, their carapaces iridescent gemstone colors. The emerald ones appear to create organic material which processes into food as well as thread and fiber. The sapphire ones are the artificers, responsible for the wall decors and other intricate designs, and are the producers of their building resin. The rubies are their guardians, with blades for forearms, and the onyx appear to be their most numerous (and least intelligent) worker drones, who dig the caverns and unearth food.

More rarely seen are the golden bugs, always accompanied by a ruby escort. They are the communicators, and are most likely to appear when humans are close. Their queen is an entity only heard of, not yet seen by the group of Exalts and followers that have taken refuge in the Lost Corridors.

Dena leads Third down the passages to the Bug Haven.  Gradually worked stone corridors give way to dug tunnels, then to resin-covered shafts in a wild mosaic of colors and scenes.
"You probably can't see this, but on the way in using my spirit form I noticed what I think are written messages hidden in the patterns.  The insects see color a bit differently and most of them can also sense metal, so metal fibers and slight color patterns let them put writing that only an insect can see.  I suspect this is a defensive system they've put together, although I'm not sure what might prey on them in here.  Perhaps it's just a means of keeping secrets, left over from their days when we think they were livestock."

The Solar has followed her orders. Its own natural scent is as understated as the Solar itself, and the washing has left it practically scent-free, as it follows her into the room, observing the rooms as it walks through, slowly studying them. " Exquisite. They truly are impressive in their abilities. If it's a defense, we might want to keep an eye out for it, but it seems reasonable to ask them about the purpose behind it." it says, pausing for a moment to look over the mosaics quietly, following Dena further into the hive. " Dena, while we travel, Third would like to pass the time by learning more about you. Third has gathered that you are a lunar, but little else." it says politely, making conversation as they travel through the hive towards where Dena has in mind.

"Hmm, yes I can see your point.  I've spent so much time out here or in the forge that I have not had contact with you or your companions.  Well then. . ." Dena pauses long enough to make a plan on how to talk about herself, looking at the ceiling in concentration as she thinks.
"I am indeed of the full moon caste.  My abilities were, well, unimpressive to the Dragonblooded.  I have a certain facility for digging holes and building tunnels but that's nothing compared to what a Solar like Danae can do.  I was considered for concubine duty as I've been called beautiful, but Changing Moons are far more desired for that with their skills at appearing as literally anybody.  In the end what they hit on was my wings, most slaves can't fly and messenger birds can't fight off an attacker so they made me a carrier of important scrolls, where the message had to move fast, discreetly, and safely.  I am fairly fast, I've been timed at about ninety yards a second when I go all-out.  And that's pretty much all the use they had of me." Dena pauses to consider again and thinks over her recent actions.
"You may have heard me boasting in that last battle that I enjoy pain.  That's not really true but I understand it better than most, and I can use pain in certain ways.  A year or so ago I took a message to a manse where there were many stones around a pool, according to legend you could gain enlightenment if you sat on a stone.  The Shifu there told me to do as I wished until he was done penning a reply.  It was the first time I'd been allowed to choose an action of my own since I was collared.  I tried to sit on the stone marked 'freedom' so that I could learn how to be free but I misread the old realm, and sat on the stone of pain instead.  I suppose it was really a blessing, understanding pain has helped me stay alive and it seems I got freedom in the end anyway."

Third nods its head solemnly as you speak. " Not a glorious job, but not one where you would be tortured, at least. Some small blessing in that, Third would suppose." It listens peacefully as she talks about her own experiences with Martial Arts, solemnly absorbing the information like it does with anything else, little if any expression on its face. "Third has heard of the multitude of styles. Third's own style is apparently a mark of some contention among martial artists, the Even Blade style. Whatever path is taken through it leads to a different ultimate technique. It has been compared to a flower, growing from a central point then splitting in different directions. It is hardly as illustrious a style as Laughing Wounds, but ultimately, it had served Third well." It bows its head. " It has been Third's experience that when freedom is offered, it is seldom truly meant. Third imagines that were the sifu to have seen you sitting there, he may have taught you the Laughing Wounds form as punishment for impudence. It seems rather like the action a Dragon-Blooded would take in that situation." There's a sound of anger underneath that sentence, a seething current. But it's gone as quickly as it came. " Third is an Akashic Record. An unpleasant duty, but one that stands in the past now. Third also is a Solar, of the Twilight Caste... It is good to meet fellow Exalts. Third rarely spoke to anyone but Dragon-Blooded nobles before escape."

"Hmm, so the style is called Laughing Wounds?  I hadn't realized it was named.  I'm glad you have such a wide base of knowledge, I'm impressed.  It will surely be useful to us all.  Can I ask you a personal question?" she changes the subject subtly, "What is your ultimate goal?  What do you hope to accomplish next?"

Third nods. It doesn't seem particularly moved by the praise, but inside, it is grateful. "Third's ultimate goal? To be free. From what, Third cannot say, that would limit Third too much. What Third hopes to accomplish next... Leaving this section of Five Coils." It shrugs. " If Third's freedom happens to lead to the freedom of all others, then Third will be pleased. But freedom is all Third seeks." It looks towards her. " And you, Dena? What is it you seek?

As the two Exalts converse, Dena brings Third toward the cave intersection where she had encountered the bugs before. She can already hear their chirping and clacking in the distance, the signals of the ones without speech passing on the news of visitors to those higher in the hive hierarchy.

[Private to Tervila Dena, Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Let me know when you're ready for more game stuff to happen. By the way, I'd let you roll Linguistics if you wanted to see if the patterns in the walls mean anything.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:01, Fri 13 Feb 2009.

"Should be close now, one of the higher-ups will be seeking us soon.  Well, I don't really know what I want for a goal anymore.  When I first got out of the collar I sat for a few minutes and came up with what seemed like a simple plan to escape, I was just going to tunnel my way out, only leave the earth long enough to steal food and then tunnel some more where I couldn't be traced easily." Dena nods as she organizes her thoughts, moving to one side to go around a line of the black tiny insects carrying a trail of crumbs.
"But I got distracted by Danae's warstrider and helped that group get to the Gatekeeper of water.  In hindsight I probably would have just dug into the ocean there anyway so it worked out well for me compared to what would have happened.  But now I think just struggling to escape isn't enough.  I feel like I need to do something bigger than just run away from Terrestrials.  I just haven't decided what I should do yet."

Third follows her, stepping aside for the black insects as well, bowing its head to them politely- Personality isn't a prequisite for politeness, with Third. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Merely escaping Five Coils will be a task of legend. But Third agrees that Third would prefer freedom for all within." it says, and waits for one of the more important insects to approach them. It is intrigued to talk with them.

Dena scowls to herself at that response and considers while they pass another hundred yards or so, by now the tunnels have become mostly round, with pockets set into the stone here and there where workers can store food, so that on long tasks they need not return all the way to the main hive and waste energy.  These, however, are empty indicating that the hive probably isn't planning any jobs in the area.
"You're right of course.  I know I'm not as smart as some, and I try to make up for that by planning carefully so that I don't have to think on my feet, so to speak.  I feel like I've planned out a future but I haven't planned out myself."

The insects in the area are noticeably bigger the further Dena and Third progress. More and more, the black workers are spotted in double, triple size of 'normal', and still greater, their carapaces shining like sculpted onyx. Among them, as well, are the sapphire artisans with their atrophied wings directing the workers toward various tasks, or the more free-roaming emerald bugs, the first to linger at the presence of humanoids in their midst.

The message continues to spread: they are coming, the Humans are coming. There are fewer that gather this time, as their coming was largely expected -- several sapphires, a couple dozen emeralds. The onyx, born primarily for constant toil, continue their work with only a pause to exude chemical excitement, rubbing antennae and forearms.

Of the varieties seen so far, the emerald ones express the most open curiosity. Several of those gathered are familiar with Dena, directing bowed antennae and mandible clicks toward her. "Greetings Wasp-human representative," is what Dena roughly translates, noting an inflection of respect. Mostly, they are deeply interested in the new one Dena brings with her, who does not share her insect-affinity. Third finds itself surrounded by gentle antennae and forearm probing as they attempt to label it friendly or hostile, hungry or content, nervous or calm.

Soon, a fanfare of hums and carapace-drumming arises to herald the arrival of their communicator. "Hive Irix Chilomena welcomes you, Humans," says the golden one, using formal High Realm. "Please proceed with me. We may speak along the way." This time the communicator has four oversized ruby escorts with him, their attitude stern and authoritative.

Dena takes care to bow to the gold and, once again, expends the energy to waft a pleasing odor away from her body to calm down the others.
"I have returned with the Third. . ." Dena struggles for a moment trying to figure out how to translate the rest of the name into a smell, but the odors really don't exist properly and she gives up.  ". . .Third, a keeper of our hive's knowledge and memory."

Third bows its head, arms out, letting the creatures seek out its scent. It is content. Calm. Cold. Lots of words beginning with C, really. " It is a pleasure to meet you, members of Hive Irix Chilomena." it responds, following the insects as they move further into the hive, not particularly bothered by the rough attitude of the warriors. That is what they are there for, after all.

The emeralds and sapphire bugs disperse as the rubies exude intimidating pheromones, returning to their tasks. One of the emeralds looks particularly attached to Dena, and follows a good way before finally being dissuaded enough by the strong (though human-imperceptible) scent to leave.

The communicator leads the way with the ruby guards flanking it and its two guests. ("It", it so happens, is the most appropriate pronoun for the communicators, as they are born perfectly asexual.) The caverns become narrower as they move further into the hive, getting their first glimpse of the inner tunnels. The ornamentation on the walls maintains an organic beauty, inspired by symmetry in nature: often plant-based patterns, as the insects live largely on plant matter, and in their own way revere it. Similarly, there is some reverence for the element of water in their decor, for water is the source of life.

Now and then, they encounter special caverns, which the golden bug attempts to explain the function of. They pass one of the emerald bugs' work caverns: a whole host of emeralds rest there, their abdomens distended, secreting a sticky white sugary substance the onyx workers carry in resin-made containers deeper into the hive. Another, similar room holds a slimmer variety of emerald, excreting a fine thread the onyxes wind into spools carried by two, three of them at a time.

Yet another cavern complex houses one of the artisans' quarters. The sapphires work mostly solitary, supported by onyxes who aid them with menial tasks. Many are scupltors, working with wax resins secreted from their own bodies, or with clay or precious stones harvested from the earth, or some combination of. Even more rare are the metalworkers, whose mandibles have been evolved to produce a form of acid which softens metal into a workable form without dissolving it entirely.

Further in, they pass what appears to be an insect's museum: murals, stalactites formed into statues, and other such artistic reminders of various important events in the life of Irix Chilomena. A large part of their history, in fact, involved working with the machinery of Five Coils. Their depictions of the dark, metallic corridors and the inorganic AIs show an entire different facet to the insects' art: everything is solid planes, hard angles and sharp points, a direct contrast to the flowing patterns predominant of the middle hive. The AIs are represented as breathtaking mandalas of circuitry, but there are other types of beings as well, humanoid figures with symbols shining on their brows in silver and gold and precious stone. The Celestials, if the murals are to believed, occupied Five Coils long before the Dragon-blooded did.

[Private to Tervila Dena: If you so wish I would allow you to incorporate a Past Lives flashback when you step into the museum area. You will gain Past Lives 1 by entering here, in any case.] [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: You will definitely notice that one of the Celestials depicted feels familiar to you. Harmony herself would point out to you that it resembles your form as as she first remembered you - when you were Shining Eye.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:07, Tue 17 Feb 2009.

Third passes every wonder with quiet interest, eyes taking it all in, but it pauses as the murals, stepping up to them, eyes travelling over that strange picture, staring at it silently. ' Eye... recognize this.' Third shakes its head. ' Third recognizes this figure... It looks like Third's previous incarnation...' it says, slowly stepping away from it, to continue following the translator. 'Do you have information on how long ago the Celestials were in control of this facility? The details of the Dragon-Blooded usurpation of control of Five Coils?' it asks of the translator.

Dena paused inside the room, overlooking it and seeing. . . familiar things.  The shock of a smell, acrid and tangy, hit her and she had a vague impression of herself, but with four arms instead of just two, stirring some vast frothy pool that scummed over with phlegm while other Lunars argued and debated in the background.  She turned to silence them and their nattering about beastmen. . .

. . . and found herself facing Third again in the room.  She starts to comment on what she'd seen, then rethinks discussing something so potentially personal and changes the subject.
"They helped build the gatekeepers.  The machines that control this place.  We have to see if we can show these patterns to our artificers, it may help tremendously with the next gatekeeper."

Though the communicator senses the mixed shock and interest of his guests, it takes its time to reply. While the ruby sentinels keep watch, the golden bug moves about the room brushing antennae and forelegs against murals, sculptures and dioramas, now and then pausing in specific positions, contemplating the surrounding patterns at a new angle whose significance only it would know.

"You speak of the old masters," it finally replies. "They were our creators, the Solar and Lunar. In the Calendar of Irix, it was 3866 years ago, in the first cycle of Seedling-Pushes-Earth. In the calendar of the First Age of Man it is 1450 years after the death of the Primordials, and by the calendar of the Dragon-Children it is 2781 years before the rise of the Scarlet Empire." Third's mind works quickly to verify these numbers; the current year is RY 1085.

The golden insect continues to guide Dena and Third through the ornamented caverns, pausing now and then to examine the artistic representations of the events it explains. "We have lived here a long time, though not always awake. At times we lay dormant, hibernating, with no purpose to drive us. But do not misunderstand -- this facility, and its native intelligences, have existed even before we were born. We had no hand in its creation, but we were bioengineered to repair and maintain it, when the Celestials came to claim it as their fortress."

"In the Era of Shining Reflection the Creators were united. Little Mother created our three Queens to serve them, and among those who had a hand in our direction were the likes of Maia Wise-Eye, Cursed Sapphire, Shining Eye and Iris in a Field of Briars. In those days we numbered millions, and the factories churned daily, providing labor for the armies of the Clockwork General, the armaments of the Five Banner Warlords and the vessels of the Ruby Knights."

"Then came the Thousand Struggles. Five Coils, then known as Pillar of Creation, the Last Gift of the Maker, was utilized in full production as a factory-fortress of war. The General and all the others fought a war that spanned centuries. Oaths were broken and Circles shattered. In the end we lost track of our Masters three thousand years ago, when Creation broke into fragments. Without purpose, we slept." The mural that represents this time encompasses an entire cavern room, depicting a horde of sleeping insects in a haze of darkness. Watching over them is a giant stylized eye, inlaid into the ceiling. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Harmony tells you that it was during this period that she found herself 'assigned' to Coils -- during the period of silence after the Cascading Years. Thus she was not an original intelligence of Coils, but placed there by some whim of the 'Machine God,' whom she asserts was the original Creator.]

---

OOC: Sorry if this seems long; histories often are. I have another small portion and then it's all done.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:13, Wed 13 May 2009.

"The Long Sleep lasted for centuries at a time," continues the golden communicator, standing immediately beneath the iris of that inscrutable, unblinking eye. "Now and then there were moments of Clarity. Intrepid Celestials discovered us, wished to tap into our power. But Creation's leaders of that time feared what would occur should we return to production. We were closed from the world. During the Terrestrials' rise to power, even the Starchosen who helped them wished the Pillar of Creation dormant."

"And so it was. Only 285 years ago was the Pillar rediscovered, reawakened and renamed. But we of Irix would not serve the new occupants, who professed an overwhelming wrath for our true Masters. Thus we have waited in hiding. We have waited for you."

Third and Dena's guide beckons them forward, past the Cavern of the Long Sleep, through a narrow corridor that appears to have been recently dug. Not even the rubies follow all the way through, arranging themselves into ceremonial formation just outside the final destination of the 'tour.' Lighting is dim here, little more than natural lamps of glowing fungi -- and in the large, spacious chamber beyond, it is dimmer still.

"The Queen will see you now. Should you have further inquiries before you enter Her presence, ask them now."

Third stares. The Five Coils... the Pillar of Creation. It looks over the murals, silently. If they could take control of the Pillar, then freedom would be theirs. It could very possible to bring that freedom to everyone with this force behind them. But it will still be a long time for that. The terms flow through Third's head, remembering flashes of these times, of discovering Five Coils... And what led it to discover the Five Coils. It's silent on the matter, for now. But there is only one being who could be worthy of being the Machine God. Third bows its head. 'Third is ready to meet with the Queen. What etiquette would be considered most appropriate to interact with her?' it asks politely, seeking harmony.

"Iris in. . . that name feels familiar.  No matter.  What form would be best to meet the queen in?"

"Queen Chilomena wishes to know you as you truly are. Go to Her in the form you were born with," replies the communicator. "Do not be afraid to show your true nature. Display your Essence proudly, your iconic anima."

"Our Queen's years number in the thousands. Show Her proper respect. If She asks you a question, answer promptly. But do not insinuate that She is unwise or lacking in knowledge. Age has made Her obstinate in certain beliefs. Suggest, but do not correct."

"Though I know you are capable of it, Wasp-friend, the language of insects is something She considers the purview of workers, producers, artisans and guards. However, She is not familiar with the languages of the Terrestrials. She would prefer, and recognize the old tongue best." It rubs its antennae together, an indication of nervousness or uncertainty. The golden bug had been using High Realm up until now. "If I must, I can translate, but certainly there would be no need...?"

[Private to Tervila Dena, Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: I'm willing to let you buy a dot of Linguistics free of training time to learn Old Realm if you don't already know it. It won't count as your stunt-learn for the scene, though, as it's knowledge that comes to you with Past Lives.]

Third bows its head. ' Third is afraid that its memories do not extend far enough to give it the ability to speak in the old tongue. Third hopes to learn it, but time has, so far, been too short to dedicate itself to such a task.' it speaks politely, as it infuses its anima with solar essence, the light blossoming out of it. ' Third fears it will need your services in translation for a while longer.' it says, bowing to the translator peacefully.

"And I have the same problem." Dena confesses.  "Your queen is older than my current incarnation and language has changed a great deal among us."

"So be it then." The communicator does not waste any more time on the subject. "Then by what name shall I introduce you?" It had Third's name... or part of it, in any case, but Dena had yet to give her own.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:18, Thu 19 Feb 2009.

"Dena will do.  I do not require any special accolades." Dena answers, having thought the matter over.

"Just as well. Dena and Third, then." The golden bug directs the two Celestials to follow behind, side by side. Together they move into the large, low-lit chamber of its Queen, progressing at a ceremonial pace. "Say nothing until I have introduced you."

The first thing they notice is that the chamber is cool and dry. The sort of environment one might use to preserve food long-term. They are not alone in the large chamber, either: other insects move in and out from smaller tunnels, mostly of the green and black variety, bearing food or bearing away waste or polishing the walls, which appear to be made of a dark blue crystalline substance. Now and then a few of the emeralds pass by carrying appears to look like compact white pupae curled up into a spiral. These ones move into an entirely different tunnel behind the Queen.

As for the Queen herself, she rests in the center of the chamber. She is ...gigantic, even in human standards. Her carapace is a pure, glistening white, with a rainbow sheen when light strikes her carapace. She rests with her back propped up on what could only be termed as a throne, carved of the same material as the walls and encrusted with precious gems and crystals. The throne alone would be worth as much as several warstriders. It is scooped at the seat to allow her distended abdomen to rest close to the ground, and her gorgeous opaline wings can trail down on either side, as gauzy and ornate as a diamond studded veil.

There are few insects that linger: these are an unusual translucent pale blue, luminescent in a manner much like a full moon. Like the artisans, they also have beautiful wings, theirs silver-latticed rather than diamant. These are the sterile Princesses, then, they who keep the Queen clean and comfortable, bring her the food brought in by the workers, and aid her when she bears her young. They may have been born into Queens themselves, if theirs had not proven to be so eminently long-lived, or Princes should the hive need to expand.

The golden communicator brings Dena and Third before the throne, and bows its head down. When it gazes upon its Queen, only then does it pronounce an introduction in Old Realm. The Exalts recognize it as such when they hear their names pronounced.

---

OOC: I'd originally had a second post after, but I'll let you actually present yourselves first before speaking. Remember, you want to use your iconic anima banners! so make a good impression with them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:47, Fri 20 Feb 2009.

Dena bows low, going to one knee before the queen and slowly pushing essence into the air to flare her banner, starting with the glowing caste mark, a moon rising through clouds so that it's coloration is blue and purple instead of the more standard silver.  The color begins to spread out in thin wisps and coils around her, and as it begins to reach it's iconic level the ground under her feet seems to crack and buckle, splitting into neat hexagons of a honeycomb with glowing essence in between, and swarms of flying insects crawl from the comb to surround and crawl upon her, rimming Dena in her glorious, traditional coloration.

Third's anima banner blooms iconically, the golden scriptures fluttering around it as it bows towards the queen, hand across its waist as it lowers its head. It mimics the actions of Third itself perfectly as the Solar bows to the queen, the golden figure holding this pose for the duration of the introduction, before raising its head once again, its demeanor neutral, respectful, but not overly fawning as the pages flutter, occasionally landing against its body, leaving their words imprinted there for a moment before moving on.

A hum of surprise and excitement emits from Queen Chilomena, echoed by the silver-blue Princesses as the anima banners are revealed. Even the workers cease their work for a time, prostrating themselves briefly, while the Princesses climb down from where they clung to the throne to array themselves formally at its base. As a whole, the Hive appears to be sufficiently awed by Third in particular; even the Queen bows her head, paying her respect.

When Chilomena speaks, it is with a surprisingly melodic voice, considering her true form is an oversized, seemingly overweight insect. She begins with what appears to be a formal speech, raising her forelegs and beckoning first to Third, then to Dena.

"Queen Chilomena extends Her greetings to you," translates the golden communicator, stepping back so that the Solar and Lunar can step forward. It adds, as a quiet aside, "You may speak at ease. She is welcoming you as equals, not subordinates, though she considers Third the 'senior'."

The communicator continues to translate the Queen's words directly: "It has been ages since the Original Creators walked among us. We were made to serve you, to emulate in some fashion your beauty, majesty and ingenuity. In the Golden Age of Ceaseless Industry, we carried out designs worthy of our pedigree: architecture, armaments, works of art. We maintained the integrity of this fortress so that your enemies might never penetrate its bowels."

"We have waited for centuries since the Sundering of the Creators for your return. But so much has been lost -- you have forgotten even the language of old! Pray tell me, how did you and your hive arrive here safely?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Mon 23 Feb 2009.

"Third likely has a better knowledge of the history.  As a guardian of the Hive I was there at the battles we've fought to get here." Dena explains, facing the Queen as she hoped was proper, rather than the interpreter.  "It has been a painful journey.  We all were prisoners in the deeper levels of this place, controlled with some sort of magitek devices." she continues, feeling her way through the words cautiously.  "The devices broke down eventually and freed us, and we've been fighting our way to the surface against those who held us as slaves ever since then."

"I see." replies Chilomena through her translator. The phrase does not quite encompass the Queen's initial reaction, which started from a sharp chemical surprise and ended in a contemplative grooming of her head and thorax. "We had thought the Humans dead after the Cataclysm of Dark Smoke. We had no way to be sure of the extent of the damage done."

"The Humans that lived in the nearby Mining Hive were our allies. Of all the Humans that live and thrive in the Pillar of Creation in this age, we chose them to trust and to nurture. We gifted them with our Emerald Producers, so they may learn to survive without the aid of the Usurpers. We have felt for some time the rise of the Dragon-Blooded, and we thought to act cautiously and carefully, or suffer the fates of our Sister Hives: enslavement or extinction."

"To gradually gain the trust of the people of this District was our intention. Of all the attempts we have made, we made the most progress with Granite Creed. But he and his people died. They were Exterminated by the armored Usurper and her Device." There is a low, agitated buzz that comes from the Queen and her Princesses at those words. "It is then that we enacted our first Act of War. It is we who pulled this Sector offline, so that the Network would not sense us."

"So you came from the District below. We felt a vast disturbance from below, but we did not feel your people enter from outside our Sector. If you arrived from within... who sent you, and why? Please understand. We have the utmost respect for the Creators. But should you be even an unwitting tool of the Usurpers, we can show you no mercy."

[Private to Tervila Dena; Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Your next post may require a social roll, depending on how you approach it.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:50, Sat 28 Feb 2009.

"Third can assure you that we have not been sent by the usurpers. Our hive was able to meet with the Gatekeeper of Water, and remind it of its true alliance, with the Celestials. It transported us here to protect us from a similar group of Usurpers to those who most likely destroyed the village." Third bows its head. " And the Dragon-Blooded are learning a harsh lesson, now, that attempting to control a Celestial against their will, openly or in secret, is a fool's errand. You know us. You know that we are the tools of none." Third says, as it sets itself where it stands. " We do not wish to make enemies of you. Our only enemies are those who would try to trap us here where they can crush our spirits. We desire freedom, and we desire to leave this place in a harmony it has badly missed since we were Usurped." Third bows its head deeply. " Third does not wish to ask too much, but it hopes that you would be willing to tell us about how you pulled this sector offline. If it can be reproduced, it would be useful to have as a tool against the Dragon-Blooded, until we can remind the Gatekeeper who the true masters of Five Coils are." It stands, looking the queen head-on, arms behind its back, folded politely.

The next words from the Queen come in a burst of excitement, emulated by the golden one in a language Dena and Third can understand. "We freed the sector by no less than hard work, Third," she explains impatiently. "My children physically severed the connections with great precision. It is work you Creators bred us to excel in!"

"But no matter! So the Gatekeeper of Water has awakened to your presence, and brought you here for safety?"

She speaks a commanding line to one of the Princesses, who in turn translates the command in antennae motions, foreleg gestures and subtle chemical emissions to the nearby workers. [Private to Tervila Dena: Dena, instinctively familiar with the language of insects, can translate to Third the basic meaning: the Princess is asking whether the workers have ventured close enough to Water District to corroborate what Third has said.]

The message gets no immediate answer, though; rather the insects of Irix Chilomena pass the word on down the line, throughout the chambers of the Hive, until all know what the Queen wishes to know. It takes minutes for the message to return, during which the insects continue to work, and the Queen continues to lounge.

Finally, the Princess reports, and the Queen speaks, and the communicator serves as the bridge. "The Water District is quiet, and the lines by which we listened downward are non-functional. It is as if the Gatekeeper has passed on, or wishes to be known as dead. So you can prove you have spoken to it? What is the shape of its spirit form?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:29, Thu 26 Feb 2009.

Dena sighs at this request.  "I did not meet the Gatekeeper personally, we were attacked by several Dragonblooded called the 'Equalizers' and I kept them at bay while others worked.  I'm sure the Third saw it, however, and I could bring others who did if you require it."
She shakes her head.  "This news is very disturbing, we wanted to prevent a purge that was to kill all in the district of water.  If the Gatekeeper is dead, I am told everybody there will die anyway.  If we need to act to save it, will you be able to help us?"

Third slowly nods its head. " Third prays that the Gatekeeper of Water is not dead. It was a noble being in the end." It looks up at the question of the Queens, and bows its head. " It would be difficult to forget. It had the form of a cecaelia. Torso, head, arms human- Everything below the waist that of an octopi. It had an armor, or even a second skin of plates, composed of diamond, adamant, and its eyes were like two burning spheres of the furthest seas." It looks up towards the queen. " Third trusts the gatekeeper enough to believe that it is not dead yet. That, Third supposes, is the most it can do for the Gatekeeper now."

Inside, Third is worried. It heard some little of what happened before the rest of the Celestials were transported upwards. For the Gatekeeper of Water to be killed by the Dragon-Blooded... It would be like losing a beloved friend whom one had only just that day found again. It knows that the loss of life if a purge were carried out is catastrophic, but the only one it has any attachment to that may have been caught in it is the Gatekeeper.

The Queen appears to relax considerably as her golden vassal communicates to her Third's description. "That is correct," comes Chilomena's translated reply. "I see the Gatekeeper of Water has trusted you enough to allow you passage into its Sanctum. In ancient times, the Irix have served maintenance and repair duties throughout the entirety of the Pillar, and enjoyed a close relationship with the Gatekeepers and their subordinates. But that connection has eroded since the Creators fell out of power, and the Manufactured Souls of the Pillar have fallen into the Usurpers' sway."

"If the Gatekeeper of Water has allied itself with you, then this is truly a victory for us! Yet you fear the Gatekeeper is dead? Perish the thought!" The Queen's scent is that of sharp incredulity, disturbing the Princesses and even the communicator, who takes a step back. She shakes her head, an oddly humanoid gesture. "Not even the Usurpers could destroy it so easily. They may have done great damage to the Gatekeeper Core. But the Gatekeepers are the children of the Machine God Himself. I believe the Gatekeeper of Water has done as we have, and brought the entire Water District into its Dominion, cut off from the rest of the Network."

"We can confirm this, but it will take time. We may even be able to reroute a direct connection to the Gatekeeper of Water itself. But before we consider aiding you, we must know your intentions, Creators. We may be able to help in limited fashion, should you simply seek freedom, or to aid the Water District Humans. But we of Irix Chilomena consider the Pillar our Home. Our ultimate goal is to free it from the control of the Usurpers entirely. Should you wish the same, then our Alliance may well be more fruitful for both of us."

Third smiles as the queen relates this news. " That is good to hear. If the Gatekeeper holds sway over the Water District, then Third believes it shall be all the better for it. Third will hope for the best of luck in reestablishing communications." Third slowly pauses as this question is asked of it. The question that everyone seems to ask. Do you want freedom, or liberation. Everyone seems to want to know if it will help. It pauses for a long moment, silent for nearly a minute, before it speaks. " If Third only wanted freedom, the task would be so much the simpler. Simply keep going upwards. But it is not the way of Celestials to think of such small things. The only way for us to be sure that our freedom will last is to crush those who oppress us, and to make sure that they cannot chase us after we are freed. If we were to escape, then there is no telling what there may be left on the surface, if anything. No. If Third escapes... everyone, everyone who doesn't try to stop us, escapes, if they see fit." It says this with conviction. Escape means nothing if it is a temporary escape. Freedom must last.

"Your thoughts on freeing the entirety of this place. . . are deeply appealing to me." Dena admits.  "I have thought of the same course of action, but I do not wish to make promises without thinking the matter through.  With your leave, I shall go to meditate and confer with the wisest of our companions and have a reply for you in a few days."

"Yes, you may take your time to confer and make a final decision," pronounces Queen Chilomena.

"Of course, we cannot truly expect anything from you. After all, you are our noble Creators, and we were once your loyal subordinates. But there is some... selfishness on our part." The Queen and her entourage buzz uncomfortably at the admission. "For we have been set back in our ambition to reclaim Earth District by the loss of Granite Creed. Through him we had thought to reach the heart of rebellion in this District. The one named 'Free', of whom we have heard whispers of. In this way we hoped to influence the Human workers toward fighting with us."

"The Humans need a leader they can identify with, and we are too alien for them, even like this." A white, shimmering light envelops the Queen -- an Essence display, though without any iconic signature. Her massive body shrinks considerably, her limbs atrophying and shaping new and different joints. When the light fades, she is standing atop the throne in a humanoid form, clad in a diaphanous, diamond-jeweled gown of the same material as her wings. She is not hideous, but her beauty is anything but Human: her eyes are large, pupilless and dark, and her 'skin' (truly more of a jointed carapace) is all pure unblemished white. She is four-armed, and antennae jut from the top of her head of pale, iridescent hair, crafted more for show than necessity.

"Let me propose this," says the humanoid Chilomena through her translator. "We will arrange a small party to meet at your Hive next week. Until then you will finalize your plans, and we will attempt to reconnect with the Gatekeeper of Water."

"Third could not think of a better way to ensure this district's safety and security than under your watchful eyes. Third, at least, thinks it would be willing to do what it can to help you find this Free. We have heard of it as well, and hope to be able to track it down. Any ally, after all, would be helpful." It bows deeply to the queen. "With your permission, then, we shall return to our Hive, and inform them of what we have learned. Third looks forward to when we are able to further our alliance." It bows again, prepared to leave alongside Dena with the queen's blessing. "And Queen Chilomena... Third must thank you personally. Your hive has kept the spark of the Celestials hope alive all this time. You have gone far beyond any call of duty. If victory favors us, then we shall owe you much." it says solemnly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:05, Sat 28 Feb 2009.

"We are honored by your thanks," says Chilomena graciously to Third; now, with the proper body to do so, she bows with regal grace. At humanoid size, the throne upon which she stands is large enough to be a stage rather than a seat.

"However, one must wonder whether we have simply been bred for loyalty to you. After all, thousands of years can change most minds. But in the end, it is all very much the same... whether we have chosen this path, or whether destined. For we knew not which was the truth."

She gestures with one of her four arms toward her translator, and speaks some words directly to it. The golden bug prostrates itself in response, deeply honored. Dena can sense the surprise emanating from it with her insect-sense.

"For my services I have been granted the name Jhenli. Queen Chilomena wishes that you call me by this from now on," explains the golden bug when it straightens. The Queen continues to speak, and Jhenli immediately switches back into translation-mode. "And She says: You may leave, Third and Dena; we too look forward to forging a long and productive companionship with the Creator-kind.

Jhenli will guide Third and Dena back to the outskirts of the Hive, whenever they are ready.

[Private to Tervila Dena; Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: If you're leaving right away, you can post your departure and return to 'The Lost Corridors - Mining Settlement' thread.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:49, Sat 28 Feb 2009.

Third returns the bow graciously. " Thank you, Jhenli. Your services have been invaluable. And to your highness... Being bred for loyalty can only lead one so far. If it were a simple matter of having been bred for it, Third does not think that you would have been able to keep your faith in us so long. Breeding can fade. Perhaps Third is wrong, but Third thinks that your loyalty is more than just a function of being created." It bows deeply to them again. "Thank you once again." it says, preparing to leave alongside Dena.

Dena apes Third's actions, in performing a respectful bow.
"Obligations flow in both directions." she mentions before leaving.  "We ourselves are under obligation to recognize and repay your loyalty.  I will do all I can to accomplish this.  We will meet again soon."
Dena, perhaps forgetting etiquette a bit, turns her back and leaves rather than backing out of the room.

Week 4 (8th day of Resplendent Water, RY 1085)

With the aid of Queen Chilomena and her builder bug minions, the group of free Celestials and the remaining 40-odd Water District refugees move from the mining settlement to the tunnels of Hive Irix Chilomena. The hundreds upon hundreds of onyx worker bugs at the Hive Queen's disposal make the move swift, painless and methodical, systematically cleaning out all excess waste, even traces of human life, and leaving the remainder of the settlement pristinely clean. Even the ashes from the purported attack on the settlement that took the miners' lives (all but their leader, Granite Creed, and his missing wife, Patience) have all been removed, bits of organic matter secreted away into wherever the insects keep such things.

They do find a use for everything, though. Materials are recycled or processed into their crafts, or stored in massive vaults, the true function and purpose of which only the hivemind itself can understand. As Dena and Third know, the insects also have a penchant for expressing history and significance in art form, the walls of their oldest caverns (rather than the auxiliary, outer-hive ones, whose shape and positioning grows and changes as needed) decorated in colored resins, bits of glass and gems, bone chips and stone fragments, conveying everything from messages of purpose and inspiration, to their most treasured memories.

Following the Queen's entourage, the Celestials pass through a series of workrooms from outer to mid-hive: emeralds working as food-producers and cloth-spinners, sapphires doing everything from gem polishing to resin sculpting to tool-making to mechanical engineering (working with scavenged, broken vehicles or automatons, discarded minor artifacts and so forth.) For increased protection, the Celestials are allowed deep into the Hive as special guests, their rooms rather symbolically built off of the Vault of Ancient Memories, where Jhenli had given Third and Dena a broad, illustrated summary of the 3000-some years since Hive Irix Chilomena has been created. Many depictions of the Celestial Exalts from the insects' point of view can be found in this museum, benevolent figures adorned with Caste Mark symbols on their foreheads in pure gold or silver.

The rooms are all freshly dug and well-furnished, using the versatile bug resin in place of wood or metal, sheets and pillows made from their own silk-producers, fixtures and details added by their skilled sapphire artisans. As they were made in great haste, the designs are simple, but very comfortable. Even the refugees have at least their own bed, desk and storage chest, though their living area branches off from the outer hive instead (connected via a humanoid sized tunnel to the Celestials'). The Immaculate prisoners are brought in under heavy guard, with Ruby Defenders watching their simple stone-and-earth furnished cells at all times, instructed to allow only Celestials or Hive royalty to enter.

It's quite easy to get lost within the vast, labyrinthine builder bug hive. Fortunately there are always insects in the vicinity to serve as guides or summon one, if they lack the capability for human interaction. The Exalts are allowed to roam all but the inner hive and royal chambers freely, and there's plenty of room and resource for a week of training, building or planning.

---

OOC: Those of you playing Celestials whose past lives lived, created or ruled from Coils when it was still the Pillar, can use the moment you enter the hive's Vault of Memory to trigger a past life flashback (if you want me to make one up for you, PM me!)

Other than that, detail what you will train or accomplish in a bit over one week of downtime (9 days to be exact). [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge; Yaishin Higura: I will continue to use the 3 Immaculates thread for you should you continue to speak with the Immaculates in private, rather than involve them in matters the other PCs or the Hive will openly see. I'll just change scene within that thread, once Higura gets Jilava out of the settlement... if that makes sense.]

"This is a very fine location..." Danae remarked as the Exalts were lead in.  While she didn't have too much at this point to do in terms of working on the virus--it wouldn't do to simply stand around idle--but she 'Had' equipped nearly everyone to the limit of what was available...

Yet without materials, there wasn't much she could do with the last of her Orichal...

Her eyes drifted over to some of the things lying around--and she was struck with an idea.

"Ah... If you'll excuse me?"  Danae noted, holding up a hand to call attention.  "I think I just found an area that could best use my abilities--would you mind if I got to work immediately?"

Taking the time needed for propietry, Danae's first stop was towards some of the Cloth Spinners...

"I've a certain project in mind..." She began once she managed to get an audience with whomever was in charge of that department.  "I noticed you had access to silk here...  Would there be any way could could produce a certain volume of Steelsilk in the upcoming days though?  It'll serve as a useful base for something I plan to develop, and it's the material I was iffiest about..."

Once that was sorted out though--her next destination was to the mechanical section--not entirely unsurprisingly--but there you have it.  Tugging on her gloves as she moved in with a smile, Danae looked around at some of the busted automatons.

"So...  How many of these do you think we could get working in nine days?" She asked some of the collected bugs.  "It'll help to have any additional muscle in nearby uprising--and I don't like seeing a bunch of good chassis lying around fallow after all..."

Third approaches the Vault alongside the others once again, and stares at the image of Shining Eye. Something about it catches the eye... reminds it of days long past, of another life, of

"Yes. You must be careful with the carvings. If they are off, the meaning is lost." A voice. A familiar voice, that of Shining Eye, echoes through the air like a voice on the wind. Third approaches the carving, even as it feels that presence from within its own mind. "They must be of infinitesmal detail. It would not have remained hidden were it a simple number." Third doesn't touch it, but it moves quite close indeed to the inlaid mural, a finger running over the faint lines. "If my future self is to find these numbers again, it must be available... Eye do not trust mere chance in these things." For a moment, Third turns, and its eyes make contact with that ancient self, a Twilight whose eyes are on the mural, just behind Third. Then they shift, meeting the Solar's eyes as she looks towards it. "These flaws in the fabric of Creation are my gift to myself..." she says, a wan smile on her face. Her skin is pale, pale as Third's, and she has the look of someone who has spent a great deal of her life fighting for those who do not understand. "And now... I am afraid that you cannot be left alive. I do not do this because I enjoy it, for what consolation that is worth." The blade by her side flicks out, and in a blur of gold, the orichalcum blade is jutting out from Third's chest, blood spraying out, numbness spreading

The Solar nearly falls backwards into the mural, eyes wide, breath coming fast with alarm, a hand moving to its chest... And then slowly moving away. Only a memory. Recovering from its loss of composure, the Solar slowly turns, studying the folds of the garment... On each arm, endlessly fine stitches, and even more across the body itself... It begins to count them, studying the ratios, knowing that there is something significant hidden there.

The sight of the murals in the Vault do not have the same effect on every one of the Exalts. For some, the images are inspiring, but have no effect besides demonstrating the creativity and ingenuity of the builder insects. For others, they trigger memories that shake the core of their being, reminding them of what they once were... and what they could become.

For Danae, the inner chambers of the Hive are neither deeply shocking nor simply attractive to the eye. Rather, they carry for her an uncanny familiarity, a feeling of 'rightness' -- that she has been through these caverns many times before, that she has always had the authority to order the insects of Hive Irix and expect to be obeyed. She recalls fragments of her life as Terian with a sense of longing for the majesty of the distant past. These remarkable insects toiled ceaselessly to build the armor, weaponry and vehicles of the Clockwork General's army to his exacting standards -- but that was not the only thing they worked on.

In the height of the First Age, the builder bugs adapted their skills, organization and numbers to aid in building everything from Cursed Sapphire's highly complex but efficient tools, to Maia Wise-Eye's organic artifacts crafted to emulate living animals, to Iris in a Field of Briars' wearable, high-fashion outfits and jewelry. And still more. Very likely they have retained a great many of those designs, unused in the wake of the Celestials' disappearance, the Usurpation and a lack of reliable magical material source.

Danae can easily envision the vast output potential that the massive factory-fortress would hold, should the insects of Hive Irix be returned to their rightful duties, and necessary resources secured. The possibilities are not only thrilling, but endlessly tempting. What could one accomplish with such incredible numbers and quality of artifice?

Reality, for now, is much more sobering. Maia's successor still lies trapped in her bed of twisted wood and magitech fibers as Alazne the White Dove, forever dreaming, waiting to be liberated. And the husks Danae determinedly sets to work on are worn and in disrepair, a poor echo of the grand machines that once marched in neat and perfect rows on the ancient battlefields of Creation.

The first of the sapphire artisans to answer Danae shifts fluidly to humanoid form, speaking Old Realm in an ethereal, feminine voice. She addresses the Dawn Caste's inquiries in order. "Unfortunately, the emerald cloth-spinners are not created to be speech-capable. Our Hive is, however, capable of steelsilk production, though it will take perhaps a week to make a sizable amount for a single, humanoid sized project." Several emerald producers scurry forward, passing to Danae a square sample of the flexible, yet durable cloth in question. "The speed of course will increase as our Queen births more sisters appropriate to the production."

"As for the Automatons. We will of course not prevent you from working in whatever manner you wish to, Clockwork General. Our numbers and expertise are at your disposal. With a crafter of your caliber, we may be able to reconstruct five of the most intact for use in the specified time. However, their artificial minds may be faulty, or too aged to remember their previous masters, as we have. When we activate them you and your allies may want to be ready for combat." That said she and her assistants clear a space at the engineer's workshop for Danae to begin.

---

OOC: Continue to post flashbacks at the Vault (if appropriate) and/or your actions in the next 9 days. Those who do opt for a flashback at this point in time gain Past Lives +1. If you do not post in the next couple days, I will assume you are resting and doing nothing, and move on to 9 days later.

Xurizu marvelled at the artwork he saw around the hive as they were lead into the depths of the hive, especially at the history portrayed on the sides of the Vault of Ancient Memories.  Although none of the murals there sparked any form of recollection for him, he never-the-less admired the craft and the dedication which had gone into them, and made a note to spend at least some of his evenings for the next few days studying them all, following the history they presented.

His days, he planned to spend on more practical things.  The first day, he spent practicing his essence channelling, learning the technique of sharpening his instincts, quickening his thoughts, until he could raise them to superhuman levels.  On the next day, he left the hive, travelling by himself away from the areas patrolled by the Hive, and away from the old settlement.  He was hunting for something, for a form more suitable to moving around in the caves and natural rocks of the Earth Floor.  He found that in a hunting spider, a fast and spindly creature that he spent most of the day stalking, before he finally killed it with his knife, and drank of its bitter blood.  To pass the rest of the time, Xurizu cast his mind back to the time period of their escape and to the spells cast by the Sorceress Misa.  There was one in particular that he had seen in sufficient detail that he thought he could reproduce it.  He enquired to the bugs if one could be found, and not, then he would travel out from the Hive, away from the settlement, each day and practice out there.  The first spell he could remember learning, both the others he knew he no longer had the memories for.  Eventually, as the remaining week drew to a close though, he could call forth the Titan's Icy Breath!
[Private to GM: One day to learn 1st wits, One day to hunt, 7 to learn the spell.]

"There's no critical rush for the steelsilk, I won't have time to work on the project until we're done with the upcoming operation" Danae said "The automata are another matter...  I'll see if I can restore their programming as we work on repairing them--but I'll be ready to fight back if they become hostile as well.  They'll be a great asset if we can fix them up though, and I'm willing to take the risk inherent in bringing them back online."

The remaining days were spent working at the damaged automata.  Danae was careful to ensure that the level of risk if their programming had degraed was minimal, but there was only so much that could be done until they had been brought back online--most of the neccessary precautions were possible in this place though.

She only hoped that their power would be enough to help make a difference in the upcoming battles

Third, in the time it has, is working endlessly on compiling the information, infiltrating the systems of the automata. A web of information is inserted into the devices, redundant copies, differentiated designs, all meant to make the process of removing the virus without completely destroying the brains of every automata on the floor a task best suited for somebody who is already too mad to lose their sanity on the project. Every primary function has these commands hidden somewhere within the endless spirals of code, never the same way twice- a concentrated effort is made to hide them, disguising them among the command lines around it. It infiltrates, becomes so deeply entrenched that even discovered, clearing the commands out will be excruciatingly difficult. It does this with the help of Harmony, surrounded by drifting colors as it moves through the code- Not like a bird through air, a fish through water, but like a god through its domain.

After his discussion with Talia and further introducing himself to her, Dashu had immediately gone to reattune his jade dragon's claws.  After that, he tries to stay out of everyone's way.  He had no skill with anything technical.  He did, however, help with any of the bureaucratic work that might need to be done.  Preparing himself to have to deal with Mockingbird and other leaders of commerce on a more regular basis, Dashu spends most of his time sharpening those skills.  He wasn't much of a leader, but he could at least organize information.  In his spare time he checks in on whoever might need help.  He does make it a point to always run small errands for the more technical minded exalts.  At one point he even tries to crack an awkward smile at Danae.  It's almost like he's glad to be back.

Dena sighs as a hesitant, experimental tap with a pickaxe bounces off her abdomen about an inch above the belly button.
"Try again.  Harder.  Hit me as hard as you can." she instructs.  "If you deliver weak blows in practice you will also deliver weak blows when you're trying to protect your friends and family.  Don't worry about hurting me, worry about the people who will be hurt if you can't protect them."

A few days earlier, having arrived at the caverns, Dena had planned to return to her solitary and foul-smelling training in the nature and resisting of pain.  However, having seen Tycho leave and take many of the best trained mortals, Dena had realized that the remaining mortals were now short both of fighters and of trainers, and a certain nagging guilt over that had moved her to take action.

She'd quickly realized that she could efficiently do both by using herself as a training dummy to get pain and training at once.  Now if only some of the mortals would learn to hit well enough to actually inflict pain. . .

[Private to GM: I don't actually expect her time to count double, of course.  2 days should finish off her Laughing Wounds charm training leaving 7 for training the mortal cohort.]

Nanaret spends the nine days training intensely, when she does not assist Higura or Third in standing guard while they speak with the Immaculate prisoners. She also spends what free time she has exploring the Hive itself, familiarizing itself with its layout so she can find her way to the exits or any important areas (the prison cells, the various workshops, the refugees' quarters and so on) without help.

This is not necessarily because she distrusts the builder bugs; it is simply in her nature to prefer to have the option to act independently if need be. That, and asking for help is not something she is quite accustomed to. It took quite some time just for Doctor Higura to coax her to open up to him, and even so their counseling sessions can be at times volatile, particularly when Ranavalona's consciousness rises to dominate her mind. Fortunately, he has had months to grow accustomed to dealing with her rages, and has the medicine skill to repair any painful consequences, though any deep and serious wounds would be better cared for by a Solar healer (Talia?)

The two techniques Nanaret is training are both combative in nature, utilizing the fury state that she has increasingly begun to rely on. She requests a practice cavern of the builder bugs, one that will have no outside traffic, and asks Higura to accompany her. Though the Lunar is still concerned about including anyone else in such exercises, as she does not know how they might react to the Bitch Queen's more violent personality, she still asks both Dena and Dashu whether they would be interested in sparring her. Dena, she figures, is training to be highly endurant and even accepting of pain, while Dashu has seen her personality shifts more than once without batting an eye, and both appear to be swift fighters.

If neither accept Nanaret chooses Higura as her primary sparring partner, though either way the doctor is involved very closely in her development -- encouraging her to tighten her control over her rage, to give just enough to Ranavalona, but not too much that she loses self-awareness completely. Through repeated sparring sessions and supervised exercises, she pushes both her speed and her endurance to the limit, heightening the speed of her strikes while drawing from the intensity of the battle-trance to revitalize her Essence.

Talia feels a nagging sense of deja vu while dwelling within the Hive that grows gradually in intensity. Because the persona she had been during the Usurpation had been so dominant and greedy for power, her shard's memories of the life that lived before Mei Xing are subdued. It takes time for her consciousness to become aware of the connection between herself and the benevolent yet fiercely protective Creator whom the builder bugs praise so prominently in their art.

In fact an entire inner Vault chamber has been devoted just to her: a radiant woman in blue, pale in a way rarely seen in the lower floors of Coils, her blonde hair wound up into a braided crown. The symbol on her forehead is the Caste Mark of Twilight, and she is always depicted with builder bugs gathered raptly at her feet, rising on their forelegs as her hands grace their heads in blessing. Even the Queens knelt before her, for the original three Queens of Hive Irix considered her Mother. What few Old Realm inscriptions there are label this woman the Little Mother, for she was short of stature but she alone was the Celestial to grant them the spark of life.

When Talia wanders into the shrine of the Little Mother, drawn there as if entranced, she gazes up at the large, lovingly crafted statue of the woman and realizes with sudden, startling certainty that she is looking back at herself. Or more accurately, one aspect of herself, the progenitor of artificial life in the Pillar. The sheer bewildering amazement that follows this realization -- that she had once not only crafted items of power, but created living, sentient, reproducing beings that survived for 3000 years -- is almost too much for her mind to bear.

[Private to Talia Zerith: Well, you now have Past Lives 3 -- since you already started with 2. Along with that you get a free Craft(Genesis) 1. Also, the bewildering nature of suddenly recalling an entire past life will make you disoriented for about a week. -2 to all dice rolls, though since you probably won't be needing the rolls during the downtime you could just RP it out as seeming dazed and distracted a lot. If you want you could even pass out for a while ;) it would be fitting, but I'll leave it up to you since being unconscious would put a dent in training time you might use :P]

Nanaret, Dashu and Xurizu feel the least affected by the memories retained by Hive Irix Chilomena.

Ranavalona herself has never been trusting of magitech or artificial intelligences to begin with, and Rana herself states quite plainly to Nanaret that her only fond memories of the Pillar were of fighting against its forces, leading a force of raging wyld mutants and beastmen during a distant period when Creation was at war.

Dashu notices among the insects' murals the shadowed figure of a Night Caste, but he is always depicted at the edge or in the background compared to the shining figures of the Clockwork General, the Mother and so forth. The figure was apparently a thrown weapon specialist and was often accompanied by subordinates depicted with gusts of air surrounding them. But he feels a strange blank toward the images, as if he should feel something but doesn't. On the other hand, their existence informs him that another Night Caste had lived here once, armed by the builder bugs' factories.

Xurizu himself has enough trouble recalling his own memories to remember anything his past lives might have known. There is a No Moon depicted among the Celestial luminaries remembered by the insects, though, the woman named Maia who often stood at the side of the General in every portrait or sculpture.

---

OOC: Ok, Higura is going to write his own memory/training post by tonight, so we just need that and a post from Talia. Again thanks for patience, this has been slow but I've really wanted to establish more of the 'memories of the past' before we go on.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Wed 13 May 2009.

Talia has spent the first few days crafting more badges, and then teaching the design to the builder bugs.  She offers what aid she can to Danae's efforts, but seems distracted by something.  After the recent struggle with Mei Xing, she is somewhat leery of the Vault of Memories.  But something in her mind draws her to the shrine the Hive has built to its creator.

When she wakes up an hour later, she is even more shaken.  She withdraws for a while to collect her thoughts and quietly reflect on what she has recalled.  She quickly realizes that quiet reflection is not her forte, and decides that constructive activity would be more helpful.  She withdraws to an open, secluded area to practice her martial art.  To an observer, the forms and flowing movements would appear more like a dance than a combat style.

In her resting hours, she begins sketching out the design for a personal weapon.


[Private to GM: I'd like to buy Demure Carp Feint, which will take up two days, and she's planning to make a pair of war fans.  I'm not entirely sure what materials are available, but I figure a metal-ribbed cloth fan with be both cheaper and less obivously a weapon.]

After escorting Jilava to her new cell and making arrangements for it to be guarded properly, Higura focuses on his and Nanaret's training, along with meeting with anyone who wishes to speak with him. Once again, Higura's time is rather quiet and subdued, his functions not really in the spotlight of the group's effort and yet undoubtedly present in its overall structure.

One incident does stand out, however, as he accompanies Nanaret during a stroll to explore the hive itself - and the first time Higura witnesses the old caverns closer to the Hive's core. Exchanging words and thoughts with his companion, the doctor suddenly comes to a stop, watching the murals adorning the vault, his current words suddenly trail off, and he stares at them, his eyes widening, as the grips of memory catch him...

A walkway over a vast room, centuries ago.

A man stands on the edge of the railing, peering down at the vast room below. Several insectoid figures are curled next to one another, dormant as if in suspended animation. They do not move, and yet the man's gaze does not waver from them. "So this is it, then, right? The eve of a big day for you, Dusan." The woman says, stepping close to the railing as well. The man turns, and looks at her face. He smiles, and nods slowly and quietly. He has known Corseca, the Chosen of Journeys for decades now, and is the only person he considers family. She is the younger sibling he never had, and has thought of her as his little sister for so long now they might have been related.

"It is a big day for them." The man says. Higura, through his heightened dream state, recalls saying the words himself. "Tomorrow, they are truly going to awaken, not simply as builder automatons, but as living organisms with thoughts and feelings of their own." The woman nods, her yellow eyes narrowing as she smiles. She looks at the sleeping insects carefully, shaking her head softly. "I still don't understand, though. I know you didn't create their bodies, but didn't you participate in their creation? You made the blueprint for their minds, didn't you? I'm still not sure why you would not want them to know you gave that to them, and erase that knowledge from your design. Don't you want them to know who allowed them to be sentient?"

"No." The man says simply, shaking his head. "I consider myself lucky I was even allowed to partici pate in this. Besides... Tomorrow, they will awaken to a new world, and will begin their existence in earnest. That is for them to have, without my shadow to cast an invisible leash on them. I have already been asked to give them a strong feeling of loyalty and accomplishment for serving their purpose and their celestial creators - I would rather they not let this adoration tie them to me as well. With the combined factors, they might idolize me... And I do not want to be this in their life. I would rather they get to know me as a friend, through interaction, rather than hold my role in their awakening over their heads. Their life is their own, now." The man looks back at the sleeping insects, smiling softly. He then turns to the girl besides him, who simply smiles at him.

He looks at her smile, but then the scene distorts and shifts, the warmness of the previous images all but lost. Higura still sees through Dusan's eyes, but is in an unknown location, filled with machinery, complex devices and displays that illuminates the darkness in a blurry fashion. The face of the girl is still close to him, but she seems asleep. Dusan then realizes with horror that most of her body is connected to the machinery around them, the majority of her human appendages replaced with tubes and devices, cables running through her skin. He tries to struggle, but realizes with added panic that his own body is the same, unalterably connected to this strange and sizeable device, his arms and legs forever gone.

He tries to scream, to warn her, but a goopy green liquid escapes his broken lips instead, his voice silenced. In response to his agitation, a mechanical spider crawls close to him, and even through numbed skin, he still feels the needle the construct sticks in his neck. He feels a warm liquid injected in his veins, and does his best to protest, but the pressure on his brain is too difficult to resist. Already, the name of the girl that he considered his own flesh and blood is fading from his consciousness. The feelings he had when recognizing her are being dulled, and in a moment, he finds it even difficult to remember who he is. Sleep comes like thick tar over his mind, and he finds himself struggling to remember only one thing. "My name... is Dusan. My... name..."

Sleep is stronger. And in the blank darkness, he who once was Dusan dreams of the myriad possibilities cast in the destiny of the Five Coils.

Suddenly snapped to reality, Higura breathes shallowly and collapses to one knee, holding his head with one hand as, strangely for the usually calm and composed doctor, his features are twisted with a powerful and overbearing emotion: Fear. After a moment, however, the overwhelming feeling is gone, and the doctor is left to ponder at to the meaning behind the strong memories associated with this place.

He cannot remain this way for long, however, and soon he is back to his usual self. After all... There are things left to do, here in the present - and soon, things would once again become hectic for the group of Celestial fugitives.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Fri 15 May 2009.

In the meantime, it seems the builder bugs have taken it upon themselves to re-equip the remaining refugees, in order to increase their chances of survival. Drachma has been given an exceptional reinforced breastplate, and all other refugee combatants garbed in fine reinforced buff jackets. Their weapons have similarly been upgraded in quality: former mining weapons enhanced for combat use, spears refitted with well-balanced hafts and sharper, more precise points. They have been made uniforms woven by the emerald producers as well, using hues of dark blue and contrasting white, contributing to a more formal appearance. Apparently these are similar to the style of uniform now being made for the Gatekeeper of Water's new Republic.

The artisans of Hive Irix also offer to provide an exceptional quality mundane armor, weapon or tool (Resource 4 base cost or below) to those Celestials who still require it.

Drachma, though initially overwhelmed by the new situation, seems to have taken things in stride. He did protest the uniforms at first, but even he admitted afterward that they helped morale and encouraged solidarity. Still, he often wonders what has, or will become of Tycho and Saffron, gone their own separate ways.

By the end of the rest period, five Hulking Armor Sentinels have been refurbished and rewired for use by Danae and her sapphire helpers. They have yet to be activated, though, as it is still yet uncertain whether they will awake hostile or not. A large, unused outer have cavern has been set aside to deal with last minute adjustments before activation, in particular to ensure the automatons are memory wiped and disconnected from the Earth District network. Danae and others may gather together there, whether to aid in reprogramming, or to stand ready should the HAS units for whatever reason attack.

---

OOC: Int+Lore (five times) to check the sentinels' programming, unless you'll just switch 'em on without bothering. I've assumed the crafting portion was already done as it's just a repair job and Danae would be able to do that easily with her skill, Charms and assistants.

Also if you'll take the exceptional armor/weapon/tool offer, state which you want. (Talia this is above and beyond what you've crafted for yourself.) Edited--should be Res 4 base, not 3.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:26, Fri 15 May 2009.

"Okay..."  Danae announced, turning the last few screws on the fifth HAS, chewing on the bottom of her lip as she stood away.  She had been tinkering with the programming of the five Sentinels while putting them together--fortunately, she was almost dismayed at how incredibly similar their inner programming was.  Of course, you didn't really need too much sophistication when you were basically letting the network do all the thinking for you.

Of course, when something's rolling outside of the network, then they tend to either not turn on at all, follow last orders (Which in the context of most of these HAS being shattered and beaten up, probably involved killing something), or demand new directives--but the last tended to be a trait only known on slightly greater intellects

Still, when dealing with machines of limited intellect, it was important to give them enough violation to know 'When' they needed to reassess their directives--fortunately, there were enough shattered hulks around that Danae could scavenge a few choice bits from more advanced, older wrecks here and there, and use them to slightly augment the (Deliberately downspecced) Thought Cores of these HAS units.

She also made a point of painting a few blue stripes on them--just to distinguish them from the usual HAS lurking around.  She liked the color blue.

If this worked out--she'd be able to give them new Directives--if she was 'Very' lucky, they would be intelligent enough not to be fooled by plans as simple as what the Celestials were about to pull here.

Oh well, time to hope for the best...


[Private to Gatekeeper:
17:37, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,3,10,5,10,6,1,1. Int + Lore (+3 succs) 5.
17:37, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,6,7,7,4,4,8,8. Int + Lore (+3 succs) 4.
17:37, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,9,8,9,6,5,2,6. Int + Lore (+3 succs) 3.
17:36, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,7,8,10,2,3,4,5. Int + Lore (+3 succs) 2.
17:36, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,4,3,4,1,1,10,10. Int + Lore (+3 Succs) 1.

Who'd have thoguht it?  5 rolls all gave the same successes?  Spent 6m on each roll to add 3 successes, giving 7 for each, minus any stunt and assistance bonuses ]

Most of the Exalts would likely not notice Higura's slight change in attitude, but Nanaret herself does. Unfortunately, unlike Higura she is not particularly skilled at giving counsel, nor accustomed to expressing sensitivity. Her care shows in less immediate apparent ways; she might linger at his side after training, or suggest that they take breaks more often, engaging him in light conversation.

Once she dares ask Higura about his memories, and listens with quiet interest at what he might reveal. Usually, it is Nanaret doing most of the talking about her mental state, her fragmented memories and the effects of sharing her consciousness with the volatile Ranavalona, so the reversal generates discussions of Higura's nature that she'd not considered before. Her thoughts on Dusan is that Higura himself has not strayed far from the predecessor, except that Higura works more with 'maintenance' than building new minds... or breaking them.

And then the visions, wired to the machine. Serves him right, Rana thinks gleefully. But Nanaret's thoughts are more forgiving, and curious. "What are you, really?" comes the inevitable question, and then the more difficult one: "Why?" There were Celestials like Tycho forced to become partly machine, but that was recent history. Back then, during the Age when Rana and Dusan still lived, their enemies had not been zealous Dragon-blooded. Sometimes their enemies were other Celestials. Could one of them have...?

Winding down from one of the last of her training exercises, Nanaret decides to make her way to the cavern where Danae is about to activate the automatons. Though she can't offer any help with the technical aspect, she has been training up her combat skill and that may well have some use should the machines go haywire. She remembers what Third had informed the group, as well, concerning the weaknesses and blind spots of the armor.

Drawing out Sixth Coil, she waits.

Talia stands nearby, unarmored as always, apparently unarmed as well.  An exquisitely crafted fan is tucked into her sash.  She is hopeful for the successful repair and reprogramming of the Sentinals, but prepares her mind for the worst.  She tries not to consider that her combat style is more suited to fighting against living opponents, who can be distracted or misled, rather than automatons.  She focuses instead on her knowledge of the devices' workings, hoping that undersatnding will aid her, should anything go wrong.

Danae activates the first of the sentinels with a mix of hope and trepidation.

As the operating system boots up, drawing from Essence capacitors and reserve tanks, it goes through several test phases, ensuring the proper function of all the joints, gears and articulated parts. Danae can see the readout on the jade screen behind the back panel she has currently pried open: step-by-step notifications from the boot-up procedure, interposed with intermittent lines of diagnostic data.

Several warnings pop up as well -- a few UNKNOWN REFERENCEs here, some NO DATA FOUNDs there, MEMORY RESET DETECTED: LOADING DEFAULT DATA, and finally, a start-up screen.

FIVE COILS - DISTRICT OF EARTH
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENT SENTINEL OPERATING SYSTEM v7.11c
HULKING ARMOR SENTINEL MARK III - BATCH 5109.07.27
UNIT HAS-030-128

The sentinel's single eye activates in a flare of red light, cautiously scanning its surroundings without moving. The beam passes over the three Exalts currently gathered as well as the two ruby guardians blocking the tunnel leading from the otherwise empty cavern back into the Hive complex. "REQUEST NEW HIERARCHY OF COMMAND AND PRIME DIRECTIVES," it utters in a mechanical, inflectionless voice.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:53, Fri 15 May 2009.

"Yes!!" Danae mentally shouted as she nodded, letting a grin form on her face.  "Your new directives will be as follows--Your Prime Directive will be to serve as protectors of Designated Celestial Exalted and their allies."  She paused for a moment to input the recognition data of the members of the group, as well as to designate both the refugee group, and the residents of Hive Irix as 'Allies'

"Beyond that, you are to obey my commands primarily, and the commands of the Hive Queen, and Designated Celestials if they do not conflict with my own.  Under no circumstances are you to accept commands that would require a direct violation of the Prime Directive."

She stepped back, and gave the HAS units a chance to process this data.  "If you require clarification on any aspect of these directives, you may ask now."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:04, Fri 15 May 2009.

The sentinels, once activated in turn, quickly process the new information and almost simultaneously voice their acknowledgment.

They seem capable of detecting one another's presence, and without prompting link one another into a collective network, conveniently sharing data. Rather than waste energy repeating the same words, the first activated HAS 128 is given 'seniority' among the network peers, and speaks on their behalf.

"THREE CLARIFICATIONS, AS FOLLOWS, IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE.

"ONE. VISUAL AND VOCAL RECOGNITION REQUIRED FOR ALL DESIGNATED AND ALLIED INDIVIDUALS, AND AT LEAST FIVE REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLES OF ALLY GROUPS. ONCE STORED IN OUR DATABASE, THIS NEED NOT BE REPEATED.

"TWO. PLEASE EXPLAIN FURTHER WHAT 'PROTECTION' ENTAILS. SAMPLE OPTIONS: PASSIVE INTERCEPTION, HOSTILE ACTION, NOTIFICATION OF NEXT IN COMMAND. FURTHER DIRECTIONS MAY BE SPECIFIED.

"THREE. MODE OF ADDRESS. DEFAULT IS 'MASTER'. IS THIS ACCEPTABLE, MASTER?"

In any case, it appears there will be no opportunity for Nanaret or Talia to test their combat skill this time around -- unless of course Danae wishes them to test their capabilities. But it may be best not to press her luck; it was enough of a feat to reset and recalibrate the sentinels' memories with such uniform success.

---

OOC: We should probably sum this up pretty soon, so I can bring other PCs back into the posting. (edited, cause I didn't think anyone else was paying attention, heh!) [Private to Danae Adela: We can assume that you have the time to get everyone necessary (including the Queen) to get scanned and speak in the presence of the sentinels, so all the hierarchy and ally definitions are stored. If you have any further adjustments or directions for the sentinels that might be glossed over in my next time skip, we can discuss those in PM.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:24, Fri 15 May 2009.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

Week 5 (17th day of Resplendent Water)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Mmmm. All he need know is that we wish to meet with Free, yes? We just tell this Mockingbird that we are recent group of refugees from Water District, and have heard his exploits. Would not be unusual for two rebel groups to want to work together."

"Or maybe if we not want to say we are 'rebel'," Nanaret amends with a small shrug, "we say we want Free's help to survive because we trust the Peace Force less. It is as Doctor Higura says; when Dashu, Xurizu and I spent time in Laborer's Conclave, seemed to be plenty people who felt unhappy about increased securities, interrogations and such. One even say his brother get snatched and taken away because of paranoia."

Finally, the Changing Moon Lunar peers at the badges Talia made with great interest. "This really works? Have you even tested, yet? I know nothing of machines and how they work. But still, is amazing and frightening, what can be done with them."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Wed 20 May 2009.

"Their big flaw is the same thing as their biggest advantage"  Danae explained as Talia brought out the badges.  "They've all got some ability to process information--but in the end, they're all connected in one central consicousness, so an exception built into one of them will spread to all of them in short order...  Since they've already got exceptions built in for important Dragon Blooded, all we needed to do was bury another exception for anyone displaying one of those badges...  Third 'Really' was through when designing it though--I'm willing to state that it is Literally impossible for a Terrestrial to remove that exception, and even a Celestial isn't going to pull that off without a lot of luck.  It should definately buy us a great deal of time."

"Hmm, how prominent does the badge have to be?  Will the machine need to see it?  I wouldn't want to be shot in the back because the badge is on my front."

"They'd need to see it, yes--but they're obliged to fully identify a person before commencing hostile actions or reporting back--you'll have time to display the badge."  Danae explained.  "It'd defeat the purpose of leaving an opening for their sneakier sorts if the automata shot first and asked questions later, right?"

Dashu listens to the suggestions on what to tell Mockingbird, and then decides to finally speak up.  "Keep in mind, this man is not ill informed.  Plus he's the one who helped us break out Dreams-of-Light, someone who was very high profile in that compound.  We had to admit to certain things to obtain his aid.  He already knows we're not simply a group of refugees.  In order to obtain his assistance, we needed to tell him everything we knew about why the Water District was cut off.  He knows we're 'Anathema', or at least Xurizu and I are even if he still doesn't know our real names.  He also either knows or figures that we travel with others.  Seeing as Nanaret's alter ego was outed in the middle of the temple during mass, he's probably heard about her too.  Like I said, it was necessary to tell him all this to save one of our own.  We aren't simply rebels.  What I was mainly concerned about is what details of the assault.  I'll refrain from mentioning too many details about the automations.  If all we want from him is a meeting with Free, then he'll want information in return for that.  Unless there's a convincing reason not to do so, I'm at least going to give him a warning that there might be a change in regime soon so that he can make some plans to keep his contacts out of the fighting... or not, as he sees fit.  Remember, he's a business man and the currency is favors and information.  We got to give a little bit to get what we need.  I've also put some thought into our plans after we've finished restoring the Gatekeeper.  He might be useful in restoring trade.  Primarily, he wants to restore his contacts with the Water district.  So we don't want to make him feel like we're trying to pull a fast one on him."

"Hmm, yes I see.  Well then, we should certainly inform him that we're making a move against the Immaculate Temple, and that we may be able to restore contact with the Water District with time.  I would not mention our connection to the Builder Bugs, however, even if they are the means of contacting the Gatekeeper of Water.
I do not know the situation with him exactly, would it be wise to inform him of more of our numbers?  That may give him the reassurance that we are numerous, and powerful, and would make good allies."

"I think telling him our numbers both shows we trust him, but tells him very little he cannot deduce.  He will need to know details about how many wish to meet with Free so that he and Free can suggest an appropriate meeting place that such a group would not be too obvious arriving nor too large to fit in, and if he knows we are sending five to meet with Free, it suggests we making a similar commitment to the attack."

"That, along with mention of the attack should be information enough.  Enough to show trust while keeping a few cards to ourselves.  He will appreciate that."

Nanaret listens closely to Dashu and Xurizu, her brow furrowed apologetically. "Very sorry. I had no idea how much you needed tell Mockingbird beforehand. But you may be right that he has my description. If he had wanted make enemies of free Celestials in the first place, though, could have uncovered us during the last operation."

To the other Celestials, she adds, "I would trust Dashu and Xurizu opinions in this, they were ones who spoke to the contact directly. Now I think of it, maybe better I trade places with Dashu..." Nanaret hesitates briefly; that would of course mean she would be separated from Higura again. But making this plan work is much more important than her personal preferences.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Wed 20 May 2009.

Dashu gives one of his awkward smiles to Nanaret, "I don't think that would be necessary.  Mockingbird can't reasonably expect 'Hood' and 'Talon' to be married to each other.  As long as we let him know what to expect up front, then I think only one of us needs to be at any meeting.  And once he's introduced to the rest of you, then you won't even need us to vouch for you as a safety protocol."  Dashu understands that the use of the code names they gave Mockingbird might be a little confusing to those who hadn't seen Xurizu and his anima banners, but to those who had should recognize from where the self styled psuedonyms come.  Dashu then begins to look a little nervous as he continues.  "We, uh, also needed a way to identify our... um... group to other people.  Nothing official, but since I was giving Xurizu and I code names, I sort of gave the group a code name too..."  with that he pauses.  The even tempered investigator is actually a little nervous about this.  "It's 'Sky'."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Wed 20 May 2009.

"I am sure Free would want to meet with enough of us to truly judge our intent anyway, Nanaret," Xurizu says in response to her wondering.    "I don't think that you coming in place of Dashu would influence that--if anything, this split shows more trust as we our revealing the identities of more of our members, and Dashu will be making contact with Mockingbird.  He is already vouching for those at the meeting by doing that."

"A--all right then." Nanaret looks surprised and even embarrassed that her two comrades are so willing to accommodate her. "So you understand, it is only for sake of safety," she adds hastily. "Doctor Higura... is my anchor. He counseled me, when I still was fighter in the Pit. If I away from him too long, not sure what will happen. Not sure I can control her. Ranavalona is different from me. She not care of anybody except herself."

"So you will make contact before we split, then. Maybe better we do this in another room, just Dashu and those of us meeting Free?" Nanaret realizes belatedly she has never even seen whatever method Mockingbird has given them to contact him. So she's unsure whether it would allow him to see or hear everyone in the vicinity.

With difficulty, Chilomena finally breaks her silence, addressing the group directly. "I apologize, but you must depart soon. I will send Princess Evamae with the Inner Temple Group, which should leave as soon as it is ready. Peleps Dashu will join them after contacting Mockingbird, so that the Freerunner Group will know how to proceed." After speaking, her vast body shudders minutely while her princesses stroke her with their forelegs, quietly soothing her.

Still, the Hive Queen continues for a time. "I have birthed 27 additional warriors in the past several days. Therefore I can now offer you the aid of one hundred fifty five Ruby Warriors. Unless you wish some of them to join you, they will all participate in our diversion tactic."

Jhenli, wanting to keep the Queen from further strain, takes over after summarizing Chilomena's words for those unlearned in Old Realm. Now and then he demonstrates locations with the aid of the three-dimensional resin model. "The Inner Temple Group will follow the Ruby Warriors to our first objective point, an Immaculate outpost in the southwest. The Rubies will strike in that area while you continue around -- using the badges to avoid automaton detection -- to this point here." He steps around the resin structure to point out a northern entrance, over a third of the way around the circumference of the Inner Temple complex. "Finally, Veldygar Arhandor and Broken Eternal have been deployed in secret to an Immaculate Hospital in the eastern quadrant."

"All these points are connected directly to the Inner Temple. While Hive Irix and the Water Republic agents create diversions to the east and west, you should be able to enter from the north. This northern entrance is an Immaculate warrior monk garrison, but we will be drawing many of the monks away from there. After successful entrance, meet up with Veldygar and Eternal, eliminate or subdue the Immaculate authority on B25, and secure a way up to Inner Temple B24."

"I believe that is all," Queen Chilomena proclaims with finality. "Good fortune smile upon you, Chosen of Sun, Moon and Stars. Let us restore the Pillar to its former glory."

---

OOC: Just to orient you, the Hive is in the outer perimeter of Floor B25, to the southwest. And the Laborer's Conclave is in the inner southern quadrant, closer to the Inner Temple.

I'll be opening separate threads for the two groups in just a moment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:43, Sat 30 May 2009.

"Please be careful to keep enough warriors in reserve to protect the Hive, should your retreat be needed." Dena advises seriously, her brow furrowing.  "I do not like to leave our allies without sufficient protection.  But in this situation I think the best defense is to destroy the threat."

"Please do not worry, Tervila Dena," Jhenli replies gratefully, bowing his golden head. "These numbers are considering the forces we already have available in the Hive. We simply wish to send you our best. The newly birthed Warriors will replace more of those we will be sending with you. There are at least two hundred still remaining with us. And this does not count the fact that the workers may also fight, and are much more numerous."

"Also remember, we can always rebuild so long as our Queen or one of the Princesses are alive. That is why Evamae will go with you. Should we be for some reason wiped out, Hive Irix Evamae will continue our legacy." Jhenli seems calm and completely undisturbed by this notion.

"I don't think it'll come to that" Danae said, crossing her arms.  "There's a lot of room for error here--the worst possible situation would be if the people of the Earth District decide to side with the Immaculates en masse--or if they decide to use the people as a hostage against us--they'll probably know as much as we do that we can't 'Afford' to be interpreted as the villans here, and they've already shown a willingness to slaughter vast portions of their population in hopes of denying us a victory--if we play our cards right though, we'll be able to prove the hypocrasy of their regime at that time--and if we can turn that around, we may actually get some of their younger and less indoctrinated members to realize just what they've been protecting all this time--if we can get the Immaculate viewpoint to see things our way--our chances of pulling this scheme off rise hundredfold."

"Grrr... I hope they not go taking hostages," Nanaret says with a sharp frown. "But I hope that our effort speak to Free will help with that. If rebels of Earth District can unite, and people of Conclaves are unhappy, then maybe laborers will wish fight as well. And I know for fact that mining work takes much strength and endurance. Very likely could become a strong force, even if not formal weapon trained."

"Important thing is we get to citizens first, yes? Also, we not just escapees now, we bring fighting to the Immaculates. Press the offense and they may not have time to do anything to innocent people. Maybe we on the outside can deal with Peace Force should they cause trouble."

Just talking about it isn't doing a thing, though. Nanaret smiles at Higura, at Xurizu and Talia who would be joining them, and bows again to Jhenli and the Queen. "Much gratitude for your aid. Is also my hope we triumph. Though maybe for me is not about doing the right thing, I do think is right for people of Coils to be empowered to choose for themselves and fight for what they believe."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Sun 24 May 2009.

Higura pauses, looking over to Nanaret after she makes her affirmation. He smiles a bit, nodding gratefully in her direction, but otherwise says nothing. Not because he is ignoring her words or the meaning behind them, far from it. But perhaps because nothing the doctor can say can do justice to the Lunar's display of trust other than this silent 'thank you'.

When Danae mentions hostages and the uncertain situation the group might face as far as the Conclaves are concerned. "This is going to be something to be cautious about, I definitely agree. That is another reason why having good sources of intelligence would be greatly appreciated in this situation. We will have to play our cards quickly and smartly to try to avoid such happenings from taking place. Hopefully, with the coordination of our efforts with both the Freerunners and Mockingbird, we will be able to gain the advantage."

With that, Higura bows to the Queen as well. "Yes Majesty, thank you for all your help and assistance. We will endeavor to hold our part of this agreement, and work to restore the Pillar you remember."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:00, Sun 24 May 2009.

Dashu bows to the queen and decides to take his leave.  "Thank you for everything you've done for us, your majesty."  He then says to his group,  "I'll start to contact Mockingbird.  I'll meet up with the rest of the assault force afterward."

Xurizu nodded in thanks for the badge from Talia and then turned to the Queen, inclining his head much further, rather than attempting to imitate .. and fail to do so correctly, the more elaborate bow he had seen Third perform earlier.  "Thank you for your aid, Queen Chilomena.  Good luck to all of you who will storm the Inner Temple," he nods around to the Celestials and then departs, heading out with the others who will be meeting the Freerunners.

Third bows to the others, before approaching the queen politely. 'If Eye may, Queen Chilomena, Eye would ask you one additional favor- The three Immaculates Eye and Higura are working with, would you or one of your Princesses be willing to take the burden of attuning to their collars? Eye would prefer not to set them loose yet, but sustaining their attunements while in combat would be difficult at best." The Exalt bows to her once again. "As well, Dashu, Eye would request your help in the coming days, if you have a moment of freedom, to use your perception to help study the Immaculates, and their motivations. Eye would be most grateful." It speaks confidently to Queen Chilomena and Dashu, seeming rather like it would be surprised if either said no.

Jhenli lets out an exclamation of surprise, and says tentatively, "Third Beneficiary, our Queen is terribly exhausted right now, I am unsure if --"

Chilomena shakes her head sharply. Despite her weariness, she speaks for herself. "I will comply, for you are both Third and Shining Eye, and our loyalty to the Creators is tantamount. Do you understand, Jhenli? Have the Ruby Guardians bring the Usurper prisoners here right now."

The golden communicator translates hastily, and bows so deeply he is nearly parallel to the ground. "I must apologize, Creator. We will obey your wishes. If you delay but a moment longer, we will bring the three Immaculates here to transfer their ownership immediately." He steps away briefly, toward the opening into the royal chamber. Signaling to a nearby worker, he wordlessly conveys the commands to be propagated toward the prison in the outer hive.

---

OOC: Re-rearranging, sorry. :) just trying to get the flow of this right.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:30, Sun 24 May 2009.

Dashu thinks about what must be done, and then tells Third, "We probably won't have time before our mission, but I would be happy to assist in the endeavor afterwards though.  Just let me know how I can be useful."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:26, Sun 24 May 2009.

The efficiency of the builder bugs is always fascinating to see. Within a minute, the message has already reached the prison guards. The longer wait comes from the actual transport, as the collared Immaculates must be walked, blind and restrained, toward the royal chamber. But within ten to fifteen minutes, a shortcut has been worked out to bring them there quickly.

Cathak Jilava, Bastion of Purity and Jade Willow, each flanked by a pair of Rubies, are prodded into the royal chamber, and pushed down onto their knees. Of the three, Jilava's expression is wrathful and bitter, while Bastion's is serene, and Willow's cautiouly inquisitive.

"Let us make this quick," Chilomena intones, turning her black eyes toward the blindfolded Immaculates. With a surge of silvery-white Essence, the massive natural shape of the Queen dwindles down into the more compact, attractive humanoid form. Her Princesses also shift form, two of them stepping forward to help the weary Queen step down from her throne.

"If I may excuse myself, I must lend my aid with the final preparations," Jhenli announces, keeping his words purposefully vague with the prisoners in earshot. "Yaishin Higura, it pains me to ask you this, but you may have to provide translation if necessary." With a last apologetic bow, Jhenli disappears back into the corridor, his footsteps moving hastily toward the outer Hive. (OOC: from now on, all lines from the Queen should be assumed understood only by those who speak Old realm.)

The First Princess, Evamae, does not linger, but announces her intentions. "As directed, Hive Mother, I will be departing in my official duty as Hive Ambassador." The Princess, of pale silvery-blue carapace, genuflects reverently to the remaining Creators and withdraws with Jhenli. "Farewell, my Queen."

"For the future of Hive Irix," Chilomena murmurs solemnly, approaching the collared prisoners with slow, laborious steps.

Third bows its head deeply to Queen Chilomena. It doesn't speak- It lets its actions do that for it, thanking her for taking this burden so that the Solar may fight during this assault, ready to relinquish the attunement of the collars unto her when she's prepared to take it.