ST:TTV420 | "Sinned"

Stardate 96820.6

The Valley Forge visits an alien colony world after rescuing one of their ships, but this civilization may not be as benign as it seems...

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NB: This episode runs concurrently with TTV419 | Trinity Pt. II

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NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Keelah and Sin makes their way into the Alda Temple, where they are greeted by Lariel, the attendant who met the away team earlier. NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "Welcome to the Alda City Temple. The Diplomatic Service told me to expect more visitors from your ship." Sin@crystyll | Keelah steps forward confidently with a warm smile, "Hello, yes. I am Captain Se'Lai, and this-" she turns to gesture to Sin, only to find her loitering in the corner. She ahems, "/that/ is Ensign+ Sin@crystyll: + Sin..." she stares a moment, clearing her throat louder, "I said /that/ is Ensign Sin" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "Ahh, so she is the one being called." The attendant takes a close look at Sin, "She looks even more Chlasi than you, Captain." Sin@crystyll jumps a little and slinks over to Keelah's side, "Sorry, yeah. That's me, hi. So..." she looks to Keelah, "Is she making fun of my ears?" Sin@crystyll | Keelah half smirks, half scowls, "I believe it is in the context of a complement, Ensign" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "Indeed. But yes, I am Lariel, and I am to show you to one of our Esoterics, Sin." Sin@crystyll hrms, "Well it's either that or the height. And neither of us are looking particularly Chlasi there..." Sin@crystyll | Keelah eyerolls, inwardly telling herself the young girl is under a lot of duress from the situation so to be nice and professional Sin@crystyll: "Yeah so... the Captain said this Eccentric of yours wanted to see me?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "It seems the Exalted wishes to see you, but the Esoterics will show you how to find him, and prepare you for such a meeting." Sin@crystyll: "Why do I get the feeling you're not talking about pointing me to the right shuttlepad..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "I am not certain what it entails myself. Most Chlasi do not know where the Lonesome One is." NPC@annpc#5570 | She smiles, "Come with me. The Esoterics will be able to help you." Sin@crystyll looks to Keelah, "I guess this is it then, Captain. See you on the other side. I hope..." Sin@crystyll | Keelah smiles reassuringly, setting a hand on Sin's shoulder, "You'll be fine Ensign. I will remain here, just comm me if you need me at all" Sin@crystyll sighs defeatedly, "Right..." and steps over to Lariel, "Well then... take me to your leader!" muttering with a small smirk, "Always wanted to say that" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "Your powers must be quite developed indeed. I never told you it was the head of this Temple that wished to see you." Sin@crystyll doubletakes at her as they walk, "What? Right, yeah. Developed senses, must be it..." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | They pass through a large fancy foyer decorated with many motifs across the walls. Past it, they enter a series of halls, all as quiet as a library. NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Walking by an open door, Sin can see that some of this place was indeed library, with rooms filled with tall bookshelves and rows of tables where people studied quietly. Sin@crystyll observes everything quietly. Be it through being humbled by the setting, out of comfort zone, or mentally tagging loot is anyone's guess though NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Everything seems quite mundane and worldly here, aside from the elaborate designs of the building itself. The only things of value are likely various artworks scattered throughout. Sin@crystyll can work with art if it comes to it NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Lariel pauses at the entrance to a room, "Here is where I must leave you. The High Esoteric will meet you within." Sin@crystyll: "Oh, so showing me where to find this guy was literally... showing me the way to the office, okay then. Well... thanks for that. So I just... go in and wait?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "No, this is not where the Exalted will meet you. You will receive further instruction within. What that may be is for your ears alone." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "And yes, please wait inside. I would appreciate it if you do not touch any displays." Sin@crystyll: "Right..." she draws a deep breath, "I'll just-" she points, "-head on in then. And I would never...!" NPC@annpc#5570 | Could Lariel have been reading her mind about looting or just saying what she normally says to visitors? It's impossible for Sin to tell... Sin@crystyll huffs a little with faux hurt as she strolls proudly in, just to try and reinforce her point Sin@crystyll becomes rather more timid as she enters the strange room, alone, undefended, and unknowing... NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Inside, she finds a room with another door leading further in. It seems to be laid out like a waiting room, with couches and also a large fish tank adorning one wall. The others are covered - NPC@annpc#5570: - by various artworks. A juvenile Chlasi sits on one of the couches. It's hard to judge the age of an alien species, but this one is certainly some years away from being an adult. NPC@annpc#5570 | The young Chlasi holds a small wooden brick in his palm, which begins to levitate up and down in his hand. He is dressed in a long brown robe. Sin@crystyll notes the presence and approaches, "Oh, hey. You get sent here to see the eccentrics too?" NPC@annpc#5570 | The brick lands back in his hand and he closes it as he looks up to Sin, "I am an Esoteric. And so are you." Sin@crystyll: "Oh. That how you're able to play with your brick there like that? Is that your work for telekenetic?" NPC@annpc#5570 | The young Chlasi smiles and opens his hand, the wooden brick floating over towards her, "Mhmm. And you? You aren't Chlasi, but you look like a Chlasi youngling in some ways." Sin@crystyll quirks a lip as she watches the block, "Are you making fun of my height? Because I'll have you know I'm perfectly average for my species" NPC@annpc#5570 | Young Chlasi: "I mean your age. Is that average for you too?" Sin@crystyll softens a little in her demeanour, "I am two. For my people, that is consistent with young adulthood. We are what many deem to be short lived, but if you ask me it's everyone else who lives + Sin@crystyll: + freakishly long" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Chlasi smiles, "I guess we do. I can see the years in your eyes. You've seen a lot even for one of your people at two, haven't you?" Sin@crystyll: "You could count me among the few who aren't content to sit on my hands at home and wait to grow old and die" NPC@annpc#5570 | Young Chlasi: "For a short-lived people patience is probably not the best thing. Do you perceive time differently? Or are you talking just as fast as I'm hearing it?" Sin@crystyll: "Um... Far as I know I'm talking normally. Unless we're both talking really fast?" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Chlasi chuckles, "You see things normally then! I think." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The door across from where Sin entered opens, and a full-sized Chlasi in red robes steps out, "I hope Rivalon isn't bothering you. He is very curious, like many of our apprentices here." Sin@crystyll: "Well, that's a comforting revelation at least-" she turns to the new arrival, "Not at all. Curiosity is good, right?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Adult Chlasi: "Yes. It is paramount to learning. I am Alachon, head of this temple. You are the one the Exalted called for?" Sin@crystyll: "Well I'll take your word on that. But according to the Captain, yes. Your Exalted one called my name" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Come. Let me have a closer look at you." Sin@crystyll tentatively steps closer NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon nods to the young Chlasi, "If you will excuse us for the moment." NPC@annpc#5570 | Rivalon: "Of course." He steps out of the room into the hall. NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon turns back to Sin, "Do you have the capability to do anything with your mind?" Sin@crystyll: "I'm told I've started to develop empathic connections" she shrugs, "It's not exactly something I've been eager to explore yet, I'm only two still after all" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Why not? At what age do your people usually explore such abilities?" Sin@crystyll shrugs, "For those who develop I'd guess at least a bit older. 3 or 4 maybe, I don't know really" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "And not all develop it?" Sin@crystyll: "Not to extents like the kid" she nods back to where Rivalon was, "It's said those that do end up growing exponentially stronger until they have no choice but to move beyond a physical existence" Sin@crystyll: "...and I like my physical existence" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "We all move beyond a physical existence sooner or later. Even the few beings who are truly ageless can usually still be felled by a mortal injury." Sin@crystyll: "Yeah, well dying is one thing. Turning into a conscious mass of energy... not sure that's my thing. I don't know, like I said. I don't really know about all that, been too busy enjoying life so far" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "You view ascension as a negative thing? Interesting. Is this an opinion shared by most of your people?" Sin@crystyll shrugs, "Most of my people don't give themselves a chance to develop towards it. They prefer to cling to their simple existence" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Your people sound so similar to ours in some ways, but so very different in others." Sin@crystyll: "Makes sense I guess, given the circumstances. Bottom line is; 'ascension' is a new concept to my people, so it's hard to really consider any depth to it" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Have you ever encountered anyone far along the path of ascension, with strong powers?" Sin@crystyll: "Not of my own kind, no. I... tend not to see many of them in my travels" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Well, our Exalted are those, Chlasi who have almost completely transcended the physical world. They do not see the universe as we do. Communing with one can often be confusing, even - NPC@annpc#5570: - for an Esoteric." Sin@crystyll: "Right. So... what exactly does it mean that this one called my name? Because I swear, whatever they think I did - it wasn't me" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "I do not know. We call this Esoteric the Lonesome One for a reason. He does not tend to commune with the rest of society. Once, he was an Esoteric, a sought-after guide and adviser by - NPC@annpc#5570: - Chlasi everywhere. And then, over the years, he became more and more withdrawn, until he has put himself beyond reach completely." Sin@crystyll frowns a little in confusion, "Wait. If he's completely beyond reach, how exactly am I supposed to - you know - reach him?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "We believe he is beyond reach through anonymity. There is no physical barrier, but if no one is aware of where he is, no one can find him." Sin@crystyll: "Right... so no one knows where he is. This could be problematic you know, because I'm kind of relying on you guys to tell me what I'm meant to do here" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "No one knows where he is. But he contacted all Chlasi. Think of it as a...communication frequency, if you will. And those of us with the capability can trace this frequency to find him. Sin@crystyll: "Aah, fair enough. So you can point me in the right direction then?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "I have not tried to find him yet. In fact, I was hoping to do it with you. Now I know that you do not wish to develop your capabilities, but I am unsure how the Exalted will react - NPC@annpc#5570: - still if I were to seek him out. It is possible he is expecting you to be present, and may try to cut me off." Sin@crystyll: "Well I mean, I'm not outrightly adverse to developing them. But it's new and scary, I don't know if that's something I want to face. All I can tell you is that it's not something I've pursued to + Sin@crystyll: + date, and they only recently started to develop" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon smiles, "No need to be shy. Everyone starts from somewhere. I wasn't always the head Esoteric of Alda, either." NPC@annpc#5570 | The dark-skinned Chlasi motions gracefully to one of the couches. Sin@crystyll shifts a little, almost relaxing or at least dropping her bravado guard, "Right..." and heads over to the couch as indicated NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon steps over and extends both hands towards Sin, "Take them into yours and close your eyes." Sin@crystyll: "Ok..." her tone is clearly hesitant, untrusting. But she obliges NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Sin feels a soothing sensation wash over her and her mind is suddenly blanked as if falling into a relaxing sleep... NPC@annpc#5570 | She hears Alachon's voice, now with an echo and an almost ethereal quality, "You may open your eyes again." Sin@crystyll 's eyes flicker open and she looks around uneasy NPC@annpc#5570 FX | She feels as if she is in the midst of space, or a holographic starchart, more accurately. There are various flickering lights in a dark backdrop, many connected by narrow lines. Sin@crystyll: "Where are we?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "A plane of existence beyond our own. Its nature is something no Esoteric have ever quite agreed on. Some believe it is a different dimension we can access with our powers. Some think - NPC@annpc#5570: - it is a layer of our own. Others yet think it is a world fabricated through our thoughts and dreams, as the Lanyarians believe our own reality is the dream of greater beings beyond our comprehension." Sin@crystyll: "That's... some interesting beliefs..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Come. Let us follow the trail left by the Exalted." NPC@annpc#5570 | A thin white walkway forms before them and the Chlasi leads Sin along it. Sin@crystyll turns and watches with a genuine curiosity as she follows along NPC@annpc#5570 FX | As they walk, Sin notices flashing lights below them... Sin@crystyll: "What are all these lights?" she indicates the flashing NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Something the Exalted must be exploring now. A memory, perhaps, or an event happening somewhere in the universe. Perhaps something yet to happen, even." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Sin would soon recognize some of the lights as energy weapons fire, but the rest of the lights seem to emanate from whatever is firing them. Glowing beings that seem to flicker and fade once - NPC@annpc#5570: - they are hit. NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The image disappears shortly after it becomes clearer. Sin@crystyll: "It looks like a fight... aww, well it did!" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Images suddenly form above Sin, appearing to be one figure standing apart from the masses. Wisps of colour soon coalesce with the image, molding them visibly into ships - NPC@annpc#5570: - specifically, a single vessel standing against what seem to be a fleet of hundreds. There is a flash of light, and the one ship is gone, and the image fades away shortly after. Sin@crystyll: "Your Exalted has some strange ideas of entertainment if these are the sort of things he's viewing" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "I cannot pretend to understand the mind of an Exalted." Sin@crystyll: "Maybe while I have his ear I can point him towards more entertaining battles, like some of my own dashing heroics if that's his thing!" NPC@annpc#5570 | A large, ominous looking construct appears in the distance for a brief moment. NPC@annpc#5570 FX | https://i.redd.it/pzy2dvf8dlix.jpg Sin@crystyll: "What is that...?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "I'm not sure. I've seen it before too. A ship, perhaps." Sin@crystyll: "That's one hell of a ship..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "We often gain glimpses of distant worlds from here, but rarely can we make any sense of it. I believe the Exalted can understand this far better than us Esoterics." Sin@crystyll: "Well, it's certainly intriguing. Is he showing us these images intentionally, or are we seeing random flashes of what he is seeing?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "I am unsure." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon stops as the trail ends at a glowing white sphere. Sin@crystyll: "I admit, it's hard to imagine anything around one with this degree of power to be coincidental" she pauses a step behind, looking to Alachon NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Indeed. And it seems we have found where his trail originates." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The Chlasi steps inside the sphere and is engulfed by the blinding light, "Come." Sin@crystyll: "You know where thi-..." she watches in surprise, "...nevermind" and follows NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Sin is similarly blinded as she walks through, and when the light fades, she finds herself standing on a cliffside, overlooking several tiny islands in the distance before the view trails - NPC@annpc#5570: - off into blue ocean as far as the eye can see. Sin@crystyll: "This is certainly isolated" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Iassath. The Erudis homeworld. They are an aquatic people. No one lives on what little land there is on that world. This must be why no one has found him." Sin@crystyll: "Wait, this is still a vision right. We haven't actually... moved to this world, have we...?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon chuckles, "No, I doubt even the Exalted have such power. Perhaps one who is fully Ascended." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "You will have to travel to Iassath by conventional methods. It seems that is where the Lonesome One awaits you." Sin@crystyll: "How will I be able to find him once there, it looks like a decent sized planet after all" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "I suspect he will know once you are there. But the Temple has a presence on Iassath. Some of the Erudis believe in Ascension." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "One of our people there may know which island this is." Sin@crystyll: "Well that's something I guess, quite how I'm going to convince the Captain to detour to this world on the other hand..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "The Erudis are a member of the Trinity Alliance. Their world is not too far." Sin@crystyll: "Maybe a shuttle will suffice then. She seems eager for me to explore this... contact" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Your shuttles travel faster than light, yes?" Sin@crystyll nods, "Yes, and our Runabouts can cover even longer deployments. So that shouldn't be a problem" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "We have what we seek. Let us return to the waking world." Sin@crystyll nods, "Sure" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon turns and holds out his hands again. Sin@crystyll takes them and closes her eyes as before NPC@annpc#5570 FX | By the time she opens them, she would find herself back in the couch in the quiet room. Sin@crystyll looks around a little, "Well that was certainly something" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon smiles, "You may be capable of journeying to such realms alone one day, when you have honed your abilities." Sin@crystyll: "Maybe... not something I've heard of my people doing, but that doesn't mean it's not possible" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Perhaps your Esoterics simply never discovered it. It takes great practice to achieve, and all who do so today use methods taught to us by the Lost One, a former Exalted." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Such techniques are not easily developed." Sin@crystyll chuckles a little, "As I mentioned before, such concepts aren't exactly commonly embraced by my people. It's more likely they'll fear and shelter from them" Sin@crystyll: "In short; we don't have Esoterics. The only few rumoured even to have 'ascended' were never heard from again" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "And that is likely why your people have never explored such techniques. The Lost One disappeared as well, some believe her to have ascended and moved on entirely from your universe, - NPC@annpc#5570: - as you suspect your Ascended have done." Sin@crystyll: "Well, I guess I'll have the chance to find out" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "I am not sure if even the Lonesome One knows what happened to his predecessor. But with the knowledge he must have..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "Well, you will have to ask him. Perhaps he believes the rest of the Chlasi are not ready for such information yet." Sin@crystyll: "Right. So, that's it then...?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon nods, "That is all I can do for you. I would love to accompany you to Iassath, but alas I have many duties here on Alda." Sin@crystyll: "Understandable" she stands, "Well, thank you for the... experience" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon smiles: "Enjoy your time on Iassath. It is a beautiful world. And I wish you an enlightening encounter with the Exalted." Sin@crystyll: "I have to admit, this experience has made me more curious for what this is all about" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "You will find out soon enough, no doubt. I will speak to the Diplomatic Service and have them notify the Erudis that you are coming. Given what I have heard your ship do for the - NPC@annpc#5570: - Alliance, I am sure they will be happy to have you visit." Sin@crystyll: "Yeah, that's good old Starfleet. Just big old heroes and everyone's friend..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "We are usually very welcome of visitors, but your contributions are certainly very welcome." Sin@crystyll: "Not sure /my/ contributions are so deserving, but yeah sure. Is all good" NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon: "The Exalted must have called to you for a reason. Perhaps more for your potential than your past deeds." Sin@crystyll: "Heh, yeah maybe. We'll see, but I guess I should go find out..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Alachon nods, "Do not let me keep you. You are expected by a far more important Chlasi." NPC@annpc#5570 | He smiles and steps aside for her to leave. Sin@crystyll: "Thanks again. And whatever this Exalted one has to say, your help makes you important to me" she smiles, even... sincerely? NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel awaits her at the end of the hall. Sin@crystyll spots her as she exits and heads that way NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "I hope the High Esoteric was able to show you the way?" Sin@crystyll nods, "It might even be more accurate to say that your Exalted one showed us the way" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "If you know how to reach him now, then you have what you came for. Shall I lead you back to your Captain?" Sin@crystyll: "Please, yes. I must speak with her in order to continue this... quest" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel begins leading the way back, "I can only imagine what it is like to talk to an Exalted...talking to an Esoteric here at the Temple is humbling enough for most Chlasi." Sin@crystyll: "They certainly do have a way about them" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "Even for one who works with them often, the wisdom they show can often surprise you." Sin@crystyll: "As for the Exalted... I'll have to get back to you on that one" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel chuckles, "I suspect even most of the Esoterics in this Temple will be quite curious, and perhaps even a little envious of that!" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The walk back seems almost quicker, perhaps because Sin has taken in all the surroundings already. Soon, they reach the temple exit. Sin@crystyll: "I'm getting that distinct impression, yeah..." Sin@crystyll: | Keelah spots them and stands to greet the pair, "Ensign, you have returned. I trust your dialogue was fruitful?" Sin@crystyll nods, "I have been shown where to find this person who called for me" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "I will leave you to your discussion and further planning. It has been a pleasure to have you visit." NPC@annpc#5570 | She smiles and gives a graceful bow. Sin@crystyll | Keelah smiles, "Thank you for your assistance today" Sin@crystyll: "Yes, thank you" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lariel: "I am glad to have been of assistance. Be well." NPC@annpc#5570 | She turns and heads off, giving them privacy. Sin@crystyll | Keelah looks back to Sin, her expression almost indicative of seeing a different air about the Ensign, "So what is the next step?" Sin@crystyll: "Apparently I must go to the Erudis homeworld. I have been shown a location among an island chain there" Sin@crystyll | Keelah hrms, "You'll be wanting to take a runabout out there then?" Sin@crystyll: "That does seem more, um... logical, than asking you to divert the ship from it's current activity, yes" Sin@crystyll | Keelah, "Indeed. Well, you can't go alone. And I can't personally escort you. But a willing pilot should be easy enough to find, as long as you have an experienced senior officer with you, I am + Sin@crystyll: + happy for you to proceed. Perhaps LCDR Lendaria could indulge a study mission while you follow your trail" Sin@crystyll: "Whatever you think is best, Captain" she nods as they walk & talk on their way out Ann Carter@anncarise FX | After Sin's visit to the Temple, the Valley Forge dispatches runabout Paper Mill with a survey team to visit the Erudis homeworld of Iassath... Ann Carter@anncarise: "Enterin' the system now." Sin@crystyll | Lennie smiles, "Been lookin' forward t'this. We gets t'meet th'aquatics! S'a populated system too, I'm-a seein' two moons wit' life too" Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "Trinity presence. Gaton an' Chlasi ships, guessin' th'others are Erudis" Sin@crystyll sits quietly meanwhile in the corner, engrossed in work on her PADD Ann Carter@anncarise FX | The shuttle drops out of warp near the inhabited planet. The stark contrast between the ship styles is obvious, with the Gaton ships having basic functional designs, the Chlasi with more - Ann Carter@anncarise: - sleek and elegant shapes, almost somewhat Starfleet in style, and the third style very wavy in design, like patterns painted by an artists's brush strokes. Ann Carter@anncarise | https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/90/c9/0990c97c6c4da7ffcc7ad9c98627a7e7.jpg Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wow. An' I thought Vulcan an' Andorian designs looked different from standard Fed ones..." Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "Right! These guys got style" Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "I'd-a say these Erudis ships are heavy science focus" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Guess they might be the scientists o' this Trinity. Gaton are the warriors an' Chlasi the diplomats an' spies, right?" Sin@crystyll | Lennie nods, "Pretty much, yeah" Sin@crystyll | Lennie taps her console, "Incomin' hail. They was expectin' us after all, so should be no surprise" Ann Carter@anncarise FX | An alien visage appears... Ann Carter@anncarise | https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/a781760a-f4ec-4b53-a69e-82963f9312d5/d7qrqvk-f8e5624c-67e3-4a24-93c8-fcddc8511c2a.jpg/v1/fill/w_775,h_1031,q_70,strp/aquatic_alien_by_all Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "This's Runabout Pepper Mill from th'Valley Forge requestin' permission t'approach" Ann Carter@anncarise | Erudis: "We have been informed of your arrival. You have permission to visit the planet. Is there any destination in particular you have in mind?" Sin@crystyll | Lennie looks to Sin, "Ensign?" Sin@crystyll looks around distractedly, "I don't know! Just got a picture of some islands..." Sin@crystyll | Lennie looks back to the screen with a awkward smile, "We, ah... haven't quite figured tha' yet. Permission t'run some low altitude sweeps t'find th'place we'se lookin' for?" Ann Carter@anncarise | Erudis: "Of course. You may run scans as well if you need. If you require any further information, please contact us on this channel." Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "Appreciate it. We'll be lookin' t'talk more once we've found our destination" Ann Carter@anncarise: "I'll just take us in atmo first an' scout around a bit." Sin@crystyll finally steps up and approaches the forward consoles, handing Ann her PADD Sin@crystyll: "It's not much, but this is my best recollection of the vision image" Ann Carter@anncarise examines the PADD, "I'll see if I can find anythin' like it." Sin@crystyll sighs lightly, clearly frustrated by the situation, "We must be crazy..." Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "Well crazy or not, we'se got a long search ahead. I'm-a seein' lots o'viable regions 'ere" Ann Carter@anncarise FX | The shuttle approaches the planet, showing a vast ocean covering most of the surface, broken by the occasional islands. Ann Carter@anncarise | https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/hawaii_exp_38_jan_2014.jpg Ann Carter@anncarise | Once they break through the atmosphere and cloud layers, they can see the islands up close. They all seem uninhabited. Ann Carter@anncarise | https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4153/5434242971_b6521eae3c_b.jpg Ann Carter@anncarise glances to Sin as she flies, "Any o' 'em look right to ya?" Sin@crystyll: "Eugh... all looks the same to me" Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "No help from sensors either. Only lifesigns is below th'water" Sin@crystyll: "This is rediculuous, how are we meant to find this person who doesn't exist, but does. And hidden away on some island where he can't be found?!" Ann Carter@anncarise chuckles, "Sounds like a fittin' challenge for Starfleet!" Sin@crystyll: "You really do live for all this stuff don't you..." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Well I ain't a science officer, but I've done quite a bit o' huntin' an' trackin', enough to like a mystery like this." Sin@crystyll: "Well-" she points to the PADD, "-You know as much as I do about this place, so hunt away!" she makes a sweeping gesture out of the window Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "Got a concentration o'Chlasi in a region'ere" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Nothin' but water here, but maybe somebody down there'll know somethin'? We are lookin' for a Chlasi after all." Sin@crystyll: "The folks who sent me here did say there was a temple on this world, so could be" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Wanna ask if the temple's here, or just take a dive in an' see wha' we find?" Sin@crystyll: "I guess going in and speaking to them is probably going to be more effective" Ann Carter@anncarise nods, "Takin' us in, then!" Ann Carter@anncarise | The runabout descends and the ocean draws closer and closer before they break through the surface of the water and are suddenly submerged. Ann Carter@anncarise | The view is all blue for a few moments with the occasional fish or other marine life visible. Then, they begin to see bright lights in the depths of the ocean. Sin@crystyll | Lennie smiles: "Now this's why I was wantin' t'come 'ere. Jus' look at tha'" Ann Carter@anncarise taps her console, looking at some of the readouts, "You're seein' this too, right Lennie?" Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "You bet!" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Not just the lights, but...the city's movin'. Not very fast, but it's definitely movin'. I think it's even got engines..." Sin@crystyll | Lennie gives an impressed whistle as she looks out at the unusual sights Ann Carter@anncarise FX | Their shuttle approaches what seems to be a major cosmopolitan centre, but unlike the usual cities, it doesn't fade into a less populated (and less-well lit) suburb and eventually rural - Ann Carter@anncarise: - regions. Instead, all that can be seen is fancy skyscrapers that end ubruptly, as if reaching the end of the world. Though the movement of the city itself is not visible, this peculiar layout does - Ann Carter@anncarise: - clearly fit the design of a mobile city instead of an organically settled urban centre. Sin@crystyll: "That... is quite a sight..." she actually leans in to get a better look Ann Carter@anncarise FX | As they draw closer to the city, the shape of individual buildings become distinct, and it is obvious that each building is different from the next. There are no multiple towers of the exact - Ann Carter@anncarise: - same design, nor simple blocky architecture; instead, every structure seems to have been individually crafted, with styles ranging from imitations of the shapes of ocean life to truly abstract - Ann Carter@anncarise: - designs and even a few that weren't connected to the city, being smaller platforms that floated above it, likely keeping pace with the main platform as it moved. Ann Carter@anncarise | https://cdn.archpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/AEQUOREA-OCEANSCRAPER.-COURTESY-VINCENT-CALLEBAUT-ARCHITECTURES.jpg Ann Carter@anncarise: "Woah...I've seen a few fancy cities in the Federation core, but nothin' like this..." Sin@crystyll: "It's incredible..." Ann Carter@anncarise | Soon, other shuttles and vehicles come into view, as well as Erudis who are simply swimming through without mechanical assistance. One passes by rather close to the runabout, giving everyone a - Ann Carter@anncarise: - full glimpse at the Erudis body. Their upper torsos were largely humanoid with distinguishable gender difference, but the lower half didn't have two legs- instead it was a trail of tentacles that - Ann Carter@anncarise: - waved as the Erudis swam. When one reached a building, it would often reach out with these tentacles to stabilize its movement against a structure with very octopus-like movements. Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "Now there's somethin' ya don't see too often" Ann Carter@anncarise FX | They feel something nudge the runabout slightly and Ann pulls it around to see a shark-like creature peering into the window curiously. Ann Carter@anncarise | https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0a/60/12/0a6012a10ce0d6dcf6e5199d9970007c.jpg Ann Carter@anncarise | It is tugged back, and they realize it appears to be held on a leash by a Erudis behind it. Ann Carter@anncarise: "Shoulda guessed their dogs'll be underwater too..." Sin@crystyll chuckles Ann Carter@anncarise looks around, still marvelling at the unique sights. Many of the buildings feature holographic displays on the side as well, adding to the visual splendor. Ann Carter@anncarise FX | A few of these holographic displays appear to be promotions of the buildings or what is being run inside them, but many appear to be works of art, from abstract to moving holograms of people - Ann Carter@anncarise: - and even a few holographic paintings. Ann Carter@anncarise | The whole city is almost like one massive art museum. Ann Carter@anncarise | As they cruise through, Sin would recognize a traingular building very similar in shape to the temple on Alda, except this one has a more elaborate design to the outer surface and a holographic - Ann Carter@anncarise: - sign at the very tip. Sin@crystyll: "Hey, that one there looks like the temple we went to!" Ann Carter@anncarise | Ann breaks away from the traffic and angles the runabout towards the pyramid structure, "This one?" Sin@crystyll: "That's the one yeah, like a big pyramid" Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "Got pockets o'atmosphere down there, so should be good t'head in" Ann Carter@anncarise: "Sounds like where we need to go then! Headin' on in!" Ann Carter@anncarise flies the runabout towards the building while she checks her readings again, "Looks like two landin' areas, one in water an' the other behind an airlock system." Ann Carter@anncarise: "Probably so locals an' Chlasi can both come an' go, I'm guessin'." Sin@crystyll | Lennie: "Makes sense, yeah" Ann Carter@anncarise | The runabout heads into one of the hangars and enters a small area with what seems to be a central flashing platform. Ann lands them on the platform and the door closes behind them as the area - Ann Carter@anncarise: - begins being drained of water. Once most of the water is gone, the runabout is raised upwards into a much larger (and dryer) area... Ann Carter@anncarise: "Well, we found somewhere to land, at least. Now to see if anybody here knows 'bout tha' island o' yours..." Sin@crystyll: "Here's hoping..." Ann Carter@anncarise taps her console and opens the runabout's exit. NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The team steps out into a small shuttlebay. There are still some puddles of water on the floor, which likely explains the raised walkway away from the parking spaces. Sin@crystyll | Lennie nudges Sin forwards, "Hey, this's ya own quest. Don't be thinkin' I'm-a gonna talk through it for ya" she smirks a little, thinking to encourage the young officer Sin@crystyll grumbles incoherently under her breath about things being simpler with her own ship as she steps forward, carrying her PADD NPC@annpc#5570 | Ann: "Never thought o' how difficult it might be for folks who don't breathe water to live on an aquatic planet till now..." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | A Chlasi walks down the platform towards the shuttle. Sin@crystyll | Lennie smiles to Ann, "Makes ya appreciate wha' th'aquatics go through t'live wit'us don't it" NPC@annpc#5570 | Ann: "Definitely does!" Sin@crystyll spots the approach and heads over Sin@crystyll: "Hey, hope you don't mind us gatecrashing your landing pad here. If there's any charges or permits involved I'm sure my green-skinned friend over there can oblige" @natthaan has logged off. NPC@annpc#5570 | Chlasi: "Not at all. Welcome to the Iassath Temple. We do not often get non-Erudis visitors." Sin@crystyll: "I bet, pretty tucked away here. So this is the temple then? I was hoping someone here could help me in a search..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Chlasi: "What are you looking for?" Sin@crystyll taps on the PADD to display her drawing of the island range and passes it over, "This area" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Chlasi examines the drawing, "That...could be anywhere. May I ask what you hope to find on the surface? The Erudis do not build there, and even our Temple and Embassy are constructed - NPC@annpc#5570: - underwater for easy access for the locals." Sin@crystyll: "An Exalted Chlasi, at least I think he's Chlasi... - the, um... Lonesome One, or something?" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Chlasi's eyes widen, "You seek the Lonesome One? No one has seen the Exalted for many years, but...we actually just had a visitor who claims to be waiting to take someone to him." NPC@annpc#5570 | Chlasi: "Did you say what your name was?" Sin@crystyll: "Wait, you just had a visit from someone else seeking him?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Chlasi: "Someone who claims to have already seen him, here to take the one he called to him." Sin@crystyll: "So... you have a guide waiting here for me? Well that will certainly makes this simpler. I'm Sin, apparently he called to me - I don't know - but at the Arda temple, he showed me this location" NPC@annpc#5570 | Chlasi: "Sin. Yes, I heard that name as well. And a non-Chlasi would not have known of it, so I expect you tell the truth. Come." NPC@annpc#5570 | Chlasi: "Your companions may follow as well. The Temple welcomes all." Sin@crystyll waves the others along as she tags along after the Chlasi NPC@annpc#5570 | The Chlasi leads her into a lift, which takes the team down into the temple. Sin@crystyll | Lennie looks to Sin as they exit the lift, "So while ya pursuin' ya thing, we'se gonna explore th'temple some, kay?" Sin@crystyll: "Sure thing. Just don't go flying off without me, yeah" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Exiting the lift, they soon find themselves in a lobby similar in design to the one on Alda, but with one massive difference. It is cut off by a layer of transparent aluminum down the middle - Sin@crystyll | Lennie chuckles as they head off, "Would never drea o'it!" NPC@annpc#5570: - with the other half submerged in water, where Erudis can be seen swimming around. NPC@annpc#5570 FX | It almost feels like a big fancy aquarium. NPC@annpc#5570 | As Sin and the Chlasi walk through the halls, an Erudis comes down the other way...except this one is different. It is outside of an aquatic environment, and instead of tentacles, its lower - NPC@annpc#5570: - body consists of eight spidery legs as it skitters along. Sin@crystyll watches curiously, but seems more focused on her quest NPC@annpc#5570 | The Chlasi leads her to a window looking out to an aquatic section of the temple and motions over to a robed figure standing there. Sin@crystyll: "That's the person you said was waiting for me?" NPC@annpc#5570 | The Chlasi nods, "Yes. She seems to be an Esoteric, but not one of ours at the Temple. She arrived by transporter earlier today." Sin@crystyll takes a deep breath, "Alright then. Well, thank you for the welcome. I shouldn't keep her waiting" NPC@annpc#5570 | Chlasi: "Please contact me or another attendant should you have need of further assistance." Sin@crystyll: "Thanks" she nods lightly, heading over to the mysterious figure Sin@crystyll: "Um, hi... apparently you've been waiting for me..?" NPC@annpc#5570 | The mysterious figure smiles and turns, revealing a slightly older Chlasi face with greying hair and large, golden eyes, "So you have come. He wasn't sure if you would." Sin@crystyll: "It took a while to figure things out... I mean, he's lucky the Captain was even on the planet when he called out so someone would piece it together and know it was me" NPC@annpc#5570 | Mysterious Chlasi: "I would not attribute that to luck. You are Sin, then?" Sin@crystyll: "Yes, that's me. But I don't get it, if he wanted for us to meet here in this temple, why then was I shown a vision of this island chain?" she indicates her drawing NPC@annpc#5570 | Mysterious Chlasi: "Oh, he is not here at the Temple. I am sent to receive you, as it would be impossible for you to identify the island he resides amongst all the others." NPC@annpc#5570 | Mysterious Chlasi: "I am Luthril, Attendant to the Exalted. You came in a vessel, I am assuming?" Sin@crystyll: "Yeah but I mean, why show me the island at all if it was the plan for us to meet here? Why not just show me this place to begin?" Sin@crystyll: "And yes, but I have others with me who will need to remain with the ship" NPC@annpc#5570 | Mysterious Chlasi: "You traced his call and saw what he saw. It allowed you to identify the world, which was enough." Sin@crystyll: "Fair enough. So what's the plan?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Mysterious Chlasi: "We can use your ship to travel to the Exalted, but if you would rather it remain here, we could borrow one of the Temple's craft." Sin@crystyll: "That might be best. My friends can stay here and explore Erudis society or whatever while we do what we came for. Your Exalted one gets to remain isolated outside of us then too" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril smiles, "A fine idea. Come with me, then." Sin@crystyll quietly follows NPC@annpc#5570 | Despite looking a little older, Luthril moves as elegantly as any Chlasi, her robes flowing behind her as she does. Sin@crystyll figures it must be an evolutionary thing, for all Chlasi to be born with this stick up their ass NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril makes her way over to one of the vehicles. The ground in front of it is soaked, but with a wave of her hand it suddenly flows aside, making a completely dry passage for the two to step - NPC@annpc#5570: - through and board. Sin@crystyll watches with a little surprise, "Impressive..." Sin@crystyll would have also detoured to placate a tentative Lennie on the way with the promise of frequenty comms check ins, else have to have an escort along NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The interior of the Chlasi vehicle is significantly smaller than a runabout, but roomy enough for the two of them. It is pulled down into the airlock section as they both board before - NPC@annpc#5570: - Luthril taps a button and launches it out into the aquatic city beyond. NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Beautiful, isn't it? I don't come here nearly enough." Sin@crystyll: "It certainly is something, sure. I bet the Commander will be in heaven getting to know the Erudis. So you're, what exactly, to this almighty one?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "I am his Attendant. Just as the Attendants in the Temple tend to day-to-day business and greet visitors, I tend to the daily duties of his abode and on occassion venture into the - NPC@annpc#5570: - wider world if something requires it." Sin@crystyll: "So you're the only person who actually knows him then? What's he like, I mean... is there anything I should know? I don't really even know why I'm here still..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Over the years he has grown...detached. He still cares for this universe and its people, but it is not always easy to see." Sin@crystyll smirks a little, "Is that a little disapproving in your tone?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Don't mistake me, I admire and respect him. But it can be difficult to live with one who does not even exist fully in this plane." Sin@crystyll: "Right, about that... I am even going to be able to like, talk to him?" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Outside the window, their craft leaves the bright, fancy city behind and soon breaks through the surface of the water with rays of sunlight shining through clouds. NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Even the Ascended are still capable of manifesting and communicating using conventional means, you don't have to worry about that. Understanding exactly what he means though, that's - NPC@annpc#5570: - another matter." Sin@crystyll: "Oh so he talks in riddles? Joy..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Not riddles, exactly, but you can imagine someone disconnected from this world may have trouble expressing themself at times in ways we can comprehend." Sin@crystyll: "Well considering I still can't comprehend why, or even how, he knew I was in the neighborhood and want to summon me" Sin@crystyll: "So yeah... not exactly holding high hopes for this" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "He does not often explain many things, whether by purpose or from not knowing that we do not understand is anyone's guess..." Sin@crystyll: "You know your confidence is almost contagious" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "I /am/ confident that he has summoned you for good reason. He has not made contact with anyone else for many years, and gone even longer without speaking to offworld visitors." Sin@crystyll: "Right. Well, no pressure then..." she stares out the window with a sigh, clearly anxious as if her snarking wasn't sign enough NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "Do not be afraid. He will not harm you." Sin@crystyll: "Hm?" she chuckles, "Oh trust me, that's not a fear. Failing to meet expectations however..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "I don't think he expects anything, really. It might be more accurate to say he simply...knows." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The shuttle begins to descend and soon a series of islands creep into view. Sin@crystyll: "It's what he 'knows' that makes me uncomfortable" she scoffs Sin@crystyll narrows her eyes at the view ahead, comparing it to her drawing NPC@annpc#5570 FX | https://data.whicdn.com/images/288294897/original.gif NPC@annpc#5570 | It does indeed look quite similar to her drawing! Sin@crystyll: "We're here" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril smiles, "Yes, we are. I am glad you recognize it." NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The shuttle touches down on one of the larger islands... NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Luthril opens the doors to reveal a sun-basked beach. She steps out of their craft and onto the sand. Sin@crystyll tentatively follows NPC@annpc#5570 | The sound of various birds singing and the smell of fresh seawater surrounds them. The sun's light gives the place a warm and luminous feeling without being too bright or hot. NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril leads the way past the beach onto the rest of the island. Sin@crystyll: "I can certainly think of worse places to live out an isolationism existence" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril: "The Exalted chose this place for a reason, I imagine. It is most serene." Sin@crystyll: "Hard to argue that" NPC@annpc#5570 | As they walk, Sin can spot a humanoid figure at the top of a nearby rocky outcropping. Luthril pauses as well, seemingly having seen it as well. Sin@crystyll looks up, "I assume that is him?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Luthril nods. NPC@annpc#5570 | The figure walks towards them...and then off the outcropping. He doesn't fall, however, but slowly levitates down towards the pair until his feet gently touches the ground. Sin@crystyll: "So... do we-..." watches with an eyeroll at the showyness, "Nevermind" NPC@annpc#5570 | Sin can see that he is wearing nothing. No robes or ornaments of any sort. He doesn't even have any hair, and his skin has a strange, almost transluscent quality to it she had not seen in any - NPC@annpc#5570: - other Chlasi. NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Hello, Sin." Sin@crystyll gives a cursory glance to Luthril before stepping forward, "You know who I am then" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Yes. I do. And you have no doubt been told many things about me through your journey here." Sin@crystyll: "Actually not so much. Funny thing cutting yourself off from society; folks tend not to know so much about you" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Just as I intend it to be. But enough about me. You are not here for me. You are here for you." Sin@crystyll: "I'm here because you apparently summoned me, and my Captain likes playing nice with the locals. I honestly don't know why I'm really here" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "No. You don't want to know, just as you don't want to develop your abilities. I can understand. It can be frightening to be different." Sin@crystyll: "Given the last account of one of my kind is still heavily debated if she evolved or just died. Oh, but only after she got consumed by her power and went mad, yeah damned straight it's frightening" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "And you think my kind are any different? The Esoterics do not know what happened to the Lost One before me, just as you are unaware of your last Exalted. And legends say that our - NPC@annpc#5570: - first was indeed consumed by power, turning into a terrible tyrant." Sin@crystyll: "Well now I know where your attendant gets her overwhelming ability to inspire confidence from" Sin@crystyll: "So is this why you summoned me? To convince me to pursue this path?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Power is not always a terrible thing. It can easily be misused, yes. It can even kill you, depending on the type of power. But there are also those with power who dedicate - NPC@annpc#5570: - themselves to protecting others. I call you here because you are the only one who can." Sin@crystyll frowns a little, "Who can what?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "The people you came with. You do not belong with them, do you?" Sin@crystyll folds her arms a little defensively, "I don't know what you mean..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Why do you stay with them? You know what they are headed towards. You do not need my abilities to tell you that." Sin@crystyll: "If you know who I am then you should already know the answer to that" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "If you truly wish to do what you came to do and leave the others to be taken, then you may go. Your life is short. You will live a full life, and die an uneventful death before - NPC@annpc#5570: - the calamity reaches you. But you will fade, your body, your consciousness, and any imprints you leave behind." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "If you care nothing for those you travel with, there is little for us to discuss." Sin@crystyll shifts awkwardly on the spot, "Ok fine, so maybe I've started having doubts. There, happy?" Sin@crystyll: "I didn't choose to start developing powers, but it's scary as you said. And these people are the only ones who might ever be willing and able to help" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "And if you accept their help, then you will have to give something in return." Sin@crystyll: "Like not completing my mission for one" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "More than that. If you take their aid, you will have to be their protector." Sin@crystyll: "Oh, is that all..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "I called to you because you are the only one strong enough. But you are also conflicted. Uncertain." Sin@crystyll: "Yep, that's pretty much me in a nutshell. Not sure I believe this idea of me being your 'strong protector' though. There's lots of telepaths and empaths on the crew stronger than me" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Yet you are the only one who comes from a people who have demonstrated potential for Ascension. The danger that lies ahead of you is not a 'strong telepath.' Luthril here is a - NPC@annpc#5570: - strong telepath. You tempt what other beings would call gods or demons. Things as old as life itself, as ancient as the glow of a star or the pull of a planet's gravity." Sin@crystyll: "So you know about these mysterious Primevals who seem to threaten life out here then" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Not life out here. All life like us." Sin@crystyll: "Yeah... so maybe there's something in that for why I'm sticking with these Starfleet guys too. They might be naive and clumsy, but they've got a solid record of facing down stuff like this. Plus you+ Sin@crystyll: + know, they're the ones out here working on the problem. so yeah..." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "I have seen what they have done to help the Chlasi. That is why I see hope. Hope that if you remained with them, your potential and their skills and experience will be enough to - NPC@annpc#5570: - safeguard us all." Sin@crystyll shifts again, softening, almost showing that rare sincerity, "You... really place so much value on us? Why?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Because your people go beyond what the Trinity Alliance has achieved. You combine the strengths of countless peoples together." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "You may not have started out as one of them. But you are now. They need your strength, as much as you need their guidance." Sin@crystyll: "Still, you're not without power. And you already have mastery over it, so why aren't you 'fighting the good fight'?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Not all battles are fought on visible fields. I hold a line that my predecessor abandoned, just as other Ascended hold other lines against this threat and others." Sin@crystyll: "Wait... you saying that part of your isolation is to serve as a protector to your people. Let me guess; you obscure their presence from the perception of threats like these Primevals?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Not just their presence." Sin@crystyll tilts her head, "Then what?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "There are others at greater risk, those who play at being gods, unaware that the power they hold is not safe in their hands." Sin@crystyll: "Fair enough. So was this whole summoning thing your subtle way of encouraging me to be all Starfleet and play nice, or is there some 'greater purpose' I'm missing here still?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "To show you your path. It may not all be clear to you now, but in time it shall be." Sin@crystyll: "I guess it was a little much to hope for some imparting of great wisdom or guidance to magically help me along this journey" she scoffs a little NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Wisdom is something you build from your own experience. This journey will hopefully be one of many." Sin@crystyll: "One thing then. When I was in the other temple and you showed me how to find you here, you also showed me some other unfamiliar and rather foreboding images" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lonesome One: "Events that were occurring at the time, yes. Events that have brought you here, and events which may affect you in the future." Sin@crystyll: "Ok, now that was suitably cryptic to align with my expectations here" she laughs AnnCarise21/10/2019 --Continued from In-Game-- ((Log link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kKPBawagCl3oH0XdvkdcWYIZJpCXQIhdS_NsomYoIfg/edit?usp=sharing)) Google Docs Erudis Ann Carter@anncarise FX | After Sin's visit to the Temple, the Valley Forge dispatches runabout Paper Mill with a survey team to visit the Erudis homeworld of Iassath... Ann Carter@anncarise: "Enterin' the system now." Sin@crystyll | Lennie smiles, "Been lookin' forward t't... Lonesome One: “I do not seek to speak cryptically. That will get tiring very quickly. But there are some concepts for which language has no suitable words to describe. Concepts which minds of science have yet to comprehend, and perhaps may never be fully grasped.” Crystyl21/10/2019 Sin: "You're talking about temporal perception?" AnnCarise21/10/2019 Lonesome One: “Yes, and no. There are other layers beyond time and space and other planes of existence where all we know has no meaning. Much of it is impossible to express in the words created to explain this universe. Some of it will even break a consciousness which is used to this existence.” Crystyl21/10/2019 Sin nods, "We had some recent experience with an entity who existed on one such plane, so the concept isn't totally unfamiliar. But if these things can't be explained with words, do I take that to meam you have an alternative?" AnnCarise21/10/2019 Lonesome One: “You will learn in time. You are still early in your journey to enlightenment. Sharing such experiences may prove too much for you, and I do not wish to damage your mind.” Crystyl21/10/2019 "That's all well and good, but we're kind of on a clock here. The ship wpn't remain in Trinity space for longer than necessary. So... yeah, kind of a 'now or never' vibe if I'm going to do this" AnnCarise21/10/2019 Lonesome One: “I will show you what I believe you shall be able to process, then.” He reaches out and offers a slender hand to Sin. Crystyl21/10/2019 She takes a tentative step forwards and takes the offered hand, "Show me" AnnCarise21/10/2019 As soon as she takes the hand, the world around them begins to fade until Sin once again finds herself in a place that feels eerily like the middle of deep space. This time however, she notices a large number of the glowing dots in the distance darkened and connected by long tendrils that look more like wisps of smoke than the lines of a star chart she saw before. The whole image weaves together to resemble a massive spider web hanging there in the middle of nothing. Crystyl21/10/2019 She looks around for the Lonesome One AnnCarise21/10/2019 The Lonesome One stands beside her, his face stoic as it always seems to be, “You are familiar with such planes, I trust?” Crystyl21/10/2019 "It's like the one where the Esoteric showed me how to find you. Where I saw these visions of past, present and possibility that tou eluded to. It is the same, but it is also different" AnnCarise21/10/2019 The Lonesome One nods, “It is a realm of thought-messages. If you think of them like different...frequencies, you are viewing the frequency used by those you know as the Primevals.” He points to the web-like mass, “That is what you are headed towards. I have never dared probe it for more information, lest it put me or worse, my people, at risk. But I have watched it expand, twisting thoughts and choking out free will.” Crystyl22/10/2019 Sin watches it for a drawn out moment with a strong sense of foreboding, "...You believe they would be able to sense your presence if you tried? If I could find a way..." AnnCarise22/10/2019 The Lonesome One nods, “Or worse. I would not know their true power unless I tried, but it would not be wise to do so yet.” Crystyl22/10/2019 "Yet?" She looks to him with an entertained expression, "Does that mean you intend to?" AnnCarise22/10/2019 Lonesome One: “They will find us, it is an eventuality rather than a possibility. I am only trying to buy my people time. When confrontation becomes inevitable, I will do what I must.” Crystyl22/10/2019 "I guess you can say the same of me from what we've already said about my sticking around. You have already touched my mind, so you know that we are moving to face this threat. The Captain believes that if it's allowed to progress, it will one day threaten the Federation and beyond. I get it, I do. But if you are putting this emphasis on developing my abilities to help in this, I need more. I need to know what to do, and how to do it" she looks away with a sigh, "You know I'm alone out here, and nobody on this crew has the knowledge to guide me. I need your help to do this..." her demeanour displaying clear discomfort at having to ask for help AnnCarise22/10/2019 Lonesome One: “This is not something you can learn in one day, and even then at your stage I may not be the best teacher. But come, let us not linger here. It is better if I make my suggestion in the physical world.” Crystyl22/10/2019 "I don't expect miracles, but you're the closest to an expert that I have. Any help ir guidance you can offer may be all I have to work with" she notes, preparing to return. AnnCarise22/10/2019 Sin’s surroundings fade and she finds herself on the island once again. Lonesome One: “You will not be able to shield your ship as I do my people, not if you move towards it. From what I see these beings bend and distort reality, shaping minds to eventually become vessels. You will have to fight it, make those around you see reality.” Crystyl22/10/2019 Her eyes squint a little as they adjust to the fresh and bright visage before looking again to the statuesque Chlasi before her, "Simple as that, eh? Why do I get the feeling it really isn't as simple as it sounds..." AnnCarise22/10/2019 Lonesome One: “It will not be simple, but I suspect you may have help. It will become clearer when the time comes. Until then, you must learn to control your abilities and hone your mind. You said you wished for our assistance on this?” Crystyl22/10/2019 "Well it's not like I have anyone else around who knows anything about this stuff..." she sighs again, further emphasizing her distaste for having to rely on others, "I know my people are not yours, and our 'ascention' equivalent won't be the same. But you called me here because you felt there was sufficient value in me pursuing this path, which means you need me, and I need you. So yes, I do want to learn how to control my abilities before they evolve naturally and end up controlling me. You need me to do this, and I need your help to make the journey. So yes, please... help me" AnnCarise22/10/2019 Lonesome One: “Your time here will not be enough, and there is little I can teach you at this stage that others cannot. That is why I propose for Luthril to accompany you onto your ship.” Luthril: “What? You never mentioned this before.” Lonesome One: “Before is not now. Not to you, anyhow.” Crystyl22/10/2019 Sin's eyes widen, "But... you need her here?" AnnCarise22/10/2019 Lonesome One: “She knows full well that I can manage on my own. And if I need, I will call another to my side.” Luthril: “I thought we-“ Lonesome One: “We will have to say our farewells sooner or later. This is your calling. The chance to be part of something larger than yourself that you have always wanted.” Luthril: “I was a lot younger and a lot more reckless when I said that.” Lonesome One: “If not for yourself, then for the Chlasi.” Luthril: “Why me? I haven’t been with the Esoterics for decades now. My teaching skills are not at their sharpest.” Lonesome One: “Because you have already guided one Exalted. There is no one among us more fitting than you.” Crystyl22/10/2019 After watching the back and forth, Sin interjects, "Much as I appreciate the thought-" she turns to Luthril, "-if she doesn't want to go..." she shakes her head lightly, "I wouldn't feel right asking" AnnCarise22/10/2019 Luthril: “No, he’s right. It’s the best way. I just...need to say goodbyes first. And maybe chastise him a little for pulling such a surprise.” She chuckles lightly. Lonesome One: “If you survive this journey and your abilities develop beyond the scope of anyone’s assistance, return to me. I can guide you further along the path of Ascension then, and show you that it is not a thing to be feared.” Crystyl22/10/2019 Sin smiles softly, "Well it will take some time to explain all this to the Captain, not to mention convincing her to allow you to come with us" She looks back to the Lonesome One, "I think I would like to return when this is done, however my development progresses. And the Captain will want to see Luthril returned safely to you" AnnCarise22/10/2019 The Lonesome One nods, “I will await your return. Luthril and I must talk. You may wait here on the island and enjoy what it offers, or return to speak to your Captain about this arrangement. Luthril will catch up with you should you desire to leave first.” Crystyl22/10/2019 Sin shifts a little, "Um, well... she kind of brought me here in her shuttle. Sooo yeah, I'll just-" she points in a random direction, "-Be... over there... somewhere..." and promptly wanders off AnnCarise22/10/2019 Luthril calls after her, “It is the Temple’s shuttle. You may borrow it if you wish, if you know how to fly it. I’ll try not to be long in either case.” Crystyl22/10/2019 "Oh well, sure. I mean, can't be so hard next to my ship..." a whimsical sigh for the lifeless old friend she had left behind, and the realization she may now never return to it, "I will await you at the temple then" AnnCarise22/10/2019 Luthril nods and walks off into the distance with the Lonesome One. The Temple shuttle is still parked on the beach where they had left it, untouched save for a curious small crab-like creature prodding at it. Crystyl22/10/2019 Sin makes her way over to the shuttle, pausing with a dissatisfied glance at the creature. She heads over, waving her arms at it, "Oi! Go on, shoo! Thers's nothing in there for you. Get!" AnnCarise22/10/2019 The little creature scurries off across the beach and into the water. Crystyl22/10/2019 She mutteds under her breath as she boards the shuttle. It doesn't take her long to figure things out and be on her way back to the temple to rendezvous with Ann and Lennie who have been busy exploring the semi-aquatic temple of the Erudis... AnnCarise22/10/2019 --Perspective Transition-- Ann looks to Lennie as Sin walks off with Luthril to find the mysterious Exalted, "Those Chlasi have been pretty peaceful so far. Hopefully she'll be alright goin' off with 'em alone." Crystyl23/10/2019 "Cap'n trusts 'em, s'good enough f'me. Besides, she can take care'o herself" Her gaze drifts briefly in the direction they departed, "Still, if she don't check in time; we'se gonna go get her" AnnCarise23/10/2019 Ann nods, “So we stick ‘round the Temple for now, or explore a bit further? She’s got a combadge to call us if she gets back before we do.” Crystyl23/10/2019 "What'cha fancy sweets? Not often we gets away t'a pretty alien planet, but there's a plenty 'ere t'be startin' wit' too, so I'm-a good either way. Got mah vijra for company after all, so is all bonus from there!" She smiles AnnCarise23/10/2019 “Don’t imagine most o’ the city’s got breathable air...we could explore more o’ it in the shuttle or see if there’s other places we can visit without suits. But it might just be the Temple.” She looks around, “Could always ask one o’ the staff for info.” Crystyl23/10/2019 Lennie nods and smiles, "Sounds like a plan t'me. C'mon!" She starts to wander the foyer looking for guide AnnCarise23/10/2019 There are several Chlasi attendants walking around the foyer. The nearest is conversing with the strange Erudis that Sin passed in the hallway, which possesses roughly the same torso as the rest of his species, but spider-like legs instead of tentacles on the lower body. He also seems to be perfectly fine despite not having any visible breathing apparatus. Crystyl23/10/2019 Lennie takes an acute interest in the unusual Erudis and leads Ann that way to greet the attendant with it, figuring the more varied interaction should prove the best learning opportunity about these species AnnCarise23/10/2019 Ann follows over, examining the unusual Erudis as well. The attendant turns to them with a smile, "Ah, more visitors. How may I help you?" Crystyl23/10/2019 Lennie smiles, "Well, it's our first time here so we were hoping you could help us understand how things work here. See, we visited a temple on Chasli colony. But there were no Erudis there, that we saw at least" as has become habit, she was using her UT for initial dialogue while she tried to pick up enough to speak natively AnnCarise23/10/2019 The strange Erudis answers, "We do not often visit Chlasi planets. Most of my people cannot survive in their environments. Fortunately, the Chlasi were kind enough to construct a temple on our world with accommodations for both peoples." Crystyl23/10/2019 "I take that to mean you are among the few of your people to share the Chlasi's beliefs of ascention?" AnnCarise23/10/2019 Erudis: "It is the minority of our people, but I would not say a few. The number of our people who believe in Ascension fluctuates between twenty to thirty percent. It is one of our most prominent beliefs." Attendant: "The Erudis' own views have affected the Chlasi as well. Though almost all Chlasi believe in Ascension, that belief is very often compatible with other ideas from Erudis and Gaton culture, many of which have been adopted into Chlasi schools of thought." Crystyl23/10/2019 "Oh? We haven't had opportunity yet to learn about any other beliefs from the Trinity races yet. If you are willing, we'd love to learn more. Especially how the different beliefs intersect, since our friend is currently off on a pilgrimage of sorts to do with it" AnnCarise23/10/2019 Attendant: "Well, the Gaton have two prominent beliefs today. One is that all life is intricately connected, not just in regards to ecosystem but to the actual energies of life that separate it from non-living matter. A number of Esoterics have adopted this idea over the years to explain telepathic abilities, and among the Chlasi it is known as the School of Unity." Attendant: "The second Gaton belief system popular today says that the universe is filled with Elder Spirits that each oversee a particular aspect of it. Some Chlasi believe that the Ascended become such spirits, either joining with an Elder Spirit or becoming a lesser spirit that helps maintain the universe. This, we call the School of Transcendence." Crystyl24/10/2019 "Amazing" Lennie smiles as she listens, "I can certainly see how those would all overlap, "What about Erudis beliefs?" AnnCarise24/10/2019 The Attendant looks to the Erudis: "I believe you are more suited to explaining this than I." Erudis: "My people used to have many belief systems, from worshipping gods who govern specific aspects like the Gaton spirits to worshipping the water itself as the source of life. Most of those are extinct now, and modern Erudis divide our beliefs on a two-axes system. On one axis is Order and Chaos, on the other Comprehension and Complexity." Erudis: "In short, Order is the belief that everything is predetermined to some extent and Chaos is the belief of free will. We've experimented and proven on multiple occasions the existence of alternate quantum realities, but the question still remains- is our reality already written from the very beginning of the universe, or are different realities formed depending on our decisions, and every second we are choosing which reality to live in?" Erudis: "Comprehension and Complexity is simpler- its basis is the question of whether the universe can be understood through mathematics and logic or whether it is too complicated; if we solve one question through science, do we reach truth, or simply unlock more questions in an endless cycle?" Crystyl24/10/2019 "A fascinating foundation for a religion. For a moment I thought you were going down a whole balance route with that." AnnCarise24/10/2019 Attendant: "Ah, I believe I know the concept you mention. The Chlasi School of Equilibrium is something similar. Those who follow it believe that the Fallen One was indeed a true Exalted instead of a fictional figure or one exaggerated by mythology. They think that the Ascended can be protectors or destroyers, and that the two sides must maintain some kind of equilibrium for the world to be stable." Crystyl24/10/2019 "Something like thay, yeah" she nods, "Or at it's most basic; energy. Always constant and in balance. Or a more philosophical framing 'every action has an equal and opposite reaction'. Butbasically, balance. In everything, yes. I know of other species to have evolved belief systems around this, so a natural jump. But I love how all of you varied beliefs have evolved together and come to overlap and intersect. I can only imagine what it must be like to be surrounded by such rich cultural variety" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Erudis: "We do not frequently spend our time around other Trinity members, save a select few individuals such as myself. But over the years the cultures have certainly had great impacts on one another." Crystyl24/10/2019 "I have to admit, you do seem to stand out among your people. Can I ask, is there a reason you walk among the Chlasi while the other Erudis are swimming around back there?" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Ann: "Was just 'bout to ask the same thing." AnnCarise24/10/2019 Erudis: "I am Scientific Advisor to the Wenya Research Institute. It is a Chlasi world, so I have the genetic modifications in order to live there." Crystyl24/10/2019 "Research Institute ya say?" Lennie speaks with piqued interest, "So you'se a fellow scientist?" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Erudis: "You are as well? Excellent!" Crystyl24/10/2019 "LCDR Lendaria. Chief Science Officer of th'Valley Forge, always a pleasure t'meet a fellow patron of th'sciences!" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Erudis: "My name is Onestye. To most of the Trinity Alliance, my people are known for our scientific capabilities and our innovations so far." Crystyl24/10/2019 "Right! I think it's some o'ya guys who's been workin' on this shield tech. So wha's ya field, ya mentioned genetics...?" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: “Oh genetic modification is just what is necessary for us to survive outside aquatic environments. My speciality is stellar phenomena, particularly the replication of them on a smaller scale in a controlled environment for testing.” Crystyl24/10/2019 "Aah a stargazer then! Me, I study th'biology an'language o' other species. How'm I doin' by th'way wit' ya words?" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: “You are comprehensible. The Erudis language is considered to be among the most complex of the Trinity species, with only a few rare Chlasi dialects more difficult to master. Language is an important aspect of many arts, so we have a somewhat intricate system. Even some Gaton translators still have trouble with it, so I say you are doing fairly well.” Crystyl24/10/2019 She smiles at the compliment, "So how exactly do ya do these scaled studies?" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: “Depends on what we’re trying to recreate. Some can be accurately done in simulations, some need actual phenomena to be produced, and for the largest projects we need ships to try and duplicate the phenomenon in space, in a place with as few other factors as possible.” Onestye: “I’ve been a lead experiment designer for the Wenya Institute for many years now.” Crystyl24/10/2019 "Impressive. I'm-a guessin'ya musta already had a good look at tha'quatenary star system nearby already?" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: “Only from scan data and simulations built using that data, actually. It’s on the edge of the restricted zone around Forli space. Our ships haven’t gone near since the treaty was signed.” Crystyl24/10/2019 "Aah, then maybe ya'd be interested t'know tha' we were there recently. S'actually where we met th'Forli an' all this started" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: “Oh? I heard something about outsiders having prevented another war with the Forli. Was that you?” Crystyl24/10/2019 She smiles proudly and nods, "Tha's us! We helped one o'their research ships caught in a stars gravity there. Didn't know then o'course it'd lead their defense folks t'startin'a war. But the Cap'n helped talk 'em down, so far at least" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: “Thank you, then, for averting the situation. No one in the Trinity wants another war with the Forli, certainly no one on Iassath or Wenya at least.” Crystyl24/10/2019 "Nobody on th'Forli world we visited does either by all accounts. But hey, while we'se 'ere workin' together ya should think about visitn' us. Sure mah astro folks'd love t'share their recent study wit'a local expert" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: “Visiting your homeworld, or the ships you came in?” Crystyl24/10/2019 "Ship, actually. Singular. An' yeah, why not" she smiles AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: "Only a single ship? I don't believe your home is nearby, otherwise we'd be familiar with you. It must be like that massive exploration vessel we recently encountered." Crystyl24/10/2019 "It is an exploration vessel, no idea if it's like wha' ya saw though. Can ya show me this other ship?" AnnCarise24/10/2019 Onestye: "It's moved on already, and I don't have any records of it on hand. But think of it like where we are, a mobile platform that houses a whole city, but imagine that as a starship cruising through space." Crystyl24/10/2019 "Sure sounds impressive. Hopefully we'll get th'chance to meet 'em some day. So what'cha think then, 'bout visitin' th'Valley Forge?" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Onestye: "I am always interested in sharing knowledge if it is convenient." Crystyl25/10/2019 "Well convenience is up t'you. We'se stationed at th'Chasli colony f'now where we got folks actively workin' together. So if ya got th'freedom t'head out there, should be welcome as everyone else there!" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Onestye: "I will try to make the time. Not many Erudis can freely move around Chlasi colonies, and it would be my pleasure to visit your ship so I may share this experience with my fellows." Crystyl25/10/2019 "Hopefully ya get th'chance. Anyways, I may have gotten a bit off track. Since we'se still waitin'ere on our friend, you'se got any recommendations?" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Ann: "Yeah, we're lookin' for places we can visit, maybe some buildin's with air like this?" Onestye: "There are only a few. Most concert halls and theatres have atmo-rooms, but you will need to reserve them as there is limited space. The Art Museum has a section with atmosphere dedicated to displaying Chlasi and Gaton artworks. I'm not sure what else there is..." Crystyl25/10/2019 "What about aquatic areas? I meam, short of genetic modification an' all, is it possible f'folks like us t'visit such areas?" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Onestye: "If you have life support suits or breathing masks and can swim, you're free to move through the city as you please. There aren't many airlocked locations like this Temple's entrance though, so it may be more difficult to find a place to get in and out of your vehicle." Crystyl25/10/2019 She hrms and looks to Ann,"Well, we do got EV suits in th'shuttle. But they ain't exactly optimized f'swimmin', an' I don't do good wit'em..." AnnCarise25/10/2019 Ann nods, "Yeah..." Onestye: "Do your suits require specialized training to use?" Crystyl25/10/2019 "Kinda, yeah" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Onestye: "Unfortunately, only the major places visitors go have atmo-rooms, or areas with special accommodations." Chlasi Attendant: "We do have an embassy here, similar to the Diplomatic Reception Centres in our colonies. It is of a similar setup to the Temple, with partial air and partial water." Crystyl25/10/2019 "Well we can't venture too far anyways, still on standby f'our friend. So maybe we can jus' explore more 'ere for now" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Attendant: "There is plenty to see in the Temple. It is one of the few places where the majority of Erudis can access Chlasi culture." Crystyl25/10/2019 "Then for now, we'll continue t'explore 'ere. Thanks!" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Attendant: “Would you like me to show you around, or do you wish to explore on your own?” Crystyl25/10/2019 Lennie hrms, "...I s'pose a guided tour'd be fruitful, thank ya" AnnCarise25/10/2019 The attendant leads them through the Temple on a tour, explaining the significant between numerous mosaics, sculptures, paintings and other artwork. As they walk through the Temple, something catches Ann’s attention and she gives Lennie a poke on the shoulder. Crystyl25/10/2019 Lennie turns to her distractedly with a 'hm?' AnnCarise25/10/2019 Ann points to the aquatic section of the Temple, where a group of Erudis swim around in elaborate patterns, moving like a school of minnows as they swirl in the water. Crystyl25/10/2019 Lennie pauses to watch more closely, "An' I thought Chlasi movement looked rythmic" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Attendant: “You should see an Erudis performance. The Theatres have much more room than our Temple and allows for larger groups as well as more elaborate movements.” Crystyl25/10/2019 "What is this performance?" AnnCarise25/10/2019 Attendant: “They are dances, but there are various types, some more abstract and some incorporating narrative and storytelling. It is one of the many forms of high art the Erudis pride themselves in creating, though most non-Erudis tend to know them for their scientific discoveries.” Crystyl25/10/2019 She continues to waych, "It sure is impressive. Almost makes me wish I did have a suit, not so sure I'd do so well dancin' with them as with th'Chlasi though" she chuckles AnnCarise25/10/2019 The attendant chuckles as well, “Indeed, as graceful as my people often are, our bodies were not evolved to move in water like the Erudis. There’s just something about their movement combined with the serenity of the water that makes their dances so stunning.” Crystyl25/10/2019 "Ya ain't wrong there..." she trails off, continuing to admire the performance AnnCarise25/10/2019 The Erudis dancers continue to swirl around the water, the patterns almost hypnotising. The attendant steps up to watch as well.

View Epilogue

NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Shortly after Sin visits the Erudis homeworld, the Valley Forge receives a call from Alda colony once again requesting Keelah's presence at the Diplomatic Reception Centre. NPC@annpc#5570 FX | Keelah arrives to be greeted by Lilwey once again. Keelah@crystyll steps off the pad, greeting her with a friendly smile, "Hello again" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey smiles back, "Hello, Captain. We are pleased you are able to join us." Keelah@crystyll: "Always a pleasure to visit" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey: "This way." NPC@annpc#5570 | She leads Keelah along a familiar path into the lobby of the reception centre, but takes a different route from there. NPC@annpc#5570 FX | They step into what seems at first to be an empty dark room... NPC@annpc#5570 | And then the environment begins to form around them into an elegant but clandestine meeting room, filled with numerous other people. Some faces are familiar, such as General Bandor of the Gaton - NPC@annpc#5570: - and Elvan, who had led the Chlasi defenders at Alda. Many others she had never seen before, among them members of the elusive third Trinity race- some of which seem to be floating with tentacles - NPC@annpc#5570: - for legs, but one standing on spider-like legs. NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey: "I present Captain Keelah of the Valley Forge." Keelah@crystyll dips her head to the gathered group NPC@annpc#5570 | A Chlasi stands from the circular table, "Before we begin, I would like to thank you and your people for all the assistance you have rendered the Trinity Alliance so far." Keelah@crystyll: "You are kind to say as much, but I feel our work is far from done" NPC@annpc#5570 | Chlasi: "That is the purpose of this meeting. I am High Minister Ipha, Head of State of the Chlasi." NPC@annpc#5570 | A Gaton on another side of the table stands as well, "I am Kholakar, Chief of Chiefs of the Gaton." NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "We are here to discuss the latest developments with the Forli and how we proceed. We thought your input may be valuable." Keelah@crystyll: "I will always endeavour to be constructive. What is the latest news on the situation?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha sits back down: "Spymaster Aphadil. The table is yours." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey finds a chair and sits down as well. It seems they are in a fully functional holodeck, and the projections, or at least the chairs, are not merely visual. NPC@annpc#5570 | A black-haired Chlasi stands, "The Forli are currently engaged in civil war. Our intelligence suggests that one side is led by former Field Marshall Caid Fel Dahn." NPC@annpc#5570 | Aphadil: "Caid seized the capital upon returning from Trinity territories and led a coup against the former Grand Marshall, declaring himself Grand Marshall. A large number of Forli, Defense - NPC@annpc#5570: - Agency and civilian alike, appear to support him. A small faction of the Defense Agency still holds out, led by Tal Sorh Vex, who also claims the position of Grand Marshall." Keelah@crystyll: "Forgive me, is Vex the deposed Grand Marshall or a new player?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Aphadil: "A new player, formerly one of the Marshalls of the Defense Agency who has taken the title for himself. The deposed Grand Marshall is dead." Keelah@crystyll: "I see. Well this is quite the mess, isn't it. Has Caid been in contact at all?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey stands, "The Diplomatic Service has reached out to both parties. Tal's Defense Agency has not been cooperative, but Caid states that he is willing to commit to peace with the Trinity - NPC@annpc#5570: - on the condition that the current treaty go through rectification. He will discuss a new treaty with us if he holds on to power once the civil conflict is resolved." Keelah@crystyll: "I take it from that, there are terms of the current treaty that he remains dissatisfied with. Still, it sounds like the lesser of two evils here. What is the collective thinking of your Alliance + Keelah@crystyll: + regarding this?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "We are only discussing it now. We have not yet come to an agreement." Keelah@crystyll: "Well" she gestures openly, "Now is the time to formulate said opinion" she smiles NPC@annpc#5570 | General Bandor stands to speak: "Caid is a man of his word. I have never faced this Marshall Tal, but Caid will keep his promise. His honour demands it." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kholakar: "If we support Caid, we will crush the resisting Forli and solidify his place as the new Grand Marshall." NPC@annpc#5570 | An Erudis swims higher as she speaks, "We should not involve ourselves in the Forli's civil conflict. The whole point was to prevent another war with the Forli, not go charging into one." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kholakar: "Assisting Caid will help us secure peace in the long term." Keelah@crystyll: "Also consider that this civil war would not now be hurting innocent Forli, were it not for our own actions in swaying Caid away from his campaign against the Trinity Alliance. We are responsible + Keelah@crystyll: + in this, and should remain mindful to continue to meet our obligation as such. Because what happens now with the Alliance and the Forli, may well come to shape this entire region for generations to+ Keelah@crystyll: + come" NPC@annpc#5570 | Aphadil: "Well said, Keelah. This is a situation we have set into motion, and an opportunity which we will not have again. This is not the time for inaction." NPC@annpc#5570 | Another Chlasi stands, "You have seen the Forli's propaganda against us. If we send our forces to support this coup, this will only solidify our image as villains with the Forli. Perhaps Caid - NPC@annpc#5570: - will keep his word and uphold the treaty, but what will future Forli think of us choosing their leader for them?" Keelah@crystyll: "An excellent point I was just considering as well. Though many Forli do not believe the propaganda, it is there still. So yes, any aggressive support of Caid could easily backfire even if he + Keelah@crystyll: + succeeds. Ultimately undermining his coup, and your treaty entirely" NPC@annpc#5570 | A female Gaton wearing the silver armour of a general joins in, "You said Caid is currently at an advantage, Spymaster?" NPC@annpc#5570 | Aphadil: "That is correct, Mohani. He has more victories by far and possesses a larger base of supporters." Keelah@crystyll: "That just means his opponent will be getting more desperate, and by extension; more dangerous" NPC@annpc#5570 | Mohani: "All we need for the treaty is for him to win. If he is winning for the time being, he doesn't need our help. If things start turning against his favour, we can intervene then." NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey: "And if we do it right, our intervention will look more like coming to help than interfering with their internal struggle." Keelah@crystyll: "Inaction is a perfectly valid response. You just have to decide collectively if that is the path you wish to choose. Remember what we said about this shaping the future of all concerned" Keelah@crystyll smiles back at Lilwey, "Now that is Federation thinking" Keelah@crystyll: "Stars, if you do it really well; it won't matter who wins their civil war, you'll be on solid ground all around" NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "That may be a preferable option. Not inaction, but holding back on action. I'm sure the Esoterics would advise patience, wouldn't you Runar?" NPC@annpc#5570 | A robed Chlasi with white hair stands, "It seems the wisest course of action at the moment." NPC@annpc#5570 | Spider-Legged Erudis: "Observation until we have an opportunity or necessity to intervene is something I will support." NPC@annpc#5570 | Aphadil: "Our spies will keep watching the situation. We could try to influence opinion more towards one leader than the other, so when we come in to support them, more Forli will see us as - NPC@annpc#5570: - heroes than meddlers, but that may necessitate we support that particular leader if their own position begins weakening." NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "As long as it is not open intervention yet. Keep a close eye on the Forli, Aphadil, and inform us if you believe intervention is needed." NPC@annpc#5570 | Kholakar: "The Gaton will be ready if we need to fight." Keelah@crystyll: "Sounds like you have reached a decision then" she smiles NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "We have indeed. Thank you for your insights, Captain Keelah." Keelah@crystyll: "If there is anything more we can do, you need but ask" NPC@annpc#5570 | Runar: "You have already been instrumental to preventing another costly war. We cannot ask more of you, and you have your own journey to pursue which we should not keep you from." Keelah@crystyll: "That is very true. On the subject of wish, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your collective blessing on a matter" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey: "Oh? What might that be?" Keelah@crystyll: "As I'm sure you are aware, during my last visit here the Chlasi witnessed a summoning from the Lonesome One, which was a request for attendance by one of my officers" NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "We all heard the call, and Lilwey here has informed me of your officer's involvement." Keelah@crystyll nods, "Well, I do not believe I need to elaborate on the details of said meeting. That is between them as far as I am concerned. However, a result of this was a request for his Chlasi attendant to + Keelah@crystyll: + depart with us. She has been asked to mentor my officer as she embarks on her own journey of Ascension" NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "That is her decision, and yours, of course. The Chlasi do not forbid any of our people from leaving our territory or travelling in the company of outsiders." Keelah@crystyll: "Of course, it is nonetheless reaffirming for me to know that this council holds no objection or reservation. After all, to embark by one's own means is one thing but to leave with relative strangers+ Keelah@crystyll: + as we are is quite something else. So thank you" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey: "There have been others who have done similar things in the past, though none in a situation involving an Exalted. But it is not without precedence, and wholly acceptable." Keelah@crystyll: "That is most gratifying to hear" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kholakar: "In light of all you've done for the Trinity, if you ever need help, you can call upon the Gaton." Keelah@crystyll: "I can only hope that such a day will never arrive, thank you" NPC@annpc#5570 | Kholakar: "From what Bandor's told me, you're more than capable of handling yourself. But we have your backs." Keelah@crystyll: "As we have yours, as long as we are in range of responding to a Trinity vessel, we will be there at a call. One day of course, it is my hope that more from the Federation will follow and look to + Keelah@crystyll: + build upon our friendships made now in the form of true alliances. But I have no measure of when that day might come" NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "All of us here at the Trinity Alliance will look forward to when it comes, and we shall welcome an alliance with people such as yourself." Keelah@crystyll: "As do I. Well if there is nothing further, I know you all have a lot to do and hold no desire to keep you from your duties" NPC@annpc#5570 | Spider Erudis: "And so do you. We all wish you the best for your journey ahead." NPC@annpc#5570 | Ipha: "Thank you once again for coming, and all that you've done before." Keelah@crystyll stands, raising her hand in a Vulcan salute, "I hope to one day have the opportunity to visit you all again. For now, good luck with the Forli. Live long and prosper" NPC@annpc#5570 FX | The projection begins to fade around them and Lilwey stands from her chair. NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey: "That went well. I hope the Forli situation can be resolved soon, and with minimal violence." Keelah@crystyll: "You and I both" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey smiles: "As the others have said, thank you for coming." Keelah@crystyll: "And thank you for being such a gracious host, on behalf of your people and the collective Alliance" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey: "It has been our pleasure to have you here. If there are any other services you and your people require, we would be happy to provide it before you depart." Keelah@crystyll: "We will schedule departure for a few hours time. Give everyone on board a chance to grab a list visit to the surface if desired" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey: "We hope you've enjoyed your stay here, despite the circumstances. And we will look forward to see you or more of your people returning in the future, for formal alliances or as visitors. Keelah@crystyll: "Oh, that reminds me" she steps forward, handing Lilwey an Iso chip Keelah@crystyll: "Though you already have our comms frequency, we won't always be in range of our network as we venture further rimward. This will allow you to reach out to the Federation Diplomatic Corps via our + Keelah@crystyll: + nearest relay buoy. Though they won't exactly be in a position to come running in an emergency, I thought you should at least have the means to reach out to them" NPC@annpc#5570 | Lilwey takes the chip, "Thank you. It will certainly be useful to maintaining diplomatic communications." Keelah@crystyll: "You're welcome" she smiles